MOMs Running Point Podcast
Tawa Dortch 33 episodes Jul 29, 2026
MOMs Running Point is a podcast for moms who want to be supportive and effective sports parents as their children navigate youth sports. Each episode offers practical advice, actionable tips, and strategies for handling the ups and downs of athletic involvement. The show focuses on creating a positive mindset at home and cheering kids on from the sidelines. It also explores how parents shape their child's athletic journey, with insights from other moms and young athletes.
Episodes
Episode 32 Sports MOM 201: Middle School Sports What's NOT in the Brochure
Middle school is the weird awkward middle of youth sports — and this episode is the sports parenting advice you need to survive it. Sports MOMs 201 picks up where Sports MOMs 101 left off and dives into the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade years — when club kids, rec kids, and never-played kids all land on the same team, and it can be every bit as complicated for the parents. If you've ever wondered how to
Episode 31: Conflict in Sport with Dr. Jen Fry
This week on Moms Running Point, I sit down with Dr. Jen Fry of JenFryTalks — a conflict resolution expert who has spent her career helping athletes, coaches, and parents navigate the hardest conversations in sports. If you have ever driven home from practice fuming about something the coach did (or didn't) do, this episode is for you. As we discuss her new and future books Dr. Jen Fry gives us tw
Episode 30 A HeatSense Heat Check
This week's episode of Moms Running Point — Heat Check with HeatSense — opened my eyes to how much I didn't know. Melissa Fortenberry gives great sports parenting advice when it comes to heat illness in young athletes, and how doesn't always look like what we think. In youth sports sometimes the most dangerous signs aren't recognized. Sometimes it's quiet confusion on the sideline that gets dism
Episode 29: From Sideline Mom to Voluntold Videographer
Sports MOMs CAN do it all. Even Videography. A fun listen as we dive into the all-too-real journey of becoming your childs or even the team videographer—whether you signed up for it or not. Returning guest Alexis Smith and I share our camera experience including tips and mishaps, the learning curve to recording, highering a professional vs doing it ourselves, and we're breaking down what it real
Episode 28: Athlete Conflict: With Dr. Jen Fry
Conflict in sports is inevitable—but how we handle it makes all the difference. This week on MOMs Running Point, we're joined by Dr. Jen Fry from Jen Fry Talks to break down why conflict arises between athletes, parents, and teammates—and what we can do about it. Dr. Jen Fry (she/her) is a Sports Geographer, tech founder, TEDx speaker, and sought-after speaker and educator. She owns JenFryTalks,
Episode 27 Setting the Pace: Why Your 2026 Sports MOM Goals Matter!!!
MOMs Running Point is back and Season 3 kicks off with Sports MOM Goals 2026. In this episode, host Tawa Dortch revisits the importance of setting goals—not just for our athletes, but for ourselves as sports moms. Instead of covering multiple goals, Tawa dives deep into one unexpected and challenging goal: training for her first full marathon. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a po
Episode 26: Reclaiming Moms Sideline Smile
Somewhere between sign-ups, try outs, and endless tournaments, the fun we once felt at our kids' games can quietly slip away — and sometimes, without realizing it, we Sports MOMS help it happen. In this episode of MOMs Running Point, I share a personal "sideline face" wake-up call, the surprising difference I felt watching a friend's child play, and why that matters for our own kids' joy. We'll b
Episode 25: Behind The Transfer Portal (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our transfer portal conversation, we dig deeper into the current experience Lisa's daughter is facing as she re-enters the portal for her final year. We talk about the process, the unknowns, and the emotional toll this journey takes on athletes and their families. Lisa shares practical advice for moms—how to support, when to step in, and how to protect your child's mental and emotion
Episode 24: Behind The Transfer Portal
When we hear "transfer portal," we often think of athletes chasing more playing time or a better scholarship—but that's not the full story. In Part 1, Lisa Hayes shares her family's firsthand experience navigating the portal after her daughter faced a toxic team environment and coaching challenges. From the emotional decision to leave, to the unexpected blessings that came from it, Lisa's honest,
