Episode Details

In this powerful return episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we welcome back former CFB Hall of Fame and the host of the popular podcast See Ball. Get Ball, David Pollack, three and a half years after his first appearance.

Now raising a 17-year-old son who just committed to Clemson football and a 16-year-old daughter who’s a standout basketball player, David delivers raw, honest, and deeply practical insight into how sports parenting evolves as kids move through high school. From shifting roles — moving from “commander” to “coach” to eventually “friend” — to learning how to give your children true ownership of their journey, David explores the challenges, failures, and wins that come with raising athletes.

He also opens up about the realities of the modern recruiting process in a transactional, NIL-influenced world, how to support your child without taking over, and why surrounding them with the right people and culture matters more than ever. Finally, David shares candidly about his wife Lindsay’s major brain surgery and ongoing battle with cancer, how their family has grown stronger through adversity, and the powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and perspective they’ve gained.

Listeners will hear David’s signature intensity as he discusses:

• Why parenting gets harder (but more meaningful) as kids gain independence
• The importance of letting kids own their journey — even when it’s uncomfortable
• How to balance support with space in recruiting and athletics
• Building family values that outlast sports
• The power of praying for “hard” things and watching your kids rise through them
• What coaches and parents need to prioritize for long-term success and character development

Filled with humor, vulnerability, and actionable wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent, coach, or young athlete navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports.

Tune in now and be reminded that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s growth, faith, and enjoying the journey together.

Also, check out David's new book...Every Day Counts: Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.