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 in Michigan Jan 17th, 2026 here! - http://www.fearlesswarriorprogram.com/a/2148211589/4omeRLtk 

Check out our WTCCO merch store: https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/collections/new-when-the-cleats-come-off-collection 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684

Honorable Mention Episodes:

Ep. 222: 10 minute post-game reflection episode  - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000713420780 

Ep. 228: Erin Coffel: Even the best get BETTER - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000719776038 

Ep. 221: Bluey Episode: Cricket - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000712428011  

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Follow all things Ashley B Training:

Website - ashleybtraining.com 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

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 - https://www.amazon.com/shop/ashleybtraining?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_BJHK91BNQSJYEASC9MZM 

VUK Grips: Use code ASHLEY for their best deal -  https://vukgripz.com?bg_ref=MSpGpaTqlC

ZVTee: INSANE DEAL $75 off thru the Holidays! (CODE: ABT in the future!) - https://www.zvtee.com/

Miller Mat: Use code ASHLEY for 15% off! - https://themillermat.com/ 

CamWood Bats: Use code ABTRAIN for 20% off! - https://camwoodbats.com/products/softball-custom-hands-speed-trainer 

Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/085128cf-72c0-49ca-8085-703936c1c402/ 

Ep. 159 - Make the most of your off season by doing this - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8c823d0-a315-49f7-9011-bf18e763b250/ 

Ep. 114 - Chris Vasami: Make the MOST of this off-season - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e602311-a8cf-4365-a33e-0f874e9d736a/ 

Ep. 236 - Rob Crews: Building a COMPLETE hitter - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/257fb3dc-900a-4b92-8c69-a04947e79df3/ 

Head to the Ashley Burkhardt Training website - ashleybtraining.com 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining

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 gratitude, and mentally prepare for success before it even happens.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this conversation will help you play — and live — with more focus, confidence, and calm.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

    •    How body mirroring builds trust and confidence

    •    The science of gratitude and its impact on mindset

    •    Why visualization activates the same pathways as physical practice

    •    Simple ways to make these tools part of your daily routine

💡 Your Mental Challenge This Week:

1️⃣ Mirror someone’s body language and notice the shift.

2️⃣ Write down 3 things you’re grateful for.

3️⃣ Visualize your next moment of success before it happens.

Small shifts = big results. 💪

🔗 Connect with Amanda: https://www.facebook.com/fearlessfastpitchmentaltraining

🌐 Website: https://www.fearlesswarriorprogram.com/

📸 Instagram: @fearlessfastpitch

✨ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Which of the three — body mirroring, gratitude, or visualization — are you going to try first?

Let us know inside the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Tag @ashleybtraining on Instagram and share your biggest takeaway!

If this episode made you think differently about your mindset:

⭐ Leave a quick review

🎧 Follow the show for more mental game tips

📩 Share it with a teammate or coach who needs this message

Past episodes with Amanda:

Ep. 10 - How to create a “mental edge” with Fearless Fastpitch Founder Amanda Schaefer - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/304c6bde-2880-4bc8-b7d4-26ec40f40588/ 

Ep. 152 - Gaining the mental edge as a hitter: Recording from the Fearless Warrior Podcast w/ Mental Performance Coach, Amanda Schaefer - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c3332097-04b1-46ae-9194-55ee630f10b5/ 

Ep. 162 - Conquer your BIGGEST fear…and a BIG announcement! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bdf014fe-d735-4522-bced-b78ad4a61f13/

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 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 240 - Chris Vasami: How to find your non-negotiables as a player and leader - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/794d6d36-8400-4302-a125-08953739c1d3/ 

Ep. 11 - How to be your BIGGEST critic and your BIGGEST fan with Phillies Mental Skills Coach Hannah Huesman - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1a44bdf7-e580-4c39-b0e1-312ce84c8c65/ 

Ep. 202 - Why I LOVE MLB Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki…and why you should too! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7a476523-1512-46da-973f-8176c39d61f4/ 

Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/085128cf-72c0-49ca-8085-703936c1c402/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

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 strong and also how to attack some of our biggest fears as players.

Follow Chris on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisvasami/

Check out Chris’ website - https://www.vasamitraining.com/

Download Chris’ FOCUS PDF - https://files.captivate.fm/library/eeadc6ae-189f-4d60-8d20-eeda956f93f4/Vasami-Document-Front.pdf

Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 15 - Overcoming adversity with former Pro baseball player Chris Vasami - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww95cDFKIOE&t=398s 

Ep. 50 - Chris Vasami: 5 Hitting Myths - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-UzSLQp10&t=1892s 

Ep. 114 - Chris Vasami: Make the most of this off-season - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e602311-a8cf-4365-a33e-0f874e9d736a/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

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 off ABT and podcast merch! - https://ashley-b-training.myshopify.com/discount/podcast10 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:

Ep. 57 - Lauren Haeger:Coaching travel ball, playing with confidence and pro experience - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/16dba9c6-f6e6-4111-9a4c-53a48733b4f4/ 

Ep. 25 - Amanda Scarborough: How to become a more confident pitcher - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78faecde-88c1-4bdf-b2ac-c7fa8dd8898d/ 

Ep. 170 - Kevin Hinde: Breaking the stigma of travel ball - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/36ee63b6-a06d-4ac2-879d-6c5827a891d8/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

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 Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Learn more about the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:

Ep. 22 - How What You Eat Affects Your Performance with Non-Diet Dietitian Katie Hake - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/eb428627-b23d-408b-9a41-a11f7ad8c757/ 

Ep. 141 - Kaitlyn McNally: Maximize performance through nutrition - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c749c6e5-6eb5-4efe-8dd9-e9bc7fef0e97/ 

Ep. 44 - Katie Spada: How food can work FOR us and not against us! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/13c833b8-da15-4d4d-b46e-1c38571631df/ 

(Ep. 106 - Jennifer Schwartz: Injury prevention and active recovery techniques) -  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b1851732-16e3-41da-8a15-712e24c5215b/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

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.

Get 10% off Always Grind Notebooks with code ASHLEYB - https://alwaysgrind365.com/discount/ASHLEYB 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/085128cf-72c0-49ca-8085-703936c1c402/ 

Ep. 236 - Rob Crews: Building a COMPLETE hitter - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/257fb3dc-900a-4b92-8c69-a04947e79df3/ 

Ep. 187 - Hitting Mentality: Do’s and Don’ts - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c1bfa430-8c02-415c-a43a-74798ed8ddac/ 

Ep. 15 - Overcoming Adversity with former Pro Baseball Player Chris Vasami - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cb39a8c1-09f4-4b2e-b44e-ae131fd035d2/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining

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 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/completegame 

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Check out the SILVER and GOLD Virtual Hitting Academy Memberships - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 

Ashley Burkhardt Training Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 127- Erin Coffel: How she went from Midwest standout to an All-American in the SEC - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dbebe068-2a3a-4088-92de-63ffeffc91ad/ 

Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete, Part 1 of 2 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/085128cf-72c0-49ca-8085-703936c1c402/ 

Ep. 114 - Chris Vasami: Make the MOST of this off-season - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e602311-a8cf-4365-a33e-0f874e9d736a/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social: 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

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 ever thought you could.

Join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1073225329733684 

Get 10% off Always Grind Notebooks with code ASHLEYB - https://alwaysgrind365.com/discount/ASHLEYB 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Similar episodes from When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep. 215 - Dad chats: Coaching experience and practice planning with Scott Burkhardt - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0aba3293-7c1e-45d8-b6ec-2dfaf813b1d3/ 

Ep. 204 - Megan Rembielak (Meg Rem): Drills, drills, drills and getting the MOST out of your practices - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a6f06d04-a445-478a-a10a-7e48dc41e2ff/ 

Ep. 60 - Rachel Folden: How to master your swing and build a great relationship with your athlete - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/085128cf-72c0-49ca-8085-703936c1c402/ 

Ep. 26 - A SIT DOWN WITH MY ROLE MODEL - Caitlin Lowe - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f2a2bbc8-1ece-424d-b839-96d1b142ba7d/ 

Follow Ashley B Training on social:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQEV5CsE0jKP7PZn7Pr_uw 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining