Best Ultimate Rec Podcasts (2025)

1
When Opportunity Knocks: How I Bought a Training Facility. 7:51

8d ago7:51

7:51

Send us a text "Have you ever seen the movie We Bought a Zoo? Well, I just bought a baseball and softball training facility." What happens when parental support meets opportunity? In this deeply personal episode, I share my recent decision to purchase a training facility near our home—a move that aligns perfectly with my triplets entering ninth gra…

1
The Private Coach vs. Team Coach Dilemma: What's Best for Your Athlete? 19:35

1M ago19:35

19:35

Send us a text The tug-of-war between a private instructor's individualized techniques and a team coach's system creates genuine confusion for young athletes. This tension—particularly acute for pitchers and hitters—forces kids to choose between specialized instruction they've paid for and the coach who controls their playing time. Drawing from exp…

1
🏆 Mental Fitness & The Multi-Sport Advantage: Why Young Athletes Shouldn’t Specialize Too Soon – W/ Summer Montabone 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

Send us a text 🚨 Think early specialization is the key to success? Think again! 🚨 Over 90% of NCAA Division I athletes played multiple sports in high school. Yet, so many young athletes are pressured to specialize too early. 🏀⚽🥎🏈 In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina sits down with Summer Montabone—retired pro athlete, mindset coac…

1
Rec Ball vs. Travel Ball: When Is the Right Time to Make the Switch? 14:18

3M ago14:18

14:18

Send us a text Should your young athlete stop playing rec ball and focus only on travel sports? 🥎⚾🏀 It’s a big decision for parents and athletes—when is the right time to transition from recreational leagues to full-time travel ball? In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina breaks down the key factors that can help families make the b…

1
USSSA Fastpitch Age Rule Changes: What Parents & Athletes Need to Know. Special guest: Bryan Moyers 39:34

3M ago39:34

39:34

Send us a text 🚨 Big changes are coming to USSSA Fastpitch Softball! 🚨 In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina sits down with Bryan Moyers, better known as Nashville’s Batman, to break down the recent changes to USSSA fastpitch softball’s age requirements and what this means for players, parents, and teams. Bryan is a franchise owner…

1
Why So Many CEOs Played Sports – The Secret to Success 22:16

3M ago22:16

22:16

Send us a text Did you know over 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs played sports? 🏆 In this clip from the Raising Athletes podcast, host Rob Taormina reveals why competitive sports help shape future leaders. It’s not just about winning games—it’s about building the resilience, leadership, and grit needed to succeed in life and business. You’ll learn: ✅ The #…

1
Spring Tryouts: How Parents Can Help Their Young Athletes Make the School Team 19:48

4M ago19:48

19:48

Send us a text Is your child ready for school sports tryouts? Whether it's middle school, JV, or varsity, the key to making the team goes beyond natural talent—it’s all about preparation. In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina shares expert tips for parents to help guide their young athletes through the spring baseball and softball …

1
How to Teach Your Young Athlete to Handle Losing Like a Champion 9:00

4M ago9:00

9:00

Send us a text Losing is an inevitable part of sports, but how your child handles losses can shape their confidence, resilience, and long-term success—both on and off the field. In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina dives deep into the best ways parents can help their young athletes process defeat, stay motivated, and turn losses i…

1
Dad Coach vs. Paid Coach: Which One is Best for Your Young Athlete? 32:13

4M ago32:13

32:13

Send us a text Is a Dad Coach (parent volunteer) or a Paid Coach (club/professional coach) better for your child’s athletic journey? The answer isn't as simple as it seems. In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina breaks down the pros and cons of each coaching style, addressing common stereotypes, player development, and what parents …

1
Top 6 Struggles Parents Face When Raising Athletes 10:50

4M ago10:50

10:50

Send us a text Raising an athlete is no easy journey—it’s a commitment filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the top six struggles parents face when supporting their young athletes. From managing pressure and expectations to navigating the busy schedules and burnout, we’ll break down the real ch…

1
Welcome to Raising Athletes: Your Playbook for Navigating Sports With Kids 9:12

4M ago9:12

9:12

Send us a text Welcome to Raising Athletes—the ultimate podcast for parents of young athletes working toward college recruitment and long-term success in sports and life. Hosted by Rob Taormina, a former Division I pitcher, veteran coach, and creator of the Positive Grit Method, this show provides parents with the knowledge, strategies, and tools n…

1
What is the Positive Grit Method? Building Champions On and Off the Field 1:00

4M ago1:00

1:00

Send us a text In this debut episode of Raising Athletes, we introduce the Positive Grit Method, a transformative approach to athletic development created by Rob Taormina. Rob is a former Division I pitcher at New York Tech, a coach with over 20 years of experience, and the Executive Director of the Nesconset Athletic Association, which has support…

1
S2E11 - The Tanget Episide! Golf, Wrestleball, and Shinty! 59:59

1y ago59:59

59:59

This week Mike and Chris get off on a large number of tangents from their topics of the day. In between talking about marathon smoking, how to properly use the word hockey, and the inclusiveness of some sports we discuss the sport of Golf as our main topic. (Oh boy do we have opinions here!). For our What the Heck, we return to our roots - violence…

1
S2E10 - The California Board Episode! Skate, Sled, and Surf! 47:30

1+ y ago47:30

47:30

This week Mike and Chris have a lot of fun discussing many things you can do on a board. Whether its rolling through the parks and streets skateboarding, taking your own life in your hands sledding, or riding the waves on a surfboard! Mike also once again reminds us of his opinion on the Ocean and Chris makes yet another Valley reference. Just in t…

1
S2E9 - Fat Biking, Throwing the Pizza, and Robin Hood! 43:30

1+ y ago43:30

43:30

Mike and Chris are together in person this week to talk about some more wild adventures. Going out and riding fat bikes leads off as a new and exciting sport. Mike is both proud and concerned for his heritage as we discuss Pizza Acrobatics, and we all miss Robin Hood as Archery becomes our International sport of discussion. Check it out this week a…

1
S2E8 - Running, Short Grass - High Speeds, and Crashed Ice 40:36

1+ y ago40:36

40:36

Both Mike and Chris are perplexed by the idea of running. We don't know why you like it. Mike does and he still doesn't like it! Regardless we talk about running as a rec sport and a social element. You will just have to listen to discover our "what the heck" sport of the week, but let's just say Tim the Tool Man Taylor would be proud. Finally we d…

1
S2E7 - Skiing, Slippery Stairs, and Lucha Libre 40:47

1+ y ago40:47

40:47

In our first week back after the holiday break Mike and Chris start off talking about the great winter sport of skiing. Whether cross country, downhill, or biathlon this winter sport is another opportunity to get outside, get active, and socialize...particularly apres ski! In the WTH section they discuss the ESPN sensation Slippery Stairs! Finally …

1
S2E6 - Snowmobiling, Chest Slapping, and OMEGABALL 38:06

1+ y ago38:06

38:06

Its time for some great holiday listening! This week Mike and Chris explore the high pace world of competitive snowmobiling. Then we find warmer weather for the the professionalization of something you probably did with your siblings, we explore Chest Slapping or its Pakistan version, Slap Kabaddi. Finally, you have to listen to understand the grea…

1
S2E5 - Curling, Cow Chips, and Kayaking 1:07:23

1+ y ago1:07:23

1:07:23

It's finally here! The episode Chris has been waiting for since day one! Today we dig into God's Greatest Game: Curling. You're going to be enthralled by this one! We also explore the wild dirty world of Cow Chip Tossing, and finally Whitewater Kayaking. This is very much a Ottawa Valley episode!By Mike & Chris

1
S2E4 - Whiffle Ball, Stone Skipping, and Chain Racing 35:46

1+ y ago35:46

35:46

In another episode you don't want to miss Mike and Chris get into the growing leagues and sport of Whiffle Ball! Batter up! In our What the Heck section we find another childhood challenge that has become a sport - stone skipping is taking off in the UK and across North America! Finally we travel down to the dirt race tracks of the US to explore th…

1
S2E3 - International Rec Competitons, Roach Racing, and the Boat Rodeo 37:10

1+ y ago37:10

37:10

This is a fun week! Mike and Chris start by exploring different international recreational sport competitions. With a special focus on the 2023 Strathcona Cup we discuss the amazing opportunity to travel and play your favourite rec sport! To make everyone a little uncomfortable we explore the latest "what the heck" - roach racing, you just have to …

1
S2E2 - Crokinole, Rock-Paper-Scissors, and Pool Ball! 34:54

1+ y ago34:54

34:54

It's all about angles this week on Slipped Disc!We discuss the classic Canadian cottage game crokinole and its place in our history - and geography. What we thought was once a school yard game used for decision making has now become the competitions of international tournaments with Rock-Paper-Scissors. Finally we find a new version of billiards on…

1
S2E1 - Independent Leagues, Dexterity Dance League, and Tennis (Ball) Baseball 34:51

1+ y ago34:51

34:51

We are excited to be back for season 2! Thank you very much to our listeners for supporting us in season 1. Mike and Chris are excited to once again be talking about all things recreational sports! To kick off season 2 we open our discussion by digging into the various independent leagues that keep semi-pro sports alive in small towns everywhere. W…

1
S1E11 - Pickle Ball, Chess Boxing, and Washer Toss 45:19

2y ago45:19

45:19

In our penultimate episode of our first season we discuss old people hitting wiffle balls, grand masters getting their bell rung, and tossing washers in the back yards of Canada. Join us for an in depth discussion of the sport of pickle ball. For WTH this week we continue our focus on needless violence with Chess Boxing (yes, its that simple), and …

1
S1E10 - Dodgeball, Punkin' Chunkin', and Bossaball! 48:16

2y ago48:16

48:16

Well we finally got here! If you can dodge a wrench.....we're sure you know the rest. Mike and Chris talk about our favourite, and most traumatizing childhood sport, dodge-ball! We then go from dodging utility balls to hopefully not dodging Pumpkins with Punkin' Chunkin'. We are certain there is an engineer listener who is already planning his own …

1
S1E9 - Darts, A Slap to the Face, and Quidditch 45:07

2y ago45:07

45:07

This is a fun week for Mike and Chris! Our main topic digs into the classic rec game of Darts. Whether its the rec room or the local legion Darts holds its place as the quintessential rec sport. In "What the Heck" we get a good slap to the face, yes folks its slapening! Finally we look to the skies, sort of, for our international sport with the fic…

1
S1E8 - The fun team names, Donkey Basketball, and Sepak Takraw 44:46

2y ago44:46

44:46

This week Mike and Chris explore sports team names and the long process to name selection. From Shuckers to Strippers we talk about the different elements that go into team names. We also question, just how many roughriders there are out there? In WTH we discuss a fundraising version of basketball that forces some donkeys to hit the basketball cour…

1
S1E7 - Bocce Ball, MMA Basketball, and Bandy 41:55

2y ago41:55

41:55

This week Mike and Chris dig into the international backyard and BBQ sport of Bocce Ball, sometimes played in its English variation of Lawn Bowling. Everyone gets confused by Mixed Martial Art Basketball, and finally we get really excited about Bandy - the winter sport you didn't know you need in your life!…

1
S1E6 - Disc Golf, Pillow Fighting, and Throwing the Axe 51:15

2y ago51:15

51:15

This week Mike and Chris have a lot of fun discussing a long running and now growing sport of Disc Golf. (with a short detour for some hand pies) What we thought was just a method of sibling punishment is actually a professional sport as we export the world of professional pillow fighting. And finally we discuss the millennial crated sport of urban…

1
S1E5 - Bowling, Shovel Racing, and Seniors Cheerleading 41:09

2y ago41:09

41:09

We all saw it on TV as kids, Mike and Chris enter the usually basement world of rec league bowling. Looking at how a sport that was once the touchstone recreation of the "common man" has become the go-to for corporate team building, and children's birthday parties. We then discuss a sport to dangerous for even the X-games, started in New Mexico as …

