Better Sports Parents

Scott Rintoul
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by veteran broadcaster Scott Rintoul, Better Sports Parents is a weekly video and audio podcast aimed at parents who are navigating the complicated world of youth sports. The intent is to provide parents with an easy to consume resource that delivers important perspectives on how to help create a better youth sports experience for their children. Those messages are delivered by recognizable professional athletes, coaches, executives, and experts who will offer insight into their own experiences in youth sports, their approaches with their own children, and their views on relatable issues that parents encounter in youth sports.

  1. Terry McKaig: An Overtraining Crisis, The Parent Guilt Trap & The Benefit of Being Cut

    14H AGO

    Terry McKaig: An Overtraining Crisis, The Parent Guilt Trap & The Benefit of Being Cut

    Terry McKaig built the most successful post-secondary baseball program in Canada's history at UBC, sending players to the MLB draft year after year. But if you asked him now, there are many things he would have done differently—especially in the first half of his coaching career. In this raw and honest conversation, Terry opens up about his transformation from a "hardcore, intense" 24-year-old coach who relied on intimidation to someone who completely changed his approach after his daughter was born. He shares the coaching regrets he carries, the dangerous trends he's witnessing in youth sports today, and why the overtraining epidemic is breaking young athletes' bodies. As a father who lost his wife Davina to mental health struggles, Terry also brings a powerful perspective on what truly matters in sports and life—and why we need to stop letting parental guilt drive our children's athletic decisions. Key Topics Discussed: The overtraining crisis: 9-year-olds playing baseball 10 months a yearWhy parents are driven by guilt instead of their child's actual dreamsHow becoming a father completely changed Terry's coaching philosophyThe imposter syndrome that led to his early "intimidation" coaching styleParent behavior at games and the referee shortage crisisWhy specialization vs. multi-sport is more complex than we thinkMental health, accountability, and the role of trust in coachingHow sport translates to life (and how Terry now coaches construction workers)Subscribe to Better Sports Parents for conversations with world-class performers who aren't afraid to share their mistakes, wisdom, and the lessons they learned the hard way. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:35 Introduction: Terry McKaig's Background 03:15 Looking Back at a Coaching Career 04:50 The Intimidation Style: Coaching at 24 Years Old 06:51 The Overlap Between Coaching and Parenting 09:30 The Parental Guilt Trap: "I Better Not Screw This Up" 12:45 Whose Dream Is It Really? 16:20 The Daughter Who Changed Everything 19:35 Coaching Philosophy Transformation 23:10 What Athletes Actually Need From Coaches 27:40 The Overtraining Epidemic in Youth Sports 32:15 Nine-Year-Olds Playing 10 Months of Baseball 36:50 Parent Behavior: The Email Terry Sent 41:25 The Referee Shortage Crisis 45:30 When Sports Don't Have Enough Officials 49:45 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport: The Reality 54:20 The Top 1% vs. What Most Athletes Need 58:35 Small Town Advantages and Disadvantages 01:02:10 Playing With Better Players: Development Factor 01:06:45 Being Around Talented Athletes Daily 01:11:30 Taking Sport Into the Corporate World 01:15:20 Coaching Construction Workers Through Mental Health 01:18:06 Sport as Life Preparation 01:20:03 Losing Davina: Mental Health and Accountability 01:21:46 Trust at the Core of Coaching About Terry McKaig: Built UBC baseball into Canada's top university programFormer Canadian national team playerSent players to MLB draft annuallyNow works as an accountability coach helping construction workers with mental healthFather and widower with profound perspective on sport and life balanceResources: https://actu8agency.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-mckaig/

    1h 24m
  2. Steve Mesler: Falling Means Learning, The Gift of Obsession & Keep Coaching Curious

    FEB 10

    Steve Mesler: Falling Means Learning, The Gift of Obsession & Keep Coaching Curious

