HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

Heavy Hitter Sports entertains, educates & inspires by spotlighting sports game-changers. Athletes & sports business leaders share their stories of resilience & provide valuable advice on how to tackle challenges on & off the field of play. Host Mark Hochgesang's commentary is shaped by his deep love & knowledge of sports & 30 years of management experience at Nike, adidas & Easton.

Recent Episodes

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Alyx Wynn: The Power of Representation
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June 17, 2026

Alyx Wynn: The Power of Representation

Alyx Wynn, master marketeer, has led brand efforts at Nike, U.S. Soccer & now Dallas Trinity FC. She & host Mark Hochgesang discuss the World Cup, the women's sports explosion and their favorite soccer stars. Alyx also talks about the power of representation, the importance of mentorship and how strong leaders focus as much on people as performance. Enjoy sports fans! Alyx Wynn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyxwynn/ Dallas Trinity FC: https://www.dallastrinityfc.com/ Listeners, please s
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Gene McCarthy: Leadership Lessons
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May 28, 2026

Gene McCarthy: Leadership Lessons

Gene McCarthy, former elite miler & Nike executive, shares hard-earned lessons from leading some of the most iconic brands in sports. Drawing from his experiences at Nike, Brand Jordan, Under Armour, & ASICS, Gene offers a candid & insightful look inside some of the most pivotal moments in sporting goods history. Filled with memorable stories involving Phil Knight, Michael Jordan & Tom Brady, this conversation with host Mark Hochgesang is both inspirational & highly entertaining. Chasing Four Po
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Charley Stobbs: The Natural
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March 31, 2026

Charley Stobbs: The Natural

Charley Stobbs, the sports marketing leader of baseball & softball at adidas, delivers more than just baseball insight. He shares a championship mindset built upon hard work, authenticity, trust, and relationships. Charley reveals what’s happening in baseball today, from Little League to the Bigs. Inspired by lessons from his Major League father and years in the game, Charley reminds us to stay coachable, keep learning, and never stop pursuing the role that truly fits who you are. Charley's Link
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Ellen Bain: Adventure Seeker
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March 16, 2026

Ellen Bain: Adventure Seeker

Guest Ellen Bain shares how she pivoted from a successful Nike career to a life built around yoga, adventure, and community - and the lessons that team sports teaches us about resilience, teamwork & leadership. And yes, she did share a roller coaster ride with Phil Knight on her first day at Nike. Enjoy sports fans! Peak Power Adventures Website: https://www.peakpoweradventures.com/ PPA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakpoweradventures?igsh=MWh6NDg4MmtvZmcydA%3D%3D Listeners, please subsc
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Gary Patterson: To the Rescue
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Jan. 30, 2026

Gary Patterson: To the Rescue

Host Mark Hochgesang provides his take on the recent hiring of USC's new defensive coordinator, Gary Patterson. Mark also shares his thoughts on the upcoming Trojan season. Patterson's Introductory Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy2psH39BWQ Listeners, please subscribe to Heavy Hitter Sports wherever you listen to podcasts so that you don't miss any future episodes. Ideally, please also rate & review the show. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or famil...
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Danny van Leeuwen: Resilient Athlete
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Jan. 14, 2026

Danny van Leeuwen: Resilient Athlete

Host Mark Hochgesang huddles with the inspiring and relentlessly optimistic Danny van Leeuwen—athlete, nurse, storyteller, and champion for living fully with a chronic illness. Danny doesn’t just talk about resilience; he lives it daily with multiple sclerosis while still pursuing movement, connection, and joy. His perspective flips the script from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s possible?” as we explore how folks can redefine success, choose hope, and keep moving forward even when the road gets rock
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About the Host

Mark Hochgesang Profile Photo
Mark Hochgesang

Host of Heavy Hitter Sports

Mark's goal is to educate, entertain and inspire by bringing compelling sports stories to life. He is a 30-year sporting goods industry veteran, having worked at Nike, adidas and Easton. Mark is now transferring his storytelling skills to the podcast airways. This venue and show focus is a great fit for Mark given his love of sports, industry experience and interest in psychology & personal growth.

Mark's love of sports is broad ranging...baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse and all things Olympics. Yes, you might detect a slight bias toward the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, the Portland Trailblazers and the Trojans since he was born in San Francisco, raised in Portland and educated at USC.

Mark also invests in sports related startups via Oregon Sports Angels. Mark, his wife Barbara and their son Chris have lived in Portland for the last 25 years.