What happens when elite competition, creativity, faith, and adaptability collide? In this episode we sit down with Nelson Smith to unpack one of the most unique journeys in modern sports.

Nelson’s story stretches far beyond the field. He was a multi-sport athlete playing football and baseball in college, suffered a devastating injury that forced him to rethink his identity, navigated isolation and uncertainty during COVID, and unexpectedly found a new lane through content creation. That journey eventually led him into the fast-growing world of Banana Ball, where performance, entertainment, and fan connection all matter.

This conversation dives deep into what actually separates athletes who last. Nelson shares what it means to be elite where your feet are, how faith became his foundation during injury and uncertainty, and why adaptability and belief are non-negotiable intangibles. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at Banana Ball, from the tryout process to locker room culture, and explains why putting fans first has changed how he sees competition.

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In this episode of the Intangible Podcast, We sit with Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss Women’s Basketball standout and former Ohio State Buckeye, for a powerful and honest conversation recorded live in Oxford, Mississippi. Cotie opens up about her transfer journey, why she initially didn’t want to come to Ole Miss, and how Head Coach Yolette McPhee-McCuin (Coach Yo) poured into her not just as an athlete, but as a human being.

Cotie shares what fans don’t always see — the mental toll of competition, the pressure of playing in the SEC, navigating social media criticism, and the importance of vulnerability and mental health for athletes. She talks leadership, team chemistry, being a direct communicator, and why women’s sports produce “dogs” because there’s no other option but to go all in.

This conversation is a must-watch for young athletes, parents, and coaches who want to understand the intangibles — confidence, resilience, self-trust, effort, and emotional awareness — that separate good players from great ones.

If you care about athlete development beyond the stat sheet, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of the Intangible Podcast, we sit with Rachel Folden, one of the most influential coaches in modern baseball and softball. Rachel is a four-time All-American catcher at Marshall University, a former professional fastpitch standout, the first female coach in Chicago Cubs history, founder of Folden Fastpitch, and now a coach in the New York Mets organization

Rachel opens up about her journey from struggling hitter to elite performer, how adversity shaped her mindset, and why learning to reframe failure is a skill every athlete must develop. She shares powerful lessons on leadership, confidence, empathy, and what it really takes to make the jump from Triple-A to the big leagues.

This conversation is packed with real-world coaching wisdom for young athletes chasing their dreams, parents supporting the journey, and coaches looking to develop the whole athlete — not just the stat line.

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