Be Valiant

Episode 26 - Barry Buetel: A Girl Dad’s Youth Sports Journey Through Pressure, Mistakes, and What Really Matters (Audio)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:18:00 -0700

What really happens when a lifelong sports professional becomes a youth sports parent?

In this episode of Be Valiant, Host Todd Merkow sits down with longtime broadcaster and friend Barry Buetel to unpack the real, often emotional journey of raising three daughters in youth sports.

Despite decades in professional sports, Barry shares how unprepared he felt stepping into the youth sports environment—and how quickly things like pressure, sideline behavior, and the pursuit of scholarships can change a parent’s perspective.

Together, they explore:

• The shock of entering competitive youth sports as a parent

• The difference between development and winning—and why it matters

• How sideline behavior impacts every child, not just your own

• The emotional toll youth sports can take on families

• The importance of relationships, culture, and choosing the right coach

• Why, in the end, it’s about time together—not outcomes

This is an honest, relatable conversation about mistakes, growth, and what it really means to support your child through sports.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Episode 25 - Jonathon Carone: Healthy Sports Parents, Fear, Failure, and Letting Kids Find Their Own Path (Audio)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:56:51 -0700

Jonathan Carone, founder of Healthy Sports Parents, joins Todd to talk about what youth sports parenting looks like when the focus shifts from pressure and performance to joy, growth, and long-term development.

In this episode, Jonathan shares how his own experience as an athlete, coach, and dad shaped his mission to help parents better understand the emotional side of youth sports. He explains why kids need safe opportunities to fail, why parents must learn to identify the fears driving their decisions, and why so much of youth sports culture becomes unhealthy when adults try to control outcomes too early.

Todd and Jonathan also discuss rec vs. travel sports, early specialization, communication between coaches and parents, the importance of letting kids develop on their own timeline, and why most parents want to do better — they just have never been taught how.

This is an honest and insightful conversation for any parent trying to lead with more awareness, confidence, and courage in the youth sports journey.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Episode 25 - Liz Masakayan: An Olympic Volleyball Player and Coach’s Perspective on Youth Sports (Audio)

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:54:00 -0700

In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with former Olympian, elite beach volleyball player, and coach Liz Masakayan for a candid, real-world conversation about what youth sports has become—and what it should be.

Drawing from her experience as both an athlete and coach, Liz breaks down the growing tension between structure and freedom in youth sports. From the pressures of tryouts and early specialization to the realities of team dynamics, confidence, and development, this episode challenges many of the assumptions parents and athletes carry into the process.

Todd and Liz explore:

- Why so many athletes are moving from indoor to beach volleyball

- The difference between control and ownership in an athlete’s journey

- How early labels and positional decisions can limit development

- The importance of accountability, communication, and resilience

- What parents get wrong—especially from the sidelines

- Why adversity, not comfort, leads to long-term growth

- This is not a theoretical conversation—it’s grounded in lived experience, real challenges, and honest perspective.

If you’re a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete trying to find your path, this episode will help you think differently about development, competition, and what truly matters.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Episode 24 - The Truth About College Recruiting (and What Parents Get Wrong) (Audio)

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:54:37 -0700

In this episode of Be Valiant, Todd sits down with former Arizona State baseball standout and SportsForce CEO Andrew Beinbrink to unpack the reality of youth sports development and the college recruiting process.

Andrew shares his journey from multi-sport athlete to pro baseball, and how those experiences shaped his mission to help families navigate one of the most confusing—and often misunderstood—paths in youth sports.

This conversation goes far beyond recruiting. It dives into parenting, pressure, mental resilience, and what truly matters in an athlete’s development.

If you’re a parent trying to make the “right” decisions for your child—or feeling overwhelmed by the process—this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• Why early specialization may be hurting your athlete

• The 3 things kids actually want from sports (hint: it’s not scholarships)

• How the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting opportunities

• Why most families misunderstand their athlete’s true level

• How to support your child without adding pressure

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Host: Todd Merkow (Founder & CEO, Valiant Sports Society)

Episode 23 - Christian Lavers and the ECNL Vision: What Youth Sports Should Look Like (Audio)

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:49:24 -0700

"In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with Christian Lavers — founder and president of the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) and a lifelong coach who has helped shape the modern landscape of elite youth soccer and college recruiting. Christian shares his own youth sports journey, how his parents approached sports in their household, and what ultimately pulled him from finance into coaching and leadership in the game.

Christian breaks down why the ECNL was created, the original problems it set out to solve on the girls’ side, and how competition and adversity helped sharpen the league’s mission over time. The conversation goes deeper than wins and exposure, exploring what a truly great youth sports experience should feel like for players, parents, and families — and why environment matters as much as outcomes.

Todd and Christian also discuss the changing realities of youth sports today: sideline behavior, communication between parents and coaches, mental health, and why resources like coach education and athlete health research are becoming essential. Christian explains how the ECNL is investing in better coaching, better information, and better experiences — while staying “sport-driven,” not just business-driven.

The episode closes with a fun rapid-fire segment, including Christian’s definition of what it means to Be Valiant: be brave, be honorable, and stand up for what you believe.

Key topics covered

- Christian’s multi-sport background, specialization, and path into coaching

- The origin story of the ECNL and how it evolved into a national platform

- Club standards, league values, and what creates an “aspirational” environment

- Parents, coaches, and communication: building better guardrails

- Youth athlete mental health, sleep, and the importance of credible resources

- High school soccer, balance, and avoiding overly “professionalized” youth sports

- The future of ECNL and what “best experience in the world” really means

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Guest: Christian Lavers (Founder & President, ECNL)

Host: Todd Merkow (Founder & CEO, Valiant Sports Society)"

Episode 22 - Dr. Eric Dean: Multi-Sport, Time Off, and Smart Prevention: A Sports Doctor’s Playbook (Audio)

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:42:00 -0700

In this episode of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow sits down with Dr. Erik Dean, Medical Director for Sports Medicine at HonorHealth and a former University of Arizona Division I football player, for a no-fluff conversation every sports parent needs to hear.

Dr. Dean breaks down what he's seen change over 25 years treating athletes—especially the sharp rise in early specialization, overuse injuries, and major surgeries showing up at younger and younger ages. They dig into why multi-sport participation matters, how fatigue + growth spurts create real injury risk, and what parents should do when pain shows up in that critical "open growth plate" window.

You'll also hear Dr. Dean's perspective as a girl dad and former youth coach, including how to keep sports fun, protect kids from burnout, and why even pro athletes take real off seasons (for a reason). The episode closes with rapid-fire questions on red flags, the most common injuries he sees, and what "Be Valiant" means from a team doctor's point of view.

Host: Todd Merkow - CEO & Founder, Valiant Sports Society

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

www.PlayFearless.org

Valiant Sports Society is a non-profit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance related to your or your child's health. Never delay seeking help because of something you heard on this show.

Episode 21 - Joel Votaw: From the Middle of the Field: What Youth Soccer Referees Wish Parents Knew (Audio)

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:46:10 -0700

Host, Todd Merkow sits down with Joel Votaw, Arizona’s State Referee Administrator and a longtime youth sports parent, for a conversation from the perspective most families never hear: the middle of the field.

Joel shares what today’s referee landscape really looks like—why a huge percentage of officials are teenagers, what drives the ongoing referee shortage, and how sideline behavior (from parents and coaches) impacts not only the game, but the confidence and mental health of young officials. Together, Todd and Joel unpack the difference between passion vs. abuse, why tryout season creates so much stress for families, and what it takes to build a safer, more respectful environment where kids can simply play.

You’ll also hear Joel’s push to grow the pipeline of female referees, plus practical ideas for how parents can help—starting with one simple habit that goes further than most people realize.

If you’ve ever yelled “Call it both ways,” questioned a handball, or wondered what refs are thinking when the sidelines get heated—this episode is for you.

