The Profluence Pod 🌐

Steve Kuhn is a sports entrepreneur and investor best known for helping build Major League Pickleball and for his conviction that sports remain one of the last great forces for human connection. After years in finance and investing, Steve turned his focus to sports as a cultural, economic, and social platform — drawn by its ability to bring people together across borders, beliefs, and generations. From pickleball’s rapid rise in Asia to the global expansion of participation sports, Steve’s career reflects a belief that sports are both a powerful asset class and a deeply human one.Today, Steve is building SportsPredict, a free-to-play platform designed to measure and elevate the skill of sports prediction itself. Inspired by rating systems in chess and the success of Fantasy Premier League, SportsPredict introduces a global “SMART rating” that allows users to prove how accurate they are at forecasting sports outcomes — without gambling or financial risk. His vision is to create the world’s largest prediction game, helping millions (and eventually billions) of people develop better decision-making skills under uncertainty.In this conversation, Steve shares how sports, data, psychology, and technology intersect — and why prediction literacy may become one of the most important skills of the next generation. From the growth of pickleball across Asia to the rise of prediction markets, and from storytelling in modern sports leagues to building new forms of interactive competition, Steve outlines a future where sports are not just watched, but understood, predicted, and experienced in entirely new ways.Podcast Chapters:03:55 The Global Rise of Pickleball08:17 Sports Ecosystem in Asia12:25 Innovations in Sports Technology16:30 The Future of Sports Prediction18:41 The Rise of Fantasy Sports20:18 Understanding Prediction Markets23:09 Innovative Business Models in Sports27:35 The Future of Sports Prediction31:18 Storytelling in Sports

Chris Weil is the Co-Founder and CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences and one of the most influential executives in modern sports marketing. Prior to launching Horizon, Chris spent more than two decades as Chairman and CEO of Momentum Worldwide, leading the global agency through massive growth and helping redefine how brands connect with fans through live sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing.At Horizon, Chris has returned to the private sector to build a next-generation sports and experiences platform designed for a post-COVID world. The firm operates across owned and represented IP, media rights, sponsorships, and brand strategy—anchored by a belief that live sports remain the most powerful driver of engaged audiences. From pickleball and women’s basketball to emerging leagues and global events, Chris shares how Horizon evaluates risk, invests capital, and builds scalable sports properties.In this conversation, Chris offers a candid look at the evolution of live sports, the accelerating role of data and AI in decision-making, and the changing dynamics of college athletics, women’s sports, and global mega-events. His perspective reflects decades of leadership at the highest level—and a clear-eyed view of where sports, media, and brand partnerships are headed next.Podcast Chapters:01:48 The Evolution of Live Sports Post-COVID04:53 Building IP in the Live Sports Space07:26 The Rise of Women's Sports and Brand Engagement09:33 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Collegiate Sports15:25 The Future of Sports Marketing and AI Integration21:53 Consumer Habits and the New Generation of Sports Fans26:51 Capitalizing on Major Sporting Events29:26 Balancing Growth and Opportunity in a Busy Market

Ryan Petkoff has spent more than two decades operating at the highest levels of professional sports,  helping build an NFL dynasty, shaping one of the most influential brands in global sport, and advising ownership groups navigating the modern sports landscape. His career spans deep operational leadership, strategic growth planning, and long-term brand building inside one of the most sophisticated organizations in the NFL.Today, he partners with sports teams, startups, and legacy businesses to solve complex challenges spanning fan engagement, commercialization, and go-to-market execution. Petkoff works with only a select group of clients, allowing him to dive deeply into problems, build alongside founders, and operate as a hands-on strategic partner. His vantage point also includes meaningful time working with the Hunt Family — offering him rare insight into family office dynamics, sports investing, and multi-generational decision-making.In this conversation, he breaks down the evolution of the sports marketplace, the rise of alternative investments, where youth sports and fan development are heading, and how he evaluates opportunities and relationships. His experience offers a unique blend of front-office expertise, investment perspective, and builder mentality — shaped by two decades inside one of the most respected operations in professional sports.Podcast Chapters01:13 Ryan Petkoff's Journey in Professional Sports 03:30 Market Evolution and Insights from the Hunt Family 05:54 Navigating Family Offices and Investment Strategies09:28 The Rise of Alternative Investments in Sports 12:27 Opportunities in Youth Sports and Fan Engagement 15:21 Evaluating Projects and Building Relationships 18:06 Building Relationships for Future SuccessRyan Petkoff: 🏠 Website: https://www.petkoffstrategies.