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From playing alongside Angel Reese and Azzi Fudd in the ultra-competitive DMV basketball scene to building a women's basketball fashion empire inspired by Paris, Olivia Nelson is proving that the future of sports culture is female. In this episode of Permission to Shine, Andrew sits down with the founder of DAMECORE, the self-described "Vogue of Women's Basketball" , to talk about growing up around elite athletes, moving across five countries, working in fashion in Paris, playing pickup basketball with David Blaine (yes, really), and why women's basketball is having its moment. Olivia shares the story behind building DAMECORE, blending luxury fashion with sport, the impact of the Caitlin Clark effect, what she learned from French culture, and why the biggest opportunities in life often live on the other side of uncertainty. This conversation is for entrepreneurs, athletes, creatives, and anyone chasing a vision bigger than themselves. Topics include: • Women's basketball and the WNBA boom • Building a fashion startup from scratch • Paris, creativity, and finding your purpose • Entrepreneurship in your 20s • Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and the future of women's sports • Luxury fashion meets basketball culture • Why taking risks changes everything If you've ever wondered what happens when ambition, creativity, and purpose collide; this one's for you. Follow DAMECORE: https://www.instagram.com/damecore.co/ Follow Andrew Namanny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Follow Permission to Shine: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/ #PermissionToShine #WomensBasketball #WNBA #CaitlinClark #AngelReese #Entrepreneurship #Fashion #Startup #Paris #DAMECORE #SportsBusiness #FounderStory #PersonalGrowth

What does it take to go from a surf shop dropout to one of Britain's most elite Special Forces operators, then reinvent yourself all over again? Dean Stott MBE spent 16 years in the military, including time in the Special Boat Service (SBS), the UK's equivalent of SEAL Team Six. After a catastrophic parachuting accident at 15,000 feet ended his career, he refused to stop. He built a private security company from scratch, single-handedly evacuated the Canadian Embassy from war-torn Libya, rescued 220 people from Israel within 96 hours of the October 7th Hamas attacks, and, oh yeah, broke the world record for cycling the 14,000-mile Pan-American Highway in just 99 days, raising over $1.4 million for mental health charities along the way. In this conversation, Dean opens up about: — The parachuting accident that tore every ligament in his knee and ended his military career — Dressing as Taliban to run double agents in Kandahar, and the moment he nearly fired his weapon by mistake — How he buried 30 weapons in the Libyan desert and built a security empire from nothing — Why he believes anticipation is worse than participation — The raw "dead or divorce" conversation that changed everything in his marriage — Cycling 14,000 miles having barely ridden a bike — and smashing the world record by 17 days — How breathwork kept him calm in a boxing ring at age 49 — His friendship with Prince Harry and the Heads Together mental health campaign — The Race Across America he's planning next, and why it's going to be special Dean is one of those rare humans who makes you rethink what's actually possible. This one will stay with you. 📖 Dean's book: Relentless 🌐 Dean's website: www.deanstott.com 📸 Dean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanstott/ 💼 Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-stott-mbe-24725880/ 🎙️ Follow Permission to Shine: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/ 💼 Host Andrew Namanny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/

Matt Hranek is one of those guys who makes you want to live better immediately. Matt is the founder and editor of William Brown magazine, author of A Man & His Watch, A Man & His Car, Negroni, and Martini, and the world’s most interested guy. Not interesting. Interested. In this episode, we talk about taste, why AI still can’t fake it, the problem with modern fashion, how Ralph Lauren mannequins mess with our heads, why great style should feel lived-in, and what actually makes a good life. Matt also shares stories from his early photography days, building WM Brown, hosting his legendary Florence Negroni party, and why dressing well still matters. This one made me want to buy a ticket, put on a jacket, and pay closer attention. Thanks for listening! -Andrew

