Best Shane Battier Ravi Gupta Alex Smith Podcasts (2025)

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The Science of Momentum with Don Yaeger - [Glue Guys, EP. 59] 58:49

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7h ago58:49

58:49

Shane and Alex sit down with bestselling author Don Yaeger, who has spent years studying one of the most misunderstood forces in sports, business, and life: momentum. Yaeger — a 12-time New York Times bestselling author who has collaborated with legends like Coach K, John Wooden, Walter Payton, and Michael Oher — breaks down the science behind mome…

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Greg Olsen is Coaching a New Generation of Glue Guys - [Glue Guys, EP. 58] 1:10:40

10d ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Greg Olsen joins the Glue Guys to dive deep into what it really means to compete — as a player, a coach, and a parent.Greg shares lessons from his father’s old-school New Jersey football program, coaching middle schoolers with Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Stewart, and the challenge of raising kids in today’s hyper-competitive, social-media-driven spor…

1
Curiosity, Agency, and AI with Bret Taylor [Glue Guys, EP.57] 1:06:41

14d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Ravi Gupta and Shane Battier sit down with tech visionary Bret Taylor, co-founder of Sierra AI and former CTO of Facebook, co-CEO of Salesforce, and chairman of OpenAI. Taylor shares his philosophy on career evolution, explaining why he refuses to let an "ossified version of his past self limit his future self." The conversation covers his journey …

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The Importance of Weavers - [Glue Guys, EP.56] 1:09:07

28d ago1:09:07

1:09:07

This week, former pro athlete and Head of Menlo School, Than Healy, joins The Glue Guys a heartfelt and insightful conversations on parenting, leadership, and resilience.Healy shares lessons from decades of working with students and parents in one of the most competitive school environments in America — and explains why failure isn’t a bug, it’s a …

1
Aging - [Glue Guys, EP.55] 1:11:52

1M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

In this episode of Glue Guys, Alex Smith, Shane Battier, and Ravi Gupta dive deep into the concept of aging - both professionally and personally. They explore how different industries favor youth over experience, the power of compounding growth versus explosive success, and finding sustainable urgency in your career. Shane shares his "Imperial Peri…

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The Hidden Mental Game of Quarterbacking - [Glue Guys, EP.54] 57:36

2M ago57:36

57:36

Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith joins Ravi Gupta for an in-depth conversation about the massive differences between high school, college, and NFL football - and how those transitions mirror the challenges of building a business. Alex reveals how he went from running just 15 plays at Utah to learning 200+ plays as an NFL rookie, the brutal reality…

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Urban Meyer: Selfless Teams [Glue Guys Classic] 1:04:50

2M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Teams that gel. It’s every leader’s ambition. And legendary college football coach ⁠Urban Meyer⁠’s specialty. His approach earned him 17 championship titles, 3 perfect seasons, 5x coach of the year, and one of the most winning records in history (187-32). What does it take to go from a collection of players to a winning institution? Alex and Coach …

1
Susan Li - Meta's CFO on Building a Fast Learning Culture - [Glue Guys, EP.53] 1:23:38

2M ago1:23:38

1:23:38

Meta CFO Susan Li joins Glue Guys to share her incredible journey from an immigrant to becoming one of the youngest Fortune 100 CFOs. Susan discusses joining Facebook in 2008 when it had only 400 employees and was smaller than MySpace, her unique childhood experiences, and the sacrifices her parents made coming to America. She reveals insights abou…

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Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal - The Obsessive Craftsmanship Behind Acquired - [Glue Guys, EP.52] 1:24:33

2M ago1:24:33

1:24:33

Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, hosts of the mega-hit podcast Acquired, join Glue Guys to share their incredible journey from side hobby to multi-million dollar business. They reveal how they've doubled their audience every year for 10 years through organic growth and discuss their intense research process. The duo opens up about David's leap from…

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The Competitor's Paradox - [Glue Guys, EP.51] 58:36

3M ago58:36

58:36

Alex Smith, Shane Battier, and Ravi Gupta dive deep into Scottie Scheffler's controversial "What's the point?" press conference before the British Open. The world's #1 golfer questioned his purpose despite dominating the sport, sparking debates about competition, family priorities, and what drives elite performers. The guys explore how Scheffler's …

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Earning the Right to Take Risks - [Glue Guys, EP.50] 58:54

3M ago58:54

58:54

Shane Battier and Ravi Gupta dive deep into the art of risk-taking. They explore when to "swing big" versus playing it safe, drawing from Shane's NBA career and Ravi's venture capital experience. The duo discusses earning the right to take risks, avoiding financial and opportunity ruin, and why standing pat can sometimes be the riskiest move of all…

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Steve Kerr - Leadership Lessons From a Glue Guy Career - [Glue Guys, EP.49] 1:07:20

3M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr joins the Glue Guys for a conversation about leadership, mindset, and championship culture. With nine championship rings (five as a player, four as a coach), Kerr shares intimate stories about playing with Michael Jordan and coaching Steph Curry, the mental strategies that helped him overcome anxiety, and…

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Mandell Crawley - From Chicago's West Side to Morgan Stanley's C-Suite - [Glue Guys, EP.48] 1:04:21

4M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Mandell Crawley, Chief Client Officer at Morgan Stanley, shares his extraordinary journey from growing up on Chicago's west side to the C-suite of Morgan Stanley. After losing his mother at age 2 and father at 17, Mandell was raised by his grandparents who instilled values of faith, education, and resilience. Mandell discusses vulnerability as a su…

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Fidji Simo: Meta, Instacart, & OpenAI journey [Glue Guys Classic] 1:07:56

4M ago1:07:56

1:07:56

From a family of fishermen in southern France to CEO of Instacart – ⁠Fidji Simo⁠'s path breaks every convention. After becoming her family's first high school graduate and attending France's leading university, she rose to lead the Facebook app before taking the helm at Instacart. She shares how she ‘finds the magic’ in people while delivering incr…

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Chris Webber - Building a Legacy - [Glue Guys, EP. 47] 27:21

4M ago27:21

27:21

In this episode of Glue Guys, NBA Hall-of-Famer Chris Webber talks about building a legacy that outlasts stats or fame. Webber opens up about the moment he realized it was bigger than basketball—and why culture, teamwork, and humility define true success.The guys talk about the feeling of getting drafted #1 overall, passing on the mantle to younger…

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Dawn Staley - The Championship Mindset - [Glue Guys, EP.46] 58:22

4M ago58:22

58:22

Dawn Staley joins the Glue Guys to discuss her incredible journey from North Philadelphia to becoming one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. The three-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time national champion opens up about her new book, sharing insights on leadership, dealing with modern parenting challenges, and build…

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The "Learn Fast" Philosophy Used by Elite Teams - [Glue Guys, EP.45] 1:01:19

5M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

The Glue Guys dive deep into Mark Zuckerberg's philosophy of "learning faster than anyone else" and how it applies beyond tech. They explore the differences between innovation in football vs. basketball, discussing how roster flexibility affects a team's ability to adapt quickly. Alex shares powerful insights from his injury recovery, revealing how…

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Seth Wickersham - Inside the Elite Quarterback Mind - [Glue Guys, EP.44] 1:04:07

4M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

ESPN's Seth Wickersham joins Glue Guys to discuss his new book "American Kings" - a deep dive into the unique world of NFL quarterbacks. From Tom Brady's self-affirmations to the Manning family's approach with Arch, Wickersham explores what makes quarterbacks different from every other position. The conversation covers quarterback parenting, the pr…

1
David Anderson - From NFL Slot Receiver to Sports Data Revolutionary - [Glue Guys, EP.43] 1:15:52

5M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

Former NFL slot receiver David Anderson joins Alex Smith, Shane Battier, and Ravi Gupta to discuss his journey from Colorado State to six NFL seasons, and his transition into sports data analytics. Anderson shares insights on the mental toughness required to play slot receiver, the physicality of professional football, and his work with Second Spec…

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Eli Manning - Pressure, Leadership & Showing Up - [Glue Guys, EP.41] 1:01:42

5M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Former Giants QB Eli Manning joins Alex, Shane, and Ravi for an incredible conversation about fatherhood, pressure, and leadership. Eli opens up about growing up as Archie Manning's son, dealing with New York media expectations, and his approach to parenting his own kids. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from his Super Bowl runs, the emotional e…

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The Mercenary Dilemma - [Glue Guys, EP.42] 1:13:57

5M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

In this episode of Glue Guys, former NFL QB Alex Smith, former NBA player Shane Battier, and venture capitalist Ravi Gupta dive into the fascinating dynamics of loyalty versus transactionalism in sports and business. They explore what it means for an athlete to identify with a single city, debate the merits of "mercenary" players who chase champion…

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Pablo Torre - Finding Your Voice in Sports Media - [Glue Guys, EP.40] 1:12:05

6M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

ESPN journalist Pablo Torre joins Shane Battier, Alex Smith, and Ravi Gupta for a thought-provoking conversation about sports media's evolution. Pablo shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to acclaimed sports journalist, discussing how he found his authentic voice in media. The group explores the changing landscape of sports journalism, balancing…

1
The Parent Trap - [Glue Guys, EP.39] 1:01:01

6M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

The Glue Guys dive into parenthood and what it means to be a good person while raising children. They discuss whether becoming a parent brings out the best or worst in people, how they handle their kids' aspirations, and what single trait they hope their children develop. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check ou…

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Is Tough Feedback Dead? - [Glue Guys, EP.38] 1:03:08

6M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

In this candid episode of Glue Guys, Alex, Shane, and Ravi discuss the art of giving and receiving tough feedback. The trio share their most memorable "chew-out" stories from their athletic careers, debate the balance between demanding excellence and offering support, and explore how to create "productive paranoia" in their children. The conversati…

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Jim Harbaugh - Why Relentless Enthusiasm Wins Games - [Glue Guys, EP.37] 51:27

6M ago51:27

51:27

Join The Glue Guys as they sit down with legendary NFL coach Jim Harbaugh in this heartfelt conversation about leadership, family, and football philosophy. Harbaugh shares personal stories from his coaching journey, including his time with Alex Smith at the 49ers, his "Who's got it better than us?" mantra from his father, and his approach to gettin…

1
Should Athletes Get Equity? - [Glue Guys, EP.36] 1:01:27

7M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

In this episode of Glue Guys, the guys debate whether professional athletes should receive equity in their teams. They explore which athletes truly increase franchise value, how equity might change player motivation, and whether ownership stakes could disrupt team dynamics. The conversation delves into sports economics, comparing the NBA's max sala…

1
The Price of Risk is Lower Than You Think - [Glue Guys, EP.35] 40:39

7M ago40:39

40:39

Former NFL QB Alex Smith, NBA player Shane Battier, and venture capitalist Ravi Gupta have a fascinating conversation about the NFL Draft, risk-taking in sports and business, and talent evaluation. They discuss why teams overreach for quarterbacks despite their low hit rate, the importance of being bold when you have a premier leadership position, …

1
Wright Thompson - Uncovering the Human Behind the Headlines - [Glue Guys, EP.34] 53:50

7M ago53:50

53:50

In this episode of Glue Guys, Alex, Shane, and Ravi talk with renowned sportswriter Wright Thompson about the complexities of ambition and success. Wright shares insights from his profiles of elite athletes like Jason Tatum and Michael Jordan, exploring the personal costs of excellence, the struggle to balance professional obsession with family lif…

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Jim "Bones" Mackay - The Man Behind the Masters - [Glue Guys, EP.33] 1:08:46

7M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Jim “Bones” Mackay has seen it all. Three-time Masters champion caddie. The man inside the ropes with Phil Mickelson for 25+ years. And now one of golf’s most respected voices. In this episode of Glue Guys, Bones joins us for an incredible deep dive into what really happens at Augusta during Masters Week — from the insane pressure players feel to P…

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Dan Quinn - Building Team Culture - [Glue Guys, EP.32] 48:45

8M ago48:45

48:45

NFL coach Dan Quinn joins the Glue Guys to share wisdom from his coaching journey. He discusses learning authenticity from mentors Nick Saban and Pete Carroll, using his Atlanta firing as an opportunity for growth, and his approach to building Washington's culture through player ownership. Quinn reveals how he creates high standards by competing in…

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The Caddies of Life - [Glue Guys, EP.31] 55:33

8M ago55:33

55:33

In this episode of Glue Guys, Alex, Shane, and Ravi recap their annual "Commissioners Cup" golf tournament. They discuss why creating time for male friendship becomes increasingly important yet difficult as men age. The trio shares memorable moments from the tournament, including rookie hazing and competition stories. Alex reveals a hilarious NFL r…

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Legends and Lessons: Personal Encounters with Giants - [Glue Guys, EP.30] 1:11:09

8M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

The hosts share their most memorable encounters with legends and titans in their respective fields. Shane recounts playing golf with Tiger Woods, Alex discusses his first NFL start against Peyton Manning, and Ravi reflects on his early days working with private equity legends Henry Kravis and George Roberts. The conversation explores themes of impo…

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Jared Goff - Written Off, Chanted On - [Glue Guys, EP.29] 1:08:57

8M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff joins the Glue Guys to share his remarkable journey from first overall pick to Detroit's beloved franchise QB. He shares the shocking moment he learned about his trade from the Rams with no warning, and how a single phone call from Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes changed his entire outlook. Jared offers candid insi…

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Sheryl Sandberg - Leadership, Growth, & Operational Excellence - [Glue Guys, EP.28] 1:23:13

9M ago1:23:13

1:23:13

Alex, Shane, and Ravi sit down with former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg for an insightful conversation about leadership, women in business, and corporate culture. The NASDAQ in aggregate is worth $30 trillion and companies that Sheryl helped build make up over 10% of it. She shares personal stories from her career journey, including her early days…

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Why Great Teams Never Stay Satisfied - [Glue Guys, EP.27] 59:39

9M ago59:39

59:39

Alex, Shane, and investor Ravi discuss leadership, success, and what makes winning teams tick. The hosts explore how great leaders adapt their styles to different personalities, the importance of team culture, and why sports provide a compressed version of life's drama. The conversation touches on candid conversations about Hall of Fame inductions,…

1
The Dark Side of Athletic Competition - [Glue Guys, EP.26] 1:12:31

9M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

Who are you competing against? Diving into personal stories and insights, Alex, Shane, and Ravi examine the evolution from external to internal motivation across different phases of life and careers. Their competitive drives are on full display, from Shane’s fear of an unknown competitor to Alex tracking his Elite 11 peers in high school. The conve…

1
What Makes The Perfect Team? - [Glue Guys, EP.25] 1:14:57

9M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

Join Alex, Shane, and Ravi as they dive deep into what makes great teams tick. The hosts share personal stories from their sports and business careers, discussing key elements like earned inclusion, trust, and celebrating the work. From QB rooms to startup culture, they explore how the best teams balance fun and achievement while maintaining strong…

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Tedy Bruschi - The Champion’s Comeback - [Glue Guys, EP.24] 1:06:21

10M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi joins the Glue Guys to share how he went from wearing tennis shoes to football tryouts to becoming one of the most feared defenders in NFL history. Tedy learned different kinds of strength from three Hall of Fame coaches—Bill Parcell, Pete Carroll, and Bill Belichick. But when a stroke threatened his life at the peak of…

1
Fatherhood - [Glue Guys, EP.23] 1:19:15

10M ago1:19:15

1:19:15

The guys dive deep into the complexities and joys of modern fatherhood. Alex, Shane, and Ravi share personal stories about their experiences - how they approach discipline differently than their own fathers did, their strategies for developing resilience in their children, and their wrestle with today’s parenting challenges like screen time and aca…

1
Michael Lewis - Arenas of American Ambition - [Glue Guys, EP.22] 1:14:00

10M ago1:14:00

1:14:00

How do you turn overlooked data into bestselling stories that change industries? Michael Lewis reveals his process for finding and telling groundbreaking narratives, from Moneyball to Flash Boys to The Big Short. He also explains how he came across Shane’s unique impact on basketball, and how Kobe Bryant secretly studied his profile––“No Stats All-…

1
2025: Got Goals? - [Glue Guys, EP.21] 1:03:41

10M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

What does it mean to face a new year with purpose? The guys talk resolutions and the methods to their madness. From Shane's 'Jar of Awesome' to Alex's Hall of Fame induction, and Ravi sharing the art of saying ‘no,’ there is a lot to unpack headed into 2025. Learn practical methods for reflection and relationship-building and hear their takes on gi…

1
Coach K: Get On The Right Bus - [Glue Guys, EP.20] 1:18:36

10M ago1:18:36

1:18:36

This is Shane Battier. It’s hard to put into words what Coach Mike Krzyzewski has meant to me, but I’ll try. For four incredible years at Duke University, I learned from a man who redefined leadership, resilience, and what it means to chase excellence. His record speaks for itself—five national championships, 15 Final Four appearances, three Olympi…

1
Fidji Simo: Harnessing Inner Power - [Glue Guys, EP.19] 1:10:45

11M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

From a family of fishermen in southern France to CEO of Instacart – Fidji Simo's path breaks every convention. After becoming her family's first high school graduate and attending France's leading university, she rose to lead the Facebook app before taking the helm at Instacart. She shares how she ‘finds the magic’ in people while delivering incred…

1
The Confidence Myth - [Glue Guys, EP.18] 52:38

11M ago52:38

52:38

Is confidence something you're born with or something you build? Alex, Shane, and Ravi challenge the stereotype of the naturally confident leader through raw stories of their own moments of self-doubt. The conversation speaks to the surprising truth that many top athletes and business leaders experience profound insecurity, but what sets them apart…

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Shane’s Story: Shoot For The Stars - [Glue Guys, EP.17] 1:27:32

11M ago1:27:32

1:27:32

What does it take to be the player every championship team needs? Shane Battier’s journey from a suburban outcast to hoisting NBA championship trophies is a masterclass in discipline, adaptability, and leadership. In this episode, Shane shares the secrets behind his two NBA championships, life-changing lessons from Coach K at Duke, and the experien…

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Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon - Leading 2.1 Million People - [Glue Guys, EP.16] 49:49

11M ago49:49

49:49

How do you lead a team of 2.1 million people? Whether you're managing five people or fifty, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon's leadership principles apply at any scale. He joins Glue Guys to share his journey from unloading trucks at Walmart as a teenager to leading a company that makes $1.7 billion in sales daily, serving 240 million customers weekly acr…

1
Jay Bilas: No Days Off - [Glue Guys, EP.15] 1:04:08

12M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

What drives the most unstoppable leaders? ESPN analyst Jay Bilas takes us inside Coach K's daring early years building Duke's dynasty and shares how a profound lesson about relentlessness changed his understanding of greatness. From behind-the-scenes stories of culture-building to candid insights on today's evolving college sports landscape with NI…

1
(Un)Common Sense - [Glue Guys, EP.14] 1:03:04

12M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Can saying ‘happy birthday’ really transform team culture? Alex, Shane, and Ravi explore the power of "uncommon sense" - those simple but profound leadership practices that are rarely implemented despite their obvious impact. From Jim Harbaugh's birthday messages to every member of his team to Alex Smith's mentorship of Patrick Mahomes, the guys br…

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Morgan Housel: The Cost of Ego - [Glue Guys, EP.13] 1:13:50

12M ago1:13:50

1:13:50

What's the real game you're playing with your money? “Psychology of Money” author Morgan Housel joins Glue Guys to talk about the importance of running your own race. He engages Ravi, Shane, and Alex on the topic of ego and how it plays a leading role in wealth dynamics. From pro athlete salaries to the “keeping up with the Joneses” mindset to even…

1
David Yeager: Never Waste A Crisis - [Glue Guys, EP.12] 1:11:59

1y ago1:11:59

1:11:59

What does parenting have to teach us about leadership? How can we help raise the next generation to be the best they can be? It’s a topic our hosts–parents themselves!–are endlessly curious about and this week they’re joined by psychology professor and expert in the science of motivating young people, David Yeager. David’s "mentor mindset" approach…