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Real Talk for Sport Parents w/ Samantha Livingstone

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by Samantha Arsenault Livingstone

5.0(9 reviews)
27 episodes
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Podcast Overview

Welcome to Real Talk for Sports Parents (RTSP), the podcast where we pull back the curtain on parenting in the world of sports. Hosted by Olympic gold medalist, wife of a coach, and mother of four female athletes, Samantha Livingstone, this show weaves together a mix of expert insights, real-life stories, and practical advice to help parents—of athletes of all ages—feel less alone and more connected to what truly matters in supporting their kids. RTSP is your go-to space for honest, no-holds-barred conversations that empower you to cut through the noise and navigate the chaos of parenting in the world of sports. Whether it's solo episodes with Sam, interviews with experts, coaches, fellow sport parents, or advice from current and former athletes, you'll find the resources you need to thrive on this journey. Take what resonates, leave the rest, and remember—you're not alone in this!

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5/23/2025

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Engagement32
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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Season One Finale: David Durand - The Brain Science Every Sports Parent Needs to Know

May 1, 2026

Season One Finale: David Durand - The Brain Science Every Sports Parent Needs to Know

<p class="MsoTitle" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 28.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Hosted by Samantha Livingstone</span></p> <p data-start="67" data-end="120">This episode marks the final episode of the season! I'm so grateful to each + every person who poured time, energy + heart into these conversations — and to each + every person who listened, shared, and took part in building this sacred container. </p> <p data-start="333" data-end="489">As this season comes to a close, I'm pausing to practice what I teach — taking space to reflect, listen, and allow what's authentically aligned to emerge. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of these conversations!!</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;" align= "center"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Ep. 26 - David Durand - The Brain Science Every Sports Parent Needs to Know</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;" align= "center"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  In this episode, Samantha Livingstone welcomes mental performance coach and author David Durand to discuss adolescent athlete development through a nervous-system and psychology lens. Durand shares his upbringing near New Orleans, early sports obsession, perfectionism, pressure, an autoimmune diagnosis, and injuries that disrupted his athletic path, ultimately leading him into psychology and sports performance work. They explore how internal "demands" (I have to/should) can push athletes into a survival state, why timing matters when talking with frustrated teens, and how parents can ask about an athlete's internal experience. Durand explains basic brain concepts (upstairs/downstairs brain, "flipping the lid"), emphasizes bottom-up regulation before top-down tools, and outlines his BET framework—Breath (extended exhale and diaphragmatic breathing), Eyes (softening vision and widening peripheral awareness), and Touch (grounding and team connection).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">02:57 David's Sports Journey</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">05:07 Helping Teens Thrive</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">07:04 Demands vs Desires</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">11:20 Talking After Tough Games</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">15:33 Hand Model Brain</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">24:27 Connection Action Shutdown</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">31:05 Top Down vs Bottom Up</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">37:37 BETS Breath Basics</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">42:40 Eyes and Nervous System</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">53:23 Unhealthy Climate Warning Signs</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">56:43 Stretch Not Stress</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">57:28 Social Media and Identity</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">01:03:49 Parent Guidelines and Boundaries</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style= "margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style= "mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: black;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Quotes</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"><span style= "text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> • "I tell parents now, I think the hardest job right now is to be a, a teenager. Mm-hmm. And specifically a teenage girl. And I think the second hardest job is be a, a parent of a teenager. Um, I think specifically moms, if you have daughters." [07:27]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> •  " How it's not about getting dysregulated, it's about finding our way back home, finding our way back to connection mode." [26:47]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> •  " Who, who you are does not come from what you do, but it'ss. Mm-hmm. The opposite of like, what you do comes from who you are." [55:07]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Social Media and Links</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/realtalksportsparents/"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">RTSP Instagram</span></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><a href= "https://www.samanthalivingstone.co/"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">samanthalivingstone.co</span></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://realdevelopment.org/">realdevelopment.org</a></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://daviddurand.substack.com/">David's Substack</a></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4tqSDTD">David's Book "B.E.T On It" on Amazon</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">David's Bio:</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> David Durand</span> <span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> is a mental performance coach who works with adolescent athletes, coaches, and organizations to strengthen the psychological side of development and performance. His work focuses on helping young athletes build internal security, develop psychological skills, and better understand how their brains and bodies respond to pressure so they can learn more effectively, enjoy the process of sport, and perform at their best.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> David is the author of B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond, a guide for coaches and parents who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of modern athletes by understanding the psychological and nervous system factors that influence their behavior, development, and performance.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> He is also the author of Better Than Before: A Psychological Guide for Injured Athletes, which provides evidence-based tools and reflective practices to help athletes navigate the mental and emotional challenges of injury recovery and return to sport.</span></p>