Gwyneth Paltrow… true or false: she blew her nose into Eddie Stern’s pocket square while he was officiating her wedding? True. 😂 This week on Permission to Shine, I’m sitting down with the one-and-only Eddie Stern. A New York City original, one of the most respected yoga teachers alive, and the kind of teacher your favorite celebrities (and your favorite teacher’s teacher) quietly trust. Eddie has been practicing yoga since the 1980s and teaching since the late 80s. He’s the founder of Broome Street Yoga (opened in 1993) and he runs the Broome Street Ganesha Temple in SoHo. An actual temple, on Broome Street, that’s been a spiritual home in lower Manhattan for decades. In this conversation, we go deep; and in a way you can actually use today. We talk about: What the nervous system really is (and why so many of us are living in chronic “fight or flight” without realizing it) The simplest “brake pedal” you have access to 24/7: your exhale A practical way to tell if you’re stuck in sympathetic vs. parasympathetic (and what to do about it) Why telling someone “just relax” is basically emotional gasoline 😅 Eddie’s daily routine (yes… he wakes up around 3:45am like a peaceful psychopath) Punk rock, purpose, and the surprising link between freedom and discipline And a powerful section on integrity: leaving a system that caused harm, reclaiming identity, and building what you wish existed We also get into Eddie’s work bringing yoga and breath practices into the real world through tech, including The Breathing App, because he’s not just spiritual… he’s evidence-based and science-literate, down to a Master’s in Science for Yoga Research. If you’ve been stressed, reactive, tired, glued to your phone, or you just want to feel more calm and in control, this episode is for you. And if you love it, do me a favor: send it to one friend who’s been carrying a lot lately. Follow / Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube - and drop a review if you want to help us keep bringing you the best people on Earth. Love y’all.— Andrew Namanny

This episode is personal. I finally convinced my mom to join me for an interview. Chris Namanny, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Elite Executive Partners. She’s a leader I’ve learned more from than anyone on Earth… and if you’ve ever met her, you know she has a rare gift: she solves problems fast, calmly, and with a level of empathy that makes people feel safe even when the situation isn’t. Chris runs a national headhunting firm that finds and places talent across the country, and she also provides human resources consulting, representing the employer. She’s been in the trenches for decades. Advising leaders through tough decisions, building teams, and navigating the moments most people avoid (conflict, accountability, and hard conversations). We talk about: Why “fit” matters more than most people realize — in jobs and in life How great leaders hold people accountable without losing their humanity The art of firing with empathy (yes, it’s a skill. and yes, it matters) Why conflict, handled correctly, can actually make teams stronger What it takes to build a business that lasts — without getting complacent Family, resilience, and the traditions that keep us grounded What success really means when you strip away the noise If you’re building a team, leading people, navigating a hard season, or simply trying to become a steadier version of yourself… this conversation will hit. I’m honored to share my mom with you. Follow Permission to Shine on Spotify and Apple, subscribe on YouTube, and if this episode helped you, send it to someone who’s leading through something hard right now. — Andrew Namanny

Sandra Yamada was the only woman in her class of 18 investment bankers. A Harvard MBA. A biology major turned venture capitalist. And now? The founder of NEAP. A first-of-its-kind collagen protein gel changing how we get our protein on the go. But the story that started it all… involves a protein shake, a work out, and an unforgettable emergency. In this episode, Sandra shares: How one humiliating moment became the spark for a multimillion-dollar idea What it takes to walk away from a cush finance career to build something real The mindset that helped her go from being “the only woman in the room” to leading an entirely new product category Brilliant. Humble. Hilarious. This might be the most human founder story you’ll hear all year. Follow NEAP Try NEAP Follow Permission To Shine Follow Andrew Namanny

What happens when a dream, a culture, and a cup of coffee collide? In this episode, Andrew sits down with Shivani Darsinos, founder of Cafe Babu: Nashville’s coffee-meets-cocktail sanctuary that celebrates heritage, connection, and community. Named after her grandfather, Cafe Babu beautifully blends Shivani’s Indian roots and her husband’s Greek heritage, creating a space that feels both soulful and universal. Shivani shares how her upbringing shaped her drive; from a dad who taught her that strength knows no gender (“Who’s helping me lift this air conditioner?”) to the deep pride she feels in building a space that’s for everyone, regardless of where they come from or what they believe. She opens up about: Turning her cultural story into a business that channels people’s energyThe whirlwind of wearing “one too many hats” as a founderThe magic of a single cafe that’s a “one-hit wonder” … full of personality, warmth, and loveAnd yes… how Joe Jonas ended up performing at Cafe Babu (!) Through it all, Shivani reminds us that every cup of coffee holds a story; one made with intention, respect, and an incredible amount of love. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something that brings people together, this episode will fill your cup. ☕️ Follow Cafe Babu: https://www.instagram.com/cafe.babu/?hl=en 🎧 Listen now on Permission to Shine with Andrew Namanny

In this episode of Permission to Shine, I sit down with Nick Luebke: creator, thinker, and host of the new podcast Constantly Curious. Nick opens up about the five books that most profoundly shaped his life: The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Your Platform Is Not Your Purpose by Blaine Fuhs The Bible The Inner Work by Ash and Mat We explore how these works shifted his mindset, deepened his relationships, and inspired his creative journey. Nick also shares the mission behind Constantly Curious, where he’s already sat down with brilliant voices like Young Pueblo and Sahil Bloom. And—he drops some hints about writing a book of his own. This is a conversation about curiosity, purpose, and the power of the written word to change how we live. Follow Nick: https://www.instagram.com/nicholasjohn__/?hl=en Follow Permission to Shine: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/?hl=en Follow Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/

Thanks to our key sponsor, Elite Executive Partners — a premier recruiting firm helping businesses scale with top-tier talent. Whether you need one critical hire, like a CFO, or an entire team of skilled tradespeople, Elite delivers. They work across multiple industries, filling roles quickly with the right fit. Learn more at elitestaffco.com. $500M+ entrepreneur and serial founder Peter Wokwicz has built, scaled, and invested in more than 60 companies. In this episode, he sits down with Andrew Namanny to break down the future of money — and why ignoring crypto could be your biggest financial mistake. Peter explains blockchain, exposes the myths about crypto, and shares practical ways busy professionals can get started safely. We cover stablecoins, DeFi, tokenization, prediction markets, and how digital assets will disrupt banks, governments, and traditional finance. You’ll learn: Why blockchain is more secure than any banking system in history How to earn yield on your money without leaving it in a low-interest savings account The coming wave of tokenized real estate, companies, and assets What “truth markets” are — and how they could change journalism forever Peter’s portfolio strategy for someone starting with $25K in extra cash Whether you’re crypto-curious or already investing, this is your one-hour MBA in digital assets from one of the sharpest minds in the game. 📍 Follow Andrew on LinkedIn 📍 Follow Peter on Linkedin Sponsorship & Feedback: [email protected] Thanks for listening!

Dr. John Holcomb is one of the most legendary trauma surgeons alive. He shares untold details from Black Hawk Down, where he operated for over 30 hours straight during the infamous battle in Somalia in 1993. He opens up about the chaos, grit, and brutal realities of combat medicine — and how that moment shifted his mission for life. Now, he's focused on saving lives before patients even reach the hospital. From pioneering blood delivery systems to taking five trips to the frontlines of Ukraine, Dr. Holcomb’s work is reshaping modern trauma care. This is more than a war story — it’s a raw look at courage, purpose, humility and what it means to serve on the edge of life and death. 🔊 What You'll Learn: Behind-the-scenes of the Black Hawk Down mission How Holcomb handled nonstop surgery for 30+ hours The innovation driving pre-hospital blood care Why he keeps returning to Ukraine to help in war zones The mindset that sustains people in the world’s most high-stakes environments You can learn more about his work here: https://prehospitaltransfusion.org/ Follow Permission to Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/?hl=en Follow Andrew Namanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/

The power of a great network can’t be overstated—and Noah Berkson is an expert community builder. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits, founder and host of the Dose of Greatness podcast, Co-Founder of Outcove Valley a series of events for high caliber leaders, and a member of YPO. He’s made 1,000+ introductions in the last year (3 per day!). We discuss: ✅ Make introductions the right way – Always provide context so both people see the value. ✅ Say yes to everything in your 20s – Opportunities come from showing up. ✅ Pick up the tab – When dining with someone much wealthier, covering the bill makes an impression. ✅ Make friends, not “connections” – Real relationships > transactional networking. ✅ Find your X factor – He cold-DM’d Jess Mah because she flies planes. A unique hook stands out. ✅ Vulnerability is underrated – Being open, stumbling, and failing brings people closer. Tune in to learn more about the cold outreach, handling objections, and the biggest mistake people make about networking. Follow Noah Berkson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahberkson/ Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Feedback & Sponsorship: [email protected] 🎧 Listen now to Permission to Shine (#57).

What happens when you leave a thriving business to chase your true calling? Garrett Adair co-founded VitaFive, a successful gummy vitamin company, but deep down, he knew his real dream was music. Encouraged by Luke Bryan, he took a leap of faith, moved to Nashville, and is now on tour playing to packed crowds. In this episode, Garrett shares:🎸 Why he walked away from a booming business to pursue music full-time🎸 The challenges of switching from entrepreneurship to the music industry🎸 How his faith and family shaped his journey🎸 What it’s really like to go all-in on your passion This is a story about taking risks, following your gut, betting on yourself, and staying consistent. Follow Garrett Adair: https://www.instagram.com/garrettadair/?hl=en Follow Permission To Shine: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/ Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Thanks for listening! Feedback & Sponsorship: [email protected]

What happens when you flatline for over 20 minutes and wake up weeks later, completely paralyzed? Brad Cunningham knows firsthand. He's the author of Resilience Unbroken: My Story of True Survivals. In this powerful episode, Brad shares his unbelievable survival story—first battling cancer at 25, spending six months in the hospital, and then suffering cardiac arrest in 2023, where his heart stopped for over 20 minutes. Doctors weren’t sure he’d wake up. He did. But he went from marathon runner to wheelchair-bound, forced to rebuild his life from the ground up. Through it all, Brad learned three lessons that changed everything:1️⃣ Resilience is a choice—even when you have no control.2️⃣ The right support system is the difference between surviving and thriving.3️⃣ Struggles don’t just leave scars, they leave lessons. This is a story of grit, survival, and the power of the human spirit. If you’ve ever faced adversity—or want to hear what real resilience looks like—this episode is a must-listen. Brad is the Founder of Open Horizon Analytics where he utilizes his 30+ years of experience to provide data science expertise. Purchase Brad's book here: https://www.amazon.com/RESILIENCE-UNBROKEN-Story-True-Survivals/dp/B0DMV96LYF Follow Andrew Namanny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Follow Brad Cunningham here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcunningham23/

In this episode of Permission to Shine, I sit down with Tracy Tutor, powerhouse real estate broker, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star, and one of the most confident negotiators in the game.  We dive deep into: 🔥 The LA fires and how they’re reshaping the insurance market 🏡 Whether LA real estate is set for a boom or bust 💰 Her biggest deal ever ($56M!) and her goal to hit $1B in sales 🎥 How she became the first female main cast member on Million Dollar Listing 🤝 Her secret to building an all-star team and delegating like a boss 💡 Why confidence and authenticity are the keys to winning in any industry Tracy doesn’t hold back, sharing the mindset shifts that took her from agent to industry titan.  Whether you're in real estate, sales, or just want to level up your confidence, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening! Follow Tracy Tutor: https://www.instagram.com/tracytutor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Follow Permission to Shine: https://www.instagram.com/tracytutor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/

Wan Kim is the owner and CEO of Smoothie King, overseeing 1,202 stores and $850M annually.  Originally an immigrant from South Korea, Wan and I discuss:  How his first store almost failed and why he pushed forward for 4 years with little results  How to create momentum: spark a series of small wins. Even if you aren’t getting sales, get 100 people to sign up for your marketing list or wake up at 5:30am every day.  The expectation to work for his father's manufacturing business and walking away from it.  His decision to upset current customers with a menu change towards healthier ingredients in order to obtain a younger audience. Consuming smoothies ONLY for 30 days and the effects it had.  The first people to tell you to quit your entrepreneurial dream are your loved ones and why you shouldn’t listen to them.  His 2 key leadership principles: correct incentives & feedback without emotion. Connect with Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Connect with Wan Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wan-kim-3a4a604/ Send your feedback and thoughts to: [email protected] Thanks for listening!