Rinkside is back for Season 2! Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves return to the mic to share what’s new, what’s changed, and what they’ve been up to since you last heard them.

In this special episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew tackle topics submitted by you, the listeners. From team dynamics to selection politics, they dive into the real-life pressures athletes face—like whether chemistry or individual skill matters more, the stress of performance anxiety, and the tough decisions young athletes make when chasing opportunity in bigger cities. It's an honest, wide-ranging conversation rooted in your questions, with one constant theme: the joy of playing, and the importance of enjoying the ride—not just chasing the result.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Current Sports Buzz

03:02 Fan Questions and Team Building Dynamics

05:57 Team Selection: Skill vs. Chemistry

09:06 The Importance of Team Dynamics

12:01 Curling Team Dynamics and Player Selection

14:58 Managing Team Changes and Chemistry

18:02 Performance Anxiety and Game Day Concerns

20:40 Navigating Pre-Game Anxiety

23:03 The Importance of First Shifts

24:54 Recreational Play and Competitive Pressure

29:03 The Pressure to Move for Success

33:02 Finding Success Locally vs. Moving

37:05 The Importance of Enjoying the Game

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the complexities of social media in the context of youth sports, featuring guest Jess Szabo, the VP of Marketing for The Curling Group. They explore how young athletes can navigate social media positively, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of managing online presence. They also address how parents can support their children in building a personal brand while dealing with negative comments and the pressures of social media.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Social Media in Sports

02:45 The Role of Social Media for Athletes

05:33 Building a Personal Brand Online

08:33 Authenticity vs. Perfection in Social Media

11:35 Navigating Social Media as Young Athletes

17:51 Navigating Hate in Social Media

21:38 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform

24:09 Parental Involvement in Athlete Branding

26:07 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes

29:54 Tips for Parents and Young Athletes

32:21 Embracing Authenticity in Content Creation

34:04 Navigating Social Media in Youth Sports

36:48 Building Confidence Through Authenticity

38:15 Empowering Young Athletes in the Digital Age

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew welcome Greg Pollock from Gladiator Strength and Conditioning to discuss the importance of strength training for athletes, particularly during the off-season. Greg shares insights on how to structure training programs for young athletes, the importance of balancing strength and skill, and innovative techniques such as mobility and breathing exercises. The conversation also touches on the transition from training to coaching and the impact of Gladiator Strength and Conditioning on the local community.

Chapters

00:00 The Off-Season Journey

02:51 Training Dynamics and Goals

05:54 Finesse and Physicality in Sports

08:47 Individual Training Needs

11:56 Expert Guidance for Young Athletes

12:38 Introduction to Gladiator Strength and Conditioning

14:24 The Influence of Martial Arts on Training

17:15 Transitioning into Coaching and Early Experiences

20:16 Training Young Athletes: Techniques and Philosophy

24:16 Injury Prevention and Proper Technique

27:15 Off-Season Training Strategies

31:16 In-Season Training and Maintenance

34:08 Innovative Training Techniques: Mobility and Breathing

37:15 Expansion and New Facilities

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of injury prevention in sports with physiotherapist Paul Colebrook. They discuss the significance of assessments, the multidisciplinary approach to injury management, and the evolving strategies for recovery. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by young athletes, the impact of asymmetries in sports, and the necessity of tailored strength programs. They also touch on the trends in youth sports injuries and the benefits of multi-sport participation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Injury Prevention

01:25 The Role of Physiotherapy in Injury Prevention

03:54 Multidisciplinary Approach at Auto Orthopedic Center

06:19 Managing Youth Sports Injuries

08:54 Evolving Approaches to Injury Recovery

11:10 Addressing Asymmetries in Sports

13:42 Trends in Youth Sports Injuries

16:21 Youth Athlete Screening and Assessment

20:32 Injury Trends in Contact Sports

23:15 Preventing Injuries in Contact Sports

24:56 Passion for Sports and Athlete Treatment

25:40 Multi-Sport vs. Single-Sport Athletes

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew share their journeys in sports, discussing their backgrounds in curling and hockey, the importance of teamwork, the highs and lows of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. They reflect on Olympic experiences, the pressure of performance, and the significance of enjoying the journey as athletes. The conversation emphasizes the value of resilience, growth, and the bonds formed within teams, ultimately highlighting that success is not solely defined by medals but by the experiences and relationships built along the way.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds

02:16 Emma's Journey in Curling

04:59 Ryan's Hockey Beginnings

09:58 The Importance of Resilience in Sports

14:59 Team Dynamics and Relationships

18:18 Transitioning to Women's Curling

22:36 The NHL Combine Experience

25:53 Draft Day Disappointment and Lessons Learned

27:32 The Journey to Signing an NHL Contract

31:09 Emma's Path to Olympic Success

33:06 The Pressure of Olympic Expectations

35:20 Facing Media Pressure and Performance Anxiety

36:57 Post-Olympic Reflection and Growth

40:30 Managing Pressure and Enjoying the Moment

Summary

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of creating inclusive sports environments for children with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. They are joined by Dr. Amy Latimer-Cheung, who shares her research on quality participation in sports and the building blocks necessary for creating positive experiences. The conversation emphasizes the role of coaches in fostering inclusivity and adapting their strategies to meet the diverse needs of all athletes.

Chapters

00:00 Creating Inclusive Sports Environments

02:49 Understanding Quality Participation

08:22 Building Blocks of Quality Participation

14:05 Coaching for Inclusivity

19:51 Transformational Leadership in Coaching

25:02 Innovative Approaches to Coaching

27:08 The Possibilities of Sport for All

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage in a comprehensive discussion with Thomas Muir, a high-performance coach at the West Ottawa Soccer Club. They explore the landscape of youth soccer in Canada, focusing on the Ontario Provincial Development League (OPDL), the transition from player to coach, and the unique challenges faced by non-parent coaches. The conversation delves into the importance of player development over winning, the role of parents in youth sports, and the benefits of multi-sport participation for young athletes. Thomas shares insights on how to keep athletes engaged and the future of soccer in Canada, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and passion for the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Transition

02:52 Exploring Youth Soccer Coaching

04:15 Understanding the Ontario Player Development League

04:15 Introduction to Soccer Coaching in Ottawa

07:00 Thomas's Journey in Soccer

09:58 Transitioning from Player to Coach

12:56 The Challenges of Coaching Youth

15:50 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics in Coaching

18:55 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

21:47 Concluding Thoughts on Coaching and Development

24:35 Navigating Coaching Challenges

25:47 The Importance of Player Development

27:29 Balancing Individual and Team Goals

29:50 Understanding Competition and Development

34:33 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation

39:28 Addressing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports

Summary

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage with Tim Powers, discussing the profound impact of sports on personal and professional life. They explore Tim's journey from being a national-level rugby player to his current role with the Canadian Olympic Committee. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots development, the balance between performance and participation, and the role of social media in shaping the athlete experience. Tim emphasizes the need for youth to engage in multiple sports and the value of coaching in fostering a love for the game.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:29 The Impact of Sport on Life

05:01 Transitioning from Player to Administrator

07:43 Balancing Performance and Participation

10:28 Grassroots Development in Sports

13:15 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

16:01 Promoting Rugby to Families

18:31 Accessibility and Community in Rugby

21:29 The Impact of Rugby on Youth and Community

24:07 The Role of Social Media in Sports

27:07 The Evolution of Athlete Representation and Rights

28:56 Insights from the Canadian Olympic Committee

35:46 Coaching and Mentorship in Youth Sports

In this episode of Rinkside, Ryan Steeves and guest co-host Eric Macramalla cover youth sports, focusing on tryouts, player development, and the emotional challenges faced by young athletes. They discuss the importance of proper placement in sports, the impact of social media on youth sports culture, and the need for transparency in coaching decisions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of fostering a positive relationship between children and their sports, ensuring that the focus remains on enjoyment and growth rather than solely on competition.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Co-Host Dynamics

01:57 The Art of Unprepared Conversations

03:25 Navigating Tryouts: Insights and Experiences

07:12 Sorting Out Players: The Right Level Matters

11:25 Building Relationships Through Sports

15:01 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

18:38 Evaluating Talent: The Tryout Dilemma

22:41 Inclusivity in Sports: Casting a Wider Net

23:48 The Dynamics of Team Changes in Youth Sports

25:51 The Impact of Parental Expectations on Youth Athletes

28:50 Understanding the Role of Fun in Youth Sports

31:07 The Cost of Youth Sports: A Parent's Perspective

34:05 The Dangers of Overemphasis on Competition

35:45 The Influence of Social Media on Youth Sports

39:28 Consumption vs. Learning in Youth Sports