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Episodes
Explore the details and listen to the episodes of the Pay Your Dues podcast with host Greg Inglin.


Keegan Hall: From Humble Beginnings to Artistic Success
In this conversation, Keegan details his experience at the Masters, the challenges of creating intricate artwork, and the personal struggles he faced growing up. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him back to art after a hiatus, including the loss of his mother, and how her support shaped his confidence. Keegan emphasizes the importance of community and charity in his work, highlighting projects that give back to those in need.
4 days ago2 min read


Brandon Bakke: Leadership Lessons from the Bench
Brandon Bakke had a decision to make. After accepting a scholarship to play basketball at Fresno State, he found himself on the bench. A back-up, role player, or bench warmer is often the phrase and it often leads to resentment and negativity as most players want to get in the game.
Brandon found a different approach, one as a culture builder and learned to own his role and to fight what he calls “me-ism”. It changed his life and has helped him not only as a player, but later
Apr 132 min read


Matt Jones: The Risk and Reward of Building a Global Gin Brand
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Matt Jones, co-founder of Four Pillars Gin, as he shares his unconventional journey from economist to entrepreneur. Discover how strategic risk-taking, storytelling, and brand building fueled his success in creating a globally recognized craft gin brand.
Mar 311 min read


Chris Ballew: From Rock & Roll Front Man to Casper Babypants, an Epic Musical Journey
Chris Ballew, burst onto the music scene in the mid-90’s in Seattle, when grunge was all the rage. But his unique sound with his fun-loving ban, The Presidents of the United States of America was a refreshing change that the world welcomed. Chris takes us through his musical journey from early influences, navigating fame, and the pressure to perform once they had “made it”.
Mar 172 min read


Keira D'Amato: From "Hobby Jogger": to American Marathon History
After a stellar high school and college running career, Keira D'Amato became a professional runner, but injuries and the pressure that comes with being a pro lead her to retire in her mid 20’s.
She took eight years off from running, got married, had two kids, and that’s when the hobby kicked in. On this episode of Pay Your Dues, Keira takes us through the amazing transformation she engineered, braking the American Women's Marathon record.
Feb 242 min read


James Donaldson: NBA, Mentors, and His Life Saving Battle with Depression
James Donaldson has an amazing story you need to hear. He enjoyed a 20 year basketball career, 14 of those in the NBA. But, a heart condition he knew nothing about almost killed him. After twelve hours of surgery, two weeks in a medically induced coma, and three months in intensive care, his battle was only beginning. James was struggling in silence and contemplated suicide. In this conversation, James takes us through his journey and shares his efforts to inspire others to
Feb 102 min read


Jordan Brady: Commercial Directing in Hollywood and the Love of the Craft
In this fun and engaging conversation, Jordan Brady shares his journey from stand-up comedian to successful commercial director, emphasizing the importance of identity, creativity, and collaboration. He discusses the influence of his family on his career, the lessons learned from his time spent on the road as a comedian, and the evolution of filmmaking in the age of AI.
Brady also reflects on the joy of mentorship and the significance of giving back to the community.
Jan 202 min read


Alan Stein Jr: Lessons from the NBA's Best and a "Next Play" Mentality
Alan Stein Jr. spent 15 years working with some of the NBA's best athletes and he's taken those lessons into the next phase of his life. In this conversation, Alan discusses the power of mindset and the journey of self-improvement which are highlighted in his most recent book, "Next Play".
Alan also reflects on the human side of athletes and the commonalities betw
Jan 62 min read


George Gilder: Still Writing and Running at 86 Years Young
In this episode of Pay Your Dues, Greg Inglin talks with George Gilder, a prominent American economist, futurist, author, and investor, famous for his influential work on supply-side economics (especially his book Wealth and Poverty) and his insightful analyses of technology's impact, predicting the rise of the internet and blockchain. But did you know that George is also an accomplished runner, who is still putting in the miles at the age of 86 years old? Amazing!
Dec 22, 20252 min read


Anthony Robles: From Underdog to Unstoppable, A Story of Resilience
There are few examples of resilience and perseverance better than Anthony Robles. Born with one leg, Robles refused to see limitation. Instead, he saw opportunity – and turned that belief into an NCAA Wrestling Championship, a best-selling book, and a major motion picture called Unstoppable.
Join Greg Inglin as he looks back at this amazing journey with Anthony, who shares his struggles along the way.
Nov 18, 20252 min read


Sebastien Page: The Psychology of Leadership and the Power of Long Term Goals
In the high-stake world of high finance, pressure comes with the job and can cause many great minds to burnout. Learning how to navigate such a stressful world has led Sebastien Page into a deep study on learning, leadership, and fulfillment. Join Greg Inglin as he explores Sebastien’s book “The Psychology of Leadership” and the practical elements we all can use form his studies.
Nov 4, 20252 min read


Craig Robinson: From CEO to Author & The Pursuit of Happiness
Craig Robinson opens up about his pivot from the C-Suite to author, mentor, and advocate for the pursuit of happiness. After attending MIT and Harvard Business School, Craig’s climb up the corporate ladder was impressive and his leadership skills put him at the top of some of the country’s largest real estate firms. However, Craig was seeking fulfillment in other ways that led to a pivot and his desire to take a different path. Craig talks about putting ego aside and seeking
Oct 22, 20253 min read


Jim Shapiro: Transforming Lives through Football and Faith
Jim shares powerful stories about fostering children—how embracing the joys and challenges of being a foster care parent has influenced his work with young men on the football field. He explains why building team culture starts with encouragement and how positive coaching creates lasting change. You’ll hear about overcoming negative self-talk, the power of words and mentorship, and proven strategies for character development that work for coaches, parents, and business leader
Oct 15, 20252 min read


Joe De Sena: Spartan Founder on Resilience and Doing Hard Things
Join Greg Inglin as he goes deep with Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of the Spartan Racing Series, entrepreneur, author, and lifelong advocate for pushing the limits of human potential. From his gritty childhood in Queens to nearly losing the Spartan business during COVID, Joe shares hard-won wisdom about resilience, doing the impossible, curating mental toughness, raising strong kids, and building an enduring global movement. Joe's message of resilience and doing hard things w
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Spencer Hawes: A Candid Conversation on the Highs and Lows of Life in the NBA, and Life After Basketball
Dive into the world of former NBA pro Spencer Hawes as he sits down with Greg Inglin to talk Huskies basketball pride, Seattle basketball brotherhood, the emotional departure of the Sonics, how he handled money and pressure during his NBA career, and the transformative power of mentorship. Spencer shares candid stories about NBA trades, setbacks, confidence, and life after basketball - including current business ventures and community contributions in the Pacific Northwest.
Sep 24, 20252 min read


Nathan Vass: Author, Bus Driver, and Miles of Stories
In this eye-opening episode, join Greg Inglin for an intimate conversation with Nathan Vass—a Seattle urban artist, filmmaker, and one of the city's youngest and most compassionate city bus drivers. From riding the notorious Route 7 through Seattle's most diverse neighborhoods to witnessing firsthand the complex realities of homelessness and mental health struggles that often unfold on the bus, Nathan shares raw stories that reveal the human side of social issues.
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Phyllis Campbell: A leading Woman in Business and Philanthropy
Discover the remarkable journey of Phyllis Campbell, a trailblazing leader in women’s banking and philanthropy, whose impact resonates throughout the Pacific Northwest. In this powerful episode, Phyllis shares her inspiring cancer battle and how it deepened her commitment to community impact, resilience, and gratitude. She discusses breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, championing diversity and inclusion, and driving meaningful change through board go
Sep 9, 20252 min read


David Stricklin: NFL Player Health and Leadership
What happens after the whistle when NFL players hit the sidelines battered and bruised? In this episode of Pay Your Dues, host Greg Inglin sits down with David Stricklin, Head Athletic Trainer for the Seattle Seahawks, to uncover the physical and mental grind it takes to compete in professional football. From 15-hour training camp days to recovering from devastating injuries, Stricklin shares powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and the human side of life inside the NF
Aug 28, 20252 min read


Mike Muchlinski: Behind the Plate with an MLB Umpire – Focus, Dedication, & Commitment
In this episode of Pay Your Dues, host Greg Inglin sits down with veteran Major League Baseball umpire Mike Muchlinski to talk about his incredible journey from a baseball-loving kid in central Washington to one of the fewer than 100 full-time umpires in the big leagues. Mike shares his path, starting from his days as a player, to his decision to go to umpire school and his years of "paying his dues" in the minor leagues.
Aug 17, 20252 min read


Fred Rivera: Sports Law, Leadership Skills & Building Community with the Seattle Mariners
Greg Inglin sits down with Fred Rivera to explore his remarkable rise from a blue-collar upbringing in Los Angeles to becoming a respected leader in sports law, Executive Vice President and Special Advisor for the Seattle Mariners, as well as CEO & Founder of The Rivera Group, a trusted sports business advisory firm. Drawing from the conversation, Fred shares vivid stories of his hardworking grandparents, how baseball became his childhood anchor, and find his path to law scho
Aug 17, 20252 min read
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