Educator Wellness Podcast · Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, University of Iowa

Game On: Harnessing The Power of Sports and Physical Activity for Mental Wellness

·43 min·4 clips
John Solomon shares that just 24% of youth get the recommended daily physical activity, exposing a growing inactivity crisis.
Dr. Keri Vogelgesang interviews John Solomon from the Aspen Institute's Project Play about leveraging sports and physical activity for mental wellness in K-12 settings. They discuss declining youth activity rates, the psychological benefits of sports, and the critical role of coaches in fostering inclusive, supportive environments. The conversation highlights practical strategies for coach training and reimagining school sports to prioritize student well-being.

As heard by us

A grounded reminder that inclusion, empathy, and clear expectations can make movement feel welcoming.

Game On focuses on how coaches and educators can make movement feel safe and welcoming for children and adolescents. It keeps its attention on empathy, trust, and clear expectations.

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Why you'd press play

You want a calmer way to think about coaching, belonging, and student well-being in school and sports spaces.

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