Advertise on podcast: Sport Perspective Development

In this episode, host Brad Burton interviews Julia Gosling from the Seattle Torrent (PWHL). Julia -- a Canadian Olympic Silver Medalist and World Champion -- shares her experiences and insight from her childhood hockey dreams all the way to playing professional hockey and representing Team Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. We also discuss development, leadership and her insight's into women's hockey growth.

This episode explores the vital role of sport in community development, mental health, and youth character building, featuring insights from (host) Brad Burton and Garrett Skinn and reflections on local sports culture. While merely scratching the surface on this topic, the conversation aims to bring a focus back to teamwork and community-orientated mindsets.

In this episode, host Brad Burton and co-host Lesley Zehr interview Canadian, UCI Cyclocross rider Siobhan Kelly. From her earliest memories of attending events with her dad to her latest World Cup events, Siobhan shares her story of growing up in London, Ontario in the bike scene. From racing at Boler Mountain all the way to traveling the world on the international stage, Siobhan talks about her experiences as a rider, her self-managed "Black Dog Racing" team, and role within Ontario Cycle and Cycling Canada on the Athlete Council.

In this episode of the Sports Perspective Development Podcast, host Brad Burton engages with a panel of experienced hockey officials, including Bill Newman, Clint Campbell, and Nic Cameron. They discuss the vital role of officials in maintaining fairness and safety in sports, share personal journeys and memorable moments from their officiating careers, and explore the qualities that make a good official. The conversation also delves into the mental and physical preparation required for officiating, the challenges of making quick decisions under pressure, and the balance between game management and technical correctness. Through their insights, the officials aim to raise awareness about the importance of their role in youth sports and encourage more individuals to step up as referees. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of safety in hockey, particularly regarding body checking and the differences between minor and men's hockey. They emphasize the need for respect towards officials and the challenges faced by young referees. The discussion also covers the evolution of body checking rules, the emotional dynamics between coaches and referees, and the significance of maintaining game integrity. The speakers provide valuable advice for aspiring officials, highlighting the importance of love for the game, continuous learning, and the need to stay humble in the officiating profession.

In this episode, host Brad Burton discusses the intersection of faith and sports with guests Tom Pettigrew and Aaron Armstrong. They share their personal journeys as Christian athletes, the challenges they faced, and the defining moments that shaped their faith. The conversation explores the impact of injuries on their athletic careers, the importance of loving one's neighbor in competition, and offers valuable advice for young athletes navigating their faith in the sports world.

In this episode, host Brad Burton and guests Joel Riley, Garrett Skinn and Russell Sutton discuss coaching philosophies, team dynamics, and the impact of experience in sports. They reflect on the recent World Series, share their coaching styles, and emphasize the importance of player development and handling adversity. The conversation highlights the need for adaptability in coaching and the significance of building team chemistry. In this conversation, the coaches discuss the various aspects of coaching, including navigating adversity, setting expectations, and the importance of commitment in sports. They emphasize the need for effective communication, balancing academics with athletics, and adapting coaching styles based on team dynamics. The discussion also touches on the significance of mentorship and continuous learning for coaches, providing valuable insights for those entering the field.

In this episode, host Brad Burton and guest Pastor Terry Norris explore the intersection of sports and faith, discussing the importance of maintaining a relationship with God while being involved in sports. They delve into the role of Christians in sports, the potential for idolatry, and the significance of humility, obedience, and sacrifice. The conversation emphasizes the need for a healthy perspective on competition and the importance of character development through sports, ultimately framing sports as a platform for glorifying God.

In this episode, host Brad Burton and guests Garrett Skinn and Lesley Zehr explore the intricate relationship between sports and politics, discussing how sports can influence political discourse and vice versa. They delve into the role of athletes as public figures, the impact of cancel culture on their freedom of speech, and the ethical implications of parental influence in youth sports. The conversation also touches on the concept of sports washing and its relevance in today's sporting world, ultimately questioning the future of politics in sports. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complex relationship between sports and politics, exploring how personal integrity, career trajectories, and the impact of political decisions shape the sports landscape. They discuss the importance of coaching through adversity, the butterfly effect in sports careers, and the challenges faced by athletes and coaches in maintaining their values amidst political pressures. The conversation highlights the need for integrity in sports and the potential consequences of political involvement on youth sports.

