Especially for Athletes Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we focus on the core principle of resilience. Shad and Dustin reflect on the inspiring story of Mason Sawyer, a former Utah Mr. Basketball and now high school coach, whose life was changed forever after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of his wife, children, brother, and nephew. In the face of such unimaginable loss, Mason found strength in the life lessons he learned through sports.

Mason shares how the simple advice from his high school coach—“life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond”—became a guiding principle in his recovery. This lesson, often heard in the context of sports, helped Mason to focus on what he could control and rise above the overwhelming pain and grief. He reflected on how sports, through practices like controlling effort, attitude, and focus, prepared him to handle life’s most difficult challenges.

Dustin and Shad discuss the importance of resilience and how it can be built through sports. They emphasize that while we often focus on the outcome of athletic pursuits, the true value lies in how sports help young people develop character, work ethic, and the ability to face adversity. They also touch on the importance of mindfulness—taking a step back to assess situations and choosing how to respond, just like Mason did in his moment of crisis.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, the life lessons sports provide, and why youth participation in sports can shape young people into strong, capable adults. Eyes up, do the work, and build resilience—because life will throw challenges your way, but you’ll be ready for them.

Especially for Athletes:

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

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we dive deep into one of our core principles—compete without contempt—and explore how challenging it can be to live this principle during intense moments, especially when faced with constant, classless chatter from rivals.

Dustin and Shad discuss the heated Arizona vs. Arizona State basketball rivalry game, where Coach Bobby Hurley of Arizona State refused to shake hands with the Arizona coach after a relentless game. Hurley’s frustration stemmed from the continuous taunting and disrespect during the game, which led to a moment of conflict after the game.

The episode takes a closer look at how coaches, players, and teams can uphold competing without contempt even when emotions run high. Should players shake hands after a game full of trash talk, or is it better to avoid the handshake altogether to prevent an escalation? What role do coaches play in handling these situations with class and leadership?

Dustin offers his thoughts as a longtime coach, emphasizing the importance of teaching athletes to stay focused on the game and avoid engaging in the negativity. He also discusses the significance of leadership in moments of tension, with the reminder that “the best thing to do is just take your licking, and the sun will come up tomorrow.”

Join us as we discuss these tough moments in sports and how to handle them with grace and integrity, even when it’s incredibly difficult. As always, eyes up, do the work, and compete without contempt.

Especially for Athletes:

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

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sheldon Martin to discuss the importance of planning in achieving success, reducing stress, and ultimately winning the hour. As a doctor of behavioral health, Dr. Martin offers valuable insights into how planning can benefit our mental health, improve performance, and help athletes, coaches, and parents manage their time effectively.

We explore the concept of planning within our win the hour framework—where each hour of the day is strategically used to reach your goals. Dr. Martin emphasizes the need for balance in planning: while planning is essential, it’s crucial to avoid getting paralyzed by the need for perfection. He introduces us to three key strategies that will help athletes (and anyone looking to improve) create better, healthier plans that promote growth, reduce stress, and foster success.

Key Discussion Points:

• The importance of planning to win the hour, and how to manage your discretionary time effectively.
• The benefits of planning for what you can control in your daily life, and avoiding the stress of the unknown.
• Micro-planning: Practicing for potential situations to build confidence and preparedness in the face of challenges.
• How reflecting on past plans and adjusting for future growth can reduce anxiety and improve performance.
• The concept of functional freezing and how to avoid over-planning, which can prevent action and progress.

This episode will give you practical tools to stay focused, plan effectively, and maintain the motivation needed to achieve your goals—whether in sports, academics, or personal development.

Especially for Athletes:

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

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we focus on one of our core principles: Seek to bless, not to impress. This principle encourages athletes to shift their focus from seeking validation or admiration to genuinely lifting others up.

We dive into a deeply impactful conversation with Abby Cox, the First Lady of Utah, who works closely with the Especially for Athletes program and its Unified Sports initiative. Abby shares a touching story about a young man who, despite people being friendly, had to ask others if they would be his friend. His words—“People were friendly, but they weren’t my friend”—reveal the emotional depth of what it means to truly care for someone.

