Cringe culture, youth sports & AI scams

3 Things I'm Loving, Reading, Watching or Doing

Depressing Article

Youth Sports Are a $40 Billion Business. Private Equity Is Taking Notice.

You don’t even have to read the article — the subtitle says it all:
“An American obsession is attracting investments in baseball fields, volleyball courts and football camps, intensifying the gap between families with means and those without.”

I have a lot to say about youth sports, and most of it is infuriating. It doesn’t take a genius to see that once private equity (whose sole goal is maximizing profit) sets its sights on kids’ sports, things will only get worse. Delusional parents, crazy travel schedules, soaring costs, all at the expense of actual player development... and you know, fun.

A caution for your kids

AI Scams

For all the amazing ways AI will improve our lives, it also opens up new risks especially for kids. One area that’s getting worse fast: scams. AI is making phishing texts, fake calls, and sketchy links look incredibly real. If your kids have phones, it’s worth having a conversation about how these scams work and how to spot them.

Instagram Change

I’m switching things up on Instagram. Instead of just recycling newsletter content, I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes stuff from fitness, parenting, business, and real life. Social media isn’t exactly my strong suit, but I’m figuring it out as I go. If you’re curious, you can follow along here.

2 Quotes Worth Pondering

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life."
— Steve Jobs

1 Big Dad Idea

Cringe Culture

I’m a few months into sharing thoughts on parenting five kids and the lessons I’ve learned from coaching for the past 20 years. And still, despite all that experience, I sometimes feel it: imposter syndrome. Or maybe more accurately, that nagging worry about what others think.

It’s common, especially for anyone who puts their work, art, or life out into the world. I know it well, and I often look for resources to help me grow in this area.

But I’ve also started thinking about how we can help our kids now, before those fears become deeply ingrained.

Because the truth is that living authentically is hard, especially in the middle and high school years, where fitting in often feels like the only goal. But I believe it’s possible to raise kids who know who they are and are unafraid to live that out . . . at least most of the time.

One idea I try to reinforce with my own kids:

“There’s only one you. The world needs that version.”

Of course, getting there takes time. It’s not a one-time conversation, but a long-term investment in your relationship. It’s built on trust, honesty, and regular conversations about things like:

• What makes them unique

• Why “weird” or different can be a strength

• The difference between belonging and fitting in

I actually hit this topic recently in one of my weekly dad emails to them. I shared a short video clip from author Ocean Vuong on cringe culture and how it’s stopping this generation from showing up fully.

Want to start a good conversation? Share it with your teen and ask:

“Do you think kids your age hold back their true selves out of fear of being judged?”

Their answers made me laugh and gave me some real insight into how they’re navigating this performative, hyper-connected world.

So whether this message hits home for you personally or reminds you to connect with your kids this week, let’s all keep doing the work.