In this inspiring episode, Kirsten sits down with Alex Molden—former NFL defensive back, leadership coach, and keynote speaker—to explore the lessons sports teach us about leadership, adaptability, and personal growth. Alex shares stories from his eight-year NFL career, the mentors who shaped him, and the pivotal moments that helped him transition from professional athlete to guiding the next generation of leaders. From the locker room to the boardroom, Alex offers practical insights on building...
Aug 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 155
In this inspiring episode, Kirsten sits down with Alex Molden—former NFL defensive back, leadership coach, and keynote speaker—to explore the lessons sports teach us about leadership, adaptability, and personal growth. Alex shares stories from his eight-year NFL career, the mentors who shaped him, and the pivotal moments that helped him transition from professional athlete to guiding the next generation of leaders. From the locker room to the boardroom, Alex offers practical insights on building...
Aug 11, 2025•30 min•Ep. 155
In this inspiring episode, Kirsten sits down with Alex Molden—former NFL defensive back, leadership coach, and keynote speaker—to explore the lessons sports teach us about leadership, adaptability, and personal growth. Alex shares stories from his eight-year NFL career, the mentors who shaped him, and the pivotal moments that helped him transition from professional athlete to guiding the next generation of leaders. From the locker room to the boardroom, Alex offers practical insights on building...
Aug 09, 2025•3 min•Ep. 155
In this episode of Raising Athletes, Kirsten sits down with former Canadian National Team midfielder and current broadcaster Kaylyn Kyle. Kaylyn opens up about her journey from elite athlete to sports media personality, sharing what it takes to perform at the highest level—on and off the field. She reflects on the pressures and privileges of playing for her country, the importance of mental toughness, and the transition to life after professional sports. We also dive into her role as a mom, how ...
Aug 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 154
In this episode of Raising Athletes, Kirsten sits down with Olympic bronze medalist, former Canadian National Team midfielder, and current broadcaster Kaylyn Kyle. Kaylyn opens up about her journey from elite athlete to sports media personality, sharing what it takes to perform at the highest level—on and off the field. She reflects on the pressures and privileges of playing for her country, the importance of mental toughness, and the transition to life after professional sports. We also dive in...
Aug 04, 2025•24 min•Ep. 154
In this episode of Raising Athletes, Kirsten sits down with Olympic bronze medalist, former Canadian National Team midfielder, and current broadcaster Kaylyn Kyle. Kaylyn opens up about her journey from elite athlete to sports media personality, sharing what it takes to perform at the highest level—on and off the field. She reflects on the pressures and privileges of playing for her country, the importance of mental toughness, and the transition to life after professional sports. We also dive in...
Aug 03, 2025•3 min
🎙️ Special Episode Alert: A Conversation with Randi Mahomes 💫 In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Randi Mahomes —sports mom, author, speaker, and mother to NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes —for an intimate conversation about parenting, perseverance, and purpose. Randi opens up about her journey as a single mom raising a young athlete, the values she instilled in her children, and how she stayed grounded through the highs and lows of competitive sports. She shares powerful in...
Jul 28, 2025•36 min•Ep. 153
🎙️ Special Episode Alert: A Conversation with Randi Mahomes 💫 In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Randi Mahomes —sports mom, author, speaker, and mother to NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes —for an intimate conversation about parenting, perseverance, and purpose. Randi opens up about her journey as a single mom raising a young athlete, the values she instilled in her children, and how she stayed grounded through the highs and lows of competitive sports. She shares powerful in...
Jul 25, 2025•1 min
Susie and Kirsten explain some essential lessons for parents raising athletes from the recreation level to the olympic level. Susie and Kirsten share their wealth of knowledge on how to get the best out of your child and how to ensure they stay athletes for life!
Jul 23, 2025•35 min
In this episode, we sit down with Karen Crouse , an accomplished sports reporter with decades of experience covering some of the biggest moments in athletics. As a former New York Times journalist and the author of Norwich: One Tiny Vermont Town’s Secret to Happiness and Excellence , Karen has a unique lens on the intersection of sports, community, and personal growth. We dive into: ✅ Her career journey and the evolution of sports journalism ✅ The powerful stories she’s uncovered along the way ✅...
Jul 17, 2025•40 min•Ep. 138
In this episode, we sit down with Karen Crouse , an accomplished sports reporter with decades of experience covering some of the biggest moments in athletics. As a former New York Times journalist and the author of Norwich: One Tiny Vermont Town’s Secret to Happiness and Excellence , Karen has a unique lens on the intersection of sports, community, and personal growth. We dive into: ✅ Her career journey and the evolution of sports journalism ✅ The powerful stories she’s uncovered along the way ✅...
Jul 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 138
Dr. Nate Zinsser is an expert in the psychology of human performance who consults to individuals and organizations seeking a competitive edge. Since 1992 Dr Zinsser has directed a cutting edge applied sport psychology program at the United States Military Academy’s Center for Enhanced Performance, personally conducting over seventeen thousand individual training sessions and seven hundred team training sessions for cadets seeking the mental edge for athletic, academic, and military performance. ...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 122
In this powerful episode of Raising Athletes , host Kirsten Jones welcomes Jessica Lahey—bestselling author, educator, and parenting expert—for an honest conversation about raising resilient, healthy kids in a culture that often pushes perfection and dependence. Jessica, known for her work in The New York Times , The Atlantic , and The Washington Post , dives into insights from her books The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation , exploring how parents can better support their children’s...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 152
Dr. Desaree Festa, commonly known as “Dr. Dez,”is the sports psychologist for the Buffalo Bills. She works closely with many of the players on the Bills roster and leads the Rookie Success and Player Development programs which helps integrate rookies into the NFL. She has previously worked with teams in the NBA, NHL, and NASCAR. Dr. Dez is very passionate about her field and offers amazing advice for athletes and parents!
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 110
In this episode, Kirsten dives into the world of sports psychology with Capri Richardson, a former Division 1 and professional volleyball athlete and coach. Capri opens up about the challenges athletes face on and off the court and her passion for creating a supportive environment for athletes, coaches, and their families. With a unique approach blending existential, solution-focused, and gestalt therapies, she shares how she helps others embrace their authentic selves and navigate the pressures...
Jun 17, 2025•54 min•Ep. 127
KJ's top 10 Fav's For the Summer kicks off with: Coco Vandeweghe Coco Vandeweghe grew up playing every sport her older brother did. But at 13, her Grandfather sat her down and asked her which sport she wanted to pursue with focus. She chose tennis and turned pro at 16. She learned a lot of life lessons on (and off) the tennis court. Raised by a single mom, she shares pearls of wisdom she received from her grandfather, eloquence from her grandmother and fire and grit from her mother. At 30 years ...
Jun 11, 2025•40 min•Ep. 40
This week, we’re joined by Karen Scholl , a seasoned copywriter and creative director who’s spent the past 25 years bringing big ideas to life for clients like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Wendy’s, Sirius XM, Scotts Miracle-Gro, and Greater Good Charities. In this episode, Karen shares how her professional world of crafting web copy, video scripts, and executive articles collided (beautifully) with the chaos of family life—especially the wild, wonderful ride of raising soccer-playing kids. F...
Jun 04, 2025•22 min•Ep. 150
This week, we’re joined by Karen Scholl , a seasoned copywriter and creative director who’s spent the past 25 years bringing big ideas to life for clients like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Wendy’s, Sirius XM, Scotts Miracle-Gro, and Greater Good Charities. In this episode, Karen shares how her professional world of crafting web copy, video scripts, and executive articles collided (beautifully) with the chaos of family life—especially the wild, wonderful ride of raising soccer-playing kids. F...
Jun 04, 2025•27 min•Ep. 150
This week, we’re joined by Karen Scholl , a seasoned copywriter and creative director who’s spent the past 25 years bringing big ideas to life for clients like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Wendy’s, Sirius XM, Scotts Miracle-Gro, and Greater Good Charities. In this episode, Karen shares how her professional world of crafting web copy, video scripts, and executive articles collided (beautifully) with the chaos of family life—especially the wild, wonderful ride of raising soccer-playing kids. F...
Jun 04, 2025•3 min
In this special live episode, Kirsten and Susie bring the energy, inspiration, and connection of their podcast to Watch Me! — the groundbreaking sports bar redefining what it means to celebrate women in sports. Set against a backdrop of community, inclusivity, and wall-to-wall women’s sports (with sound!), this event captures the magic of a space built to uplift, empower, and unite. Recorded live in front of an audience of fans, athletes, and changemakers, this episode dives into the heart of Wa...
May 26, 2025•34 min•Ep. 149
In this special live episode, Kirsten and Susie bring the energy, inspiration, and connection of their podcast to Watch Me! — the groundbreaking sports bar redefining what it means to celebrate women in sports. Set against a backdrop of community, inclusivity, and wall-to-wall women’s sports (with sound!), this event captures the magic of a space built to uplift, empower, and unite. Recorded live in front of an audience of fans, athletes, and changemakers, this episode dives into the heart of Wa...
May 26, 2025•30 min•Ep. 149
In this special live episode, Kirsten and Susie bring the energy, inspiration, and connection of their podcast to Watch Me! — the groundbreaking sports bar redefining what it means to celebrate women in sports. Set against a backdrop of community, inclusivity, and wall-to-wall women’s sports (with sound!), this event captures the magic of a space built to uplift, empower, and unite. Recorded live in front of an audience of fans, athletes, and changemakers, this episode dives into the heart of Wa...
May 25, 2025•2 min
In this episode, Kirsten sit's down with Dianne DeNecochea, former professional indoor and beach volleyball player, to explore her incredible journey through the sport she loves. From playing at the University of Tennessee to competing professionally overseas and on the AVP tour, Dianne shares stories of grit, growth, and transformation. Now a coach and mentor, Dianne reflects on the lessons learned from decades of high-level competition and how she’s using that experience to guide and inspire t...
May 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 148
In this episode, Kirsten sit's down with Dianne DeNecochea, former professional indoor and beach volleyball player, to explore her incredible journey through the sport she loves. From playing at the University of Tennessee to competing professionally overseas and on the AVP tour, Dianne shares stories of grit, growth, and transformation. Now a coach and mentor, Dianne reflects on the lessons learned from decades of high-level competition and how she’s using that experience to guide and inspire t...
May 19, 2025•27 min•Ep. 148
In this episode, Kirsten sit's down with Dianne DeNecochea, former professional indoor and beach volleyball player, to explore her incredible journey through the sport she loves. From playing at the University of Tennessee to competing professionally overseas and on the AVP tour, Dianne shares stories of grit, growth, and transformation. Now a coach and mentor, Dianne reflects on the lessons learned from decades of high-level competition and how she’s using that experience to guide and inspire t...
May 19, 2025•2 min
In this episode, we spotlight one of Stanford volleyball’s brightest stars—a two-time Pac-12 Champion and AVCA All-American who has made a huge impact at Stanford and beyond. From dominating the court with double-doubles and record-breaking kills to earning national accolades like California Gatorade Player of the Year and Under Armour All-American, her journey is one of elite performance and relentless drive. We dive into her rise from high school and club volleyball standout to NCAA postseason...
May 12, 2025•32 min•Ep. 148
In this episode, we spotlight one of Stanford volleyball’s brightest stars—a two-time Pac-12 Champion and AVCA All-American who has made a huge impact at Stanford and beyond. From dominating the court with double-doubles and record-breaking kills to earning national accolades like California Gatorade Player of the Year and Under Armour All-American, her journey is one of elite performance and relentless drive. We dive into her rise from high school and club volleyball standout to NCAA postseason...
May 12, 2025•27 min•Ep. 148
In this episode, we spotlight one of Stanford volleyball’s brightest stars—a two-time Pac-12 Champion and AVCA All-American who has made a huge impact at Stanford and beyond. From dominating the court with double-doubles and record-breaking kills to earning national accolades like California Gatorade Player of the Year and Under Armour All-American, her journey is one of elite performance and relentless drive. We dive into her rise from high school and club volleyball standout to NCAA postseason...
May 12, 2025•3 min
In this powerful conversation, Kirsten sits down with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, a clinical psychologist whose work sits at the intersection of mental health, bias, and social justice. Dr. Finkelstein brings a thoughtful, compassionate lens to the challenges families and young people face today. Together, Kirsten and Dr. Finkelstein explore how parents and caregivers can support emotional resilience in their kids while navigating a world filled with complex social dynamics. From advocating for equi...
May 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 147
In this powerful conversation, Kirsten sits down with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, a clinical psychologist whose work sits at the intersection of mental health, bias, and social justice. Dr. Finkelstein brings a thoughtful, compassionate lens to the challenges families and young people face today. Together, Kirsten and Dr. Finkelstein explore how parents and caregivers can support emotional resilience in their kids while navigating a world filled with complex social dynamics. From advocating for equi...
May 04, 2025•36 min•Ep. 147
