The Profluence Pod ๐ŸŒ

Andrew Petcash
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  • SPORT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Insightful convos with the founders, operators, and investors transforming the future of sports.

  1. #296: Joe Hollywood, Whatnot - Inside the World of Sports Card Breaking

    2 HR AGO

    #296: Joe Hollywood, Whatnot - Inside the World of Sports Card Breaking

    Joe Hollywood is the founder and host of one of the top sports collectibles shows on Whatnot, where he has built a massive community around live sports card breaking and memorabilia. What started as selling cards next to a hot water heater in his basement has grown into a full-scale operation with nearly 40 employees and live shows that attract thousands of collectors and fans. Through his platform, Joe has helped transform the sports collectibles experience into an interactive, community-driven form of live entertainment.Known for his high-energy broadcasts and deep knowledge of the collectibles market, Joe has become a leading voice in the world of sports cards and memorabilia. His shows feature rare pulls, major giveaways, and a loyal community of collectors who tune in daily. By combining live commerce, storytelling, and fan engagement, Joe has helped push sports collectibles into a new era of digital-first fandom.In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Joe joins Scott to share his journey into the collectibles world, the growth of card breaking, and how platforms like Whatnot are reshaping the sports memorabilia market. They discuss the rise of live commerce, the global expansion of the collectibles industry, and why community has become the most valuable asset in the space.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding Card Breaking and Community Building05:21 The Evolution of Collectibles and Their Value08:22 The Intersection of Physical and Digital Collectibles11:21 Transitioning from Hobby to Business16:43 Building Community and Real-World Impact19:30 Bridging Digital Engagements to In-Person Experiences22:04 Building Connections and Community in Sports Memorabilia24:26 Nostalgia and Legacy in Sports28:04 The Mechanics of a Successful Memorabilia Business32:16 Emerging Trends in the Memorabilia Market36:19 Unforgettable Moments in Memorabilia Collecting

    43 min
  2. #295: Miles Chamley-Watson & Leo Rifkind - Building the World Fencing League

    1 DAY AGO

    #295: Miles Chamley-Watson & Leo Rifkind - Building the World Fencing League

    Fencing is one of the oldest Olympic sports โ€” but until now, it has never had a true professional league. In this episode of the Profluence Sports Podcast, Andrew Petcash sits down with Miles Chamley-Watson, Olympic medalist and three-time Olympian, and Leo Rifkind, investor and co-founder of the World Fencing League, to discuss their mission to bring fencing into the modern sports landscape. The conversation explores how the World Fencing League plans to transform fencing from a niche Olympic sport into a scalable global league. By introducing AI blade-tracking technology, evolving competition formats, and creating a clear economic pathway for athletes, the WFL aims to make fencing easier for fans to understand while providing professional opportunities for elite competitors. Miles and Leo also share how theyโ€™re building the league from the ground up โ€” from athlete recruitment and rule experimentation to media strategy and brand partnerships. With the WFL debut event set to launch in Los Angeles, the episode highlights the broader vision to bring fencing into the mainstream and create a new era for one of sportโ€™s most historic disciplines. Podcast Chapters: 02:29 The Evolution of Fencing and Technology 05:04 Understanding the Fencing Ecosystem 10:38 The Future of Fencing: Opportunities and Challenges 16:03 Innovations in Fencing: Rule Changes and Audience Engagement 21:32 Commercialization and Branding in Fencing 26:50 Looking Ahead: The Future of the World Fencing League Miles and Leo: Website: https://worldfencingleague.org/ Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-rifkind/ https://www.instagram.com/fencer/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/worldfencingleague/?hl=en

    30 min
  3. #294: Andrew Spalter, East Goes Global: Unlocking Sports & Entertainment Markets Worldwideโ€

    4 MAR

    #294: Andrew Spalter, East Goes Global: Unlocking Sports & Entertainment Markets Worldwideโ€

