PODCAST · sports
Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source
by Aaron Thigpen & Erik Johnson
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 college sports.
Episodes
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"Copy Cat" Syndrome- Find Performance In Your Own Individuality
Youth sports can make it feel as if every family has to take the same route: join the same organization, train year-round, and copy whatever successful athletes are doing. Coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen argue that this pressure can distract families from a more useful question: what does...
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What Does Training Look Like- Why Athletes Need a Plan, Not Just More Work
Why Athletes Need a Plan, Not Just More Work The urge to train harder can be a strength—until it gets in the way of training well. Coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen say athletic progress depends on more than effort: it takes a plan that connects each workout to a sport-specific goal, room to...
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Scout the High School Program Before Choosing It
A high school’s winning record can look like proof that it is the right place for an athlete. But wins alone don’t show whether a program develops players, gives them a fair chance, or helps them move toward their next goal. Coaches Aaron Thigpen and Erik Johnson argue that families should...
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Beyond the Radar Gun: Why Chasing Pitching Velocity is a Losing Strategy
Young pitchers are obsessed with throwing hard, but this "chasing velocity" mindset is leading to burnout and injury. Learn how to build a sustainable, year-round plan for arm health and peak performance. In the world of baseball recruiting, the radar gun often feels like the ultimate judge.…
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Handling The Dual Position Dilemma
In the competitive world of high school sports, being a versatile athlete who can play multiple positions often feels like a badge of honor. A player who can pitch a winning game on Tuesday and hit a home run on Friday is invaluable to their team. However, as athletes set their sights on a...
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Rethinking Training Expectations
In the world of athletics, everyone wants to get better, faster, and stronger. But a significant gap often exists between the desire to improve and the understanding of what it truly takes. This disconnect in training expectations—between athletes, parents, and even coaches—can lead to…
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Beyond 'Bigger, Stronger, Faster': Why Vague Coaching Advice is Holding Athletes Back
Tired of hearing "you need to get bigger, stronger, faster"? This article deconstructs the popular but lazy coaching cliché and reveals what truly matters for athletic development: specific feedback and measurable performance output.
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Are You Just Showing Up? Why the 'Check-In Mentality' Is Holding Athletes Back
In the world of competitive sports, there's a pervasive and dangerous mindset settling in among athletes of all ages: the check-in mentality. It's the belief that simply showing up—to practice, to training sessions, to showcases—is enough. It's the idea that punching the clock should…
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Mixed Bag- The Modern Athlete's Gauntlet: Navigating College Recruiting, Competition, and Resilience
Welcome to a deep dive into the evolving landscape of sports, where the rulebook for athlete development is being rewritten daily. In a recent discussion on "Ask Aaron and Ask EJ," hosts Eric Johnson and Coach Aaron explored the multifaceted pressures facing young athletes today. From seismic...
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Mastering Athlete-Coach Communication: A Guide for Modern Athletes
In the world of sports, we focus on drills, physical conditioning, and strategy. But what about one of the most critical skills for success—one that happens off the field, court, or track? We're talking about athlete-coach communication. For many athletes, approaching a coach can feel…
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Don't Miss the Window: A Modern Guide to the College Recruiting Journey
For high school athletes, particularly rising seniors, the college recruiting journey can feel like a maze of confusion and anxiety. Many talented players feel like if they don't have offers by the summer before their senior year, the dream is over. But that couldn't be further from the truth.…
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From Prospect to Pro: Unpacking the Modern MLB Draft Process
n a recent episode of "Ask Aaron and Ask EJ," they pull back the curtain on the modern draft. Drawing from their experience with three recently drafted athletes—Tyler Spangler (Phillies, 1st round), Paulie Contreras (Yankees, 4th round), and Jacob Johnson (Cardinals, 17th round)—they revealed a...
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Mixed Bag- Current State of Baseball Summer 2026
Explore the shifting landscape of collegiate baseball recruiting. Learn why dedicated baseball player development is more crucial than ever for high school athletes to succeed in the new NCAA environment and beyond.
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Don't Hit the Panic Button: A Guide to Navigating Poor Performance in Youth Sports
The spring season is underway, and with it comes the excitement of competition. But what happens when the first weekend doesn't go as planned? Your young athlete strikes out, misses a shot, or posts a disappointing time. The immediate instinct for many parents and coaches is to sound the alarm…
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Common Training Killers and How to Avoid Them
Discover the biggest mistakes athletes make that kill their off-season gains. Learn why consistent in-season training is crucial for peak performance, injury prevention, and long-term development.
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Decline of Baseball in the West
Explore the reasons behind the decline of West Coast college baseball. Learn why SEC and ACC programs now dominate and what it means for high school recruits.
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"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…
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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...
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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...
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Bridgeing Work and Performance
Can athletes make the leap from practice to competition? Its not just a physical thing.
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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?
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Does Your Athlete Need an Attitude Adjustment? Unlocking Peak Performance Through Mindset
In the world of youth sports, coaches and parents often focus on physical training, technical skills, and tactical knowledge. But what if the missing ingredient to athletic excellence isn't another drill or training session? What if it's something more fundamental—an attitude adjustment that...
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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...
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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.
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Is Your Picker Off? Understanding Athletic Recruitment and College Sports Dynamics
In the competitive world of college sports, athletes face a critical challenge: choosing the right program. Coaches Aaron and EJ dive deep into why many young athletes struggle to find their perfect fit, coining the phrase "Is your picker off?"
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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…
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Training-Putting the Pieces Together
In today's competitive sports landscape, young athletes face unprecedented challenges in developing their skills and preparing for collegiate-level competition. Coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen dive deep into the critical aspects of athletic development, emphasizing the importance of…
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The Lost Art of Physical Expression in Modern Athletics.
In a compelling podcast discussion between coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen, a critical issue emerges in modern athletics: the diminishing ability of young athletes to physically express themselves with confidence and aggression.
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How Is The 2025-26 Athlete Being Recruited?
The college sports recruitment landscape is more competitive and nuanced than ever. Success requires early preparation, comprehensive skill development, and a strategic approach to athletic growth. Start early, train intelligently, and focus on becoming a well-rounded athlete who stands out…
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Performance vs. Performative: A Critical Look at Modern Athletic Training
In the world of sports training, there's a growing trend that has caught the attention of experienced coaches Eric Johnson and Aeron Thigpen. Their podcast delves into the critical distinction between performance-based training and performative training that's increasingly prevalent on social…
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Chasing Performance vs. Development
Chasing Performance vs. Development: A Guide for Athletes and ParentsIntroductionIn the world of sports, there's a critical distinction between chasing performance and pursuing development. Coaches EJ and Aaron dive deep into this crucial topic, offering insights that can transform an athlete's...
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Reclassifying 8th Graders: A Critical Look at Athletic Development Strategies
In a candid podcast discussion, coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen dive deep into the controversial practice of reclassifying 8th-grade students, exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of this increasingly common approach to athletic development.
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Guest La Shawn Wells-The Delicate Balance of Parenting in Sports
In the world of youth sports, parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's athletic experiences. LaShawn Wells, an experienced coach, athletic director, and author, shares profound insights into how parents can positively support their young athletes while avoiding common pitfalls.
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Is It Time to Revisit Athlete Testing?
In the world of sports training, traditional testing methods have long been the standard for evaluating athletic potential. However, two experienced coaches are challenging this approach, arguing that it's time for a fundamental shift in how we assess athletes.
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Training Through the Season 2: Maintaining Athletic Performance
Athletes often make a critical mistake during their competitive season: they stop training, believing their in-season performance is enough. Coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen dive deep into why continuous training is essential for maintaining peak athletic performance.
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High School Sports, Yes or No? A Strategic Guide for Young Athletes
In today's competitive sports landscape, the traditional path of playing high school sports is being increasingly questioned. Coaches EJ and Aaron dive deep into a critical discussion about whether young athletes should commit to high school sports or pursue alternative training strategies.
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The Game Inside the Game: Navigating Team Sports Politics and Setbacks
In the competitive world of team sports, athletes often face challenging moments that test their mental resilience. Coaches Aaron and EJ dive deep into the critical topic of handling team selection, rejection, and personal growth when sports politics come into play.
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Athlete Ownership: Taking Control of Your Athletic Journey
In the world of sports, success isn't just about talent—it's about ownership. Coaches EJ and Aaron dive deep into the critical concept of athlete ownership, exploring why taking responsibility for one's athletic career is the key to true success.
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Do You Really Believe?
Do You Really Believe in Yourself? A Deep Dive into Athletic Self-Confidence In this compelling podcast episode of "Ask Aaron and Ask EJ", Coaches EJ and Aaron explore a critical question facing modern athletes: Do you truly believe in yourself? Their discussion delves into the evolving landscape...
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What's in a Name? Debunking the Myth of "Elite" in Youth Sports
In the world of youth sports, terms like "elite," "special," and "select" have become ubiquitous marketing buzzwords. But what do these labels truly mean? Coaches EJ and Aaron dive deep into the overuse and misrepresentation of these terms in their podcast "Champions are Built
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Navigating the New Collegiate Free Agency: A Strategic Guide for Student Athletes
In the rapidly evolving world of collegiate athletics, student athletes must now approach their sports careers with a strategic mindset. The emergence of what coaches are calling the "New Collegiate Free Agency" (NCFA) has transformed traditional recruitment and career development pathways.
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Why Athletes Are Choosing the Transfer Portal?
In the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, the transfer portal has become a hot-button topic. Coaches EJ and Aaron break down the complex reasons why student-athletes are increasingly choosing to change schools, revealing insights into the modern sports ecosystem.
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Champions Built: Insights from Cal Baseball Coaches on Athletic Development and Success
In a compelling podcast episode of "Champions Built," coaches Chris Bodislaw and Brett Wallace from the University of California Berkeley baseball program shared profound insights into athletic development, recruiting, and the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. Their discussion offers...
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Are You Doing the Right Thing? A Guide to Creating a Positive Athletic Environment
In this insightful podcast discussion, Coaches EJ and Aaron dive deep into the critical aspects of creating the right environment for athletes. Their conversation explores how various factors contribute to an athlete's success and personal development.
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Bob Alejo- LA Angels- Athletic Performance Training: Insights from a Veteran Strength Coach
In this revealing podcast episode, veteran strength and conditioning coach Bob Alejo shares his profound insights into athletic performance training, challenging many contemporary misconceptions about sports training and athlete development.
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The Timeline for Becoming a D1 Athlete
The journey to becoming a Division 1 (D1) collegiate athlete begins much earlier than many realize. Coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen discuss the crucial timeline and benchmarks that aspiring student-athletes should focus on, starting as early as 5th or 6th grade.
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Finding Your Guru
In this episode, Coaches EJ and Aaron discuss the concept of the "guru" in the fitness and training industry. They share insights on how to identify legitimate experts versus those who may be more focused on popularity and marketing than actual results.
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The Real Cost of Training: Balancing Time, Money, and ExpectationsNavigating the Demands of Youth Sports
In the world of youth athletics, it's easy for parents to find themselves caught up in a never-ending cycle of training, tournaments, and travel. The allure of the "next big thing" can lead families down a path of endless commitments, sacrificing time, money, and energy in pursuit of athletic...
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Reason For Every Season
In this episode of the "Champions are Built" podcast, hosts Coach EJ and Coach Aaron discuss the importance of having a "Reason for Every Season" when planning an athlete's annual calendar. They provide insights on navigating the complex youth sports landscape, avoiding overspecialization, and...
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Self Sabotage - Hedging Your Bets
In this episode, hosts Coach EJ and Coach Aaron discuss the common pitfalls that can slow down an athlete's development, including the tendency to chase "magic beans" (quick fixes), having too many cooks in the kitchen (too many conflicting voices), and not being "all in" on their chosen path.…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 college sports.
HOSTED BY
Aaron Thigpen & Erik Johnson
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source have?
Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source currently has 221 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source about?
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 college sports.
How often does Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source release new episodes?
Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source publishes regularly with 221 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source?
You can listen to Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source?
Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source is created and hosted by Aaron Thigpen & Erik Johnson.
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