1
S1E4 - Visiting the sandlot, controling gravity, and street fighting? 41:15

2y ago41:15

41:15

This week we get into Mike's favourite sport, baseball. Having had a lifelong romance with the sport Mike explains to us why America's pastime hold such romance. We discover the world of controlling gravity while in open combat through combat juggling. Finally we go to Italy where we discuss just simple open combat. Calico Fiorentino is the great-g…

1
S1E3 - Sport and Social Organizations, Extreme Ironing, and Tag! 42:54

2y ago42:54

42:54

This week Mike and Chris explore the expansive world of sport and social clubs. These organizations are in almost every community in Canada and provide a vital service to help us stay social, stay active, and stay engaged in our community. In our WTH section we discuss extreme ironing, and finally we discuss the rapidly growing world of tag! **Note…

1
S1E2 - Cornhole, Toes, and Footy 43:06

2y ago43:06

43:06

Chris and Mike dig into the largest sport you didn't know was a sport. The world of cornhole is bigger then you thought! Our "What the Heck" sport of the week will require you to take off your socks and shoes, and our international sport - we go down under to witness what would be considered open violence in most other countries.…

1
S1E1 - The beginning of a Slipped Disc 26:31

2y ago26:31

26:31

Mike and Chris start their very first podcast talking about the world of rec league sports. This week we get into the why we are doing this before exploring one of the loudest rec sports in America, it's shrilling. We then close off talking about the great Irish sport of Hurling!By Mike & Chris

1
(why you suck) backed by science 52:06

5+ y ago52:06

52:06

oh baby do we have a spicy one for you today. in this episode we dissect how your PPV is tracked, and why some people aren't as good as they think they are. we also dove in to some of dakotas wild NBA theories and what we predict for this upcoming NBA season. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uh-az/support…

1
we're back baby 39:30

5+ y ago39:30

39:30

your two favorite hooligans are back on the mic. we discuss last season, the preseason shenanigans in tempe, and briefly go over each team in each league. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uh-az/support

1
playoffs??!? 25:28

6y ago25:28

25:28

first round recap & look ahead to the sweet 16. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uh-az/support

1
can x-over complete the sweep? 1:12:05

6y ago1:12:05

1:12:05

In this episode, we talk to the whole crossover squad about basketball, UH hall of fame, family, and a very special announcement that has only been released on this podcast. We talk to everyone including tournament MVP Tevin Kelly, to GM Chris Fisher, all the way down the bench. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uh-a…

1
ep3- what happens in vegas, may or may not stay there 55:36

6y ago55:36

55:36

we look back at week 5 and take a peek into the crystal ball to see who wins next week. the face of UH AZ, Chris Walker, also stops by to tell us how he feels about AZ's odds in Vegas over the weekend. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uh-az/support

1
let’s give this a try 47:46

6y ago47:46

47:46

the groundbreaking debut that you've all been waiting for.. Adam and Dakota discuss Arizona's draft league season so far and look at next week's games. For Week 3: Tempe @ 0:54, Gilbert at 2:35, Scottsdale @ 7:54, Palm Valley @ 12:58. Week 4: Tempe @ 17:38, Gilbert @ 26:42, Scottsdale @ 37:20, Palm Valley @ 43:53. --- Support this podcast: https://…

1
Episode 18: Dingle with Michael! 39:23

7+ y ago39:23

39:23

In this well overdue episode, Juliet and Paulie are joined by Michael to discuss Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Bandeaus, d*#k pics, and of course karaoke!By Ultimate Rec

1
Episode 17: Artistic Opinion with Brent 44:56

8y ago44:56

44:56

In the first episode of season 3, Juliet and Paulie interview a former member of their team and current best friend Brent. The three share stories of debauchery, karaoke, and inappropriateness.By Ultimate Rec

1
Season 2 Bloops Part 2 18:49

8y ago18:49

18:49

Enjoy the outtakes from the second half of season 2 of Karaoke Talk with Juliet and Paulie.By Ultimate Rec

1
Episode 16: Karaoke Mostly Talk with Juliet 1:05:23

8y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

In this episode Paulie and guest co-host Xylina interview Juliet about her high school romances, theatrical career, and touch a little on her time in karaoke league, of course!By Ultimate Rec

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ultimate Rec Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen