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
22 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 15min
Inside the Career of the Ultimate NFL Journeyman: Ryan Fitzpatrick - [Glue Guys, Ep. 67]
Ryan Fitzpatrick, a 17-year NFL quarterback famed for playing nine teams and now an Amazon Prime analyst and podcaster. He shares stories about locker-room life, staying ready through constant change, balancing starter and backup roles, building quick trust, parenting and coaching values, and the soft-landing transition from playing to TV and family life.
74 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 49min
Building Tough Teams with Rex Ryan - [Glue Guys, Ep. 66]
Rex Ryan, longtime NFL defensive coach known for building fierce, confident units and son of Buddy Ryan. He shares raw stories about toughness from childhood, shaping locker-room culture, molding pass rushers, commanding defensive rooms, and balancing honesty with personal relationships to forge resilient teams.
93 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 12min
The NFL’s Patience Problem - [Glue Guys, Ep. 65]
They dig into why NFL teams fire coaches so often and whether impatience has warped how success is measured. They debate strange firings of respected leaders and contrast short-term fixes with long-term processes. They compare sports impatience to business patience, explore how turnover disrupts continuity, and ask if owners’ hunger for control fuels risky decision making.
17 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 40min
The Surprising Power of Nostalgia - [Glue Guys, Ep. 64]
The hosts dive into the emotional significance of reunions as they reflect on a recent 25-year gathering. They share heartfelt stories about reconnecting with old teammates and the mentors who shaped their lives. Nostalgia is linked to gratitude, with insights on why it’s essential to take action and reignite relationships. They celebrate the joy of shared accomplishments and reminisce about cherished family moments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recording memories and creating lasting connections before time slips away.
54 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 46min
Our Favorite Moments from 2025 - [Glue Guys, Ep. 63]
In a special year-in-review, the hosts celebrate memorable guests and the lessons learned in 2025. Shane shares a surreal golf experience with Tiger Woods, while Alex reflects on leadership through heartfelt stories. Ravi discusses the impact of guest authors on his reading habits. The discussion includes the value of creating belonging in teams and career-defining moments, highlighted by Susan Lee's reflections on immigrant sacrifices. The joy of fatherhood and gratitude towards contributors wrap up this engaging reflection.
59 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 54min
Is Phillip Rivers Having the Most Incredible NFL Comeback Ever? [Glue Guys, Ep. 62]
Philip Rivers, at 44, makes a surprising NFL return after five years of retirement. The discussion dives deep into the complexities of comebacks, breaking down courage versus desperation. Insights into Rivers' competitive spirit and leadership style highlight his appeal to the Colts. Comparisons with iconic business comebacks from leaders like Steve Jobs reveal important lessons about context and motivation. The hosts propose criteria for a successful comeback, exploring both the risks and potential redemption on this remarkable journey.
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
Should Ole Miss Let Lane Kiffin Coach? [Glue Guys, Ep. 61]
Lane Kiffin's unexpected exit from Ole Miss to LSU raises eyebrows and ignites a fierce debate in college football. The hosts delve into themes of trust, loyalty, and the impact of the transfer portal on team dynamics. They analyze whether Ole Miss sabotaged its playoff chances and explore the intersection of college athletics with corporate ethics. With discussions on tribal cultures in teams and the delicate balance between winning and loyalty, they highlight the complexities surrounding a coach's departure and its consequences.
87 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 58min
The Championship Mindset of DoorDash CEO Tony Xu - [Glue Guys, Ep. 60]
Tony Xu, co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, shares insights on building successful teams and organizations from humble beginnings to massive growth. He discusses the importance of humility and teamwork, recounting the challenges faced during DoorDash's early days. Tony emphasizes a culture of experimentation, revealing how small, iterative improvements can lead to significant success. He reflects on the importance of protecting new initiatives and nurturing small businesses, while also drawing parallels between leadership and jujitsu.
71 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 59min
The Science of Momentum with Don Yaeger - [Glue Guys, EP. 59]
Join bestselling author Don Yaeger, a trusted collaborator with sports legends, as he dives into the intrigue of momentum. He reveals how the Patriots' Super Bowl comeback ignited his research on creating momentum. Yaeger shares a four-part model influenced by sports, military, and business, highlighting the critical role of leadership in generating momentum. Discover the difference between obvious sparks and those seen in hindsight, as well as practical strategies to leverage small wins and reverse negative momentum. Learn how anyone can contribute to building momentum!
48 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 11min
Greg Olsen is Coaching a New Generation of Glue Guys - [Glue Guys, EP. 58]
Greg Olsen, a former NFL tight end with a passion for youth sports, explores what it means to compete as a player, coach, and parent. He shares insights from coaching middle school football alongside legends like Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Stewart, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and a calm approach. Greg tackles the challenges of today's hyper-competitive sports culture and offers strategies to refocus young athletes on teamwork over individual highlights. He also reflects on the vital role of family and community in nurturing young talent.
