Episodes

In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Jasper, Brian, and Chad explore the concept of favoritism in both sports and the workplace. They discuss how favoritism manifests in various forms, particularly focusing on the NFL and the perceived bias towards star players like Patrick Mahomes. The conversation delves into the implications of favoritism on team morale, leadership dynamics, and performance evaluations in corporate settings. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on how favoritis...

What can a 6'7" footballer teach us about talent, leadership, and adaptability? In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, the hosts dive into the fascinating career of Peter Crouch—a player who defied expectations and redefined his role on the pitch. From the evolving strategies in football to the ongoing battle between coaching systems and raw player talent, this conversation unpacks the lessons that sports offer the corporate world. The hosts also tackle the pressures of fan culture, the economics shaping modern football, and the growing American influence on the European game. And what happens after the final whistle? Using Crouch as a case study, they explore life after sports and the transition from athlete to new career paths. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on recognizing, utilizing, and adapting talent—both on and off the field.

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 talen...

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 importa...

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. ...

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 bril...

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?” i...

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...

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash 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 lea...

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 corp...

John Harris, the owner of AthLife, shares his journey of helping former professional athletes transition back into the real world. He explains how AthLife has assisted over a thousand athletes in pursuing education and finding new careers. The conversation also touches on the shift in college athletics with the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. The conversation covers various topics related to college athletes transitioning to professional careers and t...

In this episode, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash discuss the inspiring story of James Mims, the creator of Mims Bands, a unique product that combines baseball cards with wristbands. They explore the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of perseverance, and the role of founders in startups, emphasizing the significance of character and vision in achieving success. The conversation highlights Mims' journey, his relationship with mentor Dusty Baker, and his legacy as the only black vendor in Major ...

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosted by Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash, the focus is on entrepreneur James Mims and his journey in founding Mims Bands, a wristband company that has become an iconic part of Major League Baseball (MLB) history. James shares how, as a senior at the University of Southern California, he came up with the idea for personalized wristbands for athletes, starting with a prototype for baseball player Dusty Baker. Over time, Mims Bands became widely recognized, wo...

*Film Room* is a podcast series under the *Talent Chasing* show, hosted by Brian Johnson, a former Major League Baseball player, and Chad Sowash, a recruitment industry veteran. In this episode, the hosts break down key moments from their interview with Angela Taylor, a former WNBA executive and two-time national champion at Stanford University. The discussion revolves around Angela’s experience helping to establish the WNBA and navigating the early challenges of building a new professional s...

Angela Taylor, former VP and GM of the Washington Mystics and Atlanta Dream, discusses her journey from being a walk-on at Stanford to her successful career in the WNBA and women's sports. She highlights the importance of sports in her life and the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry. Taylor also discusses the growth of women's sports, the progress made in the WNBA, and the need for continued support and push for equality. Angela Taylor, former WNBA executive, discusses her role in p...

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, our intrepid hosts Jasper, Brian, and Chad sit down with none other than Dusty Baker—legendary baseball manager and expert in the fine art of not losing his cool while leading teams. They dig into Baker’s leadership style, the eternal struggle: analytics vs. gut instinct. making the right hiring decisions, plus, how communication is key—because if you can’t get the team to listen, good luck getting them to follow. Leadership is about consistency, balance, ...

In this episode, Chad, Brian, and Jasper are joined by probably one of the most interesting people you will ever meet, Dusty Baker. Dusty is a former MLB outfielder and manager. Dusty played 19 seasons earning two All-Star selections, numerous awards, and the first NLCS MVP. As a manager, he led the Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals, and Astros, winning the 2022 World Series with Houston and that's the shortened version. Dusty discusses talent management as a player and manager, his mentors an...

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with former pro footballer Nicki Paterson to tackle the surprising overlaps between sports and business. Turns out, building relationships is just as crucial in scouting as it is in recruitment—whether you’re searching for the next Messi or someone who knows how to work a Zoom call. They guys break down how soft skills are the real MVPs in the corporate world, where every year feels like starting over. Leader...

In this episode, Scottish footballer Nicki Paterson shares his journey from playing professional football in Scotland to receiving a scholarship to play in the US. He discusses the differences between scouting systems in Europe and the US. Nicki also talks about the importance of his father's support and the impact of playing sports on his own children. Today, Nicki Paterson is Chief Growth Officer at Solutions Driven and shares his journey from playing soccer to transitioning into the corporate...

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts discuss the evolution of pit crews in NASCAR with Andy Papathanassiou, emphasizing the importance of process, practice, and finding one's true calling. They explore leadership simplicity, the significance of diversity of thought, and the challenges of building a dynasty in a world focused on instant gratification. The conversation also touches on the myth of overnight success and the mindset required for startup founders, concluding with the dangers o...

In this compelling episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Brian Johnson and Jasper Spanjaart interview Andy Papathanassiou, whose extraordinary journey takes him from a Stanford football star to NASCAR's first-ever pit crew coach. Andy shares how a severe back injury ended his sports career but led him to revolutionize NASCAR pit crews. Listeners will hear about Andy’s innovative approach, bringing athletic discipline and consistency to the pits, and transforming pit stops into a well-coordinated t...

In this episode of Talent Chasing, it's a rundown of former New York Jets GM, Terry Bradway's intersection of sports and business, which focuses on the importance of talent acquisition and retention. They explore the balance between analytics and human intuition in scouting and recruitment, the significance of fostering a positive company culture, and the need for internal mobility to retain talent. The conversation emphasizes that while data is valuable, it should not overshadow the human eleme...

Join Brian and Jasper for an engaging episode of Talent Chasing Podcast as they sit down with NFL legend Terry Bradway. With a career spanning over four decades in the NFL, Bradway shares his journey from playing football at Trenton State College to becoming a General Manager for the New York Jets and a scout and advisor for the Carolina Panthers. In this episode, Bradway discusses his early coaching days, his significant contributions in the USFL, and his long-standing tenure in the NFL. ...

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosts Brian Johnson, Jasper Spanjaart, and Chad Sowash break down key insights from their interview with Fred Claire, the former General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This episode is part of their "Film Room" series, where they dissect impactful moments from past interviews, just like analyzing game footage. Fred Claire is highlighted for his leadership and transformative role in the Dodgers’ success during the 1980s and 1990s, taking them from medio...