    Olympic gold medalist Steve Mesler (Vancouver 2010, Bobsled) delivers a nuanced perspective on youth sports that challenges both the "winning is everything" and "winning doesn't matter" camps. As co-founder of Classroom Champions and a father navigating today's youth sports landscape, Steve explores the complex relationship between achievement, self-worth, and the purpose of sport. This conversation digs deep into uncomfortable truths: Why do we tell kids winning doesn't matter while screaming at the TV during playoffs? Can we value podium performance AND lifelong participation? Steve shares insights from his Olympic journey, working with elite athletes as a performance coach, and raising his own children in an era of intense sports pressure. Key Topics Discussed: The paradox of achievement in sportSeparating results from self-worthWhy it's okay to be sad when you loseThe danger of "either/or" thinking in youth sportsBroadening success metrics for young athletesThe American vs. Canadian approach to youth sportsCreating space for both competition and participationChapters 00:00 Introduction 05:13 Steve's Athletic Journey & Early Influences 06:45 Defining Success in Youth Sports 08:20 Access to Sports as a Child 09:58 The Current Landscape of Youth Sports Specialization 13:13 Formative Experiences and Lessons from Losing 17:53 The Need to Be Explicit about Lessons from Sport 19:27 Steve's Difficult Battle with Depression 23:05 Asking for Help and Overcoming Depression 30:13 The Role of Hope in Recovery 32:57 Classroom Champions: Empowering Youth Through Sports 38:25 Navigating Youth Sports: Balancing Passion and Pressure 42:17 Treating Sports Like Other Healthy Habits for Kids 46:18 Changing the Value Proposition in Youth Sports 48:05 The Complexities of Hockey Culture in Canada 53:30 The Culture of Entitlement in Sports 56:20 Defining Success Through Sports 01:00:02 Long-Term Athlete Development & Bobsledding 01:02:54 What Makes a Good Coach in Youth Sports? 01:06:54 Trust and Communication in Coach-Athlete Relationships 01:12:12 Redefining Success in Sports 01:17:40 Balancing Winning & Personal Growth in Sports Resources: Steve Mesler | Executive Performance Coaching Classroom Champions

    1h 23m
  3. Brendan Morrison: Pyramiding Kids Too Soon, Managing Parent Expectations & Protect Referees

    FEB 3

    Brendan Morrison: Pyramiding Kids Too Soon, Managing Parent Expectations & Protect Referees

    Former NHL star Brendan Morrison (900+ games, West Coast Express) shares hard-earned wisdom from raising four Division I athletes. He challenges the "elite" youth sports culture that's pyramiding kids too early, discusses why banning parent coaches is often misguided, and reveals how his children took completely different paths to high-level athletics. In this episode, Brendan tackles tough topics: parents yelling at young referees, the false promise of early specialization, and why keeping expectations realistic is crucial for both parent and child wellbeing. If you're navigating the increasingly intense world of youth sports, this conversation offers perspective from someone who's lived it at the highest level—both as a player and a parent. Key Topics Discussed: Why labeling kids "elite" at young ages is problematic The dangers of early sports specialization How to handle referee abuse at youth games Why qualified parent coaches should be allowed behind the bench Different paths to Division I athletics Keeping realistic expectations as a sports parent Subscribe to Better Sports Parents for more conversations with Olympic athletes, professional sports stars, and experts who understand what truly matters in youth athletics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:06 Detailing his Children's Youth Sports' Paths to the NCAA 07:15 How Youth Sports has Changed over the Past 20 Years 09:02 Kids Being Recruited for Travel Teams at 7 or 8 Years Old 10:24 Why His Kids Didn't Specialize in One Sport 15:35 Parental Behaviour He's Witnessed First-Hand 19:20 Coaching Your Own Kid 24:20 When a Parent Lost His Temper with Brendan 28:40 How Much Development Should Be Unstructured? 31:50 The Difference with Multi-Sport Athletes 35:40 Managing Parents Expectations 39:14 Changing NCAA Schools: His Son's Story 43:04 Brendan's Late Specialization in Hockey 44:56 His Parents Approach to Youth Sports 49:28 Versatility & Work Ethic: The Keys to Making the NHL 55:35 Challenges in Youth Sports Today 01:05:19 Finding the Right Balance in Youth Sports 01:07:23 Coaches and Referees: Retention Crisis 01:10:44 Why Parent Coaches Shouldn't Be Banned 01:13:52 Vetting Coaches: Skills vs. Character 01:14:45 Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today About Brendan Morrison: Hobey Baker Award winner (top NCAA player, 1997) 900+ NHL games with 7 teams, including the legendary West Coast Express line Father of four Division I athletes Host of Reel West Coast Resources: ⁠ https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/morribr01.html https://reelwestcoastfishing.com/

    1h 17m

  4. JAN 27

    Kim Gaucher: Open the Gyms, Increase Accountability & More Hoops with Less Structure

    A 20-year veteran of Team Canada, Kim Gaucher shares her journey from a high school basketball star to a professional athlete and coach. She discusses the significance of youth sports in fostering social skills, resilience, and teamwork. Kim emphasizes the importance of parents modeling behaviour in teaching their children about sports, the benefits of multi-sport participation, and the challenges of access and affordability in youth sports today. She also highlights the cultural differences in youth sports between Europe and North America, the impact of social media, and the growing importance of mental health awareness in sports. Kim also reflects on the pressures faced by young athletes and the evolving landscape of women's sports. Among the key topics Kim discusses in this conversation: Why getting CUT from provincial teams was the best thing for her developmentHow social media is impacting young athletes' mental healthThe lack of accountability in youth sports programsWhat parents should actually look for in coachesKim's story is a masterclass in resilience—from being a shy kid who hated dance class to becoming Team Canada's captain for 9 years and playing professionally for two decades. Her insights on parenting, coaching, and the commercialization of youth sports are essential listening for every sports parent. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 04:40 How Team Sports Changed Kim's Life 05:35 Family Values that Show Up in Youth Sport 06:50 Early Sports Memories: Dance and Soccer 08:39 How Her Coach Made Soccer Fun 10:44 A Childhood Filled with Free Play 12:55 Parents Who Modeled Hard Work & Commitment 15:23 When Basketball Became Her Passion 17:16 Multi-Sport Athlete: Why It Mattered 20:45 The Access Crisis in Canadian Basketball 22:46 European Model vs. North American System 29:00 School-Based Teams & Development 33:35 The Current Focus on Individual Skills vs. Team Understanding 35:40 The Lost Art of Problem-Solving 38:10 How Kim's Parents Acted in the Stands 39:53 Learning Through Trial & Error 42:15 The Beneficiary of Great Coaches 44:15 Sport Lessons She Takes into Parenting 45:40 Defining Success in Youth Sports 47:15 Social Media's Dark Side for Athletes 52:46 Why Women's Sports Are Exploding 54:06 Mental Health in Youth Sports 58:40 Pressure in Today's Youth Sports 59:55 Financial Pressure on Parents & Kids 1:03:24 What Sport Teaches You for Life 1:05:17 Career Reflections: Growing Team Canada 1:06:42 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports 1:09:34 How to Evaluate Good Coaching Resources: ⁠Kim Gaucher - Team Canada⁠

    1h 12m
  5. Geraldine Heaney: Less Time on Ice, Multi-Sport is Missing & Why Kids Need to Watch the Game

    JAN 20

    Geraldine Heaney: Less Time on Ice, Multi-Sport is Missing & Why Kids Need to Watch the Game

    Hockey Hall of Famer Geraldine Heaney, who scored the game-winning goal in the first Women's World Championship and won Olympic gold, shares what's broken in youth hockey and her view on how to fix it. From pioneer player to coaching her own kids, Geraldine has seen it all: as a multi-sport athlete who taught herself the game, as an elite player, and now as a parent navigating today's youth hockey landscape. Geraldine coached at the professional and university levels and currently coaches U18 AA, the highest level of girls' hockey in Ontario. She doesn't sugarcoat: too many kids are overtrained (7+ times per week), parents have unrealistic expectations, and a lot of talented players don't understand the game. But she sees hope in kids who play for the right reasons, rare multi-sport athletes, and memories that outlast trophies. Key Issues Geraldine Tackles: Parents coaching from the sidelinesHockey's affordability problemUnrealistic expectations from parentsSocial media's dark sideWhy kids need to watch hockey to understand itHer approach to coaching her own kidsAbout Geraldine Heaney: Hockey Hall of Fame (2013) & IIHF Hall of Fame (2008)First Women's World Championship game-winning goal (1990)7 World Championship golds, Olympic gold (2002), Olympic silver (1998)Mother of two former competitive hockey playersChapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:50 The Growth of Women's Professional Hockey 05:17 How Geraldine Got Started in Hockey 08:00 Multi-Sport Athlete: Playing Everything 09:07 How Multi-Sport Made Her a Hall of Famer 10:26 What's Missing in Youth Sports Today 11:22 The Pathway to Burnout 13:25 Coaching U18 AA: Multi-Sport Athletes Are Gone 15:56 Why Coaches Pressure Year-Round Specialization 18:40 The Cost Crisis: Pricing Families Out of Hockey 20:43 What Kids Should Get From Sport (Not Scholarships) 26:00 Coaching Your Own Kids: The Challenges 28:33 Parents Coaching from the Stands 32:20 The Advantage of Having Parents Who Didn't Know Hockey 33:58 What Kept Her in Hockey When There Was No Pathway 35:47 Supporting as a Parent vs. Being Overbearing 42:45 Why Kids Need to Watch Hockey 45:47 Social Media's Impact on Young Athletes 48:40 Mental Health in Youth Sports 53:35 Pulling a Player Aside: Teaching vs. Attitude 56:20 Advice for Parents Feeling the Pressure 59:08 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today 59:56 Why She's Passionate About Youth Sports Resources: ⁠⁠Legends of Hockey - Induction Showcase - Geraldine Heaney

