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. 22 - The Art of Connection in a Digital Age - with Mariel & Josh
The Art of Connection in a Digital Age
In this episode of "Probably Important Podcast," Josh and Mariel dive into the value and impact of Zoom in their lives, especially its role in maintaining and building relationships during a time of reduced physical connection. Mariel shares her gratitude for Zoom, recounting how it allowed her to stay connected even when she was under the weather. Together, they reflect on the concept of friendship, categorizing relationships into different levels, and emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, loyalty, and shared values.
Josh introduces the idea of a tiered system for relationships, explaining how it can streamline the process of navigating new acquaintances. Mariel elaborates on the distinctions between acquaintances, casual friends, and the inner circle, noting that her inner circle holds her accountable and demonstrates loyalty and integrity, regardless of the time apart. They discuss how these relationships evolve through different life stages, with loyalty and shared values being key components.
Mariel emphasizes the importance of not oversharing with those who may not have the capacity to hold space for vulnerability, referencing Renee Brown's work on the topic. Josh adds that understanding the stages of relationships helps manage expectations and interactions. They also introduce the unique concept of 3-minute, 3-hour, and 3-day friends, highlighting the value each type brings to one's life.
Further into the conversation, Josh and Mariel explore the importance of shared values and the role they play in both friendships and romantic relationships. They stress the need for open communication and the capacity for personal evolution within relationships. Mariel shares a personal experience where she had to distance herself from a friend due to lifestyle choices, underscoring the need for supporting each other from a distance when necessary.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on the intentionality of choosing who we surround ourselves with. Mariel talks about reaching out to new influences and building a supportive network, while Josh highlights how a good friend can positively impact our success and values. They invite listeners to share their perspectives on the qualities of good friendships and their experiences with different types of relationships. The hosts also encourage feedback and communication through email, social media, and their new community group, aiming to foster a supportive and connected community.
Tune in to this insightful episode to explore the nuances of relationships, the importance of intentionality, and how to build meaningful connections in a digital world.
