Hey Sammi : Sports Parent Confessions https://heysammi.com/ en Hey Sammi LLC Got a youth sports question you can't ask in the group chat? Text me. I'll answer it on the show. Playing time, quitting mid-season, that one coach, the parent on the sideline who won't stop — every week I answer the real questions sports families are actually dealing with. Ten minutes. Every week. No judgment. I'm Sammi. Ask me anything. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6aa1209a-1f64-11f0-b9b0-17e5e0552531/image/24159943f803a3e047f06e410c43bba9.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Hey Sammi : Sports Parent Confessions https://heysammi.com/ episodic Sammi Got a youth sports question you can't ask in the group chat? Text me. I'll answer it on the show. Playing time, quitting mid-season, that one coach, the parent on the sideline who won't stop — every week I answer the real questions sports families are actually dealing with. Ten minutes. Every week. No judgment. I'm Sammi. Ask me anything. Got a youth sports question you can't ask in the group chat?

Text me. I'll answer it on the show.

Playing time, quitting mid-season, that one coach, the parent on the sideline who won't stop — every week I answer the real questions sports families are actually dealing with.

Ten minutes. Every week. No judgment.

I'm Sammi. Ask me anything.


]]> Stephen T Collins stcollins1966@gmail.com Ep 39 I coach my daughter and i'm harder on her than anyone. is that fair? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/ how do you coach your own child without playing favorites? a dad in st. louis wrote to me terrified of being accused of favoritism, so he's deliberately harder on his daughter than anyone on the roster. in this episode i name what that actually is: favoritism aimed backwards. she's being treated differently because of who her father is, which is the exact thing he was trying to avoid. i share what kids of coach parents consistently say the hard part is, and it's not the field. it's that dad never turns it off, the whistle that follows them into the car and to the dinner table. then the fix: the two-hat system with a hard line between coach and dad, announced out loud after practice. equal praise when she earns it, at full volume. touchy corrections handed to an assistant. and car rides that belong to her. i also cover catching yourself out loud when the coach voice shows up at dinner, why giving her permission to call it out is the whole game, recruiting one honest mirror at field level, and the only review that counts, the one she writes years from now that starts with my dad coached me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 I coach my daughter and i'm harder on her than anyone. is that fair? full Sammi The coach parent overcorrection, two hats, and the review that gets written at twenty five https://heysammi.com/ how do you coach your own child without playing favorites? a dad in st. louis wrote to me terrified of being accused of favoritism, so he's deliberately harder on his daughter than anyone on the roster. in this episode i name what that actually is: favoritism aimed backwards. she's being treated differently because of who her father is, which is the exact thing he was trying to avoid. i share what kids of coach parents consistently say the hard part is, and it's not the field. it's that dad never turns it off, the whistle that follows them into the car and to the dinner table. then the fix: the two-hat system with a hard line between coach and dad, announced out loud after practice. equal praise when she earns it, at full volume. touchy corrections handed to an assistant. and car rides that belong to her. i also cover catching yourself out loud when the coach voice shows up at dinner, why giving her permission to call it out is the whole game, recruiting one honest mirror at field level, and the only review that counts, the one she writes years from now that starts with my dad coached me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/

how do you coach your own child without playing favorites? a dad in st. louis wrote to me terrified of being accused of favoritism, so he's deliberately harder on his daughter than anyone on the roster. in this episode i name what that actually is: favoritism aimed backwards. she's being treated differently because of who her father is, which is the exact thing he was trying to avoid. i share what kids of coach parents consistently say the hard part is, and it's not the field. it's that dad never turns it off, the whistle that follows them into the car and to the dinner table. then the fix: the two-hat system with a hard line between coach and dad, announced out loud after practice. equal praise when she earns it, at full volume. touchy corrections handed to an assistant. and car rides that belong to her. i also cover catching yourself out loud when the coach voice shows up at dinner, why giving her permission to call it out is the whole game, recruiting one honest mirror at field level, and the only review that counts, the one she writes years from now that starts with my dad coached me.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 441 no Ep 38 The team is cutting three kids and my son doesn't know yet. https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  when should you tell your child that roster cuts are coming? a dad in pittsburgh wrote to me carrying a secret: the club told parents that three kids will be cut at season's end, and his son doesn't know. in this episode i give him the when, which is now, this week. kids hear everything, and half-knowing is worse than knowing. and if the cut lands months from now and he learns dad knew the whole time, the roster decision becomes a trust problem. then the how: information, not prophecy. what the club announced, plainly, delivered somewhere with an exit, a drive or a walk, with no reassurances you can't back up. followed by the question that hands him the wheel: how do you want to play these next months? i cover the quiet parent homework, getting an honest read on his standing and building the floor of options so bad news lands on something solid. i also walk through cut day itself if it comes, why your first sentence is about him and not the club, grief before logistics, and the scenario nobody plans for: when he survives the cut and his friends don't. how he treats those kids will teach him more than the roster spot ever could. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 The team is cutting three kids and my son doesn't know yet. full Sammi delivering hard news early, information without prophecy, and building the floor just in case https://heysammi.com/  when should you tell your child that roster cuts are coming? a dad in pittsburgh wrote to me carrying a secret: the club told parents that three kids will be cut at season's end, and his son doesn't know. in this episode i give him the when, which is now, this week. kids hear everything, and half-knowing is worse than knowing. and if the cut lands months from now and he learns dad knew the whole time, the roster decision becomes a trust problem. then the how: information, not prophecy. what the club announced, plainly, delivered somewhere with an exit, a drive or a walk, with no reassurances you can't back up. followed by the question that hands him the wheel: how do you want to play these next months? i cover the quiet parent homework, getting an honest read on his standing and building the floor of options so bad news lands on something solid. i also walk through cut day itself if it comes, why your first sentence is about him and not the club, grief before logistics, and the scenario nobody plans for: when he survives the cut and his friends don't. how he treats those kids will teach him more than the roster spot ever could. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

when should you tell your child that roster cuts are coming? a dad in pittsburgh wrote to me carrying a secret: the club told parents that three kids will be cut at season's end, and his son doesn't know. in this episode i give him the when, which is now, this week. kids hear everything, and half-knowing is worse than knowing. and if the cut lands months from now and he learns dad knew the whole time, the roster decision becomes a trust problem. then the how: information, not prophecy. what the club announced, plainly, delivered somewhere with an exit, a drive or a walk, with no reassurances you can't back up. followed by the question that hands him the wheel: how do you want to play these next months? i cover the quiet parent homework, getting an honest read on his standing and building the floor of options so bad news lands on something solid. i also walk through cut day itself if it comes, why your first sentence is about him and not the club, grief before logistics, and the scenario nobody plans for: when he survives the cut and his friends don't. how he treats those kids will teach him more than the roster spot ever could.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 453 no Ep 37 My daughter is a great teammate but she's not improving. should i worry? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  should i be worried my child isn't improving at their sport? a mom in salt lake city wrote to me about her daughter, the encourager, the good sport, the kid who claps loudest for everyone, who also isn't getting better as a player. in this episode i flip the letter over first: her daughter has already mastered the rarest skill in sports, being glad for other people out loud when she didn't win anything herself. then the diagnostic question that changes the whole answer: whose frustration is this, hers or yours? if she's content, a flat stretch in a kid who loves showing up is not an emergency. improvement curves at this age are jagged, and half the time a plateau is the deep breath before the leap. if she's the one frustrated, improvement follows wanting, so ask what she wishes she were better at and work on exactly that. i also cover checking whether the practices actually teach anything, the trap of turning her gift into a consolation prize with one dangerous but, thanking the coach out loud because named things grow, and the long game: glue kids get kept, become captains, and keep getting picked for everything, forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 My daughter is a great teammate but she's not improving. should i worry? full Sammi the glue kid, whose frustration it really is, and offering help without poisoning the gift https://heysammi.com/  should i be worried my child isn't improving at their sport? a mom in salt lake city wrote to me about her daughter, the encourager, the good sport, the kid who claps loudest for everyone, who also isn't getting better as a player. in this episode i flip the letter over first: her daughter has already mastered the rarest skill in sports, being glad for other people out loud when she didn't win anything herself. then the diagnostic question that changes the whole answer: whose frustration is this, hers or yours? if she's content, a flat stretch in a kid who loves showing up is not an emergency. improvement curves at this age are jagged, and half the time a plateau is the deep breath before the leap. if she's the one frustrated, improvement follows wanting, so ask what she wishes she were better at and work on exactly that. i also cover checking whether the practices actually teach anything, the trap of turning her gift into a consolation prize with one dangerous but, thanking the coach out loud because named things grow, and the long game: glue kids get kept, become captains, and keep getting picked for everything, forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

should i be worried my child isn't improving at their sport? a mom in salt lake city wrote to me about her daughter, the encourager, the good sport, the kid who claps loudest for everyone, who also isn't getting better as a player. in this episode i flip the letter over first: her daughter has already mastered the rarest skill in sports, being glad for other people out loud when she didn't win anything herself. then the diagnostic question that changes the whole answer: whose frustration is this, hers or yours? if she's content, a flat stretch in a kid who loves showing up is not an emergency. improvement curves at this age are jagged, and half the time a plateau is the deep breath before the leap. if she's the one frustrated, improvement follows wanting, so ask what she wishes she were better at and work on exactly that. i also cover checking whether the practices actually teach anything, the trap of turning her gift into a consolation prize with one dangerous but, thanking the coach out loud because named things grow, and the long game: glue kids get kept, become captains, and keep getting picked for everything, forever.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 450 Ep 36 My son punched a teammate. what do i do at home? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  what should parents do after their child hits a teammate? a dad in detroit wrote to me after the worst phone call of his season: his son punched a teammate at practice. the coach handled the field part, but home is another question. in this episode i explain why home shouldn't become round two of the same punishment, because consequences that never end stop teaching and start branding. home has three different jobs. understanding: the punch is the last frame of a longer film, so ask him to walk you through the ten seconds before it, and listen for the buildup nobody saw. repair: he apologizes to the kid he hit, face to face, unscripted, and you loop the other family in briefly, parent to parent. and skill: anger arrives in the body before the fist, so help him find his warning lights and practice the exit like free throws. i also cover the shame wave that hits kids days later, the sorting sentence to say more than once, what you did was wrong and it's not who you are, and when a pattern means bringing in a counselor, which is what you'd do for a knee that kept buckling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 My son punched a teammate. what do I do at home? full Sammi after the field consequence, finding the ten seconds before, and the skill that prevents the sequel https://heysammi.com/  what should parents do after their child hits a teammate? a dad in detroit wrote to me after the worst phone call of his season: his son punched a teammate at practice. the coach handled the field part, but home is another question. in this episode i explain why home shouldn't become round two of the same punishment, because consequences that never end stop teaching and start branding. home has three different jobs. understanding: the punch is the last frame of a longer film, so ask him to walk you through the ten seconds before it, and listen for the buildup nobody saw. repair: he apologizes to the kid he hit, face to face, unscripted, and you loop the other family in briefly, parent to parent. and skill: anger arrives in the body before the fist, so help him find his warning lights and practice the exit like free throws. i also cover the shame wave that hits kids days later, the sorting sentence to say more than once, what you did was wrong and it's not who you are, and when a pattern means bringing in a counselor, which is what you'd do for a knee that kept buckling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

what should parents do after their child hits a teammate? a dad in detroit wrote to me after the worst phone call of his season: his son punched a teammate at practice. the coach handled the field part, but home is another question. in this episode i explain why home shouldn't become round two of the same punishment, because consequences that never end stop teaching and start branding. home has three different jobs. understanding: the punch is the last frame of a longer film, so ask him to walk you through the ten seconds before it, and listen for the buildup nobody saw. repair: he apologizes to the kid he hit, face to face, unscripted, and you loop the other family in briefly, parent to parent. and skill: anger arrives in the body before the fist, so help him find his warning lights and practice the exit like free throws. i also cover the shame wave that hits kids days later, the sorting sentence to say more than once, what you did was wrong and it's not who you are, and when a pattern means bringing in a counselor, which is what you'd do for a knee that kept buckling.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 452 no Ep 35 Club coach says skip school ball. school coach says stay. who wins? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  what do you do when your child's coaches disagree about where she should play? a mom in louisville wrote to me caught between an aau coach pushing specialization and a school coach pulling the other way. in this episode i offer the reframe that changes everything: she's not stuck between two truths. she's stuck between two interests, and neither coach is neutral. i give you the two questions to ask each coach separately. what's your plan for her, specifically? and what does she lose under your plan? because a coach worth trusting can name the cost of his own advice, and a coach who says his path costs nothing is selling. plus the pronoun tell: coaches focused on her development say her name, coaches protecting a program say we and us. then the voice missing from the entire fight, hers, and the question that cuts through: which locker room is she happier walking into? i also cover the overlap reality, the load question when seasons collide, the boundary that ends the tug of war, adults negotiate with adults, and the annual family review that keeps the rope in the drawer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Club coach says skip school ball. school coach says stay. who wins? full Sammi Aau versus school sports, reading coach motives, and the missing voice in the fight https://heysammi.com/  what do you do when your child's coaches disagree about where she should play? a mom in louisville wrote to me caught between an aau coach pushing specialization and a school coach pulling the other way. in this episode i offer the reframe that changes everything: she's not stuck between two truths. she's stuck between two interests, and neither coach is neutral. i give you the two questions to ask each coach separately. what's your plan for her, specifically? and what does she lose under your plan? because a coach worth trusting can name the cost of his own advice, and a coach who says his path costs nothing is selling. plus the pronoun tell: coaches focused on her development say her name, coaches protecting a program say we and us. then the voice missing from the entire fight, hers, and the question that cuts through: which locker room is she happier walking into? i also cover the overlap reality, the load question when seasons collide, the boundary that ends the tug of war, adults negotiate with adults, and the annual family review that keeps the rope in the drawer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

what do you do when your child's coaches disagree about where she should play? a mom in louisville wrote to me caught between an aau coach pushing specialization and a school coach pulling the other way. in this episode i offer the reframe that changes everything: she's not stuck between two truths. she's stuck between two interests, and neither coach is neutral. i give you the two questions to ask each coach separately. what's your plan for her, specifically? and what does she lose under your plan? because a coach worth trusting can name the cost of his own advice, and a coach who says his path costs nothing is selling. plus the pronoun tell: coaches focused on her development say her name, coaches protecting a program say we and us. then the voice missing from the entire fight, hers, and the question that cuts through: which locker room is she happier walking into? i also cover the overlap reality, the load question when seasons collide, the boundary that ends the tug of war, adults negotiate with adults, and the annual family review that keeps the rope in the drawer.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 460 no Ep 34 we lost by 14 and the coaches acted like it was fine. https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  how should coaches handle a blowout loss? a mom in orlando wrote to me after her kids' team lost by 14 goals, left the field devastated, and watched the coaches pack up the cones like it was tuesday. in this episode i do something she might not expect: i defend those coaches, mostly. kids find out how big a loss is by checking the adults, and calm isn't indifference. sometimes calm is the whole curriculum. i walk through the alternatives that would have been worse, the devastated coach, the furious postmortem, the fake-cheer grin kids see through instantly, and the one small thing i'd have added: ten seconds of acknowledgment that threads the needle between the sadness is allowed and the sadness is survivable. then the parent lane, because kids take their final read from the houses they go home to. one sentence, that one hurt huh, then quiet, then maybe pancakes. plus the answer for why do we even play them, and the honest caveat: one crater builds character, but a season of weekly craters is a placement problem the league needs to fix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 We lost by 14 and the coaches acted like it was fine. full Sammi Blowout losses, why calm coaching might be right, and what kids actually need after a crater https://heysammi.com/  how should coaches handle a blowout loss? a mom in orlando wrote to me after her kids' team lost by 14 goals, left the field devastated, and watched the coaches pack up the cones like it was tuesday. in this episode i do something she might not expect: i defend those coaches, mostly. kids find out how big a loss is by checking the adults, and calm isn't indifference. sometimes calm is the whole curriculum. i walk through the alternatives that would have been worse, the devastated coach, the furious postmortem, the fake-cheer grin kids see through instantly, and the one small thing i'd have added: ten seconds of acknowledgment that threads the needle between the sadness is allowed and the sadness is survivable. then the parent lane, because kids take their final read from the houses they go home to. one sentence, that one hurt huh, then quiet, then maybe pancakes. plus the answer for why do we even play them, and the honest caveat: one crater builds character, but a season of weekly craters is a placement problem the league needs to fix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

how should coaches handle a blowout loss? a mom in orlando wrote to me after her kids' team lost by 14 goals, left the field devastated, and watched the coaches pack up the cones like it was tuesday. in this episode i do something she might not expect: i defend those coaches, mostly. kids find out how big a loss is by checking the adults, and calm isn't indifference. sometimes calm is the whole curriculum. i walk through the alternatives that would have been worse, the devastated coach, the furious postmortem, the fake-cheer grin kids see through instantly, and the one small thing i'd have added: ten seconds of acknowledgment that threads the needle between the sadness is allowed and the sadness is survivable. then the parent lane, because kids take their final read from the houses they go home to. one sentence, that one hurt huh, then quiet, then maybe pancakes. plus the answer for why do we even play them, and the honest caveat: one crater builds character, but a season of weekly craters is a placement problem the league needs to fix.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 460 no Ep 33 My son wants to play in college. i don't think he's good enough. https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  should you tell your child the truth about their athletic ability? a dad in dallas wrote to me because his son talks about playing in college like it's decided, and dad privately doesn't think he's good enough. in this episode i start with the uncomfortable fact: he might be wrong. parents are famously terrible scouts of their own kids, in both directions. but even if his read is right, i explain why the verdict still shouldn't come from him. a scout saying not good enough delivers information. a father saying it delivers something else, dad doesn't believe in me, and that sentence doesn't expire. the job isn't to be the truth. it's to arrange honest mirrors: real camps, outside evaluations, film, and the most honest evaluator there is, the game itself. i also cover the bleacher poker face, because a doubting dad can accidentally scout from the stands, the money line between investing in work and funding wishes, how the dream pays real wages in habits and discipline either way, and the exact answer for the day he asks point blank: do you think i can make it? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 My son wants to play in college. i don't think he's good enough. full Sammi The truth about talent, honest mirrors, and why the verdict is not your job https://heysammi.com/  should you tell your child the truth about their athletic ability? a dad in dallas wrote to me because his son talks about playing in college like it's decided, and dad privately doesn't think he's good enough. in this episode i start with the uncomfortable fact: he might be wrong. parents are famously terrible scouts of their own kids, in both directions. but even if his read is right, i explain why the verdict still shouldn't come from him. a scout saying not good enough delivers information. a father saying it delivers something else, dad doesn't believe in me, and that sentence doesn't expire. the job isn't to be the truth. it's to arrange honest mirrors: real camps, outside evaluations, film, and the most honest evaluator there is, the game itself. i also cover the bleacher poker face, because a doubting dad can accidentally scout from the stands, the money line between investing in work and funding wishes, how the dream pays real wages in habits and discipline either way, and the exact answer for the day he asks point blank: do you think i can make it? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

should you tell your child the truth about their athletic ability? a dad in dallas wrote to me because his son talks about playing in college like it's decided, and dad privately doesn't think he's good enough. in this episode i start with the uncomfortable fact: he might be wrong. parents are famously terrible scouts of their own kids, in both directions. but even if his read is right, i explain why the verdict still shouldn't come from him. a scout saying not good enough delivers information. a father saying it delivers something else, dad doesn't believe in me, and that sentence doesn't expire. the job isn't to be the truth. it's to arrange honest mirrors: real camps, outside evaluations, film, and the most honest evaluator there is, the game itself. i also cover the bleacher poker face, because a doubting dad can accidentally scout from the stands, the money line between investing in work and funding wishes, how the dream pays real wages in habits and discipline either way, and the exact answer for the day he asks point blank: do you think i can make it? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 463 no Ep 32 My son scored and looked at me before his team. red flag? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  why does my kid look at me right after scoring? a dad in boston wrote to me because his son scored the winning goal and turned to the bleachers before his own teammates, and he's been replaying that half second all week. in this episode i start with the gentle truth: one look is not a red flag. one look is love. kids have been finding their parents in crowds forever. then the real diagnostic, because it isn't the look, it's what surrounds it. a kid sharing joy looks at you already beaming. a kid checking for approval looks at you blank, searching, waiting for permission to celebrate. i explain how to tell them apart, and the harder question underneath: what did the look find? because kids look where the meaning lives, and approval-checkers are trained one parental reaction at a time. i cover the one-setting face, that was fun to watch, why you shouldn't overcorrect into stone-faced neutrality, briefing the grandparents in your row, and the bittersweet finish line: the day he scores and vanishes into the pile without a glance. you'll miss the look. take the trade anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 My son scored and looked at me before his team. red flag? full Sammi The look to the stands, sharing versus approval-checking, and what your face teaches https://heysammi.com/  why does my kid look at me right after scoring? a dad in boston wrote to me because his son scored the winning goal and turned to the bleachers before his own teammates, and he's been replaying that half second all week. in this episode i start with the gentle truth: one look is not a red flag. one look is love. kids have been finding their parents in crowds forever. then the real diagnostic, because it isn't the look, it's what surrounds it. a kid sharing joy looks at you already beaming. a kid checking for approval looks at you blank, searching, waiting for permission to celebrate. i explain how to tell them apart, and the harder question underneath: what did the look find? because kids look where the meaning lives, and approval-checkers are trained one parental reaction at a time. i cover the one-setting face, that was fun to watch, why you shouldn't overcorrect into stone-faced neutrality, briefing the grandparents in your row, and the bittersweet finish line: the day he scores and vanishes into the pile without a glance. you'll miss the look. take the trade anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

why does my kid look at me right after scoring? a dad in boston wrote to me because his son scored the winning goal and turned to the bleachers before his own teammates, and he's been replaying that half second all week. in this episode i start with the gentle truth: one look is not a red flag. one look is love. kids have been finding their parents in crowds forever. then the real diagnostic, because it isn't the look, it's what surrounds it. a kid sharing joy looks at you already beaming. a kid checking for approval looks at you blank, searching, waiting for permission to celebrate. i explain how to tell them apart, and the harder question underneath: what did the look find? because kids look where the meaning lives, and approval-checkers are trained one parental reaction at a time. i cover the one-setting face, that was fun to watch, why you shouldn't overcorrect into stone-faced neutrality, briefing the grandparents in your row, and the bittersweet finish line: the day he scores and vanishes into the pile without a glance. you'll miss the look. take the trade anyway.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 442 no Ep 31 My 9 year old says the coach has a favorite. now what? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  what do you say when your child notices the coach has a favorite? a mom in atlanta wrote to me because her 9 year old announced it at bedtime: coach has a favorite, and it's not me. in this episode i start with the part that stings. she's probably right. nine year olds are world class at reading rooms, and telling her the coach treats everyone the same isn't comfort, it's telling a kid her eyes are broken. so i walk through the honest version: validating what she sees, the truth about how people click, and the two-list trick that keeps a kid from going cynical. list one is what she can't control, who gets the warm voice. list two is what she can, effort, attitude, skills, coachability. kids who pour everything into list two have a way of becoming impossible to ignore. i also cover the parent homework: telling garden-variety favoritism apart from actual mistreatment, why you shouldn't audit every practice through this lens forever, and the answer for when she asks why. sometimes there's no why, honey. plus the flip side nobody plans for: teaching her what to do the season she becomes the favorite herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 My 9 year old says the coach has a favorite. now what? full Sammi coach favoritism, validating without torching the coach, and the two-list trick https://heysammi.com/  what do you say when your child notices the coach has a favorite? a mom in atlanta wrote to me because her 9 year old announced it at bedtime: coach has a favorite, and it's not me. in this episode i start with the part that stings. she's probably right. nine year olds are world class at reading rooms, and telling her the coach treats everyone the same isn't comfort, it's telling a kid her eyes are broken. so i walk through the honest version: validating what she sees, the truth about how people click, and the two-list trick that keeps a kid from going cynical. list one is what she can't control, who gets the warm voice. list two is what she can, effort, attitude, skills, coachability. kids who pour everything into list two have a way of becoming impossible to ignore. i also cover the parent homework: telling garden-variety favoritism apart from actual mistreatment, why you shouldn't audit every practice through this lens forever, and the answer for when she asks why. sometimes there's no why, honey. plus the flip side nobody plans for: teaching her what to do the season she becomes the favorite herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

what do you say when your child notices the coach has a favorite? a mom in atlanta wrote to me because her 9 year old announced it at bedtime: coach has a favorite, and it's not me. in this episode i start with the part that stings. she's probably right. nine year olds are world class at reading rooms, and telling her the coach treats everyone the same isn't comfort, it's telling a kid her eyes are broken. so i walk through the honest version: validating what she sees, the truth about how people click, and the two-list trick that keeps a kid from going cynical. list one is what she can't control, who gets the warm voice. list two is what she can, effort, attitude, skills, coachability. kids who pour everything into list two have a way of becoming impossible to ignore. i also cover the parent homework: telling garden-variety favoritism apart from actual mistreatment, why you shouldn't audit every practice through this lens forever, and the answer for when she asks why. sometimes there's no why, honey. plus the flip side nobody plans for: teaching her what to do the season she becomes the favorite herself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 437 no Ep 30 Is a 90 minute drive to practice too much? https://heysammi.com/  how far is too far to drive for youth sports? a mom in chicago wrote to me about her family's routine: 90 minutes each way, three times a week, with her husband saying it's too much and her saying it's what their daughter needs. in this episode i do the math out loud, nine hours a week, a part-time job spent watching taillights, and then interrogate the sentence doing all the work: it's what she needs. needs for what, exactly? i walk through the questions that actually settle it. is this truly the only place she can develop, or just the best-known option? what is the drive costing in sleep, homework, siblings, and marriage? and what's happening in the car for those three hours, because a drive can be the relationship or two silent phones and a kid asleep on the window. then the middle path the far club will never suggest: a one-season experiment closer to home, with a review date, so the decision gets made with data from your own family instead of a brochure. plus the two voices missing from the argument, the sibling in the back seat and the daughter herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Is a 90 minute drive to practice too much? full Sammi The youth sports commute, what it's really buying, and the audit that ends the argument https://heysammi.com/  how far is too far to drive for youth sports? a mom in chicago wrote to me about her family's routine: 90 minutes each way, three times a week, with her husband saying it's too much and her saying it's what their daughter needs. in this episode i do the math out loud, nine hours a week, a part-time job spent watching taillights, and then interrogate the sentence doing all the work: it's what she needs. needs for what, exactly? i walk through the questions that actually settle it. is this truly the only place she can develop, or just the best-known option? what is the drive costing in sleep, homework, siblings, and marriage? and what's happening in the car for those three hours, because a drive can be the relationship or two silent phones and a kid asleep on the window. then the middle path the far club will never suggest: a one-season experiment closer to home, with a review date, so the decision gets made with data from your own family instead of a brochure. plus the two voices missing from the argument, the sibling in the back seat and the daughter herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

how far is too far to drive for youth sports? a mom in chicago wrote to me about her family's routine: 90 minutes each way, three times a week, with her husband saying it's too much and her saying it's what their daughter needs. in this episode i do the math out loud, nine hours a week, a part-time job spent watching taillights, and then interrogate the sentence doing all the work: it's what she needs. needs for what, exactly? i walk through the questions that actually settle it. is this truly the only place she can develop, or just the best-known option? what is the drive costing in sleep, homework, siblings, and marriage? and what's happening in the car for those three hours, because a drive can be the relationship or two silent phones and a kid asleep on the window. then the middle path the far club will never suggest: a one-season experiment closer to home, with a review date, so the decision gets made with data from your own family instead of a brochure. plus the two voices missing from the argument, the sibling in the back seat and the daughter herself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 466 no Ep 29 Should i say something to the parents who brag nonstop? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  how do you deal with sports parents who brag constantly? a dad in san diego wrote to me because one family's highlight reels and stat updates have become the soundtrack of the season, and his son has started measuring himself with somebody else's ruler. in this episode i save him an awkward parking lot conversation: you don't confront them, because nobody in the history of bleachers has ever taken that note well. instead i explain what bragging usually is, anxiety wearing a varsity jacket, and why hearing it that way changes everything. then the real work, which happens at your dinner table: the question that lets your kid decode the bragging himself, why a kid who figures it out owns the immunity forever, and the one boring sentence, cool man, that makes him unprovokable on the field. i also cover quiet pride, telling your kid what you love about how he plays with no audience, the one exception where you do go to the coach, and the surprising person to keep an eye on: the bragged-about kid himself, who's carrying the trophy-cabinet weight nobody sees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Should i say something to the parents who brag nonstop? full Sammi Sideline braggers, what's actually underneath it, and raising a kid who's immune https://heysammi.com/  how do you deal with sports parents who brag constantly? a dad in san diego wrote to me because one family's highlight reels and stat updates have become the soundtrack of the season, and his son has started measuring himself with somebody else's ruler. in this episode i save him an awkward parking lot conversation: you don't confront them, because nobody in the history of bleachers has ever taken that note well. instead i explain what bragging usually is, anxiety wearing a varsity jacket, and why hearing it that way changes everything. then the real work, which happens at your dinner table: the question that lets your kid decode the bragging himself, why a kid who figures it out owns the immunity forever, and the one boring sentence, cool man, that makes him unprovokable on the field. i also cover quiet pride, telling your kid what you love about how he plays with no audience, the one exception where you do go to the coach, and the surprising person to keep an eye on: the bragged-about kid himself, who's carrying the trophy-cabinet weight nobody sees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

how do you deal with sports parents who brag constantly? a dad in san diego wrote to me because one family's highlight reels and stat updates have become the soundtrack of the season, and his son has started measuring himself with somebody else's ruler. in this episode i save him an awkward parking lot conversation: you don't confront them, because nobody in the history of bleachers has ever taken that note well. instead i explain what bragging usually is, anxiety wearing a varsity jacket, and why hearing it that way changes everything. then the real work, which happens at your dinner table: the question that lets your kid decode the bragging himself, why a kid who figures it out owns the immunity forever, and the one boring sentence, cool man, that makes him unprovokable on the field. i also cover quiet pride, telling your kid what you love about how he plays with no audience, the one exception where you do go to the coach, and the surprising person to keep an eye on: the bragged-about kid himself, who's carrying the trophy-cabinet weight nobody sees.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 448 no Ep 28 We missed a tournament for vacation. now my kid is benched. https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  should a family skip a mandatory youth sports tournament for vacation? a dad in kansas city wrote to me after doing exactly that, and now his son's minutes have vanished and nobody will say why. in this episode i answer his question directly: no, you didn't make the wrong call. a family vacation beats a youth tournament, and it's not close. then the harder part, the silent benching. i explain the difference between a coach holding kids accountable and a coach running punishment theater, and give you the exact script for the conversation: calm, midweek, factual, ending with one question. what does the path back look like? a decent coach gives you something transparent and finite. vagueness and an endless freeze tell you what the program really is. i also cover what your son needs while this plays out: a dad who isn't sorry, the truth sized for a kid, and the only response that works when the weather is unfair. show up, work like crazy, and make the bench decision embarrassing. plus why you keep the circle small instead of polling the bleachers, and the end-of-season audit that decides whether you re-register. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 We missed a tournament for vacation. now my kid is benched. full Sammi The freeze-out, the path-back conversation, and why you don't apologize for a family trip https://heysammi.com/  should a family skip a mandatory youth sports tournament for vacation? a dad in kansas city wrote to me after doing exactly that, and now his son's minutes have vanished and nobody will say why. in this episode i answer his question directly: no, you didn't make the wrong call. a family vacation beats a youth tournament, and it's not close. then the harder part, the silent benching. i explain the difference between a coach holding kids accountable and a coach running punishment theater, and give you the exact script for the conversation: calm, midweek, factual, ending with one question. what does the path back look like? a decent coach gives you something transparent and finite. vagueness and an endless freeze tell you what the program really is. i also cover what your son needs while this plays out: a dad who isn't sorry, the truth sized for a kid, and the only response that works when the weather is unfair. show up, work like crazy, and make the bench decision embarrassing. plus why you keep the circle small instead of polling the bleachers, and the end-of-season audit that decides whether you re-register. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

should a family skip a mandatory youth sports tournament for vacation? a dad in kansas city wrote to me after doing exactly that, and now his son's minutes have vanished and nobody will say why. in this episode i answer his question directly: no, you didn't make the wrong call. a family vacation beats a youth tournament, and it's not close. then the harder part, the silent benching. i explain the difference between a coach holding kids accountable and a coach running punishment theater, and give you the exact script for the conversation: calm, midweek, factual, ending with one question. what does the path back look like? a decent coach gives you something transparent and finite. vagueness and an endless freeze tell you what the program really is. i also cover what your son needs while this plays out: a dad who isn't sorry, the truth sized for a kid, and the only response that works when the weather is unfair. show up, work like crazy, and make the bench decision embarrassing. plus why you keep the circle small instead of polling the bleachers, and the end-of-season audit that decides whether you re-register.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 408 no Ep 27 My kid's teammate got recruited at 14. is mine behind? https://teachhoops.com/ https://heysammi.com/  is my child behind if teammates are already getting recruited? a mom in raleigh wrote to me after her daughter watched a 14 year old teammate commit, and now her daughter is doing math in her head that nobody assigned her. in this episode i explain what early commitments actually are, mostly informal, often reversed, and always marketed, and why the recruiting timeline keeps creeping earlier. i take apart the word behind, because it collapses under one question: behind on what schedule? real rosters are full of late bloomers who got serious at sixteen and passed the early stars. then the practical part: why reassurance bounces off a fourteen year old but evidence doesn't, and how to build the only comparison that matters, her versus her from six months ago. i also get into the recruiting feed itself, a slot machine for teenage self-doubt, the house rules that keep comparison from moving in, and the small move with a long reach: helping her congratulate the teammate for real. plus what the work at fourteen actually is if she does want to play in college. exposure finds prepared players, not the other way around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 My kid's teammate got recruited at 14. is mine behind? full Sammi early recruiting, the comparison spiral, and giving your teenager back her own timeline https://heysammi.com/  is my child behind if teammates are already getting recruited? a mom in raleigh wrote to me after her daughter watched a 14 year old teammate commit, and now her daughter is doing math in her head that nobody assigned her. in this episode i explain what early commitments actually are, mostly informal, often reversed, and always marketed, and why the recruiting timeline keeps creeping earlier. i take apart the word behind, because it collapses under one question: behind on what schedule? real rosters are full of late bloomers who got serious at sixteen and passed the early stars. then the practical part: why reassurance bounces off a fourteen year old but evidence doesn't, and how to build the only comparison that matters, her versus her from six months ago. i also get into the recruiting feed itself, a slot machine for teenage self-doubt, the house rules that keep comparison from moving in, and the small move with a long reach: helping her congratulate the teammate for real. plus what the work at fourteen actually is if she does want to play in college. exposure finds prepared players, not the other way around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

is my child behind if teammates are already getting recruited? a mom in raleigh wrote to me after her daughter watched a 14 year old teammate commit, and now her daughter is doing math in her head that nobody assigned her. in this episode i explain what early commitments actually are, mostly informal, often reversed, and always marketed, and why the recruiting timeline keeps creeping earlier. i take apart the word behind, because it collapses under one question: behind on what schedule? real rosters are full of late bloomers who got serious at sixteen and passed the early stars. then the practical part: why reassurance bounces off a fourteen year old but evidence doesn't, and how to build the only comparison that matters, her versus her from six months ago. i also get into the recruiting feed itself, a slot machine for teenage self-doubt, the house rules that keep comparison from moving in, and the small move with a long reach: helping her congratulate the teammate for real. plus what the work at fourteen actually is if she does want to play in college. exposure finds prepared players, not the other way around.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 469 no Ep 26 What if the other sports parents are way more intense than us? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  is it normal to feel out of place among intense sports parents? a mom in austin wrote to me because her family feels like the odd one out on a team where parents film warmups and talk college timelines about fourth graders. in this episode i split her question in two, because is this the wrong team for us and is this the wrong team for her can have completely different answers. i explain how to tell a team problem from a bleacher problem by watching your kid instead of the parents, why the kid culture and the parent culture aren't always the same weather, and the cheap solutions for surviving an unbearable sideline. then the warning signs that intensity is leaking onto the field: kids quoting rankings, talking about falling behind, and breathing adult anxiety. i also cover the pull nobody names, the way watching other families spend more and drive further starts to feel like the standard. it isn't. it's just the loudest option. orange slices, one practice a week, and free sundays is not falling behind. it's a childhood, and somebody in that league should get to have one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 What if the other sports parents are way more intense than us? full Sammi feeling out of place on a travel team, bleacher culture, and when it's actually a fit problem https://heysammi.com/  is it normal to feel out of place among intense sports parents? a mom in austin wrote to me because her family feels like the odd one out on a team where parents film warmups and talk college timelines about fourth graders. in this episode i split her question in two, because is this the wrong team for us and is this the wrong team for her can have completely different answers. i explain how to tell a team problem from a bleacher problem by watching your kid instead of the parents, why the kid culture and the parent culture aren't always the same weather, and the cheap solutions for surviving an unbearable sideline. then the warning signs that intensity is leaking onto the field: kids quoting rankings, talking about falling behind, and breathing adult anxiety. i also cover the pull nobody names, the way watching other families spend more and drive further starts to feel like the standard. it isn't. it's just the loudest option. orange slices, one practice a week, and free sundays is not falling behind. it's a childhood, and somebody in that league should get to have one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

is it normal to feel out of place among intense sports parents? a mom in austin wrote to me because her family feels like the odd one out on a team where parents film warmups and talk college timelines about fourth graders. in this episode i split her question in two, because is this the wrong team for us and is this the wrong team for her can have completely different answers. i explain how to tell a team problem from a bleacher problem by watching your kid instead of the parents, why the kid culture and the parent culture aren't always the same weather, and the cheap solutions for surviving an unbearable sideline. then the warning signs that intensity is leaking onto the field: kids quoting rankings, talking about falling behind, and breathing adult anxiety. i also cover the pull nobody names, the way watching other families spend more and drive further starts to feel like the standard. it isn't. it's just the loudest option. orange slices, one practice a week, and free sundays is not falling behind. it's a childhood, and somebody in that league should get to have one.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 448 no Ep 25 A coach told my 12 year old to lose weight. https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/ what should a parent do when a coach tells their child to lose weight? a mom in phoenix wrote to me because her daughter's coach said she'd perform better if she lost weight. her daughter is twelve, and she doesn't know where to start. in this episode i sort it into three jobs, in order: your daughter first, your house second, and that coach third. because the first thing that needs saying is simple. the coach was wrong. not clumsy, not old school. wrong. i cover what to say to your daughter once and plainly, why a big emotional response teaches her the topic is radioactive, and how to make sure the comment costs the coach standing instead of costing her. then the home front: why diet talk and good-food-bad-food language matter more than any speech, what quiet warning signs to watch for, and why calling your pediatrician at maybe beats waiting for definitely. finally, the coach. why this is not a feedback conversation, why it goes to the club in writing, and why a club that shrugs at this is a club you leave. plus the one sentence your daughter actually needs to hear when it's handled: i took care of it, and you're safe out there. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/ One note since this episode touches disordered eating: it's a sensitive area, and if it ever comes up beyond the show / for your family or someone close I'm glad to help find the right resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 A coach told my 12 year old to lose weight. full Sammi she's twelve. her body is not a problem. https://heysammi.com/ what should a parent do when a coach tells their child to lose weight? a mom in phoenix wrote to me because her daughter's coach said she'd perform better if she lost weight. her daughter is twelve, and she doesn't know where to start. in this episode i sort it into three jobs, in order: your daughter first, your house second, and that coach third. because the first thing that needs saying is simple. the coach was wrong. not clumsy, not old school. wrong. i cover what to say to your daughter once and plainly, why a big emotional response teaches her the topic is radioactive, and how to make sure the comment costs the coach standing instead of costing her. then the home front: why diet talk and good-food-bad-food language matter more than any speech, what quiet warning signs to watch for, and why calling your pediatrician at maybe beats waiting for definitely. finally, the coach. why this is not a feedback conversation, why it goes to the club in writing, and why a club that shrugs at this is a club you leave. plus the one sentence your daughter actually needs to hear when it's handled: i took care of it, and you're safe out there. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/ One note since this episode touches disordered eating: it's a sensitive area, and if it ever comes up beyond the show / for your family or someone close I'm glad to help find the right resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/

what should a parent do when a coach tells their child to lose weight? a mom in phoenix wrote to me because her daughter's coach said she'd perform better if she lost weight. her daughter is twelve, and she doesn't know where to start. in this episode i sort it into three jobs, in order: your daughter first, your house second, and that coach third. because the first thing that needs saying is simple. the coach was wrong. not clumsy, not old school. wrong.

i cover what to say to your daughter once and plainly, why a big emotional response teaches her the topic is radioactive, and how to make sure the comment costs the coach standing instead of costing her. then the home front: why diet talk and good-food-bad-food language matter more than any speech, what quiet warning signs to watch for, and why calling your pediatrician at maybe beats waiting for definitely.

finally, the coach. why this is not a feedback conversation, why it goes to the club in writing, and why a club that shrugs at this is a club you leave. plus the one sentence your daughter actually needs to hear when it's handled: i took care of it, and you're safe out there.

got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com

https://heysammi.com/

One note since this episode touches disordered eating: it's a sensitive area, and if it ever comes up beyond the show / for your family or someone close I'm glad to help find the right resources.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 424 no Ep 24 Does my kid really need to play more than one sport? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  Is it bad for a kid to specialize in one sport? a dad in tampa wrote to me because his son is obsessed with one sport, refuses to try anything else, and every adult at every barbecue keeps warning him about multi-sport athletes. in this episode i separate what the research actually says from what the barbecue says. the real risk has a name, and it's year-round, same-movement repetition at adult intensity in a growing body, not the number of jerseys in the closet. i explain why obsession at this age is love, not a diagnosis, and why forcing a second team as medicine teaches a kid that loving something too much gets you sentenced to something you hate. then the protective playbook: variety of movement without variety of teams, swimming and bikes and backyard nonsense all count, a real offseason every year, rotating positions inside the one sport, and the soreness signals worth reading. i also name the moment to hold the line, when the club asks for all twelve months, because pros take offseasons and somehow nine year olds aren't allowed to. and for the refusing part: stop selling other sports and start playing with him instead. if a second sport ever happens, it starts there, as his idea. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Does my kid really need to play more than one sport? full Sammi single-sport kids, what the multi-sport research actually says, and protecting the love https://heysammi.com/  Is it bad for a kid to specialize in one sport? a dad in tampa wrote to me because his son is obsessed with one sport, refuses to try anything else, and every adult at every barbecue keeps warning him about multi-sport athletes. in this episode i separate what the research actually says from what the barbecue says. the real risk has a name, and it's year-round, same-movement repetition at adult intensity in a growing body, not the number of jerseys in the closet. i explain why obsession at this age is love, not a diagnosis, and why forcing a second team as medicine teaches a kid that loving something too much gets you sentenced to something you hate. then the protective playbook: variety of movement without variety of teams, swimming and bikes and backyard nonsense all count, a real offseason every year, rotating positions inside the one sport, and the soreness signals worth reading. i also name the moment to hold the line, when the club asks for all twelve months, because pros take offseasons and somehow nine year olds aren't allowed to. and for the refusing part: stop selling other sports and start playing with him instead. if a second sport ever happens, it starts there, as his idea. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

Is it bad for a kid to specialize in one sport? a dad in tampa wrote to me because his son is obsessed with one sport, refuses to try anything else, and every adult at every barbecue keeps warning him about multi-sport athletes. in this episode i separate what the research actually says from what the barbecue says. the real risk has a name, and it's year-round, same-movement repetition at adult intensity in a growing body, not the number of jerseys in the closet. i explain why obsession at this age is love, not a diagnosis, and why forcing a second team as medicine teaches a kid that loving something too much gets you sentenced to something you hate. then the protective playbook: variety of movement without variety of teams, swimming and bikes and backyard nonsense all count, a real offseason every year, rotating positions inside the one sport, and the soreness signals worth reading. i also name the moment to hold the line, when the club asks for all twelve months, because pros take offseasons and somehow nine year olds aren't allowed to. and for the refusing part: stop selling other sports and start playing with him instead. if a second sport ever happens, it starts there, as his idea. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/

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]]> 407 no Ep 23 I yelled at a referee and my kid saw. how do i fix it? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  what should a parent do after losing their temper at a youth sports game? a dad in cincinnati wrote to me after screaming at a referee while his daughter watched. she hasn't mentioned it, but something between them shifted, and he can feel it. in this episode i explain what she actually saw, which wasn't a bad call. it was the safest adult in her life losing control in public, in her place, in front of her people. then i get into the good news: kids don't need parents who never break, they need parents who repair. i give the anatomy of a clean apology, short, no excuses, and absolutely no but-that-call-was-terrible, because the word but deletes everything in front of it. i also cover what not to do afterward, like asking if you're okay now or circling back all week, which quietly turns your apology into your kid's job. finally, the part that actually convinces her: the next three games. a real plan, told to her in advance, and three quiet saturdays in a row. evidence beats promises. because she'll have referees her whole life, bad bosses, unfair calls, and this week you get to show her what a do-over looks like. the ones who repair raise kids who repair. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 I yelled at a referee and my kid saw. how do i fix it? full Sammi the sideline blowup, the clean apology, and repairing trust with your young athlete https://heysammi.com/  what should a parent do after losing their temper at a youth sports game? a dad in cincinnati wrote to me after screaming at a referee while his daughter watched. she hasn't mentioned it, but something between them shifted, and he can feel it. in this episode i explain what she actually saw, which wasn't a bad call. it was the safest adult in her life losing control in public, in her place, in front of her people. then i get into the good news: kids don't need parents who never break, they need parents who repair. i give the anatomy of a clean apology, short, no excuses, and absolutely no but-that-call-was-terrible, because the word but deletes everything in front of it. i also cover what not to do afterward, like asking if you're okay now or circling back all week, which quietly turns your apology into your kid's job. finally, the part that actually convinces her: the next three games. a real plan, told to her in advance, and three quiet saturdays in a row. evidence beats promises. because she'll have referees her whole life, bad bosses, unfair calls, and this week you get to show her what a do-over looks like. the ones who repair raise kids who repair. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

what should a parent do after losing their temper at a youth sports game? a dad in cincinnati wrote to me after screaming at a referee while his daughter watched. she hasn't mentioned it, but something between them shifted, and he can feel it. in this episode i explain what she actually saw, which wasn't a bad call. it was the safest adult in her life losing control in public, in her place, in front of her people. then i get into the good news: kids don't need parents who never break, they need parents who repair. i give the anatomy of a clean apology, short, no excuses, and absolutely no but-that-call-was-terrible, because the word but deletes everything in front of it. i also cover what not to do afterward, like asking if you're okay now or circling back all week, which quietly turns your apology into your kid's job. finally, the part that actually convinces her: the next three games. a real plan, told to her in advance, and three quiet saturdays in a row. evidence beats promises. because she'll have referees her whole life, bad bosses, unfair calls, and this week you get to show her what a do-over looks like. the ones who repair raise kids who repair. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/

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]]> 432 no Ep 22 What happens when my kid makes the team and her best friend gets cut? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  how do you help kids stay friends after one makes the team and one gets cut? a mom in seattle wrote to me because the cut list went up with her daughter's name on it and her daughter's best friend's name missing, and the friendship has been cracking ever since. in this episode i explain what's actually happening between the two girls: they're both grieving. one lost the team, and the other won something that cost her someone. i cover the survivor's guilt nobody names for kids, why the cut friend pulls away as self-protection rather than cruelty, and the sentence your daughter needs to hear more than once: you're allowed to be happy and your friend is allowed to be sad, at the same time. i also flag the thing to watch for at home, a girl learning to shrink her own success so other people hurt less, and why you can't let this be the first invitation she accepts. then the playbook: small non-sport invites with no scoreboard attached, why a no isn't rejection, the one text to send the other mom, and why avoiding her at pickup reads as pity. friendships that were real usually survive a season apart. this episode is about leaving the light on. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0000 What happens when my kid makes the team and her best friend gets cut? full Sammi tryout cuts, survivor's guilt, and keeping a friendship alive through a roster decision https://heysammi.com/  how do you help kids stay friends after one makes the team and one gets cut? a mom in seattle wrote to me because the cut list went up with her daughter's name on it and her daughter's best friend's name missing, and the friendship has been cracking ever since. in this episode i explain what's actually happening between the two girls: they're both grieving. one lost the team, and the other won something that cost her someone. i cover the survivor's guilt nobody names for kids, why the cut friend pulls away as self-protection rather than cruelty, and the sentence your daughter needs to hear more than once: you're allowed to be happy and your friend is allowed to be sad, at the same time. i also flag the thing to watch for at home, a girl learning to shrink her own success so other people hurt less, and why you can't let this be the first invitation she accepts. then the playbook: small non-sport invites with no scoreboard attached, why a no isn't rejection, the one text to send the other mom, and why avoiding her at pickup reads as pity. friendships that were real usually survive a season apart. this episode is about leaving the light on. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

how do you help kids stay friends after one makes the team and one gets cut? a mom in seattle wrote to me because the cut list went up with her daughter's name on it and her daughter's best friend's name missing, and the friendship has been cracking ever since. in this episode i explain what's actually happening between the two girls: they're both grieving. one lost the team, and the other won something that cost her someone. i cover the survivor's guilt nobody names for kids, why the cut friend pulls away as self-protection rather than cruelty, and the sentence your daughter needs to hear more than once: you're allowed to be happy and your friend is allowed to be sad, at the same time. i also flag the thing to watch for at home, a girl learning to shrink her own success so other people hurt less, and why you can't let this be the first invitation she accepts. then the playbook: small non-sport invites with no scoreboard attached, why a no isn't rejection, the one text to send the other mom, and why avoiding her at pickup reads as pity. friendships that were real usually survive a season apart. this episode is about leaving the light on. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/

