The Profluence Pod 🌐

Chris Hetherington is an 11-year NFL veteran turned serial CEO, now leading the charge as CEO of Fathead. With a Yale degree in psychology and executive education from Harvard and Wharton, Chris brings elite performance from the field into the boardroom—where he's known for building strong teams, scaling brands, and turning vision into action.At Fathead, Chris is reviving and evolving the iconic fan brand through strategic marketing, expanded IP, and innovative digital tools. Under his leadership, Fathead is helping fans celebrate what they love most—whether through larger-than-life graphics, personalized cutouts, or immersive app experiences.Chris shares what he’s learned from both professional sports and entrepreneurship—discussing leadership, brand engagement, marketing challenges, and what it takes to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced fan economy.

Chapters:

00:57 - Chris's Journey in Sports and Business

03:15 - Reviving the Fathead Brand

04:13 - Marketing Strategies for Brand Revival

07:05 - Expanding IP and Global Reach

10:18 - Building a Strong Operational Team

12:29 - Integrating Digital and Physical Experiences

15:28 - User-Generated Content and Brand Engagement

17:28 - Challenges in Marketing and Customer Acquisition

19:44 - Lessons from NFL Culture

21:46 - Staying Informed and Growing as a Leader

24:18 - Iconic Fathead Products and Future Directions

Chris Hetherington:

🏠Website: https://fathead.com/

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hetherington-36597a46/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

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Nic Sulsky is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Curling Group, a bold new venture on a mission to modernize and globalize the sport of curling. With a background in entrepreneurship and media, Nic is bringing fresh energy and innovation to a sport rich in tradition but ripe for reinvention.

In 2024, The Curling Group acquired the Grand Slam of Curling—an elite series featuring the top men’s and women’s teams from around the world. With a focus on storytelling, athlete branding, and equal prize purses, they’re aiming to elevate curling to new heights across global markets and streaming platforms.

From engaging fans beyond the Winter Olympics to building out crossover audiences, Nic shares how The Curling Group is reimagining curling as a media-forward, modern sport with massive untapped potential.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Curling and Its Potential

02:56 - Nic's Journey and Entrepreneurial Background

05:46 - Market Insights and Global Appeal of Curling

08:55 - Sustaining Interest Beyond the Olympics

11:54 - Crossover Audiences and Streaming Success

15:00 - Innovating the Sport and Engaging Fans

18:07 - Building Athlete Profiles and Brand Recognition

21:07 - The Future of Curling and Upcoming Events

23:57 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Nic Sulsky: 

 💼 Nic Sulsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicsulsky/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website:⁠ https://profluence.com⁠

🐣 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash⁠

💼 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/⁠

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Cory Heitz is the founder of PREP Athletics, a company dedicated to helping basketball players find the right-fitting prep schools. With over 15 years of experience coaching, scouting, and working with international and domestic athletes, Cory has placed players in over 55 prep schools across 35+ countries. His mission is to guide athletes through the complex prep school landscape, ensuring they maximize their exposure and opportunities for college recruitment.

PREP Athletics specializes in bridging the gap between athletes and prep schools, offering a pathway for players seeking better competition, academics, and overall development. Unlike traditional high schools or AAU programs, prep schools provide a structured environment to help athletes refine their skills and gain critical exposure to college programs.

Beyond basketball, Cory is also an entrepreneur and partner at Garrett LLC, where he focuses on brownfield redevelopment, commercial revitalization, and solar energy projects. His work in transforming contaminated industrial sites into thriving properties showcases his commitment to long-term growth—whether in sports or business.

Chapters:

06:01 - Cory Heitz's Journey to Founding Prep Athletics

11:56 - Understanding Prep Schools vs. Basketball Academies

17:55 - The Impact of NIL on Prep School Choices

20:12 - Incentive Models in Sports Contracts

23:19 - Innovative Ideas in Athlete Sponsorship

26:46 - The Evolution of Prep Schools

30:38 - Navigating the Prep School Landscape

34:55 - Business Opportunities in Prep Schools

Cory Heitz: 

Website: https://prepathletics.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryheitz/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts. 

