Jean 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 play might be one of the best ways kids can grow.

Whether you’re a coach looking to run better practices or a parent wanting to support your child’s love of the game, this episode gives you actionable tools and encouragement to help kids truly get better—and enjoy the process along the way.

Today 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 altogether. Whether you’re a parent juggling multiple kids’ schedules or someone craving a slower, more intentional life, this episode offers both conviction and encouragement.

Key Takeaways:

• Why hurry and love can’t coexist
• How rushing creates anxiety in kids (and parents)
• Practical ways to embrace a slower schedule in youth sports
• The freedom of redefining commitment to a team
• How to use car rides and downtime for deeper connection

In 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 Scotty 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 reshapes our understanding of work, family, and calling. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of triumph, struggle, and the lessons parents and athletes alike can draw from sports culture.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, “Is this it?”—this episode will challenge and encourage you to see beyond accomplishments to the deeper source of lasting joy.

Today 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 Takeaways

• Youth sports motivation has shifted from fun to fame, money, and exposure.
• Year-round specialization is erasing the seasonal variety and joy of multiple sports.
• Fast-tracking kids’ development often comes at the expense of long-term growth.
• Access to elite opportunities is increasingly tied to wealth and connections.
• Parents’ roles are moving from supportive cheerleaders to high-stakes investors.
• Kids are being branded as athletes first, rather than being valued as children.
• Burnout, anxiety, and depression are real risks in this pressurized environment.
• The culture around sports often mirrors the idolization of money in Scripture.
• Families can model a healthier culture by redefining success and celebrating character.
• Change starts one kid, one team, one family at a time.

In 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.

In 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 that sometimes God uses unexpected moments to slow us down and remind us who’s really in control.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or just someone who needs encouragement to find purpose beyond performance, you’ll walk away challenged and inspired.

In 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 with passion without tying their identity to performance. Whether it's a reminder to “give 1,000%” or examples of kids learning to lead through sports, this episode offers a compelling vision for raising confident, purpose-driven young athletes.

Have 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 Michael Jordan, grew up playing with makeshift equipment, which helped them develop fundamental skills. The message is simple: Save your money, focus on developing your child’s abilities, and skip the pressure to buy the fanciest gear. Whether it’s a secondhand bat or a budget-friendly soccer ball, it’s the effort and fundamentals that make all the difference in the game. Tune in for some practical advice and a refreshing perspective on youth sports.