Raising Athletes

Kirsten Jones, Bleav
  • 4.9 (46)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Sports Parenting podcast. Kirsten Jones interviews coaches, parents, athletes and trainers about everything youth sports. Follow Kirsten at kirstenjonesinc.com, @kirstenjonesinc (Facebook and Twitter), or @kirstenjonescoach (Instagram and LinkedIn). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

  1. 5D AGO

    The Fight to Save Youth Sports: Chris Murphy & Chris Deluzio on the Let Kids Play Act | EP 182

    In this powerful conversation, Chris Murphy and Chris Deluzio break down their proposed “Let Kids Play Act,” a groundbreaking bill aimed at removing private equity influence from youth sports and making athletics more affordable and accessible for families across America. The discussion dives into how corporate investors and private equity firms have transformed youth sports into a billion-dollar business, driving up costs through tournament monopolies, “stay-to-play” hotel mandates, rising registration fees, and the consolidation of local leagues and facilities. Senator Murphy and Congressman Deluzio explain why they believe youth sports should be treated as a community-based public good — not a profit center for wealthy investors. They also unpack the real-life stories that inspired the legislation, including the collapse of long-standing nonprofit youth hockey organizations after aggressive acquisitions by investor-backed companies. From skyrocketing participation costs to families being priced out of sports altogether, this episode explores what happens when profit overtakes purpose in youth athletics. Most importantly, Murphy and Deluzio share how the Let Kids Play Act aims to restore local control, protect nonprofit programs, eliminate exploitative business practices, and lower the financial burden on parents — all while preserving the life-changing value sports can have on kids and communities. If you care about the future of youth sports, affordability, and keeping kids in the game, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    15 min

  2. MAY 11

    Youth Sports Parenting Advice Every Family Needs with Stephen Borelli | EP 181

    From the sidelines to the press box, Stephen Borelli has spent his life immersed in the world of sports. In this episode, Stephen shares his journey as a youth coach, sports parent, magazine editor, and the voice behind the popular weekly sports parenting column “Ask Coach Steve.” Drawing from years of firsthand experience and conversations with top athletes and sports personalities, he offers practical advice for navigating the highs and lows of youth sports. The conversation dives into the challenges facing today’s young athletes and parents—from pressure and burnout to confidence, communication, and keeping sports fun. Stephen also discusses his book, Youth Sports Survival Guide, and reflects on what families can do to create healthier, more positive athletic experiences. Plus, he shares insights from writing How About That! The Life of Mel Allen, the definitive biography of legendary New York Yankees broadcaster Mel Allen, and what the golden era of sports storytelling can still teach us today. Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and actionable advice for surviving—and thriving—in today’s youth sports culture.

    48 min

  3. MAY 4

    Christine Brennan on Caitlin Clark, Women’s Sports Boom, and Youth Sports Today | EP 180

    Christine Brennan is one of the most respected voices in sports journalism—and in this episode, she brings decades of insight, fearless reporting, and a deep understanding of the modern sports landscape to the conversation. A longtime columnist for USA Today and commentator for networks like CNN, Christine Brennan has covered everything from the Olympics to the biggest stories shaping college and professional sports. She’s also the author of the bestselling On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, a powerful and timely look at the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark and the cultural shift happening across women’s sports. The book explores Clark’s unprecedented impact on the game, from record-breaking performances to skyrocketing fan engagement and media attention. In this episode, Christine shares her perspective on the evolving world of sports—from the pressures facing young athletes today to the role of parents, media, and culture in shaping the youth sports experience. Drawing on insights from her latest book, she dives into the “Caitlin Clark effect,” the rapid growth of women’s sports, and what it all means for the next generation. This conversation is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes looking to better understand the bigger picture of sports—and how to navigate it with purpose, perspective, and integrity.

    1h 25m

  4. APR 27

    Mentality Wins: Mental Toughness Training for Athletes | EP 179

    Dr. Kim O'Brien and Dr. Jonathan Jenkins bring together elite sport, psychology, and years of hands-on experience to deliver a powerful conversation about what it really takes to thrive under pressure. As the authors of Mentality Wins, they share the mental fitness strategies that help athletes sharpen focus, recover quickly from mistakes, and build the resilience needed to perform when it matters most. Dr. O'Brien, an award-winning researcher, sport social worker, former Harvard Hockey co-captain, and National Champion, joins forces with Dr. Jenkins, Team Psychologist for the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, Harvard Medical School educator, and former collegiate lacrosse player, to break down the science and practice of mental toughness. Together, they reveal why mental fitness isn't reserved for elite athletes—it's a trainable skill that can elevate performance, strengthen team culture, and help athletes at every level handle the demands of competition and life. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports parent, this episode delivers practical tools you can put into action immediately.

    1 hr
  5. Rehumaning: The Game-Changer for Kids Today with Stephanie Malia Krauss | EP 178

    APR 20

    Rehumaning: The Game-Changer for Kids Today with Stephanie Malia Krauss | EP 178

    In this deeply human conversation, Kirsten sits down with Stephanie Malia Krauss—educator, author, and national thought leader on youth development—to explore what it truly means to help young people thrive in today’s world. With over two decades of experience working across classrooms, communities, and even alongside policymakers, Stephanie brings a rare blend of real-world insight and research-backed wisdom. From founding a school for youth furthest from opportunity to advising leaders at every level, her work challenges the way we think about success, well-being, and what kids actually need—not just to get by, but to fully live. At the heart of this episode is Stephanie’s groundbreaking concept of “rehumaning,” introduced in her latest book How We Thrive. She unpacks how modern life has stripped away many of our core human needs—and what we can do as parents, coaches, and mentors to restore them. Drawing from her Hawaiian heritage, lived experience, and years of hands-on work, Stephanie offers a refreshing, holistic approach to raising and supporting the next generation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about kids—not just their performance, but their humanity.

    1h 5m
  6. Former Florida Gator Patric Young Shares His Inspiring Story | EP 178

    APR 19

    Former Florida Gator Patric Young Shares His Inspiring Story | EP 178

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with Patric Young—former Florida Gators standout, professional basketball player, and now a college basketball analyst for SEC Network. Once known for his dominance on the court, Patric’s life took an unimaginable turn after a 2022 accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. What followed, however, is a story not of loss—but of purpose, resilience, and reinvention. Patric opens up about the identity shift that comes with losing the game you love, the mental and emotional battles that followed his injury, and how he found new meaning through faith, service, and storytelling. Now a motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist, he’s using his platform to inspire others to redefine adversity and embrace life’s challenges head-on. This conversation goes far beyond basketball—it’s about perspective, gratitude, and what it truly means to be strong. Patric’s journey will challenge the way you think about setbacks and leave you with a renewed sense of purpose. If you’re a parent, athlete, or anyone navigating life’s unexpected turns—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    1h 17m
  7. Building Better Athletes—and Better Humans with Ivan Lombard-Jackson | EP 176

    APR 17

    Building Better Athletes—and Better Humans with Ivan Lombard-Jackson | EP 176

    In this powerful episode, Kirsten sits down with Ivan Lombard-Jackson—an Los Angeles Police Department officer, youth basketball coach, and founder of Watts Skills Academy—to explore how sports can become a lifeline for young people growing up in underserved communities. Based in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, Watts Skills Academy is more than just basketball—it’s a free mentorship program dedicated to equipping youth with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court. Ivan shares his journey into law enforcement, his passion for coaching, and the “why” behind creating a program that blends discipline, accountability, and opportunity through sport. This conversation dives into the real impact of mentorship, the challenges facing today’s youth, and how one coach is creating a safe space where kids can grow, learn, and believe in something bigger than themselves. ✉️ Follow Watts Skills Academy on IG: @wattsskillsacademy and @WattsSkillsAcademyGBC ✉️

    1h 12m
  8. Raising a D1 Athlete with David Murray | EP 175

    APR 17

    Raising a D1 Athlete with David Murray | EP 175

    David Murray is the author of several books, including Soccer Dad and An Effort to Understand: Hearing One Another (and Ourselves) in a Nation Cracked in Half. An award-winning journalist, his writing on sports and culture has appeared in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Atlantic, and many other publications. He is also the editor and publisher of Vital Speeches of the Day, one of the world’s oldest continuously published magazines, and the founder and executive director of the Professional Speechwriters Association. David writes daily on communication at Writing-Boots.com and lives with his wife and daughter in Chicago. In this episode, Kirsten sits down with David to unpack the real journey of raising an athlete—from the sidelines to the college commitment. Together, they dive into his experience supporting his daughter on her path to Division I soccer, the lessons learned along the way, and the honest, often overlooked realities of sports parenting. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating the highs, pressures, and purpose behind youth athletics.

    55 min
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4.9
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

Sports Parenting podcast. Kirsten Jones interviews coaches, parents, athletes and trainers about everything youth sports. Follow Kirsten at kirstenjonesinc.com, @kirstenjonesinc (Facebook and Twitter), or @kirstenjonescoach (Instagram and LinkedIn). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Information

  • Creator
    Kirsten Jones, Bleav
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    348
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kirsten Jones, Bleav
  • Show Website
    Raising Athletes

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