What if the fastest way to your dream job… was to take the longest route?

In this special episode of Skip the Lines Podcast, Jonathan Mitchell sits down with his long-time friend and Lakers insider Allen Sliwa to unravel a story of grit, creativity, and relentless drive. From humble beginnings in El Cajon, California, Sliwa shares how being the son of Iraqi immigrants shaped his relentless work ethic.

Now an independent content creator and YouTube host of Hoops Talk, Sliwa reflects on betting on himself, walking away from a 15-year career at ESPN, and building his own brand from the ground up. His story is a blueprint for anyone looking to combine passion with profit.

If you found value in Allen Sliwa’s journey, subscribe to Skip the Lines, share it with a friend chasing a dream, and don’t forget to check out Allen’s YouTube channel Hoops Talk with Allen Sliwa for deep Lakers coverage and NBA insights.

Chapters

00:00–10:03 Childhood Roots and Early Hustle

• Growing up Chaldean in El Cajon
• Watching parents hustle to provide

10:04–19:58 Entering Media Through Internships

• San Diego State journalism major
• Internship at Extra Sports 690

19:59–30:14 Cracking Sales and Building Relationships

• First job post-internship in radio sales
• Working across formats to stay relevant

30:15–40:02 Breaking Into On-Air Talent

• Practicing alone on weekends in the studio
• Navigating internal resistance from ESPN staff

40:03–50:00 Growth, Conflict and Making the Jump

• Doing both sales and on-air hosting
• Managing threats to cancel Lakers Talk

50:01–01:00:08 Life After ESPN and Entrepreneurial Vision

• Launching Hoops Talk YouTube Channel
• Wanting freedom and creative control

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