Best Softball Tips Podcasts (2025)

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14 – Home Runs, Hustle & Hollywood Hopes

4d ago

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Home Runs, Hustle & Hollywood Hopes Home Runs, Hustle & Hollywood Hopes lights up this episode of The SLIDE Podcast as 10-year-old Mikey Tolentino from Santa Clarita, California, shares his big-league aspirations. A standout first baseman for TBI National 10U Gold, Mikey’s love for the game is as strong as his belief in himself, on and off the fiel…

1
Help with right size bat / Travel players in rec ball / How much enthusiasm is too much? / Eliminate slow pitching excuse 44:00

6d ago44:00

44:00

This week's Lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Help with finding the right size bat (@14:35) Never ending discussion on travel players playing rec ball (@19:14) How much enthusiasm is too much? (@30:29) Eliminate I hate slow pitching excuse (@35:12) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 13 32:29

6d ago32:29

32:29

In Week 13, Samu & Halo discuss the excitement surrounding the SEC tournament, analyze team performances, and reflect on the importance of mental health in softball. They explore pitching strategies, the dynamics of mid-major teams, and make predictions for the postseason. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of the season and the joy o…

1
Dad Chats: Raising three D1 athletes with Scott Burkhardt 30:28

7d ago30:28

30:28

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 “sof…

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Megan Grant: Mental Focus & Strategy 28:25

11d ago28:25

28:25

This week, Halo & Samu interview UCLA softball star Megan Grant. They discuss her impressive athletic achievements, the transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, and her inspirations in sports. Megan shares her experiences as a multi-sport athlete, the origin of her nickname 'Chef', and her approach to social media as an athlete. The conversation …

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13 – Built Different, Powered by Grit

11d ago

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Built Different, Powered by Grit Built Different, Powered by Grit kicks off with a powerful return from the Twinstripe Reporters and TrippDog, bringing their baseball energy and signature fun to the mic. This time, they welcome 14-year-old Hayden Clark, a young athlete whose resilience and heart set him apart in every way. From the moment Hayden sh…

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Do you have to be a super star to be recruited? / Mad Dad Syndrome / Coaches Communicate / Teach Sliding 41:52

13d ago41:52

41:52

Warmup Segment Listener Question: Does a player have to be a super star to be recruited? (@12:22) Mad Dad Syndrome (@20:34) Coaches communicate properly (@31:29) Teach Sliding (@35:18) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 12 48:07

13d ago48:07

48:07

In this episode of BH&B, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in college softball, including Oklahoma's impressive performance, the selection of the USA National Team, and the dynamics of coaching and player roles. They discuss the struggles of Tennessee, the turnaround of Auburn, and the rise of Arkansas. The conversation also touches on pl…

1
Dad chats: Coaching experience and practice planning with Scott Burkhardt 48:30

13d ago48:30

48:30

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 l…

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Bri Ellis: The Power of Self-Talk 27:11

18d ago27:11

27:11

This week, Halo & Samu interview Bri Ellis, a standout player from the University of Arkansas. They discuss her impressive statistics, her mindset shift towards a more relaxed approach to hitting, and the importance of self-talk and mental health in sports. Bri shares her journey through the transfer portal, her experiences at Auburn, and how she f…

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12 – All Gas, No Brakes: Kalea & Jace Bring the Heat

18d ago

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All Gas, No Brakes: Kalea & Jace Bring the Heat Sibling Stars Making Waves in Youth Baseball and Softball All Gas, No Brakes sets the stage for a high-octane episode featuring Kalea and Jace Winston—siblings who are proving that talent, work ethic, and leadership can all run in the family. Hosted by Coach Aaron with co-hosts Banana Jake and Lily Sc…

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Can we save college sports? / High School Politics / Rec and travel issues / Greatest coaches of all time 41:57

20d ago41:57

41:57

Warmup Segment Listener Question: Can we save college sports? (@10:55) High School Politics (@18:29) Rec and travel issues (@27:41) Greatest coaches of all time (@35:19) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 11 30:49

20d ago30:49

30:49

In this episode of Base Hits & Banter, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in college softball, focusing on key matchups, standout performances, and the dynamics of the SEC. They discuss the intense LSU vs Texas series, Florida's resurgence, Oklahoma's bounce-back performance, and the implications of record attendance at a Stanford vs Cal g…

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Justin McLeod: Way too early D1 softball predictions, Part 2 of 2 36:56

20d ago36:56

36:56

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://d1softba…

1
Taylor Shumaker: Finding The Balance 27:46

25d ago27:46

27:46

In this week's episode, Taylor Shoemaker, a standout freshman at the University of Florida, shares her journey in college softball, discussing her transition from high school to the competitive SEC environment. She emphasizes the importance of mental approach, dealing with failure, and the support from teammates and coaches. Taylor also shares her …

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11 – Jakobi Davis: Fueled by Love, Focused on the Game

25d ago

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Jakobi Davis: Fueled by Love, Focused on the Game Jakobi Davis: Fueled by Love, Focused on the Game opens with an emotional tribute to a mother’s influence and blossoms into a powerful story of growth, leadership, and relentless baseball drive. In this episode of The SLIDE Podcast, Coach Aaron and young field reporters dive into a conversation that…

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Comments on lack of pitchers / Feedback on Rec League participation / California players / Pre-game routine 35:46

27d ago35:46

35:46

This week's lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Comments about lack of pitchers (@8:24) Feedback about travel ball players participating in Rec Leagues (@16:12) Why so many California players in college (@24:25) Have a pre-game routine (@30:22) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 10 36:15

27d ago36:15

36:15

This week, Halo & Samu dive into the exciting world of college softball, discussing the latest games, standout performances, and coaching philosophies. They highlight Texas A&M's unexpected sweep of LSU, the importance of hard work and dedication in the sport, and the historic rivalry between Alabama and Oklahoma. The conversation also touches on t…

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Justin McLeod: Way too early D1 softball predictions, Part 1 of 2 46:24

27d ago46:24

46:24

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 Justi…

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Amanda Lorenz: The Power of Passion & Determination 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

This week on Base Hits & Banter, Amanda Lorenz shares her journey as a professional softball player, reflecting on her experiences from college to Team USA and the new Athletes Unlimited league. She discusses the importance of passion, hard work, and the lessons learned from her coach, Tim Walton, while also emphasizing the growth of the sport and …

1
Mental training for players and psychological intervention for parents / 11 inch ball to the 12 inch ball / Rec ball / Plan for all player's needs 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

This week's Lineup Warmup Segment Listener Statement: Mental training for players and psychological intervention for parents (@12:57) Transitioning from the 11 inch ball to the 12 inch ball (@21:47) What's happened to Rec ball (@32:34) Plan for all player's needs not an isolated one (@44:36) Support the show…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 9 30:33

1M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode, hosts Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney dive into the latest happenings in college softball, discussing thrilling matchups, standout performances, and the evolving landscape of the sport. They reflect on the Arkansas vs. Florida series, Alabama's struggles against LSU, and Iowa's impressive upset. The conversation also touches on the…

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An open letter to my first born… 18:22

1M ago18:22

18:22

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.…

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Karlyn Pickens: Redefining The Game 22:55

1M ago22:55

22:55

This week, Karlyn Pickens — who recently broke the record for fastest pitch in NCAA softball history — shares her journey as a standout college softball player, discussing her experiences, challenges, and aspirations. From her intense competition against teams like Oklahoma to her development as a pitcher, Karlyn emphasizes the importance of teamwo…

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Impact of NCAA changes / Great Mechanics-Poor Performance / Parents to parents politics / Rundown disasters 1:07:47

1M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

This week's lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: What impact will all the new NCAA changes on the horizon have? (@18:35) Great hitting mechanics, but fails in a game (@30:51) Managing parents to parents politics (@45:08) Rundown disasters (@56:01) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 8 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

This week, Samu & Halo recap an exciting weekend in college softball, discussing key matchups, standout performances, and the impact of technology on the game. They highlight the Tennessee vs. Oklahoma series, Alabama's resilience, South Carolina's surprising rise, Virginia Tech's sweep over Stanford, and Mississippi State's upset against Texas. Th…

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Sports Performance Coach Paige Rose: From D1 softball pitching to the U.S. Marine Corps 56:48

1M ago56:48

56:48

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 athle…

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Tirades don't work 8:46

2M ago8:46

8:46

Coach Tory shares a situation where he had to listen to a coach go into a tirade with his team. This is not how to coach especially early in the season. Listen as the coaches discuss this type of behavior. Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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Tracy Morgan: Community Impact in Sports 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

This week, Sam Fischer and guest host Amanda Lorenz welcome Tracy Morgan, the commissioner of USA Softball of Alabama. They discuss Tracy's extensive journey in softball, her community engagement through various tournaments, and the importance of giving back to the community. Tracy shares memorable moments from her experiences, advice for tournamen…

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Age cutoff changes and tryouts / College observations / Spend wisely / Teach skills correctly 53:21

2M ago53:21

53:21

This week's lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Age cutoff changes may be affecting tryout situation (@14:44) College season observations (@24:00) Spend your money wisely (@38:29) Teach skills correctly from the beginning (@45:43) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 7 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

In Week 7, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in the world of softball, discussing key matchups, standout performances, and the evolving landscape of women's sports. They analyze Missouri's surprising victory over Oklahoma, Alabama's competitive spirit, Liberty's quiet dominance, and the challenges faced by Auburn and Duke. The conversatio…

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How to practice to COMPETE at the plate (and beyond!) 37:13

2M ago37:13

37:13

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…

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Have a plan to handle your roster 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

