In this powerful and thoughtful episode of the Especially for Athletes podcast, hosts Dustin Smith and Shad Martin sit down with Cody Hagen, standout wide receiver at Brigham Young University, to discuss far more than football.

From elite performance and resilience to mental health, social media pressures, and competing without contempt, Cody offers a rare, honest look into the life of a Division I athlete navigating the sportlight with humility, faith, and purpose.

• From High School Stardom to Division I Football
  Cody reflects on his journey from Corner Canyon High School to BYU, including his experience returning from a two-year mission and rebuilding his body for elite competition.
• Training with Intentionality
  Practical advice for athletes preparing for high-level sports—especially those returning from time away—highlighting sprint work, explosive lifts, and discipline in small daily habits.
• “Eyes Up, Do the Work” in Real Life
  Cody shares how this core Especially for Athletes principle has evolved for him—from noticing others in school hallways to being fully present in meetings, workouts, and relationships at the college level.
• Winning the Hour
  A deep discussion on focus, distraction, and being where your feet are in a world full of noise—drawing parallels between E4A principles and the culture at BYU football.
• Mental Health & Social Media
  Cody speaks candidly about why he stepped away from Instagram, the emotional toll of online criticism (including hostile DMs from adults), and why even “mentally strong” athletes are affected.
• Competing Without Contempt
  Powerful insights into fan behavior, sportsmanship, and why tearing athletes down—especially after mistakes—misses the heart of competition.
• Brotherhood & Team Culture
  Cody describes the culture under Coach Kalani Sitake: fierce competition balanced with love, accountability, and care for teammates—on and off the field.
• Resilience After Disappointment
  Lessons learned from falling short of playoff goals and responding with composure, hunger, and renewed commitment during the bowl game and offseason.
• Using the Sportlight to Bless Others
  From visiting elementary schools to mentoring younger athletes, Cody embraces the opportunity—and responsibility—to lift others through his platform.

• “No one wants to succeed more than the players on the field.”
• “Even strong people are affected by what they read online.”
• “If you want to perform better than most, you have to win each hour.”
• “Everyone you see is fighting something.”

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Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

In this captivating episode of "Especially for Athletes Podcast," we have the privilege of sitting down with All-Pro NFL Safety and New England Patriot, Brenden Schooler. Join us as we dive deep into Brenden's remarkable journey, exploring the core values of work ethic, resilience, and the invaluable lessons learned both on and off the field. Brenden shares insights into his experiences playing under the legendary Bill Belichick, offering a glimpse into the mindset required to thrive in one of the most competitive environments in professional sports. From the relentless pursuit of excellence to the unwavering commitment to teamwork, Brenden's reflections on his time with the Patriots provide invaluable wisdom for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. Throughout the episode, we uncover the defining moments that have shaped Brenden's career, from overcoming setbacks to seizing opportunities with unwavering determination. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering belief in one's abilities, inspiring listeners to embrace the challenges they face with courage and resilience. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a dedicated coach, or a supportive parent, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to unlock their full potential and achieve greatness both on and off the field. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment with Brenden Schooler, a true champion in every sense of the word. Key Discussion Points: • The importance of work ethic in achieving success in sports and life. • Insights into playing under the guidance of coaching legend Bill Belichick. • Overcoming adversity and bouncing back stronger than ever. • Lessons learned from triumphs and setbacks on the field. • Advice for athletes, parents, and coaches on cultivating resilience and determination. Tune in now to gain invaluable insights from one of the NFL's brightest stars

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Especially for Athletes: • Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO

Resilience isn’t always forged in the big, dramatic moments. More often, it’s built quietly—hour by hour, decision by decision—when no one is watching. In Episode 157 of the Especially for Athletes podcast, Navy Midshipman linebacker Marcus Bleazard shares a powerful perspective on resilience that applies to every athlete, student, and leader navigating demanding seasons of life.

Marcus describes the relentless rhythm of life at the United States Naval Academy: early mornings, classes stacked back-to-back, meetings, practice, study, and doing it all again the next day. Like every athlete, he admits there are moments when motivation is thin—when the bed is warm, the weight feels heavy, or the books feel endless. What keeps him going isn’t waiting for a massive breakthrough, but learning to look for “flecks of gold” in the grind. Not every day produces a highlight-reel moment. Some days, resilience looks like finding one small win and choosing to show up anyway.

That mindset perfectly reflects one of our core principles at Especially for Athletes: Win the Hour. Marcus reminds us that resilience isn’t about loving every task—it’s about attacking the task in front of you with heart and focus. Study sessions may not feel inspiring. Practices may feel monotonous. But when athletes learn to search for small progress—one rep, one page, one assignment completed—they build momentum that compounds over time.

Throughout the episode, Marcus also reinforces the power of identity and self-talk. Injuries, setbacks, and doubt are inevitable. What matters is how we speak to ourselves in those moments. Resilience grows when we don’t negotiate with the voice that tells us to quit, but instead talk to ourselves—reminding ourselves who we are, what we’ve overcome, and why we belong. That’s resilience rooted not in hype, but in disciplined belief.

Episode 157 is a reminder that resilience isn’t flashy. It’s faithful. It’s choosing effort over excuses, love over contempt, and progress over perfection. If you’re in a season that feels repetitive, demanding, or discouraging, Marcus Bleazard’s message will help you reframe the grind and rediscover purpose in the process.

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Especially for Athletes:
• Website: https://e4a.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/
• X: https://x.com/E4Afamily
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #E4APodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Dustin Smith & Shad Martin
Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO