Forged Youth | Legacy Within

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In this episode, Dr. Joel Kerr breaks down what young athletes actually need to thrive and the answers may surprise you. He calls on parents to step into the role of “recovery coach”: creating a safe emotional environment, supporting real nutrition, and protecting sleep, rather than critiquing performance or chasing stats. He explains how the student athlete exists in a triangle alongside the coach and the parent, where all three need aligned goals and values to support healthy development 

Dr. Joel Kerr or as his athletes affectionally call him, "Dr. J" is an accomplished performance manual therapist, educator, and the visionary founder of BASE – Building an Athletic Structure for Exercise – a comprehensive clinical framework and educational system built to bridge the gap between manual medicine and performance care. With over 17 years of experience working with professional athletes, particularly within basketball, Dr. J has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking leader committed to redefining how clinicians and coaches assess, treat, and train the human body. Holding a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and over 5,000 hours of postgraduate training in Sport Neurofunctional Acupuncture, Dr. J brings a deep understanding of integrated systems, movement science, and evidence-informed care. His ability to seamlessly blend manual therapy, exercise prescription, and neurofunctional techniques has made him a trusted provider among pro athletes seeking longevity, recovery, and performance optimization. Beyond the treatment table, Dr. J is a passionate educator. He has served as a clinical instructor and mentor to hundreds of aspiring clinicians through continuing education programs, college courses, and private mentorship. In 2022, he co-developed the BASE curriculum alongside his wife, Dr. Claire Bacareza, with the mission to equip a new generation of manual medicine clinicians with the tools to observe movement, apply clinical reasoning, and intervene with purpose. BASE emphasizes passive and dynamic interventions, functional anatomy, movement literacy, and performance rehabilitation. BASE is not just a course—it’s a community. At its core, it supports the development of what Dr. J calls the “BASE Eye”: the cultivated skill of observing movement quality before intervention. This concept is central to the BASE system, which prioritizes effectiveness in real-world conditions, blending clinical experience, anatomical understanding, and human connection. The result is a powerful and flexible framework that enhances patient outcomes and builds clinician confidence. Dr. J's work has recently extended into international sport, where he is currently involved in building partnerships with Olympic organizations, athletic federations, and emerging sport performance hubs.Driven by purpose and guided by values of resilience, observation, and collaboration, Dr. J is on a mission to elevate the standard of care in performance and rehabilitation. He continues to build a "homeBASE" of clinicians, coaches, and movement professionals who are committed to learning the language of the body—and helping others return to, or remain in, motion.

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In this episode, Mariel sits down with Brett Devloo, a blind skateboarder, sponsored athlete, and living example of what grit really looks like. Brett lost his vision at 16. But instead of giving up the thing he loved most, he got back on his board and refused to stop skating.

He shares how he learned to trust his body without his sight, why losing his vision actually removed his fear, and how having the right coach and community changed the course of his life. Brett opens up about breaking his femur in a major skate accident, the brutal recovery process, and what it took mentally to get back on the board again.

This is an episode about resilience, creativity, showing up on the days that feel impossible, and finding your way forward when the usual path doesn’t exist. If you need a reminder that you are capable of more than you think, this is it.

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In this Q&A, Mariel and Jordan break down one of the most common moments in youth sport: when an athlete feels like they’re “too good” for the level they’re training at or feels stuck in an environment that doesn’t match their goals. They share why there’s no such thing as wasted practice time, and how the mindset an athlete brings to each session matters more than the environment itself.

From using lower-level reps intentionally, to the power of deliberate practice, to turning the car ride home into a supportive conversation instead of performance pressure, this episode gives athletes and parents real, practical ways to grow confidence and skill, no matter the situation.

They also touch on visualization, how to keep sport fun, and why curiosity beats coaching when you’re a parent supporting your athlete.

