In this engaging conversation, Mark Shunock shares his journey from a hockey-loving Canadian to a prominent figure in the entertainment and sports industry. He discusses his recent transition to WWE, the excitement of playoff hockey, and his commitment to community service through initiatives like Monday's Dark and The Space. Mark reflects on his unique career path, the importance of mental health, and his aspirations for the future, all while maintaining a positive outlook and a dedication to giving back.

00:00 The Excitement of Playoff Hockey

03:00 Transitioning to WWE and WrestleMania

05:55 From Hockey to Broadway: A Unique Journey

08:49 The Birth of the Vegas Golden Knights

12:07 The Role of a Host: Style and Approach

15:02 Community Impact: Monday's Dark and The Space

17:50 Building a Legacy: The Space 2.0

21:14 Balancing Life and Career

23:56 Exciting Future with WWE

26:46 Memorable Moments in the Ring

29:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

In this conversation, Franco Finn shares his journey from being a talkative child to becoming a renowned hype man in the sports industry. He discusses the importance of public speaking, the influence of early experiences, and how he balanced multiple careers before fully committing to his passion. Franco emphasizes the significance of positivity and engagement in both personal and professional settings, illustrating how these traits have shaped his career and relationships. In this engaging conversation, Jake Fehling and Franco Finn explore the dynamic world of sports entertainment, focusing on the role of the hype man. They discuss the challenges faced during tough seasons, the evolution of fan engagement, and the importance of creativity in maintaining excitement. Franco shares his aspirations for future events and offers valuable advice for aspiring hype performers, emphasizing the need for practice and adaptability in the industry.

00:00 Introduction

02:11 The Journey of a Hype Man

09:04 Early Influences and Public Speaking

15:09 Balancing Multiple Careers

19:09 Applying Positivity in Personal and Professional Life

19:41 Navigating Challenges in Sports Entertainment

22:55 The Evolution of the Hype Man Role

26:47 Creativity in Engaging Fans

30:12 Dreams and Aspirations in Sports

32:19 Advice for Aspiring Hype Performers

In this engaging conversation, Duke Tango shares his journey from the streets of Harlem to becoming a renowned hype man in the basketball world. He discusses the origins of his career, the rise of AND1, and his experiences in streetball culture. Duke reflects on his transition to acting in the film 'Uncle Drew' and the evolution of his role as a hype man. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creativity in his craft, while also offering advice to aspiring hype artists. The conversation concludes with Duke's thoughts on his legacy and future aspirations in the sports entertainment industry.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Harlem to Hype Man
02:48 The Rise of AND1 and Streetball Culture
06:01 Transitioning to the Silver Screen: Uncle Drew
08:59 The Evolution of a Hype Man
12:02 Crafting the Persona: The Art of Hype
14:57 The Legacy of Streetball and Future Aspirations
18:03 Advice for Aspiring Hype Artists
20:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Welcome to The Power of Hype—the podcast that breaks down the magic, the mechanics, and the messiness of hype. I’m Jake Fehling, and in every episode, we’re diving deep into the energy that fuels momentum, motivation, and maybe even a little mayhem.

From professional hype men and women who make stadiums shake to clinical psychologists who understand the science behind encouragement, we’ll explore how hype can inspire, uplift, and spark real change. But we’re also keeping it real—because not all hype is created equal. We’ll talk about the dark side: toxic positivity, FOMO, and the moments when too much hype can lead to some not-so-great decisions.

So, whether you thrive on the energy of the crowd or you’re just trying to hype yourself up for the day ahead, this is the place for you. Get ready to feel the power, question the hype, and maybe even rethink the way you show up for yourself and others.

Let’s get into it!