Pin It Forward
Fred Minnick
Fred Minnick
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!
4d ago
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 9
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? Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 2
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. Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 25
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 18
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. Support our Sponsor, Defense Soap. Get 15% off any purchase with the coupon code FORWARD. https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 11
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. Support our Sponsor, Defense Soap. Get 15% off any purchase with the coupon code FORWARD. https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 4
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 28
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
