Healthy Sports Parents

Youth sports can feel like they’re all about the next game, the next season, or the next level. But what if the bigger opportunity has nothing to do with any of that?In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan Carone sits down with Lisa Willis to talk about what sports are really meant to give our kids. From her journey through UCLA and the WNBA to her work as a coach today with Texas Sports Academy, Lisa shares how the lessons that mattered most had nothing to do with stats or accolades, and everything to do with mindset, resilience, and identity.Together, they unpack why so many young athletes are more skilled than ever but often struggle with confidence, pressure, and failure, and what parents can do to help shift that. Lisa explains why habits matter more than highlight moments, how to help kids handle tough emotions after games, and why separating identity from performance is one of the most important things we can teach them.This conversation keeps coming back to one simple idea: sports should be bigger than sports. Not because of what kids achieve, but because of who they’re becoming in the process.If you’ve ever felt the tension between wanting your kid to succeed and wanting them to enjoy the experience, this episode will help you approach it in a more grounded, intentional way.At the end of the day, the goal isn’t simply to raise a great athlete. It’s to raise a great human.--------More from Lisa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawillis40/Website: https://lisacwillis.com/Texas Sports Academy: https://sportsacademy.school/--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Eleven11https://eleven11teamsports.com/Hey Coachhttps://heycoach.team/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports are not about winning. They’re about helping our kids become the best version of themselves possible.In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan sits down with Dr. Jeremy Alland, team doctor for the Chicago Bulls and White Sox, for a practical and honest conversation about injuries, overuse, and what parents need to understand about their child’s long-term health.They discuss why kids are getting hurt at younger ages, how fatigue and year-round play are driving many of these injuries, and what that means not just for this season, but for the next 30 to 60 years of a child’s life. The conversation also covers how to think about training volume, the role of free play, when to introduce strength training, and why most families should focus on nutrition before supplements.The goal isn’t short-term success this season.It’s raising a kid who leaves sports healthy, confident, and equipped for life.--------More from Dr. Alland:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyallandmd/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyallandmd--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Eleven11https://eleven11teamsports.com/Hey Coachhttps://heycoach.team/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lot of families hit a point where rec league doesn’t feel like enough anymore, and the next step seems obvious: move to club (travel) sports where kids will get more games, more training, and more opportunity.But before making that jump, it’s worth slowing down and understanding what actually changes when you leave rec behind.In this episode, Jonathan is joined by author Karen Scholl – a mom who navigated the club sports journey with both her sons and wrote a book about it called Surving Soccer.In the conversation, they walk through what club sports really are, why so many families feel pulled in that direction, and what parents should be thinking about before committing. They talk about the time, the cost, the pressure, and the tradeoffs that don’t always get talked about upfront. This isn’t about saying club sports are good or bad. For some kids and families, they can be a great fit.But club sports are not the only path, and it’s not always the right next step just because it feels like the natural one.If your family is starting to wrestle with the rec vs. club decision, this conversation will help you take a step back, think it through, and make a choice that actually fits your kid and your life.--------More from Karen:Buy Surviving SoccerSubstack: https://karenscholl.substack.com/--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.com--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lot of families start the youth sports journey with the same goal in mind: play at the highest level possible and see where it goes. But what happens when you actually get there… and realize it wasn’t what you thought it would be?In this conversation, Jonathan sat down with Britt Lee, co-founder of Pure Athlete and a dad who’s walked the full path. His son reached Division I tennis. He also had another son burn out. And somewhere along the way, he learned what actually matters and what doesn’t.They talk about the pressure parents feel to specialize early, why so many well-meaning families get pulled into decisions they never intended to make, and how easy it is for sports to slowly take over more of our lives than we realize. Britt shares what he wishes he knew at the beginning, what he’d do differently, and how parents can take a step back and lead their kids through sports in a healthier way.They also get into identity, both for kids and for parents, and why it can be so hard to let go when a sport ends even if we’ve kept the right perspective the whole time. And maybe most importantly, we talk about how to keep sports in the right place so they add to your family instead of taking it over.If you’re in the middle of it right now, trying to figure out what’s best for your kid while managing all the noise and pressure around you, this one will hit close to home.--------More from Britt + Pure Athlete:https://www.pureathlete.com/https://www.instagram.com/pureathleteinc/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086392548798https://www.tiktok.com/@pureathleteinc--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.com--------READ MY ARTICLE IN MOCKINGBIRD:https://mbird.com/sports/the-gospel-according-to-youth-sports/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports can quickly take over family life, leaving parents feeling pressure to specialize early, chase opportunities, and keep up with everyone else. But what if taking youth sports back starts with one simple shift at home?In this episode of the Healthy Sports Parents podcast, ESPN college football reporter and sports mom Heather Dinich joins the conversation to talk about balancing youth sports, family life, and ambition. As a parent of three boys navigating multiple sports, Heather shares what she’s learned about helping kids find the right fit, avoiding unnecessary pressure, and keeping sports in their proper place.We discuss the realities of club sports, the pressure families feel to specialize early, and how parents can support their kids without letting sports take over their identity or family time. This conversation also explores how to let kids take ownership of their sports journey while still providing guidance and perspective along the way.If you're a sports parent trying to balance busy schedules, rising expectations, and what’s actually best for your kid, this episode offers a practical and encouraging perspective on taking youth sports back one family at a time.In this episode, we discuss:• Balancing youth sports and family life• The pressure to specialize early• Letting kids find the sport that fits them• How parents can avoid comparison and urgency• Taking youth sports back one family at a time--------More from Heather:https://www.instagram.com/cfbheather/--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:ESPN's Take Back