Episodes

Send us a text Football is a game of inches, but also one of immense physical sacrifice. This becomes starkly clear as former Ohio State national champion and eight-year NFL veteran Donnie Nickey pulls back the curtain on what players endure during and after their careers. The conversation begins with comprehensive coverage of Ohio's football landscape. The Buckeyes roll against Ohio University 37-9, showcasing freshman QB Julian Sayin's impressive 347-yard, 3-touchdown performance. The rece...

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 c...

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 ...

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 emotion...

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 t...

Discover the secrets of peak athletic performance with high school baseball coaching phenom Jeff Boulware, as we dissect the mental game in our most recent podcast episode. With his background at Bishop Watterston High School, Jeff brings to the table a wealth of knowledge on building confidence, combating negative self-talk, and the surprising influence of maintaining a neutral mindset. His insights provide a playbook for anyone looking to foster resilience in the face of adversity, much like t...

Ever found yourself bewildered by an athlete's sudden plunge from grace during those do-or-die moments? Get ready to unravel the mystery behind high-stakes underperformance—or as we commonly call it, 'choking'—in the latest episode of Athlete 1 . Host Ken Carpenter, a seasoned high school baseball coach, strips down the psychological armor to reveal the tender spots of anxiety, fear of failure, and the crushing weight of expectations that turn formidable players into bundles of nerves when the g...

As a coach, the leap from guiding my own kid's team to nurturing a high school squad was as thrilling as it was daunting; it's a transformation that's as much about the heart as it is about the playbook. That's why I was eager to sit down with Jimmy Filingeri, the head coach at Lourdes High School and the voice behind the Clearing the Bases Podcast. Together, we peel back the curtain on the life of a high school baseball coach, discussing how to foster trust through genuine care, the art of crea...

When Bill Murray crashes your post-game interview, you know you're in for a story worth sharing. Join us as I sit down with Jeff Letourneau, pitching coach and baseball sage, to recount an iconic moment that marries the worlds of comedy and sports. Through Jeff's eyes, we travel from an uproarious interaction with a comedic legend to the ins and outs of mentoring young Guilford High School pitchers, blending tales of on-field triumphs with the camaraderie that fills off-season golf rounds. Base...

Discover the transformative journey of Reggie Hollins, from player to revered coach and Tuskegee University Hall of Fame inductee and former head coach, alongside the wisdom of Coach Johnny Johnson of James Clemens High School that goes beyond the baseball diamond. This heartfelt conversation with two bastions of the sport illuminates not just the importance of self-belief and the storied legacy of Tuskegee University but also the way sports shape lives through teamwork, class, and teaching life...

Have you ever witnessed the intensity in the eyes of a parent at a high school sports game? It's a gaze that goes beyond pride and enters the realm of fierce competitiveness. As your host, I'm taking you through the profound effects parents have on the high school sports scene. The game has changed, and not just for the athletes - coaches, referees, and the community feel the heat too. I'm pulling back the curtain to reveal how an excessive focus on scholarships and victory is dimming the light ...

What if you could peek behind the curtain of a high school baseball team on the brink of victory, guided by a young, first year head coach? Join your host on the Athlete One Podcast for an insider look at the world of high school baseball, as we chat with Cody Paterniti, the first-year head coach at Licking Heights High School. Discover his unique approach to building trust, his penchant for blurring the line between coach and friend, and his ability to harness the power of senior players' input...

Get ready to experience the adrenaline rush as we dissect one of the biggest rivalries in college football - "The Game" Ohio State vs. Michigan. Joining us for today's exhilarating match-up discourse is none other than Zach Smith, former coach at Ohio State and host of the Menace 2 Sports podcast. In this episode, you'll get an insider's perspective on this notorious rivalry, from the exhilarating stories of on-field competition to the shocking details of a recent Michigan cheating scandal. Zach...

What does it take to craft a winning baseball program in a rural school district? How do you navigate the unique challenges and rewards that come with it? As your host, we're bringing you an in-depth conversation with three highly experienced baseball coaches - Travis Church, Randy Leach, and Buck Workman. They share their journey of building and nurturing successful baseball programs, the struggles they encountered, and the triumphs they cherish. From forging strong bonds with players to insti...

Immerse yourself in the wisdom of three-time national champion and legendary strength and conditioning coach, Tommy Moffitt. As the former head coach at LSU, Tommy knows a thing or two about molding athletes into champions. Join us, as he opens up about the intricate details of the Moffitt Method, his tried and tested strength training program that is proven successful in schools and for individual workouts. You'll feel like you're right there in the weight room with him as he passionately discu...

How often have we heard the phrase, "Failure is the stepping stone to success"? But what does it truly mean in the world of sports? How do we make sense of a missed shot, a fumbled ball, a lost game? I'm Ken Carpenter, and in this episode of Athlete 1, we explore the concept of failure, not as a dead end, but as a golden opportunity for learning and growth. Get ready for a hard-hitting discussion on mental toughness, resilience, and the power of a growth mindset. Drawing wisdom from the life an...

Are you ready to revolutionize the way you perceive and approach inner city coaching? Join us as we pick the brain of the seasoned educator and football/baseball coach, Ron Kretz. Together, we will unravel the challenges coaches face in the inner city, talk about the significance of aligning with student needs, and navigate the rising tide of negative parental behavior. We don't just stop at the problems; we also discuss solutions. Ron offers his seasoned insights and methods on leading by exam...

Master the art of perseverance and discover the incredible stories of athletes who refused to quit in this inspiring episode of the Athlete 1 Podcast. Join our host, Ken Carpenter, as he shares life-changing insights and anecdotes from the world of sports. From Mike Trout to Michael Jordan, these renowned athletes faced rejections and setbacks but chose to stay committed to their goals. Learn how they turned adversities into stepping stones for success and find motivation to push through challe...

Uncover the extraordinary journey of Brad Kamensk, a formidable force in the world of Major League Baseball, as he shares his incredible experiences from playing for six diverse teams. This episode offers an intimate look at Brad's humble beginnings in Shawnee High School, Lime, Ohio, his triumphant rise to prominence as the fourth pick in the first round of the MLB draft in 1979, to his admirable achievements in the minor leagues. Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of Brad's life, full of ...

Ever thought about the transformative power of discipline and dedication in sports? Buckle up for an inspirational journey through the highs and lows of professional baseball with Jason King, former Kansas State Wildcat and fourth round pick of the Detroit Tigers. We delve into Jason's early baseball years, revealing how his innate ability to shine in the weight room and on the field propelled him to all-state player status in Ohio. Hear about the profound influence of Coach Chris Huesman and ho...

Imagine being a bat boy for the Texas Rangers, rubbing shoulders with the giants of the game, and then going on to lead your own high school baseball team to record wins. That's exactly what our guest, Johnny Johnson, the head baseball coach at James Clemens High School in Alabama, did. Johnny takes us through his extraordinary journey, from his days with the Texas Rangers, sharing encounters with legends like Nolan Ryan, Juan Gonzalez, Pudge Rodriguez, and even future President George W. Bush, ...