Play the Game with Amar Shah

Amar Shah
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SPORTS

Play the Game with Emmy-winning producer and University of Florida Professor Amar Shah dives into the minds of athletes, entrepreneurs, and storytellers redefining sports, media, and culture. Real stories, real strategy—straight from the people changing the game.

Episodes

  1. 05/26/2025

    Brian Davidson – From Nike Retail to Giannis, NBA Titles, and Building a New Sports Venture

    From making $11 an hour on the retail floor at Nike to signing Giannis Antetokounmpo and flying on the Nike jet, Brian Davidson’s story is all about betting on yourself and building something bigger. As the architect behind the most successful signature launch in Nike Basketball history and a championship-winning executive with the Milwaukee Bucks, Brian has seen the sports business from every angle. Now, as founder of Sports Business Ventures, he’s helping athletes, teams, and brands rethink how they connect, mentor, and grow. 🎯 We talk about: Getting into Nike through retail hustle and mentorship Launching Giannis’s $100M signature line and shaping his brand What it’s like working inside an NBA front office Winning a title with the Bucks and knowing when to move on Why he started Sports Business Ventures Advice he’d give to students and young professionals chasing their dream Whether you're trying to break into the industry or level up your impact, Brian’s story is a reminder that every big leap starts with a small opportunity. Show Notes 00:06 – Cold Open: From $11/hour to flying private with Giannis  00:21 – Intro to Brian Davidson and his journey  01:24 – Getting into Nike through retail and persistence  02:21 – Signing Giannis and launching the most successful Nike signature shoe  03:00 – Joining the Milwaukee Bucks and winning an NBA title  03:07 – Launching Sports Business Ventures with his wife  03:38 – Key lessons: relationships, problem-solving, and pressure  04:26 – Rewind the Clock: Advice to his college self  04:59 – Closing thoughts: From retail to rings If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    5 min

  2. 05/14/2025

    Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber – Sports Startups, Founder Lessons, and the Rise of Profluence

    What started as a newsletter has become a powerhouse in sports media and venture. In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Petcash and Scott Garber, the co-founders of Profluence—a sports business hub that’s part media platform, part community, and part venture lab. Andrew, a former Division I basketball player, and Scott, a startup veteran and former D1 football player, break down how they built a brand from scratch by focusing on connection, value, and consistency. 🎯 We talk about: Growing up in sports and the grind of building early media brandsThe problem they saw in the sports business world—and how they solved itBuilding community at scale through content, relationships, and trustEarly entrepreneurial lessons (from YouTube channels to walk-on football)Why giving away value is the best long gameWhat it really takes to build something sustainable in sports media todayWhether you’re a founder, athlete, investor, or creator—this episode is full of real talk and tactical insight. Show Notes 00:06 – Cold Open: Bringing together founders, executives, and investors  00:15 – Intro to Andrew and Scott: Their backgrounds and the origin of Profluence  01:15 – From athlete to builder: Early media projects and sports roots  01:48 – Scott’s journey from football to startups and why sports is a binding agent  03:02 – From newsletter to ecosystem: How Profluence scaled up  04:04 – Building something they wish they had: filling a market gap  04:40 – Why they’re building a movement, not just a platform  05:28 – Entrepreneurial DNA: Lessons from childhood and early risks  06:46 – Rewind the Clock: Advice to their younger selves  07:59 – Final thoughts: Build what's missing—and bring others with you If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    8 min

  3. 04/28/2025

    Stacey Garcia – Bold Moves, Athlete Branding, and Building a Talent Empire

    From a sorority girl at UCLA with no plans to work in sports to one of the most trusted names in athlete partnerships and talent booking, Stacey Garcia’s story is all about bold moves and betting on yourself. As a four-time Emmy-winning producer and the founder of Stacey’s Talent Shop, Stacey has helped shape the careers of some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment—including Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and many more. 🎯 We talk about: Turning a random Staples Center encounter into a dream job with Magic JohnsonBreaking into sports without traditional experienceBuilding trust and authenticity with athletes and brandsHelping athletes control their own narratives (before it was trendy)Lessons from working with LeBron, ESPN, NFL Network, and UninterruptedWhy it's never too late to start building something for yourselfWhether you’re just starting out or thinking about making a leap, Stacey’s journey is packed with lessons on ownership, perseverance, and staying real in a fast-moving media world. Show Notes 00:06 – Cold Open: “A closed mouth never gets fed” – the bold moment that changed Stacey’s life  00:34 – Intro to the episode and Stacey’s background  01:11 – Falling into sports: From UCLA basketball games to a career pivot  01:53 – The hallway encounter with Magic Johnson that sparked her career  03:58 – Building a career behind the scenes: ESPN, Turner, CBS, NFL Network, Uninterrupted  04:53 – Why Stacey finally launched her own business  05:30 – The key to longevity: Being real, authentic, and mindful  05:59 – Athletes owning their stories: LeBron’s Uninterrupted, KD’s Boardroom, and more  06:54 – Final advice for entrepreneurs: Always get everything in writing If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    8 min

  4. 04/21/2025

    David Brickley - Hustle, Kobe, and Building STN Digital from Scratch

    From sneaking into a Fox Sports Radio studio to launching viral campaigns for Caitlin Clark and the NFL, David Brickley has built one of the top social-first agencies in sports and entertainment. As the founder and CEO of STN Digital, David has helped shape the digital presence of some of the biggest names in sports. But his path to success? It started with rejection, side hustles, and a bold pitch to his childhood hero—Kobe Bryant. 🎯 We talk about: Breaking into the industry after being told he wasn’t readySneaking into studios to launch a YouTube showPitching and landing Kobe Bryant as his first big clientGrowing STN from a two-man hustle to a full-scale agencyCreating the viral Caitlin Clark campaign with the Indiana FeverWhy most brands are still leaving money on the table with digital contentThe mindset needed to survive the first year (and beyond)Whether you’re building a brand, chasing a dream, or figuring out how to turn your passion into a business, this episode is full of hard-won lessons and practical inspiration. 00:06 – Cold Open: Sleep deprivation, hustle, and 8 cups of coffee a day  00:37 – Intro to the episode: From Fox Sports Radio to founding STN Digital  01:32 – Starting out: Rejected from hosting, so he launched a YouTube show in 2011  02:28 – The Kobe breakthrough: How free work and hustle landed his dream client  03:06 – Scaling up: Wearing every hat until STN could afford to hire and grow  03:55 – Year one struggles: The grind behind the polished brand  05:13 – What makes great content: Entertain, educate, provide value  06:05 – Caitlin Clark & the Fever: A viral content strategy that made history  07:01 – Growth through relationships, not cold calls  07:50 – Matt Barnes, favors, and how reps led to Kobe  09:40 – The monetization mindset: Creating sustainable content businesses  10:16 – Final advice: Patience, passion, and the power of consistency  11:32 – Closing thoughts: Build your own platform, brick by brick If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    12 min

  5. 04/14/2025

    Nate Loucks — From MLS to WWE: Building Digital Empires at Boardroom

    From launching Kick TV with Major League Soccer to leading global digital strategy at WWE and now at Front Office Sports, Nate Loucks has been at the forefront of digital innovation in sports media. In this episode, Nate shares insights on creating engaging content, adapting strategies for diverse global markets, and the importance of authenticity and audience connection. 🎯 We talk about: Breaking into sports media through curiosity and adaptabilityPivoting Kick TV from a failed SportsCenter model to influencer partnershipsLeading WWE’s global digital content strategyMaking sports betting accessible and fun at The Game DayKey lessons on adaptability, self-belief, and risk-takingWhether you’re interested in sports media, entrepreneurship, or digital content creation, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration. Show Notes: (0:06) Intro and career decision-making  (1:33) Early career: MLS and launching Kick TV  (3:04) Pivoting content strategy through influencer collaborations  (4:08) Tailoring WWE’s global digital content for diverse audiences  (6:02) Leading The Game Day and sports betting entertainment  (7:15) Advice for aspiring sports media professionals If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    11 min

  6. 04/07/2025

    Tyler Rutstein — Building Brands for Gen Z at Adidas, Overtime, and Under Armour

    From Adidas and Overtime to leading brand at Under Armour, Tyler Rutstein has never played by the old rules—and he’s not about to start now. In this episode, Tyler breaks down the bold career moves that took him from sports media outsider to SVP of Global Brand & Americas Marketing at Under Armour. From betting on TikTok creators over résumés to helping turn Overtime into a Gen Z juggernaut, Tyler shares the mindset and tactics that helped him stand out in a rapidly changing industry. 🎯 We talk about: How emailing a tennis legend helped him land his first jobBuilding Adidas Basketball with Dame, Harden, and WigginsTaking the leap from corporate to startup at OvertimeWhy he hires storytellers, not just résumésLearning more from beauty TikTok than sports marketingThe power of being widely read, widely traveled, and endlessly curiousWhether you’re trying to break in, build something bold, or just rethink your next move—this one’s full of fire. Show Notes: (0:00) Intro  (1:32) Why Tyler became a journalism major (thanks, Ted Spiker)  (2:17) Breaking into Reebok via LinkedIn persistence  (3:13) Leading Adidas Basketball and signing star athletes  (3:51) Why he left Adidas for a startup (Overtime)  (5:08) Building Gen Z sports content—and clapping back in the DMs  (6:28) Why TikToks > résumés in the new hiring world  (7:48) Curiosity, reading, and how beauty TikTok drives innovation  (9:07) Rewind the Clock: the advice he’d give his younger self 🔗 Links:  • Tyler Rutstein on LinkedIn If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    10 min

  7. 03/30/2025

    Parul Khosla — Building an AI-Powered Platform for the Sports World

    From the NFL and Madison Square Garden to co-founding a tech startup, Parul Khosla has done more than climb the ladder—she’s rebuilding it. In this episode, Parul breaks down how she launched Arena, an AI-powered hiring platform tailored to the sports and entertainment industries, and why taking the leap after her MBA was the best (and hardest) decision she ever made. 🎯 We talk about: Doing 6 internships before graduatingTurning burnout into breakthroughBuilding a startup for underrepresented talent in sportsWhy your first job doesn’t define your futureLetting go of ego—and the fear of not having it all figured outWhether you’re early in your career or building something bold, this one’s packed with truth and takeaways. Show Notes: (0:00) Intro (1:24) 6 internships and the pressure to be perfect (2:49) Working at NFL, MSG, and NHL (3:09) MBA mindset shift → time to start a business (4:18) What Arena is and how it works (5:17) Startup roadblocks: delays, stress, and staying grounded (6:17) Rewind the Clock: advice to her younger self (8:00) Unemployment after NFL + learning to let go of ego (9:00) Why you shouldn’t box yourself in (yes, even hockey) 🔗 Links: • Arena — https://www.arenatalent.com/ •  Parul Khosla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul-khosla/ If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    11 min

  8. 03/30/2025

    Josiah Johnson — The Meme King Who Made LeBron Laugh

    From the UCLA bench to Comedy Central to the top of NBA Twitter, Josiah Johnson has built a career on creativity, culture, and consistency. In this episode, Josiah breaks down how a single meme got him noticed by Jordan Peele, how his content reached Oprah and Ava DuVernay, and what it really takes to stand out online—especially when LeBron, KD, and Steph are watching. We talk about: Building a creative lane in a crowded media worldTurning rejection into opportunityWhy memes are the new media currencyHow to stay resilient when the dream stalls out🎧 This one’s for anyone trying to break through with nothing but talent, humor, and hustle. Show Notes: (0:00) Cold open: The truth about starting a company (0:16) Intro to Josiah + what makes his story unique (1:20) UCLA hoops, bench energy, and a passion for storytelling (1:49) Balancing the NFL Network and a secret sports blog (2:41) Pitching Legends of Chamberlain Heights—6 tries, 1 yes (3:13) Memes that matter: The Get Out moment Jordan Peele saw (5:19) Doing the work—no shortcuts, no entitlement (6:10) Brands can’t fake meme culture (6:33) Connecting with Ava, Oprah, and LeBron through content (7:21) The post-cancellation low and the bounce back (8:16) Rewind the Clock: “Don’t stop at the dream. Build the next one.” Josiah Johnson: Twitter/X: @KingJosiah54 Instagram: @kingjosiah54 If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    9 min

  9. 03/30/2025

    Mason Gordon — From Napkin Sketch to National TV: The SlamBall Origin Story

    The SlamBall Creator Who Turned a Napkin Sketch Into a Global Sport Episode 1: Amar Shah talks to Mason Gordon, founder of SlamBall, about creating an entirely new sport, getting it on TV, and building a brand that blends basketball, football, and trampolines. This one’s for the dreamers, builders, and disruptors. ⏱️ Show Notes: (0:00) Cold open: "You can’t just create a sport…" (0:32) Intro to Mason + the vision behind SlamBall (1:33) Basketball meets football: The spark that started it all (3:29) Meeting Mike Tolan: Coffee runs and crazy pitches (5:43) Getting SlamBall on Spike TV (6:54) The challenge of scale: From hype to sustainability (7:56) Innovation in motion: AI helmets, POV cameras, and The Sphere (9:46) Viral moments + SlamBall's built-in shareability (10:09) Startup grind: VC challenges, Vegas, and following UFC’s path (11:19) Rewind the Clock: The power of inner voice + supportive partners (12:26) Outro: Why SlamBall proves great ideas can outlast time Slamball: https://slamballleague.com/ Play the Game with Amar Shah is where sports, business, and bold ideas collide. Hosted by Emmy-winning writer and producer Amar Shah, this podcast dives into the minds of creators, athletes, founders, and innovators who are reshaping the game—on and off the court. Whether it’s building a billion-dollar brand, creating a new sport, or launching the next big startup, these are real conversations with people who aren’t afraid to bet on themselves. Every episode is pulled straight from Amar’s sports media entrepreneurship class at the University of Florida—featuring real insights, real risk-takers, and a new way to think about what it means to win. If today’s episode inspired you, do us a solid: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave a review—it helps more creators find the show Share this with someone chasing big ideas 📚 Want more Play the Game? Check out the middle-grade book series by Amar Shah—Play The Game: The Hoop Con and Play The Game: Take the Shot are out now from Scholastic. Order here: 🔗 Connect with Amar: • Website: amarshahwrites.com • Twitter/X: @amarshahism • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amarshahism • Instagram: @amarshahism 🎙️ Play the Game with Amar Shah — because you can’t win if you don’t play.

    13 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Play the Game with Emmy-winning producer and University of Florida Professor Amar Shah dives into the minds of athletes, entrepreneurs, and storytellers redefining sports, media, and culture. Real stories, real strategy—straight from the people changing the game.

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