Forged Youth | Legacy Within

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In this episode, Mariel introduces a new member of the Forged Youth team: former professional hockey player, Jordan Owens. 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. Together, Mariel and Jordan tackle real questions from parents about how to support their athletes without piling on extra pressure. From helping kids find their voice with coaches, to handling performance anxiety, to creating a healthy balance between sport and everyday life, this conversation gives parents practical tools to foster resilience, confidence, and joy in their athletes.

Whether your child is chasing high-level goals or simply learning to love the game, this episode is filled with insights that help you step back, cheer loud, and raise strong, independent athletes.

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In this powerful and personal episode, Mariel is joined by longtime friend and 5th-degree black belt Mike Blom, a dedicated martial artist and national-level competitor, who’s getting ready to represent Canada at the ITF World Championships in Croatia.

From ninja turtles and Power Rangers to the intense, disciplined world of Taekwondo, Mike shares the deeply human side of martial arts. He opens up about what it really means to step into the ring, not just to fight, but to face yourself. Together, Mike and Mariel explore the mental fortitude required to keep showing up when you’re bruised, doubted, or afraid.

🔍 In this episode, we dive into:

• 🥋 Mike’s origin story in martial arts, and how he went from an uncoordinated kid to a 4-time Team Canada athlete
• 🤯 What martial arts teaches about mental strength, humility, and getting back up after a loss
• 💬 His go-to fight mantra: “No one can beat me”—and what that really means (hint: it’s not about winning)
• 👊 How he handles pressure, chaotic opponents, and the unknown
• 🧠 Why routines, self-talk, and learning to lose well are essential to success—not just in sport, but in life
• 💡 Advice for young athletes and parents navigating fear, overwhelm, and competition burnout

You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for the mindset behind mastery.

🎯 Whether you're a coach, a parent, a competitor, or someone fighting battles of your own, this conversation is packed with perspective-shifting insights on resilience, emotional regulation, and the kind of quiet confidence that can only be forged through adversity.

📣 Mike is funding his own trip to Worlds!!!  (Which is something many people don’t realize about amateur elite athletes. If you’re moved by this episode and want to support a true warrior on his journey, click HERE to go to the GoFundMe and help get him to Croatia.

This is about more than medals. It’s about heart, legacy, and the courage to keep coming back, no matter the outcome.

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In this powerhouse episode, Mariel sits down with longtime friend and 5th-degree black belt Mike Blom, who is about to represent Canada at the ITF World Championships in Croatia. From ninja turtles and yellow pages to fighting on the world stage, Mike shares his unique journey into martial arts, and the mental toughness it takes to stay grounded in and out of the ring.

You’ll hear:
 🥋 Why Taekwondo is as much mental as it is physical
 💥 The difference between losing and being beaten
 🧠 How to coach youth through fear, failure, and finding their grit
 🔥 The mantra Mike uses before every fight: "No one can beat me"
 🎯 How to focus on what you can control when everything feels out of control

Whether you're a coach, a competitor, a parent, or just someone navigating life’s battles, this episode is full of heart, humor, and real-life warrior wisdom.

🚨 Plus: Mike needs our help to get to Croatia. You can support his journey via GoFundMe  CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

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🎙️ Inside Volleyball Tryouts: Playing Time, Fair Play & Earning Your Spot

In this special episode, Mariel sits down in person with editor and longtime volleyball coach Kyle to dig deep into the real conversations happening around youth volleyball. From the evolution of "Fair Play" rules to the pressure of earning playing time, this candid discussion unpacks the growing tension between development and competition.

Whether you're a parent wondering why your kid isn’t starting, or an athlete trying to figure out how to stand out at tryouts—this episode has insights for you.

🔥 Topics include:

• Why “Fair Play” isn’t always fair
• How private coaching is reshaping the game
• The life lessons kids should be learning from sport
• What parents might be missing about the value of playing

If you’re navigating the youth sports world, this one is a must-listen.

Does your athlete have the skill, but still find themselves stuck on the bench?

 Parents tell us the hardest part isn’t the losses, it’s watching their child’s confidence and passion fade when they don’t get fair opportunities.

 At Forged Youth, we don’t just train skills, we build resilience, confidence, and clarity so athletes know how to thrive, even when the game doesn’t go their way.

 If you want your athlete to protect their confidence no matter how much court time they get, start with our free tools! Click the link below for mental toughness boosters. 

https://stan.store/Forged-Youth

Support the show

Send us a text

🎙️ Inside Volleyball Tryouts: Playing Time, Fair Play & Earning Your Spot

In this special episode, Mariel sits down in person with editor and longtime volleyball coach Kyle to dig deep into the real conversations happening around youth volleyball. From the evolution of "Fair Play" rules to the pressure of earning playing time, this candid discussion unpacks the growing tension between development and competition.

Whether you're a parent wondering why your kid isn’t starting, or an athlete trying to figure out how to stand out at tryouts—this episode has insights for you.

🔥 Topics include:

• Why “Fair Play” isn’t always fair
• How private coaching is reshaping the game
• The life lessons kids should be learning from sport
• What parents might be missing about the value of playing

If you’re navigating the youth sports world, this one is a must-listen.

Does your athlete have the skill, but still find themselves stuck on the bench?

 Parents tell us the hardest part isn’t the losses, it’s watching their child’s confidence and passion fade when they don’t get fair opportunities.

 At Forged Youth, we don’t just train skills, we build resilience, confidence, and clarity so athletes know how to thrive, even when the game doesn’t go their way.

 If you want your athlete to protect their confidence no matter how much court time they get, start with our free tools! Click the link below for mental toughness boosters. 

https://stan.store/Forged-Youth

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really take to develop an elite athlete and how can parents best support their child’s journey?

In this episode, former professional ice hockey coach Alex Stein shares his insights on the fundamentals of high performance. From building confidence through intentional practice to developing resilience through adversity, Alex highlights the habits and mindset that separate good athletes from great ones.

Alex and Mariel also dive into the challenges of parenting high-achieving youth, introducing Alex’s “3 E’s”: creating the right environment, enabling kids to face challenges, and ultimately empowering them to define and pursue their own vision of success. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for growth both in sports and in life.

After more than two decades of successful elite-level professional sports coaching across eight countries, Alex seamlessly transitioned from the locker room to the boardroom. As the founder of Carpe Coaching, Alex is dedicated to developing business teams and their leaders, drawing on his international coaching triple accreditation and extensive background in coaching elite athletes. Specializing in executive team coaching and leadership development, he applies his expertise through a systemic lens to foster value-adding, positive, inclusive, and supportive cultures within organizations worldwide.

Check out the Carpe Coaching website

Find Alex on:

Instagram 

Facebook

Linkedin

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Confidence isn’t something athletes are born with, it’s something they build. In this week's episode, coach Alex Stein shares why resilience, consistency, and the right environment matter more than talent when it comes to long-term success.

Full episode drops tomorrow.

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What does it take to perform under pressure and actually thrive there? Serbian professional boxer Jelena Janicijevic discovered the power of visualization, mindfulness, and mental training tools that helped her push through fear, overcome setbacks, and achieve history as the first Serbian woman to medal at the European Boxing Championship. Now, as a mentor to young athletes, Jelena reflects on the value of internal motivation, focusing on daily processes, and staying true to yourself in a world that often prioritizes quick wins. Her story is a reminder that sport is more than medals, it’s a lifelong teacher of resilience, discipline, and character.

Jelena Janicijevic, a former kickboxer turned professional boxer, has built a remarkable career through determination and skill. She transitioned to boxing in 2015, facing early challenges including a loss in her professional debut in France. Undeterred, she earned multiple victories and, in 2022, captured the European female lightweight title after a hard-fought rematch against Oleksandra Sidorenko. That same year, Jelena made history by winning Serbia’s first-ever senior medal at an International Boxing Association event, taking bronze at the European Amateur Boxing Championships. She has also competed at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, demonstrating her resilience against some of the world’s top fighters. Known for her grit, discipline, and relentless pursuit of growth, Jelena now inspires others by sharing her journey and helping athletes discover their own strength and potential.

Follow Jelena on Instagram 

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Nerves don’t mean you’re weak, they mean you care.

In this weeks episode, Serbian professional boxer Jelena Janicijevic shares how athletes can reframe pressure and start thriving in the moments that matter most.

Full episode drops tomorrow.

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Behind Canadian National Team cyclist Tyler Rorke’s rise is a foundation built by his parents, not just in early rides to practice, but in the way they navigated disappointment, pressure, and big decisions alongside him. When Tyler was cut from Junior Worlds, their steady support helped him process the setback, find his own motivation, and grow stronger for the long game. In this episode, Tyler's parents reflect on how they balanced guidance with independence, created a safe space for open conversations, and fostered both his love for the sport and his life outside of it. For parents of young athletes, this is a masterclass in showing up without overshadowing.

James and Chantal Rorke are the proud parents of a 22-year-old track cyclist who represented Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With years of experience supporting their son’s journey from local races to the world stage, they share candid insights into the dedication, sacrifices, and family teamwork behind raising a youth elite athlete. In this episode, they open up about the Olympic experience, the lessons learned along the way, and the joys and challenges of guiding a young athlete to achieve their dreams.

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