Southern Utah University gymnast Kendall McGuire joins Dustin Smith and guest host Justin Miller for a conversation about the mindset behind competing at the NCAA level.

Kendall shares her journey from beginning gymnastics at two years old to competing for one of the nation’s top gymnastics programs, along with her work as a sideline reporter for SUU football and her aspirations to someday work in the NFL or NHL.

The conversation dives into the unique mental demands of gymnastics, overcoming fear after falls, Simone Biles and the “twisties,” mental health in athletics, body image and developing a healthier relationship with food.

Kendall also shares one of the most powerful ideas from the episode: athletes often spend too much time thinking about everything they have to sacrifice and not enough time recognizing everything they gain.

Instead of thinking, “I have to go to practice,” Kendall learned to think, “I get to go.”

She explains how that simple reframe helped her appreciate the friendships, strength, discipline, opportunities and experiences gymnastics gave her.

Kendall also discusses being fully present in practice, SUU Gymnastics’ motto to “underthink it,” accepting accountability, learning from failure, becoming comfortable with discomfort and leaning on teammates who care enough to tell you the truth.

A great conversation for athletes, parents and coaches about gratitude, resilience, mental health and learning to enjoy the process.

Featured Moments:

00:32:17 - Welcome & Meet Kendall McGuire

00:33:48 - Life as an SUU Sideline Reporter

00:37:50 - Kendall’s Dream of Working in Sports Media

00:39:11 - Fear, Falling & the Mental Side of Gymnastics

00:42:12 - Simone Biles, the Twisties & Athlete Mental Health

00:47:26 - Body Image, Nutrition & Eating Disorders in Gymnastics

00:55:36 - The Sacrifices Behind Becoming a College Gymnast

00:57:42 - “I Get To” Instead of “I Have To”

00:59:33 - Growing Up Without Being Attached to Social Media

01:00:22 - Staying Present in Practice

01:02:17 - SUU Gymnastics: “Underthink It”

01:03:48 - How Athletes Can Keep Sports Fun

01:05:23 - Reframing Sacrifice as Opportunity

01:07:09 - Stop Focusing on What You’re Missing

01:08:36 - Resilience After Setbacks

01:13:18 - The Teammate Who Told Kendall the Truth

01:16:31 - Getting Out of Your Own Head

01:19:36 - “What If It All Goes Right?”

01:21:05 - Finding People Who Truly Support You

01:22:04 - Support Without Making Excuses

01:24:39 - Growth Requires Getting Uncomfortable

01:27:33 - Final Thoughts & Good Luck to Kendall

01:28:35 - Eyes Up. Do the Work.

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Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://e4a.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ
Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Justin Miller
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

Mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation in sports. In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Braden Brown, Associate Athletic Director of Mental Health for BYU Athletics, to discuss how athletes can train their minds just like they train their bodies. Braden explains why working with a mental health professional can be every bit as valuable as working with a strength coach, nutritionist, or position coach—and why asking for help should be viewed as a commitment to getting better, not a sign of weakness. We also discuss handling pressure and intrusive thoughts, perfectionism and imposter syndrome, competing without becoming combative, the unique pressures facing female athletes, what parents can do to support their kids, and the importance of developing an identity beyond sports. This is an important conversation for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the mental side of sports.

Instagaram and facebook handles

@Drbradenbrown

00:32:17 - Meet Braden Brown: Mental Health at BYU Athletics

00:33:12 - How Mental Health in Sports Has Changed

00:36:01 - What Braden Does With BYU Athletes

00:38:13 - Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

00:39:27 - Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength

00:43:08 - Why Elite Athletes Are Talking About Mental Health

00:45:34 - Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body

00:47:13 - Understanding Yourself as an Athlete

00:50:09 - Handling Pressure: Notice, Accept, Commit

00:52:30 - Perfectionism, Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome

00:54:54 - Compete Without Being Combative

00:58:55 - Mental Health & Female Athletes

01:02:32 - What Parents of Athletes Need to Know

01:03:39 - Parents: Listen More, Coach Less

01:05:51 - Talk to Your Kids About More Than Sports

01:07:09 - The Danger of an Athlete-Only Identity

01:08:27 - Who Are You Without Your Sport?

01:14:01 - Building an Identity Beyond Athletics

01:15:52 - How Serving Others Helps Mental Health

01:20:50 - Keep Youth Sports Fun

01:24:41 - Closing Thoughts & Connecting With Braden

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Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://e4a.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/

X: https://x.com/E4Afamily

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith

Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

Former BYU safety and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Tanner Wall joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to discuss resilience, leadership, mental preparation, and why pursuing excellence in every area of life makes you a better athlete.

Tanner shares his remarkable journey from preferred walk-on to All-Big 12 safety, the lessons he learned from Kalani Sitake and Jay Hill, and why competing with respect—not hatred—helps athletes perform at their highest level.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why great competitors don't need contempt to compete
• How to gain an edge through intentional preparation
• Why "how you do one thing is how you do everything"
• The difference between watching film and studying film
• How relationships shape your future
• Why excellence off the field leads to excellence on it

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or fan, this episode is filled with practical principles to help you become your best both on and off the field.

