Car Ride Conversations For Sports Families

Shut Down the 'What If' Trap: Boosting Athlete Confidence and Focus

Welcome back to Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations with your host Valerie Alston! In this episode, we tackle the common pre-game mental trap of 'What if?' thoughts that cause anxiety and hinder performance. Learn how elite athletes manage these thoughts to stay focused and present in the moment. Discover two key strategies: mindfulness for grounding yourself in the present and 'If-Then' planning for productive game prep. Perfect for athletes and parents alike, this episode offers practical tools to build mental toughness and resilience. Join...

What happens when a championship-level coach takes over a middle school team of beginners? In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston and her dad, a former coach, explore what it means to meet athletes where they're at. Listen in on laugh-out-loud stories from their middle school softball days, including a hilarious stolen base mishap, and learn how shared sports moments have shaped their father-daughter bond. Whether you're a parent, coach, or both, this episode reminds us why shared experiences matter, how humor builds connection, and why growth in sports isn't just about performance...

In this episode of 'Confident Calm and Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston explores the 'fade out effect' - the phenomenon where mental skills training fades over time without continuous support from parents, coaches, and the community. Drawing insights from an article about the marshmallow test, Valerie discusses the importance of a supportive environment in ensuring the long-term retention of mental skills. With engaging questions for kids and parents, this episode provides actionable strategies for fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. Tune in for valuable tips on creating a consistent and encouraging atmosphere for mental skills...

Life Lessons from Coaching: Parenting, Pressure & Growth 

In this episode of Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston chats with her dad and former coach about the invaluable lessons learned from coaching over 100 games a year. They discuss how these experiences translate into parenting techniques, the ineffectiveness of yelling, and the importance of values over volume in shaping a team. The episode offers honest stories, practical advice, and a three-step mindset every coach or parent should adopt. Whether you're a parent of an athlete or looking to be a better mentor, this conversation provides insights on building resilience, c...

Mastering Confidence, Calm, and Clutch: An Essential Guide for Athletes and Parents

In this episode of 'Confident, Calm, Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston dives deep into the essential traits that make athletes not just withstand but thrive under pressure. Valerie, a former athlete and sports psychology professional, breaks down the three core traits—confidence, calm, and clutch—and explains why they are vital for success not only in sports but also in school and life. This episode features actionable tips on how to train for these high-pressure moments through practice and mental rehearsal. Perfect for...

Welcome to 'Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations' with Valerie Alston. In this episode, Valerie delves into managing nerves and using your body to enhance performance. Learn the importance of controlling your body's responses, using breath as a key tool to maintain calm and confidence, and practical strategies like box breathing and grounding techniques. This episode is perfect for parents and young athletes looking to build mental toughness, resilience, and confidence. Tune in to discover how to harness your body's natural reactions to stress and channel them productively.

00:00 Introduction to Confidence and Body Connection

00:51 Understanding...

Building Confidence Through Reflect Journaling: Unlocking the Power of Experience

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston introduces the reflect journaling process as a powerful tool for athletes to learn and grow from every experience. Valerie emphasizes that confidence is built not just from winning but from learning and reflecting on both successes and failures. The episode explores the 'REFLECT' acronym, guiding athletes and their parents on how to recall events, understand emotions, focus thoughts, identify learning moments, evaluate strategies, create action plans, and track progress. This consistent practice promises to...

Master Your Self-Talk: The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Confidence with P3 Thinking

What if the voice inside your head was your biggest fan instead of your harshest critic? In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston explores the powerful, yet often overlooked tool of self-talk to boost confidence. She introduces the P3 method—Purposeful, Productive, and Possibility-focused thinking—to train your inner voice to be your best teammate. Learn practical strategies like the AIR Technique (Awareness, Interruption, Replacement) to reshape your internal dialogue and improve mental toughness, resilience, and confidence. Whether you're a pa...

