Love What You Play

In this episode, we talk about Duff's book The Tao of Sport: Reflecting on Purpose, Passion, and Growth and the observations of the athletic world that ultimately inspired him to write it. He discusses the various stages of his career, from participating in multiple sports during his youth to working as a firefighter, competing in the Olympics, and the insight he gained from being a coach. Find out more here: https://www.darkhorseathletic.ca/general-6 Duff is a speaker, coach, advocate, and father, who aims to develop athleticism and foster an intrinsic love for sport. He spent the better part of three decades in the world of Olympic sport, and was also a provincial champion speed skater and a national champion in bobsleigh. He competed from 1999 to 2006 when he won gold in the Men's Skeleton Race, making him the oldest Canadian Winter Games Gold Medalist and the oldest Individual Winter Gold Medalist in the world. Table of Contents 0:00 - Intro 2:40 - Growing up playing sports 7:45 - Origin of the book and of Dark Horse 13:40 - Data on Olympians 18:55 - Challenges and fear in Skeleton 21:20 - Firefighting experience 24:30 - Memorable moment from competition 28:05 - Achieving his dream 30:20 - Preparation/time management 35:40 - The importance of making mistakes 40:35 - Control and selflessness 46:00 - Growth mindset 54:25 - His support network 58:15 - Advice for parents to help kids thrive 1:00:55 - Advice for coaches just starting out 1:13:25 - Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page.

In this episode, we talk about the origin of Athlete Intelligence and how they have adapted to recent circumstances, as well as their goals and plans moving forward. Chris goes into detail about the study of concussions and the services that his organization provides - specifically, discussing how the mindset around head injuries and prevention methods in the sport world has changed over the years. Find out more here: https://www.athleteintelligence.com/ As a former LAX player and current LAX coach, Chris is involved with a number of efforts to help kids stay healthy and safe while having fun in their sports. Currently living in Washington State, he is passionate about lacrosse, volunteering, and his work with young people. Table of Contents 0:00 - Intro 2:05 - Growing up playing sports 6:10 - Benefits of multi-sport participation 8:35 - Concussion data 14:40 - Rowan's Law and safety products 19:30 - Priorities for Athlete Intelligence 23:25 - Research timeline and business model 28:15 - Ideal athletic techniques 34:05 - The future of the platform 40:45 - Head impacts and CTE 45:20 - Advice for coaches just starting out 50:00 - Where to find Chris 52:10 - Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page.

In this episode, we talk about Allison's journey from her commitment as a student athlete to her experiences in the Olympics, and what led her to the field of Safe Sport. She discusses how the perspective on abuse is shifting and what still needs improvement, as well as offering suggestions for organizations that want to implement a new system. Find out more here: https://www.itpsport.ca/ Allison is a business leader focusing on the prevention and case management of maltreatment, who has worked with the federal government and the public sector to create a safer, high-performance system. With 12+ years of business development, operations, marketing, communications, and leadership experience, she is now a consultant and advisor to sports brands and organizations at all levels. Table of Contents 0:00 - Intro 1:20 - Growing up playing sports 3:45 - "Over-specialization" vs. long-term development 6:10 - Allison's skiing career and the Olympics 10:00 - Her path to working in Safe Sport 18:25 - Changes in the athletic world 23:50 - Preventing harassment/abuse 30:10 - Emotional and physical protection 33:00 - Cyberbullying in sports 43:50 - Business model and partners 47:20 - The newest developments 50:10 - Recommended approaches 55:40 - Supervising young players 58:10 - Where to find Allison 59:25 - Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page.

In this episode, we talk about how sports were a part of Jacques's life growing up and his journey to going pro. He shares his advice for young athletes, coaches and parents alike, focusing on the issues of multisport participation, respect, nutrition, and supporting players' health. Find out more and purchase Jacques's books here: https://www.amazon.com/Jacques-Ladouceur/e/B08VDMRMGY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1637260688&sr=1-2 Jacques was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and immigrated to New York City with his family in December of 1969. After playing for the US National Soccer Team for two years, he went on to play professionally for 11 years and was a member of six championship teams before he went into coaching and the business world. He has worked as an entrepreneur and has also consulted executives and managers of various companies; he is currently a business coach with Buffini & Company. Table of Contents 00:00 - Intro 2:03 - How old were you when you moved to NYC? 5:49 - When did you start playing soccer and did you play other sports as well? 8:06 - Do you think it's beneficial for kids to participate in multiple sports? 16:51 - How might we educate parents so they won't push their children to the point where they experience burnout? 21:14 - What are your suggestions in terms of nutrition and healthy habits for young athletes? 30:23 - How do you recommend they balance their sports with sufficient time for sleep and rest? 36:52 - How can families and coaches help kids love the game? 41:14 - What key takeaways do you want people to gain from your books? 46:09 - Why are we seeing a lack of respect in sports, especially toward officials, and what should we do about it? 53:17 - Based on your own background, what's the #1 piece of advice you would give to coaches? 57:24 - Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page.