This conversation between host, Brad Burton and guest, Billy McGrail delves into the complex relationship between sports and faith, exploring how idolatry can manifest in the sporting world and the importance of maintaining a strong Christian identity as an athlete, parent, or coach. The speakers share personal experiences, discuss the societal pressures surrounding sports, and emphasize the need for balance between athletic pursuits and spiritual growth. They offerpractical advice for young Christian athletes and highlight the positive aspects of sports as a platform for faith and character development.

In this episode of the Sport Perspective Development podcast, host Brad Burton and guest Brian Hawley discuss the complexities of guiding young athletes in their sports journey. They explore the importance of parental involvement, the significance of allowing children to choose their sports, and the balance between competition and enjoyment. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience in recognizing a child's potential and the value of diverse athletic experiences before specializing in a single sport. In this conversation, Brian and Brad discuss the multifaceted journey of young athletes in competitive sports. They emphasize the importance of multi-sport participation, the need for parents to facilitate rather than dictate their children's athletic paths, and the significance of identifying a child's inner drive. The discussion also touches on the life lessons learned through sports, the dangers of parental expectations, and the non-linear nature of success in athletics. Ultimately, they advocate for a balanced approach to youth sports that prioritizes personal growth and enjoyment over pressure to succeed.

In this episode, host Brad Burton and the panel, Garrett Skinn and Lesley Zehr, discuss the emotional landscape surrounding tryouts in sports, exploring personal experiences, expectations, and the pressures faced by athletes and parents. They delve into the importance of resilience, understanding the evaluation process, and the dynamics of team selection. The conversation highlights the life lessons learned through sports and the significance of focusing on the journey rather than just the outcome. The discussion also touches on the rising costs of sports and how it affects accessibility for aspiring athletes. Guidance is provided for families and athletes on handling rejection during tryouts, emphasizing the importance of mindset and preparation. The conversation concludes with insights on evaluating talent beyond just performance metrics and the significance of maintaining a positive relationship with sports throughout one's life.

In this episode, host Brad Burton and guests Paulie O'Byrne and Billy McGrail discuss the various aspects of sports, focusing on the balance between winning and development, the impact of negative influences, and the importance of communication and mindset in youth sports. They explore how the current landscape of sports can sometimes overshadow the joy of participation and the need for a more holistic approach to youth development in athletics. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the mindset required for success in sports, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a winning culture. They discuss the detrimental effects of ego and the overemphasis on winning, particularly in youth sports, and how this can lead to burnout and a loss of passion for the game. The conversation also highlights the dangers of early specialization in sports, advocating for a more well-rounded athletic experience that fosters character development and social skills. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of youth sports, emphasizing the importance of understanding the whole athlete, which includes mental health and personal circumstances. They discuss the role of coaches, the high costs associated with competitive sports, and the need for mindset coaching to foster resilience and enjoyment in sports. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by young athletes, particularly regarding financial barriers and the pressure of early specialization.

In this inaugural episode of the Sport Perspective Development Podcast, host Brad Burton and guests Garrett Skinn, Kendel Ross and Lesley Zehr explore the multifaceted nature of sports, discussing its essence, the reasons for participation, and the profound impact it has on personal growth and community. They delve into the challenges faced in youth sports, the importance of mentorship, and the balance needed in sports participation. The conversation highlights the positive influences of sports on mental health, social connections, and life skills, while also addressing the negative aspects and pressures associated with competition. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace sports as a vehicle for lifelong learning and personal development.

Guests and former Wingham Ironmen Captains and Coaches Zack O'Krafka and Joel Riley, as well as former Captain and current Coach Brett Brophy join host Brad Burton discuss their time with the Ironmen and their Schmalz Cup Playoff runs in 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2013/14 seasons as the Wingham Ironmen celebrate 50 years of Junior Hockey.

Nathan Ansell and host Brad Burton go through current and former players they feel young players should watch and learn from.