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Pin It Forward

Pin It Forward

By: Fred Minnick
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About this listen

 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!Minnick Media Inc. Combat Sports & Self-Defense Parenting & Families Relationships Wrestling
Episodes
  • The Weight of Wrestling: Navigating Nutrition and Weight Cutting for Young Athletes

    The Weight of Wrestling: Navigating Nutrition and Weight Cutting for Young Athletes
    Aug 26 2025
    In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick, dive into a topic that resonates deeply with wrestling parents: the complexities of weight cutting and nutrition in youth wrestling. We kick off the episode by reminiscing about a memorable moment in wrestling history involving Wyatt Hendrickson and his father, highlighting the emotional connections that come with the sport. However, we quickly pivot to a more serious discussion about the pressures young athletes face regarding weight management. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Iconic Wrestling Moment00:01:00 - The Importance of Nutrition and Weight Cutting00:02:02 - Mental Aspects of Weight Cutting for Young Wrestlers00:03:44 - Youth Weight Cutting Concerns00:05:08 - The Impact of Weight Cutting on Performance00:06:25 - Personal Experiences with Weight Cutting00:07:23 - The Movement Against Weight Cutting00:08:47 - Navigating Weight Classes in Youth Wrestling00:09:39 - Cultural Influences on Weight Cutting00:10:36 - Parental Guidance on Weight Management00:11:56 - Hydration and Nutrition for Competitions00:12:22 - Nutrition Strategies for Wrestlers00:14:02 - The Balance of Nutrition and Growth00:15:29 - Challenges of Feeding Kids Healthy Foods00:17:04 - The Role of Processed Foods in Children's Health00:18:22 - Finding Ways to Encourage Vegetable Consumption00:19:34 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Nutrition00:25:45 - Wrap-Up and Future Guests
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    27 mins
  • Managing Pre-Match Nerves: Tips for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents

    Managing Pre-Match Nerves: Tips for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents
    Aug 19 2025
    Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of competition. We discuss how to handle losses gracefully and the need for parents to provide unconditional support, regardless of the outcome. Dr. Mason shares insights on how to foster a winning mindset while also preparing children for the inevitable challenges they will face in sports and life. As we wrap up, we reflect on the life lessons that wrestling imparts, from work ethic to accountability. We encourage parents to maintain a steady presence, helping their children navigate the ups and downs of competition without adding to their stress. Join us for this insightful conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a shared passion for supporting young athletes. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow wrestling parents, and pin it forward! 00:00:00 - Introduction to the PodcastWelcome back to the Pin It Forward podcast, discussing parenting and wrestling. 00:00:10 - Meet Dr. Brandon MasonIntroduction of Dr. Brandon Mason and his accomplishments. 00:00:38 - Parenting ChallengesDiscussion on the evolving relationship with children as they grow. 00:01:42 - The Joy of ParentingReflections on the gift of being a parent and shaping children's lives. 00:02:33 - Managing Pre-Match NervesIntroduction to the topic of managing nerves before competitions. 00:03:21 - Flow State in WrestlingExplaining the concept of flow state and its importance in performance. 00:04:24 - Role of Sports PsychiatristsThe increasing presence of sports psychologists in athletics. 00:05:17 - Stress in Wrestling TournamentsDescribing the stressful environment of wrestling tournaments. 00:06:49 - Eliminating Pre-Tournament StressTips on reducing stress before tournaments for both parents and kids. 00:08:48 - Individual Needs of AthletesRecognizing that every child has different needs and coping mechanisms. 00:10:02 - Warm-Up RoutinesThe importance of physical warm-ups before matches. 00:10:33 - Technology and FocusDiscussing the impact of devices on children's focus before matches. 00:11:59 - Handling Competition PressureManaging expectations when facing highly ranked opponents. 00:13:49 - Coping with LossesHow to support children after a loss and maintain a positive mindset. 00:15:56 - Mindfulness TechniquesUsing mindfulness to manage anxiety and nerves. 00:19:17 - Timing for Mat PreparationFinding the right time for kids to get ready for their matches. 00:21:11 - The Role of CoachesThe importance of having a calm and steady coach during competitions. 00:22:56 - Nutrition and Hydration PlansThe significance of proper nutrition and hydration for performance. 00:25:25 - Lessons from WrestlingHow wrestling prepares children for challenges in life. 00:28:32 - Encouraging a Strong Work EthicThe importance of effort and accountability in sports. 00:30:57 - Final Thoughts on Parenting and WrestlingConcluding thoughts on the joys and challenges of parenting in sports. 00:36:26 - Closing RemarksWrap-up of the episode and encouragement to share the podcast.
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    41 mins
  • The Parents Role In Young Wrestlers

    The Parents Role In Young Wrestlers
    Aug 12 2025
    In the debut episode of Pin It Forward, hosts Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former wrestler, and Dr. Brandon Mason, an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State and Radiologist, kick off their podcast with a passionate mission to guide parents in nurturing young wrestlers without the pressure that often plagues youth sports. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Pin It Forward Podcast00:00:14 - Purpose of the Podcast00:00:44 - Personal Experiences with Wrestling00:01:55 - The Impact of Parental Pressure00:03:33 - Wrestling vs. Team Sports00:04:20 - Encouragement Over Criticism00:05:42 - Brandon's Wrestling Background00:08:01 - The Role of Supportive Coaches00:09:43 - The Importance of Trust in Relationships00:10:56 - Verbal Criticism vs. Physical Criticism00:12:52 - Building Resilience in Young Athletes00:16:06 - Effort Over Outcome00:19:11 - The Balance of Toughness and Support00:20:40 - Future Topics for the Podcast00:24:40 - Conclusion and Call to Action
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    27 mins
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