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.

mphochgesang@gmail.com
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.

mphochgesang@gmail.com
971-985-6909

John Gassner & host Mark Hochgesang trade thoughts on how parents & coaches can best support young athletes with ADHD. John is an ADHD Life Coach, former DI athlete, sports industry veteran and has ADHD himself. Mark has recently returned to coaching youth baseball and is the father of an ADHD athlete. A 2024 Aspen Institute survey indicates that 20% of athletes between the age of 6 to 18 suffer from ADHD. Parents, coaches and athletes alike should find this episode illuminating.

Order Out of Chaos Website: https://www.orderoochaos.com/

John & Leslie YouTube Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHAxsIWmELc&t=105s

John's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-s-gassner/

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.

mphochgesang@gmail.com
971-985-6909

Guest Spiro Psaltis shares his deep love for baseball & engaging stories re his USC national title team, five pro ball career, Pete Rose relationship & a successful 40-year tenure as both a coach & announcer with host Mark Hochgesang, his long time friend & fellow fraternity pledge brother.

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.

mphochgesang@gmail.com
971-985-6909

Sports can be highly instructive. Much of what I have discovered about life comes from the baseball diamond. These are ten valuable life lessons that the game of baseball has taught me.

1) You have to adjust to the curve & bad hops

2) Umps are bound to make bad calls

3) Keep your eye on the ball

4) Hope springs eternal

5) It's the little things that matter most

6) It's a team game

7) Take your cuts

8) Not everyone can play short or bat fourth

9) Moms matter most

10) You only get to play so many seasons

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 and 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. Happy Holidays!

mphochgesang@gmail.com
971-985-6909

Renowned mental performance coach Gary Chupik reveals the secrets of creating an elite mindset & unlocking your full potential. This master of sports psychology shares insights re visualization, goal-setting, team building & leadership. Enjoy sports fans!

Elite Mindset Website: https://www.elitemindsetnation.com/

Gary's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitemindset/

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 and 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. Happy Holidays!

mphochgesang@gmail.com
971-985-6909

Les Badden, film & video guru & event planner extraordinaire, provides a behind-the-scenes view of Nike's magic making process during the company's golden era.

Tiger Catcher Poster: https://sportsposterwarehouse.com/products/lance-parrish-tiger-catcher-1983-detroit-tigers-vintage-wall-poster-nike-inc

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 and 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. Happy Holidays!

mphochgesang@gmail.com
971-985-6909

Host Mark Hochgesang shares his favorite guest moments from 2024. The advice, insight & untold stories are both entertaining & illuminating. Enjoy sports fans!

Time-Stamped Show Notes
0:45 Teresa Strasser: Making it Home
2:02 Laura Jorgensen: Strong as You Have to Be
3:41 Scott Shirley: Balancing Act
5:17 Cody Gifford: The Race of a Lifetime
7:52 Jen Armbruster: Sports for All
8:39 Dave Clark: The Climb
11:47 Santiago Halty: The Beautiful Game
13:44 Steve Harden: Formula for Success
15:55 Kirsten Jones: Never Enough
18:24 Ann Schatz: Trailblazer

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 and 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.

mphochgesang@gmail.com
971-985-6909