The JustIn Time Podcast with 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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Summary

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
  • Fred Whitfield! Michael Jordan’s Best Untold Stories
    May 13 2026
    Fred Whitfield has lived one of the most fascinating careers in sports. As the former President of the Charlotte Hornets and a longtime executive with Nike, Jordan Brand, and the Washington Wizards, Fred has had a front-row seat to basketball history for more than four decades. But this episode goes even deeper than titles and accomplishments. We sit down with one of Michael Jordan’s closest lifelong friends to hear stories that fans have never heard before. From meeting Jordan before he became “Michael Jordan,” to witnessing the legendary Space Jam pickup games, Fred takes us inside the locker rooms, boardrooms, and friendships that shaped NBA history. We also dive into MJ’s baseball journey with the Birmingham Barons, the story of Michael cutting up Fred’s Puma gear with a butcher knife, and what really happened behind the scenes during Jordan’s return with the Washington Wizards after 9/11. Along the way, Fred shares powerful lessons about loyalty, education, sports business, and relationships that extend far beyond basketball. If you love NBA history, behind-the-scenes sports stories, and authentic conversations with people who truly lived it, this episode is for you. Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Introducing Fred Whitfield and his lifelong friendship with Michael Jordan(00:02:00) - Meeting Michael Jordan at Campbell basketball camp(00:05:00) - Legendary pickup games with future NBA stars(00:07:10) - Watching Michael Jordan hit “The Shot” in the NCAA title game(00:10:00) - Jordan’s loyalty, friendships, and championship rings(00:13:30) - Fred’s path into sports law and David Falk’s agency(00:18:00) - Signing NBA and NFL athletes during the sports agent era(00:22:00) - Rodney Rogers stories and maintaining lifelong relationships(00:24:00) - Joining Nike and working inside NBA marketing(00:27:00) - The creation of Little Penny and Nike commercials(00:31:00) - Penny Hardaway, professionalism, and MJ’s influence on the NBA(00:35:00) - Michael Jordan’s upbringing and commitment to education(00:37:00) - Space Jam sets and the famous pickup games at Warner Bros(00:39:40) - MJ vs Reggie Miller in the legendary Bubble games(00:42:00) - Achievements Unlimited and the greatest pickup game in the world(00:47:00) - Why Fred gave campers signed dictionaries instead of trophies(00:50:00) - NBA Math Hoops and teaching kids through basketball(00:50:55) - Michael Jordan’s baseball journey with the Birmingham Barons(00:54:00) - MJ preparing for baseball and his incredible work ethic(00:56:40) - The moment Fred learned Michael was returning to the NBA(00:59:20) - Ahmad Rashad and earning Michael Jordan’s trust(01:00:00) - The hilarious story of MJ destroying Fred’s Puma clothes(01:04:20) - Michael Jordan’s Wizards comeback and donating his salary after 9/11(01:10:30) - Favorite Jordans, favorite players, and greatest basketball memories(01:17:00) - The only person who made Michael Jordan starstruck(01:17:40) - Final reflections on friendship, loyalty, and legacy Key Topics: Michael Jordan behind-the-scenes stories and NBA historySpace Jam pickup games with NBA legends and trash talk cultureNike Basketball, Jordan Brand, and sports marketing secretsMichael Jordan’s baseball career with the Birmingham BaronsSports business, athlete representation, and endorsement negotiationsFred Whitfield’s Achievements Unlimited youth basketball camp About Fred Whitfield: Fred Whitfield is a longtime sports executive, attorney, and former President of the Charlotte Hornets. Over the course of his career, he has worked with Nike, Jordan Brand, the Washington Wizards, and legendary sports agent David Falk while helping shape some of the biggest moments in modern basketball culture. He is also the founder of Achievements Unlimited, a youth basketball and education initiative that has impacted thousands of underserved kids for nearly 40 years. ️ 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. #FredWhitfield#MichaelJordan#NBAHistory#SpaceJam#NikeBasketball#JustinKutcher#JustInTimePodcast 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 20 mins
  • Mark Grudzielanek! 15-Year MLB Vet on Guerrero & Sheffield
    May 6 2026

    We sit down with Mark Grudzielanek, a 15-year MLB veteran and All-Star, to unpack one of the most fascinating edges in baseball - the difference you can hear. From his early days with the Montreal Expos to playing alongside legends, Grudzielanek shares firsthand stories about facing and watching some of the greatest hitters of all time, including Vladimir Guerrero, Larry Walker, and Gary Sheffield.

    This isn’t about stats or box scores. It’s about the moment a bat meets the ball and everyone on the field instantly knows the outcome. We explore what made these MLB legends different, how their presence impacted the game, and why certain players stood out even among All-Stars. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at baseball history that only someone who lived it can truly explain.

    Why it Matters

    When fans debate the greatest hitters of all time, the conversation usually revolves around numbers - home runs, batting averages, OPS. But as Grudzielanek explains, there’s another layer: a sensory cue that separates elite talent from everyone else. The sound of contact becomes a signal, a split-second moment where experience tells you the play is already decided.

    Across sports history - whether it’s baseball, basketball, or football - true greatness often shows up in ways that can’t be measured. Just like NBA legends or iconic playoff moments, these hitters created reactions before results. It raises a deeper question: how do we define greatness when some of its most important traits can’t be captured in data?

    About Mark Grudzielanek:

    Mark Grudzielanek is a former MLB All-Star and 15-year veteran infielder who played for teams including the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals. Known for his consistency, defensive skill, and baseball IQ, he competed alongside and against some of the greatest players in MLB history.

    About the JustIn Time Podcast:

    The JustIn Time Podcast, hosted by veteran sportscaster Justin Kutcher, dives deep into the stories, moments, and legacies that define athletes, coaches, and broadcasters. Each episode blends behind-the-scenes insights with untold stories that shaped sports history, while also exploring the human side of competition - resilience, setbacks, triumphs, and growth. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who loves hearing how great moments are made, the podcast delivers thoughtful storytelling and meaningful conversations that go beyond the highlights. Learn more, explore past episodes, and connect with the community at thejustintimepodcast.com.


    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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    57 mins
  • Billy Kratzert, 4x PGA Tour Winner on Golf’s Greatest Era
    Apr 23 2026

    In this episode of the Just In Time Podcast, we sit down with PGA Tour winner and longtime golf broadcaster Billy Kratzert for a fascinating journey through some of the greatest moments in golf history. Billy played during a remarkable era of the sport and later transitioned into broadcasting, which gave him a front row seat to legends across multiple generations.

    Throughout the conversation we explore what it was like competing alongside icons such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, as well as witnessing the rise of Tiger Woods during one of the most transformative periods in professional golf. Billy shares the unique perspective of someone who experienced both sides of the game, first as a player navigating the pressure of major championships and later as a commentator covering unforgettable moments.

    We also hear incredible behind the scenes stories, including Billy’s memories of Augusta National, his early career breakthrough on the PGA Tour, and the moment he watched what he considers the greatest golf shot he has ever seen. If you love golf history and the personalities who shaped the game, this episode is packed with stories you will not want to miss.

    Be sure to subscribe for more conversations with legendary athletes and the voices who helped tell their stories.

    Timestamps

    (00:00:00) Opening conversation and Billy Kratzert’s career in golf
    (00:05:12) Early influences and the journey toward the PGA Tour
    (00:10:34) Breaking through with his first professional victory
    (00:16:05) Competing during golf’s legendary era
    (00:21:27) Stories from playing alongside golf’s biggest icons
    (00:27:42) The evolution of the PGA Tour and international players
    (00:34:21) Seve Ballesteros and the global growth of golf
    (00:39:06) Billy’s strong performances in major championships
    (00:45:18) Transition from professional golfer to broadcaster
    (00:50:32) Witnessing Tiger Woods transform the sport
    (00:56:17) The greatest shot Billy ever saw Tiger hit
    (01:03:25) The nerves of teeing off at Augusta National
    (01:07:07) Billy’s greatest personal sports moment with Arnold Palmer
    (01:09:12) Reflections on golf, broadcasting, and lasting friendships

    Key Topics

    Billy Kratzert’s PGA Tour career and professional breakthrough
    Competing against golf legends including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer
    Behind the scenes perspective from decades of golf broadcasting
    Tiger Woods’ early dominance and unforgettable highlight shots
    The pressure and prestige of playing at Augusta National
    Stories from the golden era of professional golf

    About Billy Kratzert

    Billy Kratzert is a former PGA Tour winner and longtime golf broadcaster who has spent decades around the game at its highest level. After a successful professional playing career that included a PGA Tour victory and multiple strong finishes in major championships, he transitioned into broadcasting where he became a respected voice covering golf for television audiences. His unique experience as both a competitor and analyst provides rare insight into the personalities and moments that have shaped modern golf.

    ️ 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 will not hear anywhere else.

    Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations.

    Hashtags

    #BillyKratzert
    #PGATour
    #GolfPodcast
    #TigerWoods
    #GolfHistory
    #JustinKutcher
    #JustInTimePodcast


    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 5 mins
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