The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLamb

Ep. #92 - A Compassionate Dialogue on Youth and Suicide with Leeann Sherman

Have you ever wrestled with the gravity of youth suicide and bullying? Have you ever wished you could understand it better to make a difference in a young person's life? In this episode, we had a meaningful conversation with the President and CEO of the American Association of Suicidology, Leeann Sherman. The discussion focused on the rising rates of youth suicide, the urgent need for mental health awareness, and the creation of safe, stigma-free spaces for dialogue. We talked about the labyrinth of social and economic factors that impact youth suicide rates. These factors, often intertwined, can create an environment where young people feel increasingly hopeless and isolated. Understanding youth suicide and finding ways to combat it is a pressing issue that requires our attention. We hope that this episode can help shed light on the problem, spread awareness, and promote action towards addressing youth suicide.
About Leeann Sherman | President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE, is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). Sherman brings extensive non-profit experience with over 20 years in professional associations and community-driven, mission-based organizations to her tenure with AAS. This national organization provides training, education, research, and awareness programs to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide. Sherman has been a founding member of various industry coalitions to drive mission and advocacy forward, working with stakeholders and volunteers throughout her diverse career. She has worked with federal, state, and local government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, the PA Department of Health, the PA Department of Human Services, the PA Department of Transportation, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Office and federal legislators while also working closely on advocacy with the Pennsylvania Legislature.
She has a baccalaureate (Hospitality Management and Nutrition) and a master’s degree (Community and Economic Development) from Pennsylvania State University. She is an active alum at her alma mater in various activities for the next generation. She has been awarded the Scott Jackson Award for leadership from PASAE, the highest honor for an association executive in Pennsylvania. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, the marker of a committed association professional who has demonstrated the wide range of knowledge essential to manage an association in today’s challenging environment, with less than 4,500 people worldwide holding this certification.
Links mentioned:
 
Website: https://suicidology.org/ 
Website: https://nicic.gov/weblink/american-association-suicidology 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AASuicidology 
Instagram: @aasuicidology
Twitter: @AASuicidology
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aasuicidology/ 
Episode highlights:
[0:00] Intro
[1:44] Who is Leeann Sherman?
[6:22] Look for ways to improve people's lives
[8:08] The challenges faced by our youth
[16:38] Recognizing signs of suicide and prevention
[29:42] Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health
[40:58] They need someone to talk to
[46:59] Outro

Ep. #91 - The Game Seven Mindset with Chris Cosentino

How can the 'Game Seven Mindset' help athletes tackle adversity and perform when stakes are high? Chris shares his journey from Division 3 to Division 1 and learns about the resilience that it took. 'Game Seven Mindset' is more than just a hockey term; it is a philosophy, a mindset, and a lifestyle. The concept encapsulates a continuous process of growth and development. It is a powerful tool for youth and athletes to approach challenges and strive for success, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that come with continuous learning.
 
 
About Chris Cosentino:
Chris Cosentino is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at the American Association of Suicidology and has more than fifteen years of nonprofit leadership experience from some of the country's most respected organizations focused on mental health and family support resources. Aside from his marketing background, Chris was the Head Coach of the New York University ice hockey team for ten years (2010-2020), where he led the program to two National Championship titles and other accolades such as numerous community service and academic awards as well as being named National Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2017. In 2013, he was hired by the New York Rangers to lead an on-ice training camp for the team at the conclusion of the NHL lockout. Before NYU, Chris was one of the country's youngest Junior “A” Head Coaches when he served as Head Coach of the New York Apple Core. While coaching junior hockey, he developed and advanced over 200 players onto top collegiate and professional hockey, with three of his former players making it to the National Hockey League (NHL). Chris holds a BA in Public Relations from Hofstra University with a minor in Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies. He currently resides in Charlotte, NC.
 
 
Where to find out more about Chris:
 
Email: cosentinocj@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theGame7Mindset/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegame7mindset
 
 
Episode highlights:
[2:15] Chris Cosentino's resume and his journey in hockey
[16:21] Game seven mindset and application
[22:04] Continuous learning and growth in coaching
[28:58] The game seven concept
[37:27] Approaching challenges and achieving success
[43:03] Outro

Ep. #90: Unraveling the Secrets of ACT/SAT Prep with Jen Henson

Are you prepared to uncover hidden treasures in education? In this enlightening podcast episode, we had an enlightening conversation with Jen Henson, a seasoned educator with a 22-year tenure teaching high school English. Jen shares her journey of evolving from a high school teacher helping a student with ACT prep to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her ACT prep business. We discussed the lesser-known concept of college tuition coupons based on ACT/SAT scores. This financial concept is invaluable for students and parents looking to reduce the financial burden of college tuition, whether you're a student preparing for the ACT/SAT, a parent looking for guidance, or an educator aiming to make a difference.
 
About Jen Henson:
 
Jennifer Henson ( a.k.a “The GOAL DIGGER”) is a nationally sought-after test prep expert specializing in the ACT test. Jennifer, who was Winton Woods City School’s (OH) Teacher of the Year in 2014, holds a Master of Education degree with a Bachelor’s in English from Xavier University—where she was a walk-on tennis player. She’s taught for 22 years and coached ACT prep for over 13 years-- and has an army of teachers trained to assist her requests for tutorials. Her former ACT students now attend notable higher learning institutions, including Notre Dame, The Ohio State University, Texas A&M, The Naval Academy, and the University of Kentucky—among others.
 
Jennifer has assisted students from California to Connecticut—and states in between—to reach their personal ACT goals. No score is too low or too high, as she has doubled the scores of students starting at the low end, in addition to helping initially higher-scoring students achieve the coveted 36 on every section of the test. Two young men playing D1 football had a composite score of 9 originally and scored 18 and 20 (respectively) after working with her. Three of her former clients now have NFL experience; one is shining in the WNBA, and three are playing MLB!
 
Where to find more about Jen Henson:
 
Website: https://jenhensonactprep.com/
Email: jenniferchenson@msn.com
Facebook: ASK the EXPERTS: ACT & SAT Q&A https://www.facebook.com/groups/664958358979574
Facebook: Jen Henson ACT Prep https://www.facebook.com/JenHensonACTTestPrep/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goaldigger_act_prep/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jen_ACT_Prep
 
Episode highlights:
[0:00] Intro
[1:49] Who is Jen Henson
[2:57] Tutoring passion was ignited
[5:14] Chasing merit money
[8:18] Test Blind, Test Optional, and Common Data Set Classifications
[15:10] Benefits from this program
[19:08] Test anxiety that impacts youth mental health
[25:16] How can parents help?
[30:24] Encourage reading and test scores are very important in application
[43:41] Outro

Ep. #89 - Shaping Future Leaders with Greg Berge

Developing leadership skills in young athletes and building effective teams is a critical part of youth development. We had a riveting discussion with seasoned coach and educator Greg Berge. We delved deep into the concept that player-led teams are more successful than those without because they are anchored on a solid culture and leadership. Part of cultivating a thriving team culture is setting and upholding expectations. These expectations shape the behavior and attitude of the team members, molding them into influential leaders. Developing leadership in young athletes and building effective teams are not only crucial for their success in sports but also in their future roles as leaders in society. With the right tools, resources, and guidance, we can help shape the next generation of leaders to resilience.
 
About Greg Berge, Owner | Coach | Educator | Speaker
 
Greg has been a teacher, coach, and school administrator for 28 years. He serves as the High School Principal and Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach in Lake City, MN. He is the author of four books, a speaker, a licensed Sports Leadership Facilitator with the Janssen Sports Leadership Center, and the owner of GB1 Leadership LLC. In his 17 years as a Varsity Basketball Coach, his teams have been fortunate to win 11 conference championships (nine consecutive) and two section championships. As an assistant varsity coach, he helped coach teams who won multiple section championships in football and girls' golf. Greg has also been fortunate to coach many players who went on to play college basketball, encompassing all levels (NCAA Division I, Division II, NAIA Division II, and Division III).
 
