Heavy Hitter Sports

Bauer CEO Ed Kinnaly is a fiercely competitive leader with a passion for hockey, innovation, and building winning teams.

Join us as we revisit the glory days of Nike Hockey and explore Bauer's relentless pursuit of excellence, authentic leadership, and a culture where the best idea always wins.

From the Miracle on Ice to the boardroom, it's a spirited conversation about competition, character, and what it takes to succeed.

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 & 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

Corey Hill shares his personal journey from playing D1 football to now heading global sports marketing at Oakley. He reveals leadership lessons gleaned from playing for legendary coach Bill Walsh & working at Nike. If you are looking for leadership tips, learning more about Oakley or insight into the sports marketing world, this is the episode for you. 

Corey's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-hill-04b6a85/

The Score Takes Care of Itself, by Bill Walsh: https://www.powells.com/book/score-takes-care-of-itself-9781591843474?condition=New

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 & 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

Mike O’Toole has built a remarkable life around one enduring passion: the water. From launching Gondola Getaway in Long Beach to competing for 41 consecutive years in Venice’s legendary Vogalonga rowing regatta, Mike’s story is one of adventure, authenticity and following the path less traveled. We talk entrepreneurship, Venetian culture, USC memories—and why he believes his sister Maureen may be the greatest athlete ever to come out of Long Beach.

Gondala Getaway: https://gondolagetawayinc.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 & 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

Jeff Gorham turned professional acting into an unlikely superpower for a remarkable career in sporting goods sales. In this episode, he shares lessons on preparation, listening, relationships, storytelling and delivering the unexpected. Jeff also recounts unforgettable encounters with Rob Strasser and Anna Kournikova while reflecting on the mentors and resilience that shaped his life. It’s a candid, funny and insightful conversation about the art of connecting with people.

Jeff's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgorham/

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 & 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

Alyx Wynn, master marketeer, has led brand efforts at Nike, U.S. Soccer & now Dallas Trinity FC. She & host Mark Hochgesang discuss the World Cup, the women's sports explosion and their favorite soccer stars. Alyx also talks about the power of representation, the importance of mentorship and how strong leaders focus as much on people as performance. Enjoy sports fans!

Alyx Wynn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyxwynn/

Dallas Trinity FC: https://www.dallastrinityfc.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 & 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

Gene McCarthy, former elite miler & Nike executive, shares hard-earned lessons from leading some of the most iconic brands in sports. Drawing from his experiences at Nike, Brand Jordan, Under Armour, & ASICS, Gene offers a candid & insightful look inside some of the most pivotal moments in sporting goods history. Filled with memorable stories involving Phil Knight, Michael Jordan & Tom Brady, this conversation with host Mark Hochgesang is both inspirational & highly entertaining.

Chasing Four Powell's Link: https://www.powells.com/book/chasing-four-a-personal-history-of-work-and-play-9798872479406?condition=New

Gene's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmccarthy56/

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 & 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

Charley Stobbs, the sports marketing leader of baseball & softball at adidas, delivers more than just baseball insight. He shares a championship mindset built upon hard work, authenticity, trust, and relationships. Charley reveals what’s happening in baseball today, from Little League to the Bigs. Inspired by lessons from his Major League father and years in the game, Charley reminds us to stay coachable, keep learning, and never stop pursuing the role that truly fits who you are. 

Charley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstobbs/

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 & 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

Guest Ellen Bain shares how she pivoted from a successful Nike career to a life built around yoga, adventure, and community - and the lessons that team sports teach us about resilience, teamwork & leadership. And yes, she did share a roller coaster ride with Phil Knight on her first day at Nike. Enjoy sports fans!

Peak Power Adventures Website: https://www.peakpoweradventures.com/

PPA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakpoweradventures?igsh=MWh6NDg4MmtvZmcydA%3D%3D

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 & 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

Host Mark Hochgesang provides his take on the recent hiring of USC's new defensive coordinator, Gary Patterson. Mark also shares his thoughts on the upcoming Trojan season. 

Patterson's Introductory Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy2psH39BWQ

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 & 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

Host Mark Hochgesang huddles with the inspiring and relentlessly optimistic Danny van Leeuwen—athlete, nurse, storyteller, and champion for living fully with a chronic illness. Danny doesn’t just talk about resilience; he lives it daily with multiple sclerosis while still pursuing movement, connection, and joy. His perspective flips the script from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s possible?” as we explore how folks can redefine success, choose hope, and keep moving forward even when the road gets rocky. If you’re ready for a conversation filled with energy, laughter, practical wisdom, and a contagious belief in what the human spirit can do—this episode is for you. Enjoy sports fans!

Danny's Health Hats Website: https://health-hats.com/

Danny's Health Hats Podcast: https://health-hats.com/new-health-hats-blog/

EPISODE TIME STAMPS

0:00 –  Opening and Episode Setup

01:18 –  Meet Danny van Leeuwen

02:07 – Athlete Roots and Early Lessons

04:56 – Danny's Competitive Spirit

06:10 -  The MS Diagnosis 

12:00 – Movement Matters

15:42 – Attitude is Everything

17:40 – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

20:37 – Beautiful Music

22:50 – Oh the Places You'll Go

24:09 – Winning Redefined

25:00 – Pathological Optimist

26:10 – What Do You Do When You Can't?

28:56 – Final Takeaways and Closing

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 & 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