Around the Dirt Podcast

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ brings together Natalie Castro and Mia Stankiewicz to talk about the lessons that come when the path to success isn’t straight. From early influences and family support to the mental resets that change everything, they share what it means to grow through the game—not just play it. This episode is a reminder that passion doesn’t fade when the route changes; it evo...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson opens up about what 10 years of coaching has really taught him; that growth isn’t linear, perfection is a myth, and both coaches and parents evolve alongside their athletes. From the cages to the car rides, every rep, mistake, and breakthrough builds a stronger foundation. This episode challenges all of us to pause, reflect, and ask the hard question: Am...

☕ In this Coffee Talk episode, BJ Johnson brings the final chapter of the mental health series to a heartfelt close, reminding us that true coaching begins when we see the human before the athlete. He shares a personal story that changed his approach forever and offers practical ways to recognize emotional red flags, build trust, and create environments where young athletes feel safe, seen, and s...

☕ 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...

☕ 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 ath...

☕ 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...

☕ 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...

☕ 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 Takeaway...

☕ 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...

☕ 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,...

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 bee...

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, continui...

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...

In this episode, former host Erin White sits down with BJ Johnson to explore one of the most essential tools for families navigating the recruiting process in the softball community: Recruit Sheets. This episode highlights how Recruit Sheets simplifies the profile creation process for athletes, making it easier for them to get noticed by college coaches during the competitive recruiting season. Ke...

In this podcast episode, Paige Tonz, a mindset specialist, discusses her journey from being a college softball player at Northwestern University to becoming a mental performance coach for young athletes. Paige dives deep into the importance of mental strength in sports and shares how she helps athletes build confidence and perform at their best through mindset work, visualization, and mental skill...

In this episode, former host Erin White has a conversation with Luke Williamson from Athlon Movement & Performance. They dive into the importance of strength training and injury prevention for softball and baseball athletes, highlighting how strength and conditioning enhance athletic performance. Key Details Strength Training & Injury Prevention: Luke emphasizes the need for a structured s...

In this episode, former host Erin White and current host BJ Johnson discuss the pros and cons of running a training business, offering insights for new and experienced trainers. They explore key challenges and share valuable advice on navigating the complexities of owning or operating a training facility, providing motivation and real-life examples of success.   Key Topics Discussed:  Commitment t...

In this exclusive episode, former host Erin White sits down for an intriguing conversation with Steve Appel, one of the founders of the new Arizona Rising softball organization. Coach Appel, a seasoned coach with nearly two decades of experience, discusses his long history in softball, starting as a coach for his daughter’ teams and eventually leading very successful club teams. He talks about the...

In this episode, former host Erin White sits down with Erica Beach, a softball legend and pioneer in the Arizona area, to explore the countless opportunities softball offers youth athletes. Erica shares her journey from a young girl tagging along with her older sisters to becoming a significant figure in the softball community, both nationally and internationally.    Key Topics Discussed:  The Ori...

Join former host Erin White as she welcomes Randy Kaye, the founder of the Rogue Organization, for an in-depth conversation about his extensive experience in softball coaching. Randy's journey, which began over a decade ago, has evolved into a successful organization dedicated to nurturing talent and empowering female athletes in Arizona. In this episode, Randy shares his insights on building a st...

In this exclusive episode of our podcast, former host Erin sits down with Steve Ladrigue, the visionary founder of Team Hustle, a renowned organization established in 2013. Steve’s journey is nothing short of inspiring as he shares his background and the motivations that led him to create an organization focused on helping at-risk youth and single-family homes through sports.   Key Topics Discusse...

In this episode, we dive into the crucial aspects of preparing for fastpitch softball tryouts. Drawing from our latest blog post,  Mastering Fastpitch Tryouts: 10 Essential for Success , we provide comprehensive advice for athletes and parents to navigate this exciting and challenging time. Whether you're a seasoned player or stepping onto the field for the first time, these tips will help you app...

Talk to any coach around the world, in any sport… They’ve seen it, they’ve dealt with it, and they’ve most certainly wondered how to fix it. The uncoachable player – whether they are 10 or 22 – is a doozey. And even though every coach has pondered heavily on how they can help “THAT KID,” the truth of the matter is this: Being coachable isn’t up to the coach – it’s up to YOU, the player. Quite simp...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Kaitlyn Terry, the freshman pitcher who has taken the Pac-12 by storm, join us. With accolades from her debut season that could fill an entire podcast episode, we’re focusing on the standout moments and insights from her incredible journey. Here’s what you can expect from this exciting conversation:   Early Beginnings: Kaitlyn kicks off by sharing her journe...

In this episode, former host Erin White sits down with Coach Chuck Kobasew to discuss his inspiring journey in the softball world, from his beginnings with Scottsdale Miss to his current role in founding Arizona Rising alongside two partners. Chuck Kobasew, a pivotal figure in Arizona fastpitch softball, shares his early involvement in the softball community with Scottsdale Miss, setting the stage...