Auburn General Manager Brian Kloman on Recruiting, Culture, & NIL Era | Stuck In My Thoughts Podcast

Auburn General Manager Brian Kloman on Recruiting, Culture, & NIL Era | Stuck In My Thoughts Podcast

What does a General Manager actually do in college basketball today? On this episode of Stuck In My Thoughts, host Justin Stuckey sits down with Auburn Men’s Basketball General Manager Brian Kloman for an in-depth conversation that pulls back the curtain on one of the fastest-growing roles in college athletics. From navigating the evolving landscape of NIL and constant player movement to building and sustaining a winning culture, Kloman shares real insight into what it takes to construct a high-level program in today’s game. The conversation dives into his journey and close connection with Bruce Pearl and Steven Pearl, how recruiting is evolving for the 2026 class, and what it really takes to retain top talent in the transfer portal era. Kloman also breaks down the day-to-day realities of managing relationships with agents, parents, and player representatives, while emphasizing the importance of culture inside the locker room. This episode truly peels back the curtain for anyone looking to understand how recruiting, roster building, and retention operate at the highest level of college basketball today. If you’re an athlete, coach, or sports business professional, this is a must-watch conversation. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews from Stuck In My Thoughts.

Steven Pearl On Coaching Pressure, Auburn Legacy, NIT Championship | Stuck In My Thoughts Podcast

SUBSCRIBE HERE https://www.youtube.com/@UC61PUEfScrd2beOagrmFcXQIn this episode of Stuck In My Thoughts, host Justin Stuckey sits down with Auburn Men’s Basketball Head Coach Steven Pearl for an in-depth and transparent conversation about his first season leading a program in the SEC. Pearl opens up about what it’s like stepping into a head coaching role at Auburn, following in the footsteps of his father, Bruce Pearl, and navigating the constant comparisons that come with it. He addresses the criticism and nepotism rumors head-on, sharing how he’s worked to build his own identity and prove himself at one of college basketball’s highest levels.The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of college basketball, including the challenges of retaining players in the transfer portal era, the rise of NIL, and the new reality of professional players returning to college. Justin and Coach Pearl also compare Auburn’s historic 2019 Final Four team to the 2025 Final Four squad, breaking down culture, leadership, and what it takes to build a championship-caliber program.Beyond basketball, Steven Pearl gives insight into balancing life as a head coach, husband, and father, while managing the pressure and expectations that come with the job. He reflects on Auburn’s NIT Championship run, discusses why he feels he has to prove himself more than others, and shares his thoughts on the best environments in college basketball today.This episode is packed with real talk, behind-the-scenes stories, and valuable perspective for fans of Auburn basketball, SEC hoops, and anyone interested in the business and culture of college sports.Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of Stuck In My Thoughts featuring top voices in sports, entertainment, and culture.#AuburnBasketball #SEC #CollegeBasketball #StevenPearl #BrucePearl #FinalFour #NIL #TransferPortal #StuckInMyThoughts #JustinStuckey #BasketballPodcast #NITChampions #AuburnTigers

New Era For UAB Football With Alex Mortensen | Stuck In My Thoughts Podcast

In this episode of Stuck In My Thoughts, host Justin Stuckey sits down with new UAB head football coach Alex Mortensen to discuss the beginning of a new era for Blazers football.Coach Mortensen dives into what it means to take over the program, how he’s working to earn the respect of the locker room, and the standard he’s setting for UAB moving forward. He also shares valuable advice for high school recruits looking to play at the next level and what it truly takes to stand out.From highlighting key players to breaking down what fans can expect from this team, this conversation gives an inside look at the culture, mindset, and future of UAB football.If you're a UAB fan, college football enthusiast, or someone chasing growth and leadership, this is a must-watch.🔥 Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes conversations!TimestampIntro 0:00-0:35New Era For UAB Football 0:35-1:07Gaining Respect Of The Locker Room 1:07-1:57Advice To High School Recruits 1:57-3:33UAB Football’s Key Players 3:33-4:35What UAB Fans Can Expect From The Team 4:35-5:47Outro 5:47-5:59 #uab #collegefootball #podcast #collegesports

Alex Golesh Talks SEC Head Coach Dream At Regions Tradition | Stuck In My Thoughts Podcast

In this episode of Stuck In My Thoughts, host Justin Stuckey sits down with new Auburn head football coach Alex Golesh at the Regions Tradition to talk about stepping into one of the biggest roles in college football — leading a powerhouse SEC program.Coach Golesh opens up about what it’s really like adjusting to life as an SEC head coach, the responsibility that comes with the Auburn standard, and why he refuses to take this opportunity for granted. He also shares his vision for the identity of Auburn football moving forward and how bringing Auburn legends back into the program plays a key role in building culture.From chasing his dream in the SEC to keeping things grounded, this conversation gives fans a real look into the mindset of Auburn’s new leader — plus a fun breakdown of his favorite Auburn food spots.If you’re an Auburn fan, college football fan, or someone chasing big goals, this is a must-watch.🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews!Timestamp Intro 0:00-1:01Adjusting To The Role As An SEC Head Coach 1:01-2:48Bringing Auburn Legends Back On Campus 2:48-3:53What Identity Can Auburn Fans Expect 3:53-4:34His SEC Coaching Dream 4:34-5:57Best Auburn Food Spots 5:57-6:48Outro 6:48-5:59 #auburn #collegefootball #alexgolesh #podcast #stuckinmythoughts

WWE Legend Mark Henry Talks John Cena, Brock Lesnar, & Post Career | Stuck In My Thoughts Podcast

SUBSCRIBE HERE https://www.youtube.com/@UC61PUEfScrd2beOagrmFcXQGet ready for a powerful and unfiltered conversation on the Stuck In My Thoughts Podcast as host Justin Stuckey sits down with WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. In this must-watch episode, Mark Henry opens up about his incredible journey from Olympic weightlifting to global superstardom in WWE, giving fans a rare look behind the curtain of what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level. From the story behind how his iconic theme song was created to competing as an Olympian without steroids, Henry dives into the mindset, discipline, and sacrifices that shaped his career. He shares powerful insight on transitioning to life after WWE, maintaining an elite athlete mentality, and why “the competition is you” is a philosophy that can change your life.The conversation goes deeper as Mark Henry reflects on his peak workout and diet regimen, the invaluable guidance he received from The Undertaker, and how he balanced family life while navigating the demanding WWE schedule. He speaks candidly about the influence of his mother’s work ethic, the importance of giving back, and how he dealt with gatekeepers on his rise to the top. Wrestling fans will love his behind-the-scenes perspective on being at John Cena’s retirement match, the truth behind “fake retirements” in wrestling, and his thoughts on who truly deserves a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. The episode also touches on the rise and impact of Black wrestlers in WWE, the global growth of Caribbean wrestling, and what it really means to be a “strong man” both inside and outside the ring.Packed with motivation, storytelling, and viral-worthy moments, this episode closes with Mark Henry discussing legacy, future stars, and who should be next on the show. Whether you're a WWE fan, athlete, or someone chasing greatness, this interview is filled with gems you don’t want to miss.TimestampIntro 0:00–2:25How His Theme Song Was Made 2:25–5:50Olympian Without Steroids 5:50–6:48Transition To Life After WWE 6:48–10:38Athlete Mindset 10:38–11:59The Competition Is You 11:59–14:34Moore’s Granola Ad 14:34–15:06Workout & Diet Regiment At Peak 15:06–17:30The Undertaker’s Guidance 17:30–20:12Managing Family With Busy WWE Schedule 20:12–22:26His Mother’s Example Of Work Ethic 22:26–26:54Giving Back To Others 26:54–31:28Dealing With Gate Keepers 31:28–34:45Why Was He At Cena’s Retirement Match 34:45–36:34Fake Retirement 36:34–39:16Who Should Be In The WWE Hall Of Fame? 39:16–41:03Influx Of Black Wrestlers 41:03–44:17All Caribbean Wrestling 44:17–48:21What Does It Mean To Be A Strong Man 48:21–50:19Who Should Come On The Show Next 50:19–52:24Leaving A Legacy 52:24–53:00Outro 53:00–53:13