In this episode of Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston offers listeners an exclusive sneak peek into her new children's book, 'One Pitch At A Time'. The story revolves around young Valerie Stark as she navigates challenges of identity and injury, while discovering her love for fast-pitch softball. This preview highlights Valerie's encounters with a new sport, showcasing themes of resilience and friendship. Available for free on Kindle from May 15th to 19th, 2025, fans are encouraged to download, enjoy, and leave an honest review. The episode also includes a discussion section to spark meaningful conversations about courage, confidence, and the decision-making journey of young athletes.

00:00 Welcome to Car Ride Conversations

00:09 Introducing 'One Pitch At A Time'

02:02 Exclusive Sneak Peek: The Soccer Game

02:52 Valerie's Softball Discovery

05:18 Meeting Coach Ray and the Team

08:25 Valerie's Decision and Family Support

11:35 Doctor's Visit and New Beginnings

14:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Discussion questions:

1: “What helped Valerie be brave enough to throw that ball and join the practice, even though she didn’t know anyone and had her eye patch on?”

Why it matters:

This question invites kids to analyze courage in action — not the absence of fear, but the choice to act despite it. It helps them see that confidence isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you build through action. Parents can also share times they felt nervous but took a step forward anyway, creating a moment of mutual vulnerability.

2: “Have you ever worried people might make fun of you like Valerie did? What helped you feel better — or what do you think would help next time?”

Why it matters:

This opens up space for conversations about self-image, peer pressure, and emotional resilience. Kids often carry fears silently, and hearing a parent affirm that it's okay to feel that way — and that those feelings can be managed — builds trust and inner strength. It also offers parents a glimpse into their child’s social world.

3: “Why do you think Valerie decided to switch from baseball to softball — and what can we learn from her decision?”

Why it matters:

This frames change as a form of growth, not failure. Mental toughness often means adjusting to new paths instead of rigidly sticking to one plan. Valerie’s choice shows adaptability, a key psychological skill. Parents and kids can reflect on moments where being open to change led to a better outcome.

For a FREE pdf copy of One Pitch At A Time plus the bonuses mentioned in the episode got to: https://www.confidentcalmclutch.com/one-pitch-at-a-time-prelaunch 

You can also go straight to Amazon by following this link: https://amzn.to/3BhKqeA 

Thanks for joining me on Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a moment. Share it with other parents or coaches who could use a little extra inspiration on the go.

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For more specific tips on building mental toughness, buy my book Confident, Calm and Clutch: How to build confidence and mental toughness for young athletes using sports psychology

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