• Dr. Korrie Allen - Purpose-Driven Parenting in Sports
    2025/09/05

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Ep. 9 - Dr. Korrie Allen - Purpose-Driven Parenting in Sports

    In this episode, Samantha welcomes Dr. Korrie Allen, a licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience supporting children and families. Together, they unpack the emotional and psychological complexities of parenting young athletes—especially in high-pressure sport environments. Dr. Allen shares practical frameworks for behavior, boundaries, emotional regulation, and how to root your parenting in long-term purpose rather than short-term wins.

    • 01:35 - Meet Dr. Allen and her path to sport parenting expertise
    • 05:45 - Helping kids find their identity outside of achievement
    • 09:52 - Why sport parents need emotional regulation tools too
    • 13:11 - Shaping behavior through connection instead of control
    • 16:44 - “Not every meltdown is manipulation” - understanding dysregulation
    • 21:08 - Why your reaction matters more than you think
    • 24:57 - How parents can help prevent burnout and identity foreclosure
    • 29:16 - The difference between teaching skills vs. controlling outcomes
    • 33:03 - What sport actually teaches us (if we let it)
    • 36:48 - Dr. Allen’s advice for navigating tough sport parenting moments

    Quotes

    "You can do it and it's gonna be hard, but that's okay. And here's your plan for that."[14:26]
    My ultimate goal as a parent is to raise a healthy, balanced adult, not just a great athlete. [25:01]
    "I just try to be really intentional about helping the clients that I work with to see discomfort as part of a growth, not as a sign of something's wrong."[35:01]

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    Connect with Dr. Korrie Allen:

    · birchpsychology.com

    · Instagram @birchpsy

    Dr. Korrie Allen is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and families. Her areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, memory and learning, school readiness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dr. Allen received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her doctoral degree in Psychology from St. John’s University.

    She directed the Educational Services Clinic at University of Denver and was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School and on the professional staff at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters prior to joining Birch Psychology.

    Dr. Allen has successfully completed several research projects funded by agencies such as the Commonwealth Health Research Board, U.S. Department of Education, Governor’s Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and the Society for School Psychology Research. She is extensively involved in applied research that focuses on children with severe behavior problems. Her recent studies evaluated the impact of parent-child interaction training to address aggressive and oppositional behaviors among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Allen is co-editing the book Cognitive Behavior Therapy in the School Setting.



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    49 分
  • Peter Verhoef - Power of Honoring the Whole Athlete, Human First
    2025/08/22
    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Ep. 8 - Peter Verhoef - Power of Honoring the Whole Athlete, Human First Summary In this conversation, Head Swim Coach and Aquatics Director of the Bolles School, Peter Verhoef, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a coach, reflecting on the profound impact of his upbringing, family values, and the importance of community in sports. He discusses the lessons learned from his parents, the significance of perseverance, and the role of coaches in shaping athletes. Peter emphasizes the need for intrinsic motivation in sports and offers valuable insights for parents navigating their children's athletic journeys, highlighting the balance between support and expectations. In this conversation, Peter Verhoef and Samantha Livingstone discuss the complexities of youth sports commitments, the balance between family values and sports, and the role of parents in supporting their children’s athletic journeys. They reflect on their own experiences in competitive swimming, particularly the pressures and expectations surrounding performance, and emphasize the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with sports for young athletes. 0:00 Introduction and Gratitude 02:02 Family Influence and Values 06:05 Lessons from Competition and Performance 12:01 Early Swimming Journey and Discovering Passion 17:49 The Role of Community in Sports 20:52 Transitioning to College Swimming and Recruitment 25:00 Navigating College Recruitment in Swimming 27:23 The Pressure of Performance and Parental Expectations 29:43 Understanding the Role of Data in Sports 32:24 Defining Success Beyond Sports 35:36 The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation 39:33 Balancing Multiple Sports and Commitments 42:08 Family Values and Decision-Making in Sports 45:31 Reflections on College Swimming Experience 52:48 Finding Fulfillment in Sports 55:51 The Role of Leadership in Coaching 59:42 Navigating Competition and Expectations 01:03:43 The Parent-Coach-Athlete Triangle 01:09:49 Supporting Young Athletes' Goals Quotes “If you're not addressing the human element, the emotional experience of your athletes, you're missing the whole point.” [04:58] “You can't just drive people and drive people and expect them to be okay.” [09:12] “We can talk about mental performance, but if we’re not creating emotional safety first, it’s a lost cause.” [13:20] Social Media and Links · RTSP Instagram · samanthalivingstone
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    1 時間 19 分
  • Dr. Laura DeBruin - For the Love of Sport
    2025/08/08
    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast Hosted by Samantha Livingstone Episode 7: Dr. Laura DeBruin - For the Love of Sport In this episode, Samantha sits down with Dr. Laura DeBruin DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS; to explore the mental and emotional challenges athletes face during transitions. From injuries and performance slumps to sport retirement and identity loss, Laura shares how parents and coaches can support young athletes with empathy, language, and mental skills that build long-term resilience. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who wants to support the human behind the athlete. • 01:00 Introducing Laura DeBruin and The Mindful Athlete • 04:20 Performance is not identity: helping athletes separate self-worth from results • 08:30 How transitions like injury or retirement affect mental and physical health • 12:00 What it means to normalize emotional waves • 16:00 Practical tools for rebuilding confidence after injury • 20:45 What role should parents play in helping athletes developing important skills • 25:30 When athletes feel lost: helping them connect to themselves with what they can do • 29:45 What to say (and not say) on the car ride home • 33:00 A parent’s language shapes an athlete’s mindset • 36:45 Laura’s message to sport parents: you’re writing more than just the athletic chapter Quotes • “Who you are is not what you do. That separation is a foundational step in navigating transitions well.” [08:32] • “When an athlete is injured, it can be like an earthquake to their sense of self.” [12:44] • “Instead of saying ‘Don’t be nervous,’ try ‘Of course you feel that way—it means you care.’” [24:07] Social Media and Links · RTSP Instagram · samanthalivingstone · www.debruinpt.com Dr. Laura DeBruin’s Bio: Dr. Laura DeBruin is a Westfield, Massachusetts native. She grew up playing a variety of sports which led her to play four years of Division I soccer and lacrosse at the University of Rhode Island where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, specializing in fitness and wellness in 2001. In 2004, Dr. DeBruin obtained her Master’s Degree from Springfield College in Physical Therapy. While attending Springfield College, she played two years for the New England Mutiny Semi-Professional Soccer Team. Dr. DeBruin began her professional career at Concentra Physical Therapy working in orthopedics. Dr. DeBruin continued on the education tract and pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2008. Her passion for orthopedic manual physical therapy was heightened following completion of her Residency and Fellowship Training through the Manual Therapy Institute. Dr. DeBruin achieved Fellowship status in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (AAOMPT). Fellows of the AAOMPT provide the highest level of musculoskeletal care through advanced manual therapy practice. Most recently she has been named a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Dr. DeBruin also is involved in teaching at Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists (Granby, CT), and the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT), Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. She has been invited as a guest lecturer at UCONN since 2012 to provide her expertise on the Sacroiliac Joint in relation to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. Dr. DeBruin is married, has a son, daughter, and a Labrador retriever whose presence is frequently requested by patients during therapy sessions. While her two teenagers keep her busy as a hockey mom, Dr. DeBruin still finds time to give back to the community as a volunteer soccer coach. Of note, Dr. DeBruin has over 30 years of soccer coaching experience and obtained the content for her Class D license in 2001. Dr. DeBruin treats many young and elite athletes due to her vast multi-sport experience. Her knowledge as a 20 year Physical Therapy veteran also attracts adults and seniors who appreciate the individual treatment sessions. Dr. DeBruin has a phenomenal group of colleagues that she collaborates with to ensure the best patient outcomes in various aspects of life.
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    59 分
  • Navigating the NIL Landscape: Opportunities for All Athletes with Kristi Dosh
    2025/07/25

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Episode 6: Navigating the NIL Landscape: Opportunities for All Athletes with Kristi Dosh

    In this episode, Samantha sits down with Kristi Dosh, attorney, sports business analyst, and founder of Business of College Sports - to explore the fast-evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Kristi breaks down what NIL really means for student-athletes and their families, explains how even non-D1 athletes can benefit, and shares practical tips for building a personal brand. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is your guide to navigating NIL with clarity and strategy.

