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. 32 - Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity with Molly Blais
In this episode, Mariel, Josh, and Molly dive into their personal journeys toward mental and physical well-being, focusing on self-acceptance, therapy, and learning from past mistakes. They explore the complexities and rewards of multi-generational living, the impact of addiction on personal relationships, and the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in building meaningful connections.
Molly opens up about her experiences with substance abuse, moving back in with her parents, and the positive impact of family support on her mental health. The discussion touches on cultural norms surrounding multi-generational living, with Mariel and Josh weighing in on the importance of these arrangements in fostering close-knit communities.
Mariel shares her enjoyment of cold water plunges and regular river visits for mental and physical well-being. The group also discusses their plans for upcoming boat trips, sharing light-hearted stories about their dogs, which adds a personal touch to the conversation.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as Molly and Josh discuss their journeys to self-acceptance and therapy. Molly reflects on her struggles with substance abuse and the significance of therapy in her path to self-awareness. Josh shares his own experiences with shame and the importance of learning from mistakes and taking responsibility for personal growth.
The group highlights the benefits of journaling as a strategy for managing negative thoughts and enhancing mental health. Molly and Mariel share their personal experiences with journaling, emphasizing its effectiveness when practiced in the morning before daily distractions. They also discuss the role of routine and a healthy sleep schedule in maintaining mental well-being.
Molly shares her efforts to help family members struggling with alcohol addiction and the impact of past events on her relationships. The group appreciates her vulnerability and the positive influence of her self-care practices, including attending Alcoholics Anonymous, therapy, fitness activities, and the support of her puppy.
Join Mariel, Josh, and Molly for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about mental health, addiction, personal growth, and the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building connections.
