Real Talk for Sports Parents w/ Samantha Livingstone

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone This episode marks the final episode of the season! I'm so grateful to each + every person who poured time, energy + heart into these conversations — and to each + every person who listened, shared, and took part in building this sacred container.  As this season comes to a close, I'm pausing to practice what I teach — taking space to reflect, listen, and allow what's authentically aligned to emerge. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of these conversations!! Ep. 26 - David Durand - The Brain Science Every Sports Parent Needs to Know  In this episode, Samantha Livingstone welcomes mental performance coach and author David Durand to discuss adolescent athlete development through a nervous-system and psychology lens. Durand shares his upbringing near New Orleans, early sports obsession, perfectionism, pressure, an autoimmune diagnosis, and injuries that disrupted his athletic path, ultimately leading him into psychology and sports performance work. They explore how internal "demands" (I have to/should) can push athletes into a survival state, why timing matters when talking with frustrated teens, and how parents can ask about an athlete's internal experience. Durand explains basic brain concepts (upstairs/downstairs brain, "flipping the lid"), emphasizes bottom-up regulation before top-down tools, and outlines his BET framework—Breath (extended exhale and diaphragmatic breathing), Eyes (softening vision and widening peripheral awareness), and Touch (grounding and team connection).   ·       02:57 David's Sports Journey ·       05:07 Helping Teens Thrive ·       07:04 Demands vs Desires ·       11:20 Talking After Tough Games ·       15:33 Hand Model Brain ·       24:27 Connection Action Shutdown ·       31:05 Top Down vs Bottom Up ·       37:37 BETS Breath Basics ·       42:40 Eyes and Nervous System ·       53:23 Unhealthy Climate Warning Signs ·       56:43 Stretch Not Stress ·       57:28 Social Media and Identity ·       01:03:49 Parent Guidelines and Boundaries     Quotes   • "I tell parents now, I think the hardest job right now is to be a, a teenager. Mm-hmm. And specifically a teenage girl. And I think the second hardest job is be a, a parent of a teenager. Um, I think specifically moms, if you have daughters." [07:27]   •  " How it's not about getting dysregulated, it's about finding our way back home, finding our way back to connection mode." [26:47]   •  " Who, who you are does not come from what you do, but it'ss. Mm-hmm. The opposite of like, what you do comes from who you are." [55:07]             Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       realdevelopment.org ·       David's Substack ·       David's Book "B.E.T On It" on Amazon     David's Bio:   David Durand is a mental performance coach who works with adolescent athletes, coaches, and organizations to strengthen the psychological side of development and performance. His work focuses on helping young athletes build internal security, develop psychological skills, and better understand how their brains and bodies respond to pressure so they can learn more effectively, enjoy the process of sport, and perform at their best.   David is the author of B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond, a guide for coaches and parents who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of modern athletes by understanding the psychological and nervous system factors that influence their behavior, development, and performance.   He is also the author of Better Than Before: A Psychological Guide for Injured Athletes, which provides evidence-based tools and reflective practices to help athletes navigate the mental and emotional challenges of injury recovery and return to sport.

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 25 - When the Heat Rises: Keeping Kids Safe in a Win-At-All-Costs Culture   In this episode, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes Melissa Fortenberry, a longtime competitor, mom of three, and former product leader at companies including Expedia, VRBO, and Philips, to discuss sports parenting, values, and athlete safety. Fortenberry describes growing up in Texas as an identical twin in a highly competitive sports family, becoming a four-year varsity soccer letterman, and carrying a "do your best" mindset into parenting, prioritizing effort and fun over outcomes while resisting early team politics, specialization, and constant travel. She shares how seeing intense youth-sports competition and experiencing heat sickness at a 107-degree Texas football game led her to research heat risk, learn limits of symptom-based guidelines and heat index, and found Heat Sense, a wearable and app/dashboard solution that estimates core body temperature and heat strain to prompt timely cooling breaks and support performance and safety, with a long-term goal of broader adoption and legislation.   ·       02:56 Texas Roots and Twin Rivalry ·       05:47 Killer Instinct Athlete ·       07:45 Effort Over Outcomes ·       09:38 Competition Beyond Sports ·       18:40 Feeling Like Outsiders ·       26:11 Finding Play Again ·       30:35 Travel Teams and Balance ·       34:29 Breaking the Feedback Wall ·       39:57 Heat Scare at the Game ·       41:48 Why Heat Rules Fail ·       44:31 Launching Heat Sense ·       58:40 Dreaming of Fun Sports     Quotes   • " …their innate competitiveness, I think is something that we have had to learn about. If it's something they're kind of born with or something they might develop, I would say that, um, I was born with it. My dad used to call it the killer instinct. Like if you're born with it, like you will do anything to win, win and you hate losing." [05:54]   •  "Because at the end of those games, you know what I said, I didn't say, did you try your best? I said, was it fun?" [29:36]   •  "If your body, the 98.6 is actually that everyone knows it's actually your core body temperature. And so when your body goes up to 102, your reaction time is gonna slow by 10 to 15%." [48:45]           Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       heatsense.com ·       LinkedIn: @melissa-turner-fortenberry ·       Instagram: @heatsenseapp     Melissa's Bio:   Melissa Fortenberry grew up wired to compete. A twin who played every sport through the YMCA, made boys' soccer teams until high school, and became a four-year letterman, she came to sports parenting with a deep love for competition—not reluctance.   But she also came with a philosophy: sports should be fun, and effort matters more than outcomes. In a culture that can consume families with year-round travel teams and D1 dreams, she and her husband have held the line on letting their three kids try different things, do their best, and actually enjoy it.   After 25 years leading product at Expedia, VRBO, and Philips, a 107-degree football game turned her into a founder. Watching her son in full pads on hot turf, she couldn't stop thinking: if I'm overheating in the stands, what's happening to him?   What she found was a system built around weather and symptoms—not the athlete. HeatSense replaces that guesswork with real-time visibility, so coaches and parents can act before heat becomes a problem.                        

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 24: Coaching with Courage: Chris DeSantis on Parenting, Boundaries, and Positive Sports Culture   In this episode, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes coach, athlete, father, and Swim Brief Podcast host Chris DeSantis, the first athletic coach to earn an advanced degree in positive psychology from Penn's Master of Applied Positive Psychology program. Chris shares his upbringing in swimming, including nearly quitting after his first year until his mom showed him his progress, and how a coach at 14 changed his life and influenced his decision to coach. He discusses a difficult college coach relationship, bullying, and learning to set boundaries, then offers practical guidance for athletes and parents navigating coach power dynamics and recruiting through direct, calm communication. Drawing from coaching in Denmark, he contrasts U.S. competition culture with Denmark's low hierarchy and closer parent-coach proximity, advocating gracious assumptions, curiosity, partnership, and empowering kids to use their voice.   ·       04:09 Childhood and Swimming ·       05:40 Mom's Progress Lesson ·       08:21 Coach Who Changed Everything ·       10:41 College Burnout Turning Point ·       12:33 Coach Conflict and Boundaries ·       15:57 How Athletes Set Standards ·       18:15 Recruiting Ask Directly ·       21:26 Returning to the Pool ·       39:04 Coaching Your Own Kid ·       41:09 Abby Wambach Debate ·       43:59 Finding Middle Ground ·       50:26 Partnership With Coaches ·       01:00:01 Speaking Up Against Abuse ·       01:10:51 Permission Slip For Parents     Quotes   • " I really wish somebody had said to me when I was starting like, Hey Chris, it's okay. You're, you're just getting started. Like, you know, yeah. This, this is a skill. It's gonna take a long time to acquire." [03:44]   •  " Having a good relationship with your coach can be life changing. Having a bad relationship with your coach can be life changing." [13:08]   •  "Don't, don't let anyone tell you that you can't give input because, you're not a coach, you're not an expert in the sport. Um, you, you still know right from wrong and you still have, um. Have a basic sense of humanity and, and how people should be with each other." [01:12:09]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       chrisdcoach.com ·       Instagram @chrisd_coach ·       The Swim Brief Podcast on Apple

