Episode 12: DeAndre Yedlin - Mindfulness and Children’s books

Real Salt Lake right back DeAndre Yedlin talks about how he went from having his soccer dreams come true to rock bottom - and how it was books that showed him how to succeed, no matter what happened around him. The 32-year-old soccer player discusses being raised by his grandparents in Seattle, Washington, the humbling realities of playing in the Premier League, and how fatherhood became the role that defines his life. Reading helped him change his life, and it made him decide to write a series of children’s books aimed at explaining mindfulness to youngsters. You can find his books at his website: themindfulnessexpedition.com

Sports are more than just games. Competition is a classroom for the human experience. While scoreboards declare winners and losers, the real value of athletics is the lessons that transcend any field of play. Lessons like perseverance, leadership, and resilience. And coaches are the people responsible for teaching these principles to athletes and fans alike. Have you ever wondered what shaped the philosophy or leadership style of your favorite coaches? A new podcast from KSL - Coach’s Book Club - asks coaches and athletes to share how their favorite books educated, changed or inspired them.  Hosts David James and Amy Donaldson are veteran journalists who’ve covered everything from Olympic triumphs to high school heartbreaks. Each month, they'll introduce you to a coach and get their book club pick. Then, we'll read the book together and discuss the characters, themes and lessons. And we want to hear your take, too. This isn't just a podcast to listen to, it's a community. So join the coach's book club!