Michael Rubin breaks down the truth about the White Party, why relationships matter more than people realize, and how he thinks about building rooms where power, business, and culture collide. He shares how Fanatics grew into a $40 billion company, why he treats networking as a real business skill, and what most people misunderstand about success.

Michael Rubin is the founder of Fanatics and one of the most connected figures in sports, business, and culture. In this conversation, he opens up about the White Party, building authentic relationships, running philanthropy like a business, and the work ethic, resilience, and mindset behind becoming a billionaire.

Chapters

00:00 - Relationships Are Everything 

01:25 - The Meek Mill Story That Changed His Life 

05:19 - Why He Started Reform Alliance 

06:09 - Running Philanthropy Like a Business 

09:04 - The Truth About the White Party 

12:41 - Sophia’s White Party Fall & Meeting Jay-Z 

13:53 - The Only 3 Events He Throws Each Year 

15:19 - How He Learns by Talking to People 

17:16 - Spotting Young Talent Before Everyone Else 

17:54 - Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities & Starting Young 

20:10 - What His Kids Have Taught Him 

21:46 - Sleeping 4.5 Hours a Night 

22:30 - Recovery & Trying to Live Longer 

23:19 - Weight Loss, Ozempic & Not Taking Himself Too Seriously 

26:10 - If He Lost Everything, How He’d Rebuild 

28:02 - The Most Important Early Business Decisions 

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About The Burnouts 

The Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, athletes, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to reveal the real stories behind ambitious careers. 

Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more. 

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