When The Cleats Come Off
by Ashley Burkhardt
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!
Episodes
-
Megan Rembielak: The Habits and Standards of Highly Effective Athletes and Coaches
Megan Rembielak (Meg Rem) is BACK on the podcast, and we recorded this one the same day we ran a coaches clinic together! The former Appalachian State player shares how a YouTube channel she started just to answer her lesson students' questions grew into in-person clinics, why she keeps her…
more -
5 spooky things happening in softball right now
In the spirit of Halloween week, I'm sharing five things happening in softball right now that I think deserve more attention. From the lack of baserunning IQ and intentional practice to how we're preparing athletes for failure, encouraging independent thinking, and navigating the pressures of...
-
Jen Schroeder: More Than a Catcher - Finding Your Voice & Owning Your Role
“If you want to get something done, ask the busiest person you know.” Former UCLA catcher turned entrepreneur, and founder of Jen Schro Catching, Jen Schroeder joins us to talk about finding your voice, leading with confidence, and developing a "figure it out" mentality both on and off the field....
-
Your Goals Don’t Care If You’re Motivated
Everybody has goals—but a goal is really just a dream with work boots on. In this slightly unhinged car-ride-home episode, Ashley gets real about the gap between SAYING you want something and actually doing the boring, uncomfortable, consistent work required to give yourself a chance at achieving...
-
“Born Ready”: The No’s, Heartbreak & Faith Behind Aubree Munro Watson’s Olympic Journey
Olympian and two-time National Champion Aubree Munro Watson returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, Born Ready: Making the Most of the Moments That Mark Our Lives. Aubree shares the “Born Ready moments” that shaped her journey — from being the quiet one and hearing “no” from coaches…
more -
Lead With Love: Rhonda Revelle on Leadership, Faith & Building Nebraska Softball
Nebraska Head Coach Rhonda Revelle joins When the Cleats Come Off for one of our deepest conversations on leadership yet. We talk about what it means to view leadership as service and what it looks like leading with love at the forefront, the staff and culture behind Nebraska’s historic run, the...
-
Colleen Fozkos: Train Her Like an Athlete - Strength, Speed & Movement
Former Notre Dame Softball Strength & Conditioning Coach Colleen Fozkos joins me to talk about what it REALLY takes to build stronger, faster, more athletic softball players. We dive into why young athletes should learn how to move and train properly, Colleen’s favorite strength movements for...
-
Bonnie Tholl and Carol Hutchins: What the elite of the ELITE are doing different
This week on When the Cleats Come Off, I'm joined by two of the most respected leaders in college softball—Michigan Head Coach Bonnie Tholl and legendary Hall of Fame coach Carol Hutchins. Recorded live at Amanda Schaefer's Fearless Warrior Mental Edge Experience just before the 2026 season, this...
-
Duke Baxter: How to LOVE being a coach, and be pretty good at it
I’d argue no one was meant to be a coach more than Duke Baxter and this interview is about to tell you exactly why. He not only helps athletes make it to their individual “next levels” but he knows how to coach the PERSON behind the athlete, which gets them to excel further than they could ever...
-
Kali Heivilin: Embrace who you are when you play the game
Pro softball player and Alabama standout Kali Heivilin joins the show for an honest conversation about the journey it took to finally play her freest, most confident softball during her senior season at Alabama, where she earned All-Region and All-SEC honors. We dive into the mindset shifts that...
-
From College Baseball to Softball's Biggest Fan: Agent P's Mission to Impact the Next Generation
love of the game started as a collegiate baseball player at Eastern Connecticut. In this episode, we talk hitting, coaching, player development, and the passion that drives him to help young baseball and softball athletes build confidence, improve their game, and truly fall in love with it. 🔗...
-
Rachel Becker: The most humble and consistent lead-off hitter of all time
What does it take to become one of the most consistent hitters in college softball history? All-American Rachel Becker shares the mindset, preparation, and daily habits that helped her become a record setting player and one of the toughest outs in the game. From navigating the transfer portal and...
-
2026 WCWS storylines, predictions, and how to LEARN the game while watching
Join me for a jam-packed episode to get you ready and excited for what’s to come in the 2026 WCWS as I give an extensive breakdown each team, some fun stories behind them and, most importantly, how to not just be a FAN while watching, but how to learn THE MOST while watching these prime-time...
-
The Joy Behind the Dominance with UCLA All-Time Great Jordan Woolery
This week on When the Cleats Come Off, UCLA star Jordan Woolery joins the show to talk about what’s fueled her dominance at the plate, how she’s learned to play with freedom and joy, and the mindset behind one of the biggest seasons of her career. Jordan opens up about confidence, pressure,...
-
THE BEST OF SEASON 5
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 — the motivation, the coaching nuggets, the practice ideas — all the stuff you’ll want in your back pocket this offseason. Join us for the Mental Edge Experience...
-
Training Tools My Hitters Love—and Why They Work
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, barrel feel, and confidence—without getting lost in mechanics. Direct link to my Amazon Storefront -...
-
Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body: Body Mirroring, Gratitude & Visualization with Mental Performance Coach, Amanda Schaefer
In this episode, Ashley sits down with mental skills coach, Amanda Shaefer, to explore three science-backed tools that can transform your mental game: body mirroring, gratitude, and visualization. You’ll learn how to build stronger connections through body language, rewire your brain through...
-
Let’s recap World Series Game 7…shall we?!
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 defense and big hits and, most importantly, selflessness beyond measure! Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community -...
-
Chris Vasami: Finding your non-negotiables as a player and leader
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 all things player and human development, from how to get the most out of yourself and those around you, how to keep your circle of influence small but...
-
You become who you’re surrounded by
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 (and my pro teammate) Lauren Haeger was that for me. Learn how she helped me level up MY game during a time I needed it most in this episode! Get $10...
-
How your RECOVERY will help you reach peak performance
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 old you are, if you aren’t intentional about taking care of YOU, you won’t be able to be at your best as often as you want to be. Join the When the...
-
4 discoveries I’ve made in the cages lately
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 geared towards elevating your athletes' training and the ownership of their swing. Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community -...
-
Rob Crews: Building a COMPLETE hitter
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 similarities of elite swings and how coaches can get more out of their hitters and OWN their strengths! Follow Rob Crews in Instagram - and…
more -
6 ways to attack your next practice
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 you can start attacking your practices so games will feel easy AND you’ll probably find yourself reaching new heights in your game faster than you...
-
Taylor Shumaker: Freshman dominance and playing free
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 award. Today, Taylor Shumaker is sharing what preparation led her to this position, her mindset when she’s competing in the box and what she looks...
-
No journey is cookie cutter [Re-Air]
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 same and it’s time to start owning yours instead of comparing it to others. Learn how to put yourself in the driver's seat to get to the destination of...
-
Trisha Hyde: Why softball needs more female coaches
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 of travel ball, why her Dad was one of her favorite coaches, what to emphasize when coaching a youth pitcher and also get to know what we can…
more -
10 things I miss most about travel ball
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 coaches helped create. Without such an incredible travel softball culture on my first team and elite National travel team, I truly believe I…
more -
Gray Robertson: The voice of Alabama Softball
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 make his debut on this podcast to reflect on all things Alabama Softball, how Patrick Murphy has one of the greatest cultures in college softball…
more -
It’s not my time…
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 perspective and just might give you enough motivation to be a little more present and own where you’re at, because you’re exactly where you’re supposed to…
more -
Erin Coffel: Even the best get BETTER
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 led by HC Patty Gasso, what it has been like working and training with Florida Softball in her off season, how she’s gone from not feeling like...
-
Alliance All-Star Game Recap!
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, Washington, UCLA, Notre Dame AND MORE! Learn more about Alliance Fastpitch - https://thealliancefastpitch.com/ Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off…
more -
Keirstin Roose: Overcoming hard things in pursuit of becoming your best self
Coastal Carolina Softball standout, Keirstin Rooose, shares her obsession of the game that started in northern Indiana, what her transfer portal journey was like to get her to commit to Georgia for her final season, how she’s overcome multiple knee and shoulder surgeries along with recently…
more -
Do it scared
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” putting in the work BUT consistency compiles, excuses are slowing us down and it’s ACTION that’s going to get us where we want to be in our game. Check out the...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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 -...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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/...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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…
more
About this show
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!
Hosted by
Ashley Burkhardt
Categories