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 23 - Marc Rosenberg - The Culture of Play: How Parents and Coaches Shape Mental Health in Sports   Host Samantha Livingstone introduces Marc Rosenberg, a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified behavior analyst, mental performance coach, and founder of the T.H.R.I.V.E System, who supports athletes with anxiety, perfectionism, fear of failure, identity, and transitions while reconnecting them to joy and purpose. Marc shares his Southern California upbringing, early exploratory play, and hockey journey, including how bullying shaped his athletic identity, and how sport remains a lifelong source of balance, connection, and community. He explains his career shift from sports business into counseling and behavior analysis, his work with developmental disabilities and adaptive sports, and his shared practice with his clinician wife. Their conversation emphasizes parental presence (including limiting phone distractions), modeling vulnerability, values-based living, and addressing harmful sideline behaviors that can be traumatic for young athletes, advocating for cultural change in youth sports.   ·       03:30 Growing Up in SoCal ·       05:42 Finding Hockey Early ·       14:40 Sport for Life ·       19:40 Building Adult Community ·       23:36 Career Pivot to Therapy ·       32:50 Phones and Availability ·       35:11 Thrive Method Explained ·       37:44 Parents Shape Mind Health ·       45:00 Accountability With Empathy ·       52:25 Youth Sports Trauma Costs ·       59:43 Permission Slip For Parents ·       01:03:07 Post Game Conversations     Quotes   • "And, you know, we didn't have the element of screen so much back then. And so we were forced to connect. We were forced to be outdoors, we were forced to, um, you know, like I said, explore and be curious about, you know, what we could get ourselves into." [06:34]   • "Hey, you know what? That younger part of me still exists so profoundly that I can get out here and feel like a kid again." [16:22]   • " Look, my belief is, and I'm gonna keep the clinical aspect out of it, that trauma is an individualized experience." [55:40]       Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       4ntent.com ·       Instagram: @4ntent         Bio: Marc Rosenberg | Mental Performance Coach, LMFT, BCBA, and Founder of the THRIVE System Marc Rosenberg is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified behavior analyst, and mental performance coach who works at the intersection of psychology, performance, and athlete wellbeing. A former competitive athlete turned clinician, Marc specializes in helping elite performers—particularly in snow, ice, and mountain sports—navigate the mental challenges of competition, identity, and transition. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavior mapping, and his proprietary THRIVE System, Marc equips athletes to overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and fear of failure while reconnecting with joy and purpose in their sport. His work integrates evidence-based strategies with a deeply human approach—centering connection, vulnerability, and mental health as foundations for sustained performance. Marc holds master's degrees in Sports Business and Counseling, and brings a rare combination of clinical insight and lived athletic experience to his work. Through his coaching and advocacy, he's helping shift the culture of sport—championing mental wellness, resilience, and authentic growth both on and off the field.

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 22 - How Asking Better Questions Builds Better Leaders and Parents with Jeff Raker   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone is joined by Jeff Raker, an executive leadership coach with extensive experience in both ministry and sports. The discussion covers essential topics such as effective parenting in the sports world, the importance of self-awareness and leadership development for athletes, and practical strategies for enhancing performance and emotional resilience. Jeff shares his journey from being a pastor to a leadership coach, emphasizing the significance of asking powerful questions and being present with your children. The conversation also delves into the nuances of dealing with feelings, setting boundaries, and fostering agency in young athletes.   ·       02:34 Jeff's Journey in Swimming and Officiating ·       05:51 The Role of Officiating in Sports ·       13:51 Blending Ministry and Coaching ·       19:46 Parenting and Coaching Insights ·       28:01 The Power of Asking Questions ·       43:37 The Power of Pausing ·       44:05 Acronyms for Better Listening ·       56:15 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership ·       01:02:11 The Importance of Sleep and Screen Time ·       01:11:57 Jeff's Leadership Coaching Philosophy    Quotes • "Parenting is on the job training, right. It, it, it's, you do the best you can with the moments you have and the information you have." [20:04]   •  "You're an imperfect human being, Who is raising imperfect human beings and you know. Have you messed up then apologize and ask for forgiveness? Yeah. But yeah, just be, be allow yourself to be human. Allow them to." [28:59]   •  "Do you always have, have an answer for it? Or can you say, wow, that is a great question. I don't know." [01:10:03]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       levelupleadershipcoach.com ·       Youtube @JARaker5 ·       Instagram: @jeffraker ·       "Now That's a Great Question" by Jeff Raker on Amazon   Jeff's Bio: I am an Executive Leadership Coach, and have been coaching people in that capacity since 2019. I graduated from Asbury Seminary and I have been a Pastor for 36 years. Collegiate swimmer, Dad to swimmers and softball players. Swim official, former FINA Starter. Master's swimmer & national champion, I swam at the University of Cincinnati. I've been married to my wife, Stephanie, for 39 years and we have 3 children, and 7 grandchildren.      

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 21 - Kirsten Baker - Parenting, Youth Sports & Leadership: Building Resilient Kids On and Off the Field   In this episode of Real Talk for Sports Parents hosted by Samantha Livingstone, Samantha is joined by Kirsten Baker, a high school assistant principal in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The conversation delves into Baker's significant impact on Samantha's life and work, her background in sports and leadership, and her role in developing student leadership programs. The discussion highlights important themes such as the influence of mentors, balancing academics and sports, the impact of failure, and the importance of resilience and self-care in young people. Parents and educators are urged to foster environments that allow children to navigate challenges, learn, and thrive, without overprotecting or rescuing them from productive struggles.   ·       01:28 Kirsten's Athletic and Academic Journey ·       02:09 Balancing Sports and Family Life ·       06:31 Navigating Soccer Clubs and Tryouts ·       14:29 Leadership and Mentorship in Education ·       32:59 Creating Good Humans: Beyond Academic Success ·       35:50 Mental Health Awareness in Schools ·       37:53 Teaching Resilience and Goal Setting ·       41:18 Parental Support and Letting Go ·       57:48 Balancing Extracurricular Activities     Quote • "  I remember coaches, You know, coaches who, my gymnastics coach and my diving, swim diving coach from high school. They were super powerful people who just poured into me and, and, I think. It gave me the belief that I mattered." [17:52]   •  " I am a walk beside you leader. I am not, uh, you know, follow me. Come on, let's go. I'm, I'm a, Hey, let me partner with you and walk beside you, or I'll lift you up from behind if you're, if you're struggling." [21:34]   •  " If I can tell my kids any, I want my kids to be coachable. I want my kids to be coachable…And so will you listen and be present and practice? I want you as sweaty as you can be. [42:35]     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       Instagram: @kirbaker   Kirsten's Bio:   Kirsten Baker is a high school Assistant Principal in Suwanee, Georgia who focuses on the power of student leadership in building culture in high schools.  When she worked with Sam at Norcross High School, she was a Science teacher, a soccer coach, a Student Council advisor.     Kirsten grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts with her primary sports being youth soccer and gymnastics.  In high school she moved to Belmont, MA where she was on the gymnastics team, a diver on the swim and dive team, and a sprinter and threw javelin for the track and field team.  She was also active in singing and theater productions.  She went to Cornell University to be a veterinarian (which she is not) and stayed involved with intermural and social sports through her adulthood.   She got her Master's in Science Education from Georgia State University and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.  This is year 28 in education - 10 in the classroom and 18 as a school administrator.   Kirsten is married to her husband Mike.  They have a 13-year-old daughter who plays club travel soccer and 15-year-old son who also plays club travel soccer as well as percussion in the high school marching band.     In her "spare time" Kirsten is also the Event Lead for the Gwinnett Relay For Life where she has volunteered for the past 27 years fundraising towards a cure for cancer.    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 20 - Amy Oliphant - Parenting is The Sport   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes Amy Oliphant, a mother of four, mental performance coach, and founder of Transcend Mental Training. Amy shares her journey from being a Division I tennis player to an Ironman triathlete and coach. The discussion covers the challenges and lessons learned from raising high-performing athletes, the importance of mental resilience, and the role of self-compassion in sports and parenting. Amy also emphasizes the significance of allowing children to navigate discomfort, advocate for themselves, and find joy in multiple sports. The episode delves into the evolving understanding of mental performance and the need for a supportive, balanced environment in youth sports.     ·       01:09 Amy's Athletic Journey and Mental Toughness ·       03:10 Navigating Youth Sports and Parenting Challenges ·       06:39 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Sports and Parenting ·       09:03 Balancing Sports and Family Life ·       13:14 Managing Schedules and Seeking Help ·       17:25 Creating a Supportive Environment for Young Athletes ·       19:35 Handling Stress and Triggers as a Sports Parent ·       40:09 Channeling Energy and Pacing at Hockey Games ·       47:15 Navigating Discomfort and Fix-It Mode as Parents ·       50:23 Advocating for Self and Resolving Issues with Coaches ·       55:50 Mental Performance and Working with Athletes ·       01:07:23 Old School vs. Modern Approaches in Coaching     Quotes • " I think the way that I look at self-compassion is as, as we know, you know, the brain is the negativity bias, right? And always searching for those threats. And so I feel like the more self-compassionate we can be with ourselves, the more we're giving ourselves safety." [32:04]   •  "So sometimes, you know, like we're projecting our own insecurities on our child, right? So really kind of having and being vulnerable and being confident enough that we can be like, okay, you know, maybe this is my issue." [49:48]   •  " But then you could, you're gonna have this whole group of, of, of athletes that have the same skill. They have the same strength, right? Yeah. Or they're doing the same things, but what's gonna, what, what's gonna make the difference? It's gonna be up here, it's gonna be how they handle adversity." [01:02:41]     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       transcendmentaltraining.com ·       Instagram: @transcendmentaltraining ·       Linked In: @amy-oliphant        

