The Gametime Guru

In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson interviews Tom Cillo, a 59-year-old college football player, about resilience, mental toughness, leadership, and chasing dreams later in life. Tom Cillo's story has inspired people around the world. After retiring from a 33-year career, Tom decided to pursue a dream he originally had back in the 1980s: playing college football. Now in his late 50s, he's balancing the physical demands of collegiate athletics, the academic pressure of returning to school after 41 years away from the classroom, and the mental challenge of competing with athletes decades younger than him. In this powerful sports interview, Tom shares how he prepared physically and mentally for college football in his late 50s, what he learned from the intense grind of training camp, and how he pushed through self-doubt, injuries, and the pressures that come with competing at the collegiate level. Tom also talks about earning Dean's List honors, finding his role on the team, and discovering that his journey has inspired thousands of people around the world to pursue their own goals — no matter their age. This episode explores the lessons sports teach us about discipline, leadership, perseverance, athlete mindset, and never giving up on a dream. If you enjoy sports podcasts, athlete interviews, football stories, motivational conversations, and leadership lessons from sports, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Sponsored by Aesthreadics Weight Lifting Belts Today's episode is brought to you by Aesthreadics Weight Lifting Belts. If you're looking for a customized weightlifting belt, Aesthreadics offers high-quality belts that can be designed specifically for your personal brand, sports team, gym, or business. These belts are perfect for: • Athletes building their brand • NIL athletes and college programs • Teams outfitting their weight rooms • Businesses creating custom gear Get your own customized belt today: www.aesthreadics.com  About The Gametime Guru Podcast The Gametime Guru Podcast, hosted by Shane Larson, interviews athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world to explore the lessons learned through competition. Each episode dives into sports leadership, athlete mindset, resilience, and the life lessons that come from competing at the highest levels. Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly interviews with inspiring athletes and sports professionals.

What happens when a young athlete from Australia skips university, invests his savings, and builds a sports brand from scratch? You get Kip Grip, performance grip socks designed for ballers across every sport. In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, host Shane Larson sits down with Kiprian Pacoski, founder and CEO of Kip Grip, to talk about competing in soccer and AFL (Australian Rules Football), launching a physical product business as a young entrepreneur, and the deeply personal mental health mission behind the brand. What you will learn in this episode: What are grip socks and why do athletes use them? Kip Grip grip socks are designed to reduce slippage inside your shoe during sharp cuts and turns, using Coolmax moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet dry and stable during competition. Kiprian walks us through going from 5 to 6 product prototypes to a finished product, why he chose entrepreneurship over college, guerrilla marketing strategies for small sports brands, and how Kip Grip is showing up for youth athletes that the big brands are ignoring. We also get into the mental health mission behind Kip Grip and the phrase "Keep It Pushing," a message Kiprian built into the brand after battling through his own personal hardships. Kip Grip performance grip socks are designed for: Soccer players, basketball players, AFL players, baseball players, runners, and multi-sport athletes. Whether you are a youth athlete, a coach looking to outfit your team with team packages, or a sports entrepreneur learning how to build a brand from the ground up, this episode delivers real value. Connect with Kip Grip: Shop: https://Kip Grip.com.au/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kip_grip/  General Inquiries: support@Kip Grip.com.au Club and Team Inquiries: club@Kip Grip.com.au Find The Gametime Guru Podcast: Search "Gametime Guru" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Friday at 8AM Eastern. Subscribe so you never miss an interview. If this episode gave you value, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify. It helps more athletes, coaches, and sports entrepreneurs find the show.

Former Division 1 athlete Brayden Durfee, owner of 1ONEATHLETICS, joins The Gametime Guru Podcast to break down what it really takes to compete at a high level in track and field — and how those lessons translate into business, leadership, and life. Brayden shares his journey from football at Oregon State to track & field at Boise State, where he competed at the Division 1 level after becoming a 4-time state champion in high school. We dive into the sacrifices he made, the mentors who shaped him, and the mindset required to perform when you only get one shot, because in track, there are no second chances once the gun goes off. In this episode, we talk about: • The reality of speed training (acceleration days, max velocity work, conditioning) • Why visualization is critical for peak performance • How to enter a "flow state" before competition • What to eat and how to prepare on meet day • A powerful failure moment in college, and how Brayden used it as fuel • The mental framework for handling setbacks in sports • Building 1ONEATHLETICS from a garage into a full facility • Leadership lessons that apply far beyond athletics If you're an athlete, coach, parent, or entrepreneur, this conversation will give you a deeper understanding of discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to be "undeniable by design." If you want to work with Brayden and their team, head to: https://www.1oneathletics.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1one.athletics/ 

In this episode of The Game Time Guru, Shane Larson sits down with professional bare-knuckle fighter Mike "The Marine" Richman for a raw and honest conversation about the fight game—and the mindset behind it. Mike breaks down the unique intensity of fighting in BKFC, why every jab in bare knuckle can change a fight, and how committing to body shots can wear down even the toughest opponents. He shares what it's like competing in front of massive crowds, how he controls his nerves before stepping through the ropes, and the self-affirmations he uses to stay locked in. The conversation goes deeper into adversity—coming back from knockout losses, battling self-doubt, and rebuilding confidence after tough setbacks. Mike opens up about what it takes mentally and physically to stay in the fight game, how he knows when it's time to keep going (or walk away), and the life lessons fighting has taught him that translate directly into business, marriage, and everyday life. If you're an athlete, competitor, or someone chasing big goals, this episode will challenge you to control the chaos, trust your preparation, and remember who you are when things get tough. Subscribe for weekly interviews with sports figures from around the world.

John has built a career designing high performance training spaces and helping athletes, executives, and high achievers raise their standards. We talk about the mindset shift from sports to business, why preparation builds confidence, and why being a great teammate starts with doing your job. This conversation goes deep into discipline, leadership, and the standards it takes to win in any arena. This is a great interview with former Boston College football player turned elite gym designer, trainer, and founder of The Cave. If you are an athlete, coach, parent, or someone building something big, you will take a lot from this one. What we cover in this episode: John's Boston College football journey and the lessons that carried into life after sports The high school grind and why most people end up with regrets The athlete mindset that translates into business and entrepreneurship Why standards matter and how to stop lowering the bar Confidence, fear, and the power of preparation Creating training environments where people feel safe and perform at their best The Cave, John's private gym concept built for elite performance and elite vibes Pattern recognition, problem solving, and building value for life About John Damon: John Damon is a gym designer and performance focused trainer who has designed gyms from 1,000 to 150,000 square feet. He is the founder of The Cave, a private training space built on intentional design, high standards, and a world class experience. Connect with John Damon: Website: https://johndamon.com/   Instagram: @johnddamon  

Scott Birnbaum (CEO & Founder of Booster) joins Shane Larson on The Gametime Guru Podcast to break down how Booster is changing sports fundraising for high school teams, booster clubs, and youth programs. The cost of athletics keeps rising,  travel, equipment, team meals, uniforms, tournament fees — and many schools don't have the budget to cover it. Scott explains why traditional fundraisers (popcorn, candy, shoot-a-thons) often fall short, and how Booster takes a different approach: fundraising through content and community, with a subscription model designed to create recurring revenue for teams. In this conversation, we talk about: Why fundraising has become essential for high school sports programs The biggest hidden costs coaches are trying to cover (especially travel + meals) How Booster works as a fundraising platform built around team content Why community-based support beats one-time product fundraisers How parents, athletes, and student creators can help tell the team's story Booster's roots in NIL and where the platform is headed next If you're a coach, athletic director, parent, booster club leader, or sports business fan, this episode will give you a fresh look at how fundraising can actually feel exciting — and more sustainable. Learn more about Booster: https://booster.club/   Follow/Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for weekly interviews covering sports, leadership, and the business behind the game.  

Willie Wright is a former NFL offensive lineman and the current Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development for Bronco Life at Boise State University. In this episode, Willie breaks down what student-athlete development actually looks like behind the scenes, how the NIL era is reshaping college athletics, and why the transition to life after sports can be difficult for athletes who don't go pro. We get into the reality of being an undrafted NFL lineman, the week-to-week pressure of roster decisions, and what it feels like to be cut while still trying to stay ready. Willie also shares the practical resources he's helping Boise State athletes use right now, including financial literacy, career exposure, networking, and professional development—so they're prepared for what's next long before the final whistle. If you're a student-athlete, a parent of an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating that "what's next" moment after sports, this episode will give you frameworks you can apply immediately. In this episode we cover: NIL and the financial reality after college sports Life after football and athlete identity transition Undrafted NFL experience, practice squads, and roster cuts Boise State Bronco Life: personal and professional development Financial literacy, networking, and career exploration for athletes The biggest lesson from football: keep going Follow and subscribe for more weekly interviews on The Gametime Guru.

David Hitz is the founder of NeuroPro, where he helps athletes and high performers strengthen mental performance through neuroscience-backed tools and training. In this episode, we talk about the turning point that changed David's life, losing his older brother, and how that experience pushed him to take his health seriously in every area. We break down practical strategies that support the nervous system and improve performance, including breathwork, cold therapy (cold plunging), and the science of how the brain and body work together under pressure. If you are an athlete, coach, or parent of an athlete who has ever wondered why mental performance doesn't match physical ability, this episode will give you frameworks you can apply immediately. Topics include: Neuroscience fundamentals for better performance Breathwork and nervous system regulation Cold exposure and mental resilience Performance under stress and building consistency NeuroPro Mini-Course ($39): https://goneuropro.com/  Related interview with David (Athlete Narrative): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btoupoRUVaI  Follow The Gametime Guru: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru  X: https://x.com/thegametimeguru/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-larson-4b591944/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru 

I've had the opportunity to follow Seth Brock since his days at Eagle High School here in the Treasure Valley. Back then, I got to watch him compete as a tight end and defensive end, and he was also getting after it on the wrestling mat. He was a high-level athlete then, and now he's a national champion at Montana State. In this episode, Seth takes us inside what the transition to college football really looks like. Going from being "the guy" in high school to showing up at the next level where nobody cares who you were. You're back at ground zero. You're earning everything—your reps, your role, and your respect. We talk about what his redshirt year taught him, how to stay mentally locked in when you're practicing all week but not suiting up on Saturdays, and why timing is everything when you're trying to climb the depth chart. We also dive into the wrestling-to-football connection and why wrestling builds an edge for linemen—hand fighting, leverage, conditioning, adversity, and the mental toughness that carries over into life. Seth shares a powerful metaphor their D-line room lives by: "Water the bamboo." You don't always see growth right away… until it shoots up. Seth also breaks down Montana State's championship standard, the physicality of Big Sky football, and what it's like being part of a team that refuses to fold—even with their backs against the wall. Plus, he shares some unforgettable moments from this season, including Gold Rush, the Super Brawl, and his welcome-to-college-football moment at Oregon. If you're an athlete trying to make the jump to the next level—or a parent, coach, or sports fan who loves the stories behind the grind—this one is packed with lessons on preparation, patience, and maximizing opportunities when they come. To support Seth, check out his NIL links and gear, and follow him on Instagram. And if you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, it takes 60 seconds and helps this show grow. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! Here is the link to our interview for you to watch: https://youtu.be/tyoN7PA0Fmk       

Boise State football fans, this one goes way beyond the highlights. I've followed Nick Schlekeway since his days at Eagle High School, and in this episode he shares the full story: winning at every level, playing for Boise State, and being part of the unforgettable Fiesta Bowl vs. Oklahoma, including what it felt like inside that game that changed college football forever. But the heart of this conversation is what happened after football ended. Nick opens up about the identity crisis many athletes face, the emotional toll of losing the sport that shaped them, and how dark that transition can get when the cheers stop. We also talk about the reality of concussions in contact sports, how they impacted him, and what athletes and parents should understand when competing at a high level. Today, Nick has taken the same "never quit" mindset from football and built a thriving business and team in Idaho, and his lessons on leadership, culture, and resilience apply to anyone chasing big goals. In this episode, we cover: Eagle High football and the leaders who shaped Nick early Boise State's rise and the behind-the-scenes of the Fiesta Bowl run The mental battle of life after sports, identity, purpose, rebuilding Concussions and what athletes and parents need to know How Nick transitioned into entrepreneurship and built a winning culture If you're a Boise State fan, love athlete stories, or want real insight into the grind beyond the game, follow the show and leave a review. It helps more than you know. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA     

I had the chance to watch Layton Christian Academy compete at the Pro Image Sports Holiday Classic in Meridian, Idaho (Owyhee High School), and I was immediately intrigued by the way they carried themselves, competed, and ultimately won the tournament championship. Even more fascinating: Layton Christian is an international school with a roster made up of 15 players from 15 different countries. In this episode, Head Coach Casey Stanley breaks down what makes the program special and shares lessons that apply far beyond basketball, including: How he got into coaching at 6 years old (growing up around Iona College basketball) What college coaching is really like: the hours, travel, grind, and "grunt work" Why the best coaches and players succeed without ego (leadership takeaway) How international teams overcome language barriers (including stories using Google Translate) Why learning to "hug the win" matters for coaches, leaders, and business owners If you're a basketball junkie, a coach, a parent, or an athlete who loves the game — this one is for you. Follow Layton Christian Basketball: Instagram: @lcambb Business inquiries / interview requests: ceo@thegametimeguru.com  Come follow The Gametime Guru on the various social media platforms! Facebook: The Gametime Guru - https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru  X: @thegametimeguru - https://x.com/thegametimeguru/  Instagram: @gametimeguru - https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/  TikTok: @thegametimeguru - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru   

Art Manteris is one of the most respected names in sports betting, an industry veteran with a four-decade career that includes time at the Fremont Hotel & Casino and running the sportsbook at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He was also inducted into the Sports Gaming Hall of Fame for his impact on the world of sports gaming. In this convo, I sit down with Art to talk about his new book, "The Bookie: How I Bet it all on Sports Gambling and Watched an Industry Explode", and the current headlines surrounding sports gambling. With betting scandals and integrity concerns dominating the conversation, Art shares an insider perspective on what's real, what's misunderstood, and what leagues, sportsbooks, and bettors can do to protect the integrity of the game while keeping sports betting legalized and responsibly regulated. If you're a sports fan, a bettor, or just curious about how this industry actually works behind the scenes, this is a must-listen. Get the book: Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Bookie-Inside-Betting-Billion-Dollar-Industry-ebook/dp/B0DQVC88X4  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bookie-art-manteris/1147777162  ... Enjoy the episode? Follow the show and share it with a friend who loves sports, betting, or behind-the-scenes stories.

Veteran sports journalist and author Harvey Araton joins me on the show for a deep conversation on how sports media has changed, what true "access" used to look like in the print era, and why great storytelling still matters in today's sports culture. Harvey shares behind-the-scenes stories from a career covering elite athletics (including the NBA), plus his experience co-producing ESPN's 30 for 30: When the Garden Was Eden, a project tied to the legendary 1970s New York Knicks era. A major focus of this episode is Harvey's newest project and his first-ever middle-grade children's novel, ** The Goal of the Game **, inspired by what youth sports has become in today's high-pressure, high-cost environment. If you're a parent, coach, athlete, journalist, or someone who loves sports stories with real meaning, this one will hit. In this episode, we cover: What sports journalism used to be like and how access has changed Print media vs. today's creator-driven sports media world How When the Garden Was Eden became an ESPN 30 for 30 The pressure kids face in modern youth sports and how early it starts The youth sports industry, travel teams, and the "future stakes" mindset Why Harvey wrote The Goal of the Game and what he hopes kids learn A powerful life lesson: don't enter a story with a preconceived conclusion, listen first Harvey Araton's book: The Goal of the Game Amazon: https://a.co/d/4VkH2XF  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-goal-of-the-game-harvey-araton/1148082088  Website:  http://www.HarveyAraton.com  If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe/follow so you don't miss weekly interviews with sports figures from around the world. And if you can, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show a ton. New episodes every week. Tap in today.

Lee Toldson has immense experience on a variety of levels as a basketball coach, as a mentor, and now as an author! Listen in on this interview as I get the chance to learn about his history in the sport of basketball and how he ended up over here in Idaho, all the way from good old Louisiana!!  I've admired Lee's work for quite some time and I'm grateful for the opportunity to chat with him! Lee has coached at the high school level, the professional level, international level, the club level, and he's no stranger to the game as a player as well as he competed in college basketball himself.  We get to learn about his career and the life lessons he went through. We'll chat about his high school basketball coach, the legendary Kenny Almond out of Baton Rouge!  Find out how Kenny showed up in Lee's life, 20 years later during one of the toughest parts of Kenny's life to show his love and respect to him.  I love hearing about Lee's new book: The No Excuses, Embrace the Challenge Book - https://amzn.to/48NYr0z  If you want to learn from him and hear some of his insights and wisdom, consider snagging yourself a copy of this book yourself! Everyone experiences burnout, so he's going to share how to avoid that!  Grateful for this opportunity for you guys to tune in and hear this today!  Hit that Subscribe button and follow along as each week we'll bring you more interviews from sports figures from all over the globe. #LeeToldson #BasketballCoach #Author

Ben "The Bane" Davis has carved out one of the most unique paths in combat sports and entertainment. From calling fights across multiple promotions to stepping inside the cage himself—and even competing on MTV's The Challenge—Ben brings a rare blend of curiosity, courage, and relentless work ethic. In this episode, Ben breaks down how he entered the world of combat sports commentary, what he learned while grinding through early media roles, and the mindset it takes to stand out on the mic. We talk about pacing, preparation, chemistry with a co-commentator, and why great play-by-play requires both discipline and personality. Ben also shares his firsthand experience competing in BKFC and Karate Combat—not just as a commentator, but as a fighter—and what those opportunities taught him about the sport and himself. Then we dive into his leap into reality television with MTV's The Challenge: • What life in the house was really like • The hardest part of adapting to cameras 24/7 • How the alliances, strategy, and politics actually work • What he took away from the experience and whether he'd do it again If you're someone who has ever wondered "what if?", Ben's story is a testament to saying yes, taking chances, and learning through unconventional opportunities. Enjoy this conversation with one of the most dynamic voices—and personalities—in combat sports today. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA  If you'd like to listen to the show, you can catch the podcast on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gametime-guru/id1195653965 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bBJIiyOxs25BHKhKlCe23  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/81800b66-fda2-4263-ac16-04c1c1d637a8/the-gametime-guru Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/The-Gametime-Guru-p1021721/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvbvSCliFvNWYadx9YugquysAbVz8Cb7i   

Today on The Gametime Guru, I'm joined by Dave "Redneck" Mundell — the reigning BKFC Middleweight Champion and one of the most disciplined, business-focused fighters in the sport. We dive deep into what makes Dave such a unique force in bare-knuckle fighting: His calm, all-business approach in a sport built on both competition and personality His background in combat sports and the journey that led him to the BKFC title The nerves he still feels before every fight — and the preparation strategies that help him stay composed What it's really like to get hurt in a fight and battle back in real time Dave also opens up about potential matchups with Mike Perry and Lorenzo Hunt — and why he sees both of them as favorable fights. His perspective on "levels to the game" is something every aspiring fighter will want to hear. If you're an athlete, a fan of BKFC, or someone who loves hearing the mindset of elite competitors, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: • BKFC and the evolution of bare-knuckle fighting • Dave Mundell's fighting style and championship mentality • Preparing for high-pressure moments • Mike Perry + Lorenzo Hunt matchups • Lessons for aspiring fighters Subscribe and follow The Gametime Guru for more conversations with top athletes and sports personalities from around the world.

We're breaking down the college football landscape right now as Mike Zanetti joins me here on the show! It's coming up on Week 13 of the season and we have a LOT to chat about!  Join us to discuss the true 'contenders' vs the 'pretenders' in the college football playoff race! We're going to chat about the potential upsets:  - Could Alabama lose to Auburn? - Will Ohio State come out undefeated or will Michigan or Indiana have something to say about that?  - Will Vanderbilt find a way into the playoff and would it be great to have Diego Pavia in the playoff? - What about the Group of 5? Should Tulane actually deserve a spot or should they re-consider that whole format?  And we also discuss who the true Heisman Candidates should be!?  Has Mike become an Indiana fan since moving to the state for work?!! Join us to hear more today.  This is the Nations Best Natty Show brought to you by The NIL Marketplace Showcase (details below) The NIL Marketplace Showcase  July 7-9th  Hyatt Regency  Indianapolis, Indiana  #CollegeFootball #Heisman #Playoffs

What an awesome opportunity we have today to chat with Jay Paterno, the son of legendary Penn State University Coach, Joe Paterno. With his most recent book, "Blitzed" coming out recently, we'll chat with Jay about the contents of the book and how the landscape of college football continues to change, which is leaving coaches and players alike with a need to adapt!  There are so many additional pressures with NIL coming into play. The money brings so many pressures. Do coaches have shorter leashes while coaching now? Do the expectations change from fanbases and donors now with all this money playing a factor?  How does this impact recruiting? How does this impact retention and keeping rosters intact?  What does Jay think about potentially having a collective bargaining agreement in college athletics?  What about betting? How has gambling had an impact on sports? Fans, coaches, players, referees alike? We get to hear some of his favorite memories and some of the great lessons he learned along with his father!  Come checkout this awesome conversation and snag your copy of the book so you can dive into it even deeper!  Follow Jay:  SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/jaypaternoforpa/ https://twitter.com/JayPaterno https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaypaterno/ https://www.youtube.com/@nittanygameweek4442/featured https://www.instagram.com/jayvpaterno/ BIOS: https://jaypaterno.onlinepresskit247.com/about.html IMAGES: https://jaypaterno.onlinepresskit247.com/image-gallery.html WEBSITE: https://www.jayvpaterno.com/ BLITZED on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blitzed-All-Out-Pressure-College-Footballs/dp/B0DFW82ZT5/ Thanks for tuning in and if you enjoy this episode, please consider giving me a follow here on YouTube to help me build out this platform!  #JayPaterno #PennStateFootball #Coaching #Author 

In this solo episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I'm sharing two stories that hit close to home—one from the sideline and one from the broader world of college sports. How I Learned (Again) That I Belong I relive one of my final club basketball games coaching in California—when my undersized team went toe-to-toe with a junior college squad and found a way to win. It's a raw look at belief, resilience, and learning how to win again after a stretch of setbacks. If you've ever questioned whether you belong—at work, in sport, or in life—this one's for you. The NIL Era: Opportunity & Uncertainty I break down the current state of Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) in college sports: How NIL is reshaping recruiting and roster retention Why powerhouse programs (think Ohio State) and mid-majors (like Boise State) face different realities The rise of donor fatigue and what it means for long-term sustainability Why NIL can be a double-edged sword—creating new opportunities for JUCO and DII athletes while adding pressure elsewhere Practical ideas for athletes (yes, even JUCO players) to build a brand—like starting a podcast and owning your story What you'll take away: How to rebuild confidence after a string of losses Why culture and standards help you "flip the switch" back to winning Actionable ways athletes and coaches can adapt in the NIL era If you're a coach, parent, athlete, or sports fan who believes games teach life, you'll feel right at home here. After nine years of conversations with athletes and coaches from 183 countries and all 50 states, I'm more convinced than ever: when you put in the work, you belong. If this episode resonates, follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps the mission and keeps the conversations coming. Thanks for listening and for being part of the Gametime Guru community.

Sports writer Bill Rabinowitz joins me to unpack his new book Buckeye Brotherhood, the people-first stories from Ohio State's national championship season, and what it really takes to build a career in sports media today. We cover interviewing 50+ players and coaches, the leadership arc of Ryan Day, and why great reporting starts with listening. If you love Ohio State or you want to sharpen your sports-writing game, this one will hit. In this episode:  The human stories behind the Buckeyes' championship run How to break into sports media in 2025 and build audience on your own terms Listening to understand vs listening to reply Preparing under pressure and telling hard stories the right way Why Ohio State football unites an entire state Five takeaways People first, plays second. The best football stories are human stories. Listening is your edge. It unlocks trust and better reporting. Preparation reduces nerves and clarifies decisions. You can build a writing career if you are excellent and consistent. Resilience and identity fueled Ohio State's run, not just scheme. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:00 Bill's path in journalism 06:45 Breaking in today 08:40 The power of listening 12:35 Why Ohio State unites Ohio 13:30 Making Buckeye Brotherhood 18:55 Telling Ryan Day's story 21:05 Unsung players, big moments 27:30 Substack and paying for real journalism 41:00 Wrap and resources Resources Book: Buckeye Brotherhood (search on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Triumph Books) Bill's Substack: billrabinowitz.substack.com  About The Gametime Guru Nine years running, I interview sports figures from around the world to deliver a panoramic view on sports. Former athletes, die-hards, and casual fans all walk away with something useful. Enjoy the show? Follow, rate the podcast, and share this episode with a Buckeyes fan or an aspiring sports writer.