The Pure Athlete Podcast

14-time All-Star, three-time AL MVP, and 2009 World Series champion Alex Rodriguez joins Jeff, Britt, and Brad for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the highlight-reel numbers.

A-Rod traces his path from a Washington Heights childhood (his father leaving when he was 10, his mother’s extraordinary work ethic, and a stretch on food stamps) to Miami, where baseball, basketball, and football became his outlet and purpose. He explains why playing up with older kids as a late-July birthday was an unexpected advantage, how quarterbacking and point-guard vision translated directly to shortstop, and why he believes today’s early-specialization culture is hurting young athletes.

The former Westminster Christian star makes a passionate case for fundamentals over launch angle and exit velo: start with the bunt, the hit-and-run, and elite defense. He talks about the two coaches who shaped him for a decade, the value of curiosity and listening (even at the height of his stardom), and the mental approach that let a 18-year-old phenom survive the spotlight.

Parents and coaches will especially appreciate his advice on the ride home, process over results, keeping kids off electronics and radar guns before 17, and why the best players he’s ever seen were “black-belt fundamentalists.” Rodriguez also shares the behind-the-scenes story of his trade to the Yankees and reflects with rare vulnerability on early success, self-awareness, and how becoming a more present father has changed him.

A must-listen episode packed with practical wisdom for anyone raising or coaching the next generation.

Jeff, Britt, and Brad preview the new season with summer recaps, laughs, and big plans ahead. Jeff shares behind-the-scenes stories from Cooperstown and Andruw Jones’ Hall of Fame induction—hanging with Mike Tomlin, chatting with Tony La Russa, and experiencing “baseball heaven” with the legends. Brad and Britt trade notes on family time, beach trips, yard work, and a special first ice-cream moment with a granddaughter.

Then they look ahead: Pure Athlete Baseball’s continues to add great new content and the guys talk about what's coming on that platform. And, the guys discuss a brand new format coming to enable interaction and engagement with parents, kids and coaches around the country, discussing their youth sports journeys in a real-life way.

Season 5 begins next week. Stick around—you’re not going to want to miss it.

This week, we're revisiting our conversation with newly inducted MLB Hall of Famer Andruw Jones. Andruw reflects on the journey that took him from Curaçao to the major leagues, the importance of character and discipline, and the lessons he's learned through baseball and fatherhood. It's a timeless conversation filled with wisdom for athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

Youth and high school sports should always be fun. But what if a young athlete has big goals? What if they dream of making the varsity team, earning a college scholarship, or even competing professionally?

Many families begin pursuing those dreams at a young age—and we think that's great. But that journey also comes with challenges. Having a healthy roadmap can help your young athlete maximize their potential while still enjoying the process and becoming the best version of themselves on the field, court, pool, or track.

We're revisiting this episode because the lessons, advice, and insights are just as relevant today as when it first aired.

In 2024, Bobby finished as the runner-up for the American League MVP Award after delivering an incredible season at the plate while also winning his first Gold Glove at shortstop in just his third year in the majors.

Not long ago, though, Bobby was playing travel and high school baseball in Colleyville, Texas. Despite being the son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt Sr., he took a different path than many of today's top prospects. He never took a private hitting lesson until after high school. Rather than chasing launch angles and home runs (though he hit plenty of those), Bobby focused on making hard contact to all fields, limiting strikeouts, and becoming the most complete player he could be.

Bobby shares his approach to hitting, the relentless work ethic that helped him become a Gold Glove-winning shortstop, the lessons his parents taught him about character and humility, and so much more.

We're bringing back this replay of our conversation with Bobby Witt Jr.—one that's still packed with valuable and relevant insights for players, parents, and coaches.

In this episode, Jeff, Britt, and Brad sit down with U.S. Soccer legend and former US World Cup Captain Carlos Bocanegra to share his story from his remarkable journey—from playing multiple sports as a kid in Southern California, to starring at UCLA Bruins, becoming MLS Rookie of the Year, competing in two FIFA World Cups, and playing in some of the world’s top leagues, including the English Premier League. He also reflects on the lessons he learned along the way and why playing multiple sports helped shape his athletic career.

The conversation then shifts to youth sports, where Carlos offers his passionate assessment of the current youth soccer landscape in America. He discusses the challenges facing youth development, the importance of positive coaching environments, why fundamentals matter more than winning at young ages, and what parents should look for when choosing a sports program for their children.

Whether you're a soccer fan, a parent navigating youth sports, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind elite athletes, this episode delivers valuable insights on development, resilience, leadership, and helping kids fall in love with sports the right way.

Topics Covered:

• The impact and excitement of the 2026 World Cup
• Carlos Bocanegra’s path from youth athlete to World Cup captain
• Life in MLS and the English Premier League
• The value of multi-sport participation
• Why technical skill development matters
• Challenges in youth soccer today
• How parents can identify healthy sports environments
• Balancing development and winning in youth sports
• Building a better future for young athletes

Plus, Carlos shares why he believes improving the youth sports culture is one of the most important opportunities facing American soccer today.

In this bonus feature, Jeff and former USMNT great Carlos Bocanegra break down the United States’ dominant 2-0 victory over Australia, a win that secured first place in Group D and a perfect record at the World Cup.

A must-listen for U.S. soccer fans celebrating another impressive performance on the sport’s biggest stage!

In this special World Cup bonus feature, Jeff continues the conversation with former World Cup captain Carlos Bocanegra.

Packed with rich tactical insight and entertaining analysis, this segment is a must-listen for die-hard soccer fans and casual supporters alike as they gear up for the USA's match against Australia.

In this special World Cup bonus feature, Jeff is joined by soccer legend Carlos Bocanegra — former UCLA standout, MLS Rookie of the Year, U.S. Men's National Team captain, World Cup veteran, and U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer.

Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or just beginning to follow the United States' World Cup journey, this segment delivers expert analysis and insider perspective on the USMNT's impressive victory over Paraguay, along with in-depth discussion of other World Cup contenders, key storylines, and the most compelling matchups shaping the tournament.

Former MLS star and current MLS TV Analyst Taylor Twellman shares his youth sports story as a multi-sport athlete who played both baseball and soccer in college before going all-in on soccer. Taylor had a prolific soccer career as a 2x Golden Boot winner and MLS MVP. He shares some strong opinions about American soccer, our current youth sports cullture, advice for parents, and advice for coaches.