The podcast
Tricia Ringer and friends sit down with wrestlers, coaches, pastors, and parents to talk about competing hard, raising athletes, and winning the right way. Episodes from 2021 to 2023, kept here exactly as they aired.
Hosted by Tricia Ringer, co-founder of COMPEL, with Fred Schmidt
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt continue their Win the Day series, based on Mark Batterson's devotional study, with two habits: kiss the wave and eat the frog. They talk about owning your past, writing down failures and victories, and doing the hardest thing first. Coaches and parents will find ideas to pass on to their athletes.
"so you are able to control your response even if you're not responsible."Tricia Ringer, at 10:02
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt talk about a devotional called Win the Day and its first habit, Flip the Script. They cover making the most of the years you have with your kids, why the stories we tell ourselves matter, and how athletes and parents can keep going after mistakes, losses and missed chances.
"You are not the mistakes you've made. You're not the labels put on you by other people. You are who God says you are."Tricia Ringer, at 14:18
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt trade funny church stories and falls off treadmills, then talk about what to do when a season ends. They share six practical steps, the story of a senior wrestler whose last season ended early, and a reminder that identity is bigger than a sport. A good listen for parents of seniors.
"number five is talk with someone about how you are feeling. And find support. You know, the more you specialize in a sport, maybe that's your only focus."Fred Schmidt, at 11:01
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt talk about how families can move from being part of a crowd to building real friendships around a sport. They share stories about best friends, joining a club, volunteering, and knowing when to speak up, plus ideas for cross-training and a closing pep talk. It is useful for sports parents who want a stronger team community.
"If you see that there's a need there, you meet it and you don't just Sit along the sidelines and complain."Tricia Ringer, at 14:07
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt talk about getting your mind ready for competition and how that differs from getting ready for a confrontation. They cover goal setting, visualization, positive self-talk, and trusting your training, with stories from their own families and a Proverbs-based pep talk. It is a practical listen for athletes and parents who want a repeatable mental routine.
"that battle for the positivity in your mind is. is ongoing. Yeah. And and The more you do it, In preparation. The more you're able to do it in competition."Tricia Ringer, at 19:40
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt open with a confident wrong turn at a high school football game, then talk about the difference between being assertive and being cocky. They land on confidence built from preparation and respect, how parents can coach it in sons and daughters, and close with a Bible verse about power, love and self-discipline.
"Second Timothy one, verse seven says, For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."Tricia Ringer, at 21:07
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt talk with Janice Meredith, founder of Raising Champion Families, about the nerves that come with going back: back to school, back to a sport, back after a knee injury, or off to college. Janice shares practical ideas for parents and coaches who want to support athletes without hovering.
"And I'm really excited that you're going to try something new. That's just a brave thing to do. And we're going to do everything we can to help you."Janice Meredith, at 15:05
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt sit down with Emilie Reynolds, a college student who spent her summer interning with the Ring-Co team. She shares her volleyball and hurdles background, how she handles the mental side of competing, and what team sports taught her about friendship and leadership. Great for teens and parents thinking about team sports and the move to college.
"I'm awkward. Like, if you're awkward it's okay. You can still make friends. So yeah, just don't be afraid to be outside your comfort zone."Emilie Reynolds, at 18:36
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt welcome back two-time NCAA champion Nick Lee after his national title run. He talks about preparing for big tournaments, trusting a plan, staying consistent, turning nerves into excitement, and finding the fun in the sport. A great listen for wrestlers, parents and coaches heading into postseason.
"And so, kind of, whenever I start to get a little anxiety about things, I say, well, I stop. You know, I understand that anxiety is part of excitement."Nick Lee, at 15:23
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt talk with Penn State's Nick Lee, the 2021 NCAA champion, about growing up in Indiana wrestling, starting out as a kid who rarely won, and how his parents balanced support and push. Parents and athletes will hear a thoughtful take on losses, confidence, and always learning.
"You know, that's what wrestling in life is just in general. It's a constant learning experience."Nick Lee, at 13:13
Tricia Ringer sits down with Matt Murphy, a pastor and former national champion drag racer, for a thoughtful talk about competition. He shares what racing taught his family, why he collects stories more than trophies, four ideas from the book Top Dog, and how he hopes to raise his newborn son.
"you need to play to win rather than playing not to lose, you know, because the not to lose, you're just all up in your head."Matt Murphy, at 17:02
Tricia Ringer and Fred Schmidt talk New Year goals: why resolutions fade, picking a word of the year, and how a simple goals, objectives and tasks sheet turns a big dream into small next steps. There is plenty of laughing along the way, plus a verse from Proverbs. A good listen for athletes and families setting 2022 targets.
"So if I can talk myself out of something, then surely I can talk myself into something."Tricia Ringer, at 11:27
In this short welcome, Tricia Ringer explains why she started Compelled to Win. As a mom of busy athletes, she wants other parents to find guidance, assurance, and peace of mind as they back their kids on the field and in life. A one-minute introduction for anyone new to the show.
"So don't let my sweet voice fool you. I'm here to win. I'm compelled to win and help you win as well. We're in this together."Tricia Ringer, at 00:54
Episodes are presented as recorded. Guests speak for themselves, and nothing here is medical advice: talk with your athletic trainer or physician about any skin or health concern. COMPEL ARMOR and ASSURE are skin cleansers. SAFEGUARD is a surface and fabric cleaner.