
Don't Suck: Life, Family & Softball
Don’t Suck: Life, Family & Softball is a father-daughter podcast where passion meets the grind. Hosted by Ronald and Madison Smith, we dive into the highs, lows, and lessons learned from the game of softball and how they apply to life beyond the field.
From early morning workouts to late-night tournaments, and road trips—we talk about the dedication, sacrifices, and unforgettable moments that come with chasing dreams. Expect real conversations, funny stories, competitive debates, and insights into the softball journey, plus a little family banter along the way.
Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or just love the game, Don’t Suck is here to keep it real. No excuses, no regrets, just hustle.
Episodes
10 episodes
Beyond the Numbers: The Real Story Behind Madison's Sophomore Season
Madison confronts the fascinating paradox of softball success: batting .365 while battling a crisis of confidence. This raw, honest conversation peels back the layers of what happens when statistical achievement doesn't align with an athlete's ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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59:37

Dugout Wisdom: Beyond D1 or Bust
What happens when your "dream" D1 offer doesn't actually feel right? Emily Mizelle's softball journey reveals a truth many athletes need to hear: sometimes the path everyone expects you to take isn't the one your heart needs.From her ea...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:30:22

Sunflower Seeds and Sacrifice: The Mama Kelli Episode
Every athlete's journey is shaped by the invisible support system standing behind them. In this special episode, we welcome our most requested guest – Mama Kelli – who pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to raise a dedicated softball ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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31:34

The Roller Coaster of Tournament Victory After Defeat
A rollercoaster week of softball reveals the mental toughness required to overcome adversity and find success when it matters most. We start with an embarrassing April Fool's prank (yes, Mom actually got me good) before diving into the week's e...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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47:39

Strike Out Your Doubts, Not Your Confidence
What happens when your athletic performance feels inseparable from your personal identity? We're diving deep into the psychological tightrope that competitive athletes walk every day.Madison shares her impressive week on the mound with ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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35:13

When the Love of the Game Fades: Claudia's Story of Walking Away and Looking Back
What happens when the love of a sport begins to fade under the weight of social pressure? This deeply personal episode takes us into producer Claudia's experience of walking away from softball in high school – a decision she now views as quitti...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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40:22

You're only as good as how you handle your worst moments.
Resilience isn't built in comfort zones – it's forged in seventh-grade championship games when you walk in the winning run while teammates whisper behind your back. Madison opens up about her current season stats (.400 batting aver...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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32:40

Behind Home Plate: Navigating Parental Mistakes and Teen Trust
Parenting is a delicate balance between friendship and authority - but what happens when those lines blur? In this candid conversation, Ronald, Madison, and Claudia explore one of the most challenging aspects of raising children: deciding wheth...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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40:34

Is That Blister Worth Your Future? The Mental Game of Playing Through Pain
The toughest conversations in sports often revolve around pain – when to push through it and when to protect yourself from long-term damage. In this thought-provoking episode, softball pitcher Madison and her father Ron tackle this complex topi...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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41:03

Beyond the Strike Zone: The Mental Game of Being a Young Athlete
What does it take for a young athlete to chase a college scholarship while navigating the pressures of high school sports? Madison Smith, a sophomore pitcher at Baker High School with dreams of playing college softball, opens up alongside her f...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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26:07
