Heavy Hitter Sports educates, entertains & inspires by spotlighting sports game-changers. Athletes and sports business leaders share their remarkable stories and provide valuable advice on how to tackle challenges on and off the field of play. Host Mark Hochgesang's commentary is shaped by his deep love and knowledge of sports and 30 years of management experience at Nike, adidas and Easton.
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Ten minutes of informative and useful information for parents and professionals supporting folks with disabilities. Cover art photo provided by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@julianhochgesang
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Scott Shirley: Harnessing Sports for Good
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35:45
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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 Athle…
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Rethinking Youth Sports: Jean Linscott & Ken Ruoff
58:07
58:07
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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 …
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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.linked…
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Molly Carroll: Mindset Matters - Unlocking Athlete Potential
47:28
47:28
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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…
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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 Sp…
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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-kind sport birthed from the Paris suburbs. Parkour newcomers & veterans alike will be entertained & enlightened by Craig's engaging storytelling. Craig's Web…
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Santiago Halty: Soccer Startup Success Secrets
57:32
57:32
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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 -…
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Jen Armbruster: 7X Paralympian & Gold Medal Winner
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37:52
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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 liste…
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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. Link…
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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 I…
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Frank Gifford Sports Legend: A Son's Perspective
51:25
51:25
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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 th…
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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…
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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 thos…
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Teresa Strasser: Baseball's Healing Powers
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53:04
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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 mo…
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Guest Gems from 2023: Stellar Advice, Insight & Untold Stories
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20:48
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Stellar guest advice, insight and untold stories from guests during the past are 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 Powel…
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Kirsten Jones: Empower Your Young Athlete
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40:53
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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 ag…
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Marcus Alston: Tackling Student Athlete Mental Health
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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 S…
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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 th…
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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…
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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. …
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Jolynn Mitchell: High Performance Team Building
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39:40
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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…
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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.co…
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Peter Paskill: How to Find Your Sports Dream Job
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52:48
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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 Baco…
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Sarah Sukumaran: From Nike to Womens Luxury Start-Up
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38:15
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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,…
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Host Mark Hochgesang heralds Arthur Ashe, tennis great & social justice warrior, with the able assistance of ChatGPT. Enjoy sports and tech fans alike.By Mark Hochgesang
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Former Nike designer Tim Clark shares valuable product design insights. He reveals how the Nike design process operates. Tim reinforces the importance of designing with athlete needs always in mind. Mark & Tim discuss the game-changing products that they were involved with while working for the Swoosh. Tim offers advice regarding enhancing both pro…
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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 mov…
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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…
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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. H…
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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. J…
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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…
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Patrick Chester: Sports Gambling Addiction & Recovery
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35:45
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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. Patrick also shares his inspirational story of recovery. Tragically for many, gambling today dominates the sports landscape. So Patrick's fascinating cautionary tale is packed …
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Guest Suzanne McKenzie is the Founder & CEO of Able Made, a sustainable athleisure brand inspired by the sport of soccer. Suzanne also proudly runs the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation to help inner city youth on & off the field of play and to honor her last husband Ucal. In this episode, you’ll hear how Suzanne channeled her grief to empower you…
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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.…
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Ivan Tchatchouwo: Student Athlete Mental Health
43:25
43:25
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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, i…
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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 th…
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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 rebe…
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Sports is always more interesting when great villains enter the picture. Father & son hosts, Mark & Chris Hochgesang, team up to share their collective list of top 25 sports villains. Part two depicts the 13 most nefarious of all sports villains. Enjoy sports fans!By Hosts Mark & Chris Hochgesang
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Leo Wang & Chris Hochgesang are the guest co-hosts on this week's Heavy Hitter Sports show. They use the forum to soft launch their own Meeting in the Middle podcast focused on MMA & UFC. Leo & Chris review the highlights of UFC Fight Night Vegas 54 and dissect the history & virtues of Jiu Jitsu. Leo works for Paradigm Sports, the premier MMA sport…
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Sports is always more interesting when great villains enter the picture. Father & son hosts, Mark & Chris Hochgesang, team up to share their collective list of top 25 sports villains. Part one depicts stories of villains 25 thru 14. Part two will include the unlucky 13, aka the most nefarious of all sports villains. Enjoy sports fans!…
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Ian 'Kanga' Cairns is the greatest big wave rider in surfing history. He was inducted in the surfing Hall of Fame in 2010 after winning multiple world championships, creating his own surfing brand & TV show, organizing two pro surfing leagues & several noteworthy competitions & coaching the USA surf team. Kanga is now launching an exciting new pro …
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Brian Bushway's intense love affair with sports & movement only intensified after he lost his sight at 14. His dream is to create a perceptual revolution in sports and beyond. Brian has been called the World’s Best Blind Mountain Biker. But his true passion is coaching, training and inspiring those in the visually impaired world. Brian is the Co-Fo…
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Celebrate one of the most magical moments in college basketball history with Harold Jensen. The unlikely hero sparked his Villanova Wildcats to a miraculous finals victory over heavily favored Georgetown in 1985. Most consider this to be one of the greatest sports upsets ever. Harold discusses Villanova’s amazing tournament run, his near perfect fi…
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Brandi Heather, an award winning disability & inclusion educator, therapeutic play specialist and author, explains how we can all benefit by adding more PLAY into our lives, regardless of age. And for many of us, SPORT serves as our go-to source of play. Brandi describes how we are biologically driven to play, even in the darkest of times. She talk…
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AC/DC's classic tunes amplify the top ten timely sport grievances of host Mark Hochgesang.By Mark Hochgesang
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Ken Ungar, the founder and president of CHARGE, shares what it takes to develop a successful partnership between sponsors & properties, whether they be athletes, teams or leagues. Mark & Ken talk about football, basketball, baseball, soccer, auto-racing & esports. They delve into key sponsorships related to the Super Bowl & Olympics. The impact of …
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After concluding an amazing corporate career at Nike, Oakley and Converse, Jim Stroesser creates his own California centric sports brand, Cali Strong. Jim shares his brand building advice, innovative pandemic strategy and stories involving Hall of Famer partners Bill Walton and Andre Reed. Enjoy sports fans! Jim's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.link…
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Jim Stroesser: Turnaround Artist (Part 1)
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Jim Stroesser, founder of Cali Strong, was a transformative leader at Nike, Oakley, Quicksilver, Ralph Lauren and LA Gear. But it was a Converse that Jim earned his reputation as a turnaround expert. We'll learn how Jim overhauled the company, reenergized the brand, exploded sales and sold Converse for three times the purchase price to Nike. Jim's …
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Renowned sports psychologist Dr. Jim Afremow joins the Heavy Hitter Sports show. Jim helps athletes attain peak performance. He’s worked with Olympians, MLB, NBA, WNBA, NHL and NFL players and PGA and LPGA golfers around the globe. Jim and host Mark Hochgesang talk about the power of mindfulness, visualization and positive self-talk. They discuss t…
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Women's Sports Champion: Catherine Beldotti Donlan
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Guest Catherine Beldotti Donlan shares insights from her general management and sales executive career with some of the most ground-breaking companies in sports...Reebok, Ryka, Puma and Converse. She discusses her role as a champion for Women's Sports as a business leader, mentor, investor, coach, parent and collegiate athlete. Catherine and host M…
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