The NCAA Transfer Portal isn’t what most people think.

Parents are told their kids can “choose opportunity” — but behind the scenes, coaches cut players, push them into the portal, and bring in “their guys.”

In this Podcast, we share the real stories from inside the system — what happens when coaches leave, how players are replaced overnight, and why so many athletes are forced to move schools multiple times just to finish their degree.

If you’re a parent of a student-athlete, or an athlete thinking about the portal, this is what you NEED to hear before you make the move.

👉 Don’t miss the hard truth about loyalty, leverage, and life inside the NCAA.

Bad managers can ruin teams, destroy culture, and even cost companies millions. In this episode, Gerard and Sara break down the three biggest signs of a bad manager — leading by fear, ignoring their team’s input, and lacking integrity. You’ll hear unbelievable real stories, like a manager who threw a pizza against a boardroom wall, punched a clock in anger, and created a culture where no one could speak up. We also share why valuing your team’s opinions isn’t optional, how integrity (or lack of it) shapes everything, and what good leadership actually looks like. If you’ve ever dealt with a boss bully, toxic culture, or leaders who lie and manipulate, this episode will hit close to home. 👉 Subscribe for more leadership lessons, workplace stories, and strategies to build healthy, thriving teams.

The REAL Secret to CONFIDENCE When Walking into Any Room

Most people hold themselves back in business, sports, and life because they walk into the room looking unsure.

In this episode, Gerard and Sara share stories that prove one simple truth: if you act like you belong, others will believe you do.

From CEOs sneaking into NFL stadiums to parents getting mistaken for college coaches, the lesson is clear—confidence is the ultimate credential.

You’ll learn why people rarely question presence, how to use body language to create authority, and why confidence can transform networking, public speaking, and even family sports events.

👉 If you’ve ever walked into a meeting, tryout, or boardroom and felt out of place, this video will change how you carry yourself. ✨ Subscribe for more practical confidence and leadership tips that help you read the room and win in life.

Cracker Barrel just changed its logo — and people are furious. But the truth isn’t about being “woke” or about nostalgia. It’s about business. Buc-ee’s, the gas station megastore with a smiling beaver, has been stealing Cracker Barrel’s market share one highway exit at a time.

In this episode, we break down why Cracker Barrel waited too long to update its brand, how Buc-ee’s turned convenience into a cultural phenomenon, and what every business owner can learn from this battle.

From kids choosing restaurants based on mascots, to families trading rocking chairs for brisket sandwiches, the lesson is clear: branding moves fast — and if you don’t, you get left behind.

👉 What do you think — did Cracker Barrel’s rebrand come too late? Or is Buc-ee’s just unbeatable? Comment below.

In this episode of Reading the Room, Gerard and Sara take on one of the hottest debates in today’s workplace: the future of working from home.

They dig into why companies are phasing out entry-level remote jobs, how productivity is being measured, and what the shift back to offices really means for workers. From their own experiences in real estate and business, they reveal surprising truths:

• Why high-paying jobs are staying remote but entry-level ones aren’t
• The difference between being happy at home and actually being productive at home
• How measuring your own work output changes the game
• Why coworking spaces are exploding if everyone says they “love” working remotely
• The hidden risk of jobs that can be done anywhere — including by AI or offshore teams

It’s an unfiltered look at what employers see, what employees believe, and the gap in between. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Am I really more productive at home?” this episode is for you.

Work from home sounded like the future in 2020. But four years later, big companies are pulling employees back to the office — and not without reason. In this episode of Reading the Room, Gerard and Sara unpack the data, the cycles, and the real story behind remote work.

👉 You’ll hear why entry-level remote roles are disappearing, how your productivity actually stacks up, and why promotions often go to people in the office. They also share personal stories about juggling distractions, raising kids during Zoom school, and why renting office space has quietly become big business.

This isn’t just about working from home — it’s about understanding how your career, salary, and future opportunities are tied to where you work.

If you’re a professional, student, or leader trying to figure out the next chapter of remote work, don’t miss this one.

Most people think social media is fake. The truth? It’s just a highlight reel. And here’s the catch—if you don’t tell your story, someone else will.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why athletes brag about their stats
• Why rappers talk about their lifestyle
• Why even parents post their kids’ awards

It all comes down to one thing: the story you tell is the story people believe. This isn’t about faking it—it’s about owning your narrative.

Whether you’re building a business, a personal brand, or just your reputation, documenting your wins and showing your journey matters. If you don’t take control, the world will write your story for you.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to reframe “self-promotion” into storytelling
• Why documenting your journey builds credibility and trust
• How to flip the script and create your own highlight reel
• Practical ways to start owning your story today

👉 Tune in until the end for a mindset shift that will change the way you think about personal branding forever.

Everyone online says “if your kid doesn’t want it, they’ll never be great.” But that’s one of the biggest lies in youth sports. In this video, we break down why kids actually need coaching, structure, and guidance—even when they don’t show drive at first.

Using the famous “Wax On, Wax Off” lesson from The Karate Kid, we explain how true coaching works in real life. Whether it’s sports, school, or life, kids don’t just magically find success on their own. Greatness comes when parents, mentors, and coaches provide the right systems, repetition, and encouragement to unlock potential.

You’ll learn:

• Why “natural drive” isn’t enough to reach long-term success
• How kids (and adults) benefit from consistent coaching
• The biggest mistake parents make when it comes to motivation
• How to balance discipline and encouragement to bring out the best in kids

If you’re a parent, coach, or mentor, this is a must-watch. Don’t quit on your kids too early — give them the coaching and support that creates champions on and off the field.

👉 Subscribe for more insights on parenting, coaching, and leadership. 👉 Comment below: Do you believe kids should only play if they’re self-motivated?

In business, it’s tempting to build for your busiest day — the “Easter Sunday” moment — but that strategy can drain your resources, stress your team, and sink your profits. In this episode, Gerard and Sarah break down why planning for your average, not your peak, is the smarter way to scale.

From daycare expansion decisions to lessons learned running massive UPS operations, you’ll hear real stories that reveal the danger of overbuilding and overreaching. We’ll explore how to balance growth with sustainability, avoid the “go big or go broke” trap, and make operational decisions that serve you year-round — not just for one chaotic month.

Whether you’re running a small business, managing a warehouse, or thinking about your next big expansion, these lessons will help you grow smarter, not just bigger.

Key Topics

• The “Easter Sunday” analogy and what it means in business
• Why planning for peak demand can cost you more than it earns
• Lessons from UPS on seasonal scaling without overspending
• How daycare expansion decisions taught valuable growth lessons
• The importance of perfecting systems before multiplying locations
• Managing chaos vs. creating consistent, manageable operations

Quote of the Episode

"You never build the church for Easter Sunday — because you don’t heat and cool an empty building all year for one packed day." — Gerard

Episode Keywords (SEO)

business scaling, business growth strategy, avoid overbuilding, Easter Sunday business analogy, UPS scaling lesson, peak demand planning, small business expansion, daycare business tips, warehouse management, sustainability in business, cost management, business podcast, leadership and growth

Ever walked into your workplace and seen people busy… but not really productive? In this episode, we dive into why setting clear expectations is the foundation of any successful team. From warehouse floors to daycare centers, we share real stories of what happens when leaders fail to give proper direction — and how small communication changes can completely shift results.

You’ll hear:

• How unclear goals create “busy work” instead of progress
• Why surprise visits can reveal the truth about daily operations
• The difference between managing and truly leading
• Practical ways to communicate expectations so your team stays on track

Whether you manage a team, run a business, or simply want better collaboration, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to set expectations that actually stick.

Being #1 in a Small Pond? The Hidden Cost No One Talks About

Everyone loves being #1 — but what if your success is keeping you small? We all love being “the best”… but best where?

Gerard tells the “Best crabs in Pasadena” story—aka the sign that says you’re great at something the place isn’t even known for.

This episode is a wake-up call to stop measuring against your fishbowl and start benchmarking against the best in the world.

We talk about mentors who tell you the truth, leaving small ponds, and why sitting next to greatness levels you up faster than any local award. You’ll learn: how to pick real benchmarks, spot fake wins, ask better questions, and build habits that actually move you up the ladder.

If you want world-class, stop hunting small-town trophies.