00:32:17 - Welcome & Introducing Tanner Wall
00:33:07 - Choosing BYU Over Scholarship Offers
00:36:19 - Betting on Yourself as a Preferred Walk-On
00:41:13 - Why He Never Considered Transferring
00:43:00 - Resilience, Patience & Finding an Edge
00:47:28 - Mentors Who Changed His Career
00:51:00 - Compete Without Contempt
00:55:05 - Controlling the Controllables in the NFL
00:58:32 - Watching Film vs. Studying Film
01:03:04 - Winning the Hour Through Intentional Living
01:05:35 - How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything
01:08:19 - Social Media, Priorities & Time Management
01:12:32 - Competing Fiercely Without Losing Character
01:16:08 - Using Your Spotlight to Bless Others
01:20:11 - Eyes Up. Do the Work.

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith

Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

Every athlete experiences highs and lows.

The difference between athletes who continue to grow and those who burn out isn't talent—it's how they think.

Former BYU baseball standout Bryker Hurdsman joins the Especially for Athletes Podcast to discuss the mental side of sports, why staying emotionally steady matters, why athletes should enjoy playing multiple sports, and how focusing on the process instead of the outcome changes everything.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why Bryker wishes he had continued playing multiple sports
• The importance of developing a daily process
• How to stop letting bad games define you
• Why confidence comes from discipline—not results
• Lessons from BYU's mental performance coaching
• How sports prepare you for life after athletics

Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode will help you think differently about success.

Remember...

Eyes Up. Do the Work.

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin + Justin Miller
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

A brain surgeon recently shared a powerful observation:

"If you do too much for your kids, you build your self-esteem by stealing theirs."

That one sentence sparked one of our favorite parenting conversations.

Why do parents feel compelled to rescue their children from every disappointment? What happens when we remove every obstacle from our athlete's path? And how do we help our children become resilient without abandoning them?

In this episode, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss why struggle isn't the enemy—it may be one of life's greatest teachers.

If you're raising athletes (or future adults), this episode is for you.

Eyes Up. Do the Work.

00:32:17 - Introduction
00:32:47 - The Brain Surgeon's Quote
00:34:32 - Why Parents Naturally Want to Protect Their Kids
00:37:37 - Helicopter Parenting vs. Bulldozer Parenting
00:40:27 - Are We Protecting, or Preventing Growth?
00:44:02 - The Difference Between Harmful Pain and Productive Struggle
00:47:32 - Helping Instead of Rescuing
00:50:37 - Sports as a Laboratory for Resilience
00:53:17 - The Frozen Peach Tree Story
00:56:37 - When Protection Becomes the Problem
00:59:12 - Practical Advice for Parents
01:01:32 - Final Thoughts: Eyes Up. Do the Work.

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

A viral 9U baseball video has parents everywhere talking.

After a young player hits what should have been the biggest home run of his life, an opposing coach appeals a technicality that erases the moment. Was it within the rules? Yes. Was it the right thing to do?

In this episode, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss what youth sports are really supposed to accomplish. Are we trying to win youth games—or raise resilient adults?

If you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation will challenge the way you think about competition, teaching, and long-term success.

Remember: Sports are a tool to shape young people into who they're meant to become.

Eyes Up. Do the Work.

Timestamps:

• 00:32:17 - Introduction
• 00:33:02 - The Quote: "Always Have the End in Mind"
• 00:34:32 - The Viral 9U Baseball Video Explained
• 00:37:37 - The Controversial Appeal That Erased the Home Run
• 00:40:32 - Why Adults Lose Perspective in Youth Sports
• 00:45:12 - Coaching Is Teaching, Not Just Winning
• 00:47:22 - The 10-Year-Old Tennis Story
• 00:50:17 - Learning to Lose with Character
• 00:52:42 - What Sports Are Really Supposed to Teach
• 00:55:52 - Advice for Parents and Coaches
• 00:59:22 - Final Takeaway: Sports Are a Tool... Don't Be a Tool

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith explore one of the foundational principles of Especially for Athletes: Seek to Be Your Best, Not the Best. Through the story of Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda's emotional celebration after a personal record and Kobe Bryant's powerful perspective on becoming an "overachiever," they discuss why comparison steals joy and how athletes can find lasting fulfillment through growth, effort, and personal improvement. This episode is a powerful reminder that true success comes from maximizing your own potential—not from measuring yourself against everyone else.

Key Takeaways

1. Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
Social media has made it easier than ever for athletes to compare themselves to others instead of focusing on their own growth.

2. Personal Progress Deserves Celebration
Athletes should celebrate personal bests and growth, even when they don't finish first.

3. Greatness Is About Becoming
The greatest athletes focus on maximizing their potential rather than protecting a reputation.

4. Kobe Bryant Was an Overachiever
Kobe wanted to be remembered not just as talented, but as someone who maximized every gift he was given.

5. Compete Against Yesterday's Version of Yourself
The healthiest comparison is comparing who you are today with who you were yesterday.