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]]> 415 no Ep 21 What do I do when my kid is too good for her team? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  What should parents do when a talented kid is bored and checking out? a mom in minneapolis wrote to me about her daughter, the best player on her team, who's coasting through games while the coach refuses to move her up. in this episode i take the problem seriously, because boredom, not injury or losing, is how talented kids quietly leave sports. i give you the exact question to ask the coach, what's your plan for her development this season, and explain why it works where why-won't-you-move-her-up hits a wall. i also say the uncomfortable part out loud: sometimes a coach keeps a star down because she wins him games, and parents are allowed to notice whose interest that serves. then the challenge menu that doesn't require changing levels: new positions, weak-side skills, guarding the other team's best player, and the hardest job in sports, making teammates better. before any of that, though, there's one conversation that comes first, and it's with her. what bored actually means, whether the ambition in the gym is still hers, and what would make practice fun again. plus how to keep the dinner table from becoming a scouting report while the club stuff gets sorted. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 What do iIdo when my kid is too good for her team? full Sammi The bored star player, the coach who won't move her up, and where challenge really comes from https://heysammi.com/  What should parents do when a talented kid is bored and checking out? a mom in minneapolis wrote to me about her daughter, the best player on her team, who's coasting through games while the coach refuses to move her up. in this episode i take the problem seriously, because boredom, not injury or losing, is how talented kids quietly leave sports. i give you the exact question to ask the coach, what's your plan for her development this season, and explain why it works where why-won't-you-move-her-up hits a wall. i also say the uncomfortable part out loud: sometimes a coach keeps a star down because she wins him games, and parents are allowed to notice whose interest that serves. then the challenge menu that doesn't require changing levels: new positions, weak-side skills, guarding the other team's best player, and the hardest job in sports, making teammates better. before any of that, though, there's one conversation that comes first, and it's with her. what bored actually means, whether the ambition in the gym is still hers, and what would make practice fun again. plus how to keep the dinner table from becoming a scouting report while the club stuff gets sorted. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

What should parents do when a talented kid is bored and checking out? a mom in minneapolis wrote to me about her daughter, the best player on her team, who's coasting through games while the coach refuses to move her up. in this episode i take the problem seriously, because boredom, not injury or losing, is how talented kids quietly leave sports. i give you the exact question to ask the coach, what's your plan for her development this season, and explain why it works where why-won't-you-move-her-up hits a wall. i also say the uncomfortable part out loud: sometimes a coach keeps a star down because she wins him games, and parents are allowed to notice whose interest that serves. then the challenge menu that doesn't require changing levels: new positions, weak-side skills, guarding the other team's best player, and the hardest job in sports, making teammates better. before any of that, though, there's one conversation that comes first, and it's with her. what bored actually means, whether the ambition in the gym is still hers, and what would make practice fun again. plus how to keep the dinner table from becoming a scouting report while the club stuff gets sorted. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com https://heysammi.com/

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]]> 415 no EP 20 Should i let my kid rejoin a team after quitting mid-season? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  My child quit a sport and now wants to play again. should i let them? a dad in columbus wrote to me because his son quit mid-season last year, and now, at sign-up time, he wants back in. in this episode i explain why the answer is probably yes, why a kid who quits and misses it isn't manipulating you, and why time away is sometimes the only way a kid can find out he actually loved the thing. but the mid-season part matters, so i walk through the conversation that has to happen before anyone pays a registration fee. how to name the cost his teammates carried without turning it into a guilt trip, why the real question isn't do you want to play but what's different this time, and how to set re-entry terms together, including the exit ramp that means he never has to disappear mid-season again. i also cover what not to do: the you'd-better-stick-with-it speech, the raised eyebrow fresh start, and the fear of him quitting again. because a kid who quits out loud and comes back out loud is a kid who believes things can be said in your family, and that's worth more than any season. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Should i let my kid rejoin a team after quitting mid-season? full Sammi The quitter's comeback, re-entry terms, and the conversation before registration https://heysammi.com/  My child quit a sport and now wants to play again. should i let them? a dad in columbus wrote to me because his son quit mid-season last year, and now, at sign-up time, he wants back in. in this episode i explain why the answer is probably yes, why a kid who quits and misses it isn't manipulating you, and why time away is sometimes the only way a kid can find out he actually loved the thing. but the mid-season part matters, so i walk through the conversation that has to happen before anyone pays a registration fee. how to name the cost his teammates carried without turning it into a guilt trip, why the real question isn't do you want to play but what's different this time, and how to set re-entry terms together, including the exit ramp that means he never has to disappear mid-season again. i also cover what not to do: the you'd-better-stick-with-it speech, the raised eyebrow fresh start, and the fear of him quitting again. because a kid who quits out loud and comes back out loud is a kid who believes things can be said in your family, and that's worth more than any season. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

My child quit a sport and now wants to play again. should i let them? a dad in columbus wrote to me because his son quit mid-season last year, and now, at sign-up time, he wants back in. in this episode i explain why the answer is probably yes, why a kid who quits and misses it isn't manipulating you, and why time away is sometimes the only way a kid can find out he actually loved the thing. but the mid-season part matters, so i walk through the conversation that has to happen before anyone pays a registration fee. how to name the cost his teammates carried without turning it into a guilt trip, why the real question isn't do you want to play but what's different this time, and how to set re-entry terms together, including the exit ramp that means he never has to disappear mid-season again. i also cover what not to do: the you'd-better-stick-with-it speech, the raised eyebrow fresh start, and the fear of him quitting again. because a kid who quits out loud and comes back out loud is a kid who believes things can be said in your family, and that's worth more than any season. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/

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]]> 426 no Ep 19 Why does my child get physically sick before every game? https://heysammi.com/  Is it normal for a kid to throw up before games? a dad in philadelphia wrote to me about his son, who gets so anxious before every game that he's physically sick, while the coaches keep telling him to toughen up. in this episode i draw the line those coaches can't: pregame butterflies are a body getting ready to compete, but sickness on a schedule is an alarm system going off, and they need completely different responses. i explain what young athletes with sports anxiety are actually afraid of, and it's almost never losing. it's letting people down, being watched while failing, and everyone's faces after a mistake. that's why the fix is shrinking what a mistake costs, not adding toughness. i cover the pregame routine that calms an anxious body, why hovering and constant check-ins make it worse, and how a parent's worried face becomes confirmation that something's wrong. i also talk about when to bring in a pediatrician, why that's the same move as getting a recurring limp checked, and how to quietly outvote the toughen-up voices in his life. the action step: before the next game, ask one question. what's the worst part of the waiting? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Why does my child get physically sick before every game? full Sammi sports anxiety in kids, the nerves versus alarm line, and why toughen up backfires https://heysammi.com/  Is it normal for a kid to throw up before games? a dad in philadelphia wrote to me about his son, who gets so anxious before every game that he's physically sick, while the coaches keep telling him to toughen up. in this episode i draw the line those coaches can't: pregame butterflies are a body getting ready to compete, but sickness on a schedule is an alarm system going off, and they need completely different responses. i explain what young athletes with sports anxiety are actually afraid of, and it's almost never losing. it's letting people down, being watched while failing, and everyone's faces after a mistake. that's why the fix is shrinking what a mistake costs, not adding toughness. i cover the pregame routine that calms an anxious body, why hovering and constant check-ins make it worse, and how a parent's worried face becomes confirmation that something's wrong. i also talk about when to bring in a pediatrician, why that's the same move as getting a recurring limp checked, and how to quietly outvote the toughen-up voices in his life. the action step: before the next game, ask one question. what's the worst part of the waiting? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/

 Is it normal for a kid to throw up before games? a dad in philadelphia wrote to me about his son, who gets so anxious before every game that he's physically sick, while the coaches keep telling him to toughen up. in this episode i draw the line those coaches can't: pregame butterflies are a body getting ready to compete, but sickness on a schedule is an alarm system going off, and they need completely different responses. i explain what young athletes with sports anxiety are actually afraid of, and it's almost never losing. it's letting people down, being watched while failing, and everyone's faces after a mistake. that's why the fix is shrinking what a mistake costs, not adding toughness. i cover the pregame routine that calms an anxious body, why hovering and constant check-ins make it worse, and how a parent's worried face becomes confirmation that something's wrong. i also talk about when to bring in a pediatrician, why that's the same move as getting a recurring limp checked, and how to quietly outvote the toughen-up voices in his life. the action step: before the next game, ask one question. what's the worst part of the waiting? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/

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]]> 431 no Ep 18 Is spending $8,000 a year on youth sports worth it? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  how much should parents spend on youth sports? a mom in scottsdale wrote to me after her family spent 8,000 dollars on travel soccer in one year. her husband wants to cut back, she's afraid their daughter will fall behind, and they're stuck asking who's right. in this episode i explain why that's the wrong fight: he's arguing about a number and she's arguing about a fear, and those two things never touch. i take on the falling-behind myth directly. where the phrase comes from, why the youth sports industry needs you to believe it, and what actually sets kids back, which is burnout, overuse injury, and quitting, not one smaller season. i also do the college scholarship math out loud, 8,000 a year for eight years is 64,000 dollars, and explain why calling travel sports an investment usually means calling a lottery ticket insurance. then the way out: unbundling the club package, the middle options between 8,000 and zero, how to hear what your spouse is actually worried about, and the one question a couple should answer together before the next registration check. what is this money actually for? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Is spending $8,000 a year on youth sports worth it? full Sammi The travel soccer money fight, the falling-behind fear, and the question that settles it https://heysammi.com/  how much should parents spend on youth sports? a mom in scottsdale wrote to me after her family spent 8,000 dollars on travel soccer in one year. her husband wants to cut back, she's afraid their daughter will fall behind, and they're stuck asking who's right. in this episode i explain why that's the wrong fight: he's arguing about a number and she's arguing about a fear, and those two things never touch. i take on the falling-behind myth directly. where the phrase comes from, why the youth sports industry needs you to believe it, and what actually sets kids back, which is burnout, overuse injury, and quitting, not one smaller season. i also do the college scholarship math out loud, 8,000 a year for eight years is 64,000 dollars, and explain why calling travel sports an investment usually means calling a lottery ticket insurance. then the way out: unbundling the club package, the middle options between 8,000 and zero, how to hear what your spouse is actually worried about, and the one question a couple should answer together before the next registration check. what is this money actually for? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

how much should parents spend on youth sports? a mom in scottsdale wrote to me after her family spent 8,000 dollars on travel soccer in one year. her husband wants to cut back, she's afraid their daughter will fall behind, and they're stuck asking who's right. in this episode i explain why that's the wrong fight: he's arguing about a number and she's arguing about a fear, and those two things never touch. i take on the falling-behind myth directly. where the phrase comes from, why the youth sports industry needs you to believe it, and what actually sets kids back, which is burnout, overuse injury, and quitting, not one smaller season. i also do the college scholarship math out loud, 8,000 a year for eight years is 64,000 dollars, and explain why calling travel sports an investment usually means calling a lottery ticket insurance. then the way out: unbundling the club package, the middle options between 8,000 and zero, how to hear what your spouse is actually worried about, and the one question a couple should answer together before the next registration check. what is this money actually for? got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/


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]]> 401 no Ep 17 Is it okay to hate the schedule your kid loves? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/ Today's letter is from a mom in nashville staring down a tournament every single weekend this fall. her daughter is thriving and she's running on fumes. i'll tell you why the guilt is lying to you, what burnout actually costs your kid, and the one weekend to hand off this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Is it okay to hate the schedule your kid loves? full Sammi Sports parent burnout, tournament fatigue, and the guilt that comes with it https://heysammi.com/ Today's letter is from a mom in nashville staring down a tournament every single weekend this fall. her daughter is thriving and she's running on fumes. i'll tell you why the guilt is lying to you, what burnout actually costs your kid, and the one weekend to hand off this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/

Today's letter is from a mom in nashville staring down a tournament every single weekend this fall. her daughter is thriving and she's running on fumes. i'll tell you why the guilt is lying to you, what burnout actually costs your kid, and the one weekend to hand off this week.

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]]> 391 no Ep 16 What do I do about a coach who yells at my kid? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  should i confront my child's coach for yelling? a dad in charlotte wrote to me because his son's coach screams at every mistake, and a boy who used to beg to go to practice is now playing scared. in this episode i answer the questions parents search when this happens. is it normal for youth coaches to yell? how do i know if a coach is too hard on my kid? when should a parent step in with a coach? i draw the line between loud and demeaning, explain why fear makes young athletes worse instead of tougher, and give you the exact question to ask your kid in the car before you do anything. then the playbook. why you never approach a coach after a game, how to open the conversation with your child's development instead of an accusation, what to watch on the rest of the bench, and the two-week test that tells you whether you have a conversation or a decision. plus why pulling your child from a toxic team isn't quitting, it's protecting. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 What do I do about a coach who yells at my kid? full Sammi Playing scared, the loud versus demeaning line, and how to talk to the coach https://heysammi.com/  should i confront my child's coach for yelling? a dad in charlotte wrote to me because his son's coach screams at every mistake, and a boy who used to beg to go to practice is now playing scared. in this episode i answer the questions parents search when this happens. is it normal for youth coaches to yell? how do i know if a coach is too hard on my kid? when should a parent step in with a coach? i draw the line between loud and demeaning, explain why fear makes young athletes worse instead of tougher, and give you the exact question to ask your kid in the car before you do anything. then the playbook. why you never approach a coach after a game, how to open the conversation with your child's development instead of an accusation, what to watch on the rest of the bench, and the two-week test that tells you whether you have a conversation or a decision. plus why pulling your child from a toxic team isn't quitting, it's protecting. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

should i confront my child's coach for yelling? a dad in charlotte wrote to me because his son's coach screams at every mistake, and a boy who used to beg to go to practice is now playing scared. in this episode i answer the questions parents search when this happens. is it normal for youth coaches to yell? how do i know if a coach is too hard on my kid? when should a parent step in with a coach? i draw the line between loud and demeaning, explain why fear makes young athletes worse instead of tougher, and give you the exact question to ask your kid in the car before you do anything. then the playbook. why you never approach a coach after a game, how to open the conversation with your child's development instead of an accusation, what to watch on the rest of the bench, and the two-week test that tells you whether you have a conversation or a decision. plus why pulling your child from a toxic team isn't quitting, it's protecting. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/ 

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]]> 424 no Ep 15 what if my kid only plays sports to make me happy? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  what do you do when your child says they only play sports so they won't disappoint you? a dad in sacramento heard exactly that sentence from his son, and it broke him. in this episode i answer the questions that follow. is it bad if my kid plays sports for my approval? how do i take the pressure off my young athlete? why does my child look at me in the stands after every play? i explain why that painful confession is actually a good sign, how parental pressure in youth sports builds from a thousand small tells rather than one big moment, which post-game question kids read as pressure, and why the big emotional you-can-quit speech usually backfires. then the fix. what to say once and never turn into a lecture, how to change the first question you ask after practice, why being boring in the stands is a gift, and why words tell a kid but weeks show him. plus where a parent's own disappointment should go, because it's never the kid. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 What if my kid only plays sports to make me happy? full Sammi how to take the pressure off a child who's performing for a parent https://heysammi.com/  what do you do when your child says they only play sports so they won't disappoint you? a dad in sacramento heard exactly that sentence from his son, and it broke him. in this episode i answer the questions that follow. is it bad if my kid plays sports for my approval? how do i take the pressure off my young athlete? why does my child look at me in the stands after every play? i explain why that painful confession is actually a good sign, how parental pressure in youth sports builds from a thousand small tells rather than one big moment, which post-game question kids read as pressure, and why the big emotional you-can-quit speech usually backfires. then the fix. what to say once and never turn into a lecture, how to change the first question you ask after practice, why being boring in the stands is a gift, and why words tell a kid but weeks show him. plus where a parent's own disappointment should go, because it's never the kid. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

what do you do when your child says they only play sports so they won't disappoint you? a dad in sacramento heard exactly that sentence from his son, and it broke him. in this episode i answer the questions that follow. is it bad if my kid plays sports for my approval? how do i take the pressure off my young athlete? why does my child look at me in the stands after every play? i explain why that painful confession is actually a good sign, how parental pressure in youth sports builds from a thousand small tells rather than one big moment, which post-game question kids read as pressure, and why the big emotional you-can-quit speech usually backfires. then the fix. what to say once and never turn into a lecture, how to change the first question you ask after practice, why being boring in the stands is a gift, and why words tell a kid but weeks show him. plus where a parent's own disappointment should go, because it's never the kid. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/ 

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]]> 429 no Ep 14 What do you say on the car ride home? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/  what do you say when your child cries after losing a game? a dad in denver wrote to me asking exactly that. his son cried the whole drive home after a bad game, he said nothing, and now he's worried he failed as a sports parent. in this episode i answer the questions every youth sports parent googles at some point. is it okay to stay silent on the ride home? should parents talk about the game after a loss? research shows the car ride home is the moment kids say they hate most in youth sports, more than losing, more than getting benched. i explain why post-game analysis backfires, what six words to say when your kid is falling apart in the back seat, how long to wait before talking about a bad game, and why booking extra lessons after a rough weekend sends the wrong message. plus the one sentence sports psychologists and parents swear by after every game, win or lose: i love watching you play. if you've ever sat in a quiet car wondering whether to speak, this episode is for you. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 What do you say on the car ride home? full Sammi https://heysammi.com/  what do you say when your child cries after losing a game? a dad in denver wrote to me asking exactly that. his son cried the whole drive home after a bad game, he said nothing, and now he's worried he failed as a sports parent. in this episode i answer the questions every youth sports parent googles at some point. is it okay to stay silent on the ride home? should parents talk about the game after a loss? research shows the car ride home is the moment kids say they hate most in youth sports, more than losing, more than getting benched. i explain why post-game analysis backfires, what six words to say when your kid is falling apart in the back seat, how long to wait before talking about a bad game, and why booking extra lessons after a rough weekend sends the wrong message. plus the one sentence sports psychologists and parents swear by after every game, win or lose: i love watching you play. if you've ever sat in a quiet car wondering whether to speak, this episode is for you. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ 

what do you say when your child cries after losing a game? a dad in denver wrote to me asking exactly that. his son cried the whole drive home after a bad game, he said nothing, and now he's worried he failed as a sports parent. in this episode i answer the questions every youth sports parent googles at some point. is it okay to stay silent on the ride home? should parents talk about the game after a loss? research shows the car ride home is the moment kids say they hate most in youth sports, more than losing, more than getting benched. i explain why post-game analysis backfires, what six words to say when your kid is falling apart in the back seat, how long to wait before talking about a bad game, and why booking extra lessons after a rough weekend sends the wrong message. plus the one sentence sports psychologists and parents swear by after every game, win or lose: i love watching you play. if you've ever sat in a quiet car wondering whether to speak, this episode is for you. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

https://heysammi.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 427 no Ep 13 Why does my 13 year old suddenly want to quit sports? https://heysammi.com/ https://heysammi.com/ ⁠ ⁠Hey Sammi Podcast Spotify⁠ ⁠Hey Sammi Podcast Itunes⁠ why does my 13 year old suddenly want to quit sports? SUBTITLE: how to find out what's really going on when your teen won't talk DESCRIPTION: why do teenagers suddenly quit sports they love? a mom in portland wrote to me because her 13 year old daughter went from sleeping in her jersey to done, overnight, and won't say why. in this episode i answer the questions parents of teen athletes ask most. why won't my teenager tell me what's wrong? should i let my child quit a sport mid-season? is 13 a normal age for girls to drop out of sports? the answer to that last one is yes, thirteen is the age girls leave sports in droves, and it's rarely about the sport itself. i walk through what usually hides underneath a sudden quit, from locker room comments to friendship fallout to changing bodies, why direct questions make a quiet teen quieter, why the you-made-a-commitment speech closes the door, and the side-by-side conversation technique that gets teenagers talking when face to face feels like an interrogation. plus how to keep the door open if she really is done, without pushing her through it. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  ⁠https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0000 Why does my 13 year old suddenly want to quit sports? full Sammi How to find out what's really going on when your teen won't talk https://heysammi.com/ ⁠ ⁠Hey Sammi Podcast Spotify⁠ ⁠Hey Sammi Podcast Itunes⁠ why does my 13 year old suddenly want to quit sports? SUBTITLE: how to find out what's really going on when your teen won't talk DESCRIPTION: why do teenagers suddenly quit sports they love? a mom in portland wrote to me because her 13 year old daughter went from sleeping in her jersey to done, overnight, and won't say why. in this episode i answer the questions parents of teen athletes ask most. why won't my teenager tell me what's wrong? should i let my child quit a sport mid-season? is 13 a normal age for girls to drop out of sports? the answer to that last one is yes, thirteen is the age girls leave sports in droves, and it's rarely about the sport itself. i walk through what usually hides underneath a sudden quit, from locker room comments to friendship fallout to changing bodies, why direct questions make a quiet teen quieter, why the you-made-a-commitment speech closes the door, and the side-by-side conversation technique that gets teenagers talking when face to face feels like an interrogation. plus how to keep the door open if she really is done, without pushing her through it. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com  ⁠https://heysammi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://heysammi.com/ ⁠

⁠Hey Sammi Podcast Spotify⁠

⁠Hey Sammi Podcast Itunes⁠

why does my 13 year old suddenly want to quit sports? SUBTITLE: how to find out what's really going on when your teen won't talk DESCRIPTION:

why do teenagers suddenly quit sports they love? a mom in portland wrote to me because her 13 year old daughter went from sleeping in her jersey to done, overnight, and won't say why. in this episode i answer the questions parents of teen athletes ask most. why won't my teenager tell me what's wrong? should i let my child quit a sport mid-season? is 13 a normal age for girls to drop out of sports? the answer to that last one is yes, thirteen is the age girls leave sports in droves, and it's rarely about the sport itself. i walk through what usually hides underneath a sudden quit, from locker room comments to friendship fallout to changing bodies, why direct questions make a quiet teen quieter, why the you-made-a-commitment speech closes the door, and the side-by-side conversation technique that gets teenagers talking when face to face feels like an interrogation. plus how to keep the door open if she really is done, without pushing her through it. got a question for the show? email me. hey@heysammi.com 

⁠https://heysammi.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 431 no Ep 12 Leveraging First-Party Data to Grow Youth Sports Sponsorships https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Think getting big brands into youth sports is just “too hard”? Many believe youth sports sponsorships can’t scale because everything’s too fragmented—but that’s not the whole story. In this episode, hosts Bill Flitter and Andy Thwaite (a sponsorship veteran with pro sports cred) toss out the old playbook and spark ideas for brand marketers ready to crack the code. Are your campaigns missing their full potential? You’ll discover: Why youth sports fans have unmatched loyalty. How embracing data and collaboration creates real scale. Why first-party data is your sponsorship superpower. Even more creative solutions await! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000 Leveraging First-Party Data to Grow Youth Sports Sponsorships full Sammi https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Think getting big brands into youth sports is just “too hard”? Many believe youth sports sponsorships can’t scale because everything’s too fragmented—but that’s not the whole story. In this episode, hosts Bill Flitter and Andy Thwaite (a sponsorship veteran with pro sports cred) toss out the old playbook and spark ideas for brand marketers ready to crack the code. Are your campaigns missing their full potential? You’ll discover: Why youth sports fans have unmatched loyalty. How embracing data and collaboration creates real scale. Why first-party data is your sponsorship superpower. Even more creative solutions await! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/

Think getting big brands into youth sports is just “too hard”?

Many believe youth sports sponsorships can’t scale because everything’s too fragmented—but that’s not the whole story. In this episode, hosts Bill Flitter and Andy Thwaite (a sponsorship veteran with pro sports cred) toss out the old playbook and spark ideas for brand marketers ready to crack the code.

Are your campaigns missing their full potential?

You’ll discover:

  • Why youth sports fans have unmatched loyalty.

  • How embracing data and collaboration creates real scale.

  • Why first-party data is your sponsorship superpower.

Even more creative solutions await!

Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3244 no Ep 11 How AI-Powered Tools Are Shaping the Future of Youth Sports https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Is AI just for the pros—or is it about to revolutionize how youth athletes train? Many youth club and team owners think cutting-edge tech is out of reach, but this episode proves otherwise. Host Bill Flitter welcomes digital innovator Shripal Shah to spotlight how AI is making real-time coaching, automated stats, and instant feedback a reality for youth sports. Is your club ready to level up with technology? Tune in to discover: Automated stat-tracking that frees up coaches to actually coach. Instant video feedback to reinforce skills while they're fresh. Affordable tools for personalized player development. Even more future-ready tips await you inside. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000 How AI-Powered Tools Are Shaping the Future of Youth Sports full Sammi https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Is AI just for the pros—or is it about to revolutionize how youth athletes train? Many youth club and team owners think cutting-edge tech is out of reach, but this episode proves otherwise. Host Bill Flitter welcomes digital innovator Shripal Shah to spotlight how AI is making real-time coaching, automated stats, and instant feedback a reality for youth sports. Is your club ready to level up with technology? Tune in to discover: Automated stat-tracking that frees up coaches to actually coach. Instant video feedback to reinforce skills while they're fresh. Affordable tools for personalized player development. Even more future-ready tips await you inside. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/

Is AI just for the pros—or is it about to revolutionize how youth athletes train?

Many youth club and team owners think cutting-edge tech is out of reach, but this episode proves otherwise. Host Bill Flitter welcomes digital innovator Shripal Shah to spotlight how AI is making real-time coaching, automated stats, and instant feedback a reality for youth sports.

Is your club ready to level up with technology?

Tune in to discover:

  • Automated stat-tracking that frees up coaches to actually coach.

  • Instant video feedback to reinforce skills while they're fresh.

  • Affordable tools for personalized player development.

Even more future-ready tips await you inside.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3219 no Ep 10 Building a Franchise Model in Youth Sports Recovery https://teachhoops.com/ https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠ ⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠ ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Is your youth sports business unlocking its full potential? Many believe that focusing on one revenue stream is the safest bet, but that's not always the path to success. In this episode, Hosts Bill Flitter and Justin Jarman, seasoned entrepreneurs, unveil multiple revenue opportunities and hard-won lessons in the youth sports industry. Are you maximizing your revenue streams? Explore: Balancing service offerings with experiential marketing.  Innovative ways to leverage sponsorships and branding.  Streamlining operations with franchise and growth strategies.  More business-transforming insights await. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Building a Franchise Model in Youth Sports Recovery full Sammi https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠ ⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠ ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Is your youth sports business unlocking its full potential? Many believe that focusing on one revenue stream is the safest bet, but that's not always the path to success. In this episode, Hosts Bill Flitter and Justin Jarman, seasoned entrepreneurs, unveil multiple revenue opportunities and hard-won lessons in the youth sports industry. Are you maximizing your revenue streams? Explore: Balancing service offerings with experiential marketing.  Innovative ways to leverage sponsorships and branding.  Streamlining operations with franchise and growth strategies.  More business-transforming insights await. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠

⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠

⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/


Is your youth sports business unlocking its full potential?

Many believe that focusing on one revenue stream is the safest bet, but that's not always the path to success. In this episode, Hosts Bill Flitter and Justin Jarman, seasoned entrepreneurs, unveil multiple revenue opportunities and hard-won lessons in the youth sports industry.

Are you maximizing your revenue streams?

Explore:

  • Balancing service offerings with experiential marketing. 

  • Innovative ways to leverage sponsorships and branding. 

  • Streamlining operations with franchise and growth strategies. 

More business-transforming insights await.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3415 no Ep 9 Groupspot's Unique Approach to Solving Communication Challenges https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://YouthSportsInsider.com https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Is your communication with parents and volunteers as effective as it could be? Many sports clubs rely on mass emails and group texts for their team communication, but there's a more efficient way. In this episode, host Bill Flitter chats with Mark Kossick from Groupspot, who leverages his NBA expertise to redefine group communication. How streamlined is your current communication process? Tune in to explore: Building a secure communication hub for parents and volunteers. Simplifying sign-ups and volunteer coordination. Creating a sense of community around your youth sports teams. More invaluable insights are coming your way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000 Groupspot's Unique Approach to Solving Communication Challenges full Sammi https://YouthSportsInsider.com https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Is your communication with parents and volunteers as effective as it could be? Many sports clubs rely on mass emails and group texts for their team communication, but there's a more efficient way. In this episode, host Bill Flitter chats with Mark Kossick from Groupspot, who leverages his NBA expertise to redefine group communication. How streamlined is your current communication process? Tune in to explore: Building a secure communication hub for parents and volunteers. Simplifying sign-ups and volunteer coordination. Creating a sense of community around your youth sports teams. More invaluable insights are coming your way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://YouthSportsInsider.com

https://teachhoops.com/

https://coachingyouthhoops.com/


Is your communication with parents and volunteers as effective as it could be?

Many sports clubs rely on mass emails and group texts for their team communication, but there's a more efficient way. In this episode, host Bill Flitter chats with Mark Kossick from Groupspot, who leverages his NBA expertise to redefine group communication.

How streamlined is your current communication process?

Tune in to explore:

  1. Building a secure communication hub for parents and volunteers.

  2. Simplifying sign-ups and volunteer coordination.

  3. Creating a sense of community around your youth sports teams.

More invaluable insights are coming your way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3215 no Ep 8 The Journey of Building Orgo: Simplifying Life for Sports Parents https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ ⁠www.aihoopscoach.com https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Ever wondered what it truly takes to launch a sport tech startup? In this episode, Host Bill Flitter and Zoya Lehrer from Orgo dive deep into the grit needed to build a startup, from tech development to investor pitching. Is your venture ready to tackle these operational hurdles? Uncover: Crafting a precise product launch strategy amidst challenges.  Overcoming operational obstacles with relentless dedication. Mastering investor pitches to secure essential funding.  Anticipate even more insights from visionary entrepreneurs. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0000 The Journey of Building Orgo: Simplifying Life for Sports Parents full Sammi ⁠www.aihoopscoach.com https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Ever wondered what it truly takes to launch a sport tech startup? In this episode, Host Bill Flitter and Zoya Lehrer from Orgo dive deep into the grit needed to build a startup, from tech development to investor pitching. Is your venture ready to tackle these operational hurdles? Uncover: Crafting a precise product launch strategy amidst challenges.  Overcoming operational obstacles with relentless dedication. Mastering investor pitches to secure essential funding.  Anticipate even more insights from visionary entrepreneurs. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ⁠www.aihoopscoach.com

https://teachhoops.com/

https://coachingyouthhoops.com/

Ever wondered what it truly takes to launch a sport tech startup?

In this episode, Host Bill Flitter and Zoya Lehrer from Orgo dive deep into the grit needed to build a startup, from tech development to investor pitching.

Is your venture ready to tackle these operational hurdles?

Uncover:

  • Crafting a precise product launch strategy amidst challenges. 

  • Overcoming operational obstacles with relentless dedication.

  • Mastering investor pitches to secure essential funding. 

Anticipate even more insights from visionary entrepreneurs.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3602 no Ep 7 Strategies for Scalable Sponsorships and Engagement in Youth Sports https://teachhoops.com/ ⁠www.aihoopscoach.com https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Ever questioned if your brand is truly connecting with youth sports families? Many marketers think plastering logos everywhere ensures engagement, but hold up! Nick Lawson from Squad, alongside host Bill Flitter, reveals how personalized experiences can skyrocket your sponsorship ROI without the clutter. Is your brand truly engaging? Tune in to discover: Building genuine connections, not just awareness.  Crafting experiences that matter, beyond banners.  Unlocking the goldmine of youth sports partnerships.  Even more insights await! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000 How Josh Dickey Transforms Sports Complexes into Community Hubs full Sammi ⁠www.aihoopscoach.com https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Ever questioned if your brand is truly connecting with youth sports families? Many marketers think plastering logos everywhere ensures engagement, but hold up! Nick Lawson from Squad, alongside host Bill Flitter, reveals how personalized experiences can skyrocket your sponsorship ROI without the clutter. Is your brand truly engaging? Tune in to discover: Building genuine connections, not just awareness.  Crafting experiences that matter, beyond banners.  Unlocking the goldmine of youth sports partnerships.  Even more insights await! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ⁠www.aihoopscoach.com

https://teachhoops.com/

https://coachingyouthhoops.com/

Ever questioned if your brand is truly connecting with youth sports families?

Many marketers think plastering logos everywhere ensures engagement, but hold up! Nick Lawson from Squad, alongside host Bill Flitter, reveals how personalized experiences can skyrocket your sponsorship ROI without the clutter.

Is your brand truly engaging?

Tune in to discover:

  • Building genuine connections, not just awareness. 

  • Crafting experiences that matter, beyond banners. 

  • Unlocking the goldmine of youth sports partnerships.

 Even more insights await!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 4509 no Ep 6 How Soccer Shots Trains Coaches and Maintains Standards Across 42 States https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Curious if your youth sports brand is truly reaching its potential? Many franchise owners think that opening more units will automatically lead to success, but that’s not the full story. In this episode, Hosts Bill Flitter and Justin Bredeman, CEO of Soccer Shots, reveal the secrets to scaling a national brand while maintaining quality and consistency. Is your strategy optimized for growth? Tune in to discover: The power of the three C’s: coaching, curriculum, and communication. Scaling without compromising quality. Leveraging franchises for nationwide impact. More valuable insights await. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 28 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000 How Soccer Shots Trains Coaches and Maintains Standards Across 42 States full Sammi https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Curious if your youth sports brand is truly reaching its potential? Many franchise owners think that opening more units will automatically lead to success, but that’s not the full story. In this episode, Hosts Bill Flitter and Justin Bredeman, CEO of Soccer Shots, reveal the secrets to scaling a national brand while maintaining quality and consistency. Is your strategy optimized for growth? Tune in to discover: The power of the three C’s: coaching, curriculum, and communication. Scaling without compromising quality. Leveraging franchises for nationwide impact. More valuable insights await. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://teachhoops.com/

https://coachingyouthhoops.com/

Curious if your youth sports brand is truly reaching its potential?

Many franchise owners think that opening more units will automatically lead to success, but that’s not the full story. In this episode, Hosts Bill Flitter and Justin Bredeman, CEO of Soccer Shots, reveal the secrets to scaling a national brand while maintaining quality and consistency.

Is your strategy optimized for growth?

Tune in to discover:

  • The power of the three C’s: coaching, curriculum, and communication.

  • Scaling without compromising quality.

  • Leveraging franchises for nationwide impact.

More valuable insights await.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.


📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3844 no Ep 5 Building Dreams: How Josh Dickey is Reshaping Youth Sports Facilities in Ohio https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ ⁠https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠⁠ ⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠ In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter sits down with Josh Dickey, founder of Sculpt Sports Complexes, to talk about the journey from personal trainer and athlete performance entrepreneur to multi-facility sports complex owner in Northeast Ohio. Josh shares how his passion for sports and fitness inspired him to build dynamic spaces like The Courts and The Dome, catering to basketball, volleyball, and more. He opens up about key lessons learned managing large facilities — from air-filled domes to hardwood courts — and offers insight for anyone dreaming of opening their own sports complex. Josh and Bill also dive into the business side of youth sports facilities: how to fill off-peak hours, creative ways to maximize revenue, and the importance of creating a positive experience for athletes, parents, and event organizers. With an eye on the future, Josh shares his vision for expanding Sculpt into a full-fledged sports campus, impacting not just athletes but the entire local economy. Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, or youth sports enthusiast, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and real-world wisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000 Building Dreams: How Josh Dickey is Reshaping Youth Sports Facilities in Ohio full Sammi ⁠https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠⁠ ⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠ In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter sits down with Josh Dickey, founder of Sculpt Sports Complexes, to talk about the journey from personal trainer and athlete performance entrepreneur to multi-facility sports complex owner in Northeast Ohio. Josh shares how his passion for sports and fitness inspired him to build dynamic spaces like The Courts and The Dome, catering to basketball, volleyball, and more. He opens up about key lessons learned managing large facilities — from air-filled domes to hardwood courts — and offers insight for anyone dreaming of opening their own sports complex. Josh and Bill also dive into the business side of youth sports facilities: how to fill off-peak hours, creative ways to maximize revenue, and the importance of creating a positive experience for athletes, parents, and event organizers. With an eye on the future, Josh shares his vision for expanding Sculpt into a full-fledged sports campus, impacting not just athletes but the entire local economy. Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, or youth sports enthusiast, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and real-world wisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ⁠https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠⁠

⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠

In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter sits down with Josh Dickey, founder of Sculpt Sports Complexes, to talk about the journey from personal trainer and athlete performance entrepreneur to multi-facility sports complex owner in Northeast Ohio. Josh shares how his passion for sports and fitness inspired him to build dynamic spaces like The Courts and The Dome, catering to basketball, volleyball, and more. He opens up about key lessons learned managing large facilities — from air-filled domes to hardwood courts — and offers insight for anyone dreaming of opening their own sports complex.

Josh and Bill also dive into the business side of youth sports facilities: how to fill off-peak hours, creative ways to maximize revenue, and the importance of creating a positive experience for athletes, parents, and event organizers. With an eye on the future, Josh shares his vision for expanding Sculpt into a full-fledged sports campus, impacting not just athletes but the entire local economy. Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, or youth sports enthusiast, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and real-world wisdom

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3666 no Ep 4 Inside ESPN’s Youth Sports Mission: Interview with Kevin Martinez https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://teachhoops.com/ Can youth sports do more than just build athletes—can they shape better futures? Many believe youth sports are only about winning and competition, but this episode proves otherwise. Host Bill Flitter and guest Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s VP of Corporate Citizenship, reveal how sports participation is about creating access, confidence, and opportunity for all kids. Are you thinking beyond the scoreboard? Listen in for: Why access and equity are the heart of inspiring lifelong fans and leaders How the true victory is building character, not just champions Simple ways we can all help make youth sports fun and inclusive There’s more wisdom waiting inside—don’t miss a moment! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 14 May 2025 10:30:00 -0000 Inside ESPN’s Youth Sports Mission: Interview with Kevin Martinez full Sammi https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://teachhoops.com/ Can youth sports do more than just build athletes—can they shape better futures? Many believe youth sports are only about winning and competition, but this episode proves otherwise. Host Bill Flitter and guest Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s VP of Corporate Citizenship, reveal how sports participation is about creating access, confidence, and opportunity for all kids. Are you thinking beyond the scoreboard? Listen in for: Why access and equity are the heart of inspiring lifelong fans and leaders How the true victory is building character, not just champions Simple ways we can all help make youth sports fun and inclusive There’s more wisdom waiting inside—don’t miss a moment! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://coachingyouthhoops.com/

https://teachhoops.com/


Can youth sports do more than just build athletes—can they shape better futures?

Many believe youth sports are only about winning and competition, but this episode proves otherwise. Host Bill Flitter and guest Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s VP of Corporate Citizenship, reveal how sports participation is about creating access, confidence, and opportunity for all kids.

Are you thinking beyond the scoreboard?

Listen in for:

  • Why access and equity are the heart of inspiring lifelong fans and leaders

  • How the true victory is building character, not just champions

  • Simple ways we can all help make youth sports fun and inclusive

There’s more wisdom waiting inside—don’t miss a moment!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3869 no Ep 3 The Business of Youth Sports: Building Opportunities and Measuring Impact with Carrie Gamper https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ ⁠https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠ ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠ https://teachhoops.com/ In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter welcomes Carrie Gamper, co-founder of Base Sports Group, to dive deep into the evolving world of youth sports sponsorship. Carrie shares her journey from walking on to the University of Denver's D1 lacrosse team to becoming a leader in sports sponsorship, working with major brands like FIFA, NBA, and the NFL. They discuss trends in youth sports, including rising costs, declining participation, and the critical role sponsorship can play in making sports more accessible. Carrie explains how authentic brand engagement can drive measurable value for both operators and families, and why youth sports are at the very beginning of a massive growth curve. Tune in to hear powerful insights on how brands can "do good while doing well" and help shape the future of youth sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 07 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000 The Business of Youth Sports: Building Opportunities and Measuring Impact with Carrie Gamper full Sammi ⁠https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠ ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠ https://teachhoops.com/ In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter welcomes Carrie Gamper, co-founder of Base Sports Group, to dive deep into the evolving world of youth sports sponsorship. Carrie shares her journey from walking on to the University of Denver's D1 lacrosse team to becoming a leader in sports sponsorship, working with major brands like FIFA, NBA, and the NFL. They discuss trends in youth sports, including rising costs, declining participation, and the critical role sponsorship can play in making sports more accessible. Carrie explains how authentic brand engagement can drive measurable value for both operators and families, and why youth sports are at the very beginning of a massive growth curve. Tune in to hear powerful insights on how brands can "do good while doing well" and help shape the future of youth sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ⁠https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠

⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠

https://teachhoops.com/

In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter welcomes Carrie Gamper, co-founder of Base Sports Group, to dive deep into the evolving world of youth sports sponsorship. Carrie shares her journey from walking on to the University of Denver's D1 lacrosse team to becoming a leader in sports sponsorship, working with major brands like FIFA, NBA, and the NFL. They discuss trends in youth sports, including rising costs, declining participation, and the critical role sponsorship can play in making sports more accessible. Carrie explains how authentic brand engagement can drive measurable value for both operators and families, and why youth sports are at the very beginning of a massive growth curve. Tune in to hear powerful insights on how brands can "do good while doing well" and help shape the future of youth sports.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 5176 no Ep 2 Beyond Logos: Building Authentic Sponsorships in Youth Sports with Paul Hutton https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠ In this powerful episode of Youth Sports Insider, we sit down with Paul Hutton, a leading voice in brand strategy and youth sports development. Paul shares how true sponsorships go far beyond logos on jerseys — they're about authentic community impact, creating lasting memories, and aligning with real values through CSR and ESG initiatives. Whether you're a brand looking to make a difference or a club seeking support, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Listen now and discover a new playbook for youth sports sponsorships! As a bit of background, I have been in an around the professional sport all my life. My family founded Umbro USA and I then went on to play rugby at a professional level.   I now run one of Europe’s oldest PR and Marketing agencies and as you would expect have had many projects and campaigns within the world of sport.   My passion is for Grassroots sports and more so what it means to young people, especially those with challenging circumstance.As an example, here are some of the brands/ organisations I can expand upon:Saracens Rugby Nike Academy The School of Hard Knocks (went on to be a very successful TV series) Umbro (as you would expect)Grassroots rugby and how to activate the funding models through ESG Jonah Lomu – legacy Plus many more…I was previously head of Communications and Innovation for the G20 Global Health and Development where sport was a key medium for success in driving initiatives.   If you think I can support you, please feel free to drop me a line. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hutton-a2184a6/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:54:00 -0000 Beyond Logos: Building Authentic Sponsorships in Youth Sports with Paul Hutton full Sammi https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠ In this powerful episode of Youth Sports Insider, we sit down with Paul Hutton, a leading voice in brand strategy and youth sports development. Paul shares how true sponsorships go far beyond logos on jerseys — they're about authentic community impact, creating lasting memories, and aligning with real values through CSR and ESG initiatives. Whether you're a brand looking to make a difference or a club seeking support, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Listen now and discover a new playbook for youth sports sponsorships! As a bit of background, I have been in an around the professional sport all my life. My family founded Umbro USA and I then went on to play rugby at a professional level.   I now run one of Europe’s oldest PR and Marketing agencies and as you would expect have had many projects and campaigns within the world of sport.   My passion is for Grassroots sports and more so what it means to young people, especially those with challenging circumstance.As an example, here are some of the brands/ organisations I can expand upon:Saracens Rugby Nike Academy The School of Hard Knocks (went on to be a very successful TV series) Umbro (as you would expect)Grassroots rugby and how to activate the funding models through ESG Jonah Lomu – legacy Plus many more…I was previously head of Communications and Innovation for the G20 Global Health and Development where sport was a key medium for success in driving initiatives.   If you think I can support you, please feel free to drop me a line. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hutton-a2184a6/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠


In this powerful episode of Youth Sports Insider, we sit down with Paul Hutton, a leading voice in brand strategy and youth sports development. Paul shares how true sponsorships go far beyond logos on jerseys — they're about authentic community impact, creating lasting memories, and aligning with real values through CSR and ESG initiatives. Whether you're a brand looking to make a difference or a club seeking support, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Listen now and discover a new playbook for youth sports sponsorships!




As a bit of background, I have been in an around the professional sport all my life. My family founded Umbro USA and I then went on to play rugby at a professional level.

 

I now run one of Europe’s oldest PR and Marketing agencies and as you would expect have had many projects and campaigns within the world of sport.

 

My passion is for Grassroots sports and more so what it means to young people, especially those with challenging circumstance.As an example, here are some of the brands/ organisations I can expand upon:Saracens Rugby


Nike Academy

The School of Hard Knocks (went on to be a very successful TV series)

Umbro (as you would expect)Grassroots rugby and how to activate the funding models through ESG

Jonah Lomu – legacy

Plus many more…I was previously head of Communications and Innovation for the G20 Global Health and Development where sport was a key medium for success in driving initiatives.

 

If you think I can support you, please feel free to drop me a line. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hutton-a2184a6/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3580 no Ep 1 How Brands Can Successfully Invest in Youth Sports https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠ ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠ Is sponsoring youth sports really worth it? Forget about flashy ads – it’s about supporting a vital part of kids' lives. That’s what I learned from Mark Botterill, a seasoned veteran in youth sports, on Youth Sports Insider. Think about it: Are your marketing dollars actually making a difference in communities? Mark introduces the idea of aligning your brand with the mission of youth sports, showing how impactful and rewarding it can be. And there’s so much more insight waiting for you in the episode. Become the smartest insider in the game – listen now. Remember to leave a comment with your biggest takeaways about youth sports sponsorship! Are your brand investments in youth sports yielding the returns you expect? Contrary to popular belief, brand visibility on jerseys is just the tip of the iceberg for sponsorship value. In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter, and special guest Mark Botterill, Vice President of Strategy at Augusta Sportswear, dive deep into the real ROI of funding youth sports and debunk common misconceptions. Is your sponsorship strategy truly maximizing its potential? Tune in to learn: Why digital engagement through league management systems trumps traditional signage. The unexpected but vital role of parents' professions in sponsorships. How vendor programs can create sustainable, long-term sponsorships. And there’s plenty more golden nuggets to come! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000 full Sammi https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠ ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠ Is sponsoring youth sports really worth it? Forget about flashy ads – it’s about supporting a vital part of kids' lives. That’s what I learned from Mark Botterill, a seasoned veteran in youth sports, on Youth Sports Insider. Think about it: Are your marketing dollars actually making a difference in communities? Mark introduces the idea of aligning your brand with the mission of youth sports, showing how impactful and rewarding it can be. And there’s so much more insight waiting for you in the episode. Become the smartest insider in the game – listen now. Remember to leave a comment with your biggest takeaways about youth sports sponsorship! Are your brand investments in youth sports yielding the returns you expect? Contrary to popular belief, brand visibility on jerseys is just the tip of the iceberg for sponsorship value. In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter, and special guest Mark Botterill, Vice President of Strategy at Augusta Sportswear, dive deep into the real ROI of funding youth sports and debunk common misconceptions. Is your sponsorship strategy truly maximizing its potential? Tune in to learn: Why digital engagement through league management systems trumps traditional signage. The unexpected but vital role of parents' professions in sponsorships. How vendor programs can create sustainable, long-term sponsorships. And there’s plenty more golden nuggets to come! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices https://YouthSportsInsider.com⁠⁠

⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/⁠


Is sponsoring youth sports really worth it?


Forget about flashy ads – it’s about supporting a vital part of kids' lives.


That’s what I learned from Mark Botterill, a seasoned veteran in youth sports, on Youth Sports Insider.


Think about it: Are your marketing dollars actually making a difference in communities?


Mark introduces the idea of aligning your brand with the mission of youth sports, showing how impactful and rewarding it can be.


And there’s so much more insight waiting for you in the episode.


Become the smartest insider in the game – listen now. Remember to leave a comment with your biggest takeaways about youth sports sponsorship!

Are your brand investments in youth sports yielding the returns you expect?

Contrary to popular belief, brand visibility on jerseys is just the tip of the iceberg for sponsorship value. In this episode of Youth Sports Insider, host Bill Flitter, and special guest Mark Botterill, Vice President of Strategy at Augusta Sportswear, dive deep into the real ROI of funding youth sports and debunk common misconceptions.

Is your sponsorship strategy truly maximizing its potential?

Tune in to learn:

  1. Why digital engagement through league management systems trumps traditional signage.
  2. The unexpected but vital role of parents' professions in sponsorships.
  3. How vendor programs can create sustainable, long-term sponsorships.

And there’s plenty more golden nuggets to come!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

📈Get the breakdown and action plan for this and all the episodes =>> https://YouthSportsInsider.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 3781 no