Kirk Herbstreet takes us from the broadcast booth into the heart of what makes sports truly meaningful in this candid, compelling conversation. The voice of college football doesn't just break down X's and O's – he reveals the human stories behind the games we love.

With remarkable vulnerability, Herbstreet shares how going through "hell" as a struggling quarterback at Ohio State transformed him into the broadcaster, father, and man he is today. "I went through the depths," he reflects, describing how perseverance through adversity shaped everything that followed. His perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to today's transfer portal culture where players often leave at the first sign of difficulty.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Herbstreet addresses what he calls an "epidemic in youth sports." Drawing from his experience raising four sons, he delivers a passionate wake-up call to parents and coaches: "You're eight years old playing 55 games and the coach carries around rings because he's won three years in a row... they're eight!" His honest admission about catching himself being too competitive as a coach—seeing fear in his own sons' eyes—resonates with any parent who's struggled to maintain perspective from the sidelines.

Between discussions about the changing landscape of college football, working alongside Nick Saban, and debating the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Herbstreet consistently returns to what matters most: relationships, growth, and the lessons that transcend the scoreboard. His powerful advice for the ride home after games—"Hey, want to go to Sonic?" instead of "What happened on that ground ball?"—reminds us that how we handle wins and losses shapes our children far more than the outcomes themselves.

Whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply navigating the complex world of youth sports as a parent, this conversation offers wisdom that extends far beyond the playing field. Join us for an hour that might just change how you view the games we play and watch.

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The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co