Youth $ports

Episode 52: Tyler J. (Boxer/Former student) -Today's episode is a special episode. Not only is it the 1 year anniversary of Episode #1 of the Youth $ports Pod, but the conversation is one of the most important we've had yet... Sometimes in life you are lucky enough to cross paths with people who will have a profound impact on you and how you view the world. Meet Tyler J. I can’t think of a better...

Episode 51: Jennifer Palmer (Investigative journalist, Oklahoma Watch) 🎙 In this episode: I talk with Jennifer Palmer, investigative reporter with Oklahoma Watch, whose article “Forced Housing, Hidden Kickbacks” exposed the hidden costs and power plays in youth sports travel. We dig into the Stay-to-Play model, the legal gray areas, and why so many parents feel trapped by a system that claims to s...

Episode 50: Brad Ring (Former Major League Soccer player) 🎙 In this episode: I talk with Brad Ring--former MLS midfielder, Indiana University standout, and now a passionate voice for athlete mental health with OnRise. From youth soccer glory to the quiet battles behind the scenes, Brad shares what the highlight reels leave out. 🔹 The Kid Who Dreamed Big Brad’s dream of going pro started early--an...

Episode 49:  Audrey Borden (Dance Mom x 2) 🎙 In this episode: I talk with Audrey Borden, mom of two daughters who went from casual dance to pre-professional ballet. She shares the reality of parenting in the world of elite dance—where passion meets pressure, and the cost might just knock you off your feet. 🔹 Before You Were a Dance Parent Audrey opens up about the identity shift that happens when...

Episode 48: Dionne Koller (Law Professor and Author) 🎙 In this episode: I sit down with Dionne Koller—law professor, author of More Than Play, and Director of the Center for Sports & Law. We talk about how America built its youth sports system—and whether it’s actually working for kids or just everyone else. 🔹 How Did We Get Here? Millions of kids play youth sports, but legal scholarship on i...

Episode 47: Devin Armand (TikTok Youth Sports Superstar) 🎙 In this episode: I sit down with Devin Armand—former college softball player and coach turned viral youth sports comedian on TikTok. With a wig, a phone, and a whole lot of sharp wit, Devin is flipping the script on toxic sports culture by making us laugh and think. 🔹 From Dugouts to TikTok Devin’s journey from college softball to youth s...

Episode 46: Jordan Parker (It's a Youth $ports Pod TAKEOVER) In this episode, Jordan Parker sits down as the GUEST HOST to turn the tables to interview me, the regular host, Ally Tucker. We dive into the origin story of the Youth $ports Podcast and spend most of the episode exchanging hot takes on ridiculous topics.  Quotes from the episode, presented without context... 🔹“Really smart decision on...

Episode 45: Dr. Ashley Samson (Professor in the department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky) In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Samson, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky. We dig into the evolving conversation around mental health in sports, the pressures athletes face at every level, and what it r...

Episode 44: Mike Casey (Former Club President for Lexington FC) In this episode, I sit down with Mike Casey, former president of Lexington Futbol Club and a longtime youth soccer parent. Now that he’s on the other side of youth sports, Mike offers a refreshing, honest perspective on what really matters, what doesn’t, and how families can navigate the chaos without losing their minds (or their week...

Episode 43: Keirsten Sires (2aDays Founder/CEO...Featured in Forbes Magazine) In this episode, I sit down with Keirsten Sires, CEO and Founder of 2aDays—and the first Youth $ports guest to be featured in Forbes Magazine. We dive into the wild world of college recruiting, the power of transparency, and how her platform is flipping the script on how athletes and families choose programs. 🔹 From Ski...

Episode 42: Travis Snider (Former MLB 1st round draft pick, 3A Athletics Owner) In this episode, I sit down with Travis Snider, former MLB first-round pick and owner of 3A Athletics, to discuss the challenges of identity in sports, the pressures young athletes face, and how parents can better support their kids on and off the field. 🔹 The Weight of Identity in Sports – Travis shares how his self-...

Episode 41: Terri Bryant (One of only a handful of women coaching football in the state of Kentucky) In this episode, I sit down with Terri Bryant, one of the few women coaching a boys’ football team, to discuss breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport and the challenges she’s faced along the way. 🔹 Breaking Barriers in Boys’ Football – While it’s common for men to coach girls’ teams, it’s sti...

Episode 40: Dustin and Cindy Humphrey (Married with 4 children playing youth sports) Being a youth sports parent is practically a full-time job. For the first time in Youth $ports Podcast history, I bring on a married couple to dive into the realities of parenting, marriage, and family life within the fast-paced world of youth sports. 🔹 Inside the Humphrey Household – Dustin and Cindy Humphrey gi...

