In this heartfelt and practical episode, John 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.

Have you ever wondered how to help your child become a better teammate? In today’s episode, we dive into the essential character traits that make a great team player, from adaptability to the ability to support struggling teammates. We also explore different teammate personalities you’ll encounter, like the fiery competitor or the quiet leader, and how to navigate those dynamics. Whether your child is the star player or learning their role on the team, we’ll share practical tips on how to foster good teamwork both on and off the field.

Through real-life scenarios and proven strategies, we discuss how to encourage your child to embrace their role, support their teammates, and handle challenges with resilience. Plus, we’ll talk about the importance of teaching your child how to be a friend and communicate effectively, skills that will last far beyond the game. Tune in for some helpful advice on how to raise a strong, supportive teammate!

In this episode, Rob Hayes joins us for a conversation that explores the intersection of faith, family, and elite athletics. Rob, a former competitive golfer and father of seven, shares his journey of raising children in a sports-driven world while keeping family values front and center. From navigating the pressures of youth sports to making intentional family memories, Rob offers insight into fostering healthy relationships, prioritizing faith, and helping kids thrive both on and off the field.

Rob’s experience in coaching his children through everything from soccer and tennis to golf provides practical wisdom for any parent trying to balance their child's athletic ambitions with a flourishing family life. Whether you’re considering travel teams, managing busy schedules, or wondering how to incorporate faith into sports, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. Rob shares stories of triumphs and challenges that remind us that the most important goal isn’t winning—it’s growing together as a family, with a solid foundation in faith and character.

In this episode of How Can I Help My Child Love God Through Sports, we dive into how we, as dads, can help our kids honor God through their athletic experiences. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure of performance, but we believe there’s so much more to sports than just winning or losing. We share stories and practical tips on how to focus on character-building aspects like love, compassion, hard work, and integrity, all while supporting our kids' spiritual growth.

We talk about how sports can be a powerful platform for teaching our kids biblical values like being a good teammate, showing grace under pressure, and staying true to their unique identity. We also reflect on moments when our own kids have been tested in sports and how we’ve used those times to point them back to God. Plus, we discuss how to turn everyday moments—like car rides to practice—into opportunities for spiritual growth.

Whether you're coaching or just cheering from the sidelines, we believe that sports can be an amazing tool for teaching our kids how to live out their faith. Tune in to hear how we can make those lessons stick, even when things don’t go as planned.

Want to know what happens when you mix sports, faith, and family?

Join us for a fun and candid conversation on the Heaven or Heisman podcast, where we sit down with Pastor Timothy Ateek to dive into the impact of youth sports on our kids, our families, and our values.

We tackle tough topics like the pressure to win at all costs, how sports can shape our kids' identities, and the role faith plays in all of it.

From dealing with competition to balancing church and game day, we offer some practical advice for parents trying to navigate the fast-paced world of sports while keeping faith and family at the forefront.

Plus, we’ll share how to keep your priorities in check and raise kids who understand that winning isn’t everything—faith and character are!

It’s a must-listen for anyone juggling sports schedules and family values. Tune in and let's figure out how to do it all, together!

Want to help your child love sports more, but not sure where to start? In this episode of Heaven or Heisman, we dive into how to foster a true love for sports without pushing them too hard. It's all about creating the right environment, sharing your own enthusiasm, and making sports fun and natural for your kids.

We talk about how to immerse your child in the world of sports—from watching games together to wearing jerseys and engaging in friendly competitions in the backyard. But we also explore the importance of balancing their interests and passions, ensuring that sports become part of a well-rounded life, not the only focus. At the end of the day, it's about making sure they know that whatever they pursue, it’s for a higher purpose—and it’s all for Jesus. Tune in for practical tips and real-life examples to help your child build a lasting love for sports!

Join Kyle Porter, the founder of Normal Sport, for insightful discussions on the world of sports and family life. A former sports writer turned entrepreneur, Kyle shares his unique perspective on balancing athletic passion with family values. As a father of four and a former college athlete, he’s passionate about creating healthier, more balanced ways for families to engage with youth sports. Through honest conversations, Kyle dives into the pressures of modern sports culture, providing practical advice for parents who want to encourage their children without sacrificing family time or values. Expect guest appearances, personal anecdotes, and a thoughtful approach to the challenges of raising kids in today’s competitive environment.