The Advocate Podcast

What makes a championship team? In this episode, I sit down with Bill Geivett, former Senior VP of Major League Operations for the Colorado Rockies, to uncover the mindset, strategy, and systems behind elite performance. We dive into the evolving role of data in baseball, the balance between analytics and on-the-ground scouting, and the high stakes decision-making process in professional sports. He also introduces an innovative platform designed to transform how athletes, teams, and fans connect. Get ready to elevate your game to the next level!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Level up your game with former GM, Bill Geivett.

02:15 How data and analytics have transformed baseball.

08:30 The high stakes involved in making professional sports decisions.

15:15 What parents and players need to know about the draft process.

22:00 How minor league development aligns with major league goals.

26:45 What defines a great teammate?

30:45 What made you write “Do You Want to Work in Baseball?”.

41:45 How to prepare your mindset to thrive in Major League Baseball.

46:45 The app designed to revolutionize social connections in sports.

54:00 Bill’s long-term mission for youth sports.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get your copy of Bill’s book “Do You Want to Work in Baseball?” HERE

Download the IMA Team app HERE

Learn more about IMA Team HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Bill Geivett: @geivettbill

Are NIL deals a huge opportunity or a legal headache for student-athletes? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Nevius, former NCAA Investigator and current NIL Attorney, to unpack the evolving landscape of NIL – Name, Image, and Likeness – in college sports. Tim shares tips with college athletes and families about the complexities of NIL deals. We break down the latest developments in college sports reform, including NIL collectives, brand partnerships, and revenue sharing, and how these changes affect student-athletes at both high school and collegiate levels. Get ready to make smart and balanced decisions in the NIL space.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Tim’s journey from college athlete to athletes’ rights advocate.

07:45 The current state and legal evolution of NIL in college sports.

10:45 Common misconceptions about collectives vs. NIL brand deals.

14:15 How can athletes protect their eligibility while maximizing NIL opportunities?

17:30 Advice for parents on protecting their children’s eligibility.

25:15 One major factor brands consider in NIL deals.

30:15 Red flags athletes and families should watch for in NIL contracts.

36:00 Why young athletes must prepare for tax responsibilities and seek financial guidance.

41:00 What's your advice for student-athletes figuring out NIL?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more about Nevius Legal HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Tim Nevius: @timnevius

Tim Nevius Email: [email protected]

In the highly competitive world of youth sports, how can players get mentally prepared to reach their highest potential? In this episode, I’m joined by Sean O’Brien, founder of HeadTop Performance, to talk about the mental skills that set great athletes apart. He shares proven strategies for handling pressure, reframing failure, and creating routines that boost confidence. We also dive into the mindset shifts that separate pros from amateurs, daily habits for consistency, and tips for athletes and parents to build and support mental strength from a young age. Tune in to discover tools to build a mindset that drives athletes to their peak performance.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 What is it like to work with athletes on mental performance?

04:45 The standard mindset that defines top athletes in sports and life.

07:00 Tools for overcoming failure and pressure at showcases.

10:30 How commitments to yourself impact sports and life success.

13:00 Reflection exercises for athletes after games and showcases.

16:15 Tools that prepare athletes mentally for peak performance.

19:15 One common pitfall players rarely recognize early in their careers.

24:00 How to balance motivation and commitment.

25:30 How reverse engineering helps athletes reach their ultimate potential.

30:30 The mindset that separates professionals from amateurs.

34:00 What is your advice to parents on supporting their children’s athletic journey?

40:30 How to handle adversity and reframe negative situations.

42:45 How young athletes start building mental discipline early.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more about Sean O’Brien and HeadTop Performance HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Addendum: In the episode, the guest mentioned the proper water consumption is one ounce per pound of body weight, the correct amount is half your body weight (or an ounce per kg) not an ounce per pound.

Your athlete can improve their game without risking injury. In this episode, I’m joined by renowned sports performance coach, Dr. Nick Serio. We talk about the crazy lengths these young athletes will go to chase velocity, and how that can actually end up doing more harm than good. Dr. Serio shares his approach to customizing the training to the individual, not just throwing them into a one-size-fits-all program. He also shares the story of an athlete who came in thinking he needed to be squatting heavy, but it was actually wrecking his hips. Dr. Serio drops a ton of knowledge on the mental side, nutrition, and how to set these players up for long-term success, not just short-term gains. 

