If you’ve ever said, “My teen needs to be taken down a notch,” this episode is your wake-up call. We break down why that mindset crushes confidence and how a coaching approach actually develops humility, strength, and real independence. You’ll learn how to use love, challenge, and questions—not control or shame—to raise high-performing, emotionally healthy teens.

In this episode, we dive into how humiliation, even when subtle, can derail your teen’s confidence and passion. Instead, we offer some powerful questions to guide your teen’s growth through thoughtful challenges, encouragement, and conversations that fuel both their character and their performance (even if they're a bit defiant!).

The Timestamps!

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Philosophy

02:15 The Concept of Taking Down a Notch

04:48 The Emotional Cost of Humiliation

07:40 Challenging Overconfidence in Teens

10:18 Healthy Alternatives to Humiliation

12:49 Encouraging Growth and Confidence

15:14 Conclusion and Call to Action

Takeaways

-Taking your teen down a notch can be harmful.

-Humiliation has staggering emotional costs for kids.

-Parents should foster confidence in their children.

-Redirecting defiance is more effective than punishment.

-Asking questions can help teens reflect on their behavior.

-Love is a stronger motivator than fear.

-Modeling humility is essential for parents.

-Encouraging service can teach gratitude and humility.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

And, there’s more–there always isn't there?! If you’ve read this far you probably are totally nerdy and giddy about helping teen athletes and performers to excel. Click here to pick up our 100% Free Thinking Tool: The Question Only Conversation. Give it a whirl today and watch your relationship with your teen athlete or performer trend upward!

-Nate & Steve

Parents, here’s the hard truth: growth doesn’t happen where honesty is avoided. In Episode 118, we dive deep into why facing the truth—especially the uncomfortable kind—creates the breakthrough moments your teen athlete or performer needs. You’ll quickly learn how to apply our “3 Reframing R’s”—Reflect, Refocus, and Recommit—to transform your approach from typical parental reacting to coaching with clarity and power.

Moms and dads--we believe in you and we believe you CAN handle the truth!

The Timestamps

00:00 The Importance of Truth in Growth

02:15 Keys to Confronting the Truth

07:59 Personal Stories of Truth and Growth

12:46 The Three Rs: Reflect, Refocus, Recommit

Takeaways

-When you uncover more of the truth, the faster you grow.

-All progress starts with the truth. Rinse and repeat that!

-Be curious, not judgmental, when confronting the truth.

-Specificity helps focus on facts, not feelings.

-The 3 Reframing R's: Reflect, Refocus, & Recommit are a must!

-Consistency wins in all areas of life.

-Coaching can help identify blind spots.

-Accepting the truth opens doors for growth.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

And, there’s more–there always isn't there?! If you’ve read this far you probably are totally nerdy and giddy about helping teen athletes and performers to excel. Click here to pick up our 100% Free Thinking Tool: The Question Only Conversation. Give it a whirl today and watch your relationship with your teen athlete or performer trend upward!

-Nate & Steve

PARENTS—your words carry weight. If you're coaching a high-achieving teen, "linguistic intentionality" isn't optional—it's essential. In this episode, we break down why how you say something matters just as much as what you say. The way you communicate can build confidence, resilience, and trust—or do the opposite. This one’s packed with practical insight to help you level up your parenting (ahem, coaching) game. Let’s get into it.

The Timestamps!

00:00 Understanding Linguistic Intentionality

00:37 The Importance of Words in Communication

02:52 The Story of Finn: A Teen Athlete's Struggles

03:44 E + R = O: Event, Response, Outcome

04:40 Introducing The Controllable Compass

07:47 Role-Playing: Finn's Dad's Perspective

10:42 Emotional Responses and Self-Talk

13:07 Focus Management in Conversations

Takeaways

-Linguistic intentionality is crucial for effective communication.

-Words have a significant impact on relationships.

-Self-talk influences our emotional responses.

-E + R = O: Event + Response = Outcome.

-The Controllable Compass helps focus on responses.

-Clear purpose is essential in conversations.

-Maintaining a big picture perspective is important.

