Welcome to Pin It Forward, the podcast where wrestling grit meets parenting wisdom, hosted by Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former wrestler, and Dr. Brandon Mason, an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State and Radiologist. As parents of young wrestlers themselves, Fred and Brandon draw on their deep roots in the sport and their firsthand experiences to guide listeners through the highs and lows of raising kids in wrestling—and youth sports in general.
Having seen too many parents yelling from the sidelines at tournaments, Fred and Brandon are on a mission to help moms and dads support their young athletes without adding undue pressure. Through candid conversations, personal stories from their wrestling journeys, and exclusive interviews with special guests—Olympic medalists, coaches, athletes, and sports psychology experts—they share actionable strategies for fostering resilience, confidence, and a love for the sport. From balancing encouragement with discipline to navigating the emotional intensity of competition, Pin It Forward equips parents with the tools to raise successful, well-rounded athletes.
Whether you’re a wrestling family or involved in any youth sport, this podcast offers universal insights to help kids thrive on and off the mat. Join Fred and Brandon for heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and a celebration of the values that make sports a powerful force for growth. Listen to Pin It Forward on all major podcast platforms and start pinning it forward for the next generation!
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Welcome to Pin It Forward, the podcast where wrestling grit meets parenting wisdom, hosted by Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former wrestler, and Dr. Brandon Mason, an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State and Radiologist. As parents of young wrestlers themselves, Fred and Brandon draw on their deep roots in the sport and their firsthand experiences to guide listeners through the highs and lows of raising kids in wrestling—and youth sports in general.
Having seen too many parents yelling from the sidelines at tournaments, Fred and Brandon are on a mission to help moms and dads support their young athletes without adding undue pressure. Through candid conversations, personal stories from their wrestling journeys, and exclusive interviews with special guests—Olympic medalists, coaches, athletes, and sports psychology experts—they share actionable strategies for fostering resilience, confidence, and a love for the sport. From balancing encouragement with discipline to navigating the emotional intensity of competition, Pin It Forward equips parents with the tools to raise successful, well-rounded athletes.
Whether you’re a wrestling family or involved in any youth sport, this podcast offers universal insights to help kids thrive on and off the mat. Join Fred and Brandon for heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and a celebration of the values that make sports a powerful force for growth. Listen to Pin It Forward on all major podcast platforms and start pinning it forward for the next generation!
Managing Pre-Match Nerves: Tips for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents
Pin It Forward
42 minutes
3 months ago
Managing Pre-Match Nerves: Tips for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of competition. We discuss how to handle losses gracefully and the need for parents to provide unconditional support, regardless of the outcome. Dr. Mason shares insights on how to foster a winning mindset while also preparing children for the inevitable challenges they will face in sports and life.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the life lessons that wrestling imparts, from work ethic to accountability. We encourage parents to maintain a steady presence, helping their children navigate the ups and downs of competition without adding to their stress.
Join us for this insightful conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a shared passion for supporting young athletes. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow wrestling parents, and pin it forward!
00:00:00 - Introduction to the PodcastWelcome back to the Pin It Forward podcast, discussing parenting and wrestling.
00:00:10 - Meet Dr. Brandon MasonIntroduction of Dr. Brandon Mason and his accomplishments.
00:00:38 - Parenting ChallengesDiscussion on the evolving relationship with children as they grow.
00:01:42 - The Joy of ParentingReflections on the gift of being a parent and shaping children's lives.
00:02:33 - Managing Pre-Match NervesIntroduction to the topic of managing nerves before competitions.
00:03:21 - Flow State in WrestlingExplaining the concept of flow state and its importance in performance.
00:04:24 - Role of Sports PsychiatristsThe increasing presence of sports psychologists in athletics.
00:05:17 - Stress in Wrestling TournamentsDescribing the stressful environment of wrestling tournaments.
00:06:49 - Eliminating Pre-Tournament StressTips on reducing stress before tournaments for both parents and kids.
00:08:48 - Individual Needs of AthletesRecognizing that every child has different needs and coping mechanisms.
00:10:02 - Warm-Up RoutinesThe importance of physical warm-ups before matches.
00:10:33 - Technology and FocusDiscussing the impact of devices on children's focus before matches.
00:11:59 - Handling Competition PressureManaging expectations when facing highly ranked opponents.
00:13:49 - Coping with LossesHow to support children after a loss and maintain a positive mindset.
00:15:56 - Mindfulness TechniquesUsing mindfulness to manage anxiety and nerves.
00:19:17 - Timing for Mat PreparationFinding the right time for kids to get ready for their matches.
00:21:11 - The Role of CoachesThe importance of having a calm and steady coach during competitions.
00:22:56 - Nutrition and Hydration PlansThe significance of proper nutrition and hydration for performance.
00:25:25 - Lessons from WrestlingHow wrestling prepares children for challenges in life.
00:28:32 - Encouraging a Strong Work EthicThe importance of effort and accountability in sports.
00:30:57 - Final Thoughts on Parenting and WrestlingConcluding thoughts on the joys and challenges of parenting in sports.
00:36:26 - Closing RemarksWrap-up of the episode and encouragement to share the podcast.
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Pin It Forward
Welcome to Pin It Forward, the podcast where wrestling grit meets parenting wisdom, hosted by Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former wrestler, and Dr. Brandon Mason, an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State and Radiologist. As parents of young wrestlers themselves, Fred and Brandon draw on their deep roots in the sport and their firsthand experiences to guide listeners through the highs and lows of raising kids in wrestling—and youth sports in general.
Having seen too many parents yelling from the sidelines at tournaments, Fred and Brandon are on a mission to help moms and dads support their young athletes without adding undue pressure. Through candid conversations, personal stories from their wrestling journeys, and exclusive interviews with special guests—Olympic medalists, coaches, athletes, and sports psychology experts—they share actionable strategies for fostering resilience, confidence, and a love for the sport. From balancing encouragement with discipline to navigating the emotional intensity of competition, Pin It Forward equips parents with the tools to raise successful, well-rounded athletes.
Whether you’re a wrestling family or involved in any youth sport, this podcast offers universal insights to help kids thrive on and off the mat. Join Fred and Brandon for heartfelt discussions, practical tips, and a celebration of the values that make sports a powerful force for growth. Listen to Pin It Forward on all major podcast platforms and start pinning it forward for the next generation!
