ILOVETOWATCHYOUPLAY.COM

About ILOVETOWATCHYOUPLAY.COM

Helping parents raise happy, healthy, and successful athletes.

Publisher

Asia Mape

Category

health & fitness · kids & family · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jul 2017

Latest episode

30 Jan 2025

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jan 2025

   The Coaching Wisdom Every Sports Parent and Coach Needs – A Conversation with Greg Berge

   The Coaching Wisdom Every Sports Parent and Coach Needs – A Conversation with Greg Berge The Coaching Wisdom Every Sports Parent and Coach Needs – A Conversation with Greg Berge. How do you build a winning team culture? What’s the biggest mistake parents make in youth sports? And why do some of the best players never start? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Berge—a highly respected high school coach, principal, and leadership expert—who shares game-changing advice for coaches, parents, and athletes. Greg has spent decades coaching and leading teams, and his insights on coaching philosophy, youth sports culture, and player development are a must-hear. His simple yet powerful approach to leadership has helped thousands of athletes and coaches improve—not just on the field but in life. What We Cover in This Episode: ✅ How coaching changes over time – What Greg learned after stepping away and returning to coaching ✅ The biggest mistakes parents make – And how they unknowingly hold their kids back ✅ The real reason some teams overachieve – Hint: It’s not just talent ✅ How to fix today’s youth sports culture – Addressing the coach shortage, referee crisis, and player entitlement ✅ Why less is more in coaching – How simplifying your approach leads to better results ✅ The myth of captains vs. leaders – Why the best leaders aren’t always the ones wearing the ‘C’ Greg also shares personal stories about coaching his own kids, what he’s learned from the best teams, and how parents can support their children without overstepping. If you’re serious about helping young athletes thrive, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Follow Greg Berge for More Coaching & Leadership Insights: 📌 Twitter/X: @GB1121 📌 Newsletter & Resources 🎙️ More from I Love to Watch You Play: 👉 Take Back The Game: Restoring Joy in Youth Sports with Linda Flanagan 👉Unlocking the Secrets of Raising Athletes: Insights from a Youth Sports Expert

2. 

   24 Jan 2025

   Breaking Through Fear and Perfectionism in Youth Sports, with Rebecca Smith

   Breaking Through Fear and Perfectionism in Youth Sports, with Rebecca Smith. Why do some kids freeze in sports while others thrive under pressure? Breaking Through Fear and Perfectionism in Youth Sports. In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Smith, founder of Complete Performance Coaching and Perform Happy, to discuss the hidden mental struggles of young athletes. A former gymnast who battled fear and self-doubt, Rebecca now helps athletes break through mental blocks, manage pressure, and regain confidence in their sport. We cover: Why fear—not lack of effort—is often the real reason kids struggle How parents may be adding pressure without realizing it The science behind fight, flight, or freeze many athletes experience in sports What real mental toughness looks like—and why it’s not just about pushing through Actionable strategies for parents to help kids build confidence and overcome fear Chapters: 04:42 Understanding Fear and Mental Blocks in Young Athletes 07:22 The Role of Parents in Athlete Performance 11:31 Mindset Matters: Fixed vs. Growth Mindset 14:45 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety in Sports 18:32 The Perfectionist Athlete: Causes and Solutions 22:49 Recognizing Negative Patterns in Young Athletes 26:55 The Importance of Sleep for Performance 29:40 Pre-Performance Routines: Finding What Works 32:32 In-Game Self-Talk and Recovery Techniques 38:37 Redefining Mental Toughness If your child has ever hesitated, second-guessed themselves, or lost their love for their sport, this conversation is a must-listen. 📍 Find Rebecca at: 🔹 Confidentgymnast.com 🔹 Instagram: @complete_performance 🎙️ More from I Love to Watch You Play: 👉 Take Back The Game: Restoring Joy in Youth Sports with Linda Flanagan 👉Unlocking the Secrets of Raising Athletes: Insights from a Youth Sports Expert

3. 

   13 Jan 2025

   From Setbacks to Comebacks: Raising Mentally Tough Athletes With Dr. Rob Bell

   Asia Mape sits down with Dr. Rob Bell, a sports psychologist, to discuss how to raise mentally tough athletes, preparing kids for uncomfortable situations, and shifting from 'should-ing' on kids to building confidence.

4. 

