
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.
Latest episodes

59 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 59min
(Un)Common Sense - [Glue Guys, EP.14]
Can a simple 'happy birthday' transform a team's culture? The hosts explore how small gestures like birthday messages can foster morale and teamwork. They discuss Alex Smith's mentorship of Patrick Mahomes and the profound impact of authentic leadership. Emphasizing straightforward wisdom, they remind us that common sense principles often hold the key to building strong team dynamics. The conversation dives into the importance of genuine connections and everyday courage in leadership, leaving listeners inspired about the little things that matter.

128 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 10min
Morgan Housel: The Cost of Ego - [Glue Guys, EP.13]
Morgan Housel, author of "Psychology of Money," delves into the intersection of ego and financial success. He discusses how the need to keep up with societal expectations can lead to poor financial choices, particularly among athletes. Housel emphasizes the balance between confidence and humility, and the impact of social media on our perceptions of success. He shares personal anecdotes about navigating insecurities and the importance of embracing one’s unique journey to happiness over traditional metrics of wealth.

18 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
David Yeager: Never Waste A Crisis - [Glue Guys, EP.12]
David Yeager, a psychology professor and expert in motivating young people, joins the discussion to explore the intersection of parenting and leadership. He introduces the 'mentor mindset,' emphasizing the importance of supportive coaching over strict parenting. They delve into how crises can be turned into growth opportunities and the psychological challenges athletes face under pressure. Yeager also addresses adolescent status, the impact of mentorship, and the need for resilience in education, making this conversation a treasure trove for parents and leaders alike.

21 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 30min
Demanding and Supportive - [Glue Guys, EP.11]
Discover the inspiring journey of Ravi Gupta, who shares how his family's immigrant experiences shaped his identity. From overcoming the pressure of an accomplished sibling to navigating college challenges at Duke, Ravi highlights pivotal moments that influenced his career. The discussion also dives into his transition from finance to tech, revealing the emotional ties people have with products. Ultimately, it celebrates personal growth and the importance of mentorship, emphasizing the value of demanding yet supportive relationships.

111 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 22min
David Senra - The Hard Way Is The Right Way - [Glue Guys, EP.10]
David Senra, host of the Founders Podcast, dives into the world of entrepreneurship through the lens of history's titans. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, obsession, and choosing the right heroes. The conversation touches on navigating life transitions, the unsung role of 'glue guys' in success, and how athletes can redefine their purpose after success. Senra shares fascinating anecdotes from sports legends and business giants, illustrating that true dedication requires overcoming both internal and external challenges.

11 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 9min
Brian Halligan: The Authenticity Playbook - [Glue Guys, EP.9]
Brian Halligan, founder and former CEO of HubSpot, shares insights on authentic leadership shaped by his transformative near-fatal snowmobile accident. He opens up about his personal struggles with imposter syndrome and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in building trust within organizations. The conversation highlights the role of 'glue guys' in fostering team cohesion and the critical need for a transparent feedback culture to drive growth. Halligan also discusses the profound impact of company culture on success, drawing from his experience in scaling HubSpot.

40 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 53min
Play Free - [Glue Guys, EP.8]
Ever wondered how coaching styles shape team dynamics? The hosts dive into how effective leaders inspire players by fostering a positive environment. They discuss Coach K's approach to fairness and the importance of personal responsibility in achieving excellence. Insights about embracing challenges and the entrepreneurial spirit highlight decision-making and innovation. The conversation also touches on maintaining accountability amidst competitive tension, emphasizing the delicate balance between individual growth and team cohesion.

10 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 5min
Urban Meyer: Selfless Teams - [Glue Guys, EP.7]
Urban Meyer, a legendary college football coach with multiple national championships, discusses the secrets behind building selfless teams. He reflects on his time at Utah and the toll of his relentless pursuit of excellence. Key topics include the evolution of football offenses, the distinction between motivation and inspiration, and the importance of trust and communication within teams. Meyer also candidly shares his struggles with mental health pressures in the sport and the need for support systems, blending ambition with well-being.

18 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 11min
Steve Young: Emotional Athleticism - [Glue Guys, EP.6]
Steve Young, the legendary NFL quarterback and two-time MVP, shares remarkable insights from his storied career. He discusses the unexpected lessons he learned about latent talent while learning to throw at 18. Young highlights the emotional athleticism of Reggie White, emphasizing the power of vulnerability in leadership. He reflects on attending law school right after a Super Bowl and how Stephen Covey's influence reshaped his life. His journey reveals the importance of mentorship, agency, and crafting a meaningful life.

24 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 52min
Fear of Failure - [Glue Guys, EP.5]
Fear of failure is a powerful force, impacting everyone from top athletes to corporate leaders. Personal anecdotes reveal how self-doubt can overshadow success, with hosts sharing stories from the NFL draft to middle school basketball. They discuss the need to confront vulnerabilities and embrace experiences to foster growth. Parental expectations and the weight of social status also emerge as significant themes, emphasizing the necessity of resilience and empathy in overcoming challenges and finding one’s unique path.
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