6. Fill the Tank, Then Empty the Tank
Success comes from fully preparing and then giving everything you have when the opportunity arrives.

7. Appreciation Matters More Than Recognition
People need to know they are valued for who they are and the effort they give—not just the results they produce.

00:32:17 - Introduction
00:33:17 - Why Comparison Is More Dangerous Than Ever
00:36:17 - The Difference Between Being the Best and Being Your Best
00:39:47 - The Story of Polish Sprinter Ewa Swoboda
00:42:32 - Why Athletes Must Celebrate Progress
00:44:17 - How to Avoid Complacency and Discouragement
00:46:47 - Ralph Waldo Emerson and Learning From Others
00:50:17 - Kobe Bryant's Final Interview
00:53:17 - Becoming an Overachiever
00:56:47 - Progress Over Outcomes
00:59:17 - Coaching Athletes to Celebrate Growth
01:03:17 - Appreciation vs Recognition
01:07:17 - Fill the Tank, Then Empty the Tank
01:09:47 - Final Thoughts
01:10:17 - Eyes Up, Do the Work

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

In this week's Especially for Athletes podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith tackle one of the greatest challenges facing youth sports today: patience. Too often athletes are labeled too early as stars or failures before their bodies, confidence, and abilities have fully developed. Through powerful insights about development, confidence, work ethic, and a moving story from Cameron Stewart about his son Tyson, Shad and Dustin remind parents, coaches, and athletes that development is not linear and that some of the greatest athletes are simply late bloomers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone tempted to judge potential too quickly.

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

⸻

Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss men's mental health, the stigma surrounding emotional struggles, and the courage required to ask for help. Using the story of NBA All-Star Kevin Love and his public battle with panic attacks and anxiety, they explore why mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical injuries. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or teammate, this conversation will help you better understand the importance of checking on others, speaking up when you're struggling, and creating environments where people feel safe asking for help.

Key Takeaways

1. Mental health struggles are real—even when you can't see them.

Just because an injury isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't serious. Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks can impact performance and quality of life just as much as physical injuries.

2. Asking for help is not weakness—it is courage.

Real strength is not pretending everything is fine. Real strength is having the humility and courage to admit when you're struggling and seek help.

3. Success does not immunize anyone from mental health challenges.

Kevin Love was an NBA All-Star at the height of his career when he experienced a panic attack. Mental health struggles can affect anyone regardless of talent, success, popularity, or income.

4. Coaches and parents should keep their eyes up.

Great coaches don't just develop athletes; they develop people. Pay attention to behavioral changes and create safe opportunities for athletes to talk.

5. Great teammates notice and respond.

LeBron James's response to Kevin Love's article is a model of leadership. Great teammates don't judge; they support.

6. Silence is the greatest ally of mental health struggles.

Mental health issues often remain hidden because people fear what others will think. Honest conversations break down stigma and create healing.

7. One person's courage can help thousands.

When Kevin Love shared his story publicly, he gave countless others permission to seek help and realize they weren't alone.

• Full ESPN interview with Kevin Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW2LVIp9QcU
• Kevin Love's Player Tribune article - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something

00:32:17 - Introduction: Men's Mental Health Month
00:34:17 - Kevin Love's Panic Attack Story
00:37:02 - Why Mental Health Injuries Are Different
00:38:17 - Dustin Shares His Own Experience with Panic Attacks
00:41:47 - Why Athletes Often Stay Silent
00:43:32 - The Stigma Around Mental Health
00:45:32 - Courage vs. Weakness
00:47:17 - Why Athletes Fear Asking for Help
00:49:17 - What Coaches Can Do
00:53:17 - Why Admitting You Need Help Is Courage
00:55:17 - Kevin Love's Decision to Speak Out
00:57:17 - Why Mental Health Is Harder to Discuss Than Physical Health
01:00:17 - LeBron James's Powerful Response
01:02:17 - Leadership and Looking Out for Teammates
01:05:17 - Freedom Through Honest Conversations
01:08:17 - Final Message to Athletes, Coaches, and Parents
01:11:17 - Keep Your Eyes Up and Do the Work

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

A conversational interview hosted by Dustin Smith, alongside Justin Miller, with former NFL quarterback Ty Detmer. The coaches discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, contrasting the mindset and environments of modern student-athletes with past generations. They dive deep into the impacts of social media, the complexities of the modern college recruiting system, and the timeless importance of football IQ, baseline fundamentals, and mental preparation.

00:32:17 - The Impact of the Smartphone Era on Young Athletes
00:40:01 - The Evolution of Coaching Delivery
00:43:09 - Ty's Recruiting Experience and Navigating the Recruiting Process Today
00:49:59 - Preparation and Taking Advantage of Opportunities
00:55:25 - Embracing Where Your Feet Are in High School
00:58:50 - Developing Your Attributes
01:01:57 - How Offensive Football Continues to Change
01:07:22 - Modern QB Coaching
01:13:57 - Ty's Mentors Throughout His Career
01:18:59 - A Message to Incoming High Schoolers and Parents

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Especially for Athletes:

• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith
Produced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO