Episodes
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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 Digital
3:25 - Why employees are called GOATs
4:50 - What David looks for in employees to help build the best culture
6:40 - Why failure can spark inspiration
11:35 - How David’s lack of limiting beliefs and an email to Kobe Bryant led to an epiphany
13:00 - The gamble David took on himself in pursuit of a dream
16:15 - His time as a Los Angeles Lakers Insider for FOX Sports
18:45 - How David met Kobe
22:20 - How David honed his craft working with audio and video
28:45 - A fun Florida Gulf Coast University story from the early days of social media
30:40 - How STN Digital made a name for itself
32:30 - How David manages to log off while running his own digital company
39:20 - Growing up in SoCal and playing basketball
41:40 - How David went from working in radio to starting his own podcast, Business of Social
43:45 - Width vs. depth in the content creation game
46:45 - The pain of being a Chargers fan
47:50 - Which performer David compares to Michael Jackson + more Drake talk
50:20 - The importance of getting a feature in rap right now
52:40 - The Recommender: David’s series, movie, podcast, comedian, and book
1:00:24 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: David Brickley
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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 connected
5:35 - Zack’s early involvement in baseball
12:30 - What baseball is like in Israel
19:15 - What prompted Zack’s move from Israel back to the U.S.
33:10 - How Zack’s family handled his career change
34:15 - The impact of the pandemic on Zack’s job search
38:35 - How a commitment to networking helped Zack land a dream job
41:15 - Zack on chasing your dreams
49:40 - More about Zack’s current role
53:05 - The Recommender: Zack’s documentary, writer, podcast
59:00 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Zack Raab
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Missing episodes?
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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 marketing
5:00 - The value of a Master’s degree
6:25 - 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 NFL
15:30 - How Jordan and her coworkers created The Checkdown and NFL Throwback (now NFL Legacy)
22:00 - More about her current role with the league
28:40 - Jordan’s time working with youth football
31:55 - The impact that playing team sports had on her life
35:45 - Jordan’s love for and prior experience working in pro soccer
41:10 - Top 5 Favorite Philadelphia Eagles of All Time
54:45 - The Recommender: Jordan’s TV show, music artist, and documentary series
1:02:15 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Jordan Dolbin
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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 story
6:40 - How Jake made his dream of playing football at USC a reality
9:45 - His favorite memories from his time with Pete Carroll
13:20 - How he became a big local story way before he made the team at USC
16:40 - Where he found his strength and resilience during challenging times
19:50 - What he remembers from the surgery just before he lost his sight
24:40 - What “Fight On” means to Jake
26:40 - More on Jake’s mindset
29:30 - Jake’s special relationship with his twin sister
31:40 - His guide dog and companion Quebec
33:10 - How Jake’s passion for fitness helped guide his career after football
38:50 - The role golf has played in his life and how it led him to play in the first US Adaptive Open
42:20 - Why Jake and his co-founders created Engage
50:55 - The Recommender: Jake’s two series, and artist
56:45 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Jake Olson
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Connect 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 Fleshman
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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 sports
8:55 - Dan’s early days working in minor league hockey
12:45 - How the pandemic eliminated his role, and how it led him to the Pro Football HoF
19:50 - What he learned from this experience
23:50 - What it’s like to handle digital strategy for the HoF
27:35 - Dan’s experience at this year’s HoF Game
30:10 - What it was like being the 5th employee for the expansion Golden Knights
38:15 - The biggest challenge in establishing the Golden Knights brand as unique
40:00 - The industry allies group Dan wants to bring together
47:50 - Dan’s Top 5 Favorite Movie Filming Locations You Need to Visit
1:03:20 - The Recommender: Dan’s series, artist, and magazine
1:08:50 - Old Tweets (a masterclass in creating a personal brand!)
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Dan Marrazza
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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 Raiders
7:35 - How Eddie built a career with the team
13:35 - The beginnings of Raiders Podcast Network and Audio
19:35 - Comparing your work to others’ and taking criticism
26:00 - On moving with the team to Las Vegas in 2020
34:00 - The 2022 Las Vegas Raiders
35:50 - Eddie’s experience as an Oregon Duck during the Chip Kelly years
39:20 - His early professional experiences in journalism
49:35 - Top 5 Favorite Drake Songs
58:30 - The Recommender: Eddie’s podcast, series, and book
1:05:50 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Eddie Paskal
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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 Fleshman
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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 letter
6:00 - Overcoming adversity
9:00 - Debating how much to share about his personal life when starting a business
16:25 - Andrew’s early career lessons
23:00 - When Andrew lived life in the fast lane
26:30 - How Andrew developed resilience
33:25 - How military academy taught him about structure and authority
35:15 - Punk rock digression
36:30 - How Andrew decided to start Athelo Group
45:00 - When Athelo Group went from Andrew’s side hustle to career
50:50 - How empathy makes the difference in the way Andrew works with athletes
54:50 - Community over currency
1:00:05 - The Recommender - Andrew’s Series and Audiobook
1:04:25 - Andrew’s work with Frankie Muniz and NASCAR
1:05:45 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Andrew Stallings
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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 Fleshman
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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 Hawks
3:40 - His beginnings in social media at GAFollowers
4:55 - Brad’s early career goals
6:10 - His days as an intern at Turner
8:50 - On storytelling in sports
9:50 - His full-circle moment working in professional soccer with Atlanta United FC
11:00 - Growing up in a family of athletes
13:20 - One of Brad’s career mentors
14:50 - Working on the brand side of social with Buffalo Wild Wings
19:15 - Agency life at STN Digital
23:40 - All things Atlanta
28:10 - How Brad met his wife
31:20 - Brad’s Top 5 Marvel Movies
47:00 - The Recommender - Brad’s TV Show, Book, Other Book, Podcast, Other Podcast, and Music Artist
54:50 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Brad Smith
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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 Fleshman
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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 adidas
11:30 - Why he started Playbook Marketing
19:20 - On being known as "the adidas PR guy" and redefining himself
25:00 - Michael’s time as a podcaster
32:10 - Fatherhood and what it means to him
39:50 - The many ways Michael spends his time outside of work and how he balances it all
45:15 - Our Top 5 Favorite Shows of 2022 So Far
1:04:30 - Old Instagrams
1:16:30 - A must-listen Twitter story
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Michael Ehrlich
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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 Fleshman
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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 Report
3:00 - Aaron’s early opportunity in MiLB
5:00 - Where Aaron’s love for sports began
8:50 - What motivated him to be entrepreneurial
10:20 - What consulting is like
13:30 - On writing a book
17:05 - A flashback to iconic Shaq moments
22:10 - On the doors that opened after writing his book
24:40 - The wild, wild West of NIL
26:55 - Aaron’s take on LIV Golf
29:29 - Aaron’s favorite travel destinations
33:30 - Top 5 Moments That Changed Sports Social Media
48:10 - The Recommender - Aaron’s TV Show, Music, Podcast, Book
51:50 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Aaron Siegal-EismanBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!
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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 Fleshman
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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 Butler
10:00 - Interview with Meredith Minkow
12:15 - Moving to SF without finding a place to live first
14:25 - The origins of her love for photography
17:05 - Her favorite subjects to shoot
18:45 - Quick tangent on sneakers
24:15 - Creatives and imposter syndrome
27:40 - The recent photo class she taught, her first
30:30 - Her approach to grief
33:55 - How the pandemic has effected how she shoots
35:10 - Balancing mental health and a career in social media
42:20 - The origins of her WNBA fandom
47:50 - The WNBA tipping point and if we’ve reached it
49:50 - Top 5 Kanye West songs (plus honorable mentions)
1:07:30 - The Recommender - Meredith’s TV Show, Book, Music Artist
1:15:50 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Meredith Minkow
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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 Life
11:50 - Interview with Mark J. Burns
18:00 - How he developed a passion for writing
22:55 - Writing for SportTechie
27:00 - What led Mark to start Sports Business Chronicle
44:20 - 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 reunion
1:13:15 - Mark’s experiences in Brazil + wedding details
1:17:05 - Mark’s 5 Harsh Truths/Things You Need to Know Before Working in Sports
1:38:05 - The Recommender - Mark’s TV Show, Music Artist, and Book
1:43:05 - Old Tweets
1:49:40 - Mark’s approach to Twitter
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Mark J. Burns
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Morning Consult Newsletter
Promo: 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 Advice
5:30 - Interview with Paige Kuhn
6:00 - Her full circle career moment covering the NCAA Basketball Tournament
9:00 - Looking back on seven years at Bleacher Report
17:05 - Paige’s experiences in sports at the University of Arizona
19:30 - Her family bonds
24:40 - Why she pursued a career as a sports anchor
27:40 - Her first in-person interview experience
36:30 - Paige’s “Why”
38:00 - The duality of being a woman in sports
40:40 - How women can make space for other women in sports
43:50 - Paige’s first podcast covering The Bachelor with Kristen Saban
48:10 - Her second podcast with Matt Miller
49:00 - No Punts Allowed with Adam Kramer
54:50 - Paige’s Top 5 College Football Storylines to Watch
1:12:20 - The Recommender - Paige’s TV Show, Podcast, and Book
1:26:00 - Old Tweets
Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Paige Kuhn
Be 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 Biz
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Promo: Middle Class Film Class -
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 do
7:14 - Interview with Avery Owens
8:00 - What it’s like living in Connecticut
12:20 - How improv training can help your sports career
14:20 - Avery’s biggest save as a lifeguard
18:15 - What it’s like graduating during a recession
26:20 - Working at FanDuel
27:50 - What it’s like being a new dad during the pandemic
37:00 - Getting back in shape after shelter in place
40:50 - Top 5 Kid Cudi songs
52:00 - The Recommender
57:00 - Old TweetsHost & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Avery OwensBe sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!
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