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Building Champions for Life
Join host Kirk Spahn as he speaks with world champions about ways to elevate and equip tomorrow's champions and leaders. Drawing on his extensive background as a fourth-generation educator, founder of the Institute for Civic Leadership, and former competitive tennis player, Kirk explores the intersection of elite performance, character development, and lifelong success.
In each episode, Kirk sits down with remarkable achievers across sports, business, arts, and education to uncover the hidden foundations of true championship mindsets. Through substantive dialogues, guests share the pivotal moments, mentors, failures, and principles that shaped their journeys—revealing insights that parents, coaches, educators, and aspiring leaders can apply immediately.
Building Champions for Life goes beyond trophies and accolades to examine how exceptional performance in any field connects to deeper purpose and lasting impact. With Kirk's unique perspective spanning both traditional education and innovative learning approaches, listeners gain practical wisdom on nurturing not just skills and talents, but the character traits that create champions who thrive in all aspects of life.
Whether you're a parent supporting a child's dreams, a coach developing the next generation of talent, an educator shaping young minds, or someone striving for personal excellence, this podcast delivers actionable insights from those who've reached the pinnacle of achievement while maintaining their core values and purpose.
Subscribe to join the conversation about what truly makes a champion for life—in the arena and beyond.
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Building Champions for Life
Jason Reid on Winning at Life: The Hidden Struggles of High Achievers
In this powerful episode of Building Champions for Life, host Kirk Spahn sits down with Jason Reid, a successful entrepreneur turned mental health advocate, to explore the hidden struggles of high-performing youth. From the pressures of social media to the impact of emerging technologies, Jason shares invaluable insights on recognizing the signs of mental health challenges in seemingly successful young athletes and students.
Jason's journey from construction industry leader to passionate mental health champion began with a personal tragedy—the loss of his 14-year-old son to suicide. This heartbreaking experience fueled his mission to bring mental health discussions into the national spotlight, particularly for high-achieving youth who often suffer in silence.
Throughout the conversation, Jason emphasizes a crucial message: outward success doesn't guarantee inner well-being. He challenges parents and educators to look beyond the smiles and accolades, urging them to develop deeper connections with young people. "Do not assume that just because your kid walks around with big smiles on their face and is really good at winning that they're not struggling," Jason cautions, highlighting the importance of open, honest conversations.
The episode delves into practical strategies for supporting youth mental health, from fostering interpersonal skills at a young age to navigating the complex world of social media and AI. Jason's candid reflections on his own failures and the lessons he's learned provide a powerful framework for helping young people build resilience and self-worth beyond their achievements.
Whether you're a parent, coach, educator, or young person striving for excellence, this episode offers a masterclass in understanding and supporting mental health in high-pressure environments. Tune in to gain insights that could change—or even save—a young person's life.