    Andrew Spalter, Founder and CEO of East Goes Global, joins the show to break down what it actually takes to build and operate globally in sports, entertainment, and consumer brands. What began in 2018 as a focused effort to solve one of the most complex markets in the world has evolved into a fully integrated international operating partner. Spalter built East Goes Global by creating real in-market infrastructure where Western platforms donโ€™t exist and surface-level localization fails, laying the groundwork for scalable global expansion.Under his leadership, East Goes Global has launched and managed more than 700 international channels, grown over 200 million followers, and driven over $100 million in commercial opportunities. The company now operates as an embedded extension of its partnersโ€™ teams, owning international execution across social, paid media, creators, partnerships, experiential activations, broadcast distribution, and monetization. Rather than fragmented regional efforts, Spalter has built a unified system that aligns strategy, execution, and measurement across markets.In this conversation, Spalter explains why global growth requires cultural fluency, operational rigor, and accountability; not just translation. He shares how teams, leagues, athletes, and major entertainment IP convert international demand into sustainable revenue, why most โ€œglobalโ€ strategies fall short, and how owning execution inside native platforms creates real long-term market presence.Podcast Chapters:01:17 Andrew's Journey from Music to Sports Marketing04:19 Identifying Opportunities in Global Markets07:40 Engagement Strategies with NBA Teams and Athletes11:30 The Role of Content Surrogacy in Marketing13:30 The Impact of AI on Sports Marketing15:45 Exploring Global Trends and Cultural Insights17:30 Common Mistakes in Global Expansion19:05 Staying Relevant in Diverse Markets20:29 Overlooked Revenue Opportunities in International Markets22:18 Selecting Clients and Building Partnerships23:48 Adopting Innovative Strategies in Emerging Markets25:16 Memorable Campaigns and Client Success Stories27:37 Parting Insights and Future Aspirations

    29 min
  4. #293: Barrick Prince, Creator Sports Network - The Rise of Creator-Led Sports Media

    2 MAR

    #293: Barrick Prince, Creator Sports Network - The Rise of Creator-Led Sports Media

    Barrick Prince is founder of Creator Sports Network, a platform reshaping how live sports reach modern audiences. With a background spanning global television distribution, gaming, and leadership in sports content at Twitch, Barrick is focused on helping leagues, broadcasters, and creators rethink sports distribution for the digital era. Creator Sports Network enables creators to legally co-stream live sports by handling licensing, technology, and production infrastructure โ€” opening a new distribution window designed to reach younger, digitally native fans. The companyโ€™s model reflects a broader shift across the sports ecosystem: audiences are increasingly consuming games through personalities and communities rather than traditional broadcast channels, creating new monetization opportunities for leagues, advertisers, and media companies alike. Barrick shares insights on how creator-led distribution is expanding globally, why emerging leagues are often early adopters, and how platforms like his are helping sports properties build fandom in an era defined by fragmented media and community-driven engagement. Podcast Chapters: 02:39 Barrick Prince's Journey in Media and Sports 05:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Consumption 07:59 The Future of Sports Broadcasting 10:41 Emerging Leagues and New Rights Windows 13:31 The Role of Creators in Sports Media 16:12 Monetization Strategies for Creators 19:07 The Global Reach of Creator Sports Network 21:42 The Future of Betting and Creator Engagement 24:28 Advice for Founders in Legacy Industries

    31 min
  5. #292: Ricardo Marques, Michelob Ultra - Inside the Olympic Playbook: How Michelob Ultra Activates Global Sports Moments

    25 FEB

    #292: Ricardo Marques, Michelob Ultra - Inside the Olympic Playbook: How Michelob Ultra Activates Global Sports Moments

    Ricardo Marques, SVP of Marketing at Michelob Ultra, joins the show to unpack how one of the worldโ€™s most visible consumer brands approaches tent-pole sports moments. With 2026 packed full of global events, including the Winter Olympics and major international competitions, Marques shares how the brand built a year-long strategy centered on showing up alongside fans as they support Team USA. In the conversation, he breaks down the thinking behind Michelob Ultraโ€™s Olympics activation โ€” from early-stage planning and athlete partnerships to immersive fan experiences like the Lake Placid celebration and the Ultra Summit in Park City. Marques explains how the team balances large-scale brand storytelling with real-time content, retail impact, and authentic athlete relationships, all while operating more like a newsroom than a traditional marketing department. He also reflects on what defines success for a global sports campaign, how technology and live experiences are reshaping brand engagement, and why starting with a bold vision is critical when executing at Olympic scale. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern brands integrate culture, sport, and entertainment to stay relevant with todayโ€™s fans. Podcast Chapters: 02:39 Strategic Decisions Behind the Winter Olympics Activation 05:11 Authenticity in Athlete Partnerships 07:54 The Ultra Summit Experience 10:23 Defining Success in Major Activations 13:13 Future Strategies and Lessons Learned

    18 min
  6. #291: Joe Caporoso, Team Whistle - Why Relatable Content Wins in Sports Media