-Emotional awareness aids in better communication.

-Focus management helps prioritize what matters most.

-Preparation is key for intentional conversations.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

And, there’s more–there always isn't there?! If you’ve read this far you probably are totally nerdy and giddy about helping teen athletes and performers to excel. Click here to pick up our 100% Free Thinking Tool: The Question Only Conversation. Give it a whirl today and watch your relationship with your teen athlete or performer trend upward!

-Nate & Steve

Steve goes on the hot seat!! Sizzle! This week's episode is a replay of a LinkedIn LIVE session where Nate plays himself (a high performance coach) and Steve plays a high achieving parent of a teen athlete or performer. It's time for Steve to "get radically honest!"

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

And, there’s more–there always isn't there?! If you’ve read this far you probably are totally nerdy and giddy about helping teen athletes and performers to excel. Click here to pick up our 100% Free Thinking Tool: The Question Only Conversation. Give it a whirl today and watch your relationship with your teen athlete or performer trend upward!

-Nate & Steve

High-achieving parents! You’ve got the ambition, the goals, and the work ethic. But tech doesn’t care. Tech and social media is working against you and your best efforts, pulling your high performing teen away from purpose into danger, anxiety, and crippling identity issues.

Nicole Runyon, a licensed psychotherapist, keynote speaker, wife, mother, and author of the book: Free to Fly: The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation, joins us to share the wisdom and necessity in reclaiming your role as a parent—not with your hands off the wheel or ruling with an iron fist—but as a true leader modeling high standards and setting firm, loving boundaries!

Grab Nicole's amazing book on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/Free-Fly-Fostering-Independence-Generation/dp/1637633777/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EGOODJ8EUI4E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._fX6I-u-FL4rocER5klg1g.q_jCFmZGbRL10f_wepkc7HBOC99Hr5t6LwETUpAukwE&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicole+runyon+free+to+fly&qid=1758574177&sprefix=nicole+runyon%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

Like audio? Get Nicole's book here on Audible:

https://www.audible.com/pd/Free-to-Fly-Audiobook/B0FNNRVJCT?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Nicole is most active on Linkedin. Find and follow her there: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerunyonlmsw/

The Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Nicole Runyon

04:52 Nicole's Massive Shift!

09:18 The Role of Therapy & Parental Influence

11:25 Modeling Behavior

18:01 Navigating Discomfort & Resilience

22:17 Real-Life Examples of Parenting Challenges

29:30 Technology's Impact on Parenting& Boundaries

31:56 The Dangers of Roblox

33:05 Establishing Tech Boundaries for Families

40:19 Age-Specific Recommendations for Device Use

45:11 Addressing Parental Denial & Resistance

48:36 Building Connection with Resistant Teens

52:12 Self-Awareness in Parenting

58:50 Encouragement for Parents

Please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. Our channel is named after our show -- The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

New episodes drop every MONDAY. We also post valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

-Nate & Steve

PARENTS: Please join us at a special LINKEDIN Live event just for you. "RADICALLY HONEST" are the words we'll be wrestling with! 30 minutes, short and sweet, 100% complimentary, and you, a Most Valuable Parent will be one of the stars! Click the link below to register!

RADICALLY HONEST, September 22nd @ 7:00 pm MST

Hey parents—what if the very thing you’re trying to fix in your teen isn’t actually the problem? In this episode, Steve and I dive into a powerful shift: moving from parenting strategies that control to coaching strategies that connect. We share how coaching the person, not the problem, can unlock massive growth—for your teen and for you.

Every breakthrough starts with honesty—and in this episode, we show you why. We break down how our nique hybrid coaching model transforms family dynamics, fosters connection, and gets measurable results. Whether your teen is an athlete, performer, or just trying to find their path, this is where real growth begins...with you!

The Timestamps!

00:00 Understanding the Unique Approach to Parenting Coaching

03:13 The Power of Elevating Parents

05:59 The Importance of Honesty and Clarity

08:47 The Hybrid Coaching Model

11:41 Measurable Growth and Family Dynamics

14:03 Join us on our September 22nd LinkedIn LIVE!

