Shows
The Struggle BubbleBack to School: The Struggles of Parenting and CoachingIn this episode of the Struggle Bubble, Chad and Craig discuss their summer experiences, including a memorable family vacation in Hawaii that involved a tsunami warning. They share insights on the challenges of parenting, coaching youth sports, and the importance of allowing children to pursue their passions. The conversation also touches on the culture of youth sports, the role of parents, and the evolving landscape of youth athletics, including discussions around NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for young athletes.Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music...
2025-08-1143 minThe Struggle BubbleNavigating the Struggle Bubble of Coaching w/Ricky ClarkeIn this episode of the Struggle Bubble, Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey welcome Ricky Clarke, former head coach with the Houston Dash of the NWSL, who has extensive experience across various levels of the game of soccer. The conversation delves into Ricky's coaching journey, the importance of building a network, effective communication strategies in youth soccer, and the role of parents in player development. They discuss the challenges of coaching in the pros, adapting coaching styles for different age groups, and the significance of active coaching during games. The episode also touches on the complexities of navigating soccer programs...
2025-03-3157 minThe Struggle BubbleWelcome to Season TwoIn this episode, Chad and Craig welcome listeners back to Season Two of The Struggle Bubble, discussing their experiences in coaching youth sports, particularly soccer and baseball. They delve into the psychological aspects of player development, the importance of communication between coaches and players, and the need for a supportive community in youth sports. The conversation also touches on the evolution of coaching philosophies and introduces their new venture, Gaimplan, aimed at helping families manage their busy schedules more effectively. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of community in parenting and sports.Become a beta...
2025-03-2445 minThe Struggle BubbleSeason One FinaleIn this season finale of the Struggle Bubble, hosts Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey reflect on their journey through coaching, parenting, and personal growth. They discuss the challenges of balancing family life with coaching responsibilities, the transition from youth to high school soccer, and the importance of injury prevention in sports. The conversation also touches on the evolution of parenting, the significance of taking chances, and the lessons learned from their guests throughout the season. As they look back on their experiences, they emphasize the importance of time management and the journey of starting a business, all while navigating...
2024-11-2150 min
The Struggle BubbleNavigating Parenting, Mental Health, and Technology with Genna LyonsThis week on The Struggle Bubble, we sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Genna Lyons, who brings over 20 years of experience working with parents, kids, and couples. Genna dives deep into the impact of technology and social media on today’s youth, the challenges of maintaining genuine connections, and the unique struggles of parenting in a post-pandemic world. She shares valuable insights on managing anxiety, setting healthy boundaries with screen time, and teaching kids resilience through real-life experiences. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or mentor, Genna’s perspective offers practical advice for fostering emotional growth and indepe...
2024-11-0550 min
The Struggle BubbleEvolving Family Dynamics in a Corporate World w/Callie Stefaniin this episode of The Struggle Bubble, we welcome Callie Stefani, Senior Director at AMD, and wife of our previous guest, Austin Stefani. Callie shares her unique perspective on managing a high-powered career in tech, balancing family life, and building a supportive community. Together, we dive into the reality of juggling demanding careers as a couple, the concept of “glass vs. rubber balls” in prioritizing responsibilities, and how Callie and Austin lean on their “village” to stay grounded.Callie also opens up about the shifts in work-life expectations over her career, the importance of encouraging creativity and resilien...
2024-10-2938 min
The Struggle BubbleJuggling Family, Career, and Everything in Between with Jackie PimentelIn this episode of The Struggle Bubble, we’re joined by Jackie Pimentel, Director of Ads Product Marketing at Meta, to talk about balancing a high-pressure career, parenting, and life’s curveballs. Jackie shares her experience navigating family life, managing work trips, and the importance of community and support systems. Whether it's stepping in to coach her daughter's soccer team or coordinating last-minute trips with her husband, Jackie offers a candid and relatable perspective on how to thrive amidst the chaos. Tune in for insights on resilience, work-life balance, and the value of being present in the moment.Su...
2024-10-2241 minThe Struggle BubbleBonus Bubble - October 18th, 2024Chad and Craig celebrate their 25th episode reflecting on the contributions of past guests and the importance of fun in youth sports. They discuss the current MLB playoffs, the challenges of coaching in the state cup, and the development of youth soccer amidst changing age regulations. The conversation also touches on the administrative challenges faced by community-based sports leagues, emphasizing the need for better communication and transparency. In this episode, Chad and Craig discuss various themes including community planning, coaching insights, balancing sports with family life, the struggles of being a sports fan, and upcoming guests on their podcast...
2024-10-1941 min
The Struggle BubbleFrom the Pitch to Parenthood: Ricky Lewis and Leslie Osborne on Family, Soccer, and Building Bay FCIn this episode of The Struggle Bubble, we’re joined by Ricky Lewis, former MLS player, and Leslie Osborne, former US Women’s National Team and NWSL star. Together, they take us through their incredible journey—from life on the soccer field to raising families and creating a lasting impact with the launch of Bay FC, the Bay Area’s newest women’s pro soccer team.Ricky and Leslie share candid insights on navigating the chaos of parenting while managing the demands of youth sports, building community through soccer, and recognizing the signs of burnout. Listen in as they re...
2024-10-1536 min
The Struggle BubbleThe Struggle with Leading in Sports: Balancing Fandom, Family, and Front-Office PressureIn this episode of the Struggle Bubble, Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey sit down with Kelly Cheeseman, COO and Alternate governor of the LA Kings and AEG Sports. They discuss Kelly's extensive career in sports management, the evolution of fan communication, the pressures of remote work, and the importance of balancing family life with a demanding career. Kelly shares insights on navigating the highs and lows of sports performance, the impact of social media on narratives, and the growing trend of international expansion in sports. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the sports industry.
2024-10-0841 min
The Struggle BubbleFrom Athlete to Advocate with Nate VandegriftIn this episode of the Struggle Bubble, hosts Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey welcome Nate Vandegrift, who shares his journey from a passionate young athlete to a dedicated father and professional. Nate discusses the challenges he faced in sports, the consequences of his actions during high school, and his struggles with alcohol. He reflects on the journey to parenthood through in vitro fertilization and the lessons learned from health challenges, including a heart attack at a young age. The conversation emphasizes the importance of family, accountability, and the legacy we leave behind.X2O Studio
2024-10-0338 min
Closing Time: quick insights from sales & marketing expertsHow to Climb the Sales Career Ladder - Enterprise Edition -- with Craig SurgeyYou know you've arrived as a sales professional when you have repeatable business as an enterprise seller. Large deal sizes and a 7-figure W2…you've arrived. How can you start your career off on the right foot to end up a successful enterprise seller? Is sales leadership your end goal? In this episode of Closing Time, meet Craig Surgey, head of sales at Comtrade 360 and co-host of the Struggle Bubble podcast. He's sharing his insights and the ways the sales career path has changed over time…and remained the same. If you've got enterprise dreams, this...
2024-09-3015 min
The Struggle BubbleCreating Safe Spaces in Leadership w/Lisa MimsIn this conversation, Chad and Craig Surgey welcome Lisa Mims, an executive coach, to discuss the intricacies of leadership, work-life balance, and personal growth. Lisa shares her insights on how coaching can help leaders navigate their professional and personal lives, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and understanding one's values. The discussion also touches on the evolution of leadership styles, the impact of COVID-19 on work culture, and the significance of creating a safe environment for growth. Lisa provides practical advice for those grappling with major life decisions, encouraging listeners to explore their values and envision a fulfilling...
2024-09-2438 min
The Struggle BubbleBonus Bubble - AI in Youth CoachingIn this episode, Chad and Craig discuss different aspects of coaching youth sports, including the integration of AI in coaching, the importance of authentic communication, and the dynamics of parent involvement during games. They explore the role of coaches in player development, the challenges of field space, and the significance of mentorship in youth sports. The conversation also touches on recent game experiences and the progress of their teams, while looking forward to upcoming events and guests on the podcast.Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple...
2024-09-2137 minThe Struggle BubbleNavigating the Waters of Sports and Career w/Mike DonohueIn this episode, Chad and Craig welcome Mike Donohue, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at GupShop, who shares his journey from competitive rowing to sailing and his experiences on the men's national rowing team. Mike discusses the importance of trying new things, the challenges of competitive sports, and the balance between pursuing athletic passions and career aspirations. He emphasizes the value of mentorship, hard work, and the mindset needed to succeed in both sports and professional life.Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and...
2024-09-1843 minThe Struggle BubbleBonus Bubble - Weekly WrapupIn this episode, Chad and Craig have a lighthearted and humorous conversation about various topics, including gratitude, their podcast journey, sports, and their children's activities. They express their appreciation for the support they have received and discuss upcoming episodes and sponsors. Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod
2024-09-1426 min
The Struggle BubbleLight at the End of the Struggle Bubble Tunnel w/Rob LudemanIn this exciting episode of The Struggle Bubble, Chad and Craig sit down with special guest Rob Ludeman to take a deep dive into the world of youth sports and beyond. From early development to high school competition, they break down how sports evolve and the key role they play in shaping skills, self-motivation, and character.The trio explores hot topics like the impact of private coaching, the rise of club sports, and why unstructured play is more important than we think. Plus, they tackle the tough side of youth sports—dealing with intense parents, officiating struggles, an...
2024-09-1042 min
The Struggle BubbleLabor Day Weekend RecapIn this episode of The Struggle Bubble, Chad and Craig dive into the whirlwind of youth soccer tournaments, sharing their recent experiences from the sidelines. They explore the highs and lows of juggling multiple games, the emotional rollercoaster of supporting their kids, and the delicate art of managing expectations—both theirs and their children’s.Beyond the action on the field, they discuss the true value of travel tournaments, not just for player development, but for fostering resilience and camaraderie in young athletes. Chad and Craig also reflect on the critical role coaches play as mentors, guiding kids...
2024-09-0437 min
The Struggle BubbleHow to Become a Parent: A Struggle Through the Fertility Gauntlet w/Ben and Julia KowalczykChildhood friends Ben and Julia Kowalczyk join the Chad and Craig on this week's episode. The conversation details Ben and Julia's struggle with their long-distance relationship and the challenges they faced. They talk about the importance of communication and making sacrifices for love. Julia and Ben share their journey of career changes, infertility, and IVF, all while establishing their careers and working while carrying this mental burden. They both experienced the pressure of finding a stable job and starting over in their 30s. They decided to start a family and faced the challenges of infertility, undergoing multiple I...
2024-08-271h 07
The Struggle BubbleResilience: The Key to Success in Sports, Work, and Parenting with Austin StefaniIn this conversation, Chad and Craig welcome Austin Stefani to the show to discuss various topics related to their personal lives and careers. They talk about their recent activities, the challenges of being a parent, and the importance of work-life balance. Austin shares his journey in sales, starting from scratch as an account manager and working his way up to VP roles at large companies. He also talks about the transition to a management role and the importance of empowering and supporting his team. Austin attributes his work ethic and skill acquisition mindset to his experience as an athlete.
2024-08-2041 min
The Struggle BubbleIntellectual Curiosity w/Yousuf KhanChad and Craig welcome Yousuf Khan, Partner at Ridge Ventures to this week's pod. Yousuf shares his career journey and offers advice for individuals considering starting a company or making a career change. He emphasizes the importance of making decisions, being intellectually curious, and building genuine relationships within the tech industry. Yousuf also highlights the value of resilience, community, and the willingness to learn from others. He encourages individuals to follow their dreams and take risks, even in the face of uncertainty.Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on...
2024-08-1334 minThe Struggle BubbleBuilding a Brand w/Lauren Kutting - CEO ToteSavvyIn this conversation, Chad and Craig are joined by Lauren Kutting, CEO and founder of ToteSavvy. They discuss topics such as friend camp, dance intensives, and their recent trips. They also delve into the journey of starting and growing ToteSavvy, a brand that offers bag organizers for moms. Lauren shares her experience as a business owner and the challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and finding ways to retain a sense of identity after becoming a parent. In this conversation, Chad and Craig discuss the challenges and joys of balancing...
2024-08-0646 min
The Struggle BubbleLeading the League: The Behind-the-Scenes Work of a Little League PresidentIn this episode of “The Struggle Bubble,” co-hosts Chad Kutting and Craig Surgey dive deep into the intricate duties of a Little League President. Chad, who is also the President of Los Gatos Little League, shares his extensive knowledge on preparing for the season, organizing a board, managing teams, engaging the community, and much more. From coordinating with volunteers to ensuring player safety, Chad and Craig explore the essential elements that contribute to a successful Little League program. Join us for an insightful discussion that highlights the dedication and effort required to run a youth sports league effectively. There's also...
2024-07-3037 min
The Struggle BubbleWork Life IntegrationIn this episode, Chad and Craig discuss the importance of work-life integration in their busy lives. They share personal anecdotes about juggling work, family, and hobbies, and emphasize the need for flexibility and communication. They also touch on the cultural differences between the US and Europe when it comes to work-life balance. The conversation concludes with updates on their respective projects, including plans for improving local sports facilities.Work-life integration is about finding a balance between work and personal life, acknowledging that they often overlap and influence each other.Flexibility and adaptability are key in managing the challenges...
