How The F**k Did You Get That Job?: Recent Episodes
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Welcome to the show where two not-so-interesting guys ask interesting people one question and then interrupt them as they try to answer. This podcast started earlier in New York City when hosts of the show, David Jaffin and Jake Miller, asked people out to breakfast to make connections and pick their brains about how they got to where they are and advice to those wanting to follow in their footsteps. Now, they’ve learned how to work microphones … kind of.
Elias Martinez, AVP for University Marketing at Texas State University, recently sat down with me on How The F* Did You Get That Job. Elias gave us the real story of his wild ride from the middle of nowhere in New Mexico to the big time in higher ed marketing.
Elias' insights couldn't have come at a better time for higher ed marketers. The game is getting tougher, and students are getting pickier about where they want to spend their college years (and money). In a world where everyone's craving authenticity and relatability, Elias' approach to storytelling and brand-building is a masterclass in how universities can stand out from the crowd and actually connect with young people.
He makes it crystal clear that marketing isn't just about selling a product – it's about promoting opportunities and making a real difference. Elias is challenging higher ed marketers to take a long, hard look at what they're doing and how they can do it better. He's pushing them to think outside the box and get creative with their strategies – not just to boost enrollment numbers, but to create brands that actually mean something to students and society as a whole.
So if you're in higher ed marketing and you're not paying attention to what Elias has to say, you're missing out on some serious wisdom. This is your sign to start keeping it real, telling better stories, and making a real impact with your work. Because at the end of the day, that's what it's all about – not just selling a degree, but changing lives and making the world a little bit better, one student at a time.
In the world of business, it's easy to assume that being the market leader is the ultimate goal. After all, who wouldn't want to dominate their industry and enjoy the spoils of success? But there's a compelling case to be made for the advantages of being a challenger brand - a company that may not be the top dog, but is hungry, agile, and ready to shake things up.
As Marissa Solis, SVP of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing for the NFL, puts it, "If you can combine both the swagger and the hunger, I think you get a perfect marketer." In other words, while market leaders may have the confidence that comes with their position, challenger brands have the drive and adaptability that can propel them to new heights.
In this episode, we'll explore the benefits of embracing the challenger mindset, from avoiding the pitfalls of complacency to connecting with underserved markets. We'll also examine real-world examples of companies that have leveraged their underdog status to achieve remarkable success. So buckle up and get ready to root for the underdogs.
On the latest episode of "How The Fuck Did You Get That Job", we sat down with Heidi Anderson, a trailblazer who's gone from a small Danish town to the upper echelons of Silicon Valley. As the current CMO and CRO at Nextdoor, Heidi's journey includes impressive roles at Google and LinkedIn, where she played a vital part in driving these tech giants to new heights.
Heidi grew up in a tight-knit Danish community of just 100 people. But her curiosity and love for reading sparked dreams of exploring the world. Her path took her from the University of Southern Denmark to a life-changing gap year traveling the U.S., igniting a passion for the fast-paced, innovative spirit of Silicon Valley.
In this episode, Heidi discussed the ups and downs of navigating the tech world as an immigrant and a woman in leadership. She offered valuable advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships, staying resilient, and constantly growing. Heidi's story is one of embracing opportunity, pushing beyond comfort zones, and harnessing the power of community to drive positive change.
You can also watch this conversation on Youtube.
Picture this: you're a hotshot marketer, ready to take on the world. But you're faced with a tough choice — should you be a jack-of-all-trades or a master of one? It's the age-old debate between being a generalist or a specialist.To help us navigate this tricky terrain, we brought in Charlotte Mostaed, the CMO of Health-Ade Kombucha. Charlotte's got a multidisciplinary background in development studies, which has shaped her unique approach to marketing. She calls it "very general management focused." Basically, she's a boss at seeing the big picture.As Charlotte puts it, "This ability to do a very multidisciplinary major really, really spoke to me. And I would say that that's how I've now approached marketing and my brand of marketing, which is very general management focused." Her experience shows just how valuable a generalist mindset can be in marketing. But before we crown generalists the winners, we’re going to break down the merits of being a stone cold specialist in certain fields.In this article, we'll dive into the pros and cons of being a generalist or specialist in marketing, look at some real-world examples of successful marketers from both sides, and give you some actionable advice to help you navigate this complex landscape.
Picture this: you're a marketing mastermind, perched atop your throne of brilliant ideas, ready to take on the world. But wait, what's that sound? It's the drumbeat of artificial intelligence, marching steadily toward your kingdom. Do you cower in fear, clutching your trusty whiteboard marker? Or do embrace your new robot overlords and use AI as your secret weapon in the battle for marketing supremacy?As Sophie Kelly, SVP of Global Tequila at Diageo, aptly put it, "Gone are the days of sitting in a room trying to think of all the possible ideas." The AI revolution is upon us, and it's not just a passing fad – it's a seismic shift in how we approach marketing. With AI tools readily accessible, we're no longer limited by the boundaries of our own imagination. We can feed the machine a few prompts and watch as it spits out a smorgasbord of ideas, each more tantalizing than the last.But here's the catch: having a vast array of options is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in navigating this sea of possibilities to uncover the true gems – the ideas that will resonate with your audience, drive engagement, and propel your brand to new heights. And that, my friends, is where the importance of creativity and fearlessness comes into play.
In our insanely overstimulated and infinite world of social media, trying to communicate your brand’s message loudly to multiple generations simultaneously is like trying to juggle flaming chainsaws while riding a unicycle on a tightrope.As consumer decision-making becomes more collaborative and family-oriented, marketers must channel their inner circus performer and adapt their strategies to appeal to a diverse range of age groups. Each generation comes with its own quirks, preferences, and communication styles.The higher education sector is a perfect case study for this multigenerational marketing clusterf**k. As Gabriel Welsch, VP of Marketing and Communications at Duquesne University shared on the podcast this week, "In 90% of cases, the parents are a huge part of the decision, and increasingly the grandparents, because for millennial parents, whose kids are now growing and starting to look at college, the grandparents often were the caretakers. So they're very invested in their success as well." It's like a family reunion, but instead of arguing about who makes the best potato salad, they're debating which college has the most impressive dining hall.Below, we'll dive headfirst into the challenge of multigenerational marketing, using insights from the higher education sector and time spent talking with Garbiel Welsch as our guide. We'll explore each generation's unique characteristics and preferences, uncover best practices for crafting cohesive brand messages that resonate with audiences across the age spectrum, and equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to become a marketing superhero.
In this super fun, super insightful interview (which we did on a yacht!?), we sat down with Olivia Donnan, VP of Branding Communications at YOTEL, to dive into her career journey and philosophies about how to stand out and build a world-class global brand in hospitality. From her early dreams of becoming an actress to navigating the multicultural nuances of international business, Olivia shares the lessons, challenges, and wins that have shaped her path. Like many of our guests on “How the F**k Did You Get That Job?”, Olivia’s education and career path are completely unrelated, and she gives practical advice for those starting out in their career and anxious make their mark early (hint: be patient!).One of our favorite parts of this interview as the candid look at what it takes to build and maintain a strong brand in the uber competitive world of hospitality, and how to maintain that brand’s consistency across continents. A great lesson for any budding global marketing executive.
In this fascinating interview we cover:- Embracing New Platforms for Engagement: At NYC FC, Lauren harnessed the power of new platforms like TikTok for influencer marketing, highlighting the need to adapt to changing media landscapes for brand visibility and engagement.- Innovation in Agency Partnerships: Lauren discussed the evolving dynamics between brands and agencies, stressing the importance of creativity, commitment, and deep brand understanding in successful partnerships.- The Importance of Integrated Marketing: Lauren's diverse experiences taught her about taking an integrated marketing approach, where balancing various strategies effectively addresses different business challenges.- Data-Driven Creativity: She advocates for a balance between creativity and data in marketing, emphasizing that both are crucial for crafting engaging campaigns and resonating with audiences.- Future Trends in Marketing: Lauren predicts a future where marketing will be heavily influenced by the integration of new media and technology, focusing on creating personalized and engaging experiences for customers with things like AR & VR.In the disorientingly fast-changing world of marketing, it’s extremely important to make sure that you are creating a feedback loop between data and creativity. Marketing is the blend of art and science, and few people understand this as well as this week’s podcast guest, Lauren Scrima.Lauren is the VP of Marketing at NYC FC. Her transition from studying political science to running multi-platform brand marketing departments symbolizes the necessity for marketers to be agile, adaptable, and continuously learning. Adaptability is particularly critical as this field is ever-evolving, the engagement platforms rise and fall and consumer engagement paradigms shift almost daily. “How are we different?” is a question that must be asked and realized on a daily basis.Lauren started her career at the prestigious New Yorker Magazine as a sales associate before jumping over the brand side at Dr. Pepper Snapple, and later, the alcohol behemoth AB InBev. Each step in her journey gave her unique insights — from grappling with the emotional connections essential in marketing to the significance of data-driven strategies in sculpting compelling, unique brand narratives.Today Lauren is at NYC FC, and has been tasked with elevating the fledgling soccer brand in the highly competitive US sports market. She went gung-ho into influencer marketing and platforms like TikTok, underscoring her ability to adapt to new mediums and strategies. Her time at NYC FC has showcased her penchant for keeping creativity in marketing, while balancing it with an acute awareness of data to inform decision-making, resonate with audiences, and drive impactful brand engagement.
Welcome to another episode of How the fk did you get that job?" This week, we're excited to sit down with Jinal Shah, the GM and CMO of Zip US, a digital financial services company making credit accessible to as many people as possible.If you've ever been part of an exhilarating, fast-paced (aka fking crazy) startup, you know that roles are often as flexible as they are demanding. In early-stage startups, job descriptions blur, departments merge, and you're expected to roll up your sleeves to get shit done. Jinal, as a leader navigating these fluid dynamics, took to this environment like a duck in water after spending years in the agency world. In her dual role as GM and CMO, Jinal has exhibited an understanding of the art and science of marketing that really impressed us. She’s been instrumental in fostering an environment at Zip US that values data-driven decision making, while also championing the creative potential of her team. Jinal consciously aims to be an inspirational leader, encouraging her team to explore, innovate, and continually push the boundaries of what's possible.I loved this conversation because it reinstated my belief that startups can have top tier creative talent in their ranks and that they needn’t rely on fancy agencies to tell them how to talk to their customers. It was refreshing, inspiring, engaging.
What experiences and influences shape standout marketing leaders? Abby Eddy, Director of Brand Management at Purdue University, joins us to peel back the curtain on her winding path to directing high-profile brand strategy initiatives.From entrepreneurial childhoods to lateral career stepping stones, we overturn assumptions about the trajectory toward marketing leadership. We unpack with Abby how early talents were nurtured by those around her, planting seeds that blossomed over time.We go back to Abby’s Girl Scout cookie sales outreach and the sway observing family businesses firsthand. Her stories spotlights how such early exposure cultivated natural competencies around positioning brands and engaging consumers.Abby also discusses the impact of internships cementing marketing fundamentals beyond textbook concepts. We examine her stint as an orchestra librarian, revealing transferable strengths built in unconventional roles en route to marketing direction.Throughout our discussion, Abby credits certain mentors with recognizing abilities that outgrew opportunities. Their encouragement to embrace next-level responsibilities enabled pivotal stepping stones demonstrating capabilities beyond her current responsibilities.
In our fractured age, crafting a brand that emotionally inspires trust and loyalty from both customers and employees can seem impossible for large organizations. However, Jeff Harris, Chief Marketing Officer of Sam Houston State University, believes that large brands orgs can still connect authentically in 2024 if they focus on amplifying internal purpose over imposing external perceptions.We got Jeff in the hot seat to break down his six critical insights for C-suite leaders to pilot a cultural marketing renaissance at organizations in 2024 by looking at how he brings them to life at Sam Houston State.Jeff has steadily elevated regional academic institutions’ brands for over a decade by fundamentally listening and understanding audiences before building marketing strategies. He sees the marketing team’s role as almost entirely supportive – bringing together disparate organizational voices into compelling, cohesive stories that serve others while advancing the collective mission.
Liz Simon took an unexpected route to her current role as Chief Operating Officer of premium coworking company Industrious. Early on, she had her sights set on changing the world through politics and policy. The self-proclaimed "super nerdy" teen was obsessed with civil rights and dreamed of directing impact through the law.She charged ahead to Cornell then the University of Michigan Law School, with a stint working on the Obama campaign sprinkled in between. But the "soul-crushingly slow" pace of bureaucracy left her questioning the ability to drive change from within. A pivot to the world of startups proved fateful when a happenstance referral dropped her into an associate general counsel role at the then-40-person coding bootcamp General Assembly.As Simon describes it, she proceeded to "work herself out of a job" by building a lean legal team to address regulatory snarls, then found herself migrating into broader executive leadership. After rising to CEO during a period of company growth and acquisition, she took the pandemic period to reflect on aligning impact and passion. The future of work called, landing her in operations oversight at Industrious during a post-COVID rebuilding phase.Now feeling the culture is "in one of the strongest places" after rallying during contraction, the self-proclaimed non-online person offers simple advice: "most of the stuff is just not that important." Perhaps that wisdom comes from the only other pursuit she says brings her equal meaning – being a mom. As Industrious continues to bounce back under Simon's steady leadership, she’ll surely rely on that clarity of priority.
Imagine stepping into the world of marketing with a sociology degree in your back pocket, ready to decipher the hieroglyphs of consumer behavior like some sort of modern-day Indiana Jones, minus the whip and the fear of snakes. This is the story of Jenny Zirinsky, Global SVP, Marketing, Communications, & Media Transformation at Colgate-Palmolive, whose career trajectory makes the Golden Record’s journey through space seem like a leisurely stroll through the park.
For those who missed the memo, Jenny is not your run-of-the-mill marketer. No, she embarked on her odyssey at Boston University, armed with nothing but a passion for sociology. Fast forward through the years, and you find her steering the ship at Colgate-Palmolive’s marketing department. How did she get there? Well, buckle up, because this is where it gets interesting.
Her journey kicks off in the agency world. Here, Jenny worked at OMD International and Resolution Media, honing her skills in the art of digital media strategy. Think of her as the captain of the Starship Enterprise, if the Enterprise was tasked with selling shampoo and toothpaste instead of exploring strange new worlds.
Then came the leap to the brand side, a move akin to switching from tea to coffee — shocking to the system but ultimately invigorating. From Estée Lauder to Coty, Jenny didn't just walk through doors; she kicked them down with the finesse of a ballet dancer wearing steel-toed boots. Along the way, she learned the importance of work-life balance.
But what sets Jenny apart is not just her career trajectory; it's her unwavering belief in seizing opportunities and diving headfirst into the unknown. She approaches challenges with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store, if the kid was a marketing genius and the candy store was the global marketplace.
One of her crowning achievements? A Spider-Man campaign that made navigating Peter Parker's New York as thrilling as swinging through the city on a web. It was creative, it was innovative, and it probably made every competitor wish they had thought of it first.
So, as Jenny Zirinsky continues her voyage through the world of marketing, let her story be a beacon for all those navigating the dark waters of their careers. It's a reminder that with a bit of humor, a dash of courage, and a sociology degree (apparently), the sky's not the limit — it's just the beginning.
Liz Crisafi took an unexpected route through the worlds of broadcasting, marketing, and advertising before she landed in hospitality as the Global Vice President of Integrated Marketing at InterContinental Hotels Group. But her passion for storytelling and people has been a constant driving force.After initially pursuing broadcast journalism in college and losing her Southern accent along the way, Liz realized the competitive field wasn’t for her. So when a friend suggested she try marketing, mentioning the better pay and hours, she decided to pivot. As she says with a laugh, “Compared to broadcast, anything probably looked better at that point!”Her first marketing gig may not have been glamorous, selling agricultural chemicals. But Liz embraced the challenge to “make herbicides and pesticides interesting” with an ad campaign set in an OR trying to revive a giant dying potato. As Liz says, “It doesn't have to be boring, even if it’s some random chem company or a B2B market.”Over the years, Liz learned to love marketing and honed her skills on iconic brands like Kodak. But it was the field of hospitality marketing that ultimately captured her heart when she joined IHG. As she puts it, “It’s hospitality. I love travel. It was a great role for me and it’s a great company. It checked all the boxes.”Now as IHG’s Global VP of Integrated Marketing, she leads marketing efforts for the company’s 19 brands and 6000 destinations worldwide. But she’s quick to note, “Our best product is our people that walk in and out of those hotel doors every day.” Of course, marketing such a diverse portfolio of hotel brands poses unique challenges. As Liz explains, “You have to be relevant in the moment and make sure you’re co-creating experiences, not just relying on past data.” From road warriors staying at a Holiday Inn Express to couples celebrating at a glamorous InterContinental, IHG aims to deliver personalized and meaningful stays.And while Liz loves the creativity of marketing, she’s learned over the years not to take things too seriously either. “Take your work seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously,” she advises. “We’re not curing cancer here, we’re marketing.”
When Molly Swagler was 20 years old, she had one dream – to become a broadcast journalist. But when she met with the news director, he rejected her outright. “You look and sound too young,” he said. Molly was bummed, but took it as a challenge. She didn’t let that stop her from getting what she wanted. Instead, she got creative.Rather than giving up on her goal, Molly devised an unconventional plan to change the news director’s mind. She went home and drafted an eccentric letter stating, “I have taken up smoking and stopped sleeping...and am now looking a lot older.” Her tongue-in-cheek letter was meant to catch the director’s attention and showcase her wit and determination.Along with the letter, she included compelling story ideas every day thereafter that could enliven their newscasts. She even sent gifts like a case of his favorite soda.The news director surely wondered when this spirited young woman would take no for an answer. But eventually Molly wore him down. Thanks to her bold antics – and her sharp journalistic skills – he saw fit to give her a shot. She landed her dream job as an on-air reporter.Molly’s tale illustrates why marketing executives seeking to launch their careers shouldn’t fear coloring outside the lines. When trying to grab the attention of potential employers, creativity and persistence matter just as much as qualifications.Rather than blending in with stacks of generic applicants, make yourself memorable. Show the hiring manager why you deserve the position – and why nobody wants it more than you. Be bold and a tad audacious in order to stand out from the crowd.Just ensure your methods align with company values. Defy norms without being inappropriate or unethical. And back up your unconventional approach with ample proof that you can excel in the role.Molly’s route won’t be right for everyone. But her willingness to manufacture her own opportunity rather than waiting for one is admirable Marketers should feel empowered to take the road less traveled on their way to securing that dream job.When faced with initial rejection, come back stronger and find an innovative way to reverse the decision-maker’s stance. Reframe setbacks as a chance showcase your passion.So take a page from Molly’s playbook. Pull out your proverbial typewriter and craft an eye-catching letter of your own. Start brainstorming what creative tactic could lead hiring managers to exclaim, “You’re hired!”And if you know of other marketers with an intriguing career origin story, please forward this episode and article their way. We would love to learn how more determined souls turned a “no” into a game-changing yes – and transform those stories into future inspiration for go-getters everywhere.
When it comes to great marketing, community colleges don’t often come to mind. Yet these schools excel at outreach. How? By grasping basics other marketers forget.So, we grabbed a room at the Museum of Ice Cream and sat down with Juliet Hidalgo, the Director Communications and Marketing for the Los Angeles Community College District. Here’s what she had to say.__HTFDYGTJ is presented by OpenFortune
Remember playing with Barbies for hours of fun? If you’re a parent now, you probably hard passed on buying your kid the doll you enjoyed years ago. “Lame,” “not with it,” and “gives girls wrong ideas” are feelings about the 60-year-old toy. And, if you saw the Barbie movie last year, you know exactly what we’re talking about. But let’s dial back the clock a bit to break down what marketers can learn from Matt Repicky’s transformation at Barbie years before the movie was even an idea. Matt faced those blah views about Barbie when he rejoined as the toy’s marketing leader in 2014. Moms especially saw Barbie as dusting off odd messages about how girls should look and what they should want. They didn’t want their daughters anywhere near her, and Matt had his work cut out for himself. Something big needed to change to update Barbie’s image but keep her specialness. Matt took on restarting the brand’s purpose and meaning to both girls and parents. His winning rallying cry was “Inspiring the limitless potential in every girl.” That motivation focused everything going forward.Matt leaned on 3 main mindset shifts for injecting new life into tired brands, which we covered in today's episode.
Marketers these days are constantly spinning their wheels with ad platforms and algorithms that seem impossible to tame. But what if I told you true marketing magic stems from understanding human emotions?In this episode of “How The F**k Did You Get That Job”, we sat down with Erin Levzow, CMO of the dazzling Museum of Ice Cream and 25 year veteran driving digital marketing strategy for iconic brands. When she says she markets joy, she isn't kidding. But as Erin's journey from community theater kid to heading up teams at the likes of Wingstop and Del Taco shows, keeping your pulse on customer cravings takes some grit too.From leveraging in-real-life moments to hype social chatter, to choosing optimism and imagination in the face of trauma, Erin gives us the inside scoop on infusing marketing with more heart and memory-making. Our inner child felt seen.
Picture this: you're scrolling through the Miami Dolphins' social feeds. You expect to see the usual suspects - the star quarterback, the lightning-fast wide receiver. But wait, what's this? A long snapper getting the spotlight? That's right. In a bold move that might seem like a social media sin, the Dolphins focus on the team rather than the stars. It's all about the collective, not the individual. Why? Because according to VP of Brand Marketing Michael Shaw, the team ethos is king.This isn't your run-of-the-mill strategy. The Dolphins' approach challenges the norm. In a world where individual branding often takes center stage, they're flipping the script. They're highlighting every player, from the one making the game-winning catch to the one who, well, snapped the ball perfectly. It's like giving every actor in the movie, including the guy who delivered the pizza in scene three, their moment in the Oscars acceptance speech.Why should you care? Because this strategy is more than just nice – it's smart. For starters, it builds a stronger team culture. Everyone feels valued, from the star player to the one in the trenches. This isn't just feel-good stuff; it translates to on-field performance and fan engagement. Fans love to root for a team that feels like a family. And from a marketing standpoint, this approach creates a diverse content stream that appeals to a wider audience.___HTFDYGTJ is presented by OpenFortune
In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, Amanda Rassi, a seasoned marketing professional, shares her career insights, tracing her path from Procter & Gamble to Michaels. Amanda delves into the challenges and triumphs of driving change at a massive corporation like Kroger, highlighting the significance of a dynamic data science team and building a unique brand marketing strategy. The conversation shifts to her role at Michaels, a creative retail giant, exploring the nuances of modernizing the in-store experience and expanding into growth initiatives. Engaging in light-hearted moments, including a fortune cookie revelation and a rapid-fire Q&A, Amanda imparts valuable wisdom on loyalty programs, the evolving retail landscape, and the essence of staying agile in marketing. Tune in to unravel Amanda Rassi's journey, offering a compelling narrative on the transformative power of marketing and the art of navigating change in the industry.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro
01:49 College decision
03:48 First job out of college
06:02 Example of a first project where you were stumped but figured it out
08:29 Marketing strategy when it comes to laundry business
10:17 What does switching between brands at P&G look like to you
13:11 How did you see P&G change over your 14 years there
14:32 When did you know it was the right time to move on to a new job
17:10 What was expectation versus reality taking that gig
18:42 How did your time at P&G help you understand consumer to consumer strategy at Kroger
20:20 How do you convey messages to such a large team in a way that they understand and believe
22:46 How do you make groceries cool
24:11 How do you explain what a Kroger employee should stand for
26:30 What made Michael's the right call for you
28:36 How do you define change and evolution at Michael's
30:41 How did you go about modernizing stores
32:05 How do you go about rewarding customers for having brand affinity
34:11 How do you manage the pros and cons of online buying and brick and mortar stores and how do market them differently
35:55 How much crossover do you have with learning from other CMOs who might have a similar audience
37:41 What advice would you give to a 21 year old woman who wants to get involved in marketing
39:36 OpenFortune sponsorship
41:20 Quick question round
43:59 Outro
In this episode of the podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Delu Jackson, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive VP at ADT. Delu shares insights and stories from his remarkable career journey, spanning iconic brands like Nissan, McDonald's, and Kellogg's, before landing at ADT. He highlights the power of networking, reinvention in marketing, the profound impact of ADT in ensuring safety and peace of mind, and how personal goals drive his professional life. Delu also discusses the importance of being a better father and husband and the role of mentorship in his life. The episode concludes with a quick question round, offering a glimpse into Delu's personal preferences and philosophies.
Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro
1:57 College decision process
3:25 What is a brand you saw as a kid that stood out to you
4:31 Landing first job out of college
8:06 What was the big career pivot for you
9:25 Moving to Japan with Nissan
11:20 Major difference between living in Japan versus the U.S.
14:09 What made you want to leave Tokyo
15:24 Expectation versus reality when transitioning to the food industry
17:36 How did you get to know your customers
18:40 What is one of the coolest campaigns you’ve run
20:52 Tell me about the ADT patches on the little league kids
21:56 Do you have a story to share of ADT saving somebody
23:07 How did you land your job at ADT
24:53 If you were to give your 21 old self advice, what would you say to him
25:27 What do you look for in hires
26:11 What is something you learned over time that you want to share with new parents
27:53 OpenFortune sponsorship
28:49 Quick question round
30:03 Outro
In this enlightening episode, our host dives deep into the journey of Vera Koch, the SVP of Marketing at Happy Head, a company dedicated to combating hair loss. Vera discusses her academic and professional endeavors leading her to entrepreneurship. She passionately shares how Happy Head is transforming lives by restoring confidence in individuals experiencing hair loss. The conversation touches upon the company's growth, its DTC strategy, and the influence of mentorship in her career. Vera emphasizes the importance of building networks, particularly for women in leadership roles, and advises younger professionals to seek out mentorship opportunities early in their careers. Vera also shares the joys and challenges of motherhood, its influence on her life decisions, and the importance of her family in her life journey. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking to balance career and personal growth.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro
1:41 How did storytelling play a role for you growing up
2:49 What was it like landing your first job after university
04:27 What made L’Oreal the right place for you
5:00 What were your expectations versus reality in the role
6:24 What drew you to Henkel
7:40 How do all of the departments work hand in hand
9:08 What are some of your favorite campaigns you worked on at Henkel
10:02 What was it like moving to the states
14:34 What is something your partner taught you that you’ve brought into everything you do
15:50 Why did you leave Henkel
17:15 What about Happy Head and the founder’s vision made it the right move for you
19:21 What about the founder story really impacted you
21:42 What is a customer story that made you realize you’re doing the work you were meant to do
23:03 What does the customer journey look like
23:41 What is something coming up that you’re excited about
24:28 What is something you’re grateful for in your personal life
25:13 What is something you’ve brought in from motherhood that has taught you a lot about life
25:53 What advice would you give to your 21 year old self
27:31 OpenFortune sponsorship
28:53 Quick question round
30:11 Outro
In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, the guest is the marketing expert, Nick Karrat. Nick opens up about his early career beginnings and the significance of the brand's halo effect on a resume, particularly referencing his pivotal years at AT&T. The conversation segues into the riveting backstory of Tommy John, emphasizing the genuine humility of its founders, Tom and Aaron, and the brand's strategic vision for the future, especially in the omnichannel space. Through a mix of insightful discussions and light-hearted segments, such as a fortune cookie banter and a rapid-fire Q&A, listeners will glean invaluable insights into branding, marketing, and the intricacies of crafting a successful career. Dive into this episode to unravel Nick's journey, which stands as a testament to the power of branding and the essence of staying authentic in one's career trajectory.
