Most college students and young professionals are terrified of cold outreach, but Dylan Pinkins — a finance whiz and startup founder — reveals how curiosity and persistence can demolish rejection.

His story of starting from Chick-fil-A to building relationships with investors shows that the key to success isn’t waiting for opportunity; it’s creating it through fearless connection and relentless effort.You'll discover how to reframe rejection as a stepping stone, why understanding life's unpredictability is your secret weapon, and how building genuine relationships accelerates even in a down market.

Dylan shares unfiltered truths about overcoming fear, not just in networking but in navigating the tumultuous job market post-graduation, especially as layoffs sweep across industries. His insights on leveraging technology like AI, the importance of intentionality, and how to cultivate resilience make this episode a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

This isn’t just about career advice—it's a call to action. If you’re tired of feeling powerless in your journey, Dylan’s bold strategies will inspire you to own your story, embrace vulnerability, and take decisive action. Perfect for recent grads, young entrepreneurs, and anyone hungry to break through barriers with authenticity and grit.And Dylan? He’s a visionary building a personal network assistant called Timing—designed to help you manage relationships and unlock opportunities before they slip away.

His mission? To help you see that success is a relationship game, and the best players are those unafraid to reach out first.Are you ready to ditch the fear, challenge the status quo, and unlock your full potential? Hit play—your breakthrough starts here.

A Conversation with a Gen Z Trailblazer: Dive into the raw, real, and inspiring story of a young woman redefining success, connection, and self-discovery in a rapidly changing world. This episode is a call to young dreamers everywhere — to be bold, authentic, and unapologetically you. In this episode:

• How a triple major is reshaping the narrative around what it means to stand out
• The power of switching off social media and focusing on real-world connections
• Why authenticity is your most valuable currency in networking
• The importance of embracing awkward moments and rejection as growth
• Practical tips for making friends, exploring passions, and living fearlessly
• The impact of stepping outside of the 'American bubble' and learning from creative, cultural experiences
• Real talk on mental health, loneliness, and the importance of maintaining your own identity
• Navigating social pressures around appearance, branding, and external validation
• Why having multiple streams of interest and income is more than a trend — it’s a safeguard for your sanity
• A powerful reminder: “Do it scared, do it happy, do it for you”

Timestamps: 00:00 - The power of authenticity: Why being yourself is your greatest strength

02:04 - Switching off Instagram and TikTok to focus on building meaningful connections

03:32 - How to network on LinkedIn without feeling awkward

04:38 - Finding common ground in conversations — a secret to lasting connections

06:01 - The art of saying no to people and situations misaligned with your goals

08:04 - Celebrating the uniqueness of being a triple major — intersectionality and pride

11:12 - Rediscovering fun and identity beyond the grind of college

12:58 - Managing time, burnout, and the importance of mental health

14:39 - The beauty of letting go: Why not all relationships are meant to last

16:04 - Preparing for life after college: Embracing change and leaving the bubble

18:37 - The reality of adult life and how to navigate it with confidence

20:54 - Exploring passions: What would you do if money was no object?

23:38 - The importance of cybersecurity and the evolving tech landscape

25:56 - Balancing appearance, style, and authenticity in a world obsessed with perfection

27:21 - The entrepreneurial spirit: Family influence and future plans

28:27 - How to build your social capital on campus with confidence

34:16 - Recognizing and overcoming limiting beliefs passed down from elders

35:48 - Overconnection, social media dependency, and the loneliness epidemic

40:25 - Practical advice for making friends in college and beyond

43:46 - The reality of awkward moments and why they’re part of growth

44:50 - The influences shaping Gen Z perceptions of success and identity

50:29 - The importance of chasing your passions over societal expectations

52:20 - Wisdom for adults: Keep your curiosity alive and help the next gen thrive

What does it really take to balance Division I softball, college life, leadership, friendships, and your own mental health?

In this episode, Britt sits down with Shelby Dyer, a junior at Rider University and D1 softball player, to talk about the real side of being a young athlete today.

