The Struggle Bubble

In this episode of The Struggle Bubble, we’re joined by Jackie Pimentel, Director of Ads Product Marketing at Meta, to talk about balancing a high-pressure career, parenting, and life’s curveballs. Jackie shares her experience navigating family life, managing work trips, and the importance of community and support systems. Whether it's stepping in to coach her daughter's soccer team or coordinating last-minute trips with her husband, Jackie offers a candid and relatable perspective on how to thrive amidst the chaos. Tune in for insights on resilience, work-life balance, and the value of being present in the moment.

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

Chad and Craig celebrate their 25th episode reflecting on the contributions of past guests and the importance of fun in youth sports. They discuss the current MLB playoffs, the challenges of coaching in the state cup, and the development of youth soccer amidst changing age regulations. The conversation also touches on the administrative challenges faced by community-based sports leagues, emphasizing the need for better communication and transparency. In this episode, Chad and Craig discuss various themes including community planning, coaching insights, balancing sports with family life, the struggles of being a sports fan, and upcoming guests on their podcast. They reflect on the importance of community involvement in housing projects, the growth and development of youth sports teams, and the emotional rollercoaster of being a fan of struggling sports teams. 

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this episode of The Struggle Bubble, we’re joined by Ricky Lewis, former MLS player, and Leslie Osborne, former US Women’s National Team and NWSL star. Together, they take us through their incredible journey—from life on the soccer field to raising families and creating a lasting impact with the launch of Bay FC, the Bay Area’s newest women’s pro soccer team.

Ricky and Leslie share candid insights on navigating the chaos of parenting while managing the demands of youth sports, building community through soccer, and recognizing the signs of burnout. Listen in as they reflect on how their experiences as athletes have shaped their approach to parenting, how they balance passion with family, and what they hope to achieve through Bay FC.

If you’re juggling family life, career pressures, and personal goals, this episode offers a real look at how to thrive amidst it all.

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this episode of the Struggle Bubble, Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey sit down with Kelly Cheeseman, COO and Alternate governor of the LA Kings and AEG Sports. They discuss Kelly's extensive career in sports management, the evolution of fan communication, the pressures of remote work, and the importance of balancing family life with a demanding career. Kelly shares insights on navigating the highs and lows of sports performance, the impact of social media on narratives, and the growing trend of international expansion in sports. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the sports industry.

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this episode of the Struggle Bubble, hosts Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey welcome Nate Vandegrift, who shares his journey from a passionate young athlete to a dedicated father and professional. Nate discusses the challenges he faced in sports, the consequences of his actions during high school, and his struggles with alcohol. He reflects on the journey to parenthood through in vitro fertilization and the lessons learned from health challenges, including a heart attack at a young age. The conversation emphasizes the importance of family, accountability, and the legacy we leave behind.

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this conversation, Chad and Craig Surgey welcome Lisa Mims, an executive coach, to discuss the intricacies of leadership, work-life balance, and personal growth. Lisa shares her insights on how coaching can help leaders navigate their professional and personal lives, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and understanding one's values. The discussion also touches on the evolution of leadership styles, the impact of COVID-19 on work culture, and the significance of creating a safe environment for growth. Lisa provides practical advice for those grappling with major life decisions, encouraging listeners to explore their values and envision a fulfilling life.

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this episode, Chad and Craig discuss different aspects of coaching youth sports, including the integration of AI in coaching, the importance of authentic communication, and the dynamics of parent involvement during games. They explore the role of coaches in player development, the challenges of field space, and the significance of mentorship in youth sports. The conversation also touches on recent game experiences and the progress of their teams, while looking forward to upcoming events and guests on the podcast.

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this episode, Chad and Craig welcome Mike Donohue, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at GupShop, who shares his journey from competitive rowing to sailing and his experiences on the men's national rowing team. Mike discusses the importance of trying new things, the challenges of competitive sports, and the balance between pursuing athletic passions and career aspirations. He emphasizes the value of mentorship, hard work, and the mindset needed to succeed in both sports and professional life.

Support the show

Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this episode, Chad and Craig have a lighthearted and humorous conversation about various topics, including gratitude, their podcast journey, sports, and their children's activities. They express their appreciation for the support they have received and discuss upcoming episodes and sponsors. 

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Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod

In this exciting episode of The Struggle Bubble, Chad and Craig sit down with special guest Rob Ludeman to take a deep dive into the world of youth sports and beyond. From early development to high school competition, they break down how sports evolve and the key role they play in shaping skills, self-motivation, and character.

The trio explores hot topics like the impact of private coaching, the rise of club sports, and why unstructured play is more important than we think. Plus, they tackle the tough side of youth sports—dealing with intense parents, officiating struggles, and the empathy we need for those working behind the whistle.

But it’s not just about sports. They dig into deeper life lessons, including finding joy in both success and failure, balancing work with family time, and how today’s flexible work culture can help parents stay connected with their kids.

With plenty of laughs, real talk, and practical advice, this episode will resonate with parents, coaches, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of modern parenting.

Support the show

Help support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod