This episode discusses the importance of rest after a concussion, tips for safe return to school and activities, common mistakes in athlete recovery, and supporting young athletes through the process. Dr. Kern shares insights on managing concussions in youth sports and the challenges athletes face in recovering from head injuries.

Exploring parental involvement in youth sports, the podcast delves into the impact of Achievenment by Proxy Disorder and offers practical strategies to minimize harmful behaviors. Emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach, the conversation focuses on fostering a positive team environment and prioritizing holistic development over athletic success.

Andy Gillham, Ph.D., performance psychology coach, discusses the differences between applied and clinical performance psychology, mental health challenges in youth athletes, and ways for sports mental health professionals to work with young athletes and their parents.

Three experts discuss trends in youth fitness, including the rise in training facilities and programs, promoting physical activity among children, global trends in youth physical inactivity, delivering exercise programs to youth athletes, the importance of muscle strength in youth, and the importance of an evidence-based approach to youth fitness.

Guest Tony Moreno, Professor of Kinesiology at Eastern Michigan University, discusses the concerns of youth sport specialization, including overuse injuries, psychological burnout, ranking systems, and the importance of multi-sport participation for holistic development.

The podcast discusses the Female Athlete Triad, which includes low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone density. It explores the mental and physical effects of eating disorders, as well as the importance of bone health. It also highlights the recognition and treatment of overuse injuries in athletes. The chapter emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition and challenges myths surrounding strength training and menstrual loss. The podcast advocates for creating a safe and healthy environment in sports to encourage long-term participation.

Guests Dr. Tamerah Hunt and Kylie Roberts discuss the impact of athletic identity on young athletes, the development of a win-it-all-cost mindset, challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sports, the importance of early intervention in youth sports, and the benefits of having a multi-dimensional identity.

Dr. Rick Howard, an Assistant Professor and Sports Performance Coordinator, discusses the importance of matching child-centered policies to appropriate development in youth sport. He emphasizes prioritizing fun, skill development, and social interaction over winning. The podcast also explores the shift from recreational leagues to travel teams and shares a technique for coaching youth athletes. It concludes with a discussion on creating policies that balance structured and unstructured play in youth sports.

Rick Howard, an Assistant Professor and Sports Performance Coordinator, discusses the impact of adolescent development on fitness and conditioning in youth sports. Topics include strength training, variety in conditioning activities, energy systems, tailored training for different age groups, and the benefits of strength and conditioning for children and adolescents.

Dr. Rick Howard discusses long-term athletic development, emphasizing the importance of considering each child's individual development in youth sports. The chapter explores the decrease in sport participation among children and the importance of the social aspect in sports for mental health. It also highlights the significance of the social element in sports and the value athletes place on relationships and memories over winning. The speakers share their experience playing cornhole at a graduation party, hinting at an upcoming coaching series on ages and stages in youth sports.