The conversation delves into personal struggles, mental health challenges, coping with isolation, self-doubt, faith, youth baseball, engaging with online comments, and acknowledging coaching skills. The hosts also discuss their expectations for a Cooperstown trip. The conversation covers the pre-tournament expectations and the reality of the experience, including team dynamics, challenges, and logistics. It also delves into the tournament experience, competition level, photography, and video packages, as well as the facility and amenities. Additionally, it discusses the media package, event cost, and the value for money in comparison to other tournaments. The conversation covers the tournament experience, media coverage, incentives, umpire experience, team conduct, parental involvement, food and snack accessibility, bathroom and showering challenges, checking out and parental flexibility, privacy and hygiene concerns, competition level, player performance and recognition, communication and coaching style, championship game experience and logistics, park management, and future prospects. The conversation covers safety concerns at the tournament, exploring Cooperstown,

Chapters

• 00:00 Struggling with Personal Challenges
• 02:56 Coping with Mental Health
• 04:57 Challenges of Isolation and Loneliness
• 08:02 Self-Doubt and Comparison
• 09:54 Questioning Faith and Belief
• 12:58 Discussion on Select Fest and Youth Baseball
• 19:01 Engaging with Online Comments
• 22:01 Acknowledging Cody Hendricks' Coaching Skills
• 25:01 Expectations for Cooperstown Trip
• 25:27 Expectations vs. Reality
• 53:00 Tournament Experience
• 01:00:50 Media Package and Event Cost
• 01:01:19 Tournament Experience and Media Coverage
• 01:02:17 Incentives and Umpire Experience
• 01:03:16 Team Conduct and Structure
• 01:04:10 Parental Involvement and Custody Issues
• 01:05:12 Food and Snack Accessibility
• 01:06:09 Bathroom and Showering Challenges
• 01:07:46 Checking Out and Parental Flexibility
• 01:08:16 Privacy and Hygiene Concerns
• 01:09:25 Competition Level and Player Experience
• 01:10:23 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:11:20 Communication and Coaching Style
• 01:12:48 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:14:15 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:15:02 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:16:11 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:17:10 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:18:04 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:19:25 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:20:18 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:21:13 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:22:09 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:23:18 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:24:17 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:25:17 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:26:12 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:27:07 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:28:36 Player Performance and Recognition
• 01:29:51 Championship Game Experience and Logistics
• 01:30:27 Park Management and Future Prospects
• 01:33:18 Safety Concerns at the Tournament
• 01:35:53 Exploring Cooperstown
• 01:36:48 War Stick Bats and Professional Videos
• 01:39:08 Upcoming Podcast Guests
• 01:44:43 Pin Trading and Tournament Experience

@isaacsampen

The conversation covers a range of topics including tryouts, player achievements, coaching philosophy, college connections, upcoming tournaments, wood bat tournaments, player selection, team dynamics, player movement, and tournament strategy. The coach emphasizes the importance of player development, competition, and the significance of USA Baseball and WWBA events. The discussion also addresses the transition to wood bat tournaments, roster size, and player evaluation. The coach's operational structure for multiple teams and the opportunities for players to move up are also highlighted. The conversation covers topics such as player movement and opportunities, inclusivity in tournaments, multi-sport athletes, arm care and injury prevention, youth pitching workloads, the role of showcases, pitching competitively at thirteen, practice frequency and value, and media exposure and curriculum.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
• 00:29 Discussing Tryouts and Team Selection
• 02:51 Meeting the Coach and Delayed Conversation
• 03:18 Coach's Background and Family Legacy
• 04:17 The Special Group of Players
• 05:04 Players' Achievements and Invitations
• 05:56 Coach's Experience with Younger Teams
• 06:13 The Importance of Family Support
• 06:47 Players' Commitments and College Connections
• 07:16 The Significance of College Campus Visits
• 08:14 Upcoming Tournaments and Events
• 09:11 The Role of Wood Bat Tournaments
• 09:39 Player Selection and Roster Size
• 11:09 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics
• 12:09 Opportunities for Players to Move Up
• 13:12 Operational Structure of Multiple Teams
• 14:10 Player Development and Competition
• 15:29 Importance of USA Baseball and WWBA
• 16:09 Transition to Wood Bat Tournaments
• 17:40 Roster Size and Player Evaluation
• 18:09 Team Dynamics and Player Movement
• 19:26 Expectations and Performance Evaluation
• 20:25 Team Structure and Player Movement
• 21:47 Tournament Strategy and Player Development
• 22:45 Player Development and Competition
• 23:13 Wood Bat Tournaments and Player Development
• 24:37 Roster Size and Player Evaluation
• 25:32 Team Structure and Player Movement
• 26:47 Tournament Strategy and Player Development
• 27:15 Player Development and Competition
• 28:32 Transition to Wood Bat Tournaments
• 29:04 Roster Size and Player Evaluation
• 30:30 Team Structure and Player Movement
• 31:16 Tournament Strategy and Player Development
• 32:46 Player Development and Competition
• 33:16 Expectations and Performance Evaluation
• 34:37 Team Dynamics and Player Movement
• 35:55 Roster Size and Player Evaluation
• 36:56 Team Structure and Player Movement
• 38:08 Tournament Strategy and Player Development
• 39:25 Player Development and Competition
• 39:25 Player Movement and Opportunities
• 40:50 Inclusivity in Tournaments
• 42:17 Multi-Sport Athletes
• 44:57 Arm Care and Injury Prevention
• 45:23 Youth Pitching Workloads
• 46:51 The Role of Showcases
• 48:12 Pitching Competitively at Thirteen
• 50:18 Practice Frequency and Value
• 01:07:21 Media Exposure and Curriculum

https://www.instagram.com/sons_golf/

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

The conversation covers topics such as podcast setup upgrade, perception and reality, gifts and surprises, upgrading Jacob's setup, baseball and future plans, pitching and arm injuries, and friendships and travel ball. It delves into the challenges of arm injuries in baseball, the importance of friendships in the travel ball community, and the value of podcast setup upgrades. The conversation covers the value of relationships in youth sports, challenges of remote production, reflections on the PGI experience, coaching and team dynamics, and future plans and reflections. The conversation covers various aspects of the baseball experience, including the excitement of watching games and the quality of baseball being played at a young age. It also delves into the topic of flying in kids for games, the experience at Cooperstown Dreams Park, the PGI event, and the talent acclamation. Additionally, it discusses the Select Fest and the emotional impact of the list reveal. The conversation delves into the challenges of attending Select Fest, the parental perspective on youth sports, and the potential expansion of the Select Fest tournament. It also covers the opportunities and preparations for upcoming tournaments, as well as plans for future podcasts.

Takeaways

• The importance of maintaining friendships and relationships in the travel ball community
• The challenges and considerations related to arm injuries in baseball Value of relationships in youth sports
• Challenges of remote production Quality of baseball at a young age
• Challenges and experiences of youth baseball tournaments Parental support in youth sports is crucial
• Consideration for expanding tournament opportunities
• Preparation and planning for upcoming tournaments

Chapters

• 00:00 Podcast Setup Upgrade
• 01:36 Perception and Reality
• 02:19 Gifts and Surprises
• 06:18 Upgrading Jacob's Setup
• 08:02 Baseball and Future Plans
• 11:51 Pitching and Arm Injuries
• 20:16 Friendships and Travel Ball
• 23:25 The Value of Relationships
• 25:35 Challenges of Remote Production
• 32:10 The PGI Experience and Reflections
• 38:07 Coaching and Team Dynamics
• 47:18 Future Plans and Reflections
• 50:32 The Baseball Experience
• 51:30 Flying in of Kids
• 01:00:05 Cooperstown Dreams Park
• 01:04:23 PGI and Talent Acclamation
• 01:10:03 Select Fest and the List Reveal
• 01:16:12 Select Fest Dilemma
• 01:17:26 Parental Perspective
• 01:19:55 Expanding Select Fest
• 01:21:19 Tournament Opportunities
• 01:23:53 Team Selection and Preparation
• 01:26:49 Upcoming Tournaments
• 01:31:47 Podcast Plans

https://warstic.com/

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

The conversation covers the topics of youth sponsorships in sports, the impact of sponsorships on young athletes, and a contest for young baseball players. It also delves into the importance of battles in baseball and the winners of a recent contest.

Takeaways

• Youth sponsorships in sports can have a significant impact on young athletes
• The importance of battles in baseball and the winners of a recent contest

Chapters

• 00:00 Youth Sports Sponsorships
• 03:15 Impact of Sponsorships on Young Athletes
• 16:36 Baseball Battles and Contest Winners

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

The conversation covers the setup of the podcast studio, an introduction to the Travel Dads Podcast, discussions on family gatherings and preparations, clarification on previous podcast content, conversation about Otis from the South Texas Cubs, planning for the podcast in Dallas, discussion on podcast merchandise, preview of the PGI tournament and team lineup, discussion on baseball teams and tournament schedule, and observation of pool play games. The conversation covers various aspects of upcoming baseball tournaments, including game matchups, bracket play, championship format, select fest invitations, roster declarations, and discussions on tournament overlaps and breaks. The conversation delves into the balance between family time and sports commitment, the announcement of a sponsorship, and the upcoming event. It emphasizes the emotional investment in sports, open communication with coaches, and the details of the contest announcement and event attendance.

Takeaways

• Podcast studio setup and equipment discussion
• Preview of the PGI tournament and team lineup Tournament schedules and game matchups are a key focus of the conversation.
• The format and structure of championship play and select fest invitations are discussed in detail. Balancing family time and sports commitment
• Importance of open communication with coaches

Chapters

• 00:00 Setting Up the Podcast Studio
• 06:26 Introduction to the Travel Dads Podcast
• 11:36 Planning for the Podcast in Dallas
• 17:22 Preview of the PGI Tournament and Team Lineup
• 24:40 Discussion on Baseball Teams and Tournament Schedule
• 30:15 Observation of Pool Play Games
• 36:01 Bracket Play and Championship Format
• 42:32 Select Fest Invitations and Roster Declarations
• 48:10 Beast of the East and Best of the West Tournaments
• 55:28 Discussion on Tournament Overlaps and Breaks
• 01:19:34 Sponsorship and Contest Announcement
• 01:26:39 Closing Remarks and Farewell

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nextplaymentalperformance/

The mental game in youth sports is often overlooked, but it can make or break a young athlete’s love for the game. On this episode of the Travel Dads Podcast, host Jason Corley and his longtime friend Daniel Matthews—whose expertise in mental performance coaching has transformed countless young athletes—share raw, authentic stories and actionable insights about navigating mental hurdles in baseball and beyond. Daniel reveals surprising breakthroughs he’s achieved with kids as young as nine, illustrating how rapid, simple mental techniques can shift confidence and enjoyment in minutes.You’ll discover:

• How to recognize and address the invisible mental roadblocks—like performance anxiety, target panic, or self-mutilation tendencies—that hinder young athletes.
• Concrete teaching frameworks to help children process mistakes, manage fear of failure, and develop a resilient mindset.
• The importance of parents and coaches understanding that mental skills are just as trainable as physical ones—and how to start fostering this at home.
• Why prioritizing joy and fun over intense competition at young ages can actually improve future performance and love for the sport.
• How Morgan Matthews, a licensed mental performance coach, is changing the game for families by offering simple, virtual techniques that any parent or coach can learn and implement.

This episode is perfect for parents, coaches, and sports enthusiasts who want to unlock the full potential of their young athletes—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Daniel’s approach cuts through the noise of traditional coaching, emphasizing that mental health and resilience are key to sustainable success in sports and life.Whether your child is just starting out or heading into big tournaments, understanding this mental edge could transform their experience—and your journey as a parent. Hear stories of how small shifts can turn a lost love for the game into a thriving passion, all from a guy who’s been there and now helps others get there too.Sponsored by Barstown Bourbon and Green River Whiskey, celebrating the journey with a toast to memories, friendship, and the love of the game. Plus, learn about the upcoming Warstick Battle of the Summer—a wild, interactive competition where your little stars can shine, and you might even win a custom bat!If you're tired of breaking your back driving endless miles just to keep the joy alive in youth sports, and if you believe sports should be about growth, fun, and lifelong lessons, this episode will give you hope and tangible tools to make it happen.