    1h 3m
  6. Senator Marnie McBean: Incentivize Coaching, More Multi-Sport & Embracing Self-Expression

    JAN 13

    Senator Marnie McBean: Incentivize Coaching, More Multi-Sport & Embracing Self-Expression

    Three-time Olympic gold medalist and Canadian Senator Marnie McBean joins Better Sports Parents to discuss the crisis facing youth sports in Canada and what we can do about it. From her rowing career to raising her 10-year-old daughter Isabel, Marnie shares insights on why multi-sport participation matters more than early specialization, how we're monetizing youth sports at kids' expense, and why confidence, not medals, should be the goal. Key topics include: Why Canadian boys might not finding their best sports (hint: it's the hockey pipeline)The difference between structured vs. unstructured playHow parents can support without backseat-coachingWhy we need tax incentives for coaches and multi-sport familiesThe future of sport in CanadaMarnie doesn't hold back on what's broken, but more importantly, she offers actionable solutions for parents, coaches, and policymakers who want to keep kids in sport longer and healthier. 🎙️ Better Sports Parents helps families navigate youth sports with confidence, perspective, and purpose. 👉 Subscribe for conversations with world-class athletes, coaches, and experts Chapters 00:00 Introduction0 3:54 Why youth health and sport became Marnie's life mission 05:47 Sport as the fun vehicle for improving quality of life 08:31 Structured vs. unstructured play: What's missing today 09:51 The privilege problem: Who gets access to youth sports? 11:43 Multi-sport participation: Why it matters more than specialization 17:30 Marnie's childhood: No specialization, just trying things 22:40 Why Canadian boys may be missing sports outside of hockey 24:54 What kept Marnie in sport while growing up 26:24 What keeps athletes motivated beyond winning 30:00 Letting kids bring their personality (yes, even the nails and makeup) 33:29 The monetization of youth sports 36:55 What does "winning" mean for your child? 39:46 Lessons from around the world: Patience and perspective 42:25 Let kids choose their sports 44:07 Should parents stay at practice? 46:47 The biggest distraction at the Olympics: Friends & family 49:30 Building trust between coaches and parents 54:46 The recreational pathway gap for teenagers 57:23 Don't forget individual sports 01:01:11 How can Canada improve the youth sports environment? 01:03:24 Tax incentives for multi-sport and coaching stipends Resources: Senator Marnie McBean https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/mcbean-marnie/ Jumpstart State of Play 2024 https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/State-of-Play-2024-EN.pdf?v=1713368242

    1h 6m
  7. Jesse Marsch: Over-Emphasis on Winning, Community Through Culture & Passion in Youth Sports

    JAN 6

    Jesse Marsch: Over-Emphasis on Winning, Community Through Culture & Passion in Youth Sports

    Courtesy of Mas+ by Messi, Jesse Marsch, coach of Canada's National Men's Soccer Team, joins Better Sports Parents to share lessons from his playing career in MLS, managing in Europe, and raising three children across multiple countries and cultures. From playing for the US National Team to coaching the New York Red Bulls and leading clubs in Germany, Austria, and England, Jesse has seen youth sports development from every angle. Now as a father of three grown children who played sports around the world, he offers unique insights into what actually matters in youth athletics. Jesse Marsch doesn't give parenting advice: he gives coaching insights rooted in decades of professional experience and the lessons learned from watching his own three children navigate sports across the globe. This is an episode for every parent wondering whether they're doing it right, every coach trying to create the right environment, and every young athlete who just wants to love the game.Key Topics Discussed: How sports became the bridge for his kids to adapt to new culturesThe Biggest Problem in Youth SportsCreating Space for Free PlayWhy the best players in the world grew up playing on the streets, not in structured environmentsThe Pay-to-Play RealityCoaching Your Own KidsBody Language on the SidelinesYouth DevelopmentCreating Club IdentityThe Canadian National Team ValuesAbout Jesse Marsch: Current Head Coach, Canada Men's National TeamFormer Head Coach: New York Red Bulls, Leeds United, RB Leipzig, Red Bull SalzburgFormer MLS player (14 years) and US National Team playerFather of three who have played sports in 8+ countriesChapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:30 The Evolution of MLS Since Jesse's Playing Days 07:02 The Nomadic Coaching Lifestyle as a Parent 09:10 How Sports Created Community in Every Country 11:53 German HALA Tournaments: Pure Joy & Fun 16:14 The Importance of Free Play 20:20 Jesse's Evolution as a Sports Parent 23:46 Jesse's Parents: Hands-Off But Held Him Accountable 25:24 Teammates Who Shaped His Understanding of Leadership 27:43 The Selflessness of Great Teammates 30:00 Balancing Individual Drive with Team Selflessness 32:47 The New York Red Bulls Parent Transformation Story 36:45 Developing a Rapport with Parents 39:54 The Pay-to-Play Model: Reality and Concerns 44:16 What Should Parents Measure Success By? 49:53 How Parents Unintentionally Put Pressure on Kids 52:20 The Father Who Told His 8-Year-Old to "Shut Up" 55:32 Jesse's Personal Values & Canadian Culture Alignment 58:49 The Team's Character: 25 Games Without Playing Poorly 1:01:53 How to Evaluate a Volunteer Coach 1:05:04 What Makes a Healthy Sports Organization 1:09:22 Building the DNA of Canadian 1:11:24 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today 1:13:49 Closing Thoughts Resources: https://canadasoccer.com/profile/?id=56831&teamId=2068

    1h 15m
  8. Ross Gurney: Elite is a Dangerous Word, Warning Signs to Watch For & Finding Joy in Play

    12/23/2025

    Ross Gurney: Elite is a Dangerous Word, Warning Signs to Watch For & Finding Joy in Play

    Sports agent and advisor Ross Gurney shares his unique perspective on youth sports from both sides - as a professional who's guided players through leagues like the NHL & CFL and as a father navigating the youth sports environment with his own two children. With clients like Duncan Keith, Devon Toews, and Zach Benson, Ross has seen what it actually takes to make it to the highest levels of sport. But his message might surprise you: it's not about early specialization, elite camps, or rushing up levels. Instead, Ross advocates for "overcooking"—playing level-appropriate hockey where kids get more reps and meaningful roles. In this conversation, Ross discusses: Why early specialization is concerning from both a professional and parental lensThe dangerous overuse of the word "elite" in youth sportsHow good people can become "crazy sports parents" in one sport but not anotherWhat coaches actually want (hint: it's not always the stat-sheet leaders)Warning signs for parents when evaluating programs and organizationsWhy the biggest issue in youth sports today is access and facilitiesHow to identify a child's unique "internal scorecard" beyond traditional statisticsRoss also shares the powerful moment when his own son told him, "Dad, I don't think I want to be a hockey player"—and why that conversation was actually "really cool." Whether your child dreams of playing professionally or your focus is on wanting them to develop a lifelong love of sport, this episode offers invaluable wisdom on keeping joy, passion, and authentic play at the center of the youth sports experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:28 Breaking Into the Sports Agency Business 06:48 Growing Up With Unstructured Play in Kelowna 07:54 Parents' Hands-Off Approach to Youth Sports 11:02 What Ross Sees in Today's Youth Sports Landscape 12:13 Why Early Specialization Is Concerning 13:10 Recognizing Kids Who Lack Joy in Their Sport 14:12 How Good Parents Become "Crazy Sports Parents" 15:53 Navigating His Own Child's Hockey Journey 16:30 "I Don't Think I Want to Be a Hockey Player" 18:45 Dealing With the Pressure of the Family Business 19:26 What "Slow Down" Means for Youth Sports Parents 21:05 Most Common Questions Parents Ask Ross 23:15 "What Do We Need to Do to Get Seen?" 25:20 How Life Changes When Sports Becomes a Business 28:14 The Conflict of Talking to 14-Year-Olds About Pro Aspirations 30:14 Elite: A Dangerous Word in Youth Sports 33:43 The Business of Youth Sports & Skill Development 36:27 Passion and the Internal Scorecard 37:50 Finding Each Player's Contribution 41:40 What Sport Has Brought to His Children's Lives 43:18 What a Sports Agent Actually Is (At Their Best) 46:28 Satisfaction Beyond a Client Going Pro 49:50 The Philosophy of "Overcooking" 52:52 Warning Signs: When to Walk Away From a Family 54:56 What Coaches Actually Want vs. What Parents Think They Want 57:16 Warning Signs in Organizations for Parents 01:01:35 Lack of Recreational Pathways for Teenagers 01:04:35 The Biggest Issue in Youth Sports Today: Access

    1h 7m
See All (27)

Trailer

About

Hosted by veteran broadcaster Scott Rintoul, Better Sports Parents is a weekly video and audio podcast aimed at parents who are navigating the complicated world of youth sports. The intent is to provide parents with an easy to consume resource that delivers important perspectives on how to help create a better youth sports experience for their children. Those messages are delivered by recognizable professional athletes, coaches, executives, and experts who will offer insight into their own experiences in youth sports, their approaches with their own children, and their views on relatable issues that parents encounter in youth sports.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Rintoul
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Better Sports Parents

You Might Also Like