The Freshman Foundation® Podcast

By Michael Huber

The Freshman Foundation® Podcast is preparing young athletes and families for every next step in their athletic journey.

ATHLETES: To learn how you can become a confident problem solver and coach you... more

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FAQs about The Freshman Foundation® Podcast:

How many episodes does The Freshman Foundation® Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 94 episodes available.

The Freshman Foundation® Podcast episodes:

April 14, 2026 FFP91: The High School to College Transition: What No One Tells Baseball Players
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – How Dan and Trevor met — high school teammates to business partners
03:30 – How Backside Groundballs Media started during COVID
06:00 – Their experience as college coaches and why they left
09:00 – Transitioning from coaching to media
12:00 – What they've learned traveling to college programs
18:30 – The analytics vs. old-school baseball debate
22:30 – Why compete and baseball IQ are coming back
26:00 – Leadership lessons from the best college coaches
30:00 – What great programs are actually teaching
36:30 – The biggest challenges freshmen face on campus
40:00 – The weight room, durability, and the physical demands of college baseball
42:00 – Adjusting to college life — freedom, stress, and identity
46:00 – Coach-player communication and how players can advocate for themselves
51:00 – The "de-recruiting" effect and managing expectations
54:00 – The transfer portal — what it's doing well and what it's costing players
59:00 – Do freshmen have unrealistic expectations about playing time?
01:03:00 – What it actually takes to have a chance at professional baseball
01:10:00 – Final takeaways: being tough and vulnerable, and leading with humility
🧠 SHOW NOTES
In Episode 91, I sit down with Dan Galati and Trevor Powers — former college coaches and co-founders of Backside Groundballs Media — to talk about what the high school-to-college transition in baseball actually looks like for the players living it.
Dan and Trevor have done something unique. They've traveled to college programs across the country, sat in film sessions, watched practices, and had real conversations with the coaches building these programs from the inside. What they've seen has shaped how they think about player development — and what they believe young athletes are missing.
We discuss:
Why compete and baseball IQ have become the great differentiators at the college level.
What the best college coaches are actually teaching — and how they build culture.
The biggest physical and mental challenges freshmen face when they arrive on campus.
Why the transition from "recruited athlete" to "one of the guys" is harder than players expect.
How the transfer portal is changing the landscape — and what it might be costing players developmentally.
What it truly takes to have a shot at playing beyond college.
Dan and Trevor also share what they've taken away from conversations with some of the top coaches in college baseball — including a lesson from Penn State's Mike Gambino that Dan says changed how he thinks about what it means to be both tough and vulnerable at the same time.
If you've ever wondered what separates the players who thrive at the college level from the ones who struggle — or how young athletes can put themselves in the best position to succeed — this episode gives you a clear, honest, and experienced perspective.
🤝 CONNECT WITH DAN GALATI & TREVOR POWERS
🌐 Backside Groundballs Media: https://backsidegbmedia.beehiiv.com/
📷 Instagram: @backsidegroundballsmedia
X: @BacksideGB
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
1h 17min
March 31, 2026FFP90: What do college baseball coaches actually look for?
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Bryan’s background and coaching journey
03:30 – What it takes to climb the coaching ladder
06:00 – What coaches actually look for when recruiting
09:00 – Why behavior and body language matter
12:00 – Recruiting as a two-way street
15:30 – How athletes can show genuine interest
18:30 – Division I vs Division III: understanding fit
22:30 – Playing time, academics, and lifestyle differences
26:00 – What makes a great recruiter
29:30 – What coaches expect from athletes in the recruiting process
33:00 – The transition from high school to college baseball
36:30 – Why the game “speeds up” at the next level
39:30 – Physical and mental demands of college baseball
42:00 – Time management, routines, and habits
45:00 – Communication between coaches and players
48:00 – Building trust and team culture
51:00 – The evolving role of coaching
54:00 – Bryan’s experience with burnout and growth
57:30 – The role of parents in the recruiting process
1:00:00 – The #1 piece of advice for high school players
🧠 SHOW NOTES
In Episode 90, I sit down with Bryan Torresani, Head Baseball Coach at DeSales University, to discuss what college coaches are really looking for in recruits — and how players can better prepare for the next level.
For many athletes, the recruiting process feels like a constant evaluation. Players often focus on statistics, velocity, and exposure, trying to prove they belong at a certain level.
But Bryan explains that what separates players often comes down to something much simpler — and harder to measure.
How they respond to failure.
How they carry themselves on the field.
And how they handle the daily demands of development.
We discuss:
Why coaches pay close attention to behavior and body language