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In this episode, Mariel sits down with Andrew Marshall, a Certified Master Coach and 3rd-degree Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, to explore the mindset lessons that turn good athletes into exceptional humans. From his early years in baseball and football to finding his true calling in martial arts and coaching, Andrew shares how pain, injuries, and setbacks shaped his philosophy of growth. Together, they unpack the dangers of perfectionism, the balance between competitiveness and joy, and the importance of belonging over fitting in. Andrew’s story is a roadmap for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to build resilience, develop self-awareness, and create long-term success, both in sport and in life.

"I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and have spent a number of years living on the Big Island of Hawai’i with my wife and son. Growing up, all I wanted to do was be outside and play sports. Baseball and football were my main focus. After high school, I turned to Jiu Jitsu, boxing, and MMA. Following a series of setbacks and injuries, I committed fully to Jiu Jitsu and began exploring coaching as my professional path. That journey led me deep into healing, mindset, and personal transformation. I immersed myself in meditation, spiritual disciplines, nutrition, physical therapy, functional strength training, and advanced coaching methods. Over time, I built a coaching practice focused on helping others embody their highest potential, not just in their professional performance, but as whole human beings. In my younger years, I struggled with mindset, physical health, and simply knowing how to take care of myself. I’m grateful now to offer others the kind of guidance I once needed, so they can live with strength, clarity, and alignment, and fully step into the truth of who they are." - Andrew

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Professional horse trainer and coach Jim Greendyk joins Mariel this week to explore the mindset behind mastery in sport, work, and life. Jim draws from his experience in the world of high-level horsemanship to show how self-awareness, emotional control, and presence are the real foundations of great performance. Together, they unpack what it means to stay calm under pressure, why toughness without connection fails, and how athletes (and parents) can use mindfulness to build confidence that lasts. 

An Open Rider at the age of 20, Jim’s unparalleled talent, tenacity, and adaptability in the show pen has been proven time and time again, often beating competitors with many more years of experience. There is no doubt that Jim is a trainer who can really “get a horse shown."

On the international stage, Jim can now say that many of those who were his idols are now his rivals. Always ready to learn from others, Jim has and continues to ride with some of the best trainers in the industry in order to further his knowledge year by year. This drive for success and knowledge is a large part of what brought him and his family to the Scottsdale area.

Jim expects a very high standard of performance from himself and his horses and has timing and balance that many will never achieve. This uncanny ability has allowed him to rise quickly and consistently over the years to become one of the top Reining trainers in Western Canada. He didn’t end up at this level of excellence by accident. Since his start in the Porcupine Hills of Southern Alberta, he has taken everything taught to him and elevated it to the next level to move himself and his horses up through the industry quickly. Often, Jim can tease out a level of ability from a horse that others are not able to find.

Jim has grown a huge international following by consistently sharing quality content on social media and he's developed a stellar online training program for those who can't make it to the barn. In this way he strives to reach more people with the best knowledge available.

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Want to learn Reining but struggling to find a way to do it? Don't have a local trainer close enough to teach you? LOOK NO FURTHER  Jim's Reining Masterclass will take you from Sideline to Headline!

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In this episode, Mariel and Jordan dive into one of the most debated topics in youth sports: should kids focus on one sport or play multiple? Pulling from real-life coaching and parenting experience, they unpack the balance between commitment and freedom, structure and fun. From learning how to teach accountability to knowing when it’s okay to miss practice, or even walk away from a sport, they explore what it really means to raise athletes who love the game and stay resilient.

They also tackle how to know when to rest vs. push through, how visualization can be a game-changer during recovery, and the “don’t quit on a bad day” rule every athlete (and parent) should live by.

🎙️ Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this one’s packed with the real conversations that help young athletes grow both in sport and in life.

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Before Forged Youth became a movement, it started as survival.

In this raw, unfiltered, and deeply human episode, Mariel Anderson, founder, athlete, and mental resilience coach, shares her origin story for the first time without filters.

Growing up as a top-tier volleyball player, Mariel was introduced early to the power of mental training: visualization, emotional regulation, and focus. But at just 15 years old, everything changed when she was assaulted at a tournament, an event that shattered her world, derailed her athletic dreams, and forced her to rebuild her identity from the inside out.

