HER Impact: A.J. Andrews

Summary

The Nikki & Brie Show

Episode: HER Impact: A.J. Andrews
Date: March 26, 2026
Host: SiriusXM
Guests: Nikki & Brie Garcia (hosts), A.J. Andrews (professional softball player & MLB Network personality)

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Episode Overview

This episode, in honor of Women's History Month, features trailblazing athlete A.J. Andrews, celebrated as the first woman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove. Nikki & Brie dive into Andrews' early sports experiences, career milestones, representation in women’s sports, and personal philosophies—offering inspiration for athletes, parents, and women everywhere. The tone is energetic, supportive, and candid, in keeping with the Nikki & Brie brand of friendship and empowerment.

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Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Nikki & Brie’s Tag Match Comeback

(00:56-05:05)

• Nikki and Brie celebrate returning to the wrestling ring after eight years for their first tag match.
• Discussion of excitement vs. nerves, the experience of performing live, and dealing with last-minute match cutbacks.
• Nostalgia over their teamwork, desire to continue competing, and upcoming match against Charlotte and Lexi.
• On their in-ring personas and competitive energy:

  "I get it. There was... I was a major heel, and now heel face. I'm heel face. You're gonna always get heel face from me. I'm just gonna be me. And that tends to be more heelish." – Nikki (04:33)

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2. Introducing A.J. Andrews: Breaking Barriers in Softball

(05:05-05:35)

• Nikki introduces A.J. Andrews, highlighting her history-making Gold Glove, career in broadcasting, and Drop in Diamonds podcast.
• Warm reminiscence about past meetings and immediate friendship.

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3. A.J. Andrews’ Athletic Beginnings & Family Influence

(05:59-11:42)

• A.J. played multiple sports as a child, but softball stood out for its camaraderie.
• Formative moment around age 13-14: recognition of her talent through key mentors and a shift to a harder work ethic.
• Her father's wisdom was pivotal:

  "There's always going to be someone better than you, and so there cannot be anyone that works harder." – A.J. Andrews' dad, as recalled by A.J. (10:23)

• The role of her father as motivator and her mother as source of grace and resilience.

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4. College Years at LSU: Lessons in Failure and Discipline

(14:17-18:16)

• Loving the culture and intensity of LSU; drawn to Louisiana by its spirit and food.
• Reality check in college: everyone is a star; learning to be humbled and embrace failure.
• Embracing the acronym FAIL: First Attempt In Learning.

  "Once I started looking at failure as a part of success rather than the opposite... that’s when my discipline continued to outweigh the sometimes the results." – A.J. Andrews (17:17)

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5. Making History: The Gold Glove

(18:16-20:50)

• Vivid recounting of the banquet where she won the first women's Rawlings Gold Glove.
• Moment of shock and joy, recognizing the broader significance for women's sports:

  "It was just a really, really cool moment. And not just for me, but for the sport of softball and honestly, for women in sports, because I always felt like the more any woman in any sport can break down a barrier, it's just like knocking down that door..." – A.J. Andrews (20:33)

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6. State of Women’s Professional Softball & Representation

(21:46-23:01)

• Growth in pro leagues and increased MLB partnership.
• Challenges: need for more brand support and translating college fans to pro softball.
• On role modeling for girls and representation:

  "Another moment that really stuck with me... a mother and her daughter come up to me as Black woman and her child... she said, yeah, but she never has seen someone that looks like her playing. And she recognized you immediately." – A.J. Andrews (24:22)

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7. Career in Media & Inspiration as a Broadcaster/Podcaster

(25:02-29:22, 28:20-29:22)

• Transitioning to the MLB Network and Dropping Diamonds podcast.
• Her platform highlights athlete journeys, inspiration, and the realities of the game.

  "When you think of inspiration, you come to Dropping Diamonds... for people that play the game, but also those that are just interested in it." – A.J. Andrews (28:41)

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8. Women’s History Month Reflections & Rapid Fire Empowerment Segment

(34:13-41:10)

• On the meaning of Women’s History Month:

  "It means the opportunity for us to slow down and recognize all the women that have come before, all the women that are showing up now, and all the women that are getting ready to show up in the future." – A.J. Andrews (34:24)

• First hero: Her mother, a breast cancer survivor, changing A.J.’s perception of strength.
• Rapid fire Q&A:
  • Trait in women she admires: Assertiveness, using your voice.
  • Myth about strong women: That strength negates the need for grace or rest.
  • Real power: "Never backing down from what you want... and bringing other women with you."
  • Most powerful moment: Receiving the Gold Glove, dedicating it to future women winners.
  • Thing women need to stop apologizing for: Their feelings.
  • When women support each other: The world goes around.

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9. Quotes & Affirmations

(42:16-42:57; 44:03-47:20)

• A.J.’s favorite affirmation:

  "Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you cannot, either way, you are right." – A.J. Andrews (42:51)

• Nikki & Brie on motivation:

  "We never chased fame, we chase success... when we’re on that field... we're just so driven and focused into our goals and, like, what we want to do. And we think of achieving, not being liked, but achievement." – Nikki (45:20)

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10. Personal Journeys & Sisterhood

(47:32-50:27)

• The three discuss life, relationships, and personal focus.
• A.J. and Nikki both describe enjoying time single, centering personal growth and happiness.

  "I do really like you, but I just like me more right now... I'm just focusing, you know, on myself right now until I get to that space." – A.J. Andrews (48:27)

• Brie shares her married perspective, relishing the joys of supporting her single friends.

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11. Celebration & Outro

(50:27-end)

• Nikki and Brie express admiration for A.J. as a role model:

  "You are such a role model, inspiration for so many women. And thank you for that. Thank you for being one of those warriors that really pushed through, worked so hard to get to where you're at today so that other young girls can look up to you and just be like, I can do it." – Brie (50:53)

• Call to support women's sports more broadly and to check out A.J.'s podcast Dropping Diamonds.

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Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “There's always going to be someone better than you, and so there cannot be anyone that works harder.” – A.J. Andrews’ dad (10:23)
• “FAIL: First Attempt In Learning.” – A.J. Andrews (17:48)
• “Not just for me, but for the sport of softball and honestly, for women in sports...” – A.J. Andrews (20:33)
• “It has absolutely nothing to do with performance. It has everything to do with whatever it is about you that they see and they resonate with and they can connect with. And because of you, their dreams get bigger, they get broader and, and they get brighter.” – A.J. Andrews (24:05)
• “Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you cannot, either way, you are right.” – A.J. Andrews (42:51)
• “Real power is always bringing someone... you get yourself in the door, then you send the elevator back down...” – A.J. Andrews (38:50)
• “Strong women don’t need grace—that myth has to die.” – A.J. Andrews (37:54)
• “When women support each other, the world goes around. Everything stops.” – A.J. Andrews (40:17)

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Highlighted Moments

00:56-05:05 – Nikki & Brie’s wrestling return, dealing with nerves, time cuts, and the power of teamwork.
18:16-20:50 – A.J. recounts her Gold Glove win and the surprise/exhilaration of making history.
24:24-25:00 – Impactful story about being a role model, particularly for young Black girls, reinforcing the importance of representation.
34:13-36:46 – A.J. reflects on Women's History Month and her mother as her inspiration.
42:51 – A.J.’s affirmation: "Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you cannot, either way, you are right."

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Summary

A lively, inspiring conversation celebrating the trailblazing path of A.J. Andrews—her journey from multi-sport childhood and the pivotal influence of her parents, through the discipline of collegiate ball at LSU, to history-making achievements in professional softball. Andrews discusses visibility for women in sports, her role in the MLB media landscape, and her podcast “Dropping Diamonds,” all while candidly sharing personal philosophies and affirmations.

The rapid-fire section and personal honesty from all three women infuse the episode with warmth, humor, and wisdom—offering practical insights for listeners about perseverance, failure, representation, and the power of women uplifting women. The hosts’ open sharing (from parenting to relationships to career hurdles) round out an episode that’s both motivational and full of real-life sisterhood.

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For Listeners:

• Check out Dropping Diamonds for more stories from women in bat-and-ball sports.
• Look for A.J. Andrews on MLB Network.
• Support women’s sports—show up, tune in, and be part of the change!

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Transcript

[Nikki]

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[A.J. Andrews]

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[A.J. Andrews]

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[Nikki]

What up, everyone? Welcome back to the Nikki and Bri Show. And Women's History Month continues. And we are very excited because we have a very special guest today. Someone who I actually sat on a panel with. Right. For Women in Sports Business Summit that was back in New York. Gosh, over a year ago. Wow. And she's incredible. So I'm very excited to bring on our special guest in a little bit. But, Brie, we had our first tag match.

[Brie]

We had our first tag match.

[Nikki]

Oh, my goodness gracious.

[Brie]

It was really very exciting.

[Nikki]

I will say exciting.

[Brie]

It felt so good to be back in the ring.

[Nikki]

It did.

[Brie]

And it was crazy because, you know, I was so nervous. Yeah, I was so nervous. You know, it's been eight years. Eight years since we've tagged together.

[Nikki]

Right.

[Brie]

And you know, even the training you'll do, there's. It doesn't compare to being in front of a live crowd, feeling the adrenaline rush. Like just those, all those emotions.

[Nikki]

Time getting cut.

[Brie]

Oh, yeah. We had time get cut, which is. Can I tell everyone why we didn't do our back flipping?

[Nikki]

We just had so much time cut that we.

[Brie]

I just. You pick and choose. But don't worry, you're gonna see it this Friday.

[Nikki]

People thought Bri may have forgot, but we just. That's why they didn't even do the announcements, the title announcements. I know you were like, but I think we do have time for the backflip.

[Brie]

I did. So I felt like we did.

[Nikki]

I just, I always, when I backflip, I celebrate. I like to take the moment of celebrating. Remember, we thought, like, we're gonna come in and. Anyways, long story, short story short, you're just in those moments where minutes are getting cut. And you're like, how do we just get this started? Right?

[Brie]

But we will. I will do it for all of you this Friday. Yes, we will get that backflip in. But, you know, it's when you get that first match, I don't want to say out of the way, because I don't want it to be out of the way. But doing that, it's for me, afterwards, I'm like, no, I want to keep going. Yeah, I want to keep going. It was so much fun.

[Nikki]

So much.

[Brie]

And I loved being in there with you.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

And it was just so weird. I'm like, what?

[Nikki]

Here we are. Yeah.

[Brie]

But, you know, it just makes me excited for what's to come and our journey with it. And so I loved it.

[Nikki]

Yeah. But it was. You know, I have to say, for me, it was just incredible being back in the ring with you. I know there's so much more we want to do, do, and, you know, we wish we had more time, but it was just such a great first match. And to think, like, that was you and I hadn't shared that ring and, you know, about eight years, and it was just a moment that I truly loved. And obviously, I've been wanting since, you know, for the past year and a half. And it just reminded me how much I just love tagging and, you know, having that communication, even on, you know, our one moment, like, Bri, help a sister out. I know, girl, that's, like, the best about tags. And then also having someone, you know, there with me, and, I mean, fortunate enough, that whole match, like, all those girls, you know, I've. I've gotten to share the ring with, as far as, you know, Charlotte and Lexi, and having that same mindset, you know, sometimes you get back in and. Because mindsets change over decades, and so to be around the same mindsets on the way, you know, you talk or think or psychology, it was just. I. I had so much fun.

[Brie]

It was a lot of fun. And now we get to get it this Friday.

[Nikki]

Get it this Friday. So make sure to tune in. We're having another match now. We're taking on Charlotte and Lexi. And, you know, I love Charlotte and I, we just have this natural, like, competitiveness, fire. And, you know, it's funny because I'll see online, people are like, is Nikki a heel or a face?

[Brie]

Jeez.

[Nikki]

And, you know, I get it. There was. I was a major heel, and now heel face.

[Brie]

I am.

[Nikki]

I'm heel face. You're gonna always get heel face from me. I'm just gonna Be. Just be you, me. And that tends to be more heelish. And then when I'm around Charlotte, I've realized it really makes me healish. And I love it. Yeah, it's great. It's fun. I know.

[Brie]

I've been having fun, too, like, going up against Alexa Bliss and all that stuff.

[Nikki]

So, Yeah, I love it.

[Brie]

All right, everyone, make sure to catch us this Friday night on Smackdown on USA, 8pm Eastern.

[Nikki]

Yes. All right, everyone. Today we are sitting down with a woman who didn't just play the game, she changed it. She made history as the first woman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove, and she continues to bring energy, excellence, and visibility to softball and baseball around the world. From the field to MLB Network to her podcast, Drop in Diamonds, she is proof that passion and purpose can take you everywhere. Welcome to the Nikki and Brie show. A.J. andrews. Yes.

[A.J. Andrews]

Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited. I.

[Nikki]

Me too. It's been so long since the last time I saw you and met you all in one.

[A.J. Andrews]

I know. Which was so fun. I love. I feel like we have. We talked about. Talked about me coming to Napa, and I never have yet still, so I gotta. I gotta get that together.

[Brie]

You do. You do.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

You need to come.

[Brie]

This place is a special place, that's for sure.

[Nikki]

Magical.

[Brie]

You know, AJ, I'm so curious. You know, Nikki and I being moms and. And I'd love to take it back all the way to your childhood to start. You know, one thing I feel like, as parents, we're always trying to see this natural athletic ability our kids have. When did you know at a did or what age do you feel like you knew that you had a special talent for softball?

[A.J. Andrews]

Ooh. Well, I played all different sports growing up, so I think from like three or four, I was put in T ball. The infamous T ball. I love watching kids.

[Brie]

We were T ball coaches.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

Oh, my gosh. And madhouse comedy.

[Nikki]

Pure comedy.

[A.J. Andrews]

And so I started out there, and then soccer was big for me. I was a cheerleader growing up, and I played basketball. And so, honestly, softball was kind of one of the last sports that I picked up outside of playing when I was. And T ball. And so I played started at 11. And for me, it was very different from all the other sports that I played, because while everything was fun, there's no other sport where you're cheering your head off in the dugout. And I remember the. One of the first plays I made in softball, being from Florida, the ground is really dewy, and Wet sometimes in the morning. And I just remember making a catch and I slid really far, and I was like, oh, this is like a slip and slide. So I was hooked after that. So there's. There's a lot of moments where I can think back to what made me love the game of softball. But I think what really hooked me and kept it really the sport that took me the long haul outside of all the other sports I played, was just how different it was and the camaraderie that I had with my teammates in softball in comparison, you just didn't find that in any other sport.

[Brie]

Wow, that's so interesting. We played soccer, and so I love hearing that. But you know what's so interesting? So many of our soccer teammates all went on to play softball.

[Nikki]

I know.

[Brie]

And I felt like they did love softball more. So that's. That's really neat to hear that, because I. I never actually really asked them why they preferred softball.

[Nikki]

Right. And was there a moment when you were doing it where you're like, okay, I'm really good, and I'm different than everyone else, and I can take this really far.

[A.J. Andrews]

Different? Yeah, I'm different.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

I think it was probably. It was probably like, probably when I was like, 13. They have like 14 and under. There's like 12, 14, under, probably then. And then when I was going into high school, I. One of the coaches that was my high school coach, he kind of like took me under his wing. His daughter Gianna, actually, she played at ucla, so he kind of just had, like, an eye for talent and. And he just really mentored me and was one of my coaches. And I think in that moment when I kind of really realized so many people were behind me and believed in me and saw my potential was when I said, oh, okay. I mean, I know I'm good, but for these people that have sent people to some of the top colleges in the country to play softball, it really made me realize, okay, I can. If I work even harder than what I'm doing now, I could get a scholarship, and I could not just be the best on my travel ball team, but one of the best in the world. And so, yeah, it probably was definitely probably 13 or 14 when I started moving into travel softball. Like the more intense travel softball, where you travel the entire country versus just the state of Florida. 14. I went all over the place and then did.

[Brie]

Did it. At that age, did you kind of change your mindset? Was it. And did you feel some pressure? Like, all a sudden you're like, okay, like I got to put in extra hours I need to sacrifice. You know, maybe school dances or whatever it may be. Was. Did every. Did it kind of all change for you?

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah. It's so funny. Myself and some of my teammates, we had this running joke where anytime someone would ask us something, it was like, yeah, sorry, I can't. I have softball. It's just, like, the whole thing. Throughout our whole lives, I. Sorry, I can't. I have softball.

[Brie]

Oh, my God.

[A.J. Andrews]

And I think that it really. One of the big things that I remember the most is my dad, like, back to school shopping, and. And we would. He'd give us, like, a budget each year, and for whatever reason, I don't remember what year it was, maybe my sophomore year in high school, he, like, cut back on the budget. And I was like, whoa, this can't happen. Like, I closed. And I said, listen, whatever money you're saving for me for college, just add that to this year's budget, and I'll get a scholarship. I'll just, you know, I'll save you all the money, get a scholarship to go play collegiate softball somewhere. And he. I remember he got very serious and very stern and was all saying how if you really want that to happen, you have to be the hardest worker on the field. There's always going to be someone better than you, and so there cannot be anyone that works harder. And I remember those words for whatever reason that I remember exactly. I was. We're in the hallway, and I'm like, play. I don't. It was. I vividly remember it. And those words stuck to me like glue. And I tell you, it became almost like a part of my identity after that, because no matter what I was doing, if I felt like I could be working harder, the words from my dad would play, there's always someone better than you. You got to be working harder. And I would. It would drive me to get up and go practice extra hours. Even in college, it was a moment where I would be laying down after a full day of practice and just think to myself, someone in California has two more hours than me because they're two hours back. I gotta go. Gotta go back to the field. And so, yeah, I feel like that's. That moment is when my hard work went to overdrive. And I think that's become something that I'm really known for now as far as. As an athlete. Wow. It all came from. I just wanted, you know, more clothes.

[Brie]

Yeah, exactly.

[Nikki]

And, well, and it gives me chill.

[Brie]

I know. And how great of your dad in that moment to have such powerful words, have such impact.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah.

[Brie]

Does he know the impact he's had?

[A.J. Andrews]

Oh, yeah, absolutely. My dad is a very motivational, inspirational person. He's been giving speeches since I was little. I remember going with him to a lot of his different speeches that he gives. So he's. You know, they say like when you're born, you, you pick your parents. I fully believe that because I feel like the person that I've developed today wouldn't be possible if I hadn't grown up watching my dad doing the things that he's done and speaking the way that he speaks, because speaking life into people the way that he does. And so after each game in which if I had a bad game, that was, that was my first call. And it's so funny because my mom is, you know, just as supportive and someone that's helped my career as much, but she's more so like the person you call to remind me to give myself grace. And then my dad's the person I call to help remind me of who I am. You know, he's a person like, no, this is. You are A.J. andrews. Like, get back. Do what you got to do. Get back in the, in the field. And so.

[Nikki]

Yeah, but that's, that's really cool.

[Brie]

So then let's take it like both sides. I mean, incredible. I love that. And that, like, as us, as parents, give us inspiration and how we need to be, you know, and how we are with our kids. Hey, everyone, when you're doing it all, you need all the electrolytes.

[Nikki]

I mean, whether that's 7am Pilates class to be hydrated for. I know for us we have power lifting in the mornings, after school drop off. There's a lot to be hydrated for being a mom.

[Brie]

Take my kids to school, making them breakfast, lunch and dinner.

[Nikki]

And let's be honest, what you need is you need Gatorade, which hydrates better than water itself.

[Brie]

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[Nikki]

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[Brie]

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[Brie]

So I then I'm curious now because you know, when you guys are in that moment and you're talking about the shopping spree, you get your full ride scholarship to lsu. What were your parents reaction? Did your dad take you shopping?

[A.J. Andrews]

You know, they did. I do think he maybe added a little bit more to my allowance during my freshman year in college. I don't know, I was living off ramen noodles at that time, but I feel like after we had that conversation and once I did get the scholarship, they were, they were just so excited for me and just so proud of me. And I don't remember if they took me shopping, but I feel like maybe they just started turning a blind eye to. Yeah, what is shopping addiction?

[Nikki]

Right.

[Brie]

And you know, I love that. And how was it at LSU being in. I mean that is that college with the fans, like what an incredible environment. Was it so fun playing?

[A.J. Andrews]

Oh my God, time of my life. Like actual time in my life. And it's so funny because prior to going to lsu, it was Louisiana was one of those states where you just didn't really know much about outside of what they show you on tv. And it's like the crocodile hunters and you know, all this stuff. Occasion army. Yeah. And so I just had this preconceived notion about what Louisiana was going to be. Be. And then you get there and it is full of the kindest, most welcoming people you've ever met. Everybody calls you boo or BAE and I really just like adopted it. The food is phenomenal, but the sports is just next level. And everybody just wants you to excel, succeed. Right now I know everybody knows about lsu. LSU sports is having a moment. But even back when I was playing, it was always top tier and so much fun. You know, there's no alcohol laws really in, in Louisiana, so there's like drive through daiquiri shops. So for a college kid, it's, it's just a time, I mean outside of.

[Nikki]

Yeah, well, and being with such a powerhouse program there, like did you feel a lot of pressure there as a young athlete? And do you feel like the discipline and different things that you learned, you have carried that on since.

[A.J. Andrews]

Absolutely, yeah. Once you get to college, it's so interesting. It's just kind of this big shell shock because for majority of your life, you've been one of the best, if not the best, on majority of your teams your whole career. And then you get to college and you're on a team full of people who are the best on their team. And so while you are working with these individuals to be better and to be your teammates, they're also your competition. You're competing for a starting position. And so it was. It was a very big reality check immediately of, oh, I am not as good as I think I am, or there's always opportunity to get better. And so you kind of get there thinking, yes, I'm good, but realizing, but I still have so much better to get. And to me, I feel like that's the exciting part about softball, where no matter how good you are, you're going to be humbled at some point. And so it's kind of like you always have to come back to your bases, come back to what you know in order to get yourself back to that position. But the way I think of it is the acronym F A I L Fail, like first attempt in learning. And I really adopted the mentality my freshman year of almost like befriending failure, because I recognized it was inevitable. Like, and the only way for me to truly be successful was to fail. And once I started looking at failure as a part of success rather than the opposite and something to avoid and something to more so to lean into, I feel like that's when my. The discipline continued to outweigh the. Sometimes the results.

[Nikki]

Right.

[A.J. Andrews]

Because results can be very. They can shock you and they can make you want to quit. They can make you want to stop. And so that's when the discipline leaned in understanding that the failure that I'm experiencing right now is it's like my steps. My steps to higher success. So the more I feel it's only the higher I'm going to finally reaching that success. And I don't know if I had that mentality prior to almost having to adopt it my freshman year, because failure was just. It was so prevalent.

[Brie]

Yeah, well, I mean, you definitely adopted it because you became the first woman to win the Rawlings Gold Glove. How was that? And where were you? How'd you get the phone call? Like, tell us.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah, so that was my second season in professional softball, and I was playing with the Akron Racers. And prior that whole season, they hadn't told anyone about the Gold Glove or that even being a. A potentiality for anybody. And so I'm just out there playing, doing my thing. Like, in my mind, I feel like the alcohol is my hunting ground. So if the ball comes anywhere near me, it's your stuff's getting eaten up. Like, that's just what it is. I don't need an award for that. Right. That's just, like, in my DNA at this point. And. But then at the end of the year, at the end of season, probably like, maybe a week left of the season, they kind of let everybody know that they would be announcing a. A Gold Glove winner. And in my mind, I was like, okay, cool. I felt like it maybe just be like, some subset, like some women's Gold Glove, not necessarily the Gold Glove that Major League Baseball players receive. And so then we got to the end of the year banquet or dinner that all the teams come together for, or they announce all the awards and realized they had all the Rawlings people come in. It was like this big production, and it, you know, became a realization of, oh, no, this is the real Gold Glove. No, whoever wins this is actually going to be making history. And so it was only three finalists. And so the difference between me winning and it being MLB is Image League baseball. They give it to each position. So there's like a center field goal. Glover, pitcher, catcher. But in professional softball, that year, it was only one. So you're the best defender, period. And so, yeah, I'm sitting down at the banquet. I'm like, as we're getting ready to call, I'm just, like, playing the other two finalist names in my head, because I finally get to a point where I'm probably gonna be disappointed if it's not me. But, you know, once you, like, if you're not expecting your name, it doesn't hurt as bad. So I was, like, saying your name, and then all of a sudden, I hear my name, and I was. I was frozen. My, like, fight or flight kicked in, and I just. I was stuck. And one of my teammates shook me and said, aj, it's you. It's you. And so I got up, and as I'm walking to the stage to receive the award, like, tears start flowing. And it was just a really, really cool moment. And not just for me, but for the sport of softball and honestly, for women in sports, because I always felt like the more any woman in any sport can break down a barrier, it's just like knocking down that door, at least to so many other doors waiting to be broken down for so many other women, regardless of the sport. So I was super excited for myself. But honestly, super excited for the moment in history for women in sports.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

Oh, my gosh.

[Nikki]

I completely agree. I think that's what I loved about, you know, our panel. When we are at the Women's Sports Podcast Business Summit, it was everyone who was sitting up there had broken some barrier in women's sports. You know, pro softball, wrestling, soccer, golf. It was just so impressive to hear everyone's story. And I remember when I was up there, I was like, I want to hear so much more from everyone on here. We just didn't have, like, enough time. But I always feel that, like, I love seeing what's going on in basketball right now for women. And it's just. It's incredible that we all. I mean, it's wild to think in 2026 we still have all these glass ceilings to break and all these barriers to break, but it's also amazing to watch them get broken and be able to support each other. Do you feel like pro softball right now? Like, where do you feel like it is in terms of visibility and growth?

[A.J. Andrews]

I feel like it's. It's getting bigger and better. Last year with the ausl, which is one of the. There's two pretty much main softball leagues right now. There's a USL and then there is women's Pro Fast Pitch, which is another league. And so as far as both those leagues, they're both expanding within teams. They have more teams. AUSL has a partnership with Major League Baseball, is helping financially, also helping coverage. So putting a lot of the girls on television, the marketing, they're writing a lot about the. The league and the women in the league. And so I feel, as far as the support this past year, and it's grown exponentially. And so I think now to your point, with like WNBA and the way in which they've exploded, being able to kind of bring in the same fandom from college, because college softball is out of this world. It. It produces some of the highest viewership you could even think of. Some a lot of times higher than the College World Series for the baseball players, even Major League baseball games. And so whenever I feel like we can bring in a lot more of the collegiate fandom, help them follow their favorite players into pro. I think we'll continue to. To see more growth and expansion. And then. Yeah, then, you know, we just need more brands and.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

People to support us and love us.

[Brie]

Right, Exactly. Like, hello, brands. Where you at? Come on. Sponsors, you know, like, you know, and A.J. i have to ask you, how does it feel to know that there Are women in college now wanting to be you? Like when they're thinking of their role model, their inspiration every day when they're out there working hard, like they're striving to be you, how does that feel?

[A.J. Andrews]

Oh, that's such a lovely question. You know, it feels, it's so, it's such a nice feeling. And for me, I really realized that it comes down to just showing up in college, even when you go out after the games and you go and go sign autographs and I could have had the worst game of my life, but then there's going to be some 8 year old, 9 year old girl telling me that I'm her favorite player. I'm just like, there's no way in my mind, right? Like I just struck out three times. But then she's saying, oh no, because we're the same, we have the same number. Or you wear your hair the same as me, right? Or we play the same position. It has absolutely nothing to do with performance. It has everything to do with whatever it is about you that they see and they resonate with and they can connect with. And because of you, their dreams get bigger, they get broader and, and they get brighter. And so I feel like another moment that really stuck with me was another moment when I had a bad game. But a mother and her daughter come up to me as black woman and her child and she tells me how, oh my God, you're my daughter's new favorite player. And I was like, oh really? I was like, well, thank you so much. I didn't feel like I had a great game. She said, yeah, but she never has seen someone that looks like her playing. And she recognized you immediately. And so she at least playing professionally, she recognized you immediately. And so you're now her favorite player. And it was just another moment where, you know, it just hit me of a lot of the times it is just showing up. It's that representation and just being there. And so I'm very proud to have shown up as much as I have. And for whoever it is that resonates with me or feels like I represent them in some way, I hope, I hope I'm doing them justice.

[Brie]

Oh, yes, definitely are. That is for sure.

[Nikki]

And you keep doing it, being a part of the MLB Network, which is amazing. Is this like what, like what you love doing next and want to continue to like stay in the industry and make it visible?

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah, absolutely. I feel because from softball into baseball, being able to talk both the sports is just very natural to me. Having, you know, Play the game, understand it, know in the positions where you're supposed to be, what the different perspectives I think comes from it when you play the game. And so I've created great relationships with a lot of the players, baseball and softball. And so talking both on the softball side and also on the baseball side, to me it's a lot of fun. And being on camera is something I've done honestly for since I can remember. And so being able to talk the sports that I love, baseball, softball and beyond. It's. It's been really fun and can tell me and excited to continue. Yeah.

[Nikki]

That's amazing. Sounds like a home run.

[Brie]

It does. And then do you.

[A.J. Andrews]

There it is. Yes. A grand slam, actually.

[Nikki]

Yes, exactly.

[Brie]

And because the MLB schedule is wild. So do you have to be on that schedule?

[A.J. Andrews]

Not so. Mine is definitely a lot more relaxed. And then because I'm not with one team. So to Your point, it's 162 games in a season for baseball players. So if you're like the sideline reporter for one team, it is a grind. Like those girls, they are grinding. But for. Because I'm with the network a lot of time, it is. I'm. My show previously was a recap show. So it was really kind of highlighting and showing y' all things that happened in the last week or I'll go to certain events. So it's not as.

[Brie]

Oh, good.

[A.J. Andrews]

Not as much of a grind as you know. Yeah. With the team. But it's definitely still a long season. But it's fun. You know, love, love baseball. And once October baseball come postseason, it's. It's next level. Everybody loves it. So it's always a good time.

[Brie]

I love that. Hey, everyone. When you're doing it all, you need all the electrolytes.

[Nikki]

I mean, whether that's 7am Pilates class to be hydrated for. I know for us, we have power lifting in the mornings after school drop off. There's a lot to be hydrated for.

[Brie]

Being a mom. Take my kids to school, making them breakfast, lunch and dinner.

[Nikki]

And let's be honest, what you need is you need Gatorade, which hydrates better than water itself.

[Brie]

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[Nikki]

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[Brie]

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[Nikki]

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[Brie]

And you start a podcast called Dropping Diamonds. Can you tell us more about your podc? You started it?

[A.J. Andrews]

Absolutely. So Dropping Diamonds is a podcast highlighting mainly softball players and it's in partnership with A, USL and iHeart and but I've also brought some baseball players onto the podcast but really giving us space, working this year to expand even more to this be like the, the place for bat and ball sports like I want. When you think of drills, you come Dropping diamonds. When you think of inspiration, you come to Dropping Diamonds. When you just want fun, cool conversation. Dropping Diamonds, right? You want to hear all the diamonds being dropped. That is what this podcast is for. Whether you're in baseball or in softball, because it is a hard game. People say it all the time. There's not many other sports where you can fail 7 out of 10 times and be considered a Hall of Famer. So it is one of the games that is one of the toughest. And so I hope it's, you know, it's a fun atmosphere for people that play the game, but also those that are just interested in it. You know, the casual fan to come and also learn more.

[Brie]

No, I love that. That's cool because I even think like, think of the. Why can't I think of the big movie, the baseball movie. Like no one cries in baseball. Yes, yes, we all were obsessed with that movie. But like they never took it further. And it's like people were obsessed with it. The, the outfits, the baseball. I even remember watching it. I'm like, oh, I should do baseball. Like it was fun, like just seeing all the women together, the whole thing. So I love that you're bringing more exposure and you know, with not only working for the MLB Network, but your podcast. Because we do need a deeper dive into softball. We, you know, I feel like it touches the surface, but it's great that you're doing that because for someone like myself who probably doesn't have the most knowledge, I can't wait to listen to your podcast. So I do get a deeper look into the players and, you know, everyone who's making history there. So I love that.

[A.J. Andrews]

I appreciate that. You guys have any baseball or softball players in the making?

[Nikki]

I mean, my son loves, like, when he did T ball and any of the sports he's done so far, he was like, loved T ball. He had so much fun.

[Brie]

He.

[Nikki]

And I was really impressed with his throw. I was like, oh, shoot, okay. You got a good arm on you. And so I could definitely see him like that. That being his sport, he does want to try soccer this year, so I'll have him try that. But, like, he definitely loves. But our bro and our dad were big baseball players. Like, they would hold practices growing up in the backyard. I mean, my dad put in the biggest batting cage ever. So we grew up at the baseball fields on the weekends. Like, we were always at the baseball field. So we started playing soccer, but as little kids, because my dad stayed in leagues. Yeah.

