Have you ever wrestled with the gravity of youth suicide and bullying? Have you ever wished you could understand it better to make a difference in a young person's life? In this episode, we had a meaningful conversation with the President and CEO of the American Association of Suicidology, Leeann Sherman. The discussion focused on the rising rates of youth suicide, the urgent need for mental health awareness, and the creation of safe, stigma-free spaces for dialogue. We talked about the...

How can the 'Game Seven Mindset' help athletes tackle adversity and perform when stakes are high? Chris shares his journey from Division 3 to Division 1 and learns about the resilience that it took. 'Game Seven Mindset' is more than just a hockey term; it is a philosophy, a mindset, and a lifestyle. The concept encapsulates a continuous process of growth and development. It is a powerful tool for youth and athletes to approach challenges and strive for success, embodying the spirit of...

Are you prepared to uncover hidden treasures in education? In this enlightening podcast episode, we had an enlightening conversation with Jen Henson, a seasoned educator with a 22-year tenure teaching high school English. Jen shares her journey of evolving from a high school teacher helping a student with ACT prep to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her ACT prep business. We discussed the lesser-known concept of college tuition coupons based on ACT/SAT scores. This financial concept is...

Developing leadership skills in young athletes and building effective teams is a critical part of youth development. We had a riveting discussion with seasoned coach and educator Greg Berge. We delved deep into the concept that player-led teams are more successful than those without because they are anchored on a solid culture and leadership. Part of cultivating a thriving team culture is setting and upholding expectations. These expectations shape the behavior and attitude of the team...

Professional life can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. You're not alone if you've ever felt lost in your career. But what if you had a compass to guide you? A compass that uses your unique strengths to create a path towards success. The conversation provides strategies to help youth align their lives with their natural talents. By focusing on their strengths instead of their weaknesses, young adults can significantly enhance their self-image and personal and professional lives. Coaches,...

Ep. #87: Roots of Resilience: Personal Growth and Inspired Leadership with Chad BusickIn our recent podcast episode, we enjoyed conversing with Chad Busick, an expert in sports psychology and leadership. We highlighted the importance of relationship-building and seeing more in people than they see in themselves. This perspective starkly contrasted the traditional approach focused on technical and tactical skills. We discussed that challenges are not life-threatening but opportunities for...

Have you ever been stuck trying to understand your teenager or young adult? Here's an enlightening conversation with Jessica and Jeff from Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting. They share their journey of transforming troubled youth into confident individuals equipped to navigate life's challenges. With a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional expertise, they illuminate the challenges of fostering a sense of agency in young people, enabling them to take control of their lives. We also...

Consider this: what if your parenting approach could significantly influence your child's future in sports? That's what we're exploring with Hernan Chousa, a former tennis star turned family business owner, who grapples with the trials and triumphs of raising two children in youth sports. We also discuss how parents can best support their child's athletic endeavors, even when the road gets tough, from dealing with disappointment when a child is cut off from a team to prioritizing mental...

Experience a riveting conversation with Hampton Dortch, a man on a mission to inspire the next generation of leaders. Hampton's journey of learning to lead himself has been filled with trials and triumphs, offering valuable lessons for today's youth as they navigate their own leadership development. Our discussion expands into a thoughtful exploration that those seeking to empower young people can help them develop skills like empathy and active listening. He underlined the significance of...

In the realm of sports coaching, the focus is often on techniques, strategies, and performance. But what if we could achieve even greater success by emphasizing empathy, compassion, and understanding? Strategies based on degrading and belittling individuals do not foster long-term success. Instead, let’s promote a compassionate and uplifting approach, highlighting the importance of understanding each player's or teen’s uniqueness and leveraging it to their advantage. Whether you're a sports...

Discover how to navigate the challenging waters of academic stress, digital overload, and anxiety among youth. We explore how breaking down tasks can make managing pressure more manageable. We discuss the importance of creating a safe and non-threatening environment yet still challenging students to succeed. The challenges today's youth face are many and varied, but they are not insurmountable. With the right strategies and support, these challenges will be successfully navigated. This...

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the closed doors of homes struggling with teenage issues? Jessica breaks down ways to foster resilience in our teenagers and improve communication through a translated version of a professional model called motivational interviewing. This model encourages parents to listen more, ask open-ended questions, validate their teen's emotions, and explore the next steps together. It reminds us that parents must provide a safe environment where teens can...

Have you ever wondered about the value of being a good teammate? On the first episode of this season and the podcast rebrand, we sat down with a man championing this cause, our guest, Lance Loya. His journey from student-athlete to author offers profound insights into the power of teamwork and its impact on one's identity and self-image. An inspired return flight from a sports award event gave birth to Lance's children's book - 'Be a Good Teammate,' and so began the evolution of his life...

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Heather Henson, a renowned coaching veteran with over twenty-eight years of experience and the founder of H2 Athletic Advising. Heather's passion lies in supporting young student-athletes as they overcome obstacles, struggles, and challenges on their journey to secure opportunities to play college sports. Heather's mission is clear: advocating for student-athletes and empowering them to develop the skills they need to succeed both on the...

Join us as we sit down with Ted Wolfe, the Site Pastor for Resonate Church in Ellensburg, Washington, to discuss the topic of why younger generations fear the future. With so much uncertainty and rapid change in the world today, many young people are feeling anxious about what lies ahead. In this podcast, we explore the root causes of this fear and discuss practical strategies for overcoming it. Ted shares his own experiences working with young people and offers insights and advice for...

In this episode, we welcome Julie Nee, author of "Mirror Mirror: 5 Reflections to Clear the Fog and Help You Shine." Julie shares her insights on how to help youth shine by helping them know themselves. Drawing from her own experiences and research, Julie presents a framework that empowers young people to take control of their lives and remove the obstacles that limit their potential. Julie's book, "Mirror Mirror," is a guide for anyone seeking to overcome the self-doubt and negative...

Discover the complex and rewarding relationship between parents and their athlete children in this insightful podcast with Mark McKinney, author of The Drive Home. Join us as we delve into the slippery slope of mismatched goals, unrealistic expectations, and the danger of wanting success more than the player does. Through the lens of junior golf, we explore the journey of a family and their experiences with the game. Learn from their mistakes and gain valuable insights to help you avoid...

In this insightful podcast episode, James McLamb delves deep into the various issues plaguing the youth of today. From the rampant use of drugs and alcohol to the insidious effects of social media, McLamb discusses the many challenges facing young people in 2023. He also sheds light on the serious problems of depression and bullying, which are all too often overlooked or dismissed. Drawing on his years of experience working with young people, McLamb offers valuable insights and practical...

Chris Martin, an expert on the Internet, is back on The GenZ Show to talk about the many ways social media is changing us. The average young person who uses social media spends upwards of nine hours a day on it. Chris says that's a lot of time to shape their values and desires. Pastors, teachers, and parents feel like they have less and less influence on young people. People are becoming more lonely, divided, and focused on themselves. But what should we do now? To connect with Chris:...

Beth Probst joins The GenZ Show to talk about how to equip young people with the information and resources they'll need to make the crucial choices that lie ahead of them as they move from high school to adulthood. Beth discusses how students can learn more about their post-high-school options through self-assessment and planned career exploration. Beth established At the Core with the goal of assisting students in getting to the "core" of who they are and how to use this understanding to...

In this podcast episode, we sit down with the fantastic Josh Aronovitch, who has dedicated his life to helping young people find their path, purpose, and passion en route to being accepted to the college of their dreams. With his wealth of experience and knowledge, Josh is a true inspiration and a beacon of hope for young people everywhere. Throughout this episode, we explore young people's struggles and challenges when trying to find their path to college or careers. We talk about the...

Dan Britton joins The GenZ Show to share the benefits of encouraging youth to develop One Word for the year (based on his book with co-author Jimmy Page, link below) and to have a LIFE Word. As Dan describes it, Life Word is the title of your life's book, and One Word is the chapters of your story. This powerful tool can help focus and provide purpose to youth as they grow. Dan Britton's goal as a public speaker, author, coach, and trainer is to encourage others to follow their hearts. He has...

Do you believe there is too much emphasis on skill development and not enough on character development in youth sports today? Coach Justin Furtado did! Coach Furtado founded Bridging Impact to shift the focus to building young athletes into future leaders first and then skill development. Bridging Impact seeks to start a movement to connect coaches, teachers, & after-school youth leaders who are committed to bridging impact to the next generation by teaching leadership wisdom through...

Do you think that young people lack purpose and motivation in life? Do you want them to be fully involved and make the world better? Scott Landis is our guest today, and he talks about how the only way to be truly happy is to find a way to make a lasting and important contribution to something you care deeply about. Scott talks about how when young people find out who they are and what they're here for, it can lead to a truly fulfilling life. To connect with Scott and discover more:...

Beth Hendler-Grunt, president of The Great Next Step, joins us to discuss the problems current college graduates have post-graduation and the possible solutions to help them succeed. Beth explains that students' goals extend beyond securing entry-level employment after graduation. Instead, they can take what they learned in college and turn it into a lucrative job if they have the proper guidance and coaching. Next Great Step's career counseling for college graduates gives them proven...