Shelby opens up about:

• The pressure to always be involved and “doing something”

• Managing stress without being told it’s okay to take a break

• The mental toughness required in a sport that’s literally a game of failure

• Adapting to new coaching styles and evolving expectations

• The impact of social media on young athletes

• Why perspective changes everything

• Seizing opportunities while you’re young

They dive into the balancing act of staying active, staying curious, and staying grounded — especially in a culture that rewards constant motion.

Shelby reflects on how her upbringing shaped her drive, how team dynamics impact performance, and why leadership at a young age looks different than people think.

This conversation is about sports — but it’s also about growth, identity, resilience, and learning how to zoom out when things feel overwhelming.

If you’re a student-athlete, coach, parent, or young adult trying to figure it out, this episode will resonate.

Because at the end of the day?

It’s a game of failure.

Seize every moment.

And it’s all about perspective.

—

CHAPTERS

00:00 A New Perspective

02:12 Shelby’s Multifaceted College Life

05:53 The Drive to Stay Active

09:46 Overstimulation & Finding Balance

11:53 Why Diverse Interests Matter

15:53 Curiosity as a Leadership Skill

18:01 The Power of Relationships

20:50 Softball & Life Lessons

22:33 Age & Maturity in College Sports

25:10 The Reality of College Softball

28:55 Growth Through Adaptation

31:14 The Mental Game

33:50 Leadership & Team Dynamics

41:17 Navigating Athletic Struggles

42:57 Building Mental Resilience

45:02 Social Media & Athlete Pressure

46:53 Embracing Uncertainty

49:05 Skills That Transfer Beyond Sports

53:45 Life After Athletics

56:09 Advice for Young Adults

57:55 The Power of Perspective

What does it actually feel like to leave your home country, move to the U.S., play college basketball… and then enter the transfer portal?

Yeah. We went there.

In this episode, Filippa Gula opens up about life as an international student-athlete — the pressure, the emotional weight of transferring schools, and the hard conversations that come with chasing growth.

We talk about:

• Moving across the world for basketball

• The emotional toll of the transfer portal

• Having uncomfortable conversations with coaches

• Team dynamics and how they impact performance

• Gen Z, social media, and outside expectations

• Balancing academics and athletics

• Perfectionism, pressure, and confidence

• Learning that sometimes… nobody cares as much as you think

This conversation is real, reflective, and honest about what it takes to grow when everything feels uncertain.

If you’re a student-athlete, a coach, a parent, or someone navigating high expectations — this one will resonate.

Growth isn’t glamorous.

It’s uncomfortable.

And sometimes, you have to do it again.

The conversation covers the topics of unsolicited advice, college life, personal identity, loneliness, hobbies, friendship, and understanding success and setbacks. Maurice Walker II shares insights on these topics and the impact of adult guidance on the younger generation. The conversation delves into the redefinition of success, the challenges of setbacks, career aspirations, overcoming challenges, and finding strength in adversity. It explores the pressure of accolades, the mental toll of consistent injury, the path to becoming a GM, coping strategies for tough times, and the role of prayer and family support in navigating adversity. The conversation delves into Maurice Walker II's early life struggles and the resilience he developed as a result. It then explores the power of journaling and self-reflection, followed by a discussion on finding internal happiness and peace. The subsequent chapters cover mentoring and sharing wisdom with younger teammates, receiving praise and maturity, balancing individual and team success, the role of selfishness in sports and life, traveling for perspective and growth, unsolicited advice for adults and older individuals, and a lighthearted discussion on the name confusion and family tree.

Takeaways

• Understanding the concept of success and setbacks
• The impact of adult guidance on the younger generation Success is not just about accolades
• Leadership is not one-size-fits-all Journaling for self-reflection
• Balancing internal and external sources of happiness

Chapters

• 00:00 Unsolicited Advice and College Life
• 08:00 Hobbies and Friendship
• 13:58 Understanding Success and Setbacks
• 19:52 Redefining Success
• 32:24 Career Aspirations
• 38:10 Overcoming Challenges
• 43:59 Early Life Struggles and Resilience
• 49:21 Receiving Praise and Maturity
• 57:12 Traveling for Perspective and Growth
• 01:03:05 The Name Confusion and Family Tree Discussion

In this episode of the Thanks But No One Asked You podcast, host Britt Hunter engages in a lively conversation with Dr. Ronald Reeves, exploring a range of topics from fraternity rankings to the impact of scandals in sports organizations. Dr. Reeves shares his personal experiences and insights on the importance of mentorship, the value of a PhD, and the realities of working in sports. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by coaches and their families, as well as the need for young people to speak up about wrongdoings. With a mix of humor and candor, this episode provides valuable advice for aspiring student athletes and professionals in the sports industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ronald Reeves

02:59 Fraternity Rankings and Personal Experiences

05:49 Reflections on Michigan Scandal

08:26 Dr. Reeves' Background and Career Path

11:28 Navigating Conversations on Religion

14:27 Realizations of Aging and Physical Limitations

17:25 The Value of a PhD

20:27 The Importance of School Reputation

23:19 Insights on Working in Sports

29:23 Advice for Student Athletes

34:18 The Impact of Scandals on Organizations

39:19 Empowering the Younger Generation

43:05 Challenges for Coaches and Their Families

50:03 This or That: Unsolicited Advice Segment

Summary

In this episode of the Thanks But No One Asked You podcast, host Britt Hunter engages with author Andrew Maraniss, exploring themes of sports, storytelling, and social justice. They discuss Andrew's literary influences, the impact of his father's Pulitzer Prize-winning career, and the importance of empathy in writing. The conversation delves into Andrew's work on Perry Wallace, the first black basketball player in the SEC, highlighting the challenges of pioneering in sports and the significance of understanding different perspectives. They also touch on parenting strategies for raising well-rounded children and the dynamics of college athletics.

Takeaways

Bowl games have lost some appeal but are still important.

Family traditions play a significant role in holiday celebrations.

Literary influences shape an author's writing style.

Pressure from a famous parent can impact an author's journey.

Writing about underrepresented voices is crucial for empathy.

Sports can serve as a platform for discussing social issues.

Pioneering in any field comes with challenges and loneliness.

Understanding different perspectives is essential in today's society.

Raising children with diverse experiences fosters empathy.

Authors must balance their craft with marketing efforts.

Titles

Exploring the Intersection of Sports and Social Justice

The Power of Storytelling in Sports

Sound bites

"I love bowl games."

"I spent eight years working on it."

"You have to use your voice."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Maraniss

01:41 Family Traditions and Holiday Celebrations

02:51 Literary Influences and Favorite Books

08:00 Andrew's Background and Career

09:57 Growing Up with a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Father

11:45 Pressure of Following in Father's Footsteps

14:14 Themes of Social Justice in Andrew's Writing

22:14 Understanding Race and Identity

28:59 Perry Wallace and His Impact

29:04 The Legacy of Perry Wallace

32:17 Pioneering in a Segregated Society

36:30 The Courage to Stand Alone

39:27 The Long Road to Recognition

46:08 Understanding Different Perspectives

50:04 Raising Open-Minded Children

59:49 Advice for Authors and Publishers

In this episode of the Thanks But No One Asked You podcast, host Britt Hunter engages in a lively conversation with AJ Schaufler, the Assistant Commissioner of the MAAC Conference. They discuss a range of topics including Lane Kiffin's coaching decisions, personal anecdotes about life in New York City, the challenges of aging while working with youth, and the impact of NIL on college athletics. AJ shares insights from his career journey, including his experiences in law school and the importance of student development. The conversation wraps up with advice for student-athletes and interns, emphasizing the need for humility and continuous learning. Takeaways Britt reflects on consumer culture and the tendency to buy solutions instead of using what we already have. AJ shares his admiration for Lane Kiffin's coaching journey and the complexities of coaching transitions. The conversation touches on the importance of music in personal life and how it shapes identity. AJ recounts his experiences living in New York City and the lessons learned from being broke. The realization of aging comes from working with younger generations and recognizing cultural shifts. AJ discusses his career path from law school to compliance in college athletics, highlighting the unpredictability of career trajectories. The impact of NIL on college athletics is explored, particularly how it affects student-athlete dynamics and institutional culture. AJ emphasizes the importance of career development for student-athletes beyond just sports. The need for empathy and understanding in sports culture is highlighted, especially regarding walk-ons and non-revenue sports. Britt and AJ discuss the importance of humility and continuous learning in professional development.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:45 Lane Kiffin's Coaching Decisions

05:56 Music Preferences and Nostalgia

08:52 Life in New York City

11:49 Aging and Working with Youth

14:53 AJ's Career Journey and Aspirations

17:47 Navigating the Sports Industry

20:49 Experiences at HBCUs and Diversity in Sports

28:08 Understanding Different Backgrounds in Athletics

33:08 The Impact of NIL on College Sports

40:27 Career Development for Student Athletes

45:56 The Reality of Division I Aspirations

54:21 Advice for Law Students and Young Professionals

Antoine McClain has built his career around developing athletes and guiding them through the transitions that shape their futures. His foundation started at Clemson University, where he played major college football before advancing to the professional level with stops that included Baltimore, Oakland, Buffalo, and Arizona — earning a Super Bowl ring along the way. That experience gave him a clear, lived understanding of what athletes truly face during and after the game. When his playing career wrapped, Antoine stepped straight into athlete support. He began at the NFL Office in Player Engagement, working with athletes on education, career development, and transition planning. He then served in key roles at Clemson, Tennessee, and UNC Charlotte, leading career relations, alumni engagement, and player development. Across each program, his focus was helping athletes build identity, confidence, and long-term readiness. Today, Antoine is an adjunct professor and program architect at the University of South Carolina, helping design a for-credit Sport Career Transitions course for juniors, seniors, and former athletes. His work blends classroom structure with real-world mentorship and strategy, preparing athletes to step into their next chapter with clarity and ownership. Antoine’s football journey built the foundation. His career work continues to create the impact.

Antoine McClain, athlete development, career transitions, Clemson University, NFL, player engagement, sport career transitions, mentorship, athlete identity, professional football

• Antoine McClain's career is centered on athlete development and transition.
• He played major college football at Clemson University.
• Antoine advanced to the professional level, earning a Super Bowl ring.
• His post-playing career began at the NFL Office in Player Engagement.
• He has held key roles at Clemson, Tennessee, and UNC Charlotte.
• Antoine focuses on helping athletes build identity and confidence.
• He is an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina.
• Antoine designs a Sport Career Transitions course for athletes.
• His work combines classroom structure with real-world mentorship.
• Antoine's football journey laid the foundation for his career impact.

In this engaging episode of the "Thanks, But No One Asked You" podcast, host Britt Hunter welcomes guest Steve Davis Jr. from Strive Higher After Sports. They dive into a lively discussion about the challenges athletes face when transitioning to life after sports, emphasizing the importance of identity beyond athletics. The conversation covers topics like parental influence, the significance of diverse experiences, and the role of networking in personal growth. Steve shares insights on helping athletes find fulfillment and purpose, while Britt adds her perspective on exposure and cultural experiences.

Keywords

athletes, transition, identity, sports, networking, personal growth, fulfillment, purpose, exposure, cultural experiences

Takeaways

Athletes often struggle with identity after sports.

Parental influence can shape a child's focus on sports.

Diverse experiences are crucial for personal growth.

Networking is key to finding opportunities beyond sports.

Exposure to different cultures enriches personal development.

Athletes should explore interests outside of sports.

Building relationships can open unexpected doors.

Life skills are essential for post-sports success.

Mindset and resilience are vital for overcoming challenges.

Journaling can help athletes reflect and grow.

Website - https://www.strivehigheraftersports.com/

Instagram - https://instagram.com/shed_ave

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedav/

Strive Higher Journal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5Q83NFV#

Minnesota Athlete Community Sign Up - http://eepurl.com/jqbAZc