Episode 27: Travel Sports Meets Behavioral Finance (And It's Not Pretty) - Part 2

Youth Sports Meets Behavioral Finance: A Deep Dive with Dr. Bryan Foltice

In this episode of the Bryan Foltice Behavioral Finance Podcast, Dr. Foltice discusses the intersection of youth sports and behavioral finance in the United States. He explores the shift from community-based sports to private, for-profit sports organizations that emerged around 2008 due to budget cuts during the Great Recession. 

Dr. Foltice  \shares personal anecdotes and research findings on how this shift has led to financial strain and negative consequences for families, including overextended parents and kids missing out on valuable family time. The episode delves into the societal pressures and social norms around youth sports, the financial exploitation by private sports organizations, and the lack of balance between sports activities and family life. 

Bryan calls for a reevaluation of the current system, advocating for a return to more community-based activities and a balanced approach to children's involvement in sports.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host
00:45 Youth Sports Meets Behavioral Finance: A Personal Journey
03:59 The Financial and Emotional Strain of Youth Sports
05:42 Observing Parental Behavior at Youth Sports Events
07:51 The Hamster Wheel of Youth Sports Participation
08:43 Challenging the Status Quo: Social Norms and Family Balance
14:57 Navigating the Pay-to-Play Landscape: Costs and Consequences
22:11 Seeking Solutions and Personal Reflections
29:27 Conclusion and Call to Action