Episode thumbnail for When the Heat Rises: Keeping Kids Safe in a Win-At-All-Costs Culture

April 17, 2026

When the Heat Rises: Keeping Kids Safe in a Win-At-All-Costs Culture

<p class="MsoTitle" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 28.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Hosted by Samantha Livingstone</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;" align= "center"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Ep. 25 - When the Heat Rises: Keeping Kids Safe in a Win-At-All-Costs Culture</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style= "margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;" align= "center"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> In this episode, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes Melissa Fortenberry, a longtime competitor, mom of three, and former product leader at companies including Expedia, VRBO, and Philips, to discuss sports parenting, values, and athlete safety. Fortenberry describes growing up in Texas as an identical twin in a highly competitive sports family, becoming a four-year varsity soccer letterman, and carrying a "do your best" mindset into parenting, prioritizing effort and fun over outcomes while resisting early team politics, specialization, and constant travel. She shares how seeing intense youth-sports competition and experiencing heat sickness at a 107-degree Texas football game led her to research heat risk, learn limits of symptom-based guidelines and heat index, and found Heat Sense, a wearable and app/dashboard solution that estimates core body temperature and heat strain to prompt timely cooling breaks and support performance and safety, with a long-term goal of broader adoption and legislation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">02:56 Texas Roots and Twin Rivalry</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">05:47 Killer Instinct Athlete</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">07:45 Effort Over Outcomes</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">09:38 Competition Beyond Sports</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">18:40 Feeling Like Outsiders</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">26:11 Finding Play Again</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">30:35 Travel Teams and Balance</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">34:29 Breaking the Feedback Wall</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">39:57 Heat Scare at the Game</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">41:48 Why Heat Rules Fail</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">44:31 Launching Heat Sense</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">58:40 Dreaming of Fun Sports</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style= "margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style= "mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: black;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Quotes</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"><span style= "text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> • " …their innate competitiveness, I think is something that we have had to learn about. If it's something they're kind of born with or something they might develop, I would say that, um, I was born with it. My dad used to call it the killer instinct. Like if you're born with it, like you will do anything to win, win and you hate losing." [05:54]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> •  "Because at the end of those games, you know what I said, I didn't say, did you try your best? I said, was it fun?" [29:36]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> •  "If your body, the 98.6 is actually that everyone knows it's actually your core body temperature. And so when your body goes up to 102, your reaction time is gonna slow by 10 to 15%." [48:45]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Social Media and Links</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/realtalksportsparents/"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">RTSP Instagram</span></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><a href= "https://www.samanthalivingstone.co/"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">samanthalivingstone.co</span></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://heatsense.com/">heatsense.com</a></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; 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font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatsenseapp/">Instagram: @heatsenseapp</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Melissa's Bio:</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> Melissa Fortenberry grew up wired to compete. A twin who played every sport through the YMCA, made boys' soccer teams until high school, and became a four-year letterman, she came to sports parenting with a deep love for competition—not reluctance.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> But she also came with a philosophy: sports should be fun, and effort matters more than outcomes. In a culture that can consume families with year-round travel teams and D1 dreams, she and her husband have held the line on letting their three kids try different things, do their best, and actually enjoy it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> After 25 years leading product at Expedia, VRBO, and Philips, a 107-degree football game turned her into a founder. Watching her son in full pads on hot turf, she couldn't stop thinking: if I'm overheating in the stands, what's happening to him?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> What she found was a system built around weather and symptoms—not the athlete. HeatSense replaces that guesswork with real-time visibility, so coaches and parents can act before heat becomes a problem.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p>

Episode thumbnail for Coaching with Courage: Chris DeSantis on Parenting, Boundaries, and Positive Sports Culture

April 3, 2026

Coaching with Courage: Chris DeSantis on Parenting, Boundaries, and Positive Sports Culture

<p class="MsoTitle" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 28.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Real Talk for Sport Parents Podcast</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Hosted by Samantha Livingstone</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;" align= "center"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Ep. 24: Coaching with Courage:</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;" align= "center"><strong><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Chris DeSantis on Parenting, Boundaries, and Positive Sports Culture</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style= "margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;" align= "center"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> In this episode, host Samantha Livingstone welcomes coach, athlete, father, and Swim Brief Podcast host Chris DeSantis, the first athletic coach to earn an advanced degree in positive psychology from Penn's Master of Applied Positive Psychology program. Chris shares his upbringing in swimming, including nearly quitting after his first year until his mom showed him his progress, and how a coach at 14 changed his life and influenced his decision to coach. He discusses a difficult college coach relationship, bullying, and learning to set boundaries, then offers practical guidance for athletes and parents navigating coach power dynamics and recruiting through direct, calm communication. Drawing from coaching in Denmark, he contrasts U.S. competition culture with Denmark's low hierarchy and closer parent-coach proximity, advocating gracious assumptions, curiosity, partnership, and empowering kids to use their voice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">04:09 Childhood and Swimming</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">05:40 Mom's Progress Lesson</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">08:21 Coach Who Changed Everything</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">10:41 College Burnout Turning Point</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">12:33 Coach Conflict and Boundaries</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">15:57 How Athletes Set Standards</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">18:15 Recruiting Ask Directly</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">21:26 Returning to the Pool</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">39:04 Coaching Your Own Kid</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">41:09 Abby Wambach Debate</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">43:59 Finding Middle Ground</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">50:26 Partnership With Coaches</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">01:00:01 Speaking Up Against Abuse</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">01:10:51 Permission Slip For Parents</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style= "margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style= "mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: black;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Quotes</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"><span style= "text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> • " I really wish somebody had said to me when I was starting like, Hey Chris, it's okay. You're, you're just getting started. Like, you know, yeah. This, this is a skill. It's gonna take a long time to acquire." [03:44]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> •  " Having a good relationship with your coach can be life changing. Having a bad relationship with your coach can be life changing." [13:08]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> •  "Don't, don't let anyone tell you that you can't give input because, you're not a coach, you're not an expert in the sport. Um, you, you still know right from wrong and you still have, um. Have a basic sense of humanity and, and how people should be with each other." [01:12:09]</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style= "font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Social Media and Links</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/realtalksportsparents/"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">RTSP Instagram</span></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><a href= "https://www.samanthalivingstone.co/"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">samanthalivingstone.co</span></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://chrisdcoach.com/">chrisdcoach.com</a></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrisd_coach/">Instagram @chrisd_coach</a></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style= "text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> <!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';">      </span></span></span> <!--[endif]--><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/the-swim-brief/id1232748697">The Swim Brief Podcast on Apple</a></span></p>

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What is Real Talk for Sport Parents w/ Samantha Livingstone?

Welcome to Real Talk for Sports Parents (RTSP), the podcast where we pull back the curtain on parenting in the world of sports. Hosted by Olympic gold medalist, wife of a coach, and mother of four female athletes, Samantha Livingstone, this show weaves together a mix of expert insights, real-life stories, and practical advice to help parents—of athletes of all ages—feel less alone and more connected to what truly matters in supporting their kids.

RTSP is your go-to space for honest, no-holds-barred conversations that empower you to cut through the noise and navigate the chaos of parenting in the world of sports. Whether it's solo episodes with Sam, interviews with experts, coaches, fellow sport parents, or advice from current and former athletes, you'll find the resources you need to thrive on this journey.

Take what resonates, leave the rest, and remember—you're not alone in this!

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

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