Tracks To Success

An amazing collegiate basketball star who’s jumped through hoops to reach a dream destination is the guest on this edition of Tracks To Success. Host Kraig Kann goes one-on-one with Niele Ivey, the boss of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, and learns about a journey that took her to the final four, the WNBA and back to her alma mater. But along the way was a stop coaching the top stars in the NBA that might have been her biggest break and her true impact moment. Hear how a short stint with the Memphis Grizzlies and a pandemic put her in line to succeed a legend at the only school she’d dreamed of coaching career. A trailblazer, a leader and a role model, Ivey tells Kann about the importance of personal legacy over professional victories, the magnitude of her role in collegiate coaching, the pressures of the position and the job of mentoring future female leaders in this inspiring episode of Tracks to Success.

He understands law and also order. And he’s been a leader of both organizations and a league itself. Noah Croom is Kraig Kann’s guest in a Tracks To Success episode that centers on what it took to land in the NBA’s league office and what it takes to lead not one but two teams as well. Croom has held legal counsel and also general manager roles in his years of NBA service. He’s also been a player agent at one of the most recognized firms in the game. His relationships with top NBA talent includes assisting players in areas of mental success - a niche he carved for himself that set him apart from others. Noah understands the importance of brand and shares advice on building it, molding it and holding onto it. Stops in Nee York, Vancouver and Minneapolis are just part of his professional basketball journey and his newest venture centers around a global build of soccer.So how DO you manage superstars? What’s it like to have the keys to a city’s sports franchise? Croom goes deep with Kann in a unique chat you don’t want to miss and shares advice for those with dreams of a role in professional sports.

Polished, popular and, without question, polarizing. And among golf’s top analysts, his personal drive to be the best is unrivaled. On this edition of Tracks To Success, you’ll meet Brandel Chamblee - a PGA TOUR winner, commentator and author who’s truly found his voice in the game after years playing it at the highest level.Chamblee opens up with Kraig Kann, who he sat beside for nearly a decade covering golf’s biggest global events. Uncovered are topics like childhood, a college career that created lasting memories, the importance of a Tour win and the challenge of television after a family tragedy and a torn marriage.Brandel addresses his fans, has words for his critics and shares the secret to his successful climb in a profession that is often unkind to even the best. Kann pulls answers to the reason he doesn’t fraternize with players, the motivation for his books and lands the surprising answer to what might come next.If you watch golf and know golf, you know of Brandel Chamblee. But not like this! So don’t miss a special golf focused edition of Tracks To Succes!

It might just be the most dramatic episode of Tracks To Success we’ve ever seen!Chris Harrison, host of the hit ABC reality series “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” joins Kraig Kann for a fun chat about a career journey that’s taken him on a ride he never envisioned. From childhood in Dallas, to college in Oklahoma, to local television and onto becoming the face of a franchise that has given him fame and fortune beyond his dreams. Chris and Kraig talk about the show itself, some of the most impressive bachelors and bachelorettes, while also reliving some career highlights and the break that landed him in the enviable position to travel the world and spend his time amidst people looking for love and roses.* Which bachelor and bachelorette have impressed him the most? What's the perfect date for him? Did you know he was on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire or Sabrina The Teenage Witch? It's a tell all with Chris Harrison and it's a podcast episode you don’t want to miss!

It's a brand new edition of Tracks To Success with a man who's found a second career and become an industry expert on the topic of BRAND.Personal and professional brand expert Gregg Burkhalter joins host Kraig Kann to discuss the career path that's led him to be a sought after speaker and coach in the area of digital brand marketing and become affectionately - and respectfully - known as "The LinkedIn Guy."Burkhalter grew up in Georgia with the dream of a long-time career in radio broadcasting, only to find his way into a lucrative position in marketing sales. When his company hit the skids, he was off to the races in a new career as a brand expert. But NONE of it was a plan he'd put into motion, it just happened.Hear how he used his own career turn of events to turn his professional life completely around and how his network of followers has grown beyond anything he'd imagined. Plus, answers to questions like: What does LInkedIn actually think about his knowledge of the platform and how to put it into motion for professional gain? What do people least understand about building their own brand? And what's the first thing you should do the minute you stop listening to this edition of Tracks To Success? You'll find out!