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Dr. Nick Serio.

03:15 The fine line between improving skill and staying healthy.

07:00 How can athletes develop velocity safely?

21:00 What age should players begin strength training?

29:00 The best things you can do to strengthen your athletes' mental game.

31:15 Ways to teach your kids strength training techniques if you can’t access experts.

38:00 How to not waste time trying to model what every other athlete is doing.

42:30 How to improve communication skills (including non verbal communication.)

47:45 The power of treating practice like the real game.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Dr. Nick Serio: @coach_serio

Contact Velocity [email protected]

In the age of 24/7 sports coverage, how does the media influence the careers and lives of baseball players? In this episode, ESPN’s Senior MLB Insider, Jeff Passan, shares his experiences navigating the complex relationship between athletes and reporters. From breaking major trade news to building trust with players, Jeff shares the responsibility and power the media holds in shaping baseball’s biggest stories. We also delve into how media coverage, analytics, and youth development collide in today’s game. Get ready for a real inside look at how the media and analytics are shaping the future of baseball.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 How today’s data-centric world is impacting young athletes.

03:45 What does it take to become a sports journalist?

07:00 How media interact with players when they first reach the big leagues.

14:15 BTS look at reporting trade rumors and the ethical boundaries involved.

19:00 Tips for players when answering media questions.

21:45 The rise of analytics and its impact on how players are evaluated.

28:30 What’s the difference between on the record vs off the record?

35:30 The challenges Jeff observed at every stage of an athlete's baseball career.

40:45 Long-term effects of focusing on velocity over mechanics.

45:00 How professional baseball’s current velocity obsession is impacting young athletes.

49:00 How tournaments prioritize exposure over player development.

58:00 What is the role of media literacy for young players, agents, and families?

01:03:00 Jeff’s advice for players on interacting with the media.

01:06:45 What Jeff learned about transparency in journalism.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Jeff Passan: @jeffpassan

Ever wonder how athletes build a standout personal brand? In this episode, I sit with Dustin Williams, an artist-turned-marketing expert. We dive deep into sports marketing, branding, and how athletes build their brands. He shares his shift from rebranding a pest control company to working with professional athletes, including his creative approach to helping athletes like Austin Riley stand out. We explore how athletes take control of their marketing strategies, stay authentic, and create engaging content. Dustin offers tips for young athletes on building their brand, including why it’s crucial to be consistent, think like a business, and engage with the community. Get ready to learn more about branding and marketing!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The story behind launching and growing Green Mango Pest Control.

04:15 Lessons learned from branding and working with athletes.

07:00 How engagement matters more than high production.

13:30 What do baseball players struggle with branding?

17:00 Dustin's advice for young athletes.

25:00 How to create brand collaborations as a high school athlete.

30:00 What athletes need to think about for long-term success.

41:30 Strategies to create an appealing social media profile that aligns with your brand.

46:30 What are essential in both marketing and building relationships?

49:15 How often should athletes post on social media to grow their following and engagement?

52:00 Top tip to boost your social media content.

01:01:15 Should athletes create their own personal logos?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Dustin Williams: @tdustinwilliams

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

The game has changed, and so have the risks. Today, we dive into a topic that every parent, player, and coach must be aware of - how to prevent early injuries and build a foundation for long-term athletic success. I sit down with Eric Cressey, the Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees to talk about all things youth baseball development, the athletic development pyramid, and what is leading young athletes to burnout and injuries so we can avoid them. We discuss everything from building a strong mental approach to nutrition, sleep strategies, and MORE. Tune in to create a balanced, healthy, and fun approach to the game.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Eric Cressey, President and Co-Founder of Cressey Sports Performance.

04:00 What trends are you seeing in youth baseball development?

09:15 The "athletic pyramid" and how young athletes should prioritize strength and mobility first.

13:45 How Cressey Sports Performance helps players nationwide.

17:45 The dangers of having a "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality.

27:45 How overspecialization affects young athletes.

30:00 The role of nutrition and sleep in athletic performance.

33:30 The Japanese study on UCL damage in young athletes and its implications.

41:15 How can we protect young athletes from getting injured?

43:30 How the shift toward college baseball affects player development and injury rates.

51:00 Lessons about pitching durability from Verlander, Scherzer, and others.

01:01:00 The biggest mistake young players make.

01:03:00 Eric's most important advice for young athletes.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more from Eric Cressey HERE

Learn more about High School Athlete Nutrition HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Eric Cressey: @ericcressey

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Get ready to learn the mindset, strategies, and steps every young player and parent needs to navigate the competitive world of baseball. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bernhardt, Vice President of Baseball Operations at Baseball Factory, to dive into the realities of player development, recruiting, and how to overcome adversity in baseball. He shares advice for players and parents on how to navigate the challenges of pursuing a baseball career, including strategies to stand out when you're not the top recruit and faced with rejection. We also discuss the role of parents, how to build a development plan to stay on track, and tips to balance baseball with life off the field. 

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet the Chief Baseball Officer of Baseball Factory, Steve Bernhardt.

04:45 Advice for players on taking initiative.

09:00 How to frame setbacks as “rocket fuel” to propel a player’s future success.

10:00 How did you become a professional baseball player?

12:45 Baseball Factory’s approach to developing players.

18:30 What parents and players need to know about college opportunities.

21:00 How COVID-19 and the transfer portal have made the recruiting process even more competitive.

23:45 Why parents and players should focus on development first vs exposure.

27:00 What quality practice looks like.

29:45 What are you looking for when making your initial evaluation of a player?

33:00 The approach for making players better athletes and people.

36:00 How to set long-term goals with your athlete.

42:45 What is Baseball Factory’s game plan?

49:45 How intentional practice helps players execute in game situations.

54:00 Steve’s top advice to differentiate yourself as a player.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get Expert Baseball Training HERE

For direct inquiries, you can reach out to Bernhardt at [email protected]

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Get ready for an inspiring story of what happens when you don't give up on your big dream. In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Westbrook, a.k.a. "The Barrel Man," who spent over 11 seasons in the minors before reaching the big leagues. Jamie shares advice on managing performance pressures, staying focused during tough times, and why resilience is key to long-term success. We explore how to build a strong mental approach, turn setbacks like injuries into growth opportunities, and how parents and players develop the right mindset to thrive through the ups and downs of a season. 

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Jamie Westbrook, a.k.a. The Barrel Man.

05:30 Strategies to stand out if you're an undersized player.

13:30 How to keep moving forward when things don’t go as planned.

15:00 The mindset to help your kids develop for competition.

16:30 What do parents and athletes need to know to navigate the college recruiting process?

25:00 How the energy in lower-level vs. higher-level teams impact a player's experience.

33:15 Jamie’s top advice after spending multiple seasons in Double-A.

37:45 Tips to maintain a strong mindset despite setbacks.

46:15 How playing in the Olympics freed Jamie from the pressures of minor league expectations.

50:30 What was the transition like returning to minor league baseball after the Olympics?

53:45 How analytics refine your baseball approach.

01:02:15 Lessons on bouncing back from family challenges.

01:05:15 How does your life outside of baseball impact your performance?

01:08:30 Tips for young athletes to deal with setbacks constructively.

01:10:15 The best support parents can provide without adding pressure.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Jamie Westbrooke: @jwesunderscore4

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Does your athlete want to excel in multiple sports?  In this episode, I’m joined by the phenomenal J.R. House, the current third base coach for the Cincinnati Reds. He was an exceptional high school baseball player in Florida and football player in West Virginia, setting numerous state records as a quarterback. He shares how playing multiple sports is beneficial to players. He also breaks down tips on how to overcome the mental and physical challenges of injury recovery, how to deal with failures, and MORE. Get ready to build your athletic versatility.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet the record-breaker of West Virginia, J.R. House.

05:45 Benefits from playing multiple sports.

08:30 The biggest adjustment you have to make as a player.

12:30 How did you overcome injuries at a young age?

21:00 The challenges of transitioning to coaching.

25:30 How do you communicate with players' parents (esp. the controlling ones)?

28:00 The BTS preparation of big leaguers.

31:00 Top tip to have a great relationship with your teammates and coaches.

34:15 The biggest difference between players before vs now.

40:15 How should players deal with possible failures?

46:00 What’s your advice on aspiring baseball players?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford