The K.P. Wee Podcast

For Episode 77, it's a "best of" episode with a replay of a recent conversation between K.P. and guest host Stan Markotich in which the former shares tales of caution in the workplace that exemplify a lack of respect. Also included are thoughts from LA Dodger historian Mark Langill about being respectful to people around you. Finally, a story about NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is shared by Ted Sobel, LA radio's longest tenured sports reporter.

If you're interested in Ted Sobel's book Touching Greatness: Tales from the Front Row with Heroes and Legends, you can find it here: https://coacheschoice.com/touching-greatness/ or here: https://www.amazon.com/Touching-Greatness-Ted-Sobel/dp/1606795430

If you're a fan of Michael Unger's 1990 Upper Deck baseball card project, then it doesn't get better than this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast—which features a non-stop stream of sports history, trivia, game deconstructions, and remembrances. Enjoy this return visit from a fan favorite known to baseball card collectors through his social media handles udeck1990@Twitter or upperdeck1990@Insta.

Michael and K.P. do a deep dive into some of the exciting (if sometimes forgotten or obscure) players that Michael has been posting about daily as he works his way systematically through each of his 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. His social media posts have created a community through which he and K.P. initially connected and became friends.

This time, the names Zane Smith, Kal Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Dave Stieb, Steve Finley, Todd Zeile, and Joey Cora are mentioned.

K.P. references two old quotes attributed to Darryl Strawberry (Michael's childhood baseball hero), with the Straw Man trashing Smith (an opponent) and Daniels (a teammate in Los Angeles). Michael brings up the story about how Cora almost never made it to the major leagues and the football-tossing routine of the Texas Rangers in the 1980s and 1990s, and K.P. brings up three infamous moments in Zeile's career (the 1996 ALCS, the 2000 World Series, and a late-season game from 1997).

In this episode, New Zealand-based performance mindset coach Steven Cockram re-joins the podcast for a follow-up with co-host Stan Markotich and regular host K.P. Wee.

SUMMARY: Whatever we do in life, mindset matters! And that's why it's the focus of Steve Cockram's highly successful practice. As a performance coach, he helps clients stretch, grow and reach ambitious goals – both as athletes and as humans. Host K.P. Wee and his special co-host, Stan Markotich, invite their guest to share insights gleaned over his years as a high-level rugby player and trusted AthleticMindset advisor to top competitors across the gamut of sports.

Based in New Zealand and part of the fitness industry since the age of 17, Steve incorporates sports psychology to help clients uncover blocks often rooted in past relationships and personal history. Working on a perceptual and empathetic level, he coaxes athletes into deeper motivation by helping them to understand motivations, challenges and barriers like Impostor Syndrome or performance anxiety. You'll learn about the overlap between the mindsets and behaviors of aspiring athletes and burgeoning authors (more than you might imagine) and discover how Steve builds trust (and favorable outcomes) through transparency, communication and a willingness to change course when necessary. Join us to find out what zone you're in – Comfort, Fear or Growth – and why uncovering your core beliefs (especially those that do not serve) can make all the difference when it comes to overcoming setbacks and averting disappointment out on the playing field and everywhere else in life!

Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored.

If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger

KEY TOPICS:

• Steve introduces himself and explains what distinguishes his work as a mindset coach focused on relationships and personal history as a tool for athletic transformation.
• Different sports attract different types of personalities, but triggers for things like Impostor Syndrome and performance anxiety are universal.
• About the three zones in which Steve works:
• • Comfort Zone.
  • Fear Zone.
  • Growth Zone.
• Two components of averting failures and overcoming setbacks:
• • Bring a growth mindset (drive, desire, dedication and discipline) to the examination of mistakes.
  • Manage expectations to enable clarity, flexibility and a reset.
• A closer look at divergent athletic styles: Coaches are in a unique position to understand the goals, motivations and psychology that individual players bring to their sports.
• Sometimes expectations align, and sometimes they don't. And that's okay! Steve recalls an example of an athlete with whom his style of performance coaching was not a fit.
• Part of Steve's success is his transparency right out of the gate with clients in terms of his approach, style and the program's interactive, personal elements.
• How common vocabulary deepens client communication and worksheet reflections.
• The elements that Steve emphasizes in building trust and accountability include:
• • Honesty.
  • Sharing.
  • Empathy.
  • Openness.
  • Vulnerable.
• The Root of Impostor Syndrome: Steve believes it the result of going through a process multiple times in which you feel you've fallen short or failed to achieve. The result for many is feelings of:
• • Pain.
  • Isolation.
  • Self-doubt.
  • Exclusion from community.
• Steve's prescription for overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Consistently demonstrate to yourself a base-level ability to perform in an environment where you don't feel comfortable and, over time, deep feelings of competency and self-empowerment will naturally follow.
• Writers Are No Different: Like athletes, those who pursue the written word experience setbacks and self-doubt on the way to honing their craft and reaching for the peaks.
• Loner Athletes: Steve asks probing questions to open up a conversation about how family ties (or lack thereof) impact development and can be processed to advantage.
• Fundamental Elements of Steve's Program:
• • What is your "why"?
  • What does your support network look like?
  • What roles and responsibilities define your life?
  • How can we create a program individualized to your identity and goals?
• About how Steve uses personalization to help athletes separate their identity as an athlete in training/competition from other roles (such as partner or parent) in life.
• What it looks like to nurture talent, opening up an entire set of possibilities (and growth) for people both personally and professionally, as athletes and as students.
• Changing Course: Steve is a big fan of pushing boundaries and resetting when necessary to accommodate limits and achieve overall goals.
• Why Steve's commitment to being iterative and flexible inspires understanding and trust in clients – getting them the results they want and deserve!

KEY QUOTES:

• "For me as a mindset coach, it's about being a transformational coach rather than a transactional coach." (Steve)
• "You treat (athletes) as individuals in terms of what it is they want to achieve; their No. 1 aim by being on that team. What is it they're wanting to bring?" (Steve)
• "An integral part of my service is that all my core values shine through all the time. And the minute they don't, there's something wrong." (Steve)
• "Mastering Impostor Syndrome is a process. There is no quick fix. It's not just a click your fingers and it's done. And that's all to do with fear of failure." (Steve)
• "You see that mentality or mindset of Impostor Syndrome everywhere. You see people essentially turning themselves into actors instead of academics or writers." (Stan)
• "Students preparing for Advance Placement exams feel nervous. They're turning in these essays that they know will determine their future in terms of getting into a good university or college. So they get nervous … even if they're top students!" (K.P.)
• "Every time I nearly put my foot over the threshold, I will consciously bring it back. And where (athletes) weren't necessarily wanting to open up with certain information, they give it to me because they start to understand what process I'm following." (Steve)
• "I always check myself after three or four sessions on the same topic just to make sure I'm in the right space to get the best information to help (clients)." (Steve)

ABOUT STEVE: Steve's passion for coaching, training, and educating originates from his enjoyment and satisfaction in helping clients & athletes to achieve their specific goals, whilst making positive and sustainable changes to their performance, health & psychology. Working with a number of professional athletes across different sporting fields through specialized rehabilitation, nutritional and pre/post competition programs, Steve has been on a progressive journey that has enabled him to work with some amazing industry professionals.

FOLLOW STEVE:

Website: @AthleticMindset

@Facebook

@LinkedIn

ABOUT STAN:

About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education.

About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.

You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here.

Follow K.P. Wee:

K.P. @Twitter

Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

It's one of those things we were all supposed to have learned in kindergarten, right? When it comes to R-E-S-P-E-C-T, we should strive to treat others as we would like to be treated! While the concept seems basic, this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast explores the many ways in which fundamental decency is often lacking in our workplaces and society at large. Guest Host Stan Markotich invites K.P. Wee, author and educator, to share on-the-job experiences that capture the negative impacts of treating others unfairly … or worse! Sharing recollections of former colleagues who demonstrated bad form, K.P. and Stan weigh in with life lessons and perspectives you won't soon forget!

With vivid examples of co-workers and even bosses who disrespect others by making everything all about themselves, this episode highlights red flags to be on the lookout for (both on the job and in life generally). A lack of kindness, integrity and equality can turn workplaces toxic, but there are simple measures that can be implemented to build not only a healthy workplace culture but a strong sense of community. It starts with setting an honorable tone – preferably at the top – that makes treating one another with respect a baseline value and expectation. You'll never hear Aretha Franklin's anthem again without thinking back on these colorful insights! And definitely stay tuned for a future episode that will dive deeper into the topic of motivation – something that, much like respect, has to be cultivated and earned.

Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored.

If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger

KEY TOPICS:

• A quick update on K.P., play-by-play hockey and otherwise keeping busy with teaching students the do's and don'ts of life!
• A Baseline Definition of Respect: Treating everyone equally and fairly!
• Tales of caution that exemplify a lack of respect:
• • #1 – K.P. and Jane Doe: Don't Be a User!
  • • About a colleague who solicited help and then went cold once she'd gotten what she wanted in the way of support.
    • Ignoring is a hallmark of disrespect.
    • Passive-Aggressive behaviors communicate disrespect with a snub.
  • #2 – Esprit de Corps: When Colleagues or Bosses are All About Themselves!
  • • About people who aren't willing to contribute to a group dynamic unless they personally benefit.
    • About people who demonstrate contempt (rather than professionalism) on their way out the door.
    • About people who exploit the skills and good will of others without reciprocity.
    • About people who ask for favors – while also giving a kick in the pants when you're heading out the door.
• Tips for Employers Who Want to Communicate Respect:
• • Be up-front and clear about setting expectations.
  • Don't bait-and-switch.
  • Don't lie and manipulate!
  • Don't say one thing and do another!
  • Walk the Walk: Emphasize respect over mere consideration!
  • Send a message and set an example of respect and inclusion from the top.
  • Create a strong culture built on mutual respect.
• K.P. recalls how Dodger Team Historian Mark Langill defined respect on this episode of the K.P. Wee Podcast. It doesn't matter who you are dealing with, you treat them with kindness and courteousness – whatever level of the organization they inhabit.
• Does motivation correlate with respect? If you're not self-motivated, then you're most likely contributing to an un-reciprocal (and toxic ) environment.
• Stay tuned for a future episode in which K.P. will share observations from the broadcaster's point of view about motivation and how in itself can be a form of respect!

KEY QUOTES:

• "What respect boils down to is trying to be helpful and kind to others – and you would think that they would reciprocate." (K.P.)
• "If you're kind to others and they don't reciprocate, that's where the issue begins." (K.P.)
• "When I leave my door open it's symbolic. It's to say that my door is always open and anyone can come in and talk to me about anything." (K.P.)
• "No one owes us anything. You just have to treat people with respect. Simple. Most people learned it in kindergarten." (K.P.)
• "When someone alters behavior for seemingly no reason, my suspicion is that there might have been an agenda at work or … motivations apart from basic workplace etiquette." (Stan)
• "Most employers know that when employers pull this kind of (disrespectful) stuff … Just be up-front!" (Stan)
• "With respect you build community and a team and one of the biggest ways to demonstrate a lack of respect is to say one thing and do another." (Stan)
• "A lack of respect could come from a lack of motivation and I've seen that in cases with students or peers." (K.P.)

About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education.

Stan @LinkedIn

About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.

You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here.

Follow K.P. Wee:

K.P. @Twitter

Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

If you're a fan of Michael Unger's 1990 Upper Deck baseball card project, then it doesn't get better than this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast—which features a non-stop stream of sports history, trivia, game deconstructions, and remembrances. Enjoy this return visit from a fan favorite known to baseball card collectors through his social media handles udeck1990@Twitter or upperdeck1990@Insta.

Michael and K.P. do a deep dive into some of the exciting (if sometimes forgotten or obscure) players that Michael has been posting about daily as he works his way systematically through each of his 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. His social media posts have created a community through which he and K.P. initially connected and became friends.

Players mentioned in this episode include several Hall of Famers (Jack Morris, Fred McGriff, Harold Baines) and long-forgotten players (Rafael Ramirez, Rod Nichols, Gene Harris, Wally Whitehurst).

K.P. Wee, author and podcast host, is back on the receiving end of questions when guest host (and former News Director at CJIV Radio) Stan Markotich invites his good friend to drill down on that all-important workplace relationship with … the boss! If you've been there, you know it's the worst: Reporting to a leader who doesn't understand how to set a tone that fosters mutual respect, excellence, and job satisfaction in the workplace. Based on personal experiences, this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast shines a spotlight on exactly what to be on the look-out for when you're taking on a new job, from red flags to sticky situations. You'll come away with great tips for how to navigate toxic office leaders – or, better yet, how to avoid them altogether!

One by one, Stan and K.P. look back on lessons learned through the years – mostly about what NOT to do as a boss. Ripped from the headlines of their own career journeys, they share recollections of managers who demonstrated either a lack of professionalism and ethics or, in some instances, just a total absence of mature judgment. Your co-hosts have been there and done that, so you don't have to! Tune in to find out about things to bear in mind as you go through the interview process and how to spot a gold-standard boss: Someone who understands that leadership is about bringing out the best in the whole team as well as each individual by supporting growth, collaboration, and a productive, harmonious experience on the job. "A leader and a boss has to lead by example," says K.P., "whether it's in sports or in the workplace with ordinary people like you and me!"

Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of The K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored.

If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger

KEY TOPICS:

• K.P. kicks off the episode with a reflection on what it means to lead by example – whether a championship-winning quarterback or a mid-level customer service manager.
• Boss School #1: K.P. shares an anecdote about a customer service manager who failed to communicate the value of having a team ethic that transcends departmental politics.
• Boss School #2: Don't shoot the messenger! When K.P. delivered a message from his GM to his immediate supervisor, it did not go well. Overreaction and passive-aggressive responses are not a credit to any leader.
• Boss School #3: How long was that lunch break? When a manager takes the whole team out for lunches of nearly two hours, is that modeling respect for workplace rules?
• Boss School #4: Stan shares a boss's very different, outcomes-based approach to taking time off based on whether projects are getting done, done well, and done on time!
• Boss School #5: Only Yes-People Need Apply. K.P. recalls a manager who couldn't graciously accept copy edits that undeniably improved content and grammar.
• Boss School #6: Picking favorites undermines morale, communicates immaturity, and can unnecessarily pits team members against each other.
• Boss School #7: Don't Lie! K.P. calls out a manager who provided "original" training content that was in fact lifted from the internet – then denied it. Be shady, lose respect!
• Boss School #8: Would a Pro Behave this Way? Pranking team members, invading social media, buddying up, lack of boundaries … These are not good looks for a leader.
• Boss School #9: Stan and K.P. muse on the way skills and a healthy, collaborative environment erode when leaders don't know how to bring the whole team into play.
• Boss School #10: Stan shares the good, the bad, and … how first impressions can be misleading. A straight-talking supervisor may be more abrupt, but you know where you stand. As opposed to a disingenuous "Mr. Nice Guy" who may lack accountability.
• Boss School #11: K.P. offers some signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to assessing the qualities of a boss:
• • Is there a level of professionalism? Fun is fun, here and there. But the overall ethic should communicate a level of seriousness about the work.
  • Is the workplace atmosphere supportive?
  • Does the environment make you aspire to learn, grow, and be better?
  • Is the emphasis on skills over being pals?
• Red Flag #1: An interview process skewed towards personal questions. There's a line beyond which the emphasis has strayed too far from career goals and qualifications.
• Red Flag #2: A manager who demeans people for being satisfied and happy to be at the company where they're employed.
• Red Flag #3: If there's a lot of churn among personnel, is it by design? It might be a business strategy to avoid giving promotions, raises or paying severance.
• Gold Star #1: Leaders who look for ways to incent talented team members and compensate for company limitations.
• Gold Star #2: Leaders who support talented team members' growth and development in ways that will help them build and extend their careers.
• Parting Thought: Problems with a boss could be your fault. But it also might have nothing whatsoever to do with you! So be alert and look for signs to know the difference.

