The K.P. Wee Podcast

Ron LeFlore's life is one of the most improbable arcs in American sports. Before he became an MLB All‑Star and one of the most electric base stealers of the 1970s, he was serving time in a Michigan prison—where he played his first organized baseball game. In this episode, author Adam Henig joins host K.P. Wee to discuss his new biography, Baseball's Outcast The Story of Ron LeFlore, the first full modern account of LeFlore's rise, fall, and complicated legacy. Henig talks about LeFlore's childhood, Detroit, the prison system, Billy Martin's unlikely discovery, and the parts of LeFlore's story that have been forgotten or misunderstood. Get the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Baseballs-Outcast-Story-Ron-LeFlore/dp/1538194953 Adam Henig's website: https://www.adamhenig.com/

Guest: Kirk McKnight, author of The Voices of Hockey and The Voices of Baseball In this episode, we dive deep into the legacy of sports broadcasting with author Kirk McKnight, whose work captures the voices that shape how we remember the game. From Vin Scully's humility to the generational shift in storytelling, this conversation explores what makes a great call unforgettable—and why broadcasters are often the soul of a franchise. Highlights: The emotional story behind Vin Scully's phone call—and the 30 minutes that changed Kurt's life How younger broadcasters balance reverence for legends with their own voice The myth of preparation: why the best calls are often unscripted Regional loyalty, Homerism, and learning to appreciate rival voices Behind-the-scenes rituals and habits that define broadcast rhythm Featured Books: The Voices of Hockey: Broadcasters Reflect on the Fastest Game on Earth (Updated Audible edition) The Voices of Baseball: The Game's Greatest Broadcasters Reflect on America's Pastime Connect with Kirk: Instagram: @TheVoicesOfBaseball Facebook: Kirk McKnight   Available on Audible and major book retailers

The guest in this episode is a powerful new voice in both storytelling and sports culture—Nick Peck. He's the author of "Only Way Out," a gripping debut novel that follows Jaylen Pierre, a teenager who finds purpose on the football field while navigating brutal challenges at home. The book draws from Nick's own raw experiences growing up, and it's been called one of the best reads of the year by ESPN's Bobby Marks. With 20,000 loyal followers on Instagram, Nick has built a community around honest conversations about resilience, mental health, and how young athletes can find hope and identity in sports. If you've ever wondered how fiction can change lives—or how mentorship can pull someone out of the fire—this episode is for you. Follow Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickpeckauthor/ Nick's website: https://www.nickpeckauthor.com/

The guest for this episode isn't just a mental performance coach—he's a mindset architect for elite athletes, business leaders, and anyone chasing that next level. Gary Chupik is the founder of Elite Mindset, the brain behind the GamePlan for Life and the Elite Mindset Assessment, and one of the most sought-after performance strategists in the world. Chupik has coached clients from the NFL to Major Leauge Baseball to figure skating, the FBI to Fortune 500s, and brings a rare blend of neuroscience, leadership psychology, and lived wisdom to everything he does. What makes Chupik different? He doesn't pitch theories—he's the experiment himself. If it doesn't work in real life, Chupik doesn't teach it. Chupik and host K.P. Wee dive into the sharp end of high performance: how to stop overthinking, why positivity alone doesn't cut it, and the two real ways to build lasting confidence. Follow Gary Chupik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitemindset/ Check out Elite Mindset Nation: https://www.elitemindsetnation.com/ Take the Mental Performance Assessment for free (enter ELITE100): https://www.elitemindsetassessment.com/

In this episode, author and baseball historian Dan Schlossberg joins K.P. Wee to talk about his massive new release, "The New Baseball Bible." They dive into baseball's forgotten legends, strange superstitions, the history of the game, and even take shots at modern rules like the "zombie runner." Dan explains how he curated 500 pages of content, the challenge of staying fair when writing about controversial figures, and which baseball tradition he'd bring back in a heartbeat. From Rogers Hornsby to Ichiro, this one's packed with names, nuance, and no-nonsense baseball talk. Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683584864?&tag=skyhorsepub-20 

In this episode, host K.P. Wee is joined by Dr. Paul Semendinger—a passionate educator, historian, and storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of literature, baseball, and inspiration. A former principal and now a professor, Dr. Semendinger is also the editor-in-chief of the Yankees blog Start Spreading the News, co-author of Yankees legend Roy White's autobiography From Compton to the Bronx, and author of the acclaimed book The Least Among Them. In this deeply researched and compelling work, he shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked players who wore the Yankees uniform—giving them the recognition they deserve. Tune in as Dr. Semendinger and K.P. dive into the stories behind The Least Among Them, discuss the human side of baseball history, and reflect on the importance of preserving the stories of players who might otherwise be forgotten. Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Least-Among-Them-Players-Moments/dp/195112216X Check out Dr. Semendinger here: https://www.startspreadingthenews.blog/ and https://drpaulsem.com/ Check out Dr. Semendinger's publisher here: https://www.apbooks.net/ Dr. Semendinger can be followed on Twitter too: https://x.com/nyy_report https://x.com/DrPaulRSem

Today's guest on The K.P. Wee Podcast is Mark Connor, a boxing trainer, writer, and native of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Mark's journey has taken him from the boxing ring to the world of poetry and storytelling, and through powerful experiences of faith, family, and personal transformation. His debut book, It's About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad), is a deeply personal blend of memoir and poetry, touching on themes of love, grief, heritage, and the search for meaning. The book earned the 2024 Bloomsday Literary Award from the Irish Network Minnesota, and it's a testament to his resilience, reflection, and reverence for the people and places that shaped him. Check out his website and pick up his book today: https://boxersandwritersmagazine.com/books/ 

Brad Englert, founder of Brad Englert Advisory and author of Spheres of Influence: How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships, joins K.P. on the podcast to discuss his book.   Among the topics are the following: the first conversation Brad believes everyone should have with a new boss—and why it matters the importance of managing expectations and what saying "whoa" sounds like in a real conversation what to do when you find yourself stuck in a dynamic where a peer seems to have more influence over the boss  how to go about understanding your customers' goals if they do not articulate them clearly  what any leader could be doing to build a safe and respectful work environment   Spheres of Influence: How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships, published by Fast Company Press, is an Amazon bestseller in three key business categories. This book is a must-read for emerging leaders looking to develop the skill of building effective, enduring business relationships — both within and outside their organizations.   Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradenglert/ Get in touch with Brad: https://bradenglert.com/podcast 

Vancouver Canadians (MiLB) broadcast and media relations assistant Chris Georges chats with K.P. about how he got into broadcasting and shares tips with students on how to "get into the game." 

Marshall Garvey stops by for a second conversation on The K.P. Wee Podcast about his upcoming book, Interstate '85: The Royals, The Cardinals, and the Show-Me World Series, which is scheduled to be released in late March. Marshall chats about the book, including some interesting tidbits that he learned from the players he interviewed about the Dodgers-Cardinals NLCS, the Blue Jays-Royals ALCS, and the World Series showdown between St. Louis and Kansas City. It's a must-read for all baseball and sports fans!

Marshall Garvey, who has written or co-written three books, joins the podcast to discuss his first one, The Hidden History of Sacramento Baseball. Marshall discusses some of the highlights of that first book, as well as his writing journey and his next two books. Check out his books on Amazon: 1. The Hidden History of Sacramento Baseball 2. Ellwood's Odyssey 3. Interstate '85 (To be released Spring 2025)   

New Jersey-based sports journalist Brett Hawn stops by to talk about his Mets and Jets in this episode. 

Michael Unger (UDeck1990 on X) joins this episode to discuss the recent player cards he posted, a list which includes Chris James, Carlos Baerga, Sandy Alomar Jr., Cecil Fielder, Bill Gullickson, Matt Young, and Mark Gardner. Michael has reached the end of the 800-card set of the 1990 Upper Deck series, and is looking forward to his next card project. 

Stan Markotich and K.P. Wee talk about the lessons that K.P., who does play-by-play announcing for the Greater Vancouver (Richmond) Canadians minor hockey U15, U17, and U18 clubs, has learned from the hockey broadcast booth over the past six months. K.P. is announcing nine games over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend from October 11-13, 2024, at the Richmond Olympic Oval for the BC Elite Hockey League.

Are you a certifiable Sports Dork? If so, then you're in for a treat with this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast. Featuring Paul Hembekides – or "Hembo," as he's known around ESPN – the stats, history, and data points are coming fast and furious. A content guru whose research nuggets are showcased regularly on the ESPN morning show "Get Up!", Hembo is giving us a peak into the new book he has written with his ESPN radio co-host Mike (#Greeny) Greenberg: "Got Your Answers: The 100 Greatest Sports Arguments – Settled." Join K.P. and his co-host, Stan Markotich, in this conversation with Hembo, as they discuss some of the fascinating lists in the book.  (Also, check out Hembo's other book with Greenberg: "Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own.")

It's back to school time! Stan Markotich returns to the podcast, joining K.P.—both with backgrounds in education—to discuss the current state of the education system.

Eric Vickrey chats with K.P. Wee and co-host Stan Markotich on The K.P. Wee Podcast, discussing his book Season of Shattered Dreams: Postwar Baseball, the Spokane Indians, and a Tragic Bus Crash That Changed Everything. This book came out in 2024, published by Rowman & Littlefield. To offer context for Eric's book, on June 24, 1946, a bus transporting the Spokane Indians baseball team fell into a deep ravine in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state, leading to the deaths of nine players. This incident stands as the deadliest accident in the history of American professional sports. In Season of Shattered Dreams, Eric examines the events leading up to, during, and following the tragic accident. He explores the often-neglected effects of World War II's conclusion on both major and minor leagues, which were now filled with players returning from military service. The Spokane Indians were affected as well, with several top prospects and former major leaguers joining the team that season. The stories of three Spokane players—Vic Picetti, Ben Geraghty, and Jack Lohrke—highlight the impact of the war on their lives, the challenges of minor-league careers, and the profound effects of the devastating crash. Purchase Eric Vickrey's book "Season of Shattered Dreams: Postwar Baseball, the Spokane Indians, and a Tragic Bus Crash That Changed Everything" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Season-Shattered-Dreams-Baseball-Everything/dp/1538190729/ Also, check out "Runnin' Redbirds: The World Champion 1982 St. Louis Cardinals" (McFarland, 2023) on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Runnin-Redbirds-World-Champion-Cardinals/dp/1476693641/

Jerry Izenberg, a long-time journalist who has covered multiple sports including baseball, football, and boxing, joins Episode No. 99 of The K.P. Wee Podcast to discuss his book, Larry Doby in Black and White: The Story of a Baseball Pioneer, which is a biography of Larry Doby, the first African-American player in American League history. Jerry chats with K.P. and co-host Stan Markotich about this compelling read, along with many stories from the book, which was published by Sports Publishing, including his decades-long friendship with Doby. Buy Larry Doby in Black and White: The Story of a Baseball Pioneer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Larry-Doby-Story-Baseball-Pioneer/dp/1683584805

Aaron Fischman joins this episode to discuss his book, A Baseball Gaijin: Chasing a Dream to Japan and Back, which is a biography of former Major League Baseball pitcher Tony Barnette.   Aaron chats with K.P. and co-host Stan Markotich about this compelling read, which comes highly recommended. The book, published by Sports Publishing, chronicles Barnette's journey of perseverance and determination in pursuit of his dreams.   Buy A Baseball Gaijin: Chasing a Dream to Japan and Back on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Baseball-Gaijin-Chasing-Dream-Japan/dp/1683584775/  Here is Aaron's website to keep in touch with his latest happenings: https://www.aaronfischman.com/

In this episode, Randy Louis Cox joins the show to talk about his book, 715 at 50: The Night Henry Aaron Changed Baseball and the World Forever. This book celebrates the night that Aaron broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record on April 8, 1974, featuring 44 photos taken by Cox that night and much, much more. 

Stan Markotich, formerly a news director at CJIV Radio, joins the podcast today to continue the discussion on the complex subject of sports betting. K.P. shares a story about how a game from Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season between Baltimore and Kansas City irritated him (partly because the over/under line changed suddenly), and he and Stan discuss how the sports betting landscape affects sports fans' habits.  K.P. also mentions the availability of other sports that can be wagered on, such as esports, as well as live betting in virtually every sport.

Stan Markotich, a former CJIV Radio news director, joins the podcast today to delve into the intricate topic of sports betting. Both K.P. and Stan share their thoughts on what has emerged as a widespread occurrence within today's sports fan community: betting on sports. The latter also recalls a past incident that convinced him to abstain entirely from anything related to betting thereafter.

Journalist and author Dan Schlossberg joins this episode to discuss his new book Home Run King: The Remarkable Record of Hank Aaron (Sports Publishing, May 2024).   Schlossberg, currently an editor with the IBWAA, has authored or co-authored 41 books since 1974, and his latest Hank Aaron book was released earlier this month to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Aaron's breaking Babe Ruth's career home run record. Schlossberg's latest book can be picked up here.   To catch up with Schlossberg's latest happenings, check out his website https://danschlossberg.net/. He also co-hosts and produces the weekly show "Travel Itch Radio."

Pete Steinberg, a leadership consultant based in Boulder, Colorado, joins this episode and discusses his new book, Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success (Advantage Books; April 16, 2024).  A former Olympic rugby coach, Pete is currently the president of the business consulting firm Innovative Thought. He has extensive experience consulting with top Fortune 200 and Fortune 500 professionals, having done so for more than two decades. Some of the topics and ideas from the book include the Authentic Leadership Model as well as the Shotgun Approach, both of which Pete discusses in this episode. To get in touch with Pete, contact him through his website: https://www.petesteinberg.com/

Brett Hawn, the host of the Totally Goated podcast and a New York Mets fan, stops by to discuss the latest happenings in baseball two weeks into the 2024 season. The topics of discussion include the Mets (of course!), the new MLB/Fanatics jerseys, the rise in the number of injuries to pitchers, and betting on sports. 

Stan Markotich, a former CJIV Radio news director, joins the podcast today to discuss the complex issue of sports betting. Some key issues raised by Stan include the following: Why are fans allowed to wager on sports while athletes aren't able to -- and wouldn't sports betting itself ruin sports?

Keith O'Brien joins this episode to discuss his new book Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball. Keith, who grew up in Cincinnati and currently lives in New Hampshire, discusses why he wrote the book and what he hopes readers get out of it. He also shares the process of his writing and some tidbits of what surprised him during his research for this book. To get a copy of Keith's book, click here. Follow Keith on X: https://twitter.com/KeithOB   Keith's website: https://keithob.com/ 

Guest host Stan Markotich and regular host K.P. Wee discuss the topic of how ready students are, based on their observations as educators, to face their next step upon graduation. K.P. shares many observations from his own experiences, some of which raise Stan's eyebrows in this thought-provoking discussion.

Michael Unger (UDeck1990 on X) joins this episode to discuss the recent player cards he posted, a list which includes Lee Smith, Tom Brunansky, Storm Davis, Mark Davis, Glenn Braggs, and Jim Gott.  K.P. shares some obscure trivia about Gott, brings up the broken-bat at-bats that Braggs was known for, discusses memories about the other players (including TSN showing a graphic about all the "Davises" in baseball in 1993), and talks about the 1990 Reds as well as Mike Witt's $8 million, 3-year contract with the Yankees. 

Guest host Stan Markotich and regular host K.P. Wee explore the idea of whether today's high school seniors, based on their observations as educators, are ready for college or university.

Stan Markotich, a former news director at CJIV Radio, stops by to guest host this episode as he and K.P. discuss sports broadcasting. K.P. talks about his experience being a hockey play-by-play broadcaster for the Greater Vancouver Canadians, a minor hockey team based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. 

It's October, and it's time for postseason baseball chatter with guest Brett Hawn! K.P. laments the fact that there are too many playoff teams, which results in the top two seeds in each league having to sit around for five days prior to getting their first taste of the postseason. K.P. also gets Brett's thoughts on "mistakes" made by managers and teams during the 2023 postseason. Are the Arizona Diamondbacks that good, or is their postseason success due to mistakes made by the Brewers and Dodgers? Who does Brett see going all the way in 2023? 

Guest Host Stan Markotich joins this episode to discuss sports myths and mythology.  About Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education. Follow Stan @LinkedIn  Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast.  If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger.

Todd Denault, who has authored four hockey books, makes a return appearance on the podcast to discuss his latest writing project. A life-long Montreal Canadiens fan, Todd is currently working on a book about the famed "Kid Line" of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the 1930s featuring Charlie Conacher, Harvey "Busher" Jackson and Joe Primeau.  Todd also discusses his thoughts on Jacques Plante, the subject of his first book.  To learn more about Todd and his books, check him out at https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=todd+denault  Twitter: https://twitter.com/todddenault  @ToddDenault  Here is a list of his books:  -Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey -The Greatest Game: The Montreal Canadiens, the Red Army, and the Night That Saved Hockey -A Season in Time: Super Mario, Killer, St. Patrick, the Great One, and the Unforgettable 1992-93 NHL Season  -Unbreakable: 50 Goals in 39 Games

In Part II of back-to-back episodes about all things customer service, Guest host Stan Markotich and podcast namesake K.P. Wee swap thoughts on what so many of us are experiencing in our everyday lives as consumers. Is the standard acceptable and, even if it isn't, is that something we have any power to change? K.P. recalls his experiences as a frontlines customer service rep, including some pretty astonishing (and contradictory) training messages that you won't want to miss. You'll remember these customer management "tips" the next time you call one of those 1-800 numbers with a problem to report! The co-hosts bring humor to their practical (somewhat bleak) take on how things have evolved and our expectations as a buying audience have been reset. Could it be that our hands are tied? If complaining about shoddy customer service means you're hurting someone's feelings or whining about so-called "first world" problems, then is the only alternative to accept it and move on? We shall see how long people are willing to put up with food deliveries full of leaky containers, empty store shelves and phone reps who are trained to shine us on – and avoid giving a refund at all costs. Learn what your cohosts think on this fun, if sobering, look at the world of customer service! Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast  If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger. KEY TOPICS: Fans Revolt! How a recently rain-delayed Cubs game demonstrates the power of sports "customers" to voice their displeasure with poor customer service: Twitter outrage at Fox Television's programming choices. Complaints about Cubs communications' failure to direct viewers an outlet where they could view the game when it finally took place. Lack of social media or scoreboard updates for those at Wrigley Field awaiting news on the status of the game. Customer Service Supply Chain: Stan reflects on how honoring (and understanding the concept of) demand plays a key role in delivering loyalty and consumer satisfaction. Training is Key: Based on personal experience, K.P. reflects on what he was taught about customer service and how the system fails. A couple of gems: Always treat customer interactions as a negotiation. Be genuine to the people you work with, but it's okay to be aloof or uncaring towards customers because they're only temporarily passing through. The "Tragic" Words Customer Service Trainees are Taught Not to Say: Hold on. Hang on. Just a second. Let me pull you up. Have to ... That's against company policy. The truth is … To be honest … I'll try. Hopefully … She's not here right now. (As opposed to she'll be back at 3p.) Calm down. Calling Out Customer Service Contradictions: Reps are taught to be both authentic and also to blow off customers. Reps are taught to be respectful and empathetic to customer complaints while also being told to treat customers as children to be managed. More From K.P.'s Training Notebook Full of Mixed Messages: Don't cut anyone off. Don't be robotic. Be friendly. Don't try to impress. Don't talk about yourself. Show that you're relaxed and open to chat. Ask open-ended questions. Don't use the usual conversational icebreakers. No more than three pauses or instances of dead air in the first five minutes. Don't interrogate. See how they open up. Know a little about everything so you know what to say. Don't control the conversation. Getting to the Truth: Is the real goal of customer service just to move things off the shelves? About the role of manipulation in inducing and managing demand.  What It Means: If a customer service rep. isn't saying anything it may be because they don't want to agree with a complaint or open up the possibility of a demand for a refund. Two-Way Street: How K.P. negotiated the politics during his stint as a rep. and the ways in which it was a model of customer service within customer service. Lessons on "The Dodger Way" from Bill Shumard, former CEO of Special Olympics: Return every phone call within 60 minutes. Return every piece of mail within 24 business hours. When you make a mistake, own it. Treat everybody – nobody who they are – with the respect they deserve. Era of Accountability: About the shift away from work cultures that emphasized taking responsibility and advancing good will towards today's commodified indifference. Good Will: A thing of the past and casualty of a dismissive customer service culture? Not a Good Look: Stan shares his negative impression as a customer when he recently stopped to pick up a few things at a store with pervasively empty shelves.  Parting Thought: Why it's tough to be a squeaky wheel when it comes to customer service – and whether there's anything we can do about it!? KEY QUOTES: "You can make the case that the (Cubs) fans who were at the ballpark were let down in terms of customer service … because they weren't notified as to when the game was actually going to start." (K.P.) "Customer service in that instance? Nonexistent! … We're heading completely in the wrong direction when it comes to good customer service." (Stan) "Basically (customer service) emphasizes listening or letting the other person talk or vent or release emotion and responding with empathy. Don't be a robot." (K.P.) "We're heading towards the idea the consumer or the client or the person coming into your shop has no free will and no agency. In other words, you're using customer service as a way of manipulating." (Stan) "I think we're living now in a universe where if you make a mistake, blame somebody else. Or say it's not my fault. Or question the person who pointed out the error." (Stan) "I remember the negative experiences a lot more than any positive experiences. I don't know if you're always trying to find fault with or blame other people … but I just remember those unpleasant experiences." (K.P.) "Things basically have to get to the point where reforming is not really possible and … an alternative eventually presents itself. But the old or current way just has to literally implode." (Stan) "I think eventually things will change but sadly and unfortunately … in the short term I don't think things will get better." (Stan) Further Resources/Relevant Links: Learn more about bet365, the online sports and casino betting website. Here's an article about why strong customer service is a worthwhile investment. More about Bill Shumard's thoughts on "The Dodger Way" in K.P.'s book, "So You Want to Work in Sports: Advice and Insights from Respected Sports Industry Leaders." About Guest Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education. Follow Our Guest:  Stan @LinkedIn  About K.P. Wee:  K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.  You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here. Follow K.P. Wee:  K.P. @Twitter Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

In this episode, Brett Hawn from Totally Goated podcast joins the show to discuss the latest happenings in Major League Baseball, including Brett's New York Mets. There is also some chatter about the NBA's New York Knicks and why K.P. is a fan of Julius Randle.  Follow Brett on Twitter @brett_hawn, and check out his NFL coverage on the Jaguar Report and the ToroTimes. 

In this first of a K.P. Wee Podcast two-parter, Guest Host Stan Markotich invites K.P. to join him in an unvarnished look at the state of customer service today – from the customer's point of view.  Avid sports fans may keep buying tickets even when their teams disappoint, but can big business employ sloppy practices and still expect that same kind of blind brand loyalty? For many of us, today's shoddy standards and neglectful customer service are just a fact of life; part of our consumer landscape. But this conversation asks: Does it have to be that way? Do we patrons deserve (and can we demand) better?  There are systemic factors that have conditioned us to expect late or no-show technicians, disengaged retail clerks or food deliveries that arrive either cold or late – or not at all. As K.P. underscores, most service workers are doing their best and often feel undermined on the job. It's understandable at many service workers feel squeezed, angry, or tempted to express their individuality on TikTok. The question is whether we – as a society – will continue to say okay to impersonal, unprofessional, even hostile treatment.  "We have as a whole accepted this kind of lack of service that we are receiving and that's unfortunate," says K.P., who attributes some of the deterioration to pandemic dislocations and outsourcing gaps. Together with Stan, he sees a definitive trend but there's still hope. Why? Because at some point people might develop a nostalgic yearning for reliable, kind, personalized service.  "Maybe the only way (current customer service standards) are going to change is if eventually somebody offers something in the way of a counter-programming," says Stan. Maybe it's time to study the kinds of total fan experiences (and player personalities) that foster diehard loyalty because (with thanks to the theme song from "Cheers") nothing compels repeat business and customer satisfaction more than that special feeling of being "where everybody knows your name – and they're always glad you came!"  Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast  If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger. KEY TOPICS: Customer Service Nightmare: K.P. shares his recent experience with an internet service provider repeatedly disregarding his schedule, wasting his time, inaccurately tracking and billing – and miscommunicating at every step along the way! Stan Relates! Crazy tales of negligent customer service are all too common! Is There a Root Cause?  Cost-cutting measures? Subcontracting rather than hiring full-time employees? Brands that don't invest in the actual infrastructure required? Workers who are just biding time and don't feel invested in the job? Tip, Please!? About the pitfalls of ordering food for delivery – especially if you're trying to coordinate the timing with a break from work! Late. Lost. Even cancelled! Who's to Blame? How outsourced systems are prone to over-complicate the basic communications and processes necessary to get the job done.  TikTok Nation: About K.P.'s theory that some poor performers are intentionally rebelling as a way to seem original, individual, or worthy of social media attention. Team Play: How the prevalence of outsourced employee functions can undermine the quality of products, services and their delivery – whether in the context of a sports operation, a retail chain, or restaurant franchise. Time for a Closer Look? Why it would make sense to examine customer service operations across a range of companies to see which are benefiting from subcontracting various functions, especially outward facing interactions! The Human Side: K.P. acknowledges the challenges large and small that delivery people face (including a fender-bender that recently delayed his meal delivery). Other Examples of Poor Service: Drivers who offer no hello, instead chatting with a friend on the phone. Clerks who look away and refuse to engage or provide direction. Workers who react to questions with hostility. Anyone who fails to smile and act with baseline courtesy. RIP Small-Town Charm? K.P. and Stan muse on the way Main Street mom-and-pop shops have given way to far more impersonal chain outlets.  Pandemic Cracks: How the lockdown accelerated business breakdowns and exposed workplace-related issues. What's the Big Deal? Well, there are many reasons to miss the levels of service (and civility) we knew as a society in the past! What Can We Do? Just as fans continue to support sports teams, even when they disappoint, customers are likely to continue supporting businesses – even when their customer service disappoints. The norms tell us: Stop whining and move on! Everything That's Old is Eventually New Again? At some point (we can hope) the outdated notion of personalized customer service will become the new big thing! Hockey As Metaphor: Part of what drew Stan to professional hockey was the holistic connection between not only high-level performance but articulate, personable players – who communicated hustle, passion, and a commitment to the fans. KEY QUOTES: "(Poor service) is becoming so common that we think we should just accept it as a way of life … We've accepted it as a normal thing." (K.P.) "There's a whole generation growing up who are being conditioned to expect this kind of horrific service – not only accept it but believe it's good or cutting-edge service when very often it's lousy." (Stan) "I'm guessing that sometimes employees in the service industry just want to do something different and not follow the rules of customer service ... They want to put themselves on TikTok and show off that they have their own individualism." (K.P.) "If you've got multiple choke points where everybody or somebody is a disgruntled employee then the issues and problems are magnified." (Stan)  "Our expectations are that certain minimal standards will be met … but certain models may actually be driving customers in the opposite direction." (Stan) "We've created systems that are so poorly conceived that even when, we try to fix the problem in order to maintain the system, it will just make it worse." (Stan) "You don't get that 'everybody knows your name' kind of thing ... Times have changed and not for the better." (K.P.) "It seems that our society has accepted this level of mediocre service … We have as a whole accepted this kind of lack of service that we are receiving and that's unfortunate." (K.P.) "People try to brainwash to just accept it and move on … People say, 'You've got your internet, you've got your food, you've got everything. Just stop whining!' That's what we've been trained to tell each other." (K.P.) "Maybe the only way things are going to change is if eventually somebody offers something in the way of a counter-programming … a way of doing something that's so old that it looks new to the current generation!" (Stan) About Guest Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education. Follow Our Guest: Stan @LinkedIn  About K.P. Wee:  K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.  You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here. Follow K.P. Wee:  K.P. @Twitter Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

If you're a fan of Michael Unger's 1990 Upper Deck baseball card project, then it doesn't get better than this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast—which features a non-stop stream of sports history, trivia, game deconstructions, and remembrances. Enjoy this return visit from a fan favorite known to baseball card collectors through his social media handles udeck1990@Twitter or upperdeck1990@Insta. Michael and K.P. do a deep dive into some of the exciting (if sometimes forgotten or obscure) players that Michael has been posting about daily as he works his way systematically through each of his 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. His social media posts have created a community through which he and K.P. initially connected and became friends.  Today's episode includes mention of pitchers Jim Abbott, Jeff Russell, Bob Milacki, and Jack McDowell. K.P. mentions a couple of unpleasant memories with Russell (including a quote given to the press about the city of Boston) and a funny story about McDowell from the 1995 ALDS, while Michael shares his research on some fascinating tidbits related to these players. He even mentions some memories concerning Mark McGwire and hockey star Stephane Richer.

