HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

HEAVY HITTER SPORTS

Heavy Hitter Sports entertains, educates & inspires by spotlighting sports game-changers. Athletes & sports business leaders share their stories of resilience & provide valuable advice on how to tackle challenges on & off the field of play. Host Mark Hochgesang's commentary is shaped by his deep love & knowledge of sports & 30 years of management experience at Nike, adidas & Easton.

Recent Episodes

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Mike O'Toole: Water is the Way
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Aug. 24, 2026

Mike O'Toole: Water is the Way

Mike O’Toole has built a remarkable life around one enduring passion: the water. From launching Gondola Getaway in Long Beach to competing for 41 consecutive years in Venice’s legendary Vogalonga rowing regatta, Mike’s story is one of adventure, authenticity and following the path less traveled. We talk entrepreneurship, Venetian culture, USC memories—and why he believes his sister Maureen may be the greatest athlete ever to come out of Long Beach. Gondala Getaway: https://gondolagetawayinc.com
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Jeff Gorham: The Art of Sales
92
Aug. 5, 2026

Jeff Gorham: The Art of Sales

Jeff Gorham turned professional acting into an unlikely superpower for a remarkable career in sporting goods sales. In this episode, he shares lessons on preparation, listening, relationships, storytelling and delivering the unexpected. Jeff also recounts unforgettable encounters with Rob Strasser and Anna Kournikova while reflecting on the mentors and resilience that shaped his life. It’s a candid, funny and insightful conversation about the art of connecting with people. Jeff's LinkedIn Profi
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Alyx Wynn: The Power of Representation
91
June 17, 2026

Alyx Wynn: The Power of Representation

Alyx Wynn, master marketeer, has led brand efforts at Nike, U.S. Soccer & now Dallas Trinity FC. She & host Mark Hochgesang discuss the World Cup, the women's sports explosion and their favorite soccer stars. Alyx also talks about the power of representation, the importance of mentorship and how strong leaders focus as much on people as performance. Enjoy sports fans! Alyx Wynn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyxwynn/ Dallas Trinity FC: https://www.dallastrinityfc.com/ Listeners, please
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Gene McCarthy: Leadership Lessons
90
May 28, 2026

Gene McCarthy: Leadership Lessons

Gene McCarthy, former elite miler & Nike executive, shares hard-earned lessons from leading some of the most iconic brands in sports. Drawing from his experiences at Nike, Brand Jordan, Under Armour, & ASICS, Gene offers a candid & insightful look inside some of the most pivotal moments in sporting goods history. Filled with memorable stories involving Phil Knight, Michael Jordan & Tom Brady, this conversation with host Mark Hochgesang is both inspirational & highly entertaining. Chasing Four P
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Charley Stobbs: The Natural
89
March 31, 2026

Charley Stobbs: The Natural

Charley Stobbs, the sports marketing leader of baseball & softball at adidas, delivers more than just baseball insight. He shares a championship mindset built upon hard work, authenticity, trust, and relationships. Charley reveals what’s happening in baseball today, from Little League to the Bigs. Inspired by lessons from his Major League father and years in the game, Charley reminds us to stay coachable, keep learning, and never stop pursuing the role that truly fits who you are. Charley's Lin
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Ellen Bain: Adventure Seeker
88
March 16, 2026

Ellen Bain: Adventure Seeker

Guest Ellen Bain shares how she pivoted from a successful Nike career to a life built around yoga, adventure, and community - and the lessons that team sports teaches us about resilience, teamwork & leadership. And yes, she did share a roller coaster ride with Phil Knight on her first day at Nike. Enjoy sports fans! Peak Power Adventures Website: https://www.peakpoweradventures.com/ PPA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakpoweradventures?igsh=MWh6NDg4MmtvZmcydA%3D%3D Listeners, please subs
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About the Host

Mark Hochgesang Profile Photo
Mark Hochgesang

Host of Heavy Hitter Sports

Mark's goal is to educate, entertain and inspire by bringing compelling sports stories to life. He is a 30-year sporting goods industry veteran, having worked at Nike, adidas and Easton. Mark is now transferring his storytelling skills to the podcast airways. This venue and show focus is a great fit for Mark given his love of sports, industry experience and interest in psychology & personal growth.

Mark's love of sports is broad ranging...baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse and all things Olympics. Yes, you might detect a slight bias toward the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, the Portland Trailblazers and the Trojans since he was born in San Francisco, raised in Portland and educated at USC.

Mark also invests in sports related startups via Oregon Sports Angels. Mark, his wife Barbara and their son Chris have lived in Portland for the last 25 years.