In this special kickoff episode for 2025, Bryan shares his unique "halftime" perspective on the new year, inspired by his experiences in soccer and business. He reflects on the importance of assessing past performance, making bold adjustments, and confronting the truth without excuses. Bryan offers actionable insights to help listeners take charge of their personal and professional growth as they step into the year ahead. Tune in for a powerful conversation on reflection, strategy, and bold moves for success in 2025.

Key Moments

• 00:00 New Year, New Beginnings: A Halftime Perspective
• 05:18 Making Bold Adjustments for Success
• 10:33 Facing the Truth: No Excuses in the Game
• 15:20 Actionable Steps: Getting in the Game

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

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In this episode, Bryan welcomes Brian Doyle back to the podcast to dive into the challenges and breakthroughs of pivoting a business for growth. Brian shares how his athletic background led to founding Axios Core, and how shifting from direct-to-consumer sales to a scalable B2B model changed everything. They discuss lessons on leadership, overcoming setbacks, and the power of simplifying processes to drive success. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale, pivot, and lead with purpose.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Critical Reflections and New Beginnings
• 02:54 From Sports to Business: The Journey of Brian Doyle
• 05:47 The Evolution of Axius Core: A Shift in Strategy
• 09:09 Scaling Challenges: The Hamster Wheel of Startups
• 12:02 Finding the Right Ingredients: Product vs. Business
• 14:54 The Power of Humility: Learning from Others
• 17:46 Empowering Teams: Communicating Change Effectively
• 23:37 Empowering the Team for Success
• 26:31 Defining and Measuring a Pivot
• 30:20 Growth Rate: The Key Metric
• 34:02 Learning from Past Mistakes
• 39:46 Creating Luck Through Conversations
• 43:31 The Importance of Humility and Openness

Connect with Brian Doyle

• Instagram: @bgdoyle
• LinkedIn: @briandoyle
• Website:  www.axiuscore.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

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In this episode, Bryan reflects on the biggest lessons from the past year, sharing insights on leadership, personal growth, purpose, and teamwork. Drawing from conversations with inspiring guests, he highlights how empowering others, embracing chaos, and staying authentic can unlock new levels of success. Bryan dives into the importance of personal branding, the power of teamwork in achieving goals, and why purpose-driven leadership makes all the difference. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you grow, lead, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
• 01:52 Empowering Others and Leadership
• 06:12 Personal Growth and Self-Awareness
• 11:54 Purpose and Authenticity
• 17:57 Teamwork and Collaboration
• 24:09 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this high-octane episode of What’s Next, Bryan Finnerty sits down with Dave Alpern, President of Joe Gibbs Racing, to uncover the secrets behind leading one of NASCAR’s premier organizations. From starting as an unpaid intern in a broom closet to steering a team that competes at 200 miles per hour, Dave’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and intentionality.  Discover how Dave’s “three-legged stool” philosophy—honoring God, putting people before profits, and relentlessly pursuing excellence—has shaped the culture at Joe Gibbs Racing.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Indispensable Employee
• 01:28 Building a Winning Culture
• 07:06 The Journey from Intern to Leader
• 12:10 The Importance of Who Over What
• 18:18 Balancing Excellence and Influence
• 22:05 The Unique Dynamics of Team Competition
• 25:47 The Intensity of Competition
• 26:42 Transitioning from Athlete to Professional
• 30:04 Creating Pathways for Growth
• 32:28 The Importance of Being Indispensable
• 36:08 Legacy and Non-Negotiables in Leadership
• 39:54 Mindset and Stewardship in Business
• 42:13 The True Measure of Legacy
• 45:30 Balancing Life and Business
• 49:16 Empowerment Through Conversation

Connect with Dave Alpern

• Linked In : @davealpern 
• Dave Alpern’s Book: Taking the Lead
• Proceeds benefit the JD Gibbs Legacy Fund supporting urban youth programs www.takingtheleadbook.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

This week Bryan dives deep into the mental strategies that drive world-class performance with sports psychologist and best-selling author Dan Abrahams. Known for his work with elite athletes across soccer, golf, rugby, and Formula One, Dan shares insights on how to harness competitive spirit, transition seamlessly from sports to business, and avoid the pitfalls of burnout. Learn how intentional leadership, mindset mastery, and deliberate recovery can transform not only your performance but also your approach to life.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Taking Control of Your Performance
• 05:02 The Journey to Sports Psychology
• 10:01 The Power of Control in Sports and Business
• 15:13 Translating Competitive Spirit to Business
• 20:10 Mindset and Performance: The Key to Success
• 28:16 Mindset and Performance: The Feedback Loop
• 31:11 Leadership: Influence and Autonomy
• 40:17 Avoiding Burnout: The Importance of Rest
• 46:45 Multiple Identities: Balancing Life and Sport

Connect with Dan:

• LinkedIn : @DanAbrahams
• www.danabrahams.com

Dan’s Books:

• Soccer Tough 1 & 2
• Golf Tough
• Soccer Brain

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode Bryan Finnerty welcomes Jeff Dudan, a former collegiate football player turned entrepreneurial powerhouse. Jeff’s journey spans from working as a dog at Chuck E. Cheese to leading Homefront Brands, a rapidly growing franchise platform that’s reshaping the property services industry. Along the way, Jeff authored Discernment, a playbook for better decision-making and a great life, and even starred on Undercover Boss. Whether you’re an athlete looking to translate your skills into business, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone just starting out, this episode will inspire you to dream big and move fast.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Focus on Yourself: The Key to Success
• 01:14 From Chuck E. Cheese to Entrepreneurial Success
• 05:49 Decision Making: A Full Contact Sport
• 11:49 The Power of Values in Business
• 18:03 Building a Winning Franchise Team
• 24:03 Strategic Growth: Acquiring Brands for Success
• 30:42 Leveraging Experience Over Opinion
• 33:27 The Risks and Rewards of Undercover Boss
• 39:34 Family Dynamics in Business
• 51:21 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
• 57:10 Future Vision for Homefront Brands

Connect with Jeff:

• LinkedIn : @jeffdudan
• Instagram: @jeffdudan
• www.homefrontbrands.com
• Jeff Dudan’s Book: Discernment: The Business Athlete’s Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions
• Check out Jeff’s Podcast: The Homefront Show

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan chats with Billy Downs about the ins and outs of the restaurant industry, from building a strong team culture to maintaining a clear vision and core values. Billy shares his inspiring journey from his early days in hospitality to becoming a successful restaurant entrepreneur, including the evolution of Ford’s Garage. They dive into the challenges of leadership, the power of mentorship, and the potential of franchise opportunities in shaping the industry. Billy also discusses the importance of servant leadership, identifying your superpower, and balancing fun and love in work. Tune in to uncover key insights on creating a thriving business culture and achieving long-term success in any industry.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Passion for Hospitality and Team Culture
• 05:12 Journey into the Restaurant Business
• 09:56 Building a Team-Oriented Culture
• 14:54 Vision and Values in Business
• 20:07 Franchise Opportunities and Growth
• 27:10 The Evolution of Ford's Garage
• 29:04 The Importance of Servant Leadership
• 32:27 Culture and Hospitality in Business
• 34:51 Identifying Your Superpower
• 37:14 Navigating Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
• 40:34 The Difference Between Fun and Love in Work
• 42:02 Maintaining Culture Through Transitions
• 46:54 Key Takeaways for Building a Strong Culture
• 50:39 Future Aspirations for Ford's Garage

Connect with Billy:

• Facebook: @BillyDowns
• LinkedIn : @BillyDowns

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

Bryan chats with Jason Okroy about his journey from soccer player to entrepreneur, building a purpose-driven company that hires veterans and creates a strong culture. They discuss the transition from sports to business, the power of curiosity, and the challenges of scaling a business. Jason shares insights on leadership, mentorship, and leaving a lasting legacy through meaningful work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on passion, growth, and making an impact.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Entrepreneurship
• 03:00 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 06:13 The Importance of Curiosity and Feedback
• 09:05 Building a Business with Purpose
• 11:50 Navigating Challenges in Hiring Veterans
• 15:12 Establishing Company Values and Culture
• 18:00 Creating a Movement in Veteran Employment
• 20:53 Legacy and Impact Beyond Business
• 25:11 Navigating Business Growth and Partnerships
• 30:10 The Role of Private Equity in Scaling Businesses
• 35:20 Embracing Data and Board Dynamics
• 39:14 Post-Transaction Reflections and Humility
• 45:19 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

Connect with Brad:

• LinkedIn: @jasonokroy

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan interviews American soccer legend Brad Friedel, who shares his incredible journey from playing in the English Premier League to leading as a sporting director in Turkey. Brad opens up about the unique challenges American players face in European leagues, the rapid evolution of soccer in the U.S., and the art of building a strong, resilient team culture. Dive into powerful insights on leadership, selecting the right talent, and balancing work-life demands in high-pressure sports environments. Friedel also highlights his approach to winning, the importance of character in player recruitment, and his commitment to inspiring the next generation. 

Key Moments

• Chapter00:00 The Journey of an American Soccer Pioneer
• 05:49 Transitioning from Player to Sporting Director
• 11:56 Building a High-Performing Team
• 20:04 Leadership and Culture in Sports Organizations
• 26:22 Winning Trophies and Authentic Leadership
• 31:11 Character Assessment in Player Recruitment
• 36:29 Scouting and Preparing for Success
• 42:11 Lessons from a Storied Career
• 48:22 Legacy and Inspiring Future Generations

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

Jeremy Aisenberg is back for a candid conversation on finding your true North Star. Together, Bryan and Jeremy dive into what it means to define meaningful personal and professional goals, uncovering the purpose and alignment needed to make life and work truly fulfilling. Jeremy shares powerful insights and personal stories from his entrepreneurial journey, providing a practical framework to help you discover your North Star and confidently navigate your unique path. Tune in for an inspiring discussion packed with actionable takeaways on purpose, passion, and the road to success.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Finding Your North Star
• 10:01 Defining Purpose and Goals
• 20:12 The Importance of Alignment
• 30:10 Embracing the Journey

Connect with Jeremy:

• Instagram: @jaisenberg
• LinkedIn: @jeremyaisenberg
• Website: www.TalentBrandLabs.com 

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.