Stop Parenting & Start Coaching

If you're a longtime, loyal listener of the show, we wish to thank you for tuning in regularly to learn the what, why, and how to connect better with your teen athlete and performer.

After 140+ episodes, most of which consisted of us bantering back and forth about all things parenting, coaching, and teen athletes, we feel we have shared our message from front to back and back to front again.

Beginning with Episode 144 we will be moving in a new direction where we depart from our usual weekly, Monday show to a focus on interviewing outstanding guests one to two times per month.

We will catalogue our other episodes so you can quickly access the specific topics you are most interested in and then will direct our attention to providing value to you Most Valuable Parents by bringing you people who are or have lived within your world as high achieving moms and dads raising amazing teens!

If you have any suggestions for guests, please send your suggestions to me (Steve Galley) on LinkedIn. Thank you!

Nate & Steve

"Stop Parenting & Start Coaching." Yeah, we know it's a bit provocative. Yes, we know it turns some people away. But for the high achieving parents and their teens that we work with, it makes perfect sense.

Give us a few minutes and we'll tell you exactly what it means to us and why it could just be what you need to reduce the friction in the conversations and relationships with your teen athlete or performer. Let's go MVPs!

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We have created a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

Character architects. Decision makers. Putting the fun and joy back back into playing sports. Yeah, let's do this. In today's special guest episode we talk with Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, the dynamic duo and cofounders of Bluechip to Blueprint. You're gonna love this one moms and dads!

Erin Sarles brings 20+ years of corporate executive expertise to the youth sports arena, where she saw firsthand—as both a professional and a mother of competitive athletes—the devastating impact of performance-based identity. As CEO and co-creator of Blueprint to Bluechip's proprietary CADI Framework (Character Over Clout, Accountability Over Excuses, Discipline Over Motivation, Integrity Over Image), Erin addresses the character crisis in youth sports with the same systematic rigor she brought to developing corporate leaders.

Thomas Roe co-founded Blueprint to Bluechip after spending decades building and repairing bodies—and witnessing the character crises that come when physical development outpaces personal development. As founder of TRoe Fitness-Sports Rehab & Recovery, Thomas has trained athletes at every level, from professionals to weekend warriors & every athlete in between. Thomas understands that sustainable success in sports requires more than physical strength.

You can get in touch with Erin and Thomas here: Let's Talk! You can also find them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Search for Blueprint to Bluechip.

The Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

01:58 The Athletic Experience and Its Impact

05:23 The Birth of Blueprint to Bluechip

07:47 Dysfunction in Youth Sports

14:19 Character Development in Sports

19:11 Becoming Character Architects

22:51 Navigating Challenges in Sports and Life

25:12 Consequences of Careless Decisions

26:24 Character Development in Sports

27:40 The Dilemma of Specialization

28:51 Supporting Your Child's Dreams

31:34 The Risks of Single-Sport Focus

35:14 Aligning Goals with Reality

38:55 The CADI Framework for Decision Making

42:35 Encouragement for Parents

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

Parents, this episode is personal. Steve makes a big confession that gets right to the heart of coaching, parenting, pride, and the mindset shifts that can either help your teen grow or quietly hold them back. So...let's get right to the truth. Are you helping your teen think for themselves, or are you still stuck giving advice that no longer lands? In this episode, we unpack the difference between coaching and consulting, why human connection matters, and how better questions can create real growth at home.

The Timestamps

00:00 The Misconception of Coaching Worth

03:12 Understanding the Barriers to Coaching

06:02 The Importance of High-Level Coaching

08:27 The Distinction Between Coaching and Consulting

11:07 Encouraging Independent Thinking in Parenting

Takeaways

• Why Everyone Deserves Coaching (Why Steve was Wrong!)
• How pride and ignorance hinder coaching
• The difference between coaching and consulting
• The importance of human connection in coaching
• The role of follow-up questions in effective coaching
• Parenting strategies to develop kids' thinking skills

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

What if your teen does not need more pressure, more reminders, or more to-do’s, but better clarity? In this conversation, we fire some easy fastballs down the middle and then unleash a curveball that's gonna make your knees wobble a bit!

Let's face what your teen is facing if their schedule is packed tighter than a dugout with 25 stinky baseball players. Le'ts also step up to the plate and learn how The Question Only Conversation can help you guide their decisions with better communication that gets built upon playing the long game with trust!

Let's go Most Valuable Parents--you got this!

The Timestamps

00:00 The Badge (& Burden) of Busyness

03:18 Balancing School, Sports, and Social Life

05:57 The Importance of Honest Conversations

08:49 Introducing the Curveball: The #4 Category

10:43 Navigating Priorities as a Parent

Takeaways

• Teens can only be GREAT in 2 of these 3 areas: school, sports, social life.
• Honest conversations about priorities build trust and clarity.
• Adding a job can teach valuable life skills but compromises them and increases stress.
• Parents should use targeted questions to guide teens' decision-making.
• Clarity about priorities leads to better time management, productivity, and well-being.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

If you’ve ever contemplated a school transfer for your high school son or daughter and asked “Should we stay… or should we go?” you’re not alone! In this episode, we interview Rob Geertsen, a proud and present father and an experienced coach. Rob tells his son Zack's high school transfer story—what they did before any paperwork, how they evaluated the new environment, and why academics and “culture fit” mattered as much or more than the athletics.

If you are mulling over whether transferring is the right thing for your son/daughter, Rob will share what requires serious consideration before making the move.

Let's go Most Valuable Parents!!!

Want to talk to Rob personally about your transfer questions? Contact him at [email protected]. We guarantee that he will find time for you if you are genuinely interested in an honest and straightforward conversation!

The Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Zack Geertsen's HS Transfer Story

02:57 The Decision to Transfer Schools

06:57 Defining Success for Zack

11:33 Culture is Critical

14:57 Involving Zack in the Decision-Making Process

18:50 Due Diligence Before the Transfer

23:26 Exit Conversations and Integration into New Team

30:14 The Commitment of a Dedicated Parent

33:58 Navigating Challenges of Transfer Decisions

36:51 Building Relationships in a New Environment

42:24 The Reality of Making the Transfer

45:07 Advice for Parents Considering Transfers

49:25 The Risks of Transferring for the Wrong Reasons

55:06 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Aspirations

57:34 Wrapping Up with Wisdom and Humor

59:09 OUTRO Video BK 2025 FINAL.mp4

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

Here’s the truth: sleep is a system, not a character issue. So if your plan is “hope they choose better,” you’ll keep getting the same results. In this episode, we ask the questions you need to build a practical sleep system with mutual agreements. Using our Question Only Conversation approach will increase buy-in and cooperation that will help you both sleep well--like a baby (that doesn't wake up all night!).

And if you stick around to the end you'll get the 3-2-1 framework, a simple system to help you create a high performance sleep habit!!

Let's goooooooooooo................................to sleep! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The Timestamps

00:00 The Importance of Sleep Conversations

02:47 Understanding Sleep as a Biological Need

05:24 Empowering Teens to Own Their Sleep

08:12 Effective Communication Strategies for Parents

10:07 The Question-Only Conversation Technique

12:28 Challenging the Grind Mentality

14:50 Creating a Sleep Agreement

17:45 The 321 Sleep Framework

Key Topics

-Sleep is a system, not a character issue.

-Mutual sleep agreements and conversations must happen.

-The tried and true 3-2-1 sleep framework!

-Question-only conversations to influence teen behavior.

- The impact of sleep on performance and mental health.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

Teen sleep isn’t just “discipline”—it’s biology. We unpack the teen brain, circadian shifts, recovery, and why inconsistent schedules sabotage energy and focus. We also talk school start times and the ripple effects on mental health and performance. Then we translate it into practical routines you can actually implement by sharing our Sleep Starter Pack with you. Let's go Most Valuable Parents!!!!

The Timestamps

00:00 The Importance of Sleep for Performance

03:12 Understanding Recovery and Brain Development

05:55 Equipping Teens for Better Sleep

08:43 The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health and Injury Prevention

10:57 The Role of Consistency in Sleep Patterns

13:13 Advocating for Later School Start Times

15:35 The Sleep Starter Pack: Practical Tips for Parents

Takeaways

-Equipping kids with energy is crucial for performance.

