Healthy Sports Parents

Jonathan Carone
  • 4.8 (70)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Youth sports are not about winning games. They’re about raising great humans who are prepared for life beyond the field. Healthy Sports Parents is a youth sports podcast for parents who care more about the kid than the outcome. Hosted by Jonathan Carone, the show explores how sports can be used to teach character, resilience, and emotional health without turning the experience into pressure for kids or parents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Line Between Support and Pressure in Youth Sports (with D1 Coach Stacey Nuveman-Deniz)

    1D AGO

    The Line Between Support and Pressure in Youth Sports (with D1 Coach Stacey Nuveman-Deniz)

    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.

    1h 13m
  2. How We Take Back Youth Sports for Everyday Families (with ESPN's Jennifer Paulett)

    JAN 14

    How We Take Back Youth Sports for Everyday Families (with ESPN's Jennifer Paulett)

    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.

    57 min
  3. BONUS: Nine Things We Hope Your Kid Learns Through Sports in 2026

    12/29/2025

    BONUS: Nine Things We Hope Your Kid Learns Through Sports in 2026

    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.

    1 hr
  4. Seven Things Your Athlete Needs to Hear From You (with Brea Schmidt; creator of The Top Bleacher)

    11/26/2025

    Seven Things Your Athlete Needs to Hear From You (with Brea Schmidt; creator of The Top Bleacher)

    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.

    55 min
  5. How ADHD Shows Up In Kids and Impacts Youth Athletes (with Dr. Joey Case; Sports Psychologist)

    11/19/2025

    How ADHD Shows Up In Kids and Impacts Youth Athletes (with Dr. Joey Case; Sports Psychologist)

    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.

    1h 3m
  6. How To Separate Your Kid's Performance from Their Identity (with two-time Olympian Kate Ziegler)

    11/12/2025

    How To Separate Your Kid's Performance from Their Identity (with two-time Olympian Kate Ziegler)

    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.

    56 min
  7. The Most Grounded Conversation I’ve Had About Youth Sports (with D1 Head Coach Ritchie McKay)

    11/05/2025

    The Most Grounded Conversation I’ve Had About Youth Sports (with D1 Head Coach Ritchie McKay)

    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.

    35 min
  8. The Hidden Truths No One Tells You About Daddy Ball (with Julie + Audrey McCann)

    10/29/2025

    The Hidden Truths No One Tells You About Daddy Ball (with Julie + Audrey McCann)

    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.

    51 min
See All (42)

4.8
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

Youth sports are not about winning games. They’re about raising great humans who are prepared for life beyond the field. Healthy Sports Parents is a youth sports podcast for parents who care more about the kid than the outcome. Hosted by Jonathan Carone, the show explores how sports can be used to teach character, resilience, and emotional health without turning the experience into pressure for kids or parents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Carone
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jonathan Carone
  • Show Website
    Healthy Sports Parents

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