Shows
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastWorrying About Striking Out Is LIMITING Your Potential - Episode 34Want more out of your baseball training? Click The Link Below:
www.zealhittingdevelopment.com/remote-training
Welcome to the Zeal Talk Podcast, hosted by MLB/MiLB Hitting Consultant and Owner of Zeal Hitting Development, David Wessells. On this show you’ll hear about how to attack your baseball development, how to become an effective coach, and many other lessons and stories from David’s career from under-recruited, to All-Conference, to now training some of the best hitters in the game.
Follow David Wessells Socials:
Instagram: instagram.com/dwess_hitting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dwess_hitting
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dwess_hitt...
2025-06-1409 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastYour Training Should Be CHALLENGING - Episode 33Want more out of your baseball training? Click The Link Below:
www.zealhittingdevelopment.com/remote-training
Welcome to the Zeal Talk Podcast, hosted by MLB/MiLB Hitting Consultant and Owner of Zeal Hitting Development, David Wessells. On this show you’ll hear about how to attack your baseball development, how to become an effective coach, and many other lessons and stories from David’s career from under-recruited, to All-Conference, to now training some of the best hitters in the game.
Follow David Wessells Socials:
Instagram: instagram.com/dwess_hitting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dwess_hitting
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dwess_hitt...
2025-04-2309 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastStop Diminishing Athlete's Beliefs at a Young Age - Episode 32Want more out of your baseball training? Click Here
Welcome to the Zeal Talk Podcast, hosted by MLB/MiLB Hitting Consultant and Owner of Zeal Hitting Development, David Wessells. On this show you’ll hear about how to attack your baseball development, how to become an effective coach, and many other lessons and stories from David’s career from under-recruited, to All-Conference, to now training some of the best hitters in the game.
Follow David Wessells Socials:
Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Zeal Hitting Development
2025-04-1011 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastStep In The Box With THIS Mindset - Episode 31Feel like you or your athlete doesn't step in the box on the attack?! Are you constantly getting down in the count and letting the pitcher dictate the at-bat? IN this week's episode David discusses a mindset shift that can take you from defensive to dominating on OFFENSE.
Don't forget to FOLLOW the Show & Share this with someone who needs to hear it!
Looking to get more out of your baseball training?? Click the link below to start working remotely with David👇🏻:
www.zealhittingdevelopment.com/remote-training
#baseball #mentality #coaching #hittingtips
2025-04-0208 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastDon't Make This MISTAKE Once The Season Starts - Episode 30Most athletes spend the whole offseason working their butts off and then completely neglect training once the season begins. In this week's episode David describes why during the season is the most important time of the year to be training. He describes his 3 main reasons why you need to stay consistent training when it matters most.
Interested in training remotely with David? Join the athletes from all over the country that see CRAZY results working with David via the link below.
https://zealhittingdevelopment.com/remote-training.
2025-03-2612 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastThe SECRET INGREDIENT Most Baseball Players Lack - Episode 29Ever wonder why athletes with the same programming or instruction see different results?! Maybe you are one of those athletes. You have invested in the BEST trainers or programs but aren't seeing the same results as other athletes around you. In this week's episode, David describes what he believes is the missing ingredient for may athletes.
Looking to train with David remotely?! Click the link below to learn how a remote coach could completely transform your career.
https://zealhittingdevelopment.com/remote-training
2025-03-1908 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastPost-Winter Meeting Reactions | Episode 28Cito and David sit down to discuss the MLB Winter Meetings and some of the signings that happened. What will the Yankees do after Soto?! Are the Red Sox a few moves away from being contenders? What are the Astros doing trading Kyle Tucker?
Hear their thoughts and opinions on this week's episode of Zeal Talk.
2024-12-1435 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastHow We Are Changing The Travel Baseball Landscape at Zeal - Episode 27The travel baseball industry is BROKEN. Parents and Athletes are paying a fortune for fancy team gear and the status of playing for an "elite" team. They are wasting critical years and not getting better.
At Zeal, we are focused on DEVELOPMENT! In this episode, David breaks down his issues with the travel ball industry and how the Zeal Select organization has been structured to have all the investment go into getting athletes the programming and instruction they need.
Interested in training at Zeal?? Visit our website to learn about our training options and travel teams at the link below:
...
2024-12-1008 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastWhat Does An Off-Season Plan for a Professional Look Like?? | Episode 26Every wondered what goes into creating an offseason plan for a professional baseball player?? Here is an in-depth look at it!
