Stick to Sports Biz

David Brickley (Owner and CEO, STN Digital) joins S2SB to discuss why he started a company full of GOATs, how getting in touch with his idol helped him realize he could control his own destiny, and why he's taken chances on himself throughout his career. David and Brandon talk about protecting your peace, pivoting to a new dream when it becomes clear one isn't going to work out the way you thought, and why you shouldn't wait for someone else's permission to have the career you want.This interview was originally recorded in August, 2022.1:35 - How David built a superteam with STN Digital3:25 - Why employees are called GOATs4:50 - What David looks for in employees to help build the best culture6:40 - Why failure can spark inspiration11:35 - How David's lack of limiting beliefs and an email to Kobe Bryant led to an epiphany13:00 - The gamble David took on himself in pursuit of a dream16:15 - His time as a Los Angeles Lakers Insider for FOX Sports18:45 - How David met Kobe22:20 - How David honed his craft working with audio and video28:45 - A fun Florida Gulf Coast University story from the early days of social media30:40 - How STN Digital made a name for itself32:30 - How David manages to log off while running his own digital company39:20 - Growing up in SoCal and playing basketball41:40 - How David went from working in radio to starting his own podcast, Business of Social43:45 - Width vs. depth in the content creation game46:45 - The pain of being a Chargers fan47:50 - Which performer David compares to Michael Jackson + more Drake talk50:20 - The importance of getting a feature in rap right now52:40 - The Recommender: David's series, movie, podcast, comedian, and book1:00:24 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: David BrickleyBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!For more, check out:Brad Smith on Stick to Sports BizConnect with Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInConnect with David on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok

Zack Raab (Minor League Baseball Club Services Coordinator at Major League Baseball) joins S2SB to discuss his return to the United States from Israel to pursue his dream of working in MLB, how networking was key to his success, and why you should always take a chance on yourself. Zack and Brandon talk about the first time they connected through Brandon's work at The Athletic, how the pandemic impacted Zack's career journey, and Mike Trout's LinkedIn activity.1:30 - How Brandon and Zack first connected5:35 - Zack's early involvement in baseball12:30 - What baseball is like in Israel19:15 - What prompted Zack's move from Israel back to the U.S.33:10 - How Zack's family handled his career change34:15 - The impact of the pandemic on Zack's job search38:35 - How a commitment to networking helped Zack land a dream job41:15 - Zack on chasing your dreams49:40 - More about Zack's current role53:05 - The Recommender: Zack's documentary, writer, podcast59:00 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Zack RaabBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Connect with Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInConnect with Zack on Twitter and LinkedIn

Jordan Dolbin (Senior Manager, Player Social Marketing at the NFL) joins S2SB to discuss her career in sports, finding success in social media marketing, and learning about life through playing team sports. Jordan and Brandon talk about the legendary creation two popular Instagram football accounts, whether or not getting your Master's degree is worthwhile, and their shared love for the Philadelphia Eagles.2:05 - Jordan's path to working in social media marketing5:00 - The value of a Master's degree6:25 - Jordan's thesis in grad school on the effects of second-screen use on the enjoyment of watching the Super Bowl (which has been cited in research!)10:00 - How she made a career with the NFL15:30 - How Jordan and her coworkers created The Checkdown and NFL Throwback (now NFL Legacy)22:00 - More about her current role with the league28:40 - Jordan's time working with youth football31:55 - The impact that playing team sports had on her life35:45 - Jordan's love for and prior experience working in pro soccer41:10 - Top 5 Favorite Philadelphia Eagles of All Time54:45 - The Recommender: Jordan's TV show, music artist, and documentary series1:02:15 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Jordan DolbinBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Connect with Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInConnect with Jordan on Twitter

Jake Olson (President and Co-Founder, Engage LLC) joins S2SB to discuss his battle with retinoblastoma that took his sight, how he managed to become the first completely blind player in college football history as long snapper for the USC Trojans, and how he's repeatedly conquered adversity in life. Jake and Brandon talk about Jake's life since his story became national news, which sport he might conquer next, and how time both in the gym and with the media led to his latest career ventures.1:35 - Jake's story6:40 - How Jake made his dream of playing football at USC a reality9:45 - His favorite memories from his time with Pete Carroll13:20 - How he became a big local story way before he made the team at USC16:40 - Where he found his strength and resilience during challenging times19:50 - What he remembers from the surgery just before he lost his sight24:40 - What “Fight On” means to Jake26:40 - More on Jake's mindset29:30 - Jake's special relationship with his twin sister31:40 - His guide dog and companion Quebec33:10 - How Jake's passion for fitness helped guide his career after football38:50 - The role golf has played in his life and how it led him to play in the first US Adaptive Open42:20 - Why Jake and his co-founders created Engage50:55 - The Recommender: Jake's two series, and artist56:45 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Jake OlsonBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Connect with Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInConnect with Jake on Twitter, Instagram, and Engage

Brandon starts this week's ep by recounting a funny story from a job interview that serves as the inspiration for today's topic. He then shares five leadership lessons learned from his experience as a fantasy football commissioner for more than a decade. Host & Producer: Brandon FleshmanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedIn

Dan Marrazza (Director of Digital Strategies, Pro Football Hall of Fame) joins S2SB to discuss how he broke into sports business at 16, a new community he hopes to grow, and his hobby of visiting movie filming locations. Dan and Brandon talk about how the pandemic impacted their careers and what they learned as a result, how they helped build sports brands from the ground up, and why movie scores make good pump-up music.1:35 - Dan's background and first internship in sports8:55 - Dan's early days working in minor league hockey12:45 - How the pandemic eliminated his role, and how it led him to the Pro Football HoF19:50 - What he learned from this experience23:50 - What it's like to handle digital strategy for the HoF27:35 - Dan's experience at this year's HoF Game30:10 - What it was like being the 5th employee for the expansion Golden Knights38:15 - The biggest challenge in establishing the Golden Knights brand as unique40:00 - The industry allies group Dan wants to bring together47:50 - Dan's Top 5 Favorite Movie Filming Locations You Need to Visit1:03:20 - The Recommender: Dan's series, artist, and magazine1:08:50 - Old Tweets (a masterclass in creating a personal brand!)Host & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Dan MarrazzaBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInFollow Dan on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Eddie Paskal (Sr. Producer, Audio Programming at Las Vegas Raiders) joins S2SB to discuss how he carved out a role for himself with the Raiders, what it was like moving with the team in the midst of a pandemic, and why Oregon was the perfect university for him to attend. Eddie and Brandon talk about their shared experience as PR interns with the team in Oakland, why “sad boi” Drake is the best Drake, and how to say “Honestly, Nevermind” to the haters.1:30 - Our shared history working for the Oakland Raiders7:35 - How Eddie built a career with the team13:35 - The beginnings of Raiders Podcast Network and Audio19:35 - Comparing your work to others' and taking criticism26:00 - On moving with the team to Las Vegas in 202034:00 - The 2022 Las Vegas Raiders35:50 - Eddie's experience as an Oregon Duck during the Chip Kelly years39:20 - His early professional experiences in journalism49:35 - Top 5 Favorite Drake Songs58:30 - The Recommender: Eddie's podcast, series, and book1:05:50 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Eddie PaskalBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInFollow Eddie on Twitter and subscribe to Upon Further Review

Brandon dives into Seth Wickersham's story on Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and what it says about burnout in sports, both on the field and behind the scenes. Why are so many young people leaving their jobs in sports, and how can this trend be reversed? Brandon shares his thoughts, citing his own experiences.Host & Producer: Brandon FleshmanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedIn

Andrew Stallings (Athelo Group) joins S2SB to discuss how he started his own company, his early career challenges, and how adversity helped shaped him. Andrew and Brandon talk about the delicate balance of being open about your personal life and having a successful professional life, the importance of empathy and community, and music we grew up on.1:00 - How Andrew got accepted to college following a handwritten letter6:00 - Overcoming adversity9:00 - Debating how much to share about his personal life when starting a business16:25 - Andrew's early career lessons23:00 - When Andrew lived life in the fast lane26:30 - How Andrew developed resilience33:25 - How military academy taught him about structure and authority35:15 - Punk rock digression36:30 - How Andrew decided to start Athelo Group45:00 - When Athelo Group went from Andrew's side hustle to career50:50 - How empathy makes the difference in the way Andrew works with athletes54:50 - Community over currency1:00:05 - The Recommender - Andrew's Series and Audiobook1:04:25 - Andrew's work with Frankie Muniz and NASCAR1:05:45 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Andrew StallingsBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInFollow Andrew on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

This week, Brandon reflects on some of the greatest sports teams of all time as well as some of the greatest “what if?” teams and how the difference between the two has nothing to do with talent. He then applies this lesson to the business world and explains how you can abide by this lesson to find success in your own career.Host & Producer: Brandon FleshmanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedIn

Brad Smith (STN Digital) joins S2SB to discuss his work with sports teams and media in Atlanta, his passion for soccer, and how he met his wife through Instagram. Brad and Brandon talk about Outkast, Chicago, the MCU, and much more!1:30 - Brad's early days with the Atlanta Hawks3:40 - His beginnings in social media at GAFollowers4:55 - Brad's early career goals6:10 - His days as an intern at Turner8:50 - On storytelling in sports9:50 - His full-circle moment working in professional soccer with Atlanta United FC11:00 - Growing up in a family of athletes13:20 - One of Brad's career mentors14:50 - Working on the brand side of social with Buffalo Wild Wings19:15 - Agency life at STN Digital23:40 - All things Atlanta28:10 - How Brad met his wife31:20 - Brad's Top 5 Marvel Movies47:00 - The Recommender - Brad's TV Show, Book, Other Book, Podcast, Other Podcast, and Music Artist54:50 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Brad SmithBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInFollow Brad on Twitter, Instagram, and Gondola

This week, Brandon considers the value of pursuing a dream job. He recounts Andrew Luck's shocking retirement from the NFL at just 29 years old and what it might tell us about career pursuits and life after achieving your dreams.Host & Producer: Brandon FleshmanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter

Michael Ehrlich (Founder and CEO at Playbook Marketing) joins Stick to Sports Biz to discuss how being a sneakerhead brought him to work with adidas, the journey that his love for athlete branding has taken him on, and his history as a podcaster. Michael and Brandon talk about having passions outside of work, how fatherhood helped them find perspective,  and some of their favorite shows from the first half of 2022.2:25 - Michael's time with adidas11:30 - Why he started Playbook Marketing19:20 - On being known as "the adidas PR guy" and redefining himself25:00 - Michael's time as a podcaster 32:10 - Fatherhood and what it means to him39:50 - The many ways Michael spends his time outside of work and how he balances it all45:15 - Our Top 5 Favorite Shows of 2022 So Far1:04:30 - Old Instagrams1:16:30 - A must-listen Twitter storyHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Michael EhrlichBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter and LinkedInFollow Michael on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

This week, Brandon offers a unique perspective on the Kevin Durant situation after the star player requested a trade from the New York Nets. Brandon draws parallels between KD, difficult co-workers, and The Malice at the Palace. Host & Producer: Brandon FleshmanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter

Aaron Siegal-Eisman (Founder and CEO at Eisman Digital, Author, "The Evolution of Sports Social Media") joins Stick to Sports Biz to discuss founding his own company, the labor of love that is writing a book, and taking an entrepreneurial approach to sports business. Aaron and Brandon recount some Shaqtin' memories, unforgettable events that played out on social media, and look to the future of sports.  1:40 - Working at Bleacher Report3:00 - Aaron's early opportunity in MiLB5:00 - Where Aaron's love for sports began8:50 - What motivated him to be entrepreneurial10:20 - What consulting is like13:30 - On writing a book17:05 - A flashback to iconic Shaq moments22:10 - On the doors that opened after writing his book24:40 - The wild, wild West of NIL26:55 - Aaron's take on LIV Golf29:29 - Aaron's favorite travel destinations33:30 - Top 5 Moments That Changed Sports Social Media48:10 - The Recommender - Aaron's TV Show, Music, Podcast, Book51:50 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Aaron Siegal-EismanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on TwitterFollow Aaron on Twitter and InstagramFollow Eisman Digital on Twitter

The Kickoff segment is now its own bi-weekly episode! We'll return with a guest next week and every other week after that.This week, Brandon talks about women working in sports business and the need for allyship by recounting one of his experiences.Host & Producer: Brandon FleshmanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on Twitter

Meredith Minkow (Bleacher Report, Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves) joins Stick to Sports Biz to discuss her passion for photography, why she loves pics of basketball hoops, and why the WNBA is great. Meredith and Brandon share their love for a particular college dropout, discuss The Dropout and other must-see TV, and revisit Meredith's food take that had Twitter up in arms.The Kickoff: Leadership Styles, Workplace Culture, and Jimmy Butler10:00 - Interview with Meredith Minkow12:15 - Moving to SF without finding a place to live first14:25 - The origins of her love for photography17:05 - Her favorite subjects to shoot18:45 - Quick tangent on sneakers24:15 - Creatives and imposter syndrome27:40 - The recent photo class she taught, her first30:30 - Her approach to grief33:55 - How the pandemic has effected how she shoots35:10 - Balancing mental health and a career in social media42:20 - The origins of her WNBA fandom47:50 - The WNBA tipping point and if we've reached it49:50 - Top 5 Kanye West songs (plus honorable mentions)1:07:30 - The Recommender - Meredith's TV Show, Book, Music Artist1:15:50 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Meredith MinkowBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on TwitterFollow Meredith on Twitter and Instagram

Mark J. Burns (Morning Consult) joins Stick to Sports Biz to discuss starting his own subscription-based sports media site, his middle initial, and his real life rom-com. Mark and Brandon hit new grads with some harsh truths about working in sports, explore some soul-searching moments in their careers, and examine how people make it on to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list once and for all.The Kickoff: How to Beat Imposter Syndrome, Conquer Fear, and Bring Your Creative Project to Life11:50 - Interview with Mark J. Burns18:00 - How he developed a passion for writing22:55 - Writing for SportTechie27:00 - What led Mark to start Sports Business Chronicle44:20 - What happened to Sports Business Chronicle?56:50 - How does someone really get on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List?1:03:10 - How Mark met his wife + their unexpected reunion1:13:15 - Mark's experiences in Brazil + wedding details1:17:05 - Mark's 5 Harsh Truths/Things You Need to Know Before Working in Sports1:38:05 - The Recommender - Mark's TV Show, Music Artist, and Book1:43:05 - Old Tweets1:49:40 - Mark's approach to TwitterHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Mark J. BurnsBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on TwitterFollow Mark on TwitterMorning Consult NewsletterPromo: Middle Class Film Class

Paige Kuhn (Bleacher Report, Co-Host of No Punts Allowed) joins Stick to Sports Biz to discuss her prolific work as a podcast host, the 2022 college football season, and the duality of being a woman in sports. Paige and Brandon talk about why some men insist on quizzing a woman's sports knowledge, the power of representation, and the value of changing our opinions over time.The Kickoff: Luck and Career Advice5:30 - Interview with Paige Kuhn6:00 - Her full circle career moment covering the NCAA Basketball Tournament9:00 - Looking back on seven years at Bleacher Report17:05 - Paige's experiences in sports at the University of Arizona19:30 - Her family bonds24:40 - Why she pursued a career as a sports anchor27:40 - Her first in-person interview experience36:30 - Paige's “Why”38:00 - The duality of being a woman in sports40:40 - How women can make space for other women in sports43:50 - Paige's first podcast covering The Bachelor with Kristen Saban48:10 - Her second podcast with Matt Miller49:00 - No Punts Allowed with Adam Kramer54:50 - Paige's Top 5 College Football Storylines to Watch1:12:20 - The Recommender - Paige's TV Show, Podcast, and Book1:26:00 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Paige KuhnBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!For more, check out:Alex Warneke on Episode 2 of Stick to Sports BizFollow Brandon on TwitterFollow Paige on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokPromo: Middle Class Film Class

Alex Warneke (SBLive Sports, Pac-12 Networks, Bleacher Report) is a director of social media, lover of politics and Seattle sports. Alex joins Stick to Sports Biz to discuss his background in politics, and his stance on sport management degrees and unpaid internships. Alex and Brandon talk about the FOUR times they worked for the same company, their work in social media, and their ill-fated support of Seattle Mariners baseball.The Kickoff: Internships in Sports5:55 - Interview with Alex Warneke8:00 - Moving to the Bay Area12:05 - The myth of having a job you love13:20 - Memories from grad school 14:50 - Our eerily similar career paths16:00 - Our first interaction in grad school20:15 - Reaching out to Adam Schefter and others for career advice23:30 - Interning for the Oakland Raiders26:15 - Unpaid internships31:50 - Interviewing Raiders players39:45 - Working at SportStream42:30 - Transitioning to working at Facebook49:40 - Doing social media for the San Francisco Giants52:20 - Winding up together again at Bleacher Report56:00 - Working for the Pac-12 Networks1:00:30 - The pain of losing a dream job because of the pandemic1:07:30 - Finding a home at SBLive Sports1:14:30 - Early career in politics and what politics mean to Alex now1:25:05 - The struggle that is being a Seattle Mariners fan1:30:55 - Top 5 Seattle Mariners of all time1:52:20 - The Recommender2:02:00 - Old TweetsHost: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Alex WarnekeProducer: Tucker KinderBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on TwitterFollow Alex on Twitter and Instagram

Avery Owens (FanDuel, MKTG, Octagon) is a graphic designer, father, and husband. Avery joins Stick to Sports Biz to discuss the marketing crash course he got working at agencies early in his career, how theater and improv helped him be quick on his feet, and his spicy takes on Taco Bell. Avery and Brandon explore whether a New York Giants fan and Philadelphia Eagles fan can co-exist, the ups and downs of parenthood amid a pandemic, and a mutual appreciation for the way Kid Cudi changed hip-hop.The Kickoff: Who you are is more than what you do7:14 - Interview with Avery Owens8:00 - What it's like living in Connecticut12:20 - How improv training can help your sports career14:20 - Avery's biggest save as a lifeguard18:15 - What it's like graduating during a recession26:20 - Working at FanDuel27:50 - What it's like being a new dad during the pandemic37:00 - Getting back in shape after shelter in place40:50 - Top 5 Kid Cudi songs52:00 - The Recommender57:00 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Avery OwensBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on TwitterFollow Avery on Twitter and Instagram

In the first episode of Stick to Sports Biz, Brandon explains the “Why?” behind the podcast. Then he welcomes his first-ever guest, his wife Grace Fleshman (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers). Grace is a mother, mental health advocate, works full-time in tech and moonlights as a baker. She and Brandon discuss what it's like to work for an all-time great team, their first impressions of each other in grad school, and leaving jobs in sports for tech.The Kickoff: Why this show?3:30 - Interview with Grace Fleshman5:40 - The origins of Grace's interest in baseball14:15 - Grace's first jobs in sports20:30 - The couple's first interaction grad school23:40 - The value of a Master's in Sports Business26:25 - Grace's internship with the SF Giants28:45 - Being a part of a World Series win30:00 - The reality of a job in sports32:15 - Leaving sports for tech34:55 - Being open about mental health46:05 - Working in sports with kids47:45 - Desserts vs. snacks50:00 - The joys of baking53:00 - Grace's love of Peloton56:50 - Top 5 Peloton instructors1:07:30 - The Recommender1:11:05 - Old TweetsHost: Brandon FleshmanGuest: Grace FleshmanProducer: Tucker KinderBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!Follow Brandon on TwitterFollow Grace on Instagram