
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

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.

112 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.

29 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 31min
Anti-Fragile - [Glue Guys, EP.4]
Discover the incredible journey of an athlete who faced a life-changing injury and the grueling path to recovery. Themes of resilience shine through as he navigates the emotional aftermath and the supportive community around him. The podcast also explores the intricacies of team dynamics in football, the pressures athletes face under public scrutiny, and the vital role of mental health in sports. Personal stories blend with inspiring lessons on overcoming adversity, illustrating the essence of true strength.

28 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 12min
Chatter Matters - [Glue Guys, EP.3]
Dive into the art of winning communication! Discover how negotiation tactics from a former FBI agent can enhance your business deals. Learn the parallels between quarterbacks in football and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for effective communication under pressure. Explore the importance of 'chatter' among teammates in fostering trust and performance. Finally, gain insights into building loyalty within teams and the power of storytelling in reinforcing company values. It's an engaging conversation about mastering connections in both sports and business!

30 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 20min
Locker Rooms and Living Rooms - [Glue Guys, EP.2]
Explore the profound impact of teammates on personal growth and professional success. Delve into the intricate world of negotiation values in sports and business, where timing and connections matter. Discover the misapplication of 'family' in competitive environments, contrasting genuine support with harsh realities. Listen to anecdotes about leadership from a notable football coach and learn how resilience shapes team culture. Finally, navigate the tricky waters of parenting teenagers with relatable stories and insights.