If you’ve ever sat in the parking lot wondering whether you said the right thing after the game or stayed up late Googling whether your kid should play on two teams, you are not alone. Parenting in youth sports is beautiful, exhausting, inspiring and sometimes confusing all at once.
These podcasts don’t just offer advice—they offer perspective. They remind us that we’re not supposed to have all the answers, but we do have the power to shape our child’s experience—for better or worse.
Here are five pods that consistently make us feel more grounded, more informed, and more hopeful as we raise young athletes.
Raising Athletes with Kirsten Jones
What it is: Hosted by mindset coach and former Division I volleyball player Kirsten Jones, this podcast is all about helping parents raise confident, resilient, and high-character kids in the high-pressure world of youth sports.
Why we like it: Jones brings both heart and expertise. She speaks parent-to-parent, but also brings the lens of an athlete and coach. Her episodes are like mini pep talks mixed with strategy sessions—you’ll walk away with better language, more patience, and often a fresh take on something that’s been weighing on you (like comparison, perfectionism, or how to respond to failure). Bonus: Her guests include top athletes, coaches, and sports parents who’ve been in the trenches.
The Pure Athlete Podcast
What it is: Hosted by former MLB player Jeff Francoeur and longtime friends Britt Lee and Brad Williams, this podcast brings a playful, candid energy to big topics in youth sports.
Why we like it: It’s like listening to your (very wise) sports parent friends’ riff in the bleachers. These guys have seen it all—from pro sports to tee ball sidelines—and they’re not afraid to poke fun at the absurdities while also delivering powerful takeaways. Each episode feels like a reminder that youth sports should be fun, supportive, and rooted in purpose—not just performance. Plus, their guests range from all-star athletes to local legends, each bringing valuable insight and real-life stories.
Healthy Sports Parents
What it is: A podcast that zooms out from the scoreboard and gets serious about your kid’s well-being—body, mind, and heart.
Why we like it: If you’ve ever worried that something doesn’t feel quite right—even when your child’s doing well on the field—this podcast helps you unpack that. It tackles topics like overtraining, mental health, disordered eating, sleep and recovery with clarity and compassion. It’s also refreshingly honest about the pressures parents feel and how to make choices that support long-term development over short-term wins.
Youth $ports
What it is: Hosted by former collegiate athlete and club soccer coach Ally Tucker, Youth $ports delves into the evolving landscape of youth athletics in America. Through one-on-one interviews with parents, coaches, administrators, and athletes, the podcast examines how youth sports have transformed from community-based activities into a high-stakes industry.
Why we like it: Tucker brings a candid and critical perspective to topics that many parents grapple with—rising costs, early specialization and the pressure to perform. Her conversations are both thought-provoking and relatable, offering insights that help parents navigate the complexities of today's youth sports environment. Whether discussing the financial implications of club sports or the emotional toll on young athletes, this podcast provides valuable context and guidance for families striving to keep sports a positive part of their children's lives.
Parents in Sport Podcast
What it is: Hosted by Gordon MacLelland, a seasoned coach, educator and parent, the Parents in Sport Podcast offers monthly episodes that delve into the multifaceted world of youth sports parenting. Drawing from his extensive experience and featuring a diverse lineup of guests—including Olympians, sports psychologists, and fellow parents—MacLelland provides insights into the challenges and triumphs of supporting young athletes.
Why we like it: This podcast stands out for its empathetic and practical approach. Gordon addresses real-life scenarios, from managing match-day emotions to fostering resilience and autonomy in children. Episodes like the conversation with high-performance consultant Ivi Casagrande shed light on creating supportive environments, especially for young female athletes. Whether you're navigating the early stages of your child's sports journey or dealing with the pressures of competitive play, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you support your child effectively.
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