Glue Guys
Glue Guys
Alex Smith, Shane Battier, and Ravi Gupta are coming together to cut across the worlds of sports and business and dissect the subtle art of making others better. Glue Guys explores the qualities that make individuals become better leaders, teammates, and humans alongside a trio with those same ambitions. In each episode, you’ll hear candid conversations on themes and life lessons drawn from their own high-stakes experiences. From strategies for effective teamwork to personal stories of success, the podcast covers a broad range of topics relevant to anyone looking to make an impact in their respective fields.
Episodes
Mentioned books
71 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
Curiosity, Agency, and AI with Bret Taylor [Glue Guys, EP.57]
Bret Taylor, a tech entrepreneur and product leader, shares insights from his impressive career, which includes co-founding Sierra AI and shaping Google Maps. He discusses the importance of evolving beyond one's past identity and emphasizes fostering curiosity and agency in the AI era. Taylor believes AI could empower generalists, enabling cross-disciplinary innovation. He also touches on parenting in the age of AI, advocating for its thoughtful use as a learning tool, and highlights the critical role of clear communication in leadership.
31 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Importance of Weavers - [Glue Guys, EP.56]
Than Healy, Head of Menlo School and former pro athlete, dives deep into leadership and parenting. Healy emphasizes the importance of the 'weaver' mentality in nurturing community and resilience among students. He discusses the pressures of competitive environments and how failure leads to growth. The conversation also touches on transforming leadership teaching through fun and relatable experiences. Healy shares personal stories about parenting struggles and the need for low-stakes failures to bolster resilience in kids.
29 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 12min
Aging - [Glue Guys, EP.55]
This discussion dives into the challenges of aging in sports and business, emphasizing the bias towards youth. Shane’s concept of the 'Imperial Period' highlights career peaks, while Alex warns against the quick dismissal of experience. Ravi stresses the importance of consistent growth over sporadic spikes and redefines success with patience and reliability. The conversation also touches on balancing personal life with professional opportunities and the value of authenticity as we age, offering a rich and thoughtful exploration of staying relevant.
78 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 58min
The Hidden Mental Game of Quarterbacking - [Glue Guys, EP.54]
Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith shares insights from his career, focusing on the drastic transitions from high school to the NFL. He discusses the sheer volume of plays a rookie must master and the brutal reality of facing elite defenders. Alex emphasizes the importance of mental processing speed and preparation, revealing how repetition shaped his decision-making. Drawing parallels between quarterback development and business leadership, he highlights the roles of mentorship and choosing the right environment for success.
13 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
Urban Meyer: Selfless Teams [Glue Guys Classic]
Urban Meyer, a legendary college football coach with 17 championship titles, shares his insights on building cohesive teams and the mental health challenges in sports. He reflects on his journey from a competitive coach at Utah to a figure navigating the pressures of success. The conversation dives into the importance of selflessness and trust within teams, alongside the rigorous training philosophies that foster resilience. Meyer also discusses his transition into philanthropy, emphasizing the emotional complexities of change and the value of personal relationships.
63 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 24min
Susan Li - Meta's CFO on Building a Fast Learning Culture - [Glue Guys, EP.53]
Susan Li, the CFO of Meta and one of the youngest Fortune 100 CFOs, shares her inspiring journey from an immigrant to a tech leader. She talks about joining Facebook when it was still smaller than MySpace and the cultural nuances she faced along the way. Susan emphasizes the importance of fast learning, mentorship, and the sacrifices made by her parents. She reflects on the power of books in shaping her identity and the crucial role of 'glue people' in her life, illustrating how relationships fuel both personal and professional growth.
88 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal - The Obsessive Craftsmanship Behind Acquired - [Glue Guys, EP.52]
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, co-hosts of the Acquired podcast, dive into their fascinating journey from side project to thriving business. They discuss their explosive audience growth and unique preparation rituals that drive creativity. The duo shares insights into their meticulous research process and the evolution of their storytelling. They also explore their shift from venture capital to podcasting, and how quality—and authentic delivery—is key in today’s podcasting world. Expect engaging anecdotes and valuable reflections on building a successful brand!
50 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 59min
The Competitor's Paradox - [Glue Guys, EP.51]
The conversation kicks off with Scottie Scheffler's candid moments from a press conference, questioning the meaning of success in golf. The hosts dissect his vulnerability, contrasting it with the relentless drive of icons like Michael Jordan. They delve into how fatherhood reshapes an athlete’s identity and competitive edge. The discussion highlights prioritizing passions over accolades and the impact of focusing on internal growth rather than external measures of success, ultimately shedding light on what truly drives elite performers.
87 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 59min
Earning the Right to Take Risks - [Glue Guys, EP.50]
Risk-taking is an art, and the discussion dives into how to assess when to go for it versus playing it safe. With insights from the NBA and venture capital, they explore how to earn the right to take risks while avoiding financial pitfalls. Listeners learn why standing still can be the riskiest choice of all. Personal stories delve into navigating career changes, the psychological barriers of loss aversion, and the importance of viewing identity beyond job titles. Plus, practical tips on embracing calculated risks and the art of storytelling make this a thought-provoking listen.
32 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
Steve Kerr - Leadership Lessons From a Glue Guy Career - [Glue Guys, EP.49]
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors and a nine-time champion, shares insights on leadership and mindfulness. He recounts experiences with legends like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry, emphasizing the importance of joy and vulnerability in high-pressure situations. Kerr discusses overcoming anxiety, the significance of gratitude, and how 'glue guys' foster team unity. He reflects on coaching as a mentorship journey, merging competition with collaboration, while highlighting the lessons learned from personal struggles and the transformative power of resilience.
