In this deeply human conversation, Kirsten sits down with Stephanie Malia Krauss—educator, author, and national thought leader on youth development—to explore what it truly means to help young people thrive in today’s world.

With over two decades of experience working across classrooms, communities, and even alongside policymakers, Stephanie brings a rare blend of real-world insight and research-backed wisdom. From founding a school for youth furthest from opportunity to advising leaders at every level, her work challenges the way we think about success, well-being, and what kids actually need—not just to get by, but to fully live.

At the heart of this episode is Stephanie’s groundbreaking concept of “rehumaning,” introduced in her latest book How We Thrive. She unpacks how modern life has stripped away many of our core human needs—and what we can do as parents, coaches, and mentors to restore them. Drawing from her Hawaiian heritage, lived experience, and years of hands-on work, Stephanie offers a refreshing, holistic approach to raising and supporting the next generation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about kids—not just their performance, but their humanity.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Patric Young—former Florida Gators standout, professional basketball player, and now a college basketball analyst for SEC Network. Once known for his dominance on the court, Patric’s life took an unimaginable turn after a 2022 accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. What followed, however, is a story not of loss—but of purpose, resilience, and reinvention.

Patric opens up about the identity shift that comes with losing the game you love, the mental and emotional battles that followed his injury, and how he found new meaning through faith, service, and storytelling. Now a motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist, he’s using his platform to inspire others to redefine adversity and embrace life’s challenges head-on.

This conversation goes far beyond basketball—it’s about perspective, gratitude, and what it truly means to be strong. Patric’s journey will challenge the way you think about setbacks and leave you with a renewed sense of purpose.

If you’re a parent, athlete, or anyone navigating life’s unexpected turns—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this powerful episode, Kirsten sits down with Ivan Lombard-Jackson—an Los Angeles Police Department officer, youth basketball coach, and founder of Watts Skills Academy—to explore how sports can become a lifeline for young people growing up in underserved communities.

Based in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, Watts Skills Academy is more than just basketball—it’s a free mentorship program dedicated to equipping youth with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court. Ivan shares his journey into law enforcement, his passion for coaching, and the “why” behind creating a program that blends discipline, accountability, and opportunity through sport.

This conversation dives into the real impact of mentorship, the challenges facing today’s youth, and how one coach is creating a safe space where kids can grow, learn, and believe in something bigger than themselves.

✉️ Follow Watts Skills Academy on IG: @wattsskillsacademy and @WattsSkillsAcademyGBC ✉️

David Murray is the author of several books, including Soccer Dad and An Effort to Understand: Hearing One Another (and Ourselves) in a Nation Cracked in Half. An award-winning journalist, his writing on sports and culture has appeared in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Atlantic, and many other publications. He is also the editor and publisher of Vital Speeches of the Day, one of the world’s oldest continuously published magazines, and the founder and executive director of the Professional Speechwriters Association. David writes daily on communication at Writing-Boots.com and lives with his wife and daughter in Chicago.

In this episode, Kirsten sits down with David to unpack the real journey of raising an athlete—from the sidelines to the college commitment. Together, they dive into his experience supporting his daughter on her path to Division I soccer, the lessons learned along the way, and the honest, often overlooked realities of sports parenting. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating the highs, pressures, and purpose behind youth athletics.

In this honest conversation, former Trevor Ruhland opens up about what it really means to wear the jersey at University of Notre Dame—and what happens when the game is over. Trevor shares a behind-the-scenes look at the physical and mental demands of playing at one of college football’s most storied programs, offering insight into the pressure, discipline, and identity that come with competing at the highest level.

But this episode goes far beyond football. Trevor gets real about the challenges he faced after his playing days ended—battling mental health struggles, navigating a loss of identity, and dealing with weight fluctuations both during and after college. His vulnerability sheds light on a side of athletics that often goes unspoken, especially for athletes transitioning out of sport.

This is a conversation about more than just football—it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and the ongoing journey of redefining who you are when the game no longer defines you.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Patric Young—former Florida Gators standout, professional basketball player, and now a college basketball analyst for SEC Network. Once known for his dominance on the court, Patric’s life took an unimaginable turn after a 2022 accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. What followed, however, is a story not of loss—but of purpose, resilience, and reinvention.

This conversation goes far beyond basketball—it’s about perspective, gratitude, and what it truly means to be strong. Patric’s journey will challenge the way you think about setbacks and leave you with a renewed sense of purpose.

If you’re a parent, athlete, or anyone navigating life’s unexpected turns—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Kirsten sits down with Ivan Lombard-Jackson—an Los Angeles Police Department officer, youth basketball coach, and founder of Watts Skills Academy—to explore how sports can become a lifeline for young people growing up in underserved communities.

This conversation dives into the real impact of mentorship, the challenges facing today’s youth, and how one coach is creating a safe space where kids can grow, learn, and believe in something bigger than themselves.

️Follow Watts Skills Academy on IG: @wattsskillsacademy and @WattsSkillsAcademyGBC ️

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Murray is the author of several books, including Soccer Dad and An Effort to Understand: Hearing One Another (and Ourselves) in a Nation Cracked in Half. An award-winning journalist, his writing on sports and culture has appeared in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Atlantic, and many other publications. He is also the editor and publisher of Vital Speeches of the Day, one of the world’s oldest continuously published magazines, and the founder and executive director of the Professional Speechwriters Association. David writes daily on communication at Writing-Boots.com and lives with his wife and daughter in Chicago.

In this episode, Kirsten sits down with David to unpack the real journey of raising an athlete—from the sidelines to the college commitment. Together, they dive into his experience supporting his daughter on her path to Division I soccer, the lessons learned along the way, and the honest, often overlooked realities of sports parenting. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating the highs, pressures, and purpose behind youth athletics.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful conversation, Trevor Ruhland opens up about what it really means to wear the jersey at University of Notre Dame—and what happens when the game is over. Trevor shares a behind-the-scenes look at the physical and mental demands of playing at one of college football’s most storied programs, offering insight into the pressure, discipline, and identity that come with competing at the highest level.

But this episode goes far beyond football. Trevor gets real about the challenges he faced after his playing days ended—battling mental health struggles, navigating a loss of identity, and dealing with weight fluctuations both during and after college. His vulnerability sheds light on a side of athletics that often goes unspoken, especially for athletes transitioning out of sport.

This is a conversation about more than just football—it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and the ongoing journey of redefining who you are when the game no longer defines you.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tucker Richardson joins Kirsten again to share his journey—from being an undersized high school player with just one Division I offer, to attending prep school, to becoming a multi-time Patriot League Player of the Year at Colgate University, leading his team to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament four years in a row, and now playing professionally in Europe. His story is proof that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, rep by rep, season by season.

If your athlete is waiting to “feel” confident before they play big, this conversation is the mindset shift you’ve been looking for.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.