Welcome Drew Maggi to the podcast! Drew has had one of the best stories in the sports world in 2023. Drew spent 13 years in Minor League Baseball before finally getting his moment and debuting in the Major Leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

We talk about the journey of Drew Maggi, as well as reliving those special moments he had up in the Major Leagues.

Check out the Drew Maggi "Never Give Up" apparel. Link is here: https://breakingt.com/collections/mlbpi/products/drew-maggi-never-give-up?variant=39960449941553

Drew Maggi Instagram: @drewmaggi1

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Chapters:

0:00 Introduction and Getting To Know Drew Maggi

9:43 Pro Ball Journey & THE GRIND

23:31 The Call Up Moment

38:27 The Big League Debut & Experience

49:21 That 1 Extra Chance, Seizing Moment, Reflecting

Welcome Kenny Albert to the podcast! Here’s a little background of his work: FOX Sports/MSG Networks/TNT/NBC NFL/MLB on FOX, Rangers/Knicks, NHL on TNT, Olympics on NBC.

Kenny is truly a jack of all trades. You definitely have heard his voice in the sports world. If you listen to the NHL playoffs on TNT, you will hear him there through the Stanley Cup! Kenny comes from a broadcasting family. He knew he always wanted to do this as a living.

In this week's episode, welcome George Iskenderian to the podcast! George is currently an MLBPA Agent that represents current professional baseball players as well as upcoming ones. George is a former professional baseball player who was drafted and spent his career with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Prior to that, George spent his college baseball days at University of South Carolina, Indian River State College (IRSC) and University of Miami.

Actually, George and Ryan were college roommates at South Carolina & IRSC. They both look back on their own playing experiences, offer advice and talk about expectations of baseball as aspiring players look to continue on their career from high school or pro baseball.

....and there are some fun and interesting stories to say the least!

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Backstory w/ George Iskenderian

10:00 College and Junior College Perspective

23:00 Mentality & Figuring Out Yourself As A Player

31:30 Understanding Grinds Of Baseball Moving Forward

42:30 Helping Next Generation Of Player, George's Job

Welcome to this week's episode. The podcast welcomes Colin Thompson! Colin is a NFL TE who grew outside of Philadelphia, PA. Colin was a top recruit coming out of high school, and he attended the University of Florida and Temple University to play football.

Colin explains his journey and the adversity he dealt with to make his NFL dream, a reality. Colin brings so many great thoughts, advice and touches on how your mentality is everything. Colin and I touch on our own experiences in pro sports and our journeys into the media space!

While still playing, Colin Thompson has started his own media company, Not For Long Media. I have actually helped co-host his baseball podcast, Breaking Bats. Give them a follow and a listen!

Check out Not For Long Media Here: https://www.notforlongmedia.com/

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction, Say Hello To Colin

5:00 Pro Sports Experience, Mentality Talk

15:03 Media Conversations, Transitions

24:38 Life & Advice, Adversity

Welcome Nick Hawkins to the podcast. Nick is another Maryland native. He graduated from Loyola University Maryland, the University of Baltimore School of Law and the University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business.

Nick started his career working as a law clerk before then heading to Under Armour as a legal intern. Now, Nick works at Womble Bond Dickinson where he is tasked to help people and companies develop and protect their brands.

In this conversation, we discuss his journey, an inside look of what branding and marketing looks like from a lawyer's perspective. In addition, we talk about corporate branding vs independent branding, and how social media has impacted everything in this space. Lastly, we talk about Nick's love for food, and some advice that you should hear!

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Check out the video interview on Youtube here: https://bit.ly/RyanRipkenYouTube

Listen on other podcast platforms & check out other social media channels here: https://bit.ly/OffscRIPtplatforms

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction of Nick Hawkins & Talking Careers

15:55 Brands & Law With Corporations

27:50 Independent Brands, Social Media's Influence, & Change

47:18 Food Talk & Advice

This week the pod welcomes Jon Graham. Jon is a former college basketball player who played at the University of Maryland and Penn State. Jon grew up in Baltimore, MD and attended Calvert Hall High School.

Jon and I both had to deal with expectations growing up. For those that don't know. Jon's dad, Ernie Graham, was one of the basketball best players to ever play at the University of Maryland.

In this episode, we talk about:

- growing up handling expectations,

- finding yourself

- the recruitment process for college and how NCAAB has changed since Jon played

- Pursuing professional basketball and moving on to the next chapter

Please like, subscribe and leave a review!

Chapters:

0:00 Description of Episode

2:00 Intro & Growing Up With Expectations/Pressures

18:12 Recruiting Process, Jon's College Experience, & Evolution College Basketball

37:06 Pursing Professional Basketball & Walking Away

49:49 Quick Hitters

In this episode, I decided to talk about my own journey. I have been asked by many people since I discuss journeys and stories of others, I should I sit down and explain a little bit of myself.

I am from Baltimore, Maryland and attended Gilman School. I went to the University of South Carolina and Indian River State College for one year each. After my sophomore year of college, I was drafted by the Nationals in the 15th round and started my professional career in 2014. I played for 8 seasons with the Nationals and Orioles organizations. I reached the AAA level (one below the Major Leagues) and retired from baseball in the summer of 2022.

I grew up with a recognizable last name. My family was well known in the baseball world and in the community. Many people know me as the "son of Cal Ripken Jr", but I want you all to just meet Ryan.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro To Episode

0:50 Welcome To EP 8

2:47 Growing Up Ripken

10:32 College Experience

14:59 Professional Baseball Time

24:02 Broadcast Journey & Food Taste

29:32 Answering Questions

Welcome Jake Bass to the podcast. Jake grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He went on to attend the University of Alabama. He wanted to be involved in media but not in the traditional way. Jake Bass is the son of Marty Bass, a long time weather and media personality in Baltimore, Maryland.

Jake started his career as an intern with Pat McAfee when he was a member of Barstool Sports. After the internship, Jake made his way over to help produce the highly successful Golf Podcast: Fore Play Pod.

We talk about what it's like to grow up with expectations, being "different" or having "different" interests growing up. Also, Jake and I talk about how content has changed over the years. In addition, we talk about what it is like being apart of an untraditional company that has had great success in the media space.

PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY

Steve Klimek is a Minor League Pitcher who has played for the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles organizations. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2015 out of St. Bonaventure University. Currently Steve is a free agent. Steve has also worked with the Major League Baseball Player's Association (MLBPA).

The news in baseball the last week was the announcement of a Minor League Union in baseball. Steve provides great insight in to not just how the MLBPA works, but what this new deal will mean for Minor League Baseball players.

In addition, we touch on the new rule changes, our own experiences while playing professional baseball, where the game of baseball is going, and much more. ENJOY

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Chapters:

0:00 Episode Explanation

1:16 Intro w/ Steve Klimek & Background

8:59 Explaining How The MLBPA Works

14:15 The MILB Union Deal

21:25 Minor League Stories, Perspective & Realities

34:32 The New Payment Structures, NIL & What It Means For MILB

42:36 New Rule Changes, Testing Ground of MILB, Next Step

58:40 Quick Hitters & Wrapping Up

Jack Settleman is the CEO and Founder of SnapBack Sports. He is a Maryland native and attended McDonogh high school in Owings Mills, MD. While finishing up college at the University of Texas, Jack began to start thinking outside of the box. He was always a sports fan and loved being involved with sports. The idea to create content began on the social media app, Snapchat. As the success of SnapBack Sports grew, Jack and his company began to expand across other social media platforms.

At just 26, Jack has worked with a variety of different industries like the NFL, NBA, and the sports gambling company company Underdog Fantasy. Currently, SnapBack Sports is closing in on 1 Million subscribers on Snapchat, and over 600,000 on Youtube.

This episode, Jack explains his journey, sheds light on how to handle the ever growing social media space, and we talk about our own personal experiences.

If you like this episode, PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!

Chapters:

0:00 Intro to Podcast

1:00 Welcome with Jack Settleman

3:18 The Beginning of SnapBack Sports & Use of Snapchat

11:10 Listening to audience, & Finding Yourself, Talking Failure

19:42 Overcoming Fears & Circumstances, Jack & His Condition Growing Up

23:58 Independent vs Networks in Media World

30:12 Keeping Your Emotions in Check in Business, The Value of Relationships

37:45 Debunking Social Media Success and Platforms

41:46 Being Creative & Eventually Partnering With Bigger Companies

46:57 Being Humble, & How To Deal With Criticism in Social Media Spaces

57:03 Quick Hitters

1:06:00 Wrap Up