Episodes

Send us a text What if an unranked high school team could go all the way to win the state championship against all odds? Join us as we sit down with Brad Burns, head baseball coach at Pleasure Ridge Parkway High School in Louisville, Kentucky, who led his team to the 2024 Kentucky State Championship. Coach Burns shares the heartwarming and inspiring journey of his players, especially highlighting the pivotal roles of nine dedicated seniors, only three of whom played in the title game. You'll gai...

Send us a text Can failure be your greatest ally on the baseball field? Join us as we uncover how embracing setbacks can lead to extraordinary growth and resilience, transforming not just players, but entire teams. Drawing from my 27 years of coaching experience and insights from psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, we explore how a growth mindset can turn frequent failures into powerful learning opportunities. We highlight inspiring stories like Derek Jeter's unwavering perseverance and the Kansas Cit...

Send us a text Ever wondered how a high school baseball field can shape the game and the players who step onto it? Get ready to be inspired by Colin Seely, creator of High School Baseball Fields of America on X, as he shares his journey of celebrating these iconic fields and their unsung heroes—the coaches who keep them immaculate. Joined by first-time co-host Chris Huesman, we explore the transition from player to coach and the crucial role of assistant coaches in a team's success. Chris also o...

Send us a text Can harsh words from parents truly shatter a young athlete's spirit? Uncover the deep psychological impacts of negative parental feedback on high school baseball players in our latest episode of Baseball Coaches Unplugged. With 27 years of coaching experience, I, Ken Carpenter, share real-life scenarios and expert insights on how critical comments can erode a player's confidence, love for the game, and overall mental well-being. Learn why statements like "How could you miss that p...

Send us a text Curious about how to transform your base running game and elevate your defensive skills? Join us in this episode of Baseball Coaches Unplugged where we promise you'll uncover the secrets to mastering these critical aspects of the game with Cody Dennis, former base running coach at Eckerd College and host of the Baseball Blueprint podcast. Cody takes us through his evolution from player to coach, shedding light on the unique hurdles of coaching peers and the groundbreaking strategi...

Send us a text Ever wondered what separates a good coach from an elite one? Learn from Ryan McGinnis, a two-time Wisconsin State Championship baseball coach and Athletic Director, as he shares the secrets behind his success and the indispensable role of high effort from everyone involved in the game. From players to umpires, Ryan discusses the expectation of giving one's best and the crucial qualities he seeks when hiring coaches. Our episode also takes you on a journey through Ryan's beloved Do...

Send us a text Join our podcast where experienced baseball coach Ken Carpenter delves into the world of travel baseball, offering insights on baseball coaching, leadership skills, hitting skills, pitching strategy, defensive skills, and overall baseball strategy, while also covering high school and college baseball, recruiting tips, sports coaching, and fostering a winning mentality and attitude in baseball players through strong baseball leadership and mentality. The podcast helping baseball co...

Send us a Text Message. Can you handle constructive criticism like a pro? Discover how mastering the art of receiving feedback can elevate your game and transform your approach to improvement. In this episode of Athlete 1 Podcast, we unpack the essentials of active listening, asking clarifying questions, and expressing gratitude when receiving feedback from coaches, teammates, and mentors. By focusing on the message rather than its delivery, you'll learn how to take feedback in stride and use it...

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered what it takes to build a state championship-winning high school baseball team? Today, we're sitting down with Max Newill, the head coach at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in New Jersey, who will share the secrets behind his team's success. From setting sky-high standards and scheduling tough games to emphasizing consistent practice, Max reveals the blueprint for creating winners on and off the field. But it’s not all about baseball; Max also opens up about ...

Send us a Text Message. What if your body language could make or break your athletic career? Join veteran high school baseball coach Ken Carpenter on Athlete 1 as he uncovers the extraordinary influence of non-verbal communication on sports performance and recruitment. This episode is packed with insights on how maintaining positive body language, even under the most intense pressure, can give athletes the edge they need to impress college scouts and elevate their game. Ken offers practical stra...

Send us a Text Message. What role do parents really play in the success of young athletes? On this episode of the Athlete 1 Podcast, we sit down with three-time state champion head baseball coach Mark Monaghan, who has recently made a triumphant return to his alma mater, Starkville High School in Mississippi. Coach Monaghan takes us on a journey through his remarkable success at DeSoto Central High School, emphasizing the crucial support from parents that has been instrumental in his coaching ca...

Send us a Text Message. What if losing was more valuable than winning? Join us as we explore this intriguing idea with the legendary retired West Virginia University Head Baseball Coach Randy Mazey and his wife, Amanda Mazey. Randy takes us through his incredible journey of transforming a struggling baseball program into a state-supported powerhouse while Amanda shares her perspective as a supportive spouse and former TV sports reporter. Discover how Randy's retirement has brought a stress-free ...

Send us a Text Message. Uncover the secrets to conquering performance anxiety in baseball from the unique perspective of sports psychologist Dr. Paige Roberts. As a former Division I athlete, Dr. Roberts shares her compelling journey of overcoming physical injuries and mental challenges that pushed her toward a career in sports psychology. We discuss how the slow pace of baseball can fuel anxiety and explore practical techniques to help players manage and reduce these feelings. Additionally, Dr....

Ever wondered what it takes to build and sustain a championship-winning high school baseball program? Join us as Jess Smith, head baseball coach at Russellville High School, shares his incredible journey from being a college catcher to leading one of Alabama's top high school teams. Listen to how his transformative experiences and the legacy of former coaches Chris Heaps and Jay Stanley continue to shape the powerhouse that is Russellville's baseball team. Jess also gives us a glimpse into his l...

What if a life-altering injury could become the catalyst for an extraordinary career? Join us as we sit down with Skylar Meade, head baseball coach at Troy University, to uncover the incredible path that took him from a promising college athlete at the University of Louisville to the helm of one of the nation's top baseball programs. Skylar opens up about the shoulder injury that changed his trajectory and the coaching principles he developed to ensure his players flourish under his guidance. He...

Ever wondered how a Major League Baseball manager uses intentional ejections to boost team morale? Clint Hurdle, former manager of the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, shares a treasure trove of stories from his illustrious career, combining humor and wisdom in equal measure. Join us as Clint reveals how his unexpected role in homeschooling his children during the COVID-19 pandemic helped him reconnect with his family in ways he never anticipated. This section is filled with heartfelt mo...

Discover how a winning culture triumphs over a fixation on metrics as Mike Stafford, the distinguished head baseball coach at Big Walnut High School, joins us to share his coaching philosophy. Mike dives into the art of instilling confidence in players and creating a team that can handle the pressures of the game regardless of their future baseball endeavors. From his transition from collegiate to high school coaching, we explore how to build and maintain a team dynamic where players with varyin...

Unpack the complexities of youth travel baseball with Ken Carpenter as we welcome Hall of Fame high school and current travel baseball coach Mike Yinger to the Athlete 1 Podcast. You'll get to the heart of what it takes to raise athletes in today's competitive landscape, from handling financial demands to encouraging multi-sport participation. This episode is not just another play-by-play; it's a candid and valuable playbook for anyone involved in youth sports. Explore the fine line between fost...

Season two of the Athlete One Podcast hits the ground running with a double-header that's set to captivate baseball enthusiasts and sports fans alike. On May 15th, tune in for two podcasts to kick off season 2! Take a breather from your routine, and let's huddle up for a fascinating exploration with Clint Hurdle, the esteemed former skipper of the Colorado Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates. We're going off the beaten path, illuminating Clint's storied journey through the major leagues, not jus...

As we cross the 100-episode finish line, I, Ken Carpenter, invite you to a celebration of human spirit through the lens of sports. It's more than just a century of episodes; it's a mosaic of victories, heartbreaks, and the resilience that defines both the athlete and the coach. We're pulling back the curtain on the gripping ascension of Tim Dillard to the major leagues, where humor meets the gravity of a lifelong dream unfolding amidst the grandeur of a Washington D.C. stadium. And in the spirit...

Every seasoned player knows the crack of the bat isn't just about hits and home runs; it's about the life lessons learned on the diamond. Sit back as I, Ken Carpenter, chat with Otterbein University's esteemed baseball head coach, George Powell. Celebrating his 600th career win, Coach Powell doesn't just recount his victories but shares the heart of the game, the mentorship that shapes young players, and the life-changing moments that reverberate far beyond the outfield. Strap in for an emotiona...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to stand at the helm of a high school baseball team, to orchestrate a victory from the dugout, or to mold young athletes into champions both on and off the field? Tom Neubert, the esteemed head coach at DeSales High School, joins us to paint a vivid picture of the high-stakes world of high school baseball. His tales of nail-biting victories, intense rivalries, and the camaraderie among coaches will leave you on the edge of your seat, while his insights on fo...

Join us as coach DJ Butler of Barnesville High School (OH) sits across from me, Ken Carpenter, and we unravel the playbook to success that transcends mere wins and losses. We dissect the crucial foundations set by youth programs and the ethos of self-improvement that can turn any coach into an architect of victory. Our conversation ventures into the unique terrain of small-town sports, where each player's contribution is magnified, and the challenges of indoor practices are met with inventive st...

When life throws a curveball, how do we strike back? Nick Sweeney, a former Division I cross-country skier, joins us to recount his harrowing journey from Olympic aspirations to the depths of depression following a career-halting injury. His powerful narrative is not just about sports; it's a roadmap for anyone facing their own personal mountains. Through Nick's eyes, we learn the profound impact of breathwork—a seemingly simple practice with the strength to transform both body and mind. Feel th...