   6 Jan 2025

   Take Back the Game: Restoring Joy in Youth Sports With Linda Flanagan

   Take Back the Game: Restoring Joy in Youth Sports With Linda Flanagan Take Back the Game: Restoring Joy in Youth Sports. What if the very thing you thought would set your child up for success is actually causing more harm than good? Today, we’re diving into the world of youth sports with Linda Flanagan, a journalist, coach, and author of Take Back the Game. Linda unpacks how the youth sports industry plays on parents’ fears, pushing competition and pressure at the expense of what sports are truly about—character, connection, and joy. We’ll explore the seismic shift from kid-driven fun to adult-driven pressure, the emotional highs and lows parents feel on the sidelines, and how societal expectations have transformed sports into a high-stakes rat race. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Linda shares how we can reclaim the magic of sports, give kids agency in their journey, and model a balanced, happy adulthood. Get ready to rethink everything you know about youth sports. Let’s jump in! Follow Linda on Instagram Email Linda Linda on X

5. 

   17 Aug 2024

   Unlocking the Secrets of Raising Athletes: Insights from a Youth Sports Expert

   Unlocking the Secrets of Raising Athletes: Insights from a Youth Sports Expert Unlocking the Secrets of Raising Athletes: Insights from a Youth Sports Expert. Linda Martindale may be one of the most qualified youth sports experts we've had on the podcast. Her father was a coach, she played D1 basketball. All four of her kids play collegiate sports—basketball, beach volleyball, skiing, soccer, and Lacrosse. She is the head coach of a men's high school varsity basketball team, has a podcast where she speaks to athletes about overcoming challenges, and also happens to be an athlete mental wellness coach! This is one you don't want to miss. We discuss reframing pressure as a privilege. Normalizing female athlete jealousy - how it brings unnecessary shame and why we need to accept it as competition and use it as motivation. We also talk about why when an athlete quits, this is a normal reaction to hard things and why Linda considers herself a quitter. Linda shares the superpowers female athletes need, how to conquer performance anxiety, and how to teach our kids to be hungry - even if they have never missed a meal. You can find Linda, her Podcast, how to work with her, and all her socials on her website, MartindaleCoaching.com. Listen to more great podcasts: Bring Back The Joy! Coach Ballgame Is Changing The Way We Coach Our Youth Athletes. George Mumford: How Mindfulness Can Help Your Athlete Tony Snethen: Good Enough: 45 Minutes that will change YOUR life. Max Rooke: Pepperdine's Associate Women's Soccer Coach: Performing, Playing, and Living Life To The Max. Katie Wood: The Author of a Simple Seed. A book that will change your athlete's life.

6. 

   14 Aug 2024

   Bring Back The Joy! Coach Ballgame Is Changing The Way We Coach Our Youth Athletes.

   Bring Back The Joy! Coach Ballgame Is Changing The Way We Coach Our Youth Athletes. Bring Back The Joy! Coach Ballgame Is Changing The Way We Coach Our Youth Athletes. Calling all coaches and parents who want to instill A LOVE of sport in their child. Today’s guest is NONE OTHER Than James Lowe; you probably know him as “Coach Ballgame.”  Coach Ballgame is the Ambassador of PLAY BALL, partnering with Major League Baseball coaching camps and growing the game of baseball.  He has also partnered with the Chicago Cubs and FOX SPORTS. His mission is simple: build character and get kids to fall in love with baseball. He has a unique ability to engage kids of all ages through music, poetry, and enthusiasm. Coach Ballgame was a four-year starter at Brown University, where he was captain and All-Ivy League. We discuss the importance of building trust and a connection with young athletes, and he shares his secrets on how to make coaching fun and engaging. He also discusses the challenges of reaching coaches and parents who may have a different mindset and offers advice on how to approach them. The conversation emphasizes the significance of prioritizing joy and character development over winning. Coach Ballgame also discusses the challenges of separating oneself from the experiences of watching kids play sports and the importance of letting them have their own experiences. Where To Find Coach Ballgame: Coach Ballgame Website Instagram Facebook Listen to more great podcasts: George Mumford: How Mindfulness Can Help Your Athlete Tony Snethen: Good Enough: 45 Minutes that will change YOUR life. Max Rooke: Pepperdine's Associate Women's Soccer Coach: Performing, Playing, and Living Life To The Max. Katie Wood: The Author of a Simple Seed. A book that will change your athlete's life.

7. 

