Episode 8: Linda Flanagan (Author/Researcher, Take Back the Game)

- Author of Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania are Ruining Kids' Sports-- And Why it Matters

- Sports used to have a different, less central role in family life

- Obesity problems in America... sports are linked to better outcomes in life. So why are we making them more expensive and LESS accessible?

- Pay to play is shutting out potentially great players. 

- 3 major cultural shifts that have caused drastic changes in youth sports: Decline in public funds/private enterprises capitalizing, OBSESSION with our kids, colleges tying athletic performance to admissions. 

- It's dangerous when sports become your identity, or even worse... when your child's sport becomes your identity as a parent. 

- "Empty Nest Coaches"... Yes, this is a real thing

- Are adults taking care of themselves and their own physical and mental well-being?