Dr. Julie Stamm is a neuroscientist, anatomist, athletic trainer, researcher, and sports lover. She is also the author for her new book The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future which we discuss in this episode. In this episode, we talk about Dr. Stamm's recently published book, "The Brain On Youth Sports," which tackles the issue of repetitive brain trauma in youth sports and their health consequences. By reading the book, Dr. Stamm hopes that consumers will be equipped to make well-informed decisions. Find out more and purchase Dr. Stamm's book here: https://www.juliestamm.com/book Dr. Stamm has done extensive research and published many works in the areas of concussions, sub-concussive impacts, CTE, and the consequences of repetitive brain trauma in youth. Through her many publications and online presence, her mission is to debunk the myths around repetitive brain trauma and concussions in sports and explain the science so that it is easy to understand for everyone. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro. 01:14 How Dr. Stamm came to study concussions in contact sports even if she played mainly non-contact sports? 02:29 What do we need to do in terms of shifting the mindset of “getting your bell rung” VS recognizing an actual concussion. 05:17 Are there any concussion laws in the US to legislate return to play (similar to Rowan's law?) 06:52 Is there any truth to concussion proof helmets? 08:24 How Virginia Tech rates the concussion protection levels of helmets and how the price difference is often not related to how well they protect you. 11:10 Are mouth guards useful to help prevent concussions? 11:54 The crucial brain development happening in the 8-12 year old age group and the effects of disrupting that. 13:32 Did Julie's concussion research play a role when USA Hockey and Hockey Canada banned body checking for the younger U13-U15 age groups? 15:22 Why the American Academy of Pediatrics in the US was in support of removing contact in Hockey but not Football? 18:51 Is it the money stream for NFL football that is preventing football from removing contact? 22:09 Why Dr. Stamm believes contact in sports shouldn't be present before their teen years. 25:06 Does early specialisation in contact sports and football impact concussions rates compared to multi-sport athletes? 27:43 How popular is baseline testing in the US and how effective are they in measuring concussion recovery? 30:08 How motion sensors are being implemented during play and how effective are they? 32:39 What sports have a higher percentage of head impacts and how what position you play affects your risk of concussions? 34:48 What sports have the highest concussion rates when comparing boys VS girls? 36:32 How do we ensure young athletes report their head injuries during play and are being made aware of the lifelong impacts of concussions? 38:31: The importance of coaches supporting their athletes in being open about reporting their injuries. 39:25 How to make coach concussion education ongoing learning rather than a one time workshop? 42:03 What are the myths of diagnosis and recovery for concussions? 44:58 Previous concerns of people falling asleep and not noticing internal bleeding VS allowing them to sleep to help their recovery. 46:24 Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy have benefits for concussion recovery? 47:43 What led Dr. Julie Stamm to write a book on concussions and what she hopes people will gain from reading it. 49:55 Julie's aspiration for no contact under 13 in football in the next five years. 51:40 Some examples of amazing football athletes who were successful without playing contact sports early on in life. 53:33 Where can people find Dr. Julie Stamm's book and how can they reach out to Julie? 54:21 Outro. The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Lindsay Goulet is an advocate for Buddy Check For Jesse and Director of Exercise Programming and Education for Habit Lifestyle Medicine. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank. In this episode, we talk with with Lindsay Goulet, about how Buddy Check For Jesse came to be and how the organization has helped Lindsay's son Owen with his anxiety and talking about mental health with his hockey teammates. Buddy Check For Jesse is a charity founded by Stu Gershman, a dad, sports medicine physician, and a volunteer youth coach, with the goal of de-stigmatizing, educating, and supporting our youth with mental health, through the power of coaches and sport. We also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Why Lindsay is passionate about exercise for mental health and her son Owen's experiences with mental illness. 06:51 Video of Owen's story and how Buddy Check For Jesse helped him. 11:25 Owen's approach to tackling his own mental health. 12:03 The socioeconomic pressures that shape us to build a stigma around mental health. 12:46 Where does the Buddy Check green come from and how Buddy Check helps coaches and athletes open the discussion of mental health. 16:56 How coaches often don't get training to help kids with mental issues and the importance of open communication between coaches and parents. 18:53 How the COVID-19 uncertainty can benefit from Buddy Check and open communication. 21:18 Buddy Check's transition from the hockey space to the multi-sport space and upcoming events. 24:30 Achieving charity status and having the ability to spread the message of Buddy Check For Jesse. 25:29 Basketball, lacrosse, and ball hockey events and partners. 27:01 Lindsay's definition of mental health, and removing the stigma around it. 28:05 How to find Buddy Check For Jesse, access resources, donate, and connect with them over on social media. 29:16 Buddy Check's role in our upcoming Mental fitness summit. 29:37 Outro. The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Ryan Phillips is a former pro hockey player, published author, and TEDx speaker. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank! In this episode, we talk about Ryan's experience in professional hockey and his struggle with mental health. We will also discuss the dramatic events that motivated him to spread the power of positivity and focused thought around the globe. From being barred from the United States and his daughter, and then traveling the world to find happiness, Ryan's incredible life experiences have been recorded in a published book and in a documentary. We will also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:04 Ryan's early beginnings in hockey and sports. 03:10 Ryan's misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder and how concussions had an impact on his health. 10:17 How Ryan handles multiple projects and a busy lifestyle with a good environment and who he surrounds himself with. 13:13 Ryan's cycling trip around Cambodia to fundraise for human trafficking prevention. 16:10 What Ryan learned from being barred from the United States and being involved in the early days of the marijuana boom in 2012.  19:13 Where Ryan's passion for cycling began. How he rode across Cambodia for human trafficking awareness, across Canada for mental health, and across South East Asia. 23:11 How Ryan advocates for moving forward in life with purpose and how he acted on his mental health. 25:32  Awareness and action, and how Ryan defines success for himself. 26:50 The time when Ryan lost who he was during marijuana smuggling and how he now dedicates his life to world service. 29:12 Ryan's tips for how we can control the mental loops we get stuck in. The importance of having fun with the “now”. 32:53 How to connect with Ryan. 33:35 Ryan's feature presentation at our summit on June 17th. 34:26 Outro. The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Kevin Rempel is a Canadian sledge hockey 2013 world champion with a 2014 Paralympic bronze medal and the founder of The Sledge Hockey Experience. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank! In this episode, we talk about Kevin's life experience and how they led him to play for Team Canada. After being paralyzed in a motor cross accident in 2006, having to learn to walk again, and then losing his dad, Kevin has shown extreme resilience in overcoming adversity. The discussion will reveal why he ended up becoming a mindset resilience coach and how he ultimately created Kevin Rempel & Associates Inc. Kevin is now focusing on building the game of sledge hockey with The Sledge Hockey Experience, inspiring others as a keynote speaker, and coaching leaders using The Resilience Toolbox. We also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:54 Kevin's early days in motor cross, BMX, and skateboarding and his accident. 04:51 Rob's motorcycle accident. 07:31 What Kevin's mindset during his recovery and his dad's approach to his own recovery. 10:49 Kevin's idols and how they played a role in his recovery. 13:48 How Kevin started his journey into sledge hockey. 17:06 Joining Team Canada and going to Sochi for the Paralympic games. 19:11 The physical demand of sledge hockey. 21:14 Kevin's Sledge Hockey Experience education program, instructional youtube videos, and giving back to grow the sport of sledge hockey. Kevin's charity donation of $30,000 to supply sledge hockey sleds for kids. 24:09 Kevin's definition of mental health and removing the stigma around the term “mental health”. 26:18 What can we do to increase awareness of mental health? The three A's of the resilience toolbox: admit, ask, and accept. 31:12 Rob's mental fitness program. 34:38 Kevin's tools and programs and where to find them. 35:43 The origins of the term “sledge” in sledge hockey, and the renaming of “sledge hockey” to “para ice hockey” 38:50 Kevin opening the upcoming Mental Fitness for Sports and Life II Summit. Raising funds for Buddy Check for Jesse 40:40 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Jason Podollan is a NHL Alumnus and the founder of Up My Hockey. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank! In this episode, we talk about Jason's story as an NHL player and how he has now harnessed his experiences to teach the modalities of mindset, nutrition, fitness, and high performance. Up My Hockey shows clients how to empower and rebrand themselves to directly impact those they care about most.  We will also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Rob's origins as a Toronto hockey player and his draft pick experience  03:00 Rob's motorcycle accident and how that drove him to founding Mindset Body Bank 05:30 Jason's story being in the NHL and the mental toll of it  08:50 Why Jason began the journey as a mentor  10:00 Current early specialization in youth and Rob and Jason's multisport experience 13:30 The importance of free play in child development and the resurgence of it during COVID 15:20 How Jason helps kids find and reconnect with what love about the game again 18:00 Fear of failure in kids and parental pressure 21:00 Growth mindset vs fixed mindset. Tips for success and growth in sports. 27:30 Naomi Osaka's decision to pull out of the French open 30:00 Definition of mental health and the line into clinical help 34:30 Mental agility for athletes via the Up My Hockey Peak Potential Hockey Project with Jason Podollan  38:00 Controlling your physical and mental state, offered through Mindset Body Bank, how to contact Rob 41:00 How parents and coaches can support athletes best 46:08 How the off-season/COVID is the perfect time to implement new mental techniques and perspectives before heading back into the game 49:15 Mental fitness summit announcement 51:00 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Dan Blackburn is a coach and the founder of National Training Centres Hockey, as well as the creator of the Pillars of Greatness curriculum. In this episode, we talk about Dan's journey to success as a coach, author, and father, despite hardships. Dan has trained thousands of athletes, including PK Subban of the NJ Devils, two-time Stanley Cup champion David Bolland, and Stanley Cup champion Tyler Sequin of the Dallas Stars. We also go over NTC Hockey's mission of teaching athletes how to see and experience their greatness both on, and off, the ice and to produce the most dominant hockey players in the game. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Where Dan grew up, his family challenges, and what sports he played as a kid 04:42 How Dan got involved into hockey coaching and his tryouts anecdote 09:20 Dan's motivation to coach hockey at a young age and what age groups he coached 12:13 How Dan started with off-ice training and set out to prove its benefits for athletes 16:37 Being ahead of the curve with off-ice training and incorporating mental training 19:24 Recognizing that there is a life after professional sports and how to transition smoothly 22:14 Dan's definition of what mental health should be 26:26 Looking at the athletes that have struggled in the Covid era and Dan's approach to help them 30:25 Dan's vision for a better normal in youth sports after Covid 35:37 Where does Dan's optimism and energy comes from and his “booyah” shtick 40:22 Details on how you can connect with Dan 42:48 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Owen McBride is an accomplished athlete who recently founded Private Coaching Co. alongside his team to create positive sport experiences for youth athletes of all skill levels and ages.In this episode, we talk about Owen's journey as a decorated soccer player as well as other sports, having received 2 silver medals in the AAA Provincial Championships, a bronze medal in the Sportcheck Canadian National Championship, and a silver medal in the BC Summer Games. We will also be discussing how his story motivated him to change the sport experience for millions of kids worldwide with Private Coaching Co. which aims to provide one-on-one and small group sports training sessions. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:15 Where Owen grew up and his opinion growing up with multiple sports03:21 What makes sports fun05:56 Being forced to specialize in a sport at a young age and why Owen chose soccer over baseball09:11 Why Owen began the journey of Private Coaching Co., single-sport burnout, and the physical and mental tolls of the elite sports environment13:46 The balance of sports and social life. Encouraging being stress-free and making mistakes16:31 Early specialization sports injuries and guided warm-ups19:08 The stigma of the word ‘elite’ at younger ages21:34 Lack of multi-sport and athletic capabilities in young children25:03 What type of programs and coaches Private Coaching Co. offers and the goal to expand beyond North Vancouver29:35 The vision for Private Coaching Co. 5 years from now and Owen’s aspiration to reach millions of kids31:07 What the better normal could be for sports versus what it was before COVID-1933:56 Parental pressure on kids to pursue specific sports. Owen’s motto to allow kids to be in the ‘driver’s seat’36:48 Competing with video games, esports, and the need for kids to be active41:10 Inclusivity and affordability in sports42:53 Upcoming Private Coaching Co. summer clinics44:31 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Kris Beech is a former NHL alumni, mindfulness facilitator, and the founder and CEO of Aimability. In this episode, we talk about Kris’ journey in Hockey from being drafted 7th overall, playing in the NHL including playing on the same line with Mario Lemieux, then his pro experience in Europe and transition to completing a masters in Sports Management and how his thesis is now coming to fruition through the Aimability platform.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:30 Where Kris grew up and what sports he played as a kid07:10 Kris’ path in hockey, getting drafted 7th overall in the NHL, and concerns with drafting kids very early17:14 How to manage expectations and mental health challenges when entering pro hockey19:46 Kris’ best NHL hockey career anecdotes with Michel Therrien, the Pittsburgh Penguins & Nashville22:26 Kris’ backstory with Shea Weber23:10 The back and forth of getting traded within the NHL28:47 Kris’ experience dealing with Major Depressive Disorder33:16 Playing with Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby, and Kris’ chance of playing for the Stanley Cup36:00 The best coaches that Kris had38:40 How Kris’ Master’s thesis led to him founding the Aimability platform45:03 Aimability’s potential for global reach49:46 OutroThe interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Dana has received accolades for her amazing work growing the game for girls by being named by the Toronto Star as one of the top 12 Canadian Change Makers, Canadian Baseball Networks top 100 list of most influential Canadians in the Sport and also named an RBC Woman of Influence and awarded a 2021 Meritorius Service Medal but the Governer General of Canada.Timestamps:00:13 Intro and Dana’s background02:52 The rise of Canadian Girls Baseball04:22 Effects of the pandemic on growth of sports programs07:00 Outcomes and Adaption to Covid restrictions for sports programs09:25 Demand for youth sports camps resulting from Covid online fatigue13:36 Keeping girls motivated about sports as they grow older14:47 Catering sports camps for 3-4 year old kids to keep them engaged17:33 Certifying coaches for girls baseball19:14 Differences between coaching boys VS girls23:46 Expanding Canadian Girls Baseball into British Columbia and other areas29:34 Should kids participate in outdoor sports during the pandemic?33:32 Online activities if in-person sports are restricted this summer39:20 Parent response to Covid limitations43:57 Using kid’s feedback to build sports programs46:58 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Steve Boyle is widely recognized as the national leader in sport sampling and physical literacy in the United States. As a former Division 1 athlete and after nearly 30 years of counseling, teaching, working with children with cancer, athletic and life-coaching, as well as multiple entrepreneurial successes, Steve’s life mission is to leave a sustainable legacy that will allow every citizen to gain the ability, balance, confidence, desire and explorative nature to be physically active for life. Recognized by the Aspen Institute’s’ Sport and Society Program in the original Project Play report for his sport-sampling approach, Steve works tirelessly to combat specialization in youth sports and wants Physical Literacy to be as commonplace and as expected as reading literacy and numeracy.0:00 Introduction1:30 Steve's story and 2-4-1 Sports13:30 Overexertion and injury from specializing in one sport22:35 Balancing school and sport31:35 Change in sport relationship as the pressure to specialize builds40:15 How COVID-19 affects in-person sports and camps48:22 How to spread the importance of playing multisport 59:49 OutroThe interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Dr. Tommy Gerschman received his MD from the University of British Columbia and is a practicing Pediatric Rheumatologist (FRCPC). He is the Chair of the Doctors of BC Athletics and Recreation Committee and is the former Medical Director at Fortius Sport & Health. He works with a wide range of children, including recreational and elite athletes (and dancers). He also enjoys promoting physical activity and sport involvement for children with chronic diseases, such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. 0:00 Introduction 6:38 Arthritis symptoms 8:00 COVID & rheumatology 14:40 Young sport injuries 18:17 Burn out 26:53 Growth spirt & injuries 35:07 Bio-banding 45:30 COVID Return 52:58 Concussions 1:01:14 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Lewall's introduction to the sport happened by chance. She started her career as a physical education teacher and part of her degree at UBC involved learning about gymnastics. Upon completion of her degree, her first teaching posting was at Steveston Senior Secondary. At the start of the school year, some students approached her about starting a gymnastics club. 0:00 Introduction 8:22 What is Physical Literacy  13:25 Importance of Free Play 17:07 Parenting with Free Play 21:04 The Interactions 25:18 Easing up on the Challenges 35:48 Kids’ Opinions 39:30 Post COVID Free Play 49:52 Conclusions The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Nathan Baldwin has spent over 17 years engaged in developing quality sport programs for all ages, advocating for inclusion, progressive skill development, quality coaching and lifelong enjoyment of the game. His ability to develop & facilitate cohesive program culture has led to the delivery of nationally renowned, high engagement, growth oriented, recreational sports programs. 0:00 Intro 3:07 Free Play 9:17 A Fast Paced Life 13:08 Reluctance with Return to Play 30:41 Community 44:32 What Feels Right 53:55 What’s Next? 58:24 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Janis is a mother of 3 children who are very active in the sports community and is the founder of Raising Champion Families, which uses coaching, mentoring and blogging to support sports families. As a certified life coach, she wants to help families re-establish their connectivity and navigate through their children's changes. 0:00 Intro 7:20 Communicating with Parents in COVID 11:29 Future Predictions 24:13 New Equipment Needed 31:03 Shifting Online 34:15 Addressing Pain Points 40:30 Youth Sports 47:50 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

As the Executive Director of Seiahmoo Minor Hockey Association and a Sledge Hockey Technical Delegate in the Paralympic International Committee, David Newson provides strong insights on how COVID has impacted our sports world. In this episode we discuss the short-term and long-term implications of the pandemic. 0:00 Introductions 8:40 Changes in the Olympics 12:34 Impacts of COVID 32:21 Restrictions with sports in COVID 35:49 Taking the time to plan 42:36 Training with COVID 49:13 Conclusions The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Rosemary has been Involved at the elite level of basketball for more than 30 years – as a referee at WNBL and SEABL level for 19 years – The first female to referee Men’s games at the elite level. She has been coaching juniors in VJBL for 20 years; Assistant coach at SEABL Level and Development Coach for Melbourne Tigers NBL. 0:00 Introduction 7:34 Acceptance in the Men’s game 13:50 Parents’ “Ambition” 19:42 Changes post-COVID 24:04 Upcoming Changes 33:53 Lack of Funding 43:13 Positive Interactions 54:18 Undervalued Referees 58:22 Mentorship 1:08:06 Conclusion The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

John is an author, speaker and long time soccer coach on the youth, college and professional level. He is host of the Way of Champions Podcast and the Founder of the Changing the Game Project, an organization dedicated to educating parents and coaches and shifting the paradigm of youth sports to a more positive, child centered experience.  0:00 Introductions 1:12 COVID impact on reality 9:04 Long-term Changes 28:16 Things Usually Missed in Coaches Education 33:44 Return to Training 39:22 The Transitions after COVID 43:44 John’s Upcoming Projects 56:43 Conclusions The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Mike Thomson was recently appointed officials for Basketball Canada for this coming February. He has been a referee for over 40 years on the local, national and international level. After having retired from being an active official he now spends his time as a mentor and instructor to other officials.   0:00 Introductions 6:00 The Transition from Playing to Officiating 12:47 Fondest Memory 19:06 New World of COVID 26:40 Different Levels of Officiating 35:56 New Mentorship 49:18 COVID Education 56:20 Conclusions The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Dr. Pierce is the author of the ground breaking textbook, Selling in the Sport Industry. He has published over 70 peer reviewed manuscripts, presented over 100 times at academic conferences, and secured over 30 grants and contracts with researched focused on sport sales and issues in sport management education.  0:00 Introductions 3:12 Sports Innovation Institute 6:19 Research with Officially Human 8:05 Collaboration with Zoom 12:10 Respecting Officials 19:06 The Rookie Official Experience 31:55 Great Messaging 37:49 Officiating Shortages 43:15 The Theatrics 49:02 Conclusion The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Brenda Hilton is the founder and CEO of Officially Human which is founded to restore respect to, and positive treatment of, sport officials through increased education and communication to all stakeholders (administrators, coaches, and fans) while recruiting and retaining new officials at all levels. Check out their webpage here: http://officiallyhuman.com  0:00 Introductions 1:15 Root of the problem 5:18 Brenda’s background 12:38 Attracting new officials 17:20 True focus of youth sports 20:30 Games in the midst of COVID 29:40 COVID Financials 36:30 Athletic Scholarships 41:45 Officials Contributions 51:33 Youth Officials  58:30 Conclusion The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Matt Young for a second time. Matt is the founder of Personal Sport Record, an organization that puts complete performance data directly into athletes, parents, coaches and sport organizations’ hands to measure progress, identify opportunities & inform decision making. He is a passionate health, recreation & sport servant leader who believes that supporting quality athletic achievement is good for our children, communities and society. You can learn more about Personal Sport Record and Matt Young here: https://personalsportrecord.com/about-us/.  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Personal Sport Record update 4:30 - The importance of Personal Sport Record 8:00 - Reporting abuse 11:00 - Physical education  19:00 - LTAD 24:30 - Holding leaders accountable 30:00 - What kids want  35:00 - 60 minutes a day 44:00 - Making a difference 46:00 - Cost of Winning documentary  47:00 - Winning at all costs 54:00 - Quality sport experiences  55:00 - Looking forward / conclusion  The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events  

