When The Cleats Come Off
Episodes
THE BEST OF SEASON 5
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 5 gave us 18 guests and a whole lot of “wait…that’s really good” moments. So for this finale, I’m bringing those highlights back — ...
Training Tools My Hitters Love—and Why They Work
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s talk practical hitting tools: what’s working, why it’s working, and how you can use these concepts to help hitters find better timing, bar...
Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body: Body Mirroring, Gratitude & Visualization with Mental Performance Coach, Amanda Schaefer
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ashley sits down with mental skills coach, Amanda Shaefer, to explore three science-backed tools that can transform your mental game:...
Let’s recap World Series Game 7…shall we?!
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This MLB post season was the ABSOLUTE epitome of insane! Let’s recap the highlights of the wildest Game 7 probably EVER from team culture, CLUTCH de...
Chris Vasami: Finding your non-negotiables as a player and leader
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with popular guest of the show, Chris Vasami, we touch on Shohei Ohtani’s breakout game 3 of the 2025 World Series, and we go into a...
You become who you’re surrounded by
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know that teammate who just makes you a better person and competitor JUST by being around them? 2x National Champ at the University of Florida (an...
How your RECOVERY will help you reach peak performance
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how taking your nutrition, stretching/mobility, and sleep more seriously will help give you an ultimate edge on the field. I don’t care how ol...
4 discoveries I’ve made in the cages lately
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From verbal cues that are working well for my hitters to helping them discover what they’re truly made of physically and mentally, this episode is g...
Rob Crews: Building a COMPLETE hitter
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of our sports most enthusiastic hitting coaches, Rob Crews, is here to share his ideas around EMPOWERING hitters in the cage, the biomechanics and...
6 ways to attack your next practice
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us really need to start loving practice and taking it more seriously if we want to become our best self in this game. Here are six simple ways...
Taylor Shumaker: Freshman dominance and playing free
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She’s one of the best freshmen to EVER pick up a bat at the University of Florida and used that confidence to get her the NFCA Freshman of the Year ...
No journey is cookie cutter [Re-Air]
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re on your recruiting journey or simply have big goals ahead of you in this game, ZERO roads to the same destination are exactly the sam...
Trisha Hyde: Why softball needs more female coaches
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Social media influencer and the internet's favorite travel softball coaching Mom, Trisha Hyde, is here sharing the good, the bad and the ugly moments ...
10 things I miss most about travel ball
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
My first travel softball team is what made me not only fall in love with the game, and it was the people, experiences and competitive environment our ...
Gray Robertson: The voice of Alabama Softball
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Very few are as obsessed with the Crimson Tide as much as Gray Robertson and very few do play-by-play with as much enthusiasm as him. So, he HAD to ma...
It’s not my time…
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re stuck feeling like you’re not at your peak performance or in a bit of a slump right now, you’re not alone. This episode emphasizes per...
Erin Coffel: Even the best get BETTER
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The reigning AUSL Hitter of the Year is back on the podcast for a live interview during her mid-season break to talk about training camp with Team USA...
Alliance All-Star Game Recap!
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Come with me as I take you on my journey coaching in the Alliance Fastpitch All-Star game (found on ESPN+) with players committed to Oklahoma, Washing...
Keirstin Roose: Overcoming hard things in pursuit of becoming your best self
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Coastal Carolina Softball standout, Keirstin Rooose, shares her obsession of the game that started in northern Indiana, what her transfer portal journ...
Do it scared
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All of us hurt our progress by just showing up when we feel like it. This is your reminder that most days you’re not going to “feel like” puttin...
Trust your instincts
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tru...
Lilly Fecho: What a strong leader looks like on the field and beyond
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 mou...
10 minute post-game reflection
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The best in the world break down each performance into an easy process where they can highlight their “wins”, analyze their “losses” and quick...
Cricket
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 be...
Cydnee Schneider: Postseason bliss and finding joy when you compete
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
8 lessons the 2025 WCWS teams can teach us
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Regionals 2025 recap and transfer portal madness
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Dad Chats w/ Scott Burkhardt: How he’s “serving the game” as an umpire
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Dad Chats: Raising three D1 athletes with Scott Burkhardt
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Dad chats: Coaching experience and practice planning with Scott Burkhardt
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Justin McLeod: Way too early D1 softball predictions, Part 2 of 2
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Justin McLeod: Way too early D1 softball predictions, Part 1 of 2
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 te...
An open letter to my first born…
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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…co...
Sports Performance Coach Paige Rose: From D1 softball pitching to the U.S. Marine Corps
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former George Washington pitcher, Paige Rose, has an incredible story of joining the U.S. Marine Corps soon after competing collegiately and how it pa...
How to practice to COMPETE at the plate (and beyond!)
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Skylar Wallace: Mastering the voice inside your head
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
University of Florida standout, Skylar Wallace, spent time with my Virtual Hitting Academy members talking about mastering the inner voice inside our ...
Morgan Stuart “The Real Work”: Failure can be a TOOL rather than a fear
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2009 National Champion at the University of Washington, Morgan Stuart, is getting REAL on the podcast sharing stories of her inner struggles of depres...
Body Language: It matters more than you think
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 episod...
Jami Lobpries - Travel ball NEEDS to get back to this
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pos...
A pulse of the D1 College Softball world right now…
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, an...
Megan Rembielak (Meg Rem): Drills, drills, drills and getting the MOST out of your practices
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 comp...
Building a successful at-home practice SYSTEM to achieve your goals
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Without proper habits and concrete SYSTEMS, our goals are so much harder to achieve! In this 30min recorded mental skills workshop with my Virtual Hit...
Why I LOVE MLB Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki…and why you should too!
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Kevin Shelton - Texas Glory Founder: From “softball dad” to creating high standards and a premier culture in travel ball
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 2...
3 ways to increase your competitive edge in 2025
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
If at first you don’t succeed… (FINAL episode of Season 4!)
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Anna Laible: From softball player to sports journalist at the Olympics
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Parents - 3 things your daughter needs from you
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
How to effectively communicate with a college coach (over the phone!)
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 som...
3 (easy) ways to work on baserunning in practice
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
[Re-Release] Delaney Spaulding: From ACL tear to an Olympic Silver Medalist
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this re-release from season 1 on the podcast, we learn from Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Delaney Spaulding, about her inspirational journey from tearing he...
Your goals should have you OBSESSED - here’s why!
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you become obsessed with becoming the best version of you as an athlete, you may be surprised with what you can achieve. Here’s a clip from my ...
Coach Lindsey Nadler: Building confidence and a Mental Edge
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every great athlete does some type of mental skills training and this episode will help your athlete find her inner edge and believe in herself more t...
Signs you may be a helicopter parent
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our athletes don’t need us to solve all their problems, they need us to help them figure things out on their own and regulate emotions so they can g...
Alex Storako: Playing with a chip on your shoulder
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
University of Michigan grad and 2023 National Champion at Oklahoma, Alex Storako, joins us today to talk about how some of her biggest failures prepar...
How to hit the high pitch (and other locations) better
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we can make hitting a little more complicated than it needs to be. In this episode, I’m sharing three tips on how to train to hit the high...
Aubree Munro Watson: Softball is BACK in the Olympics in 2028 but…in Oklahoma City?
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hear from a former Florida Gator and 2020 Olympian, Aubree Munro Watson, why softball will NOT be played this round in Paris, her unique (COVID) Olymp...
Hitting Mentality: Do’s and Don’ts
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your thoughts in the box can either HELP you or HURT you, and here are 10 ways you can shift your mindset and training to give you the best chances as...
6 mentalities to help you stand out this summer (inspired by the WCWS)
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This 2024 WCWS was incredible, so incredible that I broke down some of the key moments and players that we can be inspired by and learn from to help u...
Odicci Alexander: Women’s College World Series work ethic
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Women's College World Series (WCWS) LEGEND, Odicci Alexander, brings her fun personality to the podcast today sharing her epic journey of learning how...
JP Nerbun: How coaches can better work with sports parents, and create an extraordinary team culture Part 2 of 2
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership expert, JP Nerbun, is back for part 2 talking about his traumatic experience from a verbally abusive head coach and how he was able to heal...
JP Nerbun: How coaches can better work with sports parents, and create an extraordinary team culture Part 1 of 2
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author, podcaster and leadership expert, JP Nerbun, joins us to talk about how coaches can build a better partnership and connection with ...
Pre-game journaling, physical and mental preparation tips, how to work on the high pitch and more!
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to share with you the behind the scenes of an “Ask Ashley” session we did recently with my Virtual Hitting Academy members! I get to...
Justin McLeod: 2024 Postseason Predictions
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
D1 Softball journalist, Justin McLeod, is BACK sharing some of his 2024 postseason softball predictions along with who his “dark horses” are, what...
Lizzy Ristano: Swing fundamentals and how to build your competitiveness
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A huge hitting MENTOR of mine and former Notre Dame Softball Hitting Coach, Lizzy Ristano, is on the show this week talking about the importance...
12 things I’ve learned about being a parent
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I can’t believe I’ve been a Mom for an entire YEAR! Here are 12 lessons I’ve learned through raising Barrett these past 12 months that I’m def...
Keke Tholl: Dominance and leadership behind the plate and in the box
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode with current catcher and leading power hitter for the University of Michigan’s Keke Tholl dives into all things catching from developin...
Ever grateful.
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you know you chose the right university to represent? My experience traveling across the country to watch Purdue Men’s Basketball compete for...
Nicole Mendes: How to LOVE competing in the big moments and selflessly lead your team to Championships
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most humble and gifted athletes of our time is joining us on the podcast today talking a bit about her experience playing at Oklahoma and t...
5 ways to be a GREAT parent from the stands
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m sharing a list of do’s and don’ts that will make your experience watching softball better as a parent, and it will especially help you...
Erin Coffel: Dreaming BIG, handling pressure effectively and what it truly takes to be the best at what you do!
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
2x All-American and NOW home run record holder from the University of Kentucky, Erin Coffel is BACK sharing with my Virtual Hitting Academy Members ho...
You can let adversity define you or shape you (you choose!)
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adversity hits every single one of us but the difference between the average players and the ELITE ones are the ones who see adversity as a catapult t...
Amanda Scarborough: The life of a softball analyst
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best college softball analysts in the game, Amanda Scarborough, is BACK on the podcast this week sharing a bit of her behind the scenes lif...
A little encouragement before tryouts
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tryouts can be a stressful and scary time, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s an episode to get your mind right before an important moment in your ...
Kevin Hinde: Breaking the stigma of travel ball
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Travel softball has gotten a “bad rap” lately, but today’s guest, Kevin Hinde - Coach of 18U Team NC, is doing it RIGHT. From helping 30+ player...
Morgan Zerkle: The tough get tougher
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Great things are to come for Marshall Softball as their brand new leader, Morgan Zerkle takes the reins on her first season as Head Coach for The Herd...
5 reasons why college softball should be on your TV this weekend
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve said it before and it’s worth saying again – we NEED to get our athletes watching the college game to not only learn how the game is played...
Get to know how an umpire thinks with Pro Victor Canales
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most of the time umpires are misunderstood and it’s time to give them a voice! This week on the pod, we have professional and collegiate umpire, Vic...
The key to boosting your athlete’s confidence and problem-solving skills
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This one element can transform not only how your athlete performs under pressure but also how she carries herself in LIFE! I’m so glad I had parents...
Donnie Danklefsen: Winning teams, cultures and leaders leave clues
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Success looks different for everyone, but when it comes to work-ethic, leadership and straight up “guts” when a lot is on the line – the best te...
5 hitting tips to make 2024 the best year yet at the plate!
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The BEST hitters I know really put and emphasis on the little (and sometimes boring) elements of their training which is the exact reason why they are...
Coach Carol Hutchins: The secret sauce to successful teams
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone wants to be a part of a successful team, but not everyone is willing to work for it. Learn from 2005 National Champion and the winningest coa...
Conquer your BIGGEST fear…& a BIG announcement!
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What’s your biggest fear? For most athletes it’s letting our teammates down that gets us stuck in a negative mindset which ends up hurting our per...
How to consistently add mental toughness into your training
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In order to feel more prepared and relaxed for games, we NEED to make our practices tougher. Today, I’m sharing a conversation I had with my VIrtual...
Asia Mape: How to enjoy the game more WITH your athlete
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all want to do what’s best for our athletes and today’s guest is no exception. Learning from her mistakes as a sports parent with her daughter ...
Make the most of your off season by doing this
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Some people will make the most of their off season by honing in on their skills while others will sit back and “hope for the best”. Don’t be the...
7 lessons we all can learn from my Mom
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since Dad got his own episode about him a few weeks ago for his Birthday, I thought mom should get a surprise episode about how incredible she is, too...
Donna Papa: Coaching the art of outfield and baserunning, Part 2 of 2
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Coach P is back this week sharing her passion for outfield and how she focused on angles, reads, first steps, creating an “all out mentality” for ...
Donna Papa: The key to consistent success as a leader, Part 1 of 2
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You don’t have a credible 38 year career at a Power 5 University which includes a Hall of Fame induction under your belt without taking your r...
12 valuable lessons I’ve learned from my Dad
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My dad was my first ever hero and today you’re going to learn 12 reasons why. These lessons have a lot to do with softball but a whole lot more to d...
Molly Fichtner: How to successfully re-build a program and build an outstanding culture
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After playing for and being mentored by one of the greatest coaches in our time, Patrick Murphy, at Alabama, Molly Fichtner has “changed the game”...
Dare to DREAM
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about the importance of having a dream, how to take your first steps to make it happen, and a little motivation to get you going!C...
Gaining the Mental Edge as a Hitter - Recording from “The Fearless Warrior Podcast” w/ Mental Performance Coach, Amanda Schaefer
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I recently was a guest on my good friend, Amanda Schaefer’s, BRAND NEW show called The Fearless Warrior Podcast and we pulled back the curtain about...
6 ways to increase your chances of winning
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all love winning, right? Well, even though we can’t control whether we win or lose, we CAN take advantage of a few things in our control and incr...
Cat Osterman: How to find the right school FOR YOU!
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cat not only played at the collegiate level but also COACHED there for several years and has a unique perspective on the recruiting world and how you ...
Cat Osterman: An honest take on travel ball and building a great relationship with our athletes
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
3x Olympian and 4x All-American, Cat Osterman, is BACK on the show this week (and next!) sharing a bit more of how she and her dad were a TEAM in purs...
5 easy ways to get more out of your training
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re looking for simple ways to get MORE out of the work you’re already putting in to get better to your game, buckle up, because today I’m...
6 years of GROWTH and CONSISTENCY
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s celebrate! No one gets to where they want to without a little consistency and for this 6 year Anniversary of Ashley B Training, I’m sharing ...
Patrick Murphy: Building leaders and a Championship culture
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and National Championship Coach from the University of Alabama, Patrick Murphy joins us today for an epic conversation abo...
My Recruiting Story
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone’s recruiting story is different (ask anyone who’s been recruited) but there's so much I’ve learned from others journeys that helped me ...