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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: PlayPits https://playpits.com/ HSP15 for 15% off Ball-Brand Goods https://ball-brand.com/ CHILLY15 for 15% off Camp Blue Ridge http://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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 SPORTS http://www.takebacksports.org https://www.espn.com/espn/citizenship/ --------- FROM OUR SPONSORS: Camp Blue Ridge http://www.blueridgecamp.com $750 off summer 2026 tuition for Healthy Sports Parents listeners PlayPits https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How youth sports can help your kid grow in 2026 As 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 outcome If 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: Strandz http://www.shopstrandz.com HSP20 for 20% off by 11:59pm 01/04/26 Ball-Brand Goods https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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: PlayPits https://playpits.com/ HSP15 for 15% off Ball-Brand Goods https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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/@josephccase https://www.instagram.com/drjosephcase https://josephccasepsyd.substack.com/  --------- FROM OUR SPONSORS: Ball-Brand Goods https://ball-brand.com/ CHILLY15 for 15% off PlayPits https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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 carry How performance-based identity develops in kids What parents can do to help their child see their worth beyond results Practical ways to support kids after both wins and losses Whether 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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 right If 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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 cover Internal 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 confidence Helpful prompts you can use this week What 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/@elitementaledge https://www.instagram.com/elitementaledge 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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 trust If 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.com https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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 sports How to respond when your kid wants to quit Letting go of your own identity to support theirs Why fun matters more than we think EDITING 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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 sports How the death of her best friend shifted her entire path The invisible overlap between concussions and mental health Why returning from injury isn’t just physical And how parents can become a steady presence instead of added pressure Jackie 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=61567147372336 VIEW 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents 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/healthysportsparents https://www.tiktok.com/@healthysportsparents https://www.facebook.com/healthysportsparents https://www.threads.net/healthysportsparents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.