The Profluence Pod 🌐

Andrew Petcash
  • 4.6 (23)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. #324: Rick Wolf , DraftNation - Turning Draft Day into a National Holiday

    3d ago

    #324: Rick Wolf , DraftNation - Turning Draft Day into a National Holiday

    Rick Wolf is founder of DraftNation 2026 and one of the early architects of the modern fantasy sports industry. Rick’s career traces back to IBM, where he worked on some of the first online fantasy baseball systems before the internet era, helping build foundational products for ESPN and later playing a key role in the rise of SportsLine, which evolved into CBS Sports. Over the decades, he went on to help scale and shape the fantasy ecosystem through RotoWorld (now NBC Sports Edge), Fantasy Alarm, and his long-standing involvement in industry leadership and advocacy through the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association.Rick brings a rare, full-stack perspective on fantasy sports, combining technical roots, media evolution, and industry governance. From programming early stat-based games in the late 80s to helping define how fantasy was structured, regulated, and commercialized, he has been at the center of almost every major shift in the space. Today, he is channeling that experience into DraftNation 2026, a live, in-person fantasy draft experience taking place at Circa Las Vegas, designed to bring leagues back together physically and turn draft day into a shared cultural moment.Rick explore the massive evolution of fantasy sports, from niche hobby to a 60+ million player global behavior and how it has reshaped fan engagement, media consumption, and even athlete identity. They dive into the rise of AI in fantasy decision-making, the shift toward player-centric fandom, and why live, in-person drafts are making a comeback in a digital-first world. The episode also unpacks DraftNation 2026 and the broader vision of turning fantasy draft day into a national celebration of sport, community, and competition. Podcast Chapters: 02:58 The Evolution of Fantasy Sports and Its Mainstream Acceptance 05:49 Draft Nation 2026: A New Era of Fantasy Drafting 08:51 The Role of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association 12:10 Diverse Fantasy Formats and Community Engagement 15:01 The Impact of AI on Fantasy Sports 18:06 Emerging Trends in Fantasy Sports and New Leagues 20:57 The Future of Fantasy Sports and Generational Engagement 22:47 Changing Fan Dynamics: Player vs. Team Loyalty 24:38 The Rise of Player-Led Business Ventures 25:55 Celebrating Fantasy Football: A New National Holiday 28:43 Inclusivity in Fantasy Sports Events 32:18 The Fun Side of Fantasy: Punishments and Traditions

    32 min
  2. #323: Dan Cotaldi, Founder & CEO of Groove - How AI Is Reinventing Footwear

    5d ago

    #323: Dan Cotaldi, Founder & CEO of Groove - How AI Is Reinventing Footwear

    Dan Cotaldi is the Founder and CEO of Groove, a footwear technology company reimagining how shoes fit by focusing on the part that matters most—the surface your foot actually stands on. Using AI-powered 3D foot scanning and proprietary surface optimization technology, Groove creates personalized insoles designed to improve comfort, stability, performance, and long-term foot health. Before founding Groove, Dan was a Division I wrestler at Brown University, where he studied theoretical mathematics and poetry before beginning his career working alongside the founder and CEO of a Fortune 100 company. He later attended The Wharton School, where Groove was born through an innovation course and quickly gained momentum after winning the Penn Launch Award and securing Alabama Football as an early customer. Today, Groove is trusted by professional athletes and organizations across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and collegiate athletics, while also partnering with leading medical institutions to make personalized footwear more accessible. By leveraging AI and over 30,000 data points captured through a simple iPhone scan, Groove is challenging the century-old approach to shoe sizing and bringing custom footwear technology to everyday consumers. Podcast Chapters: 03:35 The Problem with Traditional Footwear 06:58 The Evolution of Custom Insoles 10:47 Groove's Unique Approach to Footwear 13:59 The Importance of Custom Insoles for Young Athletes 17:47 Consumer Behavior and Groove's Market Strategy 21:30 The Future of Footwear and Customization 26:10 How to Get Started with Groove

    28 min
  3. #322: Philip Hover-Smoot, The Atlas Cup - Building the First Professional Sport in Space

    Jun 24

    #322: Philip Hover-Smoot, The Atlas Cup - Building the First Professional Sport in Space

    Philip Hover-Smoot is the Founder and CEO of Atlas Cup, the company building the world's first professional sport in space. Atlas Cup will feature satellites racing head-to-head in low Earth orbit, creating an entirely new category of sports, entertainment, and competition beyond our planet.Before launching Atlas Cup, Philip spent over a decade in the defense and space industries, leading satellite, launch, and space technology initiatives worth billions of dollars. As a former space company CEO and attorney specializing in space operations and regulation, he brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business leadership, and vision to one of the most ambitious sports ventures ever attempted.In this conversation, Philip shares why he believes sports are the next major application layer for the growing space economy, how satellite racing could become the Formula 1 of orbit, and what it takes to build a professional sports league where the competition takes place hundreds of miles above Earth. He also discusses the future of commercial space, AI-powered competition, media opportunities in orbit, and why the first human race in space could become the most-watched sporting event in history.Podcast Chapters:02:41 The Journey from Concept to Reality05:51 Understanding the Mechanics of Space Racing08:33 The Role of Technology and Teams in Space Racing11:26 The Future of Sports in Space23:29 Exploring the Structure of Space Sports24:00 The Human Connection to Space and Sports25:03 Creating Emotional Connectivity in Space Racing27:11 The Drama and Risks of Space Racing29:54 Navigating Compliance in Space Sports35:15 The Future of Global Space Racing38:07 The Rise of Application Layers in Space Sports38:58 Continuous Learning in a Changing Landscape

    44 min
  4. #321: Milton Lee — What Investors Look for in Founders, Sports Tech & The Future of Sports

    Jun 22

    #321: Milton Lee — What Investors Look for in Founders, Sports Tech & The Future of Sports

    Milton Lee is a former NBA executive, sports technology CEO, investor, and board member whose career spans professional sports, technology, and finance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Keemotion, leading the company through significant growth, mergers and acquisitions, and ultimately its acquisition by Sportradar ahead of the company's NASDAQ IPO. Prior to Keemotion, Milton held numerous leadership roles across the sports industry, including serving on the boards of the Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and Onexim Sports & Entertainment. He also served as General Manager of the Brooklyn Nets' G-League affiliate and Chairman of the NBA G-League Basketball Rules Committee. With decades of experience operating at the highest levels of sports and technology, Milton brings a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, investing, and the future of the industry. Milton shares lessons learned from building and scaling companies, what investors look for in founders, why grit remains one of the most important traits for long-term success, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming the sports landscape. He also reflects on his journey from professional sports executive to technology CEO and investor, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders across the sports ecosystem. Podcast Chapters: 01:04 Milton's Journey in Sports 03:04 Transition from Wall Street to Sports 04:39 Building Key Motion and Sports Tech 07:29 Networking and Alumni Influence 10:55 CEO Insights on Technology and Innovation 13:00 Guardrails Against Scope Creep 17:19 Emerging Trends in Sports Ownership 21:49 The Future of Football and Other Sports 25:07 Lifelong Participation in Sports 27:58 Investor Insights and Grit in Founders

    31 min
  5. #320: Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams

    Jun 17

    #320: Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams

    Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams Temerity Capital Partners is the Sandler family office and private investment company. Under the Temerity Capital umbrella is Temerity Baseball, which focuses on sports team ownership and real estate development. Temerity Baseball owns and operates three professional baseball teams: the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, and Lexington Legends. They are also minority investors in the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sandler Family recently got into women's sports with their investment in the Columbus Fury, a Major League Volleyball team. Andy Sandler is a senior partner at Mitchell Sandler, founder of Asurity Advisors, and leads Temerity Capital. Andy previously founded and led the Buckley Sandler law firm and Treliant Risk Advisors, which he sold in 2017. Podcast Chapters: 02:33 Investment Philosophy and Community Impact 05:18 Transitioning Minor League Ownership 08:00 Community Building in Sports 09:43 The Role of Community in Sports Ownership 12:27 Real Estate Development and Sports 14:07 Utilizing Stadiums Beyond Game Days 19:50 Technology and Shared Services in Sports Ownership 23:53 The Centralized League Model vs. Community Ownership 29:02 Evaluating Team Culture and Leadership 33:01 The Rise of Women's Sports 35:56 Investment Insights and Lessons Learned

    43 min
  6. #319: Mike Carney, OnDeck Partners - The Future of Sports Communities

    Jun 15

    #319: Mike Carney, OnDeck Partners - The Future of Sports Communities

    Mike Carney is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OnDeck Partners, a sports business and investment company focused on elevating the fan experience and driving sustainable growth across the communities it serves. With a career spanning leadership roles in both Major League and Minor League Baseball, Mike has built a reputation for developing high-performing organizations, fostering strong cultures, and creating long-term value through sports. Before launching OnDeck Partners, Mike served as EVP of Business Operations and Chief Revenue Officer for the Washington Nationals, where he led large teams across revenue, strategy, and operations. His leadership contributed to the organization's growth and success, including the Nationals' historic 2019 World Series Championship. Throughout his career, Mike has remained passionate about the unique role sports teams play as economic and cultural anchors within their communities. At OnDeck Partners, Mike is helping reimagine the future of Minor League Baseball by investing in community-first clubs and creating new opportunities for fan engagement, live events, and local impact. In this conversation, he shares why Minor League Baseball remains one of the most compelling opportunities in sports today, how community serves as the foundation of every successful franchise, and why the future of sports ownership may be rooted in creating unforgettable local experiences. Podcast Chapters: 02:30 The Importance of Community in Minor League Baseball 05:21 Why Minor League Baseball? A Unique Opportunity 07:59 Exploring the Teams: Visalia Rawhide and Montgomery Biscuits 10:31 Partnerships and Ownership Structures in Minor League Baseball 13:15 Business Models: Cash Flow and Long-Term Strategy 16:05 Multi-Club Ownership: Learning from Others 18:37 Revenue Streams in Minor League Baseball 21:30 Activating the Ballpark Beyond Baseball 24:21 Technology and AI in Minor League Operations 26:40 Trends to Watch in Sports and Fan Engagement 29:28 Looking Ahead: The Future of On Deck Partners

    30 min
  7. #318: Evan Dabby, New Jersey Youth Soccer - The World Cup Effect on U.S. Soccer

    Jun 8

    #318: Evan Dabby, New Jersey Youth Soccer - The World Cup Effect on U.S. Soccer

    Evan Dabby is the CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest state soccer associations in the United States, serving more than 120,000 players annually. With over 25 years of experience across professional and grassroots soccer, Evan has played a key role in shaping the growth of the sport in America, from his time at Major League Soccer to leading youth soccer development throughout New Jersey.Before joining New Jersey Youth Soccer, Evan spent 15 seasons at Major League Soccer, overseeing major initiatives across event operations, competition management, team travel, sports medicine, venue operations, and league logistics. During a period of significant growth for MLS, he helped execute MLS Cup Finals, All-Star Games, and league-wide events while witnessing firsthand the evolution of soccer in the United States.Today, Evan leads New Jersey Youth Soccer's efforts to expand access, improve player development pathways, reduce barriers to participation, and strengthen the youth soccer ecosystem. Under his leadership, the organization has grown participation while maintaining affordable registration costs, expanding programs for underserved communities, and investing in coach education, player safety, and grassroots development.In this episode, Evan shares his perspective on the future of youth soccer in America, the challenges of pay-to-play, the importance of player retention and enjoyment, and how major events like the FIFA World Cup, Women's World Cup, and LA28 Olympics can accelerate the growth of the game. He also discusses the evolving youth soccer landscape, technology's role in player development, and why creating lifelong connections to sport matters far beyond the field.Podcast Chapters:02:27 The Evolution of Soccer in the U.S.05:15 Current Trends in Youth Soccer07:58 Stakeholders in Youth Soccer: A Complex Landscape10:40 New Jersey Youth Soccer: Mission and Impact13:21 The Role of Parents and Community in Youth Soccer15:52 Technology's Influence on Soccer Development18:33 Looking Ahead: Optimism and Challenges in Soccer21:12 The Buzz Around the World Cup24:07 Future Trends in Soccer: What to Watch For

    27 min
  8. #317: Bobby Basham, Inside the Chicago Cubs' Innovation Strategy

    Jun 3

    #317: Bobby Basham, Inside the Chicago Cubs' Innovation Strategy

    Bobby Basham is a longtime executive with the Chicago Cubs, where he focuses on player development, innovation, and emerging technologies that help shape the future of baseball. With more than two decades of experience in the sport as both a player and front-office leader, Bobby has been at the forefront of integrating data, sports science, and technology into professional baseball operations. In addition to his work with the Cubs, Bobby is the co-founder of Union Baseball Systems, a player development organization based in San Diego that supports athletes from youth baseball through the professional ranks. He is also an active advisor and investor in sports and technology companies, helping founders build solutions that improve athlete performance, health, and development. Known for bridging the gap between sports, technology, and business, Bobby brings a unique perspective on innovation, leadership, and the future of the sports industry. Chapters: 00:55 Bobby's Background and Experience in Baseball 03:47 Evaluating Technology and Innovation in Baseball 06:31 Balancing Tradition and Professionalism in Baseball 10:05 Insights on Founders and Technology Pitches 13:01 Understanding Organizational Pain Points 15:47 The Role of Athletes in Entrepreneurship 17:47 Cubs' Approach to Early-Stage Innovations 21:12 Future Opportunities in the Sports Industry

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Petcash
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    390
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andrew Petcash
  • Show Website
    The Profluence Pod 🌐

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