Where to find more about Greg Berge
 
Website: https://www.gb1leadership.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gb1121
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-berge-42889148/
 
Episode highlights:
[0:00] Intro
[2:10] Who is Greg Berge
[6:15] Develop culture and player-leaders
[8:31] Team Leader OS
[10:14] The ultimate lab setting for life
[13:56] The beauty lies in the process
[15:24] Culture is what you allow, is what you emphasize, and is everyday
[21:38] Lay a good foundation
[25:07] Negative thought: You don't have to believe it
[30:34] Have a positive growth-based attitude
[31:36] Failure is growth
[35:02] Habits create motion
[38:33] Outro

Ep. #88: Finding Harmony in Strengths and Talents with Petra Krebbs

Professional life can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. You're not alone if you've ever felt lost in your career. But what if you had a compass to guide you? A compass that uses your unique strengths to create a path towards success. The conversation provides strategies to help youth align their lives with their natural talents. By focusing on their strengths instead of their weaknesses, young adults can significantly enhance their self-image and personal and professional lives. Coaches, mentors, and youth leaders, understanding strengths, talents, and vulnerabilities is essential for personal development and building solid teams. By acknowledging unique abilities, we can better collaborate with others, leading to more successful and harmonious working environments. So, let's focus on what's strong, not what's wrong, and unlock the power of our unique talents for professional success.
About Petra Krebbs, Owner | Strengths Strategist | SpeakerPetra is part of a select team certified to speak & train on behalf of Jon Gordon, international best-selling author of The Energy Bus, Power of Positive Leadership, Power of a Positive Team, and many more. Petra's professional career spans 20+ years in Training, Sales, Leadership and Development. She is an innovative, entrepreneurial thinker and built a thriving direct sales organization. Jon Gordon’s principles have guided her personal and professional journey. Her experiences and lessons drive her message and passion to help others in their quest for excellence. Petra is certified by Gallup® with the expertise of CliftonStrengths®. She is trained to help individuals and teams align their goals with what they naturally do best to ignite momentum to achieve their goals. She excels in self-development, leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and gap analysis for team performance.Petra’s Superpowers / Top 5 CliftonStrengths® are:
 
Positivity®: Brings a contagious energy and enthusiasm focused on solutions.
Strategic®: Exceptionally talented in spotting relevant patterns and creating alternate routes with a big-picture vision.
Learner®: Brings a desire for continuous learning and improvement, making the development process exciting.
Input®: A resource collector that provides tangible tools to facilitate growth and performance
Includer®: Values engaging, equipping, and elevating others for inclusion of great experiences, tools, and information.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Where to find more about Petra Krebbs:
Website: https://www.petrakrebbs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetraKrebbsLLC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petrakrebbs/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-krebbs/
CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment Website: https://www.gallup.com/home.aspx
 
 
Episode highlights:
[0:00] Intro
[1:55] Who is Petra Krebbs
[8:03] CliftonStrengths
[9:15] James Top 5
[14:27] From what is wrong to what is strong
[16:16] Do the work within themselves
[17:10] Petra's Top 5
[20:53] Seeing differences as advantages, not the faults
[24:07] A tool to decode
[28:01] Assess personality vs. talent
[30:27] Don't focus on what the youth couldn't do but on what they can do
[37:26] How to connect to Gallup Strengths and with Petra Krebbs
[44:19] Outro

Ep. #87: Roots of Resilience: Personal Growth and Inspired Leadership with Chad Busick

Ep. #87: Roots of Resilience: Personal Growth and Inspired Leadership with Chad BusickIn our recent podcast episode, we enjoyed conversing with Chad Busick, an expert in sports psychology and leadership. We highlighted the importance of relationship-building and seeing more in people than they see in themselves. This perspective starkly contrasted the traditional approach focused on technical and tactical skills. We discussed that challenges are not life-threatening but opportunities for growth and learning. Chad reiterated the power of purpose-driven leadership and its lasting impact. This conversation will be a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst life's adversities, learning from setbacks, and building resilience while staying true to our vision. Chad's unique perspective and practical wisdom make it a must-listen for coaches, educators, and anyone aspiring to inspire and lead others. It encourages us to invest time, energy, and patience in the unseen roots of our lives and fosters a profound understanding of the power of positive leadership.About Chad Busick, Owner | Championship Mindset | SpeakerMeet Chad Busick, a powerhouse of sports coaching and mentoring, whose impressive portfolio is a testament to his transformative impact on the sporting world. As a former collegiate soccer athlete armed with a degree in psychology, Chad has successfully meshed his firsthand experience on the field with his deep understanding of the human mind. Chad's journey in sports coaching has seen him partner with college, high school, and competitive sports teams, becoming their go-to guide and mentor. His prime objective? To unlock their potential and lead them towards unprecedented success. Beyond his role as a coach, Chad stands out as a Master Facilitator with Advance Sports Technology. This title underlines his profound expertise in implementing cutting-edge strategies to foster team cohesion and performance. However, it doesn’t stop there. He's also a Power of Positive Leadership Certified Trainer with Jon Gordon Companies. This certification underscores his ability to instill positive leadership traits, enabling athletes to lead with confidence, resilience, and positivity. Chad is also an accomplished author, having penned the book 'The Rock Tumbler.' This insightful piece is a guiding light for athletes and coaches alike, providing them with the tools to navigate the rocky path of sports with grace and tenacity. Finally, Chad is the charismatic host of the 'Championship Mindset Podcast.' Through this platform, he inspires athletes worldwide to cultivate a winning mindset and empowers them to strive relentlessly toward their goals. Chad Busick isn’t just a coach; he’s a catalyst for change, transforming athletes into champions, one mindset at a time.
 
Where to find more about Chad Busick and Championship Mindset LLC:
Website: https://championshipmindset.net/
Email: chad@championshipmindset.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionshipMindsetLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChampionshipMindsetLLC/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Champ_Mindset
Podcast: https://championship-mindset.simplecast.com/
 
Episode highlights:[0:00] Intro
[1:36] Who is Chad Busick?
[6:01] The lack of mental skills
[8:26] Tough love doesn't work anymore. The youth of today need to know they are loved.
[10:25] Transferrable skills: Better people make a better world
[11:35] The power of positive leadership: Roots vs. fruits
[16:23] Microwave society
[19:09] Focus on the root-based things that will create healthy growth
[20:13] Self-awareness: Audit fruit-based things vs. root-based things
[21:43] High-performance thinking (Telescope and microscope approach)
[27:02] Instead of raising children, we need growing and productive adults
[29:01] Visual of connecting the dots
[33:09] Understand the difference between the things that are indeed life-threatening and ego-threatening
[34:18] Our most significant setbacks can be our biggest breakthroughs
[35:58] How to connect with Chad
[38:21] Instilling hope: Invest in the roots so that we can get better fruits
[39:00] Outro

Ep. #86: The Power of Coaching in Transforming Young Lives with Jessica Villegas and Jeff Forrester

Have you ever been stuck trying to understand your teenager or young adult? Here's an enlightening conversation with Jessica and Jeff from Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting. They share their journey of transforming troubled youth into confident individuals equipped to navigate life's challenges. With a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional expertise, they illuminate the challenges of fostering a sense of agency in young people, enabling them to take control of their lives. We also discuss the importance of equipping parents with tools and feedback, as well as understanding the unique psychology of adolescents. This engaging dialogue unfolds the impact of parenting language on a child's development and highlights the detrimental effects of negative programming. It is not just an exploration of youth coaching but a testament to its extraordinary results. Tune in to understand more about the magic of coaching for parents, educators, or anyone invested in nurturing the future generation.
 
About Jessica Villegas, Founder | Success Coach | Speaker
 Jessica's leadership style is all about challenging her teams to be the best they can be, and she is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get involved in the work alongside them. The results speak for themselves - incredible success for her teams and a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction for Jessica. Now, she brings that same energy and success to her clients through Hi-Lite. After spending 13 years in Hospitality Management and seven years in Supply Chain Logistics in various leadership and corporate training roles, Jessica's passion for empowering others led her to launch Hi-Lite. She brings her impressive collection of personal experiences, education, and professional knowledge to her coaching practice, designing a robust coaching program called “Empower. Transform. Achieve.” “Growing up, I faced many hardships and insecurities. I didn’t have coaches, mentors, or many supportive people around me that were good role models. I made many mistakes that took many years to correct: financially, emotionally, and in life. When I’m working with clients, I use these experiences to fuel my coaching and empower them to transform the way they see their experiences and situations as opportunities to grow, overcome, and achieve. It is through this that I help my clients create systems for success that are authentic to them so their futures are brighter and more sustainable and they find fulfillment.”
About Jeff Forrester, Co-founder | Success Coach Author | Speaker
His best moments were always when he saw people achieve more than they thought they could, and in 2020, he was inspired to write his first book, "Unleashed Potential: Simple Steps to Be the Best Version of Yourself." This inspiring read is filled with stories from Jeff's youth
and the lessons he wishes he had known back then. He feels so strongly about sharing these lessons with others that he had to put them in a book! As a father, husband, friend, and professional, Jeff brings his wealth of experience to his coaching relationships, helping others unlock their full potential through critical thinking. With Jeff's infectious energy and passion for helping others, you'll be on your way to becoming the best version of yourself in no time!
“People can accomplish more when they have people who believe in them and challenge them to go a little further than they think they can.”Where to find more about Hi-Lite Coaching + Consulting:Website: https://www.hilitecoaching.com/ Email: success@hilitecoaching.com Instagram: @hilite.coaching https://www.instagram.com/hilite.coaching/ Facebook: @hilitecoaching https://www.facebook.com/hilitecoaching
Google Playstore: Hilite App
Apple Store: Hilite App
 
