Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source

Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source

By Aaron Thigpen & Erik JohnsonSports
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Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source episodes

  • "The Process": An Action, Not a Label


    The first mistake people make is treating "the process" as a passive descriptor rather than an active verb. It’s easy to say, "We're in the process," but the critical question is: what are you doing?

    As the coaches point out, the process is about the concrete actions you take consistently. It's not a title you give your journey; it's the journey itself. The process demands intentional, intelligent work tailored to an individual's unique path.

    Ultimately, "the process" isn't something you just trust; it's something you build, live, and refine every single day. When backed by a clear plan and unwavering dedication, it stops being a catchphrase and becomes your roadmap to achieving your fullest potential.

    14 min
  • Its Not The Coach, Its You! Its Not You, Its the Coach! The Dynamic of Coach, Athlete & Parent

    In this two-part episode, Coach Aaron and Coach EJ explore the critical parent-coach-athlete dynamic in youth sports. They first analyze how parental actions and attitudes can either foster independence or create dependency, hindering an athlete's growth. The discussion then pivots to the coach's role, offering parents practical advice on vetting coaching styles and monitoring the relationship to ensure it's a positive and productive one. The core message is that a successful athletic experience relies on a triangular balance of trust, open communication, and allowing the athlete space to develop their own sense of accountability.

    35 min
  • Its Not The Coach, Its You! Its Not You, Its the Coach! The Dynamic of Coach, Athlete & Parent

    In this two-part episode, Coach Aaron and Coach EJ explore the critical parent-coach-athlete dynamic in youth sports. They first analyze how parental actions and attitudes can either foster independence or create dependency, hindering an athlete's growth. The discussion then pivots to the coach's role, offering parents practical advice on vetting coaching styles and monitoring the relationship to ensure it's a positive and productive one. The core message is that a successful athletic experience relies on a triangular balance of trust, open communication, and allowing the athlete space to develop their own sense of accountability.

    35 min
  • Do The Work!!

    In the world of competitive sports, talent alone isn't enough. The difference between good athletes and great ones often comes down to a simple principle: doing the work. But what does that really mean?

    15 min
  • Is Local Travel Baseball Becoming Too Recreational? A Deep Dive into Youth Baseball's Evolution

    The landscape of youth baseball has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past three decades. What was once an exclusive, competitive arena with clear distinctions has evolved into something far more complex—and according to veteran coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen, potentially problematic. In their recent podcast discussion, these baseball industry veterans explored a pressing question: Has local travel baseball lost its competitive edge and become merely recreational?

    22 min
  • Chasing Metrics

    In a thought-provoking discussion between coaches EJ DeBrand and Aaron LaSource, a critical examination of modern baseball reveals a troubling trend: the obsession with metrics is fundamentally changing how players approach hitting.

    15 min
  • Physical Development- When to Start

    The podcast explores the critical importance of early and consistent physical development for young athletes. Coaches Aaron and EJ argue that structured, year-round training is essential for athletes to develop the physical attributes, confidence, and resilience needed to compete at higher levels. They emphasize that physical training should be personalized, manageable, and continuous, warning against sporadic or interrupted training approaches that can hinder an athlete's progress and potential.

    26 min

About Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source

From the publisher's feed

Straight talk on the culture of sport, athletic development and sports performance. For athletes, parents coaches, trainers and anyone enthusiastic about the current state of youth, high school and…

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