The Sports Mom Playbook

Rachel Heller
  • 4.7 (14)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Sports Mom Playbook, the podcast for moms navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports and motherhood.  Hosted by Rachel Heller — a Jersey girl, baseball mom, soccer mom, and coach’s wife — this show is for the moms running on cold coffee, packed schedules, camp chairs, and unconditional love for their kids.  Each week, Rachel dives into the real side of youth sports with honest conversations, relatable stories, practical advice, and the moments people don’t talk about enough. From sideline struggles and mom guilt to big wins, tough losses, and everything in between, no topic is off limits. But this podcast isn’t just about raising athletes. It’s also about the woman behind it all — motherhood, marriage, friendships, identity, aging, hormones, and navigating life in this season. With humor, heart, and her unapologetically spicy personality, Rachel is your built-in bestie through it all. Because behind every athlete is a mom making it happen. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support.

  1. 3d ago

    38. Youth Sports Costs Are Out of Control: What Parents Can Do

    Youth sports are worth the investment. But does that investment really need to cost your family thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars every year? In this episode of The Sports Mom Playbook, Rachel Heller gets real about the rising cost of youth sports, from club and registration fees to travel, hotels, equipment, private training, showcases, recruiting platforms, and all the hidden expenses nobody warns you about when your child first joins a team. Rachel also tackles one of the biggest pressures driving sports parents to keep spending: the dream of an athletic scholarship. What are the actual odds, and does the financial math make sense? Most importantly, this isn't an episode about pulling your kids out of sports. It's about making intentional choices that work for your athlete and your family. Rachel shares a practical six-step playbook for calculating what you're really spending, creating a sports budget, talking to your athlete about what they actually want, finding lower-cost options, asking about financial assistance, and reassessing your choices every season. Because the value of your child's athletic experience isn't determined by the size of the price tag. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

  2. Aug 7

    37. Back-to-School Survival Guide for Sports Moms: Managing School, Sports & the Mental Load

    Summer somehow came and went in the blink of an eye, and now sports moms everywhere are stepping into one of the busiest seasons of the year. In this solo episode, Rachel opens up about the emotional and logistical reality of transitioning from summer break into back-to-school season while juggling youth sports. From endless permission slips and overlapping practice schedules to school supplies, tournament fees, and the invisible mental load moms carry, this conversation is a reminder that if you're overwhelmed— you are not alone. Rachel shares practical strategies to help simplify the chaos, reduce stress, and create systems that make this season feel a little more manageable, while also encouraging moms to care for themselves in the middle of caring for everyone else. If your calendar feels impossible, your coffee is always cold, and you're wondering how you're supposed to keep it all together this fall, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why back-to-school season is one of the most stressful times for parentsThe hidden mental load of sports momsBalancing school schedules with youth sportsBudgeting for fall sports expensesFive practical ways to survive AugustWhy taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

  3. Jan 23

    36. A New Chapter for The SportsMoms Podcast, You Don't want to Miss it.

    Sports moms get ready for This! In today's episode real conversations take center stage in this heartfelt episode of The Official SportsMoms Podcast. Rachel and Yaritza reflect on the new year, the chaos of post-holiday routines, and a major transition for the Sports Mom Playbook. Today, the hosts candidly share what it’s really like getting kids back into school after winter break, juggling packed schedules, homework overload, and finding moments to reset as busy sports moms.  From laughing about routines to navigating exhaustion, this conversation feels like chatting with friends who get it.  The biggest moment of the episode comes as Yaritza announces her decision to step away from the Sports Mom Playbook to focus on her growing real estate brokerage. She and Rachel reflect on building the podcast from the ground up, the powerful community they’ve created, and what’s next for the future of Sports Moms. Topics covered: • Life after the holidays as a sports mom • Back-to-school routines and burnout • Building a supportive sports mom community • Navigating business transitions and seasons of change • What’s next for The Official SportsMoms Podcast This episode is a reminder that seasons change — and sometimes stepping back is part of moving forward.  We will keep you up to date on ALL things Podcast. Sponsored by Play Pits Stay #FunkFree with Play Pits: an all-natural, mom-made deodorant that’s safe for kids and strong enough for parents.  Shop Play Pits Use code MomMVP for 15% off: https://play-pits.myshopify.com/?ref=MomMVP ------------------------------ Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvp Shop The Official Sports Mom MVP Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/ Sponsor: PlayPits (mom-made, all-natural deodorant for kids + parents) Use code SPORTSMOMMVP for 15% off at PlayPits.com ------------------------------------ Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs Website:  https://www.hihellolabs.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