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-petkoff-5b0b397/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Ben Von Willer and Alberto Chaia, partners at McKinsey & Company and co-authors of McKinsey’s latest report on Latino sports fans, outline how one of the fastest-growing and most influential fan segments is reshaping the U.S. sports landscape. Their research highlights how Latino audiences are driving disproportionate growth across leagues, properties, and participation, while still being underserved in how teams and organizations engage them.They break down the distinct cultural, behavioral, and generational factors that differentiate Latino sports fandom — from youth participation trends and women’s sports momentum across LATAM to digital consumption patterns, purchasing power, and family-centered fan habits. Their insights reveal where major opportunities exist for rights holders, brands, and operators to build more authentic, long-term relationships with this expanding demographic.Von Willer and Chaia also explore broader industry implications, including the role of community-based programming, future fan pipelines, and the commercial upside as North America prepares for global events such as the 2026 World Cup. Their findings provide a data-backed blueprint for the next phase of growth in the sports industry.Chapters:01:00 Background on McKinsey’s Report02:22 Growth of Latino Fan Segments04:39 Cultural Drivers of Fandom08:19 Youth Participation Trends10:51 Women’s Sports Across LATAM13:22 Digital Consumption Behaviors15:22 Purchasing Power & Market Influence17:24 Opportunities for Rights Holders19:22 Community Engagement & Fan Pipelines21:00 Future Industry Outlook22:06 Impact of Global Events on North America

Phil Wallin, the founder of Diesel Optimization, has built one of the most respected performance ecosystems in modern sports. What started as a small training operation has evolved into a data-driven human performance engine trusted by MLB athletes, top collegiate programs, and high-performing executives. Phil’s path from the Midwest to launching Diesel in Tampa reflects a blend of discipline, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of measurable improvement.At Diesel, Phil has developed a methodology that merges biomechanics, strength and conditioning, recovery systems, and cutting-edge wearable tech into a unified performance model. His approach emphasizes individualization at scale—helping athletes understand not just how to train, but why their bodies respond the way they do. This philosophy has shaped Diesel into a hub for innovation, attracting athletes looking for precision-based development rather than one-size-fits-all programming.In this episode, Phil breaks down the evolution of athlete data, how Diesel is expanding into youth and developmental pathways, and why performance training is shifting toward holistic, tech-enabled systems. He also shares the lessons that guided him as a founder—building trust, creating structure, and developing the “dog mentality” culture Diesel is known for.Podcast Chapters:01:13 Phil's Journey: From Coaching to Entrepreneurship04:21 The Importance of Adaptation in Business07:57 Integrating Technology in Athletic Training13:49 Capturing Young Athletes: A New Approach17:52 Scaling Diesel: Balancing Coaching and Business22:12 Lessons from Elite Athletes: Discipline and Drive25:49 Staying Sharp: Balance and Continuous Learning

Brooks Wiley is an Austin native and longtime operator in the rapid rise of pickleball as both a sport and commercial industry. After discovering the game in 2018, he immersed himself in its emerging business landscape—exploring equipment, facilities, and the early community driving the sport forward.His work alongside Steve Kuhn led to the creation of DUPR and Major League Pickleball, where he helped shape early partnerships, recruit pro talent, and build the league structure during a period of intense growth and national attention. His experience spans league operations, team ownership strategy, media ambitions, and the financial realities of scaling a challenger sports property.Wiley now leads strategic partnerships at PickleTile, focusing on the infrastructure and technology powering pickleball’s expansion. His perspective covers the full ecosystem—from sound-mitigating court solutions to the broader trends driving amateur and professional participation worldwide.Podcast Chapters: 02:37 Brooks Wiley's Journey into Pickleball05:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Pickleball07:53 Building Major League Pickleball and Duper10:26 Navigating League Growth and Structure13:04 Media