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

The conversation covers the unexpected changes in the Riverside interface and the impact on podcasting, followed by an introduction to the Travel Dads Podcast. It then delves into sponsorship, bourbon feedback, and the controversies surrounding the Cooperstown tournament. The discussion concludes with a focus on the Wildcatters Elite and their tournament performance. The conversation covers the upcoming on-location podcasting at the PGI event and the approach to interviewing young athletes. The hosts discuss their plans to conduct podcasts at the PGI event and their approach to interviewing young athletes, emphasizing their focus on teenagers and older kids rather than younger children. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of youth baseball experiences on parents and children, highlighting the importance of protecting children from negative experiences in the sport. It explores the challenges faced by parents and the emotional toll of witnessing their children struggle in the game. The conversation emphasizes the need to redefine what a successful at-bat looks like and the importance of developing a warrior mentality in young players. The conversation delves into the impact of youth sports on building relationships and connections. It explores the power of youth sports in fostering friendships and partnerships, as well as the support needed for youth athletes in their journey. Additionally, the role of photography in capturing candid moments in youth sports is highlighted.

Takeaways

• Riverside interface changes
• Cooperstown tournament controversies On-location podcasting at PGI event
• Approach to interviewing young athletes Youth baseball experiences can have a significant emotional impact on parents and children.
• The importance of protecting children from negative experiences in youth baseball. Building relationships through youth sports
• Navigating the youth sports landscape

Chapters

• 00:00 Riverside Interface Changes
• 09:01 Sponsorship and Bourbon Feedback
• 18:58 Wildcatters Elite and Tournament Performance
• 24:14 Approach to Interviewing Young Athletes
• 54:06 The Emotional Toll on Parents and Children
• 01:23:13 The Impact of Youth Sports on Relationships

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

This week on the Travel Dads Podcast, Jason Corley and Jacob Moreno sit down with SBA Bolts National 9U Coach Jamison Blowers for an honest conversation about youth baseball, player development, coaching philosophy, and what it takes to lead one of the most talented young teams in the country.

While some people overlook 9U baseball, Coach Blowers explains why this age group may be the most important stage in a young player's development. It's where travel baseball begins, where families are introduced to the lifestyle, and where coaches have the opportunity to build confidence, teach fundamentals, and create a love for the game that lasts for years.

Jamison shares his journey from coaching T-ball and recreation baseball to leading a national-level team, discusses the challenges of coaching players from all over the country, and explains how technology, communication, and preparation help keep everyone connected despite the distance.

The conversation also dives into topics every travel baseball family can relate to:

⚾ Managing parent expectations

⚾ Coaching your own child

⚾ Building team chemistry

⚾ National tournaments and travel schedules

⚾ East Cobb World Series preparation

⚾ Developing confidence in young athletes

⚾ Why success isn't always measured by hits and home runs

⚾ The reality of travel baseball at the highest youth levels

Whether you're a coach looking for ideas, a parent navigating travel ball for the first time, or simply someone who loves youth baseball, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most competitive and rewarding levels of the game.

00:00 Introduction & Life on the Road

01:40 Welcome to the Travel Dads Podcast

03:30 Preparing for PGI, Dallas & Summer Travel

04:45 Introducing SBA Bolts National Coach Jamison Blowers

06:00 Why 9U Baseball Matters More Than People Think

09:00 Jamison's Coaching Journey

13:00 From T-Ball Coach to National Coach

18:00 When a Team Becomes a National Team

22:00 Finding Players Across the Country

24:30 Using Technology & Zoom to Coach Remote Players

28:00 Teaching Signs, Communication & Team Systems

29:30 Managing Parents in Travel Baseball

31:30 Team Dinners, Friendships & Family Culture

34:00 Travel Ball Burnout & Long-Term Relationships

38:00 Preparing for the East Cobb World Series

42:00 Building Team Chemistry Before Big Events

44:00 The Challenges of Coaching 9-Year-Olds

46:00 Coaching Your Own Child

50:00 What Makes a Successful At-Bat?

52:00 Confidence, Competition & Player Development

01:09:00 Sponsor Spotlight

01:10:00 Why Jamison Is the Right Coach for the Job

01:14:00 Warstic Battle Contest Discussion

01:23:00 Wrapping Up & Looking Ahead to Atlanta

✅ Why 9U is one of the most important ages in youth baseball

✅ How elite national teams identify and recruit talent

✅ The challenges of coaching players who live across the country

✅ Why managing parents is just as important as coaching players

✅ How to build confidence in young athletes

✅ The realities of coaching your own child

✅ What coaches actually look for beyond batting averages

✅ Why team culture matters more than trophies

🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon #TravelBaseball #YouthBaseball #BaseballParents #SBABolts #EastCobbWorldSeries #PerfectGame #TravelDadsPodcast #BaseballLife #YouthSports #BaseballCoach

https://warstic.com/

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

Most parents focus entirely on talent and stats, but what if the secret to greatness lies in mindset, character, and resilience? Ben Jenkins, co-owner and CEO of Warstic, reveals how a rockstar investor, a love for baseball, and a passion for individuality have shaped his innovative approach — and how these lessons can transform your child's journey on and off the field.In this candid conversation, Ben shares the surprising story of how Jack White, legendary musician and co-investor, became part of his baseball brand, proving that creativity and sports can collide in extraordinary ways. You'll discover how their unique partnership fuels a brand built on artistry, personality, and quality rather than hype. Plus, Ben dives into the importance of individual expression and how the right equipment can boost confidence and performance, emphasizing that it's not about which bat is hottest, but which feels best for each player.We break down practical advice for parents navigating the complex world of youth sports: how to foster a growth mindset, avoid common pitfalls like overemphasizing results, and encourage resilience through failure. From the importance of self-awareness and character to the significance of mental toughness, you'll learn why these traits matter just as much as physical talent.This episode isn’t just about bats and baseball — it's about the values, mental edges, and individuality that help kids not only succeed in sports but become confident, self-aware adults. If you want to empower your child to enjoy the game, develop grit, and express themselves uniquely, this is essential listening.Ben Jenkins is the founder, CEO, and majority owner of Warstic, a leading baseball bat manufacturer known for innovative design and a creative spirit unlike any other. His journey from player to entrepreneur, supported by iconic figures like Jack White, exemplifies how passion, purpose, and personality can drive business and life success.Perfect for parents, coaches, and players who want to see beyond the scoreboard — because true greatness starts with character, confidence, and the willingness to stand out. Hit play to unlock the mindset secrets that can elevate your child's game and life.

https://www.velocitybaseballfl.com/

https://www.bardstownbourbon.com/

https://greenriverwhiskey.com/

The conversation covers various topics, including the elite performance of twelve-year-old athletes, the impact of training and nutrition on performance, and a game-changing moment in a competition. It also delves into the controversy surrounding a specific event and ends with reflections on an incredible finish. The conversation covers topics such as building a team of alpha personalities, core values and being a good teammate, preparation and accountability, transitioning to the big field, playing the game the right way, tournament strategy and team dynamics, challenges of youth baseball, PGI vs. Best of the Best, slowing the game down, and future plans and team dismantling. The conversation delves into the conflict between the speakers and their baseball organization, the impact on player opportunities, the importance of team and organization goals, competing against each other, team withdrawal and new opportunities, preparation for upcoming events, and facility and training recommendations.

Takeaways

• Elite performance of young athletes
• Impact of training and nutrition on performance Building a team of alpha personalities
• Core values and being a good teammate
• Preparation and accountability
• Transitioning to the big field
• Playing the game the right way
• Tournament strategy and team dynamics
• Challenges of youth baseball
• PGI vs. Best of the Best
• Slowing the game down
• Future plans and team dismantling Conflict with the organization led to withdrawal and pursuit of new opportunities.
• The importance of fostering team and organization goals for player development.

Chapters

• 00:00 Setting the Stage
• 05:21 The Game-Changing Moment
• 10:28 The Final Conversation
• 16:22 Preparation and Accountability
• 21:26 Challenges of Youth Baseball
• 31:30 PGI vs. Best of the Best
• 40:23 Future Plans and Team Dismantling
• 51:36 Conflict with the Organization
• 01:01:02 Competing Against Each Other
• 01:09:03 Preparation for Upcoming Events