   10 Aug 2024

   The Simple Seed – A Book That Will Change Your Athlete’s Life

   Today’s guest is Katie Wood, the author of A Simple Seed. The Simple Seed recently became the best-selling children’s book on Amazon, passing Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss. It also hit the #1 best seller for Happiness Self-Help, passing Jay Shetty, Glenn Doyle, and the Dalai Lama. She's been on The Today Show, and the Simple Seed is now in schools all over the country. It helps with confidence, gratitude, and a growth mindset and allows parents to show their kids how much they matter. It helps create positive habits and routines and connects parents and kids.  Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book. "The simple act of planting a seed each and every day has a significant impact on how your kids view themselves and the world around them," {and if I might add - how they feel about their relationship with us) Katie is a former teacher. She was also a college basketball player, and her husband played hockey overseas. She is raising four kids, all of whom play competitive sports. Follow Katie on social media: Instagram The Journal

8. 

   7 Aug 2024

   Not Good Enough – The Toxic World of Youth Sports

   Not Good Enough - The Toxic World of Youth Sports My guest on this episode of the Ilovetowatchyouplay.com podcast is Tony Snethen, the executive producer of the documentary, Not Good Enough. Snethen is also Vice President of brand innovation for the Kansas City Royals. As Tony and I discuss, it’s basically, Ilovetowatchyouplay and the last 9-years of content we’ve shared, all rolled into a powerful 45 minutes. The film is critically acclaimed and was recently recognized earning 3 Telly Awards! A MUST watch and MUST listen for anyone involved in youth sports. You can find the film at Shutoutthestigma.com And The Kansas City Royals Youtube Channel Read about my experience here: My Daughter Quit Youth Sports and This is What I want All Sports Parents To Know Articles to help you be a great sports parent

9. 

   11 Jul 2024

   Performing, playing, and living life to the Max!: With Max Rooke

   The conversation explores the themes of high performance, habits, and team culture with Pepperdine assistant women's soccer coach, Max Rooke.

10. 

    11 Jul 2024

    How Mindfulness Can Help Your Youth Athlete: George Mumford

    How Mindfulness Can Help Your Youth Athlete: George Mumford Summary How Mindfulness Can Help Your Youth Athlete: George Mumford. In this conversation, George Mumford discusses his new book 'Unlocked' and the importance of mindfulness for athletes and non-athletes alike. He emphasizes the need to make mindfulness accessible to everyone, including children. Mumford shares insights on how to motivate kids to practice mindfulness and the importance of creating a context that makes it relevant to their interests and goals. He also explores the paradox of trying to do something and the role of discomfort in personal growth. Mumford believes that everyone has a masterpiece inside waiting to be unlocked through mindfulness and self-awareness. In this conversation, George Mumford discusses the power of thoughts, self-talk, and beliefs in shaping our reality. He emphasizes the importance of creating space between stimulus and response and choosing our attitudes and values. Mumford also explores the concept of flow and the role of mindfulness in achieving peak performance. He encourages embracing discomfort and pushing the boundaries to unlock our full potential. Ultimately, Mumford highlights the significance of vulnerability and choosing how we want to meet life's challenges. Takeaways Our thoughts and self-talk have a profound impact on our reality and the outcomes we manifest. Creating space between stimulus and response allows us to choose our attitudes and values. Embracing discomfort and pushing the boundaries are essential for personal growth and excellence. Vulnerability is a source of power, as it allows us to accept the unknown and respond with dignity and clarity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:29 Writing 'Unlocked' 03:53 Challenges of Teaching Mindfulness to Kids 05:32 Motivating Kids to Practice Mindfulness 07:29 Creating a Context for Mindfulness Practice 09:21 The Paradox of Trying to Do Something 10:33 The Importance of Context in Learning 12:06 The Desire for Security and Comfort 15:37 Helping Kids Embrace Discomfort 23:33 Unlocking the Masterpiece Within 25:45 Unleashing the Masterpiece Within 27:05 The Power of Thoughts and Self-Talk 28:17 Creating Space for Abstraction and Scenario Planning 29:11 The Impact of Self-Talk on Relationships 30:08 The Power of Thinking and Contemplation 31:05 Beliefs, Thoughts, Words, Actions, Habits, Values, and Destiny 32:02 Choosing the Fear Wolf or the Love Wolf 33:01 The Importance of the Eye of the Hurricane 34:27 Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is Fast 36:18 Going with the Flow and Avoiding Forced Effort 37:46 Finding the Quiet Place Within 39:13 Being Like Water and Embracing Discomfort 43:08 Pushing the Boundaries and Pursuing Excellence 46:28 Vulnerability as Power

11. 

    9 Aug 2021

    Podcast: Fuel Your Athlete For Success

    Fuel Your Athlete For Success (49 Minute watch/listen- Subjects discussed in order below) Fuel your athlete for success. We are asking and demanding so much of young athletes these days, yet, they don't have the knowledge or understanding of basic nutrition; 40% of athletes don't even eat breakfast. Sports Nutritionist Tavis Piattoly helps us sort through fact and fiction to give parents and athletes an actionable plan to help them succeed. Piattoly is the former New Orleans Saints, Pelicans, and Tulane Athletic dietician and the Co-founder and Director of Sports Nutrition for My Sports Dietitian (www.mysportsd.com) and the Eat2Win Nutrition App. Youth sports parents, this is a podcast you don't want to miss. The interview is also available on our podcast (see above), iTunes, and Spotify. (The contents of these videos and podcasts are not to take the place of your health care provider; always consult with your doctor first. The opinions expressed by our experts do not necessarily reflect those of Ilovetowatchyouplay. ) Topics Covered -Convincing youth athletes nutrition is important -Stop demonizing food — there is no good or bad -What should youth athletes be eating & what should they stay away from? -Traditional carbs vs. “healthier” options (e.g., white rice vs. brown rice) -Gameday eating guidelines -Eating prior to a game - how much and when? (Gameday eating guidelines continued) -Is caffeine okay for youth athletes prior to a competition? -How important is hydration, and how much should athletes drink? -Can you drink too much water? -What counts as a fluid in terms of hydration? -Recovery drinks -Importance of electrolytes -Is there a danger of drinking too many electrolytes? (Be cautious of high potassium and low sodium drinks.) -There is no “one size fits all” approach to sports nutrition -Examples of carbs, protein, and fats to eat before training or competing -Protein powder supplementation for kids (viewer question) -Eat 2 Win app & My Sports Dietician -Nutrition during injury -Guidelines for gaining and losing weight -Healthier fast food options -What credentials should youth sports parents look for when searching for a sports dietician? -The healing powers of food -Wrap-up and contact information Contact Us Reach Tavis Piattoly at Instagram @Tavis Piattoly & Twitter @Tavis Piattoly, Mysportsd.com Follow Dr. Sam Maniar at Centerforpeakperformance.com and Twitter @sam_maniar Follow Asia Mape and ILTWYP here. Check out more in-depth discussions on the topics that matter most to parents in youth sports: Sleep: One of the most important factors in keeping your child healthy and successful in school and sports How to protect your child from addiction Everything a sports parent needs to know about concussions, including what predisposed conditions lead to them

12. 

    22 Jun 2021

    Podcast: High Performance For Youth Athletes

    High Performance For Youth Athletes (54 Minute watch/listen- Time Stamps below to jump to topics on video) Director of High Performance For The Chicago Cubs, Dr. Adam Beard, shares the latest information on high performance for youth sports parents. He gives great insight into so many topics; a few are; tips for maximizing performance, youth athletes and strength, conditioning, sports psychology, recovery, heat vs. cold, and electrolytes and sports drinks. The interview is also available on our podcast (see above) or on iTunes and Spotify. (The contents of these videos and podcasts are not to take the place of your health care provider, always consult with your doctor first. The opinions expressed by our experts do not necessarily reflect those of Ilovetowatchyouplay. ) Time Stamps For Topics 1:37: What is “high performance” and “sports science”? 2:57: Challenges of getting multiple disciplines to work together 4:00: Differences between U.S. sports and sports in other places in the world 6:00: Resistance and skepticism toward sport science 7:40: Tips for helping athletes maximize performance 10:54: Developing athletes 12:25: Kids and strength training 14:41: Finding a qualified strength coach 15:22: Skill-specific strength training 16:58: Looking at sport improvement from a holistic perspective; using film and checklists to improve skills 17:54: The psychology of performance and training our body to perform under pressure; how the body self-organizes 19:02: Learning can be accelerated by controlled mistakes and growth mindset 19:47: Recovery tips 24:00: It’s easy to take short-cuts; stacking positive habits 25:35: Heat vs. cold for recovery 29:34: Massage guns and massages 31:22: Placebo effects and doing no harm 32:28: Stretching, warming up, and cooling down 37:00: Injury prevention 43:00: Electrolytes and sports drinks 47:00: Importance of using a performance log or journal 48:15: Catchers and maintaining knee health 50:27: Improving ankle and hip mobility 52:03: Women and ACL prevention More Resources For You And Your Athlete Position paper – Youth resistance training https://www.nsca.com/globalassets/about/position-statements/position_stand_youth_resistance_training---2009.pdf ACL prevention in female athletes https://www.aspetar.com/journal/viewarticle.aspx?id=82#.YMJXHS9h23W https://kneesurgerysydney.com.au/preventing-acl-injuries-with-the-fifa-11-program/ Ankle mobility links via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8Vqc2gypkE Contact Us Reach Dr. Adam Beard at Instagram @ajbeardo & Twitter @ajbeardo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-beard-ph-d-5b80082a/ Follow Dr. Sam Maniar at Centerforpeakperformance.com and Twitter @sam_maniar Follow Asia Mape and ILTWYP here. Check out more in-depth discussions on the topics that matter most to parents in youth sports: Sleep: One of the most important factors in keeping your child healthy and successful in school and sports How to protect your child from addiction Everything a sports parent needs to know about concussions, including what predisposed conditions lead to them

13. 

    21 Mar 2019

    Are You OVER-Attached To Your Child’s Performance?

    Are You OVER-Attached To Your Child's Performance? Amy Saltzman, a mindful expert and author of "A Still Quiet Place For Athletes", discusses the signs a parent is too attached to their child's performance on the field or court and how to help ease anxiety in young athletes. 3:24 What is mindfulness for an athlete 4:20 What are the signs you are overly attached to your child's performance 5:30 Being there for our child and not for our own agenda 6:20 How to watch them play without being overly attached or anxious 10:40 Why our 'support' often feels like pressure to our children 12:40 Listening to our child without our own agenda 13:18 How to help your child with anxious feelings or fear when they compete 13:43 A step-by-step guide to help your child embrace their feelings when they are anxious 20:00 Befriending your anxiety 24:24 How to help your children practice mindfulness

14. 

    18 Jul 2018

    Creating A Healthy Parent/Coach Relationship: Podcast Episode #5

    Creating A Healthy Parent/Coach Relationship Podcast UCLA head coach Amanda Cromwell & guest J.P. Nerbun join Alex Flanagan and Asia Mape to discuss this oftentimes tricky and stressful relationship and ways to improve it. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

15. 

    28 Oct 2017

    How To Help Your Soccer Player Get Recruited By A College: Podcast Episode #3

    How To Help Your Soccer Play Get Recruited By A College Anyone with a daughter who wants to play college soccer needs to listen to this podcast. Collegecommitted.com founder Jane Alukonis researched thousands of college rosters and created an algorithm to help young women find the right match if they want to play at the next level. She has dedicated the last several years of her life to coaching and helping girls navigate this complex process. Jane discusses how parents "ruin" it for recruits, when you should and shouldn't switch clubs, the difference between playing at a D1, D2, and D3 college, and the one piece of advice she thinks every young woman who wants to play soccer in college should know. Confessions of a club soccer player UCLA Women's Head Coach Amanda Cromwell On What Makes A Great Soccer Player

16. 

    15 Sept 2017

    NBA Head Coach Steve Kerr Shares His Sports Parenting Philosophy: Podcast Episode #2

    Whether you are a coach, a CEO, or a parent, I promise you will find value in listening to our latest podcast with Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr. The father of three kids, two of who were scholarship athletes in college, Kerr shares his sports parenting philosophy and coaching tips that apply to the boardroom as much as they do to the basketball court.  Also, find out why the Warriors tailor their schedule around tee times, what Kerr thinks truly sets Steph Curry apart from other NBA players and wishes every kid could have, and why he says too much has been made of controversial NBA dad Lavar Ball. Alex Flanagan co-founded I love to watch you play in 2015. She was flying home from an NFL work assignment when a learning specialist, who was sitting next to her, shared 5 reasons she shouldn’t feel guilty missing her son’s game. She shared their conversation on her own website alexflanagan.com, and the response was so overwhelming it inspired her to create ILTWYP to help parents like herself navigate youth sports.

17. 

    28 Jul 2017

    NFL Quarterback Drew Brees Shares His Sports Parenting Philosophy: Podcast Episode # 1

    We talk to Dad and New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees.  The 20-year NFL pro and father of four, shares his sports parenting philosophy.  In the podcast, why Brees won't let his kids specialize in one sport or play tackle football before middle school.  Brees also shares details of his newly launched and quickly growing flag football league Football 'N' America that he hopes will set the new standard for how flag football is played in America. Plus, what he's looking forward to as he goes back to work and why this year could be his best ever on the football field. Alex Flanagan co-founded I love to watch you play in 2015. She was flying home from an NFL work assignment when a learning specialist, who was sitting next to her, shared 5 reasons she shouldn’t feel guilty missing her son’s game. She shared their conversation on her own website alexflanagan.com and the response was so overwhelming it inspired her to create ILTWYP to help parents like herself navigate youth sports.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

780,547

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

74

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

51

Contact ILOVETOWATCHYOUPLAY.COM

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.