Strategy and Distribution in Pickleball15:22 Infrastructure Opportunities in Pickleball18:19 The Future of Pickleball and Padel20:56 Global Expansion of Pickleball23:33 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Raphael Eder is the Founder & CEO of the No Limits Tour (NLT), a new global sports and media venture redefining how action sports are built, owned, and experienced. Rooted in his lifelong connection to extreme environments, Eder created NLT to bring together the world’s top cliff divers and empower them as co-owners and co-creators of a new generation of sports IP. The tour blends world-class live events with cinematic, social-first storytelling — all designed to highlight the beauty of nature, culture, and elite performance.Eder’s vision for NLT extends far beyond competition. He has architected a league model where athletes help shape governance, content, and long-term value creation, marking a shift toward athlete-driven sports properties. His approach includes identifying iconic natural locations for events, building a digital ecosystem optimized for Gen Z audiences, and structuring capital strategies to support the tour’s global ambitions. Under his leadership, NLT is emerging as one of the most innovative sports concepts of the decade.Across the conversation, Eder reflects on the lessons learned while building a league from scratch, the complexities of operating at the intersection of sport and spectacle, and the long-term vision that guides NLT’s future expansion. His story highlights a blend of creativity, operational rigor, and entrepreneurial courage — all fueling the rise of a new frontier in action sports entertainment.Podcast Chapters: 01:00 Rafael Eder's Journey to Extreme Sports02:22 The Unique Approach of No Limits Tour04:39 Building a New League in Cliff Diving08:19 Identifying Locations for Events10:51 Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth13:22 Selecting Participants for the Tour15:22 Navigating Capital Markets for Funding17:24 Vision for the Future of No Limits Tour19:22 Unexpected Lessons in Building a League21:00 Dream Locations for Future Events22:06 Leadership and Mentorship in SportsRaphael Eder:🏠 Website: https://nolimitstour.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaeleder/ Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

TOCA is building the future of global soccer experiences — blending technology, training, community, and entertainment in a way the U.S. market has never seen before. In this episode, TOCA Founder Eddie Lewis and Executive Chairman Erik Anderson share how they are creating an ecosystem that develops better players, elevates fan culture, and makes high-quality soccer experiences accessible to everyone — from youth athletes to lifelong fans.What started as a training innovation has evolved into a fast-growing global platform. TOCA now includes TOCA Training centers, TOCA Social entertainment venues, and proprietary technology that enables consistent, data-driven development at scale. Eddie and Erik break down how TOCA is “completing soccer” by delivering experiences across the entire player and fan journey — and why the model mirrors the explosive, community-driven growth seen in Topgolf.With the 2026 World Cup approaching, soccer participation exploding, and experiential entertainment reshaping the landscape, TOCA is positioned at the center of a once-in-a-generation moment. Eddie and Erik reveal the strategy behind their expansion, the power of experiential IP, and how TOCA plans to become the world’s leading soccer experience company.Podcast Chapters:02:40 What TOCA Is: Training, Tech & Social Experiences05:55 The Origins: Eddie’s Vision and the First Machines08:12 How TOCA Completes Soccer Across the Full Player Journey11:28 Expanding Youth Soccer and Player Development14:05 The Role of Technology in Consistent, Scalable Training17:20 TOCA Social: Soccer’s Version of Topgolf21:48 Building Experiences That Connect Fans, Players & Families25:03 Creating IP: Why TOCA Is Betting Big on Social Venues28:42 The Global Soccer Moment Ahead of 202632:11 Strategy, Scale & Global Expansion Opportunities35:26 The Future: Making Soccer a Lifelong ExperienceEddie Lewis & Erik Anderson:🏠 Website: https://www.toca.social/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewiseddie/https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikanderson9/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