Topics covered:

- The reality of youth referees (and why so many are minors)

- Why officials quit—and what keeps them in the game

- Passion vs. abuse: where the line gets crossed

- How coach behavior fuels parent behavior (and vice versa)

- Building “Team Cool” culture on the sidelines

- Growing pathways for women in officiating

Share this episode with a coach, a team parent, or any family entering the soccer/travel sports world.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Learn more about Valiant Sports Society: playfearless.orgSupport the mission: playfearless.org/donate

Episode 20 - Skye Eddy: How to Be the Sports Parent Your Child Actually Needs (Audio)

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:29:56 -0700

"What if the biggest pressure your child feels in sports… isn’t from the coach?

In this powerful episode of Be Valiant, Todd sits down with former collegiate All-American goalkeeper and founder of SoccerParenting.com, and The Sideline Project.

Skye has lived youth sports from every angle — elite player, coach, and sports parent. But it wasn’t until she was raising her own daughter in competitive soccer that she realized something surprising:

“I was surprised how much I cared.”

That realization led to the creation of Soccer Parenting and The Sideline Project — initiatives designed to help parents show up in ways that truly support their kids’ development, confidence, and long-term love of the game.

In this conversation, we unpack:

- Why even “good” parents can unintentionally create pressure

- The stress dynamic between coaches and parents

- How misalignment at home affects young athletes

- The difference between supportive and distracting sideline behavior

- Why “youth sports belongs to children”

- The Six Pillars of effective sports parenting

- How a 15-minute course is changing sideline culture nationwide

This episode is not about winning more games. It’s about raising healthier, more confident kids.

If you’re a parent navigating youth sports — whether in soccer, volleyball, baseball, or beyond — this conversation will challenge you, empower you, and give you practical tools you can use immediately.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless."

Episode 19 - Crystalrae States: Development, Mental Health & Youth Softball (Audio)

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:11:15 -0700

"This episode is a must-listen for softball parents (and yes—baseball parents too). Todd Merkow sits down with Crystalrae States, a former Division II catcher, longtime coach, and the founder/owner of Boilermaker Softball Clubin Pennsylvania—built with a clear mission: female-first development, led by high-quality coaches, and anchored in perspective, communication, and care.

Crystalrae shares her journey from athlete to educator to sports industry leader—working in facility management, national youth programming, and coaching at multiple levels, including as head softball coach at Holy Family University. She also brings fresh perspective as a sports parent just entering the youth sports grind, raising three young kids (ages 3, 5, and 7).

Together, Todd and Crystalrae unpack what too many families are fighting through right now:

- Why development beats “tournament chasing”—especially at 10U/12U/14U transitions

- The real challenge of finding quality coaches, and why female coaches are harder to retain (not for lack of talent—because life moves fast after college)

- How Boilermaker’s culture is built on relationships, long-term growth, and creating athletes who still call their coach years later for advice

- The red flags of overpromising college outcomes (“We can’t tell a 10U kid we’ll get them to Oklahoma…”)

- The narrowing window for multi-sport athletes, and how clubs can support cross-training without forcing early specialization

- A grounded approach to mental health: looking for patterns, getting to the root—not the symptom—and knowing when families should seek professional support

- Why sports culture at home matters—and how parents can follow the child’s path instead of projecting their own

- Parent-coach communication done right: clear boundaries, real conversations, and shared responsibility for the athlete’s experience

The conversation closes with rapid fire, laughs, and Crystalrae’s direct message to parents: these are kids—keep perspective, love watching them play, and don’t lose the joy.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless."

Episode 18 - Growing Up Santo: How Linda Santo Raised Confident, Balanced Athletes (Audio)

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:55:31 -0700

"In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow sits down with longtime friend Linda Santo—sports parent, sports media veteran, and the daughter of Chicago Cubs icon and MLB Hall of Famer Ron Santo—for a wide-ranging conversation about youth sports culture, pressure, and what it really takes to protect kids’ confidence and joy.

Linda begins with her own unique upbringing in a baseball household shaped by her father’s legacy, explaining how her view of sports was influenced not only by Ron Santo the player, but later by Ron Santo the broadcaster—returning to the Cubs spotlight for more than two decades and deepening his bond with the city of Chicago. From there, the conversation turns toward the generational contrast of sports parenting: the “drop-off and go” era versus today’s hyper-involved, high-pressure environment—where kids are coached, evaluated, and specialized far earlier than ever.