0:00 Intro
03:20 How did you get your first job at AT&T
5:04 What was your dream job as a kid
05:39 How did Whitney Houston change your career
06:47 Was there one moment when you realized “I’m really good at this”
09:18 When did you know it was the right time to leave AT&T
11:08 Can you talk about the importance of working for a smaller company at a young age
12:19 How has your wife played a role in your career
13:10 What are some lessons you took from fatherhood into the workplace
14:22 What was the first startup you joined
16:19 What was the biggest thing you took away form working at a startup
17:48 What are some coping mechanisms you would use to keep pedaling and keep thins thing going
19:17 What were you looking for next
21:18 Journey with Plated
23:41 What are some of the best exercises to get to know the consumer
26:45 What characteristics do you look for in founders when you’re going to work for them
28:50 How do you go about getting a longer leash and sharing your visions
30:50 What about the founders vision of Tommy John got you fired up
33:53 What was step one when you came in
35:53 What marketing plays have you ran that delivered for you
38:26 What are you most excited about coming up with Tommy John
39:46 What advice would you give your 26 year old self
40:51 OpenFortune sponsorship
42:04 Quick question round
43:55 Outro
In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, the guest is none other than Ethan Braden. Ethan shares his extraordinary career journey, from his early days as a pre-med student to becoming a successful marketer in the pharmaceutical industry and, ultimately, his transition to Purdue University. The conversation delves into the art of marketing, the transformative power of storytelling, and how Ethan played a pivotal role in reshaping Purdue's brand identity in the online education sphere. Listeners will gain insights into the ever-evolving world of marketing and the importance of adaptability and mentorship in one's career. Don't miss this episode as Ethan Braden's career path serves as an inspiring example of how diverse experiences can lead to remarkable achievements in the realms of marketing and higher education.
Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro
1:38 What was your dream job as a kid
3:07 What prompted your college decision
5:17 What did your first job after graduation look like
7:29 What was your first impression walking in to Eli Lily
8:17 How did you navigate between roles at Eli Lily
9:02 What was the moment where you realized you had a knack for marketing
11:05 if you were to sum up Eli Lily in one lesson what would it be
12:35 How did you know it was time to move on from pharmaceuticals
14:15 Tell me about your mentor
15:53 What made you want to come in to Purdue and do things differently
17:38 What are you doing with Purdue Global to innovate their marketing
18:33 How do you differentiate yourself from the online landscape
22:34 How do you create the alumni feeling for your global students
24:01 How do you make sure the Purdue brand is being continued and cherished
26:32 What campaign do you feel allowed you to win the AMA marketer of the year award
28:10 If you were to give your 21 year old self some advice what would it be
29:40 OpenFortune sponsorship
30:40 Quick question round
32:46 Outro
In this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get that Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, listeners are treated to an engaging conversation with a dynamic guest, Rema Vasan, who has embarked on a fascinating career journey spanning various industries. The discussion explores Rema's transition from advertising to digital marketing, highlighting the power of adaptability and creative thinking. Rema's experience from the agency side to the client side sheds light on decision-making authority and the need to demonstrate ROI effectively. As the former global president of a renowned communications agency, Rema shares the challenges of leading through the pandemic. The episode also delves into her role as the head of global gaming business marketing at TikTok, revealing insights into the gaming community's nuances and the platform's potential. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on Rema's proudest accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and seizing unexpected opportunities in one's career journey.
Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro
1:55 Vertical versus horizontal growth
3:42 When did you realize you had an interest in advertising
5:06 How did you get your first job
5:56 What was your biggest takeaway
6:44 When did you realize this was something you were good at
8:48 What does your creative process look like
9:45 Why was moving to Pfizer the right move for you
10:45 What are some things you’ve learned from past female mentors
13:02 What were some challenges you didn’t expect when working for a brand
15:47 What is your leadership style like
17:05 When was the first time you heard of TikTok, what was your first impression
18:29 How did the opportunity with business marketing and gaming come up
19:57 What have you learned about the gaming community
21:10 What did some of your success look like when you first came into the role
22:46 What is something you’re proud of
23:53 OpenFortune sponsorship
25:08 Quick question round
26:40 Outro
In this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job?," host David Jaffin sits down with Timo Pelz, VP of Business Marketing at Reddit, to unravel an intriguing career journey that took him from the world of advertising agencies to tech giants like Facebook and Instagram before landing his current role. Through candid and captivating storytelling, Timo shares pivotal moments and lessons learned during his career, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of some of the world's most influential companies. From navigating the challenges of imposter syndrome to honing his leadership style, his experiences offer valuable insights for aspiring professionals and seasoned veterans alike. Amidst the corporate buzz, this episode also touches on the joys of being a devoted "girl dad" and the unique cultural blend Timo embraces through his daughters. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores career transitions, personal growth, and what it takes to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of modern business.
Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro
1:13 College decision and journey
4:50 Internship out of college
7:48 Discovering PR
9:00 What was a moment you realized you liked PR and were good at it
11:40 Most gritty or unglamorous thing you did
13:22 Ad agency background
19:50 How did you get into working on brand side / Job at Facebook
25:22 What did the transition from Facebook to Instagram look like
29:18 What are you most proud of at Instagram that you made happen
31:34 What made you want to work at Reddit
35:58 How has your leadership style evolved
37:32 What’s something you’re proud of in your personal life
38:28 OpenFortune sponsorship
39:12 Quick question round
40:11 Outro
Join us in this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job?" as we sit down with Martin Jaskolowski, a luminary in luxury brand marketing. Martin takes us on a fascinating journey from his beginnings to his illustrious roles at iconic brands like Aston Martin. Delve into the inner workings of the luxury marketing world as Martin shares how he transformed marketing strategies, navigated shifting consumer demographics, and artfully balanced creativity with data-driven insights. Learn the secrets behind his innovative campaigns and groundbreaking partnerships that reshaped the luxury landscape. Whether you're an aspiring marketer or just intrigued by luxury branding, this episode offers an insightful discussion that will leave you both inspired and informed.
Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro
1:26 Childhood journey towards marketing
3:03 What’s a brand that inspired you to get into the industry
3:47 When did you realize this was something you’re good at
4:40 First example of a marketing campaign you felt was successful
7:06 What are some challenges you didn’t anticipate working for a luxury brand
8:20 How did brand loyalty play a role at Aston Martin
11:45 What did you bring into your current job from Aston Martin
12:45 How did the opportunity at Pernod Ricard come about
13:50 How has marketing for a new audience at Pernod Ricard affected your strategy moving forward
15:00 Does travel play a role in understanding your audience
15:52 What are some creative campaigns you’ve done that have shown dividends
19:54 What’s something you’re excited about that’s coming up
21:14 How do you measure some of this data and tactics
23:05 What’s something you’re proud of outside of your career work
24:50 OpenFortune sponsorship
26:09 Quick question round
28:34 Outro
In this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job," host David Jaffin sits down with Mike Wente, the Chief Creative Officer at Verizon, to uncover the fascinating journey behind his career. Mike shares his story, from humble beginnings in the Midwest to his unexpected move to New York City, and ultimately, how he landed his role at Verizon. Along the way, they discuss the evolution of ad agencies, building creative teams, pushing boundaries in the corporate world, and the importance of caring deeply about your work. Mike also reflects on the power of personal connections and tells a touching story about Verizon's involvement during 9/11. Join David and Mike for an inspiring conversation about careers, creativity, and embracing life's twists and turns.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro
1:36 Early childhood passions
2:38 How did you chose your college and how did that impact you
4:06 Early successes
6:43 Getting your first job out of college
9:41 Moving to New York
13:03 Past history at ad agencies
15:24 Transition going from agency to brand work
17:23 Where did the opportunity at Verizon come from
18:45 Initial goals when starting at Verizon
20:18 How do you manage being creative and pushing limits while staying true to the brand
23:35 Skills you look for when bringing on people to work with you
25:25 Something you are proud of at Verizon
29:08 What’s something you’re proud of outside of work
30:07 OpenFortune sponsorship
30:27 Quick question round
36:00 Outro
In this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job," our host sits down with James Thompson, the COO of Heineken. With a background in English literature and a flair for business, James takes us through his unconventional journey. Starting from his university days, he discovered a passion for persuading people and quickly found his niche in marketing. James shares his experiences from Unilever to Diageo, Avon, and ultimately landing at Heineken. He delves into the intricacies of alcohol advertising, the art of standing out, and the power of relationships in the corporate world. James reflects on his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and embracing strengths. He highlights Heineken's vision for balanced growth, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. As the conversation unfolds, James provides insights into his innovative strategies for expanding Heineken's brand reach, digitizing the business, and introducing new product concepts.
0:00 Intro
1:03 Deciding to study English literature
1:50 First business in university
2:23 When did you realize not only that you enjoyed it, but you were good at it
2:47 How does reading play in to your narrative
3:36 What was your first campaign that stood out
4:30 Take me back to getting your first job at Unilever
5:00 How did you show leadership at a young age
5:30 What were some things you didn’t expect working at a global brand
6:17 How did you start managing red tape that comes when working with a brand
6:55 Mentorship, who taught you a lesson you hold onto now
8:00 How did the opportunity to go from Unilever to Diageo come about
9:23 What is one thing with Diageo that worked really well that you didn’t expect and vice versa
10:35 What was the transitionary period going to Avon like
12:51 How did you find yourself as COO at Heineken
14:21 What do you look for in talent when making teams
15:13 Type of metrics that exemplify success in your position at Heineken
15:53 Where do you see Heineken going in the next couple years
16:55 How has travel affected you and your personal life
17:42 Something you’re proud of in your personal life
18:32 OpenFortune sponsorship
19:28 Quick question round
20:30 Outro
In a captivating episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job," Diana Scholz, a seasoned communications executive at Bayer, takes listeners on a journey through her unconventional career path. From her humble beginnings and transformative internship to her current leadership role, Diana emphasizes the power of embracing opportunities with a learning mindset. She shares insights into Bayer's impactful projects, its unique purpose in healthcare and nutrition, and her strategies for maintaining creativity within a corporate environment. The episode touches on personal aspects as well, with Diana discussing her enduring long-distance relationship and the importance of daily routines. As a woman in leadership, she emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and adapting to change while offering advice on navigating non-linear career paths. Listeners gain inspiration from Diana's insights into leadership, innovation, and personal growth, leaving them with valuable takeaways for their own professional journeys.
0:00 Intro
1:43 Take me back to your university decision
2:17 A moment when you realized this was the right path for you
4:05 How did living in Berlin and your travel shape you as a person
6:20 Landing her first job
8:00 What made Bayer special to you
8:51 What was a project you felt you had a big impact on
10:35 Culture of the company
11:57 How has being a woman in a leadership role affected your trajectory
13:20 The reality of moving somewhere new
15:06 What advice would you give to someone about moving to a new place
16:05 How do you balance being creative within a big corporate company
17:23 Leadership style and past mentorship
19:30 How would you define your market, how does it define your marketing stagey
21:33 What’s a product you’re trying to push more
22:15 Personal life
25:12 OpenFortune sponsorship
25:44 Quick question round
30:00 Outro
In this insightful episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Dr. Joel N. Myers, the visionary Founder and Executive Chairman of AccuWeather. From his early fascination with weather to the founding of AccuWeather, Dr. Myers shares his challenges and triumphs in establishing accurate weather forecasting as a critical industry. He recounts the pivotal moments that led to AccuWeather's growth and its life-saving impact, citing examples such as Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Myers' dedication to mentoring, fostering a culture of excellence, and following one's dreams shines through as he discusses his personal philosophy and legacy. The episode concludes with a lively lightning round, offering a glimpse into Dr. Myers' thoughts on various topics. Listeners are left inspired by his commitment to accuracy, innovation, and making a positive difference in people's lives.
0:00 Intro
1:08 Early interest in weather
2:50 College decision
3:50 Early weather forecasts
6:50 What did it look like getting your first customer
8:58 What did it look like growing the company
10:21 How did you know you could do it better than those around you
15:02 What was the moment you realized this could change the world
16:20 Some of the ideas you’ve led with through time
17:44 Some things you are proud of with Accuweather
19:52 Campaigns that have allowed you to get more of a user base than competitors
20:37 Where do you see the business going in the next 5 years
21:24 What are some things you’re proud of in your personal life
24:55 OpenFortune sponsorship
25:57 Quick question round
28:00 Outro
In this riveting episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job?," we sit down with Dot Levine, Director of Communications at Vevo. Host David Jaffin delves into Dot's remarkable career journey, tracing her path from studying American Studies to becoming a driving force in the music industry. Dot's narrative showcases the power of embracing unconventional paths and the significance of genuine connections in her role at Vivo. She recounts heartwarming stories of working with artists like Wolf Alice and Billie Eilish, revealing the impact of original content and authentic engagement. Through her insights, listeners gain a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of public relations, the transformation of content creation, and the essence of fostering meaningful connections. Tune in to uncover Dot's inspiring journey and discover how the fck she got that job.
Episode Highlights:
0:00: Introduction to the podcast and guest Dot Levine
1:27: Early exposure to the music industry
2:43: Background in American studies
4:08 First job upon graduation
5:20 Fusing music and politics
6:27: Leveraging core competencies and building your skillset
8:18 What are qualities of hires you’ve made?
12:50 Biggest takeaways that led you to working in the music industry
15:14 Advice you give to people working in front of the cameras
17:35 Advice for those hoping to break into the music industry
21:17 Why Vevo, first role on the communications team
25:55 Tell me about an artist that loved the user experience at Vevo
31:32 One person that if you met you’d still get butterflies
34:27 How has PR changed
40:00 What’s something you’re really proud of
42:35 What’s something you’re proud of outside of work
43:17 OpenFortune sponsorship
43:53 Quick question round
46:24 Outro
How the f**k did Neda Whitney manage to seamlessly blend her profound understanding of marketing with her passion for luxury fashion? After graduating from college, Neda embarked on a determined journey through agency work, tirelessly climbing the corporate ladder to reach her dream role. She recalls the sheer sense of destiny she felt when she finally took on her title as a CMO in a luxury fashion firm, attributing her success to the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai - the intersection of what you love, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs. Neda also touches on the importance of advocating for other women in professional settings, emphasizing the power of using one's voice for collective success. But beyond her professional achievements, the episode provides listeners with an intimate look into her personal beliefs and preferences. Curious about how Neda perceives the world, or how her journey can inspire your own career trajectory? Dive into this episode for a rich blend of professional wisdom and personal anecdotes.
Navigating the tumultuous tides of the advertising world, especially in a powerhouse like Amazon, is no small feat. This illuminating conversation with Jo Shoesmith of Amazon's advertising team provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the dynamic world of advertising campaigns. Diving deep, she touches on the nuances of teamwork, the pressure of high-risk projects, and the marriage of creativity with evolving technology. Additionally, her candid discussion on being a woman in a predominantly male industry offers invaluable insights for aspiring young professionals. Anecdotes, both humorous and revealing, pave the way for a deeper understanding of the advertising cosmos. This conversation paints a vivid picture, not just of the technicalities of advertising, but of the human touch that drives it.
How the f**k did Sheri Bachstein evolve from a newsroom intern to the helm of The Weather Company? Sheri's journey began in the trenches of the newsroom, a humble intern with grit. A major test came during the 1996 Olympics bombing incident - a challenge she met head-on, fortifying her resilience.
Later, her path twisted towards digital media, where she made waves at weather.com. Embracing this new arena, she sparked creativity and leveraged partnerships to boost viewership and fortify The Weather Company's brand.
So, how does one rise from covering stories to directing the narrative at a major media company? Brace yourself as we unravel the storm of Sheri Bachstein's remarkable ascent.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro
1:57 When you were a child what did you want to do
2:54 Standing out as an intern
4:30 Landing first job
5:21 Becoming producer
6:30 Working her way up
8:32 Transitioning to digital out of home job
9:22 Creating and producing for a music show
11:05 I had to make a huge pivot in my life
12:54 What made you want to go back
14:55 Moving into digital
16:50 How do you pick up new skills
18:22 Tactics that allowed you to grow
19:48 Incorporating Watson and AI
22:16 Creating weather insights for marketers
24:15 Leadership style, what mentors have taught you
26:33 Advice for young women
27:54 I want to ask about your personal life
28:55 Open Fortune sponsorship
29:58 Quick question round
31:42 Outro
How the f**k did Jason Falovitch go from managing Evander Holyfield as a young adult to doing business with the legendary Mark Cuban? Jason graduated from York University in 2007. In 2011, he was named Director of Muhammad Ali’s Global Village Champions Foundation. Then in 2012, Jason began managing four-time heavyweight champion boxer, Evander Holyfield. After two years with Holyfield, he became the president of the digital television network, URshow.tv. After two years there, he began representing UFC Middleweight Champion, Michael Bisping in 2016. Shortly after, in 2017, he co-founded Playline.com, the largest sports lottery in the world, with Bisping and Roy Hibbert. In March of 2020, he co-founded Leverage Game Media with Mark Cuban. Today, he is still active with Playline, Leverage Game Media, and representing Michael Bisping. So what’s it like to travel with Evander Holyfield? And how does one play the leverage game in order to advance in their own careers?
How the f**k did Andrew Stallings go from working on a morning golf show at SiriusXM to owning and running his own successful marketing agency? Andrew graduated from Marymount University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During his time in school, he interned with Sirius XM. Shortly after finishing school in 2010, he came on full time as a producer on Sirius’s NASCAR Radio Channel. In 2015, Andrew began work with the sports marketing agency behemoth, Octagon. He left Octagon in 2017 and that eventually led to him founding his own sports marketing agency, Athelo Group. Today, in addition to being the CEO and Founder of Athelo Group, he is the Head Coach of Stamford Public Schools Women’s High School Ice Hockey Team and the sponsor of a Firecracker 400 champion eSports car. So how close are Andrew and John Legend, or as Andrew calls him, Johnny Legend? And what drives Andrew to be so successful in his role as CEO?
How the f**k did Adam Faris go from having an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age to now running multiple businesses and providing content to over 800 thousand TikTok followers? Adam graduated from the University of Oregon with a Business Administration degree in 2020. During his time in Oregon, Adam interned with IOTAS, Arcimoto, and LinkedIn. As a student, he also co-founded two groups, Oregon Blockchain and Duck Ventures. Today, he is a co-founder of Shred and FleetNurse. He’s also a Growth Marketer at The Mobility House. On top of all that he runs two TikTok accounts with over 800 thousand combined followers. So how did Adam start his entrepreneurial journey? And how has he been successful across multiple areas including automotive, sports, medical and lifestyle experiences?
How the f**k did Assaf Swissa go from creating snacks to creating content for some of the biggest brands in the world today? Assaf graduated from Boston University in 2004 with his BA in English. In his time at school, he interned as a copywriter and co-founded the company, College Bellhop which was a nationwide concierge service catering to college kids. In 2010, he sold that company and became an early co-founder in a snack business working without artificial flavors called Unreal Brands. Assaf moved on from Unreal in 2013 to found Superdigital, a creative company that has produced work with Snoop Dogg, Guy Fieri, and Steph Curry. Along the way, he also co-founded Coast Productions with New England Patriots legend Julian Edelman. Today, Assaf is still helping run both Superdigital and Coast as a Creative Director and Executive Producer. So how did Assaf and Julian meet? And what is the key to starting a successful business according to Assaf? (Hint: it’s not always because it’s a good opportunity)
How the f**k did Matt Choi go from playing college football to running his own sports performance training company? Matt graduated from Monmouth University in 2017 where he played football for four years as well. He left Monmouth with a degree in Business Marketing and shortly after entered the Management Trainee program at Stericycle. In 2019, Choi left Stericycle to found his own athletic performance development company, The Athletes’ Marathon. Since then, he’s trained local athletes in Maryland all the way up to NFL pros. So how did his own athletic journey lead him to personal training? And can we just get an alarm clock with Matt Choi speaking to us because that kind of motivation is unreal.
How the f**k did Joe Pompliano go from working on Wall Street to writing newsletters out of his new, Florida home? Joe graduated from North Carolina’s High Point University in 2016. Upon graduating, he was a digital analyst for the sports and entertainment agency, Octagon. Then in 2017 he started working as a financial analyst with an emphasis in fixed income for the company MarketAxxess and then in 2018 he accepted a similar position at JP Morgan. Today, Joe is the founder of one of, if not the most popular independent sports business newsletters on the planet named Huddle Up. So how was he able to tell his own story through his daily newsletter? And how would the Pompliano brothers stack up against each other in a basketball game?
How the f**k did Ezra Levine go from working at Bloomberg to creating his own app dedicated to modernizing and democratizing the sports card and memorabilia industry? Ezra graduated from the University of Michigan in 2010 with a B.A. in American Studies. Shortly after he began working in business development for the software development Bloomberg L.P. In 2012, he became a portfolio manager and investment analyst for Hilltop Park Associates Family Office. During his time working with Hilltop Park, Ezra also earned his M.B.A. from New York University’s Stern School of Business. In 2016 near that same time of receiving his advanced degree, Ezra was brought on to work with The Spring League, a fresh new professional American football league. Today, Ezra works as Chief Strategy Officer of The Spring League in addition to being the CEO of Collectible, a company that provides fractional ownership opportunities for sports cards and memorabilia to fans across the United States. So what made him take the leap from finance to sports memorabilia? And how did a college email address suddenly turn Ezra into the most popular kid in his high school?
How the f**k did Jake Marsh go from calling high school football games in Syracuse to calling ping pong matches for one of the top sports media companies in the country, Barstool Sports? Jake graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism in 2018. During his time at Syracuse, he was on the air with play by play coverage for several local radio stations. He also interned with MLB and NHL Networks. In October of 2018, Jake became THE play-by-play announcer for Vermont Catamounts Men’s Basketball. The following spring he began an internship with the United States’ number one sports podcast: “Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take”. Today, Jake is a mainstay on the podcast in addition to calling play-by-play for Barstool Sports events. So what is Jake’s ultimate broadcast goal? And who’s really the favorite: Jake or Billy?
How the f**k did Rand Getlin go from taking AND passing the Bar Exam in two states to producing short films for Quibi? Rand graduated from the University of Oregon in 2006 and shortly after went on to USC Gould School of Law. During his time at the Southern California school, Rand worked in Nike’s legal department as well as Stoel, Rives and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McCoy. Getlin left USC with his J.D. in 2009 and shortly after began working as an NFL Insider for Yahoo Sports. In 2017, he significantly pivoted again to become an Executive Producer for Park Stories. Today, in that same role he’s produced content for athletes like Zion Williamson, Tyler Adams, Red Gerrard, Jalen Ramsey, and Chantel Navarro. So how did Rand know when to leave his writing gig to take on an entrepreneurial and production role? And what is like to work with your wife everyday?
How the f**k did Aaron Johnson go from playing professional basketball in 13 countries to founding his own training and consulting agency focused on maximizing athletes’ full potential in sports, business and life? Aaron played basketball at Penn State University where he graduated in 2006. He began playing professionally after leaving Happy Valley, suiting up in at least 13 different countries over the course of a 10-year career. In 2011, Aaron started founding programs with the mission to help athletes on and off the court. To help with that mission, Aaron also worked in marketing departments of various companies, including UPS. Today, he is a public speaker, the Director of Global Operations at Beyond Nation Sports, and the Chief Executive Officer of Ball Beyond, a training and consulting agency focused on maximizing athletes’ full potential in sports, business and life. So how did Aaron do all of this before he even turned 33 years old? And how extensive is Aaron’s IMDb page?
How the f**k did Jason Feifer go from writing about small-town sports to becoming editor in chief of a major magazine? Jason graduated from Clark University in 2002. He stayed in Massachusetts working as a reporter for five years before becoming an editor for Boston Magazine. After a year there he moved on to become a senior-level editor at some of the biggest name publications in the U.S. and around the world: Men’s Health, Fast Company, and Maxim just to name a few. In 2015 Jason began working at Entrepreneur media, and today, he is their editor in chief in addition to being a keynote speaker and hosting three podcasts and thus being three times better than us at life. Those podcasts are Pessimists Archive, Problem Solvers, and Hush Money. So how was he able to turn his passion for writing and sharing ideas into a career in journalism? And how is it that everything that comes out of his mouth is a lesson that anyone can apply to their own life?
How the f**k did Scott Greenberg go from starting a company while still in college to becoming a CEO of a startup that has raised millions in capital? Scott graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in entrepreneurship. In 2016, while still in school, he co-founded his first company Pivt, a social network app focused on helping users settle into new cities by identifying and connecting them with their friends’ friends. In 2019, he left Pivt to start another company called StarStock. StarStock is a marketplace for sports fans and card hobbyists to buy, sell, and invest in their favorite athletes through sports cards in a centralized vault. The company has raised millions in capital and just this week at the time of our recording, StarStock added Kevin Durant to its list of investors that already includes the FanDuel co-founders, Matthew Dellavedova, and former guest of the show, AJ Vaynerchuk. Today, Scott is still the CEO of StarStock. So what did he gain from his Entrepreneurship degree? And what did he teach Jake about cards?
How the f**k did Peter Stein go from working at a boarding school to now being a force in sports analytics and venture capital? Peter graduated from Amherst College in 2009. After that, he moved on to Suffield Academy where he was the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications. He studied towards a Masters Degree in Sports Business at NYU. While earning his graduate degree, he left Suffield to work with the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Yankees, and Bloomberg Sports. After receiving his degree, he became involved in sports analytics and venture capital. Today he is a Partner & Co-Chairman at Turn 2 Equity Partners, Managing Director of SportsTech Ventures, and VC in Residence at Transition Sports & Entertainment. So how did Peter find his perfect co-founder? And how the heck does he do it all?
How the f**k did Cameron Rogers go from hustling in the NYC trading scene to running her own super successful food blog and podcast? Cameron graduated from Lafayette with a degree in economics in 2013. She went on to JP Morgan where she worked in sales and trading. In 2018, Cameron left her finance job to pursue her passion for documenting and sharing her health journey. Thousands of followers later, today, she’s still creating content for Freckled Foodie and was named one of the five entrepreneurs changing New York’s wellness scene by Forbes. So what made her leave the sales and trading world for the entrepreneur life? And attention Dax Shepard: Why won’t you answer Cameron to be on her podcast?
How the f**k did Tyson Hutchins go from looking at law schools to sending out Tweets for a living? Tyson graduated from Brigham Young University in 2017. After an internship with Mindquest, and a gig at another tech company, Mozenda during his time at school, he started working with his BYU’s athletic department. That eventually turned into a job and for three years Tyson was the Digital Content and New Media Coordinator at BYU. That was until January of 2020 when he officially made the move to Clemson, South Carolina. Today, he is the Senior Director of Creative Solutions at Clemson University Athletics. So how did Tyson switch career paths from the law world to the content creation and digital media world? And how does Jake feel about BYU’s Tanner Mangum and his soul-crushing, game-winning hail mary pass at a 2015 Nebraska football game?
How the f**k did Bobby Redfern go from collecting vintage baseball bats to working for one of the strongest brands in the hunting industry? Bobby graduated from the University of South Carolina in the early 2000’s. He was a graphic designer for Pennington Seed before becoming the Marketing Director of AdDrive. After a brief stint there, Bobby moved on to become the Director of Product Development at Loud Door, LLC. He stayed with the company for over 8 years. Today, he is a self-proclaimed BBQ Pitmaster, Chili Champ, and Pinball Wizard. He is also the Director of Digital Marketing at the hunting apparel giant, Realtree. So what sparked Bobby’s interest in advertising? And what makes Bobby's BBQ so special?
How the f**k did Billy Quach go from an engineering major to creating content for major sports teams and successful startups? Billy is among our most highly recommended guests, and we’re stoked to have him. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2017. During his time in school, Billy was a Video Production Assistant for the Razorback Sports Network and also a graphic designer for Major League Quidditch. Shortly after leaving Fayetteville, he was a Camera Operator for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball team. Then, still in the summer of 2017, Billy left Arkansas to be a Production Assistant for the Kansas City Chiefs, eventually working his way up to Social Media Content Producer. He recently left the Chiefs to start his current gig as the Creative Director for Let It Fly Media, in addition to creating content for the NFL. So how did Billy’s camera purchase change his career path in college? And what’s the professional quidditch world really like?
How the f**k did Tommy Marquez go from slinging beetles in science class to helping bring the CrossFit world to the masses? Tommy played lacrosse for Santa Clara University where he graduated in 2008. In 2011, he started working for Crossfit as an Associate Producer. Eventually, Tommy worked his way in front of the camera and worked as a producer and on-camera talent for Crossfit for over five years. In 2018, he moved on from the company to create content as a freelancer. Earlier this year Tommy raised over $30,000 for Color of Change and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund through his company XInjustice. Today, he is an on camera analyst and producer at CrossFit Inc., staff writer for the Morning Chalk-Up, and the co-host of the podcast Talking Elite Fitness. So how did Tommy’s career start in a barn which is infamous in the CrossFit world? And how did he get the fittest man in the world, some might say fittest man in history, on his podcast?
How the f**k did Chris Stegner go from selling candy and art at elementary school to creating a super successful tech startup? Chris is from Oklahoma City. He sold his first computer technology company around the time he was entering high school right before the dot-com bubble burst. He sold cars in Washington state for a bit after high school before moving to South Florida. There, he started to work with computers again. Chris spent the next decade working in a tech based role for several companies including Bitovian, Z9 Capital, and Mad Dev. In 2018, he started Very Big Things, a technology company which has been called South Florida’s most acclaimed startup and won a Webby award. Today he is still running Very Big Things. So how was he able to create such a successful business? And how similar is Chris to Matthew McConaughey?
How the f**k did Yvonne Carrasco Chalmé build up her PR career by starting in the tech world and eventually working her way up to the legendary sports agency, Wasserman? Yvonne graduated from Boston University with a degree in Public Relations. She immediately found success in the field working for agencies like Golin and Sportivo and working with brands like Toyota and Nike. In 2007, Yvonne began working as a Public Relations Manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers and in just two years she was promoted to Assistant Director. In her 10 years with the Dodgers, Yvonne also worked for Team Mexico’s Media Relations team in three separate World Baseball Classics. In 2017, she moved on from the team side to the sports agency giant, Wasserman. Today she is an Executive Board Member of the Kenley Jensen Foundation and still the Senior Director of Baseball Player Relations at Wasserman. So how did she utilize all of skills sets to create the perfect position for herself at Wasserman? And did she really say it’s okay to sleep with socks on?
How the f**k did Dennis Deninger go from working in radio to being part of one of the first teams at ESPN? Dennis graduated from Syracuse University in 1973. Five years after leaving Syracuse, he started working as an Executive Producer for WSVN Channel 7. In 1991, he started as a Coordinating Producer for ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. In his 14 years at ESPN, Dennis rose to become Head of Digital Video Production for the company. During that time he also started teaching as a professor at his alma mater. After his time at ESPN, in 2008, Dennis started the company Deninger Media and produced a documentary called “America’s First Sport” about the game of lacrosse. He also began working as a full-time professor in Syracuse’s Sports Management department. Today he is still a professor at Falk college and continues to produce content. So how did he end up in working jobs that didn’t even exist while he was beginning his career path?
How the f**k did Jacob Zander go from selling shoe soles to selling cereal boxes decorated with the presidential candidates? Jacob was attending Westmont College when he started executing this idea to make Chuck Taylors more comfortable with an insole that also had a story. A pitch contest won and some years later, he’s still telling that story on YouTube, his website, and TikTok, where he has over 225,000 followers. Recently, Jacob also took a page out of the AirBnB playbook and started making Trump and Biden themed cereals to sell during this election season. Today, he is still working full-time as the founder of Feel Your Soul. So how did he grow his business over TikTok? And are the Converse roller skates really comfortable or just for show?
How the f**k did Connor Dethlefs go from playing JV basketball in college (yes, that is a thing) to finding his passion in graphic design? Connor graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2016 where he played one season on what was the objectively the best dual affiliated NCAA Division III and NAIA Division II JV college basketball team to ever touch the floor. After graduating, Connor was a Senior Coach at College Possible helping improve the ACT scores and college acceptance rates for juniors and seniors in North Omaha. After that, Connor moved on to the customer service team of ScoreVision, a software company working on fan experience. Today, Connor is a graphic designer at ScoreVision, and the Creative Director of Grit Player Services, David and Jake’s company that’s miraculously still in business despite their leadership. So how did Connor make the leap from coaching basketball to graphic design? And why do some colleges still have JV teams?
How the f**k did Mike Hunter go from high school student to making videos that have ended up on the social media accounts of huge names in the sports world? In high school, Mike started editing highlight videos of some of his favorite athletes and uploading them to YouTube. That channel eventually amassed over 70K subscribers and Mike started working as a freelance video editor. He’s done projects published on the social media handles of Shareef O'Neal, JuJu Smith-Schuster, DK Metcalf, Kevin Knox, Collin Johnson, Le'Veon Bell and several others. Before his senior year, Mike had earned a part time video editing role with Bleacher Report. Today, he still does freelance work, in addition to spending his weekends as a Live Content Correspondent for the NFL and a Video Operations Assistant at the University of Buffalo, where he is also a student set to graduate in 2023. So how was Mike able to build his career up before he even turned 20 years old? And does Batman count as a romantic comedy?
How the f**k did Adam Ornelas go from winning a business competition with an app he helped create to being part of the social team at Chipotle? Adam graduated from the University of New Mexico in his hometown of Albuquerque in 2013. Shortly after graduating, Adam co-founded a company called Culture Engineers. Adam spent a short time in Venice, California at Mark Cuban’s Recess Inc. before moving to Denver to join the marketing team of Whole Foods. Eventually, by 2018, he was leading content partnerships, digital tactics for new store openings, and new product launches as their Senior Marketing Manager of Global Social Media & Influencer Marketing. Adam has been recognized by AdWeek the last three years for his accomplishments thus far, and today, he is the Social Media & Influencer Strategist at Chipotle Mexican Grill leading all influencer activations, influencer content and the Chipotle Celebrity Card Program. So how did Adam get the confidence to up and move to cities all over the U.S.? And what is his Chipotle order?
How the f**k did Jeff Hanel go from selling Volvos to winning Emmy Awards for his incredible cinematography skills? Jeff graduated from Northwestern State University then went on to get his bachelor of performance in music from Edith Cowan University in Australia. After playing trombone for two years in the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, Jeff tried his hand at sales in the European car industry. In 2009, Jeff created J.A.Y Hanel Productions, getting his feet wet in the content game. Jeff then transitioned into the college sports space in 2012, joining forces with Baylor University as their associate director of athletic video production. In Waco, Jeff was tasked with providing creative content for all athletic programs. This takes us to the present day where Jeff is the director of video & post-production at Auburn University. Jeff is responsible for the creation of all sports content coming out of the prestigious Auburn University. So what was Jeff’s aha moment that got him into videography? And how do Volvo commercials fit into all of this?
How the f**k did Alex Sheinman take his entrepreneurial spirit and help create a huge sports business conference and a nonprofit organization among other things? Alex graduated from Penn State University in 2018. During his time in school he interned with the NFL and MLB. He also won the Michigan Sports Business Conference’s big initiative award and Co-founded the national renown Penn State Sports Business Conference. Upon graduating, Alex worked with Morgan Stanley for close to a year before becoming a Marketing Coordinator at the networking company Twenty. Today, he is still the Executive Director of the Penn State Sports Business Conference, a co-founder of the Makin’ Lemonade Fund, and spends most of his time as the Director of Collegiate Programming for Kevin Durant and Rich Kleinman’s thirtyFive Ventures. How did Alex make his mark at Penn State before even stepping on campus as a freshman? And how is he this knowledgeable just two years out of college?
How the f**k did Kevin Edwards go from being more skilled with the pen than the camera to shooting for teams like Stanford and the Niners? Kevin started his career in sports media as a writer for the Stanford University football blog, Rule Of Tree. From there he honed his skills in video and photo content, creating for places like VaynerSports, The Associated Press, and Turner Sports. Today, when he’s not busy trying to earn his undergraduate degree from Stanford, he’s working as a Live Content Correspondent for the NFL and a Production Assistant for the Stanford athletic department. So how did he grow in his video skills and his confidence in just a few years? And is he just killing it at the hometown Christmas parties?
How the fk did Erika Esola-Imburgio go from covering sports at various Florida newspapers to working for one of the biggest video game companies in the nation? Erika graduated from University of Central Florida in 2011. During her time at school, Erika was a sports editor of the student newspaper, the Central Florida Future. Upon leaving campus, Erika was a Sports Editor for the Seminole Chronicle which led to her next job as a Digital Sports Curator at Florida Today. Staying in the sunshine state, Erika then pivoted to Pylon 7v7 Football as a Media Director. Today, Erika is a Producer at EA Sports specializing in all aspects of live content delivery for the video game giant as well as overseeing all aspects of player likeness, player ratings, sneaker and accessory updates. So how did she go from P.E. teacher EA Sports Producer? And how is the life of a Jets fan right now? (Hint: Not great.)
How the f**k did JT Barnett go from playing professional hockey in the U.S. and over in Europe to co-founding multiple brands including the famous adult TikTok house, HoneyHouse? JT left Notre Dame Preparatory School in 2008 to pursue a career in professional hockey. He rose through the Western Hockey League into the farm systems of NHL teams like the Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, and Los Angeles Kings. In 2016 JT played for arguably the best professional team in Europe the CSKA Red Army for one season before hanging up the skates. In 2019, he founded RESET, a company that creates exclusive single day recovery events. Then a year later he co-founded the front facing hockey media platform, Triple Deke. Today, he runs both those companies in addition to founding the first adult TikTok house, the Honey House. So how did JT use his entrepreneurship skills to found three very successful brands? And how the heck did he play in a hockey league that spans over 10 different time zones?
How the fk did Tyler Schmitt go from working at The Taco Shop to handling the schedule of a man that’s nonstop (A.K.A. Gary Vee)? Tyler graduated from Penn State in 2013. During his time at school, Tyler was the Food Service Manager of the Montclair Beach Club. Upon leaving State College, Tyler was a Team Leader and eventually Assistant General Manager of The Taco Truck before leaving the restaurant industry for digital media. In the fall of 2013, Tyler began at VaynerMedia in a Community Manager role. He was promoted to be the Assistant to COO AJ Vaynerchuk, and then the Assistant to CEO Gary Vaynerchuk. During his time with the company he’s also headed up operations for TeamGary. Today, he works as Gary Vaynerchuk’s Office of the CEO for VaynerMedia and is the host of the Card Talk podcast. So how does Tyler handle mentally taxing mistakes? And what makes Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos just random a homies?
How the fk did Melisa Meral go from organizing people’s homes to organizing their businesses online to helping them now find jobs in the midst of a pandemic? Melisa graduated from California State University-San Marcos in 2010. After graduating, she focused her efforts on Human Resources consulting. She worked with several Fortune 500 companies including Abbot and General Electric. In 2017, Melissa founded Make SHT Happen, LLC. Today she is a speaker and career coach at that same company, as well as the author of the book, Pivoting With Purpose. So how was Melisa able to pivot her business multiple times to fit the needs of her clients? And how does one use LinkedIn to their advantage?
How the f**k did Kendall Baker go from writing newsletters on his own time to having it be so good that Axios acquired it? Kendall received his B.A. in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013. Upon leaving school, he spent almost a year at Bleacher Report as a columnist. He followed that up with a year working on the production side for ESPN. Then in 2016, Kendall became Head of Content at The Hustle, a business and tech newsletter with around a million subscribers. After almost a year and a half there, Kendall started his own sports-based newsletter called the Sports Internet, which in under two years gained enough attention to be purchased by Axios in 2019. Today, he is a Sports Editor at Axios. So what is the advice Kendall has for up and coming writers? And what makes the salted caramel KIND bar taste so good?
How the f**k did Justin Kittredge go from Reebok intern to starting his own custom slide sandal company? Justin graduated from James Madison University in 2000. After his time at JMU, he went on to Reebok communicating with the NBA as an Associate Product Manager. After four years there he became a product manager at Atsco footwear. Justin then returned to Reebok as the Director of their Basketball Division for 6 years. Today and since 2013, he’s been the President, CEO and Janitor of the custom slide sandal company, iSlide. So how did Justin start his own company with a Reebok intern? And how did he get an internship by playing basketball?
How the f**k did Rachel Balkovec go from making $30 a day as a strength and conditioning coach in Arizona to making history as the first woman hired to be a full-time hitting coach for a Major League Baseball team? Rachel received her B.A. in Kinesiology from New Mexico University in 2009, where she played Division I softball. From there, she went on to become a Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach and earn her Masters in Sports Administration at Louisiana State University. Since then, Rachel has been a Strength and Conditioning coach with Arizona State University, and Major League Baseball organizations like the Chicago White Sox, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Houston Astros as well as a skill acquisition coach for Dutch National Baseball and Softball. Along the way, she picked up a second Masters degree from a university in Amsterdam. In January, Rachel became the first woman hired as a full time hitting coach in Major League Baseball history. Today she is still a minor league hitting coach for the New York Yankees. So how did she overcome such adversity in a male-dominated field? And how the heck do you pronounce Mike Matheny’s name?
How the f**k did J’Ron go from interning with NFL teams up and down the West Coast to becoming a force in the Social Media Marketing department at ESPN? J’Ron received his B.A. in Mass Communication from Wayne State College in 2016. During his time in school, he interned with the Washington Football Team, the San Diego Chargers, and the San Francisco 49ers. In 2018, J’Ron was on the Super Bowl PR Staff, an Account Executive at Yelp, and a Public Relations Gameday Assistant for the Golden State Warriors all while earning graduate degree credits at the University of San Francisco. In 2019, he was an integral part of running Marketing and Social Content for the Alliance of American Football. After the league went under and much of the sports business world was asking “Who was running that dope social for them?”, J’Ron was brought on to help Wasserman as an Athlete Marketing representative. Today, he is studying to finish his Masters at Georgetown University, and works full-time as a Social Media Marketing Specialist for ESPN. So how did he manage to land all of these huge internship roles and eventually end up at the best of the best in sports?
How the f**k did Michael Willett and Tristan Reaves go from college football walk ons at the University of Central Florida to building up their own successful business? Today we’re talking with Michael and Tristan about their experience at UCF and how that led them to create WalkOn Nation, a developmental program for student-athletes alike across the country. Michael and Tristan both received their B.A. from the UCF in 2017. During their time in school, both Michael and Tristan played on the school’s football team and interned within the school’s student-athlete welfare and development office. After graduating, Michael became a Community Program director for Evoyent Health, and Tristan earned his Masters Degree in Sports and Exercise Science. Today, they are the co-founders of the student-athlete empowerment and enrichment company, WalkOn Nation. So how did these two guys earn their place on the UCF football team as scholarship athletes? And was Tristan just an absolute dog in high school?
How the f**k did Teddy “Hops” Giard go from doing backflips on Shark Tank to now heading up the marketing for the very popular cooler brand, Kanga Coolers? Today we’re talking with Teddy about his entrepreneurial journey to help start this company and build up the Kanga brand. Teddy graduated from Clemson University in 2020. During his time at Clemson he was an intern at Charter Financial and the Class Mayor, but in 2017 he pivoted his focus to helping launch an iceless cooler company called Kanga Coolers. Taking lead on the company’s marketing and branding, Teddy garnered over 100K followers across platforms and at least 2 million views on TikTok alone. Today, he is still a co-founder and the head of branding for Kanga Coolers. So how did Teddy sell his product to the Shark Tank Sharks while wearing a kangaroo jumper? And how did a simple TikTok competition help them rake in likes and views?
How the f**k did Brad Marks go from representing talent all over L.A. to becoming the CMO of Som Sleep? Today we’re talking with Brad about his journey through the agency world, social media marketing and eventually onto his job at Som Sleep. Brad graduated from the University of California San Diego in the year 2000. Fresh out of college he was an agent trainee for one of Hollywood’s largest talent agencies, William Morris. Brad worked as a talent manager for eight years before becoming a partner in Blue Five Media. In 2015, he became the Director of the fitness supplement behemoth, Muscle Pharm Corporation. However in 2017, he pivoted slightly to start working with rising ready to drink sleep supplement company Som Sleep. Today, Brad is the CMO of Som Sleep, and has been a driving force in getting it into NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS locker rooms. So how did he become a marketing force in social media when it was just starting to gain momentum? And how did he get into the UFC world through a pop star?
How the f**k did Taiki Green risk a stable job for a life of freelance videography? Today we’re talking with Taiki about his journey to become a videography force in the world of professional baseball. Taiki dropped out of the University of Washington and in 2015, he started working with Driveline Baseball as a videographer, capturing the stories of high-profile athletes and personalities around the game. He also ran targeted ads for the videos he created. Taiki has done freelance work for Fox Sports, MLB, ESPN, Cleveland Indians, Axe Bats, Parkwood Entertainment, and several more, but his focus really shifted when he co-founded Momentum in 2018. Momentum is widely regarded as the cutting edge for digital media content around the game of baseball. Today, Taiki still helps run Momentum. So how did Taiki convince his parents that school was not for him, but instead a life of freelance videography was more his speed?
How the f**k did Will Wall go from selling $75,000 bottles of Champagne at clubs in Vegas to selling $75,000 tickets to Chargers games? Today we’re talking with Will about everything sales related. Will graduated from University of California-Santa Cruz in 2010. He went on to work in the hospitality industries of Las Vegas and Los Angeles eventually working his way up to the role of Director of VIP Services at Sound Nightclub in LA. Today, he holds the title of Premium Sales Consultant for the Los Angeles Chargers. So what was that transition from selling clubs to NFL tickets like? And how the heck did he get paid for bringing friends to clubs?
How the f**k did Katie Austin go from Division I lacrosse player to a very successful fitness influencer? Today we’re talking with Katie about her transition from college athlete to gaining a huge following on all social channels. Katie graduated from the University of Southern California in 2016. During her time as a Trojan she played Division I Lacrosse and started taking steps toward her career as a sports and fitness host. After a few years, she was recognized by Seventeen Magazine as one of the top ten fitness Instagrams to follow. Katie has also worked as a freelance with the Premier Lacrosse League, Fox Sports, Overtime, and the NBA just to name a few. Today, she is a certified fitness trainer, health coach, author, blogger, model, creator of katieaustin.tv, and on top of all that, hosts The Rookies podcast with Hannah Cormier. So how did she follow in her mom’s footsteps in order to become a huge name in fitness? And what does our special guest Mormor have to say?
How the f**k did Nick Dio go from trailblazing his way up through the VaynerMedia ranks to starting arguably the most successful adult TikTok house (not what it sounds like... it's just a communal living space for creative adults to produce content)? Today we’re talking with Nick about how he used his skills in communication and content creation to become a viral sensation. Nick graduated from Rider University in 2013. After graduation, Nick began working full-time with Vayner X where he has been promoted several times on his way to Head of Education at The Sasha Group. During that time he started the athletic brand, WOLACO. He also was a big part of starting the viral sensation of this week in 2020, the “Honey House”. So how did Nick convince three other couples to drop everything and move to L.A. and make TikToks all day?
How the f**k did Brett Ramker go from not getting into UCF's film school to becoming an award-winning producer? Today we’re talking with Brett about his journey from the restaurant business into the video production world. Brett graduated from University of Central Florida’s College of Hospitality & Management in 2013. Shortly after, he left the restaurant world to begin working for NASCAR Productions as a Technical Operations Specialist and was eventually promoted to Associate Producer. In 2018, Brett left NASCAR to pursue his Freelance career with his company BuddyBrett. Since then, he’s done work for Fox Sports, NBC, and friend of the show Xavier Scruggs on his way to picking up two Emmy awards for his work. Today, he is still operating as a freelance video producer in St. Petersburg, Florida. So how was he able to take a chance to get into his dream industry? And how did he go from not knowing anything about cars to creating a full-length documentary about them?
How the f**k did Jake Plummer go from setting records in college to playing pro ball to becoming a co-founding his own company? Today we’re talking with Jake about his NFL days and how it impacted the work he’s doing now. Jake grew up in Smiley Creek, Idaho with his parents and two brothers. He was recruited to play football at Arizona State University where he set school records in both total offensive yards (8,711) and passing touchdowns (65). Jake went on to spend 10 seasons in the NFL and even made a Pro Bowl after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1997. After retiring, he moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, became a spokesperson for a CBD company, and hosted the Plummer Family Helluva Handball Bash. Today he is a nationally known speaker and Co-Founder of ReadyList Sports, a playbook education software company. So how did Jake “The Snake” Plummer rise through the ranks of the NFL to become Broncos royalty? And on a scale of 1–10, how excited was our own Jake Miller while taping this episode (probably an 11)?
How the f**k did the Genal brothers gain over 800K followers on TikTok by turning their passion for sports and acting into a full-time gig? Today we’re talking with two of the three Genal brothers, Tucker and Carson, about their journey from dreaming of the NFL to rising through the ranks of social media stardom. Tucker played football at Furman University where he graduated from in 2018. After finishing school, Tucker was the social media coordinator for one of the top providers of world-class custom hand-painted footwear, Kickasso. During that time, Tucker was also building out his own personal brand with his brother, Carson. Carson is currently in his fourth year at Florida International University where he played Tight End for the Panthers for the last three years. Today, they both have significant audiences across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, coordinating brand deals from their LA apartment. So how did these brothers turn their athletics and lifestyles into a brand known by a major audience? And where does Jaffin fit into the Genal brother’s demo consisting of 90% females ages 16 to 25?
How the f**k did Victoria Garrick gain over 207K followers on Instagram by turning her passion for speaking on mental health into a full-time gig? Today, we’re talking with Victoria about her mental health journey that started with a TEDx Talk in 2017. Victoria played volleyball at the University of Southern California where she graduated in 2019. During her time at USC, she interned for the Fox Sports 1 show Speak For Yourself, and was also brought on as a Color Commentator for Men’s Volleyball games on the Trojans network. Victoria has done a TED Talk, started a podcast with over 100,000 downloads, and has spoken at over 30 schools. Today, Victoria is still the host of the wildly successful podcast, Real Pod, and the founder of the Hidden Opponent, an advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture. So how did Victoria build up her brand and succeed in her entrepreneurial endeavors? And how can her boyfriend Max Browne (former HTFDYGTJ? guest) be a better boyfriend?
How the f**k did Reed Trimble go from gifted gamer to expert Esports consultant? Today we’re talking with Reed about his journey through the world of Esports and gaming. Reed started his career in digital media with Canadian companies like Hive Media Group and Officialize. In 2018, he founded IGNT Consulting, where he would help new and existing Esports businesses navigate the industry. In 2019, Reed was added as the Director of Social Media and Asset Management at Rumble Gaming. Today, he is the Director of Partnerships at Bad Moon Talent, a management firm for top Esports talent. As cheesy as it sounds, how did Reed turn his hobby into a career? And what is the difference between Esports and gaming (because there is one, believe us)?
How the f**k did Nicole Middendorf go from selling potatoes to becoming a well-known wealth advisor and author? Today we’re talking with Nicole about her journey to find her passion in life that led her to find her own company, build her own team and create/trademark the Live It List. Nicole graduated from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN, with an International Business degree. After college, she was a food broker and Mary Kay Consultant. Soon after Nicole began her career in finance at Morgan Stanley in Wayzata, Minnesota. Four years later she started her own practice in 2003. Today, she is a public speaker, author of several financial wellness books, and still the CEO and Wealth Advisor of that practice, Prosperwell Financial. So what is a Live It List anyways? And why is Jake now making and studying flashcards with state abbreviations before every show?
How the f**k did Eric Rhoten know exactly what he wanted to do at just the ripe old age of 10? Today we’re talking with Eric about his entrepreneurial journey that started with him and his dad creating custom wood signs at county fairs. Eric’s story is unique for our show in that he’s been working at the same place since he was a kid: Dave’s Signs. His father, the company’s namesake, started the business in 1970, but since his retirement in 1997, Eric has been at the helm. He’s continually innovated and kept the company thriving with savvy moves like buying the domain makeawoodsign.com and building out a YouTube channel with over 38,000 subscribers. Today, Eric is still the owner and operator of Dave’s custom carved signs. So how did Eric become a partner at Dave’s Signs at just 16 years old? And how does Kari Pearce fit into all of this?
How the f**k does Ariel Levy own his very own company doing social media management and business operations for NBA and NFL players at just 20 years old? Today we’re talking with Ariel about his 6-year journey climbing up the ranks in the sports world. Ariel started working with NBA players on marketing and brand building at 14 years old. Yes, you read that right and it isn’t a typo. He started in this business at just 14 years old. At the age of 15, he made the transition into contract negotiations and partnered with Jake Waschman to start ASL Sports Group. Today, at the ripe, old age of 20, he is the CEO of League Tribune and Sunshines brand. He also still manages social media and business operations for NBA and NFL players as a partner in Forever Young Management. So how did Ariel build up his career while still in high school? And will we see him on the cover of Forbes in 30 years? Yeah, probably.
How the fk did Jesse Cole create a baseball team that goes against all traditional baseball rules? Today we’re talking with Jesse about his transition from sleeping on an air mattress and selling only two tickets when first starting his own baseball team to gaining almost 30K followers on Instagram. Jesse is a graduate of Wofford College. After leaving school Jesse became General Manager and Managing Partner of the collegiate summer league team, the Gastonia Grizzlies. In 2015 Jesse became the owner of another collegiate summer league team, the Savannah Bananas. He ran both teams until 2018. Today, Jesse continues to be at the helm for the Bananas. He works as the founder of Fans First Entertainment, and he’s also the author of a book, Find Your Yellow Tux. So where in the world did he find a yellow tuxedo? And how is their professional high-fiver doing as a professional air high-fiver now?
How the fk did Rick McGuire go from a very successful TV show producer to running his Instagram account, SubwayCreatures, full time? Today we’re talking with Rick about his transition from having a steady paying job to ditching it all to build the SubwayCreatures brand. Rick is a graduate of Rhode Island University. He’s worked behind the camera for some of the biggest names in television as a producer including VH1, TruTV and MTV. Today he works as the founder of a brand most New Yorkers have undoubtedly seen on Instagram SubwayCreatures. So how did Rick incorporate what he learned in the television business into his SubwayCreatures account? And what the fk happened to the rat in one of his more recent videos?
How the f**k did Lindsey Metselaar go from social media specialist (before social was cool) to founding her own podcast with over 1.2K ratings on Apple Podcasts and an Instagram following of 41.7K? Today we’re talking with Lindsey about her journey from being at the forefront of social media marketing and advertising to founding her own podcast and company. Lindsey graduated from Boston University in 2012. After that she began writing and creating content on staff for companies like Mass Appeal, Fever Labs, and GoButler. From there she founded her own social media management company. Today she is still running that same company, Lindsey's Lunchbox, along with a food blog @dontexpectsalads, and the wildly successful podcast, We Met At Acme. So how did Lindsey gain thousands of followers and get them to participate in her many successful polls? And why won’t Brené Brown get back to her about being on her show?
How the f**k did Matt Tornquist go from studying engineering at Purdue to creating content for the LSU football team? Today we’re talking with Matt about how his love for the craft of making videos and the many reps he put in led him to his dream job in Baton Rouge. Matt is a graduate of Purdue University where he was a recruiting design intern for the Boilermakers. In his time at college, he also co-founded a company specializing in mobile social media graphic creation called Uplink Sports. After graduating Matt worked as a freelance creator and full-time Video Producer with Purdue Athletics. Today, he works on the national champion LSU Athletics Creative and Digital Media staff. So how did Matt get into the creative media space with an Industrial Management degree? And how did he end up grabbing drinks with Bo Pelini of Nebraska football (a.k.a. Jake’s dream dinner date)?
How the f**k did Santino Stancato go from interning with the Brooklyn Cyclones to building up brands like Temple University and Georgia Tech? Today we’re talking with Santino about his journey through the world of sports and branding and how he turned down some high-paying jobs just to do what he loves. Santino graduated from Bloomsberg University of Pennsylvania in 2016. Since then he’s been building up strong brands in sports. He’s done that for the Brooklyn Cyclones, Marshall University, and Temple University. Today he is a brand manager at Georgia Tech University Athletics in Atlanta. So how did Santino survive in Brooklyn off of $8/hour and meal vouchers for stadium food? And how did he end up making sick graphics and getting behind the camera for Georgia Tech?
How the fk did Dr. Chithra Durgam bring the world of dentistry to Tik Tok? Today we’re talking with Dr. Chithra Durgam about her journey into dentistry and how she’s been modernizing the business with her focus on technology and people. Chithra is a cosmetic dentist with over 17 years of private practice experience. She has been featured in 201 Magazine, Good Day New York, Fox 5 News, and in Gary Vaynerchuck’s book Crushing It. Today, she works as the founder of Aesthetic Dental, Roar Mouthguards, and is also a keynote speaker. She is also focusing a lot on her work with voice technology working with influencers to get them involved in the world of voice. So how did Chithra mix the worlds of Disney and dentistry? And how has she utilized modern technology to reach a bigger audience on platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram?
How the f**k did Akshay Ram accomplish more than most people in his field and he still hasn’t finished college yet? Today we’re talking with Akshay about his success in the world of sports and recruiting. Akshay started his career in graphic design doing freelance work with the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets. From there he helped Holy Cross University’s football program as a recruiting design intern. He only just finished his sophomore year at Syracuse University, but he’s already filled graphic design roles for some big name brands in sports, most recently the Los Angeles Clippers. Today, Akshay continues to work as a Social Moments Associate Designer with Bleacher Report and Football Creative Media Associate with Syracuse. So how did Akshay end up working for some of the biggest names in sports while still in school to get his degree in engineering? And how many customers did he get when he offered to make free logos after only using Photoshop for one day?
How the f**k did Corey Bellemore turn his passion for running and his interest in chugging beer into a world record? Today, we’re talking with Corey about how his athleticism and ability to chug a beer led him to find a worldwide audience through the beer mile. Corey has spent his life in the sport of running. He specialized in the 1500 meter race for the University of Windsor. In his time there he also set the world record for the beer mile. Corey recently graduated from Windsor and is now running with Team Canada and professionally with sponsors like adidas and Flying Monkeys Brewery. So how does one chug and run without spewing their guts? And was Jaffin able to chug his Heineken during this episode?
How the f**k did Jarrett McGovern go from selling toothpicks out of his garage to selling cold brew to stores all over the Northeast? Today we’re talking with Jarrett about his own entrepreneurial journey that led him into the cold brew industry. A few years after graduating from Cornell with a marketing degree, Jarrett was the Co-Founder of the company ToothStix. He went on to work for The Water Initiative as their Creative Director. He ended up stopping both of those gigs to co-found the first nitro cold brew company in Brooklyn in 2014. Since then, RISE Brewing Company built a full-scale brewery in Stamford and is selling its coffee all-around the Northeast. So how did Jarrett turn his garage into a fully functioning toothpick production factory? And where will Jarrett be in 30 years? Possibly Greece?
How the f**k did Michael Leece go from helping out with AAU basketball to working at one of the best sports marketing companies in the nation? Today we’re chatting with Michael about his journey from Syracuse to Radegen. Michael graduated from Syracuse University in 2013. During his time in school, he had internships with Union College Sports Information, NFL Alumni, and ESPN. Upon graduating, Michael was the Director of the National Football League Division of JR Sports Enterprises. After growing that company for three years, Michael transitioned to become the Director of Client Marketing and Business Development at one of the nation’s largest sports marketing companies, Radegen. So how did Michael and David Ortiz start their now long term partnership? And what is Michael saying about the future of Esports?
How the f**k did Ty Rogers go from playing baseball at Indiana University Bloomington and majoring in Criminal Justice to shooting music videos for Da Baby? Today we’re chatting with Ty about his crazy path from college athlete to Emmy Award Winner who now shoots with huge names including Bronnie James, Cam Newton, and Chase Young. Ty played college baseball for Indiana University. He tried his hat at coaching for a few years all the while honing his graphic design skills. Eventually, he ended up back at his alma mater as the creative coordinator for Indiana Men’s Basketball. He went on to fill similar roles for iconic programs like Duke Men’s Basketball and Michigan Football where he picked up an Emmy for Best Sports Feature. Just over a year ago Ty made the decision to pursue freelance content creation running his own company. So how did Ty make the jump from assistant baseball coach to creative coordinator? And how the heck did this guy become this good at content creation in a matter of months?
How the f**k did Ethan Zohn win season 3 of Survivor, start a non-profit with his winnings, and survive his own battles with cancer? Today we’re chatting with Ethan about his journey from the soccer world into the reality world and then into the non-profit world. Ethan was a professional soccer player rising through the USL and overseas leagues when in 2001, he filmed an audition tape (after some drinks) to be on the CBS hit show “Survivor.” He ended up not only participating in the show, but winning the whole thing along with one million dollars. Since then he’s done things like run both the New York Marathon and Boston Marathon and dribble a soccer ball from Boston to DC to raise awareness for non-profits. He’s held titles like inspirational speaker, World Cup Soccer analyst, and appeared on ABC, ESPN Discovery Channel, and Outside TV. He’s beaten cancer not once, but twice, and still today, Ethan is a co-founder of the non-profit, Grassroots Soccer. So how did Ethan take his winnings and his passion for soccer to start his super successful non-profit? And what are some of his tips on how to thrive in quarantine?
How the f**k did Preston McClellan end up with one of the most sought after Instagram handles for Prestons across the globe? Today we’re talking with Preston about his journey through the digital/social media marketing space starting with college athletics and eventually bringing to the PGA TOUR. Preston graduated from the University of Memphis in 2012 with a degree in Journalism, and after graduation, he worked in marketing and public relations for the United States Junior Golf Tour. He went on to fill similar roles for the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational and the Armed Forces Bowl before accepting a Graduate assistantship at the University of Ohio. There, Preston worked in digital media and athlete relations. In 2015, Preston accepted a job with the PGA Tour in Digital Communications, and today, he is the Director of Player Content for the PGA Tour. So how does Preston bring his digital marketing and social media marketing expertise to the forefront of his job at the PGA TOUR? And will Preston ever sell his Instagram handle to some lucky Preston in the world?
How the f**k did Kari Pearce go from one of Ann Arbor's best gymnasts to the Fittest American Woman in 2016, 2018 AND 2019? Today we’re talking with Kari Pearce. Kari graduated from the University of Michigan where she won four Big 10 Championships on the varsity gymnastics team. Since graduating, Kari has competed at the CrossFit Games five times, and three-times she’s been named Fittest American Female. She is currently the 5th fittest woman on earth. Aside from her career as an athlete, Kari is also a trainer at CrossFit SPOT in New York City and runs one of the most effective workout programs in fitness called PowerAbs. So how did Kari make the jump from gymnastics to CrossFit? And how did she become one of the best in the world while training in New York City?
How the f**k did Kevin Belbey take his love for basketball and broadcasting and jump into a career that he didn’t even know existed before he left college? Today we are chatting with Kevin Belbey. Kevin has his J.D. from Syracuse University where he also attended undergrad and spent almost four years as a student manager for the school’s basketball team. Kevin has had internships with NBC for the 2012 London Olympics, CBS, ABC News, and the FCC. Since leaving ‘Cuse, Kevin has worked his way up the ranks at one of top sports broadcasting talent representation companies in the nation, The Montag Group. He currently holds the title of Vice President of Sports Broadcasting. On top of that, Kevin is also the General Manager of perennial contender in the nationally televised TBT Basketball Tournament, Boeheim’s Army. So how did Kevin end up working for The Montag Group? And why was he constantly bleeding during basketball practices when he wasn’t even suiting up to play?
How the f**k did Dev Sethi go from Notre Dame sports fan to holding the prestigious title of Head of Sports at Instagram? Today we are chatting with Dev about his career journey that eventually landed him a job at Instagram. Dev graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2006 and shortly after, he accepted a job as a strategist at a little company called Google. He then transitioned to a Senior Strategist role in New Partnerships at YouTube in 2011. He moved on from the Alphabet group to work as Head of Partnerships at Whistle Sports. After two years there, Dev spent almost two years as Chief of Staff for the legendary Complex Network. Today, he has the unreal title of Head of Sports at Instagram. So how did Dev work his way through these well-known companies? And is it ever okay to sleep with socks on? Sorry Jaffin, it just isn’t.
How the fk did Jed Collins go from the NFL to writing his own book about financial literacy? Today we’re talking with Jed about his journey from football to finance and all the lessons he learned along the way. Jed left Washington State University with an accounting degree in 2007. Unlike most of his business school classmates, Jed took that degree to go play seven years in the NFL. After he spent some time as a CFP, he realized that he wanted to do more to help the majority, not just the top 1 percent. Today, Jed is the Director of Financial Education program Rookie to Veteran, Brighton Jones and the author of the book, Your Money Vehicle. So what did Jed learn from his multiple position changes throughout his football career? And what was Mark Sanchez like in high school?
Why the f*ck did we stop posting podcasts? Producer Jenna got busier at the golf course because people can’t do anything else with their time but golf right now. David made the transition from VaynerSports to Grit Player Services, a major leap of faith that will now turn our apartment into our company headquarters. It took a lot of time, a lot of hard work and a lot of midnight texts saying, “You up?” But in the end, we joined forces and brought on four new clients and are ready to hit the ground running again with this podcast by bringing on more guests with awesome job titles and even more awesome stories. We appreciate anyone who cares enough to listen and read this.
How the f**k did Rodney Cofield Jr. go from getting a free camera from a grant to providing freelance work for the likes of Turner Sports, Bud Light, Nike and adidas? Today we are chatting with Rodney Cofield Jr. Rodney graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Mass Communication. Upon graduating, he tried his hand in a few different careers before he was able to pick up a camera through a grant he wrote himself. He started making a name for himself shooting local high school football games, and eventually, he picked up a second degree in Video and Photographic Arts from Georgia Southern. Today, he runs his own content production company based out of Atlanta called iSmooth Media. So how did Rodney provide a service in a space and a city that really needed it? And did we finally answer the question: Is a hot dog a sandwich?
How the f**k did Malik Zaire go from a devastating injury to traveling across the country creating football content for all the top networks? Today, we are talking with the “Lucky Lefty” Malik Zaire. Malik originally gained national recognition starting at quarterback for the University of Notre Dame. Since then, he’s continued performing at a high level as an on-personality for the acclaimed sports network, Overtime where he formed relationships with big-time athletes like Spencer Rattler and Trevor Laurence. Today, you can catch him offering up analysis and stories on CBS Sports and Sirius XM. So how did Malik make the transition from player to analyst? Why does he think the PSP was so slept on? And what’s Malik’s secret to the perfect cup of tea?
How the f**k did Darius Fleming go from playing football in the NFL to creating special moments for fans all over the world through the company, Cameo? Today we are talking with Darius Fleming about football, transitions and how to best educate yourself about systemic racism and injustice right now. Darius grew up in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Notre Dame University where he also played linebacker for the school’s legendary football program. He went on to play professionally for the San Francisco 49ers and picked up a Super Bowl win with the New England Patriots. After leaving the world of playing football, Darius worked in media relations and sales back in Chicago. Today, he is in strategic partnerships with one of the hottest companies in the media space, Cameo. So how did Darius go from football player to successful salesman so quickly? And how do we educate ourselves about social injustice without being an opportunistic cloud chaser?
How the f**k did Nik Conklin go from playing college soccer in Brooklyn to taking his skills to leading video production at Clemson University and :betr? Today we talk to Nik about his journey through design and content creation that took him up and down the East Coast moving in and out of the sports world. Nik played Division I soccer at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus where he earned a Bachelor degree in media arts and English while also going on to receive his Masters in video production there. In his time at LIU he also interned at the Barclay Center. He moved on to spend almost six years at Clemson University, rising to the rank of Senior Director of Creative Solutions before leaving in January 2020 to take on the position of Head of Content at the digital media production company :betr, based in Boston. So why did Nik decide to attend LIU? And how did he fair road tripping with his 2-week-old son to Tampa to watch the national championship game in 2017?
How the f**k did Samuel Silverman go from flipping pizzas in Columbus, Ohio to becoming creative director for The Ohio State football team? Today we talk to Samuel about his graphic design career path starting in Ohio. Samuel spent his first years out of school as a graphic designer for a couple companies in Columbus before he rose through the design ranks at his alma mater, going from graphic designer to assistant director of creative media and branding for The Ohio State University Football program. In 2018, he became the creative director for the team before finishing up that athletic calendar in May of 2019. He then left OSU to be the founder and creative director of his own branding and design shop, SammySilv, Inc. So how did Samuel make it into OSU’s rigorous and exclusive industrial design program? And how many pairs of sneakers does this man actually own?
How the f**k did Eve Wulf start out as an intern for Sports Illustrated and end up working for ESPN, helping produce films and miniseries including “The Last Dance” just a year later? Today, we’re chatting with Eve Wulf about her background in sports (she comes from a huge sports family with her dad being ESPN Senior Writer Steve Wulf and her twin sister playing hockey at Middlebury college). We also talk about her time at Bucknell University, where Eve was a research Intern at the Elias Sports Bureau and an editorial intern for Sports Illustrated. She also spent some time writing on campus and learned the importance of storytelling both in film and through writing. So how did Eve successfully make the jump from college into her first job at ESPN? And how do the Wulf twins compare when it comes to hockey?
How the f**k did Daron K. Roberts go from Harvard Law to volunteering and helping the special teams coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and moving up through the ranks from there? Today, we talk to Daron about his journey through law school and the NFL. Near his graduation from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was student body president, Daron was a U.S. Senate Aid to the Governmental Affairs Committee. From there he went on to attend the Harvard Kennedy School and graduate from Harvard Law School in 2007 after four years of being put on the waitlist. Daron then made the transition to the football coaching world where he coached for teams like the Chiefs, the Lions, the Browns, and West Virginia University. Since then Daron has written a best selling book and is now a Lecturer in Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin where he is also the founding director for the Center for Sports leadership and Innovation, and an advisory board member to the South By Southwest conference. So how did Daron persevere through countless Harvard and coaching applications? And did we add a new Lightning round theme song by accident?
How the f**k did Blake Lawrence go from making negative $54 on his first business venture to owning and operating his own successful company, Opendorse? On today’s episode we talk about how Blake went from playing football at Nebraska to founding two successful companies: Hurrdat and Opendorse. Blake co founded the company, HurrDat with his buddy Adi, while they were still in school at the University of Nebraska in 2010. In 2013, he was chosen as one of the Midwest’s most successful, high-performing entrepreneurs to complete a Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Today, his other company Opendorse has facilitated deals with leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, UFC, La Liga, and athletes like Connor McGregor, Rob Gronkowski, and Gareth Bale just to name a few. So how did Blake manage two growing companies at the same time? And how did a $10 Tweet win him the attention of the NFL?
How the f**k did Brittany Wagner go from not knowing what she wanted to do in her junior year of college, to working as the counselor at East Mississippi Community College in the hit Netflix show, “Last Chance U” and having her work highlighted in GQ? We are talking to our very special guest today about her journey into academic counseling which landed her the job in Scooba, Mississippi, helping the athletes at EMCC achieve academic success, so they could go on to play football at Division 1 schools. Today, Brittany continues to motivate top talent as a speaker and consultant through her company, 10,000 Pencils, LLC. So did Brittany always know that this was the career she was destined for? And why do we keep putting an extra “s” in Starkville, Mississippi?
How the f**k did RJ Kaminski get a job at The Premier Lacrosse League in addition to helping create content for Shootout for Soldiers, a 24-hour lacrosse game that benefits American veterans? Today, we’re chatting with RJ about his impressive and wide-ranging resumé that had him working as a sports reporter and broadcaster, creating an entire content calendar and social media position for Meet the Press, and then eventually to the PLL. In high school, RJ’s buddy started Shootout for Soldiers and he asked RJ to run social media and broadcast it—all 24 hours of the game. Still to this day, RJ helps run the social media for the organization and the annual game. Though familiar with broadcasting the sport, RJ never actually played lacrosse before working for The Lacrosse Network and taking over their social media that included him going to shoot footage in front of the Flatiron building in freezing weather. His hard work paid off taking him from the East Coast to the West Coast to take on the role as Manager of Content at PLL. So how did RJ reconfigure his cover letter to get the job at Meet the Press? And what are his thoughts on sleeping with socks on?
How the f**k did Jordan Schultz get a job at ESPN as an insider/analyst in addition to being a correspondent on The Boardroom AND co-hosting a podcast with CJ McCollum? Today we're talking with him about his long hours spent copy editing and blogging for free. We also talk about the influence voracious reading had on his life, as well as his family's mentality to help everyone and treat everyone with respect because you never know who will be there to help you later on in life. That's definitely paid off with Jordan producing and writing content for organizations like the LA Times, NBC, Yahoo, Fox, and the Huffington Post. So how did he make and keep those valuable connections? And who would be the first one to get a tweet out between Jordan, Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter? Hint: it’s the guy who sleeps in one hour bursts.
How the f**k did Max Browne go from outranking the likes of Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield and Mitch Trubisky in high school football rankings to heading up and managing the social team for Lewis Howes? On today’s episode, we talk with Max his college football years playing for USC and Pitt, and how he spent some time off the field practicing his play-by-play announcing skills calling out two-minute drills at practices. After college, he moved to the East Coast working as a channel manager for Team GaryVee. He continued to build up his on-camera talent through his own YouTube channel. That channel and an early-morning pickup basketball game helped him land a few appearances that jump-started his career. So how did Max get connected to Lewis Howes? And what was Max’s first-ever Instagram post?
How the f**k did Kate Mannion end up writing for Barstool Sports, co-hosting the podcast series “Zero Blog Thirty” and co-hosting the Chaps and Kate Show on Sirius XM? Today, we’re talking about calzones, cheese cups, and totally normal binders full of women with Kate. She served in the US Marine Corps, deploying twice to Afghanistan, before coming back to the U.S. and participating in a volunteer program dedicated to integrating veterans into selective fields. She went from helping angry shopkeepers whose business were affected by subway construction to sitting in a room full of writers for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart '' and putting together expense reports for Comedy Central. After she moved back to Philadelphia and while she was working concessions at the Wells Fargo Center, she started taking her Twitter content seriously and it took off. That’s where her soon to be partner in crime, Uncle Chaps, found her photo of the vagina-shaped calzone. After an appearance on his podcast, she was invited to write freelance, which eventually led to a full-time gig. So how did Kate make the transition from military to comedy? And what advice did she give us when it comes to talking to girls?
How the f**k did Bill Weir end up as CNN’s Chief Climate Correspondent after spending years as "that funny midwest sports guy"? Today’s guest started by sending hundreds of cassette tapes across the nation to get his foot in the door as a sports reporter. He wound up covering the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan’s reign (even making an appearance on the new ESPN docuseries, “The Last Dance”). Then he moved on to covering the Lakers dynasty with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Bill tried his hand in Hollywood before getting offered the position at “Good Morning America” in New York City. From there, his journalistic career brought him to space shuttle launches, Tibet, Hurricane Katrina, and Afghanistan. His own travel show, “The Wonder List” stoked his passion for the issue of climate change. So, he entered into the role of Chief Climate Correspondent at CNN shortly after finishing. So how did Bill get access to hundreds of VCR Tapes? How did it feel to cover two Phil Jackson dynasties? And why should you be careful interviewing the “Dancing with the Stars” cast?
How the f**k did Shea Dawson draft up her own job description in order to transition out of the NBA and into Overtime? On today’s episode, we’re talking with Shea about how a clear life mission guided her through the teaching and sports worlds. Shea knew that her mission was to help athletes, especially those within the black community, leverage their platforms in sports for social and financial capital elsewhere. After working as a coach and a teacher for a few years, she started working with the Philadelphia 76ers. Eventually, she felt a push to do more, so she drew up a sort of manifesto outlining her dream job and sent it off to Overtime. They started the process of hiring her shortly after. So how did Shea really solidify her own mission? And what Shea Dawson quote will we put right under the Pete Carrol rejection note in the HTFDYGTJ? history books?
How the f**k did Nicholas Stone go from playing professionally in the Australian Football League to founding his own chain of coffee shops? Today, we chat with Nicholas about earning a degree in business as a professional athlete, his investment banking career that included a pitch to the C-Suite of Apple, and starting his own coffee company. Nicholas grew up in Melbourne, Australia. He got recruited to play in the AFL right out of high school. He went on to play at the sport's highest level for SIX years. After working with the largest bank in Australia for a few years after his athletic career ended, his fascination and passion for traveling led him to New York City. For three years, Nicholas was methodically opening up his own coffee shops and building the brand Bluestone Lane. All the while, he was still working as Director of Corporate Finance and Head of Americas (what a title) for ANZ. So how did Bluestone blow up to over 50 locations? And why was Cameron Diaz freezing outside one of his shops in the snow?
How the f**k did AJ Vaynerchuk know he was going to start a business with his brother as early as high school? Today AJ talks with us about how he co-founded VaynerMedia and blazed a trail in the social-first digital agency business. AJ went on sabbatical after years of hard work at Vayner (a real sabbatical, but we'll let him tell you what that means). When he got back from Martha’s Vineyard, where he spent his days reading, hanging out with his wife, and capturing Pokémon on dog walks, AJ founded VaynerSports. So why did AJ want to enter into the sports agency space? Did he really take the first-ever Uber ride in New York City? And whose torch would be put out first in "Survivor: VaynerSports"?
How the f**k did Tom Weingarten go from hosting impromptu Union Square dunk competitions to managing a social media platform with over a billion impressions per month? Today we talk with Tom, a.k.a. Overtime Tom, about his journey through the sports world as he built up Overtime to what it is today. The trick to their success? iPhones. They’ve been dominating the social media game in the world of sports by beating out organizations like Bleacher Report and ESPN when it comes to releasing content authentically and efficiently. The athlete relationships that technology helped foster has also led to massive success on Tik Tok, where they’ve raked in over 8 million followers, thanks to Tom (he guards the password to the account with his life). So how did Tom become fluent in social media? And who is Overtime Steve?
How the f**k did Kenny Bell go from connecting with fans at The Bar The Bar in Lincoln to connecting with brands like Bud Light looking to get involved with his Twitch streams? Today, we talk with Fairview High School's finest, Kenny Bell. After setting re-writing the record book as a wide receiver at the powerhouse University of Nebraska Lincoln football program, Kenny went on to play in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. After a very gnarly quadricep injury, Kenny started getting more into gaming and streaming, while also learning the ropes in outside sales at NCR. So how did Kenny work through the tough question of: What are you without football? And how did he and his teammates get Bo Pellini to scream "Lambhorgini Mercy. Your chick she so thirsty."?
How the f**k did West Wilson go from college football player to video producer at Bleacher Report? Today, we talked with West about his video producing skills which took him from going viral in Montana, to the top of a bus taking a shot out of a bowling ball in Buffalo, and to placing reckless and random parlays down in Vegas. West went to college in Bozeman, Montana where he played football at Montana State University. He then moved to NYC where he started his own food show called Napkins while working jobs at Major League Baseball and MediaPlanet. So how did West capitalize on the opportunities given to him to get to Bleacher Report? And who was Joe Spit?
How the f**k did Whitney Holtzman go from one of the biggest Bucs fans at age six to starting her own business acting as the CEO of Social Victories; CMO for NFL, MLB and NHL Athletes? In our very special two-part episode, we talked with Whitney about how she ended up back in New York after going home to Tampa for a total of six months (youngest snow bird ever). Back in the city, she went back to work for VaynerMedia and then eventually left to start her own social media marketing and consulting business called Social Victories where she’s worked with athletes like Phil Mickelson, Brandon Marshall, Brandon Copeland, Hakeem Valles and Cameron Lynch. So what makes Whitney Holtzman, Whitney Holtzman? And what is the HTFDYGTJ Book Club?
How the f**k did Whitney Holtzman go from one of the biggest Bucs fans at age six to starting her own business acting as the CEO of Social Victories; CMO for NFL, MLB and NHL Athletes? In our very special two-part episode, we talked with Whitney about her time at the University of Florida and asked her if Tim Tebow really is that perfect in real life (he is). We chatted about how she earned the 51st spot out of 50 intern spots at ESPN because she is that good and how that internship led to her to New York City after many months of waiting after college. She talked about how she somehow found a job as one of the first in-house social media associates for Major League Baseball on Craig’s List and how an airport pizza brought her to VaynerMedia and Gary Vee. So how did she achieve such major success so early in her career? And how did she get a pizza delivered inside LaGuardia Airport?
How the f**k did Walter Powell go from the NFL to the tech startup world? In this episode, we talk to Walt about his company Politiscope which he started with his childhood friend Jackson White. Walt was a former NFL Wide Receiver playing for teams like the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. When he wanted to enter into the business world, he took the entrepreneurial route with help from political junkie/friend Jackson. Together they created Politiscope, an app that is “reviving American democracy by bringing politics into clear view and putting the power of raw information in the palm of your hand.” So how did Walt manage to do it all — football and tech startup? Maybe with some help from a very large balloon?
How the f**k did Hakeem Valles make it into the NFL? By selling the purple packs of Skittles to his classmates in middle school. In this episode, we talk to Hakeem about his work on and off the field not only earned him a spot in the NFL, but also the founder of Perspective Global Media, a real estate investor, and keynote speaker. From fixing I-Phones to playing multiple positions on the football field, what continues to push him? What will be his next big business plan?
How the f**k did Grant Thomas go from reporting on high school sports to designing for professional athletes and teams? In this episode, we talk to Grant about how he ended up as a graphic designer for the only LA football team that we actually care about, the LA Rams. His work earned him a spot designing for Penn State football, the Charlotte Hornets, VaynerSports, the NBA and the Washington Redskins. But Grant’s sports journey started with him standing uncomfortably in the corner of locker rooms questioning what’s a good time to ask the head coach how they felt about the loss. So how did these skills of being a reporter transfer over to his skills as a designer?
How the f**k did Mitchell Gross go from graduating with an economics degree to working on brand partnerships for a sports company? In this episode, we talk to Mitchell about how he was able to navigate the horrors of being a recent college grad and transition into his position in the sports world. They talk about his many internships, his years growing up in Ardsley, New York, and the importance of the “See More” button on LinkedIn. So how does one tackle the big, bad world of sports with an economics degree?
How the f*** did Jessica Stallworth end up working for powerhouses in the sports world like the NFL, LA Lakers, Dallas Cowboys and then eventually the MLB? In this episode, we talk to Jessica about how she started her job at the MLB just one week before the Corona virus made everyone work from home. A professor in Whole Foods told her to go to the beach and write down exactly what she wants to do career-wise (so LA) and as Jessica was doing that, she received a few no’s for jobs and one yes for a job that checked off every box on her list. So what was on Jessica’s list and how did it help her get this job?
How the f**k did this 19-year-old go from high school student to shooting Post Malone in a matter of months? In this episode, we talk to Kyle, a.k.a. KGMADEIT about how he became a very young and very successful videographer and photographer right out of high school. After running the social media account of his high school football team and earning national recognition for it, Kyle ended up attending the University of Richmond and is set to graduate in 2022. To make you feel even more unaccomplished, he has shot footage for stars like Post Malone, Justin Fields and Deshaun Watson. So how did someone so young earn so much recognition this quickly?
How the f*** did David Jaffin go from intern to full time employee at VaynerSports? In this episode, Jake Miller talks with his co host David about how he became the content manager and assistant to CEO at VaynerSports. David grew up in Ardsley, New York, where big time sports agent Sandy Montag also lived. Jaffin picked his brain and this was what initially sparked his interest in how to get into the sports world without playing professional sports. At Syracuse University, he honed his skills and got his foot into the sports world by interning at VaynerSports with Jake. But unlike Jake, David was able to turn his unpaid internship into a paid job. So what did David do differently?
How the f*** did Jake Miller go from small town boy to big city businessman? In this episode, David Jaffin asks his co host Jake how he became the Founder and CEO of Grit Player Services. After realizing at a young age, or rather after his mother pointed out to him that playing professional sports probably wasn’t in the cards for him (and after raking in a total of 40 minutes of play during his four years at Nebraska Wesleyan University as a basketball player), Jake decided to approach the sports world from a new angle, the managerial route. His journey to get there took him from his hometown in Colorado across the plains to Nebraska to earn his masters, over to New York City to intern with VaynerSports, back to the Midwest to participate in the MLS National Sales Center sales training program, and eventually back to New York City to start his own business. So how’d he manage to do all of that? And what are his plans moving forward in this crazy world of sports?