KlutchShots AI is reshaping the future of youth sports by merging advanced computer vision, machine learning, and creative storytelling into an instant-highlight engine for the modern sports ecosystem. Founded by Jeff Snyder and Irvin Garduno, KlutchShots AI set out to solve one of the biggest pain points in youth sports: capturing meaningful moments without forcing parents to film every play.What began as a powerful iPhone app that creates real-time, professional-quality highlights has expanded into a fully autonomous enterprise system capable of capturing entire tournaments — from MADE Hoops to GASO — and delivering cinematic reels at scale. Their AI doesn’t just record the game… it understands it, reframing, editing, and producing vertical social-ready clips instantly while preserving full horizontal footage for coaching and analysis.In this episode, Jeff and Irvin break down the origin of KlutchShots AI, the massive opportunity in the $69B youth sports market, and how technology is transforming athlete storytelling. They discuss the rise of autonomous video capture, how teams and clubs are using AI to enhance player development and recruiting, and why this moment represents a major shift in sports media and fan engagement.Chapters: 02:51 The Birth of KlutchShots AI05:46 Defining AI in Sports08:26 The Future of Video Capture in Sports11:15 Enhancing Value for Teams and Clubs13:57 Recruiting Applications and Market Needs16:47 Creating a Culture of Innovation19:37 The Role of Hardware in Video Capture22:19 The Pulse of Youth Sports Events25:14 Lessons Learned as Founders27:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of KlutchShots AIJeff Snyder & Irvin Garduno: 🏠 Website: https://klutchshots.ai💼 LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsnyder2891/https://www.linkedin.com/in/irvin-garduno-2a5068380/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

 Overtime is one of the most disruptive forces in modern sports — building new leagues, cultural IP, and storytelling for a generation raised on highlights, creators, and connection. Led by Dan Porter, Co-Founder and CEO, Overtime has evolved from a digital media pioneer into a global sports ecosystem operating OTE and OT Select (basketball), OT7 (football), and OTX (boxing) — engaging nearly 100 million fans across platforms.Backed by top investors including Liberty Media, Andreessen Horowitz, Alexis Ohanian, Drake, and over 40 NBA and NFL players, Overtime’s mission is to reimagine how fans experience sports, how athletes grow their brands, and how culture drives community.In this episode, Dan shares Overtime’s journey from content creation to league ownership, the power of Gen Z’s passion, and how storytelling, data, and innovation shape the future of sports. From NIL to AI to global fan engagement, this conversation explores what’s next for sports media and the new generation defining it.Podcast Chapters: 01:09 The Evolution of Overtime: From Media to Elite Leagues05:43 Lessons from COVID: Adapting to Change 09:05 Navigating the Landscape of Youth Sports and Capital Raising 09:41 Understanding the Audience: Gen Z and Their Interests 12:55 Cultural Insights: K-Pop, Demon Hunters, and Youth Engagement 16:14 Building a Community: Players, Creators, and Fans 18:50 Creating an Overtime Universe: Interconnected Stories20:58 The Role of NIL in Athlete Development 23:47 Measuring ROI on Culture: Empowering Young Voices28:08 Learning from the Margins: Insights from Small Creators33:41 Kobe Bryant: A Lasting Impact and Lessons LearnedDan Porter: Website: https://itsovertime.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danporter/

 Legacy25 is a newly launched private investment initiative transforming the U.S. college sports ecosystem. Backed by family-office capital and led by an elite group of professional athletes, Legacy25’s mission is to help shape the ongoing evolution of collegiate athletics — building a new legacy in the very system that launched their careers. Managed in partnership with Chiron Sports Group, the platform provides both strategic support and financial firepower to help institutions and businesses thrive in the next era of college sports.At the helm of this new movement are Brian Hoyer, former NFL quarterback, and Leo Rifkind, founder of Chiron Sports Group. Together, they share how Legacy25 is creating a dual investment platform: “Gold Miners” — bespoke capital solutions for colleges and conferences, and “Picks & Shovels” — equity investments in the tools, technology, and services fueling college sports monetization. Their goal? To unlock synergies across the $13B+ industry and empower all stakeholders — from universities to athletes — to benefit from its transformation.In this episode, Brian and Leo dive deep into the strategy behind Legacy25, how private capital is reshaping the NCAA landscape, and what the future holds for athlete-driven investing. It’s a conversation about innovation, opportunity, and the business of building a lasting legacy in college sports.Podcast Chapters: 03:22 Brian Hoyer’s Journey from Athlete to Investor 06:18 The Strategy Behind Legacy25: Gold Miners & Picks and Shovels 10:45 How Chiron Sports Group Powers Growth in Sports Businesses 14:38 The $13B Opportunity in College Athletics 18:02 Athlete-Led Investment and NIL Evolution 22:47 Future Outlook: The Business of College Sports