Sportshttps://www.takebacksports.orgHour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.com--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when we stop trying to control our kids' sports experience and start helping them own it?In this episode, retired USWNT player and current youth coach / pro team owner Leslie Osborne shares why the healthiest sports journeys are the ones driven by kids, not adults. From playing multiple sports growing up to navigating injuries and life after soccer, Leslie reflects on how ownership, passion, and perspective shaped her career and now shape how she parents and coaches.We also explore what it looks like to support kids without pushing them, how parents can balance competitiveness with emotional development, and why youth sports should be about developing confident, capable humans more than elite athletes.Our job isn’t to control the journey.It’s to give kids the tools, space, and confidence to own it themselves.This conversation is about stepping back, trusting our kids, and remembering that sports are simply the vehicle. The real goal is helping them grow into resilient, confident adults who can handle whatever comes next, both on and off the field. That long term development mindset sits at the heart of Healthy Sports Parents and the idea that youth sports are ultimately about raising healthy adults, not just athletes.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.comSmallsidehttp://www.smallside.co New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports matter. We care because our kids care. But somewhere along the way, it’s easy for that care to turn into pressure, stress, and taking things way more seriously than we ever intended.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with comedian and sports dad Dustin Nickerson to talk about the realities of being a sports parent – the long tournaments, the awkward sideline dynamics, the pressure we feel to show up to everything and get it all right, and the moments when we realize we might need to take a breath and laugh a little.Dustin shares what youth sports look like through the lens of an introvert, how he balances being on the road with being present for his kids, and why effort matters more than perfect attendance. They also get into failure, perspective, participation trophies, arguing with refs, and why kids notice our effort more than our perfection.This is a conversation for parents who care deeply about their kids, want to support them well, and are trying to keep youth sports healthy for their family.Youth sports are serious. Just not that serious.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.comNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports can feel heavier than it’s supposed to.Not because parents don’t care.But because they care so much.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with former Nike sports marketer Jordan to pull back the curtain on what’s really shaping the youth sports experience today. From the way brands speak to us, to the rise of travel teams, to the pressure to keep up with other families, there’s more going on beneath the surface than most of us realize.We talk about why so many good parents feel like they’re constantly second-guessing their decisions, how comparison and fear quietly drive a lot of what we do, and why the system feels harder to navigate than it used to.We also get into:The difference between being served and being sold toWhy youth sports keeps getting more expensiveWhat happens when kids don’t make the teamThe loss of free play and what that means for kidsThe truth about NIL and youth sports social mediaThis conversation is not about blaming parents but rather understanding the environment we’re parenting in.When we can name the pressures we're facing, we can start to lead through it in healthier ways.And that’s where things start to change.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Hour-a-thonhttp://www.hour-a-thon.comPhenom Elitehttps://phenomelitebrand.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports need more trustworthy adults in kids’ lives.In this episode, Jonathan talks with Dr. Katlin Okamoto of the U.S. Soccer Foundation about the single biggest thing youth sports needs right now. It’s not better drills, more tournaments, or earlier specialization. It’s adults who understand that their influence goes far beyond the scoreboard.They explore why coaches often become one of the most influential adults in a young person’s life, how the role of a coach is shifting from instructor to mentor, and why relationships are the foundation of healthy sports experiences for kids.Dr. Okamoto also shares the thinking behind the Yes, Coach! campaign, a national effort to recruit, support, and celebrate the adults who step up to lead kids through sports in a healthy way.If youth sports are going to change, it won’t start with policies or platforms. It will start with the adults who show up for kids every week.In this episode we cover:Why kids need multiple trustworthy adults in their livesThe hidden influence youth coaches have on young peopleWhy coaching is as much an art as it is a scienceHow youth sports have changed and why families feel more pressureWhat the Yes, Coach! campaign hopes to change in youth sports--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Brite Legacyhttps://britelegacy.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports development often focuses on skills, reps, and results. But there’s a missing piece that determines whether kids actually grow, last, and enjoy the journey.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, Team Clinical and Performance Psychologist for the New England Patriots and Behavioral Sport Psychologist for the Boston Red Sox, to talk about the mental side of youth sports that too often gets overlooked.They dig into what kids really need to thrive, motivation versus willpower, why independence at practice matters, how fundamentals lead to confidence and flow, why resilience and finishing strong matter more than early success, and how parents can support their kids without making sports feel heavier than they need to be.They also break down the four pillars from Dr. Jenkins’ new book Mentality Wins:Focus. Learning to direct attention and filter distractionsFlow. Playing freely without overthinkingFinish. Responding to mistakes and setbacks with resilienceFlourish. Keeping identity bigger than sportThis conversation is for parents who care about development, not just performance. About raising confident, resilient kids, not just better athletes. And about making sure youth sports actually serve the kid, not the other way around.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Brite Legacyhttps://britelegacy.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation is an extended version of my interview with Mike Schultz for Parents’ 100-Year Digital Issue, where he’s being spotlighted as one of today’s most inspiring parents.What actually lasts when the season ends? What happens once you step off the podium and go back to real life?In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Paralympic gold medalist, inventor, and dad Mike Schultz to talk about what it really looks like to chase something big while raising a 12-year-old athlete.Mike has competed at the highest level in the world. He’s also spent 170 days on the road in a single year trying to balance training for the Paralympic Winter Games with being present for his daughter’s gymnastics meets and middle school milestones. He knows the pull of ambition and the guilt that can come with it.We talk about:What his life-changing injury taught him about identity beyond performanceWhy progression, not winning, is what truly motivates long-term successThe difference between supporting your kid and pushing themHow to help kids discover their own internal driveWhat he hopes his daughter learns from watching him competeMike shares honestly about the tension of being “just dad” at home while also being a world-class athlete. He explains why pushing only works for so long, why losing teaches more than winning, and why the point of youth sports has to go deeper than medals.If your kid’s sport ended tomorrow, what would you hope remained?This conversation is about making sure the answer to that question is bigger than the scoreboard.--------FROM OUR PARTNER:For 100 years, PARENTS has provided millions of caregivers with trustworthy advice and a supportive community as they raise the next generation of confident and compassionate kids.Read my full feature on Mike SchultzRead the full Parents 100 Years Issue digital magazineLearn more about BioDapt--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Brite Legacyhttps://britelegacy.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan sits down with Jason D’Rocha from Sportball to talk about what youth sports are actually for and how early experiences shape kids long after the final whistle.Jason shares why sport can be one of the safest places for kids to do hard things, fail, recover, and grow. They unpack why fun and confidence have to come before competition, what parents should really be looking for in a coach, and how sports function as a powerful social and emotional classroom, not just a physical one.They also dig into one of the most misunderstood topics in youth sports: starting kids young. Jason explains Sportball’s approach to early childhood sports, why development matters more than age, and how physical literacy, emotional safety, and parent-child connection lay the foundation for a healthy relationship with sports later in life.This conversation is especially for parents who feel stuck in systems that reward outcomes over process. Jason offers a grounded, realistic way to hold your values even when the league, other parents, or the culture around you pushes in a different direction.If you care more about raising a confident, resilient human than collecting wins at young ages, this episode is for you.Topics covered:Why youth sports are a training ground for lifeWhat matters more than winning at young agesWhat parents should actually look for in a coachWhy confidence and competence come before competitionHow sports teach social and emotional skillsNavigating youth sports systems that prioritize resultsEncouragement for parents who are still figuring this out--------Learn More About Sportball:https://sportball.com/--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:PlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offBrite Legacyhttps://britelegacy.com/--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports head injuries explained for parents who want to stay informed without being afraid.In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan sits down with Dr. Christopher Nowinski, co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and one of the leading voices on concussions and CTE, for a calm, honest, and practical conversation about brain health in youth sports.Together, they unpack what we’ve learned about head injuries since we were kids and how that information should shape the way we guide our own children through sports today. This is not a conversation meant to scare parents away from sports. It’s about helping parents understand risk, recognize warning signs, and make age-appropriate decisions with clarity and confidence.You’ll hear:How to think about concussions without panickingWhy kids often can’t recognize or report their own symptomsThe difference between concussions and cumulative head impactsWhat parents should actually watch for after a hit or fallHow sports like football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and baseball have changed and whyWhy age-appropriate versions of sports matter for developing brainsThis episode is for parents who care deeply about their kids, believe sports can be a powerful good, and want to lead with better information than the generation before us had.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:PlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offCamp Blue Ridgehttp://www.blueridgecamp.com$750 off summer 2026 tuition for Healthy Sports Parents listeners--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

College sports recruiting can feel overwhelming, expensive, and confusing - especially when everyone online seems to have a different answer.In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Jonathan Carone sits down with three Division I head coaches from softball (Helen Peña, Ball State), women’s volleyball (Dan Meske, University of Louisville), and men’s soccer (Bobby Muuss, Wake Forest) for an honest roundtable conversation about what recruiting actually looks like from the college side.They talk about the real difference between a good high school player and a college athlete, how much work Division I sports truly require, and why fundamentals and consistency matter more than being flashy. They also address common pressure points parents feel, including club sports costs, high school versus club ball, early recruiting timelines, camps and showcases, and the rise of youth recruiting profiles on social media.Most importantly, this episode reframes recruiting away from fear and hype and toward clarity, perspective, and healthy expectations so parents can support their kids without losing sight of what really matters.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Camp Blue Ridgehttp://www.blueridgecamp.com$750 off summer 2026 tuition for Healthy Sports Parents listenersPlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offBall-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% off--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most parents want the same thing: to support their kids well and help them grow through sports. But somewhere along the way, support can quietly turn into pressure, often without us realizing it.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Stacey Nuveman-Deniz, a Division I head coach, Olympian, and sports parent, to talk honestly about where that line actually is and how easy it is to cross it. They dig into ego, expectations, competitiveness, and why so many kids end up burned out or disconnected from the game they once loved.Coach Nuvey shares real stories from recruiting, coaching, and parenting, including what she sees in athletes who thrive long-term and what shows up again and again in kids who flame out. This conversation isn’t about blaming parents. It’s about helping them recognize the difference between leading with care and unintentionally adding weight their kids were never meant to carry.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re helping or hovering, encouraging or pushing, this episode will give you language, perspective, and clarity to support your kid in a healthier way.--------FROM OUR SPONSORS:PlayPitshttps://playpits.com/ HSP15 for 15% offBall-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% offCamp Blue Ridgehttp://www.blueridgecamp.com$750 off summer 2026 tuition for Healthy Sports Parents listeners--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports were never meant to feel like an all in decision with no off ramp. But for a lot of families, that is exactly where things end up. The pressure ramps up, the schedules get overwhelmed, and the choices for where to play start to disappear.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Jennifer Paulett, Director of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN, to talk about the Take Back Sports campaign and what they are learning about why kids are walking away from sports. They discuss the importance of rec leagues, the dangers of early specialization, the role parents play in shaping the culture, and why choice matters more than most families realize. Jennifer also shares what she is seeing through ESPN and Positive Coaching Alliance as they work with leagues, organizations, and professional athletes to rebuild a healthier youth sports system.This conversation is a reminder that youth sports should give every kid a place to play, not just the competitive ones. Our goal is not to raise professional athletes. It is to help kids keep playing, growing, and enjoying sports for as long as they can so we can continue teaching them all the lessons sports can teach.---------MORE FROM ESPN + TAKE BACK SPORTShttp://www.takebacksports.orghttps://www.espn.com/espn/citizenship/---------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Camp Blue Ridgehttp://www.blueridgecamp.com$750 off summer 2026 tuition for Healthy Sports Parents listenersPlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% off--------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How youth sports can help your kid grow in 2026As we close out the year, Eric Williams and I sat down to talk through nine lessons we hope every kid learns through youth sports in 2026. This one is fun, honest, and packed with the kinds of conversations we all want our kids to experience as they grow up through sports.We walk through each lesson on a five minute clock. Some we nail. Others… we definitely race the buzzer. But every one of them points back to the bigger purpose behind these games our kids play.In this episode we talk about:• Separating confidence from performance• Handling hard things without giving up• Seeing mistakes as feedback• Why effort creates opportunity• Navigating big emotions in healthy ways• The everyday value of being coachable• How leadership starts with serving• Why accountability builds trust• Finding joy in the process, not just the outcomeIf you ever wonder what sports are really teaching your kid, this is the episode to start with.Here’s to a meaningful and healthy 2026 for you and your kids.---------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Strandzhttp://www.shopstrandz.comHSP20 for 20% offby 11:59pm 01/04/26Ball-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% offNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Season 2 finale, Jonathan sits down with Brea Schmidt — creator of The Top Bleacher — for an honest conversation about what kids really need to hear from their parents in youth sports. Together they walk through seven simple but powerful phrases that build confidence, resilience, and connection between parents and their athletes. From “You are more than your sport” to “I love watching you play,” this episode is a reminder that the words we use from the sidelines can shape who our kids become long after the games are over.---------MORE FROM BREA:https://www.facebook.com/thetopbleacher/https://www.instagram.com/thetopbleacher/---------FROM OUR SPONSORS:PlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offBall-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% offNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does ADHD actually show up in kids — and what does it mean for youth athletes?In this episode, Dr. Joey Case, a sports psychologist at Mississippi State, joins Healthy Sports Parents to unpack how ADHD impacts focus, effort, and motivation in sports. He explains what parents and coaches often mistake for laziness or attitude, why ADHD isn’t a character flaw, and how to help kids thrive in practice and competition.You’ll also learn how parents can work with coaches, when to consider testing, and why some ADHD traits can actually become strengths on the field.If you’ve ever wondered how to better support your child with ADHD in sports or school, this conversation is a must-listen.---------MORE FROM Dr. Case:http://www.tiktok.com/@josephccasehttps://www.instagram.com/drjosephcasehttps://josephccasepsyd.substack.com/ ---------FROM OUR SPONSORS:Ball-Brand Goodshttps://ball-brand.com/CHILLY15 for 15% offPlayPitshttps://playpits.com/HSP15 for 15% offNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a child’s self-worth becomes tied to their performance, every game, race, or competition can feel like a verdict on who they are.In this episode, two-time Olympian Kate Ziegler shares her journey from national records and Olympic appearances to the emotional toll of defining herself by results — and how she finally learned to separate her identity from her performance.We talk about:The hidden pressure high-achieving athletes carryHow performance-based identity develops in kidsWhat parents can do to help their child see their worth beyond resultsPractical ways to support kids after both wins and lossesWhether your child is competing at the highest level or just starting out, this conversation will help you protect their joy, confidence, and mental health — while building a foundation that lasts far beyond sports.---MORE FROM KATE:Get coaching: https://kateziegler.com/---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents merch:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents#KateZiegler #YouthSports #SportsParenting #HealthySportsParents #AthleteMentalHealth #ParentingTips #IdentityAndPerformance #RaisingConfidentKids #Olympian New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your kid is not defined by their wins and losses.In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, Liberty University Head Coach Ritchie McKay joins Jonathan Carone for one of the most grounded, heartfelt conversations we’ve ever had about identity, faith, family, and loving the game more than the win.Coach McKay has led Liberty basketball to NCAA Tournament wins and conference championships, but what stands out most is his perspective on people, not performance. He shares:Why kids need to find joy in the process, not just the scoreboardHow parents can help their child’s identity stay separate from performanceThe role gratitude and unconditional love play in raising healthy athletesHis take on specialization vs. multi-sport athletesEncouragement for parents who feel the pressure to get everything rightIf you’re a parent trying to raise kids who love the game and grow into strong, healthy adults in the process, this conversation will give you perspective, encouragement, and a whole lot of wisdom.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When people talk about Daddy Ball, it usually comes with eye rolls and complaints about favoritism. But the truth is far more complicated.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with state champion coach Julie McCann and her daughter Audrey to talk about what it’s really like when your parent is also your coach.They share the blurred lines between coach and mom, the higher expectations that come with being “the coach’s kid,” and the honest conversations it takes to make that relationship work.This isn’t the cliché story of unfair playing time. It’s a real look at the challenges, tensions, and surprising gifts of living through what people call Daddy Ball.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports motivation for parents - intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation - playing for yourself vs playing for the team - practical ways to support your athlete without adding pressure.Mental performance coach Lindsey Nadler joins us to unpack what truly drives kids in sports and how parents can lead in a way that fuels growth instead of shutdowns. We cover internal motivation vs external rewards, why “finding the why” matters, and a second layer most people miss - being motivated by personal improvement vs being motivated by the team.You’ll hear real stories from the field - from dollar-per-goal experiments to chicken-nugget dugout chants - and how those quick wins can be used to steer kids back to love of the game. Lindsey also explains what’s happening in the brain, how to praise the process, and how to guide instead of push.What we coverInternal vs external motivation - and how to shift kids toward internal driveFun as a real tool - using short-term incentives without creating long-term dependencePraise that builds resilience - process, discipline, effort, and being a great teammatePlaying for self vs playing for team - strengths, pitfalls, and how sport type changes the calculusThe “motivation triad” in the brain - conserve energy, seek pleasure, avoid painAge-appropriate expectations - why a nine year old’s “why” looks different from a teen’sTravel sports and pay-to-play - clarity on goals, roles, and what you’re actually signing up forGuiding over pushing - questions that build ownership and confidenceHelpful prompts you can use this weekWhat do you love most about your sport right nowWhat do you want from this season - fun, friends, getting better, playing timeIf you could practice one part every day, what would it beYou said your goal was X - is today’s energy getting you there---------MORE FROM Lindsey:http://www.tiktok.com/@elitementaledgehttps://www.instagram.com/elitementaledgeNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports should be about more than pressure, performance, and early specialization. In this episode of Healthy Sports Parents, we sit down with Jonny Martin, cofounder of Football Fun Factory, to explore how parents can help their kids fall in love with sports first, before worrying about competition or skill development.Drawing from years of coaching experience and working with thousands of kids across the UK, Jonny shares practical, emotionally grounded advice for parents who want to raise happy, confident, and resilient young athletes without pushing them too far, too soon.Whether your child plays recreational or elite-level sports, this conversation will help you shift your mindset, build stronger connections, and create an environment where your kid actually wants to keep playing.In this episode:Why fun should come before fundamentalsHow early pressure kills long-term love for the gameThe difference between encouragement and performance pressureHow to respond after mistakes or lossesWhat “being their biggest fan” looks like in real life-----Find out more about The Football Fun Factory:https://thefootballfunfactory.co.uk/New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former MLB outfielder Travis Snider joins us to talk about one of the biggest challenges in youth sports today: identity. When our kids start believing their value comes only from performance, stats, or wins, it sets them up for anxiety, burnout, and a shaky sense of self.In this conversation, Travis shares openly about his own struggles tying his worth to baseball — from being labeled “that kid” at 10 years old, to fighting pressure and panic attacks in high-stakes games, to the identity crisis he faced when his career ended. Now as a dad and coach, he’s determined to help the next generation of athletes develop resilience, joy, and identity that go deeper than sports.We cover:How early pressure and achievement-based identity shape kidsWhat parents can do to protect their child’s sense of selfWhy rest, fun, and unstructured play matter more than extra repsPractical ways to handle the car ride home, feedback, and emotional controlHow apologizing and repairing with our kids builds long-term trustIf you’ve ever wondered how to keep your child from tying their entire self-worth to wins and losses, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and encouragement.---------MORE FROM TRAVIS:https://www.3athletics.comhttps://www.instagram.com/3aathletics/https://www.instagram.com/lunchboxhero23/New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a world-class athlete becomes a youth sports parent?In this episode, former professional runner and NCAA champion Sara Slattery joins us for a real, vulnerable conversation about the shift from elite competition to everyday parenting. We talk about what it’s like watching your child navigate sports, how early pressure can steal the joy, and why stepping back is sometimes the most loving thing a parent can do.Sara shares what drove her as a young athlete, what led her own daughter to walk away from sports, and the quiet ways we pass down expectations without even realizing it. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between pushing and protecting – or wondered how to help your child find their own path – this conversation is for you.We cover:The cost of early success in youth sportsHow to respond when your kid wants to quitLetting go of your own identity to support theirsWhy fun matters more than we thinkEDITING NOTE: We had some audio issues and lost the first ten minutes of the conversation where Sara had the opportunity to talk about her kids and what it's like being mom to them. Sorry about that!---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does healthy support actually look like in youth sports?In this episode, Louisville volleyball head coach Dan Meske joins us to unpack what truly helps young athletes thrive — and what might be unintentionally holding them back. We talk about early specialization, burnout, recruiting myths, the rising cost of club sports, and the one thing every college coach looks for that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet.Whether your kid is just starting out or already dreaming big, this conversation will give you real clarity and calm in the middle of a pressure-packed youth sports world.---------New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when everything you worked for suddenly feels like too much?This week’s guest, Jackie Reyneke, opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of being a Division I athlete at Princeton — from high expectations and identity struggles to injury, loss, and the quiet moments when she questioned if it was all worth it.In this powerful episode, Jackie shares:What her parents did right while she was growing up in sportsHow the death of her best friend shifted her entire pathThe invisible overlap between concussions and mental healthWhy returning from injury isn’t just physicalAnd how parents can become a steady presence instead of added pressureJackie now works with athletes to build confidence, set meaningful goals, and navigate the mental side of sports and life. Her story is raw, honest, and full of insight for any parent raising a kid through competitive sports today.Whether your child is dealing with an injury, mental health challenges, or the pressure to perform, this episode is for you.FOLLOW JACKIE ON SOCIAL:Follow Farrell on social:https://www.instagram.com/powerforward.coach/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567147372336VIEW JACKIE'S WEBSITE:https://www.powerforward.coach/---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby Muuss has coached at the highest levels of college soccer for nearly 30 years. But when he’s not on the sidelines at Wake Forest, he’s coaching his son’s rec team right alongside the rest of us.In this episode, Coach Muuss shares the powerful perspective he’s gained from both worlds: the high-stakes world of Division I soccer, and the joy (and chaos) of Saturday morning youth games. He opens up about what he’s learned as a dad, why parents need to stop coaching from the sidelines, and how pressure can rob kids of the joy that brought them to sports in the first place.Whether you’re raising a future college athlete or a kid who just wants to play with their friends, this episode will remind you what really matters.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremi Barnes didn’t plan to become a youth sports ref with millions of views across social media. But what started as a way to help out turned into a calling — not just to officiate games, but to connect with kids, model respect, and remind everyone why youth sports actually matter.Jeremi shares his own athletic journey (including how he set a school record in triple jump just two months after learning the event), how he became a referee, and why he believes how you treat kids matters more than the scoreboard.We talk about:Why younger referees can connect with players in a powerful wayWhat kids actually hear (and feel) when parents yell from the sidelinesWhy your sideline behavior is shaping your kid’s characterHow older siblings can play a huge role in the journeyThe real impact of encouragement, presence, and modeling emotional controlIf you care more about your kid than the scoreboard, this conversation will hit home. It’s honest, funny, and full of perspective every sports parent needs.FOLLOW JEREMI ON SOCIAL:Follow Farrell on social:https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungrefhttps://www.instagram.com/jeremibarnes---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food is one of the most personal - and complicated - parts of parenting.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Farrell Frankel, a Licensed Sports Dietitian who works with youth and college athletes, to talk about how we approach food, body image, and nutrition as sports parents. The conversation covers everything from fueling young athletes to unlearning harmful food messages we grew up with.Farrell shares practical, compassionate advice for how to talk to kids about food without triggering shame, how to handle dinner during packed practice nights, and how sports can set the stage for lifelong well-being, even if dinner sometimes comes from the drive-thru.You’ll hear:Why some well-meaning food talk can backfireHow to make food a positive part of your child’s lifeWhy your kid’s body is going through normal (and necessary) changesWhat Farrell wishes every parent knew about fast food and busy nightsHow sports shape kids beyond the field—and why that matters more than macrosIf you’ve ever wrestled with how to feed your kid, what to say about their body, or how to keep things healthy without getting weird, this one’s for you.ABOUT FARRELL:Farrell Frankel is a Licensed Sports Dietitian who specializes in sportsnutrition and athlete performance. Farrell has worked with elite athletes for ten years. Farrell worked at Penn State University as the Assistant Director of Nutrition, she was the Director of Football Nutrition at West Virginia University, and Farrell started the Sports Nutrition Program at Boston College where she was the Football Dietitian for 4 years. Farrell currently has a sports nutrition private practice where she meets with athletes for nutrition coaching. She also speaks to teams, high schools and colleges. Farrell has over 100K followers on Tik Tok and uses her platform, Fueled By Farrell, to highlight how sports dietitians are an integral member of an athletes performance team. Her Tik Tok videos have been featured by ACC Network, College Gameday, Overtime SZN and ESPN CFB.Fueled by Farrell:https://www.fueledbyfarrell.com/Follow Farrell on social:https://www.tiktok.com/@fueledbyfarrellhttps://www.instagram.com/fueledbyfarrell---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeff Shilt joins us to break down what’s really happening when kids grow, get injured, or struggle in youth sports. We talk about overuse injuries, how to spot red flags, and why rest might not be the thing that helps your kid recover from an injury.Dr. Shilt also shares what he’s learned from raising four kids with very different approaches to sports and how parents can create healthy patterns at home that build strength without burnout.Whether your kid is tired, sore, or just not playing like themselves, this episode gives you a better way to understand what their body’s going through.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports have the potential to be one of the most powerful classrooms in a child’s life — but only if we approach them with intention.In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Jason Sacks, CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance, for a wide-ranging conversation on the real lessons kids take away from sports. They explore how character development doesn’t happen automatically, why access and equity in sports is a growing crisis, and what it actually means to “take back” youth sports in a culture driven by winning and status.Jason also shares:Why some communities are losing rec leagues altogether and what that means for kidsHow to make sports fun and developmental without sacrificing eitherThe emotional triggers behind common sideline behavior (and how to handle them better)Why coach training is the most underrated solution to fixing youth sportsWhat parents can do before, during, and after the game to support their kids wellWhether you're a parent, coach, or league organizer, this episode will help you reframe what really matters and give you the tools to build an experience kids want to come back to.ABOUT POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCEPCA is a national nonprofit organization working to unlock the life-changing power of sports for all kids, regardless of social or economic circumstance. Learn more at PositiveCoach.org.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents shirt:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth sports are a gift. But they can also get real messy.In this episode, we’re breaking down the Ten Commandments of Healthy Sports Parents — the core values behind everything we do. These aren’t just rules. They’re a framework for showing up well, leading with perspective, and keeping your kid’s well-being at the center of the journey.From emotional control to encouragement, rest to respect, we unpack what healthy really looks like and why it matters more than ever.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” – this one’s for you.---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hadn’t planned on doing any bonus episodes this summer but when you get an email saying, “Would you like to interview NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen?” you say yes and decide to put out a bonus episode.Ray is joined by ESPN Wide World of Sports General Manager Leroy Arrington. In the episode, we talk with Ray about why the process matters more than results, how kids need to learn from failure, and we also get an inside look from Leroy about what it takes to make a great experience at these giant tournaments and what he sees throughout the year from the families who walk away from youth sports stronger compared to those who walk away burned out or fractured.ABOUT THE WIDE WORLD OF SPORTSAlong with professional level stadiums, it has four professional sized baseball fields, six fields used for softball and youth baseball, 10 tennis courts, a track and field complex, and an athletic center that can host six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, or two roller hockey rinks. And that’s not even all of it. In total, the complex features more than 30 outdoor fields and several indoor venues. If you want to know more about the Wide World of Sports, you can visit ESPNWWOS.com.-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbookNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coach Ballgame ( ⁨@coachballgame⁩ ) is on a mission to help kids fall in love with baseball and softball so they can learn the invaluable life lessons they impact. That includes helping kids love the game, helping parents lead their kids through the journey, and supporting coaches who can redefine the win from chasing trophies to imparting life lessons through the game.All year long, Coach Ballgame travels the country to host his National Sandlot Tour, offer clinics, and teach coaches how to help kids.He just recently released his first book - Coach Ballgame: My Pillars of Coaching and How I Got There. You can pick that up on his website CoachBallgame.com.I tried to come up with a summary of our conversation but it was so rich I couldn’t sum it up in a couple sentences. Just trust me that you’ll want to listen to it.Follow Coach Ballgame on social:https://www.facebook.com/coachballgamehttps://www.instagram.com/coachballgamehttps://www.tiktok.com/@coachballgameFollow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparentsNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is Steve Magness. Steve is one of my favorite voices in the youth sports space. He’s served as a performance coach for numerous professional teams, executives, and even artists. He’s coached at the high school and college level. And he’s written quite a few books. His newest is called Win The Inside Game and is out now wherever you get books. I can’t recommend it highly enough.In our conversation, we talk about how the fear of your kid falling behind athletically, how kids are afraid of failure and what we can do to help, and the importance of unstructured play in their development. We also hit on a whole bunch of other smaller topics throughout the conversation. I know I say this a lot, but this conversation truly was a joy to record.Get Steve's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Win-Inside-Game-Surviving-Thriving/Follow Steve on Social:https://www.instagram.com/stevemagness/https://www.threads.com/@stevemagnessNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Lessig is currently a high school senior who has signed to play college basketball at Princeton next year. But recently Sarah has gone viral all over social media because she is the girl who plays literally everything. I’ll let her tell the full story, but in high school, she’s played basketball, baseball, softball, flag football, and been a good enough skateboarder to attract sponsorships. Not only that, she plays multiple instruments and is the epitome of the kid who has tried everything.In our conversation, we talk about her journey growing up playing multiple sports, how those other sports helped her become a better basketball player, and what the college recruitment process was like.We also hit on the struggles of club sports, how expensive they are, and the realities of trying to balance everything both as a student athlete and for the parent involved as well.I was a fan of Sarah before this conversation just from watching her social media, but after spending some time talking to her, I can’t help but root for her as she enters college basketball next year.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 15, after never playing club/competitive soccer, Nick’s stepson, AJ, made an unexpected jump to the highest level of youth soccer in America. To make the story even more out-of-nowhere, Nick and his wife Sabrina are not your typical elite athlete parents - they’re both self-described computer nerds who don’t have athletic backgrounds.In our conversation with Nick, we talk about what it was like being thrust into that level of competition, what he and his wife learned throughout the years AJ played at that level, and how he would advise parents who have kids wanting to play at elite levels. We also hit on the dynamic of blended families and how sports helped Nick and AJ build their relationship.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Martin is the founder and owner of the Tri-City Chili Peppers. He’s also the inventor of cosmic baseball - a glow-in-the-dark version of baseball the Chili Peppers play that’s going on tour starting this week. I’ll actually be at their first game on Friday night.Before starting all of that, Chris ran - and still runs - a baseball academy called Rise Baseball outside Richmond, Virginia. He was also a Division 3 baseball player. In our conversation we talk about how he came to invent this new version of baseball, the importance of fun in sports, and what he’s learned through all his levels of baseball. We also hit on the importance of failure and give you an inside look at the business side of youth sports.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the common questions we get asked is how to balance youth/travel sports - which play games on Sundays - with church. If you play long enough, especially at club/competitive levels, those two things will inevitably come into conflict with each other.But they don't have to compete with one another.In this episode, Jonathan talks with Pastor Johnny Pereira about how we find the balance between church and youth sports. They also talk about the importance of helping your kid find their identity outside of their sport and how to prepare your kid for when they leave your house and go to college.For everyone watching the week this episode comes out: Happy Easter!-----About the Guest:Pastor Johnny Pereira is the lead pastor of Salem Chapel in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He's the dad of two athletes: Lily - a college basketball player and Lucas - a high school football player.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are seeing a giant increase in injuries amongst youth sports athletes. The consensus is the same from all the professionals: kids are playing too much while training too little.In this week's episode, we talk to Drs. Levi Kerby and Lauren Sibley about the importance of strength training, rest, and recovery in injury prevention. We also discuss how the goal of youth sports is to create healthy, lifelong athletes who love being active well into their adult years.-----About the Guests:Dr. Levi owns Kinetic Performance Rehab and Physical Therapy in Winston-Salem, NC. Together with Dr. Lauren, they help people of all ages get out of pain, address the root cause of the pain, and learn how to rebuild their body in a way that lets them stay active long-term.You can learn more about KPR at https://www.kprpt.com.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. As people who believe youth sports should be accessible to everyone, we wanted to do a dedicated episode to kids with ASD and special needs finding their place in youth sports.Our guest this week is Eric Williams. Eric's a dad of a son with autism along with a youth sports (rec + travel) coach and a background in rec league management. In our conversation we talk about his journey with his son and answer a few questions listeners sent in regarding ASD and sports.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As parents, most of us have never studied the brain in-depth to understand how it works. Coach Lindsey Nadler joins us this week to give us a crash course on how kids are wired, what we can do to help them on their sports journey, and why understanding these things can be a super power as a parent.We also talk about the importance of our kid owning their youth sports journey and discuss how this generation's brains have literally been rewired in ways that are different than ours when we were growing up.-----About the Guest:Lindsey Nadler is the founder and head mental performance coach at Elite Mental Edge, a company dedicated to changing women's sports by equipping athletes and coaches with mental skills training. Lindsey specializes in helping female athletes develop an elite mental edge to thrive at the next level, while also empowering coaches to seamlessly integrate mental skills into their programs. With a unique blend of experience as a former D1 softball player, high school coach, former police officer with crisis intervention expertise, and a bachelor's degree in psychology, Lindsey creates practical, simple strategies that transform the mental game and drive peak performance.Want to work with Coach Lindsey?https://stan.store/elitementaledge/p/the-mental-edge-playbook-for-coaches-https://stan.store/elitementaledge/p/private-mental-skills-coaching--vqobcNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the athlete you fanboy or fangirl over had a bad game, you would know they're better than that one performance and encourage them to shake it off before the next game.In this episode, Olympic running and NCAA All-American Edose Ibadin shares why we need to be fanboys and fangirls of ourselves as we compete. He also talks about the importance of learning to love the process more than the results.In addition to on-the-field talk, Edose gives us a look at his upbringing as the son of Nigerian immigrants, tells us how his parents supported him unconditionally, and talks about the importance of mental health through the entire journey.------About the Guest:Edose Ibadin is an accomplished track runner having competed in the 2024 Olympic Games representing Nigeria. While in college running for Hampton University, he was a Division I All-American in the 800m and 4x400 relay while earning a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He currently holds the Nigerian record in the 800m and has represented them at multiple world championships. He runs professionally for UA Baltimore 800.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen Greeny has been coaching volleyball at the college level for over 20 years. Over that time she's won over 60% of the games she's competed in, been to the Division I NCAA Tournament eight times, had six Top 25 finishes at the Division I level, and been awarded two Pac 12 Coach of the Year honors.She's also the mom to a college and high school athlete.Before all that, she was a collegiate athlete herself.In this week's episode, we talk to her about how she uses sports to prepare her players for life in general. We also talk about one of the unique parts of her program: how she has her college athletes volunteer their time to coach at the rec league level. We discussed what she hopes they learn from that and the benefits she sees from it both as athletes and as people.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's kids are practicing and playing more than any other generation. But what they're *not* doing is strength and resistance training for their sports.In our conversation with Coach Brealon Ashworth (B.S. Exercise Science, USA Weightlifting certification) we talk about how kids need to dial back on sport specific skills training while increasing strength training, how old kids need to be to start resistance training, and why simply just "getting strong" isn't the route to go. He also gives you tips on how to find the right gym/trainer, what to do if you don't have access to a gym, and how to fit training into an already overpacked schedule.-----About the Guest:Brealon Ashworth has been in the strength world since his sophomore year of college where he fell in love with strength sports. He attained a B.S. in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University and a USA Weightlifting certification during his time in college. He has dedicated his career to helping athletes become more powerful and explosive. Brealon currently lifts with the powerlifting and olympic weightlifting team competing regularly.Coach Brealon owns two gyms - Ignite Performance (IgniteWinston.com) in Winston-Salem, NC and Spark Fitness & Performance (SparkFP.com) in King, NC.New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People think kids today are soft but in reality they haven’t had the chances to build resiliency in the ways past generations did. Dr. Laura Fleetwood has done extension research into developing resliency in adolescent aged (8-12) girls. In this week’s episode, Dr. Laura talks with us about how we can help kids strengthen their resiliency muscles, develop personal independence in healthy ways, and understand their stress responses.---- About the GuestLaura Fleetwood offers communication consulting for nonprofits and mission-focused businesses at laurafleetwoodconsulting.com and helps females learn how to holistically manage stress at seekingthestill.com. She founded the non-profit, A Million Messy Miracles in 2024 as part of her doctoral work with the goal of sharing stress resilience tools to one million early adolescent girls and their moms in her lifetime. Learn more at twirlworkshop.com.----Research articles mentioned:https://www.dove.com/us/en/campaigns/purpose/confident-sports.htmlhttps://womeninsport.org/news/more-than-1-million-teenage-girls-fall-out-of-love-with-sport/New episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Godwin is an assistant women's soccer coach for the Florida Gators. But before that, he was a Division 3 men's head coach. And before *that* he worked for a Division I football team. Seriously.In this week's episode, Coach Godwin shares all the things he's learned from his crazy ride as an Englishman playing college soccer in America, rising through the coaching ranks, and parenting his two boys as they've begun their youth sports journey.The one consistent thing?Unconditional love from his parents, his most influential coaches, and those who have supported him along the journey.4:32 - When to push kids vs when to let them just be kids9:35 - What to do when your kid loves the sport but the local options aren’t great11:36 - Why it’s so important to foster a love for the game your kid plays13:42 - What high school parents can do to produce healthy, well-rounded kids17:07 - How to be a parent college coaches love18:16 - The importance of being parents who love unconditionally20:24 - The dangers of having your hopes for your kids wrapped in sports23:16 - The majority of any scholarship your kid gets will be academic24:09 - The differences in Division I and D2/D326:14 - Do you want to sit the bench at Division I or play at lower levels?28:06 - What does your kid actually want from sports?31:50 - We never know what opportunities are next for our kids37:20 - The difference in coaching boys and girls40:07 - What motivates most kids under 12-years-oldNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cori McMillan had a breakout softball season for Virginia Tech in 2024 leading the ACC in home runs and slugging percentage, setting an a single-season home run record for VT, and going a perfect 20-20 on stolen base attempts (ranking third in the ACC).In our conversation, we talk with her about what her journey was like from 8-years-old all the way through going into the transfer portal after her sophomore season and the recruitment process she experienced. She tells us how her mom's support made a huge impact on her, why/when she started specializing, and how the game you played when you were a kid is different than the game your kid is playing today.3:56 - Letting the kid lead the post-game debrief6:01 - Playing multiple sports as a young kid6:56 - One reason to start specializing you might not have thought of8:09 - Giving your kid ownership of their athletic journey12:13 - What it actually looks like to chase a college scholarship16:52 - The key to remaining close to your kid through their journey19:20 - What to do when a kid has potential but doesn’t want to work at it yet24:50 - The game you played is not the same game your kid is playing26:58 - What the recruiting process looks like for current athletes34:56 - The thank you note you want from your kids when they’re done playingNew episodes every Wednesday.---------Get your Healthy Sports Parents gear:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/shop---------Get your Weekend Playbook:https://www.healthysportsparents.com/playbook-----------Follow us on social:https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparentshttps://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparentshttps://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.