From Rock Bottom to Remarkable: Leigh Steinberg on The Comeback & Giving Back, Scott Hamilton on Resilience & Never Giving Up, John Inman on Golf & the Changing Landscape of Sports & the PGA Tour
- S13E30
- 2:00:45
- June 25th 2026
This week on Next on the Tee, three champions join me to share stories that go far beyond sports. Legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, 1984 NCAA Champion John Inman, and Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton open up about overcoming adversity, leadership, perseverance, and the lessons they've learned at the highest levels of competition.
Leigh Steinberg takes us inside his remarkable journey from representing some of the biggest names in sports to battling alcoholism, losing everything, and fighting his way back. We discuss his inspiring new book, The Comeback: A Playbook for Turning Life's Setbacks Into Victories, the heartfelt foreword written by Troy Aikman, the importance of giving back, the changing landscape of college athletics, NIL, sports gambling, and what true success really means.
John Inman returns to share his thoughtful perspective on today's college sports environment, whether NIL has shifted the balance too far toward athletes, the growing influence of gambling across sports, and why fan behavior is becoming a concern in professional golf. He also reflects on his unforgettable years at the University of North Carolina during one of the greatest championship eras in college athletics.
Then, Olympic legend Scott Hamilton joins me for one of the most inspiring conversations we've ever had. Scott looks back on carrying the American flag during the 1980 Winter Olympics, shares behind-the-scenes stories from Lake Placid and his friendship with legendary skier Ingemar Stenmark, discusses covering his 10th Winter Olympics for NBC, and explains why one simple message has become his philosophy for living a joyful life: our possessions are just "garbage"—it's our relationships, experiences, and gratitude that truly matter.
Whether you're passionate about golf, sports, leadership, personal growth, or simply need a reminder that setbacks don't define your future, this episode delivers unforgettable stories, practical wisdom, and a healthy dose of Vitamin G—gratitude.
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Next on the Tee, Where Golf Legends Live & Your Game Gets Better
Next on the Tee with Chris Mascaro is a conversation-driven golf podcast built on gratitude, storytelling, and a genuine love for the game. Each week, award-winning host Chris Mascaro welcomes golf legends, major champions, top instructors, broadcasters, caddies, and industry insiders to share the stories you won’t hear anywhere else—stories that entertain, inspire, and help you play better golf.
More than swing tips and scorecards, Next on the Tee is about the people who make the game special. From behind-the-scenes moments at major championships to practical instruction you can take straight to the course, every episode blends insight, heart, and a deep appreciation for the game’s traditions and its future.
Whether you’re a lifelong golfer or simply someone who loves great stories, this is your front-row seat to the heart of the game—where golf legends live, your game gets better, and gratitude always leads the way.
And as always…thank you for pressing play and sharing the show.
Meet the Host
I’m Chris Mascaro, who is blessed to be the award-winning host and creator of Next on the Tee. The heart of the show is a deep gratitude for my guests who share great stories, and a genuine love for the game of golf. Each week, I’m fortunate to sit down with golf legends, major champions, top instructors, broadcasters, caddies, and storytellers who are kind enough to share their time, insights, and experiences with all of us.
I believe golf is at its best when it brings people together. My goal with every episode is to go beyond the leaderboard and the swing tips, and instead focus on the stories, lessons, and moments that stay with us—both on and off the course. I want listeners to enjoy the game more, think about it a little differently, and feel connected to the people who have shaped it.
Next on the Tee has been honored with multiple industry awards, including w3, Davey, and Communicator Awards, and I’m incredibly grateful for that recognition. Even more meaningful to me is the community that’s grown around the show—“Next on the Tee Nation.” I never take for granted that you choose to spend your time here, and I’m thankful every time you press play.
At the end of the day, I approach each episode with humility, curiosity, and appreciation—for the guests who trust me with their stories, and for the listeners who continue to take the journey with me.