What It Takes

About What It Takes

What It Takes with Coach Marla Townsend and Paul Reddick is a weekly podcast for softball players, parents, and coaches. Each episode explores the mindset, skills, habits, and experiences required to reach the next level, achieve your goals, and become your best on and off the field.

Publisher

Paul Reddick

Category

education · kids & family · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Jun 2026

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Ep. 13: How Leigh Streetman Builds Champions Beyond Softball

   This one was personal for Coach Marla. Years ago, Marla coached Leigh Streetman at UAB, watched her grow from a freshman into a leader, and says she knew early on that Leigh would eventually become a coach herself. Today, Leigh is the Head Softball Coach at Mississippi Christian University, and she's passing many of those same lessons on to the next generation. In this episode of What It Takes, Leigh talks about building a program around a simple philosophy: Person first. Athlete second. She explains why her players sometimes practice at 5:30 in the morning, how she helps high-achieving student-athletes separate school pressure from softball, and why her team's "Think Gold" mentality extends far beyond wins and losses. Leigh and Marla also revisit some incredible memories from their UAB days, including the 2013 NCAA postseason run, a 13-inning battle with UCLA, a bases-loaded strikeout, and the walk-off hit from a player who was 0-for-6 and had asked to be taken out of the game. Leigh also gets very specific about what she looks for in recruits, the body language that can immediately change her opinion of a player, why she's cautious about building through the transfer portal, and why relationships and difficult conversations are essential to great teams. She also shares her growing mission to get Division II and Division III softball athletes the stage and attention they deserve. For Coach Marla, this episode is also a chance to see something every coach hopes for: A former player taking the lessons she was given and passing them on. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 - Coach Marla introduces former UAB pitcher and Mississippi Christian University Head Coach Leigh Streetman. 01:16 - Why Leigh's team sometimes starts practice at 5:30 AM. 02:02 - Coaching high-achieving student-athletes and working around demanding academic schedules. 04:21 - "Leave it at the gate." Creating a place where players can focus completely on softball. 05:07 - Leigh's coaching philosophy: Person first. Athlete second. 06:17 - The team reads The Champion Mindset and develops its Think Gold mentality. 07:06 - Competitive. Pride. Relentless. Family. Excellence. The UAB core values Leigh still carries with her. 09:08 - What Leigh learned about leadership from her own teammates. 10:16 - You don't have to be best friends with every teammate, but you do have to know how to communicate with them. 12:31 - Why players should solve problems with each other before coaches ever become involved. 14:17 - Leigh's candid thoughts about the transfer portal and preserving a program's culture. 15:08 - Why players who truly want to be there become the foundation of a program. 16:16 - What was it really like playing for Coach Marla? 17:05 - The practice punishment Leigh never forgot and why her players always grab the rake now. 18:12 - Make practices hard so games feel easy. 19:25 - Going back to UAB's unforgettable 2013 NCAA postseason run. 20:43 - Bases loaded against UCLA and the strikeout Leigh still remembers. 21:31 - The 0-for-6 hitter who wanted to come out of the game and then delivered the walk-off hit. 23:20 - "We are not losing this freaking game." 24:13 - Why Leigh remembers the bond of that team more than the actual wins. 25:07 - The bullpen session when Leigh realized she wanted to become a coach. 27:26 - Leigh's new mission: getting Division II and Division III softball more recognition. 29:33 - Why Leigh believes the Division II World Series deserves television exposure. 32:29 - Building a coaching staff with people who are invested in the program and willing to challenge you. 35:14 - What does Leigh look for when recruiting a future Mississippi Christian University player? 37:54 - The recruiting red flags that can immediately change Leigh's opinion of an athlete. 38:02 - Why poor body language after a home run, walk, or bad call matters. 38:32 - What a player's response after striking out tells a college coach. 38:43 - Why eye contact with a coach matters more than players realize. 39:56 - Leigh's advice to young coaches: Give yourself grace. 41:56 - Going from longtime assistant coach to head coach almost overnight. 43:26 - The lineup-card mistake in Leigh's first conference series as a head coach. 44:38 - What players and parents don't understand about the life of a college coach. 45:22 - Film, scouting reports, 2 AM bus rides, 8 AM meetings, and why the job never really stops. 46:57 - Practicing the championship celebration before the championship ever happens. 47:26 - "Everything happens twice." Helping athletes see what's possible before they achieve it. 48:48 - Coach Marla reflects on watching Leigh grow from a young player into a coach influencing an entirely new generation. 50:23 - How to connect with Leigh and Mississippi Christian University Softball. Connect With Coach Leigh Streetman Mississippi Christian University Softball GoChoctaws.com Coach Leigh Streetman Head Coach, Mississippi Christian University Softball Email: lstreetman@mc.edu (mailto:lstreetman@mc.edu) Program Social Media: @GoChoctawsSB Leigh on X/Twitter: @leigh_streetman Facebook: Choctaw Athletics Resources Mentioned In The Episode The Champion Mindset: An Athlete's Guide to Mental Toughness By Joanna Zeiger Macmillan / St. Martin's Griffin Connect With Coach Marla Townsend Coach Marla Townsend: MarlaTownsend.com COMPETE Performance Hub: Available through MarlaTownsend.com