While most would consider him simply a sports psychologist, Dr. Jerry Lynch is a coach, mentor and teacher who guides and coaches athletes and parents to explore the meaning and purpose of sport, as a powerful vehicle to help us understand the mental-emotional-spiritual components of the athletic game and how they apply to the bigger game called LIFE. Dr. Jerry Lynch has written 13 books and has conducted countless seminars and workshops talking about what it takes to be a champion.You can learn more about his story here: https://www.wayofchampions.com/about/about-doc-j.html  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - Way of Champions Conference 6:30 - The learning journey  12:00 - Mindfulness  21:00 - The pressure to win 31:00 - The right way to play  36:00 - Evolution of coaching  40:00 - Changing perspectives 48:00 - The fear of losing control 55:00 - Building a love of the game 62:00 - Conclusion The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events    

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Lenore Skenazy, founder of Free Range Kids, president of Let Grow, speaker, blogger, author, and reality show host. You can learn more about Lenore here https://www.freerangekids.com/. Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Growing up  3:15 - Free and risky play 9:30 - Free Range Kids 18:30 - Spreading the movement  22:30 - Helicopter parenting 27:00 - Being labelled “America’s worst mom” 38:30 - Safe play 42:30 - Future aspirations The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events    

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Seanna Thomas, founder of Hockey Snacks, providing young athletes with the proper fuel to perform and recover while giving them the nutritional knowledge to succeed. You can learn more about Seanna and Hockey Snacks here: https://www.hockeysnacks.com/  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction  1:00 - Growing up 3:00 - Family life 7:30 - Value of sport 10:30 - Nutrition Workshops / Tips 23:00 - Post-game recovery  28:00 - Alternative nutrition options 38:00 - Founding Hockey Snacks  43:00 - Curbside delivery program 46:00 - Tips for parents 49:00 - Future of Hockey Snacks  51:00 - Resources and contact The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events 

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Michael Smith, former captain of the UBC Rugby team and current Rugby Canada player.  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Growing up playing sports  9:00 - Impact of being a multi-sport athlete  14:00 - What makes sport fun? 20:30 - Being a student-athlete 25:00 - Skills learned through sport 29:40 - The challenges of traveling  34:00 - Getting funding and support 37:30 - Bullying and harassment  43:00 - How important is winning? 47:00 - Specializing in one sport  53:00 - Recommendations for aspiring athletes  The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events    

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion about suicide and various forms of harassment. This episode of the Love What You Play Podcast features Dr. Jennifer Fraser, founder of Neuro Paradigm, author of The Bullied Brain: What Neuroscientists Know about Brain Scars and How to Heal Them and TEDx speaker. This is Dr. Fraser’s second time making an appearance on our podcast, with this talk focusing on rethinking bullying in the world of sports.  Table of Contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - What did you play growing up? 2:00 - Favorite memory growing up 3:00 - Re-thinking activity in schools 7:30 - What is bullying?  10:00 - Why do people become bullies?  16:00 - Preventing bullying  18:00 - Shifting cultural norms 20:30 - The importance of safe reporting 24:00 - Education as a way to prevention 30:00 - Hazing  36:00 - What it was like doing a TED talk 39:00 - Suicide and Bully-cide  46:00 - Containing emotional responses 50:00 - Where to find Dr. Fraser The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events  

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Nick Buonocore, founder of The Reformed Sports Parent. Nick played baseball and won a national championship at N.C. Wesleyan and also played professionally in Europe. Today his vision is to restore healthy balance and perspective in youth sports through education and advocacy. You can learn more about Nick and The Reformed Sports Parent here: https://reformedsportsparent.com/about-us  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Growing up playing sports 5:30 - Issues facing youth sports  13:00 - Early sport specialization  16:00 - Connecting with industry experts 25:00 - Popular quotes  31:00 - The problems with competitive sports teams  39:00 - How we create progress 48:00 - Making sports fun again  51:00 - Encouraging mistakes  53:00 - Book recommendations  54:00 - Conclusion / where to find Nick  The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events 

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Jenn Starkey, founder of MVP Leadership Academy, owner of Fast Pitch Fit, and speaker and coach. You can connect with Jenn here: https://www.facebook.com/Jenn.L.Starkey  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - The importance of staying active  3:30 - Jenn’s story  11:00 - Growth  19:45 - Coaching different people  29:30 - Coaching culture  41:00 - The role of parents  48:00 - Making mistakes 58:00 - Outro and where to find Jenn The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events 

J.P. Nerbun is a mentor, writer, coach, sports consultant, and founder of Thrive on Challenge. He has a teaching degree in physical education and sports science from the University of Limerick, one of the top universities in Europe for sports education. He’s coached at nearly every level imaginable, with an understanding of how to apply the principles, systems, and strategies to build a transformational culture. Our conversation focuses on raising young athletes, developing teams, transformational leadership, and more. You can learn more about J.P. and Thrive on Challenge here: https://thriveonchallenge.com/about-j-p-nerbun/.  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:40 - Growing up playing sports 6:00 - Pursuing Basketball  9:30 - External pressure in sports 13:00 - Chasing scholarships  20:45 - Transformational leadership  29:15 - Developing cohesive teams 37:15 - The importance of mentorship 42:00 - Virtual sports consulting  47:00 - Hosting coaching culture podcast 49:30 - What would you do differently? 58:00 - tips for coaches The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events 

Trevor Ragan is the founder of Train Ugly and The Learner Lab, platforms dedicated to understanding and sharing the science of becoming a better learner. You can find Trevor on the Learner Lab Podcast here: https://trainugly.com/learner-lab-podcast/  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 4:00 - Top 3 characteristics of sports coaches 5:30 - Founding “Train Ugly” 13:30 - Importance of making mistakes 17:30 - Pushing your comfort zone 28:00 - Giving feedback 32:00 - Developing critical skills 41:00 - The dangers of specializing too early  46:00 - Book recommendations  49:00 - Conclusion The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to fortheloveofthegame.ca/events 

