The Smart Alec Show

Alec Alvarez
  • 5.0 (10)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Alec Alvarez as he interviews guests who live within their purpose. Discussing careers, wellness, psychology, business, & more. From up-and-comers to established professionals, entry-level employees to CEOs, & friends to subject matter experts, Alec covers a wide spectrum of experiences. Tune in for insights on achieving your best self through these engaging conversations. A platform for exploring & discovering new ideas & trends across various industries, along with the mindsets & philosophies that lead to a successful & fulfilled life.

  1. #21 Christo Van Rensburg: A Tennis Life - Playing at Wimbledon, Starting Dropshot Series, ATX Open

    03/01/2023

    #21 Christo Van Rensburg: A Tennis Life - Playing at Wimbledon, Starting Dropshot Series, ATX Open

    BIO: Christo Van Rensburg is a former pro tennis player, hailing from South Africa.    He was ranked #1 in the world in doubles, won 20 top-level doubles titles during his career, including one Grand Slam men’s doubles title in 85’. Christo ranked as high as #19 in the world in singles, and is one of only two men to beat Pete Sampras in straight sets at Wimbledon.   Christo’s wife, Monica van Rensburg (Reinach) also played at Wimbledon, along with her sister, Elna Reinach, making them a truly elite tennis family — but the most humble, welcoming, and incredible people you’ll meet.    Christo and the fam now run “Dropshot Series”, a tennis tournament promotion company hosting pro tennis events in Austin, TX. They’ve hosted several USTA/ ITF level events and are now hosting the very first WTA Tour event — The ATX Open — which is 1 of only 5 women’s only WTA Tour level events in the USA.   Christo runs Dropshot Series with Bryan Sheffield, Tournament Promoter and Founder of DropShot, who also owns stake in MLS team Austin FC, and founded Parsley Energy.   In addition to all this, Christo also gives back to the game by way of coaching — and coaches elite players like Fernanda Contreras Gomez along with having captained South Africa in the Davis Cup, coaching up players like University of Georgia’s Philip Henning.     Connect with Christo: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christo-van-rensburg-23802511/   Find out more about Dropshot Series: - Website: https://dropshotseries.com   Find out more about ATX Open: - Event info: https://atxopen.com/event-info/ - Partners & Sponsors: https://atxopen.com/partners/ - Buy Tickets: https://atxopen.com/tickets/ - To watch the ATX Open on TV or via streaming tune into The Tennis Channel! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxopen/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtxOpen   Sponsorship Inquiries for ATX Open: - Contact Unrivaled Group: https://unrivaledgroup.com   Key Topics: * Christo’s Playing Career    * Competing with top talent and learning from them * Coaching    * Remembering those who helped you, and giving back to those coming next * Christo’s adventure into the Tennis Tournament Promotion business    * Dropshot Series    * ATX Open * Christo meeting his wife     Recorded in September 2022 in Austin, TX.   Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec     Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268   - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99 (Also available on ALL major audio platforms within the USA as well as most globally.)   #atxopen #atx #tennis

    47 min
  2. #20 Florian Hemme: Sports Finance & Optimizing Your Performance

    01/04/2023

    #20 Florian Hemme: Sports Finance & Optimizing Your Performance

    Florian Hemme is an expert within the field of sports management and sports finance. Born in Germany, he now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a business degree, two masters degrees in Human Resource Management and Sports Management, and a PhD in Sports Management from UT Austin. He now lectures on sports finance and other sports industry related topics. I’m honored to have had “Dr. H” on the podcast and been able to chat with him.   Connect with Florian Hemme: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianhemme/   Topics Discussed: What is Sports Finance?Return on Investment in Sports; difference from other investment vehicles regarding profitsAccounting and Financial maneuvers used uniquely within sportsFinancing of stadiumsDifferent League StructuresMore on College AthleticsHow To Perform BetterParentingPolarization in AmericaThe value of Contemplative Practices like MeditationAdvice for those wanting to work in sports     Recorded on May 23, 2022     Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec    Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99 (Also available on ALL major audio platforms within the USA as well as most globally.)

    2h 3m
  3. #19 James Santore: Founding Three Two Strategies, The Story of La Salle Baseball, Working in Sports Venture Capital

    12/15/2022

    #19 James Santore: Founding Three Two Strategies, The Story of La Salle Baseball, Working in Sports Venture Capital

    James Santore is the founder and CEO of Three Two Strategies — a firm based out of Philadelphia offering marketing services and strategic consulting to venture funds, startups, athletes, and more. James is Philadelphia born and raised, played D1 baseball at La Salle University as pitcher, founded the La Salle Legends Foundation, and served as Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at SeventySix Capital before moving on to work in Chicago with Fubo Gaming as Strategic Partnerships Manager. James serves on the board of Crypto Curr3ntly and also blogs, skates, lifts heavy, and we’re honored to have a legend in the making like him on as a friend of the show.   Connect with James here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessantore/IG: @jamessantore   Learn more about Three Two Strategies here: Website: https://www.threetwostrategies.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/32strategies/     Topics Discussed: James’ upbringing — how fitness has always been top of mind as a way to stay disciplinedJames time playing D1 baseball at La Salle:James career journey:Mindset:Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys trash talk, pre-season predictions, James’ favorite Philadelphia sports momentsJames’ biggest inspirations, advice for those trying to break into the sports industry or start their own businesses, along with tips for leading a happy life     Recorded on July 29th, 2022   #sportsbiz #threetwostrategies #philly #philadelphia #seventysixcapital #fubo #marketing #sportsmarketing         Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec    Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

    1h 42m
  4. #18 Kevin Rodriguez: The Role & Influence of the Sports Information Director in College Athletics, Working with UT Volleyball & Baseball

    12/08/2022

    #18 Kevin Rodriguez: The Role & Influence of the Sports Information Director in College Athletics, Working with UT Volleyball & Baseball

    Kevin Rodriguez is a Sports Information Director at The University of Texas at Austin, highly regarded as one of the most competitive collegiate athletic institutions to not only work at, but also regarded as one of the biggest brands in sports and most successful in college athletics, having won the Learfield Director’s Cup the previous 2 years. Kevin is the lead SID for UT baseball and UT Women’s Volleyball, with the former fielding the NCAA Men’s Player of the Year and the latter being regarded as one of the most prestigious volleyball programs in the history of the sport (they’re the #1 lock to win the NCAA 2022 Women’s Volleyball Title). Kevin has done extensive work with these sports and more, directing information and serving as a key liaison between the players, coaching staff, media, and other key sports stakeholders. Kevin graduated with a degree in Mass Communications from Sam Houston State University, where he also served as an SID there for two years, along with having worked with the National Football Foundation and University of Memphis as a Director of Athletic Communications. Above all, Kevin is not only a savant within the sports communications field, but a hilarious and down-to-earth dude who’s helped me learn more about the sports space and gain experience in collegiate athletics.   Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krodthesid/   Keep up with UT Athletic Teams Kevin Works With: Texas Volleyball: https://texassports.com/sports/womens-volleyballTexas Baseball: https://texassports.com/sports/baseball     OUTLINE: IntroWhat a Sports Information Director is and why Kevin wanted to go into Sports CommunicationsWhat is the role of an SID within College Athletics?How crucial are SIDs to the entire athletic program, and specifically the team?What it’s like working with one of the biggest brands in sports and most famous college athletics program at UT AustinWhat keeps Kevin going in the space despite the travels and at times long hoursAdvice for those wanting to break into sports communicationsMost memorable moments     Recorded on November 30th, 2022   #Sports #sportscommunications #collegeathletics  #sportsinformationdirector #sid #texas #longhorns #hookem #texasvolleyball #texasbaseball    Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec    Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

    46 min
  5. #17 Jeff Zeller: Working across Music, Sports, & Entertainment, The Harvard MBA, Marketing & Partnerships, & Crypto

    11/22/2022

    #17 Jeff Zeller: Working across Music, Sports, & Entertainment, The Harvard MBA, Marketing & Partnerships, & Crypto

    Jeff Zeller is the Senior Director of NFT Partnerships and Business Operations at Crypto.com. He’s led a career at the intersection of sports, music, technology, culture, and content. Jeff’s worked with iTunes as a Content Producer, A&R as a Creative Intern working with artists such as the late legend AVICII & also found Marshmello during his rise to stardom, along with serving as CEO of “Dancing Astronaut” which was a media company covering the dance and electronic music scene. Jeff went on to work with Sony as digital strategy Chief of Staff, then to ESPN as Director of Entertainment Marketing & Parternships leading partnerships for many properties such as “The Last Dance” with Peloton and Spotify, before moving into the crypto space. Jeff is a graduate of Stanford (where he played tennis), a Harvard MBA grad, and also the founder of AZ Management. Above all, Jeff is an incredible guy, a family man, and legend in the making — and we’re honored to have pontificated on life with him on this episode and call him a friend of the show.   Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzeller/IG: @jeffzeller ; https://www.instagram.com/jeffzeller/?hl=enTwitter: @jaz ; https://twitter.com/jaz?lang=en     OUTLINE: 0:00 Foreword4:10 Start of ConversationTopics discussed:Working with iTunes as a Content ProducerWorking with the music industryWorking at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and music with ESPNNew adventure into crypto.comMuch more!     Recorded on November 11th, 2022   #harvardmba #partnerships #sportsbiz #crypto #marketing #harvard  #nft   Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec    Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

    1h 34m
  6. #16 Brandon Rhodes: How Overtime is Disrupting the Sports Industry, Running Biz Dev @ OT, Marketing @ Gatorade, Starting MSBC

    11/10/2022

    #16 Brandon Rhodes: How Overtime is Disrupting the Sports Industry, Running Biz Dev @ OT, Marketing @ Gatorade, Starting MSBC

    Brandon Rhodes is the Vice President of Business Development at Overtime, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Recipient, Co-Founder of “Hella Awkward” card game, and Co-Founder of the Michigan Sports Business Conference where he graduated from The University of Michigan’s business school. Brandon’s a strategic business builder and proven brand marketer with a track record of success across consumer products, tech, sports, and media tied to youth culture and worked in Global Brand Activation & Management, and Digital Strategy at PepsiCo’s Gatorade before joining the industry-disrupting Overtime. Above all, Brandon’s an awesome dude paving the way forward for the next generation of leaders within sports business and beyond — we’re honored to bring y’all this conversation with him.   Connect with Brandon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsrhodes/IG: @overtimebrandon ; https://www.instagram.com/overtimebrandon/?hl=enTwitter: @overtimebrandon ; https://twitter.com/overtimebrandon?lang=enPurchase the Hella Awkward card game:https://hellawkward.com/products/hella-awk-ward   OUTLINE: Foreword 0:00 - 05:11Start of conversation 05:11How Brandon knew he wanted to go the sports routeTime working at GatoradeRunning Business Development at OvertimeAdvice for succeeding in the space, getting your foot in the door, and more     Recorded on November 4th, 2022   #overtime #overtimeelite #sportsbiz #gatorade #michigan #msbc   Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec    Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

    52 min
  7. #15 Cedric Golden: Sports Journalism, Pursuing Your Calling, Covering the Longhorns, UT Football & Sam Ehlinger Colts Predictions

    10/30/2022

    #15 Cedric Golden: Sports Journalism, Pursuing Your Calling, Covering the Longhorns, UT Football & Sam Ehlinger Colts Predictions

    Cedric Golden is a sports columnist writing for the Austin-American Statesman. Cedric primarily covers Austin and Texas-based sports teams, such as The University of Texas at Austin Longhorns, and has covered various iconic sports moments from Texas’ 2005 National Title victory over USC, Super Bowls, College World Series, Final Fours, Title-fights in Vegas, and much more. Cedric is also an electric podcast host serving as co-host of “On Second Thought” with Kirk Bohls, host of Longhorn Confidential, and Longhorn Unfiltered podcasts. Cedric also serves as a professor of sports journalism at The University of Texas at Austin. Hailing from the piney woods of East Texas, Cedric graduated from UT Tyler, and has since led a legendary career as one of the best sports journalists not only in Texas — where he is adorned by the people — but in all of the USA. Above all, Cedric’s not only an inspiration to many, but an even greater person. We’re honored to call him a friend of the show.     Connect with Cedric: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-golden-57ab3b21/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CedGolden Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/staff/5875395002/cedric-golden/     Topics Discussed: What inspired Cedric to become a sports journalistSeek a calling — not just a jobThe path to becoming a leading journalistWhat it was like covering the Cowboys vs Bills Super Bowl, meeting Stephen A. Smith and Mike Tirico early on in their careersKeys to succeeding as a sports journalistCedric’s favorite moments of his sports journalism career:What makes University of Texas’ RB Bijan Robinson so special?Predictions for the rest of the UT Longhorns Football 2022 SeasonThoughts on the current state of the culture and program of UT Football under Coach Steve SarkisianPreview of Sam Ehlinger getting his first start in Indianapolis for the Colts this coming Sunday 10-30-22 — Cedric’s big piece he is writing on Ehlinger and his family to come soonMuch more     Recorded on October 28th, 2022 in Austin, TX   Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99   Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec

    46 min
  8. #14 Matthew Collette: Producing Sportscenter, Winning Sports Emmys at FOX, Breaking into the Sports Production World

    10/25/2022

    #14 Matthew Collette: Producing Sportscenter, Winning Sports Emmys at FOX, Breaking into the Sports Production World

    #14 Matthew Collette: Producing Sportscenter, Winning Sports Emmys at FOX, Breaking into the Sports Production World | Smart Alec Show   Matthew Collette is an Emmy-winning executive producer with over a decade of experience within the sports media space — from live studio production, original content, show running, and building streaming channels, Matthew is one of the foremost production leaders in the sports media industry. An alum of Virginia Tech, Mathew began his career in production with the greatest TV show off all time — SportsCenter on ESPN —, then produced Olbermann on ESPN, before going on to win multiple Sports Emmy nominations and Awards as a Producer & Showrunner for “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan” on FOX Sports. He then added to the incredible resume having worked as a Coordinating Producer at IMG, a Senior Producer at Yahoo Sports, and now leads sports production as Executive Producer of Sports at the innovative B2B streaming giant coined “the next billion dollar company” at Atmosphere TV. Aside from a legendary career and incredible background of knowledge on production and the sports media space, Matthew is the most humble, easy-going, and incredible dude, that we’re honored to say is a friend of the show.     Check out Atmosphere TV here: https://www.atmosphere.tv   Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-collette-33b22135   Topics discussed: The importance of giving people opportunity — how Matt was given an opportunity at Sportscenter and turned it into a very successful career. We never know where the next major talent is going to come from and should give people their shotHow to seize the moment and take advantage of opportunity when you get your foot in the doorAdvice for breaking into sports productionWhat it was like working at ESPN’s HQ Bristol campus — what it was like running around campus to produce SportsCenter, Olbermann, and moreWhat it felt like to produce Katie Nolan’s “Garbage Time” podcast at FOX Sports and not only get nominated for Sports Emmy’s but WIN multiple Sports Emmy’sHis favorite moments and memories from his time at ESPNHis time at Yahoo Sports, IMGThe growth of Austin as a cityProgrammingThe evolution of the Sports Media landscapeAtmosphere TVMuch more   Recorded in September 2022   Podcast info: - Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com - RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA - Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  - Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99   Connect with Alec on Social: - Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec

    1h 53m
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Join Alec Alvarez as he interviews guests who live within their purpose. Discussing careers, wellness, psychology, business, & more. From up-and-comers to established professionals, entry-level employees to CEOs, & friends to subject matter experts, Alec covers a wide spectrum of experiences. Tune in for insights on achieving your best self through these engaging conversations. A platform for exploring & discovering new ideas & trends across various industries, along with the mindsets & philosophies that lead to a successful & fulfilled life.

Information

  • Creator
    Alec Alvarez
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2023
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Smart Alec Show
  • Show Website
    The Smart Alec Show