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 19 - Eating Disorders & Youth Sports: What Every Sports Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Kate Bennett   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone converses with Dr. Kate Bennett, founder and director of Athlete Insight and Full Send Consulting. They delve into Dr. Kate's background, including her career as a counselor and sports psychologist, and her personal journey in sports from youth through professional cycling. Dr. Kate shares insights into the psychological and physical challenges athletes face, particularly around issues like eating disorders and the pressure to perform. They discuss the importance of creating an empowering and balanced environment for young athletes, prioritizing mental health, and challenging perfectionism. Dr. Kate emphasizes the role of parents in providing a safe, supportive space that allows for growth and learning through failure. They conclude with tips on fostering open communication with children, the impact of family meals, and maintaining a healthy relationship with sports and exercise.     ·       01:15 The Athlete Coach Experience and Beyond ·       02:15 Parenting and Sports: Dr. Kate's Personal Insights ·       08:49 Dr. Kate's Athletic Journey: From Multi-Sport Athlete to Cycling ·       09:29 The Challenges and Joys of Equestrian Sports ·       11:30 Transition to Cycling and Coaching ·       12:41 The Thrill of Mountain Biking and Competing ·       17:11 The Intersection of Sports Psychology and Clinical Psychology ·       22:44 Understanding Disordered Eating and Perfectionism in Athletes ·       37:47 Navigating Conversations About Body Image ·       39:39 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerable Conversations ·       44:06 The Double-Edged Sword of Sports Resources ·       54:26 The Impact of Fear on Performance ·       01:03:44 The Importance of Family Meals     Quotes   • "Typically it's those kids you never worry about that are the kids we need to worry the most about." [23:32]   •  "It's really hard to know the difference between, 'I'm a healthy eater,' and 'I have a disordered eating pattern." [25:05]   •  "Fear and flow state are mutually exclusive. They do not work together." [55:26]     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       athleteinsight.co ·       fullsendconsulting.co ·       Instagram @athlete_insight     About Dr. Kate   I am a clinical sport psychologist, licensed in the state of Colorado. I earned my BS in kinesiology and athletic training from Indiana University and my EdM in counseling and sport psychology from Boston University. My passion for the connection between the mental and physical health of athletes prompted me to return to graduate school at the University of the Rockies. I completed my practicum at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Counseling Center and my pre-doctoral internship at the Western Washington University Counseling Center. I then completed my post-doctoral fellowship at EDCare. I spend much of my time with my partner and two children. I embrace every opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado by mountain biking, paddle boarding, hiking, and attending sporting events.    Athletes are "supposed" to be mentally tough; however, the truth is that athletes are humans first. As a person, you experience all of the same stress as your non-athlete peers in addition to ALL of the stressors that sport & competition brings along. You might struggle to acknowledge that your mind may not be "tough enough" to handle all of that stress. I am here to say, it is okay. You can ask for help. In fact, you become stronger and tougher when you know how to effectively manage your headspace. I meet all athletes exactly where they are at, as humans first. Together, we identify goals to meet your life and sport needs. When you work with me, you get a therapist and a coach. My goal is to provide the "right-for-you" tools, strategies, and insights to support you in becoming the most confident and resilient version of yourself in both sport & life.                  

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone    Ep. 18 - Olympian Jamie Rauch on Sports Parenting: Unconditional Support, Pressure & Communication   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone delves into the intricacies of parenting in the world of sports with guest Jamie Rauch. Jamie shares his journey from growing up as a competitive swimmer in Houston, Texas, to becoming an 18-time NCAA All-American and a silver medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The conversation covers Jamie's transition from a career in finance to coaching, his insights on parenting two young swimmers, and the importance of creating a supportive, balanced environment for young athletes. Key themes include avoiding the pitfalls of living vicariously through children's sports achievements, the value of unconditional support, and the challenges and rewards of coaching. Jamie emphasizes the importance of checking in with young athletes about their enjoyment and commitment levels and highlights the need for both parents and coaches to understand their roles in a child's sporting journey.     ·       02:41 Jamie's Early Life and Family Influence ·       04:09 The Role of Sports in Jamie's Childhood ·       06:20 Transition to Competitive Swimming ·       11:19 Parental Support and Coaching Influence ·       18:29 High School and College Swimming Journey ·       24:19 The Texas Swimming Experience ·       31:54 The Irony of 'Never Say Never' ·       32:12 From Finance to Coaching: A Career Shift ·       33:01 Diving into Triathlons and Coaching ·       35:06 The Challenges and Rewards of Ironman Training ·       37:44 Balancing Parenting and Coaching ·       39:03 The Importance of Trust Between Parents and Coaches ·       46:07 Encouraging Kids in Sports: A Parent's Perspective ·       56:41 The Value of Delayed Gratification in Sports     Quotes   • "And for me, that's kind of been my goal as a father and husband also, is that the four people that I share this house with are by far the most important people in my life." [03:36]   •  "I think parents need to do a little better job of making the assumption that the people that they are paying money to coach their kids care a lot about their kids." [39:19]   •  "So it's really easy, I think, to fall into a trap of judging how you're doing as a parent by how successful your kids are in a classroom or in sports, when in fact there's so much more to that person than school. And in my case, swimming or water polo." [54:41]     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone.co ·       Instagram @Jamie.rauch ·       Jamie Rauch Wiki ·       Patrickbradycoaching.com     Jamie's Bio   Based in Chicago, Illinois, Coach Jamie brings a depth of knowledge to the table, specifically in the swimming area where he is a Silver Medalist in the 2000 Olympic Games, 18 time NCAA All-American, and a Team USA representative at other World stage swim events. Swimming isn't the only thing Jamie knows. He's also an Ironman Kona and 70.3 World Championship qualifier, Boston Marathon Qualifier, and Ultra-Marathon competitor.   More important than Jamie's impressive athletic resume is his willingness to learn, communicate, and passion to teach. Since I started working with Jamie as an athlete he has always shown interest in understanding the process. His interest in coaching comes from a place of genuine excitement about helping athletes achieve and exceed their goals. To me, he has all the qualities necessary to cultivate successful relationships with any athlete he works with. With that approach and his "student of the sport" mentality, I knew adding Jamie to the coaching roster would be a winning move.        

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 17 - Coaching the Human First: Youth Sports, Unstructured Play, and Athlete Mental Health with Eric Kussin   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone introduces guest Eric Kussin, a seasoned professional sports executive and founder of the Same Here Global mental health movement. Eric shares his gripping life story, spanning from his childhood marked by his brother's severe health issues to his successful career in the sports industry, including roles with the NBA, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Devils, and Florida Panthers. Eric opens up about his two-and-a-half-year mental health crisis and the pivotal moment that led him to embrace holistic healing and mental health advocacy. Together, Samantha and Eric explore the profound impact of mental health on performance, the significance of human connection, and how sports parents can better support their children. The episode closes with encouragement to use practical tools like the Scale app to foster open mental health conversations and build stronger relationships.   ·       00:35 Meet Eric Kussin: A Journey Through Sports and Mental Health ·       03:25 Eric's Early Life and Sports Involvement ·       06:24 Navigating Challenges and Finding Purpose in Sports ·       12:19 The Impact of Coaching Decisions ·       30:12 Transition to College and the Reality of Walk-On Tryouts ·       34:26 First JV Game Triumph ·       38:14 Career Beginnings and NBA Experience ·       41:16 Sales Challenges and Successes ·       50:37 Struggles with Mental Health ·       01:03:40 Understanding Chronic Stress and Trauma    Quotes • "I loved coaches that were hard on me. I mean, so, so that's, I know that's not, you know, necessarily in fashion right now. Um, Yeah, it was, it was coaches who were as fiery and competitive as I was, right?" [12:20]   •  "And then all of a sudden I start losing interest in things outside of sport, outside of my work. And I'm not wanting to see friends, I'm not wanting to go to the gym and I'm not wanting to, uh, go out for eats and not wanting to, to play in rec league games. And I, I justified that by saying, this is the world's way of telling me I need to focus on, you know, what's going on in the office. [50:46]   •  "It's not just the events so that people don't think you have to have been through major events. It's the thoughts that we tell ourselves related to the events that dysregulate the nervous system as much as maybe sometimes even more than the events themselves." [01:07:00]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       Instagram: @samehere_global ·       samehereglobal.org

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 16 - Olympic Gold Medalist Anita Nall Richesson - The New Gold Standard: Holistic Athletic Development   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes guest Anita Nall Richesson, an Olympian and holistic wellness coach. Anita shares her journey from an Olympic swimmer to a nutrition and wellness expert, discussing the importance of holistic approaches in nurturing young athletes. They discuss vital parenting aspects, including fostering intuition, emotional health, and the impact of diet on overall well-being. Anita also critiques outdated coaching methods and emphasizes the necessity for developmental processes and genuine connections between coaches and athletes. This conversation offers profound insights for parents, coaches, and athletes aiming to elevate sports experiences and personal growth.     ·       03:25 Anita's Early Life and Swimming Journey ·       09:31 The Olympic Experience and Challenges ·       24:17 Post-Olympic Struggles and New Beginnings ·       31:40 Parenting and Coaching Philosophy ·       44:28 The Impact of Coaching Styles on Athletes ·       54:37 Navigating Late Entry into Sports ·       57:40 The Role of Intuition and Flow ·       01:00:16 Functional Nutrition and DNA Testing ·       01:06:51 Empowering Parents and Coaches     Quotes   • "I was from the generation where parents went to work all day and you just like dealt with it and fed yourself and did the whole thing. So they would go to work all day and really the only thing that was close to us to be able to walk to was the pool."[06:18]   •  " Look your kids in the eye. Get to know them. Yeah. Find out who they're guys. If you don't have an interest in that, I'm sorry. You should not be coaching." [48:54]   •  "I have found so many kids that, because they started soccer at five and they got good at it, they stay in it, but they hate it. They really don't even like it, but no one's ever asked them, Hey, do you wanna keep doing this? [53:35]    Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       Instagram @5d_athlete ·       5dathlete.com   Bio:   Anita swept the cycle (gold, silver, and bronze) at the 1992 Olympics, is an Elite member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and spent three NFL seasons as a Nutrition Consultant & Wellness Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Challenged by a series of "mystery illnesses" following the 1992 Olympics, Anita rediscovered her health through food. After working with top-tier high-performers like athletes and corporate executives for the last 20+ years, Anita founded Champion Power Programs & 5D Athlete, where she teaches and coaches other high-performers on how to reach and stay at the top of their game using her signature Power Plate Formula and other wellness strategies for sustained health and success.   40+ years of experience in sports Certified Holistic Nutrition Specialist Certified Life Coach Certified Essential Oil Coach Corporate Speaker Corporate Wellness Program Creator Nutrition & Wellness Coach to Olympians, UFC Fighters, NFL Players, Grammy-Award Winning Musicians, Fit from Foodies, and Developing Athletes           Empowering Youth Athletes: Beyond the Physical with Anita Nall    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 15 - Brian Petrone, PA - Injury, Identity, and Recovery: Insights from Sports Medicine   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, Samantha Livingstone hosts Brian Petrone, a seasoned sports medicine clinician and parent. Brian shares his extensive experience in sports medicine, both as a physician's assistant with Boston Orthopedics and Wellness and as a parent of three daughters who are competitive athletes. The conversation dives into the impact of sports injuries, especially in youth athletes, and discusses preventive measures, the importance of recovery, and mental health aspects. Brian also introduces his new venture focusing on regenerative medicine and recovery techniques. This episode is a valuable resource for parents looking to support their young athletes through the physical and emotional challenges of sports injuries.   ·       04:06 Brian's Journey in Sports Medicine ·       06:16 The Role of Sports Medicine in Youth Sports ·       10:58 Challenges and Changes in Youth Sports ·       17:57 Injury Prevention and Recovery ·       39:59 Understanding Parents' Perspectives ·       40:47 Communicating with Parents and Athletes ·       43:18 Mental and Physical Challenges in Recovery ·       51:06 The Role of Regenerative Medicine ·       01:00:36 Balancing Sports and Recovery ·       01:06:51 Advice for Parents and Athletes   Quotes   •  " Well, I can't tell you a hundred percent that the kid's not gonna get an injury. You know, it comes down to genetics. It comes down to body habitus. It comes down to the amount they're playing, what they're doing, um, what their strength and condition is." [25:08]   •  "  Kids always come in. They wanna know two questions from me. Mm-hmm. When can I have surgery and when can I play again? That's it. That's all they wanna know. Everything in between is Yeah. Irrelevant. [42:28]   • " So I'll give, I'll give you a quick example of, of stem cells. So at the age of 10, you have 4 million stem cells in your body. At the age of 30, you have 32,000 stem cells in your body. At the age of 50, you have 3,200 stem cells in your body." [58:12]     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       bostonsportsmedicine.com

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 14 - Tony Hajjar - How to Support Your Child in Sports  Without Adding Pressure   In this episode, host Samantha Livingstone sits down with Tony Hajjar, a coach, entrepreneur, and performance expert. Tony shares his journey from growing up in a coach's household to becoming a co-founder of Drive Custom Fitness and Hajjar Volleyball and Performance Center. He discusses his coaching philosophy of 'kids first, wins second,' emphasizing emotional intelligence, personal growth, and community building over perfection. The conversation delves into Tony's personal experiences as a sports dad, the importance of allowing children to play multiple sports, and providing a supportive environment for young athletes. Tony also shares insights on maintaining balance as a parent-coach and ensuring that the love for the game remains intact for children. The episode is filled with practical advice on how sports parents can foster a positive and empowering atmosphere for their young athletes.   ·       01:28 Tony's Coaching Philosophy and Background ·       04:53 The Impact of Tony's Father on His Coaching ·       08:57 Tony's Journey Through Coaching and Personal Growth ·       27:05 Transition to Drive Custom Fitness and Community Building ·       32:25 Founding Elite Seacoast Volleyball Academy ·       37:26 Parental Pressure and Its Impact on Kids ·       40:28 Onboarding Coaches with the Right Philosophy ·       45:59 The Importance of Letting Kids Lead ·       52:12 The Role of Parents in Athletic Development    Quotes •  "I was born in really a, a coach's household. My dad, my dad came here and the early seventies from the Ivory Coast of Africa, um, as a soccer player in a volleyball player. And that journey really started. You know, his transition to America." [03:27]  •  "I had a two year run where, yeah, I think I won a total of eight games. It was the worst two seasons of, of my life, but it brought so much light to how athletes are created." [16:25] •  "If we could project what everyone's outcome would be, everyone would be millionaires because we'd be at Vegas betting on everything." [58:21]    Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       drivecustomfit.com ·       Instagram: @tonyhajjarfit ·       Elitez Volleyball Academy    Tony's Bio: As a Fitness Expert and Master Instructor, Tony Hajjar delivers a passionate level of energy and inspiration that is unrivaled. Driven to inspire, Tony delivers an unparalleled experience and motivates clients- of all fitness levels and ages- to push beyond perceived limitations and achieve their personal best. Hajjar's philosophy is to connect with clients and create an atmosphere where finding the true you is allowed, a customized approach to well-being. This allows members of all ages, fitness levels, and personal goals to push beyond their limits and see that real results have been met. Hajjar has trained professional boxers, professional volleyball players, snowboarders, and other high-level athletes, as well as numerous beginners to the world of exercise. His clients also include people with arthritis, rehabilitation patients, and people recovering from major surgeries such as liver transplants. Tony's certifications: ·      AFFA & NASM Certified Personal Trainer ·      Baptiste Power Yoga 200 RYT ·      Yoga Fit Training Systems Worldwide Inc ·      ASFA Sports Nutritionist ·      NESTA Sports Agility and Quickness ·      Bommarito University Level I ·      TRX Suspension Trainer ·      Safe Sport ·      IMPACT ·      Certified Life coach ·      Certified Nutrition Specialist NASM ·      Certified Nutrition Specialist ACE ·      CPR & AED Certified ·      Certified Coach through National Collegiate Athletic Association and Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association          

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 13 - Mike Murray - The Power of Connection   In this episode host Samantha Livingstone dives into the complexities of parenting in the world of sports, from youth to professional levels. The guest, Mike Murray, head coach and assistant athletic director at Albany Academy, shares his diverse experiences from being a swim coach, business owner, and sport parent. Their discussion explores the importance of centering human connections in athletics, reflecting on the pressures and ambitions that come with coaching and parenting. Strategies for managing athlete stress, maintaining family values, and the evolving dynamics of college sports recruitment are also discussed. Murray emphasizes the significance of fun and connection in sports and the importance of personal reflection and prioritizing family well-being.   ·       02:03 Mike's Coaching Philosophy and Career Evolution ·       03:55 Balancing Roles: Coach, Parent, and Administrator ·       07:17 The Importance of Connection and Humanizing Sports ·       09:01 Challenges and Reflections in Youth Sports ·       13:58 The Impact of Over commitment on Coaches and Families ·       20:51 Creating Balance and Prioritizing Well-being ·       31:38 Building Relationships and Learning from Mistakes ·       37:31 Supporting Different Interests and Personalities ·       43:07 Reflecting on Coaching and Parenting Mistakes ·       53:07 Finding Joy in Sports Again     Quotes   • " Whether it's swimming or whether it's pickleball. We're, doing it for fun. For socialization, for creating platforms for our kids to explore discipline and commitment and enjoyment and lifelong health and fitness." [12:32]   •  "I've always thought that it, it's the greatest honor in the world to have the ability to work with a team, to coach athletes, and to make a difference." [13:58]   •  " The reason that you play lacrosse, that you play football, that you play softball, that you play squash or swimming or whatever it is, is because when you were little, it was really, really fun." [53:14]     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       Instagram: @coachmurray3m ·       Mike Murray's Website ·       Albany Academy Athletics   Bio:   Mike Murray is dedicated to shaping the next generation of coaches & athletes by instilling values of balance, purpose, and success. With years of experience in coaching, he is committed to empowering coaches, athletes, and parents to reach their full potential.    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 12 - World Champion Cara Stawicki - The Power of Expanders + Creating Space for Dreams   In this episode, Samantha Livingstone interviews world champion athlete and performance coach Cara Stawicki. Cara shares her journey from suburban New Jersey to becoming a world champion rower and mental performance coach. They discuss the importance of self-trust, the impact of cultural upbringing on sports, and the value of pursuing dreams despite the odds. Cara also talks about her transition to coastal rowing, the ethos of teamwork in rowing, and her new role as a boat handler. The conversation touches on the necessity of individualized support for young athletes, the role of parents in nurturing athletic dreams, and the common debate between single-sport specialization and multi-sport participation. Cara offers insights into balancing realistic expectations with fostering hope and ambition in young athletes.   ·       02:41 Cara's Cultural Upbringing and Family Influence ·       04:13 The Role of Sports in Cara's Life ·       08:23 Transition from Swimming to Rowing ·       12:02 College Rowing Experience ·       28:33 Pursuing the National Team Dream ·       33:00 Balancing Goals and Flexibility ·       38:28 Navigating Parental Permissions and Disappointments ·       40:29 The Journey to Becoming a World Champion ·       41:06 Reflecting on the Emotional Impact of Achievements ·       44:05 The Importance of Vulnerability and Risk in Sports ·       51:28 Transitioning from Athlete to Mentor ·       54:08 Exploring Coastal Rowing and New Ventures ·       58:34 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching    Quotes •  "It was kind of just like woven into, you know, into my family. And it wasn't something that was. You know, preached or put upon us. It was, it was just there, it was just a parent and kind of like what was modeled for me." [03:47]   •  "My dream was it was never about the gold medal that always felt like it was gonna be the cherry on top. I, there was something in me from when I was a child that I wanted to stand with the American flag and hear, hear the national anthem." [42:27]   • "  I also feel very strongly that like we gain strength in sharing our experiences, right? And learning from each other." [01:00:00     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       Performance Coaching with Cara ·       Athlete Mentoring Program ·       Instagram: @carastawicki ·       LinkedIn: Cara Stawicki   Cara's Bio: Cara Stawicki is a World Champion, High-Performance and Leadership Coach, and visionary dedicated to helping you unlock the freedom to dream big and perform. When I read back the account of my podium moment in 2019, I am filled with deep gratitude. I remember my teammate trying to embrace me in the boat at the finish line and how my eyes instantaneously searched for my husband and parents in the grandstands. I remember how the entire experience was a fusion of intensity and overwhelm and joy.   When I look back at photos… on the blocks at swim meets in high school or in the boat as part of Lehigh University's Club Crew Team… I see a girl then young woman full of hope and desire. I am reminded of the joy and commitment that goes into being part of a team and am taken to a place a pure longing… longing to be a part of something bigger than my singular dream, and longing to "reach my potential" and become the world class competitor that I craved to become inside.   An important throughline of my athlete story involves a struggle with confidence and sense of belonging. I knew that I "had what it takes," yet fell short, again and again. After years of disciplined striving, I started working with my own high-performance coach who helped me home my ability to focus, trust in myself and let my skills shine. The best part of all those years striving? To taking the long, long, long road to reaching my number one rowing goal? They've enabled me to sit here today full of empathy, understanding and wholehearted belief in you…    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 11 - From Blue-Collar Roots to Buckeye Leadership: Bill Dorenkott on Resilience, Family, and the Power of Sport   In this episode, Samantha sits down with Bill Dorenkott, the Director of Swimming and Diving at Ohio State University, to discuss the complexities of parenting athletes within the world of sports. Bill shares his extensive coaching experience, his personal athletic journey, and insights from being both a coach and a sports parent. The conversation delves into the importance of balancing process over outcomes, understanding developmental stages of young athletes, and maintaining open communication between parents, coaches, and athletes. The episode concludes with advice for parents on navigating the secret 'menu' of sports and giving themselves grace and space in their parenting journey.   ·       02:07 Personal Connection and Reconnecting with Bill ·       05:03 Bill's Background and Upbringing ·       07:30 Discovering Swimming and Athletic Journey ·       15:49 Transition to Coaching and Early Career ·       22:44 Balancing Coaching and Family Life ·       30:52 Learning from Michael Dravet ·       32:10 Parenting and Coaching Insights ·       33:18 Navigating Learning Disabilities ·       35:34 Parenting Differences: Boys vs. Girls ·       37:24 Parental Role in College Athletics ·       40:02 Developing Independence in Kids ·       44:35 The Secret Menu of Sports Parenting ·       53:35 The Journey is the Reward    Quotes • " And so I went down and met with him and he said, look, he goes, you'll probably never graduate from college and you'll probably never swim for us. But I'll, I'll give you a shot. And he didn't know it at the time. That was the greatest thing anybody could ever say,.." [12:49] • " First week that I started coaching, I knew I'd do that the rest of my life.." [17:21 • " Improvement happens at the edge of your ability. Mm-hmm. And, and that feeling at the edge of your ability is productive discomfort." [53:55]    Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Swimming & Diving ·       Dr. Michael Gervais website: findingmastery.com Bill Dorenkott's Bio:   Bill Dorenkott, who has 35 years of experience coaching at the collegiate level, enters his 18th overall season at Ohio State in 2025-26; he enters his ninth season as the Director of Swimming & Diving after spending nine seasons working with the women's team exclusively. His programs are among the best, if not the best, in the Big Ten Conference. Consider: Dorenkott has also guided the women's team to 10 Top 20 finishes at the NCAA championships, including a program-best sixth in 2023, and he has coached the men's program to a Top 10 finish four times.    Dorenkott has guided eight teams to Big Ten championships, including the Penn State women three times – in 2002, 2005 and 2006 – in addition to the Ohio State women in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025. Dorenkott has coached 87 individual Big Ten Conference champions, including 47 Buckeye champions, in addition to 30 relay championship teams. He has coached 449 total NCAA qualifiers. Dorenkott took over as the head coach of Ohio State's women's swimming program in 2008, and in March 2017 he was announced as the director of swimming and diving for OSU's new combined men's and women's program.      

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 10 - Jen Woodruff - The Power of Mentorship   In this episode of the Real Talk for Sports Parents podcast, host Samantha Livingstone brings in Jen Woodruff, her former University of Michigan swim teammate, to discuss the intricate dynamics of parenting in the world of sports. Jen shares her journey from being a Michigan swimmer coping with significant life events, to becoming a collegiate coach, and now a sports parent and spouse of a coach. They discuss the importance of mentorship from figures like Greg Harden, the pressures of early specialization in sports, the necessity of balancing family time, and the challenges of ensuring that sports remain enjoyable and not solely results-driven. Jen emphasizes the significance of connection, allowing children to fail safely, and maintaining joy in athletic pursuits. This episode offers valuable insights for parents navigating their children's sports journeys.   ·       03:50 Jen's Early Life and Athletic Journey ·       10:50 College Challenges and Mentorship ·       13:22 The Impact of Greg Harden ·       20:21 Transition to Coaching and Family Life ·       27:08 Balancing Sports and Parenting ·       34:19 Navigating Youth Sports Pressure ·       35:34 Parental Perspectives on Youth Sports ·       36:55 Balancing Performance and Enjoyment ·       40:07 The Role of Coaches and Free Play ·       42:07 Managing Expectations and Long-Term Goals ·       46:00 The Importance of Failure and Resilience ·       01:00:25 Practical Tips for Parents   Quotes • "We get to teach our kids that it's not about being perfect—it's about staying connected." [06:01] • "A mentor holds a mirror and reflects back what we sometimes can't see in ourselves." [13:42] • "There is profound power in simply showing up again and again." [38:17]     Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       "Staying Sane in an Insane World" by Greg Harden    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 9 - Dr. Korrie Allen - Purpose-Driven Parenting in Sports   In this episode, Samantha welcomes Dr. Korrie Allen, a licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience supporting children and families. Together, they unpack the emotional and psychological complexities of parenting young athletes—especially in high-pressure sport environments. Dr. Allen shares practical frameworks for behavior, boundaries, emotional regulation, and how to root your parenting in long-term purpose rather than short-term wins.   • 01:35 - Meet Dr. Allen and her path to sport parenting expertise • 05:45 - Helping kids find their identity outside of achievement • 09:52 - Why sport parents need emotional regulation tools too • 13:11 - Shaping behavior through connection instead of control • 16:44 - "Not every meltdown is manipulation" - understanding dysregulation • 21:08 - Why your reaction matters more than you think • 24:57 - How parents can help prevent burnout and identity foreclosure • 29:16 - The difference between teaching skills vs. controlling outcomes • 33:03 - What sport actually teaches us (if we let it) • 36:48 - Dr. Allen's advice for navigating tough sport parenting moments     Quotes "You can do it and it's gonna be hard, but that's okay. And here's your plan for that."[14:26] My ultimate goal as a parent is to raise a healthy, balanced adult, not just a great athlete. [25:01] "I just try to be really intentional about helping the clients that I work with to see discomfort as part of a growth, not as a sign of something's wrong."[35:01]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone  Connect with Dr. Korrie Allen: ·      birchpsychology.com ·      Instagram @birchpsy     Dr. Korrie Allen is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and families. Her areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, memory and learning, school readiness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dr. Allen received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her doctoral degree in Psychology from St. John's University. She directed the Educational Services Clinic at University of Denver and was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School and on the professional staff at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters prior to joining Birch Psychology. Dr. Allen has successfully completed several research projects funded by agencies such as the Commonwealth Health Research Board, U.S. Department of Education, Governor's Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and the Society for School Psychology Research. She is extensively involved in applied research that focuses on children with severe behavior problems. Her recent studies evaluated the impact of parent-child interaction training to address aggressive and oppositional behaviors among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Allen is co-editing the book Cognitive Behavior Therapy in the School Setting.    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone   Ep. 8 - Peter Verhoef - Power of Honoring the Whole Athlete, Human First   Summary In this conversation, Head Swim Coach and Aquatics Director of the Bolles School, Peter Verhoef, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a coach, reflecting on the profound impact of his upbringing, family values, and the importance of community in sports. He discusses the lessons learned from his parents, the significance of perseverance, and the role of coaches in shaping athletes. Peter emphasizes the need for intrinsic motivation in sports and offers valuable insights for parents navigating their children's athletic journeys, highlighting the balance between support and expectations. In this conversation, Peter Verhoef and Samantha Livingstone discuss the complexities of youth sports commitments, the balance between family values and sports, and the role of parents in supporting their children's athletic journeys. They reflect on their own experiences in competitive swimming, particularly the pressures and expectations surrounding performance, and emphasize the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with sports for young athletes. 0:00 Introduction and Gratitude 02:02 Family Influence and Values 06:05 Lessons from Competition and Performance   12:01 Early Swimming Journey and Discovering Passion   17:49 The Role of Community in Sports   20:52 Transitioning to College Swimming and Recruitment   25:00 Navigating College Recruitment in Swimming   27:23 The Pressure of Performance and Parental Expectations   29:43 Understanding the Role of Data in Sports   32:24 Defining Success Beyond Sports   35:36 The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation   39:33 Balancing Multiple Sports and Commitments   42:08 Family Values and Decision-Making in Sports   45:31 Reflections on College Swimming Experience   52:48 Finding Fulfillment in Sports   55:51 The Role of Leadership in Coaching   59:42 Navigating Competition and Expectations   01:03:43 The Parent-Coach-Athlete Triangle   01:09:49 Supporting Young Athletes' Goals   Quotes "If you're not addressing the human element, the emotional experience of your athletes, you're missing the whole point." [04:58] "You can't just drive people and drive people and expect them to be okay." [09:12] "We can talk about mental performance, but if we're not creating emotional safety first, it's a lost cause." [13:20]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone      

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Episode 7: Dr. Laura DeBruin - For the Love of Sport   In this episode, Samantha sits down with Dr. Laura DeBruin DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS; to explore the mental and emotional challenges athletes face during transitions. From injuries and performance slumps to sport retirement and identity loss, Laura shares how parents and coaches can support young athletes with empathy, language, and mental skills that build long-term resilience. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who wants to support the human behind the athlete.   • 01:00 Introducing Laura DeBruin and The Mindful Athlete • 04:20 Performance is not identity: helping athletes separate self-worth from results • 08:30 How transitions like injury or retirement affect mental and physical health • 12:00 What it means to normalize emotional waves • 16:00 Practical tools for rebuilding confidence after injury • 20:45 What role should parents play in helping athletes developing important skills • 25:30 When athletes feel lost: helping them connect to themselves with what they can do • 29:45 What to say (and not say) on the car ride home • 33:00 A parent's language shapes an athlete's mindset • 36:45 Laura's message to sport parents: you're writing more than just the athletic chapter   Quotes • "Who you are is not what you do. That separation is a foundational step in navigating transitions well." [08:32] • "When an athlete is injured, it can be like an earthquake to their sense of self." [12:44] • "Instead of saying 'Don't be nervous,' try 'Of course you feel that way—it means you care.'" [24:07]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       www.debruinpt.com   Dr. Laura DeBruin's Bio:   Dr. Laura DeBruin is a Westfield, Massachusetts native. She grew up playing a variety of sports which led her to play four years of Division I soccer and lacrosse at the University of Rhode Island where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, specializing in fitness and wellness in 2001.  In 2004, Dr. DeBruin obtained her Master's Degree from Springfield College in Physical Therapy. While attending Springfield College, she played two years for the New England Mutiny Semi-Professional Soccer Team. Dr. DeBruin began her professional career at Concentra Physical Therapy working in orthopedics. Dr. DeBruin continued on the education tract and pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2008. Her passion for orthopedic manual physical therapy was heightened following completion of her Residency and Fellowship Training through the Manual Therapy Institute. Dr. DeBruin achieved Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT). Fellows of the AAOMPT provide the highest level of musculoskeletal care through advanced manual therapy practice. Most recently she has been named a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Dr. DeBruin also is involved in teaching at Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists (Granby, CT), and the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT), Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. She has been invited as a guest lecturer at UCONN  since 2012 to provide her expertise on the Sacroiliac Joint in relation to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment procedures.   Dr. DeBruin is married, has a son, daughter, and a Labrador retriever whose presence is frequently requested by patients during therapy sessions. While her two teenagers keep her busy as a hockey mom, Dr. DeBruin still finds time to give back to the community as a volunteer soccer coach. Of note, Dr. DeBruin has over 30 years of soccer coaching experience and obtained the content for her Class D license in 2001. Dr. DeBruin treats many young and elite athletes due to her vast multi-sport experience. Her knowledge as a 20 year Physical Therapy veteran also attracts adults and seniors who appreciate the individual treatment sessions. Dr. DeBruin has a phenomenal group of colleagues that she collaborates with to ensure the best patient outcomes in various aspects of life.    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Episode 6: Navigating the NIL Landscape: Opportunities for All Athletes with Kristi Dosh   In this episode, Samantha sits down with Kristi Dosh, attorney, sports business analyst, and founder of Business of College Sports - to explore the fast-evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Kristi breaks down what NIL really means for student-athletes and their families, explains how even non-D1 athletes can benefit, and shares practical tips for building a personal brand. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is your guide to navigating NIL with clarity and strategy.   ·    [03:45] Kristi defines NIL and dispels early myths ·    [06:20] Why NIL isn't just for elite D1 athletes ·    [10:00] The value of niche audiences on social media ·    [13:40] How Kristi's own journey sparked her NIL work ·    [16:25] Common NIL misconceptions families should avoid ·    [19:10] The importance of athlete storytelling in brand building ·    [23:35] Tools and platforms that can help manage NIL deals ·    [26:15] What parents should know about contracts and legal language ·    [29:45] NIL's impact on mental health and identity ·    [33:10] Kristi's advice for supporting athletes without adding pressure   Quotes ·       "You do not have to be a Division I athlete to have NIL opportunities... It's not about your stats - it's about your story." (06:18) ·       "Athletes should be thinking about what they want to be known for—on and off the field." (13:16) ·       "Parents don't have to be social media experts, but they should help create a healthy structure and boundaries." (18:03) ·         Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       kristidosh.com ·       @sportsbizmiss on IG ·       @SportsBizMiss on X     Resources + Mentions: Visit businessofcollegesports.com for more insights and free resources from Kristi.  

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 5 - Rebecca McConville - Navigating Nutrition and Performance in Sports In this illuminating episode, Samantha sits down with Rebecca McConville - sports dietitian, eating disorder specialist, and author of Finding Your Sweet Spot - to unpack the real truth behind performance, energy, and long-term health for youth athletes. They dive into the critical topic of RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), how under-fueling shows up subtly in young athletes, and why nutrition is about more than just fueling for sport - it's about fueling for life. Rebecca offers compassionate and practical advice to parents who want to raise resilient, thriving kids in an often performance-obsessed culture. Whether you're navigating club sports, managing food anxiety, or simply trying to better understand your child's needs, this episode delivers clarity, heart, and hope. 00:00 - Meet Rebecca McConville + how she got into sports nutrition 06:35 - What RED-S really is and why it's often misunderstood 10:10 - The difference between discipline and disordered behavior 15:45 - Red flags - What to watch for in your athlete's eating and mindset 21:08 - Why intention matters more than image when it comes to food 28:50 - How performance culture can feed perfectionism 33:22 - How parents can foster resilience without pressure 39:44 - Creating a family culture around food, rest, and recovery 44:19 - How to support your athlete through injuries and transitions 50:01 - Final thoughts on fueling for health, growth, and joy   Quotes ·       "RED-S is not just about food - it's about life. It's about having enough energy to grow, think, feel, and live." (06:42) ·       "Parents need to know that discipline doesn't mean deprivation. Restriction doesn't build resilience." (12:05) ·       "Fueling is not a reward for performance - it's a requirement for being human." (33:00) ·         Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       @rebeccaeddietitian on IG ·       Rebecca on LinkedIn    Resources + Mentions:   Rebecca's book: Finding Your Sweet Spot - How to Avoid RED-S and Fuel for Sport Performance Learn more: https://rebeccamcconville.com RED-S resources: https://www.femaleandmaleathletetriad.org/red-s

