Empire Sports Alliance

Ep 23 | Beyond the Contract: NBA Relocation and the Currency of Trust with Jamison Malone

"They’re not just about contracts and deals. They need someone who's got their back in the real, human sense." When an athlete signs a life changing contract or gets traded overnight, the headlines focus on the numbers. But behind the scenes, a massive, chaotic logistical storm begins. Who coordinates the cross-country move? Who finds the secure luxury estate? Who ensures their family is settled and their sanctuary is protected? In this episode of ESA: Unfiltered, we dive deep into the high stakes world of sports entertainment real estate and athlete relocation with powerhouse agent Jamison Malone. Jamison pulls back the curtain on the unseen lives of NBA stars, proving that in the professional sports industry, the ultimate currency isn't money, it’s absolute, unbreakable trust. Inside this episode, we discuss: The Currency of Trust: Why an athlete's life completely revolves around their inner circle, and the high-wire act of building implicit loyalty in a hyper competitive environment.\ The Concierge Chronicles: Jamison shares what it’s really like managing a player's entire lifestyle, from securing multi million dollar properties and sourcing luxury vehicles to handling midnight emergencies. Big Kids at Heart: The hilarious reality of a multi-millionaire athletes whose highest priority relocation requests involve making sure their kitchens are stocked with their favorite childhood candy and specific brands of chips. The Agency Evolution: A look into why players switch representation, how trust gaps shatter careers, and how social media directly impacts an athlete's mental health and decision-making process. The Human Behind the Hype: Moving past the flashing lights to understand the real vulnerabilities, human needs, and pressures that professional athletes face daily. About Our Guest: Jamison Malone is a premier real estate and relocation specialist dedicated to professional athletes and sports entertainment clientele. Known for her absolute discretion, sharp business acumen, and fixer mentality, Jamison has become the ultimate right hand person for some of the biggest names in the league. Whether she is negotiating a massive property deal or quietly running damage control, Jamison prioritizes authenticity and integrity to keep her clients grounded when the spotlight is at its brightest. Whether you’re an aspiring sports agent, a real estate professional looking to break into a luxury niche, or a basketball fan curious about the real human stories behind the game, Jamison’s insights offer an unforgettable masterclass in relationship-building and elite lifestyle management. Watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Presented by: @elite_legacy_leagues

Ep 22 | The Scouting Revolution: NIL Shifts & Alternative Leagues with Ned Herrington

"You can be an outstanding college athlete and still not get an NFL offer. Today, it’s no longer about chasing the helmet, it’s about chasing the money."- Ned Herrington Most aspiring football players believe the only path to the pros runs through a Power 5 school and the NCAA draft. But what happens when injuries, politics, or the transfer portal derail that dream? In this episode of ESA: Unfiltered, we sit down with Ned Herrington, professional scout and General Manager for the Texas Syndicate in the Continental Football League, to expose the hidden pathways of professional football. Ned pulls back the curtain on the brutal realities of the front office and the massive, high stakes shift currently reshaping the scouting world. From navigating the wild west of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) to identifying the only alternative leagues actually worth your time, this conversation is an essential blueprint for any athlete trying to get noticed. Inside this episode, we discuss: The Death of "Helmet Chasing": How NIL has forced scouts to evolve. Discover why top-tier jersey logos no longer guarantee an NFL look, and why big money contracts mean players can no longer hide behind a historic brand. The Arena Truth vs. Traps: Ned breaks down the 23 existing arena leagues and names the only four that offer genuine career credibility. Plus, a raw look at the cheap ownership traps where athletes are packed 20 to a cabin on air mattresses. The Power of Outdoor Film: Why certain positions must have outdoor tape to make it to the next level, and how the Continental Football League acts as the ultimate bridge to the UFL and NFL. Scouting Beyond the Tape: The non negotiable traits modern front offices look for, including positional versatility, social media presence, character assessments, and how a player operates as a business entity. The Direct Line to the League: How the Texas Syndicate works directly with NFL teams like the New York Jets to help overlooked prospects hit the specific numbers and film required for a pro workout. About Our Guest: Ned Herrington is a seasoned professional scout, coach, and the General Manager of the Texas Syndicate. After injuries forced him to turn down college offers and hang up his cleats, Ned dedicated his career to the business side of the gridiron. From the agency world scouting for NFLPA agents to coaching pro arena ball, Ned has built a reputation for discovering diamonds in the rough and fighting for overlooked talent. Whether you’re an athlete hunting for film, a coach looking to maximize player potential, or a fan who wants to understand the true mechanics of a football front office, Ned’s insights will completely redefine how you view the talent development game. Watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Presented by: @elite_legacy_leagues

Ep 21 | The Multi Sport Advantage: Basketball Roots, NFL Pivots with Tyler Conklin

