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
37 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 9min
Jim "Bones" Mackay - The Man Behind the Masters - [Glue Guys, EP.33]
Jim "Bones" Mackay is a three-time Masters champion caddie and a respected voice in golf, known for his long tenure with Phil Mickelson. He shares captivating insights into the pressure players face at Augusta during Masters Week and recounts Phil’s wildest shots. Mackay discusses the emotional and strategic roles caddies play on the course, revealing how their support shapes outcomes. He also touches on the importance of camaraderie among golfers and the integrity that defines the sport, weaving personal anecdotes that showcase the deep bonds formed in competitive golf.
37 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 49min
Dan Quinn - Building Team Culture - [Glue Guys, EP.32]
Dan Quinn, renowned NFL head coach, shares insights from his leadership journey. He discusses the power of authenticity in coaching, influenced by mentors like Nick Saban and Pete Carroll. Quinn emphasizes building culture through player ownership and celebrates the vital role of 'glue guys' in teams. He discusses the importance of setting high standards and fostering competition, as well as the value of personalized feedback for player development. His approach illustrates how intentional communication enhances team dynamics and drives success.
23 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 56min
The Caddies of Life - [Glue Guys, EP.31]
The hosts recap their chaotic and hilarious annual golf tournament, recalling rookie hazing and memorable moments on the green. They dive into the challenges of maintaining male friendships as they age, revealing how shared activities foster authentic connections. A particularly funny tale emerges about a prank that left one host hilariously purple for weeks. They also reflect on the invaluable life lessons learned from their early jobs and the unique role of caddies in both sports and camaraderie.
28 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
Legends and Lessons: Personal Encounters with Giants - [Glue Guys, EP.30]
Listeners are treated to captivating stories of memorable encounters with legends, like playing golf with Tiger Woods and facing Peyton Manning in the NFL. The hosts explore the mix of admiration and pressure in meeting childhood heroes, reflecting on imposter syndrome and the role of mentorship in high-stakes environments. Through personal anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of inclusivity and the impact of camaraderie in sports, showcasing how these experiences shape confidence and personal growth.
54 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
Jared Goff - Written Off, Chanted On - [Glue Guys, EP.29]
Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions quarterback, discusses his unexpected trade from the Rams and the pivotal phone call from coaches Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes that changed his outlook. He shares insights into Campbell's unique leadership style, including team meetings with music, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and preparation routines in the quarterback room. Goff also opens up about how impending fatherhood is reshaping his perspective on both life and football, and reflects on the support from fans and community in Detroit.
164 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 23min
Sheryl Sandberg - Leadership, Growth, & Operational Excellence - [Glue Guys, EP.28]
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and author of "Lean In," shares her wisdom on leadership and the economic significance of women in the workforce. She discusses her journey from Google to corporate roles and the challenges women face in leadership. Sandberg emphasizes the vital role of mentorship, particularly in overcoming cancel culture hurdles. The conversation also dives into stress management, the importance of support during grief, and the dynamics of team culture in fostering collaboration and success. Get ready for insight and inspiration!
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.