At the center of the episode are Linda’s two sons, Sam and Spencer, and their very different journeys through baseball. Sam, a natural athlete (including a remarkable early ability as a switch hitter), experiences the emotional gut-punch of being cut from a high school program—a moment that forces a new path and ultimately leads him to soccer, where he rediscovers confidence and joy before later returning to baseball with a healthier mindset. Spencer, driven and relentless, dives deep into the modern club baseball machine—private coaching, travel weekends, roster politics, and the mental strain of constant performance evaluation. Linda shares the toll that pressure can take on a young athlete’s identity, including the telltale signs of stress and overthinking that parents often miss until it’s staring them in the face.

Together, Todd and Linda unpack the realities of today’s “manufactured athlete” ecosystem: expensive club programs, oversized rosters, status ladders (“A team / B team”), parental sideline dynamics, and the myth that more money and more training automatically equals a college scholarship or pro opportunity. They also underscore a critical theme for families: multi-sport participation isn’t just nostalgic—it can be a lifeline, physically and emotionally, especially when one sport stops being fun.

The episode closes with rapid-fire takeaways and a powerful message Linda returns to again and again: keep perspective, protect the kid, and play the long game. The goal isn’t just producing athletes—it’s raising healthy, resilient young adults.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless.

Episode 17 - Part 3 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Will Proctor, The Athlete’s Voice (Audio)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:26:10 -0700

"In the final episode of the three-part series “When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes,” Todd Merkow sits down with longtime family friend Will Proctor to hear the athlete’s full story—after earlier conversations with Will’s parents, Jeff and Lisa Proctor.

Will shares how sports shaped his identity from a young age, how baseball became his obsession, and how early success brought elite opportunities—and intense, self-imposed pressure. He opens up about the anxiety that quietly built behind the scenes, the moment everything shifted during his senior year of high school under heavy scouting attention, and how mental strain can derail performance even when the talent is there.

Will then takes listeners through college baseball at the University of Georgia, an unexpected transition from infielder to pitcher, and a rapid rise that put him back on a pro trajectory—until a devastating shoulder injury changed everything. He describes the physical pain, the emotional fallout, the identity loss that followed, and the difficult process of letting go of the game he loved.

Today, Will has built a new path as a filmmaker—carrying the discipline and drive from sports into creative work, including his documentary project American Daredevil. This episode is a powerful reminder for parents and athletes: your sport is something you do, not who you are—and the journey matters more than the outcome.

Be Valiant. Play Fearless."

Episode 16 - Part 2 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Lisa Proctor, A Mother’s Perspective (Audio)

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:32:38 -0700

"In Part 2 of 3 of When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes, Todd Merkow sits down with Lisa Proctor—attorney, former ranked junior tennis player in Texas, marathoner, and the mother at the center of the Proctor family’s youth sports journey.

Lisa shares her own athletic story first: a highly competitive tennis career that unraveled in her senior year as she struggled with what we now recognize as the “mental game” and the yips—long before mental health support was part of the sports conversation. That lived experience shaped how she approached parenting two very different athletes: Hannah, who played with a healthier, more social mindset, and Will, whose discipline, drive, and identity became deeply tied to baseball.

This episode goes behind the highlight reel and into the moments families rarely discuss: the pressure of MLB scout attention in high school, confidence swings, the intensity of SEC baseball, and the reality that athletes often hide anxiety behind toughness. Lisa describes the period leading into Will’s shoulder injury—how quickly the dream shifted, what it was like to be in Athens as everything changed, and how difficult it was to watch the physical setbacks fuel emotional weight. She also reflects candidly on parenting differences—how she and Jeff processed the end of Will’s baseball career differently—and why “checking in” matters more than checking stats.

Lisa’s message for parents is direct and earned: talk to your kids, pull out what they’re really feeling, and remember it’s their journey. This conversation sets the stage for Part 3, where the story is told by Will himself—the athlete living it.

