Legends of the Arena

In this conversation, Jen Pelka shares her journey from the hospitality industry to founding Une feeme Wines, a sparkling wine brand that champions women winemakers. She discusses the challenges of entering a legacy industry, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the innovative experiences she aims to create in wine country. Jen emphasizes the need for women empowerment in entrepreneurship...

Building a career in sports isn’t as simple—or as glamorous—as most people think. In this episode, Lynn Lashbrook draws from decades as a coach, agent, athletic director, and educator to break down how the sports industry really works today. John and Justin explore what’s changed in the NIL era, why relationships still matter more than résumés, and how access to education and opportunity is evolvi...

When his father passed away, Dodds Hayden didn’t step into a thriving company—he inherited a family business on the brink of collapse. With just $9,000 left in the bank and $120,000 of payroll due, no credit line, and unfinished projects weighing the company down, Dodds had every reason to give up.  In this candid episode, he reveals how emotional discipline, perspective, and stoic principles help...

Brandon Steiner built one of the most recognizable sports memorabilia companies in the world — but his story starts long before the Yankees partnerships and multimillion-dollar deals. Growing up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood, Brandon learned early that hustle creates opportunity. Brandon breaks down the mindset that carried him to becoming a pioneer in the sports collectibles industry, sharing...

Brant Pinvidic went from pitching reality shows in Hollywood to coaching Fortune 500 companies on how to sell their stories in three minutes or less. Known for hits like Bar Rescue, Extreme Weight Loss, and Biggest Loser, Brant’s creative genius was forged in the most competitive rooms in television. But as he reveals in this episode, his greatest breakthroughs came from learning when to walk away...

For three decades, Chris Schmitt led special forces teams through high-stakes missions in Afghanistan, Africa, and Europe. What he learned about character, humility, and decision-making under pressure is now reshaping how corporate leaders think. This episode dives into the mindset of special operations and what it really takes to lead in chaos.

From an $850 side hustle to a global empire, Jeff Webb shares how grit, risk, and relentless execution turned Varsity Brands into a multi-billion-dollar movement.

From selling out stadiums with Creed and Alter Bridge to recording Sinatra with Frank’s original band, Mark Tremonti’s story is one of constant reinvention. In this conversation, he opens up about the discipline it took to reach the top, why he believes music is “the closest thing we have to magic”  and how fatherhood reshaped his purpose—especially after his daughter Stella’s Down syndrome diagno...

What most people never see about Hollywood is the machinery that runs it: financing, distribution, talent deals, and the endless balance of art and commerce. By navigating through award-winning producer Andy Horwitz’s career, Justin and John dissect the inner workings of the industry, from an insider’s perspective on the business of Hollywood—where creativity meets capital and storytelling becomes...

Sean Foley’s story proves that growth doesn’t just come from books or classrooms—it comes from culture, adversity, and perspective. From Bob Marley to Marcus Aurelius and Freud, he shares how philosophy and lived experience shaped his view of resilience, empathy, leadership - and how he applies it to his coaching methods. This conversation is a powerful look at how identity and culture can transfo...

Ric Prado spent a 24-year career in the CIA, rising to lead counterterrorism operations during one of the most critical periods in modern history. In this episode, he shares his remarkable journey from a child refugee fleeing communist Cuba to standing at the forefront of America’s fight against global terrorism. But his perspective goes far beyond operations—it’s about leadership, grit, and navig...

What does it really mean to be “in the arena”? For hosts John Ehrhard and Justin Dye, it means facing failure, endured criticism, and overcome immense challenges to pursue their calling. In the first ever episode of the show, the two hosts and producer Leo Godoy go behind-the-scenes to lay out the vision behind Legends of the Arena, inspired by the legendary 'Man in the Arena' by Theodore Roosevel...