Episode 136: The One About 'Roll With It' with Brad Porteus

Cold Open Question of the Week: If you could be born in any year in the history of mankind what year would you choose? [either past or future -- presuming being born into a similar socio economic class as this life]Bonus Cold Open Question of the Week: Did you ever own a pair of inline roller skates?Tonight we are joined by debut author Brad Porteus. Brad’s first book, Roll With It: A Trip Back to the ‘90s - GenX Style will be published March 24th. A graduate of Duke University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Brad, is the former merchandise manager for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and Vice President-General Manager of the San Jose Rhinos of the Roller Hockey International. A man who once sat in the same seat — an hour apart — as the late, great Oakland A’s hall of famer, Rickey Henderson, please welcome Brad Porteus.What Prompted You To Write the Book: Explain how the evolution of the book took place, and the role of COVID-19 played in it?Trust The Process: What was the writing process like? Editing? Re-writing. Working with an editor, getting feedback. It reads really easy.Watch TheBrianLennonShow on Substack:Interviews: It seems like you interviewed a number of people from your past for the book. How many people did you speak to? What was it like to revisit those days?The Sound of Music: Music and concerts (Grateful Dead, Sting, Sheryl Crow) play a big part throughout the book. Was that always part of the book? Learn more about Brad by visiting PORTEUS.com, where you can read the first chapter of Roll With It, the link to purchase it on Amazon, and about Bridge Grades!Roller Hockey International on ESPNEnjoy this clip of Brad’s San Jose Rhinos versus the Vancouver Voodoo from back in 1994. You’ll notice the hometown fans are waiving safari hats, one of the promotions from Brad and his team.Gen X: You really do a great job capturing what it was like to grow up in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Talk a little bit about how Gen-X (our generation) was maybe the perfect generationand best equipped to welcome the internet and world wide web into our business and personal lives.Business Advice: Brad shares the three secrets he learned early on how to be a success in any job.Trippin’: You write about drug use in the book, was that a difficult decision for you to share those details?The Coveted Murphy Cup: We ask if Brad has made any progress on his quest to find the coveted treasure of all North American sports? Brian and Gary help Brad with a place to start, tracking down the possible last possessor of RHI’s most prized possession, and it starts with a guy named Bernie in St. Louis. Sports: What’s your current relationship to sports now? Do you attend games or watch on television?Bridge Grades: Brad discusses his latest project, Bridge Grades, where he is Executive Director. Bridge Grades assess politicians as "bridgers" or "dividers" based on public data and observable behaviors. He discusses how the project works, and some findings about the current political sphere.March Madness: A Dookie, Brad still has a soft spot for his alma mater when it comes to the NCAA basketball tournament.‘Marshmallow Test’: You were one of the participants!AI Reviews: Brad reads some flattering reviews of TheBrianLennonShow that AI supplied him.Rapid Fire Questions:* 90210 or Melrose Place?* ‘90s Celebrity Crush?* Favorite ‘90s concert you attended?* Your favorite CD?* Best Athletic Performance You’ve Witnessed In-Person?* Will you be writing another book?Thank you for listening and watching TheBrianLennonShow! Be sure to show Brian and Gary some love by leaving a comment, sharing on social media, or becoming a FREE or paid subscriber! Get full access to TheBrianLennonShow at thebrianlennonshow.substack.com/subscribe