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Fall In Love With Your Story | ESPN's Lauren Sisler

   Description Most people know Lauren Sisler as the Emmy Award-winning ESPN sideline reporter with the infectious energy and her now-famous Sideline Shimmy. But behind that smile is a story few people could imagine. At 18 years old, while competing as a gymnast at Rutgers University, Lauren received a phone call telling her that her mother had died. She immediately flew home expecting her father to meet her at the airport. He never arrived. Lauren learned that he had died just hours after her mother. Both had been fighting a hidden battle with prescription drug addiction. In this episode of What It Takes, Lauren joins Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend for a powerful conversation about grief, addiction, shame, resilience, faith, family, athletics, and ultimately finding joy again. Lauren explains how she spent years trying to understand what happened to her parents, the lessons they gave her during the 18 years she had with them, and why learning to take ownership of her entire story eventually set her free. She also shares the unexpected origin of her Sideline Shimmy, why even the most polished people on television still get nervous, and how dancing became her own way of grounding herself before going live. Lauren also opens up about losing her brother, the newly formed Sisler Family Foundation, and the mission behind her book Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy). Her message is one every athlete, coach, parent, and person going through a difficult season needs to hear: The cracks in our lives aren't proof of weakness. They're proof that we've lived, we've fought, and we're still fighting. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Coach Marla introduces ESPN reporter, author, former Rutgers gymnast, and longtime friend Lauren Sisler. 01:05 – What the words "What It Takes" mean to Lauren. 04:22 – The 5'9" gymnast who kept hearing "no" until Rutgers had one scholarship left. 06:49 – Leaving Virginia for Rutgers and learning how to survive eight hours away from home. 07:45 – The phone call that changed Lauren's life forever. 08:13 – Lauren flies home after learning her mother died, only to discover her father had died hours later. 10:34 – Looking back at her father's alcoholism and the things Lauren couldn't understand as a child. 12:17 – More than 300 prescribed narcotics and the questions Lauren was left trying to answer. 15:09 – How prescription medication, depression, PTSD, and addiction collided inside her family. 18:23 – Coach Marla asks Lauren what she carries with her from her mother and father. 19:22 – How Lauren transformed painful experiences into a positive influence on other people. 21:18 – "You only had your parents for 18 years, but you lived 50 years with them." 22:15 – The gymnastics argument that taught Lauren accountability and ownership. 24:16 – The lesson her parents gave her: you have to make the choice to do better. 25:30 – How Lauren handles nerves before going live on national television. 27:25 – The surprising discovery that dancing was Lauren's grounding technique. 28:00 – Why everyone gets nervous, even the people who make performing look effortless. 28:38 – How the Sideline Shimmy was born. 31:01 – Lauren discovers that the stadium cameras had been recording her dancing before games. 31:54 – Why connecting with players and hearing their stories matters more than the television hit. 33:18 – Social media, AI, and Lauren's frustration with a world full of manufactured authenticity. 33:58 – Helping people find joy through the hard, hurt, and heartache. 34:28 – What does it take to get back up when everything tells you to quit? 35:10 – Lauren introduces the newly formed Sisler Family Foundation. 36:03 – Losing her brother and how his battle with alcoholism changed Lauren's mission again. 37:54 – "I'm the last one standing." 38:02 – Coach Marla's powerful message to Lauren: "You choose to dance." 38:48 – The story behind the title Shatterproof. 40:29 – "Someone takes a baseball bat to your life and shatters it into a million pieces." 41:27 – How Lauren honors her parents and brother before every game she covers. 43:07 – The cracks in our lives aren't proof of weakness. They're proof that we've lived and fought. 43:30 – How to connect directly with Lauren. 46:45 – Lauren's book, audiobook, and why she chose to narrate it herself. 47:16 – Lauren's final message: Fall in love with your story and find your Sideline Shimmy. Connect With Lauren Sisler Lauren's Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/ (https://www.laurensisler.com/) Lauren specifically invites listeners to use the contact form on her website. She says those messages come directly to her. Shatterproof: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-book-shatterproof-lauren-sisler (https://www.laurensisler.com/my-book-shatterproof-lauren-sisler) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurensisler (https://www.instagram.com/laurensisler) Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenSisler (https://x.com/LaurenSisler) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler/ (https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler/) Lauren also has a newsletter you can join through LaurenSisler.com. Shatterproof Audiobook: Lauren narrates the audiobook herself. It is available through major audiobook platforms, including Audible and other audio services. Sisler Family Foundation: Lauren shares in the episode that she and her husband have officially formed the Sisler Family Foundation, with more details to come. Connect With Coach Marla Townsend Coach Marla Townsend: https://marlatownsend.com/ (https://marlatownsend.com/)

3. 

   27 Sept 2026

   Ep. 11 -- Softball's Next Superstar Coach - Morgan Royer, Monmouth University

   Description Every once in a while, you finish a podcast and immediately know you just talked to someone special. That's exactly how Coach Marla Townsend and I felt after this conversation with Morgan Royer, Head Softball Coach at Monmouth University. We were blown away. Morgan has the presence, clarity, competitiveness, emotional intelligence, and ability to connect with players that you see in coaches who are going to become major names in the game. In this episode of What It Takes, Morgan talks about what she's building at Monmouth, how she is creating a winning culture from scratch, what she really looks for when recruiting players, and why the intangibles matter every bit as much as talent. She explains why she sometimes needs to see a recruit fail before she knows what she has, what makes certain players impossible to stop watching, how she balances high standards with real relationships, and why she believes players need to see the human side of their coach. She also shares the goal Monmouth has put in front of itself this season: Push 30. Thirty wins, a trip to the CAA playoffs, and the belief that they can compete for a championship. By the time we finished this conversation, Coach Marla and I both felt the same way: We may have just talked to softball's next superstar coach. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Meet Monmouth University Head Coach Morgan Royer. 01:03 – How to contact Morgan and why she still uses Twitter/X as a recruiting and communication tool. 02:14 – Where culture starts: compete and believe you can win. 04:19 – Recruiting her first full freshman class and selling players on a vision. 05:53 – "I need you to be the rock and level the standard." 07:53 – What Morgan actually looks for when she's watching recruits. 08:25 – The player you simply can't stop watching and why intangibles matter. 10:16 – The "aliveness" factor: hustle, energy, connection, and taking pride in the little things. 11:34 – Why Morgan wants to see recruits fail and what their reaction tells her. 12:00 – The talented freshman who needed to learn how to handle failure. 15:27 – Why developing strong young women is the real reason Morgan coaches. 18:03 – Morgan never planned on becoming a coach and how she found the profession she was meant for. 21:45 – Coaching a player through emotion instead of trying to eliminate what makes her special. 25:17 – Game management: when to coach details and when to focus on energy and effort. 28:34 – The 10-inning game that showed Morgan her team's culture was finally changing. 31:52 – Why Morgan decided her players needed to see a more vulnerable side of their head coach. 32:15 – Working out and doing Pilates with the team: "I'll struggle with you and I'll fight for you." 35:35 – The growing responsibilities of a Division I head coach beyond softball. 37:20 – Morgan's social media test for players: "Would your grandmom approve?" 38:39 – "I want to be the best team on campus." Why academics are part of Monmouth's standard. 42:31 – Why college coaches sometimes feel more like therapists than coaches. 43:30 – Push 30: the goal that made Morgan's players' eyes light up. 44:40 – Turning one huge goal into dozens of small wins players can see every day. 47:14 – Morgan's two requirements for accomplishing something big: believe it's possible and work your butt off for it. 49:00 – Final thoughts on believing in athletes, celebrating them, and building something special at Monmouth. Connect With Coach Morgan Royer Monmouth University Softball: https://monmouthhawks.com/sports/softball (https://monmouthhawks.com/sports/softball) Coach Morgan Royer: https://monmouthhawks.com/staff-directory/morgan-royer/1552 (https://monmouthhawks.com/staff-directory/morgan-royer/1552) Email: mroyer@monmouth.edu (mailto:mroyer@monmouth.edu) Twitter/X: @MorganRoyer https://x.com/MorganRoyer (https://x.com/MorganRoyer) Connect With Coach Marla Townsend Coach Marla Townsend: https://marlatownsend.com (https://marlatownsend.com/) COMPETE Performance Hub: https://marlatownsend.com/compete/compete-hub (https://marlatownsend.com/compete/compete-hub)

4. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Ep. 10 - Haley Meinen: The Savage Standard | What It Takes Podcast

   Description What does it really mean to be tough? Not social media tough. Not highlight-reel tough. The kind of toughness that shows up when you're exhausted, uncomfortable, doubting yourself, and still choose to do the hard thing. In this episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend sit down with pitching coach Haley Meinento discuss her new program, The Savage Standard, and why she believes toughness, discipline, leadership, and confidence are all choices that can be trained. Haley shares the experiences that shaped her philosophy, from training for HYROX with Danielle Lawrie to coaching athletes every day, and explains why the greatest competitors aren't simply born different. They develop a different standard. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for players, parents, and coaches who want to raise competitors that are mentally strong, resilient, and ready for whatever the game throws at them. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Paul and Coach Marla welcome Haley Meinen and introduce the Savage Standard. 01:20 – How a conversation with Danielle Lawrie led Haley to train for HYROX with only six weeks to prepare. 04:00 – What "The Savage Standard" actually means and why Haley felt called to build it. 07:15 – Why toughness isn't something you're born with. It's something you choose. 10:00 – The habits, disciplines, and daily standards that create elite competitors. 13:30 – Why confidence isn't built through hype. It's built through preparation. 17:00 – Learning to become comfortable being uncomfortable. 20:30 – The difference between athletes who compete and athletes who simply participate. 24:00 – Why your standard has to stay the same whether you're winning or losing. 28:15 – The role coaches play in developing resilient, self-led athletes. 32:00 – Leadership, accountability, and creating a culture where everyone raises the standard. 36:00 – Why parents should focus less on outcomes and more on daily habits. 40:00 – Haley shares how she hopes the Savage Standard will impact athletes far beyond softball. 44:30 – What's next: building the Savage Standard, upcoming camps, and continuing to help athletes develop mentally and physically. 49:00 – Haley's advice: say yes to opportunities, embrace new experiences, and let them shape who you become. 50:20 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Haley Meinen. Check out: MarlaTownsand.com and HaleyMeinen.com (https://haleymeinen.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Follow on Instagram: @haleymeinen.sb

5. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Ep. 9 -- 700 Wins Later with Coach Tyra Perry

