Podcasts about Youth sports

In this episode, Daniel asks the question: Are youth sports getting too expensive? He discusses the history of youth sports and its initial problems. Daniel explains how everything went wrong from the start of youth sports. By answering key questions he digs deep into the true problem and solution of sports. What is the history of youth sports? Why do costs go up? What can we do to offset it? Listen to the podcast to learn about the truth of the youth sports industry.

Today I discuss Soccer gained so many fans The Vikings are going to implode I don't buy the LeBron schedule storyNick wright on GOAT of GOATSJustin Jefferson is going to be tempting The Aaron Donald story was fun but not realistic Youth Sports are being destroyed-lack of competitiveEnjoy!

Youth Soccer, the World Cup, and America's Pay-to-Play Problem 6 to 8 Weeks: Perspectives in Sports Medicine Runtime:~23 minutes Episode Summary With the World Cup underway, the hosts ask a controversial question: why isn't the US better at men's soccer, given a talent pool that dwarfs countries like Belgium and Norway? The conversation pivots from there into the real subject of the episode — how America's pay-to-play youth sports system is driving both a talent gap and a youth injury epidemic, especially ACL and overuse injuries in young athletes. Timestamps 00:00 — Intro Welcome and standard disclaimer: discussion is for informational purposes only, not professional medical advice. 00:30 — Why isn't the US better at men's soccer? Framing question for the episode: the US has far more people than countries that regularly outperform it (Belgium, population 11.8M; Norway, population 5.6M), yet can't compete at the same level on the men's side — a contrast with the sustained success of the US women's national team. 02:30 — Setting up the real topic: youth injuries Transition into ACL and overuse injuries in young athletes, particularly young females, and how that connects to the US youth development model. 03:00 — The pay-to-play system How youth sports shifted over the past ~10–25 years from school and community leagues to private club/travel teams. Families now spend as much as $20,000/year on travel soccer and baseball. 05:00 — The numbers behind the industry Youth sports is cited as a ~$40 billion industry. Comparison of costs: a recreational league (e.g., AYSO) runs roughly $140–150/year, while an entry-level travel team runs about $1,700 and an academy-level club team about $3,500 — before uniforms, extra practices, or private coaching. 07:00 — Is this just a soccer problem? Discussion of whether this trend is soccer-specific or affects baseball, basketball, and volleyball too (it's across the board). The disappearance of casual pickup games and rec leagues in favor of organized, paid leagues. 09:00 — US vs. European development models European countries emphasize multi-sport participation and general athleticism (coordination, core strength) over early performance and specialization. Cited participation gap: roughly 90% multi-sport participation in some European countries vs. a steep drop-off in the US. 11:00 — The scholarship reality check The odds of a young athlete earning a college scholarship or going pro are extremely low. Recommendation: decisions about youth sports should center on the child's enjoyment and development, not a scholarship or pro chase. 13:00 — Why specialization raises injury risk Explanation of how single-sport specialization leads to repetitive stress on the same body parts, and how kids aren't developing the balanced strength, coordination, and movement patterns that protect against injury. European academy model contrasted as more balance- and skill-focused. 15:00 — Specialization and injuries at the pro level Early specialization linked to earlier injuries in professional athletes — for example, NBA players who specialized young tearing Achilles tendons earlier in their careers, and a rise in Tommy John (elbow) surgeries among teenage baseball players. Also: level of soccer access is often a financial decision, not a quality/skill decision — elite club access can cost $30,000+/year. 17:00 — Socioeconomic and geographic inequity Access to elite club teams correlates with socioeconomic status and geography. Talented kids in lower-income areas may never be discovered because showcases and elite coaching are gated by cost. 19:00 — The one big change If they could change one thing about the system: delay specialization and actively encourage multi-sport participation, especially early on, to reduce overuse injury risk. Advice for parents on how to guide kids toward a broader athletic foundation. 21:00 — Wrap-up and World Cup predictions Lighter closing segment with picks for the World Cup winner Key Takeaways The US pay-to-play youth sports model filters talent by financial access rather than ability — a likely contributor to underperformance in men's soccer relative to population size. Early single-sport specialization is linked to higher rates of ACL tears and overuse injuries in youth athletes, and earlier injuries in those who go on to play professionally. European development models emphasize multi-sport participation and general athleticism over early specialization and performance metrics. The likelihood of a scholarship or professional career is very low — a useful reframe for parents weighing time and financial investment in club sports. Socioeconomic and geographic barriers likely mean talented young athletes go undiscovered simply due to lack of access. Show notes generated from an automated transcription pass; timestamps are approximate. Please subscribe to our podcast at Apple PodcastsCheck out our website on Simplecast

Pat Burns of PSB Officiating Services, who assigns referees and umpires to about 95 area schools, joins the show to explain a shortage hitting youth sports across the board. Burns says the average high school official is now in his early 50s, with too few young people stepping in to replace them, even as leagues like Parkway Rockwood host over 500 youth basketball games on a single Saturday. He shares harrowing stories, from a parent shoving a referee decades ago to being spit on by a player, and argues today's abuse isn't necessarily worse, just more visible thanks to social media amplifying every ugly moment. The takeaway for parents and grandparents alike: respect the people willing to do a thankless job, or there won't be anyone left to call the game. A grounded, common-sense conversation on The Marc Cox Morning Show about accountability, respect, and community. Hashtags: #YouthSports #OfficiatingShortage #ParentingMatters #Respect #CommunitySports #StLouisSports #MissouriHighSchoolSports #ConservativeTalk #FaithFamilyFreedom #MarcCoxMorningShow