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 4 - Dr. Andreas Stamatis - Unlocking Mental Toughness   In this thought-provoking episode, Samantha sits down with Dr. Andreas Stamatis - researcher, professor, and mental performance expert - to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in youth sports: mental toughness. Together, they redefine what it actually means, how it can be developed, and why old-school approaches rooted in pressure and punishment fall short. Dr. Stamatis introduces a more compassionate, evidence-based framework - centered around eight mental skills and three mindset pillars - that equips parents to help their kids handle adversity and strive with intention. Whether your child is elite or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical insight to guide their growth and your role in supporting it.   00:00 - Welcome + how Samantha met Dr. Stamatis 08:35 - The Special Forces moment that changed his view on mental strength 13:20 - Defining mental toughness: a mindset, not a personality trait 18:05 - Why yelling doesn't build mental toughness 22:12 - What are the three pillars? Purpose, efficiency, and flexibility 30:14 - Why overprotecting your child can hurt their growth 39:20 - What does real emotional regulation look like in kids and parents? 46:58 - How parent language impacts a child's confidence 54:50 - Reframing failure through optimistic thinking 1:09:45 - The "car ride home" framework: 3 powerful questions to ask your athlete Quotes ·      "A mentally tough person is not defined by their goals - but by their mindset." ·      "Uncomfortable doesn't mean bad. Discomfort is the beginning of growth." ·      "Success isn't winning or losing. It's showing up with purpose, flexibility, and efficiency."   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       LinkedIn: Andreas Stamatis       Instagram: @thecoachstam       Facebook: Andreas Stamatis       YouTube: Andreas Stamatis       Medium: Andreas Stamatis   Resources + Mentions: ·       Mental Toughness Index (MTI)       

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 3 - Sports as a Catalyst for Personal Growth with Amanda Bayliss   In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Samantha sits down with integrative fitness coach and fellow sport parent Amanda Bayliss to explore the many layers of raising athletic kids while staying grounded in wellness, purpose, and perspective. Amanda opens up about her own journey—from a running-centered upbringing to college-level burnout, to rediscovering movement as healing and joy. As a mom of three sport-loving boys, Amanda shares hard-earned wisdom about the reality of supporting multiple kids in multi-sport seasons, navigating puberty and performance identity, and honoring each child's path. Together, they dive into the deeper meaning behind movement as a form of love, the importance of language around body image, how to model consistency in chaos, and what permission slips we all need to write as sport parents.   04:30 – How Amanda's upbringing shaped her connection to community and sport 11:10 – Discovering a love for running and following her sisters' path 26:50 – What she would tell her younger self as a runner and athlete 34:20 – Puberty, body image, and letting kids evolve 50:10 – Club vs. school sports: navigating priorities and pressure 1:01:40 – The AAA hockey pivot: honoring her son's desires without panic 1:22:15 – Parking lot workouts: prioritizing parental wellness in creative ways 1:32:30 – The language of fitness: strength over size 1:43:00 – Working across generations—from teen athletes to cancer patients 1:50:15 – What elite athletes have in common: consistency, ownership, and alignment 1:58:20 – Permission slips we all need: your sport is what you do, not who you are   Quotes ·       "When you give to your body, it gives back tenfold." [1:36:20] ·       "Our job isn't to mold the journey—it's to create the space for it to unfold." [1:13:00] ·       "Movement is love. It's how I pour into others. It's how I help them love themselves." [1:44:45]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone ·       amandabayliss.com   Books Mentioned: More Than a Body by Lexie & Lindsay Kite  

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone  Two time Olympian Lindsay Mintenko - Rooted in Values, Rising in Sport   In this candid and heart-filled conversation, Samantha welcomes longtime friend, fellow Olympian, and sport parent Lindsay Mintenko to the podcast. Lindsay shares her journey from small-town Indiana to Olympic gold, reflecting on the foundation her family gave her and the challenges of balancing identity, performance, and spotlight. Now a mom of two, Lindsay opens up about parenting elite athletes, choosing the right club environments, and supporting kids through the highs and lows of sport—without losing sight of the bigger picture: raising good humans. Together, Sam and Lindsay unpack what it means to let our kids lead, to be present without overpowering, and to trust that performance doesn't need to come at the cost of wellness. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating sport culture today—and proof that greatness and groundedness can coexist.   06:05 – Cultural roots, family values & John Wooden's legacy 11:00 – Multi-sport childhood and early sport experiences 15:10 – Parenting athletes through transitions and prioritization 18:45 – Supporting identity development vs. performance identity 23:30 – How her parents held space without pressure 37:00 – Identity struggles and the relief of college 46:20 – Separation, support, and letting kids lead 54:00 – Failing forward: celebrating the "bad days" 1:08:15 – Club choice: alignment over chasing wins 1:14:30 – Raising siblings with different skills and spotlights 1:19:00 – Social media pressure & mental health in today's youth 1:26:50 – Letting kids grow: where we might be missing the mark    Quotes ·       "My job isn't to raise an Olympic champion—it's to raise a good person." [1:09:00] ·       "No one knows your kid better than you do. Just listen." [1:32:00] ·       "Let them fail. Let them fall. Let them grow." [1:26:45]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone   Books Mentioned: Pyramid of Success by John Wooden Websites: SameHere Global Mental Health Movement5 in 5 Mental Health Campaign    

Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone                                   Solo wtih Samantha - More Than An Athlete   In this deeply moving and transparent solo episode, Olympic gold medalist Samantha Arsenault Livingstone shares the full-circle story of how she went from standing atop the Olympic podium to navigating life as a sport parent raising four girls—including a hockey player chasing her own Winter Olympic dream. Samantha peels back the curtain on her personal story—from her childhood in Peabody, MA, to the toxic club swimming environment that nearly broke her spirit, to the healing that followed her Olympic victory. She opens up about the mental health challenges she faced post-Olympics, the guidance of her mentor Greg Harden, and the life-altering experience of nearly losing her daughter to heart failure. This episode is a vulnerable invitation into the why behind the podcast: to create a judgment-free space for sport parents to connect, grow, and find real tools for supporting their kids—without shame, perfectionism, or pressure to do it all "right."   04:55 – How parenting in sport mirrors her Olympic journey 10:30 – Childhood, cultural roots, and dreaming big 18:40 – Why she started swimming (hint: it wasn't her dream) 29:00 – A mother's intuition and a life-saving decision 36:50 – Qualifying for Olympic Trials—and the power of support" 46:50 – Mental health crash: the pressure no one saw 59:00 – The medical trauma of her daughter's heart surgery 1:16:45 – On learning to fall—so they can rise 1:21:40 – What parents really need in the sport ecosystem Quotes ·       "They were having the kids fall on purpose so they could learn how to rise. Why aren't we doing that with our kids' inner world?" [1:17:00] ·       "We get in our kids' way sometimes—not because we're bad parents, but because we're human." [1:26:05] ·       "Who we are and what we do are not the same. That truth saved my life." [0:55:45]   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone   Books Mentioned:  Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Websites: SameHere Global Mental Health Movement5 in 5 Mental Health Campaign    

  Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone In this heartfelt and powerful debut episode, Olympic gold medalist Samantha Livingstone introduces the Real Talk for Sport Parents podcast—a grounded and honest space for parents navigating the world of youth and competitive sports. Samantha shares her deeply personal why behind this project: to create a supportive, non-judgmental place for parents to learn, grow, and connect without shame or pressure to "get it right."  Drawing from her 20+ years of experience as an elite athlete, educator, coach, and performance consultant, Samantha outlines the vision for the podcast. She shares her commitment to humanizing the parenting journey in sport, giving voice to the common struggles, decisions, and emotional rollercoasters that come with raising competitive athletes. This is not a podcast about perfection. It's about curiosity, community, and learning how to show up for our kids and ourselves in a way that's real, intentional, and values-aligned.   ·      01:23 Creating a Supportive Community ·      02:25 Challenges and Realities of Parenting Athletes ·      06:29 Expert Insights and Knowledge Sharing ·      08:16 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned ·       11:53 Looking Ahead and Getting Involved   Quotes ·       "When we follow our dreams, we discover the magic that's inside of ourselves." (15:10) ·       "Every parent I've ever met cares deeply about their kid... behavior might fall below the line, but shame won't fix that." (08:00) ·       "Sport is a metaphor for life. It speeds up the lessons, the emotions, and the growth. This is life school." (28:50)   Social Media and Links ·       RTSP Instagram ·       samanthalivingstone