Takeaways

-We're not here to fix problems.

-All progress starts with the truth--RADICAL HONESTY required!

-We coach the parent and the teen athlete/performer, not the problem.

-When you focus on getting better, everything gets better.

-Our hybrid coaching model unleashes the multiplier effect.

-A proven method gives us coaching confidence.

-You can make it happen if you're willing to get to the truth.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

LinkedIn LIVE September 22nd, 2025

And, there’s more–there always isn't there?! If you’ve read this far you probably are totally nerdy and giddy about helping teen athletes and performers to excel. Click here to pick up our 100% Free Thinking Tool: The Question Only Conversation. Give it a whirl today and watch your relationship with your teen athlete or performer trend upward!

-Nate & Steve

PARENTS--Let’s get radical! Let's get honest! We might as well get RADICALLY HONEST!! Traditional parenting often breaks down when your teen starts to compete or perform at a higher level. What they need isn't more control, it's a shift from your best parenting to skilled coaching. We dive into what radical honesty really means, how to reset communication, and why your own growth as a parent is the key to unlocking theirs. It’s not about pushing harder—it’s about connecting deeper. Let's go MVP's!!

You're cordially invited to join us on a LinkedIn LIVE on Monday, September 22nd at 7-7:30 pm MST. It will be informative, interactive, and it's 100% free (really). And did I mention it will be a lot of fun?! See you there! NATE & STEVE: LINKEDIN LIVE--The RADICALLY HONEST Conversation for crazy busy high achieving parents of high performing teen athletes!

The Timestamps

00:00 The Need for Coaching Beyond Youth

03:20 Parental Growth and Connection

06:16 The Impact of Expectations on Performance

08:35 The Importance of Radical Honesty

10:48 Transitioning from Parenting to Coaching

12:45 Invitation to the PRIME your MIND for PARENTS LinkedIn LIVE

Takeaways

-Coaching is essential for both teens and parents.

-Parents often stop seeking coaching as they grow older.

-The demands of parenting require continuous personal growth.

-Parental growth can significantly impact teen performance.

-Controlling the controllables is crucial for parents.

-Teens often struggle with external expectations.

-Radical honesty is the foundation for growth.

-Shifting from parenting to coaching reduces conflict.

-Parents should seek coaching to better support their teens.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also hang out and spread our message on LinkedIn. Please follow us and engage with us there: LinkedIn Steve Galley

And, there’s more–there always isn't there?! If you’ve read this far you probably are totally nerdy and giddy about helping teen athletes and performers to excel. Click here to pick up our 100% Free Thinking Tool: The Question Only Conversation. Give it a whirl today and watch your relationship with your teen athlete or performer trend upward!

-Nate & Steve

"Nobody needs coaching" (say it in a bit of a whiny voice for added effect). While that is a common "hot take" out there in the coaching space, we 100% go against the grain on that statement. Those are fightin' words to us!

After 55ish combined years of coaching, parenting, and marital (mostly) bliss...we strongly contend that while everyone may not want a coach or aspire to be coached, Everyone Needs a Coach!! Tune in to this short but hard punching episode where we will present the arguments against the "nobody needs coaching" statement and throw a few haymakers in presenting our case for the necessity of coaching.

Are you ready for coaching?!

Takeaways

-Everyone needs a coach to help them grow.

-Individual athletes often have coaches to address blind spots.

-A great coach acts as your externalized prefrontal cortex.

-Coaching accelerates the rate of improvement. Go further, faster with coaching!

-Parents should shift from parenting to coaching their teens.

-Coaching is not just for professional athletes; it's for everyone.

-Coaching helps in elevating all areas of life consistently.

-EVERYONE NEEDS A COACH.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

And, there’s more–there always isn't there?! If you’ve read this far you probably are totally nerdy and giddy about helping teen athletes and performers to excel. Click here to pick up our 100% Free Thinking Tool: The Question Only Conversation. Give it a whirl today and watch your relationship with your teen athlete or performer trend upward!

-Nate & Steve