The final hour delivers a mix of hard news and community heart. It opens with a stunned reaction to Maine's chaotic Senate debate and fresh detail on the 278,000 non-citizen voter registrations uncovered in Trump's document release, alongside Derek Schmidt's grilling of a DOJ official over commuting 40 death sentences. Pat Burns of PSB Officiating Services explains why youth sports across the region are struggling to find referees and umpires willing to face today's abuse from parents and coaches. Then Tricia Byrnes delivers the hour's biggest gut punch, revealing how her opponent's campaign twisted her real effort to fix a broken 988 crisis line into a fabricated criminal smear, complete with proof they knew the truth all along. The hour, and the week, wraps with the Queen of Hearts drawing for Backstoppers and warm family birthday shoutouts, closing out another week of faith, family, freedom, and accountability on The Marc Cox Morning Show. Hour Hashtags: #ElectionIntegrity #MaineSenate #YouthSportsCrisis #TrishaBurns #988Hotline #CampaignAttackAds #QueenOfHearts #Backstoppers #ConservativeTalk #FaithFamilyFreedom #MarcCoxMorningShow #MissouriPolitics Guest List, Hour 4: Pat Burns, PSB Officiating Services — youth sports officiating shortage and rising abuse of referees Trisha Burns, MO House / Senate District 10 candidate — responding to fabricated attack ad over 988 hotline testing

So no super sports complex?!

VInny Bonsignore hops on as rookies are reporting to training camps for some teams in the NFL. Also, why are so many people choosing not to officiate or umpire in youth sports?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if everything Americans believe about youth sports is backwards? Michael Smerconish talks with Wall Street Journal columnist Ben Cohen about Norway's remarkably successful approach to developing young athletes—a system built on fun, participation, delayed specialization, and minimal parental pressure. Inspired by the hometown of soccer superstar Erling Haaland, they explore why Norway is producing elite talent while keeping kids engaged, and whether America's billion-dollar youth sports culture has lost its way. Michael also reflects on why he's changed his own views about participation trophies, competition, and what youth sports should really be about. Original air date 13 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Phillip Tomlin has dedicated his career to helping young athletes succeed far beyond the scoreboard. As the leader of DMV Dream Athletics and founder of NextPlay Stars, he's creating opportunities for student-athletes through elite coaching, mentorship, and innovative technology that simplifies the college recruiting journey. In this episode, Phil joins Mike "C-Roc" to share how his background as an educator, entrepreneur, and coach shaped his mission to develop athletes who excel both in competition and in life.The conversation dives into the realities of youth sports today—from building a championship culture and earning the trust of families to navigating the growing demands of travel athletics and college recruiting. Phil offers practical insights on what separates great coaches from good ones, why parents and coaches must work as partners, and how discipline, communication, and long-term development matter more than chasing short-term wins. Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and creating opportunities that help the next generation reach its full potential.Website: nextplaystars.com Social Media Links:https://www.instagram.com/dmvdream_softball/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nextplaystars

How much does having a kid in sports actually cost?

Steak Shapiro and Drew Butler examine the financial strain of youth travel sports and the "pay to play" culture in America. They explore why top-tier athletes prioritize the NFL and NBA over soccer, and discuss the high costs of private coaching and equipment. 01:23 - Football Season Preview 02:40 - Youth Sports Culture 12:35 - Elite Tennis Costs

The Marlins stay red hot after completing a sweep of the Mariners, as Joe Rose and the guys discuss Miami's incredible run and highlight some of the exciting promotions the team has planned to get more fans out to the ballpark. The conversation then shifts to youth sports, where Hollywood shares firsthand experiences dealing with over-the-top parents, sparking a discussion about how adults can sometimes ruin the experience for kids by taking youth athletics far too seriously.

Hollywood's Headlines includes stories from across the sports world and beyond, starting with Hollywood sharing a story about coaching his 9-year-old basketball team and an opposing coach taking things too far by repeatedly berating the referees. The guys also react to Conor McGregor officially returning to the UFC at 37 years old to face Max Holloway at UFC 329, discussing whether the former champion can pull off the upset as an underdog. The segment wraps up with local officials urging residents to report illegal dumping as it becomes a growing problem, with discarded tires emerging as one of the biggest concerns.

Send us a Text Message - include your name!In this Faith Over Breakfast podcast episode, “The Diamondbacks, the Cubs, Fatherhood, and Youth Sports,” Pastor Eric and Pastor Andy discuss baseball, Eric's son's growing interest in the sport, their own experiences with athletics, and the role their fathers played in those experiences.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSupport"Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" is a weekly podcast where Pastors Andy and Eric come together over a imaginary delicious breakfast to talk about faith, food, sermons, culture, and more. In each episode, the pastors delve into thought-provoking topics and offer inspiring insights and practical guidance for those seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus. With occasional guests joining the conversation, "Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" provides a unique perspective on what it means to live a life of faith in today's world. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or just starting on your faith journey, this podcast is the perfect companion for your morning routine. So join Pastors Andy and Eric each week as they explore the intersections of faith, food, and life over a delicious breakfast.Support:https://www.buzzsprout.com/97804/support

Did the World Cup turn on the light for youth sports in America?

