The Playbook: Sports & Entertainment

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Brett Favre, Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback, shares his thoughts on: [1:21] - How today’s new injury protocols are working to better identify when NFL players have a concussion and the products on the market that are being used treat concussions [12:32] - How he evaluates the different partnership opportunities that he gets presented  [14:20] - What some fan...

Ben Francis, Founder and Owner of GymShark, shares his thoughts on how a single work experience with his grandfather shaped his desire to build his own business, what he’s learned about the complexities of running an international organization, as well as the one event for the fledgling brand showed Ben that he was truly onto something special. Francis and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, chat...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer of the WWE, provides insights on: [2:02] - How marketers can “break through the clutter” and better connect to their audience [7:22] - Why she finds antagonists much more entertaining characters than protagonists  [10:35] - How “star power” creates more opportunities for engagement between brands and their fans [13:37] - The o...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Arianny Celeste, founder of Girlfriend Box and UFC Octagon, chats about: [2:59] – How being an early adopter of social media empowered her to take control of her own personal brand [3:34] – The origins of the Girlfriend Box and some of the company’s most exciting plans for relaunch [8:50] – Her single most important tip for building a business with friends [12:59]...

Tito Ortiz, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and CEO of Punishment Athletics, opens up about his childhood, and how the challenges he faced taught him to navigate moments of uncertainty. From his experiences overcoming drug addiction to his toughest opponents in the ring, Ortiz provides insight and advice on the mindset it takes to be truly dedicated. Oritz and host of #ThePlaybook, David Mel...

Rob Machado, Professional Surfer, and Taylor Steele, Founder of Solento Tequila, share their thoughts on what it really means to be a “sell-out” and why it’s important to surround yourself with the type of people who elevate you. The pair and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, chat about Rob’s reaction to landing his first $500 sponsor and how athlete branding has evolved over the years, as well...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Cari Champion, broadcast journalist, TV personality and host of the Naked with Cari Champion podcast, shares her thoughts on: [1:12] - The reason she believes that she was born to be a storyteller and how leaving ESPN opened up new possibilities for her [4:25] - Why your “dream job” might not be exactly like you perceive it to be  [9:50] - How she lays down a found...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Martin Braithwaite, Forward for FC Barcelona, shares his thoughts on: [:57] - How a leg injury when he was younger led him on a path of self-exploration [7:10] - Why separating yourself from your pride helps you to learn lessons easier [10:06] - How to use affirmations to help create more positive inner conversations [13:40] - Why being obsessed with a goal correla...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Scott Coker, President of Bellator MMA, shares his insights on: [1:02] – How Bellator has reconnected with their audience during the pandemic through digital content [6:25] – Why it is so important to view fight promotion as a “people business” where others deserve respect [8:24] – How he is living up to a mission statement he wrote for himself at age 16 Learn more...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Karolína Kurková, Cofounder of Gryph & IvyRose, actress, and model, discusses: [1:06] - How acting and modeling have taught her patience as well as how to navigate relationships with the people around her [4:54] - Why having a professional basketball player as a father helped her prepare for the demands of a career in entertainment [6:40] - Why some entrepreneurs u...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Joe Castiglione, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics at the University of Oklahoma, shares his thoughts on: [1:05] - The MAGIC core values of the University of Oklahoma and how they relate to staying “in the game” [5:27] - How his experience being a walk-on football player led him to a career that he never could have imag...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Andrew Schulz, stand-up comedian and podcaster who just released his first Netflix special, Schulz Saves America, shares his thoughts on: [:46] - Why he never worries about being persecuted for the jokes that he tells [2:04] - His thoughts on the real reasons behind “Cancel Culture” [6:37] - Why Netflix is at the top of today’s content hierarchy and how validation...

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On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Graham Bensinger, Host of In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Emmy-winning journalist, and entrepreneur, discusses: [:50] - How being an autograph seeker as a kid led to him starting an online business and radio show as a teen [4:55] - A story about how he went the extra mile to land an interview with his eventual mentor, legendary broadcaster Joe Buck [12:31] -Why his...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Alan Mruvka, Founder, President and CEO of The Alan Mruvka Company and the co-founder of E! Entertainment Television, discusses: [:43] - How his passion for movies and entertainment, as well as the influence of his entrepreneurial father, set him on his career path [3:55] - The differences between broadcasting and narrowcasting, and how cable television has evolved...

Tom Allen, Head Football Coach at Indiana University, shares his thoughts on the mindset it takes to step up and help out your team when you’re needed most, as well as why love is the core component of every successful team he’s been a part of. Allen and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, chat about a range of topics including why being the best always takes a lot of courage and how to avoid let...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Rich Kleiman, Co-Founder of Thirty Five Ventures, discusses: [1:40] - Why he doesn’t view himself as Kevin Durant’s agent anymore and how his role has grown over the years [5:03] - How today’s biggest athletes are taking more charge of their personal brand and message than previous generations [11:03] - What it was like experiencing Durant’s famous “You the Real MV...

Eben Britton, Host of “The Eben Flow” Podcast, former NFL player, and cannabis advocate, shares his insights on the reason why “stuff” will never fill the hole in your soul, as well what he learned about the mindset of a warrior from co-hosting the Hotboxin’ podcast with Mike Tyson. Britton and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, chat about topics including how healing your relationship with your...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Jamey Rootes, COO of Special Purpose Acquisition Fund, Former President at Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, and Former President of the Houston Texans, shares his insights on: [2:16] - How he defines leadership and why the best leaders help their team “keep their eyes on the prize” [4:33] - Why identifying a person’s impact is key for building the right team aroun...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Amy Trask, CBS Sports Analyst, Chairman of the Board for BIG3, and Author of You Negotiate Like A Girl, shares her thoughts on: [:39] - Her favorite strategy for building courage and combating insecurity [11:35] - The best compliment she ever got from Al Davis, legendary owner of the Raiders [14:20] - How she views gender roles in the sports industry and the bigges...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Georges St-Pierre, actor and MMA legend, sits down to chat about: [:58] - Why the world’s top performers in sports and entertainment tend not to be satisfied with their results [4:21] - Whether a return to the UFC is still a possibility for him  [7:30] - Why he compares the timing of fighter retirements to selling stocks [15:23] - The reason that commitment was key...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice, shares his thoughts on: [1:05] - How he’s been able to remain focused in the face of doubters over the years [11:09] - Why investing in Hyperice is attractive for top athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Naomi Osaka [14:31] - The details behind the aggressive approach that made 2020 the best year for his company [19:52] - His two most vit...

Ed Belfour, President and CEO of Belfour Spirits and Hockey Hall of Fame Goaltender, shares his thoughts on how his professional sports career gave him the tools to take on the challenge of building an alcohol brand.  Belfour and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, chat about a range of topics including how Ed’s experience in the minor leagues prepared him to be a pro and why he followed a simila...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Vivek Ranadivé, Owner and Chairman of the Sacramento Kings, shares his insights on:   [0:54] - The one magical moment that inspired Vivek to come to the USA to study technology and science. [3:38] - How coaching his daughter’s basketball team, despite knowing nothing about the game, led to him falling in love with the sport [12:43] - What entrepreneurs need to prep...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Rob Dyrdek, founder and CEO, Dyrdek Machine, entrepreneur, and entertainer, shares his thoughts on: [1:04] - How a 2013 business opportunity taught him that he was not only a “complete mess” as an entrepreneur, but he was also unhappy with life [5:18] - Why building systems for the Dyrdek Machine led him to discover the rhythm of companies (and existence) [7:42] -...