In this special episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew tackle topics submitted by you, the listeners. From team dynamics to selection politics, they dive into the real-life pressures athletes face—like whether chemistry or individual skill matters more, the stress of performance anxiety, and the tough decisions young athletes make when chasing opportunity in bigger cities. It's an honest, wide-ranging conversation rooted in your questions, with one constant theme: the joy of playing, and the importance of enjoying the ride—not just chasing the result.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Current Sports Buzz
03:02 Fan Questions and Team Building Dynamics
05:57 Team Selection: Skill vs. Chemistry
09:06 The Importance of Team Dynamics
12:01 Curling Team Dynamics and Player Selection
14:58 Managing Team Changes and Chemistry
18:02 Performance Anxiety and Game Day Concerns
20:40 Navigating Pre-Game Anxiety
23:03 The Importance of First Shifts
24:54 Recreational Play and Competitive Pressure
29:03 The Pressure to Move for Success
33:02 Finding Success Locally vs. Moving
37:05 The Importance of Enjoying the Game
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the complexities of social media in the context of youth sports, featuring guest Jess Szabo, the VP of Marketing for The Curling Group. They explore how young athletes can navigate social media positively, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of managing online presence. They also address how parents can support their children in building a personal brand while dealing with negative comments and the pressures of social media.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Social Media in Sports
02:45 The Role of Social Media for Athletes
05:33 Building a Personal Brand Online
08:33 Authenticity vs. Perfection in Social Media
11:35 Navigating Social Media as Young Athletes
17:51 Navigating Hate in Social Media
21:38 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform
24:09 Parental Involvement in Athlete Branding
26:07 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes
29:54 Tips for Parents and Young Athletes
32:21 Embracing Authenticity in Content Creation
34:04 Navigating Social Media in Youth Sports
36:48 Building Confidence Through Authenticity
38:15 Empowering Young Athletes in the Digital Age
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew welcome Greg Pollock from Gladiator Strength and Conditioning to discuss the importance of strength training for athletes, particularly during the off-season. Greg shares insights on how to structure training programs for young athletes, the importance of balancing strength and skill, and innovative techniques such as mobility and breathing exercises. The conversation also touches on the transition from training to coaching and the impact of Gladiator Strength and Conditioning on the local community.
Chapters
00:00 The Off-Season Journey
02:51 Training Dynamics and Goals
05:54 Finesse and Physicality in Sports
08:47 Individual Training Needs
11:56 Expert Guidance for Young Athletes
12:38 Introduction to Gladiator Strength and Conditioning
14:24 The Influence of Martial Arts on Training
17:15 Transitioning into Coaching and Early Experiences
20:16 Training Young Athletes: Techniques and Philosophy
24:16 Injury Prevention and Proper Technique
27:15 Off-Season Training Strategies
31:16 In-Season Training and Maintenance
34:08 Innovative Training Techniques: Mobility and Breathing
37:15 Expansion and New Facilities
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of injury prevention in sports with physiotherapist Paul Colebrook. They discuss the significance of assessments, the multidisciplinary approach to injury management, and the evolving strategies for recovery. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by young athletes, the impact of asymmetries in sports, and the necessity of tailored strength programs. They also touch on the trends in youth sports injuries and the benefits of multi-sport participation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Injury Prevention
01:25 The Role of Physiotherapy in Injury Prevention
03:54 Multidisciplinary Approach at Auto Orthopedic Center
06:19 Managing Youth Sports Injuries
08:54 Evolving Approaches to Injury Recovery
11:10 Addressing Asymmetries in Sports
13:42 Trends in Youth Sports Injuries
16:21 Youth Athlete Screening and Assessment
20:32 Injury Trends in Contact Sports
23:15 Preventing Injuries in Contact Sports
24:56 Passion for Sports and Athlete Treatment
25:40 Multi-Sport vs. Single-Sport Athletes
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew share their journeys in sports, discussing their backgrounds in curling and hockey, the importance of teamwork, the highs and lows of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. They reflect on Olympic experiences, the pressure of performance, and the significance of enjoying the journey as athletes. The conversation emphasizes the value of resilience, growth, and the bonds formed within teams, ultimately highlighting that success is not solely defined by medals but by the experiences and relationships built along the way.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
02:16 Emma's Journey in Curling
04:59 Ryan's Hockey Beginnings
09:58 The Importance of Resilience in Sports
14:59 Team Dynamics and Relationships
18:18 Transitioning to Women's Curling
22:36 The NHL Combine Experience
25:53 Draft Day Disappointment and Lessons Learned
27:32 The Journey to Signing an NHL Contract
31:09 Emma's Path to Olympic Success
33:06 The Pressure of Olympic Expectations
35:20 Facing Media Pressure and Performance Anxiety
36:57 Post-Olympic Reflection and Growth
40:30 Managing Pressure and Enjoying the Moment
Summary
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of creating inclusive sports environments for children with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. They are joined by Dr. Amy Latimer-Cheung, who shares her research on quality participation in sports and the building blocks necessary for creating positive experiences. The conversation emphasizes the role of coaches in fostering inclusivity and adapting their strategies to meet the diverse needs of all athletes.
Chapters
00:00 Creating Inclusive Sports Environments
02:49 Understanding Quality Participation
08:22 Building Blocks of Quality Participation
14:05 Coaching for Inclusivity
19:51 Transformational Leadership in Coaching
25:02 Innovative Approaches to Coaching
27:08 The Possibilities of Sport for All
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage in a comprehensive discussion with Thomas Muir, a high-performance coach at the West Ottawa Soccer Club. They explore the landscape of youth soccer in Canada, focusing on the Ontario Provincial Development League (OPDL), the transition from player to coach, and the unique challenges faced by non-parent coaches. The conversation delves into the importance of player development over winning, the role of parents in youth sports, and the benefits of multi-sport participation for young athletes. Thomas shares insights on how to keep athletes engaged and the future of soccer in Canada, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and passion for the sport.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Transition
02:52 Exploring Youth Soccer Coaching
04:15 Understanding the Ontario Player Development League
04:15 Introduction to Soccer Coaching in Ottawa
07:00 Thomas's Journey in Soccer
09:58 Transitioning from Player to Coach
12:56 The Challenges of Coaching Youth
15:50 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics in Coaching
18:55 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports
21:47 Concluding Thoughts on Coaching and Development
24:35 Navigating Coaching Challenges
25:47 The Importance of Player Development
27:29 Balancing Individual and Team Goals
29:50 Understanding Competition and Development
34:33 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation
39:28 Addressing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports
Summary
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage with Tim Powers, discussing the profound impact of sports on personal and professional life. They explore Tim's journey from being a national-level rugby player to his current role with the Canadian Olympic Committee. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots development, the balance between performance and participation, and the role of social media in shaping the athlete experience. Tim emphasizes the need for youth to engage in multiple sports and the value of coaching in fostering a love for the game.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:29 The Impact of Sport on Life
05:01 Transitioning from Player to Administrator
07:43 Balancing Performance and Participation
10:28 Grassroots Development in Sports
13:15 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports
16:01 Promoting Rugby to Families
18:31 Accessibility and Community in Rugby
21:29 The Impact of Rugby on Youth and Community
24:07 The Role of Social Media in Sports
27:07 The Evolution of Athlete Representation and Rights
28:56 Insights from the Canadian Olympic Committee
35:46 Coaching and Mentorship in Youth Sports
In this episode of Rinkside, Ryan Steeves and guest co-host Eric Macramalla cover youth sports, focusing on tryouts, player development, and the emotional challenges faced by young athletes. They discuss the importance of proper placement in sports, the impact of social media on youth sports culture, and the need for transparency in coaching decisions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of fostering a positive relationship between children and their sports, ensuring that the focus remains on enjoyment and growth rather than solely on competition.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Co-Host Dynamics
01:57 The Art of Unprepared Conversations
03:25 Navigating Tryouts: Insights and Experiences
07:12 Sorting Out Players: The Right Level Matters
11:25 Building Relationships Through Sports
15:01 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports
18:38 Evaluating Talent: The Tryout Dilemma
22:41 Inclusivity in Sports: Casting a Wider Net
23:48 The Dynamics of Team Changes in Youth Sports
25:51 The Impact of Parental Expectations on Youth Athletes
28:50 Understanding the Role of Fun in Youth Sports
31:07 The Cost of Youth Sports: A Parent's Perspective
34:05 The Dangers of Overemphasis on Competition
35:45 The Influence of Social Media on Youth Sports
39:28 Consumption vs. Learning in Youth Sports
In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the pressures faced by athletes in high-stakes situations, particularly in professional sports. They explore the psychological aspects of performance under pressure, the impact of fan expectations, and the importance of support systems. The conversation delves into mental strategies for handling pressure, the role of coaches, and the significance of resilience and self-forgiveness in sports. They also touch on the challenges of perfectionism and how to train young athletes to cope with pressure effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to High-Performance Pressure02:32 The Impact of Pressure on Performance05:27 Understanding the 'It Factor' in Athletes08:05 The Role of Mental Preparation10:35 Fan Expectations and Athlete Performance13:29 The Human Side of Athletes15:59 Training Under Pressure20:26 The Psychology of Performance Under Pressure23:01 Training Techniques for Pressure Management25:47 The Impact of Parental Influence on Athletes30:12 Coping with Pressure in Sports35:25 Building Resilience and Support in Young AthletesFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246
In this episode, Ryan and Emma discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, particularly focusing on baseball. They are joined by Brian Storseth, who shares insights from his extensive experience in youth baseball coaching and administration. The conversation covers various themes including the importance of affordability and accessibility in youth sports, the benefits of multi-sport participation, the challenges posed by specialization, and the significance of fostering a positive team culture. Brian emphasizes the need for injury prevention and long-term athlete development, while also highlighting the growth of girls' baseball programs. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of youth baseball and the importance of creating a supportive environment for young athletes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports and Coaching
03:29 The Role of Affordability in Youth Baseball
06:11 Accessibility and Retention in Youth Sports
08:48 Balancing Multi-Sport Participation
11:27 The Importance of Fun and Team Dynamics
14:15 Injury Prevention and Overuse in Youth Baseball
22:03 Building Arm Strength in Young Athletes
26:49 Long-Term Athlete Development in Baseball
33:40 Challenges Facing Youth Baseball
38:00 Empowering Girls in Baseball
Why are so many young girls dropping out of sport—and what can we do to stop it?In this candid episode, Emma opens up about what it’s really like to grow up as a girl in the world of competitive sport. From being told to “smile more” on the ice to having her achievements reduced to comments on her appearance, Emma shares her personal experiences of gender bias, burnout, and the invisible pressures that female athletes face every day.Alongside Ryan, they explore the social and systemic reasons behind the high dropout rate in girls’ sports, the importance of supportive coaching, and the role of women in leadership and visibility—from Curling Canada to the NHL.If you’re a coach, parent, or young athlete, this episode is an essential listen on how we can build a more equal, empowering future for girls in sport.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why This Topic Matters00:42 – Growing Up in Sport as a Girl01:53 – Coaching Girls vs. Coaching Boys03:15 – Emma’s Early Experiences with Criticism04:30 – “Smile More”: The Gendered Feedback Gap06:07 – Going Viral for Pushing Back07:12 – Media Bias: Appearance Over Achievement08:52 – Social Media Comments & Gendered Narratives10:56 – Abuse & Anxiety in the Spotlight12:42 – The Impact of Online Criticism on Young Girls13:34 – Why Fewer Parents Encourage Girls to Compete14:14 – Sacrifice, Social Struggles & Isolation15:36 – The Dropout Rate: 1 in 3 Girls Leave Sport16:35 – Sport Builds Confidence, Leadership, and Life Skills17:51 – Emma on Learning Resilience Through Sport18:49 – The Investment Gap & Lack of Opportunity20:01 – The Rise of the PWHL & Community Support21:37 – Curling's Progress Toward Equal Pay22:58 – Revenue, ROI & Changing the Conversation23:55 – Cultural Shifts in Women’s Sport (WNBA, PWHL, NCAA)25:29 – Why Strength Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story26:56 – Playing Men's Teams: What It Reveals28:12 – The Power of Representation in Coaching & Leadership29:29 – Why More Women in Leadership Matters31:17 – Cathy Henderson, Curling Canada & Hockey Canada33:30 – Emma’s Message to Young Girls in Sport34:32 – The Friendship, Growth & Rewards Sport Can Offer36:06 – Closing Advice: If You Love It, Keep GoingFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246
How young is too young to start lifting?This week on Rinkside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Andre Signoretti—former pro hockey player and co-owner of Ottawa’s Fitness Lab—to unpack the myths, realities, and best practices around strength and conditioning for youth athletes.Andre shares the difference between training right and training early, explains why mobility and movement quality come before heavy lifting, and discusses how to avoid the all-too-common injuries caused by ego or overtraining. Whether your child is chasing a scholarship or simply wants to feel strong and confident, this episode delivers insight for athletes, coaches, and sport parents alike.Emma also reflects on how her own strength training journey helped transform her curling career, and the hosts explore how strength, recovery, and confidence go hand in hand—at any age.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: The Physical Side of Sport00:47 – Meet Andre Signoretti: From Pro Hockey to Fitness Lab02:24 – How Andre Fell Into Personal Training04:11 – Emma’s Experience: Changing Positions, Changing Strength04:39 – Lifting as a Youth Athlete: Then vs. Now06:05 – Foundational Movement vs Heavy Weights07:04 – Why Proper Form Comes First08:17 – Individual Assessments & Mobility Testing09:26 – Managing Overload & Early Specialization10:58 – Balancing Strength Training with Multi-Sport Schedules12:08 – Peer Pressure, Comparison, and Gym Culture13:42 – “Less Is More” for Growing Athletes14:13 – Sport-Specific vs. Strength-Specific Training15:00 – Setting Expectations: Measurable Results for Youth16:55 – What Gains Look Like: Power, Pushups, Chin-Ups17:17 – The Importance of Mobility for Injury Prevention18:50 – Stretching, Recovery & Long-Term Habits20:04 – Teaching Ownership: Self-Guided Mobility in Kids21:24 – NCAA Model & College Hockey Conditioning22:00 – Development over Destination23:04 – Training as Life Prep, Not Just Sport Prep24:44 – Building Confidence Through Competence25:15 – The Value of Guided, Supervised Strength Training27:31 – Learning It Late vs. Learning It Right29:15 – Adding Strength Doesn’t Mean Adding Stress30:25 – Closing Thoughts: Development, Balance, and Self-ComparisonFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246#sportperformance #youthsports
What if the key to building NHL-ready talent isn’t more games—but more fun?This week on Rinkside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Corey Murphy—former NHLer and current Player Development Consultant for the Seattle Kraken—for a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation on how elite hockey players are developed, and what North America could learn from European systems.Corey shares insights from his global playing career (NHL, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland), his experience raising two hockey-playing sons overseas, and his role helping Kraken prospects grow into complete athletes. From Sweden’s "fun-first" youth model to the Kraken’s forward-thinking development strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Listener Feedback00:34 – Welcome Corey Murphy01:13 – NCAA Rivalry Memories: Colgate vs. Yale02:24 – Corey’s Unconventional Path: Europe to the NHL04:10 – Why the Big Ice in Finland Changed Everything06:14 – More Practice, Less Games: Europe’s Athlete-Centered Model08:09 – Raising Kids in Swedish & Finnish Hockey Systems09:00 – The 2002 Swedish Hockey Summit: A Turning Point10:54 – Prioritizing Fun Over Winning: The Swedish Approach13:20 – Why Sweden Doesn’t Cut Kids Early14:35 – Can Canada Adopt This Model?15:37 – Gear for All: How Sweden Gets Kids Into Hockey16:02 – Why Europeans Produce More Multi-Sport Athletes18:52 – Ice Time Culture Shock: Why Summer Sports Matter20:23 – Small Ice, Big Impact: Smart Progression by Age23:05 – Resistance to Small-Ice Models in Canada25:09 – Fun as a Systematic Development Priority26:26 – Fitness in Youth Hockey: Canada vs. Sweden27:04 – Corey’s “If I Ran Hockey Canada” Vision28:52 – Educating Parents: The Missing Link30:14 – Pressure, Parenting & the Car Ride Home31:10 – Creativity vs. Joystick Coaching33:01 – Humor, Mistakes & Psychological Safety in Youth Sport35:19 – Tryouts: Helping Kids Handle Stress37:27 – What Tryouts Really Teach Kids38:22 – Corey’s Role with the Seattle Kraken40:00 – Bringing European Lessons into NHL Player Development41:24 – Why the Kraken Organization Stands Out42:35 – Final Reflections & Coaching Culture Shifts44:00 – Curling, Soccer & Learning Through Mistakes46:03 – Balancing Correction with Confidence46:53 – Wrap-up & ThanksFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.
What does it take to reach the Olympic level—and help others get there?This week on Rinkside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Ian Mortimer, former world-class paddler and current Chief Technical Officer of Canoe Kayak Canada. Ian shares deep insight into the making of elite athletes, from his own journey wearing the Maple Leaf to helping Canada’s next generation navigate high-performance sport.They talk about the power of focusing on process over outcome, overcoming injury and isolation, and resisting the influence of highlight-reel culture in youth sports. Ian also breaks down his "Four Corners" model of athlete development—touching on the physical, tactical, mental, and emotional layers that drive long-term success.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Welcoming Ian Mortimer01:00 – Ian’s Career: Athlete to Technical Leader03:00 – What It’s Like to Represent Canada05:41 – Wearing the Maple Leaf: Then vs. Now07:08 – Managing Pressure at the World Stage08:21 – Embracing the Moment & Staying Present09:04 – Winning vs. Enjoying the Journey10:03 – The “Monster Under the Bed”: Reframing Outcome Anxiety11:21 – How Process-Oriented Thinking Develops Over Time12:01 – The Moment Ian Learned to Focus on What He Could Control13:21 – Coaching Different Learning Styles13:45 – Motivation: “Don’t Be Afraid to Work Harder Than Everyone Else”15:49 – Peer Pressure, Performance Culture & Risk Taking16:34 – Coaching Individual Athletes Within Competitive Groups17:44 – Olympic Teammates Competing Head-to-Head18:03 – Building Trust in High-Stakes Training Environments19:03 – What Predicts Long-Term Success in Athletes?20:08 – Inputs vs. Outputs: The Real Metrics that Matter21:17 – The Four Corners of Athlete Development23:15 – Micro Habits: What a Good Warm-Up Says About an Athlete24:03 – Doing the "Non-Instagram" Work25:16 – Social Media’s Influence on Young Athletes26:50 – Instant Experts & Skipping the Process27:44 – Sport as a Counterbalance to Instant Gratification28:25 – Recovering from Injury: A Mental and Physical Rebuild29:55 – “Your Recovery Is Now Your Training”30:47 – Final Reflections & Ian’s Lasting Advice31:12 – Ian’s Mantra: Outwork Everyone31:30 – Wrap-Up & ThanksWhether you’re a coach, athlete, or sport parent, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and powerful reminders of what matters most on the path to greatness.From grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246
What happens when you're expected to win—every single time?This week on Ringside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Sarah Wilkes, lead for Team Homan, psychotherapist, and multi-sport national champion, for a deep, honest conversation about competing on the world stage and everything that comes with it.Sarah shares what it’s like to go from winning the Scotties to jumping on a plane to Korea for Worlds—jet-lagged, emotionally drained, and expected to deliver. They talk about the physical intensity of curling, the mental game behind every shot, and the emotional toll of media criticism when representing Canada.From Ted Lasso references and mindfulness tips to stories of burnout, identity, and recovery, this episode is packed with real talk and practical insight for athletes, coaches, and families alike.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro 00:52 – Celebrating Team Homan’s Record Season02:01 – Welcome Sarah Wilkes04:23 – Curling World Championships in Korea06:14 – The Highs and Lows of Competing After a Big Win07:03 – Physical Toll: 15 Games in 11 Days08:42 – What Sweeping Really Demands09:52 – Sarah’s Psychotherapy Perspective: Managing the Emotional Rollercoaster10:54 – Fatigue, Jet Lag & Game-Day Performance12:12 – Emotional Resilience and Processing Loss13:01 – Working with Young Athletes: Mental Trends & Advice14:08 – Attentional Awareness: “Where’s Your Focus Right Now?”15:01 – Self-Talk & Confidence: Recovering from Early Mistakes16:03 – Curling Under the Microscope: Media, Pressure & “Banana Heads”17:19 – “Be a Goldfish”: Mindfulness, Ted Lasso, and Learning Fast18:12 – Wearing the Maple Leaf: Media Criticism & National Pressure19:00 – Coping with Public Judgment & Social Media in 201920:24 – The 2018 Olympics: Starting 0–3 and the “Un-Canadian” Moment22:21 – Behind-the-Scenes Support & Social Media Management22:47 – Olympic Qualification for 202623:07 – Sarah’s Multi-Sport Success: Curling + Softball at Laurier24:07 – Foundational Skills: Coachability, Feedback & Teamwork25:50 – Perspective from the Podium: Enjoying the Process26:56 – Parenthood & Perspective: Role Modeling for the Next Gen27:51 – Offseason Plans: Rest, Recovery & Strength Training28:17 – Youth Sports Injuries: Identity, Isolation & Mental Recovery30:42 – Closing: Gratitude & Sarah’s Dual Role in SportFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.
Eric Macramella joins Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves for a candid conversation about youth sports—what makes a kid truly successful on and off the field, the role of parents and coaches, and how to keep the game fun while still chasing excellence. Honest takes, real stories, and practical advice for anyone involved in youth athletics.
How important is the mental game in sports? Tune in this week as we talk with a pro to figure out when you should introduce this side of any sports game to your kids career!
Join Olympic curler Emma Miskew and sports insider Ryan Steeves as they chat with former NHL player Brendan Bell about youth sports and the role of parent coaching. Tune in for expert insights and valuable advice!
Coming soon: From grassroots to glory—get behind the boards with Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves for all things youth sports. Subscribe today!