Navigating Adversity in Youth Sports: Lessons from Junior Year Softball

In this episode of Confident Calm and Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston and her father reflect on Valerie's challenging junior year in softball. They discuss the struggles of striking out with bases loaded in a championship game and dealing with a coach who made arbitrary decisions. They offer insights on how they navigated this tough period, the importance of mental toughness, and the role of family support. This episode is a must-listen for parents and young athletes navigating difficult sports seasons and looking to build...

Welcome to another episode of 'Car Ride Conversations' with your host, Valerie Alston! In this heartwarming episode, Valerie sits down with her dad and former coach to reminisce about their most cherished travel ball memories. They laugh over hilarious moments like switching hitting sides at age 11 and relive intense experiences such as playing in hundred-degree heat at the National Championships. Amidst stories of grit and joy, Valerie also dives into crucial leadership lessons that shaped her life. Whether you're a parent, a coach, or an athlete, you'll find valuable insights on mental toughness, resilience, and confidence. Get ready to...

Join host Valerie Alston in this episode of 'Car Ride Conversations' as she reunites with her dad and former coach for an in-depth discussion on the parent-coach dynamic. Learn about the psychology behind sideline behavior, what separates champion teams, and the mindset shifts that took them from local league to national champions. Valerie and her dad share personal stories from their travel softball journey, valuable leadership lessons, and key insights on building trust, effort, and resilience in young athletes. Perfect for parent-coaches, the episode is packed with practical advice to help strengthen relationships and foster lifelong skills in young...

In this episode, host Valerie Alston is joined by recruiting expert and former college coach Quincy Lewis-Buggs. They delve into the often overlooked, emotionally charged parent-player dynamic in the college recruiting process. Quincy shares invaluable tips for parents on how to balance being supportive without overwhelming their young athletes. Learn the importance of proactive planning, family meetings, and third-party evaluations. Discover key strategies to ensure that both parents and athletes are on the same page, and gain insights on handling differing expectations and goals. This episode is packed with practical advice to help your athlete feel empowered and supported...

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston chats with recruiting expert and former college coach Quincy Lewis-Buggs about the college recruiting process. They cover key topics including when to start the recruiting process, the importance of letting athletes lead their journey, avoiding burnout, and understanding coachability. They also discuss how to practice the process, the importance of receiving feedback, and making informed decisions about college plans. Perfect for sports parents and young athletes looking to navigate the recruiting landscape effectively and confidently.

00:00 Introduction to College Recruiting

01:18 Meet Quincy Lewis-Buggs...

In this episode of Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston is joined by Quincy Lewis-Buggs from Diamond Dynamics to discuss what it truly takes to play college softball. They break down common misconceptions families have about college recruiting, the importance of versatility, and the realities of playing at the collegiate level. Quincy offers invaluable advice on building independence and preparing for the increased competition and responsibilities of college life. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring athletes and their parents who are navigating the college recruiting process. Listen in for practical tips and meaningful dialogue designed to foster resilience...

In this episode of Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston offers listeners an exclusive sneak peek into her new children's book, 'One Pitch At A Time'. The story revolves around young Valerie Stark as she navigates challenges of identity and injury, while discovering her love for fast-pitch softball. This preview highlights Valerie's encounters with a new sport, showcasing themes of resilience and friendship. Available for free on Kindle from May 15th to 19th, 2025, fans are encouraged to download, enjoy, and leave an honest review. The episode also includes a discussion section to spark meaningful conversations about courage, confidence, and...

In this episode of 'Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston delves into Shedeur Sanders' surprising slide to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, offering lessons for young athletes and their parents. Despite being a once-projected top 10 pick, Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, sparking discussions on humility, resilience, and character. The episode highlights the importance of preparation, managing public perception, maintaining composure, and having a robust support system. Alston provides actionable insights and conversation prompts aimed at improving mental toughness, confidence, and personal growth for aspiring athletes.

