The Gametime Guru

David Hitz is the founder of NeuroPro, where he helps athletes and high performers strengthen mental performance through neuroscience-backed tools and training. In this episode, we talk about the turning point that changed David's life, losing his older brother, and how that experience pushed him to take his health seriously in every area. We break down practical strategies that support the nervous system and improve performance, including breathwork, cold therapy (cold plunging), and the science of how the brain and body work together under pressure. If you are an athlete, coach, or parent of an athlete who has ever wondered why mental performance doesn't match physical ability, this episode will give you frameworks you can apply immediately. Topics include: NeuroPro Mini-Course ($39): https://goneuropro.com/ Related interview with David (Athlete Narrative): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btoupoRUVaI Follow The Gametime Guru: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru X: https://x.com/thegametimeguru/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-larson-4b591944/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru

I've had the opportunity to follow Seth Brock since his days at Eagle High School here in the Treasure Valley. Back then, I got to watch him compete as a tight end and defensive end, and he was also getting after it on the wrestling mat. He was a high-level athlete then, and now he's a national champion at Montana State. In this episode, Seth takes us inside what the transition to college football really looks like. Going from being "the guy" in high school to showing up at the next level where nobody cares who you were. You're back at ground zero. You're earning everything—your reps, your role, and your respect. We talk about what his redshirt year taught him, how to stay mentally locked in when you're practicing all week but not suiting up on Saturdays, and why timing is everything when you're trying to climb the depth chart. We also dive into the wrestling-to-football connection and why wrestling builds an edge for linemen—hand fighting, leverage, conditioning, adversity, and the mental toughness that carries over into life. Seth shares a powerful metaphor their D-line room lives by: "Water the bamboo." You don't always see growth right away… until it shoots up. Seth also breaks down Montana State's championship standard, the physicality of Big Sky football, and what it's like being part of a team that refuses to fold—even with their backs against the wall. Plus, he shares some unforgettable moments from this season, including Gold Rush, the Super Brawl, and his welcome-to-college-football moment at Oregon. If you're an athlete trying to make the jump to the next level—or a parent, coach, or sports fan who loves the stories behind the grind—this one is packed with lessons on preparation, patience, and maximizing opportunities when they come. To support Seth, check out his NIL links and gear, and follow him on Instagram. And if you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, it takes 60 seconds and helps this show grow. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! Here is the link to our interview for you to watch: https://youtu.be/tyoN7PA0Fmk

Boise State football fans, this one goes way beyond the highlights. I've followed Nick Schlekeway since his days at Eagle High School, and in this episode he shares the full story: winning at every level, playing for Boise State, and being part of the unforgettable Fiesta Bowl vs. Oklahoma, including what it felt like inside that game that changed college football forever. But the heart of this conversation is what happened after football ended. Nick opens up about the identity crisis many athletes face, the emotional toll of losing the sport that shaped them, and how dark that transition can get when the cheers stop. We also talk about the reality of concussions in contact sports, how they impacted him, and what athletes and parents should understand when competing at a high level. Today, Nick has taken the same "never quit" mindset from football and built a thriving business and team in Idaho, and his lessons on leadership, culture, and resilience apply to anyone chasing big goals. In this episode, we cover: If you're a Boise State fan, love athlete stories, or want real insight into the grind beyond the game, follow the show and leave a review. It helps more than you know. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA

I had the chance to watch Layton Christian Academy compete at the Pro Image Sports Holiday Classic in Meridian, Idaho (Owyhee High School), and I was immediately intrigued by the way they carried themselves, competed, and ultimately won the tournament championship. Even more fascinating: Layton Christian is an international school with a roster made up of 15 players from 15 different countries. In this episode, Head Coach Casey Stanley breaks down what makes the program special and shares lessons that apply far beyond basketball, including: Follow Layton Christian Basketball: Instagram:@lcambb Business inquiries / interview requests: ceo@thegametimeguru.com Come follow The Gametime Guru on the various social media platforms! Facebook: The Gametime Guru - https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru X: @thegametimeguru -https://x.com/thegametimeguru/Instagram: @gametimeguru - https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/ TikTok: @thegametimeguru - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru

Art Manteris is one of the most respected names in sports betting, an industry veteran with a four-decade career that includes time at the Fremont Hotel & Casino and running the sportsbook at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He was also inducted into the Sports Gaming Hall of Fame for his impact on the world of sports gaming. In this convo, I sit down with Art to talk about his new book, "The Bookie: How I Bet it all on Sports Gambling and Watched an Industry Explode", and the current headlines surrounding sports gambling. With betting scandals and integrity concerns dominating the conversation, Art shares an insider perspective on what's real, what's misunderstood, and what leagues, sportsbooks, and bettors can do to protect the integrity of the game while keeping sports betting legalized and responsibly regulated. If you're a sports fan, a bettor, or just curious about how this industry actually works behind the scenes, this is a must-listen. Get the book: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bookie-Inside-Betting-Billion-Dollar-Industry-ebook/dp/B0DQVC88X4 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bookie-art-manteris/1147777162 ... Enjoy the episode? Follow the show and share it with a friend who loves sports, betting, or behind-the-scenes stories.

Veteran sports journalist and author Harvey Araton joins me on the show for a deep conversation on how sports media has changed, what true "access" used to look like in the print era, and why great storytelling still matters in today's sports culture. Harvey shares behind-the-scenes stories from a career covering elite athletics (including the NBA), plus his experience co-producing ESPN's 30 for 30: When the Garden Was Eden, a project tied to the legendary 1970s New York Knicks era. A major focus of this episode is Harvey's newest project and his first-ever middle-grade children's novel, ** The Goal of the Game **, inspired by what youth sports has become in today's high-pressure, high-cost environment. If you're a parent, coach, athlete, journalist, or someone who loves sports stories with real meaning, this one will hit. In this episode, we cover: Harvey Araton's book: The Goal of the Game Amazon: https://a.co/d/4VkH2XF Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-goal-of-the-game-harvey-araton/1148082088 Website: http://www.HarveyAraton.com If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe/follow so you don't miss weekly interviews with sports figures from around the world. And if you can, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show a ton. New episodes every week. Tap in today.

Lee Toldson has immense experience on a variety of levels as a basketball coach, as a mentor, and now as an author! Listen in on this interview as I get the chance to learn about his history in the sport of basketball and how he ended up over here in Idaho, all the way from good old Louisiana!! I've admired Lee's work for quite some time and I'm grateful for the opportunity to chat with him! Lee has coached at the high school level, the professional level, international level, the club level, and he's no stranger to the game as a player as well as he competed in college basketball himself. We get to learn about his career and the life lessons he went through. We'll chat about his high school basketball coach, the legendary Kenny Almond out of Baton Rouge! Find out how Kenny showed up in Lee's life, 20 years later during one of the toughest parts of Kenny's life to show his love and respect to him. I love hearing about Lee's new book: The No Excuses, Embrace the Challenge Book - https://amzn.to/48NYr0z If you want to learn from him and hear some of his insights and wisdom, consider snagging yourself a copy of this book yourself! Everyone experiences burnout, so he's going to share how to avoid that! Grateful for this opportunity for you guys to tune in and hear this today! Hit that Subscribe button and follow along as each week we'll bring you more interviews from sports figures from all over the globe. #LeeToldson #BasketballCoach #Author

Ben "The Bane" Davis has carved out one of the most unique paths in combat sports and entertainment. From calling fights across multiple promotions to stepping inside the cage himself—and even competing on MTV's The Challenge—Ben brings a rare blend of curiosity, courage, and relentless work ethic. In this episode, Ben breaks down how he entered the world of combat sports commentary, what he learned while grinding through early media roles, and the mindset it takes to stand out on the mic. We talk about pacing, preparation, chemistry with a co-commentator, and why great play-by-play requires both discipline and personality. Ben also shares his firsthand experience competing in BKFC and Karate Combat—not just as a commentator, but as a fighter—and what those opportunities taught him about the sport and himself. Then we dive into his leap into reality television with MTV's The Challenge: • What life in the house was really like • The hardest part of adapting to cameras 24/7 • How the alliances, strategy, and politics actually work • What he took away from the experience and whether he'd do it again If you're someone who has ever wondered "what if?", Ben's story is a testament to saying yes, taking chances, and learning through unconventional opportunities. Enjoy this conversation with one of the most dynamic voices—and personalities—in combat sports today. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA If you'd like to listen to the show, you can catch the podcast on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gametime-guru/id1195653965 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bBJIiyOxs25BHKhKlCe23 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/81800b66-fda2-4263-ac16-04c1c1d637a8/the-gametime-guru Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/The-Gametime-Guru-p1021721/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvbvSCliFvNWYadx9YugquysAbVz8Cb7i

Today on The Gametime Guru, I'm joined by Dave "Redneck" Mundell — the reigning BKFC Middleweight Champion and one of the most disciplined, business-focused fighters in the sport. We dive deep into what makes Dave such a unique force in bare-knuckle fighting: His calm, all-business approach in a sport built on both competition and personality His background in combat sports and the journey that led him to the BKFC title The nerves he still feels before every fight — and the preparation strategies that help him stay composed What it's really like to get hurt in a fight and battle back in real time Dave also opens up about potential matchups with Mike Perry and Lorenzo Hunt — and why he sees both of them as favorable fights. His perspective on "levels to the game" is something every aspiring fighter will want to hear. If you're an athlete, a fan of BKFC, or someone who loves hearing the mindset of elite competitors, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: • BKFC and the evolution of bare-knuckle fighting • Dave Mundell's fighting style and championship mentality • Preparing for high-pressure moments • Mike Perry + Lorenzo Hunt matchups • Lessons for aspiring fighters Subscribe and follow The Gametime Guru for more conversations with top athletes and sports personalities from around the world.

We're breaking down the college football landscape right now as Mike Zanetti joins me here on the show! It's coming up on Week 13 of the season and we have a LOT to chat about! Join us to discuss the true 'contenders' vs the 'pretenders' in the college football playoff race! We're going to chat about the potential upsets: - Could Alabama lose to Auburn? - Will Ohio State come out undefeated or will Michigan or Indiana have something to say about that? - Will Vanderbilt find a way into the playoff and would it be great to have Diego Pavia in the playoff? - What about the Group of 5? Should Tulane actually deserve a spot or should they re-consider that whole format? And we also discuss who the true Heisman Candidates should be!? Has Mike become an Indiana fan since moving to the state for work?!! Join us to hear more today. This is the Nations Best Natty Show brought to you by The NIL Marketplace Showcase (details below) The NIL Marketplace Showcase July 7-9th Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Indiana #CollegeFootball #Heisman #Playoffs

What an awesome opportunity we have today to chat with Jay Paterno, the son of legendary Penn State University Coach, Joe Paterno. With his most recent book, "Blitzed" coming out recently, we'll chat with Jay about the contents of the book and how the landscape of college football continues to change, which is leaving coaches and players alike with a need to adapt! There are so many additional pressures with NIL coming into play. The money brings so many pressures. Do coaches have shorter leashes while coaching now? Do the expectations change from fanbases and donors now with all this money playing a factor? How does this impact recruiting? How does this impact retention and keeping rosters intact? What does Jay think about potentially having a collective bargaining agreement in college athletics? What about betting? How has gambling had an impact on sports? Fans, coaches, players, referees alike? We get to hear some of his favorite memories and some of the great lessons he learned along with his father! Come checkout this awesome conversation and snag your copy of the book so you can dive into it even deeper! Follow Jay: SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/jaypaternoforpa/ https://twitter.com/JayPaterno https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaypaterno/ https://www.youtube.com/@nittanygameweek4442/featured https://www.instagram.com/jayvpaterno/ BIOS: https://jaypaterno.onlinepresskit247.com/about.html IMAGES: https://jaypaterno.onlinepresskit247.com/image-gallery.html WEBSITE: https://www.jayvpaterno.com/ BLITZED on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blitzed-All-Out-Pressure-College-Footballs/dp/B0DFW82ZT5/ Thanks for tuning in and if you enjoy this episode, please consider giving me a follow here on YouTube to help me build out this platform! #JayPaterno #PennStateFootball #Coaching #Author

In this solo episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I'm sharing two stories that hit close to home—one from the sideline and one from the broader world of college sports. How I Learned (Again) That I Belong I relive one of my final club basketball games coaching in California—when my undersized team went toe-to-toe with a junior college squad and found a way to win. It's a raw look at belief, resilience, and learning how to win again after a stretch of setbacks. If you've ever questioned whether you belong—at work, in sport, or in life—this one's for you. The NIL Era: Opportunity & Uncertainty What you'll take away: If you're a coach, parent, athlete, or sports fan who believes games teach life, you'll feel right at home here. After nine years of conversations with athletes and coaches from 183 countries and all 50 states, I'm more convinced than ever: when you put in the work, you belong. If this episode resonates, follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps the mission and keeps the conversations coming. Thanks for listening and for being part of the Gametime Guru community.

Sports writer Bill Rabinowitz joins me to unpack his new book Buckeye Brotherhood, the people-first stories from Ohio State's national championship season, and what it really takes to build a career in sports media today. We cover interviewing 50+ players and coaches, the leadership arc of Ryan Day, and why great reporting starts with listening. If you love Ohio State or you want to sharpen your sports-writing game, this one will hit. In this episode: Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:00 Bill's path in journalism 06:45 Breaking in today 08:40 The power of listening 12:35 Why Ohio State unites Ohio 13:30 Making Buckeye Brotherhood 18:55 Telling Ryan Day's story 21:05 Unsung players, big moments 27:30 Substack and paying for real journalism 41:00 Wrap and resources Resources Book: Buckeye Brotherhood (search on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Triumph Books) Bill's Substack: billrabinowitz.substack.com About The Gametime Guru Nine years running, I interview sports figures from around the world to deliver a panoramic view on sports. Former athletes, die-hards, and casual fans all walk away with something useful. Enjoy the show? Follow, rate the podcast, and share this episode with a Buckeyes fan or an aspiring sports writer.

Coach Marianne “Coach B” Blackwell knows what it takes to compete. From growing up in Middleton, Idaho, to leading her team at Brigham Young University to the Sweet 16, she’s experienced every level of the game — and now she’s shaping the next generation of athletes. In this conversation, we cover: Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode gives you a look at the realities of player development, leadership, and resilience in the world of basketball. Follow The Gametime Guru Podcast for more in-depth conversations with athletes and coaches who inspire. #Basketball #WomensBasketball #BYU #Coaching #PlayerDevelopment #HighSchoolSports #ClubBasketball #SportsMindset #Leadership #Podcast #TheGametimeGuru

DJ Clark’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and the reality of chasing a dream. From Oceanside, California to Idaho State University, DJ carved out a path as a standout defensive back. After going undrafted, he earned NFL tryouts with the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers, where every rep determined his future. In this episode, DJ dives into: 🏈 How late specialization and multisport training shaped his game 🌍 The cultural shock of moving from California to Idaho 🧠 What it’s really like fighting for a roster spot as an undrafted free agent ⚡ Facing NFL legends in camp and the mental pressure behind the scenes 🔄 Transitioning from player to coach and building a new life in Idaho Falls 🎙 Quick Facts: Who is DJ Clark? A former Idaho State DB who earned NFL tryouts with the Panthers and Packers. Where is he from? Oceanside, California. What teams did he try out for? Carolina Panthers & Green Bay Packers. What does he do now? Coaching and mentoring young athletes in Idaho. This is a story about more than football — it’s about resilience, identity, and growth beyond the game. 👉 Follow The Gametime Guru for weekly interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports insiders from around the world. #Football #NFL #DJClark #IdahoState #Undrafted #CarolinaPanthers #GreenBayPackers #SportsPodcast #GameTimeGuru #Motivation #AthleteJourney

Former bookmaker Matt Bowyer joins the show to pull back the curtain on underground sports betting. Matt explains how credit books work, why so many bettors prefer them over legal apps, and how his network operated across the country and overseas. He shares the night he met Ippei Mizuhara, the scale of the action that followed, and what happened when the FBI raided his home in October 2023. The conversation digs into gambling addiction, the odds stacked against the average bettor, and how Matt is approaching accountability and fatherhood as he reports to federal prison. We close with lessons on resilience, redefining success, and his new book Recalibrate. Highlights Guest links Website: https://mathewbowyer.com/ Book: Recalibrate on Amazon Host Shane Larson | The Gametime Guru

How do you rebuild your life when it feels like everything has been stripped away? In this powerful episode of The Game Time Guru, I sit down with Chad Dunn — former inmate turned CEO & Co-Founder of MOVE Human Performance in Arizona. Chad’s journey isn’t about luck. It’s about grit, discipline, and choosing to keep moving forward one step at a time. We cover: If you’ve ever felt like you were starting from zero—or stuck in recovery, rebuilding, or redefining yourself—this episode is your playbook. Guest: Chad Dunn, the CEO & Co-Founder, MOVE Human Performance (AZ) Book: Mind Over Virtually Everything — Oct 28, 2025 https://mindovervirtuallyeverything.com/product/mind-over-virtually-everything/ Website: https://moveperformance.com/ IG: Chad Dunn: https://www.instagram.com/chaddunn22/ IG: Move Performance: https://www.instagram.com/moveperformance/ Listen & Subscribe: YouTube: https://youtu.be/zyTI353QELU

Former Purdue walk-on Jake Thieneman went from last man on the roster to scholarship starter—despite nine surgeries—and earned opportunities with the Giants, Colts, and 49ers (Super Bowl run). In this candid conversation, Jake breaks down the mindset, systems, and discipline that carried him through injuries, depth charts, and cuts. Then he unpacks the identity crash after sport, rebuilding fitness, and why he co-founded All-In Performance—including their 41-Day All-In Challenge for former athletes and high-level performers. Topics: • Walk-on mentality: regret-minimization, extra work, controllables • Setbacks & surgeries → special teams → starter & bowl INT • The 2018 Ohio State upset and big-game moments • Pro shot: Pro Day, Giants minicamp, Colts preseason, 49ers practice squad • Transition after sport: depression, yo-yo fitness, reclaiming identity • All-In Performance: cohort coaching & the 41-Day All-In Challenge Guest: Jake Thieneman — Co-Founder, All-In Performance | Former Purdue Safety | NFL (Giants, Colts, 49ers) IG: @jake.thenaman Challenge/Coaching: [https://allinperformance.io/] — DM “ALL IN” to Jake on IG Connect: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j1bdMuaUHCA New episodes weekly—follow and leave a quick review if this helped your training or coaching

Exercise scientist and biohacking pioneer PJ Glassey (founder, X-Gym; author, Cracking Your Calorie Code) joins the Gametime Guru to deliver a playbook for busy athletes: morning hydration that actually absorbs, nutrition on the road for tournaments and travel, and a 21-minute, twice-weekly time-under-tension program that builds precision, coordination, and strength without beating up your joints. We also cover brain-type-based discipline loops, smart use of wearables (Oura, CGM, Apple Watch), and how cold plunge + sauna can boost recovery and mental toughness. Topics: • Hydration: electrolytes, morning rehydration, performance cost of 2–4% dehydration • Travel nutrition: grocery/mini-fridge hacks, protein + veggies first, better fast-food choices • Training: TUT explained, slow-rep precision, nerve training for coordination • Mental performance: identity > motivation, discipline systems, PJ’s Brain Type Test • Recovery & tracking: cold plunge/sauna ramping, sleep data that drives changes Website: https://www.xgym.com Book (Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Your-Calorie-Code-Version-ebook/dp/B09HHGBZZN Contact: pj@xgym.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oPsIwosN1U Subscribe for new episodes weekly and leave a review if this helped your training or coaching.

Former Boston University Division I soccer player Ty Johnson joins me to talk about: The challenges and opportunities in U.S. soccer vs. global systems Club vs. high school soccer and what recruiters really look for The cultural shift from Miami to San Francisco during his youth career Transitioning from athlete to media host (Live with Tai) and entrepreneur Why grit, discipline, and soccer’s “universal language” still shape his life today This is a candid look at the sport’s growth in America and the lessons athletes can carry beyond the field. 👉 Listen to Ty’s show: Live with Tai Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-with-ty-from-athlete-to-ceo-real-stories-of/id1787802468 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livewithty