The Esports Mom Podcast
Gaming is changing everything - how we play, how we learn, how we live. But behind the screens are real people with real struggles and real stories. Hosted by Kim Meltzer, The Esports Mom Podcast dives deep into the world where gaming, technology, sports, health, and culture collide. Each episode pulls back the curtain on a fast-moving industry, asking the bigger questions no one else is: How do we protect mental health in esports? What does it mean to build real community in a digital world? And how do we help players, families, and leaders thrive - not just compete? If you want honest conversations, practical wisdom, and a fresh take on the future of gaming and life, you’re in the right place. This isn’t just a podcast about esports. It’s about the people who make it matter. It’s about the stories behind the stories.
Listen on:
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
This isn’t just another esports story. It’s the truth behind the trophies.
From cottage bonfires and mobile hotspots to global stages and mental strain - JKnaps and Papa Knaps share the raw road of becoming (and staying) pro.
They don’t hold back.
The pressure. The pride. The burnout. What the fans never see. What the parents always feel.
And why chasing a dream means more than just winning.
This episode is a time capsule for Rocket League’s OGs - and a wake-up call for the next wave.
Whether you’re a player, a parent, or someone in the crowd, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:
What most people get wrong about pro esports
The psychological toll of constant performance
Advice for parents raising high-potential players
Why success without soul burns out fast
What the Rocket League community still needs to thrive
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome + Intros01:30 – Becoming Pro: From Bonfire to Broadcast05:10 – LANs, Losses, and Lessons10:15 – Mental Pressure Behind the Game14:45 – Parents in the Trenches18:45 – What JKnaps Would Tell His 17-Year-Old Self20:30 – Real Talk for Esports Moms and Dads25:00 – Legacy, Community, and What’s Next for Rocket League33:00 – Final Words + Love for the OGs
Want more stories behind the screens?Follow @esportsmompodcast on Instagram for exclusive clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and real talk from the people shaping the world of gaming.
You’ll see what the mainstream misses.Hit that follow. Join the fam.
Introductory Music by @masonmadethis
Big shoutout to masonmadethis for producing the introductory track for The Esports Mom Podcast. If you are a podcaster or artist in need of high-quality instrumentals, go follow him now!
7 days ago
7 days ago
She started as a hotel pro. Then got a call to plan an event for a game she’d never played.
Now? She’s the Esports Mom - and she’s got stories you won’t believe.
In this first episode, Kim Meltzer pulls back the curtain on how she went from managing hospitality to managing moments for some of the biggest names in gaming.
You’ll hear how the name “Cod Mom” stuck, why gamers trust her with their lives (and flight details), and what this podcast is really about.
This isn’t just about gaming.
It’s about people. It’s about passion. It’s about the stories behind the stories.
If you’re a parent trying to figure this world out, a gamer with dreams, or someone who cares about where tech meets health, entertainment, and life - this is your place.
Let’s get this party started!
Key Takeaways:
The unexpected story behind the “Esports Mom” title
What esports looked like before it became an industry
Why hospitality, health, and heart still matter in gaming
The vision behind the podcast and what to expect next
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Why this podcast exists01:25 – Kim’s first taste of esports (Call of Duty: Black Ops)03:30 – From hotelier to gamer hospitality pro07:20 – Behind-the-scenes stories from international esports events10:30 – What this podcast will cover (tech, health, music, parenthood & more)13:15 – Who this podcast is really for15:00 – What’s next and how to stay connected
Want more stories behind the screens?
Follow @esportsmompodcast on Instagram for exclusive clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and real talk from the people shaping the world of gaming.
You’ll see what the mainstream misses.Hit that follow. Join the fam.
Introductory Music by @masonmadethis
Big shoutout to masonmadethis for producing the introductory track for The Esports Mom Podcast. If you are a podcaster or artist in need of high-quality instrumentals, go follow him now!