Are you a certifiable Sports Dork? If so, then you're in for a treat with this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast. Featuring Paul Hembekides – or "Hembo," as he's known around ESPN – the stats, history, and data points are coming fast and furious. A content guru whose research nuggets are showcased regularly on the ESPN morning show "Get Up!", Hembo is giving us a peak into the new book he has written with his ESPN radio co-host Mike (#Greeny) Greenberg: "Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own."  Join K.P. and his special guest host, sports business consultant Jason Takefman, for a nonstop tour of the sports world's most significant numbers from 1 to 100 – who owns which, why and from what arena? You'll learn how working in the industry changes your fandom (which it definitely does, but not necessarily for the worse) and the "excruciating" decisions Hembo and Greeny had to work through in making tough calls sure to stir controversy. Consider numbers like #7 or #4 or #21 and the overlap in how they've defined careers across professional sports and teams. It's all up for debate! Sports dorkery doesn't get much purer than this – or more fun! Ready to see where your favorite numbers shake out? Click here to learn more about and purchase Hembo's new book, "Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own."  And visit this link if you would like to check out The K.P. Wee Podcast archives and listen to previous episodes.  If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger. KEY TOPICS: Making It Happen: Hembo recalls how his co-author Mike "Greeny" Greenberg lit the fire (and the two easily netted a publisher) for their joint effort, "Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own."  Hembo's Favorite Thing About the Book: There are 100 chapters but only 56 are occupied by an athlete's jersey because the authors also pegged numbers that represent records (like Wilt Chamberlain's 100), years (like '72 for the Dolphins) as well as rivalries, car numbers and an important distance (a legendary marathon winner). Keeping It Honest: While researching the book, Hembo stayed focused on compiling an objective historical record that was unbiased towards his personal favorites. In Pursuit of Joy: Why Hembo feels it's important to keep sports in perspective as what they are – something meant to be savored and enjoyed! On the Job Learning: Being immersed in the world of sports has actually prompted Hembo to take the whole thing less – not more – seriously. He sees it for what it is! The Greatest Thing Ever: How watching the Phillies' Rhys Hoskins bat a magical homerun took Hembo back to the "guttural glee" of childhood. Never Quite the Same: For all the dopamine rush of his experience working in sports, there is an undeniable change in Hembo's relationship to fandom. Not better or worse. Just different. The Numbers Game: About weighing (and debating) who got to own which numbers (like #21, #4, #11) in which sports and why. Navigating the Publishing Process: The level of granularity and density of information in Hembo's work insulates him against too much tampering on the part of copy editors. Favorite Chapters: For Jason, Chapter 8: Because it was so wrong! Cal Ripken Jr. owns that number! (There's a backstory as to how the authors settled on Kobe Bryant.) For K.P., Chapter 26: Because it was a non-jersey-related choice that felt refreshing, surprising and interesting! For Hembo: Chapter 56: Stands out because it was the most excruciating, choosing between Joe DiMaggio and Lawrence Taylor. "It makes the book so fun!" Check out Hembo's book, which is brand new this spring, at this link. Perfect for the sports nerd in your life! KEY QUOTES: "I really made my bones in this business as a researcher, as a numbers guy, as a stats and information person." (Hembo) "It's not just an athlete owning a number in terms of a jersey number. There's also seasons in there, number of sports championships and titles." (K.P.) "To me sports is very intimate … People's fandom is very different. I'm a believer in the integrity and sanctity of people's fandom." (Jason) "Sports are meant to be a joy and they serve no other purpose … Ultimately sports don't really matter. Sports are trivial and if you can't enjoy (them), then what's the point?" (Hembo) "Sports are a great place to work but just know that – if you do – your fandom is going to change. It doesn't necessarily mean your fandom is going to suffer, but it does mean that your fandom is going to change." (Hembo) "You're in the Sports Dork Society … and I 100% believe in you. I am also a Sports Dork and appreciate the work and thought that goes into (your research)." (Jason) About Our Guest Co-Host: Jason Takefman provides consulting services in the areas of Sports Management, Representation, Sponsorship and Advisement. His expertise includes TV/Media Contract Investment, Negotiation, & Management; Event Marketing; Local, National, and Global Media Buying; Acquisition; Ticket Sales & Ops; and Community Relations. Jason also invests in and advises small start-ups focused on developing tech platforms for customer service and sports. Follow Our Co-Host: LINKEDIN | TWITTER About Our Guest: Paul is a content producer at ESPN for the morning show "Get Up!" as well as a co-host on ESPN's #Greeny radio program. Previously an athletic communications assistant at La Salle University, where he obtained a Master of Arts in education, Paul was also a sports information intern at his alma mater, Cedarville University. Most recently he has co-authored (with Mike Greenberg) "Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own."  Follow Our Guest: LINKEDIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department. You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here. Follow K.P. Wee: K.P. @Twitter Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

For Episode 77, it's a "best of" episode with a replay of a recent conversation between K.P. and guest host Stan Markotich in which the former shares tales of caution in the workplace that exemplify a lack of respect. Also included are thoughts from LA Dodger historian Mark Langill about being respectful to people around you. Finally, a story about NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is shared by Ted Sobel, LA radio's longest tenured sports reporter.  If you're interested in Ted Sobel's book Touching Greatness: Tales from the Front Row with Heroes and Legends, you can find it here: https://coacheschoice.com/touching-greatness/  or here:  https://www.amazon.com/Touching-Greatness-Ted-Sobel/dp/1606795430

If you're a fan of Michael Unger's 1990 Upper Deck baseball card project, then it doesn't get better than this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast—which features a non-stop stream of sports history, trivia, game deconstructions, and remembrances. Enjoy this return visit from a fan favorite known to baseball card collectors through his social media handles udeck1990@Twitter or upperdeck1990@Insta. Michael and K.P. do a deep dive into some of the exciting (if sometimes forgotten or obscure) players that Michael has been posting about daily as he works his way systematically through each of his 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. His social media posts have created a community through which he and K.P. initially connected and became friends.  This time, the names Zane Smith, Kal Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Dave Stieb, Steve Finley, Todd Zeile, and Joey Cora are mentioned. K.P. references two old quotes attributed to Darryl Strawberry (Michael's childhood baseball hero), with the Straw Man trashing Smith (an opponent) and Daniels (a teammate in Los Angeles). Michael brings up the story about how Cora almost never made it to the major leagues and the football-tossing routine of the Texas Rangers in the 1980s and 1990s, and K.P. brings up three infamous moments in Zeile's career (the 1996 ALCS, the 2000 World Series, and a late-season game from 1997).

In this episode, New Zealand-based performance mindset coach Steven Cockram re-joins the podcast for a follow-up with co-host Stan Markotich and regular host K.P. Wee. SUMMARY: Whatever we do in life, mindset matters! And that's why it's the focus of Steve Cockram's highly successful practice. As a performance coach, he helps clients stretch, grow and reach ambitious goals – both as athletes and as humans. Host K.P. Wee and his special co-host, Stan Markotich, invite their guest to share insights gleaned over his years as a high-level rugby player and trusted AthleticMindset advisor to top competitors across the gamut of sports.  Based in New Zealand and part of the fitness industry since the age of 17, Steve incorporates sports psychology to help clients uncover blocks often rooted in past relationships and personal history. Working on a perceptual and empathetic level, he coaxes athletes into deeper motivation by helping them to understand motivations, challenges and barriers like Impostor Syndrome or performance anxiety. You'll learn about the overlap between the mindsets and behaviors of aspiring athletes and burgeoning authors (more than you might imagine) and discover how Steve builds trust (and favorable outcomes) through transparency, communication and a willingness to change course when necessary. Join us to find out what zone you're in – Comfort, Fear or Growth – and why uncovering your core beliefs (especially those that do not serve) can make all the difference when it comes to overcoming setbacks and averting disappointment out on the playing field and everywhere else in life! Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored. If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger KEY TOPICS: Steve introduces himself and explains what distinguishes his work as a mindset coach focused on relationships and personal history as a tool for athletic transformation. Different sports attract different types of personalities, but triggers for things like Impostor Syndrome and performance anxiety are universal.  About the three zones in which Steve works: Comfort Zone. Fear Zone. Growth Zone. Two components of averting failures and overcoming setbacks:  Bring a growth mindset (drive, desire, dedication and discipline) to the examination of mistakes. Manage expectations to enable clarity, flexibility and a reset. A closer look at divergent athletic styles: Coaches are in a unique position to understand the goals, motivations and psychology that individual players bring to their sports. Sometimes expectations align, and sometimes they don't. And that's okay! Steve recalls an example of an athlete with whom his style of performance coaching was not a fit. Part of Steve's success is his transparency right out of the gate with clients in terms of his approach, style and the program's interactive, personal elements.  How common vocabulary deepens client communication and worksheet reflections. The elements that Steve emphasizes in building trust and accountability include: Honesty. Sharing. Empathy. Openness. Vulnerable. The Root of Impostor Syndrome: Steve believes it the result of going through a process multiple times in which you feel you've fallen short or failed to achieve. The result for many is feelings of: Pain. Isolation. Self-doubt. Exclusion from community. Steve's prescription for overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Consistently demonstrate to yourself a base-level ability to perform in an environment where you don't feel comfortable and, over time, deep feelings of competency and self-empowerment will naturally follow.   Writers Are No Different: Like athletes, those who pursue the written word experience setbacks and self-doubt on the way to honing their craft and reaching for the peaks. Loner Athletes: Steve asks probing questions to open up a conversation about how family ties (or lack thereof) impact development and can be processed to advantage. Fundamental Elements of Steve's Program: What is your "why"?  What does your support network look like? What roles and responsibilities define your life? How can we create a program individualized to your identity and goals? About how Steve uses personalization to help athletes separate their identity as an athlete in training/competition from other roles (such as partner or parent) in life. What it looks like to nurture talent, opening up an entire set of possibilities (and growth) for people both personally and professionally, as athletes and as students.  Changing Course: Steve is a big fan of pushing boundaries and resetting when necessary to accommodate limits and achieve overall goals.  Why Steve's commitment to being iterative and flexible inspires understanding and trust in clients – getting them the results they want and deserve! KEY QUOTES: "For me as a mindset coach, it's about being a transformational coach rather than a transactional coach." (Steve)  "You treat (athletes) as individuals in terms of what it is they want to achieve; their No. 1 aim by being on that team. What is it they're wanting to bring?" (Steve) "An integral part of my service is that all my core values shine through all the time. And the minute they don't, there's something wrong." (Steve) "Mastering Impostor Syndrome is a process. There is no quick fix. It's not just a click your fingers and it's done. And that's all to do with fear of failure." (Steve) "You see that mentality or mindset of Impostor Syndrome everywhere. You see people essentially turning themselves into actors instead of academics or writers." (Stan) "Students preparing for Advance Placement exams feel nervous. They're turning in these essays that they know will determine their future in terms of getting into a good university or college. So they get nervous … even if they're top students!" (K.P.) "Every time I nearly put my foot over the threshold, I will consciously bring it back. And where (athletes) weren't necessarily wanting to open up with certain information, they give it to me because they start to understand what process I'm following." (Steve) "I always check myself after three or four sessions on the same topic just to make sure I'm in the right space to get the best information to help (clients)." (Steve)    ABOUT STEVE: Steve's passion for coaching, training, and educating originates from his enjoyment and satisfaction in helping clients & athletes to achieve their specific goals, whilst making positive and sustainable changes to their performance, health & psychology. Working with a number of professional athletes across different sporting fields through specialized rehabilitation, nutritional and pre/post competition programs, Steve has been on a progressive journey that has enabled him to work with some amazing industry professionals. FOLLOW STEVE: Website: @AthleticMindset @Facebook @LinkedIn ABOUT STAN: About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education. About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.  You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here. Follow K.P. Wee: K.P. @Twitter Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

It's one of those things we were all supposed to have learned in kindergarten, right? When it comes to R-E-S-P-E-C-T, we should strive to treat others as we would like to be treated! While the concept seems basic, this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast explores the many ways in which fundamental decency is often lacking in our workplaces and society at large. Guest Host Stan Markotich invites K.P. Wee, author and educator, to share on-the-job experiences that capture the negative impacts of treating others unfairly … or worse!  Sharing recollections of former colleagues who demonstrated bad form, K.P. and Stan weigh in with life lessons and perspectives you won't soon forget! With vivid examples of co-workers and even bosses who disrespect others by making everything all about themselves, this episode highlights red flags to be on the lookout for (both on the job and in life generally). A lack of kindness, integrity and equality can turn workplaces toxic, but there are simple measures that can be implemented to build not only a healthy workplace culture but a strong sense of community. It starts with setting an honorable tone – preferably at the top – that makes treating one another with respect a baseline value and expectation. You'll never hear Aretha Franklin's anthem again without thinking back on these colorful insights! And definitely stay tuned for a future episode that will dive deeper into the topic of motivation – something that, much like respect, has to be cultivated and earned. Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored. If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger KEY TOPICS: A quick update on K.P., play-by-play hockey and otherwise keeping busy with teaching students the do's and don'ts of life!  A Baseline Definition of Respect: Treating everyone equally and fairly! Tales of caution that exemplify a lack of respect:  #1 – K.P. and Jane Doe: Don't Be a User!  About a colleague who solicited help and then went cold once she'd gotten what she wanted in the way of support.   Ignoring is a hallmark of disrespect.  Passive-Aggressive behaviors communicate disrespect with a snub. #2 – Esprit de Corps: When Colleagues or Bosses are All About Themselves! About people who aren't willing to contribute to a group dynamic unless they personally benefit. About people who demonstrate contempt (rather than professionalism) on their way out the door. About people who exploit the skills and good will of others without reciprocity. About people who ask for favors – while also giving a kick in the pants when you're heading out the door. Tips for Employers Who Want to Communicate  Respect: Be up-front and clear about setting expectations. Don't bait-and-switch. Don't lie and manipulate! Don't say one thing and do another! Walk the Walk: Emphasize respect over mere consideration! Send a message and set an example of respect and inclusion from the top.  Create a strong culture built on mutual respect. K.P. recalls how Dodger Team Historian Mark Langill defined respect on this episode of the K.P. Wee Podcast. It doesn't matter who you are dealing with, you treat them with kindness and courteousness – whatever level of the organization they inhabit. Does motivation correlate with respect? If you're not self-motivated, then you're most likely contributing to an un-reciprocal (and toxic ) environment. Stay tuned for a future episode in which K.P. will share observations from the broadcaster's point of view about motivation and how in itself can be a form of respect! KEY QUOTES: "What respect boils down to is trying to be helpful and kind to others – and you would think that they would reciprocate." (K.P.)  "If you're kind to others and they don't reciprocate, that's where the issue begins." (K.P.) "When I leave my door open it's symbolic. It's to say that my door is always open and anyone can come in and talk to me about anything." (K.P.) "No one owes us anything. You just have to treat people with respect. Simple. Most people learned it in kindergarten." (K.P.) "When someone alters behavior for seemingly no reason, my suspicion is that there might have been an agenda at work or … motivations apart from basic workplace etiquette." (Stan) "Most employers know that when employers pull this kind of (disrespectful) stuff … Just be up-front!" (Stan) "With respect you build community and a team and one of the biggest ways to demonstrate a lack of respect is to say one thing and do another." (Stan) "A lack of respect could come from a lack of motivation and I've seen that in cases with students or peers." (K.P.) About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education. Stan @LinkedIn  About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.  You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here. Follow K.P. Wee: K.P. @Twitter Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

If you're a fan of Michael Unger's 1990 Upper Deck baseball card project, then it doesn't get better than this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast—which features a non-stop stream of sports history, trivia, game deconstructions, and remembrances. Enjoy this return visit from a fan favorite known to baseball card collectors through his social media handles udeck1990@Twitter or upperdeck1990@Insta. Michael and K.P. do a deep dive into some of the exciting (if sometimes forgotten or obscure) players that Michael has been posting about daily as he works his way systematically through each of his 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. His social media posts have created a community through which he and K.P. initially connected and became friends.  Players mentioned in this episode include several Hall of Famers (Jack Morris, Fred McGriff, Harold Baines) and long-forgotten players (Rafael Ramirez, Rod Nichols, Gene Harris, Wally Whitehurst). 

K.P. Wee, author and podcast host, is back on the receiving end of questions when guest host (and former News Director at CJIV Radio) Stan Markotich invites his good friend to drill down on that all-important workplace relationship with … the boss! If you've been there, you know it's the worst: Reporting to a leader who doesn't understand how to set a tone that fosters mutual respect, excellence, and job satisfaction in the workplace. Based on personal experiences, this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast shines a spotlight on exactly what to be on the look-out for when you're taking on a new job, from red flags to sticky situations. You'll come away with great tips for how to navigate toxic office leaders – or, better yet, how to avoid them altogether!  One by one, Stan and K.P. look back on lessons learned through the years – mostly about what NOT to do as a boss. Ripped from the headlines of their own career journeys, they share recollections of managers who demonstrated either a lack of professionalism and ethics or, in some instances, just a total absence of mature judgment. Your co-hosts have been there and done that, so you don't have to! Tune in to find out about things to bear in mind as you go through the interview process and how to spot a gold-standard boss: Someone who understands that leadership is about bringing out the best in the whole team as well as each individual by supporting growth, collaboration, and a productive, harmonious experience on the job. "A leader and a boss has to lead by example," says K.P., "whether it's in sports or in the workplace with ordinary people like you and me!" Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of The K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored. If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger KEY TOPICS: K.P. kicks off the episode with a reflection on what it means to lead by example – whether a championship-winning quarterback or a mid-level customer service manager.  Boss School #1: K.P. shares an anecdote about a customer service manager who failed to communicate the value of having a team ethic that transcends departmental politics. Boss School #2: Don't shoot the messenger! When K.P. delivered a message from his GM to his immediate supervisor, it did not go well. Overreaction and passive-aggressive responses are not a credit to any leader. Boss School #3: How long was that lunch break? When a manager takes the whole team out for lunches of nearly two hours, is that modeling respect for workplace rules? Boss School #4: Stan shares a boss's very different, outcomes-based approach to taking time off based on whether projects are getting done, done well, and done on time! Boss School #5: Only Yes-People Need Apply. K.P. recalls a manager who couldn't graciously accept copy edits that undeniably improved content and grammar. Boss School #6: Picking favorites undermines morale, communicates immaturity, and can unnecessarily pits team members against each other. Boss School #7: Don't Lie! K.P. calls out a manager who provided "original" training content that was in fact lifted from the internet – then denied it. Be shady, lose respect! Boss School #8: Would a Pro Behave this Way? Pranking team members, invading social media, buddying up, lack of boundaries … These are not good looks for a leader.   Boss School #9: Stan and K.P. muse on the way skills and a healthy, collaborative environment erode when leaders don't know how to bring the whole team into play. Boss School #10: Stan shares the good, the bad, and … how first impressions can be misleading. A straight-talking supervisor may be more abrupt, but you know where you stand. As opposed to a disingenuous "Mr. Nice Guy" who may lack accountability. Boss School #11: K.P. offers some signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to assessing the qualities of a boss: Is there a level of professionalism? Fun is fun, here and there. But the overall ethic should communicate a level of seriousness about the work. Is the workplace atmosphere supportive? Does the environment make you aspire to learn, grow, and be better? Is the emphasis on skills over being pals? Red Flag #1: An interview process skewed towards personal questions. There's a line beyond which the emphasis has strayed too far from career goals and qualifications. Red Flag #2: A manager who demeans people for being satisfied and happy to be at the company where they're employed.  Red Flag #3: If there's a lot of churn among personnel, is it by design? It might be a business strategy to avoid giving promotions, raises or paying severance. Gold Star #1: Leaders who look for ways to incent talented team members and compensate for company limitations.  Gold Star #2: Leaders who support talented team members' growth and development in ways that will help them build and extend their careers. Parting Thought: Problems with a boss could be your fault. But it also might have nothing whatsoever to do with you! So be alert and look for signs to know the difference. KEY QUOTES: "A leader and a boss has to lead by example, whether it's in sports or in the workplace with ordinary people like you and me!"   "Sometimes being a boss or a leader is debatable. People might look at things in a different way." (K.P.)  "When you're in a position of authority – a manager or a boss – you're setting a tone through example. You may not intend to lead by example, but you are." (Stan) "Terrible bosses expect you to agree with everything that they say." (K.P.) "That person you think of as a great boss may not work out in reality as a great boss and the other person might over time demonstrate genuine leadership skills!" (Stan) "If you're starting out you want to show that you're enthusiastic about contributing to the company, but there's a difference between being enthusiastic and willing to learn and show your skills and demonstrate your abilities and just being a funny guy and too casual." (K.P.) "Trying to help an employee develop his or her skills and improve in order to perhaps have better opportunities down the road, that would be a great boss!" (K.P.) "Be aware … Be on the alert, because sometimes it's not you, it is the boss." (Stan)     About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education. Stan @LinkedIn  About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.  You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here. Follow K.P. Wee: K.P. @Twitter Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

In this episode, New Zealand-based performance mindset coach Steven Cockram joins the podcast to discuss his transition from a former rugby player to where he is today. The founder of Athletic Mindset Ltd., Steve helps athletes, coaches, parents, and organizations to empower themselves through sport and achieve enhanced performance levels consistently.  For more, check out https://stevecockram.coach  and https://www.athleticmindset.nz  

If you're a fan of Michael Unger's 1990 Upper Deck baseball card project, then it doesn't get better than this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast—which features a non-stop stream of sports history, trivia, game deconstructions, and remembrances. Enjoy this return visit from a fan favorite known to baseball card collectors through his social media handles udeck1990@Twitter or upperdeck1990@Insta. Michael and K.P. do a deep dive into some of the exciting (if sometimes forgotten or obscure) players that Michael has been posting about daily as he works his way systematically through each of his 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards. His social media posts have created a community through which he and K.P. initially connected and became friends.  Players mentioned in this episode include several Hall of Famers (Dennis Eckersley, Bert Blyleven, and Edgar Martinez), long-forgotten players (Matt Winters, Charles Hudson, and Frank Williams), and also solid long-time relievers (Mike Henneman and Ricky Horton).  Among the topics being discussed: Michael tells the story of the friendship between Eckersley and pop rock singer-songwriter Richard Marx.  Michael also talks about the minor-league journey of Matt Winters—and wonders why he never truly got a shot in the majors—along with the connection between right-handed pitchers Mike Henneman and Frank Williams, while K.P. focuses on Henneman's failures with the 1996 Texas Rangers. Regarding Henneman's story, Michael references an article written by Ryan Fagan. K.P. mentions Edgar Martinez's lack of 200-hit seasons (with a career-high of 182 in 1995) and the fact the long-time Seattle DH ended up with "only" 2,247 career hits. There's also the fact that Martinez struggled in postseason play after his memorable 1995 ALDS heroics vs. the Yankees.  K.P. also shares a story about how an Associated Press reporter's wrong information about Charles Hudson ended up in his Tom Candiotti biography, A Life of Knuckleballs. Lesson learned: always, always, always fact check.  K.P. even brings up a player on the 1991 Blue Jays who struck out 107 times but hit no homers, the first player since 1906 to go homerless while striking out 100 times in a season. How many walks did Dennis Eckersley allow in postseason play after walking Mike Davis ahead of Kirk Gibson's famous 1988 World Series homer? K.P. shares the answer to that trivia question. 