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Building Strong Relationships with 'Would You Rather?' Conversations

In this episode of 'Confident Calm and Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston introduces a fun and engaging way for parents and young athletes to build stronger relationships through conversation. The episode features a game of 'Would You Rather?' with a mix of silly, sport-related, and meaningful questions designed to spark laughter, curiosity, and connection. Valerie shares personal anecdotes and advice on the importance of spending time together and having open communication. Tune in for a delightful car ride conversation that fosters mental toughness, resilience...

In this episode of 'Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston delves into Rory McIlroy's triumphant win at the 2025 Masters, which completed his career Grand Slam. The discussion highlights McIlroy's mental resilience and the five key strategies he used to overcome adversity: embracing the worst-case scenario, staying present, using positive self-talk and support, maintaining focus through a game plan, and keeping perspective. Alston encourages parents and young athletes to adopt these strategies to build mental toughness, resilience, and confidence both in sports and everyday life. The episode also includes discussion questions to spark meaningful dialogue during...

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations hosted by Valerie Alston, Valerie shares her journey of becoming a mental performance coach. The conversation dives into her high school softball experience, how a pivotal moment led her to work with a sports psychologist, and the struggles she faced with perfectionism and pressure. Valerie discusses the transition from being an athlete to coaching, working with soldiers, and eventually focusing on teen athletes during the Covid era. She talks about the common mental challenges young athletes face today and provides strategies to overcome them. The episode also touches on...

Navigating Mental Challenges in Youth Sports: Confidence, Pressure, and Disappointment

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, the focus is on addressing some of the biggest mental challenges young athletes face today, including confidence, performance pressure, and handling disappointment. Host, joined by Robert Tas, founder of Hoopwrld.com, delve into how social media, performance comparisons, and natural negativity bias impact young athletes. They also share practical strategies for defining success, managing nerves, and reflecting in ways that boost motivation. The episode includes discussion prompts for parents and athletes to spark meaningful conversations during car...

Navigating the Dual Role: Parent and Coach

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston discusses the unique challenges of having a parent as a coach with her father, who coached her in softball. They explore the balance between supportive parenting and effective coaching, the importance of not placing limits on young athletes, and the value of perseverance and hard work. This episode is filled with real-life experiences and practical wisdom for sports parents, coaches, and athletes aiming to build stronger relationships and lifelong skills. The discussion also includes tips on handling...

In this episode of 'Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston welcomes her father, Greg Alston, to discuss their experiences balancing the parent-child and coach-athlete dynamics. Valerie and Greg share insights from their journey, including the importance of understanding why a child plays sports and managing expectations. They delve into earning playtime, handling disappointment, and the role sports play in family relationships. The episode concludes with discussion prompts for parents and young athletes to spark meaningful dialogue on their car rides.

00:00 Introduction to Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations

00:30 Listener Request and...

Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships Through Positive Emotions

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston focuses on the importance of incorporating fun and playfulness into the parent-child dynamic. Valerie discusses how engaging in playful activities can boost communication, reduce stress, and develop social skills in adolescents aged 10 to 18. Citing research from positive psychology and play therapy, she explains the 'broaden and build' theory of positive emotions by Barb Fredrickson. Valerie also introduces fun and silly conversation prompts to spark joy and foster meaningful connections during car rides. Listeners are encouraged to leave feedback...

Starting Strong: Setting the Right Mindset for a New Season

In this episode of Confident Common Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston provides parents and young athletes with strategies to build mental toughness, resilience, and confidence as they begin a new sports season. She focuses on mental preparation, visualization techniques, setting effective goals, and managing expectations. Valerie also shares dialogue prompts for parents and athletes to discuss their goals and support each other in maintaining a balanced perspective. Join us to make your car rides more meaningful and strengthen relationships while fostering lifelong skills.

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Topic: Transitioning from Regular Season to Playoff Mindset

In episode 8 of Car Ride Conversations, the focus is on navigating the critical transition from regular season to postseason play in sports. With the arrival of March and the playoff seasons for sports like college basketball and hockey, athletes need to prepare not just physically and tactically, but also mentally. The episode highlights the need for maintaining perspective, embracing increased intensity without feeling overwhelmed, and sticking to pre-established routines. Inspirational stories from athletes like Olivia Miles and LJ Cryer, as well as practical advice for parents and athletes to ha...

Topic: How to Handle Conflict with Teammates or Coaches

In this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations, host Valerie Alston focuses on handling conflict with teammates and coaches, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships. Valerie discusses why conflict is normal and offers two actionable pieces of advice: pausing to reflect and cool down before responding, and using empathy and perspective-taking to understand others' points of view. She provides practical steps on using 'I statements' to communicate feelings without blame. Valerie also encourages families to discuss and brainstorm strategies for resolving conflicts more calmly and...

Topic: How to Build Your Champion Support Team

Today's episode focuses on creating a 'champion support team' by surrounding athletes with supportive parents, coaches, teachers, and peers. Alston explains the psychological need for belonging and how a strong support network can help athletes and their families achieve their goals and maintain balance. She shares practical tips on showing gratitude, cultivating resilience, and ensuring authenticity in relationships. The episode concludes with questions for parents and young athletes to spark conversations about their own support networks and how to strengthen them.

00:00 Welcome to Confident, Calm, and Clutch...

Topic: Balancing Competition and Team Support in Sports

Join host Valerie Alston in this episode of Confident Calm Clutch Car Ride Conversations as she explores the challenge of balancing a competitive spirit with being a supportive teammate. Using personal anecdotes and expert insights, Valerie offers valuable tips for parents and coaches to foster healthy competition, prioritize communication, and build team cohesion among young athletes. Key discussion questions are provided to spark meaningful dialogue between parents and their kids. Subscribe and share for more tips on building confidence and mental toughness in young athletes.

00:00 Introduction to...

Topic: What Does It Mean to Be a Good Teammate?

In this episode of 'Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston delves into what it means to be a good teammate. Focusing on the importance of relationships, teamwork, and support in both team and individual sports contexts, Valerie shares personal experiences and examples from professional sports. She also prompts listeners with discussion questions designed to spark thoughtful dialogue between parents and young athletes about mental toughness and resilience in sports. 

00:00 Introduction to Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations

00:23 F...

Today's Topic: The Confidence Formula: Help your young athlete build the confidence they need to succeed

In this episode of 'Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations,' host Valerie Alston guides parents and young athletes on sparking meaningful dialogue about confidence and mental toughness. This episode dives into the 'Confidence Formula,' exploring whether confidence is innate or developed through practice and experience.

Valerie defines confidence, distinguishes between global and task-specific confidence, and outlines four key factors that build confidence: personal experiences, vicarious experiences, body arousal regulation, and mindset. The episode concludes with conversation...

Understanding Your Why in Sports

In this episode of we discuss the importance of understanding the motivations behind why children play sports. Valerie shares her personal experiences and emphasizes the significance of parents recognizing their child's unique reasons for participating in sports. The episode includes questions to spark meaningful conversations between parents and young athletes, aimed at fostering stronger relationships and helping children enjoy and benefit from their sporting activities.

Insights

Motivation changes and evolved over time. Being aligned as parent, coach and athlete helps manage expectations and the overall experience of playing. <...

Welcome to Confident, Calm, and Clutch Car Ride Conversations! I’m your host, Valerie Alston, here to help parents and young athletes spark meaningful dialogue about mental toughness, resilience, and confidence. Whether you’re heading to practice, a game, or just running errands, this podcast is your go-to for building stronger relationships and lifelong skills—one car ride at a time. Let’s dive in!"

The Rules of Conversation:

Here are simple "rules of conversation" to make these chats as fun and meaningful as possible: