In this episode, I break down my Top 10 sports nostalgia moments, with a couple of honorable mentions thrown in for good measure. From Backyard Baseball and MLB 2K to Sunday Night Baseball, NHL on NBC, Lob City, Little League memories, and the old SportsCenter era, this list is a trip back through the teams, players, events, and sports culture that made growing up a fan so much fun.

I also open with a bigger idea: why nostalgia hits so hard in the first place. My take is that nostalgia is powerful not because the past was perfect, but because it feels safe. Looking back on moments that have already been resolved can make them feel warmer, simpler, and more meaningful. This episode is all about revisiting those sports memories that still stick with us and asking what made them so special.

Whether you agree with my list or think I left something off, this is a fun one for anyone who loves sports and remembers the eras, moments, and feelings that made fandom great.

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Zak Blair — former All-American player, professional baseball player, college coach, scout, and now the owner of B2 Baseball and B2 Fastpitch in Ohio.

Zak’s journey through the game is one built on performance, resilience, and purpose. From growing up in Jefferson, Ohio, to earning Under Armour All-American honors in high school, he went on to compete at the Division I level at Winthrop before transferring to Mercyhurst, where he put together a record-breaking season and earned All-American recognition. His summer in the Cape Cod League further cemented his reputation, as he became an All-Star, the only Division II starter in the All-Star Game, and the recipient of the Daniel Silva Sportsmanship Award.

We talk through his path from college standout to being drafted by the Chicago Cubs, the lessons he learned in professional baseball, and how his experiences in scouting and college coaching helped shape the philosophy he brings into player development today.

Zak also shares the vision behind B2 Baseball and B2 Fastpitch, what separates the organization from others, how he develops both the physical and mental side of athletes, and what players and parents often misunderstand about recruiting.

This episode is full of insight for players, coaches, and parents who care about long-term development, doing things the right way, and building something that lasts.

Interested in the B2 Bulls? Check it out here: https://b2baseball.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Carnes — educator, coach, and founder of Mental Training Plan — to explore how athletes can train their mindset with the same intentionality they train their bodies.

Ben’s career began in education and coaching. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University and a master’s in Athletic Administration and Coaching from North Central University, he spent 15 years as a high school teacher and varsity football coach in the Westfield Washington School District. Those years on the sidelines and in the classroom gave him firsthand exposure to the pressure, expectations, and emotional challenges athletes face every day.

That experience led to a powerful question:
How do you train confidence, composure, and focus the same way you train strength and skill?

From that question, Mental Training Plan was born — a structured, research-backed system designed to help athletes regulate emotions, control their reactions, and perform at their best when moments matter most.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Ben’s path from teacher and coach to founder
• The lessons he learned about pressure and performance at the high school level
• The origin and framework of his company
• An in-depth look at “The Focus Cycle” and how it shapes mental performance
• Where mental training is headed in the next five years

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode offers practical insight into building confidence, consistency, and competitive composure.

Because when the game speeds up, your mindset can’t.

Here is the link to Ben's company, Mental Training Plan

https://www.mentaltrainingplan.com/