Never have we gone deeper into an athlete’s mentality than we did in this episode with former Sounders stalwart, Patrick Ianni. As the author of On Frame and The Coaching Revolution—two books dedicated to shifting youth soccer culture—Ianni outlines how ego, anxiety, and the desire to be loved can mix in dangerous ways for many young athletes, and also how parents and coaches can provide a better path forward. He further delves into his own struggles with anxiety and depression shaping much of his career. Episode guide below.

0-8:50: Finding soccer inspiration in older brother | Moving from holding mid to center back under Sigi Schmid

8:50-16:50: Danger of kids conflating soccer with love | Intensifying anxiety throughout youth career

16:50-20:30: Walking the runway at high school fashion show to a Nelly song | Difference between internal and external confidence

20:30-29:40: Ego creating "stories" for self | Fighting for self-created identity at UCLA | Early MLS struggles and online gambling addiction in Houston

29:40-34:00: Love for Carrie Underwood and discovery of country music

34:00-41:30: Settling down in Seattle and concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle | Friendship and footy with Seahawks kicker, Steve Hauschka

41:30-45:00: Learning from Pete Vagenas and Steve Zakuani in Seattle | Anxiety of starting or not-starting week to week

45:00-57:00: Transition to retirement | Learning from fatherhood | Danger of parents attaching their ego to their kids

57:00-65:00: How the U.S. can win a World Cup | Importance of street soccer and freedom to express | Separating personal identity from sports identity for kids

64:00-End: Ego getting in the way of center back partnership with Jhon Kennedy Hurtado | The need for youth coaches to heal and self-reflect

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