David Brickley (Owner and CEO, STN Digital) joins S2SB to discuss why he started a company full of GOATs, how getting in touch with his idol helped him realize he could control his own destiny, and why he’s taken chances on himself throughout his career. David and Brandon talk about protecting your peace, pivoting to a new dream when it becomes clear one isn’t going to work out the way you thought, and why you shouldn’t wait for someone else’s permission to have the career you want.

This interview was originally recorded in August, 2022.

1:35 - How David built a superteam with STN Digital
3:25 - Why employees are called GOATs
4:50 - What David looks for in employees to help build the best culture
6:40 - Why failure can spark inspiration
11:35 - How David’s lack of limiting beliefs and an email to Kobe Bryant led to an epiphany
13:00 - The gamble David took on himself in pursuit of a dream
16:15 - His time as a Los Angeles Lakers Insider for FOX Sports
18:45 - How David met Kobe
22:20 - How David honed his craft working with audio and video
28:45 - A fun Florida Gulf Coast University story from the early days of social media
30:40 - How STN Digital made a name for itself
32:30 - How David manages to log off while running his own digital company
39:20 - Growing up in SoCal and playing basketball
41:40 - How David went from working in radio to starting his own podcast, Business of Social
43:45 - Width vs. depth in the content creation game
46:45 - The pain of being a Chargers fan
47:50 - Which performer David compares to Michael Jackson + more Drake talk
50:20 - The importance of getting a feature in rap right now
52:40 - The Recommender: David’s series, movie, podcast, comedian, and book
1:00:24 - Old Tweets

Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: David Brickley

Be sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!

For more, check out:
Brad Smith on Stick to Sports Biz

Connect with Brandon on Twitter and LinkedIn
Connect with David on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok

Zack Raab (Minor League Baseball Club Services Coordinator at Major League Baseball) joins S2SB to discuss his return to the United States from Israel to pursue his dream of working in MLB, how networking was key to his success, and why you should always take a chance on yourself. Zack and Brandon talk about the first time they connected through Brandon’s work at The Athletic, how the pandemic impacted Zack’s career journey, and Mike Trout’s LinkedIn activity.

1:30 - How Brandon and Zack first connected
5:35 - Zack’s early involvement in baseball
12:30 - What baseball is like in Israel
19:15 - What prompted Zack’s move from Israel back to the U.S.
33:10 - How Zack’s family handled his career change
34:15 - The impact of the pandemic on Zack’s job search
38:35 - How a commitment to networking helped Zack land a dream job
41:15 - Zack on chasing your dreams
49:40 - More about Zack’s current role
53:05 - The Recommender: Zack’s documentary, writer, podcast
59:00 - Old Tweets

Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Zack Raab

Be sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!

Connect with Brandon on Twitter and LinkedIn
Connect with Zack on Twitter and LinkedIn

Jordan Dolbin (Senior Manager, Player Social Marketing at the NFL) joins S2SB to discuss her career in sports, finding success in social media marketing, and learning about life through playing team sports. Jordan and Brandon talk about the legendary creation two popular Instagram football accounts, whether or not getting your Master’s degree is worthwhile, and their shared love for the Philadelphia Eagles.

2:05 - Jordan’s path to working in social media marketing
5:00 - The value of a Master’s degree
6:25 - Jordan’s thesis in grad school on the effects of second-screen use on the enjoyment of watching the Super Bowl (which has been cited in research!)
10:00 - How she made a career with the NFL
15:30 - How Jordan and her coworkers created The Checkdown and NFL Throwback (now NFL Legacy)
22:00 - More about her current role with the league
28:40 - Jordan’s time working with youth football
31:55 - The impact that playing team sports had on her life
35:45 - Jordan’s love for and prior experience working in pro soccer
41:10 - Top 5 Favorite Philadelphia Eagles of All Time
54:45 - The Recommender: Jordan’s TV show, music artist, and documentary series
1:02:15 - Old Tweets

Host & Producer: Brandon Fleshman
Guest: Jordan Dolbin

Be sure to follow, rate, and review the show if you enjoy this episode!

Connect with Brandon on Twitter and LinkedIn
Connect with Jordan on Twitter