As year thirteen of KineSophy draws to a close, I’m returning to the year-end wrap-up I initiated last year with summaries of the most popular content on the site in 2025. The following six articles (three new, three old) were the most-viewed on KineSophy this year. Welcome to KineSophy’s best of 2025.
Best of 2025 From 2025
Being the father of a three-year-old clearly influenced KineSophy in 2025. And these three interviews on youth sports and character development were the most popular pieces on the site this year.
1. Youth Sports Law with Dionne Koller
Law professor and co-chair of the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympic and Paralympics Dionne Koller discusses her book More Than Play: How Law, Policy and Politics Shape American Youth Sport and how to make sports more beneficial for kids in this June interview. In addition to explaining the laws underpinning youth sports, she offers practical advice for parents of young athletes. Read more.
2. Distance Running and the Good Life with Sabrina Little
Philosophy professor and elite distance runner Sabrina Little offers some quintessentially KineSophy insights in this March interview about her book The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners. We talk about the aspects of distance running that make it especially effective at developing moral character and the moral qualities that make for better runners. Read more.
3. Empowering Kids Through Playing Sports with Kirsten Jones
In this July interview, Hall of Fame NCAA Division I volleyball player, fifteen-year Nike executive, motivational speaker and coach Kirsten Jones discusses her book Raising Empowered Athletes: A Youth Sports Parenting Guide for Raising Happy, Brave and Resilient Kids. In addition to sharing her fascinating career path, she offers her top tips for parents navigating the youth sports landscape. Read more.
Best of 2025 Published Before 2025
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Once again, these three pre-2025 articles were among the five most-read KineSophy pieces during the past year.
1. A Review of Birchbury Minimalist Leather Shoes
Maybe it has something to do with how this article translates my beliefs about movement and the world around us into something as basic as choosing footwear. Maybe minimalist shoes are having a moment. Whatever the reason, this review of a pair of shoes remained the most-viewed article on KineSophy in 2025. Read more.
2. The Complete Guide to Sustainable Protein
Up from number three in 2024, this signature KineSophy deep-dive into protein sources for every diet is every bit as popular now as it was when I published it in 2016. Read more.
3. How Walking Makes You More Creative
If there’s any KineSophy article I want to re-read, it’s this one. As a writer, I’m always looking for a creative spark, and I feel like I didn’t do as much walking and writing this year as I did in 2024. Call this piece on the scientific link between walking and creativity my New Year’s resolution. Read more.
As always, thanks to everyone who read, shared and responded to KineSophy articles in 2026. I wish you all a healthy, fulfilling and successful 2025.