Shownotes:

The New Media Playbook is HERE!

The sports media landscape is changing — and Josh Pate is one of the clearest examples of how new media is winning.

In this episode of Right About Now, Josh Pate joins Ryan Alford to break down how he built a dominant college football media brand without relying on legacy networks, hot takes, or manufactured controversy.

Josh shares why audience trust matters more than reach, how YouTube and live platforms reshaped sports media, and why creators who own their distribution and intellectual property are positioned to win long term.

This conversation explores the intersection of sports, media, and business, offering valuable insight for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a brand in today’s attention economy.

Why legacy sports media models are losing relevance

How Josh Pate built trust through consistency and honesty

The power of niche audiences in sports media

Owning your audience vs renting attention

Monetizing content through direct relationships

What the future of sports media looks like

Josh Pate’s College Football Show on all major platforms

X / Twitter: @JoshPateCFB

Instagram: Joshpatecfb

What separates people who talk about success from those who actually build it?

In this episode of Right About Now, entrepreneur, investor, and Shark Tank personality Matt Higgins explains why burning the boats — eliminating backup plans — is the fastest way to unlock clarity, courage, and exponential growth.

Matt shares deeply personal stories about growing up in poverty, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why optimism, fearlessness, and relentless execution define elite performers. This conversation is a masterclass in commitment, belief before proof, and playing the long game when the evidence hasn’t arrived yet.

If you’re feeling stuck, hesitant, or waiting for permission — this episode will reset how you think about risk and opportunity.

Introduction & mindset shift

The danger of having a Plan B

Compounding ambition over time

Imposter syndrome & self-belief

Optimism as a competitive advantage

Playing bold before evidence exists

Final advice for builders & leaders

Connect with Matt Higgins:

Follow Matt Higgins for leadership, investing, and mindset insights

Learn more about his work at RSE Ventures

Watch Matt on Shark Tank and other business programs

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Jay Paterno—former Penn State coach, author, and leadership expert—for a candid conversation about the real impact of NIL on college football. From the rise of pay-to-play collectives to leadership failures, mental health pressures, and the erosion of fan loyalty, Jay breaks down what’s actually happening behind the scenes of today’s game.

This isn’t a hot take—it’s a firsthand look at how college football is changing, and why many fans feel the sport they love is slipping away.

Topics Covered:

Why NIL quickly turned into pay-to-play

The lack of leadership from the NCAA

How money is changing locker room dynamics

Mental health pressure on 18-year-old athletes

Why fans are losing emotional connection

What Joe Paterno would’ve done differently

The future of contracts, transparency, and collective bargaining

Why winning—not branding—is the real currency

Key Takeaway:
College football doesn’t have a talent problem—it has a leadership problem.

Guest Bio:
Jay Paterno is a former Penn State assistant football coach, leadership strategist, author, and nationally recognized voice on the evolution of college athletics. Jay brings a rare inside perspective on leadership, culture-building, and the business of college sports.

Beyond coaching, Jay has served as a Penn State University Trustee, giving him firsthand insight into the intersection of athletics, academics, and institutional leadership. He is also a television analyst and host of Nittany Game Week, airing across more than 400 stations in five states.

Today, Jay consults with athletic departments, organizations, and leaders navigating NIL, culture, leadership, and change, while continuing to write and speak on the realities facing modern college football.

Stay up to date with Jay’s work, insights, and appearances:

🌐 Website: jvpaterno.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @jpaterno

📸 Instagram: @jvpaterno

Interested in his book? Buy directly from his website or Amazon

Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.

Resources:

Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media

In this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews Jay Schwedelson, founder of Guru Media Hub and email marketing expert. Jay discusses why email marketing remains a top-performing channel, sharing insights from testing over 15 million subject lines. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a clear niche, using human language, and adapting to new AI-driven inbox filters. Jay also explains how authenticity and strategic subject lines can boost open rates, and cautions against over-reliance on AI-generated content. The episode offers actionable tips for marketers looking to improve their email campaigns.

Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.

Resources:

Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media

In this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews brain coach Jim Kwik, author of "Limitless." Jim shares practical strategies for boosting cognitive performance, learning more effectively, and cultivating a powerful mindset. He introduces the concept of "brain animals"—unique brain types that shape how we learn, communicate, and succeed. Listeners learn actionable tips to improve focus, motivation, and memory, as well as the importance of positive self-talk. The conversation offers valuable tools for personal growth, business, and relationships, empowering listeners to unlock their brain’s full potential.

Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.

Resources:

Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media

In this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews Brad Blazar, "The Capital Catalyst," about mastering the art of raising capital and syndication. Brad shares his journey from architecture student to oil entrepreneur, highlighting how anyone can use other people’s money (OPM) to build wealth through real estate and business acquisitions. The discussion covers key differences between raising funds for tangible assets and businesses, the importance of compliance, and debunks myths about needing experience or age to succeed in capital raising. Brad emphasizes execution, trust, and financial independence as keys to entrepreneurial success.

Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.

Resources:

Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media

In this episode of Right About Now with Ryan Alford, Ryan interviews Jeff Umbro, founder and CEO of Pod Agglomerate, about the fast-changing podcast industry. They discuss the rise of programmatic advertising, the growing influence of video, and shifts in monetization and production. Jeff shares insights on audience growth, the challenges of podcast production, and the evolving business models shaping the medium. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and understanding audience needs, offering valuable advice for creators and businesses navigating the dynamic world of podcasting.

Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.

Resources:

Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media

In this episode of "Right About Now with Ryan Alford," Ryan interviews Dan Jamieson, CEO of Icons.com, about the booming sports memorabilia market, with a focus on soccer collectibles. Dan shares how Icons.com leverages scarcity and exclusivity—especially with signed items from legends like Messi and Maradona—to drive value. The discussion covers Dan’s personal journey, the evolution of Icons.com, the importance of authenticity, and the company’s global reach, including recent expansion into the U.S. The episode highlights how passion and strategic partnerships create lasting value for collectors worldwide.

In this episode of Right About Now, host Ryan Alford interviews high performance coach Rudi Riekstins, who shares how empowering individuals within organizations leads to greater business success. Rudi discusses real-life transformations, including a client who went from homelessness to building a million-dollar business, a startup that dramatically increased sales through mindset shifts, and a company that surpassed a billion dollars in revenue by focusing on its people. Rudi emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, overcoming limiting beliefs, and starting each day with intentional mental preparation to unlock peak performance.

Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.

Resources:

Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media

In this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews Sawyer Hemsley, co-founder and COO of Crumbl Cookies. Sawyer shares Crumbl’s journey from a college side hustle to a tech-driven bakery empire with over 500 stores. The conversation covers their unique rotating menu, innovative marketing strategies, and in-house technology that powers seamless customer experiences. Sawyer also discusses the challenges of rapid growth, maintaining quality, and building a strong brand identity. The episode offers insights into entrepreneurship, brand building, and the power of combining tradition with innovation in the food industry.