    · [03:45] Kristi defines NIL and dispels early myths

    · [06:20] Why NIL isn’t just for elite D1 athletes

    · [10:00] The value of niche audiences on social media

    · [13:40] How Kristi’s own journey sparked her NIL work

    · [16:25] Common NIL misconceptions families should avoid

    · [19:10] The importance of athlete storytelling in brand building

    · [23:35] Tools and platforms that can help manage NIL deals

    · [26:15] What parents should know about contracts and legal language

    · [29:45] NIL’s impact on mental health and identity

    · [33:10] Kristi’s advice for supporting athletes without adding pressure



    Quotes

    · “You do not have to be a Division I athlete to have NIL opportunities... It’s not about your stats - it’s about your story.” (06:18)

    · “Athletes should be thinking about what they want to be known for—on and off the field.” (13:16)

    · “Parents don’t have to be social media experts, but they should help create a healthy structure and boundaries.” (18:03)

    ·

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    · kristidosh.com

    · @sportsbizmiss on IG

    · @SportsBizMiss on X

    Resources + Mentions:

    • Visit businessofcollegesports.com for more insights and free resources from Kristi.

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    1 時間 12 分
  • Rebecca McConville - Navigating Nutrition and Performance in Sports
    2025/07/12

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Ep. 5 - Rebecca McConville - Navigating Nutrition and Performance in Sports

    In this illuminating episode, Samantha sits down with Rebecca McConville - sports dietitian, eating disorder specialist, and author of Finding Your Sweet Spot - to unpack the real truth behind performance, energy, and long-term health for youth athletes. They dive into the critical topic of RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), how under-fueling shows up subtly in young athletes, and why nutrition is about more than just fueling for sport - it's about fueling for life.

    Rebecca offers compassionate and practical advice to parents who want to raise resilient, thriving kids in an often performance-obsessed culture. Whether you’re navigating club sports, managing food anxiety, or simply trying to better understand your child’s needs, this episode delivers clarity, heart, and hope.

    00:00 - Meet Rebecca McConville + how she got into sports nutrition
    06:35 - What RED-S really is and why it’s often misunderstood
    10:10 - The difference between discipline and disordered behavior
    15:45 - Red flags - What to watch for in your athlete’s eating and mindset
    21:08 - Why intention matters more than image when it comes to food
    28:50 - How performance culture can feed perfectionism
    33:22 - How parents can foster resilience without pressure
    39:44 - Creating a family culture around food, rest, and recovery
    44:19 - How to support your athlete through injuries and transitions
    50:01 - Final thoughts on fueling for health, growth, and joy

    Quotes

    · “RED-S is not just about food - it’s about life. It's about having enough energy to grow, think, feel, and live.” (06:42)

    · “Parents need to know that discipline doesn’t mean deprivation. Restriction doesn’t build resilience.” (12:05)

    · “Fueling is not a reward for performance - it’s a requirement for being human.” (33:00)

    ·

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    · @rebeccaeddietitian on IG

    · Rebecca on LinkedIn

    Resources + Mentions:

    • Rebecca’s book: Finding Your Sweet Spot - How to Avoid RED-S and Fuel for Sport Performance
    • Learn more: https://rebeccamcconville.com
    • RED-S resources: https://www.femaleandmaleathletetriad.org/red-s
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    48 分
  • Dr. Andreas Stamatis - Unlocking Mental Toughness
    2025/06/27

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Ep. 4 - Dr. Andreas Stamatis - Unlocking Mental Toughness

    In this thought-provoking episode, Samantha sits down with Dr. Andreas Stamatis - researcher, professor, and mental performance expert - to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in youth sports: mental toughness. Together, they redefine what it actually means, how it can be developed, and why old-school approaches rooted in pressure and punishment fall short.

    Dr. Stamatis introduces a more compassionate, evidence-based framework - centered around eight mental skills and three mindset pillars - that equips parents to help their kids handle adversity and strive with intention. Whether your child is elite or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical insight to guide their growth and your role in supporting it.

    00:00 - Welcome + how Samantha met Dr. Stamatis
    08:35 - The Special Forces moment that changed his view on mental strength
    13:20 - Defining mental toughness: a mindset, not a personality trait
    18:05 - Why yelling doesn’t build mental toughness
    22:12 - What are the three pillars? Purpose, efficiency, and flexibility
    30:14 - Why overprotecting your child can hurt their growth
    39:20 - What does real emotional regulation look like in kids and parents?
    46:58 - How parent language impacts a child’s confidence
    54:50 - Reframing failure through optimistic thinking
    1:09:45 - The “car ride home” framework: 3 powerful questions to ask your athlete

    Quotes

    · A mentally tough person is not defined by their goals - but by their mindset.”

    · “Uncomfortable doesn't mean bad. Discomfort is the beginning of growth.”

    · “Success isn’t winning or losing. It’s showing up with purpose, flexibility, and efficiency.”

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    · Andreas Stamatis Instagram

    Resources + Mentions:

    · Mental Toughness Index (MTI)

    · Medium articles by Dr. Stamatis

    · PubMed + Google Scholar: Search “Andreas Stamatis”

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    1 時間 7 分
  • Solo wtih Samantha - More Than An Athlete
    2025/06/20

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Solo wtih Samantha - More Than An Athlete

    In this deeply moving and transparent solo episode, Olympic gold medalist Samantha Arsenault Livingstone shares the full-circle story of how she went from standing atop the Olympic podium to navigating life as a sport parent raising four girls—including a hockey player chasing her own Winter Olympic dream.

    Samantha peels back the curtain on her personal story—from her childhood in Peabody, MA, to the toxic club swimming environment that nearly broke her spirit, to the healing that followed her Olympic victory. She opens up about the mental health challenges she faced post-Olympics, the guidance of her mentor Greg Harden, and the life-altering experience of nearly losing her daughter to heart failure.

    This episode is a vulnerable invitation into the why behind the podcast: to create a judgment-free space for sport parents to connect, grow, and find real tools for supporting their kids—without shame, perfectionism, or pressure to do it all “right.”

    04:55 – How parenting in sport mirrors her Olympic journey

    10:30 – Childhood, cultural roots, and dreaming big
    18:40 – Why she started swimming (hint: it wasn’t her dream)
    29:00 – A mother’s intuition and a life-saving decision
    36:50 – Qualifying for Olympic Trials—and the power of support”
    46:50 – Mental health crash: the pressure no one saw
    59:00 – The medical trauma of her daughter’s heart surgery
    1:16:45 – On learning to fall—so they can rise
    1:21:40 – What parents really need in the sport ecosystem

    Quotes

    · “They were having the kids fall on purpose so they could learn how to rise. Why aren’t we doing that with our kids’ inner world?”
    [1:17:00]

    · “We get in our kids’ way sometimes—not because we’re bad parents, but because we’re human.”
    [1:26:05]

    · “Who we are and what we do are not the same. That truth saved my life.”
    [0:55:45]

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    Books Mentioned:
    Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
    The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

    Websites:
    SameHere Global Mental Health Movement
    5 in 5 Mental Health Campaign



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    51 分
  • Two time Olympian Lindsay Mintenko - Rooted in Values, Rising in Sport
    2025/06/20

    Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast

    Hosted by Samantha Livingstone

    Two time Olympian Lindsay Mintenko - Rooted in Values, Rising in Sport

    In this candid and heart-filled conversation, Samantha welcomes longtime friend, fellow Olympian, and sport parent Lindsay Mintenko to the podcast. Lindsay shares her journey from small-town Indiana to Olympic gold, reflecting on the foundation her family gave her and the challenges of balancing identity, performance, and spotlight.

    Now a mom of two, Lindsay opens up about parenting elite athletes, choosing the right club environments, and supporting kids through the highs and lows of sport—without losing sight of the bigger picture: raising good humans.

    Together, Sam and Lindsay unpack what it means to let our kids lead, to be present without overpowering, and to trust that performance doesn’t need to come at the cost of wellness. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating sport culture today—and proof that greatness and groundedness can coexist.

    06:05 – Cultural roots, family values & John Wooden's legacy
    11:00 – Multi-sport childhood and early sport experiences
    15:10 – Parenting athletes through transitions and prioritization
    18:45 – Supporting identity development vs. performance identity
    23:30 – How her parents held space without pressure
    37:00 – Identity struggles and the relief of college
    46:20 – Separation, support, and letting kids lead
    54:00 – Failing forward: celebrating the “bad days”
    1:08:15 – Club choice: alignment over chasing wins
    1:14:30 – Raising siblings with different skills and spotlights
    1:19:00 – Social media pressure & mental health in today’s youth
    1:26:50 – Letting kids grow: where we might be missing the mark

    Quotes

    · “My job isn’t to raise an Olympic champion—it’s to raise a good person.”
    [1:09:00]

    · “No one knows your kid better than you do. Just listen.”
    [1:32:00]

    · “Let them fail. Let them fall. Let them grow.”
    [1:26:45]

    Social Media and Links

    · RTSP Instagram

    · samanthalivingstone

    Books Mentioned:
    Pyramid of Success by John Wooden

    Websites:
    SameHere Global Mental Health Movement
    5 in 5 Mental Health Campaign

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    1 時間 2 分