☕ 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 evolves.

Key Takeaways:

• Every athlete’s path is unique, but shared passion keeps us connected.
• Mental growth comes from learning to reset, refocus, and keep showing up.
• Family, teammates, and coaches build the foundation of confidence and love for the game.
• Who you are beyond the jersey matters just as much as how you perform in it.

If this episode reminded you why the journey matters as much as the destination, follow Coffee Talk for more real conversations that move the game, and the people in it, forward.

Join the conversation with us on social @AroundTheDirt and explore new stories, forums, and features at AroundTheDirt.com. We’re building this together. 🩵

☕ 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 I building, or am I breaking?

Key Takeaways:

• Growth has no shortcuts; progress takes patience, practice, and perspective.
• Coaches evolve just like athletes do; learning never stops if you want to lead well.
• Parents, your kid doesn’t need perfection, they need permission to learn.
• Every rep, win, and setback is part of building the foundation for confidence and joy.

If this episode made you stop and think, hit follow and keep the conversation going. Every Coffee Talk is designed to challenge, connect, and grow the people behind the players, because real change requires reflection.

Join our community beyond the podcast. Follow @AroundTheDirt on social, explore resources, and connect with the baseball, fastpitch, and slowpitch world at aroundthedirt.com. We’re building this together. 🩵

☕ 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 supported both on and off the field.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn to spot early warning signs when athletes are struggling emotionally.
• Discover how small, consistent check-ins can make a lasting difference.
• Normalize mental health conversations just like training or skill work.
• Build a team culture that values support, not just performance.

If this episode inspired or resonated with you, subscribe to Coffee Talk so you never miss the conversations that move the game forward. Each week, BJ shares real stories and strategies that help coaches and parents grow athletes with purpose and heart!

Follow Around the Dirt on social media and visit AroundtheDirt.com to connect with others who believe in growing the game through community, not competition. We're building this together! 🩵

☕ 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 Takeaways:

• The difference between a fear-based and freedom-based climate, and why it changes everything.
• The five pillars of a healthy coaching environment that prioritize consistency, praise, and composure.
• How parents can turn the ride home from pressure into peace.
• Why composure, not perfection, builds competitors who thrive in sports and in life.

If this episode challenged your perspective, make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen, so you never miss a new Coffee Talk.

Culture shifts when awareness meets action. 💬 Keep the conversation alive on social media and share your stories, lessons, and moments that matter. Every post builds the movement, every voice grows the message. Visit AroundTheDirt.com to stay connected and be part of the change happening across every dugout and every diamond because we're building this together. 🩵

☕ 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.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout isn’t weakness, it’s often over-scheduling and identity lock-in.
• Early signs: lack of energy, irritability, excuses, disconnection.
• 5 ways to fight burnout: schedule rest, multiple sport play, joy checks, identity beyond the jersey, normalize breaks.
• Why balance fuels longer, healthier athletic careers.

🎧 Subscribe to Coffee Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. You don’t want to miss part 3 of our mental health series, BJ dives into how the environment created by parents and coaches directly impacts their athletes mindset! 



👉 Connect with us on Social Media to keep the conversation going and hopefully reduce burnout in future athletes! Drop your favorite JOY CHECK answer below ⬇️

☕ 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 lasts far beyond the game.

Key Takeaways: • Why athletes look different in practice vs. games • How pressure triggers “paralysis by analysis” • 4 practical tools to help kids handle nerves: pre-performance routines, external cues, expressive writing, reframing butterflies • The importance of self-compassion in sports • Simple do’s and don’ts for parents and coaches in big moments

🎧 Subscribe to Coffee Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen, and don’t miss the next part of our mental health series, it’s a good one!

💬 Keep the conversation going with us on social media @AroundTheDirt and tag us with your story of how you help athletes handle pressure. 🩵

☕ 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 stay competitive • The danger of leaders who create division • How to recognize diversity as a competitive advantage • Why unity matters more than preferences, politics, or sides • The leadership principle that applies to sports, business, and life

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🎧 Don’t just follow the game, be part of the conversation. Subscribe to Coffee Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen!

💬 Tag us with your story of a unifying leader on social media @AroundTheDirt and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder: unity wins. 🩵

☕ 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 be treated like summer nationals • The “laboratory season” mindset for coaches, parents, and athletes • Why experimentation and mistakes fuel long-term success • The role of parents in supporting development vs. stressing stats • How athletes can use fall as a proving ground

🎧 Subscribe to Coffee Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen, and join us each week as we break down the real conversations shaping the game.

💬 Keep the conversation going with us on social media @AroundTheDirt and tell us your perspective on the purpose of fall tournaments. 🩵