KEY QUOTES:

• "A leader and a boss has to lead by example, whether it's in sports or in the workplace with ordinary people like you and me!"

• "Sometimes being a boss or a leader is debatable. People might look at things in a different way." (K.P.)

• "When you're in a position of authority – a manager or a boss – you're setting a tone through example. You may not intend to lead by example, but you are." (Stan)

• "Terrible bosses expect you to agree with everything that they say." (K.P.)

• "That person you think of as a great boss may not work out in reality as a great boss and the other person might over time demonstrate genuine leadership skills!" (Stan)

• "If you're starting out you want to show that you're enthusiastic about contributing to the company, but there's a difference between being enthusiastic and willing to learn and show your skills and demonstrate your abilities and just being a funny guy and too casual." (K.P.)

• "Trying to help an employee develop his or her skills and improve in order to perhaps have better opportunities down the road, that would be a great boss!" (K.P.)

• "Be aware … Be on the alert, because sometimes it's not you, it is the boss." (Stan)

About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education.

Stan @LinkedIn

About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.

You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here.

Follow K.P. Wee:

K.P. @Twitter

Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

In this episode, New Zealand-based performance mindset coach Steven Cockram joins the podcast to discuss his transition from a former rugby player to where he is today. The founder of Athletic Mindset Ltd., Steve helps athletes, coaches, parents, and organizations to empower themselves through sport and achieve enhanced performance levels consistently.

For more, check out https://stevecockram.coach

and https://www.athleticmindset.nz

If you're a fan of Michael Unger's 1990 Upper Deck baseball card project, then it doesn't get better than this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast—which features a non-stop stream of sports history, trivia, game deconstructions, and remembrances. Enjoy this return visit from a fan favorite known to baseball card collectors through his social media handles udeck1990@Twitter or upperdeck1990@Insta.

Michael and K.P. do a deep dive into some of the exciting (if sometimes forgotten or obscure) players that Michael has been posting about daily as he works his way systematically through each of his 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. His social media posts have created a community through which he and K.P. initially connected and became friends.

Players mentioned in this episode include several Hall of Famers (Dennis Eckersley, Bert Blyleven, and Edgar Martinez), long-forgotten players (Matt Winters, Charles Hudson, and Frank Williams), and also solid long-time relievers (Mike Henneman and Ricky Horton).

Among the topics being discussed:

Michael tells the story of the friendship between Eckersley and pop rock singer-songwriter Richard Marx.

Michael also talks about the minor-league journey of Matt Winters—and wonders why he never truly got a shot in the majors—along with the connection between right-handed pitchers Mike Henneman and Frank Williams, while K.P. focuses on Henneman's failures with the 1996 Texas Rangers.

Regarding Henneman's story, Michael references an article written by Ryan Fagan.

K.P. mentions Edgar Martinez's lack of 200-hit seasons (with a career-high of 182 in 1995) and the fact the long-time Seattle DH ended up with "only" 2,247 career hits. There's also the fact that Martinez struggled in postseason play after his memorable 1995 ALDS heroics vs. the Yankees.

K.P. also shares a story about how an Associated Press reporter's wrong information about Charles Hudson ended up in his Tom Candiotti biography, A Life of Knuckleballs. Lesson learned: always, always, always fact check.

K.P. even brings up a player on the 1991 Blue Jays who struck out 107 times but hit no homers, the first player since 1906 to go homerless while striking out 100 times in a season.

How many walks did Dennis Eckersley allow in postseason play after walking Mike Davis ahead of Kirk Gibson's famous 1988 World Series homer? K.P. shares the answer to that trivia question.

You're in for a double-header treat – featuring both literary and golf themes – and a fascinating triple-threat conversation on this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast. Ten-time PGA title holder John Mahaffey is sharing with Guest Host Stan Markotich and K.P. Wee everything from the story of his introduction to Ben Hogan, the legendary mentor who shaped his career, to the diligent approach he takes when writing books. The discussion also covers how to make important life transitions, what it took for John to emerge from a dark passage and which key traits are critical to success in writing, golf and life!

John shares updates on his latest projects and the backstory on his thriller, "Shafted" and nonfiction work, "Hogan's Boy: A Journey in Golf." You'll enjoy hearing why he's "having a blast" and experiencing catharsis by entertaining fans in a whole new arena! As long as he can go and has fresh ideas for his McCall Family series, John will keep on writing! The show wraps up with life lessons applicable across all kinds of circumstances: Take responsibility. You're going to win more than you lose. Just keep at it and don't give up. You'll take away from this lively chat all kinds of wisdom about excellence – athletically, artistically and personally!

To learn more about John Mahaffey and his books, visit this this website.

Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored.

If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger

KEY TOPICS:

• An intro to golf great John Mahaffey and his storied 10-time PGA-winning career!
• All About Transitions: John shares thoughts about his journey from a small-town kid in Texas who loved sports of all kinds (including a special love of basketball) to focusing exclusively on upping his golf game, paving the way to a University of Houston scholarship and NCAA championships.
• Winning and Losing: John leveraged nightmare tournament failures as stepping stones to stronger performances down the road. His take: You either learn from setbacks and improve – or flounder.
• The story of John's first encounter with Ben Hogan (whom he knew from the classic book, "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf") and how the legendary player became the mentor who introduced John to the pro tour.
• How Ben didn't so much teach specific golf skills as provide a big-picture strategic and tactical vision of the overall game – the central ideas and concepts, such as knowing how to play – rather than muscle – a course.
• About John's approach to writing "Shafted," his thriller based on observations about life on the road with his fellow golfers on the tour. And the Bob Seger songs that helped inspire it, including (all available at this link):
• • Like a Rock
  • Shame on the Moon
  • Turning the Page
  • Still the Same
  • Against the Wind
  • Hollywood Nights
• About the influence that South African author Wilbur Smith had on John's development as a writer.
• John shares a dark passage in his life during which he was hobbled by drinking and divorce – until a close friend intervened on May 16, 2000, at 10 a.m. He hasn't had a drink since, which changed his whole life.
• Starting a New Chapter: John makes the transition into golf commentating and then into his longer-term commitment to writing novels (including the series he has in the works).
• The role of creativity and flexibility in the art of writing – and in life!
• John reflects on the biggest evolutions in golf, owing both to new technologies and the trend towards starting kids in competition early.
• About the fraternity John experienced playing through three generations of memorable pros who were both colleagues and friends.
• Changes in the way golf is played today versus in John's era, including the difference between a team culture and "owning your own swing." Bottom Line: The most talented players will emerge no matter the fads or circumstances.
• Key Advice: Expectations are great. Anticipation is a killer. Don't get ahead of yourself!
• How to Maintain Confidence: Keep on practicing, keep on playing, keep on competing.
• In sport and in life: Not everyone is going to like you or be supportive. And that's okay!
• Having had double hip replacement surgeries, John's golfing days are behind him. But he's living the memories and keeping them vivid through his writing process.
• John shares his writing routine, whose hallmark is about eight hours a day of hard work and discipline, one chapter after the other. The result? Four+ books in three years!

• Recommended Reading: John's favorite authors include: Wilbur Smith, Lee Child and Mark Greaney.

• K.P. touches on some of the challenges associated with fiction writing – and strategies for breaking through stumbling blocks (like shadowing authors and emulating their daily routines).
• About Your Book's Final Pages: John believes the climax is a great opportunity to tease readers and pique their interest in the next installment of your series.
• Research (including lots provided by his wife) is a key element informing John's works and grounding their realism.
• Why John feels golf history isn't a topic in his writing wheelhouse – but that doesn't mean he doesn't weave lots of first-person experiences with the greats into his fiction!
• Stan offers thoughts about K.P.'s narrative writing style – a combination of voice, point of view, suspense and character. See for yourself by checking out his books here!

KEY QUOTES:

• "Things were starting to snowball in the direction where I was going to play professional golf. That's what I really wanted to do – and that's how the early transition happened." (John)

• "(Tournament losses) are stepping stones to actually make you a better player … Either you learn from it or your career's over!" (John)

• "(Ben Hogan) didn't teach me how to hit shots. He taught me how to play golf; how to manage myself around a golf course." (John)

• "I was an only child so I invented a lot of imaginary characters that I played with." (John)

• "My books are about karma. Now there's good karma and there's bad karma – people get what they deserve!" (John)

• "In all my transitions … there are two things very much in common: Creativity and Flexibility." (John)

• "I went into golf because I wanted to paint a picture … I didn't want to be one-dimensional. I wanted to be able to play every shot and not be confronted with something coming down the last hole that I wasn't able to do." (John)

• "(Championship-level play) is about what you have in your heart and what you have in your mind and how you're able to manage yourself and control your emotions." (John)

• "Everybody knows that you lose more times than you can win … but for professional athletes when they're in competition they expect they are going to win and give it their all. They think they are the best." (K.P.)

• "I want my books to be fun for people to read. I want them to not be able to figure out the ending until they get there. I want the characters to pay the price – whether it's good or bad – and have some interesting stuff in-between." (John)

• "I love the kind of fiction that actually buries a not all-too-deeply buried truth, but it's inaccessible for a lot of people." (Stan)

• "Whether it's a golf swing or a scenario in one of your novels, everything is related to a life lesson; to the karma, the good and the bad. Taking responsibility." (Stan)

• "One thing that's going to stay with me is that life lesson: You're going to lose more than you're going to win. But ultimately – and ironically, maybe – that is the real key to winning – the key to being a true winner." (Stan)

RELEVANT LINKS:

• "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf."
• By John Mahaffey:
• • "Shafted."
  • "Hogan's Boy: A Journey in Golf."

• Bob Seger songs that inspire John's novels.
• Books by South African author Wilbur Smith.
• Books (Reacher) by Lee Child.
• Books by Mark Greaney ("The Gray Man")

JOHN MAHAFFEY BIO: Known today as a prolific author, John Mahaffey was born in Kerrville, Texas, and attended the University of Houston, where he was a two-time All-American. John was a member of two NCAA national championship teams and the individual NCAA champion in 1970, a feat he accomplished one week after he tied for low amateur in the US Open at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. He graduated from U of H with a psychology degree in 1970 and turned pro in 1971. Mahaffey is a ten-time winner on the PGA Tour, including the PGA Championship and the Players. In 1978, John won the individual title in the World Cup and partnered with Andy North to win the team competition at Princeville on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The following year he partnered with Hale Irwin to win the World Cup for the US in Athens, Greece, and was a member of the victorious 1979 Ryder Cup team.

FOLLOW JOHN MAHAFFEY: Website | Books | LinkedIn

About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education.

Follow Stan @LinkedIn

About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.

You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here.

Follow K.P. Wee: K.P. @Twitter

Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

Jason Takefman joins the podcast this week to discuss his thoughts on what constitutes a sports rivalry, sharing his recollections of the Boston Bruins-Montreal Canadiens battles over the years as well as Roger Clemens in the playoffs against the Oakland A's. He also talks about why he agrees with Major League Baseball's new scheduling format of having every team play each other in the same season for the first time beginning in 2023.

Meanwhile, K.P. brings up his Bruins-Canadiens book The End of the Montreal Jinx and shares some thoughts about reviews left by readers for other sports authors' books on Amazon. Specifically, K.P. mentions the use of photographs in books, the lack of cooperation by potential interview subjects, and publishers' strict word-count limits.

Finally, Jason and K.P. rehash the 2003 American League Championship Series, with the latter blaming Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra for Boston's series loss.

For a copy of K.P.'s The End of the Montreal Jinx, click here.

For a copy of the book by hockey author Todd Denault referenced in the episode, A Season in Time, click here.