Talent Chasing

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad, Jasper, and Brian sit down with David MacKinnon, whose unlikely path from 32nd-round draft pick to Major League Baseball is a masterclass in grit, growth, and global perspective. David opens up about life in the minors, the mental grind behind the game, and how reworking his swing changed everything. He shares how family support and relentless adaptation kept him going through injuries, setbacks, and overseas transitions.

The conversation dives into David’s time playing in Japan, comparing cultural differences, clubhouse dynamics, and the high expectations placed on foreign players. The crew also chats about coaching ambitions, the future of baseball across continents, and even quirks like smoking in locker rooms. It’s an honest, insightful look at the human side of professional baseball—from dugouts in the U.S. to diamonds in Asia.

In this episode, Brian, Chad, and Jasper dive into the aftermath of the NFL Draft, zeroing in on the unexpected slide of quarterback Shedeur Sanders. They unpack the complex mix of factors that may have influenced his draft stock—ranging from family ties and racial dynamics to media narratives surrounding his father, Deion Sanders. The discussion broadens to explore how race, social media, and personality shape talent evaluation in professional sports. Along the way, the hosts reflect on travel adventures in Japan and draw parallels between global experiences and the shifting culture of the NFL. At its core, this episode challenges listeners to engage in candid conversations about race, perception, and the evolving standards of opportunity in modern athletics.

In this episode, Chad Sowash and Brian Johnson sit down with Jordan Birnbaum — a behavioral economist, executive coach, and

They dive into how lessons from the field — from role clarity and team chemistry to leadership and empathy — can transform how businesses build and lead teams.

The trio explores the challenges of moving from star player to team captain, the role of culture in high-performing teams, and why clear expectations matter more than ever. They also tackle the promise and pitfalls of analytics in both sports and business, emphasizing that data alone doesn’t create great teams — leadership and accountability do.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Brian, Chad, and Jasper kick things off with Opening Day hype, spotlighting the New York Yankees’ strong start and the buzz around the controversial “Torpedo Bat.” From performance-boosting gear to bold marketing plays, they dive into how innovation is reshaping the game—not just in baseball, but across sports like tennis and football.

The conversation then shifts from the field to the workplace, where the trio explores the parallels between athletic performance and professional productivity. They talk tools, tech, and the fine line between pushing innovation and preserving mental well-being. It’s a candid look at how leaders and teams can stay competitive without burning out, all while keeping their eye on sustainable success.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian, Chad, and Jasper swap stories from the road and celebrate some recent sports wins before diving deep into the shifting tides of NBA leadership. They unpack the latest wave of coaching changes—what’s driving them, who’s at the center, and how they’ll impact the league going forward.

The trio doesn’t just talk stats—they explore the tension between chasing quick wins and building a foundation for long-term success. Through the lens of a league often shaped more by superstar players than front-office decisions, they examine the tough realities NBA coaches face today.

Drawing compelling parallels between sports and business, the conversation covers the evolving role of leadership, the power of clear roles and communication during high-pressure moments, and why sometimes the best move a leader can make... is to step aside and let the team lead.

In this episode, Brian, Chad, and Jasper unpack the parallels between the NFL Draft and modern hiring practices, revealing how talent acquisition in both sports and business often misses the mark. Using examples like Shedeur Sanders and Eli Manning, they highlight the intense scrutiny athletes face, the impact of background on perception, and the unpredictability of talent evaluation. The conversation critiques traditional interviews as theatrical and outdated, urging a shift toward more authentic, empathetic, and insightful hiring methods. From the importance of organizational culture and emotional intelligence to the pitfalls of resume-based assessments, the episode challenges listeners to rethink how we build teams—on the field and in the workplace. With a focus on leadership, cultural fit, and the human element, the hosts make a compelling case for evolving how we assess, recruit, and lead talent in today's world.

In this episode, hosts Brian, Chad, and Jasper dive into the far-reaching effects of tariffs on the talent market and the wider economy. They unpack the economic and geopolitical ripple effects, explore how businesses are adapting their strategies, and examine the shifting dynamics of employment and cultural perception. The discussion sheds light on the complex challenges facing both companies and workers, underscoring the importance of agility and forward-thinking in today’s fast-changing global landscape.

In this episode, Jasper and Brian discuss the intricacies of NFL scouting, focusing on the NFL Combine and the newly introduced Combine IQ tool. They explore the balance between data analysis and human intuition in evaluating talent, the challenges of biases in scouting, and the unique aspects of the interview process for prospective players. The conversation also touches on the differences between NFL scouting and European football, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and clear role definitions in recruitment.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts explore the intersection of sports and corporate talent, focusing on the concept of meritocracy in politics and hiring practices. They discuss the qualifications of political figures, the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion on meritocracy, and the importance of building talent pipelines within organizations. The conversation highlights the need for companies to engage with their communities and develop inclusive hiring strategies to thrive in a changing demographic landscape.

In this episode, Jasper and Brian dive into the emotional highs and lows of being a European football fan, with a special focus on Newcastle United's recent trophy victory. They highlight the inspiring journey of Dan Byrne, a player who defied the odds to succeed, drawing insightful parallels between talent acquisition and team dynamics in both sports and business. Their discussion underscores the power of resilience, strategic patience, and human skills in the workplace, while also exploring innovative ways to learn from mistakes.