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


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
6 days ago3 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 152 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 22 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 242 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 162 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 92 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 282 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 172 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 172 min read


Mario Fraioli: Boston Marathon, Running, Coaching, Consistency, Community, and the Runner’s Mindset
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.
Aug 172 min read


Jon Finkel: Hoops Heist and the Story of how Seattle Lost the Sonics
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.
Aug 172 min read


Harlan Cohen: Navigating the College Transition and Personal Growth
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.
Aug 172 min read


Amy Benthin: Identity and Empowerment in Women's Soccer
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
Aug 171 min read


Chris Hauth: Endurance Sports and the Growth Mindset
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
Aug 171 min read


Eric Johnson: The Power of Storytelling and Hard Work
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
Aug 151 min read


Jon Kitna: From NAIA Underdog to NFL Quarterback - Leadership, Resilience, and Faith
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
Aug 151 min read


Leigh Steinberg: A Hollywood Agent Story of Recovery and Redemption
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.
Aug 151 min read


Matt Fitzgerald: Chasing Mastery Through Running in Sports and Life
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
Aug 151 min read


Jim Weber: Former Brooks Sports CEO and the Run Happy Philosophy
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
Aug 151 min read


Greg Scheinman: The Midlife Male Movement
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.
Aug 151 min read
bottom of page