Episodes

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 ...

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 P...

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 Lin...

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 subs...

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...

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...

John Gassner & host Mark Hochgesang trade thoughts on how parents & coaches can best support young athletes with ADHD. John is an ADHD Life Coach, former DI athlete, sports industry veteran and has ADHD himself. Mark has recently returned to coaching youth baseball and is the father of an ADHD athlete. A 2024 Aspen Institute survey indicates that 20% of athletes between the age of 6 to 18 suffer from ADHD. Parents, coaches and athletes alike should find this episode illuminating. Order Out of C...

Guest Spiro Psaltis shares his deep love for baseball & engaging stories re his USC national title team, five pro ball career, Pete Rose relationship & a successful 40-year tenure as both a coach & announcer with host Mark Hochgesang, his long time friend & fellow fraternity pledge brother. 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 cowor...

Sports can be highly instructive. Much of what I have discovered about life comes from the baseball diamond. These are ten valuable life lessons that the game of baseball has taught me. 1) You have to adjust to the curve & bad hops 2) Umps are bound to make bad calls 3) Keep your eye on the ball 4) Hope springs eternal 5) It's the little things that matter most 6) It's a team game 7) Take your cuts 8) Not everyone can play short or bat fourth 9) Moms matter most 10) You only get to ...

Renowned mental performance coach Gary Chupik reveals the secrets of creating an elite mindset & unlocking your full potential. This master of sports psychology shares insights re visualization, goal-setting, team building & leadership. Enjoy sports fans! Elite Mindset Website: https://www.elitemindsetnation.com/ Gary's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitemindset/ Listeners, please subscribe to Heavy Hitter Sports wherever you listen to podcasts so that you don't miss any future episodes....

Les Badden, film & video guru & event planner extraordinaire, provides a behind-the-scenes view of Nike's magic making process during the company's golden era. Tiger Catcher Poster: https://sportsposterwarehouse.com/products/lance-parrish-tiger-catcher-1983-detroit-tigers-vintage-wall-poster-nike-inc 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 and review the show. And share this episode...

Host Mark Hochgesang shares his favorite guest moments from 2024. The advice, insight & untold stories are both entertaining & illuminating. Enjoy sports fans! Time-Stamped Show Notes 0:45 Teresa Strasser: Making it Home 2:02 Laura Jorgensen: Strong as You Have to Be 3:41 Scott Shirley: Balancing Act 5:17 Cody Gifford: The Race of a Lifetime 7:52 Jen Armbruster: Sports for All 8:39 Dave Clark: The Climb 11:47 Santiago Halty: The Beautiful Game 13:44 Steve Harden: Formula for Success 15:55 Kirst...

Brian Baker, SRVP of Board Games at Hasbro, shares why he left a thriving design & product development career at Nike to chase his childhood dream of working in the toy & game industry. He also reveals how the recent successful Hasbro-Nike LeBron James collaboration transpired. Brian & host Mark Hochgesang discuss orchestrating career transitions, the power of AI & their mutual love for some of Hasbro's powerhouse franchises: Monopoly, Clue, Candy Land, Twister & Mouse Trap. Enjoy sports (and t...

Pat Tillman set aside a lucrative pro football career for a valiant, yet heartbreaking military career. Host Mark Hochgesang pays tribute to this true American hero. Mark also shares his thoughts re the Iraq, Afghanistan & Ukraine conflicts. * Pat Tillman Foundation: https://pattillmanfoundation.org/donate/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0MG5BhD1ARIsAEcZtwSXZ7dzmA9rwDObpJ9g0wMPXD5vOaVwYt0sC1rlK2QX9UA1frvskTUaAuIAEALw_wcB * Remembering Pat Tillman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEw3Gd2RHY0 * The...

Adriana Caliri, former Nike Golf & Tennis GM & current leadership coach, shares insights on how to unleash your full potential. She reveals lessons learned by working with tennis greats Serena Williams, Roger Federer & Rafa Nadal. Adry & host Mark Hochgesang also rejoice in the return of Elliott Hill, the new Nike CEO. Enjoy sports fans. Renaissance: https://www.renaissance-cec.com/ Adriana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach.adry/ Adriana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian...

Retired pro cyclist Laura Jorgensen shares how she & her co-founder created Fuel Goods, a sports nutrition company focused on everyday athletes. Laura talks about career pivots, building high performance teams & fueling sports performance by eating healthier. Enjoy this appetizing episode sports fans. Fuel Goods & Together We Rise Donation Link: https://fuelgoods.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorqol7O_SG7LDvCYmoEonwfT487au3b7-460W6i21kFDpk5wTFr Laura's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-j-j...

Taylor Cook, mental performance coach & retired professional ice hockey goalie, provides insight into how athletes & others can enhance your mental mindset. She & host Mark Hochgesang exchange thoughts on the power of positive self-talk, visualization and a growth mindset. Enjoy sports fans! Taylored Minds Website: https://www.taylored-minds.com/ The Athletic Mind Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-mind/id1610116010 Taylor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylo...

Former Penn State football player Scott Shirley shares how his entrepreneurial efforts helped raise over $20M to battle rare diseases & support a variety of other charitable causes. Scott & host Mark Hochgesang discuss how athletes, teams & sports can be a power for good & make life better for others both on & off the field of play. Uplifting Athletes: https://www.upliftingathletes.org/ Pledge It: https://pledgeit.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottshirley/ Listeners, pl...

This illuminating conversation regarding the pitfalls of today's competitive youth sports world will benefit athletes, parents & coaches alike. The exorbitant cost of club sports, crazy tournament travel demands & the dangers of year-round sports specialization are all discussed by What is the Goal? authors, Jean Linscott & Ken Ruoff. Enjoy sports fans! What is the Goal?: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-is-the-goal-jean-linscott/1145009474?ean=9798990114302 Every Kid Sports: https://every...

Sporting goods veteran, consultant, author & cancer survivor Steve Harden provides tips on how to supercharge corporate careers. Steve & host Mark Hochgesang share insights re effective leadership, teamwork, communication & customer focus. Harden Strategic Solutions: https://hardenstrategicsolutions.com/ Steve's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveharden/ Surpass Your Limits: https://surpassyourlimitsbook.com/ Listeners, please subscribe to Heavy Hitter Sports wherever you lis...

Molly Carroll, therapist, coach & Tedx speaker, shares how to enrich the mental mindset of young athletes. A wide variety of other sports psychology topics are addressed by Molly & host Mark Hochgesang. Molly's Website: https://molly-carroll.com/ Molly's Podcast: https://molly-carroll.com/podcast/ Molly's Blog: https://molly-carroll.com/blog/ Molly's What Keeps Us Alive Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujBJKoVbvzo Molly's Human Connection Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/molly_c...

Host Mark Hochgesang regails the magic of his childhood hometown hero, Willie Mays. The Say Hey Kid, who passed away less than 48 hours ago, is thought by many to be the greatest baseball player of all-time. His amazing talent, fierce determination and exuberant spirit made Willie a true American icon. 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 and review the show. And share this episod...

Craig Constantine, the host of the Movers Mindset podcast, shares the wonders of parkour with host Mark Hochgesang. Craig highlights the physical & mental challenges & rewards of this one-of-a-sport birthed from the Paris suburbs. Parkour newcomers & veterans alike will be entertained & enlightened by Craig's engaging storytelling. Craig's Website: https://constantine.name/ Craig's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigconstantine/ Craig's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.constanti...

Senda Athletics Founder & CEO Santiago Halty shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey & offers leadership, team building & strategic guidance. Santiago reveals his love of family, futsal & Fair Trade. And he & host Mark Hochgesang declare their admiration for Lionel Messi & all things Argentine. Enjoy sports fans! Time-Stamped Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 4:46 - Born in the USA 8:21 - Tough Transition 10:14 - Fair Trade Discovery 11:30 - On My Own Again 13:50 - Futsal 101 18:14 - Who is the GOAT...