Episoder
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Athletes, Burnout, and Plumbing Emergencies
Grab your popcorn and buckle up for this episode of the Talent Chasing Podcast! Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with the legendary sports agent Debbie Spander in this latest Film Room session—a mix of insightful commentary, hilariously sharp quips, and, naturally, a side tangent on Europe's plumbing crisis.
Ever wonder why elite athletes (or overachieving CEOs) burnout faster than you can say “toxic hustle culture”? Or how Gen Z brilliantly dodged the workaholic traps Gen X proudly fell into? This episode's got it all—philosophical musings on work-life balance, tales of burnout from Jim Courier to weekend warriors, and a surprise cameo by the four-day workweek. Spoiler: Friday is officially cancelled.
But it’s not all heavy stuff. From Chad’s obsession with Annie Agar’s TikToks to Jasper being dunked on for calling soccer “fuchebol,” the guys keep it lively. Brian even drops some wisdom on how to find your post-career mojo—whether you’re a retired MLB star or just trying to survive your mid-level management gig.
The takeaway? Practice makes perfect, empathy matters, and yes, AI is your new co-worker. Oh, and good luck finding a plumber in Europe. (Seriously, call now. They’re booked out for months.)
Tune in for the laughs, stay for the life lessons, and let’s get real—if Jasper can embrace AI, so can you. Subscribe to Talent Chasing wherever you get your podcasts, and maybe rethink your work-life balance while you’re at it. -
Get ready to dive into the wild world of sports biz with Debbie Spander, the CEO of Insight Sports Advisors—a boutique sports media agency where deals happen, dreams are made, and retired athletes try not to be the “Remember that guy?” stories! Debbie’s gone from slinging legal briefs as a sports lawyer to negotiating contracts as a sports agent, and she’s spilling all the tea. She tackles the big stuff, like what athletes should do when hanging up the cleats (because “Can I still wear these?” is sadly not a retirement plan). Debbie also dishes on the rise of social media influencers in sports—because these days, athletes don’t just train for game day; they train to drop fire selfies.
This convo isn’t just business; Debbie gets personal! She opens up about her family's sports journalism legacy, the thrill (and chaos) of navigating NIL (name, image, likeness) for college athletes, and the crucial balance between on-field glory and off-field hustle. Plus, she shares advice for aspiring female sports lawyers because, let’s face it, this industry could use more women throwing down on and off the field. Expect laughs, insights, and maybe a few “Wait, what?” moments as Debbie dives into what it’s like being a true sports insider in a constantly changing game.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Debbie Spander and Insight Sports Advisors
03:14 Debbie's Journey: From Sports Lawyer to Agent
05:52 The Landscape of Sports Representation
09:06 Transitioning Athletes: Preparing for Second Careers
11:59 Identifying and Nurturing Talent in Sports Media
15:01 Challenges Faced by Retired Athletes
17:46 The Rise of Social Media Influencers in Sports
20:58 Advice for Aspiring Female Sports Lawyers
24:10 The Future of Women in Sports Representation
25:27 The Importance of Role Models in Sports
27:06 Balancing Ambitions: Athletes and Off-Field Pursuits
28:14 Content Creation: New Models in Sports Media
30:59 Evaluating Podcast Potential in Athletes
32:21 Lessons from a Sports Writing Legacy
35:30 The Role of Family in Shaping Careers
37:54 Boutique vs. Large Sports Agencies
39:46 Motivation and Client Relationships in Sports Management
41:45 Navigating the NIL Landscape
46:50 The Future of College Athletics and NIL -
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This "Talent Chasing" podcast episode provides a look at Shohei Ohtani, his historic baseball journey, and the broader impact on the business of baseball. Hosted by former MLB player and scout Brian Johnson, journalist Jasper Spanjaart, and recruitment industry veteran Chad Sowash, the conversation explores Ohtani’s unique dual-role as both a top-tier pitcher and hitter—a feat that has transformed perceptions of player versatility in MLB.
Ohtani’s path from Japanese baseball to MLB success is analyzed, with Brian detailing his scouting days and the rarity of Japanese players making it to MLB. They discuss Ohtani's decision to take a smaller initial contract to prove himself and build his reputation, a strategic move that contrasts with typical American contract norms and highlights his commitment to growth over immediate reward.
The hosts also delve into the racial dynamics surrounding Ohtani's reception in the U.S., connecting it to broader societal issues and how MLB's demographic makeup influences fandom and player appreciation. They debate whether a team can thrive without a singular superstar and ponder the evolving role of scouts who must now consider both analytics and player personalities in their evaluations.
Chapter Titles
01:04 - Shohei Ohtani’s Impact on MLB
03:47 - The Rarity of Dual Roles in Baseball
07:07 - Ohtani’s Strategic Contract Choices
16:04 - MLB's Demographics and Ohtani's Reception
18:45 - Comparing Ohtani to Other Legends
24:40 - The Role of a Superstar in a Winning Team
27:22 - Scouting Beyond Stats: The Importance of Personality
33:27 - Closing -
In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sawash discuss the impact of mental health in sports, focusing on Simone Biles' journey and her advocacy for mental health awareness. They explore the concept of burnout in both sports and corporate settings, drawing parallels between athletes and professionals facing mental blocks, such as the yips. The conversation also addresses double standards in sports and corporate America, emphasizing the importance of diversity and empathy in leadership.
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In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash dissect their interview with John Harris, owner of AthLife, and explore the complexities of athlete transitions into the real world, the implications of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, and the importance of unions in both sports and corporate environments. They discuss the challenges faced by collegiate athletes, the need for employee development in businesses, and the often-overlooked human element in analytics and corporate decision-making.
Takeaways
The transition from sports to real life is challenging for athletes.
NIL has created new dilemmas for collegiate athletes.
Unions play a crucial role in protecting athlete rights.
Employee development is often neglected in corporate settings.
Happy employees lead to better productivity and retention.
The focus on numbers can overlook the human aspect of work.
Collective bargaining can ensure fair compensation for all athletes.
Athletes often feel unprepared for life after sports.
The importance of branding for athletes has increased with NIL.
There is a need for a VP of employee development in every company.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Challenge Chasing
04:54 Navigating the NIL Landscape
07:00 The Fantasy of Professional Sports
09:59 The Importance of Unions in Sports and Beyond
12:46 Employee Development in Corporate America
15:46 The Human Element in Business Analytics -
John Harris, the owner of AthLife, shares his journey of helping former professional athletes transition back into the real world. He explains how AthLife has assisted over a thousand athletes in pursuing education and finding new careers. The conversation also touches on the shift in college athletics with the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. The conversation covers various topics related to college athletes transitioning to professional careers and the challenges they face. The main themes include Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the transfer portal, academic advising for transfer students, the financial implications of transferring, the importance of education and career planning, the benefits of hiring former athletes, and success stories of athletes transitioning to post-sports careers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to John Harris
02:28 The Genesis of AthLife and Supporting NFL Players
05:48 The Importance of Supporting Athletes' Education and Transition
08:29 Collective Bargaining and Transition Support in Different Leagues
12:57 Success Stories of AthLife's Program
15:29 Career Placement and Networking for Former Athletes
19:00 Challenges and Fears in Athlete Transition
20:00 Supporting Women Athletes in Transition
24:23 The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Rights in College Athletics
26:16 The Reality of NIL Opportunities for Student-Athletes
27:22 Navigating the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Landscape
28:13 The Challenges of the Transfer Portal
29:11 Academic Advising for Transfer Students
30:39 The Financial Implications of Transferring
35:10 The Importance of Education and Career Planning
38:25 The Benefits of Hiring Former Athletes
42:19 Success Stories of Athletes Transitioning to Post-Sports Careers -
In this episode, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash discuss the inspiring story of James Mims, the creator of Mims Bands, a unique product that combines baseball cards with wristbands. They explore the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of perseverance, and the role of founders in startups, emphasizing the significance of character and vision in achieving success. The conversation highlights Mims' journey, his relationship with mentor Dusty Baker, and his legacy as the only black vendor in Major League Baseball.
Chapters
00:00 The Genesis of Mims Bands
04:46 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Relentlessness
10:23 The Importance of Founders in Startups
12:01 A Legacy of Perseverance and Recognition -
In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosted by Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash, the focus is on entrepreneur James Mims and his journey in founding Mims Bands, a wristband company that has become an iconic part of Major League Baseball (MLB) history.
James shares how, as a senior at the University of Southern California, he came up with the idea for personalized wristbands for athletes, starting with a prototype for baseball player Dusty Baker. Over time, Mims Bands became widely recognized, worn by many notable MLB players like Eric Davis and Tim Raines. Despite facing numerous challenges, including resistance from MLB and the Players Association, Mims persevered and got his product used by over 130 players.
Mims reflects on the obstacles he faced as a Black entrepreneur, from difficulties gaining access to stadiums to dealing with legal battles. The conversation also highlights how Mims promoted individualism in a highly structured sport like baseball. Brian and Chad emphasize the lessons from his experience, particularly around persistence, relationships, and the critical role of talent in both sports and business.
The episode ends with a discussion of Mims' major accomplishments, including his partnership with Topps and the induction of his product into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:19 Taking a Risk: Going for Your Unique Idea
08:11 Empowering Athletes through Individualism
14:54 The Lack of Player Marketing in Baseball
19:55 Breaking Barriers: The First Black Vendor in Baseball
23:57 Navigating Challenges and Building a Successful Business
37:50 The Journey of Mims Bands: Perseverance and Success
47:34 Overcoming Challenges with the Major League Baseball Players Association
59:42 The Power of Individualism in the Sports Industry
01:05:07 From Tops Project 70 to the Hall of Fame: A Pinnacle Achievement -
*Film Room* is a podcast series under the *Talent Chasing* show, hosted by Brian Johnson, a former Major League Baseball player, and Chad Sowash, a recruitment industry veteran. In this episode, the hosts break down key moments from their interview with Angela Taylor, a former WNBA executive and two-time national champion at Stanford University.
The discussion revolves around Angela’s experience helping to establish the WNBA and navigating the early challenges of building a new professional sports league. She reflects on the differences between the NBA and WNBA, emphasizing how the women’s league had to carve out its unique identity rather than mimic the NBA. The conversation also touches on leadership, with Angela sharing insights about the unrelenting leadership of NBA Commissioner David Stern, who was instrumental in the early development of the WNBA. The hosts highlight how Stern’s approach of holding people accountable while fostering long-term vision contributed to the league's success.
In addition to sports, the episode draws parallels with business, exploring themes such as the importance of long-term planning, mentorship, and the role of companies in supporting local communities and developing talent. The hosts emphasize that both sports teams and businesses must balance analytics and human capital, ensuring that leaders cultivate and retain talent from within their communities while adapting to broader market demands.
Overall, the episode showcases the intersections of leadership, team dynamics, and strategic foresight, drawing valuable lessons from Angela Taylor's experiences in the WNBA and beyond.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Talent Chasing
01:02 Angela Taylor's Journey in Sports
06:09 Lessons from David Stern's Leadership
12:16 Community Engagement and Talent Development
17:10 The Balance of Analytics and Human Capital -
Angela Taylor, former VP and GM of the Washington Mystics and Atlanta Dream, discusses her journey from being a walk-on at Stanford to her successful career in the WNBA and women's sports. She highlights the importance of sports in her life and the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry. Taylor also discusses the growth of women's sports, the progress made in the WNBA, and the need for continued support and push for equality. Angela Taylor, former WNBA executive, discusses her role in player personnel and the growth of the league. Taylor shares insights on leadership, creating a winning culture, and managing talent in the WNBA.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Angela Taylor
03:01 From Walk-On to Stanford and the Importance of Sports
08:37 Growing Up in Mountain Home, Idaho
11:31 Military Life and the Impact on Angela's Family
16:17 The Early Days of the WNBA and the Current State of Women's Sports
24:43 The Push for Equality and Recognition in Women's Sports
30:25 Building the WNBA: From Single Entity to Team Ownership
35:24 Shifting Focus: From Wins to Community Engagement
43:35 Transitioning from Single Entity to Team Ownership
48:38 NBA Players' Support of the WNBA
51:34 Creating an Environment of Retention
54:49 Culture, Puzzle Pieces, and Jersey Sales
57:30 Leadership and Creating a Winning Culture
01:00:12 Managing Talent in the WNBA: Vision, Culture, and Roster Construction
Keywords
Angela Taylor, WNBA, women's sports, Stanford, walk-on, basketball, sports industry, equity, growth, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, WNBA, player personnel, single entity, team ownership, recruiting, relationships, community engagement, sports culture, corporate America, leadership, winning culture, talent management -
In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, our intrepid hosts Jasper, Brian, and Chad sit down with none other than Dusty Baker—legendary baseball manager and expert in the fine art of not losing his cool while leading teams. They dig into Baker’s leadership style, the eternal struggle: analytics vs. gut instinct. making the right hiring decisions, plus, how communication is key—because if you can’t get the team to listen, good luck getting them to follow.
Leadership is about consistency, balance, and maybe a dash of wisdom from the past. Who knew that baseball and business had so much in common—aside from the uniforms and overpriced snacks?
Enjoy! -
In this episode, Chad, Brian, and Jasper are joined by probably one of the most interesting people you will ever meet, Dusty Baker. Dusty is a former MLB outfielder and manager. Dusty played 19 seasons earning two All-Star selections, numerous awards, and the first NLCS MVP. As a manager, he led the Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals, and Astros, winning the 2022 World Series with Houston and that's the shortened version.
Dusty discusses talent management as a player and manager, his mentors and the lessons he learned from them, the changes in the game of baseball over the years, and the challenges of talent identification management, scouting talent, managing egos, and his approach to business. He emphasizes the importance of combining analytics with the human element in decision-making and the value of trust and forgiveness. Dusty shares his experiences and lessons learned from his baseball career and how they apply to other aspects of life.
Tune in for great stories, experiences, and advice from Dusty Baker.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:17 Lessons Learned from Coaching and Managing
05:24 The Importance of Mentorship
08:43 The Challenges of Being a Player
09:12 The Evolution of Baseball
21:22 Changes in Talent Identification and Management
25:19 The Importance of Learning from Mistakes
30:04 The Role of Coaches and Managers in Talent Management
34:21 Scouting Talent in a Globalized Baseball Landscape
35:31 Combining Analytics with the Human Element in Decision-Making
38:32 Managing Egos and Building Trust in a Team
41:34 Lessons from Baseball Applied to the Business World -
In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with former pro footballer Nicki Paterson to tackle the surprising overlaps between sports and business. Turns out, building relationships is just as crucial in scouting as it is in recruitment—whether you’re searching for the next Messi or someone who knows how to work a Zoom call.
They guys break down how soft skills are the real MVPs in the corporate world, where every year feels like starting over. Leadership? It’s all about balancing tough love with empathy—yelling like a coach doesn’t fly in the office (HR might have something to say).
Enjoy! -
In this episode, Scottish footballer Nicki Paterson shares his journey from playing professional football in Scotland to receiving a scholarship to play in the US. He discusses the differences between scouting systems in Europe and the US. Nicki also talks about the importance of his father's support and the impact of playing sports on his own children. Today, Nicki Paterson is Chief Growth Officer at Solutions Driven and shares his journey from playing soccer to transitioning into the corporate world. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced in his soccer career. Paterson also talks about the evolution of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the impact of players like David Beckham. In the corporate world, he emphasizes the importance of hard work, authenticity, and data-driven decision-making. Paterson also highlights the need for continuous learning and being a student of the game in both sports and business.
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In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts discuss the evolution of pit crews in NASCAR with Andy Papathanassiou, emphasizing the importance of process, practice, and finding one's true calling. They explore leadership simplicity, the significance of diversity of thought, and the challenges of building a dynasty in a world focused on instant gratification. The conversation also touches on the myth of overnight success and the mindset required for startup founders, concluding with the dangers of hiring like-minded individuals instead of embracing diverse perspectives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:10 The Evolution of Pit Crews in NASCAR
03:49 The Importance of Process and Practice
05:15 Finding Your True Calling
07:00 Simplicity in Leadership and Management
12:31 Diversity of Thought in Teams
14:20 Building a Dynasty vs. Instant Gratification
16:54 The Myth of Overnight Success
20:01 Following Your Passion
21:56 The Mindset of a Startup Founder
22:37 The Danger of Hiring Copies of Yourself -
In this compelling episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Brian Johnson and Jasper Spanjaart interview Andy Papathanassiou, whose extraordinary journey takes him from a Stanford football star to NASCAR's first-ever pit crew coach. Andy shares how a severe back injury ended his sports career but led him to revolutionize NASCAR pit crews.
Listeners will hear about Andy’s innovative approach, bringing athletic discipline and consistency to the pits, and transforming pit stops into a well-coordinated team effort. His work with Hendrick Motorsports and driver Jeff Gordon resulted in groundbreaking success and numerous championships.
Andy also discusses the parallels between sports and business, highlighting lessons in teamwork, practice, and perseverance. Now a keynote speaker, Andy uses pit crew simulations to teach high-performing team dynamics to business leaders.
Chapters:
Introduction and Guest Overview - 0:00:14
Andy Papathanassiou's Journey Begins - 0:01:04
First Ever Pit Crew Coach - 0:01:39
Discovering NASCAR and Breaking In - 0:03:10
Moving to Charlotte - 0:07:26
The Importance of Consistency - 0:24:16
Innovations in Pit Crew Dynamics - 0:28:42
Impact and Adoption of New Methods in NASCAR - 0:29:41
Pit Crew Training and Development Programs - 0:30:33
Keynote Speaking and Team Building - 0:31:03
Applying NASCAR Lessons to Business - 0:34:15 -
In this episode of Talent Chasing, it's a rundown of former New York Jets GM, Terry Bradway's intersection of sports and business, which focuses on the importance of talent acquisition and retention. They explore the balance between analytics and human intuition in scouting and recruitment, the significance of fostering a positive company culture, and the need for internal mobility to retain talent. The conversation emphasizes that while data is valuable, it should not overshadow the human elements that drive success in both sports and business.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Talent Chasing
00:53 The Role of Analytics vs. Scouting
07:49 Building a Positive Company Culture
14:58 The Importance of Internal Mobility
20:01 The Limitations of Analytics in Talent Management -
Join hosts Brian Johnson and Jasper Spanjaart for an engaging episode of Talent Chasing Podcast as they sit down with NFL legend Terry Bradway. With a career spanning over four decades in the NFL, Bradway shares his journey from playing football at Trenton State College to becoming a General Manager for the New York Jets and a scout and advisor for the Carolina Panthers.
In this episode, Bradway discusses his early coaching days, his significant contributions in the USFL, and his long-standing tenure in the NFL. The conversation delves into memorable moments, such as scouting Tony Gonzalez at Cal and discovering Darrelle Revis at Pitt, providing listeners with a unique behind-the-scenes look at the scouting and evaluation processes in professional football.
Bradway also reflects on the evolution of the game, the importance of character in players, and the balance between traditional scouting and modern analytics. His insights into building and managing successful teams, the challenges of the NFL, and the importance of treating people right offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in sports management and leadership.
Don’t miss this episode filled with anecdotes, lessons, and expert analysis from one of the NFL’s most respected figures. Tune in to hear Terry Bradway’s take on the NFL’s past, present, and future, and why passion and dedication are crucial in the world of professional sports. -
In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosts Brian Johnson, Jasper Spanjaart, and Chad Sowash break down key insights from their interview with Fred Claire, the former General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This episode is part of their "Film Room" series, where they dissect impactful moments from past interviews, just like analyzing game footage.
Fred Claire is highlighted for his leadership and transformative role in the Dodgers’ success during the 1980s and 1990s, taking them from mediocrity to a World Series victory. We discuss Claire’s leadership style, particularly his ability to make tough decisions without a background as a professional player, emphasizing the importance of identifying talent and building a strong team.
We hope you enjoy this Film Room session! -
Fred Claire, former general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, shares his journey from journalist to GM and the importance of relationships in the game of baseball. Fred discusses his love for sports and how it led him to a career in journalism and eventually to the Dodgers. Claire emphasizes the significance of scouting and player development in building a successful team, and the role of analytics in the game. He also shares stories about the legendary Fernando Valenzuela and the impact he had on the Dodgers. Fred Claire discusses his experiences in talent identification and team management in baseball, including his role in building a championship team in 1998. He emphasizes the importance of identifying talent gaps and making strategic acquisitions to strengthen the roster. Claire also shares personal anecdotes about players like John Shelby and Mike Piazza, highlighting the value of honesty and trust in player relationships. He also discusses his battle with cancer and his admiration for the City of Hope cancer treatment center.
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