When Youth Sports Go Too Far: How Parents Can Reclaim What Matters Most with Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski
Youth sports can be one of the greatest gifts—or one of the deepest sources of pressure and pain—for families today. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Justin sits down with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, co-authors of Away Game, to unpack the reality of the modern youth sports culture—and how it’s shaping not just our kids, but us as parents.
With over 50 years of combined experience working with athletes, Brian and Ed pull back the curtain on what they call the “Youth Sports Industrial Complex”—a multi-billion-dollar system that often prioritizes performance over people and pressure over play.
This episode is equal parts eye-opening and freeing. You’ll hear real stories of regret, growth, and redemption as Justin reflects on his own parenting journey, including the unintended pressure he placed on his sons. Together, they explore how fear, identity, and parental expectations can quietly take over—and how the gospel invites us into a different way.
If you’ve ever felt the tension between wanting the best for your child and wondering if it’s all too much…this conversation is for you.
Links and Resources
Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports by Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski
The Christian Athlete (articles and resources for parents, coaches, and athletes)
Athletes in Action (sports ministry organization)