With striking honesty, Mariel talks about the years that followed: the silence, the shame, the struggle to find support, and how those same mindset tools she learned for sport became the lifelines that helped her survive trauma, navigate chronic pain, and ultimately reclaim her purpose.

Now, as the founder of Forged Youth, she’s turning that pain into power, teaching athletes and parents the skills that saved her: how to train the mind, process emotion, and face adversity with courage.

Joined by co-host Jordan Owens, this conversation goes far beyond sport, it’s about the cost of silence, the importance of safe spaces, and the beauty that can emerge when we stop hiding our story and start using it to help others heal.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, trauma, and recovery. Please listen with care and reach out for professional or community support if needed.

🎧 This is the story that started it all.

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What does it take to bounce back when life (and sport) knocks you down? In this episode, David 'Jacko' joins Mariel to share powerful lessons on resilience, mindset, and confidence. From his own journey through challenges to coaching young athletes, Jacko breaks down what separates those who plateau from those who rise.

We dive into why confidence built only on “winning” won’t last, how to reframe setbacks into growth, and the habits athletes (and their parents) need to support true mental strength. Whether you’re an athlete chasing big goals, or a parent learning how to support your child’s journey, this conversation is packed with insights you can use right away.

David Jackson aka ‘Jacko’ is a Master Instructor with the Oxygen Advantage. A former professional rugby player, accredited UKSCA Strength & Conditioning coach, NASM performance enhancement & corrective exercise specialist on a mission to make breathwork a normal part of our everyday lives.

"In 2013 a traumatic brain injury and a seizure on the rugby pitch forced me to retire from professional rugby and also impacted my breathing patterns negatively for years. It can be simple day-to-day stress or poor habits that have built up over a long time that have changed your breathing patterns but what I know is that if I can change mine after my head injury you can improve yours too.

During my professional rugby career, I wish we knew then what we know now about how breathing can massively impact and improve our performance. Now as a Master Instructor with the Oxygen Advantage, I work with clients ranging from fitness and sports enthusiasts looking to improve their sporting performance, to GP doctor referrals with clients needing to address stress and anxiety issues through breathing, and everything in between.

My passion for sports and sharing what I wish I knew back when I played, has led me to work with professional athletes and teams in a variety of sports like rugby union, football, triathlon, mountain biking, swimming, athletics at national and international levels."  

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In this episode, Mariel sits down with Jordan Owens to explore the lessons sport teaches far beyond the rink. From resilience and mental toughness to leadership and building strong relationships, Jordan shares how his hockey journey shaped his perspective on life after sport.

He reflects on overcoming adversity, the importance of adaptability, and how athletes can redefine success for themselves once their competitive careers end. Packed with insights for athletes, parents, and coaches, this conversation is about more than sport... it’s about growth, identity, and leading with purpose.

Jordan Owens is a former professional hockey player turned creative strategist, coach, and storyteller. After a 12-year pro career that took him across North America and Europe — including signing with the New York Rangers and playing in top leagues in Denmark, Germany, Italy, and the UK — Jordan now helps others develop the mindset, clarity, and discipline needed to pursue their potential, both on and off the ice.

Through his company, Origin Creative, he works with entrepreneurs and organizations to bring ideas to life through strategy, storytelling, and digital tools. But at his core, Jordan is a communicator and mentor. Whether it’s through coaching, keynote speaking, or his YouTube channel A Tribe Called Owens — where he captures honest, human conversations — his goal is to help people better understand themselves, trust their voice, and take meaningful action.

Jordan knows firsthand the challenges young athletes face — from pressure and self-doubt to the transition out of sport. His approach blends experience, empathy, and real-world tools to help the next generation navigate the journey with confidence and purpose.

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What happens when the game ends? 🏒

In this week's episode, hear former pro hockey player Jordan Owens share what sport taught him about resilience, leadership, and redefining success beyond the rink.