Pin It Forward

Hosts Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason, a former All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State, share practical guidance for parents navigating the upcoming youth wrestling season. They cover tournament nerves, sideline behavior, food and hydration, post-match support, and keeping a child’s long-term enjoyment and growth ahead of wins and losses.

00:00 New wrestling season and the value of loving practice

03:05 Why parents should understand the demands of a match

08:35 Support, accountability, and talking through performance

12:17 Keeping tournament nerves under control

14:21 Finding a calming routine and a time to focus

16:46 Tournament food, easy-to-digest fuel, and hydration

20:31 Keeping kids occupied and building lifelong bonds

22:48 What to say after a match - and when to wait

25:05 Managing parent emotions and avoiding tournament blowups

29:07 Long-term growth matters more than youth results

34:15 Why Brandon wants the podcast to help parents

36:17 Wrestling, family, and the season ahead

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Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason return to share some mental health pointers going into the season. Don't let the pressure overtake your athlete.

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Brandon's high school team Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, was inducted into the Dan Gable Wrestling Hall of Fame. And his coach Keith Masseyjoins the show to talk about what it takes to be a successful coach at all levels. In addition to Brandon, Massey coached Trent and Travis Paulson, who were state champions, All-Americans at Iowa State, members of U.S. freestyle World teams and inductees of the Glen Brand Hall of Fame in 2017.

Key Takeaways

• High school coaches play a crucial role in shaping athletes' character.
• Building a strong community through youth wrestling is essential for success.
• Memorable moments from the 2001 team highlight their journey to greatness.
• The importance of managing individual goals during college recruitment.
• Youth wrestling programs are vital for developing future champions.
• Competition fosters growth and resilience in young athletes.
• Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling enhance technical skills and positional awareness.
• The 2001 team's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
• Maintaining a love for the sport is key to long-term success.
• The bonds formed through wrestling create lasting friendships and memories.

Thank You To Our Sponsor

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Fred and Brandon chat with Ben Clymer, the head coach of the elite Faith Christian Academy. Coach Clymer has built a high school empire, creating D1 wrestlers left and right. His belief in building wrestlers will surprise many, as he cares more about character and faith than talent.

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Note: This episode endures a few technical difficulties., but the conversation still flows!

World Champion Vougar Arujau, who's also the father of World and NCAA champ Vito Arujau, highlights the importance of understanding individuality in sports and the challenges of parenting young athletes. Vougar shares his insights on coaching and the delicate balance of supporting children in their sports endeavors while allowing them to develop their own identities.

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Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick explore the physical toll of wrestling and understanding the differences between being hurt and an actual injury.

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Brandon's former teammate at Oklahoma State, NDSU head coach Obe Blanc emphasizes a 360 approach to coaching, focusing on both athletic and personal development. He cites the importance of character and effort over past accolades in recruiting athletes. This fun episode also showcases a few anecdotes from Obe's and Brandon's college days.

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The great Terry Steiner joins Brandon and Fred to discuss holiday traditions, weight management, the importance of family time, and the life lessons learned through the sport. They delve into the transition from athlete to coach, the growth of women's wrestling, and the philosophy behind effective coaching and communication.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Traditions and Food Culture

04:00 Wrestling and Weight Management

06:59 Balancing Wrestling and Family Life

09:55 The Role of Wrestling in Personal Development

12:51 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach

15:54 The Evolution of Women's Wrestling

24:42 The Growth of Women's Wrestling in America

34:07 The Growth of Women's Wrestling

35:41 Coaching Dynamics: Men vs. Women

42:20 The Role of Relationships in Coaching

47:51 Parenting and Coaching: Lessons Learned

53:36 The Importance of Teachable Moments

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A look back on Pin It Forward's first year!

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Cowboys RTC coach Lee Roper join Fred and Brandon to discuss the pursuit and power of winning, outlining what it takes to become an elite wrestler for both the parents and athletes. Roper, a former University of Northern Iowa coach, details the desired gains at youth, middle school and high school levels. And Coach Roper also gives us all something to ponder when we cite "crazy parents" at tournaments.

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In an electrifying episode that begins with a hypo ethical food journey toMexico, Coleman Scott returns to the show to discuss accountability for your kids vs. being a crazy parent. Is it a fine line?

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Popularity in Mexico

03:38 The Culinary Delights of Mexico

06:43 Wrestling Clinics and Youth Development

09:38 Insights from the Tulsa Kickoff Tournament

12:26 Parenting Styles in Youth Sports

15:33 Accountability vs. Crazy Parenting

18:37 Balancing Discipline and Enjoyment in Sports

25:09 Understanding Burnout in Sports

26:41 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

29:26 The Importance of Post-Match Conversations

31:02 The Pressure of Competition and Financial Investment

33:19 Wrestling as a Life Preparation Tool

34:40 The Mental Toughness of Wrestlers

38:46 Tailoring Coaching to Individual Needs

43:29 Life Beyond Wrestling: Building Better Humans

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Fred and Brandon discuss cool ways to teach kids technique at home. Just don't do these in restaurants. That will get you in trouble. Just ask Fred.

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In this short episode, Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick share a few wrestling memories from past Thanksgivings. Mason, a former All American at Oklahoma State, has some advice for wrestlers chowing down this Thanksgiving.

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2025 US Open Champion, PanAm champion and 3X NCAA All American Joey McKenna joins Fred and Brandon to share the story of how he became known as "Joey Bag of Donuts," his famous pull up bar and how his youth lessons still help him today.

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All athletes face failure and adversity. This week, Brandon and Fred visit with their first returning guest--NCAA Champ and Olympic Bronze Medalist Coleman Scott--to discuss coping with fear, failure and how his preparation prepares athletes for the biggest stages.

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With Fred and Brandon, Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck explores the significance of encouragement, the role of parents, and the emotional impact of competition on young athletes. Shuck shares insights on coaching styles, youth development, and the recruiting process, highlighting the need for a supportive environment that nurtures a love for the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wrestling Community and Coaches

02:39 Building a Positive Youth Wrestling Culture

05:42 The Importance of Encouragement in Youth Sports

08:15 Coaching Styles and Youth Development

11:00 The Role of Parents in Youth Wrestling

13:51 Focusing on Effort Over Wins and Losses

16:20 The Emotional Impact of Competition on Kids

19:22 Recruiting and Parental Influence in Wrestling

22:12 Advice for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents

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This week's special guest is Howard Forrest, a dedicated father of seven and a passionate supporter of his children's athletic pursuits, particularly in wrestling. The father of world team member and No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit Jax Forrest, Howard shares insights into the challenges and joys of parenting young athletes, emphasizing the importance of encouragement, confidence-building, and maintaining family values. The conversation explores the dynamics of coaching one's own child, the significance of community support, and the need to celebrate individual successes while fostering a healthy competitive spirit among siblings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Forrest Family and Wrestling Journey

02:43 The Dynamics of Parenting in Sports

05:21 Managing a Large Family's Athletic Commitments

08:23 Jax Forrest: The Making of a Champion

10:48 The Role of Motivation and Competition

13:39 Building Confidence in Young Athletes

16:32 Coaching Challenges and Parent Dynamics

19:12 Positive Reinforcement and Learning from Losses

26:28 Balancing Coaching and Parenting

29:19 Life Beyond the Mat: Hobbies and Friendships

32:55 The Move to Pennsylvania: A Family Decision

36:38 Navigating Success and Pressure in Wrestling

40:59 Character Development and Family Values

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Hosts Fred Minnick and Brandon Mason discuss the world of youth wrestling with John Strittmatter, a prominent coach and founder of the Young Guns Wrestling Club. They explore the origins of Young Guns, the importance of fostering a love for the sport, and the balance between effort and results in youth athletics.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pin It Forward Podcast

02:41 The Impact of Young Guns Wrestling Program

05:19 John Strittmatter's Journey and Coaching Philosophy

07:43 Success Stories from Young Guns

10:28 Parenting and Coaching Dynamics

13:01 The Secret Sauce of Young Guns' Success

15:54 Balancing Coaching and Parenting

18:30 Managing Sibling Rivalry in Sports

23:17 Understanding Kids' Motivation in Sports

25:52 The Role of Parental Support and Encouragement

29:03 The Importance of Organic Growth in Passion

30:46 The Impact of Wrestling Camps on Youth Development

33:29 Navigating the High School Wrestling Landscape

36:04 The Recruiting Process and Parental Guidance

37:46 Social Media's Influence on Young Athletes

40:19 Assessing Effort vs. Results in Young Wrestlers

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Todd Hendrickson has stories about his son, Wyatt, who won the 2025 NCAA heavyweight title, is the current RAF heavyweight belt holder and 2025 World Team member. And he shares them all on Pin It Forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:21 The Early Days of Wrestling: Wyatt's Journey Begins

04:41 Mental Game: Support and Encouragement in Wrestling

06:34 Celebrating Success: The Emotional Moments

09:07 Overcoming Challenges: Staying Motivated Through Adversity

11:01 Positive Reinforcement: The Role of Rewards in Training

12:01 Transitioning to High School: Navigating New Challenges

12:59 College Decisions: The Path to the Air Force Academy

22:25 The Commitment of Military Academies: Balancing Wrestling and Service

24:18 The Journey of Wyatt Hendrickson

27:25 Coaching and Mentorship in Wrestling

28:39 Decisions and Transfers in Wrestling

30:37 The Historic Gable Match

34:43 Support and Family Dynamics

35:55 Reflections on Parenting and Growth

39:14 Future Aspirations and Community Impact

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In this episode of Pin It Forward, hosts Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason delve into the topic of transferring clubs, exploring when and why athletes might consider making a change. The conversation highlights the impact of coaching styles, the signs that indicate a need for change, and the role of competition in athlete development. They also touch on the cultural and religious aspects of wrestling, emphasizing the importance of character and consistency in coaching. The episode concludes with final thoughts on personal growth and the decision-making process involved in changing clubs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Growth

02:44 The Importance of Wrestling in Personal Development

05:25 When to Transfer Clubs in Wrestling

08:04 High-Level Transfers and Their Impact

10:54 Coaching Styles and Their Influence on Development

13:34 Signs a Kid Should Change Programs

15:58 The Role of Competition and Instruction Quality

18:44 Long-Term Development vs. Immediate Success

23:26 Preparing Young Wrestlers for Competition

26:50 The Importance of Consistency in Coaching

35:01 Making Thoughtful Decisions About Changing Clubs

38:40 The Role of Faith in Wrestling Culture

43:09 Managing Skin Health in Wrestling

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