Episode 23 Siblings- Built in Teammates
On this episode of MOMs Running Point, we're tackling one of the most powerful relationships in youth sports — siblings as teammates. I'm joined by the incredible Svonnie Dalcourt — powerhouse event planner and proud mom of two standout basketball players who both played Division 1 Basketball ( Houston University and University of Louisiana) and now play profressionally in Europe. We dive into the
Episode 22: Half Time Adjustments: PAUSE. REFLECT. PIVOT
Hey sports MOMs! In this deeply honest and soul-filling episode of MOMs Running Point, host Tawa Dortch sits down with Karen Johnson — mom of three, speaker, and author of "What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?" — to talk about something we all feel but rarely say out loud: the emotional and mental toll of being a Sports Mom and the Question Mark about our own FUTURE. From burnout and "ghost mom
Episode 21 Sports MOM 101
Sports MOM 101 a CRASH COURSE for that MOM new to SPORTS. This first episode in our series, will shed light on why and when to put your kids in sports; guide you through how and where to find these programs and teams, and what's expected of you as a Sports MOM. I also share many tips just to know what's going on and top 5 mistakes to help you not make them. I know stepping into this
Episode 20: Winning With NUTRITION with Sports Dietetic Amy Goodson
For all the Sports MOMs out there who feel overwhelmed by sports nutrition — whether you're unsure where to start, questioning if you're doing it right, or simply looking for guidance — this episode is for you. I sat down with Amy Goodson, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, to unlock the ultimate cheat code for our athletes: nutrition. Amy is a registered dietitian with a powerhouse résumé—
Episode 19: The Coach's Wife Life
In this heartfelt and honest episode of MOMs Running Point, host Tawa Dortch welcomes special guest Dela Criss—mom, podcaster, Executive Director of Ministries, and proud coach's wife—for a deep dive into the identity outside of being "the coach's wife," to creating harmony at home amid sports chaos, Dela's wisdom is a must-hear for anyone navigating the youth sports world. Don't miss this empowe
Episode 18 More Than an Injury Part 2
In this episode of MOMs Running Point, Rene and I continue our exploration on the challenges of sports parenting, from managing anxiety and competition to building strong support systems. We discuss the impact of parental expectations, the importance of community, and how connection helps parents be better for their athlete. Plus, we offer advice for handling injuries and emotional setbacks with r
Episode 17 More Than An Injury Part 1
More Than an Injury, delves into the often overlooked mental and emotional aspects of recovering from an injury. Rene Pistorius highlights with me how the recovery journey is filled with frustration, stress, and unpredictable ups and downs. The episode emphasizes the invisible side of injury — the mental toll it takes, including anxiety, stress, and fear that can accompany physical recovery. Addit
Episode 16 The Cost of Youth Sports
In today's episode, Alexis Smith and I dive into a growing concern for families across the country – the rising cost of youth sports. From regular fees to unexpected expenses, we explore how costs are adding up so there are no surprises as you keep your athletes engaged in sports. We'll share parenting advice & creative tips for cutting costs and discuss the value of investing in your child's athl
Episode 15: Clearing the Air on Playing Time!
MOMs today's episode is a frequently discussed topic, PLAYING TIME. Many of us have sat and watched our child struggle with the amount of time played in the game; and tried to help them navigate the emotions that accompany. Our guest for this episode shares her expertise as a former High School Coach and Assistant Principal of Arlington High School; and her uniquely qualified perspective as a fo
Episode 14 Sports MOM Goals
The new year brings about a refresh and resolutions. Moms did you set goals for 2025, how about a Sports MOM Goal? Don't know that that is? Listen in as I share my seasonal Sports Mom Assist. I think giving our goals a name really helps us focus and be consistent. Special messages from past guests, see if they set Sports Mom goals or not!!! Thanks for listening to MOMs Running Point. Connect
Episode 13 Find The RIGHT Team!
