The Profluence Pod 🌐

Andrew Petcash
  • 4.6 (18)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Profluence Pod 🌐

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

  1. #212: Keith Stein, Founder of Women’s Pro Baseball League - Pioneering Women’s Baseball

    1D AGO

    #212: Keith Stein, Founder of Women’s Pro Baseball League - Pioneering Women’s Baseball

    Keith Stein, CEO of the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball team, is making waves in sports by spearheading the return of professional women’s baseball — the first league of its kind in North America since the 1950s. The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) is set to debut in 2025, with six teams playing in intimate ballparks and plans for a national broadcast deal.Keith’s journey into baseball was inspired by his collaboration with Justine Siegal, a trailblazer in the sport and the first woman to pitch to an MLB team and coach a professional men's team. Together, they’re driving a movement to create a long-overdue platform for women in baseball.The WPBL has already attracted over 800 of the world’s best players, drawing media coverage from CBS, The New York Times, and even Saturday Night Live — a testament to the league’s cultural impact and momentum. Chapters: 1:13 - The Vision Behind the League 3:50 - Understanding the Game Structure 7:09 - Business Insights and Experiences 10:53 - Ownership Models and Strategies 16:12 - Real Estate and Infrastructure Needs 18:29 - Leveraging Celebrity Influence 22:12 - Compensation and Player Opportunities 24:49 - Personal Growth and Learning Keith Stein: Website: https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensprobaseballleague/ Scott Garber Website: https://profluence.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

    35 min
  2. #211: Kelly Morgan, Elite 7 Sports Medicine - Revolutionizing Sports Medicine

    3D AGO

    #211: Kelly Morgan, Elite 7 Sports Medicine - Revolutionizing Sports Medicine

    Elite 7 Sports Medicine is redefining athlete care by providing innovative, on-site medical services at sports events nationwide. With a team of experts boasting over 100 years of combined experience, Elite 7 ensures athletes receive seamless, sport-specific treatment—whether competing, recovering, or returning home. Kelly Morgan, CEO and Medical Director, is an emergency physician and former athlete dedicated to improving access to high-quality sports medicine. With experience as an athletic trainer for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, medical director for USA Taekwondo, and a leader in emergency medical services, she is breaking barriers in both sports and healthcare. From filling critical gaps in athlete care to building a business that prioritizes safety and accessibility, Kelly shares her entrepreneurial journey and vision for the future of sports medicine. Chapters: 1:09 - Introduction to Elite 7 Sports Medicine 4:06 - The Origin Story of Kelly and Elite 7 Sports Medicine 8:49 - Addressing Gaps in Athletic Care 13:37 - Proactive Approaches to Injury Prevention 18:00 - The Entrepreneurial Journey in Sports Medicine 22:47 - The Vision for the Future of Athletic Care Dr. Kelly Morgan:  🏠 Website: https://www.e7sportsmedicine.com/team-1  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-buchanan-morgan-md-atc-r-8ab59840/ Scott Garber: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    27 min
  3. #210: Michael Madding, COO Lucra Sports - Raising $25m in Betting

    MAR 5

    #210: Michael Madding, COO Lucra Sports - Raising $25m in Betting

    Lucra Sports is redefining gamification in sports, entertainment, and media. As a venture-backed startup, Lucra provides innovative engagement solutions for consumer platforms, live events, and media companies, transforming the way fans interact with their favorite sports. Michael, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, brings a wealth of experience from Goldman Sachs, where he worked in investment banking and corporate strategy. He played a key role in launching GS Accelerate, the firm’s global incubator, and has a strong background in scaling startups and driving business growth. Lucra has raised over $25 million to revolutionize social betting and fan engagement, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving sports tech landscape. Chapters: 5:51 - Fundraising Insights and Strategies 11:12 - Product Evolution and User Engagement 14:30 - Industry Trends in Fan Engagement 25:09 - Entity Structure and Investor Preferences 27:08 - Team Growth: Full-time vs. Fractional Employees 32:04 - Partnership Development and Networking 38:10 - Pricing Strategies and Market Positioning Michael Madding:  🏠 Website: https://www.lucrasports.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-madding-13ba9522/ Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber: Website: https://profluence.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/;  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

