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Courtside Forever is a podcast for parents swept up in the circus of everyday problems who, despite the world’s best efforts, are still dedicated to seeking intentional moments with their kids. I’m your host, Ryan Rucker, and each week, I will bring you a new episode made for you. We’ll keep it brief for some weeks, diving into a specific topic such as Youth Sports or Paternity Leave in America. These 15-20 minute episodes will focus on overarching themes, statistics, and practical next steps parents can take. In other weeks, we’ll extend our conversations, inviting parents in sports, business, and other industries to look at how they center parenthood in their lives and touch on our inevitable struggles while building a career, business, and future. Whether you’re a dad or mom or thinking of stepping into the role someday, Courtside Forever is a podcast that aims to recenter the world we’re building for our kids. In 2024, The United States of America declared parenting a public health crisis, citing the way society is set up for the reason we struggle. In the document created by the US Department of Health and Services Department, Parents Under Pressure, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy stated, “Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us. And the health and well-being of those who are caring for our children should matter to us as well.” In 2020, I hosted and produced the 8-episode docuseries Complicated Fatherhood, where I spent each episode speaking to my biological dad to understand how his absence from my life affected my Fatherhood. Since wrapping the podcast, I knew I wanted to get back into podcasting, and Courtside Forever is a continuation of my mantra to be ever present in my daughters’ lives. On Courtside Forever, we’ll have fun, get serious, tell stories, and work to focus on the only thing that matters because, as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house. Let’s enjoy them.
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
In this debut episode of Courtside Forever, host Ryan Rucker tackles a pressing issue in youth sports: Are sports still about fun, or have they become more of a grind driven by adult expectations?
Drawing from personal experiences and statistics, Ryan explores the evolving culture of youth sports, the pressure young athletes face, and the pivotal role parents and coaches play in shaping kids’ experiences on and off the field. This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone invested in making youth sports a positive, enriching experience.
We dive into the changing culture of youth sports, where more kids are feeling like they’re in high-stakes competition rather than simply playing a game. Ryan shares stories from the sidelines, where adult expectations and behavior can make or break a child’s experience, and highlights alarming statistics on youth sports burnout, with 70% of kids quitting by age 13 due to excessive pressure.
Ryan discusses the impact of high expectations on young athletes and how pressure from parents and coaches affects kids’ enjoyment, confidence, and mental well-being. With insights into the dangers of comparing young athletes to pros and expecting them to perform at adult levels, this episode examines how these pressures lead to burnout and loss of interest in sports.
The episode also explores the role parents play in youth sports. From the sidelines to the car ride home, parents can unintentionally add stress. Ryan shares statistics showing that 36% of youth athletes cite their parents as the biggest source of stress, with real-life examples highlighting the powerful impact—positive or negative—of parental involvement.
Finally, Ryan offers solutions to make youth sports more enjoyable, focusing on shifting from performance pressure to fun and personal growth. With advice on encouraging positive reinforcement, celebrating effort over results, and promoting rest and balance, this episode shows how small changes can transform youth sports into an experience that builds resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.
Thank you for joining us for this episode of Courtside Forever!
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