Raising Big Dreamers: Helping Kids Succeed with Michael & Erica Parks - Ep. 34

Ever wonder what it really takes to support your kid’s biggest dreams—and stay sane while doing it? Todd and Bettijo sit down with Michael and Erica Parks, parents of top 50 pro tennis player Alycia Parks, to talk faith, sacrifice, and the wild, beautiful ride of raising a world-class athlete. They’re serving up the unfiltered truth about big dreams, divine detours, and surviving life on the road—with plenty of laughs and marital real talk along the way.

SUMMARY

What does it really take to raise a world-class athlete—and keep your family, marriage, and sense of humor intact? In this lively episode of DANG!, Todd and Bettijo welcome Erica and Michael Parks, parents of two phenomenal athletes, including top 50 pro tennis player Alycia Parks.

The Parks candidly share their unconventional journey into the world of professional sports, starting with their daughters' natural love of outdoor play—something that accidentally unlocked an extraordinary talent for tennis. Michael, a former pro basketball player, and Erica, a podcast host, recount the early days of coaching, the pivotal role of faith in their success, and the many sacrifices they made—including living out of a converted bus to make it all work. 

This conversation goes beyond sports. It’s about faith, family, and the delicate dance of parenting ambitious kids without pushing too hard. They open up about the pressure of being both parent and coach, the importance of letting children lead their own dreams, and how to protect emotional well-being along the way.

There are plenty of relatable parenting moments and a few surprise twists to… including the time Todd literally joined the circus. Watch him flying high on the trapeze!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Erica recounts the accidental discovery of her daughters' natural talent and passion for tennis. (2:37)
• Michael discusses how his background as a professional athlete informed his approach to coaching his daughters, even in a different sport. (4:01)
• The Parks reveal the extraordinary family sacrifice of living out of a converted shuttle bus to support their daughters' tennis careers. (7:00)
• Michael explains the difficulty of balancing being both a coach and a dad. (10:59)
• Erica emphasizes the importance of being "in tune" with your kids to truly understand and nurture their genuine passions. (14:15)
• Todd doing trapeze on Circus with the Stars. (15:19) 
• Michael tells how he taught Alycia her record-breaking tennis serve, attributing its power to divine guidance. (24:07)
• Bettijo talks about her daughter Attalie’s self-driven artistic journey. (25:46)
• Todd and Bettijo engage in a humorous, relatable discussion about marital communication and the art of giving (and receiving) fashion advice. (28:03)
• The couple shares hilarious movie moments from Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Hancock that perfectly—and comically—capture the realities of married life. (32:25)
• Michael shares how he prioritized proper technique to prevent injuries in his daughters. (37:20)
• Todd compares his own mother to the many "stage moms” he encountered as a child actor. (42:59)
• Erica & Michael talk about their daughter Makayla's unique gifts and her perceptive understanding of the family's journey. (47:04)
• Michael and Erica share how they met and their Waffle House first date. (48:41)
• ToddFlix: Godfather of Harlem. (53:25)

Are you ready to be inspired and laugh? Hit play now to hear the full, incredible story of the Parks family.

Follow on Instagram:  Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom