From Participation to Leadership: Inside the Special Olympics Movement

What ADHD Athletes Actually Need Nutritionally

Our guest this episode is Amy Pieczarka, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with over 40 years of experience specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, food sensitivities, and personalized nutrition strategies. She is the creator and director of PrevyMedica Nutrition Services, where she helps individuals and families improve focus, regulation, health, and performance through nutrition.Most parents are trying to coach behavior… without realizing what may actually be driving it.In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with registered dietitian nutritionist Amy Pizarca to break down the connection between nutrition, emotional regulation, focus, and performance in neurodivergent athletes.They discuss:-Why ADHD athletes often have higher nutritional demandsThe gut-brain connection and how it impacts behavior-Food sensitivities and inflammation-Why blood sugar regulation matters for focus and emotional control-How nutrition affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin-Strategies for selective eaters and sensory-sensitive kids-Pre-game and post-game fueling tips-What parents can do if ADHD medication suppresses appetiteSimple changes families can start making immediatelyThis conversation connects a lot of dots for parents who feel like they’ve tried everything.If you’ve ever wondered whether nutrition could be impacting your child’s focus, confidence, emotional regulation, or sports performance — this episode is for you.PreviMedica IG: https://www.instagram.com/previmedica/

Why ADHD Athletes Struggle With Emotions (And How to Fix It)

In this episode, Derek and Aleka sit down with Michael McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, creator of the Internal Skills Coaching Model, and an award-winning speaker with over 20 years of experience helping kids and families navigate ADHD and executive functioning challenges. As the author of The Executive Function Playbook and a leading voice in ADHD development, Mike’s work centers on owne core idea: kids with ADHD don’t lack intelligence—they lack an “internal GPS.” This conversation challenges the traditional view of ADHD, reframing it as a disorder of executive functioning, not attention. Instead of focusing on surface-level behaviors like hyperactivity or eye contact, Mike explains why real growth comes from building internal skills—self-awareness, emotional regulation, motivation, and independence. Throughout the episode, he breaks down why many common parenting and coaching approaches—like constant reminders, lectures, or forcing accountability—often backfire by increasing dysregulation and creating more conflict. * ADHD is not about attention—it’s about performance and internal skill gaps. * Kids need experiences, not constant verbal correction, to build executive functioning. * Emotional regulation improves when adults remove attention during dysregulation, not add more. * The car ride home after games is critical—say less, not more. * True accountability develops through natural consequences, not forced apologies. * Parents should aim for an authoritative approach with clear structure and less negotiation. * Coaches and parents can use a simple framework: “ready vs. not ready” behavior. * Sports and movement are some of the most effective ways to build the ADHD brain. This episode will change how you think about ADHD—and give you practical tools to help your child build confidence, regulate emotions, and succeed both on and off the field. Follow Mike: https://www.instagram.com/grownowadhd/

From Participation to Leadership: Inside the Special Olympics Movement

In this episode, Derek sits down with Special Olympics athlete leaders Declan Fawcett and Amanda Harrinauth, along with Alyssa Cress, Manager of Inclusive Leadership Development for Special Olympics North America, to explore the true meaning of leadership, inclusion, and opportunity. Together, they share how Special Olympics has created a space where athletes can not only compete, but lead—amplifying their voices, shaping their communities, and breaking down misconceptions around intellectual disabilities. From powerful personal stories to practical insights on coaching, parenting, and mentorship, this conversation highlights a simple but important truth: Inclusion isn’t about doing more—it’s about listening, understanding, and creating space for every athlete to thrive. You’ll learn: * How leadership opportunities transform confidence and identity * Why “nothing about us without us” is critical in sport and life * What great coaches and mentors do differently * How parents and communities can better support neurodivergent and differently wired athletes This episode is a reminder that being different isn’t a limitation—it’s an edge. Learn more about Special Olympics at SpecialOlympics.org Follow: @SONorthAmerica #ChooseToInclude #neurodivergentathletes #differentisyouredge

The Bullied Brain: What Coaches Are Doing That Harms Kids

What if the biggest threat to your child’s development isn’t failure… but the environment they’re in? In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Frazier—best-selling author of The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit Brain—to unpack the hidden impact of bullying, toxic coaching, and psychological abuse in youth sports. A former award-winning educator who taught at the University of Toronto, Jennifer left her career after exposing the coverup of student abuse—fueling her mission to bring brain science into youth sports. Her work has reached #1 on Amazon in sport psychology, been endorsed by leading neuroscientists, and influenced organizations across North America. In this conversation, we break down how “old school coaching,” verbal abuse, and humiliation don’t just hurt feelings—they can actually change brain development in young athletes. You’ll learn: * How bullying impacts the brain * Why toxic environments are often normalized * Warning signs parents miss * Why neurodivergent athletes are more vulnerable * How to build healthier, high-performing environments 🎯 Because toughness should never come at the cost of a child’s brain.

Inside IMG: How Elite Athletes Are Actually Built

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cat Lutz, Director of Mental Performance at IMG Academy, to break down what truly separates elite athletes from the rest—and why it has far more to do with mindset than talent. With over a decade of experience working with athletes from youth to professional levels—and a background as a Division I athlete and professional basketball player herself—Cat brings both lived experience and elite-level expertise in sport psychology. We explore how IMG Academy builds high-performing athletes through a holistic system that integrates mental performance, coaching, academics, and family support. The conversation dives deep into confidence, resilience, and the mental skills that actually drive long-term success—especially for neurodivergent athletes. You’ll learn: * The real traits that separate elite athletes (beyond physical ability) * How to support neurodivergent athletes by leaning into their strengths * Why overcoaching hurts performance—and what to do instead * Simple tools like breathwork, focusing on controllables, and reframing challenges * How to build confidence and resilience in everyday moments Whether you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode delivers practical strategies and a powerful new perspective on performance, development, and what it really takes to win—on and off the field. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lutz44 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lutz44] IG: @610_Performance