What happens when a mental performance coach and a conflict and culture expert, who is also a former athlete and coach, team up? You get a real, raw conversation about youth sports that every sports parent needs to hear, whether they want to or not.

In this episode of Five with Fry, Dr. Jen Fry sits down with mental performance coach Dan Mickle to unpack five uncomfortable truths about youth sports and the role parents think they’re playing (vs. the one they actually are). From the pressure that sneaks into dinner table conversations to the myth that confidence can be gifted through compliments, this episode pulls no punches.

Dan and Jen dive deep into how well-meaning parents often (unintentionally) derail their child’s development by making their kid’s athletic journey a second chance at their own. They explore why the ride home matters more than the game itself, why struggle is essential, and how the youth sports system prioritizes profit over athletes.

Remember: it’s not about you. And sometimes, as Dan puts it, “Your kid just isn’t that good right now.” Oof. But also? That truth might be exactly what helps you show up better for them.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this one’s a must-listen.

Follow Dan at @RealDanMickle and check out his podcast at mentalcast.com.