Dr. Jim Borchers is the President and CEO of the U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH) and the Chief Medical Officer for the Big Ten Conference. With nearly two decades as a team physician for Ohio State football and seven years as head team physician for the entire athletic department, Dr. Borchers is a leading advocate for athlete health and safety.

USCAH partners with 300+ universities, 20+ conferences, and numerous high schools and youth sports organizations to ensure athlete well-being remains a top priority. By providing education, policy development, and risk management strategies, USCAH is shaping the future of sports healthcare.

Chapters:02:39 - The Evolution of Athletic Healthcare
06:30 - Role of the Chief Medical Officer in Sports
07:10 - US Council for Athletes’ Health: Mission and Impact
09:03 - Health and Safety Issues in Sports
11:58 - Continuity in Athletic Healthcare Across Levels

Akshat Prakash:

🏠 Website: https://uscah.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-borchers-md/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

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John D’Orsay is the CEO of EventConnect, a leading technology platform transforming the way sports tournaments are managed. With over 20 years of experience in technology, data, and automation, John is dedicated to streamlining tournament operations through innovative digital solutions. EventConnect is redefining sports event management by integrating cutting-edge technology with unparalleled service. Their platform helps organizers scale efficiently, improve coordination, and enhance the overall tournament experience for athletes, coaches, and parents.As the youth sports industry evolves, John shares insights on capital raising, private equity's impact, AI-driven sports management, and the future of technology in sports events and education.

Chapters:

02:31 - The Evolution of Youth Sports and EventConnect

05:11 - Navigating the Startup Journey and Capital Raising

07:56 - Understanding the Product and Market Strategy

10:28 - The Impact of Private Equity on Youth Sports

13:11 - Future Trends in Youth Sports and EventConnect's Vision

15:56 - Leveraging AI and Data in Sports Management

18:28 - The Future of Youth Sports and Education

John D’Orsay:

🏠Website: https://eventconnectsports.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndorsay/?originalSubdomain=ca

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Akshat Prakash is the CTO of Camb.ai, an AI-driven company revolutionizing language accessibility. With a background in AI from Carnegie Mellon and experience at Apple AI, Ack is at the forefront of innovation, helping enterprises and creators reach global audiences.Camb.ai’s proprietary models, MARS & BOLI, have been leveraged by sports leagues, filmmakers, and content creators to seamlessly adapt content across languages. Their mission is to ensure that ideas and opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of language barriers.With AI rapidly transforming sports, media, and education, Ack brings valuable insights into emerging trends, talent scouting in tech, and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.Chapters: 02:37 - The Evolution of AI in Sports and Education 05:26 - Scouting Young Talent in Coding 08:27 - The Business of Sports Tech and AI 11:01 - Expanding Beyond Sports: Opportunities in Media and Education 13:34 - Navigating B2B and B2C Markets 16:24 - Emerging Trends in AI and Language Models 19:20 - The Future of AI: Towards Super IntelligenceAkshat Prakash:🏠 Website: https://www.camb.ai/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshat-prakash/Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/Thanks for listening! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Ryan Weldon, the founder of 13th Bridge Games Studio, is a life-long gamer and sports fanatic with an extensive background in marketing, sales, and management. He previously served in high-level roles at Bausch Health and Johnson & Johnson, overseeing multi-billion dollar transactions. Ryan also worked as a consultant for major brands like Nike, bringing his expertise in sports marketing and brand building to the table. His passion for both gaming and sports led him to create 13th Bridge Games Studio, a company focused on revolutionizing the sports gaming experience.

13th Bridge Games Studio’s flagship product, Run The Court, is an arcade-style basketball battler designed for mobile devices. The game allows players to engage in 1v1 and 2v2 tournaments, inspired by the excitement of March Madness. With this mobile-first approach, Ryan and his team are offering a fresh and engaging experience for the next generation of gamers, blending competitive basketball with the convenience of mobile play.

An interesting fact about 13th Bridge is that their game Run The Court not only captures the excitement of basketball tournaments but also includes a unique blend of real-life athletes and fictional elements, creating a dynamic experience that appeals to both sports fans and mobile gamers alike. As mobile gaming continues to rise in popularity, 13th Bridge is poised to make a significant impact in the world of sports gaming.

Chapters: 

(1:09) - How 13th Bridge Came to Life

(4:34) - Trends in Mobile Gaming and Gen Z

(9:48) - The Evolution of March Madness and College Sports

(13:26) - Game and Athlete Affiliation: Blending Fiction with Real Life

(19:08) - Overcoming Challenges in the Gaming Industry

(23:13) - Community and Fan Engagement

Ryan Weldon:

🏠 Website: https://www.13thbridge.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanweldon/

Andrew Petcash: 🏠 Website: https://profluence.com🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

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Max Ade, Co-Founder of Pickleheads, is leading the charge in solving one of the biggest challenges facing the fastest-growing sport in America — pickleball. With 36.5 million players and counting, the sport’s rapid rise has created a surge in court shortages, long wait times, and overwhelmed organizers.To tackle these issues, Max and his team built Pickleheads, a platform that helps players connect, find local games, and organize matches seamlessly. With over 377,200 members and a recent $2.5 million seed round, Pickleheads is scaling rapidly as the digital home for pickleball players.Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated competitor, Pickleheads is helping players nationwide find their community, improve their game, and stay connected to the sport they love.

Chapters:

2:30 - The Growth of Pickleball and Market Insights

5:00 - Building a Community and Customer Acquisition Strategy

7:42 - Understanding the Pickleball Market and Participation Trends

10:15 - The Social Aspect of Pickleball and Its Unique Appeal

12:53 - Navigating Growth and Capital Raising for Pickleball

15:44 - Adapting to Skill Levels and Player Needs

18:26 - Future Vision and Trends in Pickleball

20:45 - Learning from Other Sports and Companies

Max Ade:

🏠 Website: https://www.pickleheads.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adesome/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

🐣 Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewpetcash

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.

Keith Stein, CEO of the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball team, is making waves in sports by spearheading the return of professional women’s baseball — the first league of its kind in North America since the 1950s. The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) is set to debut in 2025, with six teams playing in intimate ballparks and plans for a national broadcast deal.Keith’s journey into baseball was inspired by his collaboration with Justine Siegal, a trailblazer in the sport and the first woman to pitch to an MLB team and coach a professional men's team. Together, they’re driving a movement to create a long-overdue platform for women in baseball.The WPBL has already attracted over 800 of the world’s best players, drawing media coverage from CBS, The New York Times, and even Saturday Night Live — a testament to the league’s cultural impact and momentum.

Chapters: 1:13 - The Vision Behind the League

3:50 - Understanding the Game Structure

7:09 - Business Insights and Experiences

10:53 - Ownership Models and Strategies

16:12 - Real Estate and Infrastructure Needs

18:29 - Leveraging Celebrity Influence

22:12 - Compensation and Player Opportunities

24:49 - Personal Growth and Learning

Keith Stein:

Website: https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womensprobaseballleague/

Scott Garber

Website: https://profluence.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Elite 7 Sports Medicine is redefining athlete care by providing innovative, on-site medical services at sports events nationwide. With a team of experts boasting over 100 years of combined experience, Elite 7 ensures athletes receive seamless, sport-specific treatment—whether competing, recovering, or returning home.

Kelly Morgan, CEO and Medical Director, is an emergency physician and former athlete dedicated to improving access to high-quality sports medicine. With experience as an athletic trainer for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, medical director for USA Taekwondo, and a leader in emergency medical services, she is breaking barriers in both sports and healthcare.

From filling critical gaps in athlete care to building a business that prioritizes safety and accessibility, Kelly shares her entrepreneurial journey and vision for the future of sports medicine.

Chapters:

1:09 - Introduction to Elite 7 Sports Medicine

4:06 - The Origin Story of Kelly and Elite 7 Sports Medicine

8:49 - Addressing Gaps in Athletic Care

13:37 - Proactive Approaches to Injury Prevention

18:00 - The Entrepreneurial Journey in Sports Medicine

22:47 - The Vision for the Future of Athletic Care

Dr. Kelly Morgan: 

🏠 Website: https://www.e7sportsmedicine.com/team-1

 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-buchanan-morgan-md-atc-r-8ab59840/

Scott Garber:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

Thanks for listening! Hit the “follow” button to stay updated on new podcasts.