When The Cleats Come Off - podcast cover

When The Cleats Come Off

Ashley Burkhardtashleybtraining.podbean.com
Hey! I’m Ashley Burkhardt, a Midwest girl who lived out her dream of becoming a D1 softball player and, later, a professional athlete. SO MANY parents ask me how my parents were able to raise THREE daughters to become D1 athletes, and I truly believe it wasn’t a coincidence. I’m ready to share with you a little bit of how WE did it (from the car-ride home conversations to traveling 4 hours a week to lessons!) and give you some tips and tricks to help your daughter reach her dreams. I’m eager to also share with you interviews with some of the BEST softball influencers, parents and coaches to see how THEY did it...because, just like you, I’m eager to learn how to become the best version of myself, and learning from other people’s journeys is how we can make that happen. Buckle up! This is going to be a FUN ride!
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Episodes

Trust your instincts

Playing free doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from preparation. Learn why it MATTERS to put in the reps but also how you can use those reps to trust your stuff come gametime! Leave a review of WTCCO on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off: Ep. 70 - Ben-Marvin Egel: A few things golf can teach us (Part 1 of 2) - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ebee6aa3-7cca-42ef-b34b-af325be94c8f/ Ep. 222 - ...

Jul 02, 202530 minEp. 224

Lilly Fecho: What a strong leader looks like on the field and beyond

Learn from All-Big Ten pitcher, Purdue University record holder (and maid of honor in my wedding!) Lilly Fecho, about her dominant presence on the mound, how she practiced self-talk to give her an advantage, the importance of having a strong pitcher/catcher relationship and how softball brings you some friends for life – so cherish it! Join the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Watch the interview on YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=...

Jun 25, 202537 minEp. 223

10 minute post-game reflection

The best in the world break down each performance into an easy process where they can highlight their “wins”, analyze their “losses” and quickly learn from their mistakes and move on. IN THAT ORDER. Tune in to get a full breakdown of your performance in a simple, consistent reflection you can use to help you level up. Softball Pre-Game Confidence Meditation (10 min) - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/665243b2-1bad-4037-a918-f48f2c7e2333/ Get 10% off your next Always Grind 365 Notebook - https...

Jun 18, 202522 minEp. 222

Cricket

Ashley breaks down her favorite Bluey episode as it teaches us the valuable lessons sports can teach us – in this case Cricket – along with the beauty of staying in it even when things get tough. Ep. 185 - Odicci Alexander: Women's College World Series work ethic - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0fb11a7b-dda8-4902-8d5f-58782860a00c/ Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts...

Jun 11, 202520 minEp. 221

Cydnee Schneider: Postseason bliss and finding joy when you compete

This 2025 post-season has had some superstars and Cydnee is one of them! Learn what it was like living in the moment and being an ESPN highlight reel, how her JUCO experience helped her love the game again before transferring to Southeastern Louisiana and what her experience has been playing for these impactful coaches! Follow Cydnee on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cyd_schneider1/ Watch the interview on YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr&s...

Jun 04, 202545 minEp. 220

8 lessons the 2025 WCWS teams can teach us

Each of the well deserved teams participating in the 2025 WCWS can teach us some valuable lessons we can take into our own “games” and make us all better players, coaches and parents. I guarantee you’ll watch each of these teams differently after you hear them. Join the Virtual Hitting Academy #smashtribe - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Leave a review on Appl...

May 28, 202535 minEp. 219

Regionals 2025 recap and transfer portal madness

This might’ve been the greatest D1 softball regional weekend I’ve ever witnessed and this week, I’m breaking down some of the top jaw-dropping moments along with my take on the fact that there are over 1000 athletes in the transfer portal right now and how that will impact the college game. Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Dr. Dot Richardson: How to lead with love and make your dreams become a reality - https://youtu.be/...

May 21, 202529 minEp. 218

Dad Chats w/ Scott Burkhardt: How he’s “serving the game” as an umpire

These past two weeks you’ve gotten to learn the passion my dad has for coaching and raising strong and confident daughters, but this week you get to learn about his new passion: umpiring. Learn why he chooses the “tight” strike zone that he does, how he’s able to keep his cool so well, what he does/doesn’t like to see from coaches in games and also why he’s definitely the right man for the “job”! Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 1 Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being...

May 14, 202546 minEp. 217

Dad Chats: Raising three D1 athletes with Scott Burkhardt

No two athletes (and in our case three) are the same, and this week, my Dad is back talking about the similarities and unique differences between my two D1 athletes sisters and I and how we built a competitive edge from our very own backyard. Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 1 Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 2 Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Leave a review on Appl...

May 07, 202530 minEp. 216

Dad chats: Coaching experience and practice planning with Scott Burkhardt

My dad is BACK (finally!) on the podcast chatting about his experience coaching my sisters and I at the youth and elite basketball and softball levels, how he enjoyed practice planning more than anything, who a few of his coaching mentors were/are, and more! Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 1 Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 2 Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Leave ...

Apr 30, 202549 minEp. 215

Justin McLeod: Way too early D1 softball predictions, Part 2 of 2

Justin is back this week elaborating on what teams are trending upward right now, what upsets we’ll likely see as conference season plays out, and who his dark horses and predictions are to play in the WCWS this year. If you want a deep dive from a professional softball analyst, this is YOUR episode! Visit the D1 Softball website - https://d1softball.com/ Follow Justin on Twitter - https://x.com/justfactsmaam?s=21&t=4CzDk_g6V2rLnq0Wj3DHNA Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community ...

Apr 23, 202537 minEp. 214

Justin McLeod: Way too early D1 softball predictions, Part 1 of 2

The softball obsession is in Justin’s blood. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn the role model players that stand out to him, what a great team culture looks like, his love for mid-majors making statements against Power 4 schools, his thoughts on the transfer portal and more. Visit the D1 Softball website - https://d1softball.com/ Follow Justin on Twitter - https://x.com/justfactsmaam?s=21&t=4CzDk_g6V2rLnq0Wj3DHNA Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebo...

Apr 16, 202546 minEp. 213

An open letter to my first born…

With the role of big brother coming his way any minute, here’s an open letter to my first born of things I want him to know when he grows older…coming from his mom who’s also a first born. Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off: Ep. 179 - 12 things I’ve learned about being ...

Apr 09, 202518 minEp. 212

Sports Performance Coach Paige Rose: From D1 softball pitching to the U.S. Marine Corps

Former George Washington pitcher, Paige Rose, has an incredible story of joining the U.S. Marine Corps soon after competing collegiately and how it paved the way for her to jump into strength and conditioning training and helping athletes build the foundations of physical and mental strength in the weight room. Whether you want to be an elite athlete or simply a stronger, more confident version of you, this is THE inspiring episode you need to tune into! Follow Paige and her training on Instagra...

Apr 02, 202557 minEp. 211

How to practice to COMPETE at the plate (and beyond!)

Success in the box comes from within, but unless it’s practiced, it’s hard to see it translate to games. This episode is for coaches and players to put into practice shifting our thoughts from hurtful to helpful, building a solid routine to rely on, having an “alter ego” when you step on that field to compete and help you feel prepared and READY to take on your opponents this season! Ep. 133 - Softball Pre-Game Confidence Meditation (10min) - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/665243b2-1bad-403...

Mar 26, 202537 minEp. 210

Skylar Wallace: Mastering the voice inside your head

University of Florida standout, Skylar Wallace, spent time with my Virtual Hitting Academy members talking about mastering the inner voice inside our head, how to bet on ourselves when we’re out on the field, working to be in a relaxed “flow” state using imagery to see ourselves succeed and so much more! Follow Skylar on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/skylar.wallace/ Get your free month of the SILVER VHA Membership - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/offers/zw67q249?coupon_code=VHAPOD Watch...

Mar 19, 202543 minEp. 209

Morgan Stuart “The Real Work”: Failure can be a TOOL rather than a fear

2009 National Champion at the University of Washington, Morgan Stuart, is getting REAL on the podcast sharing stories of her inner struggles of depression and lack of confidence while playing softball even at the highest level but what she would do differently if she had a chance to go back and talk to her younger self. Get your hands on her book “The Real Work”: https://therealwrk.com/book/real-wrk Follow Morgan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/morganstuart18 Take the “Failure Personali...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 208

Body Language: It matters more than you think

Change your body, change your mind. Science states that how you carry and present yourself has a direct correlation to your success, so in this episode, we’re diving into why it’s important to take your body language and posture seriously and ways it can help you build up your confidence in a matter of minutes! Ted Talk with Amy Cuddy - https://youtu.be/Ks-_Mh1QhMc The Body Language Expert: 4 Body Language Tricks That Will Make Them Love You And Respect You! - Doctor Amy Cuddy - https://podcasts...

Mar 05, 202548 minEp. 207

Jami Lobpries - Travel ball NEEDS to get back to this

Let’s face it. The world of travel ball has turned into a political game, and that’s not what’s going to help the game of softball move in a positive direction. Insert Jami Lobpries. Her vision with The Alliance Fastpitch is bringing travel ball back to where it SHOULD be…with the focus on the ATHLETE FIRST. And here’s how she’s doing it. The Alliance Fastpitch Website - https://thealliancefastpitch.com/ Follow Alliance on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thealliancefastpitch/ Check out WTC...

Feb 26, 202559 minEp. 206

A pulse of the D1 College Softball world right now…

It’s EARLY but things are HAPPENING in the D1 softball world. Huge upsets, pitchers hitting bombs along with throwing no-hitters, walk-off DRAMA, and how you can watch so many games LIVE on TV! Here’s an early take on what you need to know and watch for this (already!) intense 2025 season! D1 Softball Website - https://d1softball.com/ In the Circle Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-circle/id1129600119 NCAA Softball Twitter (X) - https://x.com/NCAASoftball Leave a review of W...

Feb 19, 202533 minEp. 205

Megan Rembielak (Meg Rem): Drills, drills, drills and getting the MOST out of your practices

Learn straight from the YouTube and social media coaching sensation, Megan Rembielak, not just all the drills you need to know to become a better competitive softball player on the diamond but also learn the ins and outs of how she’s become one of the most “viral” and respected coaches in the game, how to effectively run a successful practice, throwing tips on how to avoid common arm injuries, and how you can connect better with your athletes to help get their absolute best out of them! Follow M...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 204

Building a successful at-home practice SYSTEM to achieve your goals

Without proper habits and concrete SYSTEMS, our goals are so much harder to achieve! In this 30min recorded mental skills workshop with my Virtual Hitting Academy Members, we discussed how to create a S.M.A.R.T. goal and most importantly how to develop a disciplined at-home training system which will help you reach that goal FASTER and create the discipline to show up and train, especially when distractions get in our way, Read “Atomic Habits” by James Clear - https://amzn.to/3WMpKmM View the VH...

Feb 05, 202528 minEp. 203

Why I LOVE MLB Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki…and why you should too!

There are VERY few baseball players I loved watching as much as Ichiro, so I decided to devote an entire “fangirling” episode to him now that he was just elected into the MLB Hall of Fame this week for being one of the best hitters and respectable players the game has ever seen. Learn the “Ichiro Drill” on my YouTube Channel - https://youtu.be/dy0dVzGXdsg Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts (200th giveaway rules below!) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cl...

Jan 29, 202531 minEp. 202

Kevin Shelton - Texas Glory Founder: From “softball dad” to creating high standards and a premier culture in travel ball

Get to know my former professional softball GM for the Dallas Charge, Kevin Shelton, as he shares the ins and outs of the pro softball world back in 2015, how being a “softball dad” turned into building one of the most premier travel ball organizations in the country, the Texas Glory, and how, in 20 years coaching, he and has helped over over 850 athletes live out their dream in college while creating a respected travel ball dynasty. Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts (...

Jan 22, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 201

3 ways to increase your competitive edge in 2025

Increasing your competitiveness isn’t complicated, but most aren’t willing to do the little things to get there. If you go all-in on even just one of these three mentalities in 2025, I can basically guarantee this will be your best, most competitive year yet on and off the diamond! Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts (200th giveaway rules below!) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Commu...

Jan 15, 202532 minEp. 200

If at first you don’t succeed… (FINAL episode of Season 4!)

There have been countless times in my career where I wanted to throw in the towel, give up when it got tough because I was embarrassed by how I looked when I first tried something. We’ve all been there…BUT we don’t have to STAY there! Today I’m sharing a few of those moments I’m most proud of not giving up on, because the person who came out on the other side is pretty dang happy she stuck with it. As we wrap up Season 4 with this episode, I just want to extend a thank you to those who have been...

Sep 11, 202437 minEp. 199

Anna Laible: From softball player to sports journalist at the Olympics

There aren’t a whole lot of female sports broadcasters out there, but sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, Anna Laible, is in pursuit of changing the game. Learn her persistent and gritty approach to making her dreams become a reality by starting as a writer for Sports Illustrated Kids, hosting The National Dog Show - Junior and recently being invited to covering the most recent Olympics in Paris! Follow Anna on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anna_laible?igsh=c3ptcWtrNHQ0cW1p Follow her Speak Up...

Sep 04, 202449 minEp. 198

Parents - 3 things your daughter needs from you

This snippet from a parent session I led at Amanda Schaefer’s Fearless Warrior Retreat breaks down a few key elements to consider to help grow the bond between you and your athlete and help her reach her goals without feeling like you’re overstepping! Join the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 Follow and share with me your favorite par...

Aug 28, 202422 minEp. 197

How to effectively communicate with a college coach (over the phone!)

Whether you’re in the recruiting process now, will be in the future, or just want to learn the NECESSARY skills to have a good conversation with someone, this episode is for you! I’m a midwest girl here to teach you how to be a genuinely effective communicator and feel more prepared for (what could be) nerve wracking conversations! You’ve got this! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 More When the Cleats Come Off episo...

Aug 21, 202431 minEp. 196

3 (easy) ways to work on baserunning in practice

Just like anything, the best way to become faster and build reactionary skills on the bases is to practice it which will lead to more aggressive and smart baserunners! Here are 3 easy ways to implement essential baserunning skills to your practice today so your team can find themselves scoring MORE runs for you tomorrow! JOIN THE *NEW* BASERUNNING COURSE WAITLIST! - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/baserunning Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cl...

Aug 14, 202433 minEp. 195
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