How recruiting is a two-way street — and why communication matters

The differences between Division I and Division III baseball

What freshmen struggle with most when they arrive on campus

Why time management, routines, and habits are critical for success

How coaching has evolved to become more relationship-driven
Bryan also shares practical advice for players preparing for college baseball, including the importance of strength training, building routines, and taking ownership of the recruiting process.
If you’ve ever wondered what truly stands out to college coaches — or how players can position themselves for success beyond high school — this episode provides a clear and honest perspective.
🤝 CONNECT WITH BRYAN TORRESANI
🌐 DeSales Baseball:
👉 https://athletics.desales.edu/sports/baseball
📷 Instagram:
@btorr12
📷 X:
@torr_b12
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
55min
March 17, 2026FFP89: What Separates High School Baseball Players Who Get Recruited?
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – What high school players should focus on during the season
03:45 – Why competing and helping your team win matters most
07:30 – What to do if you’re not getting the role you expected
11:15 – Why the high school season prepares players for summer recruiting
15:20 – Learning to compete instead of analyzing outcomes
19:30 – The challenge of staying patient early in the season
23:45 – Why players should communicate with their coaches
27:30 – Varsity vs JV: how to think about game reps
31:40 – What college coaches are actually watching in games
36:00 – Why tools and metrics aren’t enough
40:15 – The importance of body language and competing on every pitch
44:30 – In-season development: strength training, reps, and routines
48:00 – Time management and building habits for college baseball
51:00 – Sam’s advice for every high school player: build your process
🧠 SHOW NOTES
In Episode 89, I sit down with Sam Sharf of RPP Recruiting to discuss what high school baseball players should really focus on during the season.
For many athletes, the spring season feels like a constant evaluation. Players worry about statistics, playing time, and whether college coaches are watching.
But Sam explains that the high school season plays a different role in the recruiting process.
Instead of chasing exposure or obsessing over results, players should focus on competing, developing a consistent process, and helping their team win games.
We discuss:
Why players should embrace their role — even if it’s not what they expected

How the high school season prepares athletes for summer recruiting

Why college coaches look closely at competitiveness and body language

The difference between tools, metrics, and game performance

Why developing strong habits now prepares players for college baseball
Sam also shares practical advice on in-season development, including strength training, getting extra reps, and managing time effectively during the season.
If you’ve ever wondered how much the high school season actually impacts recruiting — or how players can make the most of their opportunities — this episode provides a clear roadmap.
🤝 CONNECT WITH SAM SHARF
🌐 Website:
👉 https://rocklandpeakperformance.com/
📷 Instagram:
@RPP_Recruiting
@RPP_Baseball
@sharfsam_
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
55min
March 03, 2026FFP88: Are pitchers chasing the wrong thing?
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – “The job of a pitcher is to get outs”
06:30 – Velocity vs command: what actually matters
10:45 – The turning point in Scott’s professional career
15:30 – Why chasing feelings leads to inconsistency
19:40 – Building a repeatable cue under pressure
24:10 – ADHD, anxiety, and self-awareness on the mound
29:20 – Why pitchers need hobbies outside of baseball
33:45 – The case for multi-sport development
39:30 – Travel ball culture and burnout
44:50 – When should athletes specialize?
48:30 – Why football might be the ideal second sport
53:00 – Scott’s advice for every young pitcher: build your process
🧠 SHOW NOTES
In Episode 89, I sit down with Scott Shuman, Head Pitching Coach at RPP Baseball, to explore a simple but powerful message for pitchers:
Don’t chase feelings. Build your process.
Scott shares how his early success as a hard-throwing prospect eventually exposed a gap in his development — he had velocity, but he didn’t yet have a plan.
That changed when he learned to simplify his approach, attach cues to feelings, and build a repeatable mental process he could rely on when pressure increased.
We discuss:
Why analytics without command can be misleading

How pitchers can build self-awareness under stress

Why bullpen success doesn’t always translate to games

The mental cost of year-round baseball

Why hobbies and multi-sport play support long-term growth
If you’ve ever watched a pitcher spiral after one bad inning — or wondered why confidence feels fragile in big moments — this episode will give you a practical framework for building something more stable than emotion.
🤝 CONNECT WITH SCOTT SHUMAN
@RPP_Baseball
@ShumanPerformance
💬 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
A free mental preparation guide for baseball families who want to build confidence before the pressure shows up.
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
52min
January 25, 2026 FFP87: What If the REAL Problem Isn't Your Swing?
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – The intersection of mechanics and mindset
06:00 – Why chasing fixes leads to short-term change
10:00 – Finding the “core” instead of treating surface problems
14:00 – The “watermelon patch” approach to sustainable growth
18:00 – How honesty builds trust between coach and athlete
23:00 – Cam’s story: from failure to freedom
31:00 – Why coaches can only take players as deep as they’ve gone
36:00 – Building bridges between mechanics, neuroscience, and belief
42:00 – The role of parents in creating a healthy environment
50:00 – What true confidence and self-belief look like
56:00 – Why doubt can actually fuel growth
1:03:00 – How bravery transforms performance — and life
🧠 SHOW NOTES
In Episode 87, I sat down with Cameron Ginger, a hitting instructor and founder of Mental Meets Mechanics, to explore how true performance change starts from the inside out.
Cam explains why most athletes and coaches focus on the wrong layer of the system — chasing surface-level fixes instead of addressing the deeper beliefs that drive behavior. We explore the difference between thinking different and thinking differently, what happens when the brain’s survival system hijacks performance, and how patience, honesty, and trust create lasting change.
He also shares personal stories about hitting rock bottom, rebuilding his identity, and learning how to help athletes do the same — not through force or mechanics alone, but through compassion and self-awareness.
If you’ve ever wondered how mental and mechanical skills truly meet, this episode will give you a blueprint for developing confidence that lasts far beyond the cage.
🤝 CONNECT WITH CAMERON GINGER
Instagram: @propelhitting
Website: https://www.propelhitting.co/
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.michaelvhuber.com
Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber/
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
1h 13min
October 21, 2025 FFP 86: What Happens When Young Athletes Stop Fighting Their Insecurities?
Free mental performance tips for young athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
Work with me:
👉https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-15-minute-meeting-clone
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Why insecurity is part of every athlete’s experience
06:00 – How coaches and parents unknowingly reinforce doubt
10:00 – The problem with “just relax” and other empty advice
14:00 – Why bravery matters more than fearlessness
18:00 – The “3 B’s”: body, breath, and brain as anchors under pressure
22:30 – How Callum’s tennis journey shaped his work with athletes
27:00 – Preparing for failure: why athletes need to expect adversity
31:00 – The role of acceptance in emotional control and performance
36:00 – Why environment and culture fuel insecurity
40:30 – What “Liquid Sports Psychology” really means
44:30 – Callum’s advice for every young athlete: “You’re not alone.”
🧠 SHOW NOTES
In Episode 86, I sit down with Callum Gowling, founder of Liquid Sports Psychology in the U.K., to explore why confidence doesn’t come from fighting insecurity — it comes from accepting it.
We discuss the false promise of “mental toughness,” why advice like “just relax” can do more harm than good, and how athletes can learn to manage their body, breath, and brain when pressure hits.
Callum also shares how his own tennis career and personal insecurities shaped his mission to normalize the emotional side of sport — reminding athletes, coaches, and parents that everyone feels fear and doubt.
If you’ve ever wondered how acceptance can actually enhance performance, this episode will challenge how you think about confidence.
🤝 CONNECT WITH CALLUM GOWLING
Instagram: @liquidsportspsychology
Website: (Add when available)
💬 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
Website: https://www.michaelvhuber.com
Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
HS to College Transition Preparation: https://michaelvhuber.com/course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber
X: https://x.com/mhubercmpc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefreshmanfoundation
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
50min
September 09, 2025Is Your Mental Game the Key to Being QB1?
Free mental performance tips for young athletes, parents, and coaches: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
Work with me: https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-15-minute-meeting-clone
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Why body language is a quarterback’s hidden weapon
05:30 – Leadership lessons: how QBs can rally teammates after mistakes
08:45 – Visualization and preparation: mental reps that build real confidence
13:25 – The progression of quarterback training from youth football to high school
19:45 – Why understanding a coach’s expectations is just as important as physical talent
22:30 – Good misses vs. bad misses: decision-making under pressure
24:45 – Situational awareness: training quarterbacks to handle adversity
28:00 – Coaching very young quarterbacks and planting long-term mental skills
34:15 – The difference between playing quarterback and being a quarterback
40:00 – Evaluating potential: honesty with athletes and parents about the QB journey
42:30 – Lessons from Brock Purdy, Drew Brees, and quarterbacks who maximize intangibles
47:15 – Helping athletes identify strengths and reduce weaknesses
53:00 – Greg’s biggest piece of advice for parents of young quarterbacks
SHOW NOTES:
We explore the mental side of quarterback development, including:
Why body language and emotional control matter as much as throwing mechanics.
How quarterbacks can lead teammates through adversity and build trust in the huddle.
The role of visualization, preparation, and mental rehearsal in developing confidence.
Why some quarterbacks with average physical tools — like Drew Brees and Brock Purdy — thrive because of their mindset, decision-making, and resilience.
How parents and coaches can best support young quarterbacks as they grow from youth football into high school and beyond.
CONNECT WITH GREG HOLCOMB
Website: https://www.nxtlevelatx.com/\
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlevelatx
X: https://x.com/QBCoachHolc
CONNECT WITH GREG HOLCOMB
Website: https://michaelvhuber.com
Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
HS to College Transition Preparation: https://michaelvhuber.com/course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber
X: https://x.com/mhubercmpc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefreshmanfoundation
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
57min
August 19, 2025 FFP84: How Can ADHD Be a Superpower for Young Athletes?
Free mental performance tips for young athletes, parents, and coaches: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
Work with me: https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-15-minute-meeting-clone
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
01:45 – Biggest challenges ADHD athletes face: time management, organization, working memory, hyperfocus/hypofocus, and motivation
05:38 – Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on performance and relationships
10:50 – Turning mistakes into problem-solving opportunities
12:29 – Corie’s personal experience as an ADHD athlete and how coaching styles impacted her
16:09 – Coaching athletes to be “coach-proof”
18:58 – Goal-setting strategies for ADHD athletes and the importance of “falter plans”
23:54 – Building motivation through novelty, interest, urgency, and challenge
28:53 – Leveraging visual learning and verbal processing effectively in coaching sessions
34:26 – ADHD as a superpower: hyperfocus, resilience, and strengths-based coaching
35:22 – The role of mindfulness and self-compassion in performance and life
45:43 – Emotional regulation as a core ADHD challenge and strategies to improve it
51:27 – Harnessing emotional intensity for better performance
