The Podolskiy Method: Parenting an athlete

How Parents Can Survive Travel Sports Without Losing Themselves

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1759705/fan_mail/new] Travel sports can turn a family calendar into a battlefield. Between practices, tournaments, money, school, and the emotions that come with watching your kid compete, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing at everything at once. We sit down with Dr. Lena Fagan, a psychologist, family therapist, and author, to talk honestly about what youth sports parenting looks like in real life and what actually helps. We get into the hidden workload on parents, why the right club structure matters, and how to support consistency without creating burnout. Dr. Fagan shares what she sees in her private practice with young athletes and their families, including the risk of kids building a single identity around being “the athlete,” and the mental health fallout when a dream ends through injury, performance limits, or simple loss of interest. We also talk about the transition many athletes face later, when the sport ends and meaning, money skills, and career direction suddenly matter. The most practical takeaway is emotional regulation. We unpack the difference between reacting and responding, how nonverbal disappointment can crush confidence, and why consequences teach better than punishment. You’ll also hear simple tools for raising independent kids, including “affordable mistakes,” open-ended questions that build judgment, and a clean allowance framework that teaches giving, saving, and spending. If you care about resilience, adaptability, athlete mental health, and better communication at home, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a sports parent who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the show. ThePodolskiyMethod.squarespace.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @SharpSkateNY @IlyaPodolskiy @thepodolskiymethod

From D1 Hoops To Life Skills: Angela R. Lewis On Talent, Pressure, And Parenting In Youth Sports

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1759705/fan_mail/new] The sidelines are louder, the stakes feel higher, and the path to the next level is more crowded than ever. Former Division I and pro basketball player Angela R. Lewis joins us to unpack the modern youth sports maze—money, social media, the transfer portal—and the timeless habits that still create real growth. We start with Angela’s origin story, from being scouted outside a Blockbuster to playing professionally, and the family dynamics that shaped her mindset. Then we get practical: what D1 commitment actually looks like, why the transfer portal makes life tougher for high school recruiting, and how talent still rises when habits and humility lead the way. Angela offers an unvarnished look at exposure culture—when to post, how to protect kids online, and why parents running social accounts can reduce pressure while keeping gratitude front and center. The heart of the episode sits at the kitchen table. We talk about “kitchen talk” and how casual criticism of coaches and teammates can undermine a child’s confidence. For parent-coaches, we share strategies that keep roles clear, process-focused, and fair to the full team. Angela breaks down pressure training—five-on-eight scrimmages in hoops, small-area games in hockey—and shows how constraint-led practice builds decision speed and calm under fire. We also dive into her books, mentorship as a performance accelerant, the value of volunteering, and how to carry sport’s lessons into writing, work, and life after the final whistle. If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete navigating the noise, you’ll leave with a grounded playbook: ask for more pressure and grow your capacity, separate who you are from how you performed today, and build a circle that tells you the truth. Subscribe, share this with a sports family who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. ThePodolskiyMethod.squarespace.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @SharpSkateNY @IlyaPodolskiy @thepodolskiymethod

What Makes a Hockey Player? Hint: It's Not the $1000 Skates

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1759705/fan_mail/new] Finding hockey equipment that truly fits can transform a player's experience on the ice. In this revealing conversation with Jon from Black Biscuit LLC, we dive deep into the evolution of hockey gear and how proper fit trumps expensive brand names every time. Jon shares the fascinating journey of Black Biscuit, from its origins in 1994 creating the first dedicated roller hockey pants to becoming a company focused on custom sublimated jerseys and uniforms that make players feel like "a million bucks." His insider perspective on equipment manufacturing reveals surprising truths about what really matters in hockey gear selection. "A composite stick at 325 grams is a composite stick at 325 grams - it doesn't matter if it says Warrior, True, Bauer, CCM, Sherwood, or some no-name," Jon explains, challenging the marketing hype that drives equipment prices skyward. His straightforward advice for parents navigating youth hockey equipment purchases is refreshingly practical: focus on comfort and proper fit rather than flashy brands. The conversation extends beyond equipment to explore youth hockey culture, effective coaching approaches, and the character traits that define successful athletes. Jon shares valuable insights on creating positive team environments where players learn to support each other while developing their skills. His emphasis on sportsmanship, making hockey fun, and helping players build confidence provides a blueprint for coaches and parents alike. Whether you're new to hockey or a seasoned player looking to upgrade your gear, this episode offers invaluable guidance on making equipment choices that enhance performance while avoiding unnecessary expenses. Join us for a conversation that will change how you think about hockey equipment and team culture. ThePodolskiyMethod.squarespace.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @SharpSkateNY @IlyaPodolskiy @thepodolskiymethod

66: Unleashing Greatness: Leadership Lessons from Business, Sports, and Parenting

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1759705/fan_mail/new] Have you ever wondered what drives the most successful leaders in business and sports to push beyond their limits? Join me, Coach Ilya Podolskiy, as I sit down with executive coach and entrepreneur Laurie Clarke to explore this fascinating intersection. We uncover the intrinsic motivations and shared goals that propel leaders and athletes alike toward greatness. Laurie shares her vast experience working with companies of all sizes, offering insights on how effective leadership in both arenas is anchored in intrinsic value and collaboration, beyond just financial gains. Our discussion takes a heartfelt turn as we talk about parenting and coaching in youth sports. Laurie reflects on her personal journey with her athletic daughter and strategically minded son, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing each child's unique strengths and interests. We dive into the emotional nuances of youth sports, highlighting the critical role of being present and fostering open communication with young athletes. Through real-life anecdotes, we discuss managing emotions and the impact of feedback on nurturing children's growth, underscoring the essential balance between guidance and understanding. Finally, we explore the complexities of team dynamics and the pervasive influence of ego in high-performance settings. From personal stories about volleyball games to the challenges faced by both small startups and large corporations, we dissect how communication shapes team culture and effectiveness. Laurie and I share practical strategies like visualization and meditation to promote a growth mindset and mitigate the impact of egos. This episode is packed with insights for coaches, parents, and business leaders aiming to enhance their leadership and teamwork skills. ThePodolskiyMethod.squarespace.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @SharpSkateNY @IlyaPodolskiy @thepodolskiymethod

65: Hockey Dreams and Coaching Realities with NHL Alumni Boo Nieves

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1759705/fan_mail/new] Former NHL player and coach Boo Nieves joins us to share his transformative journey from a multi-sport upbringing in Syracuse, New York, to finding his true calling on the ice. Through humorous tales, like rollerblading around his house to impress his parents, Boo reveals the unique challenges and rewards of both roller and ice hockey, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. Listeners will gain insight into how hockey skills have evolved over the years and the cultural contrasts in coaching styles across the globe. Boo and I also explore the nuances of youth hockey development, recounting experiences from prestigious tournaments such as the Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament. We shed light on the pressures young athletes face and emphasize the significance of resilience and work ethic. From being scouted to facing setbacks, Boo's candid reflections on his personal journey underscore the importance of education alongside athletics, offering inspiration to aspiring players and their families. Our conversation delves into the exciting transition from college to the professional leagues, with Boo Nieves sharing his exhilarating signing experience with the New York Rangers. We also discuss the physical demands of the AHL and the setbacks of injuries, which led Boo to pivot from playing to coaching. This episode serves as a testament to the resilience required to navigate a sports career, encapsulating the rewarding cycle of teaching and learning, and offering valuable lessons for athletes at every stage of their journey. ThePodolskiyMethod.squarespace.com Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @SharpSkateNY @IlyaPodolskiy @thepodolskiymethod