His second time featured on the Love What You Play podcast, James Leath is the founder of Unleash the Athlete. He discusses educating athletes of all ages and developing positive leadership within individuals in the sporting community. Learn more about James and Unleash the Athlete here: https://www.utathlete.com/. Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Covid-19 sports shutdown  6:00 - Growing up in sports 9:00 - Involvement with Chicago Bulls  13:00 - Chasing the dream 22:30 - Unleash the Athlete 30:00 - TikTok and Gen Z 34:30 - Way of Champions conference 37:00 - Developing young athletes 44:30 - The rise of Esports 50:45 - Top 3 tips for coaches 53:00 - Where to find James The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free Spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to: https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Amber Pascual and Erin Crawford, founders of Make Movement Matter, a physical literacy resource that works to make a positive change in students' lives. Amber and Erin discuss the importance of physical literacy, getting kids active, progression of skills and more. Learn more about Make Movement Matter here: http://www.makemovementmatter.org/ Table of contents: 0:00 - Introductions 1:30 - Growing up playing sports 5:20 - Top 3 characteristics of great coaches 12:00 - Why they founded ‘Make Movement Matter’ 21:30 - Sharing their story 26:40 - Supporting different age groups 29:00 - Delivering physical education 35:50 - Volunteer coaching 41:00 - What happened to free play?  48:50 - Book/resource recommendations 50:10 - Conclusion The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free Spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to: https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

This episode of the Love What You Play podcast features Tim Adams, founder of Free Footie, a totally free after school club for 4,000 kids in need. Tim shares his story of transitioning from journalist, to volunteer coach, to working to provide vulnerable kids with the opportunity to play in a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment. Learn more about Tim and Free Footie here: https://www.freefootie.ca/  Table of contents: 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - Falling in love with sport 3:45 - Favorite memory (barefoot football) 5:35 - Passion for journalism  9:30 - Top 3 characteristics of great coaches (compassion, passion, commitment) 12:35 - Reasons for coaching soccer 19:30 - Growing Free Footie 24:30 - Partnering with community members 27:45 - Certifying refs 29:40 - Planning camps 31:10 - Success stories 32:50 - Dealing with burn-out  36:50 - Emphasizing fun 44:00 - Organized free play  53:45 - How to contact Tim  54:30 - Leaving a legacy  The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free Spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to: https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

This episode features an exclusive interview with Dr. Guy Faulkner, Professor at UBC's School of Kinesiology. Host Glen Mulcahy and Dr. Faulkner discuss the 26-minute documentary Running Free: Childrens's Independent Mobility, produced by Dr. Guy Faulkner. Told through the eyes of three families, the documentary explores the concept of children’s independent mobility, the benefits for children’s mental health, and challenges viewers to consider solutions to this issue. The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game free Spring Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to: https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Today's episode features an exclusive interview with Rick Parnham, president of the Ontario Association of Basketball Officials, speaking about the value of referees in all sports, especially youth sports. Rick has has served in multiple executive positions locally, provincially and internationally since 2001, and served as the Chairperson of Membership Development Committee for the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials from 2013 -2017.  The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play Podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Spring Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to: https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

"Angela Lewis is the owner of Angela Lewis and Associates where she hosts skill development training and basketball events specifically focused on empowering young women through sports. As a former professional basketball player, championship winning coach and author she is passionate about empowering the lives of young people." Learn more about her story and impact here: https://www.angelarlewis.com/about The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play Podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Spring Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to: https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/events 

Marianna Brussoni's research focuses on child injury prevention: "Current research interests include the influence of geographic, cultural and social places on parenting related to risk and safety; developmental importance of children’s risky play; the impact of injury on children’s health related quality of life; injuries among Aboriginal populations; and, injury surveillance. I currently lead CIHR-funded research to develop an index of the playability of the built environment; and Lawson Foundation-funded research to develop an online tool, to reframe parents’ risk perceptions with the goal of facilitating children’s access to risky play. The tool is available at OutsidePlay.ca and the randomized controlled trial to test its effectiveness is underway. My work has been featured extensively in national and international media."

John is the Executive Director at National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). He is a Florida Atlantic University graduate, a former multi-sport athlete, and an avid golfer. Like his father, Fred Engh, John is continuing to expand NAYS which is "educating, equipping, and empowering youth sports leaders, volunteers, and parents so all children can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sports". NAYS has reached countless members of the sports community- having thus far partnered with more than 3,000 community-based organizations and having trained over 4 MILLION coaches, parents, officials, and administrators. Founded in 1981, NAYS has an incredible following, and are advancing towards their vision of "a future where all youth sports coaches, parents, officials and administrators are educated, and all children have access to safe and positive sports experiences". 

Lea works with community leaders across multiple sectors, developing knowledge and capacity to deliver physical literacy and quality sport enriched programs and services. After establishing one of the first Sport for Life Community projects in her home town of Cochrane, AB, Lea went on to lead the RBC Learn to Play Community Mentorship on behalf of the Sport for Life Society. Currently, Lea is the project manager supporting physical literacy and quality sport in Indigenous schools and communities as well as working as a Mentor for the Physical Literacy for Communities – BC project

Glen is joined by 2 guest speakers from B.C. Baseball Umpires Association in this teaser episode of Love What You Play. Rhonda Pauls is the Vice President and Education Chair at BCBUA. Gord McFarlane is the Lower Mainland Director of BCBUA's grassroots program.

This is a teaser of our interview with Duff Gibson. Click Here To Watch The Full Episode (https://audioboom.com/posts/7182254-how-do-the-growth-mentality-responsibility-teamwork-and-benefits-of-multisport-allow-us-to-enj) Duff Gibson is a speaker, coach, advocate, and father. With his organization Dark Horse, a kids multi-sport program, Duff aims to develop athleticism and foster an intrinsic love for sport.

With over 25 years of experience in player development and a long history as a coach with USA Hockey, Ken Martel was named technical director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model in May 2009. He is charged with helping provide a framework for associations nationwide to follow for optimal athlete development.

Sean Fitz-Gerald is the senior national writer for The Athletic, Toronto. He is the author of Before The Lights Go Out: A Season Inside A Game On The Brink, a poignant insight into Canadian Hockey. The book highlights Fitz-Gerald’s season with the Peterborough Petes, providing his own experience of the conflicting perspectives and motivations that affect hockey in Canada. As a sports journalist, Fitz-Gerald has written for the National Post, Canadian Press and the Toronto Star. He was named Canadian sportswriter of year by Sports Media Canada in 2015.

“If you coach scared because you’re afraid to lose your job, it’s just like playing scared. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.” Having worked with youth sports, professional sports, and eSports teams, James Leath is well versed in training character development through a leadership and mental conditioning curriculum. This teaser features a unique insight into the booming eSports industry through the eyes of an experienced youth sports coach. Leath highlights the similarities and differences between traditional sports and eSports, with lessons for parents and coaches of both sectors to take to heart. James' Twitter (https://twitter.com/jamesleath?lang=en) James' Website (https://jamesleath.com/) Get your FREE copy of "5 Tips for Parents", an outline of the most important takeaways for ensuring that your child stays in love with their game and has fun all season. (https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/p/5-tips-for-parents)

Today's episode features a portion of Glen's conversation with 3 prolific guests! If you want to hear the full conversation, head to https://www.fortheloveofthegame.ca/register. Veronica Allan has a PhD in Sport Psychology. She is a Postdoctoral Fellow in York University’s School of Kinesiology and Health Science, as well as an Independent Content Contributor and Coordinator at Canada’s Sport Information Resource Centre. Cassidy Preston has a PhD in Sport Psychology. He is the Founder and Lead Sport & Performance Psychology Consultant at Consistent Elite Performance, and the Founder of Complete Hockey Training. Jessica Fraser-Thomas has a PhD in Kinesiology and Health Science. She is an Associate Professor at York University School of Kinesiology and Health Science. Jessica has contributed to numerous research articles and books focusing on positive youth development. 0:00 – Intro 1:50 – Kids lose if winning is all 2:25 – Teaching transferable life skills with sport   6:05 – Long term development leads to long term success 13:30 – ‘Elite’ drafting at 5 years old 17:20 – Focusing on what the kids want 19:30 – Attrition rates 21:20 – Stressors for parents and coaches 23:40 – Affordable options for youth to have fun 26:20 – Recreating the structure of organized sports 31:10 – Creating community bonding 33:20 – Outro

Sean Fitz-Gerald is the senior national writer for The Athletic, Toronto. He is the author of Before The Lights Go Out: A Season Inside A Game On The Brink, a poignant insight into Canadian Hockey. The book highlights Fitz-Gerald’s season with the Peterborough Petes, providing his own experience of the conflicting perspectives and motivations that affect hockey in Canada. As a sports journalist, Fitz-Gerald has written for the National Post, Canadian Press and the Toronto Star. He was named Canadian sportswriter of year by Sports Media Canada in 2015. Table of Contents:  0:00 – Intro  2:30 – Growing up  3:35 – Working in journalism  5:05 – Top 3 characteristics of great coaches  6:50 – Life-long learning  9:20 - Athletics Canada  11:00 – Writing Before the Lights Go Out  13:10 – Top 3 Issues facing hockey in Canada  18:15 – The element of fun  22:40 – Early-window sports  27:05 – Hockey and Canadian identity  29:10 – Balancing structure and free play  35:30 – Secrets of Swedish Hockey  37:15 – Teaching youth to love the game  39:40 – Community of hockey  44:00 – Pay to play model  46:40 – Deep dive; Advice to parents  52:45 – Book recommendations

Dr. Chris Bertram is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.  Dr. Bertram specializes in how human beings learn, and specifically how to create more optimal learning environments by tapping into flow states that lead to the ultimate goal of stress-resistant skill acquisition.  As an academic, Dr. Bertram has published numerous scholarly articles in wide range of human performance areas and has been featured in the Vancouver Sun, the Globe and Mail, and the New York Times. As a coach, Dr. Bertram has headed the UFV Cascades golf team for the past 14 years.  In that time, his teams have won multiple National Championships and he has received numerous coaching awards at both the provincial and national level. As a high-performance expert, Dr. Bertram also works with Canada Snowboard in the role of Skill Acquisition Lead and Flow Coach, and does consulting work with various national teams through Canada’s Own the Podium program. 0:00 - Intro 2:15 - Childhood/Growing Up 6:30 - Coaching girls vs. coaching boys 12:10 - Top 3 characteristics of great coaches 17:34 - What is fun for you at a high level? 22:40 - Making mistakes in sport 28:45 - What is flow state? 34:10 - Flow state vs. Mindfulness 37:10 - Flow state technology and drones 47:00 - The importance of flow state 55:10 - The journey of winning a championship 57:55 - Book recommendations