   Description What does it take to win more than 700 games, build championship programs, and develop generations of coaches and leaders? In this episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend welcome one of the most respected leaders in college softball, Coach Tyra Perry. Coach Perry reflects on the mentors who shaped her career, why great coaches see potential long before athletes see it in themselves, and how winning has always been a byproduct of building people first. She also shares lessons on leadership, relationships, resilience, culture, and why every coach has an opportunity to leave a legacy that reaches far beyond the scoreboard. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this conversation is a masterclass on what it really takes to lead. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Paul and Coach Marla welcome Coach Tyra Perry and reflect on her remarkable coaching career. 01:20 – What's the common thread behind winning more than 700 games? 02:15 – Why no coach succeeds alone and the importance of assistant coaches, players, administrators, and community. 03:00 – Coach Marla and Tyra discuss developing future coaches and seeing potential before people see it in themselves. 05:00 – The mentors who shaped Coach Perry's philosophy and leadership style. 08:00 – Why coaching has always been about people first and softball second. 11:00 – Building culture before building championships. 14:00 – What great leaders do differently when adversity shows up. 17:30 – The responsibility coaches have to prepare athletes for life, not just the next game. 21:00 – Why relationships always outlast wins and losses. 25:00 – How great programs create future leaders, coaches, and mentors. 29:00 – What Coach Perry looks for when building a coaching staff and surrounding herself with the right people. 33:00 – Lessons learned over decades of leading successful programs. 37:00 – Coach Perry discusses her new chapter at Samford University and the opportunity to build something special. 41:00 – Advice for young coaches who want to make a lasting impact. 44:00 – How to connect with Coach Perry, learn about Samford Softball, and upcoming camps. 45:15 – Coach Marla reflects on Coach Perry's legacy and why her influence extends far beyond the softball field. 46:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks.

6. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Paul's Story: How A Coach Became A Coach

   Description For the first time on What It Takes, the microphone gets turned around. Instead of interviewing one of the most respected coaches in softball, Coach Marla Townsend interviews her co-host, Paul Reddick. Paul shares the story behind his coaching career, from growing up in New Jersey and falling in love with baseball, to discovering that his greatest gift wasn't playing the game, but helping other people become better through it. He talks about failure, burnout, faith, purpose, building businesses, coaching thousands of athletes, and why he believes coaching is not simply a profession but a calling. More importantly, he explains why his mission has changed over the years. Instead of chasing better baseball players, he's become much more interested in helping develop better people. If you've ever wondered what shaped Paul's philosophy, where his ideas come from, or why he coaches the way he does, this is the episode. Timestamp Highlights 00:40 – Paul's baseball beginnings growing up in New Jersey and attending Seton Hall Prep. 03:00 – Expectations, disappointment, and learning that playing ability wasn't going to define his future. 05:20 – How coaching found Paul at just 19 years old. 07:30 – The first pitching lesson and discovering a passion for teaching. 09:45 – The difference between loving baseball and discovering a calling. 12:00 – Why Paul believes coaching is a gift rather than simply a profession. 14:30 – Building one of the earliest online baseball education businesses and reaching players around the world. 17:15 – What decades of coaching taught Paul about people, not just mechanics. 20:00 – Why the greatest coaches are really in the business of changing lives. 22:45 – Faith, purpose, and how Paul's beliefs influence the way he approaches coaching. 25:00 – Why helping someone become who they were created to be matters more than producing a better athlete. 27:15 – The next chapter: why Paul feels called to do his most meaningful work now. 29:30 – Looking back at the journey, the lessons learned, and what still drives him every day. 32:00 – How to connect with Paul and closing thoughts.

7. 

   12 Aug 2026

   Coach Marla Townsend: The Coach Behind The Coach | What It Takes Podcast

   Who is Coach Marla Townsend? Before she became one of the most respected softball coaches and mentors in the game, she was a fiercely competitive little girl playing football with the neighborhood boys, learning lessons that would shape the rest of her life. In this special episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick turns the microphone around and interviews his co-host, Coach Marla Townsend. Marla shares the experiences that shaped her coaching philosophy, the influence of her family, the mentors who changed her life, and why she believes coaching is ultimately about helping people become who they were created to be. She also talks about leadership, faith, competition, the evolution of softball, and the responsibility every coach has to develop not only better players, but better people. If you've ever wondered what drives Coach Marla and why so many athletes and coaches have been impacted by her, this episode will give you the answer. 00:00 – Paul introduces a special two-part series where he and Coach Marla interview each other. 00:55 – Marla's childhood: growing up around competition, playing football with neighborhood boys, and learning to love competing. 03:00 – The early influences that shaped her competitive spirit and work ethic. 05:15 – How athletics opened doors and created opportunities that changed her life. 07:45 – The mentors and coaches who helped shape her philosophy. 10:30 – Why coaching is about developing people first and athletes second. 13:15 – The moment Marla realized coaching was her life's calling. 16:00 – Lessons learned from decades of coaching players through success, failure, and adversity. 18:45 – What separates athletes who continue to grow from those who plateau. 21:00 – Why today's coaches have a greater responsibility than ever before. 23:00 – The importance of helping athletes become confident leaders away from the field. 25:30 – How softball prepares young women for life long after the final game. 27:15 – Why the future of softball has never been brighter. 29:00 – Marla's message to coaches: remember that you're shaping dreams, building character, and influencing lives far beyond wins and losses. 30:30 – Closing thoughts and where to learn more about Coach Marla Townsend.

8. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Ep. 6 - Amanda Scarborough - The Truth About Confidence, Pressure, And Greatness

   Description What if the biggest setback of your athletic career became the greatest gift of your life? In this episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend welcome one of softball's most respected voices, Amanda Scarborough. From her All-American career at Texas A&M to becoming one of ESPN's premier softball analysts, Amanda has experienced nearly every side of the game. She shares the incredible influence her father had on her career, the lessons she learned from competing at the highest level, why preparation creates confidence, and how a career-ending injury completely changed the direction of her life. Amanda also opens up about broadcasting, coaching, leadership, faith, and why helping the next generation of players has become her true calling. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this conversation is packed with wisdom about resilience, perspective, and what it really takes to succeed. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Paul and Marla welcome ESPN softball analyst and former All-American Amanda Scarborough. 01:00 – The powerful influence Amanda's father had on her career, from learning softball to falling in love with broadcasting. 05:00 – Why great athletes learn to think the game before they ever step on the field. 08:00 – Amanda's journey from Texas to Texas A&M and competing at the highest level of college softball. 12:00 – What separates elite competitors from everyone else. 16:00 – Why confidence is built long before game day. 20:00 – Lessons learned from failure, adversity, and pitching under pressure. 25:00 – Amanda reflects on the evolution of softball and the incredible growth of the women's game. 30:00 – Behind the scenes of becoming one of ESPN's lead softball broadcasters. 35:00 – Why preparation is one of the greatest competitive advantages in sports and in life. 40:00 – The relationship between coaching, communication, and helping athletes believe in themselves. 45:00 – Advice for parents raising young athletes and creating a healthy sports experience. 50:00 – Why the game is bigger than wins and losses, and how softball prepares players for life. 55:00 – The injury that changed Amanda's career forever and ultimately led her to coaching and broadcasting. 58:00 – Amanda shares how what once felt like the worst day of her career became the turning point that revealed her true purpose. 1:00:00 – Final reflections on gratitude, legacy, and why Amanda cannot imagine her life without coaching and giving back to the game. Here's where you can find Amanda: Website: Pitching-Angel.com Facebook: Amanda Scarborough – Softball Pitching Angel Instagram: @PitchingAngel and @AmandaScarborough Get Coach Marla’s COMPETE Performance Hub. It gives your athlete the same mental game tools used by elite competitors... with personal audio coaching from Coach Marla built right in - https://marlatownsend.co (https://marlatownsend.com/?utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ep-3-jessica-mendoza)m

9. 

   13 Jul 2026

   Ep. 5 - Lindsay Berra - Inside The Preparation and Nutrition Of Elite Athletes

   What do the world's greatest athletes have in common? According to award-winning journalist, former collegiate softball player, filmmaker, and Yogi Berra's granddaughter, Lindsay Berra, they all obsess over the little things. In this episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend sit down with Lindsay to discuss the habits, mindset, preparation, nutrition, recovery, curiosity, and lifelong learning that separate elite performers from everyone else. From covering Major League Baseball and the Olympics to producing an award-winning documentary about her legendary grandfather, Lindsay shares remarkable stories and practical lessons that every athlete, coach, and parent can apply immediately. Whether you're trying to become a better player, coach, parent, or simply live a healthier life, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 – Paul and Marla welcome award-winning journalist, filmmaker, former softball player, and Yogi Berra's granddaughter, Lindsay Berra. 02:00 – Growing up as a Berra: what it was really like having one of baseball's greatest legends as a grandfather. 04:00 – Why Lindsay chose journalism and storytelling instead of following the family into professional baseball. 07:00 – The surprising trait Lindsay sees in nearly every elite athlete she has covered. 10:00 – Why failure doesn't bother great competitors the way it bothers everyone else. 13:00 – Confidence comes from preparation, not positive thinking. 15:00 – The biggest lesson from elite performers: don't expect results you haven't earned. 18:00 – The incredible habits Lindsay witnessed while covering the world's greatest athletes. 20:00 – What tennis players taught her about preparation, recovery, and professionalism. 22:00 – Why high performers become students of everything, including nutrition, sleep, language, and recovery. 25:00 – Small changes create massive results: practical advice for improving nutrition and health. 28:00 – Why today's athletes have opportunities previous generations never had. 31:00 – Longevity in sports: can athletes extend greatness into their 40s? 33:00 – Messi, Ronaldo, Tom Brady, and what modern athletes are teaching us about extending careers. 36:00 – Why sleep, nutrition, and recovery may be the biggest competitive advantages available today. 40:00 – NIL, youth sports, and how the business of athletics continues to evolve. 43:00 – The power of storytelling and preserving the history of sports. 47:00 – Behind the scenes of Lindsay's award-winning Yogi Berra documentary. 50:00 – Why Yogi Berra's story is really the story of the American Dream. 53:00 – Lessons from Yogi that extend far beyond baseball. 56:00 – Lindsay's advice for athletes, coaches, and parents who want to build a lasting legacy. 58:00 – Final thoughts, where to follow Lindsay's work, and closing reflections. Check out: https://marlatownsend.com

10. 

    5 Jul 2026

    Ep. 4 - Shonda Stanton: The Hidden Habits That Separate Good Players From Great Ones

    What does it really take to build championship players? In this episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend sit down with one of the most respected coaches in softball, Shonda Stanton, head coach of the AUSL Chicago team and former longtime head coach at Indiana and Marshall. Coach Stanton shares the habits, mindset, and leadership principles that have shaped her career and transformed countless athletes. From competing against Coach Townsend, to building winning cultures, to teaching players how to become energy-givers instead of energy-takers, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for players, parents, and coaches. If you’re looking for insights on leadership, resilience, confidence, and what separates elite competitors from everyone else, you won’t want to miss this episode. 00:00 – Coach Marla introduces longtime friend, competitor, and coaching legend Shonda Stanton. 01:00 – The story behind the famous tarp slide and how competition created lifelong friendships. 03:30 – Shonda’s coaching journey from player to Marshall, Indiana, and professional softball. 06:00 – Why coaching is about creating positive collisions that change lives. 10:50 – Inside the AUSL: What it’s like coaching the best softball players in the world. 15:40 – Why confidence grows through failure, not by avoiding it. 20:10 – Become a “rat”: The daily habits that separate elite athletes from everyone else. 24:00 – Hustle, anticipation, and why every play reveals a player’s mindset. 28:40 – Energy-givers vs. energy-takers and how championship teams are built one behavior at a time. 33:15 – Developing leaders instead of followers and helping athletes own their role. 37:45 – The incredible story of a player who transformed from overlooked athlete to scholarship leader. 42:30 – Why coaches should challenge players instead of protecting them from adversity. 48:00 – Scholarships, opportunities, and preparing athletes for life beyond the game. 52:15 – The lasting impact of great coaches and the responsibility of pouring into the next generation. 56:00 – Final thoughts on leadership, legacy, and what it truly takes to succeed on and off the field. Connect with Coach Shonda Stanton • Head Coach, Indiana Hoosiers softball • Head Coach, Chicago Bandits in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League • Check out the One Day Softball App for drills, coaching, and player development resources. and check out: https://marlatownsend.com

11. 

