Talkin’ Tea brings Puk and Vanhook together as they gear up for season

In the days of social media where people are always craving more and more content, there is never a bad idea when it comes to putting yourself out there. College athletes in the past have not been very extroverted with their lives off the field.

However as times have changed, so have the players. ASU softball players Jordyn Vanhook and Jessi Puk decided to take things into their own hands and create a podcast named “Talkin’ Tea with JJVP” which was an idea that came to reality when the girls were driving around Tempe. 

Podcasts are an industry that have blown up during the past few years. No matter who you are, if you have thoughts and a phone in your hand, you can create one. It is very accessible to most, which gave Vanhook and Puk the idea to create their own. 

“We were driving around and we have a lot to say that we wish people could hear.” Puk said, noting the first time creating a podcast came to mind. 

Usually when a transfer comes in, it is very hard to make friends, especially when it is a transition from Mississippi to Arizona. Nevertheless Puk, who transferred to Arizona State for her last year of college eligibility, said it was so easy to connect with her teammates. 

“It’s been a different change of pace going from a small town in Mississippi to a big city here,” she said. The scorching weather is the biggest change she noticed immediately.

The ladies release their podcast on Youtube every Sunday, so far having ASU Football player T Lee on, as well as talking about mental health on their latest show. You can visit their Youtube page here. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWpurjz6TB6XCh9ZEKaVgxQ

Now with a podcast, comes reaction. Puk says teammates are huge fans of the show. 

“Our teammates always send us questions, and give us good feedback,” she said. “People have said they’re so excited to watch every Sunday.”

Not only does the audience include their own teammates, but also some relatives. Vanhook’s father, Al, has had a huge influence on her life on and off the field. Her father lives in California, but attends all home games at Farrington Stadium, which is a huge boost for the ASU softball outfielder. 

“He means so much to me being at every game and giving me confidence on game days,” Vanhook said. “He’s made a big impact on me in life.”

He doesn’t keep his critiques to only her swing or how she could’ve taken a better route to a ball in the field, he is an avid viewer of the show and contacts his daughter on how she can improve it. 

As for the behind the scenes work, Vanhook called up an old friend who she knew has the skills to help them get the show up and off the ground. Alli Tatnall, who graduated from ASU last year after five seasons of playing softball, has plenty of video editing experience. 

“Alli Tatnall has helped us with our intro and outro, she gets so much credit,” Vanhook said. “She was the best person to have as a teammate and a great friend to have.”

As for Jessi, fame and having an audience is not new to her, or the Puk family. A.J., her brother, is currently in the bullpen for the Oakland Athletics. The impact that A.J. has had on his sister is so large that she wouldn’t be playing softball without him.

“He’s for sure the biggest role model in my life; he’s my best friend,” Puk said. “He keeps the head on my shoulders. He was the main reason I started playing softball. I wanted to be like A.J.”

The Sun Devils are gearing up for Fall Ball, which starts on ​​October 9th when they face South Mountain Community College at 11am. As for the season in the spring, both players are as excited as ever to hit the field. 

“We have a bunch of new names, two transfers, and three freshmen,” Vanhook said. “I’m really most excited for our bats, in previous years we’ve had the most dangerous bats in the country.”

As for the transfer from Ole Miss, she notices a positive attitude from all as they start team practices this week.

“I’m just excited to compete, it’s my last year in college softball,” Puk said. ”It’s a happy vibe coming to the field every day, everyone’s happy to come to practice and work hard.”

Throughout the new show, Puk and Vanhook are looking to relate to their audience, and maybe start a new path for college athletes to be content creators.