56:48 – Key takeaway for parents of ADHD athletes
🔗 Connect with Corie Wightlin:
Website: https://wightlincoachingservices.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wightlincoachingservices/
🔗 Connect with Michael Huber:
Website: https://michaelvhuber.com
Newsletter: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
HS to College Transition Preparation: https://michaelvhuber.com/course
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
1h 1min
July 29, 2025 FFP83: How Can Proper Nutrition Help Young Athletes Come Through In The Clutch?
In this episode, Nick breaks down:
Why carbs aren’t the enemy.
How to simplify fueling without obsessing over calories, and what role parents play in the process.
How to get buy-in from athletes who are picky eaters or resistant to change.
Why breakfast might be the most important decision an athlete makes all day.
🔗 Connect with Nick Lemke
https://clutchperformancenutrition.fit/linktree
https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd
🔗 Connect with Mike
https://michaelvhuber.com
https://www.instagram.com/michaelvhuber.com
💬 Like this episode?
Rate, review, and share it with a parent or coach who needs help supporting a young athlete’s performance through better nutrition.
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
43min
July 15, 2025 FFP82: What’s Really Holding Young Female Athletes Back?
Connect with Mike Huber
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
MENTAL PERFORMANCE COACHING CONSULTATION (30 minutes): https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/mike-huber-30-minute-meeting
QUESTIONS FOR MIKE (15 minutes): https://calendly.com/michaelvhuber/the-freshman-foundation-exploratory-discussion
Timestamps & Topics
00:00 – Reintroduction to Erica: Michael welcomes his first-ever returning guest and explains why this conversation is personal.
01:20 – Why Parents Matter More Than They Think: Erica breaks down how parents can be part of the athlete’s “team”—especially with nutrition, rest, and recovery.
06:00 – The Problem with Misaligned Messaging: When coaches, parents, and specialists aren’t on the same page, the athlete suffers.
07:30 – A Smarter Way to Create Behavior Change: Erica shares how she gets buy-in from athletes and parents without pushing supplements or rules.
10:00 – Visual Learning and the Gen Z Athlete: Why showing — not telling — goes farther with today’s young athletes.
12:30 – The Long Game of Nutrition and Growth: Erica and Michael share their own experiences navigating nutrition and behavior change over years, not months.
15:30 – When the Feedback Hits Hard: Michael shares a story about his daughter’s speed limitation—and how she wasn’t ready to address it yet.
17:00 – What Proper Speed Training Really Looks Like: Erica explains how most soccer players train speed incorrectly—and what actually works.
20:15 – Why Consistency is the Secret to Progress: Like mental training, speed and strength gains come with regular effort over time—not quick fixes.
22:00 – Competing Against Yourself: Erica encourages athletes to track personal bests instead of comparing themselves to teammates.
25:00 – The Role of Decision-Making in Speed: True speed isn’t just physical—it's cognitive. Reaction time, anticipation, and awareness matter.
29:00 – What College Coaches Actually Want: It's more than just speed. Erica shares what college and club coaches look for beyond athleticism.
34:00 – ACL Injury Risk: What Can Be Done?: Erica outlines practical ways to reduce injury risk, including strength training, sprinting, and nutrition.
39:30 – The Fitness Test Trap: Obsessing over fitness tests can lead to overtraining and underperformance. Erica recommends training for the game, not the test.
42:55 – “What Should I Do as a Dad?”: Erica offers one piece of advice to Michael—and every parent—on how to support their athlete daughter the right way.
🤝 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL HUBER
⚾ Spring Training for the Mind
👉 https://tinyurl.com/HuberSpringTraining
📩 Free mental performance insights for athletes, parents, and coaches:
👉 https://michaelvhuber.com/newsletter
🌐 Website:
👉 https://www.michaelvhuber.com
📷 Instagram:
@michaelvhuber
...more
47min

FAQs about The Freshman Foundation® Podcast:

How many episodes does The Freshman Foundation® Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 94 episodes available.