Episodes

Jen Armbruster, seven time Paralympian, shares her gold winning success tips. She & host Mark Hochgesang discuss how to creatively overcome obstacles, the value of sports for the disabled & the magic of faithful guide dogs. Adaptive Sports Northwest: https://adaptivesportsnw.org/ 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 with a coworker, fri...

The renowned sports broadcaster Ann Schatz shares her groundbreaking journey. Ann & host Mark Hochgesang talk about the nation's new found love...women's college basketball. And Ann shares her love for learning, coaching and inclusivity. Plus, who doesn't want the inside scoop on the Tanya Harding scandal from the reporter who broke the story. LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-schatz/ Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Schatz Adaptive Sports Northwest Fundraiser (M...

Dave Stevens shares his incredible story of achieving sports & broadcasting success, despite having no legs. Dave & host Mark Hochgesang discuss overcoming obstacles, disability challenges & the benefits of inclusion, while having fun along the way. Enjoy sports fans! Dave Stevens Speaks Website: https://davestevensspeaks.com/ Dave Stevens Speaks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davestevensspeaks_/?hl=en TV Video Clips Featuring Dave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFKIUsTbJxE Dave Spea...

Cody Gifford reveals behind the scenes stories about his father Frank Gifford, a true football icon. Cody talks about his dad’s challenging upbringing, thrilling USC and New York Giants on field exploits and game-changing ABC announcing days. Cody and host Mark Hochgesang also trade thoughts on how to mitigate the risks of CTE, the brain disease that sadly haunts so many football players. Key Links: Requiem for a Runningback: https://www.requiemforarunningback.com/ Frank's Highlight Reel: htt...

Dave Clark is the only man to play professional baseball while on crutches. Contracting polio as a baby would have stopped virtually any other athlete in their tracks. But Dave's dedication, perseverance and love of baseball enabled him to defy the odds. But no one can do the extraordinary alone. This is also a story of the unsung heroes that aided Dave along his amazing journey. If you or one of your loved ones is faced with an overwhelming obstacle or severe limitation, you will glean inspira...

Michael Bergmann, author, innovator & former Nike product development guru, shares how to bring ambitious plans to life. His 'fearless innovation together' strategy helped revolutionize Nike Tennis & the Oregon track community. Michael's engaging stories highlight the value of risk-taking, networking & dreaming big. This is a 'must listen' for those seeking advice on how to battle big problems or overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges in business, sports or life. Track of Dreams Video: ht...

Award winning author Teresa Strasser shares how she used a thrilling Little League baseball season to grieve her brother’s passing and reconnect with her father. Her book Making it Home just made USA Today’s list of “Best Books of 2023”. Teresa & host Mark Hochgesang discuss how a love for baseball helped them 'heal' and get through the toughest moment of their lives. Time-Stamped Show Notes 1:39 - Welcome to the Show 2:49 - Favorite Read of the Year 4:48 - My Losing Season 5:41 - The Reasons W...

Stellar guest advice, insight and untold stories from guests during the past is highlighted by host Mark Hochgesang. Enjoy sports fans! Time-Stamped Show Notes 0:56 Jolynn Mitchell: Family & Friends Sports Bonding 2:17 Mike Hass: Hall of Fame Comes Calling 4:20 Casey Cavell: Stay Focused 4:49 Desmond Clark: Live Life to the Fullest 6:26 Matt Powell: Network, Network, Network! 7:40 Karen Morgan: Go Dawgs! Fight On! 9:06 Peter Paskill: Timely Job Search Advice 12:08 Sarah Sukumaran: Womens Footwe...

The pressures placed on young athletes and their parents have never been greater. Peak performance and sports parenting coach Kirsten Jones explains how best to navigate these turbulent youth sports waters. This is a must listen episode for those with kids playing sports. Plus, don't you want to know how Kirsten wins over the Russian Red Army at age 24? Enjoy sports fans! Time-Stamped Show Notes 1:30 - Young Kirsten 2:37 - College Recruiting Saga 5:51 - William & Mary's Debbie Hill 8:33 - The T...

Author, advocate & activist Marcus Alston shares his personal sports journey & quest to empower student athletes via greater mental health access & game changing legislation. Enjoy sports fans! Time-Stamped Show Notes 2:10 - Alston for Athletes 5:49 - Lane Kiffen Tearjerker 6:41 - Marcus' Heartbreak 8:34 - Yep, it's Broken 12:01 - The Benefits of Sport 13:30 - True Grit 15:56 - College Challenges 17:36 - Color Me Blue 20:02 - I'm Not Playing for You 21:26 - The Future is Female 22:46 - Breaking...

Casey Cavell and host Mark Hochgesang discuss 'swinging for success' in business, baseball and life. Casey is a renowned entrepreneur, business consultant, podcaster and baseball fanatic. Welcome to season three of Heavy Hitter Sports. Enjoy sports fans! Time-Stamped Show Notes 2:55 - Business Builder 4:23 - Right People, Right Values 6:23 - For the Love of the Game 9:10 - TicTok Generation 9:31 - Chill 12:41 - Stay Focused 15:02 - Relax 16:53 - Great Day for Two 22:41 - Guardrails 25:26 - Why?...

Former Chicago Bear star Desmond Clark shares his compelling rags to riches story. This modern day renaissance man also reveals the five keys to greatness as depicted in his book Principles of Winning. If you're looking for meaningful inspiration & tangible tips on how to improve your own game you'll truly enjoy this conversation between Dez & host Mark Hochgesang. Win the Day! Time-Stamped Show Notes 2:08 - Challenging Childhood 3:38 - Sports to the Rescue 4:41 - Coaches Make the Difference 6:...

Dick Grapenthin is the master of resilience & reinvention. Looking for inspiration to start a second career of your own? After toiling on his family's Iowa farm, Dick pursued his dream of playing professional baseball. After a successful 10-year career, Dick coached at Clemson and then earned his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Business. Dick then entered the sports goods world by working with host Mark Hochgesang at Easton. Impactful senior management roles at Mizuno Sports followed....

Leadership and Executive Coach Jolynn Mitchell provides insight on building & empowering high-performance teams. She recommends showing up with daily intention & focusing on the collective WE. Advice is given re how leaders can be more curious, trusting & vulnerable at work. Jolynn and host Mark Hochgesang, fellow Nike & adidas veterans, reveal the inner workings of both companies. They also talk about reimagining business leadership, unlocking employee potential & navigating politically charge...

While sports can often feel like a matter of life and death, it can also be hilariously funny at times. Professional comedian Karen Morgan brings that fact to life with host Mark Hochgesang. She shares humorous stories about being an athlete, sports mom and diehard Georgia football fan. Enjoy sports fans! Karen's Website: https://www.karenmorgan.com/ Karen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmorgancomedy/ Karen's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenmorgancomedy Karen's TikTok: ht...

Renowned career transition coach Peter Paskill provides provocative advice on how to find the right job for you. This is a must-listen for those that work in the world of sports or seek to do so. Peter reveals the ten essential truths that can help you locate your dream career given your unique skills, interests & passions. The wisdom of Kevin Bacon, Chip Kelly & Steve Jobs is also shared. The time to INVEST in your career is NOW. Peter's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-e-pa...

Sarah shares the personal journey behind starting her successful womens luxury footwear brand Lilith NYC. As a self-confessed sneakerhead, Sara explains why she left her Nike data science job to chase her entrepreneurial dreams. The challenges faced by a young women of color in raising capital in today's angel and VC world are addressed. Undaunted, Sara diverted her home down payment funds to start her womens footwear venture. Strong Lilith sales & positive customer feedback suggest that Sara's ...

Host Mark Hochgesang heralds Arthur Ashe, tennis great & social justice warrior, with the able assistance of ChatGPT. Enjoy sports and tech fans alike.

Host Mark Hochgesang and Tim Clark talk about the world of product design at Nike and beyond. Tim reveals how the Nike design process operates. He reinforces the importance of designing with athlete needs always in mind. Mark & Tim discuss the game-changing products they were involved with while working for the Swoosh. Tim offers advice regarding enhancing both product storytelling and sustainability. He also addresses the likely impact of AI on product design. Tim also shares how his brillia...

Host Mark Hochgesang reviews the film Air: Courting a Legend. The movie chronicles Nike's signing of Michael Jordan to an endorsement contract, thus birthing the game-changing Air Jordan line. As a 20 year Nike vet, Mark heralds the film's magical moments while pointing out a few liberties taken by director & star Ben Affleck. Enjoy sports (and movie) fans!

Sporting goods guru Matt Powell shares his insights on today's market. We trade thoughts on the industry's biggest brands and the emergence of notable upstarts. Enjoy sports fans! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpowellanalyst/ BCE Consulting: https://bceconsulting.com/ Listeners, please subscribe to Heavy Hitter Sports wherever you listen to podcasts so that you don't miss any future episodes. And if you are so inclined, please rate and review the show. Many thanks.

Mike Hass shares his incredible journey from walk-on to College Football Hall of Famer. Despite a successful high school career, Mike received no college scholarships. In turn, he walked on at Oregon State. Mike ultimately earned a scholarship and starting wide receiver berth. After a magical senior season, Mike was named first-team All-American. He also won the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation's most outstanding wide receiver. Most recently, Mike was inducted into the College Football Hall...

If you love basketball, this is your episode. Guest JoAn Scott, the NCAA Director of Mens Basketball Championships, conveys what it takes to make March Madness happen. She shares the inside scoop on Selection Sunday, reveals the elaborate logistical efforts behind the tournament and discusses the transformative change occurring at the NCAA today. JoAn also talks about supporting the amazing 1992 Dream Team while at USA Basketball. She played a key role in making the gold medal ceremony ever s...

Andy Robbins shares interesting & instructive advice on how to improve leadership skills, whether in sports or business. We talk about how to create compelling visions, build high performance teams, overcome adversity & unleash the power of diversity. Intel's Andy Grove, Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp & Sir Winston Churchill play supporting roles. * Andy's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyrobbinspdx/ * Oyster PDX website: https://oyster.team/our-services/ * Leadership is No Accide...