Forged Youth - Legacy Within
Forged Youth: Legacy Within
What if the conversations you needed most as a teen athlete were finally being had—openly, honestly, and with purpose?
Forged Youth: Legacy Within is the podcast that equips youth athletes (ages 12–24), their parents, and coaches with the mental tools, emotional resilience, and life insight to rise above the noise and grow into strong, intentional human beings.
Each episode features real, raw conversations with professional athletes, CEOs, and cultural leaders sharing what they wish they knew when they were younger. We unpack topics like mental grit, overcoming adversity, identity beyond sport, and building a life of purpose—even when things fall apart.
Hosted by former elite athlete and mental health advocate Mariel Nichole Anderson, this podcast is your companion through the messy middle of chasing big dreams—and becoming someone even bigger in the process.
Because you weren’t born to just survive sport. You were made to be forged by it.
Forged Youth - Legacy Within
Season 1 Ep. 44 - How to Be an Active Listener - with Mariel and Josh
In this episode, Josh and Mariel take a deep dive into the essentials of mental health and effective communication within relationships. They start by unpacking the often-overlooked skill of active listening and the role empathy plays in truly hearing one another. By sharing personal experiences and practical examples, they highlight the importance of being able to recognize and respond to each other’s emotional needs, especially during times of struggle.
The conversation also touches on how vulnerability can strengthen bonds—an especially important concept for those who may find it difficult to express emotions openly. Mariel shares a strategy she uses with her partner, asking him to wear different “hats” for different conversations, which helps both of them get on the same page emotionally. Josh brings insights from his counseling background, explaining how learning to listen deeply has shaped his own interactions and how essential it is to be comfortable in silence or discomfort rather than jumping to fix the problem.
Through engaging anecdotes and practical tips, Mariel and Josh highlight the power of holding space for each other's struggles and growth—an invaluable approach that encourages healthy communication, mutual support, and genuine connection. This episode is an invitation to step into authentic relationships, where the goal isn’t to fix one another but to foster understanding and respect. Tune in to learn more about building resilience, practicing empathy, and nurturing your mental well-being through deeper, more meaningful connections.