Listen next: Part 3 of 3 — Will Proctor: The Athlete’s Voice.

Episode 15 - Part 1 of 3 — When the Dream Unexpectedly Changes: Jeff Proctor, A Dad's View (Audio)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:14:25 -0700

In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow is joined by longtime friend, sports media executive, and Valiant Sports Society board member Jeff Proctor for the first conversation in a three-part family series examining youth sports, pressure, injury, and identity.

From Jeff's perspective as a former collegiate athlete and father of two, this episode explores what it's like to support a child navigating elite youth and collegiate sports—often without fully realizing the mental and emotional weight they are carrying. Jeff reflects on his own upbringing in a very different sports era, the evolution of youth sports today, and how early success, scholarships, and professional attention can quietly introduce pressure long before failure appears.

The conversation follows Jeff's son Will's journey from multi-sport athlete to elite baseball prospect, including national rankings, SEC competition, and MLB draft attention—before a devastating injury altered everything. Jeff candidly shares what he saw, what he missed, and what he learned as a parent watching from the outside, particularly around mental health, anxiety, and identity loss when the game ends.

This episode sets the foundation for the series, which continues with Part 2 (the mother's perspective) and concludes with Part 3 (the athlete's voice)—offering a rare, multi-angle look at the realities families face when chasing big sports dreams.

This episode is for parents, athletes, and coaches who want a more honest understanding of what youth sports success really looks like—and what it can cost if we're not paying attention.

Episode 14 - Jody Jackson on Youth Sports, Pressure, and Raising Healthy Athletes (Audio)

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:12:09 -0700

"In this episode of Be Valiant, host Todd Merkow sits down with longtime Arizona sports broadcaster and sports parent Jody Jackson for a candid conversation about navigating youth sports, competition, and mental health.

Jody shares her unique perspective as a former collegiate athlete and the parent of two high-level youth athletes—a quarterback and a pitcher—two of the most pressure-filled positions in sports. Together, they explore the realities of club volleyball and club softball, the emotional toll of tryouts, early specialization, coaching dynamics, and the financial and mental strain placed on families.

The conversation also highlights the importance of character, resilience, and perspective—reminding parents that athletic performance does not define a child’s value. Jody reflects on moments of adversity her children faced, how they learned to bounce back, and why allowing kids to own their journey is essential for long-term growth and well-being.

This episode is a powerful reminder that youth sports should build confident, healthy human beings—not just athletes."

Episode 13 - Mark Hilinski: What Parents Don’t See — Student-Athlete Mental Health and Hilinski’s Hope (Audio)

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:27:36 -0700

"In this powerful and deeply human episode of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow sits down with Mark Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope and father of Tyler Hilinski, the Washington State quarterback who died by suicide in 2018. Todd opens with the sobering reality that college sports continues to face devastating losses—reminding listeners that high-achieving athletes can carry unseen mental and emotional weight.

Mark takes us back to the Hilinski family’s youth sports journey: three athletic sons, a multi-sport upbringing, and the family-centered culture that many sports parents will recognize—practice fields, carpools, snack bars, and the joy that sports can bring. He describes Tyler as the “Mr. Happy” teammate: a funny, caring, relentlessly positive presence who made others feel seen, often by focusing on them instead of himself.

The conversation then turns to the questions that haunt so many families after tragedy: What did we miss? What signs were there? Mark shares how few indicators surfaced—and how Tyler’s struggles remained largely invisible until the very end. He also discusses Tyler’s posthumous diagnosis of CTE Stage 1, the uncertainty around what causes CTE and how it manifests, and how those findings shaped difficult conversations about risk, identity, and athlete brain health.

Finally, Mark explains how Hilinski’s Hope transformed grief into action—creating campus education, resources, and Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, now embraced by hundreds of schools nationwide. For parents listening, Mark offers a core message: don’t let a crisis be the first time mental health is discussed. Build the habit early. Make every topic safe. Trust your gut when something feels off. And remember that sport can be a gift—when the athlete’s whole person is protected, not just their performance."

