The Strong Youth Project

In this episode of the Strong Youth Project Podcast, hosts Bree Campbell and Alex Bingham sit down with Dr. Darren Campbell, BYU’s Head Team Physician, and Dr. Marc Steed, a Clinical Neuropsychologist, to discuss concussions in youth sports. This is Part 1 of a two-part series focusing on concussion identification and prevention.

Key Points Discussed:

- What is a concussion? – Understanding the definition, symptoms, and misconceptions.

- How concussions are diagnosed and managed – Recognizing signs beyond just losing consciousness.

- The evolution of concussion treatment – How the approach has changed over the years.

- The DOD & NCAA CARE Consortium – The largest concussion study and how it informs current research.

- Are concussions preventable? – Discussion on risk factors and the role of proper training.

- Impact of coaching & technique – How proper training can reduce concussion rates.

- Youth sports risks & specialization concerns – Addressing early specialization and its effects on athlete development.

- Long-term risks of concussions on a developing brain – Why youth athletes may take longer to recover.

- Return-to-learn before return-to-play – The importance of prioritizing academics and full recovery before resuming sports.

- Athlete culture & hidden symptoms – How societal pressures influence concussion reporting.

Tune in to learn how athletes, parents, coaches, and medical professionals can work together to create safer and more informed youth sports environments. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into concussion recovery and long-term effects!

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Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro Music

0:02 – Welcome to the Strong Youth Project

0:22 – Purpose of the Podcast

0:58 – Introduction of Guests: Dr. Darren Campbell & Dr. Marc Steed

1:04 – Overview of Concussion Series (Part 1: Identification & Prevention)

1:26 – Guest Introductions: Dr. Campbell (BYU Head Team Physician) & Dr. Steed (Clinical Neuropsychologist)

2:28 – What is a concussion? Definition & Symptoms

5:04 – How Dr. Campbell & Dr. Steed got into studying concussions

8:17 – Evolution of concussion treatment over the years

12:50 – The DOD & NCAA CARE Consortium and its impact on concussion research

13:33 – Are concussions preventable? Discussion on risks and mitigation strategies

17:47 – Role of coaching and training in reducing concussion risks

18:46 – How professional sports are adapting to reduce concussion rates

19:25 – Shifting focus to Youth Sports

21:39 – Risks of concussions in youth sports

23:24 – Specialization in youth sports and its impact on athlete health

26:27 – Long-term risks of concussions on a developing brain

27:20 – Importance of return-to-learn protocols before return-to-play

29:28 – The issue of athletes hiding concussion symptoms

29:41 – Closing remarks & preview of Part 2

In this episode of the Strong Youth Project Podcast, host Jennings Genho sits down with Talan Alfrey, a safety for the BYU football team, to discuss his experience playing multiple sports as a youth, overcoming major injuries, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience. Talan shares insights on playing multiple sports growing up (2:00), recovering from a ruptured Achilles and a broken collarbone (4:00), and how he stayed mentally strong during setbacks (7:00). He also reflects on his experience with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and the importance of a strong team culture (19:00). Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on perseverance, competition, and finding joy in sports.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - The benefits of playing multiple sports

4:00 - Dealing with injuries and recovery

7:00 - Mental resilience and mindset shifts

12:00 - Bouncing back from setbacks in games

14:00 - Recovery strategies and preventing injuries

19:00 - Lessons from Coach Kalani Sitake

24:00 - Advice for young athletes and parents

On this episode of the Strong Youth Project Podcast, host Emily Rummler sits down with Dr. Mikel Joachim and Malorie Wilwand to discuss the latest research on youth sports performance, injury prevention, and the impact of stress, sleep, and early specialization.Dr. Mikel Joachim is a Research Program Manager for Badger Athletic Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in injury risk factors for distance runners, hamstring injuries, ACL recovery, and hip arthroscopy. Malorie Wilwand holds a Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance and is currently a PhD student at BYU, working as a research coordinator for the BYU football team.Key Topics Discussed:- Why stress and sleep are major risk factors for youth sports injuries- The myth of early sports specialization and why playing multiple sports is better- What parents and coaches can do to protect young athletes- The role of biomechanics in injury prevention- How rest and recovery are just as important as training- The unique experience of being women in the sports science fieldIf you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights on keeping young athletes healthy, happy, and high-performing.⏱ Timestamps[00:00] Intro – Welcome to the Strong Youth Project Podcast[00:22] Host Emily Rummler introduces today’s guests[00:30] Meet Dr. Mikel Joachim – Research on injury risk factors in athletes[01:10] Meet Malorie Wilwand – PhD student studying sports conditioning[02:00] Overview of Mikel’s research on youth and collegiate athletes[04:04] The biggest risk factors for athletic injuries in youth[05:26] Nutrition & energy balance – Are young athletes eating enough?[06:52] How stress and sleep impact injury risk[08:14] What high school research reveals about training volume and injury[09:58] The dangers of early sports specialization – What parents need to know[12:01] Why most youth athletes will NOT play college sports (and that’s okay)[13:13] The role of parents and coaches in preventing burnout and injury[15:04] The unique case of football – Why it’s different from other sports[17:12] Strength training for youth – How to do it right without overtraining[20:04] Does weight training actually prevent injuries?[22:29] The importance of movement literacy – Teaching athletes to move well[23:44] How rest and recovery enhance athletic performance[25:22] The myth of “good” movement mechanics – Is there a right way to move?[27:05] Post-injury movement changes – How injuries affect long-term mechanics[29:02] Women in sports science – Mikel & Malorie’s experiences in a male-dominated field[30:27] Final thoughts – How we can better support young athletes[31:00] 🎵 Outro – Thank you for tuning in!

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Strong Youth Project Podcast as Parker Dean interviews Dr. Dain Allred and Dr. Darren Campbell, two esteemed specialists in orthopedic and sports medicine. Recorded at the Intermountain Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, this interview dives into the critical issues surrounding youth sports, injury prevention, and recovery.Dr. Allred and Dr. Campbell share their extensive experiences, discuss the challenges of sport specialization, and offer actionable advice for parents, coaches, and young athletes. Learn how to foster a holistic and sustainable approach to youth sports that emphasizes health, development, and lifelong activity.Key Topics Covered:Understanding the team approach in sports medicineDifferences in injuries between youth and collegiate athletesPreventing overuse injuries and managing risk factorsThe impact of sport specialization on young athletesEffective strategies for preventing and recovering from acute injuries like ACL tearsThe importance of sleep, nutrition, and recovery in athletic developmentTune in to learn how to support youth athletes in achieving their potential while prioritizing their health and well-being!

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Strong Youth Project

1:19 Introduction of Dr. Dain Allred and Dr. Darren Campbell

2:50 Background stories: How they chose their specialties

7:20 The importance of a team approach in athlete care

10:10 Differences in injuries: Youth vs. collegiate athletes

12:58 The risks of sport specialization

18:50 Strategies for preventing overuse injuries

26:21 Recovery: Sleep, nutrition, and mental health

28:09 Discussion on acute injuries like ACL tears

34:10 Research and prevention: Lessons from the Air Force Academy

37:35 Concussion prevention in youth sports

38:06 Key takeaways for parents and coaches

41:07 Closing remarks

Join the Strong Youth Project Podcast as Savannah Dixon interviews BYU track and field athlete Jayda Lee about her athletic journey, balancing sports, mental health, and overcoming perfectionism. This inspiring discussion covers the power of resilience, family support, and faith in achieving success.

The Strong Youth Project values scientific evidence as the best guide for youth sports practices and proudly collaborates with respected scholars. While we also highlight individual athletes' experiences in our podcasts, we do not endorse all actions described, as some may lead to performance success but lack empirical support.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro to the Strong Youth Project

0:22 - Meet Jayda Lee

1:21 - Jayda’s Track and Field Events

2:13 - Transitioning to Track & Field

3:05 - The Value of Multi-Sport Experience

6:54 - Jayda’s Relationship with Her Dad as Coach

12:02 - Sports Anxiety and Mental Health Journey

19:25 - Embracing Imperfection and Faith

20:02 - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Strong Youth Project Podcast, Dr. Zack Beddoes, an expert in youth sports and physical education, joins Parker Dean to discuss the transformative potential of sports for young athletes. Dr. Beddoes shares insights on developmental differences between children and adults in sports, coaching methods that nurture intrinsic motivation, and the importance of creating supportive, task-centered environments. With experience in coaching and youth development, Dr. Beddoes offers actionable advice on how coaches and mentors can inspire, support, and build life skills through sports and physical education. Tune in to learn from Dr. Beddoes’ wealth of experience in youth sports and discover ways to cultivate lifelong skills and values through sport and physical education.

Timestamps:

0:22 - Meet Dr. Zack Beddoes

2:02 - Key differences in physical activity for kids vs. adults

4:04 - Coaching techniques for young athletes

6:08 - Motivating youth: Task-centered environments vs. comparison

10:01 - Putting youth interests first as a coach

12:15 - Physical education vs. sports coaching: Differences and challenges

16:35 - Building intrinsic motivation in coaches and athletes

19:25 - Using sports to teach social and emotional skills

22:18 - Dr. Beddoes’ vision for physical education in schools

24:49 - Inspiring youth to become active, responsible agents of change

25:22 - Closing remarks and future goals for the Strong Youth Project

In this episode, Kylie Haycock, a Human Development undergrad at BYU, is joined by Dr. Sarah Coyne, a professor specializing in media, gender, and mental health, and Chenae Duerden, a PhD student in marriage, family, and human development. Together, they discuss how human development research can inform youth sports, with topics covering self-esteem, body image, gender discrimination, and inclusivity in sports environments.

Time Stamps:

0:25 – Introducing Dr. Sarah Coyne and Chenae Deurden

1:47 – How research in human development applies to youth sports

2:36 – The impact of sports on self-esteem and the role of coaches

5:34 – Advice for coaches and parents to support youth self-esteem

7:45 – Navigating sports when children aren’t naturally skilled

8:45 – Encouraging diverse sports involvement without specialization

9:52 – Gender discrimination in sports: frequency, timing, and participation

11:03 – Personal experiences with puberty and sports participation

12:02 – Body image challenges in aesthetic sports

13:38 – Positive body image through physical capability focus

15:50 – Tips for athletes struggling with body image and self-esteem

17:18 – Cultural and systemic discrimination in girls' sports

19:00 – Examples of subtle discrimination in school sports

21:40 – Gender-biased language in sports environments

23:10 – Closing thoughts on inclusivity and awareness in sports

Join us for this insightful episode of the Strong Youth Project podcast featuring Ben Barton, a collegiate track and field athlete at BYU. In this episode, Ben shares his journey through multiple sports, discusses the challenges of injury recovery, and offers valuable tips on injury prevention, recovery, and how to balance individual and team success. He also highlights the importance of proper coaching cues and positive reinforcement in sports development. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young athletes thrive!

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction to the Strong Youth Project podcast

0:18 - Ben introduces himself and his background (BYU track team, decathlon)

1:40 - Ben's track career through high school and college

2:10 - Ben's experience playing multiple sports throughout high school

4:00 - Ben's injury history

4:30 - Preventing injuries through warm-ups, hydration, nutrition, and sleep

6:20 - Ben’s experiences with different coaching styles

6:50 - Positive coaching cues: The importance of focusing on what athletes should do8:50 - The importance of recovery

9:00 - Ben’s approach to recovery: Active and passive recovery strategies

9:18 - The importance of sleep in recovery and injury prevention

10:21 - Balancing individual and team success in track and field

11:46 - Ben’s favorite part of the Strong Youth Project: Providing accurate information to young athletes