Paradigm Playbook

Welcome to Paradigm Playbook—the one company dedicated to teaching you the practices and habits of successful sports businesses. We aim to help motivated entrepreneurs merge their passion for sports with the mission of optimizing their business.

Paradigm Playbook is a business podcast hosted by Steve Cook, with 135 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Steve Cook hosts Paradigm Playbook, a business show with 135 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Paradigm Playbook

  Ep 130: How to Build a Profitable Ninja Gym with Ally Johnson

  Sep 21, 202630 min

  Host Steve Cook sits down with Ally Johnson, COO of The Lab (Learn.Adapt.Build) and CEO of Ninja Gym Academy, to break down the business behind building a successful ninja program. With experience helping open more than 40 facilities, Ally shares the differences between standalone ninja gyms and bolt-on programs, including startup costs, space, curriculum, pricing, and long-term profitability. They also discuss why open play matters, how parkour fundamentals build safer athletes, and when gyms should introduce competitive teams. Whether you’re considering adding ninja to an existing facility or building a standalone gym, this episode offers practical insights on creating a program that kids love and that makes sense for the business. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

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  Paradigm Playbook

  Ep 129: Your Brand Is More Than a Logo: How to Stand Out with Galen Broido

  Sep 1, 202625 min

  Host Steve Cook sits down with Galen Broido, founder of Galenda Media Group, to talk about what truly makes a brand stand out in the youth sports and child activity industry. Drawing from her background in marketing, web design, and the swim and gymnastics industries, Galen explains why your brand is much more than a logo or color palette—it’s the feeling customers take away from every interaction with your business. Steve and Galen discuss how messaging, design, staff, social media, reviews, and the customer experience all work together to tell one consistent story. They also explore how businesses can identify what makes them different, use authentic storytelling to build trust, and leverage AI without losing the human element that makes a brand memorable. For youth activity business owners looking to strengthen their identity and stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with practical branding insights. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

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  Paradigm Playbook

  Ep. 127: How Cognitive Biases Help Entrepreneurs Close More Deals with John Asher

  Jul 29, 202627 min

  Host Steve Cook sits down with sales expert, entrepreneur, and author John Asher to explore how understanding how people think can transform how entrepreneurs sell. Drawing on his unique background as a Navy submarine captain, Pentagon buyer and program manager, engineering firm founder, and sales advisor, John explains why selling is a skill every business owner needs. John breaks down the neuroscience behind common cognitive biases that influence purchasing decisions and shares practical ways to apply them in everyday conversations. From using genuine compliments to build rapport, creating reciprocity by giving value first, and leveraging similarity to strengthen connections, to offering the right number of choices to avoid decision fatigue, he provides actionable strategies that help businesses build trust and close more sales. Whether you're a swim school owner, youth program operator, or entrepreneur looking to improve your sales process, this episode delivers simple, science-backed techniques that can help you communicate more effectively, connect with customers, and grow your business. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

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  Paradigm Playbook

  Ep 126: Giving Every Child the Chance to Swim with Kristin Mabrouk

  Jul 15, 202627 min

  Host Steve Cook sits down with Kristin Mabrouk, Executive Director of the Hope Floats Foundation, to discuss how the organization is making lifesaving swim lessons accessible to more children across the country. By partnering with swim schools nationwide, Hope Floats helps create local scholarship programs that open the door for children from low-income families and those in foster care. Kristin shares how the foundation supports swim schools through scholarship administration, fundraising resources, and initiatives like the Swim for Hope campaign. She also discusses the importance of water safety, the challenges families face in accessing swim lessons, and why collaboration is key to expanding opportunities for children. Whether you're involved in youth programs, own a swim school, or simply believe every child should have the chance to learn to swim, this episode is an inspiring conversation about community, impact, and making a difference. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

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  Paradigm Playbook

  Building a Sports Business with Passion and Personal Touch with Alivia Orvieto | Playmakers Replay

  Jun 15, 202626 min

  In this episode of Paradigm Playbook , host Steve Cook sits down with Alivia Orvieto , a volleyball and fitness specialist who’s redefining what sports training can look like. Alivia shares her journey from competing in indoor volleyball at a young age to launching a first-of-its-kind beach volleyball hybrid program in Pennsylvania. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a business without a brick-and-mortar facility, and how she blends personal training, nutrition coaching, and athletic development into a holistic experience for her athletes. Together, Steve and Alivia dive into: 🏐 How she built Orvieto Athletics from the ground up 💪 The role of strength training during in-season and off-season cycles 🌱 How she uses technology to scale online training + nutrition services ✨ The power—and pressure—of growing a business rooted in personal brand 🚀 Her long-term vision for expanding opportunities for young athletes Whether you're an aspiring coach, a sports entrepreneur, or someone passionate about athlete development, this episode offers a fresh look at what it takes to build a thriving sports business with heart. Follow us: Paradigm Playbook Instagram Facebook YouTube

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