The Gametime Guru

Shane Larson
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If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

  1. Kiprian Pacoski: From Athlete to Entrepreneur | Owner of Kip Grip Performance Grip Socks

    5D AGO

    Kiprian Pacoski: From Athlete to Entrepreneur | Owner of Kip Grip Performance Grip Socks

    What happens when a young athlete from Australia skips university, invests his savings, and builds a sports brand from scratch? You get Kip Grip, performance grip socks designed for ballers across every sport. In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, host Shane Larson sits down with Kiprian Pacoski, founder and CEO of Kip Grip, to talk about competing in soccer and AFL (Australian Rules Football), launching a physical product business as a young entrepreneur, and the deeply personal mental health mission behind the brand. What you will learn in this episode: What are grip socks and why do athletes use them? Kip Grip grip socks are designed to reduce slippage inside your shoe during sharp cuts and turns, using Coolmax moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet dry and stable during competition. Kiprian walks us through going from 5 to 6 product prototypes to a finished product, why he chose entrepreneurship over college, guerrilla marketing strategies for small sports brands, and how Kip Grip is showing up for youth athletes that the big brands are ignoring. We also get into the mental health mission behind Kip Grip and the phrase "Keep It Pushing," a message Kiprian built into the brand after battling through his own personal hardships. Kip Grip performance grip socks are designed for: Soccer players, basketball players, AFL players, baseball players, runners, and multi-sport athletes. Whether you are a youth athlete, a coach looking to outfit your team with team packages, or a sports entrepreneur learning how to build a brand from the ground up, this episode delivers real value. Connect with Kip Grip: Shop: https://Kip Grip.com.au/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kip_grip/  General Inquiries: support@Kip Grip.com.au Club and Team Inquiries: club@Kip Grip.com.au Find The Gametime Guru Podcast: Search "Gametime Guru" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Friday at 8AM Eastern. Subscribe so you never miss an interview. If this episode gave you value, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify. It helps more athletes, coaches, and sports entrepreneurs find the show.

    37 min
  2. Brayden Durfee (1ONEATHLETICS) on Sports Performance, Visualization, and Bouncing Back From Failure

    FEB 27

    Brayden Durfee (1ONEATHLETICS) on Sports Performance, Visualization, and Bouncing Back From Failure

    Former Division 1 athlete Brayden Durfee, owner of 1ONEATHLETICS, joins The Gametime Guru Podcast to break down what it really takes to compete at a high level in track and field — and how those lessons translate into business, leadership, and life. Brayden shares his journey from football at Oregon State to track & field at Boise State, where he competed at the Division 1 level after becoming a 4-time state champion in high school. We dive into the sacrifices he made, the mentors who shaped him, and the mindset required to perform when you only get one shot, because in track, there are no second chances once the gun goes off. In this episode, we talk about: • The reality of speed training (acceleration days, max velocity work, conditioning) • Why visualization is critical for peak performance • How to enter a "flow state" before competition • What to eat and how to prepare on meet day • A powerful failure moment in college, and how Brayden used it as fuel • The mental framework for handling setbacks in sports • Building 1ONEATHLETICS from a garage into a full facility • Leadership lessons that apply far beyond athletics If you're an athlete, coach, parent, or entrepreneur, this conversation will give you a deeper understanding of discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to be "undeniable by design." If you want to work with Brayden and their team, head to: https://www.1oneathletics.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1one.athletics/

    36 min
  3. Mike "The Marine" Richman: BKFC Wars, Fight Night Rituals, Cuts, Body Shots & Bouncing Back

    FEB 20

    Mike "The Marine" Richman: BKFC Wars, Fight Night Rituals, Cuts, Body Shots & Bouncing Back

    In this episode of The Game Time Guru, Shane Larson sits down with professional bare-knuckle fighter Mike "The Marine" Richman for a raw and honest conversation about the fight game—and the mindset behind it. Mike breaks down the unique intensity of fighting in BKFC, why every jab in bare knuckle can change a fight, and how committing to body shots can wear down even the toughest opponents. He shares what it's like competing in front of massive crowds, how he controls his nerves before stepping through the ropes, and the self-affirmations he uses to stay locked in. The conversation goes deeper into adversity—coming back from knockout losses, battling self-doubt, and rebuilding confidence after tough setbacks. Mike opens up about what it takes mentally and physically to stay in the fight game, how he knows when it's time to keep going (or walk away), and the life lessons fighting has taught him that translate directly into business, marriage, and everyday life. If you're an athlete, competitor, or someone chasing big goals, this episode will challenge you to control the chaos, trust your preparation, and remember who you are when things get tough. Subscribe for weekly interviews with sports figures from around the world.

    38 min
  4. John Damon | This Former Football Player Designs the Sickest Gyms on Earth

    FEB 13

    John Damon | This Former Football Player Designs the Sickest Gyms on Earth

    John has built a career designing high performance training spaces and helping athletes, executives, and high achievers raise their standards. We talk about the mindset shift from sports to business, why preparation builds confidence, and why being a great teammate starts with doing your job. This conversation goes deep into discipline, leadership, and the standards it takes to win in any arena. This is a great interview with former Boston College football player turned elite gym designer, trainer, and founder of The Cave. If you are an athlete, coach, parent, or someone building something big, you will take a lot from this one. What we cover in this episode: John's Boston College football journey and the lessons that carried into life after sports The high school grind and why most people end up with regrets The athlete mindset that translates into business and entrepreneurship Why standards matter and how to stop lowering the bar Confidence, fear, and the power of preparation Creating training environments where people feel safe and perform at their best The Cave, John's private gym concept built for elite performance and elite vibes Pattern recognition, problem solving, and building value for life About John Damon: John Damon is a gym designer and performance focused trainer who has designed gyms from 1,000 to 150,000 square feet. He is the founder of The Cave, a private training space built on intentional design, high standards, and a world class experience. Connect with John Damon: Website: https://johndamon.com/   Instagram: @johnddamon

    54 min
  5. How Booster Is Changing Fundraising for Sports | Scott Birnbaum

    FEB 6

    How Booster Is Changing Fundraising for Sports | Scott Birnbaum

    Scott Birnbaum (CEO & Founder of Booster) joins Shane Larson on The Gametime Guru Podcast to break down how Booster is changing sports fundraising for high school teams, booster clubs, and youth programs. The cost of athletics keeps rising,  travel, equipment, team meals, uniforms, tournament fees — and many schools don't have the budget to cover it. Scott explains why traditional fundraisers (popcorn, candy, shoot-a-thons) often fall short, and how Booster takes a different approach: fundraising through content and community, with a subscription model designed to create recurring revenue for teams. In this conversation, we talk about: Why fundraising has become essential for high school sports programs The biggest hidden costs coaches are trying to cover (especially travel + meals) How Booster works as a fundraising platform built around team content Why community-based support beats one-time product fundraisers How parents, athletes, and student creators can help tell the team's story Booster's roots in NIL and where the platform is headed next If you're a coach, athletic director, parent, booster club leader, or sports business fan, this episode will give you a fresh look at how fundraising can actually feel exciting — and more sustainable. Learn more about Booster: https://booster.club/   Follow/Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for weekly interviews covering sports, leadership, and the business behind the game.

    43 min
  6. Willie Wright: Former NFL Lineman Talks Student Athlete Development

    JAN 30

    Willie Wright: Former NFL Lineman Talks Student Athlete Development

    Willie Wright is a former NFL offensive lineman and the current Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development for Bronco Life at Boise State University. In this episode, Willie breaks down what student-athlete development actually looks like behind the scenes, how the NIL era is reshaping college athletics, and why the transition to life after sports can be difficult for athletes who don't go pro. We get into the reality of being an undrafted NFL lineman, the week-to-week pressure of roster decisions, and what it feels like to be cut while still trying to stay ready. Willie also shares the practical resources he's helping Boise State athletes use right now, including financial literacy, career exposure, networking, and professional development—so they're prepared for what's next long before the final whistle. If you're a student-athlete, a parent of an athlete, a coach, or someone navigating that "what's next" moment after sports, this episode will give you frameworks you can apply immediately. In this episode we cover: NIL and the financial reality after college sports Life after football and athlete identity transition Undrafted NFL experience, practice squads, and roster cuts Boise State Bronco Life: personal and professional development Financial literacy, networking, and career exploration for athletes The biggest lesson from football: keep going Follow and subscribe for more weekly interviews on The Gametime Guru.

    49 min
  7. David Hitz: Founder of Neuropro Speaks on Mental Performance for Athletes and Neuroscience

    JAN 23

    David Hitz: Founder of Neuropro Speaks on Mental Performance for Athletes and Neuroscience

    David Hitz is the founder of NeuroPro, where he helps athletes and high performers strengthen mental performance through neuroscience-backed tools and training. In this episode, we talk about the turning point that changed David's life, losing his older brother, and how that experience pushed him to take his health seriously in every area. We break down practical strategies that support the nervous system and improve performance, including breathwork, cold therapy (cold plunging), and the science of how the brain and body work together under pressure. If you are an athlete, coach, or parent of an athlete who has ever wondered why mental performance doesn't match physical ability, this episode will give you frameworks you can apply immediately. Topics include: Neuroscience fundamentals for better performance Breathwork and nervous system regulation Cold exposure and mental resilience Performance under stress and building consistency NeuroPro Mini-Course ($39): https://goneuropro.com/  Related interview with David (Athlete Narrative): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btoupoRUVaI  Follow The Gametime Guru: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru  X: https://x.com/thegametimeguru/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-larson-4b591944/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru

    57 min
  8. Seth Brock: Montana State National Champion on Earning Reps & Staying Ready

    JAN 16

    Seth Brock: Montana State National Champion on Earning Reps & Staying Ready

    I've had the opportunity to follow Seth Brock since his days at Eagle High School here in the Treasure Valley. Back then, I got to watch him compete as a tight end and defensive end, and he was also getting after it on the wrestling mat. He was a high-level athlete then, and now he's a national champion at Montana State. In this episode, Seth takes us inside what the transition to college football really looks like. Going from being "the guy" in high school to showing up at the next level where nobody cares who you were. You're back at ground zero. You're earning everything—your reps, your role, and your respect. We talk about what his redshirt year taught him, how to stay mentally locked in when you're practicing all week but not suiting up on Saturdays, and why timing is everything when you're trying to climb the depth chart. We also dive into the wrestling-to-football connection and why wrestling builds an edge for linemen—hand fighting, leverage, conditioning, adversity, and the mental toughness that carries over into life. Seth shares a powerful metaphor their D-line room lives by: "Water the bamboo." You don't always see growth right away… until it shoots up. Seth also breaks down Montana State's championship standard, the physicality of Big Sky football, and what it's like being part of a team that refuses to fold—even with their backs against the wall. Plus, he shares some unforgettable moments from this season, including Gold Rush, the Super Brawl, and his welcome-to-college-football moment at Oregon. If you're an athlete trying to make the jump to the next level—or a parent, coach, or sports fan who loves the stories behind the grind—this one is packed with lessons on preparation, patience, and maximizing opportunities when they come. To support Seth, check out his NIL links and gear, and follow him on Instagram. And if you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, it takes 60 seconds and helps this show grow. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! Here is the link to our interview for you to watch: https://youtu.be/tyoN7PA0Fmk

    41 min
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About

If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Larson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    479
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GTG Media All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Gametime Guru