The Athletic

No Free Lunch with Ndamukong Suh

Sports EN ↓ 105 episodes

No Free Lunch is your unexpected guide to business and finance hosted by one of the world’s true double threats: NFL legend and entrepreneur Ndamukong Suh. Suh will explore how the most successful people in sports are building long term wealth, and what we can learn from their experiences. In every episode, Ndamukong will talk with athletes, experts, business leaders, and recurring contributors about their personal journeys to success, and explore the latest business ideas and trends — all filtered through the world of sports. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursday, wherever you get your...

Author

The Athletic

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.nytimes.com

Latest episode

Jun 30, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Ndamukong Suh Explains Why Fear Doesn’t Equal Respect 02.04.2026

In this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh dives into how fear can sometimes be mistaken for respect—and why that mindset can hold you back. From the NFL field to business and family life, he shares powerful stories that reveal how true respect is built over time. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like, comment, and subscribe to the show! Follow us at: Instagra...

Richard Sherman Reveals How Desperation Built His Winning Edge 31.03.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Super Bowl champion and All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman! Richard Sherman shares his inspiring journey from Compton to Stanford, navigating two very different worlds while building the mindset of a champion. He reveals how he turned desperation into motivation, dominating in the NFL, and how that same mindset helped him seize opportuniti...

The NIL Effect: Is the Draft Broken? 26.03.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong dives into the world of NFL draft prospects, exploring how NIL is reshaping their path to the league. He also breaks down how the transfer portal has disrupted player development in college football—and what it means for the future of the game. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like, comment, and subscribe to the show! Hos...

How Harvey Spevak Scaled Equinox 25x 24.03.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Harvey Spevak, Executive Chairman of Equinox Group. Harvey shares the story of how he helped grow Equinox from just 4 gyms to over 116 locations worldwide, building a luxury fitness brand known for exceptional gym experiences and world-class service. Learn his secrets to scaling a fitness empire, building a premium gym brand, and staying a...

How Cousins Maine Lobster Scaled from Shark Tank to a Billion-Dollar Brand 19.03.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong Suh is joined by Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, founders of Cousins Maine Lobster. They dive into how a spur-of-the-moment food truck idea led them to Shark Tank , a deal with Barbara Corcoran, and ultimately building a billion-dollar business across the country. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like, comment, and subscri...

From Rhode Island to Napa Valley: How Will Blackmon Became The Wine MVP 17.03.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh sits down with NFL veteran Will Blackmon. Will opens up about how experiencing loss at a young age shaped his mindset, preparing him to adapt and rise to the occasion whenever opportunity came his way. He also shares how his passion for wine evolved into a thriving business, The Wine MVP, and discusses his journey from the NFL to building a brand in...

The Opposite of Broke: How Ndamukong Prepared for Life After Football 12.03.2026

What really happens to athletes after the money stops? On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh reacts to the infamous ESPN Broke and explains how he made sure that story would never be his reality. From financial discipline to long-term investing, Suh breaks down the mindset and strategy he used to build wealth that lasts long after football. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesd...

Darius Slay: 13-Year NFL Career, Super Bowl Champion, and Investing Beyond Football 10.03.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with NFL Super Bowl champion Darius Slay for a powerful and personal conversation. Slay opens up about growing up in Brunswick, Georgia, raised by a teenage mother, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset and drive. Becoming a father himself at just 15 years old forced Slay to mature quickly and elevate his focus on football and life...

NFL Loyalty Is A Myth? Ndamukong Suh Breaks Down Free Agency 05.03.2026

NFL free agency is around the corner, and every year fans ask the same question. Why did that player leave? Why didn’t he stay loyal to the team that drafted him? In this solo episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh breaks down one of the most misunderstood ideas in professional sports: loyalty. Drawing from his own career with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buc...

How Tony Khan Built AEW Into a Sports Powerhouse 03.03.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Tony Khan, President, CEO, and Founder of All Elite Wrestling. Tony breaks down the bold launch of AEW, and how the company not only weathered the global pandemic but emerged as the premier challenger brand in professional wrestling. In addition to leading AEW, Tony serves as Chief Football Strategy Officer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, wh...

From Jerry’s World to COSM: The Future of Fan Engagement | Full Episode 26.02.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with contributor and Head of the Cultural Leadership Fund at Andreessen Horowitz, Chris Lyons, to explore how stadiums are redefining the future of fan engagement. They dive into how companies like Cosm are transforming live events with next-level immersive experiences—imagine Dave & Buster's meets Sphere. Plus, Ndamukong reveals his favori...

From Super Bowl to Solana: Prince Amukamara on NFL Contracts & Real Wealth 24.02.2026

He won a Super Bowl, made millions in the NFL, and invested early in crypto but Prince Amukamara says his biggest win is not football or money. In this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh sits down with his former teammate to unpack legacy, generational wealth, marriage, and what really changes when the checks start hitting. Prince opens up about growing up in a structured Nigerian household a...

Did Waymo Rescue Super Bowl Weekend? 19.02.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Chris Lyons — contributor and President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto — to explore how host cities of major sporting events are leveraging emerging technology to handle massive waves of visitors. With this year’s Super Bowl and All-Star Weekend behind us, Chris breaks down how Waymo is reshaping the future of autonomous driving and what tha...

Andrew Siciliano on NFL RedZone, Shedeur Sanders & The Browns, & 27 Years in Sports Media 17.02.2026

What does it really take to build a 27-year career in sports media at the highest level? In this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh sits down with longtime NFL host Andrew Siciliano to unpack the mindset, preparation, and sacrifices behind RedZone, the Olympics, and a lifetime in sports storytelling. Andrew shares how a shy kid from Reston, Virginia turned a love for baseball on the radio int...

When Saints' Cam Jordan finally felt rich! 12.02.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with All-Pro defensive lineman Cam Jordan. Cam shares how his early hustle — from selling candy as a kid — sparked a business mindset that’s grown into a thriving media and franchising empire. While at the Super Bowl, they also reflect on his journey as a Cal Bear in Berkeley and the lessons that shaped his career. Host: Ndamukong Suh Executiv...

Apolo's Ohno's Biggest Win, Was A Loss? 10.02.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with the winningest U.S. Winter Olympian, Apolo Ohno. They dive into Apolo’s journey through speed skating, his favorite Olympic moments, and how he’s successfully transitioned from elite competition into investing and consulting after hanging up the skates. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like, comment, and su...

Are the NFL’s Highest-Paid Broadcasters Worth It? 05.02.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Andrew Marchand to discuss how Tom Brady has improved year over year in his role at FOX — and what Tony Romo’s steady decline means for CBS. They also break down who could land the next big broadcasting deal as the game expand across more platforms than ever. Follow us at: Instagram: @nofreelunchshow TikTok: @nofreelunchshow Ndamukong Suh...

What "The Patriot Way" taught this Super Bowl Champion w/ Jonathan Jones 03.02.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Super Bowl champion and NFL veteran Jonathan Jones. The two revisit their 2019 Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, then dive into Jonathan’s passion for STEM and how it inspired him to launch educational workshops for students in his community. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thu...

The Best and Worst of the NFL Coaching Carousel 29.01.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with Forbes senior writer, Jabari Young, to talk about the business of this year's NFL coaching carousel. They discuss the biggest winners and losers so far -- and the organizations they'd stay away from. Host: Ndamukong Suh Executive Producer: Andrea Scott Producer: Danny Sellers Editor: David Caputo Follow us at: Instagram: @nofreelunchshow...

How Terron Armstead Rebuilt His Hometown 27.01.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with NFL All-Pro tackle Terron Armstead to discuss life after football. Fresh off his retirement, Terron breaks down his approach to investing in tech and real estate, and shares how he bootstrapped and built the headquarters for the Team Armstead Community Center in his hometown of Cahokia, Illinois. Host: Ndamukong Suh Executive Producer: And...

The Rebrands That Defined College Football This Year 22.01.2026

On this episode of  No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with Forbes senior writer, Jabari Young, to recap the College Football season. They discuss how a player like Fernando Mendoza has substantially increased his draft value, what some schools -- like the University of Miami -- have done to resurrect a winning tradition, and more. Host: Ndamukong Suh Executive Producers: Andrea Scott P...

Why the NFL Invests in Overseas Games 20.01.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with NFL UK General Manager Henry Hodgson to explore how the league is expanding its global footprint. Beyond hosting games in cities like London, Berlin, and Madrid, they dive into the NFL’s long-term international strategy, including talent development through the NFL Academy and International Player Pathway programs. Host: Ndamukong Suh Exe...

Did the transfer portal ruin college football? 15.01.2026

On this episode of  No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with Sam Khan Jr., senior writer covering college football at The Athletic, to talk all things Transfer Portal. They discuss some of the larger deals this offseason, and why some teams like Oregon, Indiana and Miami have been able to close some of the best athletes year after year. Host: Ndamukong Suh Executive Producers: Grace Piro Deli...

BEST OF: The Travel Hacks You Need (w/ The Points Guy) 13.01.2026

On this best of episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with Brian Kelly — better known as The Points Guy . Together, they dive into the smartest ways to stretch your travel budget, sharing insider tips, money-saving hacks, and myth-busting truths about airline travel you won’t want to miss. New episodes coming January 15th! Host: Ndamukong Suh Executive Producers: Grace Piro Delia And Andr...

BEST OF: How to Build NFL Ownership-Level Wealth w/Gary Vee 08.01.2026

On this best of episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuck. They talk about how Gary's lifelong passions have driven his business moves: from cards and collectibles to his dream of owning an NFL franchise - specifically the New York Jets--and how he--or anyone--can plot a course to get there. New episode coming January 15th! Host: Ndamukong Suh...

Listen to the No Free Lunch with Ndamukong Suh podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.