The Ben Shapiro Show Dave Portnoy | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 113
Apr 25, 2021
Dave Portnoy, known as 'El Presidente' and founder of Barstool Sports, shares his unique journey from niche newspaper to digital media powerhouse. He discusses the transformative power of mobile sports gambling and reflects on his viral Pizza Reviews. Portnoy reveals his $39 million fundraising effort for small businesses during the pandemic and shares behind-the-scenes stories, including an interview with President Trump. The conversation also dives into navigating cultural cancellations, personal scandals, and the future of sports media.
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Gut-Driven Decisions
- Dave Portnoy's business philosophy is to follow his gut.
- This involves taking risks and trusting his instincts, even if it means pivoting quickly.
Barstool's Humble Beginnings
- Barstool Sports began as a print newspaper distributed in Boston by Dave Portnoy.
- It transitioned online when a reader offered to create a website, becoming a blog before the term was widely understood.
Filling the Sports Media Gap
- Dave Portnoy saw a gap in sports media, with traditional outlets failing to connect with fans.
- Barstool Sports filled this void by offering a different voice, inspired by Bill Simmons' style.