The Profluence Pod ๐ŸŒ

Andrew Petcash

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

  1. #306: Christian Muche, POSSIBLE -Why Sports Is the Ultimate Marketing Platform Right Now

    1D AGO

    #306: Christian Muche, POSSIBLE -Why Sports Is the Ultimate Marketing Platform Right Now

    Christian Muche is the CEO and Co-Founder of POSSIBLE, a premier global event platform bringing together leaders across marketing, media, technology, and sports. With a background that spans building one of Europeโ€™s largest marketing events and working with digital giants like AOL and Yahoo, Christian has spent decades at the forefront of industry transformation. Today, heโ€™s focused on redefining how brands, creators, and innovators connect in a rapidly evolving landscape. POSSIBLE has quickly become a tentpole event in the marketing world, hosted in Miami and designed to bring the entire ecosystem together, from global brands and agencies to athletes, creators, and emerging startups. By blending culture, commerce, and community, POSSIBLE creates a unique environment where partnerships are formed, ideas are tested, and the future of marketing is actively shaped, especially as sports continues to emerge as one of the most powerful platforms for storytelling and engagement. Held annually in Miami, the event brings together thousands of industry leaders for immersive programming, networking, and deal-making at the intersection of business and culture. In this episode, Christian breaks down the evolution of sports as a marketing engine, the rise of athletes as media companies, and the convergence of creators, technology, and commerce. He shares insights on how brands are shifting from sponsorships to true partnerships, why in-person experiences matter more than ever, and what trends are shaping the next generation of marketing.  Podcast Chapters: 02:33 Christian's Journey in Marketing and Sports 05:32 The Concept and Vision Behind Possible 08:06 The Evolving Role of Athletes in Marketing 10:39 Youth Sports and the Next Generation of Marketers 13:35 The Importance of In-Person Experiences 16:09 AI and Technology's Impact on Marketing 19:01 Case Study: Formula One's Marketing Success 21:38 Maximizing Value at Possible 24:05 Future Trends in Sports Marketing Christian Muche: Get POSSIBLE Tickets: https://possibleevent.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianmuche/ Scott Garber: ๐Ÿ  Website: https://profluence.com ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

    26 min
  2. #305: Tom Porricelli, Citrin Cooperman - Why Founders Get Finance Wrong (And How to Fix It)

    1D AGO

    #305: Tom Porricelli, Citrin Cooperman - Why Founders Get Finance Wrong (And How to Fix It)

    Tom Porricelli is a Partner and Head of Technology and Sports at Citrin Cooperman, where he has spent over 15 years helping founders, operators, and middle-market companies navigate growth, financial strategy, and long-term value creation. With a background as a collegiate athlete, Tom brings a unique blend of competitive mindset and technical expertise, bridging the gap between traditional accounting and the evolving sports business landscape. His work focuses on supporting founders at every stage, from early formation to exit; while helping them avoid common financial pitfalls and build sustainable businesses. Citrin Cooperman is a leading advisory and accounting firm that has evolved far beyond traditional audit and tax services. The firm specializes in working with high-growth companies across industries, with a strong focus on the sports, media, and technology ecosystem. By taking a tailored, relationship-first approach, Citrin supports founders with strategic guidance around capital, tax optimization (including QSBS and R&D credits), and long-term planning, positioning itself as a true partner rather than just a service provider. In this episode, Tom shares how sports has emerged as a powerful and under-institutionalized asset class, and why founders need more than a one-size-fits-all approach when building in this space. The conversation dives into the importance of community-driven growth, non-transactional relationship building, and how firms like Citrin are leveraging ecosystems like Profluence to better support innovators. Tom also breaks down key financial strategies every founder should understand, offering practical insights on capital decisions, tax advantages, and how to build with the right partners from day one. Podcast Chapters: 02:40 The Evolution of Sports as an Asset Class 05:50 Building Relationships in the Sports Ecosystem 08:33 Leveraging Community for Growth 11:20 Innovative Approaches to Client Engagement 14:15 Advice for Founders on Financial Strategies 17:09 Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports and Accounting

    25 min
  3. #304: Kevin McReynolds, Overnght - The Future of Olympic Sports Media

    6D AGO

    #304: Kevin McReynolds, Overnght - The Future of Olympic Sports Media

    Kevin McReynolds is the Founder & CEO of Overnght, a global streaming platform redefining how Olympic and underrepresented sports are distributed, consumed, and monetized. After seeing firsthand how elite athletes struggled with visibility and support outside of the Olympic spotlight, Kevin set out to build a solution that gives these sportsโ€”and their athletesโ€”the attention they deserve year-round. Through Overnght, Kevin is aggregating fragmented media rights across sports like water polo, rowing, and more, creating a centralized destination for fans, families, and communities worldwide. By combining innovative distribution, data-driven strategy, and a deep focus on athlete storytelling, Overnght is unlocking new revenue streams and building a more sustainable future for Olympic sportsโ€”especially as momentum builds toward the 2028 Summer Olympics. In this episode, Kevin joins to break down the opportunity in overlooked sports, how heโ€™s navigating complex rights landscapes, and why community, storytelling, and accessibility are at the core of his strategy. He also shares insights on athlete-driven growth, the role of emerging media models, and what it will take to elevate Olympic sports on a global scale. Podcast Chapters: 01:02 The Inspiration Behind Overnght 03:11 Understanding the Overnght Platform 04:43 Challenges in the Olympic Sports Space 07:52 Acquisition Strategy for Sports Rights 10:06 Impact of the 2028 Olympics on Business 12:01 Leveraging the Sporting Ecosystem 14:32 Engaging Younger Audiences and Future Stars 20:04 Exploring Prediction Markets and Advertising 21:45 Content Strategy for Youth and Junior Sports 24:19 The Future of Sports as Media Brands 27:10 Aha Moments in Building Overnght 31:13 Looking Ahead to the 2028 Olympics

    33 min
  4. #303: The Event Reshaping Sports Tech: Inside Peak Conference with Chad Wilton

    APR 6

    #303: The Event Reshaping Sports Tech: Inside Peak Conference with Chad Wilton

    Chad Wilton is the visionary behind Peak Conference, one of the most anticipated new gatherings in the sports business world. As the inaugural event approaches, Chad shares the origin story behind Peak and why there was a massive gap in the U.S. for a true flagship event focused on sports tech and innovation. Chad breaks down what attendees can expect in Las Vegas, from a fully immersive sports tech expo and global startup pitch competitions to world-class speakers, networking experiences, and unique activities like fighting robots and interactive showcases. More than just a conference, Peak is designed to unite founders, investors, and executives in one place to solve real industry problems and drive meaningful collaboration across the global sports ecosystem. This conversation dives into the realities of building a large-scale event from scratch, the importance of community buy-in, and why in-person connection is more important than ever in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or operator in sports, this episode is your inside look at the future of sports innovationโ€”and why you need to be in the room. Podcast Chapters: 02:36 The Vision Behind Peak Conference 05:40 Event Highlights and Expectations 08:17 Unexpected Learnings and Challenges 10:55 The Role of AI in Sports Tech 13:48 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Chad Wilton:  Get Peak Tickets: https://peakconf.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wilton-67453530/ Scott Garber: ๐Ÿ  Website: https://profluence.com๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

    16 min
  5. #302: Steve Bellamy, Tipti - The Future of Racket Sports Starts Here

    APR 1

    #302: Steve Bellamy, Tipti - The Future of Racket Sports Starts Here

    Steve Bellamy is founder of Tipti, creator of The Tennis Channel, and a lifelong pioneer in racket sports. From coaching world-class athletes to leading Kodak and now launching an entirely new sport, Steve shares the journey behind Tipti and why he believes it could reshape how the world plays and experiences racket sports. Steve breaks down the origin story of Tiptiโ€”from a simple workaround at a junior tennis camp to a fast-growing global movement. He explains how the sport blends elements of tennis and badminton, why it thrives on existing pickleball infrastructure, and how it unlocks a more dynamic, engaging, and accessible playing experience. We also dive into his unique philosophy: building for the love of the game, not just financial outcomes. Beyond the product, this conversation explores what it really takes to build a sport from the ground up. From assembling a high-value investor network to creating viral, shareable gameplay moments, Steve shares insights on scaling, storytelling, and why racket sports may be one of the most resilient opportunities in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world. Podcast Chapters: 01:00 Steve's Journey in Racket Sports 03:42 The Concept and Development of Tipti 06:36 Educating Players and Clubs about Tipti 09:14 Steve's Vision for Racket Sports 12:40 Steve's Passion for Racket Sports 14:50 Leveraging Storytelling in Marketing Tipti 19:08 Building a Strong Investor Base 25:28 International Expansion and Infrastructure

    35 min
  6. #301: Henrik Teisbรฆk, Veo Technologies - Why 99% of Sports Was Never Filmed Until Now

    MAR 30

    #301: Henrik Teisbรฆk, Veo Technologies - Why 99% of Sports Was Never Filmed Until Now

    Henrik Teisbรฆk, co-founder of Veo, joins the Profluence Sports Podcast to share how his company is transforming the way sports are captured, analyzed, and experienced around the world. What started as a simple ideaโ€”making it possible for everyday athletes to relive their momentsโ€”has grown into a global platform used by over 50,000 clubs across 100+ countries. Henrik breaks down how Veoโ€™s portable camera and AI-powered software are democratizing access to video, turning every game into a source of insight, development, and lasting memories. Diving deeper, Henrik explains the journey of building Veo from Denmark into a global sports tech leader, navigating the complexities of hardware, supply chain, and international expansion. He shares lessons on scaling across markets, building a product for multiple sports, and creating a system that serves both elite clubs and grassroots teams. From empowering coaches with better tools to unlocking data-driven development for athletes, Veo sits at the intersection of sports, technology, and accessibility. This episode explores the bigger picture of where sports tech is headedโ€”from AI-powered insights and automated video breakdowns to the growing importance of authentic, real-world experiences in an increasingly digital world. Henrik and Andrew discuss why youth sports remain one of the most important and underutilized ecosystems globally, and how platforms like Veo are shaping the future of participation, storytelling, and performance in sports. Podcast Chapters: 02:11 The Evolution of Youth Sports Technology 08:15 Building a Global Company from Denmark 10:34 Understanding Customer Needs in Different Markets 14:14 Navigating Challenges in Product Development 18:21 Fundraising Journey and Investor Perspectives 21:05 The Role of AI in Sports Technology 24:29 Future Trends in Sports and Technology

    27 min
  7. #300: Justin Hoveler, President of U.S. Sports Camps - Building a Sports Empire Through Camps

    MAR 25

    #300: Justin Hoveler, President of U.S. Sports Camps - Building a Sports Empire Through Camps

    Justin Hoveler, President of U.S. Sports Camps, has spent his life immersed in athletics, growing up in a family that helped pioneer the youth camp industry nearly 50 years ago. From playing multiple sports as a kid to competing in college and working across the sports ecosystem, Justin brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to youth development. His journeyโ€”from early exposure to camps to leading one of the most established platforms in the spaceโ€”reflects a lifelong commitment to keeping sports accessible, impactful, and fun for the next generation. Today, Justin leads U.S. Sports Camps under the broader Youth Enrichment Brands umbrella, working with top coaches and partners to deliver best-in-class camp experiences across the country and globally. The organization focuses on creating environments where kids can explore sports without pressure, develop skills, and build confidence. With a strong emphasis on multi-sport participation, local accessibility, and coach-led experiences, Justin and his team are navigating industry shiftsโ€”from rising costs and early specialization to NIL pressures and emerging sports like flag footballโ€”while staying rooted in their core mission: keeping kids engaged in sports through joy and discovery. In this episode, Justin joins Profluence podcast to unpack the evolving youth sports landscape; from the importance of fun and experimentation to the realities of commercialization, cost, and participation decline. They explore how camps serve as a critical entry point for young athletes, the balance between innovation and fundamentals, and how organizations can better support coaches and parents alike. The conversation also dives into global expansion, emerging sports trends, and why the future of sports depends on creating positive, inclusive experiences that keep kids playing longer.

    31 min
  8. #299: Richard Odell, Masters Academy International (MAI) - The Future of Sports Education

    MAR 23

    #299: Richard Odell, Masters Academy International (MAI) - The Future of Sports Education

    Richard Odell is a seasoned leader in education, arts, and sports development, with a career spanning institutions like IMG Academy, Spire Academy, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. With a unique background that bridges both the arts and athletics, Odell has spent decades shaping environments that prioritize holistic student growth and long-term success. He is now the driving force behind Masters Academy International (MAI), a next-generation institution based in the Boston area that reimagines how young athletes are developed. MAI combines elite sports training, rigorous academics, personal development, and career preparation into one integrated model โ€” giving students the opportunity to pursue both playing and non-playing careers in sports, from medicine to media. In this episode, we dive into the future of education, the shortcomings of traditional school systems, and why a more personalized, real-world learning approach is critical. Odell shares insights from his experience at IMG and Spire, the vision behind MAI, and how this model could reshape both sports and education for the next generation. Podcast Chapters: 00:59 The Birth of Masters Academy International (MAI) 07:31 Innovative Educational Structure at MAI 12:55 The Future of Education and Its Challenges 17:16 Bridging the Gap in Education 22:34 The Role of Confidence in Learning 30:03 The Vision for MAI and Its Impact

    33 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
21 Ratings

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

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