Take a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher, Jeff Smith ( (http://jeffsmithgolfinstruction.com) and pair him with an outstanding radio personality and you have the formula for one helluva Golf Talk Radio Show. John Ashton (the show host) has enjoyed success as a morning personality on radio stations from Bangor, Maine to Dallas, Texas. He’s also embarrassed himself on many golf courses in the same locations. John is a hacker, struggling to break 80 (OK, 90) but has a passion and enjoyment of the ga ...
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The Approach Shot is our golf “flavored” podcast. We call it golf flavored because we talk with our guests about the careers (on and off the field), their lives, their passions and (what sets us apart) their personal golf game.Our guests are athletes, actors, authors, announcers and more. We love to laugh and our guests tell amazing behind the scenes stories that will make you laugh, feel and think. Listen. Enjoy.
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What's it like to be a 2x All Pro wide receiver in the NFL, who has "caught" golf fever? Bengals legend Carl Pickens tells all on this hilarious episode of The Approach Shot.
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57:30Sure, we talk with All Pro and Pro Bowl wide receiver Carl Pickens (one of the top 50 Bengals of all time) about his time in Cincinnati, his incredible collegiate career that made him an All American at Tennessee, and being 1992's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. You'd have to cover those subjects when talking with Carl. But we also talk with him …
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Mastering Golf: Lessons from the Masters, Swing Improvement Tips, and the Future of Indoor Golf
44:53
44:53
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44:53(00:00) Masters Golf Tournament Drama and Analysis This chapter brings you an exhilarating discussion about the thrilling conclusion of the Masters, where Rory McIlroy clinched victory. We recount the nerve-wracking moments on the 18th green, highlighting Rory's missed putt in regulation and the pressure-laden five-footer in the playoff. The conver…
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Actress, Comedian and star of St. Andre Golf, Hannah Aslesen "swings" by the clubhouse on The Approach Shot
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59:55
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59:55Funny? Hell yes. An actress who has been on show like Will Trent and was in the 2024 Christmas movie "Red One"? That's an affirmative. Writes, directs and acts? Yes, yes and yes And is one of the cast of the funniest thing to happen to golf since Billy Madison and Caddyshack? Yepper! Hannah Aslesen is our hilarious guest this week on The Approach S…
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(00:00) Summer Camp Age Requirement Disagreement This chapter explores a lively discussion about the challenges of managing junior golf programs and the intricacies of communication with parents. I recount a humorous yet frustrating experience with a parent eager to enroll his children in our summer camps. The parent attempts to bend the age rules …
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2024 NFL Hall of Fame inductee DWIGHT FREENEY brings his spin move and golf stories to this episode of The Approach Shot
1:09:51
1:09:51
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1:09:51We have been fortunate to have multiple NFL all Pros as our guest on the show. We have had many MLB All Stars too. But in 170 shows, we have only had ONE Hall of Famer as our guest and that was PGA Hall of Famer Tony Jacklin. So it is our honor to welcome DWIGHT FREENEY to the show. Dwight is a great storyteller, is an incredible student of the gam…
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(00:01) Importance of Consistency in Golf Improvement This chapter explores the challenges of maintaining consistency in golf performance, especially when students fail to practice what they learn during lessons. I, John Ashton, along with Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher Jeff Smith, discuss the common issue where students see immediate improvement in…
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Revamp Your Game: Discovering the Latest in Golf Equipment and Trends
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44:53
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44:53(00:00) Understanding Golf Equipment Innovations This chapter addresses the curious topic of mini drivers in the golfing world. I question why golfers might choose a mini driver, often likened to a two wood, and whether its unique features truly offer benefits over traditional drivers and fairway woods. We explore how the shorter shaft of a mini dr…
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Is this heaven? No, It's The Approach Shot.. with former MLB closer DREW STOREN, who's also the owner of FIELD OF DREAMS WHISKEY
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55:38
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55:38His dad, Mark Patrick (Storen) is a celebrity in Indianapolis (and nationally) for his work on television and the syndicated Bob & Tom radio show. He is also, related to one of the great sportscasters ever; Hannah Storm. But DREW STOREN made his own way by being a virtually unhittable pitcher in high school and at Stanford before pitching in the Ma…
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Elevate Your Game: Tools and Mindset for Aspiring Golfers
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44:53(00:01) College Golfers' Dreams of Going Pro This chapter explores the vibrant world of college golf and the challenges faced by aspiring professional golfers. We share insights on the NCAA basketball tournament's excitement and touch on the rising visibility of college golf competitions. Our conversation includes reflections on working with colleg…
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One of our favorite episodes ever- LOFA TATUPU brings the passion and the charm to this episode of The Approach Shot
1:05:03
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1:05:03Yes, he is a three time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks. Yes he is a two time national champion with the Trojans of USC. But where did the fire and passion come from? LOFA TATUPU credits his family and talks with love and reverence about his dad LOFI TATUPU (who was a star in the NFL with the New an England Patriots). So yes Lofa brings the fi…
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Exploring the Mind Games of Golf Match Play
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44:53(00:00) Golf, March Madness, and Match Play This chapter kicks off with a lively discussion about March Madness, with hopes and bets on whether the Indiana Hoosiers will make it past the bubble stage. There's some light-hearted banter about the need for better coaching and players for Indiana, reminiscing about their past glory days. The conversati…
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He loves golf, his NFL brethren, his Notre Dame family and you can "catch" Michael Floyd on this episode of The Approach Shot
1:01:45
1:01:45
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1:01:45Michael Floyd is just a regular guy. He golfs, works in real estate in Greater Minneapolis (where he spent some time during his previous occupation; as wide receiver in the NFL.) OK, so he's no regular real estate agent. He set records for total catches, touchdowns and receiving yards at Notre Dame, and is one of the greatest receivers in Cardinals…
