Just A Cup - Daniel Levy, CEO Propel Pro | S2E67

Just A Cup - Daniel Levy, CEO Propel Pro | S2E67

In this episode of Just A Cup, host Bryan Fetzer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachfetz/] talks with Daniel Levy (CEO, Propel Pro) about leveling access to high-quality coaching: connecting athletes with top coaches, speeding up feedback cycles, and giving clubs a scalable way to support development year-round. We cover platform design, coach QA, parent education, and smart pilots with youth organizations. Daniel also shares lessons from recent partnerships (e.g., Vermont Soccer Association/ODP and collaboration with Manhattan SC coach Ray Selvadurai) and how Propel Pro is gearing up for a broader 2026 rollout. ---------------------------------------- EPISODE GUIDE (TIMESTAMPS ~APPROX.) * 00:00 – Welcome + the gap Propel Pro set out to solve (access + timely feedback) * 04:00 – Building an “all-sports” marketplace without chaos: coach vetting, SLAs, and quality control * 10:30 – Youth club pilots that work: Vermont SA/ODP and the Manhattan SC collaboration playbook * 18:20 – What parents actually need to know (expectations, timelines, and avoiding overtraining) * 24:45 – Coach enablement: feedback templates, video norms, and milestone tracking * 31:00 – Pricing, traction, and the road to a larger 2026 launch window propelpros.com [https://www.propelpros.com/news-20251112?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * 38:10 – Rapid-fire: favorite youth-development drills, metrics that matter, best advice for multi-sport kids * 44:30 – Where to find Propel Pro + how to collaborate (clubs, DOCs, and coaches) > Note: Timestamps are approximate—adjust once you finalize chapters. ---------------------------------------- GUEST LINKS * Propel Pro (official site): https://www.propelpros.com/ [https://www.propelpros.com/] – mission, early access, and staff. * News/Partners: Vermont Soccer Association + ODP; collaboration with Ray Selvadurai/Manhattan SC. * Update post (Daniel Levy): recent partnerships & platform vision. * Daniel Levy (LinkedIn): background + company updates. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlpropelpro?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- LISTEN & WATCH * Bleav – Just A Cup (show home): https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/ [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Bleav [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * YouTube – @coachfetzjustacup: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup [https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup] youtube.com [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcfOwJrFwH42zUv3WeskaA?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * This clip on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_o0mvsGmoLs [https://youtu.be/_o0mvsGmoLs?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just A Cup - Volleybird co-founders Cassandra Toroian and Tracy Thomas | S2E66

n this episode of Just A Cup, host Bryan Fetzer talks with Volleybird co-founders Cassandra Toroian and Tracy Thomas about launching a sports-lifestyle brand that actually serves players: curated boxes of premium gear, wellness, and recovery picks—delivered on a simple cadence—across tennis, pickleball, padel, and golf. We dig into product curation, unboxing delight vs. utility, and how community feedback shapes the next drop. The duo also shares how Ruley, the E-Referee uses AI to translate ref-speak into plain English so games keep moving (and friendships stay intact). We hit startup lessons, supply chain sanity, female-founder realities, and why coffee-shop brainstorms with athletes are an unfair advantage. EPISODE GUIDE * 00:00 – Welcome + why lifestyle brands win when they solve real on-court problems * 03:00 – Volleybird origin story: from player frustrations to curated surprise boxes (sports covered + cadence) * 09:30 – What’s in the box? Balancing premium, practical, and “fun” (and how feedback loops work) * 16:45 – Ruley, the E-Referee: clearing up rules instantly so games don’t stall (tennis/pickleball/padel/golf) * 24:15 – Community building and content: why short how-tos and unboxings convert casuals into fans instagram.com+1 [https://www.instagram.com/volleybird_shop/?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * 31:00 – Startup realities: supply chain, seasonality, and pricing a bi-monthly experience that lasts * 38:20 – Female-founder insights: momentum, mentorship, and measuring traction * 44:10 – Rapid-fire: favorite court/course essentials, apps they love, and the best product feedback they ever got * 47:30 – Where to find Volleybird & Ruley + how to collaborate ---------------------------------------- GUEST + BRAND LINKS * Volleybird (official): https://volleybird.shop/ [https://volleybird.shop/] VolleyBird [https://volleybird.shop/?srsltid=AfmBOorfuA2pWissRfUNyzPDBIbxJxTX3KIXwgkfxU6ZDqgn4Ph0jUgr&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * How Volleybird Works (cadence, sports, subscription): https://volleybird.shop/pages/how-it-works [https://volleybird.shop/pages/how-it-works] VolleyBird [https://volleybird.shop/pages/how-it-works?srsltid=AfmBOop7NH1z782LIImAeZA6s8Ht-yWFkY1a4tm1iqR0F766yqeIr3gN&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Volleybird Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volleybird_shop/ instagram.com [https://www.instagram.com/volleybird_shop/?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Ruley, the E-Referee (AI rules assistant overview): founder/brand posts & updates LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ruleytheeref_sportstech-innovation-ai-activity-7373829962673582080-hq96?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Cassandra Toroian bio/overview (background + ventures): https://dontbuythebull.io/about-cassandra-toroian/ [https://dontbuythebull.io/about-cassandra-toroian/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]Cassandra Toroian [https://dontbuythebull.io/about-cassandra-toroian/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Tracy Thomas (profile): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-thomas71 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-thomas71?utm_source=chatgpt.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-thomas71?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- LISTEN & WATCH * Bleav – Just A Cup (show home): https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/ [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * YouTube – @coachfetzjustacup: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup [https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup] ---------------------------------------- EPISODE CREDITS Host: Bryan Fetzer • Guests: Cassandra Toroian & Tracy Thomas (Co-Founders, Volleybird; Co-Founders, Ruley) ---------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL NOTES / CALLS TO ACTION * Like the episode? Rate & review on Apple/Spotify—that’s how other players and coaches find us. Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-a-cup/id1720199774?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Guest suggestions or partnerships: DM Bryan on Instagram @coachfetz or connect on LinkedIn. instagram.com+1 [https://www.instagram.com/coachfetz/?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com] Volleybird, sports subscription box, pickleball box, tennis subscription box, golf gift box, padel gear box, Ruley E-Referee, AI sports rules, women founders in sports tech, Bryan Fetzer, Bleav podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just A Cup - Arpen Desai, co-founder of SportsFirst | S2E65

In this episode of Just A Cup, host Bryan Fetzer chats with Arpan Desai of SportsFirst, a sports-technology company building products and software used by teams and partners across the industry. Arpan shares the origin of SportsFirst, how his team ships products for real-world use cases, and where AI/automation actually delivers ROI for athletes, coaches, and front offices. We get into fan-experience apps, data privacy/design tradeoffs, and the realities of scaling a sports-tech startup (tooling, hiring, and go-to-market). Stick around for rapid-fire: favorite stadium tech, founder pitfalls, and Arpan’s advice for students breaking into sports + tech EPISODE GUIDE (TIMESTAMPS ~APPROX.) * 00:00 – Welcome, show setup, why sports tech needs “on-field” empathy * 02:30 – Arpan’s path to SportsFirst & the core problem they set out to solve SportsFirst [https://www.sportsfirst.net/sports-technology-trends-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * 08:20 – Building for elite teams: requirements, speed, and reliability in the wild * 14:40 – The AI stack in sports: where it helps (and where it’s hype) SportsFirst [https://www.sportsfirst.net/trends-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * 21:30 – Fan apps, live ops, and measurable engagement * 28:15 – Data governance & privacy by design for teams and leagues * 33:00 – GTM playbook: pilots, proof-of-value, and scaling beyond seasonality * 38:10 – Founder lessons: shipping fast without breaking trust * 42:00 – Rapid-fire: stadium tech, must-read resources, favorite athlete-led products * 45:30 – Where to find Arpan & SportsFirst; how to collaborate * 46:30 – Closing + subscribe/ratings CTA > Note: Markers are approximate; feel free to adjust to your final chaptering once the audio is locked. ---------------------------------------- GUEST LINKS * SportsFirst – company site & resources: https://www.sportsfirst.net/ [https://www.sportsfirst.net/] SportsFirst [https://www.sportsfirst.net/sports-technology-trends-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Sports Technology Trends (reports featuring Arpan): 2024 / 2025 briefs from SportsFirst SportsFirst+1 [https://www.sportsfirst.net/sports-technology-trends-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Arpan on X (Twitter): https://x.com/arpand9 X (formerly Twitter) [https://x.com/arpand9?lang=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Arpan on LinkedIn (talks, updates): https://www.linkedin.com/posts/arpan-desai-mobilefirst_ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/arpan-desai-mobilefirst_sportsindia2024-ai-automation-activity-7234784903400218625-4cyJ?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- LISTEN & WATCH * Bleav – Just A Cup (show home): https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/ [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * YouTube – @coachfetzjustacup: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup [https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup] * This episode on YouTube (if applicable): https://youtu.be/HVAnOzhjfmE [https://youtu.be/HVAnOzhjfmE?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- EPISODE CREDITS Host: Bryan Fetzer • Guest: Arpan Desai (Co-Founder/CTO, SportsFirst) SportsFirst+1 [https://www.sportsfirst.net/sports-technology-trends-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL NOTES / RESOURCES * Interested in partnering or a guest spot? DM Bryan on Instagram @coachfetz or connect on LinkedIn @bryanfetzer (also listed on the Bleav show page). * If you enjoyed this, please rate & review on Apple/Spotify—it helps more coaches, athletes, and builders discover the show.   sports technology, sports tech startup, AI in sports, athlete performance data, fan engagement apps, sports product management, SportsFirst, Arpan Desai, Bryan Fetzer, Bleav Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just A Cup - Stories on Sneakers: Chummy’s Customs CEO Chris Donell and Colin “Chummy” Szumski | S2E65

In this episode of Just A Cup, host Bryan Fetzer chats with Colin Szumski, the Miami-based artist behind Chummy’s Customs, about building a custom-footwear brand that celebrates life’s biggest moments—jersey-material “game day” shoes, charity collabs like My Cause My Cleats, and live activations with major partners. We talk creative process (materials, deconstruction, airbrushing), scaling from single commissions to brand campaigns, pricing transparency, and how to work with athletes, teams, and sponsors without losing the art. Colin also shares social-growth strategy, what makes a design go viral, and the lessons learned from collabs that landed in People, Complex, and BR Kicks. ---------------------------------------- EPISODE GUIDE * 00:00 – Welcome + why “every pair tells a story” * 02:45 – Origin: from college apartment customs to Miami studio & brand activations (Super Bowl / Art Basel) Angelus Direct [https://angelusdirect.com/blogs/creator-spotlight/custom-sports-sneakers-with-chummys-customs-airbrushing-numbers-using-angelus-paints?srsltid=AfmBOooJSOmRYvDXD0ThCB6hK2FH8HM8CQ9t2QwgyOtgxQNPZl56aKAP&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * 08:30 – Process deep-dive: sourcing, jersey upcycling, hand-painting & finishing * 14:10 – Athlete & brand collabs: what partners actually need (briefs, approvals, turnarounds) Chummy's Customs [https://www.chummyscustoms.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojzIQG9moGsX7jWPOtLCTzKKwMGbtTJVNiW_efKPxSHeBam3Jt] * 21:40 – My Cause My Cleats: purpose, storytelling, and game-week logistics Chummy's Customs [https://www.chummyscustoms.com/pages/my-cause-my-cleats?srsltid=AfmBOorBtycRG_w3p8OyUiJf7rLjIItnqVVLDLyU550fVSHjiH1oBr2A&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * 28:05 – Social & content: reels that convert; behind-the-scenes vs. big reveals * 33:30 – From one-offs to activations: working events & fan-engagement contests (Steel United example) * 39:15 – Pricing, timelines, IP basics & expectations (what clients should know) * 44:20 – Rapid-fire: favorite pair, dream collab, best feedback, toughest material * 47:00 – Where to find Chummy’s Customs + how to collaborate ---------------------------------------- GUEST LINKS * Chummy’s Customs (official site): https://www.chummyscustoms.com/ [https://www.chummyscustoms.com/] – collaborators include Coca-Cola, FanDuel, Chelsea, 76ers, and more. * About / Contact / Collabs: Brand collaborations & My Cause My Cleats intake. Chummy's Customs+1 [https://www.chummyscustoms.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojzIQG9moGsX7jWPOtLCTzKKwMGbtTJVNiW_efKPxSHeBam3Jt] * Instagram (@_chummys): portfolio, reels, and latest drops. instagram.com [https://www.instagram.com/_chummys/?