When The Cleats Come Off

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!

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

RTabarango86

Parents, Coaches, Players, Listen Up…

…just recently came across this podcast and it’s been a favorite for my daughter and I to listen to. She’s 10 and I’ve been coaching her rec team for a couple seasons now, and I’ve gotta say, this podcast has it all! From advice, guidance, thoughtful discussions, and motivation, my daughter and I enjoy listening and talking about this podcast. We’re going back and starting from the beginning. Get a pen and paper, notes are invaluable! Thank you, Ashley!
Mick4825

Favorite podcast

Thank you for all the great softball content. The MegRem episode gave me another great resource as a softball coach and Dad.
Addi knisley

Podcast review

Ashley’s Podcast is an incredible resource for athletes looking to elevate their game!! As a listener, I found the podcast to be both informative and motivational. Ashley’s in-depth knowledge of softball, combined with her ability to bring on knowledgeable athletes of all ages, helped me gain a deeper understanding of the sport. From technical tips on hitting, to advice on mindset and teamwork, every episode offers something valuable that everyone can take something out of it! What truly stood out to me was how relatable and actionable the advice was!
AkLolly

So fun to listen to!

I am so glad that I stumbled upon this podcast. Ashley provides a wide variety of interesting softball content. Love hearing from her different guests as well!
Ryan Bell Softballgirldad#LB4

The Jocelyn Alo of Podcasts!!

I started working a overnight second job to assist with lessons and the select softball journey for my now 10YO daughter. Somehow I stumbled across this podcast and boy!! Was it like finding an unlimited treasure map. I go back and forth between new episodes and episodes from the start! This has provided so much knowledge for a myself as a father and I’ve even got my daughter listening on the way to lessons/practices ( shout out AJ Andrews and all the other fantastic role models you’ve had on). Thank you for providing the ultimate resource to help us stay weird and prepare for when the cleats come off!!
Cat is me

Best podcast ever

Started listening to this after your clinic recently. So beneficial to me as a younger athlete and I love it. Also AB is the best initials!!
Tracy Willemssen

I’m addicted

I found your show three days ago and have been binge listening ever since. I have learned more from you in the past three days than I have in the 5 years my daughter has been playing. I found you at such a critical time as she is just entering the recruitment process as a high school freshman. It is so refreshing to find a role model that is a talented athlete, a Christian and someone who is not afraid to say hard things!!
Sluis64

Fantastic Evergreen Episodes

Ashley does a great job informing us parents on things we need to know and how to better prepare our athletes for what comes next. Her perspective, being a former Professional Athlete, is incredibly valuable and inspiring to my daughter. My daughter loves the pitching interviews, especially with Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott, being a pitcher herself. I’ve gained incredible insight into coaching youth girls in comparison to youth boys and used several of the coaching interviews as tools for my personal growth. I cannot recommend highly enough!! Great job Ashley B, and keep ‘em coming!!
FtW Mark

My recruiting story

Great topic Ashley. As I listened to my first pod cast it was very ironic that I was on the way back to Ft. Wayne from my daughters hitting coach in Muncie. We are like you and your dad. A lot of softball conversations during hours of windshield time. Keep up the good work. I will for sure be listening to more. Mark E Hoeppner
Pin_Addict

Real, Authentic, and Amazing!

I love hearing Ashley’s perspective on all things softball and life. She does an amazing job of pulling back the curtain, asking really good questions, and bringing important topics to light!
Viv the Ace

Best Podcast Ever

This podcast is very informative. As a B level pitcher I get a lot of advice from this podcast. I want to be the best pitcher I can be and I think continuing to listen will make me better.
Sajori2003

Love this podcast!!

Me and my daughter always listen to your podcasts to every practice and tournament it always puts us in a good mindset thank you!!!
Lz5er

So much beneficial information

My daughter has big dreams, and I can’t even tell you how but I came across this podcast, but I started it from the beginning and I have learned SO MUCH as a parent. I am almost caught up and it’s only been a few months! There is so much beneficial and helpful information and tips from Ashley for getting to college and beyond; along with helping mental health in the game. So glad I found this pod!
chadNH

Honest, Actionable, Disruptive

Ashley covers a wide variety of topics on her podcast and whether you are a player, parent, or coach you will be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t leave you motivated with specific actions to make yourself better. Ashley and her guests are always positive, honest, and unafraid to challenge you to get out of your comfort zone to truly set and reach big goals. Disruptive in a very positive way.
Rusty Shackle-ford

More please!

My favorite softball podcast, hands down.
BMHcookie18

AWESOME PODCAST

I love listening to Ashley every night before bed. I (no joke) have a ENTIRE notebook dedicated to this podcast! I absolutely would recommend this to any softball players,parents, and coaches! Keep up the good work!
jennimpact

For players and coaches!

Ashley is fantastic and loves helping her softball community thrive! Great podcast
#34#16 dad

Grateful and glued to this podcast!!!

