Explore every episode of the podcast Heavy Hitter Sports
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD & Sports | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:35:39 | |
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 Chaos Website: https://www.orderoochaos.com/ John & Leslie YouTube Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHAxsIWmELc&t=105s John's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-s-gassner/ 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 family member who it might benefit. | |||
| Spiro Psaltis: Baseball Savant & Storyteller | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:58:13 | |
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 coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. | |||
| Baseball Life Lessons: What the Game Teaches Us | 08 May 2025 | 00:09:30 | |
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 play so many seasons 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, friend or family member who it might benefit. | |||
| Gary Chupik: Elite Mindset for Sports & Business | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:41:21 | |
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. Ideally, please also rate and review the show. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. | |||
| Les Badden: Nike Alchemist | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:41:21 | |
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. | |||
| 2024 Highlights | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:20:34 | |
Host Mark Hochgesang shares his favorite guest moments from 2024. The advice, insight & untold stories are both entertaining & illuminating. Enjoy sports fans! | |||
| Brian Baker: Designing Success...From Nike to Hasbro | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:43:02 | |
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. | |||
| Pat Tillman: The Ultimate Sacrifice | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:12:27 | |
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. | |||
| Adriana Caliri: Unleash Your Superpowers | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:44:23 | |
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. | |||
| Laura Jorgensen: Fueling Performance | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:51:38 | |
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. | |||
| Taylor Cook: Elevate Your Mental Game | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:31:31 | |
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! | |||
| Scott Shirley: Harnessing Sports for Good | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:35:45 | |
Former Penn State football player Scott Shirley shares how his entrepreneurial efforts helped raise over $400M 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. | |||
| Rethinking Youth Sports: Jean Linscott & Ken Ruoff | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:58:07 | |
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! | |||
| Steve Harden: Surpass Your Limits | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:42:00 | |
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. | |||
| Molly Carroll: Mindset Matters - Unlocking Athlete Potential | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:47:28 | |
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. | |||
| Willie Mays: American Icon | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:08:22 | |
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. | |||
| Craig Constantine: Parkour Evangelist | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:38:23 | |
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. | |||
| Santiago Halty: Soccer Startup Success Secrets | 29 May 2024 | 00:57:32 | |
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! | |||
| Jen Armbruster: 7X Paralympian & Gold Medal Winner | 25 Apr 2024 | 00:37:52 | |
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. | |||
| Ann Schatz: Broadcasting Trailblazer | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:47:00 | |
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. | |||
| Dave Stevens: Overcoming Adversity | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:48:47 | |
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! | |||
| Frank Gifford Sports Legend: A Son's Perspective | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:51:25 | |
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. | |||
| Dave Clark: Unsung Hereos | 22 Feb 2024 | 00:46:30 | |
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. | |||
| Michael Bergmann: Grand Slam Innovator | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:34:00 | |
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. | |||
| Teresa Strasser: Baseball's Healing Powers | 24 Jan 2024 | 00:53:04 | |
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. - Teresa's Website: https://teresastrasser.com/ - Teresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresastrasser/ - Teresa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-strasser/ - Making it Home: https://www.powells.com/book/making-it-home-9780593546086 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, friend or family member who it might benefit. | |||
| Guest Gems from 2023: Stellar Advice, Insight & Untold Stories | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:20:48 | |
Stellar guest advice, insight and untold stories from guests during the past are highlighted by host Mark Hochgesang. Enjoy sports fans! | |||
| Kirsten Jones: Empower Your Young Athlete | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:40:53 | |
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! Kirsten Jones Inc: https://www.kirstenjonesinc.com/
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| Marcus Alston: Tackling Student Athlete Mental Health | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:31:48 | |
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! | |||
| Casey Cavell: Baseball's Business Wisdom | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:34:18 | |
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! | |||
| Desmond Clark: Renaissance Man | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:30:44 | |
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! | |||
| Dick Grapenthin: Man of Many Hats | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:33:41 | |
Dick Grapenthin is the master of resilience & reinvention. Looking for inspiration to start a second career of your own? | |||
| Jolynn Mitchell: High Performance Team Building | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:39:40 | |
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. | |||
| Karen Morgan: The Funny Side of Sports | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:42:15 | |
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! | |||
| Peter Paskill: How to Find Your Sports Dream Job | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:52:48 | |
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. | |||
| Sarah Sukumaran: From Nike to Womens Luxury Start-Up | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:38:15 | |
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 fearless choice was the right one. | |||
| Arthur Ashe: Champion of Change | 30 May 2023 | 00:14:23 | |
Host Mark Hochgesang heralds Arthur Ashe, tennis great & social justice warrior, with the able assistance of ChatGPT. Enjoy sports and tech fans alike. | |||
| Tim Clark: Athlete-Driven Product Design | 03 May 2023 | 00:47:42 | |
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.
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. | |||
| Air: Just See It | 07 Apr 2023 | 00:14:07 | |
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! | |||
| Matt Powell: Sporting Goods Sage Wizard | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:39:00 | |
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! | |||
| Mike Hass: From Walk-On to Hall of Famer | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:36:39 | |
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 of Fame. Not bad for a humble walk-on. Take a listen to Mike's inspiring story of resilience and fortitude. | |||
| JoAn Scott: March Madness Magic | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:42:55 | |
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. | |||
| Andy Robbins: Leadership Lessons | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:50:04 | |
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. | |||
| Patrick Chester: Sports Gambling Addiction & Recovery | 08 Dec 2022 | 00:35:45 | |
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. | |||
| Suzanne McKenzie: Design Saved My Life | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:39:37 | |
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 young athletes and address community inequality. She also pointently talks about how design saved her life. We reminisce about Suzanne's amazing husband, the importance of sport and our mutual admiration for Mia Hamm and the US Womens soccer pioneers. If you love soccer, want to learn about design thinking or what it takes to start your own successful business, this is the episode for you. Enjoy sports fans!
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. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. Many thanks. | |||
| Tennis: Changing of the Guard | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:08:23 | |
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. | |||
| Ivan Tchatchouwo: Student Athlete Mental Health | 09 Aug 2022 | 00:43:25 | |
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. Ivan discusses his transition from Cameroon to New York, his stellar but injury-ridden basketball career and the trials and triumphs of being a tech entrepreneur. * The Zone Website: https://www.itsthezone.com/ | |||
| Paul McDonald: Game Changer | 02 Aug 2022 | 00:41:11 | |
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. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. Many thanks. | |||
| Ila Borders: Baseball Rebel | 21 Jul 2022 | 00:41:21 | |
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 America. Ila shares her story of resilience as she overcame numerous obstacles as a female playing a male sport. She also reveals her five tools for success that can benefit us all, whether on or off the diamond. Enjoy sports fans. 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. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. Many thanks. | |||
| Sports Villains: Part Two | 31 May 2022 | 00:23:12 | |
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. | |||
| Meeting in the Middle: Verbal Jiu Jitsu | 19 May 2022 | 00:39:43 | |
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.
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