The Struggle Bubble

In this episode of The Struggle Bubble, Chad and Craig dive into the whirlwind of youth soccer tournaments, sharing their recent experiences from the sidelines. They explore the highs and lows of juggling multiple games, the emotional rollercoaster of supporting their kids, and the delicate art of managing expectations—both theirs and their children’s.

Beyond the action on the field, they discuss the true value of travel tournaments, not just for player development, but for fostering resilience and camaraderie in young athletes. Chad and Craig also reflect on the critical role coaches play as mentors, guiding kids not only in sports but in life, while delving into the psychological aspects of youth sports that often go unnoticed.

As the conversation unfolds, they touch on the broader themes of aging, navigating family dynamics, and the ongoing journey to find balance in parenting. They also give a sneak peek into upcoming guests who’ll bring fresh insights to the show.

Don’t miss the episode’s wrap-up, where Chad and Craig share a heartfelt call to action, inviting listeners to join the conversation and stay connected with The Struggle Bubble community.

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

Childhood friends Ben and Julia Kowalczyk join the Chad and Craig on this week's episode. The conversation details Ben and Julia's struggle with their long-distance relationship and the challenges they faced. They talk about the importance of communication and making sacrifices for love. Julia and Ben share their journey of career changes, infertility, and IVF, all while establishing their careers and working while carrying this mental burden. They both experienced the pressure of finding a stable job and starting over in their 30s. 

They decided to start a family and faced the challenges of infertility, undergoing multiple IUIs and eventually IVF. Throughout their journey, they emphasized the importance of communication and mental health. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of multiple failed IVF and IUI attempts, as well as a devastating miscarriage. They emphasize the importance of therapy and communication in navigating the challenges of infertility. Julia and Ben also talk about their decision to share their story on social media and the support they received from their online community. 

Check out @beardandbroad on Instagram

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 conversation, Chad and Craig welcome Austin Stefani to the show to discuss various topics related to their personal lives and careers. They talk about their recent activities, the challenges of being a parent, and the importance of work-life balance. Austin shares his journey in sales, starting from scratch as an account manager and working his way up to VP roles at large companies. He also talks about the transition to a management role and the importance of empowering and supporting his team. Austin attributes his work ethic and skill acquisition mindset to his experience as an athlete. 

The conversation explores the importance of embracing struggle and learning from it. It emphasizes the idea that life becomes more complex as we grow older, but we can acquire valuable skills and knowledge through the challenges we face. 

The guests discuss the significance of resilience and the value of hard work in various aspects of life, including sports, work, and parenting. They also touch on the importance of balance and intentionality in managing different responsibilities. The conversation concludes with advice for those in sales careers, highlighting the importance of building a network and putting in effort to achieve success.

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

Chad and Craig welcome Yousuf Khan, Partner at Ridge Ventures to this week's pod. Yousuf shares his career journey and offers advice for individuals considering starting a company or making a career change. He emphasizes the importance of making decisions, being intellectually curious, and building genuine relationships within the tech industry. Yousuf also highlights the value of resilience, community, and the willingness to learn from others. He encourages individuals to follow their dreams and take risks, even in the face of uncertainty.

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

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 of “The Struggle Bubble,” co-hosts Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey dive deep into the intricate duties of a Little League President. Chad, who is also the President of Los Gatos Little League, shares his extensive knowledge on preparing for the season, organizing a board, managing teams, engaging the community, and much more. From coordinating with volunteers to ensuring player safety, Chad and Craig explore the essential elements that contribute to a successful Little League program. Join us for an insightful discussion that highlights the dedication and effort required to run a youth sports league effectively. There's also a special guest appearance from TDC Los Gatos Dancer, Scarlett Surgey. 

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 discuss the importance of work-life integration in their busy lives. They share personal anecdotes about juggling work, family, and hobbies, and emphasize the need for flexibility and communication. They also touch on the cultural differences between the US and Europe when it comes to work-life balance. The conversation concludes with updates on their respective projects, including plans for improving local sports facilities.

• Work-life integration is about finding a balance between work and personal life, acknowledging that they often overlap and influence each other.
• Flexibility and adaptability are key in managing the challenges of work-life integration.
• It's important to communicate openly and transparently about priorities and schedules with family, colleagues, and friends.
• Cultural differences exist when it comes to work-life balance, with some countries prioritizing family and leisure time more than others.
• Building a supportive community and relying on others for help can alleviate stress and create a sense of belonging.
• Investing in local sports facilities can provide opportunities for children and strengthen the community.

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 introspective episode, Chad and Craig take a moment to reflect on the journey of the Struggle Bubble podcast so far. They discuss the overwhelming support and positive feedback they've received from listeners across the globe, and how the podcast has resonated with people from all walks of life.
The hosts share their surprise at the diverse range of listeners, from family members to strangers in their community, who have connected with the content. They also express gratitude for the caliber of guests who have been eager to share their own experiences and insights on the show.

Chad and Craig then delve into some of the key themes and lessons that have emerged from recent episodes, including the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and having a support system to navigate the challenges of balancing career, family, and personal well-being. They discuss how these insights have influenced their own approaches to parenting, coaching, and managing the pressures of daily life.

Looking ahead, the hosts share their excitement about upcoming guests from the worlds of business, venture capital, and sports. They tease interviews with NWSL coaches, international soccer coaches, and entrepreneurs who will bring fresh perspectives on leadership, performance, and navigating transitions.

The episode ends with a heartfelt message of gratitude to the listeners and an invitation to continue sharing feedback, questions, and suggestions for future topics and guests.

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 enlightening episode, Chad and Craig sit down with Thomas Eager, pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for Stanford Cardinal Baseball. With Craig donning his coaching hat, the duo draws out Thomas's journey from small-town roots to playing at Cal Poly, getting drafted by the Cardinals, and eventually coaching at top college programs.

Throughout the candid conversation, Thomas opens up about the defining moments and mentors that shaped his path. Chad and Thomas bond over the challenges of coaching their own kids and the perils of pursuing perfection in sports. Together, they tackle tough issues facing the game today, from social media pressure to the transfer portal and NIL deals.

Craig brings his signature humor and hands-on coaching experience to the chat, raising thought-provoking questions about the impact of big money on college sports dynamics and the delicate art of managing team morale.

As a father of three, Thomas offers honest insights on balancing career ambitions with being present for family and modeling a healthy perspective for young athletes. Through it all, he exemplifies leading and living with authenticity, empathy, and the flexibility to learn and grow.

Packed with relatable moments and hard-won wisdom, this episode will resonate with anyone pursuing their passion while keeping their purpose and priorities in focus. Join Chad, Craig, and Thomas for a masterclass in navigating the struggle bubble with skill and heart.

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

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