Podcast
Raising Athletes
Hosted by Kirsten Jones, Bleav · EN
Sports Parenting podcast. Kirsten Jones interviews coaches, parents, athletes and trainers about everything youth sports. Follow Kirsten at kirstenjonesinc.com, @kirstenjonesinc (Facebook and Twitter), or @kirstenjonescoach (Instagram and LinkedIn). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Struggle to Strength: Nicolette Caneda’s Story of Recovery and Resilience in College Soccer
3w ago01:01:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kirsten is joined by Nicolette Caneda, former Manhattan College soccer player, who opens up about her journey as a student-athlete and the lessons she’s learned both on and off the field. Nicolette shares her personal experience of overcoming an eating disorder, the impact it had on her relationship with the game, and the steps she took to prioritize her mental health.She also reflects on the influential role her father played as a coach, shaping her approach to competition, discipline, and resilience. Through honesty and perspective, Nicolette highlights how self-awareness, support, and open dialogue can help athletes navigate the pressures of sport and build a healthier foundation for performance and well-being.
Transcribe →Building Unshakable Confidence with Former WNBA Player Chantelle Anderson | EP 188
Jul 601:09:07Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build confidence that lasts long after the final buzzer?This week, Kirsten sits down with former WNBA player Chantelle Anderson to explore the powerful connection between confidence, leadership, identity, and resilience. As one of the most accomplished basketball players of her generation, Chantelle broke barriers at Vanderbilt, competed at the highest level in the WNBA, and has since dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations develop authentic leadership and lasting confidence.Drawing from her experiences as an elite athlete, coach, and leadership speaker, Chantelle shares why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through intentional choices, embracing challenges, and staying true to your values. She offers practical insights for athletes, parents, and coaches on overcoming self-doubt, leading with authenticity, and helping young people develop the mindset needed to thrive both in sports and in life.Whether you're raising an athlete, coaching a team, or striving to become a stronger leader yourself, this conversation is filled with wisdom that will inspire you to lead with purpose and compete with confidence.
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Preventing Injuries and Building Stronger Athletes with John Gallucci Jr. | EP 187
Jun 2400:53:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Raising Athletes, Kirsten sits down with John A. Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy and one of the leading experts in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. From working with elite athletes across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and Major League Soccer to building one of the fastest-growing physical therapy practices in the Northeast, John shares his journey and the lessons he’s learned about keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best.John discusses the importance of injury prevention, how parents and coaches can better support young athletes through the rehabilitation process, and why recovery should be viewed as a critical part of athletic development. He also shares insights from his newest book, Pickleball Pickleball Pickleball: Don’t Get Hurt, and explains how the principles of proper movement, preparation, and body awareness apply to athletes of all ages and sports.Whether your child is just starting their athletic journey or competing at the highest level, this conversation offers valuable lessons on building stronger, healthier, and more resilient athletes.
Transcribe →Building Better Teams: How Communication Creates Championship-Level Chemistry with Betsy Butterick | EP 186
Jun 1501:18:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Raising Athletes, Kirsten sits down with Betsy Butterick, known as “The Coaches’ Coach,” to explore how communication, connection, and team chemistry create the foundation for high-performing teams. A former collegiate basketball player and coach, Betsy shares how genuine relationships and effective communication can transform the way coaches lead, develop athletes, and build stronger team cultures.Tune in for an insightful conversation about the power of communication, why chemistry is built—not found, and how coaches and parents can use stronger connections to help athletes reach their full potential.Betsy is also the author of Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z and Beyond, a guide designed to help coaches better understand, connect with, and lead today’s athletes. She shares practical strategies for navigating generational differences, building trust, and creating environments where young athletes can thrive. Listeners can get 15% off Betsy’s book by using this link: Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z and Beyond
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Former MLB Pitcher Brian Sackinsky on Building Better Athletes and Better People | EP 185
Jun 801:10:29Tap to summarizeFormer MLB pitcher Brian Sackinsky joins the podcast for a powerful conversation about why sports are about so much more than wins and losses.A Stanford Baseball alum, former Baltimore Orioles pitcher, coach, speaker, and leader, Brian shares how his journey through sports shaped his perspective on success, failure, leadership, and personal growth. Once driven by perfectionism, Brian opens up about the lessons he learned through baseball, coaching, parenting, and life that helped him shift his focus from chasing perfection to embracing progress.Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or leader, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons on growth, mindset, and the impact sports can have long after the final whistle blows.Brian's message is simple but powerful: the greatest competition isn't against others—it's against the person you were yesterday.
Transcribe →Donny Lind on Building a Championship Culture at Mount St. Mary's | EP 184
Jun 100:55:11Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode, Kirsten sits down with Shelli Johnson — entrepreneur, leadership consultant, adventure guide, and founder of Epic Life Inc. — to explore what it truly means to live an authentic and meaningful life. From building a Yellowstone-based tourism company and award-winning travel platform to guiding leaders and individuals through the “wild terrain” of their own personal growth, Shelli shares the lessons she’s learned about purpose, resilience, and finding your way back to yourself.Drawing from thousands of miles walked through wilderness and life itself, Shelli opens up about how nature became her greatest teacher and why walking has become a powerful tool for reflection, healing, and leadership. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about alignment, courage, and creating a life that feels deeply true to who you are.
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Shelli Johnson on Finding Purpose, Authentic Living, and Personal Growth | EP 183
May 2500:52:11Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode, Kirsten sits down with Shelli Johnson — entrepreneur, leadership consultant, adventure guide, and founder of Epic Life Inc. — to explore what it truly means to live an authentic and meaningful life. From building a Yellowstone-based tourism company and award-winning travel platform to guiding leaders and individuals through the “wild terrain” of their own personal growth, Shelli shares the lessons she’s learned about purpose, resilience, and finding your way back to yourself.Drawing from thousands of miles walked through wilderness and life itself, Shelli opens up about how nature became her greatest teacher and why walking has become a powerful tool for reflection, healing, and leadership. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about alignment, courage, and creating a life that feels deeply true to who you are.
Transcribe →The Fight to Save Youth Sports: Chris Murphy & Chris Deluzio on the Let Kids Play Act | EP 182
May 1800:14:35Tap to summarizeIn this powerful conversation, Chris Murphy and Chris Deluzio break down their proposed “Let Kids Play Act,” a groundbreaking bill aimed at removing private equity influence from youth sports and making athletics more affordable and accessible for families across America.The discussion dives into how corporate investors and private equity firms have transformed youth sports into a billion-dollar business, driving up costs through tournament monopolies, “stay-to-play” hotel mandates, rising registration fees, and the consolidation of local leagues and facilities. Senator Murphy and Congressman Deluzio explain why they believe youth sports should be treated as a community-based public good — not a profit center for wealthy investors.They also unpack the real-life stories that inspired the legislation, including the collapse of long-standing nonprofit youth hockey organizations after aggressive acquisitions by investor-backed companies. From skyrocketing participation costs to families being priced out of sports altogether, this episode explores what happens when profit overtakes purpose in youth athletics.Most importantly, Murphy and Deluzio share how the Let Kids Play Act aims to restore local control, protect nonprofit programs, eliminate exploitative business practices, and lower the financial burden on parents — all while preserving the life-changing value sports can have on kids and communities.If you care about the future of youth sports, affordability, and keeping kids in the game, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Transcribe →Youth Sports Parenting Advice Every Family Needs with Stephen Borelli | EP 181
May 1100:48:02Tap to summarizeFrom the sidelines to the press box, Stephen Borelli has spent his life immersed in the world of sports. In this episode, Stephen shares his journey as a youth coach, sports parent, magazine editor, and the voice behind the popular weekly sports parenting column “Ask Coach Steve.” Drawing from years of firsthand experience and conversations with top athletes and sports personalities, he offers practical advice for navigating the highs and lows of youth sports.The conversation dives into the challenges facing today’s young athletes and parents—from pressure and burnout to confidence, communication, and keeping sports fun. Stephen also discusses his book, Youth Sports Survival Guide, and reflects on what families can do to create healthier, more positive athletic experiences. Plus, he shares insights from writing How About That! The Life of Mel Allen, the definitive biography of legendary New York Yankees broadcaster Mel Allen, and what the golden era of sports storytelling can still teach us today.Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and actionable advice for surviving—and thriving—in today’s youth sports culture.
Transcribe →Christine Brennan on Caitlin Clark, Women’s Sports Boom, and Youth Sports Today | EP 180
May 401:24:59Tap to summarizeChristine Brennan is one of the most respected voices in sports journalism—and in this episode, she brings decades of insight, fearless reporting, and a deep understanding of the modern sports landscape to the conversation.A longtime columnist for USA Today and commentator for networks like CNN, Christine Brennan has covered everything from the Olympics to the biggest stories shaping college and professional sports. She’s also the author of the bestselling On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, a powerful and timely look at the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark and the cultural shift happening across women’s sports. The book explores Clark’s unprecedented impact on the game, from record-breaking performances to skyrocketing fan engagement and media attention.In this episode, Christine shares her perspective on the evolving world of sports—from the pressures facing young athletes today to the role of parents, media, and culture in shaping the youth sports experience. Drawing on insights from her latest book, she dives into the “Caitlin Clark effect,” the rapid growth of women’s sports, and what it all means for the next generation.This conversation is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes looking to better understand the bigger picture of sports—and how to navigate it with purpose, perspective, and integrity.
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