Episodes

  • 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.

    Brian & host Mark Hochgesang discuss orchestrating career transitions, the power of AI & their mutual love for some of Hasbro's powerhouse franchises: Monopoly, Clue, Candy Land, Twister & Mouse Trap. Enjoy sports (and toy) fans!

    Brian's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandbaker/

    Hasbro Website: https://shop.hasbro.com/en-us

    Time-Stamped Show Notes
    1:15 The Dream Begins
    2:18 Ziba Design
    3:31 The Swoosh
    5:00 Metcon Rises
    9:05 Career Transition: Nike to Hasbro
    13:25 Building Credibility
    15:13 Monopoly Matters
    17:37 Double GOATs: LeBron & Monopoly
    19:51 Monopoly Magic
    23:46 Hasbro Happenings
    27:44 Board Game Testing & Evaluation
    29:00 Artificial Intelligence
    31:33 Outsider Inventors
    33:46 Spreading Fun to All
    35:15 Competition: Mattel, Lego & Time
    38:00 Lightning Round
    38:44 The Wrap

    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. Happy Holidays!

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.

    * Pat Tillman Foundation: https://pattillmanfoundation.org/donate/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0MG5BhD1ARIsAEcZtwSXZ7dzmA9rwDObpJ9g0wMPXD5vOaVwYt0sC1rlK2QX9UA1frvskTUaAuIAEALw_wcB

    * Remembering Pat Tillman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEw3Gd2RHY0

    * The Tillman Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568334/

    * Prince Harry's Pat Tillman Award Acceptance Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cvD8CWLWgU

    * Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, by Jon Krakauer: https://www.powells.com/book/where-men-win-glory-the-odyssey-of-pat-tillman-9780307386045

    * Mary Tillman's Statement: https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2813963

    * NBC News Article: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4815441

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

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  • 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.

    Renaissance: https://www.renaissance-cec.com/

    Adriana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach.adry/

    Adriana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-caliri-9374355/

    StrengthsFinder 2.0: https://www.powells.com/book/strengthsfinder-20-a-new-upgraded-edition-from-gallups-now-discover-your-strengths-9781595620156

    The Inner Game of Tennis: https://www.powells.com/book/inner-game-of-tennis-revised-edition-9780679778318

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.

    Fuel Goods & Together We Rise Donation Link: https://fuelgoods.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorqol7O_SG7LDvCYmoEonwfT487au3b7-460W6i21kFDpk5wTFr

    Laura's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-j-jorgensen/

    Matthew McConaughey's Greenlights: https://www.powells.com/book/greenlights-9780593139134

    Casey Means' Good Energy: https://www.powells.com/book/good-energy-the-surprising-connection-between-metabolism-limitless-health-9780593712641

    Nix Website: https://nixbiosensors.com/

  • 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!

    Taylored Minds Website: https://www.taylored-minds.com/

    The Athletic Mind Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-mind/id1610116010

    Taylor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorbcook/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles

    Taylor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorbcook_/

    Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack: https://www.powells.com/book/mind-gym-an-athletes-guide-to-inner-excellence-9780071395977

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.

    Uplifting Athletes: https://www.upliftingathletes.org/

    Pledge It: https://pledgeit.org/

    LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottshirley/

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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!

    What is the Goal?: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-is-the-goal-jean-linscott/1145009474?ean=9798990114302

    Every Kid Sports: https://everykidsports.org/

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909


  • 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.linkedin.com/in/steveharden/

    Surpass Your Limits: https://surpassyourlimitsbook.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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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's What Keeps Us Alive Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujBJKoVbvzo

    Molly's Human Connection Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/molly_carroll_the_need_for_human_connection_and_why_it_starts_with_ourselves

  • 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 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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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 Website: https://constantine.name/
    Craig's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigconstantine/
    Craig's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.constantine.page/
    Movers Mindset Podcast: https://moversmindset.com/podcast/
    Open+Curious Podcast: https://openandcurious.org/
    Podtalk Podcast: https://podtalk.show/about/
    Craig's Email: [email protected]

    Julie Angel's Movement of Three Film: https://julieangel.com/filmmaker/

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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 - Intro
    4:46 - Born in the USA
    8:21 - Tough Transition
    10:14 - Fair Trade Discovery
    11:30 - On My Own Again
    13:50 - Futsal 101
    18:14 - Who is the GOAT? Ronaldo or Messi?
    22:47 - Senda: The Path
    26:51 - Team First
    36:12 - Latino Founder Challenges
    39:13 - Nike Travels
    44:01 - Mini-Pitches Abound
    44:18 - The Stars Align
    44:35 - Changing Demographics
    46:36 - Work Life Balance
    48:12 - Lightning Round
    52:56 - World Cup '22 - ARG vs FRA
    55:32 - Outro
    57:03 - DJ Bizarapp Send Off

    Senda Athletics Website: https://sendaathletics.com/
    Senda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sendaathletics/
    Santiago's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-halty-9a764214/
    Fair Trade USA: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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 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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.com/in/ann-schatz/

    Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Schatz

    Adaptive Sports Northwest Fundraiser (May 4th): https://adaptivesportsnw.org/

  • 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/davestevensspeaks_/?hl=en

    TV Video Clips Featuring Dave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFKIUsTbJxE

    Dave Speaks with Jim Abbott: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKAOXsRNUuY

    The Saint of Second Chances: https://www.netflix.com/title/81476121

    The Geary Stein & Stevens Show Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-geary-stein-stevens-show/id1617159516

    Easter Seals Oregon: https://www.easterseals.com/oregon/

    Northwest Adaptive Sports: https://adaptivesportsnw.org/

    Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/

    Dave Clark Heavy Hitter Sports Episode: https://www.heavyhittersports.com/dave-clark-unsung-hereos/

  • 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 Links:
    Requiem for a Runningback: https://www.requiemforarunningback.com/

    Frank's Highlight Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pw7wTAwMO8

    Frank discusses Monday Night Football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-rwmvsjJ14

    Franz Klammer's '76 Downhill Gold Medal race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0VrDnlPhTI

    Frank discusses the Klammer call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfYV5ZOxUSs

    Frank Gifford's Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Gifford

    Books written by Frank: The Whole Ten Yards and The Glory Game

    NESTRE: https://nestreperformance.com/

    Second Impact Syndrome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-impact_syndrome

    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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909

  • 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.

    [email protected]
    971-985-6909