Beyond The Lines

In Episode #76, the Life After Sports episode is completed with former high school and college football player David. We begin Part 2 of the episode discussing David's thought on #2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft Cameron Brink's ACL injury during a game back on June 18th. From there, we pick up where we left of from Part 1. We talk about how David felt mentally and emotionally the first few days and week following his decision to stop playing football. David also shares what kind of toll the decision took on him and how he was able to get through it. We discuss what David is doing these days and what his future plans and goals are. Finally, David offers his advice to young athletes who may face the same decision he did. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' for young athletes when dealing with living life after sports.

I recommend all parents of young athletes, coaches and athletes to listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of this episode.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #75, I have an honest and sobering discussion with former high school and college football player name David. David shares what got him interested in playing sports and, in particular, football at a very young age. We discuss his talent, athleticism and success as a youth football player. The conversation moves to his high school playing days. It's during that time period where David would encounter two severe injuries that ultimately forces him to make a very tough decision. David is candid and open about those injuries and how they affected him, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. David talks about the support group he had around him during those tough days and what it took for him to keep going. David reveals what finally led up to him making a tough decision on his future and his thoughts on that decision. Finally, David offers his advice to young athletes when it comes playing sports and how to deal with life afterwards. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.' 
I encourage all young athletes, parents and coaches to listen to this and the upcoming Part II episode of this very real and probable outcome for many athletes.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care.

Support the show

In Episode #74, I have a discussion with recurring guest Dr. Julie Stamm, PhD. She is an expert in repetitive head impacts and the author of The Brain on Youth Sports: The science, The myths and The Future. Dr. Stamm begins with explaining what a  concussion is and how it occurs. She goes on to explain what a Guardian Cap is and how it's suppose to protect athletes. We discuss the possible change in terminology surrounding concussions and head impacts, and what that may mean moving forward. Dr. Stamm offers her opinion on the mandate and what that means for athletes in the future. She also offers her opinion on the efficacy of the Guardian Cap and if the mandate is just for "optics." Finally, Dr. Stamm offers her advice to parents and coaches when it comes to relying on the Guardian Cap for safety and preventing concussions. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.' As usual, Dr. Stamm is informative and insightful. If you have or coach an athlete, I suggest you listen to this and the previous episodes that Dr. Stamm was a guest on. 

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care.

Support the show

In Episode #73, I have a candid and in-depth discussion with Performance Coach, Motivational Speaker and founder of War Room Strength and War Room Speakers Club, Ross Alexander. Ross and I discuss the state of youth sports today compared to decades ago. First, Ross shares his memories and experience as a young athlete in Texas. He discusses what sports he played and what got him interested in playing sports. Ross also shares who his role model was and why that person was an inspiration to him. We discuss the state of today's young athletes compared to years ago and why they seem to have less respect for authority, including parents and coaches. Ross shares why he entered into the public speaking realm. He talks about how his War Room Strength and War Room Speakers Club has helps young athletes. Finally, Ross offers his opinion on the pressure that young athletes face today-or the lack thereof. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.' Please listen in to this very frank conversation.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care.

Support the show

In Episode #72, I have a discussion with pediatric endocrinologist and the co-founder of The Endocrine Co. in Orlando, Florida, Dr Pauley. Dr. Pauley has been a guest on the show several times. She shares her wonderful and insightful knowledge on all things that affect youth systemically. Dr. Pauley answers and explains things in an easy-to-understand and thoughtful manner. In this discussion, Dr. Pauley and I discuss what BMI is, how it's calculated and it's relevancy to body weight and weight loss. We go in-depth about the step-by-step process of creating a successful weight loss program for your teen. Dr. Pauley shares info. on the proven and safe weight loss drugs available for teens. Dr. Pauley, in her concise yet thoughtful approach, outlines the way in which parents and families can be a support group for their teen during the weight loss journey. Finally, Dr. Pauley offers her advice to parents and families to help their teen be successful in a weight loss program. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways'.

I encourage teens, as well as adults, to listen to Dr. Pauley discuss this important topic.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care

Support the show

Support the show

In Episode #70, I have a discussion with Pediatric Endocrinologist, CEO and Founder of The Endocrine Co. in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Pauley. In, easy to understand terminology,  Dr. Pauley uncovers and details everything surrounding G.H.D. She explains what a growth hormone is and where it's created in our bodies. She details what exactly G.H.D is and what causes it. Dr. Pauley talks about the risk factors and the signs and symptoms to look for. She shares great information on how G.H.D. is diagnosed and how it's treated. We discuss how a parent can tell if their child is suffering from G.H.D. or if their child is short because of genetics. In the end, Dr. Pauley offers her advice to families when it comes to dealing with and treating G.H.D. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.' Please be sure to listen in to this in-depth and information packed episode. 

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #69, I have a very informative discussion with Darrick Bowens. Darrick has an MBA in Finance and he's a franchise owner of Colbert Ball Tax in Frederick, Maryland. Darrick shares his vast knowledge of the finance industry and how that affects young kids. Darrick discusses the financial literacy program he started in Frederick earlier this year.  He gives his insight into what age kids should start learning the basics of finance and how that should be implemented in schools as well as at home. Darrick also shares his thoughts on the N.I.L. (Name Image and Likeness) situation and college athletes should manage their finances off this ever-growing college sports program. He also shares his thoughts on the universities and the NCAA's culpability in athletes being educated on financial responsibility. Finally, Darrick offers his advice to young kids when it comes to managing their finances. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways for young kids in dealing with financial responsibility.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #68, I have a follow up discussion with Dr. Julie Stamm, Ph.D about concussions.  She's the author of the book, "The Brain on Youth Sports: The science, the myths and the future." Dr. Stamm and I discussed this topic two years ago (Episode #19 dated 7/20/21). In this episode, we discussed the most recent science and information surrounding concussions. Dr. Stamm shared information on the most recent findings when it comes to CTE and what the NFL and other professional sports leagues are doing to curtail the incidents of concussions. Dr. Stamm also discussed the eventual use of A.I. in the field of diagnosing and possible treatment of concussions. We covered the efficacy, or lack thereof, of the widely used Guardian Caps and whether they are help or more harmful to athletes.  Finally, Dr. Stamm offers her advice to parents, coaches and athletes when it comes to dealing with concussions.
https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Youth-Sports-Science-Future/dp/1538143194

Thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show

In Episode #67, I have a very enlightening discussion with nineteen year old college soccer player name Jordan. First, Jordan shares what got her interested in soccer and how long she has been playing. She then discusses what kept her playing soccer versus another sport. From athletics to religion, Jordan shares her early memories of growing up in a Christian household and how that upbringing molded her. Jordan talks about who her inspiration was that encouraged her to build her own relationship with God. She offers great insight into how she is able to stay true to her faith, continue to grow in her faith all the while being a college student-athlete. Finally, Jordan offers great advice to young kids to help them with their spiritual and athletic endeavors. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways."

Listen in to this very insightful and personal story.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

Support the show