Mitlin Money Mindset

The Missing Piece in Youth Sports: Turning Parents into Allies with Ilya Podolskiy

December 24, 2025 | Episode #269

Meet the Guest

Ilya Podolskiy is a USA Hockey Level 5 Master Coach and Coach Developer, as well as the Lead Hockey Instructor for the New York Junior Rangers. With years of experience coaching travel youth hockey at multiple ages and levels, he has built a reputation for developing athletes and guiding families through the youth sports journey. He is also the creator and host of The Podolskiy Method Podcast, where he shares insights on parenting athletes and the role of education in sports. Beyond hockey, Ilya holds a black belt in Taekwondo, where he previously taught martial arts, blending discipline and character into his coaching approach. In addition, Ilya wrestled in high school and collegiate levels and continued to study various Martial art disciplines like Muay Thai, KickBoxing, and Karate, amongst others.

Professionally, he is a CPA and earned his Master’s degree from Villanova School of Law, combining analytical precision with a passion for teaching and mentorship.

Currently, Ilya is seeking new keynote speaking opportunities to share his coaching philosophy, leadership lessons, and personal experiences with broader audiences.

Show Notes

That stigma around parents in youth sports? It’s an unfortunate part of the culture, but Coach Ilya Podolskiy is taking a different approach and bringing families into the process.

In this episode, you’ll hear how he turns parents into allies and creates a culture where kids build resilience while still having fun. Our conversation highlights how important families are to an athlete’s development, the impact sports and mentorship can have in a child’s life, and what makes a truly great coach.

Resources

Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready?

Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents!

Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful.

Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist!

Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision?

Take the Retirement Ready Quiz!

About the Podcast

Welcome to Mitlin Money Mindset®️! With your host, Larry Sprung, CFP®️, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Mitlin Financial Inc®️. With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the financial services industry, Larry thrives to help you achieve your goals while finding JOY in the journey.

Each week, he’ll go deep with engaging guests who provide tangible takeaways and a whole lot of JOY along the way. Here, we don’t just talk about money; we celebrate it as a catalyst for JOY and possibility. Whether you’re saving for the future, planning your next big adventure, or just looking to add some spark to your daily money management, you’re in the right place.

We hope you enJOY these conversations as much as Larry enJOYed having them. And remember to ask yourself, what did you do today that brought you joy?®️

The Missing Piece in Youth Sports: Turning Parents into Allies with Ilya Podolskiy

Meet the Host

Larry Sprung

CFP®, CEPA®
Founder & Wealth Advisor