Shows
Heaven or HeismanThe Fate of the Volunteer Coach: How Parents Can Help or Hurt // Brad @ The Coaching DadWhat does it actually look like to coach kids well and to parent youth sports without losing perspective? In this episode, we sit down with Brad from The Coaching Dad to talk honestly about the realities of volunteer coaching, sideline pressure, and the expectations parents and coaches quietly carry. From first-time dad-coaches stepping onto the field to navigating yelling, playing time, and perceived favoritism, Brad shares practical wisdom for keeping youth sports simple, fun, and development-focused.Together, we wrestle with the tension between winning and growth, why fundamentals and “chaotic” practices matter more than short-term results, and how...
2026-02-0643 minHeaven or HeismanWhen the Dream Ends: College Baseball, Identity, and What Comes After // Bryce LenzWhat does it really take to chase a baseball dream, and what does it cost along the way? In this episode, we sit down with former college baseball player Bryce Lenz to pull back the curtain on the long road from youth ball to college and beyond. Together, we talk about time, pressure, burnout, and the difference between loving the game and treating it like a job. Bryce shares his firsthand experience navigating multi-sport life, early specialization, club baseball culture, and the grind of post-college opportunities where talent, timing, and sacrifice collide. Along the way, we wrestle with questions...
2026-01-2352 minHeaven or HeismanCounting the Real Cost of Youth BaseballIs youth baseball actually toxic, or are we navigating it without a clear map? In this season two opener, Luke Baker and Jean Anderson tackle one of the most emotionally charged questions parents face. When does competitive baseball help our kids thrive, and when does it quietly cost us more than we realize? Drawing from years of coaching, parenting, and faith centered reflection, we explore the realities of rec ball, select teams, and travel baseball while looking honestly at money, time, pressure, and the subtle ways adult expectations shape a child’s experience. Along the way, we talk about “craz...
2026-01-0945 minHeaven or HeismanBalancing Training, Growth, and PlayWhat’s the right way to support a young athlete without pushing too hard? In this episode, we dive into strength and conditioning for kids, preventing overuse injuries during rapid growth phases, and the timing of sport specialization. Dr. John Arvesen shares practical tips for recognizing warning signs like persistent pain, swelling, or fatigue, balancing recovery with competition, and fostering long-term health through sleep, nutrition, and rest. We also explore the difference between structured, year-round training and play-based, intrinsic specialization that keeps kids engaged without risk of burnout. Whether your child is just starting out or committed to a pr...
2025-12-0659 minHeaven or HeismanThe Club Sports Crossroad: What’s Really at Stake?When is “helping your kid succeed” actually costing your family more than you realize? In this candid conversation, Luke and Jean sit down with producer Aaron Rose to unpack the emotionally loaded world of youth sports — especially the tension parents feel when deciding whether to jump into select ball. What starts as a simple baseball question opens up a deeper dialogue about family values, hidden costs, and the fear of your child falling behind. From long commutes and big price tags to the subtle pressure of status and expectations, they explore how easily good intentions can drift into overwhelm, burnou...
2025-12-0517 minHeaven or HeismanWhat To Do When You Don't Win All SeasonWhat do you do when your team doesn’t win a single game all season? Luke, Jean, and Aaron get real about what it’s like to lead a winless team—and what that reveals about our expectations as parents and coaches. From redefining what “winning” looks like to checking our own hearts when we care more than the kids do, this conversation reminds us that character and joy matter more than the scoreboard. They unpack how to keep kids motivated, handle frustrated parents, and help both the ultra-competitive and the carefree players grow through it all. Wheth...
2025-11-2128 minHeaven or HeismanHow Good Dads Become Overbearing CoachesWhat happens when a dad’s good intentions turn into pressure that crushes his kid’s love for the game? Luke and Jean sit down with guest Brian Campion to talk about how easily encouragement can cross into control — and the long-term impact it can have on a child’s heart. From sideline intensity to post-game car rides, they unpack real stories of overbearing parenting, share lessons from Scripture, and offer practical ways to build character and connection instead of resentment. Whether you coach, cheer, or just want to raise resilient kids, this episode will challenge and encourage you to refoc...
