Talent Chasing

Talent Chasing

Moneyball meets Office Space Talent Chasing brings together the worlds of major league sports, corporate talent, and journalism to amplify real-world stories and experiences in finding, retaining, and motivating the best talent for your “team”. The show delves into the intricate worlds of sports scouting and corporate talent acquisition, hosted by Major League Baseball veteran Brian Johnson, workforce strategy veteran Chad Sowash, and finally journalist and documentary filmmaker Jasper Spanjaart. Join them in uncovering the art of identifying raw potential, mastering recruitment strategies, and nurturing talent to its fullest potential. Explore the human element behind talent acquisition and the evolving landscape of data-driven decisions, shedding light on the quiet war between traditional scouting and analytics in both sports and the corporate arena.

Episodes

All Bets Are Off: Ethics, Technology, and the Price of Winning

November 13, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Brian, Chad, and Jasper sit down to unpack the recent NBA gambling scandal, and what it reveals about the fragile line between competition, morality, and money. The trio explores how technology has transformed access to betting, blurring boundaries between entertainment and exploitation. Beyond the headlines, they dig into the ethical questions that ripple across both sports and business: ...
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A Players: When Talent Isn't Enough

November 6, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Chad Sowash and Brian Johnson dive into the art of team composition, where talent meets leadership. They unpack why having a roster full of A-players isn’t enough without a central figure who can unite, guide, and perform under pressure. The conversation challenges the unrealistic expectations fans often place on teams and explores how true success depends on both raw ability and the p...
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The WNBA Playbook: Growth, Grit, and Greatness

October 16, 2025 • 37 mins
In this episode of the Talent Chasing podcast, Chad and Brian take a deep dive into the WNBA’s remarkable rise, tracing its evolution, the power of rivalries, and the growing influence of player personalities. They unpack the league’s surge in attendance and merchandise sales, the fashion-forward image of its athletes, and the vital role leadership and unions play in shaping the sports industry. The conversation reveal...
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How Optimistic Leadership Drives Team Performance and Profitability: Kevin O'Connell's Playbook

October 9, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Chad, Brian, and Jasper explore how optimistic leadership drives performance, productivity, and team morale in today’s challenging business landscape. Drawing from insights shared at a recent leadership forum, the discussion dives into how leaders who stay positive under pressure inspire trust, foster collaboration, and boost overall profitability. The hosts also draw compelling paral...
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Breakdown: Beating the Yips in Sports, Work, and Life

July 24, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode, Brian and Jasper break down the yips, that sudden, inexplicable loss of skill that rattles athletes, performers, and professionals across industries. From missed free throws to blank stares during presentations, the yips are more than just nerves, they're a mental block that can derail careers. The hosts share personal stories and real-world examples, exploring how pressure, perfectionism, and fear of failure feed ...
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Breakdown: Malice in the Palace

July 10, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad and Brian unpack the messy side of leadership and team dynamics when the stakes are sky-high, especially in the world of sports. From locker room blowups to front-office tension, they explore how conflict can either fracture a team or fuel its fire. The conversation dives into the crucial role of culture, chemistry, and communication in navigating chaos, and how great leaders turn personal a...
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Breakdown: Jalen Hurts, Adversity, and the Making of a Champion

July 3, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, the crew dives into the record-breaking contract of NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts—and what it reveals about leadership, resilience, and the fine line between personal success and team impact. From the huddle to the boardroom, the conversation connects Hurts’ rise with lessons for corporate life: the power of servant leadership, the value of strong support systems, and how maturity under...
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Breakdown: F1, Fast Cars, Fierce Teammates, and Leadership on the Edge

June 26, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad and Jasper take a high-speed dive into the world of Formula One—and how its high-stakes dynamics mirror today’s corporate battleground. Using the drama from the Canadian Grand Prix and the rising rivalry between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, they unpack what happens when elite talent collides under the same banner. From managing internal competition to enforci...
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Breakdown: David MacKinnon

June 19, 2025 • 37 mins
In this breakdown episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Jasper, Chad, and Brian revisit their conversation with professional baseball player David MacKinnon by replaying key moments from the original interview. They dive into the most powerful clips, unpacking themes like retooling your skills, the importance of support systems, and the emotional hurdles athletes face—on and off the field. Drawing connections between sports and c...
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Breakdown: PSG Talent Blueprint

June 12, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts break down Paris Saint-Germain’s dramatic revival under coach Luis Enrique—unpacking how team chemistry, homegrown talent, and strong leadership fueled the turnaround. From Champions League pressure to managing superstar egos, they explore the hidden parallels between elite sports and high-performing organizations. The conversation dives deep into talent acquisition, financia...
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Chasing David MacKinnon: The Grit, Grind, and Global Game

June 5, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, Chad, Jasper, and Brian sit down with David MacKinnon, whose unlikely path from 32nd-round draft pick to Major League Baseball is a masterclass in grit, growth, and global perspective. David opens up about life in the minors, the mental grind behind the game, and how reworking his swing changed everything. He shares how family support and relentless adaptation kept him going through injuries, setb...
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Breakdown: Shedeur After Draft Special

May 29, 2025 • 43 mins
In this episode, Brian, Chad, and Jasper dive into the aftermath of the NFL Draft, zeroing in on the unexpected slide of quarterback Shedeur Sanders. They unpack the complex mix of factors that may have influenced his draft stock—ranging from family ties and racial dynamics to media narratives surrounding his father, Deion Sanders. The discussion broadens to explore how race, social media, and personality shape talent evaluat...
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Chasing Jordan Birnbaum: Business Like A Sports Team

May 22, 2025 • 44 mins
In this episode, Chad Sowash and Brian Johnson sit down with Jordan Birnbaum — a behavioral economist, executive coach, and I/O Psychologist — to unpack the surprising parallels between sports and corporate talent management. They dive into how lessons from the field — from role clarity and team chemistry to leadership and empathy — can transform how businesses build and lead teams. The trio explores the ...
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Breakdown - Torpedo Bats: Swinging for Success: Sports, Tech, and Mental Health

May 15, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Brian, Chad, and Jasper kick things off with Opening Day hype, spotlighting the New York Yankees’ strong start and the buzz around the controversial “Torpedo Bat.” From performance-boosting gear to bold marketing plays, they dive into how innovation is reshaping the game—not just in baseball, but across sports like tennis and football. The conversation then shifts fr...
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Breakdown - Change Management Chaos: Leadership Lessons from the NBA

May 8, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian, Chad, and Jasper swap stories from the road and celebrate some recent sports wins before diving deep into the shifting tides of NBA leadership. They unpack the latest wave of coaching changes—what’s driving them, who’s at the center, and how they’ll impact the league going forward. The trio doesn’t just talk stats—they explore the tension between chasing...
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Breakdown - Shedeur Sanders: Beyond the Stats and Stereotypes

May 1, 2025 • 43 mins
In this episode, Brian, Chad, and Jasper unpack the parallels between the NFL Draft and modern hiring practices, revealing how talent acquisition in both sports and business often misses the mark. Using examples like Shedeur Sanders and Eli Manning, they highlight the intense scrutiny athletes face, the impact of background on perception, and the unpredictability of talent evaluation. The conversation critiques traditional intervie...
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Breakdown - The Impact of Tariffs on Talent

April 24, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode, hosts Brian, Chad, and Jasper dive into the far-reaching effects of tariffs on the talent market and the wider economy. They unpack the economic and geopolitical ripple effects, explore how businesses are adapting their strategies, and examine the shifting dynamics of employment and cultural perception. The discussion sheds light on the complex challenges facing both companies and workers, underscoring the importan...
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Breakdown- Combine IQ: The Evolution of NFL Scouting

April 17, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode, Jasper and Brian discuss the intricacies of NFL scouting, focusing on the NFL Combine and the newly introduced Combine IQ tool. They explore the balance between data analysis and human intuition in evaluating talent, the challenges of biases in scouting, and the unique aspects of the interview process for prospective players. The conversation also touches on the differences between NFL scouting and European footbal...
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Breakdown: Senator Cassidy - Meritocracy: A Mirage or Reality?

April 10, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts explore the intersection of sports and corporate talent, focusing on the concept of meritocracy in politics and hiring practices. They discuss the qualifications of political figures, the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion on meritocracy, and the importance of building talent pipelines within organizations. The conversation highlights the need for companies to engage with their c...
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Breakdown: Dan Burn - A Story of Resilience in Sports

April 3, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode, Jasper and Brian dive into the emotional highs and lows of being a European football fan, with a special focus on Newcastle United's recent trophy victory. They highlight the inspiring journey of Dan Byrne, a player who defied the odds to succeed, drawing insightful parallels between talent acquisition and team dynamics in both sports and business. Their discussion underscores the power of resilience, strategic pat...
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