This episode, David and Former 1st Round Draft Pick, Cito Culver, break down what the process looks like going into an offseason from the Athlete perspective and Hitting Coach perspective. They break down swing adjustments and how to collaborate with the athlete in front of you to create a plan to hit goals.
Interested in learning more about training with David at Zeal Hitting Development??
Check out the complete hitting development program he offers to athletes all over the...
2024-12-0725 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEMERGENCY PODCAST! Should The Yankees Let Soto Walk?? - Episode 25Where is Juan Soto going to sign this offseason??
Cito and David take a break from talking player development and swing talk to discuss Juan Soto's free agency. Will he go back to the Yankees? Is he worth $700 million?? Should the Yankees sign 2-3 other players for the same money??
Find out here on this episode of the Zeal Talk Podcast!
2024-12-0417 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastMy Story | Episode 24Who am I? After being in the Hitting Development social media sphere for awhile now, David has never had the chance to breakdown his baseball background, how he got to where he is today, and his purpose behind what he does.
Listen to David break it all down and give some perspective to the work he does in-person and remotely through his training.
Interested in working with David?? Here's a link for more information on his high level hitting development program:
https://zealhittingdevelopment.com/join-the-program
2024-12-0311 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastSeason Recap w/ Cito Culver | Episode 23Getting cut TWICE and then having a career year?! This past season was a rollercoaster for Cito Culver but ended up being a very productive season in his professional career.
Last season on Zeal Talk, David and Cito were able to document the work they were doing during the offseason at Zeal Hitting Development, and now you get to hear a breakdown of how Cito performed, including getting cut from two different leagues and then having his BEST offensive season of his career.
Enjoy the episode!
2024-11-3018 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastWhat Does Zeal Mean? | Episode 22What Does Zeal Mean?? This is a question David gets asked far too often ever since he founded "Zeal Hitting Development." To kick off Season 2 of the Show, David gives the backstory to Zeal and how it has shaped his vision for the business and the environment being created.
Interested in training with David in-house or remote?? Apply to train at https://zealhittingdevelopment.com/join-the-program .
We hope you enjoy the episode!
2024-11-2613 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 21 - Make Baseball Fun AgainCoaches! Let's be better! This week, David talks about coaches who are ruining the game of baseball for athletes and even causing them to stop playing. The purpose of baseball is to have fun and enjoy how awesome of a game it is, not run a dictatorship and get angry at athletes for no reason. David discusses how he approaches coaching and why we need coaches that can make athletes love the game not hate it.
2024-06-0711 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 20 - Developing Men Built For God + Others w/ Brian ReitnourThis week David welcomes his college coach, Brian Reitnour. Brian is the Head Coach at Houghton University. The culture Coach Reitnour has built is special and isn't something you see at most college baseball programs. His focus on developing men, providing grace through failure, and keeping God at the center is what makes the program so special. David and Brian discuss the importance of the culture, how shaping men for life after baseball is so crucial, and what it was like coaching David.
2024-05-3139 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 19 - Building a Juggernaut Offense w/ Caleb LangThis week, David sits down with Clarion University Head Coach Caleb Lang. Caleb has tons of experience coaching at many different collegiate levels and is a great baseball mind. Caleb describes his process of becoming Offensive Coordinator at NAIA Concordia University and helping build one of the best offenses in the country. They discuss development, game planning, and Caleb's new journey taking over the baseball program at Clarion.
2024-05-2426 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 18 - My Thoughts on Bat SpeedStatcast just started releasing new Hit Tracking Data for MLB hitters and the baseball world is talking about it. Whether it is bat speed or swing length, people seem to have the belief that certain numbers are "king" and selling out to those will make you a successful hitter. David discusses his thoughts and approach to Bat Speed training as well as the different data points that were released.
2024-05-1716 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 17 - Pitcher Perspective on TOXIC Hitting TwitterThis week we welcome back Ned Monthie to the Podcast! David brings Ned on to discuss his perspective on the toxic environment hitting twitter has become from a pitcher/pitching coach "lens." It is always great to hear the perspective of someone from outside the hitting sphere, and Ned gives great insight as well as open a conversation about "Right or Wrong" arguments in coaching in general.
2024-05-1038 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 16 - Don't Play Summer Ball!Could playing summer ball be a setback in your career?? Sounds crazy but this is a topic that David is very passionate about. Instead of playing more games just to play more games, prioritize DEVELOPMENT. David breaks down situations where playing summer ball would be good or bad and reflects on his playing career. Share this episode with an athlete that needs to hear it!
2024-05-0320 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 15 - Unlocking The Mental Advantage w/ Cameron GingerIs there a disconnect with your training results and game results?? Too many times we think it's a swing or an approach issue, but what if it's strictly a mental issue? Cameron Ginger (Propel Hitting), founder of PropelID, joins the podcast to discuss how the missing key in your career is an understanding of how you think and how you learn. David and Cam discuss why PropelID is a great tool, and how the mental side of the game can change the trajectory of your career.
2024-04-2636 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 14 - Trey HannamIn this week's episode, David sits down with well-known professional hitting coach Trey Hannam. Trey works with some of the best hitters in the country from High School to the MLB. Instead of traditional interview format, David goes through some of his favorite tweets on Trey's page to dive deep into all things baseball development. This is a great conversation with two great baseball minds!
2024-04-1942 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 13 - Ariel PolancoThis week, David interviews professional hitting instructor Ariel Polanco. Ariel is a private hitting coach from the Atlanta, Georgia area and works with some of the best hitters in the country. On this episode, Polanco describes his journey and how he tries to impact his hitters to be the best version of themselves. There are so many great nuggets of wisdom in regards to mentality in the box, player development, or just connecting and understanding each athlete you work with. Listen and hear from one of the best hitting minds in the country!
2024-04-1239 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 12 - Why Training In-Season Is So ImportantFor this week's episode, David takes a break from having remote and in-person guests on the show and discusses a topic he is very passionate about: Hitters training in-season. Too many hitters stop training once the season arrives and put themselves in danger of falling into poor habits. David discusses his Top 3 reasons why he believes it is important to work with a hitting coach in-season to ensure you stay locked in and confident to execute in the box.
2024-04-0519 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 11 - Drew RichardWe have a special guest on this week's episode. Drew Richard is a hitting coach with a large following on Tik Tok, Instagram, and YouTube. While he posts some of the most beneficial and great content, he's an even better dude. David leads the discussion on Drew's playing career, his experience training and coaching athletes of all ages, and the purpose behind why Drew loves coaching. There are so many nuggets and helpful tips for athletes, coaches, and parents.
2024-03-2938 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 10 - The Future Of Remote Training w/ Nick NevilleThis week's guest is Nick Neville, a former stud baseball player turned remote coach. Nick has a remote program to mentor and help baseball coaches make money over the internet through remote training. David and Nick discuss how his baseball journey led him to doing what he does now, as well as what his "Remote Training Mastermind" program is like. Nick also gives great insight into why remote training is the future in sports and how you can see great results! This is a great episode you won't want to miss!
2024-03-2231 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 9 - Seeking Failure In Training w/ Ned MonthieIn this week's episode we welcome Ned Monthie to the podcast! Ned is a great pitching mind and baseball mind all around. After pitching at Houghton University, Ned has experience coaching at the college level as well as experience in pitching instruction on the player development side. This episode introduces Ned and his background, as well as an in-depth discussion on seeking failure when training. When we are able to make our training environment more difficult than the game itself, we develop confidence and mental toughness to play on the attack.
2024-03-1529 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 8 - Offseason Recap with Cito CulverThis week's episode provides a quick recap of the work Cito Culver did training with David at Zeal Hitting Development this offseason. Before heading out to Mexico for his spring training, Cito breaks down the areas he knew he needed to improve with his swing and how he attacked that. This shorter episode is a great conclusion to the previous 8 episodes on the show with Cito.
2024-03-0818 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 7 - How To Communicate With CoachesIn this episode, David and Cito Culver discuss a very important topic for any athlete that works with a hitting coach in the offseason outside of their school or travel team. Communication with your coaches about what you are working on in the offseason with your swing can be a scary idea for athletes, but this episode provides a playbook on it. There's nothing wrong with telling your coach what you've been working on in the off-season as long as it is respectful. David and Cito discuss lessons learned in their career and what they would do differently so they...
2024-03-0130 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 6 - Consistent Swing = Consistent ApproachIn this week's episode, David and Cito Culver dive into the swing and the idea that if you can develop a consistent swing, it can simplify and make your approach much more consistent. You hear many coaches discuss the two things as if they are different, but Cito and David give their perspective about developing a high level swing that can execute in the box. Through some explanations of how they have improved this ability with Cito this offseason, and some interesting stories during Cito's time with the Yankees, this is a great learning opportunity and conversation for all listeners.
2024-02-2335 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 5 - Biggest MVP Snubs in MLB HistoryIn this week's episode, David and Cito take a step back from the development side of things and have a fun episode discussing crazy offensive seasons in MLB history that deserved MVP honors but were snubbed. This discussion shows how the emphasis on specific statistical categories has changed and how some stats are viewed differently in today's age. This episode is a great listen for any baseball nut that wants to learn about the history of this great game!
2024-02-1639 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 4 - Watching The Game vs. Highlight ReelsIn today's episode, Cito Culver sits down again with David to discuss how the new generation of "baseball fans" watch highlight reels more than they actually watch the game. They discuss how the BEST way to learn and become an all-around player is to watch the game and learn from the best in the world. Learning the little details of fielding, base-running, or even situational hitting can separate you from the competition that only looks at Tik Toks or Instagram Reels.
2024-02-0938 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 3 - Training To Perform In-GameIn this week's episode, David and Cito discuss the importance of training in a way that directly correlates to performance in game. In a world of athletes posting Personal Records for Exit Velocity, hitters fall into the trap of training for numbers in a game, and hurting their chances of being consistent in the game. We discuss many angles to this conversation such as analytics use in the MLB, becoming a boring batting practice hitter, and so much more!
2024-02-0245 min
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 2 - "My Way of Hitting is Right"In this episode, we welcome back Cito Culver to have an open conversation about the hitting community and how toxic it can be. Social media has become a place of arguing who is right or wrong, instead of focusing on the main goal: Getting the athlete better and help them perform. There are many potentially controversial takes and opinions on this subject but this episode provides an honest space for David and Cito to give their perspectives.
2024-01-261h 01
Zeal Talk - A Baseball PodcastEpisode 1 - Cito CulverIn today's episode, we sit down with Former New York Yankee 1st Round Pick, Cito Culver, as we discuss his baseball journey and lesson learned along the way. There are great nuggets and advice throughout the entire episode. This is a great conversation to learn and grow from for any athlete, parent, or coach. Cito will be a regular on the show as we dive in to various baseball topics.
2024-01-2234 min
The Upward LookApril 4 Devotional Reading | The Upward LookWhen it comes for planning God's work, He is willing to make every detail perfectly clear. This includes our own individual responsibilities. Reference: E.G. White, "The Upward Look," p. 108Full text of the devotional: “How God Guides His Children,” April 4I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8.My dear brother, I shall be glad to write just as definitely as I can. I thought I had done this in my former letter. I then presented the situation as plai...
2022-04-0403 min
The Virtual Memories ShowEpisode 416 - Wendung"At 50, everyone has the face he deserves," said George Orwell, but he died at 47, so what does he know? To celebrate turning 50, I use an obscure Woody Allen movie to talk about why I can't take stock of my life. Then the good part: I ask nearly 40 guests of the podcast one question, "What do you wish you'd done before the pandemic?" (You can skip right to that at 18:45.) Participants include Witold Rybczynski, Kathe Koja, John Holl, Emily Flake, Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Ian Kelley, David Townsend, John Bertagnolli, Jennifer Hayden, Richard Kadrey, Joan Marans Dim, Liniers, Sven Birkerts, Barbara Nessim, Da...
2021-01-111h 38
The Virtual Memories ShowGil Roth AMABecause of a last-minute guest cancellation, I had no show lined up for this week! Rather than take a second week off this summer, I decided it was time for another Gil Roth AMA episode, since the last one was almost 5 years ago. Thirty-two past and upcoming guests and Patreon supporters came through with questions for me, including (in the order I answered them): Ken Krimstein, Hugh Ryan, Barry Corbett, Joe Ciardiello, Glynnis Fawkes, Kyle Cassidy, Ian Kelley, Kate Lacour, Dean Haspiel, Eddy Portnoy, Kate Maruyama, Tom Spurgeon, Jonathan Hyman, David Leopold, Paine Proffitt, David Townsend, Boaz Roth, Chris...
2019-08-191h 57
The Virtual Memories ShowThe Guest List & Bill KartolopoulosComics scholar Bill Kartalopoulos joins the show to talk about editing the annual Best American Comics series. But first, nearly three dozen of the year's Virtual Memories Show guests tell us about the favorite books they read in 2018 and the books they hope to get to in 2019! Guests include Jerry Beck, Christopher Brown, Dave Calver, Roz Chast, Mark Dery, Michael Gerber, Cathy B Graham, Dean Haspiel, Steven Heller, Richard Kadrey, Paul Karasik, Ken Krimstein, Nora Krug, John Leland, Alberto Manguel, Hal Mayforth, Dave McKean, Mark Newgarden, Audrey Niffenegger, Jim Ottaviani, Robert Andrew Parker, Shachar Pinsker, Nathaniel Popkin, Chris Reynolds...
2018-12-121h 57