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
48 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 60min
Why Great Teams Never Stay Satisfied - [Glue Guys, EP.27]
The hosts delve into leadership styles that adapt to diverse personalities, highlighting the pivotal role of team culture in success. They debate the balance between individual glory and collective achievements, using sports as a metaphor for life’s challenges. The conversation extends to defining greatness beyond championships, emphasizing resilience and strategy in both sports and business. Anecdotes about coaching styles and the bonds formed in competition underscore the rich tapestry of teamwork, illustrating how positivity fuels growth and performance.
62 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Dark Side of Athletic Competition - [Glue Guys, EP.26]
Explore the evolution from external to internal motivation in athletic competition. Personal stories reveal the challenges of balancing rivalry and self-definition. Listen to insights on transitioning from pro sports to business, emphasizing the need for continual learning. The conversation also critiques a winning-centric culture and its effects on identity post-retirement. Digital pressures on children and the importance of setting clear, flexible goals round out the discussion, highlighting the complexity of motivation in both sports and life.
68 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 15min
What Makes The Perfect Team? - [Glue Guys, EP.25]
The hosts explore what truly makes teams flourish, focusing on earned inclusion and trust. They share personal stories from sports and business, highlighting the balance of fun and achievement. Key discussions cover the camaraderie found in football, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships among teammates. Reflections on shared experiences reveal how genuine connections lead to success. They also touch on the joy of karaoke, showcasing how light-hearted moments enhance team dynamics. Insights on redefining success redefine what truly matters in teamwork.
45 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
Tedy Bruschi - The Champion’s Comeback - [Glue Guys, EP.24]
Tedy Bruschi, a three-time Super Bowl champion and former linebacker for the New England Patriots, shares his inspiring journey from high school dreams to NFL stardom. He reveals how key coaches like Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick shaped his career, before discussing his life-altering experience with a stroke. Tedy emphasizes the incredible strength drawn from teamwork and the vital role of support during recovery. His insights define resilience, highlighting the importance of communication and camaraderie in overcoming adversity.
96 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
Fatherhood - [Glue Guys, EP.23]
Exploring the intricacies of modern fatherhood, the hosts share personal stories that highlight their unique approaches to parenting. They discuss the challenges of discipline, screen time, and academic pressure while reflecting on their own childhood influences. Anecdotes about sports, emotional support, and balancing careers with family life reveal the joys and struggles of raising resilient kids. Heartwarming traditions and the importance of effective communication also shine through, emphasizing the transformative power of being a father.
60 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 14min
Michael Lewis - Arenas of American Ambition - [Glue Guys, EP.22]
In this discussion, bestselling author Michael Lewis shares his knack for transforming overlooked data into compelling narratives. He reveals how his research on Shane Battier shaped insights into basketball strategy, even influencing greats like Kobe Bryant. Lewis delves into ambition in sports and personal stories of navigating identity and competition. He emphasizes the power of storytelling in sports analytics, demonstrating that profound insights can drive change and elevate understanding in both the game and business.
100 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
2025: Got Goals? - [Glue Guys, EP.21]
As the new year approaches, the conversation dives into the significance of setting meaningful goals and self-reflection. The 'Jar of Awesome' is introduced, encouraging listeners to capture joyful moments. Humorous tales include a chaotic horse-drawn carriage encounter, highlighting life’s absurdities. The importance of meaningful connections and year-end evaluations is emphasized, alongside personal milestones like a hall of fame induction. Team dynamics in leadership are explored, advocating for honesty and vulnerability to build trust.
304 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 19min
Coach K: Get On The Right Bus - [Glue Guys, EP.20]
Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary Duke University coach, shares his insights on leadership and personal development. He discusses the importance of selecting the right people in your life, comparable to getting on the right bus. Coach K reflects on the evolving dynamics of college basketball, emphasizing adaptability and accountability. He also reveals how adversity shapes leaders and the crucial role of 'glue guys' in fostering teamwork. With anecdotes and lessons, he inspires listeners to chase excellence and support one another.
37 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 11min
Fidji Simo: Harnessing Inner Power - [Glue Guys, EP.19]
Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart and former head of the Facebook app, shares her extraordinary journey from a fishing village in France to leading major tech companies. She discusses how personal challenges, including living with a rare genetic disease, shaped her leadership style. Fidji emphasizes the importance of resilience, finding ‘magic’ in people, and the value of collaboration. Her insights offer ambitious leaders strategies to drive change while embracing vulnerability and nurturing meaningful relationships.
59 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 53min
The Confidence Myth - [Glue Guys, EP.18]
Is confidence innate or learned? The hosts share personal tales of self-doubt, revealing that even top athletes and leaders struggle with insecurity. They discuss how elite performers cultivate confidence through deliberate practice and resilience. Honest leadership and ambitious recruitment are highlighted as keys to overcoming challenges. The conversation touches on the vital interplay between confidence and performance, especially in high-pressure situations. Ultimately, true growth emerges from navigating obstacles and embracing vulnerability.