Today on The Press Box, Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson discuss the end of Graham Platner's campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine. Then they talk about Mitch McConnell's whereabouts and health before checking in on the Texas Senate race. Plus, they react to the New York Times' competition with AI slop and Alexi Lalas's take on youth soccer in America. (00:00) Intro(01:13) The end of the Platner campaign(09:44) Where's Mitch McConnell?(21:38) Checking in on the Texas Senate race(27:34) The New York Times trying to outrun AI slop is fascinating(39:46) Alexi Lalas on youth soccer in AmericaHosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel AndersonProducer: Tucker Tashjian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He went to Vegas!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Euro view of youth sports.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A viral 9U baseball video has parents everywhere talking.After a young player hits what should have been the biggest home run of his life, an opposing coach appeals a technicality that erases the moment. Was it within the rules? Yes. Was it the right thing to do?In this episode, Shad Martin and Dustin Smith discuss what youth sports are really supposed to accomplish. Are we trying to win youth games—or raise resilient adults?If you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation will challenge the way you think about competition, teaching, and long-term success.Remember: Sports are a tool to shape young people into who they're meant to become.Eyes Up. Do the Work.Timestamps: 00:32:17 - Introduction 00:33:02 - The Quote: "Always Have the End in Mind" 00:34:32 - The Viral 9U Baseball Video Explained 00:37:37 - The Controversial Appeal That Erased the Home Run 00:40:32 - Why Adults Lose Perspective in Youth Sports 00:45:12 - Coaching Is Teaching, Not Just Winning 00:47:22 - The 10-Year-Old Tennis Story 00:50:17 - Learning to Lose with Character 00:52:42 - What Sports Are Really Supposed to Teach 00:55:52 - Advice for Parents and Coaches 00:59:22 - Final Takeaway: Sports Are a Tool... Don't Be a Tool⸻Especially for Athletes: Website: https://e4a.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ X: https://x.com/E4Afamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQJoin the conversation using #E4APodcast⸻Credits: Hosted by Dustin SmithProduced by E4A and IMAGINATE STUDIO

Some of the greatest impacts on a community happen behind the scenes.In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Paul Anderson, President of the Melissa ISD School Board, to talk about his journey from moving to Melissa in 2007 to becoming one of the community's longest-serving leaders.For the past 16 years, Paul has helped guide one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Texas, all while keeping the focus on what matters most: creating opportunities for students and preserving the culture that makes Melissa feel like home. He reflects on the tremendous growth our community has experienced, the importance of planning for future generations, and why strong partnerships between the school district, the City, and community organizations are essential to Melissa's continued success.Beyond the boardroom, Paul's passion for serving others extends to the Melissa Sports Connection, where thousands of children each year have the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through youth sports. Whether it's watching students walk across the graduation stage or seeing young athletes take the field for the first time, Paul believes every child deserves the chance to succeed.Throughout the conversation, one message rises above the rest: Melissa's greatest strength isn't just its growth. It's the people who continue to invest in one another. As Paul shares, everyone here is rowing the boat in the same direction, working together to create the best possible future for the next generation.If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving community while holding on to its small-town values, this episode is one you won't want to miss.Links:Melissa ISD: WebsiteMelissa Sports Connection: WebsiteCity of Melissa: WebsiteMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

00:00 Jeff Legwold is with Andy the whole hour talking youth sports and Broncos.

Youth sports keep kids active, teach valuable lessons, and can offer opportunities later in life…but the costs have skyrocketed, jumping 46% since 2019. What are you seeing with your kids? Jon Solomon, Research Director for the Aspen Institute's Project Play Initiative, joins us.

Doc Walker welcomes Lou Holder to discuss Landon Donovan's criticism of the pay-to-play system in youth sports. They debate whether America is losing future stars because of rising participation costs and why making sports more accessible could improve the country's long-term success.

Hour 3 1:12 - Calls on Where LeBron Should Go This Season 9:54 - Brandon Aiyuk Strikes Again! + Wimbledon Recap 19:41 - Doc & Lou: The Biggest Problem Facing Youth Sports Today 35:43 - Get Your Popcorn Ready for AJ Dybantsa vs Darryn Peterson

In the show's final hour, Panthers LS J.J. Jansen joined Kyle to talk about training camp being right around the corner, and it led into a conversation surrounding youth sports in the aftermath of the USMNT World Cup loss and how similar problems face all youth sports in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Headlines: – Welcome to Mo News + Mitch McConnell Update (02:00) – Pressure Mounts For Graham Platner To Drop Out Of Maine Senate Race (07:45) – Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Preliminary Hearing: The Evidence Against Tyler Robinson (14:00) – Trump At NATO: Warms Up To Turkey; Talks About Greenland Again (20:00) – Iran-US Tensions Grow After New Hormuz Attacks (24:15) – Manhattan High-Rise At Risk Of Collapse, Prompting Evacuations (25:20) – Is Private Equity Making Youth Sports Too Expensive? Congress Investigates (28:45) – CDC Warns Of Parasite Outbreak Leading to Explosive Diarrhea (32:00) – Study Reveals How Sleep Builds Muscle, Burns Fat (34:20) – On This Day In History (39:00) Thanks To Our Sponsors: – Monarch - 50% off your first year | Code: MONEWS – Factor - 50% off your first box | Code: monews50off –⁠ Industrious⁠ - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Code: MONEWS50 – LMNT | Free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix or 12oz cans purchase – ⁠Boll & Branch⁠ – 20% off first order, plus free shipping | Code: MONEWS

Connor and Mike determine if youth sports programs will get a makeover after US losing in the World Cup.

In Hour 4, Willard and Dibs discuss the current landscape of youth sports and how to fix some of the issues surrounding it. Also, they break down Sham Charania's latest LeBron James comments on Stephen A Smith's radio show.

