Heavy Hitter Sports

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...

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/da...

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 Link...

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 o...

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 adv...

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 Sh...

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 Powell: Network, Network,...

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...

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   ...

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 9:1...

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 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...

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....

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.instag...

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....

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...

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

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 product storytelling and sustainability. He als...

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! Listeners, please subscrib...

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...

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 nati...

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...

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: ht...

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 with much-needed & timely lessons. ...

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 inequa...