On next week's #RaisingAthletes podcast, American Soccer legend, Marcelo Balboa, joins Kirsten and she asks how do you balance full time soccer as a kid? Listen here for a sneak peek as two old friends and former peers (SDSU Aztecs!) discuss the importance of work ethic! Marcelo is one of the first American soccer greats, he has played in 3 World Cups and over 150 MLS games for the Colorado Rapids. He is now a coach at the Colorado Rapids Academy and is using his experience to educate the next generation of American soccer while working as an announcer for Apple TV. Marcelo discusses his beliefs on how kids need to be kids while also coaching with discipline. His experiences of being raised by a former professional athlete gives excellent insight for all parents. SHOW NOTES: Currently Working with Real Salt Lake Academy, Apple TV MLS Announcer 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cup Appearances 1st American to have 100 International Caps 1st Name in the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005 @marcelobalboa17 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

This week, Kirsten welcomes Linda Martindale, a former college athlete (Arizona Wildcats Basketball!), a dedicated mental fitness coach, a motivational speaker, a high school boys basketball coach, a former college basketball coach and an entrepreneur. Linda is also a proud mother of four college athletes and two dogs (one is athletic and one is definitely not). Kirsten and Linda dive into their mutual passion about mental fitness and its’ impact on student-athletes. They talk about how honesty and being straight with kids is so powerful to their being “seen” whether they are getting a lot of playing time. Another impressive woman to end our Women's History Month series! https://martindalecoaching.com/ @martindalecoaching SHOW NOTES: The Team Captain’s Leadership Journal by Jeff Jansen https://www.janssensportsleadership.com/resources/leadership-for-captains/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

In this clip from Monday's new episode, Kirsten and Linda talk about being "seen" and how honesty and being straight with kids is so powerful and important for coaches. Linda Martindale is a former college athlete (Arizona Wildcats Basketball!), a dedicated mental fitness coach, a motivational speaker, a high school boys basketball coach, a former college basketball coach and an entrepreneur. Linda is also a proud mother of four college athletes and two dogs (one is athletic and one is definitely not). Kirsten and Linda dive into their mutual passion about mental fitness and its’ impact on student-athletes. They talk about how honesty and being straight with kids is so powerful to their being “seen” whether they are getting a lot of playing time or not. Another impressive woman to end out Women's History Month series! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Week 3 of Women’s History Month highlights Dr. Emily Edlynn, clinical psychologist, and new published author. Kirsten and Emily speak about the idea that each of us has 3 fundamental needs: to be autonomous, competent and connected. They speak about how it went wrong, and it all starts with “Intensive Parenting” and they role play different ways to parent. Dr. Emily speaks about how sports is a huge help in countering the challenges our youth face like social media and Covid isolation. Dr. Emily talks about all these parenting themes in her book, podcast, blog, and guest column in Parents magazine. Dr. Emily lives in Oak Park, Illinois outside of Chicago with my husband, three children, ages 13, 11, and 8, and two rescue dogs. She earned a Master’s and Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the child and adolescent program at Loyola University of Chicago. She works in a small private practice with children, teenagers, and adults, specializing in health psychology. She digs into the reality of parenting in this fast-paced, uber-tech, hyper-media world, and trying to remind each other that we are all doing okay by our children because we are doing our best. Not only does science say so, but if we pay attention to the art of motherhood, our instincts tell us so too. @dremilyedlynn SHOW NOTES: (1) Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children https://www.amazon.com/Autonomy-Supportive-Parenting-Parental-Competent-Confident/dp/1641709766/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E5Q1HKJHDNPU&keywords=Edlynn&qid=1674221114&sprefix=edlyn%2Caps%2C630&sr=8-1 (2) Podcast: Psychologists Off the Clock co-host https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youth-sports-and-raising-athletes-with-kirsten-jones/id1176171178?i=1000645283762 (3) Substack: https://emilyedlynn.substack.com/ (4) Blog: The Art and Science of Mom https://www.emilyedlynnphd.com/ (5) Parents: Ask Your Mom parenting advice column https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/ask-your-mom/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Week 3 of Women’s History Month highlights Dr. Emily Edlynn, clinical psychologist, and new published author. Kirsten and Emily speak about the idea that each of us has 3 fundamental needs: to be autonomous, competent and connected. They speak about how it went wrong, and it all starts with “Intensive Parenting” and they role play different ways to parent. In this clip, the speak about how intensive parenting can lead to dreams deferred for your kids. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

