Healthy Youth Sports
Welcome to Healthy Youth Sports, a podcast by the National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute (NYSHSI), a community impact program of the American College of Sports Medicine. In this episode Eric Utterback sits down with Don Hooton Jr., President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, to explore the growing crisis of Performance and Appearance Enhancing Drug (PAED) use among young athletes. 🎧 This conversation covers: The most commonly used PAEDs by youth The difference between performance and appearance enhancement Warning signs, cultural influences, and prevention strategies from...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, hosted by Eric Utterback, we take a deep dive into one of the most pressing issues in youth baseball: throwing injuries. Whether you’re a coach, parent, clinician, or athlete, this episode is packed with expert insights to help prevent and manage arm injuries in young players. Joining the conversation are two of the nation’s leading orthopedic sports medicine experts: Dr. George Richard, orthopedic surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics Florida and former fellow at the American Sports Medicine Institute, brings biomechanical and surgical...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, host Eric Utterback is joined by renowned podiatrist Jeffrey Ross, DPM, MD, FACSM, to explore one of the most serious injuries in sports—the Achilles tendon tear. Prompted by the 2025 NBA playoffs, where three star players suffered Achilles injuries, this conversation takes a deep dive into how and why these injuries occur, and more importantly, how they can be prevented in youth athletes. Dr. Ross shares insights from his clinical experience, personal recovery, and current research to provide evidence-based strategies for injury prevention. Topics...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
As temperatures soar across the country, keeping young athletes safe during summer sports becomes more important than ever. In this timely episode of Healthy Youth Sports, host Eric Utterback is joined by internationally renowned heat stress and youth sports health expert Dr. Michael F. Bergeron. Together, they explore the critical steps parents, coaches, and athletes must take to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure kids can perform and recover safely in hot weather. Dr. Bergeron, a Visiting Scholar at the University of Hartford and Clinical and Scientific Advisor for the Women’s...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, host Eric Utterback explores the powerful intersection of physical activity, social-emotional learning (SEL), and mental health with Dr. Eduardo Bustamante, a leading public health researcher, and Jim Dower, Executive Director of Urban Initiatives. The episode delves into how high-quality, sports-based youth development programs can nurture resilience, emotional regulation, and academic success—especially in underserved communities. Dr. Bustamante brings a research perspective, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive, evidence-based...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
In this special episode, we’re joined by three dynamic guests to explore how the InPACT (Interrupting Prolonged Sitting with Activity) program is transforming the school day—and student outcomes—through simple, effective movement breaks. 🎙 Dr. Rebecca Hasson, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan and Director of the Childhood Disparities Research Lab, shares the research and equity-driven foundation behind InPACT. 🏫 Principal Heidi Roy-Borland of Whitmore Lake Elementary discusses how her school embraced a culture of wellness that supports both health and academic...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, we sit down with Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s Vice President of Corporate Citizenship, to dive into the network’s groundbreaking Take Back Sports initiative. With a $5 million commitment and powerful partnerships—including Steph and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation—ESPN is on a mission to remove barriers, restore fun, and create healthier, more inclusive youth sports environments. Kevin shares insights on the program’s vision, its focus on access, mental well-being, and coaching quality, and why storytelling and culture change are at...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
Today’s episode features none other than Lee Taft, widely recognized as “The Speed Guy” in the world of athletic performance. With over 35 years of experience, Lee is one of the most respected athletic movement specialists globally, known for revolutionizing the way athletes train for multi-directional speed and agility. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Lee shares his journey from growing up as a multi-sport athlete to becoming a pioneer in speed and movement training. We dive into critical topics like the ideal age to begin...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
In this episode of Healthy Youth Sports, Dr. Courtney Duckworth and Dr. Jeffrey Lo join host Eric Utterback to discuss the vital role of preparing the next generation of pediatric sports medicine professionals. Dr. Duckworth, a resident physician at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Lo, a sports medicine physician with a background in pediatric rheumatology, share their expertise on navigating medical training and residency programs to pursue a fellowship in sports medicine. They dive into the importance of early exposure to youth sports, the interdisciplinary approach to care, and the...
info_outlineHealthy Youth Sports
In this episode, Michael R. Rebold, PhD, ACSM-EP, CSCS joins us to dive into essential recovery strategies for young athletes. The conversation explores the critical role recovery plays in improving performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing overall athletic development. Dr. Rebold shares expert insights on effective recovery techniques including sleep, hydration, nutrition, and mental recovery, and discusses how coaches and parents can support athletes in maintaining a balanced approach to training and rest. Tune in for practical tips to help young athletes perform at their best and stay...
info_outlineIn this episode, Michael R. Rebold, PhD, ACSM-EP, CSCS joins us to dive into essential recovery strategies for young athletes. The conversation explores the critical role recovery plays in improving performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing overall athletic development.
Dr. Rebold shares expert insights on effective recovery techniques including sleep, hydration, nutrition, and mental recovery, and discusses how coaches and parents can support athletes in maintaining a balanced approach to training and rest. Tune in for practical tips to help young athletes perform at their best and stay injury-free!