Beyond the Cap

Show Notes

In this episode, host Cubie Hernandez sits down with Chaz Hawkins, a writer, producer, and independent filmmaker who worked on Amazon's Fallout. A former decathlete at Duke University, Chaz shares how a career-changing injury pushed him from track and field into Hollywood.

In this episode, host Cubie Hernandez sits down with Chaz Hawkins, a writer, producer, and independent filmmaker who worked on Amazon's Fallout. A former decathlete at Duke University, Chaz shares how a career-changing injury pushed him from track and field into Hollywood.

The conversation explores how tearing his Achilles as a freshman forced Chaz to rethink who he was beyond sports, and how that led him to theater, screenwriting, and later Loyola Marymount University (LMU). He talks about the mentors who saw his potential early, why representation matters, and how he brings an athlete's focus to pitching and writing for TV. He also shares his advice for former athletes: tune out comparisons, picture who you want to be in 20 years, and build work that is uniquely yours.

Connect with Chaz Hawkins:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaz-hawkins-2114708b/
• Website: http://chaz-hawkins.branded.me

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Show notes

In this episode, host Cubie Hernandez sits down with Branden Estrada, Corporate Hospitality Account Manager for the Anaheim Ducks and a former cross-country and track athlete at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Branden left a successful tech sales career to chase his passion for sports, and it paid off.

In this episode, host Cubie Hernandez sits down with Branden Estrada, Corporate Hospitality Account Manager for the Anaheim Ducks and a former cross-country and track athlete at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Branden left a successful tech sales career to chase his passion for sports, and it paid off.

The conversation explores how Branden generated over $3.5 million in software sales, then took a pay cut during COVID to join the San Diego Gulls before moving to the Ducks. He shares how his athletic work ethic helped him start at the ground level and grow fast. He also tells the story of helping a fan meet Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal, a small moment that later strengthened a key client relationship. He closes with how he uses AI for routine sales tasks, and why rest and recovery matter as much as hard work.

Connect with Branden Estrada

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/branden-r-estrada/
• Website: https://www.nhl.com/ducks/

If this story hit home for you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Beyond the Cap.