How Parents Shape Athletic Culture and Support Their Child’s Sports Journey

On this episode of Game Changers – Athlete Edition, co-hosts Julie Jones and Courtney Harmon are joined by JP Nerbun, renowned author of "The Sport Parent Solution," to dive deep into the crucial but often overlooked role parents play in their athletes' sports experiences.

From dinner table conversations to sideline reactions, the trio unpacks how parental beliefs and actions shape team culture, impact athletes’ mindsets, and even influence how coaches approach communication. JP shares practical questions parents can ask themselves to keep their focus on growth, effort, and values instead of outcomes and playing time. Julie and Kortney open up about the challenges and joys of being both coaches and sports parents, and invite listeners to reflect on how their support can make sports a truly positive and transformative journey for their kids.

You’ll walk away with powerful insights on building resilience, fostering gratitude, teaching accountability, and promoting a lifelong love for sports—all while keeping perspective and having fun along the way. Whether you’re a parent in the stands, a coach, or an athlete, this conversation is full of actionable takeaways and real talk that will help elevate your game—on and off the field.

Be sure to check out the show notes for JP’s book links, essential reflection questions, and more resources for supporting the athletes in your life!

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Resources Mentioned:

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Culture System https://a.co/d/5WZFmR9 

• JP Nerbun’s books: The Sport Parents Solution. https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Parent-Solution-Strategies-Transforming/dp/B0CT6GQHND 

• The Coaching Culture Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/336Hs8udk8s0yXuK3BzSOq?si=4a528e075de54ecf  DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional coaching or mental health advice. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining advice from qualified professionals because of something you may have heard in an episode of Game Changers: Athlete Edition. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional coaching, mental performance, or medical advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for proper evaluation and guidance specific to your situation. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions. Neither the Game Changers: Athlete Edition hosts nor any company providing support endorses or opposes any particular training, coaching, or treatment methods discussed in the episodes. They are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The strategies, tips, and information shared in this podcast are based on the hosts' experiences and professional expertise, but results may vary. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.