Pin It Forward

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 Massey joins 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 Use Code FORWARD  to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: ⁠https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/  Learn more about your ad choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  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

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

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.  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

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. This and other episodes are sponsored by Defense Soap: https://www.defensesoap.com 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Farm," a fantastic wrestling training facility, founder Coleman Scott joins Fred and Brand, who was Coleman's teammate at Oklahoma State. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the spirit of wrestling, and it set the perfect backdrop for our conversation. 00:00:00 - Welcome to The FarmIntroduction to the podcast setting and guest Coleman Scott. 00:01:00 - Wrestling Dads and Lessons LearnedColeman shares insights on coaching kids and what he learned from observing wrestling dads. 00:02:00 - Juicy Dad StoriesDiscussion about wrestling dads getting kicked out of tournaments and the behavior of parents. 00:03:00 - The Role of Parents in WrestlingColeman talks about the importance of parental behavior and its impact on kids in wrestling. 00:04:00 - The Crazy World of Wrestling MomsA light-hearted take on the intensity of wrestling moms compared to dads. 00:05:00 - Balancing Competition and FunThe importance of keeping wrestling enjoyable for kids while still fostering competition. 00:06:00 - Parenting and Coaching DynamicsColeman discusses the challenges of being a coach and a parent simultaneously. 00:07:00 - Positive Coaching EnvironmentThe significance of maintaining a positive atmosphere in wrestling clubs and practices. 00:08:00 - Communication with ParentsHow Coleman manages communication with parents at The Farm. 00:09:00 - Creating a Safe Space for KidsThe importance of separating parents from the wrestling room to foster a better environment for kids. 00:10:00 - Handling Kids' Emotions in SportsColeman shares strategies for dealing with kids' emotional responses during practice and competition. 00:11:00 - The Importance of EncouragementDiscussing the need for positive reinforcement rather than criticism. 00:12:00 - Effort Over ResultsThe focus on effort and personal growth rather than just winning. 00:13:00 - Navigating Internal PressureHow to help kids manage the internal pressures they face in sports. 00:14:00 - The Role of Fun in WrestlingThe balance between hard work and enjoyment in wrestling training. 00:15:00 - Parent Camp ConceptColeman shares his idea for a parent camp to educate parents on supporting their kids. 00:16:00 - Father-Son Camp PlansDetails about an upcoming father-son camp and its objectives. 00:17:00 - Coaching Across Different LevelsColeman reflects on his coaching experiences from youth to elite levels. 00:18:00 - The Dangers of SpecializationDiscussion on the risks of early specialization in sports. 00:19:00 - Influence of Social Media on KidsThe impact of social media on young athletes and their perceptions of success. 00:20:00 - Weight Cutting in Youth SportsColeman's strong stance against weight cutting for young athletes. 00:21:00 - Encouraging Diverse Sports ParticipationThe importance of encouraging kids to participate in multiple sports. 00:22:00 - The Value of Sports in LifeColeman discusses how sports teach valuable life lessons. 00:23:00 - The Pressure of WinningExploring the balance between competition and the love of the sport. 00:24:00 - Effort and Love in SportsThe connection between effort, love for the sport, and success. 00:25:00 - Handling Kids' Specialization DesiresStrategies for managing kids who want to specialize in one sport. 00:26:00 - The Importance of CommunicationHow to effectively communicate with kids about their sports experiences. 00:27:00 - The Role of Social Media in Youth SportsColeman shares his views on the negative effects of social media on young athletes. 00:28:00 - The Impact of Online CriticismDiscussion on the challenges athletes face from online critics and forums. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, we dive into the specialization of children in wrestling and the timing for entering national tournaments. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Specialization in Wrestling00:01:00 - The Chaos of Youth Sports00:02:30 - Comparing Wrestling to Other Sports00:03:30 - When to Start National Tournaments00:05:00 - The Importance of Tough Competition00:06:00 - Life Experiences in Sports00:07:30 - Memorable Family Moments00:09:00 - Assessing Competition Levels00:10:30 - Listening to Coaches00:12:00 - The Role of Coaches in Tournament Decisions00:13:30 - Finding Success in Wrestling00:15:00 - The Value of Individual Coaching00:16:30 - Wrestling Experiences and Stories00:18:00 - The Benefits of Wrestling Camps00:19:30 - Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation00:21:00 - The Debate on Specialization00:22:30 - Childhood Activity and Health00:24:00 - The Importance of Staying Active00:25:30 - Complementary Sports for Wrestlers00:27:00 - Concerns About Football and Injuries00:28:30 - Personal Injury Stories00:30:00 - The Impact of Specialization on Injuries00:31:30 - Finding Balance in Training00:42:00 - Conclusion: The Wrestling Family Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices