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.
--------
34:31
--------
34:31
The Gearhead Myth
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.
--------
9:00
--------
9:00
How to Help My Child Be a Good Teammate
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!
--------
48:20
--------
48:20
How to Do Sports and Have a Rich Family Life // Rob Hays
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.
--------
43:54
--------
43:54
How to Help My Child Love God Through Sports
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.
Welcome to Heaven or Heisman, the podcast where we blend faith, family, and sports to help you raise confident, resilient kids. In each episode, we dive into the challenges parents face when guiding their children through the world of athletics and beyond, all while grounding our advice in Biblical principles. From helping your child practice more to building their confidence, and teaching them how to embrace failure, we offer practical tips and relatable stories to make the journey a little easier (and a lot more fun).Whether you’re wondering how to encourage your child’s love for the game, help them develop a strong work ethic, or teach them to handle pressure with grace, Heaven or Heisman has you covered. Join us as we tackle key parenting moments in sports—balancing discipline with fun, praising effort over performance, and fostering character that lasts. Let’s navigate the world of youth sports together, one practice, one game, and one lesson at a time. Tune in for inspiring insights, faith-based wisdom, and a whole lot of heart!
South Africa