2025-11-0746 minHeaven or HeismanAway Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth SportsThis week, Luke Baker and Jean Anderson sit down with authors Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, who co-wrote Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. Together, they explore how faith can transform the way parents and kids experience today’s high-pressure sports culture.Brian and Ed share their experiences from decades in sports ministry, unpacking how Christian families can thrive in a youth sports world that often feels like “an away game.” They discuss balancing competition with character, the pressure of performance, how parents can model grace from the sidelines, and what it really m...
2025-10-2438 minHeaven or HeismanConfidence Starts at Home, Not with GearLuke and Jean and the team dive into the phrase “Look good, feel good, feel good, play good”—popularized by Coach Prime—and how it applies to youth sports and beyond. They explore the balance between providing kids with gear that helps them feel prepared and confident versus overemphasizing appearance to the point it becomes a crutch.Jean recounts showing up at a high-level youth football tournament where the teams, coaches, and even parents had coordinated looks that created an atmosphere of professionalism and intimidation. The discussion covers practical basics—properly fitting cleats, inflated balls, and a good backp...
2025-10-1012 minHeaven or HeismanWhy Your Kid Isn’t Getting Better at SportsJean and Luke dive into the challenges and opportunities parents and coaches face in youth sports. Using the analogy of “mowing the parking lot,” they unpack why kids often spend more time at practice than actually improving—and how small adjustments can make a big difference.From cutting down wasted minutes in lines and water breaks to teaching skills at the “edge of ability,” the conversation is full of practical insights for parents, coaches, and athletes alike. You’ll hear stories about Jonathan Isaac’s faith-driven shoe brand, lessons from the Williams sisters’ early training, and why unstructured pla...
2025-09-2635 minHeaven or HeismanIf You’re Always Rushed, You’re Doing It Wrong // Aaron RoseToday we have special guest Aaron Rose as we dive into a game-changing book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. The conversation explores why hurry is the enemy of love, peace, and spiritual growth—and how it’s quietly shaping our kids, our parenting, and our sports culture.From rushed car rides and late-night practices to forgotten shin guards and Chick-fil-A dinners in the backseat, they unpack the cost of living life at a frenetic pace. You’ll hear practical ways to slow down, protect family relationships, and reclaim joy—without giving up on sports a...
2025-09-1231 minHeaven or HeismanWhy Winning Feels Empty Without True PurposeIn this episode of Heaven or Heisman, we sit down with our friend Kyle Porter from Normal Sport for a deep conversation that blends golf, faith, and the search for meaning. Together with Jean and the team, Kyle unpacks Scottie Scheffler’s surprising press conference comments on fulfillment, Ecclesiastes, and what it truly means to chase success.From Solomon’s wisdom to the grind of professional athletes, the crew explores why even at the very top, achievement often feels empty. They dive into the tension between joy and happiness, the fleeting nature of success, and how faith resh...
2025-08-2950 minHeaven or HeismanEarly Specialization Might Be Hurting Your AthleteToday we dive headfirst into the cultural shift in youth sports—how money, pressure, and year-round specialization are reshaping the game for kids and families alike. We reflect on what sports used to be, where they’re headed, and the ripple effects on motivation, structure, access, family roles, and kids’ identities. From NIL million-dollar deals to the quiet erosion of “just playing for fun,” we share our honest thoughts, personal experiences, and biblical insights on how parents can navigate this new landscape without losing sight of what matters most.Key TakeawaysYouth sports motivation has shifted from fun t...
2025-08-1531 minHeaven or HeismanIf You’re Not Laughing, You’re Missing the PointIn this lighthearted and honest episode, Luke Baker and Jean Anderson share the chaos, comedy, and camaraderie that comes with being a youth sports parent. From the infamous shoe crisis to the magic of high fives, they unpack seven laugh-out-loud relatable realities only parents on the sidelines truly understand. Whether you're a veteran coach, a snack mom, or a barefoot-kid defender, this episode is a fun tribute to all the unglamorous—and unforgettable—moments that make up the youth sports experience.
