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 Pickleball
05:20 The Impact of COVID-19 on Pickleball
07:53 Building Major League Pickleball and Duper
10:26 Navigating League Growth and Structure
13:04 Media Strategy and Distribution in Pickleball
15:22 Infrastructure Opportunities in Pickleball
18:19 The Future of Pickleball and Padel
20:56 Global Expansion of Pickleball
23:33 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 Sports
02:22 The Unique Approach of No Limits Tour
04:39 Building a New League in Cliff Diving
08:19 Identifying Locations for Events
10:51 Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth
13:22 Selecting Participants for the Tour
15:22 Navigating Capital Markets for Funding
17:24 Vision for the Future of No Limits Tour
19:22 Unexpected Lessons in Building a League
21:00 Dream Locations for Future Events
22:06 Leadership and Mentorship in Sports
Raphael 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/
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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 Experiences
05:55 The Origins: Eddie’s Vision and the First Machines
08:12 How TOCA Completes Soccer Across the Full Player Journey
11:28 Expanding Youth Soccer and Player Development
14:05 The Role of Technology in Consistent, Scalable Training
17:20 TOCA Social: Soccer’s Version of Topgolf
21:48 Building Experiences That Connect Fans, Players & Families
25:03 Creating IP: Why TOCA Is Betting Big on Social Venues
28:42 The Global Soccer Moment Ahead of 2026
32:11 Strategy, Scale & Global Expansion Opportunities
35:26 The Future: Making Soccer a Lifelong Experience
Eddie 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/
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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 AI
05:46 Defining AI in Sports
08:26 The Future of Video Capture in Sports
11:15 Enhancing Value for Teams and Clubs
13:57 Recruiting Applications and Market Needs
16:47 Creating a Culture of Innovation
19:37 The Role of Hardware in Video Capture
22:19 The Pulse of Youth Sports Events
25:14 Lessons Learned as Founders
27:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of KlutchShots AI
Jeff 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:
Dan 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:
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 Outlook
Todd 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/
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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 Engagement
09:00 The Role of Data in Partnership Decisions
12:00 Adapting to New Sports Trends and Experiences
14:59 The Evolution of Sponsorships and Athlete Engagement
17:58 The Future of Media Consumption and Live Experiences
20:59 The Impact of AI on Sports Sponsorships
24:02 Looking Ahead: Major Events and Consumer Behavior
Matt 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 Brera
04:51 Going Public: The Advantages of IPOs
09:02 SPACs vs. Traditional IPOs
12:06 The Future of Brera and Soulmate
16:24 Understanding the Crypto and Sports Connection
22:36 Cultural Perspectives on Risk in Business
26:42 Emerging Trends in Sports and Investment
Dan 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/
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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 Branding
05:06 Understanding Creativity in Branding
07:50 Building a Brand with Depth and Substance
11:25 Resources Behind Elite Athlete Branding
15:53 Introducing Beyond Your Limits
22:18 The Importance of Brand Evolution
26:35 Empowering Athletes and Organizations
31:17 Conclusion and Call to Action
Greg 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 Takeaways
Mathew 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 law
Chapters:
02:40 Christine Brown's Journey in Sports Law
05:09 The Effectiveness and Challenges of Title IX
07:52 Unintended Consequences of Recent NCAA Changes
10:24 Emerging Sports and Opportunities for Women
13:11 Blind Spots in NIL Understanding
15:28 The Need for Federal Oversight in College Sports
18:24 Proactive Steps for Athletes and Coaches
20:40 Staying Relevant in a Changing Sports Landscape
23:17 Embracing Opportunities in Sports
Christine 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 Tech
05:07 Consolidation in the Sports Tech Industry
08:29 Programming and Technology Interplay
10:23 International Opportunities in Youth Sports
16:08 Investment Strategies in Youth Sports Tech
19:43 The Future of Youth Sports and Community Impact
Peter 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/
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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 Vision
05:12 Building a Sports Property from Scratch
08:47 Fundraising and Market Opportunities in Winter Sports
12:19 Equal Prize Money and Athlete-Centric Innovation
15:08 Media Rights, PR, and Global Fan Engagement
18:34 Learning from Formula 1 and Other Global Leagues
22:11 The Future of Snow League and What’s Next
Omer 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 Dance
22:36 Conclusion and Call to Action
Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO of Pop Warner, joins the show to discuss the legacy and future of one of America’s most iconic youth sports organizations. With a century of history behind it, Pop Warner has become the gold standard in youth football, cheerleading, and now flag football, helping millions of young athletes build character, confidence, and a lifelong love for sports.
Before leading Pop Warner, Steve spent over 20 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, building deep expertise in sponsorships, partnerships, and fan engagement. His career has been marked by growing brands, creating meaningful community connections, and expanding opportunities for athletes at every level. At Pop Warner, he’s using that experience to elevate the organization’s reach and impact, ensuring it continues to thrive in a changing sports landscape.
Fun fact: Pop Warner alumni include NFL legends like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Emmitt Smith—proof of the program’s role in shaping generations of elite athletes. Steve and his team continue to build on that tradition, blending grassroots development with a vision for the next 100 years of youth sports.
Podcast Chapters:
02:41 Steve Strawbridge's Journey in Sports Management
05:21 The Business of Football: Insights from the NFL
08:15 Assessing and Innovating at Pop Warner
11:19 The Role of Technology and Safety in Youth Sports
13:53 The Growth of Flag Football and Partnerships
16:35 Cheer and Dance: Expanding Pop Warner's Offerings
19:32 The Impact of Private Equity on Youth Sports
22:07 Future Goals for Pop Warner
Jake Deane is the Co-Founder of True Lacrosse, one of the fastest-growing youth lacrosse organizations in the country. With nearly 20 years of experience in the game, Jake has dedicated his career to developing players, building programs, and creating pathways for athletes to succeed both on and off the field.
Since its founding in 2008, True Lacrosse has expanded from grassroots clinics in Illinois to a national footprint with programs across the United States. The organization is focused on elite coaching, player development, and teaching life lessons that extend far beyond the field. With a “player-focused, family-minded” philosophy, True Lacrosse has helped thousands of athletes achieve their goal of playing at the collegiate level while instilling the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.
Jake shares the story of how True Lacrosse grew from a local idea into a national brand, the current challenges facing youth sports, and where he sees the future of lacrosse headed.
02:29 Growth and Evolution of True Lacrosse
07:25 Taking Risks and Scaling the Business
11:54 The Future of Youth Sports and Expansion Plans
17:22 Current State of Youth Sports and Market Trends
20:23 The Role of Private Equity in Youth Sports
21:58 Professionalization of Youth Sports
22:59 Conclusion and Future Opportunities
Jake Hoselton is the co-founder and CEO of Grass Clippings, the company behind Arizona’s only fully lighted golf course, Grass Clippings Rolling Hills. More than just a golf course, Grass Clippings is reimagining what it means to bring community, entertainment, and competition together. With its unique day-to-night transformation—playing as a par 61 during the day and a par 54 par-3 course under the lights—Grass Clippings offers golfers an entirely new way to experience the game.At Grass Clippings, the vision goes beyond the fairways. From the Top Tracer lighted driving range with lounge seating and food service, to Glenrosa, a restaurant serving Sonoran-inspired cuisine, and live music events that transform the course into a social hub, Jake and his team are building something much bigger: a new culture of golf. With the launch of Grass League, a professional golf league designed for a new generation of fans, Grass Clippings is blending tradition with innovation to create one of the most exciting evolutions in the sport.Beyond the golf and entertainment, Jake’s story is also about building for the future—developing a franchise model for Grass League, growing new talent pipelines, and redefining how golf can be presented as both competition and community. Grass Clippings isn’t just growing the game; it’s creating a movement.Podcast Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Grass League and Golf's Evolution01:09 The Origin Story of Grass Clippings and Grass League04:56 Understanding Grass League's Structure and Vision06:15 The Unique Experience of Night Golf and Entertainment12:11 Franchise Model and Growth Strategy of Grass League16:20 Talent Selection and Development in Grass League18:45 Reflecting on Milestones and Achievements23:05 Future Plans and Expansion of Grass League29:15 Mentorship and Learning in the Golf Industry
Sandeep Hingorani is the EVP and a founding team member of BallerTV, the leading live and on-demand streaming service for youth sports. Since its founding in 2016, BallerTV has grown into the go-to platform for families, athletes, and scouts, offering live streams, replays, and highlights of games that were once impossible to watch outside the gym. With a background as both an athlete and a parent, Sandeep has been at the forefront of building a company that ensures no family member ever has to miss a child’s game again.
At BallerTV, the mission goes beyond streaming—it’s about access, opportunity, and connection. By dramatically expanding the spectrum of youth sports coverage, BallerTV keeps families connected, provides athletes with valuable footage for recruiting, and creates new pathways for visibility across the youth sports ecosystem. The platform has also proven itself as a community builder, capturing the moments that matter most to families while helping athletes at every level showcase their skills to the world.
Beyond the platform, Sandeep’s story highlights the resilience required to navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped the landscape of youth sports. Looking forward, BallerTV is doubling down on innovation—from advanced insights to expanded partnerships—ensuring that youth athletes have the exposure and opportunities they deserve.
Podcast Chapters:
05:03 BallerTV: Revolutionizing Youth Sports Broadcasting
10:47 Lessons from the Youth Sports Ecosystem
15:18 Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19
17:45 The Future of BallerTV: Beyond Live Streaming
21:58 The Role of Athletes in Shaping Youth Sports
29:28 Personal Connections: The Power of Community in Sports
Sandeep Hingorani:
🏠Website: https://www.ballertv.com/
Scott Garber:
🏠 Website: https://profluence.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/
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Scott Birnbaum is the co-founder and CEO of Booster, a platform reinventing fundraising for athletes and teams. With over 15 years of experience in PPC advertising and leadership roles at firms like System1, Demand Media, and Fullscreen, Scott brings a wealth of expertise in scaling operations, building high-performing teams, and driving digital growth. At Booster, he’s combining this background with his passion for sports to create a smarter, subscription-based fundraising model that eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional campaigns.
At Booster, the mission is clear: make fundraising effortless so athletes and coaches can focus on what really matters—development, performance, and community. Whether at the high school, junior college, or NCAA level, Booster empowers teams to generate consistent, recurring revenue without upfront costs or the constant reset of starting from zero each season. The platform also provides athletes with the tools to build their brands, connect with fans, and unlock new pathways for support as they move through different stages of their athletic careers.
Beyond the platform, Scott’s story is also one of leadership and adaptability. Having scaled System1 from 15 employees to IPO, he has firsthand experience building global teams, navigating transitions, and fostering cultures of collaboration and innovation. Now, with Booster, he’s applying those lessons to the youth and collegiate sports ecosystem—helping athletes and teams access resources that were previously out of reach.
Podcast Chapters:
02:40 The Evolution of Fundraising in High School Sports
05:37 Building Community Through Subscription Models
08:07 Navigating the High School Sports Landscape
10:52 Engagement Strategies for Sustaining Interest
13:45 Leveraging Corporate Partnerships for Growth
16:42 Market Penetration and Future Plans
19:19 The Importance of Youth Sports in Development
22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts