Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
Join Coach Jon in this episode of Coach Jon Runs His Cake Hole as he embarks on a new venture in the world of recreational volleyball coaching to bond with his 15-year-old daughter. Discover his views on the controversial culture of travel sports, highlighting issues like lack of athlete development, high costs, and increased injury risks.
With wit and passion, Coach Jon emphasizes the true importance of recreational leagues in fostering player skills and community spirit. He challenges parents and coaches to focus on local development over expensive showcases. Don’t miss Coach Jon's thought-provoking insights and heartfelt messages to parents and sports enthusiasts.

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
In this insightful episode of "Coach Jon Runs His Cakehole," join Coach Jon as he shares exciting updates on his journey with the Positive Coaching Alliance and celebrates the triumphs of his young basketball team. Delve into the pressing issue of the youth sports coach shortage and explore the different types of coaches that parents and young athletes commonly encounter. Coach Jon offers valuable advice and tips for dealing with these coaches, emphasizing the importance of positivity, respect, and collaboration between coaches and parents. Discover how fostering a supportive and understanding environment can help reduce attrition rates and maintain children's love for sports. Don't miss this engaging discussion on making youth sports a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Join Coach Jon as he dives into the often controversial world of 'Daddy Ball' in youth sports. This episode takes a closer look at the motivations and challenges faced by parent coaches, questioning common assumptions and encouraging listeners to see the topic from different perspectives. Explore the pressures of parenting in sports, the balance between objectivity and favoritism, and the broader impact on team dynamics. Coach Jon shares personal anecdotes, raises thought-provoking questions, and invites parents to reflect on their roles, urging them to consider the implications if they were in the coach's shoes.

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
In this episode of "Coach Jon Runs His Cakehole," Coach Jon delves into the controversial topic of 'Daddy Ball' within youth sports. Often perceived as favoritism by parent-coaches towards their own children, 'Daddy Ball' is a contentious issue that many athletes may face.
Coach Jon discusses how parents and young athletes can approach these situations constructively. He emphasizes using perceived injustice as a learning opportunity rather than a point of contention, providing practical do's and don'ts to foster positive development.
The episode aims to guide athletes and their parents in navigating nepotism and favoritism, issues not only present in sports but in life, while maintaining a focus on personal growth and sportsmanship.

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
In this episode of Coach Jon Runs His Cake Hole, Coach Jon returns after a brief hiatus to delve into the realities of youth coaching. Drawing from personal experience, he shares his latest journey back into coaching as a volunteer and explores the challenges of increasing parental expectations in sports.
Coach Jon offers actionable insights and strategies for fostering harmonious relationships between coaches, parents, and young athletes. From essential pre-season meetings to sharing coaching philosophies, this episode is packed with practical advice aimed at preparing coaches for a successful and enjoyable season.
Tune in to learn how setting clear expectations and open communication can transform your coaching experience and benefit young athletes. Join Coach Jon as he navigates the intricacies of the coaching world, striving for the growth and development of both players and coaches alike.

Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
In this episode of "Coach Jon Runs His Cake Hole," brought to you by The Sports Reclamation Project, Coach Jon delves into the often uncomfortable topic of losing in youth sports. He argues the necessity of defeat for personal and athletic growth, sharing insights from legendary sports figures and personal experiences. Coach Jon emphasizes that losing not only teaches resilience but also fosters humility and accountability, traits essential for success both on and off the field. Tune in to discover why embracing defeat might just be the most important lesson in youth sports.

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Welcome to another episode of "Coach Jon Runs His Cakehole" where Coach Jon dives into the pressing issues surrounding youth sports coaching. In this episode, we explore troubling coaching behaviors, often masked as "hard coaching," that impact young athletes' mental health and well-being.
Coach Jon shares personal anecdotes and alarming incidents from the youth baseball fields, highlighting how abusive coaching techniques can psychologically harm athletes. The conversation turns to the outdated coaching practices that fail to address the needs of today's youth, fostering fear rather than fostering growth.
Join Coach Jon as he challenges the normalization of verbally abusive coaching methods and emphasizes the importance of nurturing young athletes into resilient community leaders. Reflect on the role of parents in supporting and protecting their children from toxic environments and learn how to advocate for positive changes in sports culture.

Saturday May 24, 2025
Saturday May 24, 2025
In this episode of Coach Jon Runs His Cakehole, Coach John addresses a common but often overlooked aspect of youth sports: the car ride home. He explains how this time, frequently used by parents to dissect games and point out mistakes, can become a negative experience for young athletes. Coach Jonn discusses the impact of emphasizing critiques over positives and how it can lead to a loss of joy in the sport for many kids.
Coach John encourages parents to shift their focus during these rides, emphasizing the importance of letting children lead any post-game discussions. He suggests that instead of critiquing performance, parents should express their love for the game and their child. By doing so, parents can help maintain their child's passion and confidence in the sport.
This episode is not only a reminder to be mindful of a child's emotional state but also an invitation for parents to support their young athletes in a meaningful and constructive manner, allowing them to enjoy and control their sporting journey.

Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
Welcome to a new episode of Coach Jon Runs His Cake Hole, sponsored by the Sports Reclamation Project. In this episode, Coach Jon reflects on a personal milestone as he celebrates his oldest son's graduation. He extends congratulations to the class of 2025 and dives deep into the distinct roles in youth sports, outlining expectations for parents, coaches, players, and officials. With insights into maintaining a supportive environment, Coach Jon emphasizes player development, team spirit, and sportsmanship.
Discover why clear roles enhance the youth sports experience, avoid the pitfalls of overstepping boundaries, and learn how respect for each role contributes to a seamless and enjoyable sporting journey. Whether you're a parent cheering from the stands, a coach molding young athletes, a player dedicated to improving, or an official ensuring fair play, this episode offers valuable guidance to enhance everyone's experience in youth sports.

Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
In this episode, Coach John tackles the sensitive topic of handling player exits in youth sports. Drawing from over two decades of coaching experience, he shares insights on navigating the inevitable challenges coaches face when a player decides to quit. Coach John emphasizes the importance of addressing the departure proactively, maintaining team chemistry, and reflecting on coaching styles for continual improvement. Listeners will gain practical advice on fostering a positive environment for the remaining team members while handling delicate situations with grace and empathy. Tune in to learn how to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and development for both the coach and the team.