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.

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

Experience the passion, grit, and community at the heart of running with this inspiring episode featuring Mario Fraioli - renowned running coach, Boston Marathon veteran, and creator of The Morning Shakeout podcast and newsletter. Mario opens up about his deep connection to the Boston Marathon, his journey from improving as a young cross country runner to building a legacy as a coach, and the lessons learned from mentors who shaped his path.

Nearly 20 years ago, the Seattle SuperSonics were swept away by a new owner, relocating to Oklahoma City, and Sonic Fans still can't believe it ever happened. Today's guest does a deep dive into what lead up to Seattle losing it's team. Jon Finkel does a deep-dive into the NBA’s hidden legacy, how writing mimics athletics, the mentorships between Seattle hoop stars, and why saying “yes” (and surviving “no”) creates enduring impact - in sports, in writing, and in life. 

Renowned college advisor Harlan Cohen joins us for a powerful conversation about the realities of university application processes, early action, early decision, and the emotional rollercoaster of admission rejection. Discover expert insights on navigating enrollment steps, managing expectations, and overcoming loneliness during the college transition process. Harlan and Greg go beyond forms and deadlines to explore why a growth mindset prepares us for every challenge.

Amy Benthin is a three-time NCAA women’s soccer champion and current Seattle Reign FC chaplain. She joins us to explore the intersection of resilience, identity, and empowerment in women’s soccer. Amy reflects on her journey from Issaquah, Washington, to playing alongside Mia Hamm at the University of North Carolina, the powerhouse of women's soccer. She shares how faith, sports, and mentorship shaped her identity, the challenges and triumphs of competing with US women soccer

Greg Inglin welcomes Chris Hauth—Olympic swimmer, world-class triathlete, and renowned endurance sports coach—to discuss the transformative power of athletics and the growth mindset. Chris shares his journey from competing on the swim team at the highest level to coaching athletes in triathlon and Olympic sports. He explores how personal growth, mindset, and community are at the core of endurance sports, and shares his many lessons learned from swimming, coaching, and self-di

Eric Johnson joins us, a well-known Seattle broadcaster and writer, to explore how resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to personal development have fueled his career. Eric shares candid stories about his transition out of daily news, the profound impact of business mentors and tough lessons learned at Washington State University, and how leadership skills are honed through perseverance, the influence of great sports journalism, and a lifelong passion for writing and read

Join Greg Inglin as he sits down with former NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, whose journey is a testament to the power of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. This candid conversation is packed with sports career advice, real-life lessons in leadership, and the kind of authentic, behind-the-scenes insights on football, faith, and family. Tune in for a sports leadership podcast that will leave you motivated and ready to tackle your own

Leigh Steinberg is considered the first super agent in sports and he once had an A-list of clients that was the envy of his industry. Steinberg joins Greg Inglin and shares the stories of the early work to build his agency, and the lasting impression he’s leaving on professional sports and the players he represents. This is a Hollywood story of an agent's recovery and redemption from someone that has seen it all.

In this conversation, Greg Inglin and Matt Fitzgerald explore the multifaceted world of endurance sports, focusing on the mental and physical aspects of training, the evolution of coaching, and the importance of facing challenges. They discuss the legendary figures in triathlon, the psychology of suffering, and the significance of restraint in training. The conversation also touches on the role of a good coach, the definition of success, and encouragement for beginners in th

Jim Weber spent 25 years helping to shape Brooks Running into the mega-brand that it is today, but it did not come easily. In this conversation, Jim reflects on his early aspirations, leadership style, and the challenges of taking on the biggest sports brands in the world. Jim shares his experiences working with the legendary Warren Buffett and how that shaped his leadership style. Finally, he offers advice for the next generation about curiosity, self-awareness, and the impo

In this conversation, Greg Scheinman discusses the transformative potential of midlife, challenging the traditional notion of a midlife crisis. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, taking action, and investing in oneself. Through personal anecdotes and statistics, he highlights the mental health challenges faced by men in midlife and offers practical advice on how to navigate this phase of life. He also addresses the role of women in supporting men during this journey.

Molly discusses the importance of community, employee benefits, and flavor innovation, all while emphasizing her commitment to making a positive impact through her work in building Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream shops. This discussion focuses on more than simply making ice cream, it's about opportunity, community, and standing up for what you believe in.

Just two years out of college at Syracuse University, Kevin Martinez joined a small marketing team with the Seattle Mariners, putting in long days and nights to get creative. Kevin has since risen through the ranks and now is the Seattle Mariners President of Business Operations. This week on Pay Your Dues, Kevin shares stories of their All-Star players, and how juggling every opportunity he could find in college lead to his big break and his move to the West Coast.

The Arena Football League has been around for years and is most famous for launching the career of NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Kurt Warner. There are hundreds of players hoping to find their way to the NFL, and John Fahey hopes to get them there. John is part of the management team that oversees the Washington Wolfpack, a Pacific Northwest Arena Football team in it's first year. It is not glamorous as John explains, but he is working to build the brand of this Professional S

Brock Huard shares his journey from high school athlete to professional football player and now a broadcaster. He discusses the importance of hard work, the challenges he faces, and how his faith and community played a crucial role in navigating his career. Brock emphasizes the need for balance in life, mentorship and coaching. He reflects on the significance of maintaining one's values in a competitive environment. We cover Football, Faith and Family.

When we challenge ourselves with new adventures and new goals...we grow. That growth mindset has led Dean Karnazes on some epic adventures. As one of the best know ultramarathon runners in world, Dean has run all over the world and this week he shares his adventures with us on the Pay Your Dues Podcast. Before you think it will be too hard to relate to someone that runs 200+ miles at a time, sit back and listen to his advice on taking on new challenges from this ultra mara

The news business is somewhat like minor league baseball: you craft your skills in the smaller markets hoping one day to get called up to "The Show". For Manuel Bojorquez, the journey to CBS Network News started off with a reporting job at just $10 per hour, but that is where he put in the work to make it to the Big Leagues of journalism. This week on Pay Your Dues, Manny shares his own story of dedication and discovery in becoming a CBS News Correspondent.

Ethan Stowell started out washing dishes in a small restaurant after he finishing high school, and it was in those early day around the kitchen that his curiosity was sparked. The son of artistic parents, Stowell's canvas became the kitchen, and through trial and error, he's built an impressive restaurant empire in the Pacific Northwest. But the restaurant business is a tough one, and Stowell learned some hard lessons along the way. The chef shares his story on the Pay You