Dr. Julie Stamm is a neuroscientist, anatomist, athletic trainer, researcher, and sports lover. She is also the author for her new book The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future which we discuss in this episode. In this episode, we talk about Dr. Stamm's recently published book, "The Brain On Youth Sports," which tackles the issue of repetitive brain trauma in youth sports and their health consequences. By reading the book, Dr. Stamm hopes that consumers will be equipped to make well-informed decisions. Find out more and purchase Dr. Stamm's book here: https://www.juliestamm.com/book Dr. Stamm has done extensive research and published many works in the areas of concussions, sub-concussive impacts, CTE, and the consequences of repetitive brain trauma in youth. Through her many publications and online presence, her mission is to debunk the myths around repetitive brain trauma and concussions in sports and explain the science so that it is easy to understand for everyone. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro. 01:14 How Dr. Stamm came to study concussions in contact sports even if she played mainly non-contact sports? 02:29 What do we need to do in terms of shifting the mindset of “getting your bell rung” VS recognizing an actual concussion. 05:17 Are there any concussion laws in the US to legislate return to play (similar to Rowan’s law?) 06:52 Is there any truth to concussion proof helmets? 08:24 How Virginia Tech rates the concussion protection levels of helmets and how the price difference is often not related to how well they protect you. 11:10 Are mouth guards useful to help prevent concussions? 11:54 The crucial brain development happening in the 8-12 year old age group and the effects of disrupting that. 13:32 Did Julie’s concussion research play a role when USA Hockey and Hockey Canada banned body checking for the younger U13-U15 age groups? 15:22 Why the American Academy of Pediatrics in the US was in support of removing contact in Hockey but not Football? 18:51 Is it the money stream for NFL football that is preventing football from removing contact? 22:09 Why Dr. Stamm believes contact in sports shouldn’t be present before their teen years. 25:06 Does early specialisation in contact sports and football impact concussions rates compared to multi-sport athletes? 27:43 How popular is baseline testing in the US and how effective are they in measuring concussion recovery? 30:08 How motion sensors are being implemented during play and how effective are they? 32:39 What sports have a higher percentage of head impacts and how what position you play affects your risk of concussions? 34:48 What sports have the highest concussion rates when comparing boys VS girls? 36:32 How do we ensure young athletes report their head injuries during play and are being made aware of the lifelong impacts of concussions? 38:31: The importance of coaches supporting their athletes in being open about reporting their injuries. 39:25 How to make coach concussion education ongoing learning rather than a one time workshop? 42:03 What are the myths of diagnosis and recovery for concussions? 44:58 Previous concerns of people falling asleep and not noticing internal bleeding VS allowing them to sleep to help their recovery. 46:24 Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy have benefits for concussion recovery? 47:43 What led Dr. Julie Stamm to write a book on concussions and what she hopes people will gain from reading it. 49:55 Julie’s aspiration for no contact under 13 in football in the next five years. 51:40 Some examples of amazing football athletes who were successful without playing contact sports early on in life. 53:33 Where can people find Dr. Julie Stamm’s book and how can they reach out to Julie? 54:21 Outro. The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

Love What You Play

89: The Brain on Youth Sports | Dr. Julie Stamm

Lindsay Goulet is an advocate for Buddy Check For Jesse and Director of Exercise Programming and Education for Habit Lifestyle Medicine. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank. In this episode, we talk with with Lindsay Goulet, about how Buddy Check For Jesse came to be and how the organization has helped Lindsay's son Owen with his anxiety and talking about mental health with his hockey teammates. Buddy Check For Jesse is a charity founded by Stu Gershman, a dad, sports medicine physician, and a volunteer youth coach, with the goal of de-stigmatizing, educating, and supporting our youth with mental health, through the power of coaches and sport. We also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Why Lindsay is passionate about exercise for mental health and her son Owen’s experiences with mental illness. 06:51 Video of Owen’s story and how Buddy Check For Jesse helped him. 11:25 Owen’s approach to tackling his own mental health. 12:03 The socioeconomic pressures that shape us to build a stigma around mental health. 12:46 Where does the Buddy Check green come from and how Buddy Check helps coaches and athletes open the discussion of mental health. 16:56 How coaches often don’t get training to help kids with mental issues and the importance of open communication between coaches and parents. 18:53 How the COVID-19 uncertainty can benefit from Buddy Check and open communication. 21:18 Buddy Check’s transition from the hockey space to the multi-sport space and upcoming events. 24:30 Achieving charity status and having the ability to spread the message of Buddy Check For Jesse. 25:29 Basketball, lacrosse, and ball hockey events and partners. 27:01 Lindsay’s definition of mental health, and removing the stigma around it. 28:05 How to find Buddy Check For Jesse, access resources, donate, and connect with them over on social media. 29:16 Buddy Check’s role in our upcoming Mental fitness summit. 29:37 Outro. The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

88: Buddy Check For Jesse | Lindsay Goulet & Rob Pallante

Ryan Phillips is a former pro hockey player, published author, and TEDx speaker. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank! In this episode, we talk about Ryan's experience in professional hockey and his struggle with mental health. We will also discuss the dramatic events that motivated him to spread the power of positivity and focused thought around the globe. From being barred from the United States and his daughter, and then traveling the world to find happiness, Ryan's incredible life experiences have been recorded in a published book and in a documentary. We will also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:04 Ryan’s early beginnings in hockey and sports. 03:10 Ryan’s misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder and how concussions had an impact on his health. 10:17 How Ryan handles multiple projects and a busy lifestyle with a good environment and who he surrounds himself with. 13:13 Ryan’s cycling trip around Cambodia to fundraise for human trafficking prevention. 16:10 What Ryan learned from being barred from the United States and being involved in the early days of the marijuana boom in 2012.  19:13 Where Ryan’s passion for cycling began. How he rode across Cambodia for human trafficking awareness, across Canada for mental health, and across South East Asia. 23:11 How Ryan advocates for moving forward in life with purpose and how he acted on his mental health. 25:32  Awareness and action, and how Ryan defines success for himself. 26:50 The time when Ryan lost who he was during marijuana smuggling and how he now dedicates his life to world service. 29:12 Ryan’s tips for how we can control the mental loops we get stuck in. The importance of having fun with the “now”. 32:53 How to connect with Ryan. 33:35 Ryan’s feature presentation at our summit on June 17th. 34:26 Outro. The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

87: Cycling to Raise Awareness | Ryan Phillips & Rob Pallante

Kevin Rempel is a Canadian sledge hockey 2013 world champion with a 2014 Paralympic bronze medal and the founder of The Sledge Hockey Experience. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank! In this episode, we talk about Kevin's life experience and how they led him to play for Team Canada. After being paralyzed in a motor cross accident in 2006, having to learn to walk again, and then losing his dad, Kevin has shown extreme resilience in overcoming adversity. The discussion will reveal why he ended up becoming a mindset resilience coach and how he ultimately created Kevin Rempel & Associates Inc. Kevin is now focusing on building the game of sledge hockey with The Sledge Hockey Experience, inspiring others as a keynote speaker, and coaching leaders using The Resilience Toolbox. We also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:54 Kevin’s early days in motor cross, BMX, and skateboarding and his accident. 04:51 Rob’s motorcycle accident. 07:31 What Kevin’s mindset during his recovery and his dad’s approach to his own recovery. 10:49 Kevin’s idols and how they played a role in his recovery. 13:48 How Kevin started his journey into sledge hockey. 17:06 Joining Team Canada and going to Sochi for the Paralympic games. 19:11 The physical demand of sledge hockey. 21:14 Kevin’s Sledge Hockey Experience education program, instructional youtube videos, and giving back to grow the sport of sledge hockey. Kevin’s charity donation of $30,000 to supply sledge hockey sleds for kids. 24:09 Kevin’s definition of mental health and removing the stigma around the term “mental health”. 26:18 What can we do to increase awareness of mental health? The three A’s of the resilience toolbox: admit, ask, and accept. 31:12 Rob’s mental fitness program. 34:38 Kevin’s tools and programs and where to find them. 35:43 The origins of the term “sledge” in sledge hockey, and the renaming of “sledge hockey” to “para ice hockey” 38:50 Kevin opening the upcoming Mental Fitness for Sports and Life II Summit. Raising funds for Buddy Check for Jesse 40:40 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

86: Overcoming a Major Injury in Sports | Kevin Rempel & Rob Pallante

Jason Podollan is a NHL Alumnus and the founder of Up My Hockey. Rob Pallante is a former NCAA Div 1 hockey player and the founder of Mindset Body Bank! In this episode, we talk about Jason's story as an NHL player and how he has now harnessed his experiences to teach the modalities of mindset, nutrition, fitness, and high performance. Up My Hockey shows clients how to empower and rebrand themselves to directly impact those they care about most.  We will also discuss Rob's journey as a hockey player, his near-death motorcycle experience, and his professional business career, and how they all motivated him to become a mindset coach for high performance, conscious-minded athletes and individuals who are looking to develop an invincible mindset.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:00 Rob’s origins as a Toronto hockey player and his draft pick experience 03:00 Rob’s motorcycle accident and how that drove him to founding Mindset Body Bank05:30 Jason’s story being in the NHL and the mental toll of it 08:50 Why Jason began the journey as a mentor 10:00 Current early specialization in youth and Rob and Jason’s multisport experience13:30 The importance of free play in child development and the resurgence of it during COVID15:20 How Jason helps kids find and reconnect with what love about the game again18:00 Fear of failure in kids and parental pressure21:00 Growth mindset vs fixed mindset. Tips for success and growth in sports.27:30 Naomi Osaka’s decision to pull out of the French open30:00 Definition of mental health and the line into clinical help34:30 Mental agility for athletes via the Up My Hockey Peak Potential Hockey Project with Jason Podollan 38:00 Controlling your physical and mental state, offered through Mindset Body Bank, how to contact Rob41:00 How parents and coaches can support athletes best46:08 How the off-season/COVID is the perfect time to implement new mental techniques and perspectives before heading back into the game49:15 Mental fitness summit announcement51:00 OutroThe interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

85: Mental Fitness in Sports | Jason Podollan & Rob Pallante

Dan Blackburn is a coach and the founder of National Training Centres Hockey, as well as the creator of the Pillars of Greatness curriculum. In this episode, we talk about Dan's journey to success as a coach, author, and father, despite hardships. Dan has trained thousands of athletes, including PK Subban of the NJ Devils, two-time Stanley Cup champion David Bolland, and Stanley Cup champion Tyler Sequin of the Dallas Stars. We also go over NTC Hockey's mission of teaching athletes how to see and experience their greatness both on, and off, the ice and to produce the most dominant hockey players in the game.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:25 Where Dan grew up, his family challenges, and what sports he played as a kid04:42 How Dan got involved into hockey coaching and his tryouts anecdote09:20 Dan’s motivation to coach hockey at a young age and what age groups he coached12:13 How Dan started with off-ice training and set out to prove its benefits for athletes16:37 Being ahead of the curve with off-ice training and incorporating mental training19:24 Recognizing that there is a life after professional sports and how to transition smoothly22:14 Dan’s definition of what mental health should be26:26 Looking at the athletes that have struggled in the Covid era and Dan’s approach to help them30:25 Dan’s vision for a better normal in youth sports after Covid35:37 Where does Dan’s optimism and energy comes from and his “booyah” shtick40:22 Details on how you can connect with Dan42:48 OutroThe interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

84: NTC Hockey | Dan Blackburn

Owen McBride is an accomplished athlete who recently founded Private Coaching Co. alongside his team to create positive sport experiences for youth athletes of all skill levels and ages.In this episode, we talk about Owen's journey as a decorated soccer player as well as other sports, having received 2 silver medals in the AAA Provincial Championships, a bronze medal in the Sportcheck Canadian National Championship, and a silver medal in the BC Summer Games. We will also be discussing how his story motivated him to change the sport experience for millions of kids worldwide with Private Coaching Co. which aims to provide one-on-one and small group sports training sessions. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:15 Where Owen grew up and his opinion growing up with multiple sports03:21 What makes sports fun05:56 Being forced to specialize in a sport at a young age and why Owen chose soccer over baseball09:11 Why Owen began the journey of Private Coaching Co., single-sport burnout, and the physical and mental tolls of the elite sports environment13:46 The balance of sports and social life. Encouraging being stress-free and making mistakes16:31 Early specialization sports injuries and guided warm-ups19:08 The stigma of the word ‘elite’ at younger ages21:34 Lack of multi-sport and athletic capabilities in young children25:03 What type of programs and coaches Private Coaching Co. offers and the goal to expand beyond North Vancouver29:35 The vision for Private Coaching Co. 5 years from now and Owen’s aspiration to reach millions of kids31:07 What the better normal could be for sports versus what it was before COVID-1933:56 Parental pressure on kids to pursue specific sports. Owen’s motto to allow kids to be in the ‘driver’s seat’36:48 Competing with video games, esports, and the need for kids to be active41:10 Inclusivity and affordability in sports42:53 Upcoming Private Coaching Co. summer clinics44:31 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

83: Private Coaching Co. | Owen McBride

Kris Beech is a former NHL alumni, mindfulness facilitator, and the founder and CEO of Aimability. In this episode, we talk about Kris’ journey in Hockey from being drafted 7th overall, playing in the NHL including playing on the same line with Mario Lemieux, then his pro experience in Europe and transition to completing a masters in Sports Management and how his thesis is now coming to fruition through the Aimability platform.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:30 Where Kris grew up and what sports he played as a kid07:10 Kris’ path in hockey, getting drafted 7th overall in the NHL, and concerns with drafting kids very early17:14 How to manage expectations and mental health challenges when entering pro hockey19:46 Kris’ best NHL hockey career anecdotes with Michel Therrien, the Pittsburgh Penguins & Nashville22:26 Kris’ backstory with Shea Weber23:10 The back and forth of getting traded within the NHL28:47 Kris’ experience dealing with Major Depressive Disorder33:16 Playing with Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby, and Kris’ chance of playing for the Stanley Cup36:00 The best coaches that Kris had38:40 How Kris’ Master’s thesis led to him founding the Aimability platform45:03 Aimability’s potential for global reach49:46 OutroThe interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

82: The Path to an NHL Hockey Career | Kris Beech

Dana has received accolades for her amazing work growing the game for girls by being named by the Toronto Star as one of the top 12 Canadian Change Makers, Canadian Baseball Networks top 100 list of most influential Canadians in the Sport and also named an RBC Woman of Influence and awarded a 2021 Meritorius Service Medal but the Governer General of Canada.Timestamps:00:13 Intro and Dana’s background02:52 The rise of Canadian Girls Baseball04:22 Effects of the pandemic on growth of sports programs07:00 Outcomes and Adaption to Covid restrictions for sports programs09:25 Demand for youth sports camps resulting from Covid online fatigue13:36 Keeping girls motivated about sports as they grow older14:47 Catering sports camps for 3-4 year old kids to keep them engaged17:33 Certifying coaches for girls baseball19:14 Differences between coaching boys VS girls23:46 Expanding Canadian Girls Baseball into British Columbia and other areas29:34 Should kids participate in outdoor sports during the pandemic?33:32 Online activities if in-person sports are restricted this summer39:20 Parent response to Covid limitations43:57 Using kid’s feedback to build sports programs46:58 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

81: Canadian Girls Baseball | Dana Bookman

Steve Boyle is widely recognized as the national leader in sport sampling and physical literacy in the United States. As a former Division 1 athlete and after nearly 30 years of counseling, teaching, working with children with cancer, athletic and life-coaching, as well as multiple entrepreneurial successes, Steve’s life mission is to leave a sustainable legacy that will allow every citizen to gain the ability, balance, confidence, desire and explorative nature to be physically active for life. Recognized by the Aspen Institute’s’ Sport and Society Program in the original Project Play report for his sport-sampling approach, Steve works tirelessly to combat specialization in youth sports and wants Physical Literacy to be as commonplace and as expected as reading literacy and numeracy.0:00 Introduction1:30 Steve's story and 2-4-1 Sports13:30 Overexertion and injury from specializing in one sport22:35 Balancing school and sport31:35 Change in sport relationship as the pressure to specialize builds40:15 How COVID-19 affects in-person sports and camps48:22 How to spread the importance of playing multisport 59:49 OutroThe interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally aired live on For the Love of the Game's Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

80: 2-4-1 Sports | Steve Boyle

Dr. Tommy Gerschman received his MD from the University of British Columbia and is a practicing Pediatric Rheumatologist (FRCPC). He is the Chair of the Doctors of BC Athletics and Recreation Committee and is the former Medical Director at Fortius Sport & Health. He works with a wide range of children, including recreational and elite athletes (and dancers). He also enjoys promoting physical activity and sport involvement for children with chronic diseases, such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. 0:00 Introduction 6:38 Arthritis symptoms 8:00 COVID & rheumatology 14:40 Young sport injuries 18:17 Burn out 26:53 Growth spirt & injuries 35:07 Bio-banding 45:30 COVID Return 52:58 Concussions 1:01:14 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

79: Sport Injuries | Dr. Tommy Greschman

Lewall's introduction to the sport happened by chance. She started her career as a physical education teacher and part of her degree at UBC involved learning about gymnastics. Upon completion of her degree, her first teaching posting was at Steveston Senior Secondary. At the start of the school year, some students approached her about starting a gymnastics club. 0:00 Introduction 8:22 What is Physical Literacy  13:25 Importance of Free Play 17:07 Parenting with Free Play 21:04 The Interactions 25:18 Easing up on the Challenges 35:48 Kids’ Opinions 39:30 Post COVID Free Play 49:52 Conclusions The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

78: Free Play | Carlene Lewall

Nathan Baldwin has spent over 17 years engaged in developing quality sport programs for all ages, advocating for inclusion, progressive skill development, quality coaching and lifelong enjoyment of the game. His ability to develop & facilitate cohesive program culture has led to the delivery of nationally renowned, high engagement, growth oriented, recreational sports programs. 0:00 Intro 3:07 Free Play 9:17 A Fast Paced Life 13:08 Reluctance with Return to Play 30:41 Community 44:32 What Feels Right 53:55 What’s Next? 58:24 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

77: Insights on Youth Sports | Nate Baldwin

Janis is a mother of 3 children who are very active in the sports community and is the founder of Raising Champion Families, which uses coaching, mentoring and blogging to support sports families. As a certified life coach, she wants to help families re-establish their connectivity and navigate through their children's changes. 0:00 Intro 7:20 Communicating with Parents in COVID 11:29 Future Predictions 24:13 New Equipment Needed 31:03 Shifting Online 34:15 Addressing Pain Points 40:30 Youth Sports 47:50 Outro The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

76: COVID effects on Sport | Janis Meredith

As the Executive Director of Seiahmoo Minor Hockey Association and a Sledge Hockey Technical Delegate in the Paralympic International Committee, David Newson provides strong insights on how COVID has impacted our sports world. In this episode we discuss the short-term and long-term implications of the pandemic. 0:00 Introductions 8:40 Changes in the Olympics 12:34 Impacts of COVID 32:21 Restrictions with sports in COVID 35:49 Taking the time to plan 42:36 Training with COVID 49:13 Conclusions The interview featured on this episode of the Love What You Play podcast originally debuted on the For the Love of the Game Summer Virtual Summit 2020. To learn more about our upcoming summits and events with featured speakers, head to http://fortheloveofthegame.ca/events

Insights on COVID and Sports | David Newson

Each week For the Love of the Game meets with the top experts in the youth sports field to provide parents and coaches with the insight, knowledge, and resources they need to ensure kids love what they play.

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