In this episode of Heaven or Heisman, we sit down with our friend Kyle Porter from Normal Sport for a deep conversation that blends golf, faith, and the search for meaning. Together with Jean and the team, Kyle unpacks Scotty Scheffler’s surprising press conference comments on fulfillment, Ecclesiastes, and what it truly means to chase success.

From Solomon’s wisdom to the grind of professional athletes, the crew explores why even at the very top, achievement often feels empty. They dive into the tension between joy and happiness, the fleeting nature of success, and how faith reshapes our understanding of work, family, and calling. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of triumph, struggle, and the lessons parents and athletes alike can draw from sports culture.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, “Is this it?”—this episode will challenge and encourage you to see beyond accomplishments to the deeper source of lasting joy.

Today we dive headfirst into the cultural shift in youth sports—how money, pressure, and year-round specialization are reshaping the game for kids and families alike. We reflect on what sports used to be, where they’re headed, and the ripple effects on motivation, structure, access, family roles, and kids’ identities. From NIL million-dollar deals to the quiet erosion of “just playing for fun,” we share our honest thoughts, personal experiences, and biblical insights on how parents can navigate this new landscape without losing sight of what matters most.

Key Takeaways

• Youth sports motivation has shifted from fun to fame, money, and exposure.
• Year-round specialization is erasing the seasonal variety and joy of multiple sports.
• Fast-tracking kids’ development often comes at the expense of long-term growth.
• Access to elite opportunities is increasingly tied to wealth and connections.
• Parents’ roles are moving from supportive cheerleaders to high-stakes investors.
• Kids are being branded as athletes first, rather than being valued as children.
• Burnout, anxiety, and depression are real risks in this pressurized environment.
• The culture around sports often mirrors the idolization of money in Scripture.
• Families can model a healthier culture by redefining success and celebrating character.
• Change starts one kid, one team, one family at a time.

In this lighthearted and honest episode, Luke Baker and Jean Anderson share the chaos, comedy, and camaraderie that comes with being a youth sports parent. From the infamous shoe crisis to the magic of high fives, they unpack seven laugh-out-loud relatable realities only parents on the sidelines truly understand. Whether you're a veteran coach, a snack mom, or a barefoot-kid defender, this episode is a fun tribute to all the unglamorous—and unforgettable—moments that make up the youth sports experience.

In this powerful episode, Keegan Mueller — a former D1 wrestler, coach, and real estate leader — shares how growing up on the wrestling mat shaped his toughness, grit, and identity. But it wasn’t until a life-threatening fall in front of his son that Keegan learned what real strength and stillness look like.

He talks candidly about the culture of performance, how sports can form (or misshape) young men, and what it means to raise kids who are tough, humble, and rooted in faith. From Highland Park wrestling rooms to hospital beds, Keegan’s story is a raw reminder that sometimes God uses unexpected moments to slow us down and remind us who’s really in control.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or just someone who needs encouragement to find purpose beyond performance, you’ll walk away challenged and inspired.

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Jean and the team explore one of the most important questions facing kids, parents, and coaches in youth sports today: Are we chasing performance or living from purpose? Drawing from a powerful Kobe Bryant quote and personal stories—including one deeply moving tribute to John's late mother—this conversation challenges the cultural obsession with measuring worth through wins, stats, and scores. Instead, listeners are invited to discover the freeing and lasting foundation of purpose: honoring God in all things.

You'll hear real-life strategies for how parents and coaches can help kids play with passion without tying their identity to performance. Whether it's a reminder to “give 1,000%” or examples of kids learning to lead through sports, this episode offers a compelling vision for raising confident, purpose-driven young athletes.

Have you ever felt the pressure to buy your kid the best gear for youth sports? In today’s Gearhead episode, we chat about how parents don’t need to stress over purchasing the most expensive equipment for their children. We kick things off with a funny coaching story, followed by a discussion on how flashy, high-priced gear doesn’t guarantee success on the field. From expensive baseball bats to pricey soccer balls, we dive into why your kid’s skills matter more than the gear they use.

We explore how many top athletes, like Lionel Messi and Michael Jordan, grew up playing with makeshift equipment, which helped them develop fundamental skills. The message is simple: Save your money, focus on developing your child’s abilities, and skip the pressure to buy the fanciest gear. Whether it’s a secondhand bat or a budget-friendly soccer ball, it’s the effort and fundamentals that make all the difference in the game. Tune in for some practical advice and a refreshing perspective on youth sports.

Have you ever wondered how to help your child become a better teammate? In today’s episode, we dive into the essential character traits that make a great team player, from adaptability to the ability to support struggling teammates. We also explore different teammate personalities you’ll encounter, like the fiery competitor or the quiet leader, and how to navigate those dynamics. Whether your child is the star player or learning their role on the team, we’ll share practical tips on how to foster good teamwork both on and off the field.

Through real-life scenarios and proven strategies, we discuss how to encourage your child to embrace their role, support their teammates, and handle challenges with resilience. Plus, we’ll talk about the importance of teaching your child how to be a friend and communicate effectively, skills that will last far beyond the game. Tune in for some helpful advice on how to raise a strong, supportive teammate!

In this episode, Rob Hayes joins us for a conversation that explores the intersection of faith, family, and elite athletics. Rob, a former competitive golfer and father of seven, shares his journey of raising children in a sports-driven world while keeping family values front and center. From navigating the pressures of youth sports to making intentional family memories, Rob offers insight into fostering healthy relationships, prioritizing faith, and helping kids thrive both on and off the field.

Rob’s experience in coaching his children through everything from soccer and tennis to golf provides practical wisdom for any parent trying to balance their child's athletic ambitions with a flourishing family life. Whether you’re considering travel teams, managing busy schedules, or wondering how to incorporate faith into sports, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. Rob shares stories of triumphs and challenges that remind us that the most important goal isn’t winning—it’s growing together as a family, with a solid foundation in faith and character.

In this episode of How Can I Help My Child Love God Through Sports, we dive into how we, as dads, can help our kids honor God through their athletic experiences. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure of performance, but we believe there’s so much more to sports than just winning or losing. We share stories and practical tips on how to focus on character-building aspects like love, compassion, hard work, and integrity, all while supporting our kids' spiritual growth.

We talk about how sports can be a powerful platform for teaching our kids biblical values like being a good teammate, showing grace under pressure, and staying true to their unique identity. We also reflect on moments when our own kids have been tested in sports and how we’ve used those times to point them back to God. Plus, we discuss how to turn everyday moments—like car rides to practice—into opportunities for spiritual growth.

Whether you're coaching or just cheering from the sidelines, we believe that sports can be an amazing tool for teaching our kids how to live out their faith. Tune in to hear how we can make those lessons stick, even when things don’t go as planned.

Want to know what happens when you mix sports, faith, and family?

Join us for a fun and candid conversation on the Heaven or Heisman podcast, where we sit down with Pastor Timothy Ateek to dive into the impact of youth sports on our kids, our families, and our values.

We tackle tough topics like the pressure to win at all costs, how sports can shape our kids' identities, and the role faith plays in all of it.

From dealing with competition to balancing church and game day, we offer some practical advice for parents trying to navigate the fast-paced world of sports while keeping faith and family at the forefront.

Plus, we’ll share how to keep your priorities in check and raise kids who understand that winning isn’t everything—faith and character are!

It’s a must-listen for anyone juggling sports schedules and family values. Tune in and let's figure out how to do it all, together!