The challenge to Find The RIGHT Team for your athlete is not an easy feat. In this episode we discuss when it's time to go and the reasons to change teams. My guest host, Sally Baskin and I also share our top criteria we use to select a team, and how we actually find different program options. The search can take some time and effort but the work put in on the front end is much easier to over
Episode 12 Part 2 Cultivating College Readiness
In Part 2 of Cultivating College Readiness, Deedee and I continue our conversation on important areas our young athletes need to focus on while in high school, so they can be fully prepared to enter college as student athletes. We talk about Advanced Placement Classes vs Dual Credit Courses, and give suggestions on how your athlete could approach these opportunities. Listen in as Deedee shares he
Episode 11- Cultivating College Readiness Part 1
MOMs Welcome to Cultivating College Readiness Part 1. Dee Dee Brown-Campbell, Associate Athletic Director and SWA joins me again as we put a spot light on her Department at Texas Tech and their role in student athlete development. What does that mean you ask? It means each Athletic Department across the NCAA, has an entire division that staffs & focuses on student athletes' success off the cour
Episode 10- Part 2- Learn Your Childs Sports Personality
Part II How To Learn Your Sports Childs Personality using The Game Plan is now available!!! Kim Rathe joins me again to tackle the Game Plan, the HOW TO of Learning Your Childs Sports Personality. This episode is loaded with personalized assessments to help you watch and be CURIOUS of who your child is in a competitive atmosphere. And what to do with this information once you've collected it
Episode 9 Part 1 Know Your Childs Sports Personality
Episode 9 is going to open your mind to new opportunities to be your best sports mom. Not only do we discuss the many different types of sports kids and how kids develop their sports personality, but we discuss how to parent and support our children to their particular strengths??? Did we just discover the secret to being a great Sports MOM? Often times in competition our kids reveal their value
Episode 8 Updates...Am I Still a Screamer??? From Gymnast to...Pole Vault.?. to...???
Every MOMs Running Point episode ends with the challenge to Level Up Your Game; which makes it a must share when I have made major strides when it comes to my screaming. In this two-part update I'll explain how Episode 1-OMG I'm a Screamer, wasn't just talk. I really do want to improve from a sideline screamer to a true fan and spectator. Listen in as I share my 10-game journey to RESET MY BEHA
Episode 7, BLIS Community
As Sports MOMs we share a common athletic interest which makes us a community by default. Today Shantel Canty and I discuss the differences in our experiences on the sidelines of these communities and ways to improve the atmosphere. Listen in as Shantel, a beginner sports mom, shares stories that really helped her feel a sense of community on her kids teams, and is honest with her desire to le
Episode 6 Play Them ALL... Until You Can't and Phenomenal Sports Parenting Advice!
If your child is a multisport athlete there is no doubt you need to hear today's episode!!! Many of us Sports MOMs have children in two even three sports, over multiple seasons, contrary to pressure to specialize earlier and earlier. Today Deedee Brown-Campbell, Texas Tech.'s Senior Womens Associate, talks about the costs of too many sport obligations, and how they swayed her son's sports partic
Episode 5 The Scholarship Quest
Earning a college scholarship is the first step in the scholarship quest, but picking the right school is a process all on its own; from comparing coaching styes to navigating constant communication while maintaining your school and athletic schedule. In this episode with Crystal Shadd, we find out how Crystal guided her daughter using her personal scholarship experience, what criteria they used t
Episode #4 Elevating Your Child's Mental Performance
How much does strong mind and body mean to you and your athlete? Our kids practice endless hours on technique, plays, and all the little things to make them great, but do we help our children develop the mental aspect of the game or ignore it? Join me as Cortnee White discusses her role as a Licensed Counselor in the arena of sport. Her specialty is helping athletes use their mind better and m
Episode #3 The Car Ride Home
What does your car ride home sound and feel like after a tough loss or less than stellar performace? Are you stuck in a routine, where the car ride has somehow become an opprotunity for you MOM to vent your irritations? Today Alexis Smith and I get real when it comes to those tough experiences. Listen up as we discuss stretegies to appropriately delay those tough post game converstaions, what i
Episode #2 When Your Athlete Calls it QUITS!!!
Today's episode topic doesn't have a road map or a how to book. So when your child turns in the cleats, leotard or ball... what do you do? Especially when you feel its too early. Shara Tardif joins us and shares her daughters car ride conversation "I don't want to do this anymore" and her early retirement from gymnastics. Listen in as Shara discusses the processes, the mishaps and her own em
Episode #1 OMG I'm a Screamer. What Type of Sports Mom are you?
Today, Alexis Smith and I discuss the assortment of Sport Mom Personalities we've seen at youth sports games ranging from coach moms to candy crush moms. Which type of Sports Mom are you? In this episode we reveal our very own dominant tendancies, and share methods we've tried to improve our sideline game. Find out who gets the technical foul this episode as we introduce the Techincal Foul se
MOMs Running Point Trailer
Welcome to MOMs Running Point, the podcast where we empower moms to be the best sports parents they can be as they navigating the world of youth sports!! Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned sports mom, we've got the sports parenting advice you need to support your child's athletic journey. We'll dive into how to be a good sports parent and explore how to be a supportive sports parent—from
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