Youth $ports

Love & Marriage (& Youth Sports)

Episode 40: Dustin and Cindy Humphrey (Married with 4 children playing youth sports)
Being a youth sports parent is practically a full-time job. For the first time in Youth $ports Podcast history, I bring on a married couple to dive into the realities of parenting, marriage, and family life within the fast-paced world of youth sports.
🔹 Inside the Humphrey Household – Dustin and Cindy Humphrey give us an honest look at how they navigate a household with four kids in sports—plus Cindy coaching! Spoiler alert: IT’S BUSY. And yes, it takes a village (grandparents included!).
🔹 Sports vs. Screens – We discuss the shift from our childhoods—when kids played outside until dark—to today’s world of iPads and constant digital distractions. Is keeping kids busy with sports better than the alternative?
🔹 The Organized Chaos of Scheduling – With practices, games, and even piano lessons in the mix, the Humphreys break down how they manage the madness, including the reality of concession stand dinners and backseat outfit changes.
🔹 The Right Level of Commitment – Dustin shares his philosophy: If a child shows talent and personal drive to improve, then it’s worth considering a higher level of competition. Too often, parents get this backward.
🔹 Balancing It All – The Humphreys open up about how youth sports impact their family dynamic and relationship. The key? Communication and intentional planning—though even then, it’s not easy.
 
And... of course... HOT TAKES

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Episode 39: Kendra Schadler (Youth Golf Mom)
In this episode, we sit down with Kendra Schadler, mom of Kentucky’s top-ranked 9-year-old golfer, to dive into the highs, lows, and hidden costs of raising a young athlete in an expensive sport.
🔹 The Financial Toll of Youth Golf – From ever-changing equipment to specialized coaches, golf can be one of the priciest youth sports. We break down the true cost of keeping a young golfer competitive.
🔹 The Coaching Dilemma – Swing coaches, short-game specialists, mental performance trainers—the list goes on. Golf is a complicated sport!
🔹 Keeping It Fun – With golf’s high mental demands, youth coaches emphasize the importance of making the game enjoyable to prevent burnout.
🔹 The Mental Challenge of Individual Sports – Unlike team sports, young golfers face the pressure of competing alone. Kendra shares why she encourages her son to play team sports alongside golf to help balance the mental load.
🔹 The Social Media Factor – How do parents navigate their child’s presence online? We discuss the opportunities (like sponsorships and networking) versus the risks.
🔹 Balancing Multiple Sports – When a young athlete excels early, it can be tough to keep them engaged in multiple sports. How do parents manage success without leading to burnout?
🔹 ADHD & Sports as an Outlet – Kendra opens up about how athletics, especially golf, have been a positive space for her son.
🔹 Parenting & Coaching Balance – The struggle of pushing kids to be their best without crossing the line into over-coaching.
And of course… MORE HOT TAKES!

A Cautionary Tale

Episode 38: Alex & Elise (Mother/Daughter duo, Former competitive swimmer who suffered a major blood clot in her arm)
In this episode, we hear the powerful and eye-opening story of Elise and her mother, Alex, who went through a major health scare when Elise suffered from a blood clot caused by repetitive motion in competitive swimming.
🔹 The Toll of Intense Training – Competitive swimmers can practice up to 7 times a week, often for multiple hours a day. Elise’s story highlights the physical strain that many young athletes face with demanding schedules.
🔹 A Relevant and Urgent Topic – March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, and with NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama’s recent injury due to a blood clot in his shoulder, the topic couldn’t be more timely.
🔹 The Consequences of Early Specialization – Early sports specialization is creating long-term health risks for young athletes. Overuse injuries and conditions like blood clots are becoming increasingly common in sports that require repetitive motions, like swimming, baseball, and volleyball.
🔹 The Risk of Overuse Injuries – Elise & Alex share how repetitive upper-arm and shoulder motions can be particularly dangerous, and how young athletes in these sports are especially vulnerable to overuse injuries and blood clots.
🔹 Recognizing the Warning Signs – Elise and Alex are on a mission to raise awareness. They help educate athletes, parents, coaches, and trainers on the warning signs of blood clots and how to create safer environments for youth athletes.
🔹 The Surprising Stats – Did you know that 70% of blood clots are provoked and not related to underlying health issues? Pediatric doctors are starting to see more cases of blood clots in young athletes, raising alarm in the medical community.
🔹 Elise’s Cautionary Tale – Elise’s journey is a powerful reminder: It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to speak up when something feels wrong. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s not always the best idea to specialize and overdo training at young ages.
If you’re a coach, parent, or young athlete, this episode is essential listening to ensure safety and longevity in youth sports.
 
-Resources for more information regarding athletes and blood clots:
-https://swimswam.com/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/
-https://www.stoptheclot.org/about-clots/athletes-and-blood-clots/
https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/youth_sports_specialization_recommendations.pdf
 

Beware of the Propaganda Machine

Episode 37: Jacob Turner (Former 9th pick in the MLB draft, 11 year professional baseball career)
In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Turner, former MLB pitcher and top-ranked high school prospect, to discuss the wild world of youth sports—and why he believes today’s system is out of control.
🔹 The Youth Sports "Propaganda Machine" – Turner argues that parents and players are constantly bombarded with messages pushing early specialization, elite training, and expensive programs. Is it all necessary?
🔹 The Myth of Early Greatness – Despite being the best high school pitcher in the country, Turner was rarely the top player on his youth teams. A reminder that excelling at 10, 11, or 12 doesn’t always mean long-term success.
🔹 Early Bloomers vs. Late Developers – Many young stars dominate simply because they’re bigger or stronger early on, but Turner explains why patience is key for long-term growth.
🔹 Parenting Young Athletes – Now a father of four kids in sports, Turner shares what he’s learned about navigating the pressure and hype.
🔹 The Case for Playing Multiple Sports – Not just for athleticism, but for diverse experiences and social development. Turner explains why exposure to different sports and socio-economic groups matters.
🔹 Letting Kids Lead – Why forcing 6 a.m. training sessions isn’t the answer if your child doesn’t show a natural drive to improve on their own.
🔹 Effort Over Outcomes – One of the few things athletes can truly control. Turner emphasizes why praising effort is more valuable than obsessing over wins and losses.
🔹 If It Works for an MLB Veteran… – Turner reached the highest level of his sport without the extreme youth sports culture we see today—so why do so many parents feel pressured?
🔹 And of course… MORE HOT TAKES!

Livin' The Dream: A Conversation w/ My Best Friend

Episode 36: Toni Cannon (Host Ally Tucker's former roommate of 10 years/D-3 college soccer teammate)
In this episode, I sit down with Toni, a longtime friend, former D-3 soccer player, and current adult rec league warrior, to reminisce about the absurd, unforgettable, and downright hilarious moments from our playing days.
🔹 D-3 Soccer: A Different Kind of Grind – When you’re in it, you don’t always realize how wild some of the experiences are. We relive the pre-game Golden Corral meals, makeshift “locker rooms,” 20-pound unisex uniforms, and “international trips” to… Chicago.
🔹 Wouldn’t Trade It for the World – As chaotic as D-3 soccer could be, it gave us some of our best friendships, funniest stories, and lifelong memories.
🔹 Why Keep Playing? – This may be a youth sports podcast, but what drives people to keep playing into adulthood? For Toni, the love of the game and the team experience outweighs the fear of injury.
🔹 The Wild World of Adult Co-Ed Rec Leagues – It’s a different beast. Toni hilariously breaks down the “Archetypes” of every rec league team, and trust us—you’ll recognize (or be) at least one of them.
🔹 The Most Jam-Packed HOT TAKES Segment Yet! – Strap in.
If you’ve ever played college sports, dabbled in adult rec leagues, or just love a good laugh about the beautiful chaos of amateur athletics, this episode is for you!

Top 6 Parenting Mistakes That Cause Kids to Quit Sports

Episode 35: Asia Mape (4-time Emmy Award winning journalist and Sports Television producer, Founder of "I Love To Watch You Play" blog)
In this episode, I sit down with Asia Mape, a sports media veteran turned youth sports advocate, to discuss the biggest mistakes parents make, the changing culture of youth sports, and how we can do better.
🔹 From the Olympics to Youth Sports – Mape’s career covering five Olympics, multiple NBA playoffs, Super Bowls, and more gave her a front-row seat to elite athletes—but nothing prepared her for the world of youth sports parenting.
🔹 Lessons Learned the Hard Way – Mape has made mistakes as a youth sports parent, and now her mission is to help others navigate this tricky season of life.
🔹 Founder of “I Love to Watch You Play” – Her platform is a safe space for parents to learn, reflect, and reshape how they approach their child’s sports journey.
🔹 “Top 6 Parenting Mistakes That Cause Kids to Quit Sports” – Mape’s viral article breaks down the frighteningly accurate mistakes parents make—and how they contribute to the current youth sports madness.
🔹 Sifting Through the Chaos – With so much pressure and misinformation in youth sports, how can parents find the good and focus on what truly matters?
🔹 The Rise of the “Me First” Mentality – Parents and athletes are bringing an individual mindset into team sports, making the experience harder for everyone involved.
🔹 Protecting Your Child’s Love for the Game – Be a safe landing spot. Don’t let your child’s joy be stolen by pressure, over-coaching, or unrealistic expectations. There’s beauty in the struggle.
🔹 And of course… MORE Hot Takes!
If you're a youth sports parent, coach, or just love a good discussion on the evolving landscape of kids’ athletics, this one is a must-listen!

Magic Formula

Episode 34 : Shae Robertson (Former Ohio University Soccer Player, Current coach/trainer)
In this episode, I sit down with Shae Robertson, former All-American and Ohio University standout, to discuss what it really takes to reach the next level—and why so many parents are asking the wrong questions.
🔹 From Player to Coach – Now on the other side of the game, Robertson quickly jumped into coaching and training young athletes, gaining a whole new perspective on youth sports.
🔹 The “Magic Formula” Myth – Parents constantly ask, “What did you do to become a D1 player?” But the truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all path.
🔹 The Secret to Her Success? PLAY. – Forget endless private sessions and expensive training programs—Robertson credits her backyard games, pickup matches, and pure love for the sport as the real key to her development.
🔹 What If the Magic Formula Is Simply Loving the Game? – The best players aren’t always the ones who train the most, but the ones who can’t get enough of the sport—on their own terms.
🔹 The Pressure of Being "The Star" – As her former club and high school coach, we take a trip down memory lane, discussing what it was like to carry the weight of high expectations.
🔹 Navigating the Recruiting Process – Robertson shares honest advice for young athletes and parents trying to navigate the college soccer landscape.
🔹 The Harsh Reality of College Athletics – College sports aren’t always the dream people imagine. It’s hard. It’s not always fun. And it takes a serious toll on the body.
🔹 And of course… MORE HOT TAKES!
If you're chasing a college soccer dream—or just curious about what it really takes—this episode is a must-listen!

The Good in Sports

Episode 33: Melissa Harper (CEO/Co-founder of Good Sports)
In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Harper from Good Sports, an organization dedicated to breaking down financial barriers in youth sports. If you’ve ever wondered why so many kids are being priced out of athletics, this conversation is a must-listen.
🔹 From 500 Basketballs to $110 Million in Donations – What started as a U-Haul full of equipment has turned into a national movement helping 10 million kids gain access to sports.
🔹 The Mission: Equity in Youth Sports – Good Sports is working to level the playing field, ensuring that all kids—not just those from wealthy families—have access to the gear and opportunities they need.
🔹 The Hidden Barriers Keeping Kids Out – It’s not always about travel teams or club fees. Some kids can’t play simply because they don’t have a sports bra, cleats, or basic equipment to practice.
🔹 Even Fundraising Isn’t Equal – Not every family has time to sell wrapping paper or the means to write a check to cover costs. The fundraising gap only widens the divide in youth sports.
🔹 The Cost of Sports Is Driving Families Away – Good Sports conducted a survey, and the results are alarming:
90% of parents say sports lead to positive outcomes for their kids.
But 75% have considered pulling their kids from sports due to financial stress.
🔹 Not Just a Low-Income Issue – Families across all socioeconomic levels are feeling the pressure. The rising costs of sports aren’t just affecting underserved communities anymore.
🔹 The Decline of Local Sports & PE – With parks & rec budgets cut and PE programs disappearing, the only options left are expensive "elite" clubs—which aren’t just for elite athletes anymore.
🔹 How to Take Action – Change starts at the local level. Even small efforts can have a massive impact—but we have to act NOW before more kids miss out on the life-changing benefits of sports.
🔹 And of course… MORE HOT TAKES!
This is an urgent conversation about the future of youth sports—and what we can do to fix it. Don't miss this one!