[Brie]

I actually got. I was, you know, like, how the little kids will be playing and the adults are playing their game. A foul ball smacked me in the face, busted my nose. And it happened to be my dad at bat. And I was just like a kid playing on the trees pretty much. But actually, twice at two baseball games, just sitting, having fun. I busted my nose.

[Nikki]

Yeah, she did. I was like. I mean, the luck.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yes.

[Brie]

Both were foul balls. And everyone's like, heads up. So what do I do? I look up.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah.

[Brie]

I never, like.

[A.J. Andrews]

I do that too. I always look up.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

Everyone needs to say, heads down.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

I'm like, heads down. Then I would have went like this, but I'm like, heads up. I'm like, what? I'm like, how did it nail me?

[Nikki]

Well, it would suck.

[A.J. Andrews]

Twice. Twice. I know.

[Brie]

Well.

[Nikki]

And what was wild the second time was we were, like, walking from the

[Brie]

snack bar or something.

[Nikki]

No, we were on, like, the alleyway. Gonna come into where the field was at, and it literally went over the fence so perfectly and nailed her straight in the nose.

[Brie]

Like, busted my nose.

[Nikki]

We were almost walking, like, just so even. So how it did that? I was like, oh.

[Brie]

I'm like, girl in softball. Does that mean good luck or something?

[Nikki]

It better mean good luck.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah, we'll say that.

[Nikki]

Okay. Let's just.

[A.J. Andrews]

Let's say that because I'm like, you know, I mean, that's like getting lightning twice. It means something. Yeah. Yeah.

[Nikki]

And both time with busted noses.

[Brie]

Like, I mean, bloody nose, like, oh, my gosh.

[Nikki]

Wow.

[Brie]

Jeez.

[Nikki]

So wild.

[Brie]

Maybe Softball was trying to tell me, come to us.

[Nikki]

Come join us.

[A.J. Andrews]

Right.

[Nikki]

Or stay away.

[A.J. Andrews]

Either one for not jumping in the game. That's what it was.

[Brie]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

Listen, learn to catch. I don't know.

[Brie]

Yeah, well. And then when I went to the Diamondbacks game and I was kind of close, I literally. I got. I had so much anxiety.

[Nikki]

Anxiety because of what's happened to you. I was like, wait a minute.

[Brie]

To the point I had to, like, end up leaving because I just felt like I was going to get a ball in the face.

[Nikki]

But it was so fun when we were during the World Series, when it was Phillies. Verse.

[Brie]

Dodgers.

[Nikki]

Dodgers. And we got to be like, right behind the plate. I'm like, that was now that I felt safe because. Yeah, because they have the nets. So we're like, okay, we could be there.

[A.J. Andrews]

No. Open air.

[Nikki]

No.

[A.J. Andrews]

Anywhere. Yeah.

[Brie]

I don't know if I can do that.

[Nikki]

Line drives. I'm like, no, no, no.

[Brie]

Or I'm going to be in a mask like the Freddy Krueger.

[Nikki]

Did you just see recently when the one player goes to catch, what it. It was going to be a home run and he caught it. And the fan that ripped it out of his glove.

[Brie]

I didn't see that.

[Nikki]

Did you?

[A.J. Andrews]

Oh, yeah, that was a couple years ago. That was recirculating. That was insane.

[Nikki]

Insane. I'm like, how. And did they count. Didn't they count the runs or something as, like a drop ball or. No, I can't remember.

[A.J. Andrews]

No, they counted as an out. Those fans got, like, banned for life. But it was just the rudest. I mean, why would you do that? Yeah.

[Nikki]

So crazy.

[Brie]

I mean, you know, you're gonna get in trouble, too. Like, that's not.

[Nikki]

He didn't look sober, let me tell you.

[Brie]

Well, that's probably what happened.

[Nikki]

Yeah. Okay. So being Women's History Month 1, what does women's History Month mean to you personally? And do you remember who your first hero was?

[A.J. Andrews]

And women's History. I'm sorry. Okay. Women's History Month means. To me, it means the opportunity for us to slow down and recognize all the women that have come before, all the women that are showing up now, and all the women that are getting ready to show up in the future. And I think that it is such a powerful moment for us as women to. While we should be celebrated all year long for all the things that we do, hopefully a moment and a month to really reflect on all the powerful things that we are able to accomplish as women in sports, as women in business, as mothers, as Teachers. I really feel like women make the world go round. And without women in any position, in any field, things just simply don't run as seamless. And I think the power that women hold in any and everything that we do, it deserves to be recognized. It deserves to be shouted from the rooftops all year long, but the least they could do was give us a month. So I am happy that we have that month to celebrate women in the way in which we all deserve to be celebrated. No matter what you're doing as a woman.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

And I would say my first role model, first hero, is definitely my mom. And then my mom is. She's a breast cancer survivor, and so she had breast cancer when I was in middle school. So. And I'm the oldest of my sisters, so it was kind of like one of the. I really was only one to understand what's going on at the time. And I think just to watch talking about powerful women and women overcoming things at the age of. I was probably 12, 13, watching somebody that, you know, you view to be like the epitome of strength at their weakest, but still be so determined to fight back and utilizing it. To me, it rewired what I believe was what strength was. And so it wasn't necessarily being physically strong or was necessarily kind of being someone that showed up all the time. It wasn't someone that was boisterous or loud. It was someone that kept going in the moments in which everybody would understand if they gave up.

[Brie]

Wow.

[A.J. Andrews]

And so, you know, because of that, I, you know, she's someone that's just. When I think of strength, I just think of the things that she fought in order to make sure that she was able to watch her daughters grow up. Myself and my two younger sisters. And, yeah, so she's definitely my first hero. And then Natasha, Wally, my second.

[Brie]

Oh, my gosh, I love that. Wow. Your mom sounds incredible.

[Nikki]

To have the strength to go through all that. And so happy that she's doing great, you know, has overcome it.

[A.J. Andrews]

Thank you.

[Brie]

So we love to play a little rapid fire, so we thought it'd be fun to do a rapid fire where we will ask you questions and you just give us an answer. And it's kind of off the theme of this month, Women's History Month. So one woman in your life who shaped you the most?

[A.J. Andrews]

Oh, I mean, gosh, I have to say, it's probably my mom, for sure. Yeah.

[Nikki]

Yeah. I love it.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah.

[Brie]

And I get that number equality in

[A.J. Andrews]

women you admire being assertive, being very blunt, loud. Say exactly how you feel and what you want. Demanding. I. I just. I love when women aren't afraid to ask for what they want and what they deserve, regardless of what the backlash may be.

[Brie]

Totally.

[Nikki]

Oh, my gosh. I so agree with that.

[Brie]

A myth about strong women that needs to die, that

[A.J. Andrews]

strong women don't need grace. Strong women don't need a moment of relaxation, and they don't need people to recognize that. Yes. While we can carry it on our own, we would still love it if someone came in and just at least prop my back up a little bit if I ever started to bend.

[Brie]

I so agree with that. I feel like for so long, I felt like being a strong woman meant you just had to keep going and going. You had to wear all the hats, you had to hustle, like, you had to do it all, and you never got a moment to breathe. So I love that you said that, because I, like, feel. Felt like I fell into that so much of my 30s especially.

[Nikki]

And they all need grace.

[Brie]

They do. What does real power look like in a woman?

[A.J. Andrews]

I think real power in a woman looks like never backing down from what it is that you want and what is that you believe and using your voice to further yourself and other women. I feel like power is always bringing someone you help get yourself in the door, and then you send the elevator back down to help send somebody back up. I love that.

[Brie]

A moment you felt most powerful.

[A.J. Andrews]

You know, it was probably right after winning the Gold Glove, and I went to the Gold Glove dinner, and I was around all the Major League baseball players that I won, and I was the very first woman to be walking on this stage and receiving the award. And I. I don't remember exactly what I said in my speech, but I remember dedicating it to all the women that were going to come after me because this isn't going to be the last time you guys see a. A woman that is a Gold Glover. So definitely I'll be that moment.

[Brie]

Gosh, I love that.

[Nikki]

That's a powerful moment, for sure. Yes.

[Brie]

One thing. Women need to stop apologizing for our feelings.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah. Like, don't apologize for how you feel. Don't apologize for crying. Don't apologize for being upset. Don't apologize for being exactly who you are, even if it doesn't fit what society says you are supposed to be. Yeah.

[Nikki]

Yeah, I love that.

[Brie]

And finish this sentence. When women support each other. Blank.

[A.J. Andrews]

When women support each other, the world goes around. Everything stops. I think.

[Brie]

Yes, for sure.

[Nikki]

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[Nikki]

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[Brie]

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[Nikki]

That's Fabletics.com twins.

[Commercial Announcer]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T mobile is available in US Cellular stores. Best mobile network Based on analysis by Google of speed test intelligence data 2H 2025 bigger network. The combination of T mobiles and US cellular network footprints will enhance the T mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.

[Nikki]

It's so true.

[Brie]

All right, A.J.

[Nikki]

well, we love to end all of our episodes with a little inspiration, affirmation. Is there any quote or mantra that you live by?

[A.J. Andrews]

Oh, I'm an affirmation station. I love that. Yeah, that's like I'm gonna be maybe a rapper and I'm not gonna say my next life like later on in this one.

[Nikki]

Yeah, good. I would love that.

[Brie]

Yeah. I'll go to your class.

[A.J. Andrews]

Thanks. Thank you. I think one of my favorite ones that that has really stuck with me for majority of my life is whether you believe you can or whether you believe you cannot. Either way, you are right.

[Brie]

Wow.

[Nikki]

That's right.

[Brie]

I've never heard that.

[Nikki]

Yeah, that's great.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

Wow.

[Brie]

That like changes a lot for me right there. That one hit. I'm like, no more cannot, you know. Huh? Oh my gosh.

[Nikki]

I Gotta write that one today. I do like that.

[Brie]

I like that that's going up on my bulletin board. That's a good.

[Nikki]

Especially I feel like as of late, so much you want to go into the I can't category, like whether, I don't know, just whatever it is or

[Brie]

is that what you've been feeling lately?

[Nikki]

Yes. So I need to change that.

[Brie]

Yes, you do. I can.

[A.J. Andrews]

What do you guys. What did you guys use to motivate you? Wrestling and whatever things. Because, I mean, especially when I think about, like, powerful women, you two definitely come to the forefront. Because when it comes down to being able to go out, be authentically yourself, be bad ass as possible, and like on the highest stage and doing all the things that you guys are able to do in the moments in which maybe it was society or the press or even your own mind trying to put limits on you.

[Nikki]

Right.

[A.J. Andrews]

How did you overcome that?

[Brie]

You know, I have to say one, I. I was lucky to have a twin to keep motivating me at those times where you felt so weak and down, you know, she definitely gave me strength and the affirmations to keep going. But, you know, Nikki and I, I feel like her and I, we hated when people said no. We always wanted to prove everyone wrong. And we were like you. We weren't afraid of hard work. If it meant we had to work harder. We'll work harder. Yeah, we loved, you know, working hard and. And we loved. I felt like two shocking people.

[Nikki]

Totally. You know, we had. It's kind of those things when you start to realize that you're, like, born with this, this fire inside and you have this mindset. No. Just never felt right. If anything, I was like, okay, now I'm gonna so prove it to you. And I don't even care if it takes 10 years. I am going to prove to you that no. Yes, we can, and we will. And we're gonna do all the things, so.

[Brie]

And we're visionary. Like, we, like, we have big imaginations. We knew what women were capable of doing, and it bothered us. They weren't given the opportunity. So her and I were like, how do we get this opportunity? And I think we just tried to figure out every angle and every way to, like, just break through. And so. And we're lucky enough we did.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

But.

[Nikki]

And I think we realized too, we always stayed humble, which I think made it where we just were always us. And I think what makes what I've noticed, athletes very different as female athletes is we've never chased fame, we chase success. And I think that's what's made us game changers, is we don't. We didn't come into sports to be famous. We came in because we had a gift and we wanted to be the best. And I think that gives us a certain drive and motivation. That's a lot different from other people that I met who, you know, first wanted to have a famous platform and then use it for good. But when you're dealing, especially from what I notice female athletes, we're just built different in a way of it almost. I feel like we have this mindset because we came from soccer. We are competitive soccer players before pro wrestling, and we kind of get this thing of we don't care what anyone's. What anyone thinks. When we're on that field, you know, doing what we do, it's crazy how we're just so driven and focused into our goals and, like, what we want to do. And we think of achieving, not being liked, but achievement. And I think that's also helped us in what we did in pro wrestling, where there was the entertainment side. But Brie and I were like, well, who cares what people say? Like, oh, so these guys are bashing us or these person. I mean, we got goals to achieve, and we're gonna go do it.

[Brie]

Yeah. So one of our affirmations we had, though, was, haters gonna hate. Bella's gonna ball.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

And, you know.

[Nikki]

And you know what I saw recently where I kind of was laughing, but they were like. And it made me laugh. They go, you know why lesbians achieved so much back in the day? And I, you know, was watching this thing, and they go, because they didn't give a. What men thought. And I'm like, hey, that's actually a good point. We never cared. Yeah, I love men, but I don't care, you know? Never cared what they thought. And I'm like, that's female athletes. We love them. But, hey, we're gonna do what we do.

[Brie]

We'd be first in line to compete.

[Nikki]

Exactly.

[Brie]

For sure.

[A.J. Andrews]

But, yeah, the places you'll go once you decenter men.

[Nikki]

Honestly, isn't it wild?

[Brie]

It is.

[Nikki]

It's just even. Are you single? Are you in a relationship?

[A.J. Andrews]

Girly pop. Single as a Pringle. It's real ghetto out.

[Nikki]

Isn't it hard out there right now?

[Brie]

This one's single, too. She's having the hardest time.

[Nikki]

And I'm not even. And you're probably the same. I'm not even looking hard. But what I've kind of realized is, even if I'M texting a lot with some. All of a sudden, I'm like, wait, this is spilling up. This is filling up space and energy that I just don't want right now. Like, right now, instead of, like, texting all these guys back, I could have been doing a meditation or, like, been outside, like, you know, bathing in the sun. It's kind of weird how my mindset is right now. I'm like, I have my son. I have my busy schedule, and then any downtime I have, I've realized I don't even want to, like, text someone. Like, I'm not even. I don't know what it is. I guess you. It's when you find the right one you want to hear from. But I don't know.

[A.J. Andrews]

I just read something not kidding, like, literally two hours ago, and it said, the problem is, it's like, I do really like you, but I just like me more right now.

[Nikki]

Yeah, that's. I think what it is.

[A.J. Andrews]

I'm just focusing, you know, on myself right now until I get to that space. I don't know that liking you will be enough at this point in my life.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

Wow.

[Brie]

You know what?

[Nikki]

That's exactly how I feel. That's, like, perfectly set on, like, my feelings is I'm dating me and my son, and I just don't got space for more right now. And I'm loving this era of this, like.

[Brie]

And I'm so different. I'm going on 12 years of marriage and a happy marriage, so I feel different. I love being with my husband and being able to share, like, all my moments.

[Nikki]

You can be our wing woman.

[Brie]

Honestly, I feel like I spot them out good. I think I spot him out good.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

Because I'm open.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

You guys have anyone in mind?

[Nikki]

And they don't have to be in Tampa, right? They can be anywhere.

[A.J. Andrews]

No. Anywhere.

[Brie]

Okay.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah. Actually, roughly not here.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

We'll keep our eyes open. I mean, well, yeah. Because I could.

[Brie]

I know. Now I'm going to start when I have my tea later, I'm going to be sitting there going, I like thinking about these things.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

See, these are the things that are exciting for women who've been married because.

[Nikki]

Oh, I know you've lived through me. You want me to go have more stories. And I'm like, I don't want to go date right now.

[Brie]

I honestly need to make a shirt. Go live it up.

[Nikki]

I'm like, I am living it up in a different way.

[Brie]

No, but not the way I want to live it.

[Nikki]

I know you want to be the woman.

[A.J. Andrews]

Yeah. I think I'm with my mind. I'm like, I must be, like, due for another spiritual awakening the way this

[Nikki]

is is going, honestly, you know what?

[A.J. Andrews]

So that's what's happening.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[A.J. Andrews]

Then it just, like, life takes off.

[Brie]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

I think we just have to. God right now wants us in our high frequencies, and we just can't have anyone coming in ruining that.

[Brie]

Yeah, that is exactly right. Oh, my gosh, aj, I feel like we all need to go get.

[Nikki]

We need to go get wine and have more conversations.

[Brie]

Do you know, and have some real fun talk. Oh, my goodness. But this has been such a treat. And, you know, Nikki and I were so excited that you were going to do this during Women's History Month because you are such a role model, inspiration for so many women. And thank you for that. Thank you for being one of those warriors that really pushed through, worked so hard to get to where you're at today so that other young girls can look up to you and just be

[Nikki]

like, I can do it.

[Brie]

And they are doing it because you made that path. So thank you so much and happy Women's History Month and keep on working, girl. I can't wait to see you on that MLB Network screen. I'm going to watch now, and I'm going to catch your podcast, too. So that's amazing.

[Nikki]

Yes.

[A.J. Andrews]

Thank you, guys. Thank you so much for having me. I'm always, always honored to talk to other powerful women and amazing women doing amazing things. So thank you guys for having me.

[Nikki]

Thank you. Bye.

[Brie]

Oh, my gosh, Nikki, she's such a gem.

[Nikki]

I know. I told you, she. I connected with her. You know, when you go to these events and you. There's always, like, a few people, like, you connect with, like, instantly her and Ashlyn Harris, like, became so close with within, like, minutes. And so I had a lot of fun with her. And she's amazing, isn't she?

[Brie]

Incredible personality. I mean, she's stunning, flawless. And I'm so excited to catch her podcast Dropping Diamonds, because I, you know, we grew up with so many people who went to ucla. Softball.

[Nikki]

Yeah. Remember when we went, watched and play our soccer girls, we were so close

[Brie]

with, and so I was so close. Yeah. I want to dive more into that sport. I think it would be so much fun. And, well, we just need to start

[Nikki]

being better about supporting all these female sports. I mean, you and I are obsessed with sports. We're obsessed with women and with female athletes especially, and the inspiration, motivation, and we just got to start showing up and showing out. Just like we show up to super bowl and the Masters. Girl, we got to make our way to some of those.

[Brie]

There you go.

[Nikki]

Get big, big softball and WNBA and all those other events.

[Brie]

Well, and that's what it is about women's sports, especially the professional side is

[Nikki]

showing up, showing up. And we're also like minded. I mean, look how we just instantly connect and we start talking and think how we were with Ashlin when we started talking. You know, when you've grown up in sports and in competitive sports, we all know sisterhood and we know there's, it's just, it's. You just become a sisterhood. Even though we've all played different games, we're all, we're all very much alike on how we traveled, our dedication and what it took as a woman to get there. Be the best and, you know, achieve goals, so.

[Brie]

That's right. Well, everyone, you can catch videos of today's episode and all our social media platforms. Nikki and Brie show, Tick Tock, Facebook, Instagram pages and also on our YouTube page as well. We're also on SiriusXM Stars109 and you can call our hotline at 833 Garcia too.

[Nikki]

Yeah. And also make sure to check out AJ Andrews on her Instagram page as well as her podcast. That's right.

[Brie]

All right, everyone, have a great weekend.

[Nikki]

Yeah, bye.

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Critics and audiences agree.

[Brie]

What the hell is this place?

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[A.J. Andrews]

Wtf? Splendid.

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[A.J. Andrews]

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[A.J. Andrews]

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It begs to be seen in a packed theater.

[Brie]

Please remember to clean up the blood.

[Nikki]

Wow.

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They will kill you. Now playing only in theaters. Rated R under 17 not admitted without parent. Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too.