    23 FEB

    #291: Joe Caporoso, Team Whistle - Why Relatable Content Wins in Sports Media

    Joe Caporoso has spent more than a decade helping shape one of the most recognizable digital sports media brands of the social era. Now serving as President of Team Whistle, he leads the companyโ€™s overall strategy, partnerships, and growth as it continues to expand its reach with global audiences. His journey from Division III football player to leading a major sports content studio reflects both the evolution of sports media and the rise of social-first storytelling.Over thirteen years with the company, Caporoso helped guide Team Whistle from an emerging digital publisher into a global content engine known for shows like No Days Off and Wifeโ€™d Up Micโ€™d Up. In his current role, he is focused on scaling the business while overseeing its integration into DAZN, aligning Whistleโ€™s social expertise with one of the worldโ€™s fastest-growing sports media platforms.Joe shares insights on building brand-safe sports content for modern audiences, how engagement metrics and distribution strategies are evolving, and what it takes to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded content ecosystem. His perspective highlights how authenticity, consistency, and platform-native storytelling are shaping the future of sports media.Podcast Chapters:03:14 The Evolution of Social Media in Sports04:49 Whistle's Positive Content Strategy07:17 Relatable vs. Aspirational Content in Engagement09:04 Maintaining Authenticity in Content Production11:18 Evolving Metrics for Success in Content Creation14:01 Whistle's Role within DAZN and Market Positioning15:51 Capitalizing on Major Sporting Events18:40 Bridging Digital and Real-Life Experiences21:12 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Content Creation23:16 Staying Sharp in a Fast-Paced Industry25:02 Finding Balance in a Digital World26:27 Whatโ€™s Next for Whistle Sports?27:59 Memorable Experiences in Content Creation

    30 min
  7. #290: Rufus Hack, CEO Sony Sports - Rufus Hack, CEO Sony Sports - Inside Sonyโ€™s Vision for the Future of Sport

    18 FEB

    #290: Rufus Hack, CEO Sony Sports - Rufus Hack, CEO Sony Sports - Inside Sonyโ€™s Vision for the Future of Sport

    Rufus Hack has spent his career inside some of sportโ€™s most influential institutions, from leadership roles connected to the Ryder Cup and the European Tour to now shaping the future of sport within Sony. As CEO of Sony Sports, Hack is focused on a new challenge: using data, technology, and entertainment platforms to redefine how global audiences engage with sport. His work centers on building a unified ecosystem that connects tracking, officiating, and fan experiences through companies like Hawk-Eye and Beyond Sports. In the conversation, Hack outlines Sonyโ€™s ambition to position sports alongside divisions such as Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and PlayStation as a core pillar of its global entertainment strategy. He explains how advances in optical tracking, biomechanical data, and immersive digital environments are already reshaping officiating, athlete performance, and operations across leagues including the NBA and the NFL. Hack also reflects on the broader transformation of sport โ€” from always-on content and shifting fan expectations to the role technology plays in emerging leagues and grassroots participation. His perspective highlights how the convergence of data, gaming, and media could define the next era of sports consumption, making sport more interactive, accessible, and globally connected than ever before. Podcast chapters:  02:44 Sony Sports and Its Vision 05:28 Acquisitions and Growth Strategy 08:17 Integration and Post-Acquisition Strategy 11:05 Leveraging PlayStation for Sports Engagement 13:42 Emerging Sports and Technology Integration 16:38 Future of Sports Data and Youth Engagement 19:30 Fragmentation in Sports Consumption 22:17 Conclusion and Future Outlook

    23 min
  8. #289: Rem de Rohan, CRO of Aggregate Sports | Inside $1 Billion in Sports Sponsorship Deals

    11 FEB

    #289: Rem de Rohan, CRO of Aggregate Sports | Inside $1 Billion in Sports Sponsorship Deals

    Rem de Rohan serves as a key growth driver for Aggregate Sports, bringing more than 15 years of senior-level experience in sports marketing and revenue strategy. As Chief Revenue Officer, he leads multiplatform partnership sales, new business development, and integrated partner marketing efforts, helping sports properties maximize value across sponsorship, media, and commercial platforms.Widely recognized for his expertise in building and monetizing the assets of U.S. Olympic National Governing Bodies, Rem de Rohan has delivered consistent double-digit annual revenue growth for his clients. His work spans property sales, media rights strategy, and global event commercialization, with a focus on unlocking untapped partnership opportunities and creating long-term enterprise value.Before joining Aggregate Sports in 2020, Rem de Rohan was a Vice President, equity partner, and head of media and property representation at Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, where he worked with premier organizations including U.S. Ski & Snowboard, U.S. Figure Skating, and the Mexican National Soccer Team. He began his career at ESPN and ABC and is a graduate of Syracuse Universityโ€™s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.Podcast Chapters:02:49 Understanding the Olympic Movement and NGBs05:25 The Role of Brands in Olympic Sports08:29 Storylines for the Upcoming Winter Olympics10:52 The Structure of the Olympic Ecosystem13:48 Funding Challenges in U.S. Olympic Sports16:28 The Impact of Government Funding on Sports19:29 Successful Brand Campaigns in Olympic Sports22:11 Trends in Sports and the Future of Athlete Branding

    29 min
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Insightful convos with the founders, operators, and investors transforming the future of sports.

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