2024-07-2635 min
The Struggle BubbleNavigating the Struggle Bubble: Reflections, Surprises, and Exciting Guests AheadIn this introspective episode, Chad and Craig take a moment to reflect on the journey of the Struggle Bubble podcast so far. They discuss the overwhelming support and positive feedback they've received from listeners across the globe, and how the podcast has resonated with people from all walks of life.The hosts share their surprise at the diverse range of listeners, from family members to strangers in their community, who have connected with the content. They also express gratitude for the caliber of guests who have been eager to share their own experiences and insights on the show.
2024-07-1847 min
The Struggle BubblePursuing Passion with Purpose with Stanford Baseball's Thomas EagerIn this enlightening episode, Chad and Craig sit down with Thomas Eager, pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for Stanford Cardinal Baseball. With Craig donning his coaching hat, the duo draws out Thomas's journey from small-town roots to playing at Cal Poly, getting drafted by the Cardinals, and eventually coaching at top college programs.Throughout the candid conversation, Thomas opens up about the defining moments and mentors that shaped his path. Chad and Thomas bond over the challenges of coaching their own kids and the perils of pursuing perfection in sports. Together, they tackle tough issues facing the...
2024-07-111h 06
The Struggle BubbleThe Balancing Act: Career, Family, and Self with Special Guest Robert HattaEver felt the crushing weight of relentless work pressure? You're not alone. Join us on Struggle Bubble as we welcome our first live guest, Robert Hatta, who has navigated the high-octane tech scene from Silicon Valley to a more balanced life back in Ohio. Craig’s bright pink headphones might give you a chuckle, but the conversation is anything but light as we celebrate our global reach and dive into the demanding pace and guilt tied to perpetual productivity.Are you struggling to find harmony between your career and personal life? This episode hits home as we tackle th...
2024-07-0458 min
The Struggle BubbleStruggle Bubble Q&AIn this conversation, Chad and Craig discuss their recent struggles & experiences as parent and answer questions from their listeners. They talk about dealing with their children's health issues, the challenges of coaching youth sports, the importance of humor in parenting, and their evolving parenting styles. They also share their favorite parenting books, movies, and TV shows, and reflect on the constant improvement and balance required in parenting. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of parenting, including the fatigue and guilt that parents often experience. The hosts discuss the importance of saying no to children and allowing t...
2024-06-2630 min
The Struggle BubbleAccountability in Parenting and CoachingIn this episode, Chad and Craig discuss the importance of accountability in various aspects of life, including youth sports, personal relationships, and professional settings. They share personal anecdotes and examples to highlight the need for taking ownership of one's actions and choices. They emphasize the role of trust, respect, and preparation in fostering accountability. The hosts also discuss the significance of accountability in parenting and coaching, and how it contributes to personal growth and stronger relationships.Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all...
2024-06-2029 min
The Struggle BubbleSummertime MadnessOn episode 4 of The Struggle Bubble, Chad and Craig dive into the challenges and joys of summertime parenting. From the sudden shift from structured school days to endless free time, to the pressure of filling those days with camps and activities, summer break can be a rollercoaster for both parents and kids.Join us as we share our own experiences navigating the summer months, including pickleball tournaments, graduation parties, and the ongoing battle to pry our kids away from screens. We'll discuss the importance of unstructured play, setting realistic summer goals, and finding that sweet spot between keeping kids engaged...
2024-06-1221 min
The Struggle BubbleThe Parental Pressure CookerOn this episode of The Struggle Bubble, Chad and Craig tackle the hot topic of parental pressure in youth sports. Are we pushing our kids too hard? What are the consequences of over-involved parents? And most importantly, how can we turn down the heat and create a healthier, more enjoyable experience for our young athletes?Join us as we delve into the challenges and potential pitfalls of the "parental pressure cooker," share personal anecdotes, and offer practical tips for fostering a love of the game – not just a drive for victory. Whether you're a coach, parent, or former athlete yourself, th...
2024-06-0532 min
The Struggle BubbleWho are you?Craig and Chad discuss their journey from England and Ohio to California and their backgrounds in sports. Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod
2024-05-3132 min
The Struggle BubbleIntroduction to the Struggle BubbleJoin Chad and Craig as they introduce the Struggle Bubble Podcast. They explore what it takes to juggle being a father, husband, entrepreneur, league administrator, and coach. Support the showHelp support our podcast by subscribing on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. Keep up to date with all things Struggle Bubble on our Instagram Page @thestrugglebubblepod
2024-05-2518 min