Coffee Talk | Around the Dirt Softball & Baseball Podcast

☕ In this episode of Coffee Talk, BJ dives into the power of climate, the culture and energy surrounding our athletes, and why it can make or break their love for the game. Whether you're a coach setting the tone at practice or a parent shaping the ride home, today's conversation challenges every adult in youth sports to take inventory of the environment they create and how it impacts development on and off the field. 

Key Takeaw...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson digs into burnout in youth sports, and why even the most dedicated athletes can hit a wall when the joy fades. You’ll learn how to spot the early signs of burnout, why balance matters more than endless reps, and how parents and coaches can protect athletes’ love for the game. From rest counts to joy checks, this episode delivers practical ways to keep athletes motivated and mentally healthy...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson begins a 4-part series on mental health in youth sports with the challenge every parent and coach knows too well: pressure. From practice standouts who freeze in games to athletes who overthink when the lights are on, BJ breaks down why nerves aren’t weakness, they’re biology! You’ll walk away with practical tools to help athletes handle pressure, reframe nerves, and build confidence that l...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson uses a powerful softball analogy to highlight a lesson that goes far beyond the diamond: leadership isn’t about dividing, it’s about uniting. By comparing right-handed and left-handed hitters, BJ shows why diversity, balance, and respect for different perspectives create true strength, in sports, in families, and in communities!

Key Takeaways: • Why teams need both righties and lefties to s...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson tackles the hot topic of fall ball and what it’s really for. Is it about chasing medals, or is it about building players for the long run? BJ shares why fall tournaments should be treated as evaluation season, how coaches can use this time to experiment and build depth, and why athletes and parents need to embrace growth over short-term wins.

Key Takeaways: • Why fall tournaments shouldn’t ...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson takes on one of the most debated topics in youth sports: Daddy Ball. Whether you’ve rolled your eyes at the term or lived through it, there’s no denying that parent coaches are the backbone of baseball, fastpitch, and slowpitch. This conversation dives into why parent coaches matter, the sacrifices they make, what separates the good from the bad, and the red flags every family should look o...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson dives into the truth about September 1st, one of the most anticipated and misunderstood dates in softball recruiting. Whether your phone is blowing up or sitting silent, this day doesn’t define your future. Learn why September 1st matters, why it doesn’t, and how athletes, parents, and coaches can use the weeks that follow to stay ready, keep perspective, and keep moving forward.

Key Deta...

Episode Overview: The wait is almost over! In this exciting episode, former host Erin White sits down with her partner and co-founder BJ Johnson to discuss the 7-day countdown to the launch of the Around the Dirt platform, officially going live on November 1st. Erin and BJ will take you behind the scenes, sharing the platform's journey from idea to reality, what caused the delays, and why it's been worth the wait. They also highlig...

In this episode, Becky and Tree from Rise Above Pitching join the show. Known for producing top-tier pitchers in the Valley, they share their journey as coaches, their experiences working together, and their philosophies on developing young athletes. Their bond extends back to their high school days and collegiate years at the University of Arizona, where they formed a strong partnership, continuing into their careers as pitching c...

In this episode, Adrian Gomez from 212 Athlete joins the podcast to discuss arm care, injury prevention, and his unique approach to training athletes. Adrian shares insights from his career in both athletics and education, delving into how his experiences shape his coaching methods. The conversation also touches on the broader journey of being a coach and running a training business, including the challenges and successes along the...

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