In today's environment in the travel ball world, it is imperative that a coach have a strategy/plan on handling their lineup. And it needs to be communicated to the players and parents and be adhered to if you want to have to a better experience. Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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Chris Sebren: Inside USA Softball 26:30

2M ago26:30

26:30

This week, Halo & Samu welcome back Chris Sebren, the Chief Sport Development and Performance Officer for USA Softball. They discuss Chris's role and responsibilities, the High Performance Program, the growth of softball internationally, the rise of men's fast pitch, and preparations for the upcoming 2028 Olympics. Chris shares insights on the sele…

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Can tryouts already be a problem? / Playing in a football stadium / Eating better / Do they understand us? 52:30

2M ago52:30

52:30

This week's Lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Fallout from trying out for next year's team already this year (@16:04) Stanford playing in football stadium (@27:57) Eating better at tournaments (@38:30) Communicating with language, phrases and vocabulary that matches your player's level (@44:39) Support the show…

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 6 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

In Week 6, Halo & Samu recap the latest happenings in college softball, highlighting standout performances, team dynamics, and emerging programs. They discuss the dominance of Oklahoma, the surprising performance of Texas, and the struggles of Auburn. The conversation also touches on coaching changes, NCAA leaders, and predictions for the SEC and N…

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Skylar Wallace: Mastering the voice inside your head 43:11

2M ago43:11

43:11

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.ins…

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Player Communication 10:38

2M ago10:38

10:38

Coaches - You must have a player to player communication system, practice it and make sure it is implemented. Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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Samu & Halo: The Pressure of Performance 22:13

2M ago22:13

22:13

Join host Haylie McCleney and Sam Fischer as they dive into the complexities of mental health in sports, particularly in softball. They discuss the pressures athletes face during the season, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the necessity of being present in the moment. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-belief…

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Take a called first strike? / Cool idea for softball / Observation at the ball park & glove care / Teaching pitchers to attack the zone 50:54

2M ago50:54

50:54

This week's Lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Taking a called first strike? (@12:58) Cool development in college softball (@24:08) Observations at the ball park and glove care (@39:03) Teaching pitchers to attack the zone (@41:41) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 5 30:32

2M ago30:32

30:32

This week, Halo & Samu discuss the latest happenings in college softball, including weekend game recaps, standout performances, and the impact of conference realignment. They analyze team dynamics, coaching changes, and highlight individual players making waves in the sport. The conversation also touches on the excitement of unpredictable game outc…

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Morgan Stuart “The Real Work”: Failure can be a TOOL rather than a fear 1:04:09

2M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

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 “…

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A coach's dilemma 14:46

2M ago14:46

14:46

We teach our players to wipe off/forget a mistake and not let it affect our performance in the game. But we don't really want them to forget it, because mistakes are how we learn and identify what we need to practice. The discussion today is how to handle this dilemma. Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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Kim Ng: Breaking Barriers 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

This week, Kim Ng, the first female general manager in Major League Baseball, shares her inspiring journey through the sports industry, her experiences in baseball and softball, and the importance of persistence and teamwork. She discusses the challenges she faced as a trailblazer, offers valuable advice for aspiring sports professionals, and highl…

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SEC have all 8 teams at CWS? / Reaction-Does any player chose to become a pitcher only? / Helping catchers improve throwing / Patience 44:49

2M ago44:49

44:49

This week's Lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Could the SEC have all 8 teams at the CWS? (@13:27) Reaction to the question Does any player chose to be a pitcher only? (@21:15) Helping catchers to improve their throwing (@30:12) Art of patience (@38:01) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 4 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

This week, Halo and Samu dive into an exciting week of college softball, discussing recent matchups, standout performances, and the growth of women's sports. They highlight the thrilling UCLA vs. Arizona game, the impressive start of South Carolina, and the surprising upsets in the league. The conversation also touches on Coach Tim Walton's milesto…

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Body Language: It matters more than you think 48:08

2M ago48:08

48:08

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://you…

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Hitters and pitchers need practice against each other 13:20

2M ago13:20

13:20

Especially early in the season our pitchers need practice against hitters and hitters need to see some live pitching. The coaches discuss the need and some options to make this happen. Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

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Kyla Holas: Unlocking Potential 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

In this week's episode, Halo and Samu interview Kyla Holas, the head coach of the USA Softball Junior Women's National Teams. They discuss her coaching philosophy, the importance of identifying intangibles in young athletes, and the development opportunities provided by the HPP program. Kyla shares insights on evaluating athletes, the mental aspect…

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Pitchers are hitting! / Reverse daddy ball / Bracket ready pitcher / Compete with yourself 1:00:49

3M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

This week's Lineup Warmup Segment Listener Question: Feedback from "praise loudly, criticize quietly" (@17:11) Pitcher's are hitting (@28:56) Follow up to reverse daddy ball (@29:58) What is a bracket ready pitcher? (@46:57) Compete with yourself (@56:23) Support the showBy Tory Acheson & Don McKinlay

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Softball Tips Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen