Gridiron and Growth Podcast

What unexpected lessons can NFL players teach us about podcasting, entrepreneurship, and life's ups and downs? In this season  finale of Gridiron and Growth Podcast, hosts Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler reflect on their journey through Season 1. They talk about  the art of hosting, the power of storytelling, and the surprising parallels between football and entrepreneurship. The duo shares ins...

What cardinal sins in football can teach us about life and leadership? In episode 47, former NFL players Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler dive deep into the lessons learned from their football careers and how those translate into life after the game. From the importance of anticipation to the power of overcoming failure, Ryan and Bennie reveal the human side of professional football, touching on topi...

How can one woman's journey from self-doubt to self-belief inspire a generation and change the course of history through the lens of a camera? Patricia Duncan, an award-winning photographer and author, shares her remarkable journey from a 55-year-old event planner to the official photographer for the Obamas. Patricia's story is a proof to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the i...

What secret techniques do top communicators use to effortlessly captivate any audience, leaving them hanging on every word? In episode 45, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris welcome Jeff Davenport, a speaking coach and communication expert. Jeff shares invaluable insights on the power of empathy in communication, the importance of storytelling, and how to structure impactful presentations. The...

How can entrepreneurs maintain their identity and avoid burnout while building successful businesses? In episode 44, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with Keith Roberts, a serial entrepreneur and executive coach. Keith shares his journey from struggling photographer to successful agency owner, and his transition to public speaking and high-performance coaching. This conversation is...

How can financial awareness lead to a more fulfilling career? In episode 43, Michelle Trail, Account Executive at Oracle and founder of the Traillionaires Foundation, shares her journey of breaking barriers in the tech world and creating opportunities for others. From paying off $186,000 in student loan debt to becoming a top producer at Oracle, Michelle offers invaluable insights on sales strateg...

What does it take to transition from NFL cheerleader to award-winning sports broadcaster? In episode 42, Romi Bean, former Denver Broncos cheerleader turned Colorado Broadcaster of the Year, shares her remarkable journey from the sidelines to the anchor desk. Romi shares her insights into the challenges of the cheerleading world, her past struggle with body image, and how she built a successful br...

How does a linebacker's strategic thinking on the field translate to strategic investments off the field? In episode 41,  former Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis shares his journey from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion, and now successful real estate developer. Davis discusses the challenges of transitioning out of professional football, his approach to building a thriving real...

How can the art of storytelling in film and television crack people open and teach us about ourselves? In episode 40, co-hosts Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler sit down with Krista Gano, a multi-faceted talent in the entertainment industry. From her early days at the Groundlings to founding multiple companies, Krista shares insights into the world of acting, storytelling, and the creative process. Sh...

What does it really take to be a successful CEO and navigate the challenges of building a company from the ground up? Co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with David Mandell, a serial entrepreneur, multiple-time founder, and now co-founder and general partner at Massive VC. David shares his wealth of experience and insights on the realities of being a CEO and the journey of building a s...

Which skills allowed Drew Shore to become an NHL Pro? In episode 38, Drew sits down with co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler to share key moments of his playing career, including struggles with coaches, the intense physicality of playoff hockey, and the challenges of balancing athletics with fatherhood. The conversation explores the mental side of professional sports, the difficult transition to...

How do NFL kickers maintain their confidence in a position where they handle a lot of pressure in their role? In episode 37, co-hosts Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler sit down with Stephen Hauschka, a 13-year NFL veteran, Super Bowl champion, and now an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and consultant. Stephen shares his unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of being a kicker in the NFL, a po...

How does the NFLPA's proposal to remove OTAs impact player performance, team dynamics, and overall league competitiveness? In this episode, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris discuss the NFLPA's controversial proposal to remove Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and extend the training camp period. They delve into the importance of OTAs for player development, team camaraderie, and inj...

What lessons can we learn from a Super Bowl champion's transition from the NFL to the business world? In episode 46, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with Brandon Brooks, a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles and a recent graduate of the Wharton School of Business. Brandon shares his journey from the NFL to the business arena, discussing the challenges and triumphs...

Could the art of storytelling be the most potent weapon for a salesperson? In episode 35, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with Craig Wortmann, an entrepreneur, professor, and the founder of Sales Engine. Craig shares his journey of building successful businesses and the importance of developing a strong sales culture. He emphasizes the critical role of knowledge, skill, and discipl...

How can the wrestler's ability to perform under pressure translate to success in business? In episode 34, co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler sit down with Mark Friend, a former Division 1 wrestler at Penn State who has successfully transitioned into the world of finance at First Trust Portfolios. Mark shares his experiences as a collegiate wrestler, detailing the intense training and menta...

How can aspiring CEOs face the challenges of leadership while maintaining a strong sense of purpose, empathy, and self-awareness? Co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler sit down with Peter Banko, the CEO of Baystate Health. Peter shares his journey as a CEO and lessons learned along the way as a titan in the healthcare industry, he opens up about leadership, creating change, and building successful...

How can businesses use kindness to positively impact their employees, customers, and communities? In episode 32, Tiffany Wachtler joins co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler in the gridiron. She is the founder of Kindness Concierge and shares her inspiring journey of turning personal grief into a mission to help others navigate difficult times with compassion. Tiffany opens up about her experience...

How can you improve your pitch to get more funds? In episode 31, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris dive deep into the world of venture capital with Matt McCall. With 28 years of experience backing over 80 companies and generating over 70 billion in exit enterprise value, Matt shares his perspective on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. He reveals his struggles and triumphs, offering...

What if the key to success lies not just in what you do, but in the people you surround yourself with? In episode 30, we shared with Erik Mitisek, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Denver Startup Week, he opened up about his philosophy on building a human-powered life. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships, creating inclusive startup cultures, and surrounding your...

What does it take to be a successful journalist in the ever-changing industry of sports media?  In episode 29, co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler sit down with Jeff Legwold, a legendary sports writer who has covered the NFL for over 30 years. Legwold shares his insights on the current state of the league, including the rise of the AFC's young quarterbacks and the challenges facing the Denv...

What does it take to mentally prepare for a high-stakes fight? In episode 28, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with professional MMA fighter Cory Sandhagen. Cory shares a real perspective into the world of professional fighting, mental preparation, and the lessons he's learned along the way. From handling fear and embracing failure to the importance of self-awareness and person...

What does it take to transition from an NFL career to the corporate world? What does it take to transition from an NFL career to the corporate world? In episode 27, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with 11-year NFL veteran, Brandon Lloyd to share his inspiring journey from being a fourth-round draft pick to becoming one of the best receivers in the league. He discusses the importanc...

How can rejection on a reality show lead to success and personal growth? In episode 26, Mark Labriola shares his remarkable journey from being a top 98 contestant on American Idol to becoming the CEO and founder of a production company. With vulnerability and wisdom, Mark opens up about the behind-the-scenes reality of the show, the challenges he faced after his elimination, and the life-changing...

What does it take for an undrafted player to make it into the NFL and build a successful six-year career? In episode 25, Nate Jackson, a former NFL tight end, shares his journey from being an undrafted free agent to becoming a six-year veteran in the league. Along with co-hosts Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler, Nate talks about the challenges, triumphs, and life lessons he experienced throughout his...