  4. Jan 9

    35. Youth Athlete Hygiene 101 (What Sports Parents Need to Know) with Chantel L. Powell

    If you’re raising an athlete, you already know: youth athlete hygiene is a full-time job. Between sweaty practices, all-day tournaments, and sports bags that never fully air out, it’s easy for funk to become the norm. In today’s episode of The Sports Mom Playbook, we’re joined in-studio by Chantel L. Powell (CEO, mom of three, and founder of PlayPits) for a practical, honest conversation about keeping active kids clean, confident, and comfortable, without harsh ingredients or complicated routines. This episode covers: The most overlooked youth athlete hygiene mistakes parents makeWhy post-practice odor hits differently (especially in the car 😅)How to build a simple hygiene routine that kids will actually followSensitive skin + eczema considerations for deodorant and body careBalancing sports schedules, parenting, and leadership (without chasing “perfect balance”)How Chantel scaled from homemade solutions to national growth (and rebuilt after major setbacks)What sports families need next for odor control: wipes, bags, shoes, and gear You’ll walk away with practical takeaways you can use this week, plus a new perspective on helping your athlete feel confident on and off the field. Connect with Chantel L. Powell Here: Instagram/TikTok: @MrsPlayPits Follow PlayPits Instagram: @PlayPits TikTok: @PlayPitsDO Sponsored by Play Pits Stay #FunkFree with Play Pits: an all-natural, mom-made deodorant that’s safe for kids and strong enough for parents.  Shop Play Pits Use code MomMVP for 15% off: https://play-pits.myshopify.com/?ref=MomMVP ------------------------------ Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvp Shop The Official Sports Mom MVP Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/ Sponsor: PlayPits (mom-made, all-natural deodorant for kids + parents) Use code SPORTSMOMMVP for 15% off at PlayPits.com ------------------------------------ Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs Website:  https://www.hihellolabs.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

  5. 12/19/2025

    34. Manners, Mealtimes & Meltdowns: Real Talk for Sports Moms

    Manners matter — and as sports moms, we’re teaching them everywhere: at the dinner table, in the locker room, at restaurants, and in real life. In this episode of The Official SportsMoms Playbook Podcast, hosts Yaritza and Rachel dive into the often hilarious, sometimes frustrating, and always important topic of teaching manners to our kids. From food etiquette and table manners to bathroom habits, eye contact, respect, and being a good teammate, this conversation is full of real-life stories, relatable parenting moments, and practical takeaways you can actually use. Inspired by a parenting book built around 52 essential manners, the moms talk about how small conversations at home can shape big behavior changes in public — without shaming, forcing, or power struggles. They also unpack how manners connect to emotional intelligence, body awareness, food relationships, and sportsmanship. You’ll hear stories about: Teaching kids how to politely decline food without offending othersNavigating food sensitivities and public settingsWhy forcing kids to “clean their plate” can backfireBathroom manners, table manners, and respect for shared spacesRaising kids to be respectful teammates on and off the fieldReal mom hacks for restaurants, social events, and busy schedulesWhether you’re parenting toddlers, elementary-age kids, or entering the moody pre-teen years, this episode will make you laugh, nod along, and maybe rethink how you approach manners in your home. Sponsored by Play Pits Stay #FunkFree with Play Pits: an all-natural, mom-made deodorant that’s safe for kids and strong enough for parents.  Shop Play Pits Use code MomMVP for 15% off: https://play-pits.myshopify.com/?ref=MomMVP ------------------------------ Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvp Shop The Official Sports Mom MVP Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

  6. 12/12/2025

    33. Celebrating our ONE YEAR Anniversary + Youth Sports Costs EXPOSED

    The cost of kids sports is no joke. From registration fees and uniforms to travel tournaments and camps, being a sports parent adds up quickly. In this episode of The Official SportsMoms Playbook Podcast, Rachel and Yaritza break down the real cost of youth sports and how families are making it work. We celebrate one full year of the podcast (happy anniversary to us!) and then dive into research on the most expensive and least expensive youth sports, including why ice hockey tops the list, where gymnastics, cheer, lacrosse, and equestrian land, and why humble track and field is one of the most affordable options. We also unpack the hidden costs no one talks about: hotels, gas, clinics, private lessons, fundraising, and those never-ending snack runs. Rachel and Yaritza share their own experience as baseball and soccer moms, talk about when travel ball really starts getting pricey, how long most kids stay in sports, and whether there is such a thing as “too young” to start. If you have ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Wait… how much did we just spend on sports this year?” this conversation is for you. Sponsored by Play Pits Stay #FunkFree with Play Pits: an all-natural, mom-made deodorant that’s safe for kids and strong enough for parents.  Shop Play Pits Use code MomMVP for 15% off: https://play-pits.myshopify.com/?ref=MomMVP ------------------------------ Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvp Shop The Official Sports Mom MVP Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

  7. 11/28/2025

    32. Self Care For Sports Moms During The Busy Holiday Season

    In this episode of The Sports Mom Playbook, hosts Eritza and Rachel get real about what self-care actually looks like in the busy holiday season when you are living at the fields, juggling tournaments, car line, work, and home life. From weekly nail painting rituals and slow coffee mornings to Factor meals, mid-day workouts, clean kitchen resets, and family dinners with phones put away, they share simple, realistic ways they refill their cups without needing a full spa day. They also talk about holiday spending boundaries, why they broke up with Uber Eats, how to protect your peace with phones and notifications, and the power of having friends who really fill your cup and keep you grounded. In this episode, you will hear: Simple self-care ideas that fit between games and practicesWhy slow mornings and a good cup of coffee can change your whole dayReading habits, Kindle girlies, and favorite book genres and recsTeaching kids manners and social awareness at the dinner tableMid-day workouts, Factor meals, and making food choices that support your energyHow a clean house and a 30-minute timer can feel like therapySpa days, Girl Math, and choosing experiences over quick appointmentsPhone boundaries, Apple Watch anxiety, and new rules for family dinnersThe importance of having friends who fill your cup and do not drain itSponsored by Play Pits Stay #FunkFree with Play Pits: an all-natural, mom-made deodorant that’s safe for kids and strong enough for parents.  Shop Play Pits Use code MomMVP for 15% off: https://play-pits.myshopify.com/?ref=MomMVP ------------------------------ Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvp Shop The Official Sports Mom MVP Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

  8. 11/14/2025

    31. Holiday Survival Guide for Sports Moms: Gifts, Games & Family Balance

    Holiday hustle, but make it joyful. In this episode of The Sports Moms Playbook Podcast, Rachel and Yaritza dive into real-life holiday rhythms for sports families: decorating without the chaos, choosing gifts vs. experiences, stocking-stuffer ideas that don’t break the budget, team tryouts and winter leagues, decluttering before the new year, and easy coach and teammate gift ideas. We even do a live Play Pits smell test and share which scents our kids will love.  What you’ll hear: Holiday decorating that feels good, not overwhelmingGifts vs. experiences for kids who live at the fieldsStocking stuffer ideas and realistic budgetsCoach gifts that actually help (hello, car detail)Winter sports schedules, camps, and tryoutsOur Play Pits scent test: Happy, Sunshine, Sugar, and Tiare Coconut------------------------------ Sponsored by Play Pits Stay #FunkFree with Play Pits: an all-natural, mom-made deodorant that’s safe for kids and strong enough for parents.  Shop Play Pits Use code MomMVP for 15% off: https://play-pits.myshopify.com/?ref=MomMVP ------------------------------ Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsportsmommvp Shop The Merch: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/ ------------------------------------ Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs Website:  https://www.hihellolabs.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support. Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsmomplaybook/ Shop: https://officialsportsmommvp.myshopify.com/

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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Sports Mom Playbook, the podcast for moms navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports and motherhood.  Hosted by Rachel Heller — a Jersey girl, baseball mom, soccer mom, and coach’s wife — this show is for the moms running on cold coffee, packed schedules, camp chairs, and unconditional love for their kids.  Each week, Rachel dives into the real side of youth sports with honest conversations, relatable stories, practical advice, and the moments people don’t talk about enough. From sideline struggles and mom guilt to big wins, tough losses, and everything in between, no topic is off limits. But this podcast isn’t just about raising athletes. It’s also about the woman behind it all — motherhood, marriage, friendships, identity, aging, hormones, and navigating life in this season. With humor, heart, and her unapologetically spicy personality, Rachel is your built-in bestie through it all. Because behind every athlete is a mom making it happen. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-sports-mom-playbook--6315731/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Heller
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Heller
  • Show Website
    The Sports Mom Playbook

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