How Strong Hot Takes: From Villains and Product Placement in the Movies to the State of Social Media

In a warm and engaging discussion on the How Strong podcast, hosts Troy Beetz and Lisa Cotto traverse a range of hot takes, beginning with an intriguing examination of villains in horror and action films and their relationship with brand endorsements. They further touch on Quentin Tarantino’s distinctive approach to product placement by inventing fictional brands and delving into the broader implications for brand participation in films with varying ratings. As observed in their recent podcast episodes, the conversation transitions smoothly into a reflective dialogue on personal growth and spiritual journeys. They discuss the compelling narratives of their guests who’ve navigated life’s challenges to find their paths, underscoring the common threads of faith and self-commitment in overcoming personal and professional hurdles. Through an absorbing blend of cinematic analysis, branding discussion, and life reflections, the hosts offer listeners a rich tapestry of insights that span the silver screen to real-life resilience and self-discovery.

Recent Episodes

The college football carousel is spinning faster than ever—accelerated by the transfer portal, NIL, and playoff-or-bust expectations. In this environment, staff turnover isn’t just a headline; it’s a human story affecting assistants and families who don’t have eight-figure buyouts. As discussed in this episode, a widely cited estimate suggests a majority of portal entrants…

Welcome to the second episode in our mini-series on the alternative asset market. Gennaro Leo is a sports executive and the co-founder of Austin Sports Ventures, a firm that partners with venture capital and private equity firms to invest in and operate assets across professional sports leagues, teams, and high-growth technology startups. In this…

The early weeks of college football are once again putting the AP poll under a microscope, with a controversial ballot sparking debate over voter accountability and the disconnect between initial rankings and on-field performance. At the same time, financial pressures are reshaping both college and pro football, from coaching buyouts to roster strain created by…