Abby’s work with Unified Sports has made a huge difference in the lives of athletes, teaching them to look beyond surface-level kindness and truly see others for who they are. This conversation leads us into an exploration of how we can take this principle into our everyday lives, both as athletes and as individuals in our communities.

Key Discussion Points:

 • The difference between being friendly and being a true friend.
 • Why being a friend takes work, sacrifice, and emotional investment.
 • Abby Cox’s impactful work with Unified Sports and how athletes are stepping up to serve others.
 • The importance of seeking to bless others without expecting anything in return.
 • Why athletes should strive to be a positive force in their communities and teams by living with eyes up and doing the work.

This episode highlights the power of real connection and how athletes, coaches, and parents can influence their communities by going beyond superficial interactions. Seek to bless, not to impress—because when you lift others, you elevate yourself in the process.

Especially for Athletes:

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

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we dive into the core principle of resilience, with insights from national champion coach Diljeet Taylor. As the head coach of BYU’s cross-country teams, Coach Taylor recently led the women’s team to a National Championship. She shares her philosophy on resilience, explaining that true growth happens when athletes are willing to embrace the “dark place”—the discomfort and pain that comes with pushing beyond their limits.

In this episode, we reflect on her message that resilience requires a decision to face hardship before it even comes. It’s about knowing that discomfort is inevitable in the pursuit of excellence, and instead of running from it, we must embrace it and keep moving forward. Coach Taylor’s insights not only apply to cross-country but to all sports and life challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

•  The concept of the “dark place” in sports and how to prepare for it mentally before facing challenges.
• The importance of embracing discomfort and how it leads to growth and success.
• How resilience can be built by committing to the process, even when it’s tough.
• Real-life examples of how athletes can push through adversity, whether in sports or in life.
• The role of having a clear why to motivate you through the tough times.

Whether you’re an athlete facing tough competition or someone working toward personal growth, this episode will inspire you to push through challenges, keep your focus, and embrace the discomfort that leads to resilience and long-term success.

Especially for Athletes:

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

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we explore the core principle of compete without contempt through the lens of NFL legend and future Hall of Famer Eric Weddle. Eric, who played at the University of Utah before having an illustrious NFL career, shares his unique perspective on competition within a team—highlighting the importance of pushing your teammates to be their best while supporting them along the way.

We dive into a powerful conversation about how to compete fiercely against your teammates in practice, not out of contempt, but out of a desire to make everyone better. Eric’s philosophy was central to his long-lasting career and his leadership, where he helped younger players grow while still striving to outperform them in drills. His approach to competition inside the locker room and on the field offers key insights into what it means to truly contribute to a team’s success.

This episode also explores the broader implications of competing without contempt—how team captains can foster this mentality, how athletes can embrace the grind even when they don’t feel like it, and how the right leadership can make all the difference in building a championship-caliber team.

Key Discussion Points:

•  Eric Weddle’s philosophy of competing with teammates in a way that pushes everyone to excel.
• The importance of helping others grow, even when they’re competing for the same position.
• Why competing without contempt is crucial for fostering true team unity and success.
• The role of team captains in creating a culture of healthy competition.
• Insights on how to be a better teammate by showing up to push others to their best.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode offers actionable insights into building a competitive environment that encourages growth, respect, and, ultimately, team success. Don’t miss this discussion on competing with integrity and making your team better, together.

Especially for Athletes:

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

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this first episode of the year, we kick off our new format by diving deep into one of the core principles of Especially for Athletes: Win the Hour. Time is one of our most valuable resources, and how we use it can make all the difference in achieving success both on and off the field.

Join us as we explore practical strategies for maximizing your time and focusing on the tasks that matter most. We’ll discuss how to break down your goals into actionable steps, the power of prioritization, and how to stay disciplined in the face of distractions. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help athletes, coaches, and parents start the year strong and stay on track to achieve their goals.