You're in for a double-header treat – featuring both literary and golf themes – and a fascinating triple-threat conversation on this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast. Ten-time PGA title holder John Mahaffey is sharing with Guest Host Stan Markotich and K.P. Wee everything from the story of his introduction to Ben Hogan, the legendary mentor who shaped his career, to the diligent approach he takes when writing books. The discussion also covers how to make important life transitions, what it took for John to emerge from a dark passage and which key traits are critical to success in writing, golf and life!  John shares updates on his latest projects and the backstory on his thriller, "Shafted" and nonfiction work,  "Hogan's Boy: A Journey in Golf." You'll enjoy hearing why he's "having a blast" and experiencing catharsis by entertaining fans in a whole new arena! As long as he can go and has fresh ideas for his McCall Family series, John will keep on writing! The show wraps up with life lessons applicable across all kinds of circumstances: Take responsibility. You're going to win more than you lose. Just keep at it and don't give up. You'll take away from this lively chat all kinds of wisdom about excellence – athletically, artistically and personally! To learn more about John Mahaffey and his books, visit this this website. Click here if you would like to hear previous episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast or here if you'd like to know more about the many books he has authored. If you're a fan of this podcast's intro music, please follow Roger Chong: Twitter @chongroger and Instagram @chongroger   KEY TOPICS: An intro to golf great John Mahaffey and his storied 10-time PGA-winning career! All About Transitions: John shares thoughts about his journey from a small-town kid in Texas who loved sports of all kinds (including a special love of basketball) to focusing exclusively on upping his golf game, paving the way to a University of Houston scholarship and NCAA championships.  Winning and Losing: John leveraged nightmare tournament failures as stepping stones to stronger performances down the road. His take: You either learn from setbacks and improve – or flounder. The story of John's first encounter with Ben Hogan (whom he knew from the classic book, "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf") and how the legendary player became the mentor who introduced John to the pro tour. How Ben didn't so much teach specific golf skills as provide a big-picture strategic and tactical vision of the overall game – the central ideas and concepts, such as knowing how to play – rather than muscle – a course. About John's approach to writing "Shafted," his thriller based on observations about life on the road with his fellow golfers on the tour. And the Bob Seger songs that helped inspire it, including (all available at this link): Like a Rock Shame on the Moon Turning the Page Still the Same Against the Wind Hollywood Nights About the influence that South African author Wilbur Smith had on John's development as a writer. John shares a dark passage in his life during which he was hobbled by drinking and divorce – until a close friend intervened on May 16, 2000, at 10 a.m. He hasn't had a drink since, which changed his whole life. Starting a New Chapter: John makes the transition into golf commentating and then into his longer-term commitment to writing novels (including the series he has in the works). The role of creativity and flexibility in the art of writing – and in life!  John reflects on the biggest evolutions in golf, owing both to new technologies and the trend towards starting kids in competition early. About the fraternity John experienced playing through three generations of memorable pros who were both colleagues and friends. Changes in the way golf is played today versus in John's era, including the difference between a team culture and "owning your own swing." Bottom Line: The most talented players will emerge no matter the fads or circumstances. Key Advice: Expectations are great. Anticipation is a killer. Don't get ahead of yourself! How to Maintain Confidence: Keep on practicing, keep on playing, keep on competing. In sport and in life: Not everyone is going to like you or be supportive. And that's okay! Having had double hip replacement surgeries, John's golfing days are behind him. But he's living the memories and keeping them vivid through his writing process. John shares his writing routine, whose hallmark is about eight hours a day of hard work and discipline, one chapter after the other. The result? Four+ books in three years!  Recommended Reading: John's favorite authors include: Wilbur Smith, Lee Child and Mark Greaney. K.P. touches on some of the challenges associated with fiction writing – and strategies for breaking through stumbling blocks (like shadowing authors and emulating their daily routines). About Your Book's Final Pages: John believes the climax is a great opportunity to tease readers and pique their interest in the next installment of your series. Research (including lots provided by his wife) is a key element informing John's works and grounding their realism. Why John feels golf history isn't a topic in his writing wheelhouse – but that doesn't mean he doesn't weave lots of first-person experiences with the greats into his fiction! Stan offers thoughts about K.P.'s narrative writing style – a combination of voice, point of view, suspense and character. See for yourself by checking out his books here!   KEY QUOTES: "Things were starting to snowball in the direction where I was going to play professional golf. That's what I really wanted to do – and that's how the early transition happened." (John) "(Tournament losses) are stepping stones to actually make you a better player … Either you learn from it or your career's over!" (John) "(Ben Hogan) didn't teach me how to hit shots. He taught me how to play golf; how to manage myself around a golf course." (John) "I was an only child so I invented a lot of imaginary characters that I played with." (John) "My books are about karma. Now there's good karma and there's bad karma – people get what they deserve!" (John) "In all my transitions … there are two things very much in common: Creativity and Flexibility." (John) "I went into golf because I wanted to paint a picture … I didn't want to be one-dimensional. I wanted to be able to play every shot and not be confronted with something coming down the last hole that I wasn't able to do." (John) "(Championship-level play) is about what you have in your heart and what you have in your mind and how you're able to manage yourself and control your emotions." (John) "Everybody knows that you lose more times than you can win … but for professional athletes when they're in competition they expect they are going to win and give it their all. They think they are the best." (K.P.) "I want my books to be fun for people to read. I want them to not be able to figure out the ending until they get there. I want the characters to pay the price – whether it's good or bad – and have some interesting stuff in-between." (John) "I love the kind of fiction that actually buries a not all-too-deeply buried truth, but it's inaccessible for a lot of people." (Stan) "Whether it's a golf swing or a scenario in one of your novels, everything is related to a life lesson; to the karma, the good and the bad. Taking responsibility." (Stan) "One thing that's going to stay with me is that life lesson: You're going to lose more than you're going to win. But ultimately – and ironically, maybe – that is the real key to winning – the key to being a true winner." (Stan) RELEVANT LINKS: "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf." By John Mahaffey: "Shafted."  "Hogan's Boy: A Journey in Golf." Bob Seger songs that inspire John's novels. Books by South African author Wilbur Smith. Books (Reacher) by Lee Child. Books by Mark Greaney ("The Gray Man")   JOHN MAHAFFEY BIO: Known today as a prolific author, John Mahaffey was born in Kerrville, Texas, and attended the University of Houston, where he was a two-time All-American. John was a member of two NCAA national championship teams and the individual NCAA champion in 1970, a feat he accomplished one week after he tied for low amateur in the US Open at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. He graduated from U of H with a psychology degree in 1970 and turned pro in 1971. Mahaffey is a ten-time winner on the PGA Tour, including the PGA Championship and the Players. In 1978, John won the individual title in the World Cup and partnered with Andy North to win the team competition at Princeville on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The following year he partnered with Hale Irwin to win the World Cup for the US in Athens, Greece, and was a member of the victorious 1979 Ryder Cup team. FOLLOW JOHN MAHAFFEY: Website | Books | LinkedIn About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education. Follow Stan @LinkedIn  About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.  You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here. Follow K.P. Wee: K.P. @Twitter Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.

Jason Takefman joins the podcast this week to discuss his thoughts on what constitutes a sports rivalry, sharing his recollections of the Boston Bruins-Montreal Canadiens battles over the years as well as Roger Clemens in the playoffs against the Oakland A's. He also talks about why he agrees with Major League Baseball's new scheduling format of having every team play each other in the same season for the first time beginning in 2023. Meanwhile, K.P. brings up his Bruins-Canadiens book The End of the Montreal Jinx and shares some thoughts about reviews left by readers for other sports authors' books on Amazon. Specifically, K.P. mentions the use of photographs in books, the lack of cooperation by potential interview subjects, and publishers' strict word-count limits.  Finally, Jason and K.P. rehash the 2003 American League Championship Series, with the latter blaming Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra for Boston's series loss.  For a copy of K.P.'s The End of the Montreal Jinx, click here. For a copy of the book by hockey author Todd Denault referenced in the episode, A Season in Time, click here.

Brett Hawn of Totally Goated Podcast joins this episode to chat Major League Baseball. Topics include the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Padres. Brett also shares his thoughts on the Mets' decision to not pitch Jacob deGrom against the Yankees in the two-game Subway Series (which was swept by the Bronx Bombers), as well as Aaron Judge's home-run exploits and the new MLB scheduling format for 2023 (in which all 30 teams will play one another in a season for the first time in major-league history).  Check out Brett's Totally Goated Podcast: https://anchor.fm/totallygoated/