Outside The Chute

What a great one we have for you this week, as Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with Softball Canada CEO, the one and only, Mike Branchaud. We get into some great chats about the state of ball here in Canada, the direction the Men’s National Team is headed, the Women’s Olympic Team, some WBSC topics and so much more.  This was such a great chat with Mike and we got to clear up a few things on here that have been some hot topics in the past. Remember, share, like, subscribe….all that good stuff.  If you have a YouTube channel, go hit that subscribe button now.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

What an episode we have to kick off 2026, as we’re joined by one of the game’s most electric arms, its AUSL Cascade member and current US Women’s National Team member, the one and only, Kelly Maxwell. ️ Man, this episode has it all. Kelly takes us back to where it all started, her journey through the college game at Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, and how those experiences shaped her into the pitcher she is today. We also dive into her move to the pro level in Japan, what she’s learned competing internationally, and what’s ahead this season in the AUSL with the expansion Cascade.   Plus, we talk about the honor of wearing the red, white, and blue while representing USA on the Women’s National Team and what’s in store on the road to LA 2028. This was such a fun chat, We're so glad Kelly was able to take time out of her hectic schedule to come on and chat with us. Before we get to it, make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Kelly on Instagram @kellymax28, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with co-author with her Dad, of the amazing book, “Recruiting Rules" and Oregon State University Freshman, the one and only, Amelia Struber. What a fantastic chat this was as we got to hear Amelia tell us about how she got her start in the game, the ups and downs of the recruiting process, which in turn led to her and her father coming up with their awesome book, how things are going at Oregon State and so much more. Amelia was such a pleasure to chat with, and I cannot wait to see how her university career and beyond plays out. Before we get to it, make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Amelia on Instagram @ameliastreuber_2025, also, look for her book “Recruiting Rules” on Amazon, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with 2021 Rawlings Grand Slam Top Pitcher and  2022 Silver medalist at the Pan American Championships and WBSC World Cup with Team Canada, it’s the one and only, Zach Pierce. This was such an awesome chat that Hopey and I had with Zippy, the guy is an absolute weapon. We chat about getting his start in the game, playing a winter down in New Zealand, getting to represent the red and white at the 2022 World Cup, what the future holds and so much more. Before we get to it, make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. All this helps with the analytics of the pod and helps get more eyes on our game.  You can follow Zip on Instagram @zachpierce09, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.     Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down with unquestionably the most resilient person that we’ve ever had on the pod, its University of Georgia alum, the one and only, Kendall Burton. Listen, what Keni has gone through in her lifetime so far is crazy.  23 surgeries prior to even getting to college is one thing, but then to have a stroke 6 days after her first college ball game is another. You’re gonna find out how she had to learn to walk, speak and read again after the stroke but then manages to go out and start in all 54 games her Freshman year, which was absolutely incredible. We chat about going through all her adversities, transferring from UTSA to Georgia, fulfilling her dream of getting to play in the WCWS, what’s in store for the future and so much more. Getting to hear Keni’s journey personally was so special for me. This conversation will move you, motivate you and remind you what’s possible when you believe in yourself. Make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. You can follow Keni on Instagram @kenigrace, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute got get back one of the best to ever do it! Recent inductee into the Softball Canada Hall of Fame and soon to be 2026 inductee into the ISC Hall of Fame, its good friend of the show, the one and only, Jeff Ellsworth. We get to talk to Ellsy about the recent birth of his daughter Nylah, playing a big role in the foundation of the Whitecaps ladies program over on the Island, being apart of the great softball franchise that is the Hill United Chiefs, what’s in store down the road, and so much more. Hopey and I were so pumped that Ellsy was able to join us for our 200th episode, this one is a dandy! Before we get to it though , while you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Ellsy on Instagram @jeffellsworthrealtor, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with one of our favorite guests ever, the one and only, Kamalani Dung. So we last chatted with Kama back in 2021 and you could say she’s done a little of this and a little of that over the past 4 years.  Actually, that’s an understatement, she has done a ton! From walking the red carpet at the Grammy’s, to hitting homeruns in the Reggie Jackson Classic, she’s now making her pro comeback down in the Mexican League and we can’t wait to see her do her thing. In this episode we talk all about what went in to this comeback, what the future holds and a crazy story about guenua pig from the 2018 Pan Ams that you’re not going to want to miss. Before we get to it, make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Kama on Instagram @kama.dung, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with just an absolute star in our game, JMU alum and AUSL Bandits pitcher, the one and only, Odicci Alexander-Bennett. Odicci first captured the hearts of fans across the country during her unforgettable run with James Madison University at the 2021 Women’s College World Series, where her dominance, passion, and pure love for the game made her a household name.   Since then, she’s continued to inspire — from her professional career and coaching, to being a role model for the next generation of athletes who dream big and play bigger.   We’re gonna chat about her incredible journey, learning to pitch against her grandparents water well, that iconic WCWS moment, her transition to the pro level, life off the field, and so much more. Odicci was such a pleasure to chat with and I’m so excited to see what's in store down the line for such a huge influencer in our game. Remember, while you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us a follow and some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Odicci on Instagram @double_seas, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with 2024 ISC Champion and 2022 WBSC World Cup Champ, Aussie native, the one and only, Josh McGovern. This was such a great chat that Hopey and myself got to have with Josh.  He took time after travelling over 40 hours to come on and chat with us from down in the Dominican where he was playing in the Legends Cup this past weekend, so we can’t thank him enough. We had a great talk about how he got his start in the game, the role his family played in his development, competing with the Aussie Steelers to capture the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand,  his time on the ISC circuit with Hill United and now the Bear Creek Gremlins and so much more. Before we get to it, remember, while you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Josh on Instagram @jmcgovern21, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with , two time NJCAA D1 National Player of the Year at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M college, two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection with Oklahoma State University, and current pro over in the Netherlands with the Haarlem Sparks, it’s the one and only, Rylee Bayless. Its funny, most of these interviews I do, especially on the women’s side of the game, I go in not knowing how the conversation is going to flow, you know, is it going to be tough getting a great chat going, how is their sense of humor going to be, all that stuff.  Well, let me just say that Rylee surpassed every expectation I had.  This chat was absolutely amazing, I don’t think I laughed this much in an episode ever. Trust me, you’re gonna love this one.  We chat about Rylee getting her start in the game, thanks to her dad and brother, who may or may not be missing some clothes from back then, we chat about her recruiting process, her time at college, competing at the pro level, and so much more. Before we get to it, remember, while you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Rylee on Instagram @rylee_bayless, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

What an episode we have for you again this week as we’re going down under and chatting with, 2025 ISC All World Selection with the Bear Creek Express, 2023 University of Newcastle Sportsman of the Year and 2022 WBSC World Cup Champion with the Aussie Steelers, it’s the one and only, Callum Beashel. Like I said, this was such a great episode.  We talk to Cal about getting his start in the game, playing at the 2014 Junior Men’s World Championships here in Canada, that feeling of getting named to the Aussie Steelers for the first time, that epic 2022 World Cup win in New Zealand and so much more. Cal was such a beauty to chat with.  Hopey and I were so happy he got up bright and early before going to work and come on to chat with us, its such a great talk. While you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Again, preferably something good.  You can follow Cal on Instagram @callum.beashel, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection, 2021 Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection and the only pitcher in NCAA history to capture 4 National Titles, Oklahoma Sooners alum, the one and only, Nicole May.  This was such a fun chat with Nicole.  We talk about how she got her start in the game, her travel ball time, committing and going to OU, playing in the Netherlands this past summer, Pitching University and so much more. Legit, one of the best chats I’ve had on here.  Something about chatting with other pitchers that just resonates with me and this was definitely one of those conversations. Before we get to it, remember, while you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Nicole on Instagram @nicolehmay, and Pitcher University @pitcheruniversity,  we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok. Check out Pitcher University's website here   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute were lucky enough to sit down with one of the best pitchers to ever play our game, its ASA, ISC and USA Softball Hall of Famer, the one and only, Jimmy Moore. In the words of Doug Roberts, Jimmy could “hit the dick off a hummingbird”, no word of a lie, he said that in his episode with us! That just shows you how accurate and deadly he was off the mound during the 80’s and early 90’s. We talk to Jimmy about getting his start in the game, which believe it or not, was at short and 3rd, his days in the NorWest League, his time with the Seattle Pay n Pak, and so much more. Jimmy was an absolute pleasure to chat with.  Hopey and I were so pumped he took time out of his schedule to come on and talk ball with us. This was such a great chat. Like I say every week, while you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  We’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

This week, Outside The Chute was excited to sit down with Olympian, World Championship medalist, and longtime member of the Canadian Women’s National Softball Team, the one and only, Natalie Wideman.   Nat has had an incredible career in the game, representing Canada on the biggest stages, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she helped capture bronze, along with 3 WBSC World Cup bronze medals as well. Off the field, she’s been an inspiration to young athletes everywhere with her passion, work ethic, and dedication to growing the sport.   We’re going kick off this chat with Nat where we left off back in March of 2021, just prior to the Tokyo Olympics. We talk about the highs and lows of that Olympic journey, last years epic bronze medal game against the Netherlands at the WBSC World Cup in Italy, the formation of Unedited Self, and so much more.   Nat is one of our favourite guests ever, it was so great to be able to catch back up with her and this ones a dandy. While you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Nat on Instagram @nataliewideman, and Unedited Self at @uneditedselfco,  we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok, if you have a YouTube account, please go subscribe to our channel.  We’re trying to get to 1000 subscribers, but need your help!   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Yes sir, we’re back and this one was a fun one for us.  We do a summer recap covering the ISC’s, Senior Nats, U17 Nats, Canada Games, our Shooter’s League and so much more. We’re happy to be back doing our weekly episodes, so buckle up and get ready for a wicked lineup going forward! 

Outside The Chute sat down with one of the rising stars of Canadian softball, 2024 WBSC World Cup Bronze Medalist, Stoney Brook University alum and current member of the Canadian Women’s National Team, the one and only—Dawn Bodrug.   Dawn grew up in Georgetown, Ontario, where her passion for the game was sparked at an early age. Her journey took her south of the border to Indian River State College, where she made an immediate impact, before transferring to Stony Brook University and becoming one of the top pitchers in the America East Conference.   We’ll chat about her development through the collegiate ranks, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her incredible opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage with the Women’s National Team.   This is a great conversation with Dawn, you’re definitely gonna enjoy this one—so sit back, relax, and let’s get Outside the Chute with Dawn Bodrug.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Richie Connors Insurance Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute have Blair and Kyle back again, as we recap the WBSC Men's World Cup that took place in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and then we take a dive into the ISC's as we preview the World Tournament coming to us from Mankato, Minnesota.  

Outside The Chute sat down with our "Around the Horn" crew, Blair Setford and Kyle Smith, and we preview and give our prediction's for the 2025 WBSC Men's World Cup taking place in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. This was a fun one!  Make sure to check it out!

Outside The Chute had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with the Head Coach of the Canadian Men’s National Team, the one and only, John Stuart. Stuey has done it all when it comes to coaching in our game.  He captured the 2007 Canadian Senior Men’s National title with the Vancouver Grey Sox, won an ISC title last summer with the Hill United Chiefs and of course, who can forget that epic summer of 2015 where he led Team Canada to WBSC and Pan Am gold on home soil. We talk to Stuey about how he got his start in fastpitch, the climb up the ranks on the national team, all of those wins I just mentioned and so much more. Stuey was an absolute pleasure to chat with and we can’t wait to see what’s in store this summer for him and Team Canada as they prepare to host the WBSC World Cup in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Like I say every week, while you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow John on Instagram at johnstuart1122, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Richie Connors Insurance Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic

Outside The Chute sat down and chatted with 2007 Canadian Senior Men's Nationals Champ and 2007 ISC World Champ. He is also a 2015 WBSC World Cup Champ and Pan Am Games Gold medalist and freshly named back onto the Canadian Men’s National Team, it’s the one and only, Kevin Schellenberg. Man, obviously from what I rhymed off there, what a career Skates has had in this game and is still looking to add to that long list of accomplishments. We talk to Kev about getting his start in the game back in 2000 and within 2 years was invited to National Team camp.  That story actually left me speechless, I still can’t get over it.  We chat about those first Senior Nats and ISC’s, winning the Senior Nats and ISC’s, that epic summer of 2015 and so much more. What an absolute beauty Skates was to chat with, and we can’t wait to see him help Team Canada this summer in Prince Albert try and bring a gold medal back to the red and white. While you’re here make sure to drop a comment on the show and give us some sort of rating. Preferably something good.  You can follow Kev on Instagram at skates_2010, we’re @outsidethechute on all social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok.   Sponsors Rawlings Canada Richie Connors Insurance Tim Isenor Royal Lepage Atlantic