Dave's Dugout

Dave Garica
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement

I grew up with a front-row seat to the game of life, watching my dad coach some amazing athletes in the major league, all from the dugout and clubhouse. The lessons I learned weren’t just about the game of baseball -- they were about leadership, resilience, and navigating life both on and off the field. In each episode of Dave’s Dugout, I’ll share the wisdom passed down from my dad, the moments that shaped me, and the stories that connect baseball to everyday life. So step into Dave’s Dugout, where the game teaches us more than just how to win—it shows us how to live.

  1. Sep 3

    Ep. 21 Vinny Allen: Move the Bench

    This episode of Dave’s Dugout features insurance industry veteran and former ACC basketball referee Vinny Allen, who shares lessons on preparation, professionalism, and leadership learned throughout his nearly 50-year career. Drawing from memorable experiences officiating college basketball, including games involving Tim Duncan and legendary coaches, Vinny highlights the importance of being prepared, staying punctual, and learning from challenging situations. Host Dave Garcia connects these lessons to business, parenting, and everyday life, offering listeners practical insights for success both on and off the field. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 21 Vinny Allen: Move the Bench

  2. Aug 18

    Ep. 20 Batting Cage

    In this episode of Dave’s Dugout, Dave Garcia shares a powerful story about his father’s unique ability to bring people together and build confidence in every member of the team, no matter their background. Set in the minor leagues, Dave recalls how his dad managed a clubhouse filled with players from very different walks of life, some with college degrees and others with only a high school education. Through humor and a simple task (setting up the batting cage) he found a way to level the playing field, reminding everyone that talent, intelligence, and value aren’t defined by a diploma. What looked like playful teasing was actually intentional leadership. By rotating responsibility and challenging assumptions, Dave’s dad instilled confidence in those who needed it most while reinforcing that everyone had something to contribute. Dave connects this lesson to the business world, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for growth, believing in people before they believe in themselves, and challenging others to step outside their comfort zones. This episode is a reminder that great leaders don’t just manage, they elevate. And sometimes, all it takes is one small opportunity to help someone realize what they’re capable of. Host: ⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠ Editor: ⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠ Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 20 Batting Cage

  3. Jul 21

    Ep. 19 Shandon Harbour: Mom and Dad

    In this returning-guest episode of Dave’s Dugout, Dave Garcia welcomes back Shandon Harbour, CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego for another powerful “inning” centered on leadership and influence. Shandon shares a memorable story from her college days as a participant in an international pageant in Ireland, where she was asked a deceptively simple question on stage: Who do you prefer more—your mom or your dad? With both parents watching from the front row, her thoughtful answer revealed a deeper truth that continues to guide her leadership philosophy today. Drawing from her upbringing, Shandon explores the importance of balancing two essential leadership styles: the empathy and people-centered approach she learned from her mom, and the decisiveness and direction she gained from her dad. Together, these influences shaped her ability to lead effectively in today’s evolving workplace, especially as new generations seek connection, purpose, and understanding alongside accountability. Dave builds on the conversation by encouraging listeners to stay observant and open to everyday lessons, reminding us that leadership insights are all around us if we’re willing to notice them. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on finding balance as a leader, learning from the people who shape us, and using those lessons to positively impact others both in the dugout and beyond. Host: ⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠ Editor: ⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠ Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 19 Shandon Harbour: Mom and Dad

  4. Jun 30

    Ep. 18 Rather Be Looking At It Than For It

    In this episode of Dave’s Dugout, Dave Garcia shares a simple yet powerful life lesson inspired by someone who helped shape his early years—his best friend’s dad, affectionately known as “Grandpa Roy.” Through a relatable story from his high school days, Dave reflects on a moment behind the wheel of his beat-up Corolla, staring down a near-empty gas tank and asking a common question: Should I handle this now… or later? Grandpa Roy’s straightforward response, “I’d rather be looking at it than for it,” became a guiding principle that Dave has carried with him ever since. What starts as a lighthearted memory turns into a meaningful conversation about preparation, accountability, and the importance of taking action before it’s too late. Dave connects this lesson to leadership, decision-making, and everyday life, reminding listeners that procrastination often costs more than taking initiative. Short, memorable, and full of wisdom, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the simplest advice leaves the biggest mark and can guide you both on and off the field. Host: ⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠ Editor: ⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠ Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 18 Rather Be Looking At It Than For It

  5. Jun 2

    Ep. 17 Shandon Harbour: Sailing

    In this episode of Dave’s Dugout, host Dave Garcia welcomes San Diego native and business leader Shandon Harbor for a powerful conversation about resilience, confidence, and the moments that shape who we become. Shandon shares a vivid childhood story from the waters of the San Diego Yacht Club, where at just eight years old, she faced intimidation, self-doubt, and the urge to quit during her first competitive sailing race. Guided by her father’s tough-love encouragement, she learned a lesson that would stay with her for life: sometimes you have to push through fear, stand your ground, and finish what you start. What begins as a story about sailing quickly becomes a deeper reflection on leadership, perseverance, and finding your voice, whether on the water, in the boardroom, or in everyday life. Shandon connects those early experiences to her journey from teacher to company president to CEO, offering practical insight for anyone navigating challenges outside their comfort zone. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen when you turn back, it happens when you push off the dock and stay the course. Host: ⁠Dave Garcia⁠ Producer: ⁠Alyssa Burley⁠ Editor: ⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠ Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 17 Shandon Harbour: Sailing

  6. Apr 23

    Ep. 16 Talk is Cheap

    In this episode of Dave’s Dugout, Dave Garcia shares a powerful lesson he learned as a teenager while sitting in the Cleveland Indians’ dugout during his father’s time as manager. What started as a hit-by-pitch and a lot of angry talk from a frustrated player turned into a defining moment about leadership, accountability, and the power of action over words. With a simple, no-nonsense response, Dave’s dad reminded everyone on the bench that talking tough means nothing without backing it up. The result? Silence and a lesson that stuck for life. This story connects the game of baseball to everyday situations we all face: the difference between saying and doing, the danger of cheap talk, and why real growth comes from action. Whether it’s sports, work, or personal goals, this episode challenges you to stop talking and start showing. Step into the dugout and rediscover why actions will always speak louder than words. Host: Dave Garcia Producer: Alyssa Burley Editor: Jadyn Brandt Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 16 Talk is Cheap

  7. Mar 19

    Ep. 15 I Found Gold

    In this heartfelt episode of Dave’s Dugout, Dave steps away from the baseball diamond to share a powerful life lesson passed down not from his father, but from his endlessly optimistic, dream‑chasing mother. Through a funny and meaningful story about Sunday fishing trips, “gold-filled” rocks, and the willingness to believe in possibility, Dave reflects on how his mother’s boundless imagination shaped his own approach to life and business. Discover why sometimes the real treasure isn’t in the rocks you carry but in the dreams you dare to follow. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 15 I Found Gold

  8. Feb 19

    Ep. 14 Hit By the Pitch in Batting Practice

    In this heartfelt episode of Dave’s Dugout, host Dave Garcia shares a powerful childhood memory that taught him one of life’s most important lessons: it’s okay to cry. What started as a routine batting practice with his dad turned into a defining moment about vulnerability, resilience, and facing fear head-on. Dave reflects on how this experience shaped his understanding of strength and manhood, and how he’s passed that wisdom on to his own sons. Step into the dugout and discover why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let the tears flow. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

    Ep. 14 Hit By the Pitch in Batting Practice
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

I grew up with a front-row seat to the game of life, watching my dad coach some amazing athletes in the major league, all from the dugout and clubhouse. The lessons I learned weren’t just about the game of baseball -- they were about leadership, resilience, and navigating life both on and off the field. In each episode of Dave’s Dugout, I’ll share the wisdom passed down from my dad, the moments that shaped me, and the stories that connect baseball to everyday life. So step into Dave’s Dugout, where the game teaches us more than just how to win—it shows us how to live.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Garica
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dave Garica
  • Show Website
    Dave's Dugout