Millions of young athletes are injured every year, but most injuries are preventable. Dr. Jordan Sudberg MD reveals what parents need to know about overuse injuries, early specialization risks, and evidence-based strategies to keep kids safe and active. Spine and Sports Rehabilitation City: Islandia Address: 1717 Veterans Memorial Hwy Website: https://spineandsportsrehabny.com/our-doctors/jordan-sudberg/ Phone: +1 631 203 4300 Email: frontdesk@spineandsportsrehabny.com

Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brook Choulet, MD joins Something For Everybody this week. Brook is a Board-certified psychiatrist, Third-generation physician and Founder of Choulet Performance Psychiatry®. In this episode, Dr. Brook discusses the importance of mental health, mental performance, and practical strategies for high performers, athletes, and parents to foster resilience, confidence, and well-being. -

7-7 Adam and Jordana 9a hour

John Canzano visits with Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould, who discusses media rights, expansion, and why the league is secretive about revenue. Canzano goes on a youth sports rant, and talks about the impact of a coach like Jim Walden. Walden died on Thursday night. Subscribe to this podcast. Read JohnCanzano.com. Support sponsors -- The Wall (ByTheWall.com) and Gresham Ford (www.GreshamFord.com). Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnCanzano

Competition for AI Is Coming From a Surprise Source That Could Pressure U.S. Companies' Prices and Profits  We tend to focus on the major AI companies in the United States and assume they will be the long-term winners. However, one competitor that cannot be ignored is China. Chinese companies are making rapid progress in artificial intelligence, and they could become a serious challenge to U.S. firms.  Don't forget that China is a communist country and the government can put in a lot of capital to win the AI race. That ability to heavily fund AI development could help Chinese companies narrow the gap with, or even surpass, some American competitors in certain areas.  According to Artificial Analysis, which evaluates the capabilities of large language models, China's Z.ai ranked among the top three globally with its latest model release. Another concern is cost. Z.ai is reportedly offering models at less than half the price of many American rivals. Lower prices could make it easier for the company to gain market share while putting pressure on the pricing and profit margins of U.S. AI companies.  I certainly don't want to see American companies lose ground to Chinese competitors. However, as investors, we have to evaluate the competitive landscape objectively. U.S. AI companies have already committed hundreds of billions of dollars to infrastructure and development. If competition forces prices lower, it may take much longer for these companies to generate the profits needed to justify today's lofty stock prices and valuations.    The Business of Kids' Sports Is Changing and it May Not Be for the Better  Private equity has made its way into nearly every corner of the economy, and now it's becoming a major force in youth sports. The Aspen Institute has estimated that youth sports are now a $40 billion industry in the U.S, which is likely why private equity is now targeting the space. That's raising serious concerns about what happens when maximizing investor returns becomes more important than giving kids affordable opportunities to play.  As private equity firms buy up leagues, tournaments, training facilities, and sports complexes, critics argue the result is less competition, higher registration fees, and fewer affordable options for families. The average cost of youth sports has increased dramatically in recent years, leaving many children priced out of participating simply because their families can't afford it.  One thing that stands out is that this has become one of the rare issues drawing concern from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Burgess Owens, a Republican from Utah and former professional football player, pointed out “Investment is important, but it's when the mission is our kids, not investors. We're seeing too much of this. We're going to lose the soul of our nation if we don't get this right.” He also acknowledged that while some investors are doing it the right way, bad actors need to be kept out. While there are differences over how to address the problem, there appears to be broad bipartisan agreement that rising costs and reduced consumer choice deserve closer scrutiny.  Youth sports should be about developing character, teamwork, friendships, and healthy competition, not creating another industry where financial engineering determines who gets to participate. If the trend toward consolidation continues unchecked, more families may find themselves priced out of opportunities that should be available to every child, regardless of income.    Bitcoin Company Strategy Is in Trouble  Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, changed its name after the company essentially became a leveraged bet on Bitcoin rather than a software business. As management shifted its focus almost entirely to buying Bitcoin, it dropped the "Micro" from its name to reflect that new identity.  CEO Michael Saylor spent years promoting Bitcoin and telling investors that owning Strategy stock was one of the best ways to benefit from its rise. To finance those Bitcoin purchases, the company repeatedly issued low-interest convertible bonds.  The next major maturity comes on September 15, 2027, when approximately $1 billion of convertible notes become due. If you're unfamiliar with convertible bonds, they allow a company to borrow money at lower interest rates because investors have the option to convert the bonds into stock instead of receiving cash repayment. For that to happen, however, the stock price must trade well above the conversion price.  In this case, the conversion price is about $183 per share, about double the current stock price of roughly $90. Unless the stock stages a dramatic recovery, those bonds are unlikely to be converted into shares, meaning Strategy would need to repay the $1 billion in cash.  The stock has fallen nearly 79% over the past year, and Bitcoin's decline has only magnified the losses. Bitcoin itself has dropped roughly 50% from its peak, falling below $60,000 depending on the day. When Bitcoin was making new highs, investor excitement seemed endless. Now that prices have been cut roughly in half, much of that enthusiasm has disappeared.    Michael Saylor has also been noticeably absent from major interviews in recent months. Whether that is because demand for his appearances has faded or because the company's performance has made those appearances more difficult is open to interpretation. Strategy stock reached a high of around $473 in late 2024 and now trades near $90.  We've discussed this company many times before. The concern has always been that Strategy is not creating meaningful operating growth as it is primarily just borrowing money to buy Bitcoin. Unlike a traditional operating company, it is not relying on expanding products or services to drive future earnings.  At the moment, there does not appear to be a clear catalyst that would significantly lift either Bitcoin or Strategy's stock price. If the shares remain well below the conversion price as the 2027 maturity approaches, investors are likely to become increasingly concerned about how the company will repay its debt. That uncertainty could continue to put pressure on the stock.    Upper-middle-class Americans may not be as financially secure as they would like  Upper-middle-class Americans, generally defined as households earning between $150,000 and $250,000 per year, may be in a stronger financial position than most, but many are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the future.  You may be surprised to learn that 86% of upper-middle-class Americans do not believe their children will have a better life than they have. Just seven years ago, in 2019, that figure was only 64%.  Many upper-middle-class households are also losing confidence in the economic system and the government. They increasingly feel that the odds are stacked against them, making it harder to continue moving ahead financially. In the most recent Wall Street Journal survey, 65% of affluent Americans said they believe the system is rigged against them, more than double the 29% who felt that way in 2017.  The news isn't much better for the middle class, generally defined as households earning between $65,000 and $235,000 annually. Only 25% said they have been able to save beyond an emergency fund. Roughly one in four also reported carrying credit card debt that they are unable to pay off in full each month.  Despite these concerns, there has still been significant upward mobility. About 75% of people in today's upper-income group said they now belong to a higher economic class than the one they grew up in. Among middle-class Americans, roughly half said they also grew up in a lower economic class than where they are today.  Views on higher education are changing as well. About one-third of middle-class Americans no longer believe a four-year college degree is the best path to financial success. Rising tuition costs, growing student debt, and the availability of alternative career paths have caused many to rethink the traditional college route.  No matter which income group people belong to, there is often a desire to improve their financial situation and move up economically. That ambition is a healthy part of human nature and is often what drives people to work harder, save more, and invest for the future. While constantly striving for more can sometimes make it difficult to feel fully satisfied, the pursuit of improvement can also provide a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment.    Did The Recent Jobs Report Tell the Whole Story?  At first glance, this weeks jobs report looked fairly uneventful. The U.S. economy added 57,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in June, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.2%. This was below the estimate of 115k, but it does follow three strong months of payroll growth.  After looking through the report, there are several numbers that raise some important questions.  The first is the labor force. About 720,000 people left the labor force in June, pushing the labor force participation rate down to 61.5%, the lowest since March 2021. Even more troubling is that if we exclude the Covid-era, it was the lowest labor force participation rate in exactly 50 years. When people stop looking for work, they are no longer counted as unemployed, which can make the unemployment rate appear stronger than it otherwise would.  Another surprising number was leisure and hospitality, which lost 61,000 jobs. June is typically one of the strongest hiring months of the year for hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and travel-related businesses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics attributed much of the decline to weaker-than-normal seasonal hiring, but it's still worth asking whether this reflects a temporary statistical issue or an early sign that consumer spending is beginning to soften. It is especially strange given the popularity of the World Cup and many speculated this would be a strong sector in the report. Goldman Sachs in particular estimated a gain of 40k in leisure and hospitality before the report was released.  Then there is the latest JOLTS report. Job openings stood at 7.6 million in May, showing employers are still looking for workers, but the question is if people are actually leaving the workforce can these jobs actually get filled?  One report never tells the entire story, but these numbers deserve a closer look. Was June simply an odd month because of seasonal adjustments? Or are we beginning to see a labor market that is slowing more quickly than the headline unemployment rate suggests? The next few months of data should help answer that question.    The biggest risk in AI may not be the technology, it may be the economics.  This week, Bradley Tusk and Ed Zitron raised important questions that investors shouldn't ignore.  Bradley Tusk (founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures and a venture capitalist) made an interesting observation: investors are treating frontier AI models the same. But China's AI companies are proving that powerful models can be developed much more cheaply and improve much faster than many expected. If lower-cost models continue to narrow the performance gap, AI models could become increasingly commoditized, making it much harder for companies spending hundreds of billions of dollars on infrastructure to earn attractive returns.  Ed Zitron (author, podcaster and tech industry critic) echoed a similar concern from a different angle. He argues that AI companies are engaged in an expensive arms race, pouring enormous amounts of capital into chips, data centers, and model development without proving that the economics will justify the investment. As he has said, companies are "burning money at an astonishing rate" while investors continue to assume future profits will eventually catch up.  This also ties into a warning from co-funder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, Alex Karp . He has criticized what he calls "token maxxing"—the idea that success in AI is simply about generating more tokens, building bigger models, and spending more on compute. Karp's point is that producing more AI output doesn't automatically create more business value. The companies that ultimately win will be the ones that solve real customer problems and generate durable profits, not necessarily those that consume the most GPUs or produce the most tokens.  History shows that revolutionary technologies don't always produce the best investments. The internet transformed the world, but many of the biggest companies of the dot-com era disappeared because expectations got too far ahead of profits.  AI will almost certainly reshape the economy. The bigger question for investors is whether the companies making the largest investments will ultimately earn the returns the market is expecting—or whether AI models become increasingly commoditized, leaving the biggest winners to be the businesses that successfully apply AI rather than simply build larger models.    Financial Planning: Trump Account Investment Options Released Ahead of $1,000 Seed Funding  Trump Accounts are expected to receive $1,000 of government seed money as soon as the 4th of July. If you have a child born in 2025 through 2028, you can apply online now at trumpaccounts.gov. This is basically a retirement account with a caveat, contributions can be made on behalf of children even if they don't have earned income.  However extra contributions are made on an after-tax non-Roth basis so no upfront tax deduction and no tax-free growth. Instead contributions establish cost basis and investment earnings grow tax-deferred, but are ultimately taxed upon withdrawal at ordinary income rates. In practice, this tax deferral benefit is overstated. This week the Treasury Department released 5 investment options: SPYM, IVV, VTI, ITOT, and SPTM. These are virtually all the same investment, a low fee fund that is heavily weighted toward the largest US companies. This means there is no reason to sell or rebalance, so the only real option is to buy and hold.  Buying and holding can also be done in a regular brokerage account with tax deferred until sale, but at the lower, potentially 0%, long-term capital gains rates rather than the higher ordinary income rates. Some planning strategies involve funding the Trump account and later converting it to a Roth. However, those conversions would still trigger tax at ordinary income rates and potentially trigger the kiddie tax, pulling the income into the parent's tax bracket. Since in every possible situation, the long-term capital gain tax rate is always less than the ordinary income tax rate, a better strategy may be to fund a brokerage account and use the future proceeds to make contributions to Roth accounts which likely could be done tax-free rather than funding a Trump account and eventually making Roth conversions at a higher rate. For this reason, while the $1,000 government seed contribution is worth it, additional voluntary contributions may be less attractive compared to already available alternatives.    Companies Discussed: Meta Platforms, Inc. (Ticker: META) 