This week, during Women’s History Month, we bring you another powerhouse woman, Jessica Mendoza. Kirsten and Jessica get into Jessica’s beginnings with a dad as a coach and how that helped shape Jessica as an accomplished athlete (All American! Olympian!), sportscaster (ESPN and Dodger Baseball), trailblazer and mom. Jessica Mendoza is an American sportscaster and former softball player. Currently, she serves as a color commentator and analyst for ESPN's coverage of Major League Baseball and Los Angeles Dodgers coverage on Spectrum SportsNet LA. As a softball outfielder, Mendoza was a collegiate four-time First Team All-American at Stanford and two-time Olympic medalist. She won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She played professionally in National Pro Fastpitch and was named 2011 Player of the Year and currently ranks in the top 10 for career batting average and slugging percentage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

In this clip from Monday's new episode, Kirsten and Jess talk about how important it is to expose your kids to as many different things as possible. They both tell funny stories how exposure shaped experiences. Jessica Mendoza is an American sportscaster and former softball player. Currently, she serves as a color commentator and analyst for ESPN's coverage of Major League Baseball and Los Angeles Dodgers coverage on Spectrum SportsNet LA. As a softball outfielder, Mendoza was a collegiate four-time First Team All-American at Stanford and two-time Olympic medalist. She won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She played professionally in National Pro Fastpitch and was named 2011 Player of the Year and currently ranks in the top 10 for career batting average and slugging percentage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

To kick off Women’s History Month, Kirsten and Susie are back to help guide you through the DOs and DON’Ts of sports parenting. No, it’s not episode 99 (we’re only on 95 ladies!) but they talk about how close we are to 100 (and we have a very special guest lined up for that!). Kirsten and Susie share stories from the sidelines as they our out there as parents and grandparents EVERY WEEKEND. Parents – listen up and help us all change how our kids experience youth sports. And remember, “I Love to Watch You Play” Susie and Kirsten are so excited that so many kids are playing sports as there is no better teacher of life, than life itself! So, let them live, lose, and learn. National Women’s History Month 2024 celebrates the theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” That’s our Susie and Kirsten! Our DOs and DON’Ts cheat sheet can be found on KirstenJonesInc.com Show notes: www.indigovillage.com ⁠Raising Empowered Athletes by Kirsten Jones⁠ ⁠Key to Personal Freedom: How Myths Affect Our Family Lives by Susie Walton⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

To kick off Women’s History Month, Kirsten and Susie are back to help guide you through the DOs and DON’Ts of sports parenting. In this clip, Kirsten and Susie break down meeting kids where they are at! Let them play multiple sports. Let them try multiple things. Let them slow it down or speed it up on their timeline. Check in with your kids. Success will find them if you let them find their own path. Give them the chance to find their passion. FULL EPISODE DROPS ON MONDAY --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Kirsten sits down with Brian Nash of IMG Basketball Academy and gets into the ins and out of a boarding school that has 1500 student athletes, 9 sports and 600 acres of campus. WOW! We also find out how Brian got into coaching and how his days as a student athlete shaped his career path today. Brian Nash, an NCAA Division I head and assistant coach for more than 20 years, joined IMG Academy as Director of Basketball in 2016. Brian Nash came to IMG Academy from Duquesne University where he was the Associate Head Coach, overseeing student-athlete recruitment and backcourt player development, as well as playing a significant role in mentoring student-athletes. Prior to Duquesne, Nash held coaching roles at Fairfield, St. Francis, Seton Hall, Siena, St. Bonaventure and Sacred Heart, leading teams to multiple NCAA and NIT postseason appearances. Brian was a basketball student-athlete and team captain at Keene State, where he graduated with a degree in economics. In his role, Nash oversees the basketball program for its youth and high school student-athletes, as well as its camps and training programs for post-graduate and professional players. Brian.Nash@imgacademy.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Kirsten sits down with Brian Nash of IMG Basketball Academy and gets into the ins and out of a boarding school that has 1500 student athletes, 9 sports and 600 acres of campus. WOW! We also find out how Brian got into coaching and how his days as a student athlete shaped his career path today. In this clip, Brian speaks to how hard they work to find the right fit for their student athletes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

We strive to bring you all things youth sports. And that includes the corporate side of youth and recreational sports. Kirsten's guest this week is Brett MacKinnon, head of SportsEngine (NBC Sports Next), an elite hockey player, corporate athlete and dad. Kirsten and Brett talk about the business of youth sports, and how that fun and recreational sports should be the backbone of our kids’ experiences. They talk about how Brett's youth sports soccer and (later) elite hockey experiences shaped his career and professional life with common themes of discipline, teamwork, community and communication. We hope you enjoy and learn about a different side of youth sports! SHOW NOTES: Kirsten was a guest on NBC Sports Next/SportsEngine podcast, "For the Love of Sport" https://discover.sportsengineplay.com/for-the-love-of-sport-podcast ABOUT NBC SPORTS NEXT and SPORTSENGINE NBC Sports Next is the tech division of NBC Sports. Within NBC Sports Next, there are two areas of focus: Youth & Recreational Sports; and Golf. Brett is the leader of the youth sports area, and SportsEngine is the driving brand. SPORTSENGINE NBC Sports Next’s Youth & Recreational Sports area, led by leading club and team management technology platform SportsEngine, is creating powerful digital tools and services to simplify youth sports – making it easier for organizations to connect with coaches, families, athletes and fans. Mission is to build the best technology platform for youth sports. In total, SportsEngine serves over 35k small and medium-sized business sports operators (youth sports organizations), tournaments, the USOPC and Governing Body community, professional sports leagues and thousands of municipalities. Over 16M coaches, families, and fans use SportsEngine suite of products and services annually. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

We strive to bring you all things youth sports. And that includes the corporate side of youth sports. Kirsten's guest this week is Brett MacKinnon, head of SportsEngine (NBC Sports), an elite hockey player, corporate athlete and dad. In this clip, Kirsten and Brett talk about the future of youth sports and how we can continue to keep kids playing youth sports. About SportsEngine NBC Sports Next’s Youth & Recreational Sports area, led by leading club and team management technology platform SportsEngine, is creating powerful digital tools and services to simplify youth sports – making it easier for organizations to connect with coaches, families, athletes and fans. Mission is to build the best technology platform for youth sports. In total, SportsEngine serves over 35k small and medium-sized business sports operators (youth sports organizations), tournaments, the USOPC and Governing Body community, professional sports leagues and thousands of municipalities. Over 16M coaches, families, and fans use SportsEngine suite of products and services annually. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

This was a special episode for Kirsten as she got to talk to her book coach, Bob Welch. If you follow her book journey, she often mentions Bob, an amazing coach and partner who took everything that she threw at him and condensed it down and made each story stronger. Bob and Kirsten were so excited to talk to each other that Bob jumped in before she even introduced him! It’s a true partnership. As Kirsten states in the podcast, “you’re the poster child for exactly what I want to do, which is it's to be an athlete for life. The fact that you took Seven Summer (And a Few Bummers) to do the Pacific Coast Trail in your 60s, right?” Bob and Kirsten talk about how humility, perseverance and flexibility (hello Covid!) were the right combination to get Raising Empowered Athletes finished. BOB WELCH is the author of more than two dozen books, including "The Wizard of Foz," Track & Field Writers of America's 2019 Book of the Year, and "American Nightingale," an Oregon Book Award finalist and featured on ABC's "Good Morning America." As a columnist for "The Register-Guard" in Eugene, Oregon, Welch twice won the National Society of Newspaper Columnist's "Best Writing" award. He's also a winner of the Seattle Times C.B. Blethen Award for Distinguished Feature Writing. Welch is a former adjunct professor at the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication, and founder of the Beachside Writers Workshop in Yachats, Oregon. As a speaker, Welch has keynoted conferences across America. A storyteller by nature, Welch mines much of his speaking fodder from his books and the nearly 2,000 columns he wrote for The Register-Guard, Oregon’s second-largest newspaper. Articles of Welch’s have been published in more than a dozen books, including seven in the popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. In addition, he has had articles published in such magazines as "Sports Illustrated," "Los Angeles Times," "Reader’s Digest," and "Runner’s World." He and his wife, Sally, live in Eugene. SHOW NOTES: https://bobwelchwriter.substack.com/ bobwelch23@gmail.com https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Summers-Few-Bummers-Welch/dp/B0CDK8SMHC https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Empowered-Athletes-Parenting-Resilient/dp/1637272812 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

This was a special episode for Kirsten as she got to talk to her book coach, Bob Welch. If you follow her book journey, she often mentions Bob, an amazing coach and partner who took everything that she threw at him and condensed it down and made each story stronger. In this preview of Monday's podcast, Kirsten and Bob talk about how important stories are to Kirsten's (and all!) writing. As Bob said, “A lot of people like the idea of writing a book” but not a lot of people follow through. BOB WELCH is the author of more than two dozen books, including "The Wizard of Foz," Track & Field Writers of America's 2019 Book of the Year, and "American Nightingale," an Oregon Book Award finalist and featured on ABC's "Good Morning America." As a columnist for "The Register-Guard" in Eugene, Oregon, Welch twice won the National Society of Newspaper Columnist's "Best Writing" award. He's also a winner of the Seattle Times C.B. Blethen Award for Distinguished Feature Writing. Welch is a former adjunct professor at the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication, and founder of the Beachside Writers Workshop in Yachats, Oregon. As a speaker, Welch has keynoted conferences across America. A storyteller by nature, Welch mines much of his speaking fodder from his books and the nearly 2,000 columns he wrote for The Register-Guard, Oregon’s second-largest newspaper. Articles of Welch’s have been published in more than a dozen books, including seven in the popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. In addition, he has had articles published in such magazines as "Sports Illustrated," "Los Angeles Times," "Reader’s Digest," and "Runner’s World." He and his wife, Sally, live in Eugene. https://bobwelchwriter.substack.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Renowned Psychologist. Human Connection Expert. Bestselling Author Kirsten has a blast talking to Dr. Jody this week. If you are some of our Canadian listeners, you will hear a kindred spirit! If not, you will come away as a new fan. She teaches us such important lessons with humor and energy that you will hear Kirsten laughing and learning along. Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy, and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centered problems. Jody’s work focuses on the value of reconnection—the key to healthy relationships and productive teams. Her authentic, honest (and often hilarious) approach never fails to inspire and motivate audiences. Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at The Carrington Practice, where she uses her twenty-plus years of experience to empower the clients she connects with. Jody’s unique resume of clients—from kids to major institutions—provides her with insights and depth of experience to present unmatched value to her audiences. Her core message resonates with everyone from the practice to the world stage: our power lies in our ability to acknowledge each other first. She is the bestselling author of Kids These Days (2019), Teachers These Days (2021), and the emotionally charged and introspective chart topping, Feeling Seen (Harper Collins, 2023). Jody lives in small-town Olds, Alberta, with her husband and three children (she had three kids in 2 years to test her own resilience), and leads the amazing team at Carrington & Company. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Our guest this week Dr. Jody Carrington, Child Psychologist, is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. In this clip, Kirsten and Dr. Jody speak to the importance of coaching tools for us and our "babies" and how connection matters so much for performance. "Just because you can bounce a ball, doesn't mean you can tell other people how to do it" Home - Dr. Jody Carrington (drjodycarrington.com) @drjodycarrington --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Kirsten continues her discussions in the “Talking to the Student-Athlete” Series, speaking to Montana Grizzlies Linebacker, Geno Leonard. The Montana Grizzlies put together one of the most memorable seasons in program history in 2023, with a Big Sky championship and made a magical run to the NCAA Division I Football National Championship (FCS) game. Prior to joining the Griz, Geno was a four-year letterman at Sentinel High School in Missoula, MT. He helped lead the Spartans to a 10-0 record and the State AA championship as a senior. Geno shares his story of redshirting his freshman year and then overcoming injury during his sophomore year. Kirsten and Geno talk about mindset, ultimately getting your body healthy, beating the injury and then focusing on becoming better football players. Geno shares how injury led him to be a player-coach from the sidelines and learning to help his teammates as a teacher. Kirsten and Geno also bonded over the great community the both grew up in - Missoula, Montana, where Kirsten and Geno’s Dad, Brad Leonard, were classmates and respective Male and Female Athletes of the Year for Sentinel High School way back when in 1988. Go Griz! Instagram: @genoleonard31 @montanagrizfootball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

Kirsten continues her discussions in the Talking to the Student Athlete Series, speaking to Montana Grizzlies Linebacker, Geno Leonard. In this clip, Geno and Kirsten discuss how powerful it is for a coach to support an injured player and the mindset it takes for that player to get back on the field. Full Episode Drops on Monday! @genoleonard31 @montanagrizfootball --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support

You’re in for a treat! Brandin Bryant, Nebraska-born NFL professional and mental performance enthusiast, has had to fight for every opportunity in his pro and college football career. He earned a spot at Florida Atlantic after starting his career at Fort Scott Community College. In 2016, Bryant went undrafted, and he’s been fighting to stay in the NFL ever since. He’s been on an NFL practice squad for five of the last seven seasons and walks us through the cutthroat NFL process. He played in the Canadian football League in 2018 and 2019 to try and keep his dream alive. Kirsten and Brandin talk about a host of subjects dear to #RaisingAthletes podcast hearts: • Overcoming Adversity • Making your own Luck • Inspirational Teachers and Coaches • Importance of Discipline and Routine • Reframing Setbacks and Rejections Brandin shares his wisdom and experience in his debut book, So, You Want to be an Athlete? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQTVKD3N/. With an 8-year career in professional football and a belief in the power of a growth mindset, Brandin champions the integral role of education in an athlete's journey. He frequently addresses university audiences across the nation, inspiring the next generation of athletes. Instagram: @el_sacko --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kirsten-jones0/support