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What does it really take to build something that lasts? After my fascinating conversation with Maximilian Cooper, founder of Gumball 3000, I felt compelled to share the powerful insights that resonated most with me about consistency, community-building, and turning passion into global impact.

Twenty-six years of unwavering dedication has transformed Gumball 3000 from a car rally into one of the world's most recognizable lifestyle brands. Max's journey – from fashion student to model to race car driver to visionary entrepreneur – demonstrates the power of staying true to your vision through challenges. Despite the glamorous appearance, Gumball didn't generate profits for its first three years, yet Max persisted. This mirrors my own experience with Basketball Nation, where consistency through difficulties has been crucial to our growth.

What makes Gumball truly special isn't just luxury vehicles but its ability to unite people across traditional boundaries. The events bring together hedge fund managers, skateboarders, world leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives in a shared space of passion. This concept of community as "future building" is transformative – when people rally around shared values, they create structures that can ultimately reshape nations. Through Basketball Nation and our expanding network of sports media initiatives, we're similarly committed to connecting people across continents through the universal language of sports.

The conversation with Max has expanded my vision for what's possible when you persistently nurture community and refuse to quit at the first obstacle. If you haven't already, I encourage you to watch the full interview with Maximilian Cooper and explore our other episodes as we continue building a global platform that connects, inspires, and creates lasting impact. Subscribe, comment, and join us on this journey!

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From fashion to fast cars – the incredible journey of a cultural icon.

In this electrifying episode of Beyond The Athlete, we’re joined by Maximillion Cooper, the visionary behind the world famous Gumball 3000. From leaving home at 18 to pursue fashion in London, modelling for top brands, and diving into motorsport culture, Maximillion’s story is one of bold moves, creative ambition, and building a lifestyle empire from the ground up.

What to Expect:
• Life lessons from leaving home young
• Behind the scenes of the fashion & modelling industry
• The birth of Gumball 3000 and its cultural impact
• The fusion of style, sport, and spectacle
• Insights on entrepreneurship, branding, and legacy

You can also watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mFuqgM4PacY?si=9Ehfh2tJVb798S0f

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Coach David reflects on his podcasting journey from humble beginnings to international reach, emphasizing the importance of simply starting rather than overthinking your goals.

• Just start – don't overcomplicate things or overthink it
• Learning happens along the way – from video production to social media management
• We're scaling up the Nation Sports Association with multiple community partners
• This summer brings major events including a Europe-wide football tournament
• Building international connections in Netherlands and France
• The greats never take shortcuts – excellence requires discipline behind the scenes
• We owe our best to the next generation who will carry on the legacy
• The podcast now reaches listeners worldwide from Rwanda to Singapore to Australia

Subscribe to Beyond the Athlete on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Soundcloud and all listening platforms. Follow Coach David at @coachdavidbbn on Instagram and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

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Beyond The Athlete - https://instagram.com/beyondtheathletepod?utm_source=qr
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Coach David - https://instagram.com/coachdavidbbn?utm_source=qr

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In this special solo episode, Coach David dives into a powerful reflection on what it truly means to be great. Drawing from his journey in sports, fashion, and community building, he unpacks the lessons, habits, and mindsets he’s learned from speaking with top athletes, creatives, and leaders.

From the sacrifices behind the scenes to the inner battles that shape greatness, this episode explores how greatness is not just about talent but about resilience, consistency, and purpose.

Whether you’re an athlete, creative, or someone striving to reach your potential, this episode will challenge you to redefine your own vision of greatness.

Listen now and be inspired to become the best version of yourself.

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In Episode 27 of Beyond The Athlete, we sit down with Ezinne Kalu, a two-time Olympian, professional basketball player, and key figure in Nigerian women’s basketball. From her early days in the game to competing at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Ezinne shares her journey, the challenges and triumphs of representing Nigeria on the world stage, and what it meant to be part of the first African women’s basketball team to reach the Olympic knockout rounds.

We also dive into the state of women’s sports, the growth of basketball in Africa, and the mindset it takes to compete at the highest level. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!

Subscribe and Download and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Ezinne Kalu (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/_thenigerianqueen/?hl=en

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This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Benny Bonsu, one of the most influential voices in global sports media, youth development, and community building. From London to Africa, Benny has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for underserved communities through the power of sports.

We dive into her incredible journey, including:

• Transforming communities through grassroots sports in North London & Africa.
• Empowering future leaders through the Saint Benedict’s Foundation & Otumfuo Osei-Tutu Foundation.
• Building dreams at the SEED Academy in Senegal.
• Expanding basketball’s reach across Africa with the BAL & NBA Africa.

This episode is all about breaking barriers, building stronger communities, and inspiring the next generation through sports.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode full of actionable insights, real-world impact, and the stories of lives changed through sports.

📌 Subscribe and Download and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Benny Bonsu (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/msbennybonsu/

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In this power-packed episode, we sit down with Darren Grover, the Senior Vice President of Gaming at VaynerSports, to explore the most compelling gaming industry trends, the explosive rise of esports, and innovative sports marketing strategies that are reshaping the digital landscape.

Darren, a former basketball player and renowned creative visionary, shares his personal journey and reveals how his experiences on the court and in the creative arena have fuelled his expertise in brand building and digital storytelling. His unique perspective bridges the worlds of competitive sports and digital innovation, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their marketing and branding efforts.

Key Topics Covered:

• Current Trends in the Gaming Industry: Discover the latest advancements and shifts driving the gaming market.
• The Explosive Growth and Future of Esports: Understand how esports is rapidly evolving into a global phenomenon.
• Innovative Sports Marketing Strategies: Learn cutting-edge techniques to amplify brand engagement and storytelling in the digital age.
• Darren’s Journey as a Basketball Player and Creative Leader: Gain inspiration from his transformative career and creative insights.
• Brand Building and Digital Storytelling: Explore strategies to build a powerful brand narrative in today’s competitive digital world.

Tune in now to unlock valuable insights at the intersection of gaming, esports, and sports marketing. Whether you're a marketer, a sports enthusiast, or a digital strategist, this episode is your essential guide to mastering the future of digital sports and gaming.

Listen now and stay ahead with the latest gaming industry trends, esports growth insights, and innovative sports marketing strategies from one of the industry's leading experts.

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Welcome to Episode 24 of the Beyond The Athlete Podcast.

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Kevin Couliau, a globally acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and creative force behind the iconic basketball documentary "Doin’ It in the Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC".

Kevin shares his passion for capturing the essence of basketball culture, his journey across the world documenting the sport, and how basketball builds community and connects people far beyond the game itself. From the courts of NYC to inspiring creatives worldwide, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves the game and the stories behind it.

In this episode, we explore:
- The making of "Doin’ It in the Park".
- The art of storytelling through basketball.
- How basketball influences global culture.
- Kevin’s creative journey and advice for aspiring filmmakers and photographers.

Where to find us:
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube.

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories from athletes, creators, and innovators pushing boundaries within the sports space and beyond.

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Instagram Links:
Beyond The Athlete - https://instagram.com/beyondtheathletepod?utm_source=qr
Basketball Nxtion - https://instagram.com/basketballnxtion?utm_source=qr
Coach David - https://instagram.com/coachdavidbbn?utm_source=qr