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Linktree (all links): requests, collabs, FAQs. Linktree [https://linktr.ee/chummyscustoms?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Founder (Colin Szumski) – feature & bio: creative background, live activations. Angelus Direct [https://angelusdirect.com/blogs/creator-spotlight/custom-sports-sneakers-with-chummys-customs-airbrushing-numbers-using-angelus-paints?srsltid=AfmBOooJSOmRYvDXD0ThCB6hK2FH8HM8CQ9t2QwgyOtgxQNPZl56aKAP&utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- LISTEN & WATCH * Bleav – Just A Cup (show home): https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/ [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Bleav [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * YouTube – @coachfetzjustacup: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup [https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/%40coachfetzjustacup/videos?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ---------------------------------------- EPISODE CREDITS Host: Bryan Fetzer • Guest: Colin Szumski (Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Chummy’s Customs). Chummy's Customs+1 [https://www.chummyscustoms.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojzIQG9moGsX7jWPOtLCTzKKwMGbtTJVNiW_efKPxSHeBam3Jt] ---------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL NOTES / CALLS TO ACTION * Like the episode? Rate & review on Apple/Spotify—it helps athletes, artists, and brand folks find the show. * Inquiries / partnerships: Use the Chummy’s Customs collab form or DM via Instagram; for show bookings, contact Bryan via the Bleav show page or socials below. Chummy's Customs+1 [https://www.chummyscustoms.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojzIQG9moGsX7jWPOtLCTzKKwMGbtTJVNiW_efKPxSHeBam3Jt] ---------------------------------------- custom sneakers, custom cleats, jersey shoes, My Cause My Cleats, athlete collabs, brand activations, fan engagement, sneaker artist, Chummy’s Customs, Colin Szumski, Bryan Fetzer, Bleav Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just A Cup - Ryan Medrano, 2x Silver Medalist, US Paralympian and "Survivor" TV Show | S2E64

How do you go from reality-TV challenges to the Paralympic podium—twice? Ryan Medrano joins host Bryan Fetzerto unpack his journey from Survivor 43 to two Paris 2024 silver medals, explain the T38 classification in plain English, and share practical tools for focus, sponsorship, and storytelling that any athlete can use. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oCBA-RqjdUk [https://youtu.be/oCBA-RqjdUk] Just A Cup on Bleav (show hub): https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/ [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] In this episode * T38 sprinting 101: what the classification means and why it matters * Paris highlights: the silver-medal races and the adjustments that paid off * Survivor lessons for sport: teamwork, adversity, and decision-making under pressure * Mindset tools: a simple 20-second reset for composure in big moments * Sponsor strategy for Paralympians: how to craft a story that brands remember * The Paralympic movement’s future: visibility, access, and youth pipelines Timestamps * 00:00 — Cold open: island games to global games * 02:10 — Ryan’s route to Team USA and T38 explained * 07:20 — Paris 2024: two silvers and the difference-makers * 12:40 — Mindset toolbox: breath, eyes, word * 18:05 — Survivor takeaways that work in lane four * 23:00 — Sponsorship and storytelling for Paralympic athletes * 28:10 — What is next for Ryan and for the movement * 32:20 — Rapid-Fire: favorite session, race cue, message to young athletes * 35:10 — Closing and how to follow Episode notes * Pressure is information—use it to choose the next best action. * Keep classification education simple; clarity builds fans and partners. * Sponsor pitch rule: story first, metrics second—then prove it with consistent content. * The reset that travels: one breath, one focal point, one word. More from Just A Cup * YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup [https://www.youtube.com/@coachfetzjustacup] * Show page on Bleav: https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/ [https://bleav.com/shows/just-a-cup/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect * Host: Bryan Fetzer — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachfetz/ [https://www.instagram.com/coachfetz/] — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-fetzer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-fetzer/] * For guests, partnerships, or media: message via the Bleav show page or DM Bryan on Instagram/LinkedIn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.