SAC FLY

In this episode of SAC FLY, Blake sits down with world-renowned peak performance coach and sports psychologist Dr. Jim Afremow to explore the powerful mental game behind high performance in sports, leadership, and life. Drawing from his work with Olympic gold medalists, NFL players, MLB legends, and UFC champions, Dr. Afremow shares candid insights on building resilience, mastering self-talk, bouncing back from setbacks, and updating your identity after career-defining moments.

Former NFL standout Alex Molden joins host Blake to share his journey from late-blooming football player to first-round draft pick, and ultimately, to father of eight and leadership coach. Alex recounts how overcoming a severe knee injury taught him resilience, and he  explains why character always outweighs athletic ability, and why letting kids explore multiple sports—and fail—builds lifelong lessons more valuable than early specialization. Alex also opens up about the loneliness that can come with sudden success, the moment that reshaped his identity after football, and how he now channels his experiences into guiding others: from coaching high school DBs to mentoring clients on leadership, influence, and accountability. Tune in for a candid conversation on balancing elite performance with family, faith, and purpose.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Sac Fly, Blake sits down with Rod Cruickshank—co-founder of The Partners Group and Executive Chairman of the TPG Foundation—for a wide-ranging conversation on intentional leadership, fatherhood, legacy, and transformation. From building a values-driven company recognized as a best place to work, to navigating personal struggles and finding peace through faith, Rod opens up about what it really takes to design a life well-lived.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of SAC FLY, Blake sits down with one of college baseball’s most iconic figures—Coach Pat Casey. A three-time national champion, five-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year, and Collegiate Baseball Hall of Famer, Coach Casey's resume is legendary. But this conversation goes far beyond the diamond.Blake and Coach Casey explore the soul of leadership—what it means to coach people, not just players. They talk about the grind of building a culture from the ground up, the difference between teaching and coaching, and why discipline, faith, and gratitude are non-negotiables in life and sport.From his small-town Oregon roots to the national stage in Omaha, Coach Casey shares stories of resilience, reflection, and raising boys into men—on and off the field. If you’re a parent, coach, business leader, or anyone seeking to lead with purpose, this episode will stay with you long after the final out.

In this episode of SAC FLY host Blake St. Onge sits down with Tim Morgan, CEO of AAA Oregon & Idaho, former youth sports coach, and a dedicated leader. Tim shares his journey from reluctant Little League coach to a business leader who embraces servant leadership. They explore the parallels between coaching youth sports and leading a company—how collaboration, adaptability, and seeing the potential in others create winning teams.

Blake St. Onge sits down with Joth Ricci, a seasoned business leader who has left his mark on iconic brands like Jones Soda, Stumptown Coffee, Dutch Bros, and Burgerville. Joth shares his journey from aspiring high school basketball coach to leading some of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognizable food and beverage brands. Blake and Joth dive into the parallels between coaching youth sports and leading in business, discussing the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and staying true to your core values. They explore the impact of youth coaching on personal and professional growth, the lessons learned from building winning teams, and the role of selfless leadership in both sports and the corporate world.

In the inaugural episode of SAC FLY, host Blake St. Onge sits down with Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon, to explore the intersection of leadership, coaching, and grit. Jim shares his remarkable journey from growing up as the son of a coach to leading a prominent sports nonprofit, with stops in sports marketing, agency ownership, and even driving a UPS truck. Discover how lessons from the baseball diamond and basketball court shaped Jim's leadership style, his approach to teamwork, and his relentless drive to "control the controllables." From stories about his father’s unwavering dedication to life lessons learned while building his own business, Jim offers insights and inspiration for business executives and youth sports coaches alike.

Welcome to SAC FLY, the podcast that delves into the powerful connection between business leadership and coaching youth sports. Just as a sacrifice fly in baseball emphasizes teamwork over individual achievement, this podcast celebrates the selfless, strategic actions that help others succeed. Hosted by Blake St. Onge, we’ll hear from seasoned business leaders and youth coaches who recognize that genuine success lies in nurturing individuals, promoting teamwork, and cultivating resilience. We’ll share inspiring stories, effective strategies, and actionable insights designed to elevate your leadership abilities in life, business, and sports.