The JustIn Time Podcast with Justin Kutcher Podcast By Justin Kutcher cover art

The JustIn Time Podcast with Justin Kutcher

The JustIn Time Podcast with Justin Kutcher

By: Justin Kutcher
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I've been lucky enough to spend my career in sports, become friends with people I used to watch on TV, and hear stories that people could only dream about! Now, those stories are coming to you as I interview athletes, coaches, and personalities I've worked with over the years. I hope you enjoy them as I much as I do.Justin Kutcher
Episodes
  • Matt Joyce! 2011 All-Star on Big League Pressure

    Matt Joyce! 2011 All-Star on Big League Pressure
    Mar 25 2026
    We sit down with Matt Joyce, a 14-year MLB veteran, 2011 American League All-Star, and one of the most respected left-handed bats of his era, for a conversation packed with behind-the-scenes baseball stories. From his emotional call-up with the Tigers to playing for his hometown Tampa Bay Rays, Matt takes us inside the pressure, nerves, and unforgettable moments that shaped his career. We get his firsthand memories of the Rays’ unbelievable Game 162 comeback, what it was like sharing a clubhouse with legends like Jim Leyland, Don Mattingly, and Albert Pujols, and why Mike Trout truly felt different from everyone else in the game. Along the way, Matt opens up about mindset, handling pressure, getting starstruck in the big leagues, and the surreal experience of becoming an MLB All-Star. This is the kind of honest baseball conversation fans love - real stories, real perspective, and a deeper look at life inside the clubhouse. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with the baseball fans in your life. Timestamps: (00:00:01) - Justin Kutcher welcomes Matt Joyce and opens with the Max Homa comparison(00:00:47) - Life after baseball in Tampa, gyms, spring training, and staying busy(00:01:18) - Drafted by the Tigers, Erie memories, cold weather, and early struggles(00:02:40) - A mindset shift, mental coaching books, and turning adversity into progress(00:04:48) - The call-up to Detroit and the meaning of May 5(00:05:00) - Racing from Toledo to Comerica Park for his MLB debut vs. the Red Sox(00:07:27) - Walking into a veteran Tigers clubhouse and getting starstruck(00:08:13) - How Matt handled playing with future Hall of Famers(00:09:46) - Jim Leyland watching him in Toledo and the first impressions that followed(00:10:41) - Leyland stories, cigarettes in the dugout, and the bunt-home run moment(00:11:46) - What it was like playing for Jim Leyland as a rookie(00:13:32) - The most intimidating player on that Tigers team, Gary Sheffield(00:14:48) - Sheffield’s bat speed, strength, and why he terrified infielders(00:16:28) - Getting traded to the Rays and the emotions of going home(00:17:07) - Winter ball in Mexico, the trade call, and joining Tampa Bay after a World Series run(00:19:03) - Frustration in Triple-A, service time realities, and winning there anyway(00:19:55) - The pressure of playing for your hometown team(00:21:48) - Friends, family, old teachers, and seeing familiar faces at Rays games(00:23:16) - Matt makes the 2011 All-Star team and calls his dad first(00:24:36) - All-Star Game memories, Josh Hamilton BP, and getting a hit in Arizona(00:25:45) - More nervous: MLB debut or All-Star Game?(00:26:26) - Being starstruck again at All-Star festivities around Jeter, Cano, and Hamilton(00:28:04) - A special Yankees home run in front of his dad(00:30:56) - Mike Trout as a teammate and why everything looked easy for him(00:33:37) - Trout’s humility, autograph routine, and rare superstar makeup(00:34:35) - Trout’s swing, golf, and baseball mechanics(00:35:10) - Picking Albert Pujols’ brain and learning from elite hitters(00:37:39) - Why Matt thrived with the bases loaded and as a pinch hitter(00:39:41) - The Pirates role, game-speed prep, and pinch-hit success(00:41:44) - The first time Matt realized just how special Mike Trout really was(00:43:29) - Don Mattingly, Jacob deGrom, and a key hitting adjustment(00:46:12) - Why Matt did not copy swings and focused on what worked for him(00:47:20) - A broadcaster’s hitting conversation with Mattingly and sitting on off-speed(00:49:11) - The 2011 Rays September push and Johnny Damon’s message(00:50:07) - Entering Game 162 with everything on the line(00:51:35) - Falling behind 7-0, Dan Johnson’s huge homer, and chaos in the clubhouse(00:53:03) - Watching the Red Sox collapse and Longoria’s legendary walk-off(00:54:28) - The pure joy of celebrating like Little Leaguers again(00:54:54) - Matt’s huge Game 161 homer and one of the coolest moments of his career(00:56:12) - Rapid fire begins: funny fan moments and rowdy crowds(00:57:50) - Superstitions, socks, bats, and routines(00:58:11) - Nerves in the All-Star Game vs. the postseason(00:59:15) - Best teammates, clubhouse chemistry, and favorite groups(01:00:43) - Best leaders Matt played with, including Evan Longoria and Bryce Harper(01:01:44) - Teasing the next conversation and wrapping up the episode Key Topics: Matt Joyce’s MLB journey from Tigers prospect to 14-year big league veteranJim Leyland, Gary Sheffield, and life inside a veteran Detroit Tigers clubhouseMike Trout stories, Albert Pujols insights, and elite hitting mentalityThe 2011 All-Star Game experience and handling pressure on baseball’s biggest stagesRays Game 162 comeback, Evan Longoria walk-off, and the 2011 playoff racePinch hitting, bases-loaded success, and the mental side of hitting in MLB About Matt Joyce: Matt Joyce is a former MLB outfielder who played 14 seasons in the majors and earned an ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Brendan Haywood! 14-Year NBA Vet on Vince Carter & MJ

    Brendan Haywood! 14-Year NBA Vet on Vince Carter & MJ
    Mar 18 2026
    In this episode, we sit down with Brendan Haywood - 14-year NBA veteran, NBA champion, McDonald’s All-American, and North Carolina Tar Heel - for an unforgettable basketball conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories. We get Brendan’s first-hand memories of the legendary 1997 McDonald’s All-American Game, what it was really like sharing the floor with Vince Carter at UNC, and the moment he realized Michael Jordan operated on a completely different level. He also takes us inside the Mavericks’ 2011 championship run, including Dallas’ defensive mindset against LeBron James and the Miami Heat. This episode is full of the kind of authentic sports storytelling fans love - from Dean Smith’s retirement and Carolina Final Four runs to Gilbert Arenas pranks, Julius Peppers’ unreal basketball ability, and why Vince Carter’s high school mixtape still stands alone. If you love NBA history, UNC basketball, Michael Jordan stories, and never-heard locker room insight, this one is for you. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with the sports fan in your life. Timestamps: (00:00:01) - Justin Kutcher introduces Brendan Haywood and his basketball resume (00:01:06) - The 1997 McDonald’s All-American Game and the best player Brendan saw there (00:03:02) - All-American practice stories, Chris Burgess, and the moment Brendan changed his body (00:06:09) - Ron Artest’s intensity and the unforgettable All-American timeout story (00:08:59) - Brendan’s recruitment, Miami dreams, and why North Carolina won out (00:11:44) - Being recruited by Dean Smith and reacting to his sudden retirement (00:14:47) - Joining a loaded UNC team with Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison (00:18:16) - Vince Carter in practice and the wildest athleticism Brendan ever saw (00:23:00) - Ronald Curry, Julius Peppers, and elite athletes at North Carolina (00:26:00) - Brendan’s leadership role and UNC’s Final Four run in 2000 (00:30:12) - Ed Cota’s brilliance as a point guard and making teammates better (00:32:16) - Stanford memories, Mark Madsen, and being drafted into the NBA (00:33:46) - First Michael Jordan pickup memories and learning there are levels to greatness (00:38:18) - Playing with MJ on the Wizards and what Jordan expected from Carolina guys (00:40:07) - Watching Jordan’s daily work ethic and how greatness is really built (00:43:39) - MJ’s trash talk, Byron Russell, and Jordan’s ruthless competitiveness (00:45:21) - Kwame Brown, pressure, and why his development went the wrong way (00:47:23) - Trade to Dallas and the discipline difference between the Wizards and Mavericks (00:51:39) - The 2011 NBA Finals, Rick Carlisle’s strategy, and defending LeBron James (00:56:37) - Why Game 2 changed everything for Dallas against the Miami Heat (00:59:21) - Rapid fire: favorite player, craziest teammate, best athlete, and favorite NBA city (01:02:08) - Brendan’s favorite Vince Carter dunk story and closing thoughts Key Topics: Brendan Haywood’s McDonald’s All-American memories, Elton Brand, and Ron Artest North Carolina basketball stories featuring Dean Smith, Vince Carter, Antawn Jamison, and Ed Cota Michael Jordan on the Wizards, UNC pickup runs, Jordan trash talk, and NBA work ethic The Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 NBA Finals strategy against LeBron James and the Miami Heat Elite multi-sport athletes at UNC including Julius Peppers and Ronald Curry Behind-the-scenes NBA locker room stories, Gilbert Arenas pranks, and championship culture About Brendan Haywood: Brendan Haywood is a 14-year NBA veteran, NBA champion, McDonald’s All-American, and former University of North Carolina standout. Over the course of his career, he played for the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Bobcats, and Cleveland Cavaliers, earning a reputation as a tough, intelligent big man and later becoming a respected basketball analyst and storyteller. ️ About the JustIn Time Podcast: The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations. #BrendanHaywood #MichaelJordan #VinceCarter #UNCBasketball #NBAFinals #DallasMavericks #TheJustInTimePodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Mason Rudolph! Steelers QB Talks Ben, Gundy & Bedlam

    Mason Rudolph! Steelers QB Talks Ben, Gundy & Bedlam
    Mar 11 2026
    Mason Rudolph joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the stat sheet. From his journey out of Rock Hill, South Carolina to becoming a third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, we get into the real story behind his rise through Oklahoma State and what it took to make the jump from college football to the NFL. We talk about the culture shock of arriving in Stillwater, the challenge of leading older teammates as a young quarterback, and the confidence it takes to fake it till you make it at the highest level. This episode also gives us some incredible behind-the-scenes NFL insight. Mason shares what he learned from Ben Roethlisberger, what made Aaron Rodgers so obsessive and detailed in preparation, and how veteran offensive linemen helped shape him as a leader. We also revisit unforgettable moments from his career, including Bedlam, his first real NFL action, and the chaos surrounding that infamous Browns-Steelers moment. If you love quarterback play, football culture, and authentic sports stories, this one is for you. Be sure to subscribe, follow, and share the episode. Timestamps: (00:00:01) - Justin welcomes Mason Rudolph and introduces his NFL and Oklahoma State background(00:00:25) - How Mason ended up at Oklahoma State after being overlooked by nearby programs(00:02:26) - Culture shock in Stillwater and the brutal offseason program under Rob Glass(00:04:34) - Stadium runs, throwing up, and Justin brings up the Central Michigan ending(00:06:43) - Mason explains the final play confusion against Central Michigan(00:08:36) - When Mason realized he had a real shot to play in the NFL(00:10:09) - Building confidence as a young quarterback and leading older teammates in college(00:12:03) - Playing with Tyreek Hill and James Washington at Oklahoma State(00:13:11) - Mike Gundy’s influence, coaching style, and relationships with his sons(00:18:51) - The 2018 NFL Draft and the quarterbacks selected ahead of Mason(00:21:18) - Getting drafted by Pittsburgh and learning behind Ben Roethlisberger(00:23:11) - Ben’s injury in 2019 and Mason’s first real NFL pressure moment(00:25:41) - Seeing Jadeveon Clowney across from him and handling the moment mentally(00:29:17) - Earning command of the huddle and respect from veteran Steelers linemen(00:33:37) - What it was like learning from Ben as a backup quarterback(00:35:10) - The biggest differences between Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers(00:36:39) - Aaron Rodgers’ film study, receiver meetings, and football obsession(00:40:19) - Specific tape study habits and preparation lessons Mason learned from Rodgers(00:42:17) - Celery juice, lemon water, and Rodgers’ unusual routine(00:44:04) - Story time with Aaron Rodgers and the Machu Picchu ayahuasca story(00:48:09) - Rodgers’ ball fakes, mechanics, and release details that stood out(00:52:32) - Mason reflects on the Miles Garrett incident and seeing it back on film(00:56:05) - Concussions, recovery, and trusting the experts at UPMC(00:58:31) - Rapid fire begins with Bedlam and the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State rivalry(01:00:42) - Learning to two-step in Stillwater and taking in the local culture(01:02:09) - Best athlete among the May brothers and Mason’s favorite targets(01:05:29) - What Mason might have done if he did not play football(01:06:27) - The movie Mason can never turn off and final thoughts Key Topics: Mason Rudolph’s road from Rock Hill to Oklahoma State football and the NFL DraftSteelers quarterback development, including lessons from Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron RodgersBehind-the-scenes NFL preparation, film study, leadership, and quarterback mindsetOklahoma State football, Bedlam rivalry, Mike Gundy, and college football cultureMason Rudolph on pressure moments, concussions, and surviving adversity in the NFLPittsburgh Steelers locker room leadership, veteran linemen, and earning trust as a QB About Mason Rudolph: Mason Rudolph is a veteran NFL quarterback and former third-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before his pro career, he starred at Oklahoma State, where he became one of the top quarterbacks in program history and helped lead the Cowboys through some of the biggest Bedlam and Big 12 battles of that era. Known for his arm talent, toughness, and steady presence, Rudolph has built a long NFL career through resilience, preparation, and adaptability. ️ About the JustIn Time Podcast: The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations. #MasonRudolph #PittsburghSteelers #OklahomaStateFootball #NFLPodcast #AaronRodgers #BenRoethlisberger #TheJustInTimePodcast Hosted by ...
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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