    39 min
  4. 209: The Future of Racquet Sports: Investment, Innovation & Growth

    MAR 3

    209: The Future of Racquet Sports: Investment, Innovation & Growth

    This month’s panel explored the rapidly evolving landscape of racquet sports, highlighting key investment trends, technological advancements, and the growing influence of community-driven initiatives. As racquet sports like padel, pickleball, and tennis continue to surge in popularity, industry leaders are shaping the future with innovative strategies and bold investments. Key topics included the rise of padel and its investment potential, technological innovations in racquet sports, the role of community and social engagement, market trends, and the revitalization of sports infrastructure. The panel featured insights from: 🎙️ CiCi Bellis – Former Professional Tennis Player 🎙️ Robyn Duda – Co-founder, RacquetX 🎙️ Marcus Jansson-Ryan – CEO, EEP Capital Chapters: 6:02 - The Rise of Padel and Investment Opportunities 8:58 - Technological Advances in Racquet Sports 12:12 - Community and Social Aspects of Racquet Sports 14:52 - Market Trends and Brand Collaboration 21:15 - Public Access and Local Government Involvement 27:39 - Revitalizing Racquet Sports Infrastructure 33:09 - Exploring Emerging Racquet Sports 39:05 - Investment Trends in Racquet Sports 46:04 - Innovations in Racquet Sports Technology 48:06 - Global Perspectives on Racquet Sports Adoption 🔗 Connect with the Panelists: CiCi Bellis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cici-bellis-750926182/ Robyn Duda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynduda/ Marcus Jansson-Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansson-ryanmarcus/ 🎙️ Hosts: Andrew Petcash & Scott Garber 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Petcash | Scott Garber Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to hit “follow” to stay updated on future podcasts.

    50 min
  5. #208: Brent Richard - CEO, IMG Academy | The Future of Sports & Education

    FEB 26

    #208: Brent Richard - CEO, IMG Academy | The Future of Sports & Education

    IMG Academy is the world’s leading sports education brand, serving over 150,000 student-athletes and 40,000 coaches annually through its boarding school, camps, online coaching, and recruiting services. Under the leadership of CEO Brent Richard, IMG Academy has evolved from a campus-based institution into a global powerhouse shaping the next generation of elite athletes. Brent Richard’s vision is to make IMG Academy’s life-changing experiences accessible to student-athletes worldwide, ensuring that sports remain a platform for growth, education, and opportunity. In 2023, he spearheaded IMG Academy’s acquisition by Nord Anglia & EQT for $1.25B, securing a future of expanded resources, scholarships, and digital scale.  From leading $5 billion+ in sports deals at Endeavor to co-founding The Raine Group, Brent Richard has been at the forefront of sports, media, and entertainment investments. In this episode, we dive into the future of youth sports, NIL’s impact on student-athletes, and how AI & women’s sports are shaping the next era of sports education. Chapters: (01:10) - Introduction to IMG Academy (03:32) - Brent's Journey & Evolution (08:55) - The Evolution of IMG Academy (16:13) - Youth Sports Landscape & Trends (21:55) - NIL & Its Impact on Student-Athletes (27:21) - Future Trends: AI & Women's Sports Brent Richard: 🌎 Website:IMGAcademy.com 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-richard-5808b34/ Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website:https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter:https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    29 min
  6. #207: Dan Banon & Tarryn Moss: Hudl & Balltime - The acquisition

    FEB 24

    #207: Dan Banon & Tarryn Moss: Hudl & Balltime - The acquisition

    Balltime is the first-ever Volleyball AI platform, trusted by 3,800+ teams worldwide for their video and analytics needs. By fully automating stats and data collection, Balltime provides teams with instant access to crucial performance metrics like serve speed, attack height, jump trajectories, and 3D play visualization—empowering athletes and coaches with game-changing insights.Now, Hudl, a global leader in sports technology, has acquired Balltime, integrating its AI-driven analytics into Hudl’s comprehensive suite of volleyball solutions. Hudl already powers over 300,000 teams worldwide, offering tools to elevate performance, streamline operations, drive recruitment, and engage fans. In 2024 alone, Hudl provided data from nearly half a million volleyball matches, supporting over 40,000 high schools, clubs, colleges, and national teams.With Hudl now serving over 400,000 volleyball users in 79 countries, the impact of AI and real-time video analysis on coaching, scouting, and player development is bigger than ever. The combination of Hudl’s deep sports technology expertise and Balltime’s instant data processing capabilities is pushing volleyball into a new era of precision and innovation.Chapters:(01:23) - The Origin Story of Balltime(04:07) - Building a Community Around Volleyball(06:47) - Hudl’s Role in the Volleyball Market(08:57) - The Future of Volleyball & Technology Integration(11:51) - Understanding the Volleyball Community(15:18) - Navigating the Sports Tech Landscape(17:16) - The Acquisition Journey of Balltime(20:22) - Product Integration & User Experience(24:07) - Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Volleyball & HudlHudl & Balltime:🏠Website: https://www.balltime.com/; https://www.hudl.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-banon-498362a2/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarrynktietjen/Andrew Petcash:🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    29 min
  7. #206: Brandon McCaghren - Founder of the Professional Grappling Federation | Revolutionizing Jiu-Jitsu

    FEB 21

    #206: Brandon McCaghren - Founder of the Professional Grappling Federation | Revolutionizing Jiu-Jitsu

    Brandon McCaghren is a pioneer in the Jiu-Jitsu world, being the first to introduce the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system in the Southeastern United States. A well-respected instructor and content creator, Brandon has built a significant online following, with over 150,000 subscribers on both YouTube and Instagram. His influence extends beyond coaching—he’s a color commentator for major Jiu-Jitsu promotions, including ADCC, EBI, and CJJ. As the creator of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF), Brandon is transforming Jiu-Jitsu into a structured league, bringing a new level of organization and entertainment to the sport. His mission is to blend professionalism with high-level grappling, creating a competitive ecosystem that appeals to both athletes and fans alike. Beyond his impact on the competition scene, Brandon runs 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Decatur, an academy recognized as one of the best in the 10th Planet system. He’s also a sought-after seminar instructor, sharing his knowledge with practitioners worldwide. Chapters: (01:00) - The Birth of the Professional Grappling Federation (08:12) - Storytelling in Combat Sports (12:34) - The Global Expansion & Popularity of Jiu-Jitsu (15:30) - Educating Newcomers to Jiu-Jitsu (20:08) - The Pipeline of Jiu-Jitsu Athletes (22:49) - Understanding the Family of Combat Sports (24:54) - The Practicality of Jiu-Jitsu in Real Life (26:46) - Future Trends & Opportunities in Jiu-Jitsu Brandon McCaghren: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-mccaghren-55568332/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7VU0Cnef4AhQk7Pe_9nTA Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website:https://profluence.com 🐣 Twitter:https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/ Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    28 min
  8. #205: Ruben Amaro Jr. - From MLB to Sluggball: Reinventing Baseball for a New Era

    FEB 19

    #205: Ruben Amaro Jr. - From MLB to Sluggball: Reinventing Baseball for a New Era

    A Baseball Life: Player, GM, Coach, and Innovator Few people have seen the game of baseball from as many angles as Ruben Amaro Jr.—big league player, general manager, coach, and now, co-founder of Sluggball, a brand-new take on the sport he’s dedicated his life to. Baseball runs deep in Amaro’s family. His father, Ruben Amaro Sr., was a major leaguer, coach, and scout. After playing eight seasons in MLB, Amaro Jr. transitioned into front-office leadership, becoming GM of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played a key role in their 2008 World Series championship and led them to another World Series appearance in 2009. He later moved into coaching with the Red Sox and Mets before stepping into broadcasting with NBC Sports and MLB Network. Now, Amaro is launching Sluggball, a 4-vs-4 situational hitting challenge that removes running and fielding, putting the focus squarely on strategy, precision, and power. With games set to debut in minor league stadiums across multiple states, Sluggball is designed to keep the competitive spirit alive for baseball fans and former players alike. In this episode, we dive into Amaro’s incredible baseball journey, the evolution of the game, and how Sluggball is introducing a fresh way to experience America’s pastime. Chapters: (01:27) - Ruben Amaro Jr.'s Baseball Journey (04:26) - The Evolution of Baseball and Its Challenges (06:36) - Introducing Sluggball: A New Baseball Experience (13:13) - How to Get Involved with Sluggball (15:11) - Technology Integrated with Sluggball (18:54) - Event Structures and Spectator Experience (22:03) - Future Aspirations and Community Engagement Ruben Amaro Jr.: 🏠 Sluggball Website:https://playsluggball.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-amaro-jr-1a975b196/ Scott Garber:  🏠 Website:https://profluence.com 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/ 🎧 Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Petcash
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    277
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andrew Petcash
  • Show Website
    The Profluence Pod 🌐

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