 
Episode highlights:[0:00] Intro
[2:01] Who is Jessica Villegas?
[6:35] Who is Jeff Forrester?
[9:33] Youth's individual identity, relationship, and life goals
[11:11] Time management, distraction management & task management
[13:45] Sense of agency
[16:36] Another man's anxiety is not another man's problem
[21:57] Counseling versus coaching
[27:20] You can't build the neural pathway without the experience
[31:30] Proper programming with positive affirmations
[35:59] Courage before confidence
[41:32] Great coaches will walk alongside you and help identify certain obstacles on how to get around it
[44:58] Outro

Ep. #85: From the Sidelines: How Parents Influence Youth Sports with Hernan Chousa

Consider this: what if your parenting approach could significantly influence your child's future in sports? That's what we're exploring with Hernan Chousa, a former tennis star turned family business owner, who grapples with the trials and triumphs of raising two children in youth sports. We also discuss how parents can best support their child's athletic endeavors, even when the road gets tough, from dealing with disappointment when a child is cut off from a team to prioritizing mental health. Hernán emphasizes the importance of repetition in implementing lasting changes in parenting, the influence of role modeling, and the benefits of personal growth for a better parenting approach. Tune in for an enlightening discussion filled with insights and tangible takeaways to help you better navigate the world of youth sports parenting.About Hernan Chousa:Hernan Chousa is an Argentinian author, businessman, and public speaker. Based in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, he is the CEO of Chousa SRL, a global leader in zinc flake coatings. With an impressive background as a former professional tennis player, Hernan is passionate about sharing his parenting experiences. Through his books, thought-provoking talks, and comprehensive online courses, he offers profound insights and practical guidance to help parents navigate the world of sports. His publications include "My Son the Tennis Player," "How to Help Your Kid Succeed in Sports," "ParentShift: The Skills You Need to Become a Super Parent," and "Put Your Mask on First: The Greatest Gift is Your Self-Development."
Not limited to his literary pursuits, Hernan showcases his creativity in "Unplugged: A Rock Story," his debut novel that seamlessly blends his love for music and writing. Beyond his professional endeavors, Hernan finds fulfillment in his personal life. He is married to Mariana and cherishes the joys of fatherhood with their two sons, Julian and Sebastian.Where to find more of Hernan:
Instagram: @hernan.chousa https://www.instagram.com/hernan.chousa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernanchousa/ Twitter: @ChousaHernan https://twitter.com/ChousaHernan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hernan.chousa Websites: https://www.hernanchousa.com/ https://www.hernanchousa.com/courses/parentshift https://www.hernanchousa.com/courses/entrenatulegado Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/42Heqs0
 
Episode highlights:
[0:00] Intro
[2:10] Who is Hernán Chousa
[3:08] Parents need to train themselves
[5:26] Reasons why 3 out of 4 young people walk away from sports
[9:56] Kids model after parents
[13:38] Don't watch your kids practices
[18:38] Parents need to have their own life and their own goals
[21:53] The models that tend to work the best are either 100% control or 100% relax
[24:59] If you want to have good kids, you have to work on yourself first
[26:04] Repetition is key
[30:53] Outro