Swinging For The Fences

Episode 32: Jordan Vorbrink (Former WKU Softball player)
In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Vorbrink, a former University of Louisville softball commit, to break down the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of the youth softball world.
🔹 Committing to College… as a Freshman?! – Vorbrink locked in her spot at Louisville as a high school freshman. Did it relieve pressure or just put a bigger target on her back?
🔹 The Cost of Playing Softball – Travel. Equipment. Tournament fees. Many players had to travel with teammates or compete without family in the stands because the sport is simply too expensive.
🔹 Is Softball Rightfully #3 on the “Craziest Youth Sports” List? – Vorbrink gives her take on where softball ranks in the world of youth sports insanity. Spoiler: It deserves the spot.
🔹 Softball Parents Are Built Different – Keeping their own stats, yelling at umpires, claiming “their seat” at every game… Why are softball parents some of the wildest?
🔹 The “Ring Culture” Is Out of Control – Vorbrink weighs in on the obsession with tournament rings in softball and baseball.
🔹 The Objectivity of Softball – Unlike some other sports, stats don’t lie. If you’re the best, your numbers back it up—leaving less room for parent complaints.
🔹 Pitcher = Quarterback? – In both softball and football, one position can dictate the entire team’s success. Does this lead to parents jockeying for their child to be “the star” pitcher at young ages?
🔹 Burnout Is Real – Youth softball emphasizes game after game after game—but is that leading to fewer players sticking with the sport by high school?
🔹 Life After Sports: Welcome to NARP Life – What happens when you stop being an athlete after it’s been your identity for years? There’s even a term for it: “NARP” (Non-Athletic Regular Person).
🔹 And of course… MORE HOT TAKES! – Vorbrink absolutely destroys a beloved sports movie—tune in to find out which one!
If you’ve ever been around youth softball—or just love a wild sports discussion—this episode is a must-listen!

Once, Twice, Three Times a Guest

Episode 31: Jordan Parker (3-time podcast guest and champion of the Most Downloaded Episode)
In this episode, we welcome back Jordan Parker for his third appearance on the Youth $ports Podcast! Jordan’s the reigning MVP of our most downloaded episodes, and once again, he’s bringing the Hottest Hot Takes.
🔹 Exploring the “Talent Pocket” Phenomenon – Why do certain places produce top athletes in specific sports or positions? Jordan dives into the concept of “Talent Pockets” and we explore examples like:
Louisiana’s wide receivers
Liverpool and Manchester soccer players
Jamaica’s sprintersWhat makes these regions so successful at developing athletes in these areas?
🔹 The Impact of Local Heroes – One theory behind these Talent Pockets is the exposure kids get to their local heroes. The athletes kids grow up idolizing might influence what sports they choose, shaping these “hot spots” of talent.
🔹 Youth Sports & The Business World – Ally draws an interesting parallel between youth sports and the business world. Just like self-made millionaires, athletes who grow up working for their success often have a different work ethic than those who inherit their opportunities.
🔹 The Athlete Who Wants It Most Wins – You’re never going to beat the kid who chooses to play the sport they love above all else. Passion and dedication often outshine natural talent.
🔹 The Lack of Women in Coaching – Midway through the episode, we shift gears to talk about the challenges women face in coaching. Why is it so tough for women to break into and stay in coaching? We discuss potential ways to remove barriers and how representation matters for women in leadership roles in sports.
🔹 Story Time: My Tarot Card Reading Experience – Don’t miss my wild story from a New Orleans Tarot Card reading. You’ll never guess what happened next! 🔮
🔹 The Weirdness We Don’t Realize – In this Hottest Hot Takes segment, Jordan and I discuss quirks you don’t even realize are “weird” until you live with someone else. You won’t believe some of the things we reveal about ourselves!
It’s an episode filled with thought-provoking discussions, laughs, and, of course, MORE HOT TAKES. Don’t miss this one!