The Profluence Pod 🌐

Kevin McReynolds is the Founder & CEO of Overnght, a global streaming platform redefining how Olympic and underrepresented sports are distributed, consumed, and monetized. After seeing firsthand how elite athletes struggled with visibility and support outside of the Olympic spotlight, Kevin set out to build a solution that gives these sports—and their athletes—the attention they deserve year-round.Through Overnght, Kevin is aggregating fragmented media rights across sports like water polo, rowing, and more, creating a centralized destination for fans, families, and communities worldwide. By combining innovative distribution, data-driven strategy, and a deep focus on athlete storytelling, Overnght is unlocking new revenue streams and building a more sustainable future for Olympic sports—especially as momentum builds toward the 2028 Summer Olympics.In this episode, Kevin joins to break down the opportunity in overlooked sports, how he’s navigating complex rights landscapes, and why community, storytelling, and accessibility are at the core of his strategy. He also shares insights on athlete-driven growth, the role of emerging media models, and what it will take to elevate Olympic sports on a global scale.Podcast Chapters:01:02 The Inspiration Behind Overnght03:11 Understanding the Overnght Platform04:43 Challenges in the Olympic Sports Space07:52 Acquisition Strategy for Sports Rights10:06 Impact of the 2028 Olympics on Business12:01 Leveraging the Sporting Ecosystem14:32 Engaging Younger Audiences and Future Stars20:04 Exploring Prediction Markets and Advertising21:45 Content Strategy for Youth and Junior Sports24:19 The Future of Sports as Media Brands27:10 Aha Moments in Building Overnght31:13 Looking Ahead to the 2028 Olympics

Chad Wilton is the visionary behind Peak Conference, one of the most anticipated new gatherings in the sports business world. As the inaugural event approaches, Chad shares the origin story behind Peak and why there was a massive gap in the U.S. for a true flagship event focused on sports tech and innovation.Chad breaks down what attendees can expect in Las Vegas, from a fully immersive sports tech expo and global startup pitch competitions to world-class speakers, networking experiences, and unique activities like fighting robots and interactive showcases. More than just a conference, Peak is designed to unite founders, investors, and executives in one place to solve real industry problems and drive meaningful collaboration across the global sports ecosystem.This conversation dives into the realities of building a large-scale event from scratch, the importance of community buy-in, and why in-person connection is more important than ever in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or operator in sports, this episode is your inside look at the future of sports innovation—and why you need to be in the room.Podcast Chapters:02:36 The Vision Behind Peak Conference05:40 Event Highlights and Expectations08:17 Unexpected Learnings and Challenges10:55 The Role of AI in Sports Tech13:48 Closing Thoughts and Call to ActionChad Wilton: Get Peak Tickets: https://peakconf.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wilton-67453530/Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Steve Bellamy is founder of Tipti, creator of The Tennis Channel, and a lifelong pioneer in racket sports. From coaching world-class athletes to leading Kodak and now launching an entirely new sport, Steve shares the journey behind Tipti and why he believes it could reshape how the world plays and experiences racket sports.Steve breaks down the origin story of Tipti—from a simple workaround at a junior tennis camp to a fast-growing global movement. He explains how the sport blends elements of tennis and badminton, why it thrives on existing pickleball infrastructure, and how it unlocks a more dynamic, engaging, and accessible playing experience. We also dive into his unique philosophy: building for the love of the game, not just financial outcomes.Beyond the product, this conversation explores what it really takes to build a sport from the ground up. From assembling a high-value investor network to creating viral, shareable gameplay moments, Steve shares insights on scaling, storytelling, and why racket sports may be one of the most resilient opportunities in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world.Podcast Chapters:01:00 Steve's Journey in Racket Sports03:42 The Concept and Development of Tipti06:36 Educating Players and Clubs about Tipti09:14 Steve's Vision for Racket Sports12:40 Steve's Passion for Racket Sports14:50 Leveraging Storytelling in Marketing Tipti19:08 Building a Strong Investor Base25:28 International Expansion and Infrastructure

Henrik Teisbæk, co-founder of Veo, joins the Profluence Sports Podcast to share how his company is transforming the way sports are captured, analyzed, and experienced around the world. What started as a simple idea—making it possible for everyday athletes to relive their moments—has grown into a global platform used by over 50,000 clubs across 100+ countries. Henrik breaks down how Veo’s portable camera and AI-powered software are democratizing access to video, turning every game into a source of insight, development, and lasting memories.Diving deeper, Henrik explains the journey of building Veo from Denmark into a global sports tech leader, navigating the complexities of hardware, supply chain, and international expansion. He shares lessons on scaling across markets, building a product for multiple sports, and creating a system that serves both elite clubs and grassroots teams. From empowering coaches with better tools to unlocking data-driven development for athletes, Veo sits at the intersection of sports, technology, and accessibility.This episode explores the bigger picture of where sports tech is headed—from AI-powered insights and automated video breakdowns to the growing importance of authentic, real-world experiences in an increasingly digital world. Henrik and Andrew discuss why youth sports remain one of the most important and underutilized ecosystems globally, and how platforms like Veo are shaping the future of participation, storytelling, and performance in sports.Podcast Chapters:02:11 The Evolution of Youth Sports Technology08:15 Building a Global Company from Denmark10:34 Understanding Customer Needs in Different Markets14:14 Navigating Challenges in Product Development18:21 Fundraising Journey and Investor Perspectives21:05 The Role of AI in Sports Technology24:29 Future Trends in Sports and Technology

Justin Hoveler, President of U.S. Sports Camps, has spent his life immersed in athletics, growing up in a family that helped pioneer the youth camp industry nearly 50 years ago. From playing multiple sports as a kid to competing in college and working across the sports ecosystem, Justin brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to youth development. His journey—from early exposure to camps to leading one of the most established platforms in the space—reflects a lifelong commitment to keeping sports accessible, impactful, and fun for the next generation.Today, Justin leads U.S. Sports Camps under the broader Youth Enrichment Brands umbrella, working with top coaches and partners to deliver best-in-class camp experiences across the country and globally. The organization focuses on creating environments where kids can explore sports without pressure, develop skills, and build confidence. With a strong emphasis on multi-sport participation, local accessibility, and coach-led experiences, Justin and his team are navigating industry shifts—from rising costs and early specialization to NIL pressures and emerging sports like flag football—while staying rooted in their core mission: keeping kids engaged in sports through joy and discovery.In this episode, Justin joins Profluence podcast to unpack the evolving youth sports landscape; from the importance of fun and experimentation to the realities of commercialization, cost, and participation decline. They explore how camps serve as a critical entry point for young athletes, the balance between innovation and fundamentals, and how organizations can better support coaches and parents alike. The conversation also dives into global expansion, emerging sports trends, and why the future of sports depends on creating positive, inclusive experiences that keep kids playing longer.

Richard Odell is a seasoned leader in education, arts, and sports development, with a career spanning institutions like IMG Academy, Spire Academy, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. With a unique background that bridges both the arts and athletics, Odell has spent decades shaping environments that prioritize holistic student growth and long-term success.He is now the driving force behind Masters Academy International (MAI), a next-generation institution based in the Boston area that reimagines how young athletes are developed. MAI combines elite sports training, rigorous academics, personal development, and career preparation into one integrated model — giving students the opportunity to pursue both playing and non-playing careers in sports, from medicine to media.In this episode, we dive into the future of education, the shortcomings of traditional school systems, and why a more personalized, real-world learning approach is critical. Odell shares insights from his experience at IMG and Spire, the vision behind MAI, and how this model could reshape both sports and education for the next generation.Podcast Chapters:00:59 The Birth of Masters Academy International (MAI)07:31 Innovative Educational Structure at MAI12:55 The Future of Education and Its Challenges17:16 Bridging the Gap in Education22:34 The Role of Confidence in Learning30:03 The Vision for MAI and Its Impact

Alec Boccanfuso and Charles LaRosa are part of the investment team at Gabelli Funds, where they focus on identifying opportunities across the evolving sports, media, and entertainment landscape. Alec specializes in communications services and technology, with a focus on interactive entertainment and outdoor leisure, while Charles leads the firm’s ETF initiatives, overseeing strategy, product development, and distribution.Together, they are helping shape one of the more innovative approaches to sports investing through the development of a Sports ETF—designed to give investors exposure to the broader sports ecosystem. Their work spans public markets, covering everything from teams and leagues to media rights, gaming, and live entertainment, offering a diversified way to participate in the growth of the industry.In this episode, they join the conversation to break down how the sports ecosystem is defined from an investment perspective, why ETFs are becoming an attractive vehicle for accessing sports assets, and where they see the biggest opportunities emerging globally. They also share insights on market trends, the role of live entertainment, and how investors should think about long-term value creation in sports.Podcast Chapters:02:30 Defining the Sports Ecosystem05:23 Investment Strategy and Portfolio Holdings07:46 The Appeal of ETFs in Sports Investment10:31 Market Trends and Future Opportunities13:33 Global Perspective on Sports Assets 16:05 Challenges and Rebuttals in Sports Investment 18:43 Long-term Vision and Market Dynamics 21:42 The Role of Live Entertainment in Sports 24:20 Conclusion and Future OutlookProfluence Sports:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Gabelli: 🏠 Website: https://www.gabelli.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/investgabelli/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investgabelliThanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Bobby Sharma is the Founder and Managing Partner of Bluestone Equity Partners, an institutional private equity firm focused on investing across the global sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as one of the most experienced operators and investors in the industry, working across finance, strategy, league operations, and global sports development.Before launching Bluestone, Sharma held leadership roles across several of the most influential organizations in sports. He served as Global Head of Basketball and Strategic Initiatives at IMG, where he helped expand sports businesses worldwide, developing leagues, academies, and media rights strategies across emerging markets including India, China, Brazil, and Africa. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade helping build the NBA G League while working closely with the National Basketball Association on league operations, franchise development, and global strategy.In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Bobby joins Andrew Petcash to discuss the evolution of sports as a global investment category, how private equity evaluates opportunities across leagues, media, and technology, and what founders should understand when building scalable businesses in the sports ecosystem.Podcast Chapters:02:27 Transitioning from Operations to Investment04:50 The Role of Networking in Sports07:11 Insights on Institutional Investment in Sports10:07 Understanding the LP Perspective12:33 The Complexity of Sports Investments15:04 Emerging Trends in Sports and Entertainment17:20 Investment Strategies and Portfolio Construction19:54 Future of Sports Investments22:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Joe Hollywood is the founder and host of one of the top sports collectibles shows on Whatnot, where he has built a massive community around live sports card breaking and memorabilia. What started as selling cards next to a hot water heater in his basement has grown into a full-scale operation with nearly 40 employees and live shows that attract thousands of collectors and fans. Through his platform, Joe has helped transform the sports collectibles experience into an interactive, community-driven form of live entertainment.Known for his high-energy broadcasts and deep knowledge of the collectibles market, Joe has become a leading voice in the world of sports cards and memorabilia. His shows feature rare pulls, major giveaways, and a loyal community of collectors who tune in daily. By combining live commerce, storytelling, and fan engagement, Joe has helped push sports collectibles into a new era of digital-first fandom.In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Joe joins Scott to share his journey into the collectibles world, the growth of card breaking, and how platforms like Whatnot are reshaping the sports memorabilia market. They discuss the rise of live commerce, the global expansion of the collectibles industry, and why community has become the most valuable asset in the space.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding Card Breaking and Community Building05:21 The Evolution of Collectibles and Their Value08:22 The Intersection of Physical and Digital Collectibles11:21 Transitioning from Hobby to Business16:43 Building Community and Real-World Impact19:30 Bridging Digital Engagements to In-Person Experiences22:04 Building Connections and Community in Sports Memorabilia24:26 Nostalgia and Legacy in Sports28:04 The Mechanics of a Successful Memorabilia Business32:16 Emerging Trends in the Memorabilia Market36:19 Unforgettable Moments in Memorabilia Collecting

Fencing is one of the oldest Olympic sports — but until now, it has never had a true professional league. In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Andrew Petcash sits down with Miles Chamley-Watson, Olympic medalist and three-time Olympian, and Leo Rifkind, investor and co-founder of the World Fencing League, to discuss their mission to bring fencing into the modern sports landscape.The conversation explores how the World Fencing League plans to transform fencing from a niche Olympic sport into a scalable global league. By introducing AI blade-tracking technology, evolving competition formats, and creating a clear economic pathway for athletes, the WFL aims to make fencing easier for fans to understand while providing professional opportunities for elite competitors.Miles and Leo also share how they’re building the league from the ground up — from athlete recruitment and rule experimentation to media strategy and brand partnerships. With the WFL debut event set to launch in Los Angeles, the episode highlights the broader vision to bring fencing into the mainstream and create a new era for one of sport’s most historic disciplines.Podcast Chapters:02:29 The Evolution of Fencing and Technology05:04 Understanding the Fencing Ecosystem10:38 The Future of Fencing: Opportunities and Challenges16:03 Innovations in Fencing: Rule Changes and Audience Engagement21:32 Commercialization and Branding in Fencing26:50 Looking Ahead: The Future of the World Fencing LeagueMiles and Leo:Website: https://worldfencingleague.org/Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-rifkind/https://www.instagram.com/fencer/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/worldfencingleague/?hl=en

Andrew Spalter, Founder and CEO of East Goes Global, joins the show to break down what it actually takes to build and operate globally in sports, entertainment, and consumer brands. What began in 2018 as a focused effort to solve one of the most complex markets in the world has evolved into a fully integrated international operating partner. Spalter built East Goes Global by creating real in-market infrastructure where Western platforms don’t exist and surface-level localization fails, laying the groundwork for scalable global expansion.Under his leadership, East Goes Global has launched and managed more than 700 international channels, grown over 200 million followers, and driven over $100 million in commercial opportunities. The company now operates as an embedded extension of its partners’ teams, owning international execution across social, paid media, creators, partnerships, experiential activations, broadcast distribution, and monetization. Rather than fragmented regional efforts, Spalter has built a unified system that aligns strategy, execution, and measurement across markets.In this conversation, Spalter explains why global growth requires cultural fluency, operational rigor, and accountability; not just translation. He shares how teams, leagues, athletes, and major entertainment IP convert international demand into sustainable revenue, why most “global” strategies fall short, and how owning execution inside native platforms creates real long-term market presence.Podcast Chapters:01:17 Andrew's Journey from Music to Sports Marketing04:19 Identifying Opportunities in Global Markets07:40 Engagement Strategies with NBA Teams and Athletes11:30 The Role of Content Surrogacy in Marketing13:30 The Impact of AI on Sports Marketing15:45 Exploring Global Trends and Cultural Insights17:30 Common Mistakes in Global Expansion19:05 Staying Relevant in Diverse Markets20:29 Overlooked Revenue Opportunities in International Markets22:18 Selecting Clients and Building Partnerships23:48 Adopting Innovative Strategies in Emerging Markets25:16 Memorable Campaigns and Client Success Stories27:37 Parting Insights and Future Aspirations

Barrick Prince is founder of Creator Sports Network, a platform reshaping how live sports reach modern audiences. With a background spanning global television distribution, gaming, and leadership in sports content at Twitch, Barrick is focused on helping leagues, broadcasters, and creators rethink sports distribution for the digital era. Creator Sports Network enables creators to legally co-stream live sports by handling licensing, technology, and production infrastructure — opening a new distribution window designed to reach younger, digitally native fans.The company’s model reflects a broader shift across the sports ecosystem: audiences are increasingly consuming games through personalities and communities rather than traditional broadcast channels, creating new monetization opportunities for leagues, advertisers, and media companies alike.Barrick shares insights on how creator-led distribution is expanding globally, why emerging leagues are often early adopters, and how platforms like his are helping sports properties build fandom in an era defined by fragmented media and community-driven engagement.Podcast Chapters:02:39 Barrick Prince's Journey in Media and Sports05:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Consumption07:59 The Future of Sports Broadcasting10:41 Emerging Leagues and New Rights Windows13:31 The Role of Creators in Sports Media16:12 Monetization Strategies for Creators19:07 The Global Reach of Creator Sports Network21:42 The Future of Betting and Creator Engagement24:28 Advice for Founders in Legacy Industries

Ricardo Marques, SVP of Marketing at Michelob Ultra, joins the show to unpack how one of the world’s most visible consumer brands approaches tent-pole sports moments. With 2026 packed full of global events, including the Winter Olympics and major international competitions, Marques shares how the brand built a year-long strategy centered on showing up alongside fans as they support Team USA.In the conversation, he breaks down the thinking behind Michelob Ultra’s Olympics activation — from early-stage planning and athlete partnerships to immersive fan experiences like the Lake Placid celebration and the Ultra Summit in Park City. Marques explains how the team balances large-scale brand storytelling with real-time content, retail impact, and authentic athlete relationships, all while operating more like a newsroom than a traditional marketing department.He also reflects on what defines success for a global sports campaign, how technology and live experiences are reshaping brand engagement, and why starting with a bold vision is critical when executing at Olympic scale. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern brands integrate culture, sport, and entertainment to stay relevant with today’s fans.Podcast Chapters:02:39 Strategic Decisions Behind the Winter Olympics Activation05:11 Authenticity in Athlete Partnerships07:54 The Ultra Summit Experience10:23 Defining Success in Major Activations13:13 Future Strategies and Lessons Learned

Joe Caporoso has spent more than a decade helping shape one of the most recognizable digital sports media brands of the social era. Now serving as President of Team Whistle, he leads the company’s overall strategy, partnerships, and growth as it continues to expand its reach with global audiences. His journey from Division III football player to leading a major sports content studio reflects both the evolution of sports media and the rise of social-first storytelling.Over thirteen years with the company, Caporoso helped guide Team Whistle from an emerging digital publisher into a global content engine known for shows like No Days Off and Wife’d Up Mic’d Up. In his current role, he is focused on scaling the business while overseeing its integration into DAZN, aligning Whistle’s social expertise with one of the world’s fastest-growing sports media platforms.Joe shares insights on building brand-safe sports content for modern audiences, how engagement metrics and distribution strategies are evolving, and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded content ecosystem. His perspective highlights how authenticity, consistency, and platform-native storytelling are shaping the future of sports media.Podcast Chapters:03:14 The Evolution of Social Media in Sports04:49 Whistle's Positive Content Strategy07:17 Relatable vs. Aspirational Content in Engagement09:04 Maintaining Authenticity in Content Production11:18 Evolving Metrics for Success in Content Creation14:01 Whistle's Role within DAZN and Market Positioning15:51 Capitalizing on Major Sporting Events18:40 Bridging Digital and Real-Life Experiences21:12 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Content Creation23:16 Staying Sharp in a Fast-Paced Industry25:02 Finding Balance in a Digital World26:27 What’s Next for Whistle Sports?27:59 Memorable Experiences in Content Creation

Rufus Hack has spent his career inside some of sport’s most influential institutions, from leadership roles connected to the Ryder Cup and the European Tour to now shaping the future of sport within Sony. As CEO of Sony Sports, Hack is focused on a new challenge: using data, technology, and entertainment platforms to redefine how global audiences engage with sport. His work centers on building a unified ecosystem that connects tracking, officiating, and fan experiences through companies like Hawk-Eye and Beyond Sports.In the conversation, Hack outlines Sony’s ambition to position sports alongside divisions such as Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and PlayStation as a core pillar of its global entertainment strategy. He explains how advances in optical tracking, biomechanical data, and immersive digital environments are already reshaping officiating, athlete performance, and operations across leagues including the NBA and the NFL.Hack also reflects on the broader transformation of sport — from always-on content and shifting fan expectations to the role technology plays in emerging leagues and grassroots participation. His perspective highlights how the convergence of data, gaming, and media could define the next era of sports consumption, making sport more interactive, accessible, and globally connected than ever before.Podcast chapters: 02:44 Sony Sports and Its Vision05:28 Acquisitions and Growth Strategy08:17 Integration and Post-Acquisition Strategy11:05 Leveraging PlayStation for Sports Engagement13:42 Emerging Sports and Technology Integration16:38 Future of Sports Data and Youth Engagement19:30 Fragmentation in Sports Consumption22:17 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Rem de Rohan serves as a key growth driver for Aggregate Sports, bringing more than 15 years of senior-level experience in sports marketing and revenue strategy. As Chief Revenue Officer, he leads multiplatform partnership sales, new business development, and integrated partner marketing efforts, helping sports properties maximize value across sponsorship, media, and commercial platforms.Widely recognized for his expertise in building and monetizing the assets of U.S. Olympic National Governing Bodies, Rem de Rohan has delivered consistent double-digit annual revenue growth for his clients. His work spans property sales, media rights strategy, and global event commercialization, with a focus on unlocking untapped partnership opportunities and creating long-term enterprise value.Before joining Aggregate Sports in 2020, Rem de Rohan was a Vice President, equity partner, and head of media and property representation at Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, where he worked with premier organizations including U.S. Ski & Snowboard, U.S. Figure Skating, and the Mexican National Soccer Team. He began his career at ESPN and ABC and is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding the Olympic Movement and NGBs05:25 The Role of Brands in Olympic Sports08:29 Storylines for the Upcoming Winter Olympics10:52 The Structure of the Olympic Ecosystem13:48 Funding Challenges in U.S. Olympic Sports16:28 The Impact of Government Funding on Sports19:29 Successful Brand Campaigns in Olympic Sports22:11 Trends in Sports and the Future of Athlete Branding

Mitch Heath is a founding member of Teamworks and one of the key operators behind its growth into the leading operating system for elite sports organizations. Joining the company in 2010 while finishing his undergraduate degree at Duke, Mitch spent the 2010s helping scale Teamworks at the intersection of technology and sports, serving as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Growth Officer as the company expanded across collegiate athletics, professional leagues, Olympic teams, and into the tactical sector.In 2020, Mitch moved to Europe to help lead Teamworks’ global expansion. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, he helped establish the platform across major international markets, making Madrid and London home while launching Teamworks with organizations in LaLiga and the Premier League. His experience building across cultures, leagues, and operating environments shaped Teamworks’ disciplined approach to adoption, product-market fit, and long-term partnerships.Today, Mitch is back in the U.S., continuing to support Teamworks by coaching executives, advising clients globally, and leading the company’s Advisory Board. Outside of Teamworks, he works closely with founders and leadership teams as an advisor and board member, supporting high-growth companies, non-profits, and impact-driven organizations. His mission is simple: help high-potential leaders bring ambitious visions to life—while building companies the right way and taking care of the people behind them.Podcast Chapters: 01:08 Mitch Heath's Origin Story and Teamworks' Foundation06:16 Navigating Product Market Fit and Expansion Strategy09:48 Building vs. Buying: Strategic Decisions in Growth15:59 Driving Adoption and User Engagement23:54 Optimism in the Evolving Sports Industry28:16 Future Trends and Opportunities in Sports

Jose Diaz is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Communications at SMAC Entertainment, where he leads talent management, brand partnerships, content development, and media strategy. With more than a decade of experience across entertainment, sports, and consumer culture, Diaz plays a central role in shaping how modern athletes and personalities build enduring brands beyond the field.At SMAC, Diaz works closely with high-profile talent to develop multi-platform initiatives spanning television, digital media, and branded ventures. His work sits at the intersection of storytelling, commerce, and culture—helping translate talent vision into scalable businesses and long-term partnerships while navigating an increasingly complex media landscape.In this episode, Diaz shares insights into building athlete-driven IP, managing talent at the highest level, and how SMAC approaches content, partnerships, and growth in today’s sports and entertainment economy. A University of Southern California graduate, Diaz brings a strategic, operator’s perspective on what it takes to create relevance, longevity, and impact in modern sports media.Podcast Chapters:00:56 Jose's Journey: From Intern to EVP03:33 The Evolution of Smack: Talent Management to Content Creation07:58 Identifying Athletes Worth Investing In11:25 Protecting the Athlete's Core Responsibilities14:30 Navigating Brand Partnerships and Authenticity19:32 The Rise of Flag Football and Deanna Flores23:43 Leveraging Major Events for Talent Exposure26:17 Building Community Around Athlete Brands28:18 Memorable Projects and Impactful Moments29:45 Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing IndustryJose Diaz:🏠 Website: https://www.smac-ent.com/💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jdiaz021Scott Garber:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Jill Brabec is the President of Nordic Combined USA and one of the leading voices shaping the future of one of the Olympics’ oldest — and most misunderstood — winter sports. Based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Jill brings a unique perspective as both a sports leader and a parent deeply embedded in the Nordic combined community, advocating for the long-term growth and survival of the discipline.In this conversation, Jill breaks down what Nordic Combined truly is — a demanding blend of ski jumping and cross-country racing — and why it remains the only Winter Olympic sport without a women’s event. She shares how the sport has evolved globally, the rise of elite women competitors, and the high-stakes decision facing the IOC as the Olympic movement approaches the 2026 and 2030 Games.Jill also reflects on leadership, funding challenges, athlete development, and what’s at risk if women’s Nordic Combined is not added to the Olympic program. From grassroots youth pipelines to global viewership and media strategy, this episode explores why the future of Nordic Combined — and its place in the Olympics — is at a critical turning point.Podcast Chapters:03:51 The Role of Nordic Combined USA07:45 Challenges for Women's Nordic Combined11:31 The Competitive Landscape of Nordic Combined15:50 Youth Development and Future of the Sport19:42 Personal Stories and Community ImpactJill Brabec: 🏠 Website: https://www.nordiccombinedusa.org/about/mission💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-brabec-1b4b3241/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com💼 LinkedIn:  andrewpetcash  Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Dov Penzik is a category-defining operator in competitive socializing and sports entertainment, best known for helping build and scale iconic concepts including Bounce, Flight Club Darts, and Puttshack. In this conversation, Dov shares how years of experience blending technology, hospitality, and play led him to his latest venture: No Strings, a next-generation padel platform designed to unlock frequency, accessibility, and engagement through real-time, in-game technology.Joined by Michael Madding, COO and Co-Founder of Lucra, the discussion explores how data, gamification, and digital competition are transforming recreational sports. Michael breaks down Lucra’s mission to digitize friendly competition and explains why padel is uniquely positioned to benefit from tech-enabled formats, tournaments, and pricing models that increase loyalty and lifetime value for operators and players alike.Together, Dov and Michael unpack the rapid growth of padel in the U.S. and globally, the challenges of court supply, pricing pressure, and commoditization, and why differentiation through technology and experience design is critical. The conversation offers a rare look at how sports, entertainment, and data are converging to build scalable, modern platforms that turn participation into community, and venues into ecosystems.Podcast Chapters:00:57 Dov Penzik's Background in Competitive Socializing09:30 The Growth of the Padel Market14:40 Integrating Technology in Recreational Sports20:43 Differentiation in the Padel Space24:26 The Future of No Strings and Upcoming InnovationsDov Penzik:🏠 Website: https://no-strings.co/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dov-penzik-0aba8061/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.