Episodes

  • Breakdown: Juan Soto
    Jan 23 2025
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Chad and Brian, joined by guest Jasper, unpack the groundbreaking signing of Juan Soto to the New York Mets for a record-breaking $765 million over 15 years. Beyond the numbers, they explore the cultural rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, the subtle but powerful role of personal relationships in player decisions, and how small details can redefine recruitment strategies. The conversation goes deeper, examining the shifting priorities of top talent, with athletes now gravitating toward organizations that offer a personal touch and meaningful challenges. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at what it really takes to attract and retain talent in sports—and beyond. ⚾💼 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Talent Chasing Podcast 01:20 Juan Soto's Historic Contract 04:45 Cultural Dynamics in Team Selection 07:32 The Impact of Personal Relationships 12:14 The Role of Small Details in Decision Making 15:50 The Shift in Athlete Preferences 17:48 Future Implications for Team Building 20:00 The Complexity of Attracting Talent 22:01 The Importance of Listening in Leadership 25:09 Cultural Policies and Their Impact on Recruitment 29:01 Rethinking Workplace Norms and Expectations
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    28 mins
  • Breakdown : Coach Prime
    Jan 16 2025
    In this episode, Brian, Jasper, and Chad dive deep into the game-changing intersection of sports and business leadership, all through the lens of Deion Sanders' extraordinary coaching career. They uncover how Coach Prime's unique approach to leadership, crisis management, and talent development offers invaluable insights for the corporate world. From his community impact to his disciplined and authentic style, the hosts break down what makes Sanders a standout leader. They explore the importance of building trust, fostering relationships, and empowering teams, while also reflecting on his adaptability and potential future in coaching. Get ready for a dynamic conversation that bridges the worlds of sports and business, packed with lessons you can apply to your own leadership journey. 🏆✨ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Sports and Business 02:06 Deion Sanders: A Case Study in Leadership 05:01 Crisis Management and Community Impact 08:41 Attracting Talent: The Deion Sanders Approach 12:50 The Travis Hunter Phenomenon 15:45 People Over Profits: A New Leadership Paradigm 18:09 Contrasting Leadership Styles: Deion Sanders vs. Brian Dable 20:58 The Balance of Discipline and Authenticity 23:34 Leadership Lessons from Sports and Business 26:08 Identifying and Supporting Effective Leadership 29:35 Trust and Empowerment in Leadership 32:04 Adapting Leadership Styles for Success 38:39 The Future of Deion Sanders in Coaching
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    38 mins
  • Breakdown: Andy Jassy
    Dec 5 2024
    In this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing debate surrounding remote and hybrid work, particularly in the context of Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's mandate for employees to return to the office. They explore the implications of this decision on workplace culture, productivity, and employee well-being. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to adapt to changing workforce dynamics, the importance of training for remote productivity, and the evolving nature of work in a post-pandemic world. The hosts emphasize the significance of understanding employee needs and fostering a culture of trust and flexibility. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Discussion 03:08 The Debate on Remote Work 05:51 Cultural Implications of Office Work 08:58 Productivity Perspectives 11:55 Diversity and Inclusion in the Workforce 15:00 Leadership Challenges in Hybrid Work 17:58 Training for Remote Productivity 21:07 The Evolution of Work 24:06 The Future of Work Environments 26:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusions
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    32 mins
  • Film Room - Debbie Spander
    Nov 28 2024
    Athletes, Burnout, and Plumbing Emergencies Grab your popcorn and buckle up for this episode of the Talent Chasing Podcast! Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with the legendary sports agent Debbie Spander in this latest Film Room session—a mix of insightful commentary, hilariously sharp quips, and, naturally, a side tangent on Europe's plumbing crisis. Ever wonder why elite athletes (or overachieving CEOs) burnout faster than you can say “toxic hustle culture”? Or how Gen Z brilliantly dodged the workaholic traps Gen X proudly fell into? This episode's got it all—philosophical musings on work-life balance, tales of burnout from Jim Courier to weekend warriors, and a surprise cameo by the four-day workweek. Spoiler: Friday is officially cancelled. But it’s not all heavy stuff. From Chad’s obsession with Annie Agar’s TikToks to Jasper being dunked on for calling soccer “fuchebol,” the guys keep it lively. Brian even drops some wisdom on how to find your post-career mojo—whether you’re a retired MLB star or just trying to survive your mid-level management gig. The takeaway? Practice makes perfect, empathy matters, and yes, AI is your new co-worker. Oh, and good luck finding a plumber in Europe. (Seriously, call now. They’re booked out for months.) Tune in for the laughs, stay for the life lessons, and let’s get real—if Jasper can embrace AI, so can you. Subscribe to Talent Chasing wherever you get your podcasts, and maybe rethink your work-life balance while you’re at it.
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    27 mins
  • Chasing Debbie Spander
    Nov 14 2024
    Get ready to dive into the wild world of sports biz with Debbie Spander, the CEO of Insight Sports Advisors—a boutique sports media agency where deals happen, dreams are made, and retired athletes try not to be the “Remember that guy?” stories! Debbie’s gone from slinging legal briefs as a sports lawyer to negotiating contracts as a sports agent, and she’s spilling all the tea. She tackles the big stuff, like what athletes should do when hanging up the cleats (because “Can I still wear these?” is sadly not a retirement plan). Debbie also dishes on the rise of social media influencers in sports—because these days, athletes don’t just train for game day; they train to drop fire selfies. This convo isn’t just business; Debbie gets personal! She opens up about her family's sports journalism legacy, the thrill (and chaos) of navigating NIL (name, image, likeness) for college athletes, and the crucial balance between on-field glory and off-field hustle. Plus, she shares advice for aspiring female sports lawyers because, let’s face it, this industry could use more women throwing down on and off the field. Expect laughs, insights, and maybe a few “Wait, what?” moments as Debbie dives into what it’s like being a true sports insider in a constantly changing game. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Debbie Spander and Insight Sports Advisors 03:14 Debbie's Journey: From Sports Lawyer to Agent 05:52 The Landscape of Sports Representation 09:06 Transitioning Athletes: Preparing for Second Careers 11:59 Identifying and Nurturing Talent in Sports Media 15:01 Challenges Faced by Retired Athletes 17:46 The Rise of Social Media Influencers in Sports 20:58 Advice for Aspiring Female Sports Lawyers 24:10 The Future of Women in Sports Representation 25:27 The Importance of Role Models in Sports 27:06 Balancing Ambitions: Athletes and Off-Field Pursuits 28:14 Content Creation: New Models in Sports Media 30:59 Evaluating Podcast Potential in Athletes 32:21 Lessons from a Sports Writing Legacy 35:30 The Role of Family in Shaping Careers 37:54 Boutique vs. Large Sports Agencies 39:46 Motivation and Client Relationships in Sports Management 41:45 Navigating the NIL Landscape 46:50 The Future of College Athletics and NIL
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    46 mins
  • Breakdown: Shohei Ohtani
    Nov 7 2024
    This "Talent Chasing" podcast episode provides a look at Shohei Ohtani, his historic baseball journey, and the broader impact on the business of baseball. Hosted by former MLB player and scout Brian Johnson, journalist Jasper Spanjaart, and recruitment industry veteran Chad Sowash, the conversation explores Ohtani’s unique dual-role as both a top-tier pitcher and hitter—a feat that has transformed perceptions of player versatility in MLB. Ohtani’s path from Japanese baseball to MLB success is analyzed, with Brian detailing his scouting days and the rarity of Japanese players making it to MLB. They discuss Ohtani's decision to take a smaller initial contract to prove himself and build his reputation, a strategic move that contrasts with typical American contract norms and highlights his commitment to growth over immediate reward. The hosts also delve into the racial dynamics surrounding Ohtani's reception in the U.S., connecting it to broader societal issues and how MLB's demographic makeup influences fandom and player appreciation. They debate whether a team can thrive without a singular superstar and ponder the evolving role of scouts who must now consider both analytics and player personalities in their evaluations. Chapter Titles 01:04 - Shohei Ohtani’s Impact on MLB 03:47 - The Rarity of Dual Roles in Baseball 07:07 - Ohtani’s Strategic Contract Choices 16:04 - MLB's Demographics and Ohtani's Reception 18:45 - Comparing Ohtani to Other Legends 24:40 - The Role of a Superstar in a Winning Team 27:22 - Scouting Beyond Stats: The Importance of Personality 33:27 - Closing
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    31 mins
  • Breakdown: Simone Biles
    Oct 31 2024
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sawash discuss the impact of mental health in sports, focusing on Simone Biles' journey and her advocacy for mental health awareness. They explore the concept of burnout in both sports and corporate settings, drawing parallels between athletes and professionals facing mental blocks, such as the yips. The conversation also addresses double standards in sports and corporate America, emphasizing the importance of diversity and empathy in leadership.
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    17 mins
  • Film Room - Jon Harris
    Oct 24 2024
    In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash dissect their interview with John Harris, owner of AthLife, and explore the complexities of athlete transitions into the real world, the implications of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, and the importance of unions in both sports and corporate environments. They discuss the challenges faced by collegiate athletes, the need for employee development in businesses, and the often-overlooked human element in analytics and corporate decision-making. Takeaways The transition from sports to real life is challenging for athletes. NIL has created new dilemmas for collegiate athletes. Unions play a crucial role in protecting athlete rights. Employee development is often neglected in corporate settings. Happy employees lead to better productivity and retention. The focus on numbers can overlook the human aspect of work. Collective bargaining can ensure fair compensation for all athletes. Athletes often feel unprepared for life after sports. The importance of branding for athletes has increased with NIL. There is a need for a VP of employee development in every company. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Challenge Chasing 04:54 Navigating the NIL Landscape 07:00 The Fantasy of Professional Sports 09:59 The Importance of Unions in Sports and Beyond 12:46 Employee Development in Corporate America 15:46 The Human Element in Business Analytics
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    17 mins