Part II, The Normalization of Toxic Behaviors within Youth Sports

Our 1st guest- Sam Shweisky!

Our 1st guest, Sam Shweisky, head coach of the Princeton University men’s volleyball program and one of the most respected voices in collegiate volleyball. Coach Shweisky shares his journey through the sport, the lessons he’s learned from leading at the Division I level, and what it takes to build a championship culture rooted in discipline, trust, and accountability. In this conversation, we dive into leadership, player development, team chemistry, recruiting, and the evolving landscape of college athletics and youth sports. Coach Shweisky also opens up about balancing competitiveness with mentorship, helping athletes grow beyond the game, and the mindset required to succeed under pressure. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, volleyball fan, or someone interested in leadership and high performance, this episode delivers insight, perspective, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from one of the top programs in the country.

Perimenopause for the win!

It’s getting hot in here… and it might not just be the weather. In this episode, we dive into the real, unfiltered experience of perimenopause—hot flashes, mood swings, sleep struggles, and everything in between. Whether you’re in the thick of it or just starting to notice changes, we’re breaking down what’s happening in your body and how to navigate it with confidence (and a little humor).

Stop Calling it Attitude

“Attitude problem” is one of the most overused labels in sports. In this episode, we go beyond the surface to explore what’s really driving those behaviors—and why asking why matters more than reacting.

Part II, The Normalization of Toxic Behaviors within Youth Sports

Youth sports are supposed to build confidence, character, and teamwork—but what happens when toxic behaviors become part of the culture? In this episode, we dive into the normalization of toxic behaviors within youth sports, from overly aggressive coaching and sideline pressure to the win-at-all-costs mentality that many young athletes face today. We’ll explore how these patterns develop, the impact they have on athletes’ mental health and love for the game, and what coaches, parents, and organizations can do to create healthier environments. If youth sports are meant to develop better athletes and better people, it’s time to ask: when did toxicity start being seen as “normal”?

Part I, The Normalization of Toxic Behaviors

In this episode, we explore how toxic behaviors slowly become normalized in society. What starts as something shocking can eventually be accepted, justified, or even rewarded. From social pressures to power dynamics, we break down the psychological and cultural factors that allow harmful behaviors to become part of everyday life. This is Part I of our two-part series examining how normalization happens—and why recognizing it is the first step toward change.