The Big Stage

Ian Ayre has one of the top executive sports resumes in the world. Current CEO of Major League Soccer’s 24th club, Nashville Soccer Club, and formerly Liverpool Football Club’s CEO—Ian marvels at the thrill of being at the helm of an organization from a blank sheet of paper. For an insider’s view on building the NSC from the ground up, Ian’s global business savvy, and leadership lessons gleaned along the way, tune in today.

Donna Orender went from 17 years of inking billion-dollar deals at the PGA Tour to dialing for dollars as the head of the WNBA. She shares the advice that helped her turn the league into the thriving venture it is today. How has bringing her authentic self, even as the only woman in the room, helped Donna push the needle forward as a sports executive? Listen today for this and how Donna brings her passion for elevating women and gi...

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in North America, and Tyson McGuffin will energize you to jump in on the action if you've lagged behind. He's a 5x Grand Slam Champion, 4x National Champion, #1 in men's pro doubles, and a top 5 pickleball player worldwide. Today Tyson shares pro advice for novice players, details on his brand partnerships and nationwide camps, his vision for the future of the sport, and a fiery devotion to t...

Have you ever starred in a Beowulf-based music video? James White has. Today, the veteran New England Patriots running back and three-time Super Bowl champion joins Adam and former Tampa Bay defensive back Cody Riggs to go down memory lane, discuss the hip injury that brought James's 2021 season to a halt, and his upcoming 9th season return with the Patriots. From his passion for shoes, the mission behind the Sweet Feet Foundation,...

Celebrity fashion designer Jeff Hamilton has worked with everyone from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant, Nelson Mandela to Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson to Madonna, and so many more. From Jeff’s unconventional fashion beginnings to his career skyrocketing deals with professional sports leagues and prominent cultural icons alike, Jeff Hamilton jackets are now a legacy unto themselves. Today, hear from this legend in America’s streetwea...

How can a scroll through LinkedIn change the course of one’s entire life? President and CEO of the Tennessee Titans, Burke Nihill, discusses throwing his hat in the ring for an unlikely job opening and never looking back. For details on his transition from the tech world to that of professional sports, how inflation is impacting his business, and the future of Nashville with an exciting new Titans stadium in the works, tune in toda...

How could accepting a $1M offer have killed Percy “Master P” Miller’s career? The legendary rapper and businessman tells the story of how he bet on himself instead. From his astute marketing savvy—choosing to make his records “bling” in a sea of black and clear jewel cases in the 1990s—to selling over 100 million records, Percy believes that product outweighs talent. Learn his passion for brand creation, economic empowerment, and c...

Madonna was his first dance teacher, and you'll never guess who taught him to sing. From Isaac Boots' Hawaiian childhood on food stamps to his years dancing on Broadway, this acclaimed dancer and celebrity trainer has lived many lives. Learn how in the height of the pandemic, through his cell phone and beloved Torch'd workouts, Isaac built a vibrant global community who together raised nearly $2 million for No Kid Hungry.

How have husband and wife duo Olympian Shawn Johnson East and former NFL player Andrew East built a robust social media business with millions of followers across several platforms? Today, this dynamic couple dishes with Adam about life and purpose after elite sports. For how drive, passion, and constant challenge still serves their every pursuit, behind-the-scenes insight into the world of content creation, and lessons learned ear...

Why are so many different types of helmets worn on NFL football fields? Our guest today divulges all. Sean Sansiveri is not only Adam's twin brother; he is general counsel and head of business for the NFL Players Association. Tune in for the ins and outs of the NFL's approach to playing a contact sport during the Covid-19 pandemic, insight into how the sports platform is working to innovate on injury prevention, Sean's bet on what ...

As 2021 comes to a close, today we share highlights from enlightening conversations we’ve had throughout the year. Hear from Olympian Ginny Gilder, who tackles gender inequality as co-owner of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, leading antitrust and trial lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, musicians Mike Posner and Jimmie Allen, the legendary Kenan Thompson himself, and others. Our guests offer what makes them tick regarding their philanthropy and inv...

Mike Posner has stories for days. Today we’ll hear from this popular singer-songwriter whose sights are set on music but oh so much more. From Mike’s musical beginnings to his climb up Mount Everest and raising over $250,000 for The Detroit Justice Center, to his 6-month journey walking 2,851 miles across America, to the rattlesnake bite he survived along the way, Mike awes and inspires. For his philosophy on transferring beliefs i...

Media is the biggest influence on children in America, and producer Jane Startz takes this responsibility to heart. Jane Startz Productions has produced over 50 award-winning television productions adapted from high-profile children's and young adult novels for HBO, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS, and NBC. Today, Jane shares what motivates her work and the importance of creating relatable role models for kids. Why must storytellers love their ...

As a platinum-selling Black country music singer, Jimmie Allen has had to work twice as hard for half the reward. But this doesn't stop his stride. On today's show, Jimmie shares his journey from his Milton, Delaware roots to the passion behind his drive and his determination to give back. For the most valuable lesson learned from his mentor, the late country music legend Charley Pride, and why criticism motivates Jimmie as much as...

The Supreme Court's unanimous ruling that NCAA restrictions on education-related benefits violate antitrust laws was historic. But for student-athletes, it's just the beginning. Today, world-renowned sports attorney Jeffrey Kessler joins us for an exclusive interview. As lead counsel for the plaintiffs in Alston v. NCAA, Jeffrey shares uniquely informed insight into the ins and outs of this landmark ruling. How will the outcome cha...

Why did Ben Rector like his chances best as an independent artist? Today, the prolific singer-songwriter and record producer discusses his unconventional career path and the business and marketing degree that hasn't been a total waste. As Taylor Swift fights to reclaim control of her music, Ben shares the calculated risks he took in deciding not to sign with a label. Learn how streaming rewards content, highlights from Ben's time a...

He’s best known for his legendary status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but what fuels Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers off the field is his prolific philanthropy. Whether it's working to help further childhood cancer research, his response to the California wildfires, or raising tens of millions of dollars for Covid-19 relief efforts, Aaron is intentional about his philanthropic work, proudly committing to more t...

About life, Rob Dyrdek says, "You've got to design it, build it, and go live it with purpose." Makes sense coming from a man who has built a career out of turning his hobbies into his life's work. From pro skateboarder at 16, to creating his first company at 18, to his enormous success as an entertainer, Rob is now the founder and CEO of the Dyrdek Machine, a one-of-a-kind venture studio. Today, Rob discusses his passion for entrep...

Before landing D2: The Mighty Ducks, Kenan Thompson couldn't even roller skate. Now he adds finesse on the ice to an impressive list of life's accomplishments. As the longest-running cast member in Saturday Night Live history, Kenan has spent the past 17 years making us laugh from week to week. He stops by The Big Stage to reflect on his journey from child actor to sketch comedy savant and Emmy Award winner. What are ...