Episodes

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.

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...

Patrick Chester shares his harrowing story of sports gambling addiction. Long before his staggering debt reached $1M Patrick began fearing for his life & that of his family. But Patrick also shares his inspirational story of recovery. Tragically for some, gambling today dominates the sports landscape. So Patrick's fascinating cautionary tale is a much-needed valuable lesson. Patrick's Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatrickChester9 Patrick's website is currently being updated: http://www.patrickc...

Able Made Website: https://ablemadeshop.com/ Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation: https://ucalbreakaway.com/ Purposely Podcast: https://ablemadeshop.com/pages/purposely-podcast

Tennis is at a crossroads. Serena & Roger have retired. Carlos Alcaraz has successfully stormed into the picture. Can Naomi regain her position on top of the ATP rankings? And how will all-important Nike factor into the game's future? The game of tennis is at a breakpoint. Enjoy the first Quick Take version of Heavy Hitter Sports.

Host Mark Hochgesang speaks with Ivan Tchatchouwo, the co-founder of The Zone, a company focused on student athlete mental wellness. Ivan reveals how his personal challenges inspired him to help other young athletes overcome their own mental hurdles. A wide variety of mental health issues confronting today’s sports world and beyond are addressed, including identity crisis, eating disorders, anxiety and depression and the even the new-found pressures brought about by NIL fame. Ivan discusses hi...

Paul McDonald, the USC national champion and all-American quarterback, discusses three of the most notable games in Trojan football history, his 8-year NFL career and raising three quarterback sons of his own. Paul also talks about his uplifting new book Thru the Tunnel, which was motivated by a life-changing introspective journey. He shares his thoughts on how we can bring out our best selves by conquering fear and embracing gratitude, forgiveness and vulnerability. Mark and Paul wrap by divi...

Welcome to the opening episode of season two of Heavy Hitter Sports. Ila Borders was the first woman to earn a collegiate baseball scholarship and pitch her team to a win in pro ball. She played for Bill Murray, was invited to the White House and her college and pro memorabilia is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Ila is a rebel and true ground-breaker. During Ila’s stellar playing days, she was featured on 60 Minutes, The Tonight Show, David Letterman and Good Morning Ame...