Episode 39: Kendra Schadler (Youth Golf Mom) In this episode, we sit down with Kendra Schadler, mom of Kentucky’s top-ranked 9-year-old golfer, to dive into the highs, lows, and hidden costs of raising a young athlete in an expensive sport. 🔹 The Financial Toll of Youth Golf – From ever-changing equipment to specialized coaches, golf can be one of the priciest youth sports. We break down the true...

Episode 38: Alex & Elise (Mother/Daughter duo, Former competitive swimmer who suffered a major blood clot in her arm) In this episode, we hear the powerful and eye-opening story of Elise and her mother, Alex, who went through a major health scare when Elise suffered from a blood clot caused by repetitive motion in competitive swimming. 🔹 The Toll of Intense Training – Competitive swimmers can...

Episode 37: Jacob Turner (Former 9th pick in the MLB draft, 11 year professional baseball career) In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Turner, former MLB pitcher and top-ranked high school prospect, to discuss the wild world of youth sports—and why he believes today’s system is out of control. 🔹 The Youth Sports "Propaganda Machine" – Turner argues that parents and players are constantly bomba...

Episode 36: Toni Cannon (Host Ally Tucker's former roommate of 10 years/D-3 college soccer teammate) In this episode, I sit down with Toni, a longtime friend, former D-3 soccer player, and current adult rec league warrior, to reminisce about the absurd, unforgettable, and downright hilarious moments from our playing days. 🔹 D-3 Soccer: A Different Kind of Grind – When you’re in it, you don’t alwa...

Episode 35: Asia Mape (4-time Emmy Award winning journalist and Sports Television producer, Founder of "I Love To Watch You Play" blog) In this episode, I sit down with Asia Mape, a sports media veteran turned youth sports advocate, to discuss the biggest mistakes parents make, the changing culture of youth sports, and how we can do better. 🔹 From the Olympics to Youth Sports – Mape’s career cove...

Episode 34 : Shae Robertson (Former Ohio University Soccer Player, Current coach/trainer) In this episode, I sit down with Shae Robertson, former All-American and Ohio University standout, to discuss what it really takes to reach the next level—and why so many parents are asking the wrong questions. 🔹 From Player to Coach – Now on the other side of the game, Robertson quickly jumped into coaching...

Episode 33: Melissa Harper (CEO/Co-founder of Good Sports) In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Harper from Good Sports, an organization dedicated to breaking down financial barriers in youth sports. If you’ve ever wondered why so many kids are being priced out of athletics, this conversation is a must-listen. 🔹 From 500 Basketballs to $110 Million in Donations – What started as a U-Haul full...

Episode 32: Jordan Vorbrink (Former WKU Softball player) In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Vorbrink, a former University of Louisville softball commit, to break down the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of the youth softball world. 🔹 Committing to College… as a Freshman?! – Vorbrink locked in her spot at Louisville as a high school freshman. Did it relieve pressure or just put a bigger targe...

Episode 31: Jordan Parker (3-time podcast guest and champion of the Most Downloaded Episode) In this episode, we welcome back Jordan Parker for his third appearance on the Youth $ports Podcast! Jordan’s the reigning MVP of our most downloaded episodes, and once again, he’s bringing the Hottest Hot Takes. 🔹 Exploring the “Talent Pocket” Phenomenon – Why do certain places produce top athletes in sp...

Episode 30 (Mary Martin Hampton, Centre College Women's Soccer player who started her career at Univ. of Florida) In this episode, I sit down with Hampton, who shares her incredible journey from starting on the 3rd level soccer team at age 10 to reaching the top level by high school and playing Division 1 soccer. 🔹 A Journey of Progress – Not every kid makes the top team at a young age, and Hampt...

Episode 29: Chris Dardano (Soccer Coach, Soccer Dad, Former Club Admin.) In this episode, I sit down with Chris Dardano, who shares his extensive experience and unique perspective from the world of youth soccer. 🔹 Where Does the Money Go? – A seemingly simple question, but Dardano gives a complicated answer. He breaks down the financial trail in youth soccer, explaining where your fees actually e...

Episode 28: 2024 Youth $ports Wrapped Edition This week, we're flipping the script and handing out some TROPHIES AND AWARDS to celebrate the first six months of the Youth $ports Podcast! 🏆 🔹 Top 10 Most Listened-to Episodes – We count down the top episodes that you, our listeners, couldn't get enough of. Find out which episodes earned the most attention! 🔹 The Most VIRAL Moments – We revisit th...