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!
The Power of High School Coaches With Keith Massey, Hall of Fame Member
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
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27 Jan 2026
Building Champions: Ben Clymer, Head Coach of Faith Christian Academy
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.
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20 Jan 2026
World Champion Vougar Arujau: The Art of Coaching
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.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
20 ratings
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