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/

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Jarrod Britt, Head Baseball Coach at Cape Fear High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, an educator, and one of the most authentic voices in high school coaching today. With 17 years of classroom experience teaching Civic Literacy and AP Government, Coach Britt has dedicated his life to developing young people both on and off the field.

Jarrod shares his journey growing up in Columbus County, North Carolina, falling in love with baseball, and how his own experiences as a high school and college player at UNC–Pembroke shaped the coach and educator he would become. He opens up about choosing a path in education, earning his degrees in Social Studies Education and History, and the lessons he learned during his early years balancing teaching and coaching multiple sports.

We dive deep into his time at Cape Fear High School, including the program's growth, the leadership principles that have driven success, and the standards he instills in his players to prepare them for life beyond baseball. Jarrod also discusses how his coaching philosophy has evolved over time and what it takes to build a culture rooted in accountability, development, and trust.

Finally, we explore his widely recognized presence on TikTok, where he shares honest insights into coaching, teaching, and mentoring young athletes. Jarrod explains what inspired him to start creating content, how it has impacted his career, and why authenticity and connection are at the center of everything he does.

This episode is a powerful look at the role high school coaches and teachers play in shaping lives, building character, and making a lasting impact far beyond the game.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Gilbertson, former All-ACC and All-Region pitcher at the University of Pittsburgh and one of the fastest-rising minds in college baseball player development. Matt’s journey through the game has taken him from junior college standout to ACC ace, from professional pitcher to developer of MLB talent, and now into a key coaching role at UNC Asheville.

A Henderson, Nevada native, Matt begins by walking us through his early baseball days, his recruiting process, and how he earned his way from the College of Southern Nevada to Pitt. We dive into his playing career in the ACC—what it takes to succeed in one of the most demanding conferences in college baseball, how he developed on the mound, and what separated him during his time as a Panther.

From there, Matt breaks down his transition into coaching, including his time as Associate Head Coach, Pitching Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Saint Katherine, where he gained valuable experience working in the NAIA. He then shares insight into his return to Pitt as Director of Player Development, where he led analytics efforts, managed summer ball placement, and helped guide multiple pitchers to professional contracts.

We close the episode with Matt’s current role at UNC Asheville, discussing his first fall with the program, his vision for the pitching staff, and how the Bulldogs approach recruiting. Matt offers clear advice for players looking to get recruited, the traits he values most in pitchers, and how athletes can position themselves to earn opportunities at the next level.

This episode provides a detailed look at the modern path through college baseball—from recruiting and development to analytics, coaching, and professional preparation—through the lens of someone who has experienced every step firsthand.

In this episode, we sit down with Marc Marizzaldi, one of the most accomplished leaders in college baseball and the architect behind Seton Hill University Baseball. When Marc took over the program in 2003, Seton Hill Baseball was starting from scratch—no tradition, no facilities, and no blueprint. More than two decades later, the Griffins have become a national powerhouse in NCAA Division II baseball.

Under Marc’s leadership, Seton Hill has accumulated over 770 wins, captured twelve regular-season division titles, five conference championships, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, and reached the World Series three times. His success spans multiple eras, from the program’s early rise in the NAIA to sustained dominance in the PSAC, including Seton Hill’s first PSAC championship in any sport.

Marc takes us through his journey—from his playing days at Duquesne University, to his early coaching stops, and ultimately to the challenge of building a program from the ground up. We dive deep into the realities of creating culture, overcoming early obstacles, learning from failures, and sustaining excellence year after year in a competitive landscape.

The conversation also explores Marc’s impact beyond wins and losses. 16 players have gone on to professional baseball, including 6 MLB Draft picks, and Seton Hill has consistently produced All-Americans, All-Conference performers, and nationally recognized academic success. We also discuss how Marc has developed not just players, but coaches, with multiple former assistants advancing to Division I roles and head coaching positions.

We close with reflections on leadership, longevity, motivation, and legacy—what it truly means to build something lasting in college athletics.

This episode is a masterclass in program building, leadership, player development, and sustained success, from someone who has lived every step of the journey.

We’re back with a full solo episode this week, no interview, after a much-needed winter break. I kick things off by talking about the reset: time to rest, recharge, visit family, get organized, and officially upgrade the podcast setup with new gear. Let me know how the new mic sounds.

From there, we dive into the main event: my Top 5 MLB players at every position from 2000–2025, with honorable mentions included for each group. This list is unapologetically shaped by my childhood, my experiences watching the game, and my own baseball opinions. It’s not just rankings, but I break down accolades, statistical dominance, longevity, postseason impact, and what made these players special during their era.

The episode moves position by position:

• Catcher

• First Base

• Second Base

• Shortstop

• Third Base

• Outfield

• Designated Hitter

• Starting Pitching

• Bullpen Arms

Each section includes an honorable mention and context for why players landed where they did. From Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols, to Chipper Jones and Barry Bonds, to legends on the mound like Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martínez, and Mariano Rivera, this episode is a full walk-through of 25 years of MLB greatness.

Whether you agree or disagree with the rankings, this episode is meant to spark debate, nostalgia, and appreciation for an incredible era of baseball.

Sit back, enjoy the breakdown, and let me know where you think I got it right... or completely wrong.

In this episode, we sit down with Hadara Katarski to explore the silent battles college athletes face. The challenges that often go unseen but heavily impact performance, confidence, and well-being. Drawing from her firsthand work with athletes during the Fall 2025 semester, Hadara breaks down the three most common issues she observed: coach–athlete communication breakdowns, injury recovery struggles, and declining confidence.

We begin with the complexities of coach–athlete communication, unpacking how misinterpretation, tone, timing, and feedback style can quietly erode trust and confidence. Hadara explains how well-intentioned coaching messages can land differently than expected, creating a cycle of frustration, anxiety, and performance decline. Additionally, she provides listeners with what both coaches and athletes can do to prevent these issues from escalating.

Next, we dive into injury recovery, focusing on the psychological toll injuries take beyond physical rehab. From identity loss and isolation to pressure to return too soon, Hadara sheds light on the emotional timeline athletes experience and offers strategies to rebuild trust in the body, maintain confidence, and stay connected to the team during recovery.

Finally, we address confidence, pressure, and motivation, examining how high expectations—especially self-imposed ones—can lead athletes into negative thought patterns and burnout. Hadara shares practical tools to rebuild confidence, reframe internal dialogue, and shift from fear-based performance to competitive freedom.

This episode provides valuable insight and actionable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and parents, offering a deeper understanding of the mental and emotional challenges athletes face, and how intentional communication, support, and mindset work can make a lasting difference.