Legends of the Arena en Two best friends—optimists, life learners, family men, believers, connoisseurs of life, patriots, investors, coaches, and business leaders—on a journey to chase wisdom, grow, and discover new ways to thrive in life, community, adventures, business, and beyond. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/00e2dcdc-a2a2-11ef-9105-73f79bc4831b/image/ecbcd4d801746c946395ec4102ad0632.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Legends of the Arena episodic Best Friends on a Quest to Learn & Unlock Life’s Potential Graystoke Networks Two best friends—optimists, life learners, family men, believers, connoisseurs of life, patriots, investors, coaches, and business leaders—on a journey to chase wisdom, grow, and discover new ways to thrive in life, community, adventures, business, and beyond. Two best friends—optimists, life learners, family men, believers, connoisseurs of life, patriots, investors, coaches, and business leaders—on a journey to chase wisdom, grow, and discover new ways to thrive in life, community, adventures, business, and beyond.

]]> Graystoke Networks legendsofthearenapodcast@gmail.com Breaking Barriers in the Wine Industry | Jen Pelka In this conversation, Jen Pelka shares her journey from the hospitality industry to founding Une feeme Wines, a sparkling wine brand that champions women winemakers. She discusses the challenges of entering a legacy industry, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the innovative experiences she aims to create in wine country. Jen emphasizes the need for women empowerment in entrepreneurship and navigates the complexities of alcohol distribution laws. The conversation concludes with her aspirations for the future and advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks In this conversation, Jen Pelka shares her journey from the hospitality industry to founding Une feeme Wines, a sparkling wine brand that champions women winemakers. She discusses the challenges of entering a legacy industry, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the innovative experiences she aims to create in wine country. Jen emphasizes the need for women empowerment in entrepreneurship and navigates the complexities of alcohol distribution laws. The conversation concludes with her aspirations for the future and advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.


In this conversation, Jen Pelka shares her journey from the hospitality industry to founding Une feeme Wines, a sparkling wine brand that champions women winemakers. She discusses the challenges of entering a legacy industry, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the innovative experiences she aims to create in wine country. Jen emphasizes the need for women empowerment in entrepreneurship and navigates the complexities of alcohol distribution laws. The conversation concludes with her aspirations for the future and advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.



]]> 2798 What It Takes to Build a Career in Sports Today | Lynn Lashbrook Building a career in sports isn’t as simple—or as glamorous—as most people think. In this episode, Lynn Lashbrook draws from decades as a coach, agent, athletic director, and educator to break down how the sports industry really works today. John and Justin explore what’s changed in the NIL era, why relationships still matter more than résumés, and how access to education and opportunity is evolving worldwide. From navigating broken systems to creating new pathways into the business of sports, this conversation offers practical insight for anyone trying to build a meaningful career in a highly competitive industry. Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:01:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks The Real Game Building a career in sports isn’t as simple—or as glamorous—as most people think. In this episode, Lynn Lashbrook draws from decades as a coach, agent, athletic director, and educator to break down how the sports industry really works today. John and Justin explore what’s changed in the NIL era, why relationships still matter more than résumés, and how access to education and opportunity is evolving worldwide. From navigating broken systems to creating new pathways into the business of sports, this conversation offers practical insight for anyone trying to build a meaningful career in a highly competitive industry. Building a career in sports isn’t as simple—or as glamorous—as most people think. In this episode, Lynn Lashbrook draws from decades as a coach, agent, athletic director, and educator to break down how the sports industry really works today.

John and Justin explore what’s changed in the NIL era, why relationships still matter more than résumés, and how access to education and opportunity is evolving worldwide. From navigating broken systems to creating new pathways into the business of sports, this conversation offers practical insight for anyone trying to build a meaningful career in a highly competitive industry.


]]> 2538 How He Saved His Family’s Business | Dodds Hayden When his father passed away, Dodds Hayden didn’t step into a thriving company—he inherited a family business on the brink of collapse. With just $9,000 left in the bank and $120,000 of payroll due, no credit line, and unfinished projects weighing the company down, Dodds had every reason to give up.  In this candid episode, he reveals how emotional discipline, perspective, and stoic principles helped him survive loss, conflict, and near bankruptcy on his journey to success. A raw look at courage, decision-making under fire, and what it really takes to survive in the arena of business and life. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks When his father passed away, Dodds Hayden didn’t step into a thriving company—he inherited a family business on the brink of collapse. With just $9,000 left in the bank and $120,000 of payroll due, no credit line, and unfinished projects weighing the company down, Dodds had every reason to give up.  In this candid episode, he reveals how emotional discipline, perspective, and stoic principles helped him survive loss, conflict, and near bankruptcy on his journey to success. A raw look at courage, decision-making under fire, and what it really takes to survive in the arena of business and life. When his father passed away, Dodds Hayden didn’t step into a thriving company—he inherited a family business on the brink of collapse. With just $9,000 left in the bank and $120,000 of payroll due, no credit line, and unfinished projects weighing the company down, Dodds had every reason to give up. 

In this candid episode, he reveals how emotional discipline, perspective, and stoic principles helped him survive loss, conflict, and near bankruptcy on his journey to success. A raw look at courage, decision-making under fire, and what it really takes to survive in the arena of business and life.


]]> 4913 yes The Real Story Behind Building Steiner Sports | Brandon Steiner Brandon Steiner built one of the most recognizable sports memorabilia companies in the world — but his story starts long before the Yankees partnerships and multimillion-dollar deals. Growing up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood, Brandon learned early that hustle creates opportunity. Brandon breaks down the mindset that carried him to becoming a pioneer in the sports collectibles industry, sharing secrets on how he convinced teams and athletes to partner with him, the art of selling, why most people misunderstand value, and what it really took to build a business from scratch without connections or capital.  Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks Brandon Steiner built one of the most recognizable sports memorabilia companies in the world — but his story starts long before the Yankees partnerships and multimillion-dollar deals. Growing up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood, Brandon learned early that hustle creates opportunity. Brandon breaks down the mindset that carried him to becoming a pioneer in the sports collectibles industry, sharing secrets on how he convinced teams and athletes to partner with him, the art of selling, why most people misunderstand value, and what it really took to build a business from scratch without connections or capital.  Brandon Steiner built one of the most recognizable sports memorabilia companies in the world — but his story starts long before the Yankees partnerships and multimillion-dollar deals. Growing up in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood, Brandon learned early that hustle creates opportunity. Brandon breaks down the mindset that carried him to becoming a pioneer in the sports collectibles industry, sharing secrets on how he convinced teams and athletes to partner with him, the art of selling, why most people misunderstand value, and what it really took to build a business from scratch without connections or capital. 


]]> 3202 yes He Sold Some of the Most Famous Reality TV Shows in 3 Minutes | Brant Pinvidic Brant Pinvidic went from pitching reality shows in Hollywood to coaching Fortune 500 companies on how to sell their stories in three minutes or less. Known for hits like Bar Rescue, Extreme Weight Loss, and Biggest Loser, Brant’s creative genius was forged in the most competitive rooms in television. But as he reveals in this episode, his greatest breakthroughs came from learning when to walk away, fail fast, and find new meaning in his work. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks Brant Pinvidic went from pitching reality shows in Hollywood to coaching Fortune 500 companies on how to sell their stories in three minutes or less. Known for hits like Bar Rescue, Extreme Weight Loss, and Biggest Loser, Brant’s creative genius was forged in the most competitive rooms in television. But as he reveals in this episode, his greatest breakthroughs came from learning when to walk away, fail fast, and find new meaning in his work. Brant Pinvidic went from pitching reality shows in Hollywood to coaching Fortune 500 companies on how to sell their stories in three minutes or less. Known for hits like Bar Rescue, Extreme Weight Loss, and Biggest Loser, Brant’s creative genius was forged in the most competitive rooms in television. But as he reveals in this episode, his greatest breakthroughs came from learning when to walk away, fail fast, and find new meaning in his work.


]]> 3454 yes What the Military Taught Him About Corporate Leadership | Chris Schmitt For three decades, Chris Schmitt led special forces teams through high-stakes missions in Afghanistan, Africa, and Europe. What he learned about character, humility, and decision-making under pressure is now reshaping how corporate leaders think. This episode dives into the mindset of special operations and what it really takes to lead in chaos. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks For three decades, Chris Schmitt led special forces teams through high-stakes missions in Afghanistan, Africa, and Europe. What he learned about character, humility, and decision-making under pressure is now reshaping how corporate leaders think. This episode dives into the mindset of special operations and what it really takes to lead in chaos. For three decades, Chris Schmitt led special forces teams through high-stakes missions in Afghanistan, Africa, and Europe. What he learned about character, humility, and decision-making under pressure is now reshaping how corporate leaders think. This episode dives into the mindset of special operations and what it really takes to lead in chaos.

]]> 3350 yes How Fear, Focus, and Culture Built Varsity Spirit | Jeff Webb From an $850 side hustle to a global empire, Jeff Webb shares how grit, risk, and relentless execution turned Varsity Brands into a multi-billion-dollar movement. Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:30:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks From an $850 side hustle to a global empire, Jeff Webb shares how grit, risk, and relentless execution turned Varsity Brands into a multi-billion-dollar movement. From an $850 side hustle to a global empire, Jeff Webb shares how grit, risk, and relentless execution turned Varsity Brands into a multi-billion-dollar movement.


]]> 2953 yes The Creed Years, Fatherhood, and Finding Purpose with Music | Mark Tremonti From selling out stadiums with Creed and Alter Bridge to recording Sinatra with Frank’s original band, Mark Tremonti’s story is one of constant reinvention. In this conversation, he opens up about the discipline it took to reach the top, why he believes music is “the closest thing we have to magic”  and how fatherhood reshaped his purpose—especially after his daughter Stella’s Down syndrome diagnosis—and how it led to his Take a Chance for Charity project and the creation of the Stella Tremonti Down Syndrome Clinic. Between reflections on the new Creed album, thoughts on A.I. and creativity, the episode captures the mind of an artist who refuses to stand still. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks From selling out stadiums with Creed and Alter Bridge to recording Sinatra with Frank’s original band, Mark Tremonti’s story is one of constant reinvention. In this conversation, he opens up about the discipline it took to reach the top, why he believes music is “the closest thing we have to magic”  and how fatherhood reshaped his purpose—especially after his daughter Stella’s Down syndrome diagnosis—and how it led to his Take a Chance for Charity project and the creation of the Stella Tremonti Down Syndrome Clinic. Between reflections on the new Creed album, thoughts on A.I. and creativity, the episode captures the mind of an artist who refuses to stand still. From selling out stadiums with Creed and Alter Bridge to recording Sinatra with Frank’s original band, Mark Tremonti’s story is one of constant reinvention. In this conversation, he opens up about the discipline it took to reach the top, why he believes music is “the closest thing we have to magic”  and how fatherhood reshaped his purpose—especially after his daughter Stella’s Down syndrome diagnosis—and how it led to his Take a Chance for Charity project and the creation of the Stella Tremonti Down Syndrome Clinic.

Between reflections on the new Creed album, thoughts on A.I. and creativity, the episode captures the mind of an artist who refuses to stand still.


]]> 4597 yes Inside the Hollywood Business Machine | Andy Horwitz What most people never see about Hollywood is the machinery that runs it: financing, distribution, talent deals, and the endless balance of art and commerce. By navigating through award-winning producer Andy Horwitz’s career, Justin and John dissect the inner workings of the industry, from an insider’s perspective on the business of Hollywood—where creativity meets capital and storytelling becomes commerce. Andy Horwitz is an award–winning producer and executive on films like Suicide Squad, American Hustle, Triple Frontier and  Dark Knight. Thu, 09 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks What most people never see about Hollywood is the machinery that runs it: financing, distribution, talent deals, and the endless balance of art and commerce. By navigating through award-winning producer Andy Horwitz’s career, Justin and John dissect the inner workings of the industry, from an insider’s perspective on the business of Hollywood—where creativity meets capital and storytelling becomes commerce. Andy Horwitz is an award–winning producer and executive on films like Suicide Squad, American Hustle, Triple Frontier and  Dark Knight. What most people never see about Hollywood is the machinery that runs it: financing, distribution, talent deals, and the endless balance of art and commerce. By navigating through award-winning producer Andy Horwitz’s career, Justin and John dissect the inner workings of the industry, from an insider’s perspective on the business of Hollywood—where creativity meets capital and storytelling becomes commerce.


Andy Horwitz is an award–winning producer and executive on films like Suicide Squad, American Hustle, Triple Frontier and  Dark Knight.

]]> 5038 yes Golf, Culture, Philosophy, and the Human Side of Growth | Sean Foley Sean Foley’s story proves that growth doesn’t just come from books or classrooms—it comes from culture, adversity, and perspective. From Bob Marley to Marcus Aurelius and Freud, he shares how philosophy and lived experience shaped his view of resilience, empathy, leadership - and how he applies it to his coaching methods. This conversation is a powerful look at how identity and culture can transform. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks Sean Foley’s story proves that growth doesn’t just come from books or classrooms—it comes from culture, adversity, and perspective. From Bob Marley to Marcus Aurelius and Freud, he shares how philosophy and lived experience shaped his view of resilience, empathy, leadership - and how he applies it to his coaching methods. This conversation is a powerful look at how identity and culture can transform. Sean Foley’s story proves that growth doesn’t just come from books or classrooms—it comes from culture, adversity, and perspective. From Bob Marley to Marcus Aurelius and Freud, he shares how philosophy and lived experience shaped his view of resilience, empathy, leadership - and how he applies it to his coaching methods. This conversation is a powerful look at how identity and culture can transform.

]]> 6182 yes Inside the CIA From Director of Osama bin Laden Task Force | Ric Prado Ric Prado spent a 24-year career in the CIA, rising to lead counterterrorism operations during one of the most critical periods in modern history. In this episode, he shares his remarkable journey from a child refugee fleeing communist Cuba to standing at the forefront of America’s fight against global terrorism. But his perspective goes far beyond operations—it’s about leadership, grit, and navigating life-and-death decisions in the highest-stakes arena imaginable. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks Ric Prado spent a 24-year career in the CIA, rising to lead counterterrorism operations during one of the most critical periods in modern history. In this episode, he shares his remarkable journey from a child refugee fleeing communist Cuba to standing at the forefront of America’s fight against global terrorism. But his perspective goes far beyond operations—it’s about leadership, grit, and navigating life-and-death decisions in the highest-stakes arena imaginable. Ric Prado spent a 24-year career in the CIA, rising to lead counterterrorism operations during one of the most critical periods in modern history. In this episode, he shares his remarkable journey from a child refugee fleeing communist Cuba to standing at the forefront of America’s fight against global terrorism. But his perspective goes far beyond operations—it’s about leadership, grit, and navigating life-and-death decisions in the highest-stakes arena imaginable.

]]> 5316 yes Why We Started This Podcast | Legends of the Arena Podcast What does it really mean to be “in the arena”? For hosts John Ehrhard and Justin Dye, it means facing failure, endured criticism, and overcome immense challenges to pursue their calling. In the first ever episode of the show, the two hosts and producer Leo Godoy go behind-the-scenes to lay out the vision behind Legends of the Arena, inspired by the legendary 'Man in the Arena' by Theodore Roosevelt, and discuss the beginning of a series exploring the stories of people who will do what it takes to keep fighting when the odds are stacked against you. They also highlight the first two guests—Sean Foley, golf coach to Tiger Woods and Justin Rose, and Rick Prado, the Cuban refugee who rose to lead CIA counter-terrorism during the Bin Laden years. A new episode every two weeks wherever you get your podcasts and the first two episodes are already out.  Listen now! Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0000 full Graystoke Networks What does it really mean to be “in the arena”? For hosts John Ehrhard and Justin Dye, it means facing failure, endured criticism, and overcome immense challenges to pursue their calling. In the first ever episode of the show, the two hosts and producer Leo Godoy go behind-the-scenes to lay out the vision behind Legends of the Arena, inspired by the legendary 'Man in the Arena' by Theodore Roosevelt, and discuss the beginning of a series exploring the stories of people who will do what it takes to keep fighting when the odds are stacked against you. They also highlight the first two guests—Sean Foley, golf coach to Tiger Woods and Justin Rose, and Rick Prado, the Cuban refugee who rose to lead CIA counter-terrorism during the Bin Laden years. A new episode every two weeks wherever you get your podcasts and the first two episodes are already out.  Listen now! What does it really mean to be “in the arena”? For hosts John Ehrhard and Justin Dye, it means facing failure, endured criticism, and overcome immense challenges to pursue their calling.

In the first ever episode of the show, the two hosts and producer Leo Godoy go behind-the-scenes to lay out the vision behind Legends of the Arena, inspired by the legendary 'Man in the Arena' by Theodore Roosevelt, and discuss the beginning of a series exploring the stories of people who will do what it takes to keep fighting when the odds are stacked against you.

They also highlight the first two guests—Sean Foley, golf coach to Tiger Woods and Justin Rose, and Rick Prado, the Cuban refugee who rose to lead CIA counter-terrorism during the Bin Laden years.

A new episode every two weeks wherever you get your podcasts and the first two episodes are already out.  Listen now!

]]> 2311 yes