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Linda Flanagan is a journalist, researcher, and a former cross-country and track coach. She's also a founding board member of the Positive Coaching Alliance and an Advisory Group member for the Aspen Institute\u2019s Reimagining Sports initiative.\xa0Flanagan's new book is TAKE BACK THE GAME: How Money and Mania Are Ruining Kids' Sports--and Why It Matters. Linda tells Amy and Margaret what forces conspired to make the youth sports landscape the way it is today.\nIn this episode, Linda, Amy, and Margaret discuss:\n\nHow the purpose of kids' sports has changed since we were playing ourselves [7:00]\n\nWhy we assume sports build character, and whether that's true [14:30]\n\nHow recruitment for college sports affects both kids' and parents' perspectives [22:15]\n\n\nHere's where you can find Linda:\nBuy Linda's book\n@lindaflanagan2 on Twitter\nMindshift Podcast on NPR\nRead Linda's recent article in The Atlantic: "The Downsides of Having an Athlete in the Family"\nOur previous episode on kids' sports: "Youth Sports: If You Must"\nSpecial thanks to our sponsors for this month:\nPampers are the #1 pediatrician-recommended diaper brand. Download the Pampers Club App today to start earning rewards with every diaper & wipes purchase!\nBetterHelp matches you with a qualified therapist in under 48 hours, then you choose among video, phone, or even live chat sessions. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/fresh.\nDermawand is a non-surgical, non-invasive way to achieve dramatically younger-looking skin. Get 20% off your order with code LAUGH20 at dermawand.com.\nIndeed is the hiring platform where you can Attract, Interview, and Hire all in one place. Visit indeed.com/LAUGHING to start hiring now.\xa0\nKiwiCo projects make back-to-school more awesome! Get 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code MOTHERHOOD at kiwico.com.\nLittle Spoon is a one-stop shop for healthy, easy mealtime for your baby, toddler and big kid. Enter code WHATFRESH at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon delivery order.\xa0\nMetabolic Reds are a delicious superfood blend. Go to getreds.com/fresh and receive a FREE bottle of Metabolic Greens with your order.\nMisfits Market is an affordable online grocery service that makes grocery shopping fast and easy. Visit get.misfitsmarket.com/FRESH30 by Dec. 31st to get 30% off your first order.\xa0\nProse is the fully customized healthy hair regimen with your name all over it. Get 15% off your first order at prose.com/laughing.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices