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 broadcasting career. From intimate moments with Coach Prime to navigating the competitive world of sports media, Romi’s story is one of perseverance, authenticity, and the power of storytelling.

[00:00 - 10:14] From Sideline Dreams to Spotlight Realities

• Romi’s journey to becoming an NFL cheerleader
• The intensity and pressure of professional cheerleading
• Overcoming an eating disorder and finding self-validation

[10:15 - 18:50] Breaking the Mold: Cheerleader to Broadcaster

• Transitioning from cheerleading to broadcasting
• Challenges of shedding the "cheerleader" stereotype
• The importance of authenticity in career development

[18:51 - 27:33] The Art of the Interview

• Developing interview skills and earning trust
• Memorable moments with celebrities and athletes
• The challenge of asking unique questions

[27:34 - 31:59] Behind the Scenes with Coach Prime

• Building a relationship with Deion Sanders
• Challenges of producing a high-profile coach's show
• Lessons learned from working with a sports icon

[32:00 - 37:16] The Evolution of a Sports Broadcaster

• Overcoming imposter syndrome
• Learning to ask effective questions
• The importance of listening in interviews

[37:17 - 46:16] Looking to the Future: Dreams and Broncos Predictions

• Romi’s aspirations for the next decade
• Insights on the Denver Broncos' upcoming season
• Thoughts on the Denver Nuggets' off-season moves

Key Quotes:

"Let your work speak for itself." - Romi Bean

“Sports is the one thing that connects people from every age, race, religion.” - Romi Bean

"I look at myself as a conduit between the team, between the players that fans love and adore, and those fans." - Romi Bean

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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 estate business, and his recent foray into coaching. He offers valuable insights on maintaining a championship mindset, the importance of mentorship, and balancing family life with entrepreneurial pursuits.

[00:00 - 07:16] Todd Davis' NFL Journey

• Davis' first day as a Denver Bronco and his unwavering work ethic
• The importance of faith and self-belief in overcoming obstacles
• How Davis' tenacity impressed his teammates and coaches

[07:17 - 10:34] Super Bowl Success: The Power of Selflessness

• The unique chemistry of the Broncos' Super Bowl-winning team
• Davis' commitment to excelling in his role on special teams
• The intensity and attention to detail during Super Bowl preparation

[10:35 - 11:51] Securing the Bag: Todd's Contract Negotiations

• Davis' experience negotiating his first major NFL contract
• The importance of financial planning and stewardship
• Teaching children about money management and building generational wealth

[11:52 - 17:00] Building a Real Estate Empire: Todd's Post-NFL Career

• Davis' approach to learning new skills in real estate development
• The value of mentorship in navigating a new industry
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and "faking it till you make it"

[17:01 - 19:37] The Davis Fund: A Vision for Community Development

• The three-pronged approach of Davis' real estate fund
• Davis' long-term goals for his development projects
• The importance of multi-sport participation for youth athletes

[19:38 - 22:19] Coaching Aspirations: Todd's Return to Football

• Davis' upcoming internship with the Denver Broncos
• Insights on working with Deion Sanders at the University of Colorado
• The importance of setting high expectations and attention to detail in coaching

[22:20 - 26:54] Championship Mindset: Todd's Keys to Success

• Embracing opportunities, even in less glamorous roles
• The value of hard work and perseverance in achieving goals
• Davis' three key pieces of advice for navigating life transitions

Key Quotes:

"Everything I try to do is intentional with my preparation for the next step and not just letting the hour go here." - Todd Davis

"Hard work beats talent. And I think hard work, you know, will mend a lot of mistakes." - Todd Davis

“Being a champion is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, it takes work, it takes preparation, it takes dedication.” - Todd Davis

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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. She discusses the challenges faced by aspiring actors, the importance of resilience, and the power of storytelling to evoke emotions and create change. Krista also delves into her approach to improv, the nuances of character development, and the similarities between athletes and actors in their pursuit of excellence.

[00:00 - 08:49] The Beginnings of the Entrepreneur's Challenge: Krista Gano

• Founding companies in the entertainment industry require adaptability and vision.
• The Groundlings has been a breeding ground for comedic talent for decades.
• Improv techniques can change the business of communication and problem-solving.

[08:50 - 18:16] How does The Audition World Work now?

• Actors face hundreds of rejections before landing their first significant role.
• The shift to taped auditions has both expanded opportunities and increased competition.
• Success in acting requires a decade-long commitment.

[18:17 - 23:35] The Gift of Storytellers

• Exceptional TV shows blend lighthearted entertainment with profound messages.
• Storytelling has the unique ability to teach emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Films and TV series play a crucial role in providing representation and alternative perspectives.

[23:36 - 30:38] The Actor's Toolbox: Preparation and Technique

• Acting, like professional sports, demands preparation and support systems.
• Mastering breathing techniques is essential for actors to channel emotions in intense scenes.
• Effective storytelling requires allowing characters to evolve naturally and experience failure.

[30:39- 38:11] Unlocking the Creative Writing Process

• Deep character understanding is the foundation of smooth and authentic writing.
• The writing process often involves numerous drafts and a willingness to adapt.
• Creative breakthroughs require stepping away to allow ideas to flow.

[38:12 - 42:05] Navigating the Entertainment Industry with Grace

• Many successful people in entertainment come from humble beginnings.
• Choosing joy is crucial for longevity in the creative industry.
• Patience is key, as film projects can take up to a decade to come to the screen.

Key Quotes:

"I think that the most profound gift that we have as storytellers is being able to crack people open." - Krista Gano

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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 successful company. He shares the importance of mentorship, and the true meaning of success in the startup world. David's honest approach sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of leadership and the personal growth that comes with the role. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, current CEOs, and anyone interested in the inner workings of the startup ecosystem.

[00:00 - 09:34] The Lonely Journey of Building a Company

• The early beginning of David in the entrepreneurial world
• Why is important to find your support system in your process?

[09:35 - 15:18] How-to Overcome the “I’m not good enough” feeling?

• Storytime when David went to a CEO bootcamp
• It's about the long game, and there's no end to the journey.
• Coaching and Pattern Recognition

[15:19 - 22:26] Ego-Driven Decisions vs. Long Game Decisions

• Ego-driven decisions are usually about how to look good in a situation.
• The real game is the long game.
• When people see you making long game decisions they learn to trust you more.

[22:27 - 26:33] Navigating Exits and the Perception of Success

• Most exits are not what they look like.
• David's story of how he left a company.
• Whether or not the company succeeded doesn't equate to whether the CEO succeeded or failed.

[26:34 - 30:27] Treating People the Right Way as a CEO

• The best way to treat people the right way is to know that you're not there to make friends, you're there to build a business.
• Give people clear objectives.
• What is the role of a CEO from a leadership perspective.

[30:28 - 41:43] The Reality of Being a CEO

• Being a CEO is a very different role than what most people think it is.
• Your job is to make sure everyone else has what they need, not to knock out as much shit as everybody else is knocking out.
• Every single thing in your world relies on you as the CEO, and oftentimes you can't talk to anyone about what you're struggling with.

[41:33 - 43:09] Defining Legacy

• Legacy is about how you show up every day as a person and if you can show up a little better as a human and a little better as an example today than you were yesterday.
• If you can use that to help other people be better at who they are and what they do, that's really all you should be shooting for.

Key quotes:

"The best way to treat people the right way is to know that you're not there to make friends, you're there to build a business." - David Mandell

"As a CEO, you don't have the same role. Your job is to make sure everyone else has what they need." - David Mandell

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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 life after retirement, and lessons that apply both on and off the ice. Drew's honest reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional hockey and the challenges athletes face in their careers and beyond.

[00:00 - 08:15] A Hockey Player's Journey

• Hockey taught Drew invaluable lessons about work ethic and mindset
• Leaving home at 13 to pursue hockey dreams required quick maturity
• The struggle to balance high expectations with reality as a pro athlete

[08:16 - 11:28] The Mental Game: Coaches, Mindset, and Team Dynamics

• Making your coach like you is crucial, even if you disagree with them
• A combative personality with coaches affected Drew's career progression
• Embracing your role on the team is key to have a long career in professional sports

[11:29 - 18:12] Inside the NHL: Playoff Intensity and On-Ice Communication

• Playoff hockey creates an "all-out war" mentality
• Coaches use strategic "chess moves" when deciding line changes
• The home team advantage in hockey includes getting the last line change

[18:13 - 22:33] The Physicality of Hockey: Fights Consequences

• Drew recounts asking an opponent to fight, resulting in a brutal loss
• Every team used to have multiple "heavyweight" enforcers
• Losing a fight on ice

[22:34 - 25:47] Transitioning to Life After Hockey: The Agency World

• Drew's motivation to become an agent stems
• The "grass isn't always greener" mentality is crucial for young athletes
• Being a good teammate can extend a player's career

[25:48 - 33:31] The Challenges of Retirement: Identity and Purpose

• Athletes struggle to replicate the "euphoric high" of professional sports
• Transitioning from a team environment to individual pursuits is difficult
• Balancing fatherhood with an athletic career

[33:32 - 35:12] The Role of Fear in Athletics and Life

• Fear can be a powerful motivator
• Transitioning careers brings new fears about identity and purpose
• Learning to handle fear productively is essential for success in any field

Key Quotes:

"Make your coach like you.” - Drew Shore

“Fear can be used in multiple ways.” - Drew Shore

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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 position that often faces intense scrutiny and pressure. He opens up about the mental strategies he employed to cultivate confidence and overcome setbacks, as well as the supportive culture he experienced during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Stephen also talks about his transition from the NFL and the importance of self-awareness and resourcefulness in his post-football career.

[00:00 - 03:54] The Unique Challenges of Being an NFL Kicker

• Kickers have very few opportunities to make an impact on the game
• Mental preparation is crucial to cultivate confidence before stepping onto the field
• Dealing with the intense highs and lows of helping the team win or lose

[03:55 - 10:01] Overcoming Missed Kicks and Developing Self-Love

• Toughest moments after missing game-deciding kicks
• The importance of forgiving oneself and cultivating self-love to move forward
• Using tapping techniques and affirmations to build confidence and release concerns

[10:02 - 16:55] From Soccer to Super Bowl Champion

• The journey from Middlebury soccer to the NFL
• The supportive culture and brotherhood within the Seattle Seahawks organization
• Working with mental performance coach Michael Gervais

[16:56 - 22:30] Navigating the NFL as a Kicker

• Dealing with the perception of kickers not being "real football players"
• The importance of hard work, discipline, and authenticity in gaining teammates' respect
• Hauschka's transition out of the NFL and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic

[22:31 - 25:53] Inside the NFL Locker Room

• The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of NFL players
• Connecting with teammates from different walks of life
• Favorite Marshawn Lynch's story

[25:54 - 28:04] Keys to Success On and Off the Field

• The challenge of figuring out what to do after football
• The importance of self-awareness, resourcefulness, and continuous improvement
• Advice for navigating life after the NFL

Key quotes:

“Move in the direction that you want to move.” - Stephen Hauschka

Getting to understand different people's perspectives and getting to connect like on a really deep level with people that I wouldn't have without football." - Stephen Hauschka


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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 injury prevention. Bennie and Ryan share their personal experiences and insights on how OTAs and training camps shape a player's readiness for the grueling NFL season. They also highlight the potential drawbacks of the proposal and its impact on the overall quality of the game.

[00:00 - 05:03] 3 Reasons why the OTAs removal is an incompetent proposal

• Players need OTAs to get their bodies and minds ready for the upcoming season
• Removing OTAs could lead to more player injuries and missed opportunities
• The proposal coming from former players is particularly shocking

[05:04 - 08:28] What is the schedule like for players during OTAs

• Bennie explains the 3 phases of OTAS
• OTAs provide a foundation for players to learn plays, terminology, and adapt to new coaches or teammates
• Ryan shares his 1st OTAs experience

[08:29 - 13:34] Preparing for the Intensity of Training Camp

• The break between OTAs and training camp is crucial for players to recover and spend time with family
• Training camp is the most demanding part of the NFL season
• The intensity of training camp is unparalleled, and OTAs help players gradually ramp up to that level
• Strategies for Surviving Training Camp

[13:35 - 15:18] Leadership and Camaraderie in the Trenches

• Strategies for Surviving Training Camp
• Veteran players have a responsibility to lead by example and teach younger players
• Supporting one another creates strong bonds and growth

Key quotes:

"OTAs, that's where you build a lot of camaraderie." - Bennie Fowler

"Training camp is the hardest thing that still to this day that I've ever really gone through." - Bennie Fowler


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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 he encountered along the way. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, the value of internships during his playing career, and the transferable skills he acquired as an athlete. Brandon also shares the Eagles' Super Bowl victory and the close-knit team dynamic that contributed to their success. Throughout the conversation, he offers insights on embracing failure, giving yourself grace, and relying on the fundamental building blocks of success to navigate new challenges.

[00:00 - 05:51] Transitioning from the NFL to Business School

• Pursuing an MBA at Wharton after an NFL career
• Experiences with internships during playing days
• The importance of preparing for life after football

[05:52 - 10:44] Pursuing Internships While Playing in the NFL

• Internships while still playing football
• The challenge of being completely new to the business world
• The support received from colleagues who understood the transition and were willing to help with the learning process

[10:44 - 17:34] Mental Health in High-Pressure Environments

• Opening up about struggles with anxiety during an NFL career
• The impact of the decision to publicly address mental health
• Strategies for managing mental health during career transitions

[17:35 - 21:56] Adapting to New Challenges and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• The challenges of being a rookie in the business world
• Experiencing imposter syndrome
• The importance of putting in the time and effort to figure out how to compete and succeed in a new field

[21:57 - 26:52] Reflecting on the Eagles' Super Bowl Victory

• Realizing the Eagles had a chance to win the Super Bowl
• The team's ability to continue winning even after losing starting quarterback Carson Wentz to injury
• Playing against Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl

[26:53 - 32:27] Transferring Skills from the NFL to the Business World

• The decision to pursue investment banking or trading to find a high-stakes, high-pressure environment similar to the NFL
• The transferable skills of showing up on time, having a good attitude, and working hard, which make up 80% of success
• The confidence in the ability to succeed in the business world by mastering the fundamentals and having the right building blocks from a successful NFL career

Key Quotes:

"I think one of the greatest gifts we've learned or been taught as athletes, it's our makeup speed." - Brandon Brooks

"You don't have a great success without taking great risk. And if you have a great risk, the higher probability of failing is much higher." - Brandon Brooks

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