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    Heavy Hitter Sports

    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.
    en-us63 Episodes

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    Episodes (63)

    Dave Clark: Unsung Hereos

    Dave Clark: Unsung Hereos

    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 inspiration from this conversation with Dave. 

    D3 Day: https://d3day.com/

    Pulling Each Other Along Podcast: https://pullingeachotheralong.com/podcast/

    Dave Clark & Ernie Pound Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYGey8tL_9c

    Diamond in the Rough: The Dave Clark Story: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diamond-in-the-rough-dave-clark/1115844806

    A Pound of Kindness: https://apoundofkindness.com/

    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. 

    Feel free to reach out if you have suggestions re future episode guests or topics. Mark's contact info is noted below. Many thanks. 

    mphochgesang@gmail.com
    971-985-6909

    Michael Bergmann: Grand Slam Innovator

    Michael Bergmann: Grand Slam Innovator

    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: https://centraloregondaily.com/maupin-oregon-track-dreams/

    Track of Dreams Video #2: https://centraloregondaily.com/maupin-track-dreams-michael-bergmann-incubatoru-book/

    Incubator U Consulting: https://www.incubatoru.com/about

    Michael's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbergie/

    Innovation from the Ground Up: https://www.amazon.com/INNOVATION-GROUND-IncubatorUs-Methodology-Organization/dp/1962595021/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1706385015&sr=8-1

    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. 

    Feel free to reach out if you have suggestions re future episode guests or topics. Mark's contact info is noted below. Many thanks. 

    mphochgesang@gmail.com
    971-985-6909

    Teresa Strasser: Baseball's Healing Powers

    Teresa Strasser: Baseball's Healing Powers

    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 Why
    8:25            That's Bugsy
    9:20             My Sports Parenting Career Ends
    10:38          What Cal Says
    13:34          Just Take the Bus
    14:10          LAX or Burbank?
    15:49          The Evil Step Mother
    20:21          Eli's Homerun Hug
    22:30          Moneyball
    25:47          Pitcher's Mom Syndrome (PMS)
    26:52          Coaches Wearing Baseball Pants. Oh no!
    28:14          Family Affair
    30:10          Sense of Hope
    31:35          Bad Girls
    35:17          DNA Match
    37:30          The Show Must Go On
    43:45          The Fonz's Oscar Scene
    48:55          The Lightning Round

    - 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. 

    Feel free to reach out if you have suggestions re future episode guests or topics. Mark's contact info is noted below. Many thanks. 

    mphochgesang@gmail.com
    971-985-6909

    Guest Gems from 2023: Stellar Advice, Insight & Untold Stories

    Guest Gems from 2023: Stellar Advice, Insight & Untold Stories

    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, Network!
    7:40     Karen Morgan: Go Dawgs! Fight On!
    9:06     Peter Paskill: Timely Job Search Advice
    12:08  Sarah Sukumaran: Womens Footwear Champion
    14:25  Tim Clark: Product Design Inspiration
    16:59  JoAn Scott: Dream Team & March Madness Moments

    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. 

    Feel free to reach out if you have suggestions re future episode guests or topics. Mark's contact info is noted below. Many thanks. 

    mphochgesang@gmail.com
    971-985-6909

    Kirsten Jones: Empower Your Young Athlete

    Kirsten Jones: Empower Your Young Athlete

    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 Tide Turns
    10:39    -    Baseball Buddies: Eli & Dan
    11:15    -    Fun, Friends & Fundamentals
    14:22    -    A Good Word Goes a Long Way
    15:44    -    Coach Baseball
    16:42    -    Never Too Late
    17:27    -    Pyramid Scheme
    19:39    -    It Ain't Easy
    20:26    -    Mom? Dad?
    21:42    -    Make it or Break it
    22:15    -    Flip the Fries!
    24:34    -    Give me a Break
    28:20    -    Just Do It
    29:39    -    Moscow Madness
    34:32    -    Lightning Round

    Raising Empowered Athletes: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raising-empowered-athletes-kirsten-jones/1143087145?ean=9781637276167

    Kirsten Jones Inc: https://www.kirstenjonesinc.com/


    #RaisingAthletes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raisingathletes/id1340521140


    Kirsten Jones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-jones-coach/

    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. 



    Marcus Alston: Tackling Student Athlete Mental Health

    Marcus Alston: Tackling Student Athlete Mental Health

    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 the Stigma
    23:41     -     Bad News Bullies
    28:01     -     NIL Pressures
    28:48     -     Looking Back

    Alston for Athletes Website: https://www.alstonforathletes.org/

    Mental Health Warriors: https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-Warriors-Athletes-Overcoming/dp/B0CHL96V9J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27Q5NPLS8DSWP&keywords=marcus+alston&qid=1702335522&sprefix=marcus+alston%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1
     
    Caleb Cares Foundation: https://calebcares.org/

    NESTRE: https://nestreperformance.com/

    THe Zone: https://www.itsthezone.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. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. Many thanks. 

    Casey Cavell: Baseball's Business Wisdom

    Casey Cavell: Baseball's Business Wisdom

    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?
    30:13 -    Lightning Round


    Casey's Dugout CEO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dugout-ceo-with-casey-cavell/id1683343231

    Casey's Business Website: https://www.caseycavell.com/

    Casey's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseycavell/

    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. 

    Desmond Clark: Renaissance Man

    Desmond Clark: Renaissance Man

    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
    6:23     -   ACC Stardom
    7:30     -   Drafted by Denver
    9:08     -   Mark's Mistake

    10:04  -   Super Bowl Saga
    11:31  -   Protect Your Word & Name
    12:34  -   Top 50 List
    16:08  -   Commitment to Excellence
    17:20  -    Self-Motivation
    17:57  -    Effort & Expectations
    22:01  -    The 3 F's
    23:28  -    Super Blue Moon
    24:51  -    Pete's Questions
    28:37  -    Desmond's Challenge

    Dez's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dezclark88/

    Dez's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmondclark88/

    Bear Down Logistics: https://beardownlogistics.com/

    Principles of Winning:
    https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Winning-Create-Standard-Excellence/dp/0578669927/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G9F1FLPZEZ2X&keywords=principles+of+winning&qid=1694560961&sprefix=principles+of+winning%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

    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. 

    Dick Grapenthin: Man of Many Hats

    Dick Grapenthin: Man of Many Hats

    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. Now Dick runs his own innovative ball glove company and lives near Atlanta with his lovely wife Cindy. A baseball life well-led.

    Indiana State Hall of Fame Tribute: https://gosycamores.com/honors/hall-of-fame/dick-grapenthin/33

    Proven Brand Website: https://thepbpro.com/

    Dick's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-grapenthin-29648ba/

    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. 

    Jolynn Mitchell: High Performance Team Building

    Jolynn Mitchell: High Performance Team Building

    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 charged corporate waters.

    Jolynn's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolynnmitchell/

    Brave Growth Website: https://www.brave-growth.com/

    Recommended Books
    - Building Trust in Business, Politics, Relationships & Life: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strengthsfinder-20-gallup/1137658092?ean=9781595620156
    - Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mans-search-for-meaning-viktor-e-frankl/1116930713
    - StrenthsFinder 2.0: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strengthsfinder-20-gallup/1137658092?ean=9781595620156

    Recommended Assessment Tools
     - Enneagram: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions
    - Team Coaching International: https://teamcoachinginternational.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. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. Many thanks. 

    Karen Morgan: The Funny Side of Sports

    Karen Morgan: The Funny Side of Sports

    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: https://www.tiktok.com/@karenmorgancomedy

    Karen's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeIWZbW8MWTd9tOxJKTrNYQ

    Karen's Upcoming Shows: https://www.karenmorgan.com/dates

    Every Generation Explained: https://www.karenmorgan.com/videos

    Karen's 2nd DryBar Comedy Special (use code KARENMORGAN for a free month): https://www.drybarcomedy.com/

    The Purple Bike Podcast: https://thepurplebike.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. And share this episode with a coworker, friend or family member who it might benefit. Many thanks. 

    Peter Paskill: How to Find Your Sports Dream Job

    Peter Paskill: How to Find Your Sports Dream Job

    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-paskill-bb08a0/

    Career Makers: https://www.careermakers.com/

    Want a New Better Fantastic Job: https://www.powells.com/book/want-a-new-better-fantastic-job-2nd-edition-9780963001214

    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 co-worker, friend or family member who it might benefit. Many thanks. 

    Sarah Sukumaran: From Nike to Womens Luxury Start-Up

    Sarah Sukumaran: From Nike to Womens Luxury Start-Up

    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. 

    The Yankees, Queens, LL Cool J, Ray Romano and Eleanor Roosevelt also get shoutouts in the episode. Enjoy sports fans!

    Lilith NYC Website: https://lilith.nyc/
    Personal Website: https://sarahsukumaran.com/about
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahsukumaran/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsuku/

    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. 

    Tim Clark: Athlete-Driven Product Design

    Tim Clark: Athlete-Driven Product Design

    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 also addresses the likely impact of AI on product design. 

    Tim also shares how his brilliantly simple design process philosophy guides his new product design consultancy firm, A Human Thing.  

    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

    Air: Just See It

    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 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. 

    Matt Powell: Sporting Goods Sage Wizard

    Matt Powell: Sporting Goods Sage Wizard

    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: From Walk-On to Hall of Famer

    Mike Hass: From Walk-On to Hall of Famer

    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. 

    Mike Hass Action Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29f0D8DpBH4
    Mike Hass LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hass-3b081445/

    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. 

    JoAn Scott: March Madness Magic

    JoAn Scott: March Madness Magic

    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 so memorable. She also shares her memories of the greatest female sports team ever, the 1996 gold medal winning USA Womens Basketball Team. JoAn and host Mark Hochgesang also discuss working at Nike during the glory years.

    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. 

    Andy Robbins: Leadership Lessons

    Andy Robbins: Leadership Lessons

    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 Accident podcast: https://oyster.team/the-podcast-leadership-is-no-accident/

    * Do Less, Lead More book: https://www.amazon.com/Do-Less-Lead-More-inspire/dp/B0BM3QG6R5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K56P14FKFDG8&keywords=do+less+lead+more&qid=1671043557&sprefix=do+less+lead+more%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

    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.