Episode 12 -Re-Release: Madison Merkow — Pressure, Perspective, and Owning Your Youth Sports Journey (Audio)

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 03:52:58 -0700

As we take a short holiday pause from releasing new episodes, we wanted to re-share another conversation that continues to resonate deeply with parents and athletes.

This episode features an open and thoughtful conversation with my oldest daughter, Madison, about her youth sports experience — including pressure, expectations, confidence, setbacks, and how athletes learn to advocate for themselves as they grow.

Madison shares her perspective on:

Navigating competitive environments

Managing pressure — internal and external

The importance of perspective and balance

Finding ownership in your journey, even when the path isn’t clear

We’re re-releasing this episode because these themes are evergreen, especially for families reflecting during the holidays and preparing for a new season or year ahead.

If you’re a parent trying to better understand what your athlete may be feeling — or an athlete learning how to find your voice — this conversation is worth revisiting.

Originally released: October 22, 2025 Re-released: Holiday 2025 as part of our year-end reflection and reset

Episode 11 - Re-Release: Sydney Merkow — Identity, Pressure, and Finding Your Way Through Youth Sports (Audio)

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:29:10 -0700

As we head into the holiday break and take a brief pause from releasing new episodes, we wanted to re-share one of the most meaningful conversations from the Be Valiant podcast.

This episode features an honest and deeply personal conversation with my daughter, Sydney Merkow, about her youth sports journey — including identity, pressure, expectations, confidence, and the emotional realities that often go unseen by parents, coaches, and even athletes themselves.

We’re re-releasing this episode because the themes remain timeless:

How pressure shows up for young athletes

How identity can become tied to performance

How important it is for parents to listen — really listen

And how growth doesn’t always follow a straight or predictable path

If you’re a parent navigating youth sports, or an athlete trying to find your voice, this conversation is worth revisiting.

Originally released: October 29, 2025 Re-released: Holiday 2025 as part of our year-end reflection and reset

Episode 10 - Raising Empowered Athletes: A Conversation with Kirsten Jones (Audio)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:42:11 -0700

Todd talks with Kirsten Jones — former Division I volleyball player, Nike executive, performance coach, and author of Raising Empowered Athletes — about what it really takes to help kids thrive in sports and in life. Drawing on her experiences as both a parent and professional, Kirsten shares insights into confidence, mental health, motivation, and how to redefine success in youth athletics. Together, Todd and Kirsten explore how parents can model resilience, create healthier home cultures, and guide their kids with perspective in an often high-pressure sports world.

Episode 9 - Coaching Beyond the Game: Leadership and Legacy with Charlie Turner Thorne, former Arizona State University Women’s Basketball Coach (Audio)

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:39:50 -0700

Todd sits down with former Arizona State University women’s basketball coach Charlie Turner Thorne — one of the winningest coaches in Pac-12 history — for a powerful conversation about mental health with athletes, leadership, culture, and the evolving landscape of youth and college sports. Charlie shares insights from decades of coaching elite athletes, discusses the mental and emotional challenges young players face today, and offers guidance for parents navigating their kids’ sports journeys. Together, they explore what great coaching really means, how to build confidence instead of fear, and why empathy and accountability belong at the heart of every team.

Episode 8 - Taking Back the Game: A Conversation with Linda Flanagan (Audio)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:53:38 -0700

In this powerful conversation, Todd Merkow sits down with journalist, coach, and parent Linda Flanagan, author of Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids’ Sports — and Why It Matters. Together, they unpack what the modern youth sports ecosystem really looks like — from the billion-dollar pressures on families to the hidden toll it takes on kids’ mental health. This book is a must have, and go to, for parents starting out and in the thick of their youth sports journey.

Todd and Linda explore how families can redefine success at home, create healthier outcomes, and protect their children’s joy in the face of relentless competition. They dive into the mental health crisis among young athletes, and how parents can lead the cultural change youth sports desperately need.

Episode 7 - High School Sports, Culture, and Community with Kevin McCabe the “Dean of AZ High School Sports (Audio)

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:35:02 -0700

Todd sits down with Arizona sportscaster and longtime youth sports parent Kevin McCabe to reflect on how high school athletics have changed over the years. Kevin shares insights on the rise of feeder programs, off-season training demands, and how these shifts affect kids who want to play multiple sports. Together, they talk about the role of coaches in shaping culture, the challenges families face in balancing expectations, and what parents can do to help their kids keep sports positive and sustainable.

Episode 6 - College Sports, Change, and the Youth Connection with former College Commissioner Bob Dranoff (Audio)

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:37:58 -0700

Todd talks with Bob Dranoff, longtime commissioner of the East Coast Conference (NCAA Division II), about the sweeping changes in college athletics and what they mean for families. From NIL and transfer rules to the viability of smaller colleges, Bob offers a commissioner’s view on where college sports are headed. The conversation also explores the intersection of college and youth sports — how recruiting, commercialization, and the pressure to specialize trickle down to kids. Together, Todd and Bob discuss the need for balance, the role of education, and how parents can prepare their young athletes for both the opportunities and the challenges ahead.

Episode 5 - Travel Sports, Pressure, and Perspective with Steve Borelli, USA Today (Audio)

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 04:15:42 -0700

In this episode, Todd talks with USA Today columnist and author Steve Borelli about the rise of travel sports and their impact on families. Steve shares insights from his reporting and his own experience as a sports parent, diving into the costs, pressures, and cultural shifts shaping youth athletics today. Together, they explore how commercialization, burnout, and parent expectations affect kids — and what families can do to keep sports joyful, balanced, and sustainable.

Episode 4 - Coaching, Culture, and Sports Parenting: A Conversation with Mike Strati (Audio)

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:35:41 -0700

In this episode, Todd reconnects with longtime friend and coach Mike Strati to talk about the realities of youth sports from both the sidelines and the bench. Mike shares his perspective as a dad, coach, and mentor on what kids really need to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Together, Todd and Mike dive into culture, coaching styles, the balance between development and performance, and the lessons they’ve both learned as sports parents. This conversation offers honest, practical insights for families navigating the highs and lows of youth athletics.

Episode 3 - From the Sidelines to the Pitch: A Dad–Daughter Soccer Journey Conversation with Sydney Merkow (Audio)

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:56:48 -0700

Todd and his daughter Sydney revisit her years in competitive soccer — from early youth leagues to the pressures of high school and club play. Sydney shares what it was like to balance joy with expectations, navigate challenging team cultures, and grow as both a leader and a player. Together, father and daughter reflect on the lessons soccer gave her on and off the pitch, and what every sports parent can take away about supporting their kids in healthy, empowering ways.

Episode 2 - From the Stands to the Sand: A Dad–Daughter Sports Journey Conversation with Madison Merkow (Audio)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:42:22 -0700

Todd sits down with his daughter, Madison, for an honest conversation about growing up in the world of competitive volleyball. From indoor gyms to the sand courts, Madison shares the highs and lows of her experience: the pressure of tryouts, the emotional toll of tough coaching, the challenges of injuries, and the joy of finding her place in beach volleyball. This episode offers a raw, first-person perspective on what it’s really like to be a youth athlete today — and why family support, culture, and perspective matter more than chasing scholarships or short-term wins.

Episode 1 - Why Be Valiant? The Parent’s Journey Through Youth Sports - Monologue by Todd Merkow (Host of Be Valiant and founder of Valiant Sports Society) - Audio

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:35:48 -0700

In this opening monologue, the founder and CEO of Valiant Sports Society, Todd Merkow introduces the Be Valiant podcast and shares his personal journey as a youth sports dad. From the highs of watching his daughters grow through sport to the struggles of navigating toxic cultures, financial pressures, and difficult coaching environments, Todd sets the stage for the conversations ahead. This episode lays out the mission of the Valiant Sports Society — to empower parents with knowledge, tools, and fearless decision-making so their kids can thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally in sports. Listeners will hear why multi-sport participation matters, how to spot the difference between tough and abusive coaching, and why culture at home and within teams shapes everything.