Todd Smith is the President and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) — the leading global trade association for sports and fitness manufacturers, retailers, and marketers. SFIA stands as the #1 source for industry research, advocacy, and thought leadership, driving growth and participation across the global sports ecosystem. Through its data insights and policy influence, SFIA champions innovation, accessibility, and vitality within sports and fitness communities worldwide.As a seasoned executive, Todd brings extensive experience across business development, partnerships, sponsorship and media sales, government affairs, and marketing strategy. His leadership spans multiple sectors — including sports, entertainment, non-profit, and government — where he has consistently built high-performing teams and executed initiatives that connect brands, athletes, and communities. At SFIA, he leads the charge in shaping industry strategy, expanding partnerships, and promoting participation at every level of play.An interesting fact: beyond the boardroom, Todd is deeply passionate about the power of sports to inspire healthier, more connected lives — a belief rooted in his own lifelong involvement as both an athlete and advocate for youth sports access.Podcast Chapters: 03:03 Participation Trends in Sports and Fitness 05:52 The Role of External Events in Driving Participation 09:06 The Future of Sports Participation 11:58 Todd's Role and Responsibilities at SFIA 15:08 Advocacy and Initiatives for Youth Sports 18:06 Impact of Tariffs on Sports Equipment 20:51 Accessibility and Facilities for Youth Sports 24:01 Global Perspectives on Sports Development 26:50 Conclusion and Future OutlookTodd Smith:🏠 Website: https://sfia.org/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddjsmith8/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Matt Lederer is the Vice President of Brand Partnerships & Engagement at Comcast, where he leads the strategy and execution behind a $90 million portfolio of partnerships that bring the Xfinity brand to life across sports, entertainment, gaming, and music. With over 20 years of experience in brand and experiential marketing, Matt has positioned Comcast at the center of culture and innovation—connecting technology with passion. Under his leadership, Comcast has developed one of the most dynamic partnership ecosystems in the industry, managing more than 8,000 events each year through its national Events Center of Excellence.Throughout his career, Matt has led high-impact collaborations with some of the world’s biggest names and properties—spanning NASCAR, the NBA & WNBA, Team USA, and Unrivaled, as well as partnerships with Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, FaZe Clan, and AEG. His data-driven approach has transformed Comcast’s sponsorship model, producing a 200%+ marketing payback and setting new benchmarks for brand engagement.An interesting fact: Matt began his career as a grassroots marketer before scaling to oversee Comcast’s entire national partnership strategy. His journey from field marketing to leading a global entertainment and sports portfolio reflects his unique ability to blend creativity with analytics, ensuring every fan experience delivers both emotion and measurable value.Podcast Chapters: 02:53 Navigating Partnerships in Sports and Technology 05:52 Evaluating New Partnerships and Audience Engagement09:00 The Role of Data in Partnership Decisions 12:00 Adapting to New Sports Trends and Experiences 14:59 The Evolution of Sponsorships and Athlete Engagement17:58 The Future of Media Consumption and Live Experiences20:59 The Impact of AI on Sports Sponsorships 24:02 Looking Ahead: Major Events and Consumer BehaviorMatt Lederer: 🏠 Website: comcastcorporation.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjlederer/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Daniel J. McClory is an international investor, investment banker, and venture philanthropist with decades of experience leading equity capital markets and M&A transactions across the globe. As Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Boustead & Company, Dan has built a global financial powerhouse with a presence spanning Singapore, the UK, Switzerland, Mauritius, Monaco, and Latin America. His work has helped companies list on major exchanges including NASDAQ, NYSE, and the London Stock Exchange — earning industry recognition with multiple “Deal of the Year” awards.Beyond finance, Dan brings a philanthropic vision to his work, serving on the boards of the USA Track & Field Foundation, Alder Foundation, and other organizations bridging sports, capital, and social impact. His listing of the world’s first foreign-funded, venture philanthropy-backed IPO on Brazil’s Bovespa Social Stock Exchange stands as a landmark in blending business with purpose.In this conversation, Dan shares insights into global finance, the evolution of SPACs, and the intersection of sports, investment, and culture — revealing how innovative funding models and bold leadership continue to shape the future of international business.Podcast Chapters:01:01 The Formation and Strategy of Brera04:51 Going Public: The Advantages of IPOs09:02 SPACs vs. Traditional IPOs12:06 The Future of Brera and Soulmate16:24 Understanding the Crypto and Sports Connection22:36 Cultural Perspectives on Risk in Business26:42 Emerging Trends in Sports and InvestmentDan McClory: 🏠 Website: https://www.boustead1828.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mcclory/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Greg Hoffman is the founder of the brand advisory group Modern Arena, the former Chief Marketing Officer of Nike, and the bestselling author of Emotion by Design: Creative Leadership Lessons from a Life at Nike.Now, Greg introduces Beyond Your Limits — a first-of-its-kind, seven-week masterclass created in partnership with the Business of Creativity. Designed for modern athletes, it's designed to help them build a powerful personal brand alongside their playing career.Beyond Your Limits empowers athletes to express who they are, shape their story on their own terms, and unlock opportunities that extend far beyond the game.Own your story. Own your future.Chapter: 01:27 The Evolution of Athletes and Branding05:06 Understanding Creativity in Branding07:50 Building a Brand with Depth and Substance11:25 Resources Behind Elite Athlete Branding15:53 Introducing Beyond Your Limits22:18 The Importance of Brand Evolution26:35 Empowering Athletes and Organizations31:17 Conclusion and Call to ActionGreg Hoffman: 🏠 Website: https://beyondyourlimitscourse.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-hoffman-1b196a25/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Mathew D. Focht is the Founding Managing Partner of EMERGING, a growth equity and concept development firm helping best-in-class restaurant and entertainment operators scale nationally. With over 25 years of experience, Mathew has worked with hundreds of restaurant and entertainment founders and CEOs, guiding early-stage concepts and technology investments from inception to national recognition.Mathew is the founder of EMERGING, Emerging Concepts, Consolidated Concepts, Acutely, and FB Insights. He has created operating companies focused on capital, real estate, supply chain, technology, and cost optimization. His portfolio includes prominent concepts such as Puttshack, F1 Arcade, Flight Club, Batbox, Blue Sushi, Federales, Silverspot Cinema, Pour House, City Works, Doc B’s, The PUB, Levity Live, Improv Comedy Club, Bar Louie, Cheesecake Factory, Brio, Bravo, Blue Martini, Hyde Park Steakhouse, Lucky Strike, and Houston’s.Prior to founding EMERGING, Mathew served as Vice President and executive at RKF Retail Property Advisors, Sierra Advisors, Pyramid Companies, and Steiner & Associates, providing leasing, marketing, and consulting services to developers and emerging chains. He holds an MBA in Finance and Real Estate and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.Podcast Chapters: 02:23 The Evolution of Experiential Social Entertainment 05:15 Data-Driven Approach to Scaling Concepts 08:02 Leveraging AI and Technology in Entertainment 12:00 Licensing, Avatars, and the Future of Guest Experiences 16:10 Growth Capital and Investment Strategy 20:05 Key Success Factors: Location, Team, Corporate, Technology 24:30 Sports Entertainment Districts and Global Expansion 29:35 Advice for Founders and Emerging Operators 33:21 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysMathew D. Focht: 🏠 Website:https://emerging.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-d-focht-89bb88b/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Christine Brown is the founder of Christine Brown & Partners, a law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of athletes, coaches, and institutions in the rapidly shifting landscape of college sports. With over thirty years of legal expertise, Christine focuses on core areas such as Title IX & gender equity, NIL disputes, athlete rights & advocacy, coaching employment issues, scholarship & financial aid, eligibility & compliance, and injury compensation & health coverage. Her firm is known for combining legal acumen with deep empathy, striving to “give clients clarity, confidence, and strength” in high-stakes disputes.Christine explains the evolution and current challenges of Title IX, the impact of recent NCAA reforms, and how the world of college athletics is adapting to changes in NIL and professionalization. You’ll hear her take on unintended consequences for women’s and Olympic sports, legal blind spots for athletes and coaches, and why she believes we need federal oversight in place of the current NCAA structure. Christine has achieved a 90% win rate in cases against some of the largest colleges and universities while operating in one of the most complex and contentious areas of lawChapters:02:40 Christine Brown's Journey in Sports Law05:09 The Effectiveness and Challenges of Title IX07:52 Unintended Consequences of Recent NCAA Changes10:24 Emerging Sports and Opportunities for Women13:11 Blind Spots in NIL Understanding15:28 The Need for Federal Oversight in College Sports18:24 Proactive Steps for Athletes and Coaches20:40 Staying Relevant in a Changing Sports Landscape23:17 Embracing Opportunities in SportsChristine Brown: 🏠 Website: https://www.christinebrownsportslaw.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-donahue-brown-a63530131/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Peter Frintzilas is the Chief Executive Officer of TeamSnap. TeamSnap is the leading technology platform transforming how youth sports are organized, managed, and experienced. Serving millions of athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators worldwide, TeamSnap has become the go-to solution for simplifying scheduling, communication, registration, and payments in sports. By combining technology with community, the platform empowers organizations to focus less on logistics and more on what really matters—creating meaningful sports experiences.With more than 20 years of experience in technology, innovation, and leadership, Peter has a proven track record of scaling organizations and building strong teams. His background spans corporate strategy, product development, M&A, and go-to-market execution across disruptive technologies like cloud, mobile, data analytics, and AI. Now leading TeamSnap, Peter is driving the company’s vision to strengthen the youth sports ecosystem while creating value for players, families, and communities.Beyond his role as CEO, he’s also an active investor and advisor, passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting innovative companies. His career reflects a consistent theme—leveraging technology to enhance human connection, whether in business ecosystems or youth sports communities. This unique perspective makes him not just a tech leader, but also a champion of using innovation to create lasting social impact.Chapters:02:31 The Growth of Youth Sports Tech05:07 Consolidation in the Sports Tech Industry08:29 Programming and Technology Interplay10:23 International Opportunities in Youth Sports16:08 Investment Strategies in Youth Sports Tech19:43 The Future of Youth Sports and Community ImpactPeter Frintzilas: 🏠 Website: https://www.teamsnap.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfrintzilas/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Omer Atesmen is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Snow League, a professional league reimagining snowboarding and free skiing for a global audience. After successful ventures in robotics and ad tech, Omer partnered with Shaun White to launch the league, combining deep business expertise with a passion for action sports. With equal prize money for men and women, innovative competition formats, and a vision to capture the energy of winter sports on a worldwide scale, Snow League is setting out to become the premier platform for athletes, fans, and brands.In this episode, Omer dives into the origin story of Snow League, the challenges of building a new sports property, and the strategy behind fundraising, media rights, and global expansion. They also discuss why storytelling, PR, and athlete engagement are critical in driving fan adoption, and how the league is learning from models like Formula 1 to build long-term cultural and commercial impact.Podcast Chapters:02:36 Partnering with Shaun White and the League’s Vision05:12 Building a Sports Property from Scratch08:47 Fundraising and Market Opportunities in Winter Sports12:19 Equal Prize Money and Athlete-Centric Innovation15:08 Media Rights, PR, and Global Fan Engagement18:34 Learning from Formula 1 and Other Global Leagues22:11 The Future of Snow League and What’s NextOmer Atesmen: 🏠 Website: https://thesnowleague.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-a-5291062/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Connor Lim is the Founder of the International Dance League (IDL), a first-of-its-kind professional league redefining the global dance industry. Growing up in Queens, New York as a professional dancer, Connor experienced firsthand both the artistry and challenges of the dance community—a foundation that now fuels his mission to create new opportunities for dancers worldwide.Before launching IDL, Connor co-founded and served as President of STEEZY, the leading digital platform for dance education. Over more than a decade, he scaled STEEZY into an internationally recognized brand with millions of users across 100+ countries. By partnering with top choreographers and building a global community, Connor helped shape STEEZY into the premier destination for online dance learning and a cultural force that continues to influence dancers everywhere.With IDL, Connor is pioneering a global league modeled after Formula 1—blending elite competition with entertainment and fan engagement. Following its 2025 launch in Los Angeles, the league will expand to six countries in 2026, creating a professional structure that elevates dance to the global stage and provides sustainable career pathways for dancers. His story is one of innovation, culture, and vision—bringing artistry and athleticism together in an entirely new way.Podcast Chapters: 02:41 The Vision Behind IDL and Dance as a Sport 05:38 Global Expansion and the Dance Landscape 08:34 Business Model and Funding Strategies 11:09 Creating a Pathway for Dancers 13:56 Current Competition Landscape in Dance 16:48 Audience Engagement and Demographics 19:35 Future Plans and Trends in Dance22:36 Conclusion and Call to Action