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Golf Season Kickoff Essentials for Success
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44:53
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44:53(00:01) Golf Season Kickoff and Equipment Upgrades This chapter captures a lively conversation between John Ashton and Jeff Smith as they discuss the start of the new golf season. With temperatures rising, John is excited to hit the golf course for the first time this year, despite not having touched his clubs since November. Jeff humorously sugges…
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From Clubs to Balls: Gear Up for Golf Greatness
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44:53(00:01) Choosing the Right Golf Ball This chapter takes us through the exciting time of year for sports fans, highlighting the upcoming March Madness, the Masters, the Kentucky Derby, and the Indy 500. We discuss the role of BetOnline as a resource for sports enthusiasts who want to engage in betting during this busy sports season. Additionally, we…
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He's a 2x All Star, 2x Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove winner and a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame; Ellis Burks swings by with baseball and golf knowledge on The Approach Shot
1:08:04
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1:08:04He's been called a "manager's dream". Johnny Damon once said of him "Just to be his teammate is something I will always remember." ELLIS BURKS is a great story teller with so much wisdom to share, which he does with humor, charm and grace. You're going to want to hear the story of the year that he and the Red Sox broke the curse and how it effected…
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Unlocking Golf's Secrets from Swing to Setup
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46:25
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46:25(00:01) Improving Golf Swing Accuracy and Control This chapter focuses on golf techniques and the importance of control in improving one's game. Jeff Smith shares insights from his time in Palm Springs, highlighting the seasonal migration to maintain optimal golfing conditions. He recounts a conversation with former NFL player Vencey Glenn, who too…
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He’s the definition of a ballhawk- VENCIE GLENN takes it to the house on The Approach Shot
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1:06:12
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1:06:12Vencie Glenn, the man picked John Elway off and ran back the INT 103 yards, which was an NFL record that stood for 18 years, has so many great stories and shared many of them with us. Vencie’s 35 career TD’s made him a prolific ballhawk but we didn’t realize he’d also intercept the 6 pack!! This is an incredibly entertaining episode of The Approach…
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Tales from the Course and Home Practice Hacks
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44:53Podcast Summary Imagine standing amidst the roaring cheers of the WM Phoenix Open Pro-Am, right on the edge of the iconic 16th hole, famously referred to as the Roman Coliseum. As a top 100 golf teacher, I found myself in the thrilling role of caddying for the event's sponsor, guiding him through an exhilarating day of golf. With the crowd's energy…
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One of the great baseball minds, and now a published (soon to be best selling) author, Clint Hurdle covers his 45 years in baseball in one hour on this episode of The Approach Shot
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54:38
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54:38Named Sporting News Manager of the Year with the Pirates, CLINT HURDLE took a team, its loyal Pittsburgh fan base and energized them enough to make the playoffs. This is a team that struggled for almost two decades. You start as a manager in the Mets organization and work, and work, and work your way up through the minors until you catch on with Co…
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Mastering Golf: Navigating Windy Conditions and Tricky Greens
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44:53(00:00) Weekend Golf Show Banter and Tips This chapter takes us back to a previous summer episode, where we chat about the sweltering conditions in Arizona and the difference a dry heat makes compared to the humid South. We reminisce about an impressive golf experience at Calusa Pines in Florida, known for its rare elevation changes reminiscent of …
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New England Patriots WR CHRIS HOGAN talks Brady, Belichick and overcoming the odds to become a multi-time Super Bowl champion
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1:04:31
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1:04:31What was it like in the New England Patriots' locker room at halftime of Super Bowl 51, with the Pats losing 21-3, and having played their worst of half of football all season? What could possibly have been said to motivate them to overcome a 25 point deficit and make the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in ove…
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(00:01) Weekend Golf Guys This chapter explores the lighthearted banter and golfing wisdom shared between John Ashton and Jeff Smith. As the winter thaw begins, we touch on the humorous differences in climate between snow-laden Indiana and sunny Southern California. Jeff recounts a playful exchange with a director of golf about the unexpected prese…
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Brewers and Dodgers pitcher Jimmy Nelson shares his success and his frustrations with injury on a very real episode of The Approach Shot
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1:01:03
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1:01:03He describes himself as a "science project", an athlete with all of the tools and the success that goes with it, but the injuries that kept him from "next level" success. JIMMY NELSON, the starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers who finished 9th in the Cy Young voting in 2017, the same pitcher who pitched 177, 179 and 175 innings respectively in…
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(00:01) Golf Instruction and Filtering Information This chapter features a discussion on the overwhelming amount of information available online, particularly in the realm of golf. I, John Ashton, am joined by Jeff Smith, a top 100 golf teacher, as we explore the challenges faced by golfers in navigating the plethora of advice and tips available. W…
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NFL and Cardinal WR Frank Sanders led the NFC in receiving, was an All-Pro, plays great golf and was drafted by the CUBS?
1:11:04
1:11:04
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1:11:04What does a former NFL All Pro, who led the NFC in receptions do after he hangs 'em up? Well he literally offers his golf services for charity events, is President and CFO of a successful clothing company and (fortunately for us) stops by to talk about it all. The charming, hilarious and thoughtful Frank Sanders is our guest on the latest episode o…
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