-Sleep is essential for brain development and recovery.

-Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep for optimal health.

-Sleep problems can lead to emotional and mental health issues.

-Inadequate sleep increases the risk of injury in teens.

-Consistency in sleep schedules is vital for teens.

-School start times should be later to benefit students.

-Parents should engage in conversations about sleep with their teens.

-Creating a sleep starter pack can help facilitate discussions.

-Understanding the biological needs of teens can improve sleep habits.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

In this episode--the third in a series about playing time--we get blunt and right to the truth about the fact that parents struggle to stay neutral. Confirmation bias creeps in and rescuing becomes a habit. What follows is pressure and tension in every conversation or or coach bashing ensues. You love them so much and your intentions are pure, but why is this not working? Much of it is the proximity of you to them and the emotions swirling around in this relationship.

So we give you a better play: protect the sacred parent-teen relationship with “relationship insurance.” Learn how to communicate without escalating and how to support emotionally without performing as their designated sport coach.

As well as understanding that a neutral, outside voice is the smartest move you can make for your teen’s development—and your connection.

The Timestamps

00:00 The Challenge of Coaching Your Own Kids

02:23 Understanding Parental Bias in Youth Sports

05:10 The Impact of Emotional Proximity

07:56 The Role of Outside Voices in Mindset Coaching

10:45 Navigating Status Panic and Expectations

13:09 Building Relationship Insurance with Teens

Takeaways

-Parents often struggle with neutrality when coaching their own children.

-Confirmation bias can cloud parents' judgment regarding their child's performance.

-Rescuing behavior can undermine a teen's ability to handle challenges independently.

-Neutrality is essential for effective mindset coaching.

-Outside voices can provide valuable support and perspective for teens.

-Parents should focus on emotional support rather than performance pressure.

-The relationship between parents and teens is sacred and irreplaceable.

-Bringing in outside voices helps maintain a safe and supportive environment for teens.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us:Please follow us and connect with us: Search "Steve Galley" on LinkedIn.

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve

Playing time is a pressure cooker because it pokes at every parent trigger: fairness, status, control, fear, and helplessness. And if we’re honest, it can feel personal—even when it isn’t. In today's conversation, we deliver a fantastic "reframe" to help you model a healthy response to non-preferred outcomes so your teen learns the real life skill: dealing with disappointment without losing identity, effort, or connection. You’ll learn how to spot your “yeah, buts,” reset your expectations, and have the kind of calm, clear conversation that builds trust—especially when your teen is already on edge.

Let's gooooooooooooo Most Valuable Parents!!

The Timestamps

00:00 Navigating Playing Time and Parental Pride

03:23 Understanding Control and Helplessness in Sports

06:29 Expectations and Communication with Teens

08:43 Life Lessons from Sports and Non-Preferred Outcomes

11:42 The Duct Tape Analogy: Managing Emotions

14:40 The 24-Hour Rule: Emotional Recovery

16:18 Reframing the Parent-Teen Dynamic

Takeaways

-Playing time can induce trauma for both parents and teens.

-Understanding what is within our control is crucial in handling "playing time."

-Parents should model healthy emotional responses to outcomes.

-The 24-hour rule helps in managing emotional reactions.

-Identifying 'yeah, buts' can clarify our emotional responses.

-Being an anchor for our teens is more important than rescuing them.

-Life skills are learned in sports by responding well to non-preferred outcomes.

Hey there Most Valuable Parents! We are creating a world-class podcast for parents of teen athletes and performers on YouTube. We can also be found on the other usual places you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

New episodes drop every MONDAY.

We would be most grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel where our unique show for parents of teen athletes and performers resides. The name of our podcast is the same name as our YouTube channel: The STOP PARENTING & START COACHING Podcast!

We're also posting valuable content on LinkedIn. Please follow us and connect with us: LinkedIn Steve Galley

Let’s gooooooooo moms and dads–you got this!

-Nate & Steve