2025-08-0115 minHeaven or HeismanStill and Strong: Keegan Mueller’s Story of Wrestling, Faith, and SurvivalIn this powerful episode, Keegan Mueller — a former D1 wrestler, coach, and real estate leader — shares how growing up on the wrestling mat shaped his toughness, grit, and identity. But it wasn’t until a life-threatening fall in front of his son that Keegan learned what real strength and stillness look like.He talks candidly about the culture of performance, how sports can form (or misshape) young men, and what it means to raise kids who are tough, humble, and rooted in faith. From Highland Park wrestling rooms to hospital beds, Keegan’s story is a raw reminder...
2025-07-1839 minHeaven or HeismanPurpose vs. PerformanceIn this heartfelt and practical episode, Jean and the team explore one of the most important questions facing kids, parents, and coaches in youth sports today: Are we chasing performance or living from purpose? Drawing from a powerful Kobe Bryant quote and personal stories—including one deeply moving tribute to John's late mother—this conversation challenges the cultural obsession with measuring worth through wins, stats, and scores. Instead, listeners are invited to discover the freeing and lasting foundation of purpose: honoring God in all things.You'll hear real-life strategies for how parents and coaches can help kids play...
2025-07-0434 minHeaven or HeismanThe Gearhead MythHave you ever felt the pressure to buy your kid the best gear for youth sports? In today’s Gearhead episode, we chat about how parents don’t need to stress over purchasing the most expensive equipment for their children. We kick things off with a funny coaching story, followed by a discussion on how flashy, high-priced gear doesn’t guarantee success on the field. From expensive baseball bats to pricey soccer balls, we dive into why your kid’s skills matter more than the gear they use.We explore how many top athletes, like Lionel Messi and Mich...
2025-06-2009 minHeaven or HeismanHow to Help My Child Be a Good TeammateHave you ever wondered how to help your child become a better teammate? In today’s episode, we dive into the essential character traits that make a great team player, from adaptability to the ability to support struggling teammates. We also explore different teammate personalities you’ll encounter, like the fiery competitor or the quiet leader, and how to navigate those dynamics. Whether your child is the star player or learning their role on the team, we’ll share practical tips on how to foster good teamwork both on and off the field.Through real-life scenarios and proven...
2025-06-0648 minHeaven or HeismanHow to Do Sports and Have a Rich Family Life // Rob HaysIn this episode, Rob Hayes joins us for a conversation that explores the intersection of faith, family, and elite athletics. Rob, a former competitive golfer and father of seven, shares his journey of raising children in a sports-driven world while keeping family values front and center. From navigating the pressures of youth sports to making intentional family memories, Rob offers insight into fostering healthy relationships, prioritizing faith, and helping kids thrive both on and off the field.Rob’s experience in coaching his children through everything from soccer and tennis to golf provides practical wisdom for any pa...
2025-05-2343 minHeaven or HeismanHow to Help My Child Love God Through SportsIn this episode of How Can I Help My Child Love God Through Sports, we dive into how we, as dads, can help our kids honor God through their athletic experiences. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure of performance, but we believe there’s so much more to sports than just winning or losing. We share stories and practical tips on how to focus on character-building aspects like love, compassion, hard work, and integrity, all while supporting our kids' spiritual growth.We talk about how sports can be a powerful platform for teaching our ki...
2025-05-0939 minHeaven or HeismanFaith First with Timothy // Timothy AteekWant to know what happens when you mix sports, faith, and family?Join us for a fun and candid conversation on the Heaven or Heisman podcast, where we sit down with Pastor Timothy Ateek to dive into the impact of youth sports on our kids, our families, and our values.We tackle tough topics like the pressure to win at all costs, how sports can shape our kids' identities, and the role faith plays in all of it.From dealing with competition to balancing...
2025-04-2542 minHeaven or HeismanHow to Help My Child Love Sports MoreWant to help your child love sports more, but not sure where to start? In this episode of Heaven or Heisman, we dive into how to foster a true love for sports without pushing them too hard. It's all about creating the right environment, sharing your own enthusiasm, and making sports fun and natural for your kids.We talk about how to immerse your child in the world of sports—from watching games together to wearing jerseys and engaging in friendly competitions in the backyard. But we also explore the importance of balancing their in...
2025-04-1116 minHeaven or HeismanWhat We Get Wrong About Competitive Youth Sports // Kyle PorterJoin Kyle Porter, the founder of Normal Sport, for insightful discussions on the world of sports and family life. A former sports writer turned entrepreneur, Kyle shares his unique perspective on balancing athletic passion with family values. As a father of four and a former college athlete, he’s passionate about creating healthier, more balanced ways for families to engage with youth sports. Through honest conversations, Kyle dives into the pressures of modern sports culture, providing practical advice for parents who want to encourage their children without sacrificing family time or values. Expect guest appearances, personal anecdotes, and a th...
2025-03-2834 minHeaven or HeismanHow to Help My Child Avoid Sports Burnout // Lindsay LintelmanWant to know what it takes to raise a successful athlete without burning them out? In Heaven or Heisman, we explore the balance between hard work, passion, and a healthy approach to sports. Hosted by parents and coaches with real-life experiences, we dive into how to help your child thrive in youth sports, all while keeping the joy alive.From the myth of needing to start early to the importance of fostering a love for the game, we share personal stories, expert insights, and practical advice to help guide your kids without pushing them...
2025-03-1446 minHeaven or HeismanHow to Help My Child Practice MoreStruggling to get your child to practice more? You’re not alone! In this episode of Heaven or Heisman, we dive into the best ways to help your kids build their skills, while still keeping the fun alive. We discuss the balance between structured practice and creative play, and how both can fuel your child's growth in sports.We’ll explore how to instill discipline and work ethic at a young age, as well as the importance of mixing in fun games that keep them engaged. From negotiating with M&Ms to teaching complex skil...
2025-02-2829 minHeaven or HeismanMake it a Great Spring Sports SeasonSpring sports are here, and we’re gearing up for an exciting season! Whether we’re coaching or cheering from the sidelines, we know how precious this time is with our kids. As the games begin, we want to share some thoughts on how we can make the most of this season. From practical advice for parents to inspiring messages for players, we dive into the key things we can do to support our kids both on and off the field. Tune in for tips on how to enjoy the games, set a great example, and create memories that will...
2025-02-2512 minHeaven or HeismanHow to Help My Child Have More ConfidenceWondering how to help your child develop confidence in sports (and life)? In this episode of Heaven or Heisman, we dive into practical ways to instill confidence in your kids—from tackling their first sports season to encouraging them through failure. We share personal stories, lessons learned, and scriptural wisdom to help you support your child’s growth, build their bravery, and nurture their resilience.Whether your child is struggling to take a shot or needs a little push to try something new, this episode is packed with tips you can implement today. From focusing on the righ...
2025-02-1446 minHeaven or HeismanScary StatsWelcome back to Heaven or Heisman! In this episode, we’re diving into some scary stats about youth sports and the pressure on kids and parents alike. With over 40 million kids playing youth sports in America, it’s staggering that 70% will drop out before the age of 13, often due to the overwhelming emphasis on winning over fun. As parents, we’re seeing it more and more—pressure to succeed can make sports feel like a high-stakes game, stripping away the joy and leaving kids frustrated.We’re here to talk through these stats and what they really mean for y...
2025-02-1432 minHeaven or HeismanIntroductionWelcome to Heaven or Heisman! We’re Luke and Jean, and we’re here to help Christian parents navigate the chaos of youth sports while keeping their focus on what really matters—faith and family. Youth sports today are out of control, with parents either overwhelmed or trying to keep their sanity in a world where sports can feel like everything. If you’re raising a godly child who loves sports, we’re here to help you keep heaven, not the Heisman, as your main goal.With our combined experience in coaching and playing at the highest levels, we...
2025-02-1105 min