Ask Aaron and EJ - The Brand and The Source

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.

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 and demand immediate changes. This "knee-jerk reaction" to a  poor performance  is a common pitfall. Acco...

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.

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.

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, intellige...

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 relation...

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 relation...

Can athletes make the leap from practice to competition? Its not just a physical thing.

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?

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 transforms how young athletes approach competition and life itself?

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 questi...

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.

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?"

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 aga...

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 holistic training and strategic planning. You can't simply purchase success – you must invest in your...

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.

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 beyond basic metrics.

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 media platforms.

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 approach to their sport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.