The detour isn't a delay, it’s the training ground. Most NFL players have a highlight reel that dates back to middle school, but Tyler Conklin’s path to the league was anything but linear. A former Michigan high school basketball star who pivoted to football and fought his way from a fifth-round draft pick to a premier NFL Tight End, Tyler’s story is a masterclass in relentless adaptability. In this episode of ESA: Unfiltered, Tyler joins us to pull back the curtain on the mental and physical transitions required to survive the pros. From the basketball court to the gridiron, we explore how a non-traditional background creates a unique edge in today’s pass-heavy league. We discuss: The Specialization Trap: Why Tyler advocates for youth athletes to be kids and play multiple sports to build superior biomechanics and coordination. The Basketball Edge: How the footwork and hand-eye coordination of the court translated into elite Tight End play. Pro-Level "AHA" Moments: The exact moment the speed of the NFL finally slowed down and Tyler realized he belonged on the big stage. Quarterback Masterclass: Insights into working with stars like Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers, and how elite QBs elevate the entire room. Legacy Beyond the Yard: Tyler’s vision for his foundation, youth mentorship, and why he’s already planning for the second half of life after football. About Our Guest: Tyler Conklin is a Tight End for the Detroit Lions. Known for his durability, route running, and high football IQ, Tyler has become a vital piece of the Lions' offense. Beyond the field, he is a dedicated father and mentor passionate about community work and redefining how we develop the next generation of athletes. Whether you’re an aspiring pro, a Lions fan, or a coach looking to understand the value of a multi sport background, Tyler’s journey offers a practical blueprint for turning a pivot into a career. Watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Presented by: @elite_legacy_leagues

Ep 20 | The Diamond Standard: Pro Timing, Physical Investment, and the MiLB Grind with Blake Wright

Strength gets you noticed, but timing keeps you in the lineup. What separates a great college player from a professional who can survive the 162 game grind? In this episode of ESA: Unfiltered, we sit down with Blake Wright, standout third baseman for the Colorado Rockies organization, to discuss the technical and physical evolution required to compete at the highest levels of baseball. Blake pulls back the curtain on the invisible skills of the game, the ones that don't always show up on a highlight reel but make all the difference in a box score. From mastering the internal clock at the plate to treating your body like a high-stakes business investment, this conversation is a blueprint for any athlete looking to level up. Inside this episode, we discuss: The Art of Timing: Why timing is the most crucial skill in baseball and how Blake trains his brain to slow down a 95mph fastball. Investing in the "Business": The shift from playing for fun to treating your body as your primary asset, and the recovery secrets that keep a pro healthy through a long season. The MiLB Reality: What it’s really like transitioning into the Rockies organization and the mental toughness needed for the Minor League journey. Third Base IQ: The specific focus and agility required to play at the professional level. Longevity & Legacy: Why the best players prioritize nutrition and maintenance over raw power to ensure a career that lasts. About Our Guest: Blake Wright is a professional baseball player and third baseman in the Colorado Rockies organization. Known for his elite work ethic and high baseball IQ, Blake is a rising talent who understands that the path to the Big Leagues is paved with discipline, precision, and constant physical optimization. Whether you’re a ballplayer looking to sharpen your swing or a fan who wants to know the true cost of "making it," Blake’s perspective offers a masterclass in professional dedication. Watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Presented by: @elite_legacy_leagues

Ep 19 | Navy Rescue Divers, Ice Diving, and Coaching the Next Generation with Rick Pinkleton

Most Navy divers spend years perfecting the craft of survival in the world’s most hostile environments, Rick Pinkleton mastered it in eight months. From the freezing mud runs of elite training to face-to-face encounters with bull sharks at decompression ceilings, Rick has lived a life defined by high-stakes discipline. Now, he’s taking those same principles and applying them to a new mission: Youth Sports. In this episode of ESA: Unfiltered, we dive into the transition from Navy Diving Supervisor to youth coach, exploring how military grade accountability, teamwork, and resilience can transform today’s young athletes into the leaders of tomorrow. Inside this episode, we discuss: The Freeze Factor: Rick shares the harrowing experience of high-altitude ice diving at 10,000 feet and why training for the shock is the only way to survive a crisis. Predator Protocol: The terrifying reality of being trapped during an ascent with a bull shark in your face, and why you can’t just shoot to the surface. The Mud & The Mission: A look back at the 5:00 AM runs and impromptu PT sessions that built the mental toughness required for elite rescue. Coaching the Warrior Mindset: How to instill discipline and grit in youth athletes without falling into the trap of participation trophies and entitlement. Building a Culture of Accountability: Why lessons from military precision are the ultimate blueprint for character development in sports and life. About Our Guest: Rick Pinkleton is a Diving Supervisor and Logistics Specialist at Undersea Rescue Command. A retired Navy professional with an elite background in deep-sea operations, he now focuses on coaching and mentoring the next generation, using his unique background to build resilient, self-reliant athletes. Whether you’re a coach looking for a leadership edge or a sports fan who loves a no nonsense survival story, Rick’s unfiltered perspective is the essential playbook for building a legacy that lasts. Watch and listen on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Presented by: @elite_legacy_leagues