Three years ago, Hernan launched The Youth Sports Parenting Tribe with a simple mission — to create a space where parents could feel seen, supported, and better equipped to raise resilient, happy athletes. What followed was something he didn't fully anticipate: a global community of families navigating the beautiful chaos of youth sports together. In this solo episode, Hernan reflects on the journey — where it started, what it has become, and where it's going. This one is a thank you — and an invitation to keep going. If today's conversation resonated, I will send one idea every Friday for sports parents.  Subscribe at hernanchousa.com

The "Living with Heart" Podcast is brought to you by Chip Dodd Resources (www.chipdodd.com) and The Voice of the Heart Center (vothcenter.com). You can connect with Dr. Chip Dodd at chip@chipdodd.com. Contact Bryan Barley for coaching at bryan@vothcenter.com. 

Zach Lutz sits down with me to talk about his fatherhood journey. He and I chat about the values he looks to instill into his kids as they grow up. In addition, he shares some of the life lessons that he has learned from his kids. After that we talk about him playing for the New York Mets. He shares the obstacles that got in his way and had to overcome to fulfill his dream of playing in the big leagues. Next we talk about the current state of youth sports and the work he is doing to improve the youth sports landscape. Lastly, we finish the interview with the Fatherhood Quick Five.  About Zach Lutz Zach Lutz is an American former professional baseball third baseman. Zach played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets. He was drafted by the Mets in the 5th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. He played college ball at Alvernia University. Lutz overcame a series of minor league injuries to debut in the majors in 2012. He played 22 total MLB games across the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Currently, he serves as the Director of Player Development and Teams at the All-Star Sports Academy in Pennsylvania, where he has earned viral recognition for advocating accountability and independence in youth sports coaching. Make sure you check out the work Zach over at LinkedIn and at @LutzGo19 on Instagram.  About The Art of Fatherhood Podcast  The Art of Fatherhood Podcast follows the journey of fatherhood. Your host, Art Eddy talks with fantastic dads from all around the world where they share their thoughts on fatherhood. You get a unique perspective on fatherhood from guests like Bob Odenkirk, Hank Azaria, Joe Montana, Kevin Smith, Danny Trejo, Jerry Rice, Jeff Foxworthy, Patrick Warburton, Jeff Kinney, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Kyle Busch, Dennis Quaid, Dwight Freeney and many more. 

Dorin Dickerson and Nicholas "Harry" Callas react to the developments over the last few years that several states allow for high school students to earn NIL-related money as they play sports.

The world of youth sports can be incredibly taxing. Strenuous practices, hefty investments and increasingly selective teams can add up to parents pushing their kids to the brink. We speak with Rich Cohen, a longtime hockey dad, about the modern pressures of competitive sports and why some parents seem to end up caring more about winning than their child does. Linktr.ee | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | SpotifyFacebook: @ViewpointsOnlineX: @viewpointsradioInstagram: @viewpointsradioFull ArchiveContact UsAffiliates & National Syndication Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Born Into Slavery: Stark Portraits Of The Four Million Enslaved In The 1800's Imagine being born into slavery in the South. You don't have a dime to your name, don't have any education and all you know are the surrounding fields of the plantation you worked on for years or decades. What would you do after the abolishment of slavery? How would you start over? Historian Richard Cahan joins us this week to share a few of the firsthand stories of former slaves living in the South during the 1800's and in America's post-Civil War era. Guest: Richard Cahan, historian, author, River Blood: American Slavery from the People Who Lived It   “Am I Too Invested?”: The Emotional Rollercoaster Of Youth Sports The world of youth sports can be incredibly taxing. Strenuous practices, hefty investments and increasingly selective teams can add up to parents pushing their kids to the brink. We speak with Rich Cohen, a longtime hockey dad, about the modern pressures of competitive sports and why some parents seem to end up caring more about winning than their child does. Guest: Rich Cohen, hockey parent, author, Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent Linktr.ee | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | SpotifyFacebook: @ViewpointsOnlineX: @viewpointsradioInstagram: @viewpointsradioFull ArchiveContact UsAffiliates & National Syndication Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about volunteer burnout. Our sport wouldn't be anything without every single person who gives their time in some capacity. With that said, volunteering can often be a thankless job and burnout is common. The problem is not that people don't care enough, it's that we keep asking caring people to carry too much. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

https://teachhoops.com/⁠ Is your youth tournament just another weekend blur? Plenty of coaches think small schools can't create big-time experiences, but Coach Bill Flitter and guest Coach Luke Donnelly, architect of a multi-state, “fan-first” tournament, prove otherwise. These two know how to turn “just a game” into a lifelong memory. Could you elevate your own program's impact? Listen in to discover: How to build community and excitement on any budget. Creative traditions that make kids and parents proud. Simple touches that transform the ordinary into the unforgettable. Even more practical tips are inside! Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Keywords Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, youth basketball tournament, fan experience, Regency Baptist Academy, Sacramento sports tournament, small Christian schools, school sports tournaments, state tournament atmosphere, basketball and volleyball event, varsity and JV teams, live streaming sports, multi-state tournaments, faith-based events, church volunteer programs, tournament organization, volunteer involvement, banquet event, player trading cards, tournament registration, team pre-registration, tournament fee per player, high school sports events, small school athletics, custom bracket wall, game show activities, senior player recognition, ministry opportunities, social media for tournaments, sports statistics tracking, sports event catering Just text Sammi, and she'll handle schedule changes, RSVPs, payments, and parent updates so you can coach more and admin less. ⁠https://heysammi.com/coaches⁠

Ben Orlando joins Something For Everybody this week. Ben is the creator of Midnight Library of Baseball.  In this episode, Ben shares his journey from childhood to becoming a therapist and baseball enthusiast, exploring the healing power of nature, the importance of fun in sports, and the stories behind his Midnight Library of Baseball podcast and upcoming novel. -

https://teachhoops.com/ Is your youth tournament just another weekend blur? Plenty of coaches think small schools can't create big-time experiences, but Coach Bill Flitter and guest Coach Luke Donnelly, architect of a multi-state, “fan-first” tournament, prove otherwise. These two know how to turn “just a game” into a lifelong memory. Could you elevate your own program's impact? Listen in to discover: How to build community and excitement on any budget. Creative traditions that make kids and parents proud. Simple touches that transform the ordinary into the unforgettable. Even more practical tips are inside! Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Keywords Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, youth basketball tournament, fan experience, Regency Baptist Academy, Sacramento sports tournament, small Christian schools, school sports tournaments, state tournament atmosphere, basketball and volleyball event, varsity and JV teams, live streaming sports, multi-state tournaments, faith-based events, church volunteer programs, tournament organization, volunteer involvement, banquet event, player trading cards, tournament registration, team pre-registration, tournament fee per player, high school sports events, small school athletics, custom bracket wall, game show activities, senior player recognition, ministry opportunities, social media for tournaments, sports statistics tracking, sports event catering Just text Sammi, and she'll handle schedule changes, RSVPs, payments, and parent updates so you can coach more and admin less. https://heysammi.com/coaches

Brando Babini started a company at 16 because the thing he needed didn't exist. Five years later he's running it from a train seat between Brown and Brooklyn — 1,000 players, a Nike partnership, and 30 million views he shot and edited himself. This one's about how he actually does it.Brando is 21, still finishing his degree, and building Youth 4 Youth FC into one of the largest player-led soccer organizations in the country. He spotted the gap from his own playing career — no mentor, no one who'd walked the path ahead of him — and built the thing he wished he'd had. The 2026 World Cup is on U.S. soil right now and the whole country's suddenly paying attention to soccer. Strip the sport out, though, and you've still got the more interesting story: a Gen Z operator running a real company while most people his age are still picking a major.What We Get IntoSpotting a gap from lived experience and building the company you wished existed at 16Running an eight-state operation while taking the Amtrak back to class twice a week — the "drop-in," not the dropoutTurning 30 million organic views into 4,000 player applications — and what to do when that engine slows downLanding a Nike partnership as a young, unproven founderThe mission-vs-profit tension: building real access without building a handoutGoing need-blind by design — so the best kid plays whether his family can pay or notScaling by "mega sub-regions" instead of chasing franchise growthTeaching 13-year-olds to represent themselves — agency as the actual productChapters00:00 — The drop-in: running a company between Providence and New York01:30 — Starting at 16, and the gap he was trying to close03:45 — When the pro dream faded and the founder showed up04:30 — The question that runs everything: "what do I wish existed?"21:00 — Access without a handout: the mission-vs-profit tension26:00 — Why profit incentives aren't the enemy, and going need-blind33:00 — Teaching agency: parents, players, and an internal locus of control50:00 — 30 million views, 4,000 applications, and rebuilding the funnel52:00 — The Nike street-soccer project he's directing this week58:00 — Rapid fire: the GOAT, the Prem, and a 2026 World Cup readThis first aired on SportsEpreneur. For the full sports-business take — youth soccer pathways, college recruiting, and pay-to-play — listen to the original conversation there.More Soccer Content from SportsEpreneurHydration Breaks, Fox Ads, and the Americanization of the World Cup2026 World Cup: Groups, Schedule, and What to Watch as the Tournament Is HereTop 5 Soccer Leagues in the World (2025 Rankings: Depth, Players & Vibe)Soccer: The World's Most Popular Sport (3.5 Billion Fans, and Rising in the U.S.)Connect with BrandoInstagram: @y4yfc · brandobabini.com · y4yfc.com · LinkedIn: Brando BabiniEntrepreneur Perspectives is produced by QuietLoud Studios — a KazSource brand. Connect with Eric: X / LinkedIn

What an attorney who reviews NIL deals sees in the contracts, and what college athletes may be signing away.Philip Sheng is an attorney at Venable LLP, a national firm of roughly 900 lawyers, where he works in the intellectual property group and the sports law practice. His focus is college NIL, the right of publicity, and college eligibility. Venable also advised Taylor Swift through her fight to control her music and re-record her catalog. Sheng notes that was the firm's matter rather than his own, but the throughline is the same question he now works on in college sports: who owns a person's name, image, and likeness, and what they give up when they sign.This is the on-the-ground legal view of NIL. For the full breakdown of how the system works, start with The NIL Hub, NIL Rules in 2026, and NIL Pros and Cons. This episode is narrower. It is what a practicing attorney sees inside the deals themselves.Eric Kasimov talks with Sheng about NIL as both a legal and an athlete-centered issue. They get into whether NIL is really athlete compensation, intellectual property, or both, and why the issue was known as the right of publicity long before college sports made it a household term. Sheng has lived the landscape from several sides. He played tennis at Stanford, competed as an ATP-ranked professional, and now has children navigating college athletics, including Division I basketball and tennis.TopicsNIL as intellectual property and the right of publicityThe College Sports Commission and how it reviews NIL dealsThe Nebraska and PlayFly case, and why the contracts were the problemWhy even a small NIL deal needs its rights language reviewedHow brands can work with role players, not only star athletesRoster cuts in non-revenue sports like tennis and swimmingHigh school NIL, state-by-state rules, and protecting minorsSports betting, college students, and the value of staying in schoolChapters in This Episode00:00 Philip Sheng's background in law, tennis, and college sports00:36 Venable LLP, intellectual property, NIL, and sports law02:11 NIL as right of publicity03:15 Stanford, conference realignment, and athlete travel04:13 The burden on student-athletes06:29 What college sports used to be for07:00 Money, transfers, and the changing athlete experience09:20 NIL checks, taxes, and athlete education09:36 Bad agents and why guidance matters12:25 Has NIL gone too far?13:00 Congress, courts, media, fans, and pressure to change16:11 Money, rosters, and the college experience19:05 What the College Sports Commission does20:00 Fair market value, valid business purpose, and NIL deal review20:55 Nebraska, PlayFly, and unclear NIL contracts22:39 Why the Nebraska case was not just bad paperwork23:40 Why other schools are watching25:00 Lawyers, arbitration costs, and legal representation26:18 Sheng's view of the CSC and NCAA enforcement28:46 College football playoff expansion and media money31:00 What happens if schools sell marquee games differently32:43 Why championships still matter34:50 Sheng's work with non-revenue sports and NIL contracts36:08 Why brands should look beyond star athletes38:47 Are NIL contracts becoming standardized?39:45 Why athletes need contract review40:38 Rights, music, Taylor Swift, and long-term ownership42:02 College tennis, roster cuts, and non-revenue sports44:29 International athletes and college tennis47:25 Similar issues in soccer and goalkeeper recruiting48:00 High school NIL and state-by-state rules49:37 Youth sports, money, and family pressure50:29 Sports betting, college students, and addiction risk52:00 Athlete data, betting markets, and protection54:00 The cost and value of college55:00 Why athletes should not discount the college experience57:25 Athletic fees, non-athletes, and campus tension58:57 Burnout, injuries, and changing paths59:28 Where to find Philip ShengAbout Philip ShengPhilip Sheng is an attorney at Venable LLP, where he works in the firm's intellectual property group and sports law practice. His work includes NIL, the right of publicity, college eligibility, NCAA eligibility, and athlete-related legal issues. He has practiced law for 15 years.He is also a former Stanford tennis player and a former ATP-ranked professional. That background gives him a view of college sports from both sides, as a former athlete and as an attorney working in NIL and intellectual property. He also brings a parent's perspective, with children competing in Division I basketball and tennis. The combination shapes how he thinks about NIL, athlete contracts, non-revenue sports, and the value of the college experience.Connect with Philip Sheng:X | LinkedIn | Venable LLPConnect with Eric and SportsEpreneur:LinkedIn | X | SportsEpreneur on LinkedIn | SportsEpreneur on XRelated SportsEpreneur NIL ContentThe NIL HubNIL Pros and Cons | The College Game Is Changed ForeverWhat the Protect College Sports Act Reveals About Athlete RepresentationDid You Know You're Paying for College Sports?

On today's FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about new school vs old school styles of coaching. The best coaches incorporate a mix of both, so that they can lead their teams with high standards while creating great relationships with their players. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about something that most people don't like to talk about: politics in youth hockey. Sometimes politics are real, but often the perception of politics is the bigger issue. Join us to discuss the things you can do as a parent, coach, or organization to make the experience better for everyone involved. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff talk with John O'Sullivan, founder of Changing the Game Project. O'Sullivan's new book, “Captain: The Athlete's Guide to Being an Exceptional Team Leader,” is designed to help athletes learn how to lead. He joins the podcast to explain that leadership is a skill that can be obtained through hard work. In this episode we talk about: — How coaches can develop their leaders in the locker room — Setting a competitive standard as a coach — Captains operating as the “middleman” between the coach and players — Being a thermostat, not a thermometer AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! O'SULLIVAN'S NEW BOOK CHANGING THE GAME PROJECT JOIN HTTU TODAY! HTT MERCH Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.