Key Discussion Points:

• Brendan Schooler’s perspective on working in silence and investing time for success.

• The importance of consistency in achieving long-term goals.

• Insights from Nick Saban on the difference between spending and investing time.

• How athletes can invest time wisely to build the habits and skills needed for success.

• Practical advice for staying disciplined and focused when you don’t feel like doing the work.

This episode is all about taking action, investing your time wisely, and staying committed to your goals—because, as Brendan said, your goals don’t care how you feel. They only care about the work you put in.

Especially for Athletes:

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

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of "The Sportlight Podcast," we sit down with Stanford Soccer player Duncan Jarvie, a long-time member of the Especially for Athletes (E4A) program. Duncan shares his incredible story of resilience, offering valuable insights for young athletes who have faced the disappointment of being cut from a team or other setbacks in their athletic journey.

Through his experiences, Duncan demonstrates the power of perseverance, determination, and a positive mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving success. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, parents, and coaches looking to encourage growth and resilience both on and off the field.

Key Discussion Points:

• Duncan Jarvie’s personal journey and the challenges he faced as an athlete.
• Lessons learned from the experience of being cut from a team.
• How the principles of E4A helped Duncan persevere and find success.
• Advice for athletes navigating setbacks and striving for improvement.
• Encouragement for parents and coaches to support athletes through tough times.

Join us for an uplifting and motivational conversation that reminds us all of the strength it takes to rise above adversity and keep pushing forward.

Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://especialyforathletes.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "The Sportlight Podcast," we welcome former college lacrosse player and current lacrosse coach, Melissa Nash, for an inspiring conversation centered around women’s sports. Melissa shares her insights on the unique challenges and exciting opportunities that come with coaching female athletes, providing valuable perspective for anyone involved in youth sports.

We also dive into the core principles of Especially for Athletes (E4A), discussing how these principles apply to both male and female athletes and why they’re crucial for personal and athletic growth. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, Melissa's experiences and thoughts on fostering resilience, strength, and confidence in young women in sports are sure to resonate.

Key Discussion Points:

• Unique challenges and opportunities in women’s sports.
• Melissa Nash’s experiences and insights as both a player and coach.
• Tips for effectively coaching female athletes.
• The importance of E4A’s core principles in building confident, resilient athletes.
  Encouragement for coaches, parents, and athletes to embrace their journey in sports.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with wisdom for athletes, parents, and coaches alike, only on "The Sportlight Podcast" by Especially for Athletes.

Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://especialyforathletes.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "The Sportlight Podcast," we explore a powerful quote from pro beach volleyball player, model, business owner, mother, and wife, Gabby Reece. When asked how she manages to juggle so many responsibilities, Gabby’s response was both simple and profound: “I had to ask myself, where is the energy best placed right now in my life?”

This question aligns closely with one of the core Especially for Athletes (E4A) principles—winning the hour. In our discussion, we unpack what it means to strategically focus your energy and how making conscious decisions about where to invest your time can lead to greater success, balance, and fulfillment.

Join us as we dive into the concept of winning the hour and explore how athletes, parents, and coaches can prioritize their energy in a way that creates impactful and positive results. This episode is all about practical tips for making the most of your time and energy, both on and off the field.

Key Discussion Points:

• Gabby Reece’s wisdom on prioritizing energy and how it applies to everyday life.
• The E4A principle of winning the hour—what it means and how to apply it.
  Strategies for athletes, parents, and coaches to focus their energy for maximum impact.
• How to make mindful decisions that align with your values and goals.
• Encouragement to assess where your energy is best placed during different phases of life.

If you've ever felt stretched thin or wondered how to balance competing priorities, this episode offers guidance and inspiration. Tune in to find out how you can make the most of each hour, only on "The Sportlight Podcast" by Especially for Athletes.

Especially for Athletes:

Website: https://especialyforathletes.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/E4Afamily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

Credits:

Hosted by Shad Martin & Dustin Smith
Produced by IMAGINATE STUDIO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://especiallyforathletes.com/podcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.