    26 Jun 2026

    Ep. 3 - Jessica Mendoza On What It Takes To Win, Lead, And Grow The Game

    In this episode of What It Takes, Paul Reddick and Coach Marla Townsend sit down with Jessica Mendoza, Olympic gold medalist, Stanford All-American, ESPN MLB analyst, and one of the most important voices in softball. Jessica talks about the growth of professional softball, the pressure young athletes face today, what nerves really mean, the difference between winning gold and receiving silver, the lessons she learned from her father, and why coaches may be the most important people in a young athlete’s life. Timestamps: 00:00 – Paul introduces Jessica Mendoza and her impact on softball and broadcasting. 01:00 – Jessica talks about moving from college softball coverage into MLB broadcasting. 03:00 – The softball “family” and why this moment in the sport feels so meaningful. 06:00 – Why investment, staff, resources, and infrastructure are changing professional softball. 09:00 – The global growth of softball, including Japan, Mexico, and the future beyond the Olympics. 12:00 – Jessica explains nerves, doubt, butterflies, and why pressure usually means you care. 15:00 – Gold vs. silver: why receiving silver feels so different from winning bronze. 18:00 – Marla shares the story of her daughter chasing down Jessica’s home run ball. 21:00 – The Olympics, respect, and how sport can bring people together across countries and cultures. 24:00 – Jessica talks about the pressure young athletes face today. 27:00 – Why so many kids are burning out between ages 14 and 16. 30:00 – Jessica reflects on her father as a coach and what he taught her about influencing young people. 33:00 – How one local role model changed Jessica’s dreams and helped her see college softball as possible. 36:00 – What it really takes to get better every day and why athletes need a plan. 39:00 – Jessica talks about gratitude, giving back, and what softball has given her. 41:00 – Why the softball world feels more intimate and united than other sports communities. 43:00 – Jessica shares one of the most important lessons about being a great teammate. 45:00 – Jessica’s favorite places from her travels, including Mount Rushmore and Japan. 46:56 – Jessica closes with a message about moving women’s sports forward together. Check out: https://marlatownsend.com and https://Jessica-mendoza.com

12. 

    18 Jun 2026

    Ep.2 - Becoming the Player You’re Meant to Be with Morgan Stuart

    In this powerful conversation, Coach Marla Townsend and Paul Reddick sit down with one of the most respected voices in softball, Coach Morgan Stuart. Morgan shares her journey from late-start softball player to national champion at the University of Washington, and opens up about the mental struggles that followed one of the biggest successes of her career. After winning a national title, she found herself trapped by expectations, fear, and pressure, leading to one of the toughest seasons of her life. Together, they dive deep into what coaches, parents, and athletes often miss about performance: the connection between confidence, identity, habits, emotions, and growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why success can sometimes create more pressure than failure • The hidden dangers of tying your identity to performance • How great coaches recognize what’s really going on beneath the surface • Why habits and character matter more than motivation • What college coaches are actually looking for in athletes • How parents can better support their players through struggles • Why vulnerability may be one of the most important leadership skills in sports • The difference between becoming a great player and becoming your best self This is an honest conversation about confidence, coaching, pressure, growth, and what it truly takes to thrive both on and off the field. If you’re a player, parent, or coach trying to navigate the mental side of sports, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Check out: https://marlatownsend.com https://morgan-stuart.com

13. 

    10 Jun 2026

    Ep. 1 - "Dream. Determination. Drive. — What It Really Takes to Play at the Next Level" | Ep. 1 with Coach Marla Townsend

    https://marlatownsend.com 0:00 — Welcome to the What It Takes Podcast 0:42 — Dream, Determination & Drive: the three pillars 1:47 — How to know if your dream is real (or just wishful thinking) 3:22 — Why a coach's belief in you is worth more than your own inner voice 6:11 — "A coach writes on a player in permanent marker" — Jessica Mendoza 7:28 — The coaching integrity story: what players remember for 20 years 9:03 — Why the coaching profession is "the weirdest job in the world" 13:22 — The transfer portal is killing team chemistry — here's why 22:14 — The one recruiting secret: watching players before they knew she was there 26:00 — "Who they are when no one's watching says everything" 38:52 — "The proud will be eaten by the hungry" — every single time 39:19 — Tom Brady, second-round pick: what stats can't measure 44:46 — What champions look like behind closed doors (hint: sweatpants & no glory) 54:03 — "You deserve all the stress" — the most powerful reframe in sports 57:15 — How to win the ballgame of life

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