Best Todd Merkow Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 6: College Sports, Change, and the Youth Connection with former College Commissioner Bob Dranoff 1:16:03

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3h ago1:16:03

1:16:03

Valiant Sports Society, founder and CEO, Todd Merkow talks with Bob Dranoff, longtime commissioner of the East Coast Conference (NCAA Division II), about the sweeping changes in college athletics and what they mean for families. From NIL and transfer rules to the viability of smaller colleges, Bob offers a commissioner's view on where college sport…

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Episode 5: Travel Sports, Pressure, and Perspective with Steve Borelli, USA Today 1:04:30

11h ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In this episode, Todd talks with USA Today columnist and author Steve Borelli about the rise of travel sports and their impact on families. Steve shares insights from his reporting and his own experience as a sports parent, diving into the costs, pressures, and cultural shifts shaping youth athletics today. Together, they explore how commercializat…

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Episode 4: Coaching, Culture, and Sports Parenting: A Conversation with Mike Strati 57:27

13d ago57:27

57:27

In this episode, Todd reconnects with longtime friend and coach Mike Strati to talk about the realities of youth sports from both the sidelines and the bench. Mike shares his perspective as a dad, coach, and mentor on what kids really need to thrive in today's competitive environment. Together, Todd and Mike dive into culture, coaching styles, the …

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Episode 3: From the Sidelines to the Pitch: A Dad–Daughter Youth Soccer Journey Conversation with Sydney Merkow 1:06:37

23d ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Todd and his daughter Sydney revisit her years in competitive soccer — from early youth leagues to the pressures of high school and club play. Sydney shares what it was like to balance joy with expectations, mental health, navigate challenging health issues, and grow as both a leader and a player. Together, father and daughter reflect on the lesson…

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Episode 2: From the Stands to the Sand: A Dad–Daughter Sports Journey Conversation with Madison Merkow 1:07:39

1M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

Host of Be Valiant, Todd Merkow, sits down with his oldest daughter, Madison Merkow, for an honest conversation about growing up in the world of competitive volleyball. From indoor gyms to the sand courts, Madison shares the highs and lows of her experience: the pressure of tryouts, the coaching experiences, the emotional challenges of injuries, an…

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Episode 1: Why Be Valiant? The Parent's Journey Through Youth Sports - Monologue by Todd Merkow (Host of Be Valiant and founder of Valiant Sports Society) 1:01:15

1M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

In this launch episode, the founder and CEO of Valiant Sports Society, Todd Merkow introduces the Be Valiant podcast and shares his personal journey as a youth sports dad. From the highs of watching his daughters grow through sport to the struggles of navigating toxic cultures, financial pressures, and difficult coaching environments, Todd sets the…