He's a Grammy nominated, multi-platinum hit entertainer who sold merchandise for other stars on the way to becoming a big hit himself.Country music star Cole Swindell's most recent tour is called “down to earth” which describes him as well. He goes in depth with host Kraig Kann on topics like selling t-shirts for Luke Bryan, making tee-times with other country songwriters who love golf like he does, and the reality of life on the road - before and during COVID which has impacted his industry like nothing he's ever seen.Swindell talks about life growing up in rural Georgia, fraternity days in college and how songwriting for other big artists became his ticket to making a name for himself.Nine number one singles… eleven number one singles as a songwriter … eight platinum singles …. numerous awards and a growing spotlight.You'll hear how he preps before hitting the stage, what goes into the order of his playlist at a concert, who's made the biggest impact in his life and career ... and how much he loves sports. Plus, who would HE pay to see perform and what is the one venue he’d most like to add to his tour?This episode is hardly a "flatliner" ... "you should be here" and grab a listen to Kraig and Cole - you'll be a fan looking for his next big show!

As a little boy he took a picture that would frame his own success story. That photo helped turn this guest into a sought after star who shapes the images of celebrities and major corporations.In a Tracks To Success unlike any other, you’ll meet Mil Cannon, a director, producer, photographer and cinematographer to the stars. He shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to the trusted image maker for the likes of Usher, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Pink, Toni Braxton and the late Whitney Houston.His video brand work with the Olympics and major companies like IBM, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Directv and others has earned him star status in an ultra competitive industry and made him a go-to that keeps HIM busier than he ever dreamed.His thoughts on working with Usher? Mariah? Carrie? You'll get it right here. And you'll learn what makes big brands bigger in the world of video and storytelling.Host Kraig Kann pulls incredible stories from Mil... his work with the stars, thoughts on what it takes to carve your own niche and a career path that ramped up quickly one extraordinary piece of creative art at a time.

She’s won games, built leagues, written books and formed her own company. Now, one of most influential people in sports has a new platform to help aspiring women of all ages.Donna Orender was born to lead and also inspire. You’ll hear it in her voice and learn it in the stories and experiences she shares about her career journey with host Kraig Kann. What does it mean to be a 5-star athlete who played 7 sports in one year?! What was it like to play professional basketball and then parlay that into becoming president of the WNBA? And how did diving head first into professional golf help launch it all? Orender shares a career that includes television and media production … which vaulted her into a 17-year executive role with the PGA TOUR where she tells how she built the business, negotiated huge deals and expanded global reach. Kraig also pulls stories about how she’s launched a big non-profit geared toward bringing women together. She’s been voted among the top 10 most powerful women in sports, Newsweek’s 100 most influential in sports business and she’s given a Ted Talk she talks about that gave her a huge platform to share her message.Don’t miss this power woman who’s had a journey worth following but will convince you that it’s really just getting started. It's right now on an all-new Tracks To Success.

On this edition, we’ve found space for one of our country’s most decorated space heroes. Jim Wetherbee is a former naval officer, aviator, test pilot, aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut. Perhaps most impressive is his distinction as a veteran of six space shuttle missions and the only American to have commanded five space flight missions.Wetherbee shares his own history with host Kraig Kann and they discuss a childhood that led him to Notre Dame, the U.S. Navy and then onto NASA. What’s it like to climb in a craft bound for outer space? What’s the rush? What are the fears? He discusses it all - and the dream of an opportunity to experience all of it.Jim shares detailed stories of his many missions including Columbia, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavor. But this soft-spoken Oregon resident, who was born in New York, is now a happily retired - yet sought after - consultant who celebrates two daughters and his wife, enjoys tennis and… his drums! The American Federation of Musicians is also on his amazing life resume.So, what on earth do you even ask a man who’s docked with the Russian Mir and also the international Space Station multiple times? What stands out the most? Which outer space movie is his favorite? You’ll find out as Kraig goes all in on this edition of Tracks To Success.

He’s one of hockey’s all-time greats and he’s got goals well beyond what he accomplished in a Hall of Fame NHL career.The former league MVP, Chris Pronger goes one on one with host Kraig Kann in this wide open conversation about what it took to reach hockey stardom and what motivates him now. What got him on the ice as a youngster? Why some NHL cities felt more like home than others, what the business of professional hockey can do to a family and why this superstar defenseman is so inspired to be on the offensive with his new travel business.A Stanley Cup winner, 2-time Olympic gold medalist and now a businessman who tells you what he has left to prove to himself and how years on the ice and leading teammates has proven so valuable to his new business venture. Filled with stories and the real behind the scenes life of a sports superstar. It’s a can’t miss episode of Tracks To Success. Enjoy!

In a sports world that has truly become big business, this edition of Tracks To Success introduces you to the man who reports it like no other.Darren Rovell created his own career path and blazed a trail for others in the process. He landed a job at ESPN within a month of graduating college, convincing leaders that they needed news coverage they didn’t have and that he was the right man to do it. Now, he’s recognized as THE authority for sports business coverage. Rovell has been a lightening rod for attention - running forty yard dashes in front of NFL players, singing national anthems at MLB games and going one-on-one in hoops with Big Cat from Barstool Sports. He once had dreams of a career on Broadway, instead he’s been a familiar face on network television, breaking news and making news while amassing a following of more than 2 million on social media - some who love him and some who clearly don’t. Rovell tells all in this can’t miss chat with Kraig Kann.

His drive toward big time notoriety in the music business includes professional golf. Host Kraig Kann chats up Colt Ford in this edition of Tracks To Success.His real name is Jason Brown - an athlete who had a love for music as well back in rural Georgia. Long before becoming Colt Ford, his parents taught him the importance of pride and passion that goes along with chasing a dream. Ford shares stories about his athletic accomplishments, the path he almost took to professional golf, and how he managed to find the stage and his first big night signing autographs.What’s it like to travel and be away from those you love? How tough is it to earn your stripes in the music business? Who are his best celebrity friends?It’s all here with some music too. You’ll meet a humble, people first music artist who wouldn’t trade a thing for the chance to entertain. Enjoy Colt Ford and his conversation with Kraig Kann.

A once broken man now an inspiration and an innovator joins host Kraig Kann on Tracks To Success. Meet Glenn Lundy, a man who won’t hide from a disappointing past that saw him living a life in bars and also behind bars, leading him down a path of self-distraction and ultimately a failed suicide attempt that actually turned him in a new direction.Today, Lundy has found a voice and a growing audience as an automotive industry leader and expert in sales. He travels, he speaks and he has developed a daily internet morning show called #RISEANDGRINDYou’ll be wowed by his candid storytelling and learn how he’s helped auto dealers around the country reach sales numbers they couldn’t imagine. Plus... his secret to finding a passion and a purpose in life and how to get a hold of yourself when you need it most. Enjoy one of the most compelling life stories yet on Tracks To Success.

How does a woman who once struggled with her own finances become a must watch, must listen to expert in the field of money? Time to find out!Nicole Lapin is a high energy network anchor, best-selling author and business entrepreneur who’s credited with inspiring women (and men) to take control of their money and make the most of it. Now, she’s a guest with Kraig Kann on Tracks To Success.Her story is inspiring as she shares a story of rags to riches and a career she worked hard to make happen. Find out why she left a television host job mid-contract to bet on herself and what moved her to write not one but three books aimed at empowering women to own their financial future.Featured in 30 under 30, 40 under 40 and a sought after speaker, Lapin and Kann will have you listening for career advice and heading to your monthly budget for a quick evaluation!

He’s certainly no “Ordinary Joe” and he’s become far more than just the son of a famous broadcasting father.Joe Buck, the voice of FOX Sports, sits down with host Kraig Kann to talk about the path he’s carved for himself, the love he has for his late father, and the passion he has for what he does. Buck addresses criticism he faces today and the scrutiny he faced along the way in following his father into the broadcast booth. What’s it like to call the big game? How did he audition to land at FOX? What was it like to host a bass fishing event? How did hair plugs almost coat him his career? Engaging, funny, serious, passionate, real, raw. It’s all here in a fun, wide-open chat that will give you a real sense for the man who says most really don’t know or understand. Enjoy Joe’s conversation with Kraig right here on Tracks To Success as Season TWO is underway.

More than a coach, he’s a CEO of a powerhouse brand who puts mentorship ahead of making it to bowl games.Dan Mullen’s ride through the ranks as a young assistant to a first time head coach to the head man of the Florida Gators gives you stories about small towns, small career steps and lessons about what’s really important in life. His candid chat with host Kraig Kann includes a telling tale about the importance of your second grade teacher and the value he puts on other people who have molded him into a relevant and respected leader in college football. What does leadership mean? What defines success to Dan? What is the importance of “relentless effort?”This interview will leave you a better parent and a more driven person... and you just might root for the Gators too - provided they aren’t playing your team on a fall Saturday.Kraig Kann with Gators head coach Dan Mullen right here on Tracks To Success!

Announcing a sportscaster who’s ready to call the game of his own life.Host Kraig Kann spends time with the play-by-play man of the Chicago White Sox who capitalized on a childhood dream with passion and drive to achieve his goal and actually become the voice of his favorite hometown team. But for Jason Benetti, the path to a coveted MLB opportunity came with the challenge of accepting and overcoming cerebral palsy. He focused his game plan on becoming not only the best he could be, but also better than his competition. As Jason shares, he refused to accept any idea that his disability could hold him back. Through hard work at his craft and making a strong impression wherever he held a microphone has vaulted Benetti into an elite group. He shares his insecurities and the things that have given him the confidence to call big league games and also work for ESPN.Find out how a grade school assignment shaped his life in this can’t miss edition of Tracks To Success.

He’s a sportswriter with strong opinion and one one of America’s best sports storytellers.Meet John Feinstein, who chats with host Kraig Kann in this edition of Tracks To Success and shares his journey to the Washington Post and his secret to finding his way to bookshelves with more than forty titles to his credit. The relationships he treasures, the sports he loves to cover, the reason he’s still finding new chapters to add to his amazing career are all a part of this candid conversation. Feinstein opens up about his childhood, his love for journalism and his passion for certain sports with some great stories to share and some biting commentary mixed in.Don’t miss this interview with an award-winning sportswriter,best-selling author and respected commentator who’s ready to tell all and deliver some words of advice for those who might follow his path.

He’s a born leader whose work in progress is a complete commitment to helping others.His name is Duane Cummings and this former military serviceman, turned pro athlete, turned pro coach, turned salesman, turned inspirational leader has made it his professional mission to serve and make others the best of themselves.Cummings boldly pivoted a professional soccer career into a life as an entrepreneur that quickly led to becoming a CEO, not once but twice!Host Kraig Kann chats with the man who admits he struggles to sit still and yet had a calm leadership style that will have you listening for tips you can put into motion. Cummings has authored books and empowered many from the stage as a sought after speaker who also leads a company he founded called.... The Sensational Group.You’ll walk away from this episode with a whole new outlook on your life and your professional career. Learn success and leadership “the Duane Cummings way” right here on Tracks To Success!

He’s a comedian who chuckles at his unexpected journey to notoriety.Pat McGann sold packaging. As he describes it, “not very well.” So he tried something else and his natural gift has turned into a second career that started at age 31 and shows no signs of a slowdown.Host Kraig Kann puts McGann’s story center stage - including his Chicago roots, his childhood ambition and the feeling of nerves and energy they comes with being on a stage working for the laughs and loud applause.McGann’s career has already taken him from Zanies - the popular Chicago club - to sold out theaters, and big-time arenas. And then, there’s David Letterman and Stephen Colbert. In this podcast, you’ll hear the husband and father of three young kids give a dose of how he builds out a show and how he’s handling his newfound success. Give this a listen. You’ll be searching for Pat’s next appearance in a city or town near you!

Host Kraig Kann chats with one of the most requested leadership executives on the speaking circuit. And Molly Fletcher has plenty of things to share.Known as “the female Jerry Maguire,” Fletcher was a trailblazer as a sports agent, negotiating more than $500 million in contracts and representing names like John Stoltz, Tom Izzo, Doc Rivers, Erin Andrews and Matt Kuchar. Then, she made a big switch that didn’t come with a big game plan.Now, as the CEO of her own company, Fletcher is a entrepreneurial content queen delivering for audiences as an author, podcast host and workshop facilitator. In this episode, she tells Kann why some fear new challenges in their career, why embracing fears and anxiety is a must, why public speaking is terrifying to many and why so many struggle to negotiate or ask their boss for a simple raise.Join Kraig and Molly for her career and life story in this entertaining edition of Tracks to Success.

If you know music, you may know him. If you’re a movie buff, you might know one of his songs. If you’re from New England, chances are you know everything about him and his music!Kraig Kann chats with Ken Casey, founder and lead singer of the Dropkick Murphys - Boston born and Boston’s own. Casey shares the amazing story of how this Celtic punk rock band came to be, and the stories attached to his surprising rise to stardom. His love for the Boston Bruins, relationships with star athletes and his personal work with charity and boxing are just part of this chat where Casey admits he’s sharing things he never has about his personal life and his road to the stage.Don’t miss it!

He made a huge leadership mark with two well known global brands and then ventured into a space he wasn’t expecting. Host Kraig Kann goes one-on-one with Mark King, the CEO of Taco Bell since 2019 as Tracks To Success brings you a fast paced chat with a man who’s known for innovative marketing that includes a unique partnership with Kanye West that changed the industry rule book.From TaylorMade to Adidas and now to Taco Bell, King has stories to share about his climb and the people who’ve made a difference. His insight that will help any business executive or entrepreneur. He’s well known, well respected and well versed. And, as you’ll hear, he owes a lot to his daughter for the push to take on a major role in the food industry where he has big plans to elevate yet another brand.

If you like football and you are hooked on both the NFL and the college game, you’ll enjoy an inside story on one of the game’s top broadcast personalities.Host Kraig Kann goes in depth with new CBS Sports NFL analyst Charles Davis. Davis, who also breaks down the game for NFL Network and is the co-host of EA Sports popular Madden NFL Football, shares details of his most recent career change from FOX to CBS and his unique journey to the NFL booth. Don’t miss this one! One of sports broadcasting’s most likable and well respected figures, Davis gives listeners the X’s and O’s of his professional and life story. A highly entertaining edition of Tracks To Success!

Her passion for college athletics has led her up a career ladder that most men would dream of! Gina Lehe tells Kraig Kann all about her climb in this lively chat with the NCAA’s Managing Director of Brand & Strategy.Lehe kicked off her career with a communications role at a small college bowl game, which quickly led to bigger roles with the Fiesta Bowl, the Rose Bowl and then a dream opportunity as the first female hired in an executive leadership role for the College Football Playoff. Now a lead voice at the NCAA, Gina shares insight on the pressure to promote and polish the brand of a major athletic organization, how to lead while also mentoring, and what it’s like to balance the role of mother and sports executive. By the way, you don’t want to miss her comments on the idea of being a “pioneer” for other females in sports.Join Kraig and Gina Lehe on an all new edition of Tracks To Success.

So what exactly is the life of an NFL kicker? Kraig Kann finds out in this one on one chat with Robbie Gould of the reigning NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers.With Super Bowls and Pro Bowls on his resume, Gould has seen the league’s biggest stages and faced its greatest pressure moments. What’s it like to stare at the uprights with a city and franchise holding their collective breath? Gould shares his insight on the emotion tied to his job, the big business of big NFL contracts and the stress of tough negotiations. Plus, Robbie kicks around thoughts on his childhood, philanthropy, his passion for golf and life as an entrepreneur running a new business. Join Kraig and #9 Robbie Gould for a fun chat about professional football and the path to it and what lies beyond on an all-new Tracks To Success.

How much do you value your reputation? What price would you put on it? What would happen if it was damaged in the blink of an eye with one career or personal mistake?Host Kraig Kann chats with Mike Mooney - a former marketing and brand strategist in the world of motorsports who’s worked with drivers, teams and big league sponsors to position their brands for success. He’s now geared his career toward coaching, consulting and speaking on the topic of reputations and marketing yourself to gain a competitive advantage. His book, “Reputation Shift” focuses on brand and reputation management and also crisis management. Given the recent suspension of NASCAR driver Kyle Larson for using a racial slur during an iRacing event, landing Mooney as a guest provides interesting perspective on an athlete’s brand and how quickly it can change. You’ll hear what Mike believes is the best strategy for Larson and NASCAR moving forward. Join Kraig and Mike Mooney - It’s another inspiring career success story, with valued perspective that can help you on your own professional journey.

One of America’s top morning weather personalities, Stephanie Abrams, joins host Kraig Kann to talk about her rise to notoriety and the rainy days that accompanied her success. Energetic, entertaining and engaging, Abrams is a non-stop storyteller with a big following!The Weather Channel star shares tales about a visit to Space Camp, the impact of her father, having college degrees from both Florida AND Florida State, and responsibility to the viewer during severe and potentially tragic weather situations and the way she deals with the positive and negative reactions on social media. So much more ... it’s a can’t miss lively chat with one of television’s top personalities on this edition of Tracks To Success!

Host Kraig Kann goes one-on-one with Game Face Inc. CEO Rob Cornilles - one of the top sales coaching leaders in the world of sports. You'll hear how overcoming the odds of once selling a professional sports league product nobody was buying actually became his winning trademark, the key to his success, and the story behind becoming a man professional and collegiate sports organizations now turn to as a source of motivation and innovation. So what are the secret tips Rob's shared with with more than 300 sports teams in more than twenty-five hundred sales training workshops? Get your notepad ready as it's time to find out exactly how he's inspiring young professionals and seasoned executives in this edition of Tracks to Success!

Host Kraig Kann sits down with NBC Sports host Mike Tirico for a candid talk about his path to the network, his humble beginning, how he got his break and how he tries to make a difference with the platform he's been given. His advice on finding your way to a dream is a can't miss listen.