I’m always in search for a podcast that will help me, help my kids and other kids i interact with. A lot are very hard to listen to because because the hosts voice is blah, Ashley draws you in with her sincere love for the game(mentally and physically). 5 stars
Holly Hensley

Pure gold

Ashley’s insight is pure gold for parents, coaches, & athletes. You get real life applicable information AND you get a rare look into how the biggest names in softball think about the sport.
theooracle

Great podcast for those softball travels

My daughter and I spend a lot of time in the car. Being in a small town we get to travel for practice, lessons, and of course tourneys. We just found our favorite podcast. Two down already and she is wanting to listen to two on the way home! Keep up the great work!
Bryan🐘🥎

Awesome Softball Knowledge!!

As a travel dad, this podcast is just amazing free advice! Everything my daughter and I are going through is covered here. Love the mindfulness episode, plz keep them coming!!
Ikua

The episode I’ve been waiting for

Love the perspective Ashley brings with her first hand experience is tremendous. But she decided to interview her dad Scott. Let’s just be honest about who’s listening to these podcast, parents and coaches. Scott’s account of Ashley’s journey and the times they spent together is a treat to my ears. I’m a softball dad as well and love to hear what other parents did or are doing with their athletes. Thanks for everything your doing Ashley. Aloha 🤙🏾
Vikes42

Binge worthy!

If you are a parent of a daughter that loves softball I recommend going back and listening to all the episodes. Great discussions and information to help you and your daughter as she grows in the game. I can’t even count how many times I stopped and thought my daughter needs to hear this… thanks Ashley! Keep up the great work!
shortside option

Making a Triple Threat

Love your Podcast and all the information future episode idea Making a Triple Threat.
Welsh Fam

The best advice, hands down!

Ashley gives the best advice for athletes of all ages, from little league to the college-level. Her honesty and authenticity make her so relatable as a mentor. The topics that she discusses on the podcast, such as mental toughness and attitude, are essential to learning at a young age. I always have more tips to take-away after each episode that I can implement into my game to take it to the next level. I love listening every week!
Bren82001

So Good!

This podcast has become a family favorite! Listening to it helps my daughter feel stronger in her mental game and it has opened my eyes to things I never thought about where softball is concerned. We seriously can’t get enough and are always excited when a new podcast comes out. If you have a daughter who loves the game of softball you must check it out.
stiawc

Great

Love all the wisdom she shares and listening to the experiences she has had. Great softball podcast
bella#26

Awesome and have learned so much

I love listening to this podcast each week! I have learned so much from Coach Ashley and I can’t wait to learn more!
isabella_the_oly

It’s Isabella

When the cleats come off is a great podcast and gives tons of insight on a large array of topics. One of my favorite episodes surprise surprise was the Amanda Scarbourgh confident pitcher podcast. To hear the talk about what it takes to be both mentally strong and physically and how you use the fails to make yourself better was amazing. That is a really brief part of the depth they go into on here. The thing I do like allot is that Ashley just sounds like any of us getting to sit down with our biggest hero’s. It’s crazy to know she is one of the greatest all around athletes when she freaks out interviewing some of her own idols.
bella_dixon

Love these!

Love these podcasts! Great to listen to in your free time. Definitely recommend!!!!
lebowski1981

This is great!!!!

Such a great podcast really love the insight and the conversation!
Softabll mom

Love your podcast

Thank for your all wisdom, knowledge and advice on everything softball. As a parent your content is both valuable to me and my daughters as we navigate this fun and competitive sport! Can’t wait to hear more!
Softballgirl1210

Amazing Conversations!

Coach Ashley is always finding topics that some athletes don’t think deeply about! She is always giving me new ideas to help me with my softball grind EVERYDAY and she is looking to help athletes better themselves! Absolutely love her, she’s amazing!
Joethompson14

Love this Podcast

I just listened to your interview with Morgan Stuart and all I can say is WOW!!! I can’t wait to jump in and listen to more of your episodes.
bellaxdixon

Amazing!!

Coach Ashley has great podcasts! She does an amazing job of explaining her path and what she did to become the athlete she is today. Every time I have listened I find something new to work on to better myself. Not only does she just help players she also helps the coaches and parents through these podcasts. Definitely recommend listening, you will NOT be disappointed!!!
Alioopie11

Supporting her dream

The content Ashley shares are great lessons both on and off the field for my daughter. These young athletes will be so far ahead of the game learning the mental tools she provides in her podcasts to compliment the physical skills they are working on in practice.
mommmaof3

5 STARS

Coach Ashley and her message needs to be heard! She continues to empower young athletes with practical knowledge and tools to elevate your game. Thank you, Coach!
ajcol269

Great info

As a parent it’s good to hear the perspective from an experienced player. I’m looking forward to more episodes to not only benefit my daughter but for me to be more supportive of her ❤️
diamantefish

Ashley

Thank you for this, we will put it to work.