Ben "The Bane" Davis has carved out one of the most unique paths in combat sports and entertainment. From calling fights across multiple promotions to stepping inside the cage himself—and even competing on MTV's The Challenge—Ben brings a rare blend of curiosity, courage, and relentless work ethic.

In this episode, Ben breaks down how he entered the world of combat sports commentary, what he learned while grinding through early media roles, and the mindset it takes to stand out on the mic. We talk about pacing, preparation, chemistry with a co-commentator, and why great play-by-play requires both discipline and personality.

Ben also shares his firsthand experience competing in BKFC and Karate Combat—not just as a commentator, but as a fighter—and what those opportunities taught him about the sport and himself.

Then we dive into his leap into reality television with MTV's The Challenge:
• What life in the house was really like
• The hardest part of adapting to cameras 24/7
• How the alliances, strategy, and politics actually work
• What he took away from the experience and whether he'd do it again

If you're someone who has ever wondered "what if?", Ben's story is a testament to saying yes, taking chances, and learning through unconventional opportunities.

Enjoy this conversation with one of the most dynamic voices—and personalities—in combat sports today.

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If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA

If you'd like to listen to the show, you can catch the podcast on your favorite platforms:

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bBJIiyOxs25BHKhKlCe23

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YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvbvSCliFvNWYadx9YugquysAbVz8Cb7i

Today on The Gametime Guru, I'm joined by Dave "Redneck" Mundell — the reigning BKFC Middleweight Champion and one of the most disciplined, business-focused fighters in the sport.

We dive deep into what makes Dave such a unique force in bare-knuckle fighting:

His calm, all-business approach in a sport built on both competition and personality

His background in combat sports and the journey that led him to the BKFC title

The nerves he still feels before every fight — and the preparation strategies that help him stay composed

What it's really like to get hurt in a fight and battle back in real time

Dave also opens up about potential matchups with Mike Perry and Lorenzo Hunt — and why he sees both of them as favorable fights. His perspective on "levels to the game" is something every aspiring fighter will want to hear.

If you're an athlete, a fan of BKFC, or someone who loves hearing the mindset of elite competitors, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:
• BKFC and the evolution of bare-knuckle fighting
• Dave Mundell's fighting style and championship mentality
• Preparing for high-pressure moments
• Mike Perry + Lorenzo Hunt matchups
• Lessons for aspiring fighters

Subscribe and follow The Gametime Guru for more conversations with top athletes and sports personalities from around the world.

We're breaking down the college football landscape right now as Mike Zanetti joins me here on the show! It's coming up on Week 13 of the season and we have a LOT to chat about!

Join us to discuss the true 'contenders' vs the 'pretenders' in the college football playoff race!

We're going to chat about the potential upsets:

- Could Alabama lose to Auburn?

- Will Ohio State come out undefeated or will Michigan or Indiana have something to say about that?

- Will Vanderbilt find a way into the playoff and would it be great to have Diego Pavia in the playoff?

- What about the Group of 5? Should Tulane actually deserve a spot or should they re-consider that whole format?

And we also discuss who the true Heisman Candidates should be!?

Has Mike become an Indiana fan since moving to the state for work?!! Join us to hear more today.

This is the Nations Best Natty Show brought to you by The NIL Marketplace Showcase (details below)

The NIL Marketplace Showcase
July 7-9th
Hyatt Regency
Indianapolis, Indiana

#CollegeFootball #Heisman #Playoffs

What an awesome opportunity we have today to chat with Jay Paterno, the son of legendary Penn State University Coach, Joe Paterno. With his most recent book, "Blitzed" coming out recently, we'll chat with Jay about the contents of the book and how the landscape of college football continues to change, which is leaving coaches and players alike with a need to adapt!

There are so many additional pressures with NIL coming into play. The money brings so many pressures.

Do coaches have shorter leashes while coaching now? Do the expectations change from fanbases and donors now with all this money playing a factor?

How does this impact recruiting? How does this impact retention and keeping rosters intact?

What does Jay think about potentially having a collective bargaining agreement in college athletics?

What about betting? How has gambling had an impact on sports? Fans, coaches, players, referees alike?

We get to hear some of his favorite memories and some of the great lessons he learned along with his father!

Come checkout this awesome conversation and snag your copy of the book so you can dive into it even deeper!

Follow Jay:

SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.facebook.com/jaypaternoforpa/
https://twitter.com/JayPaterno
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaypaterno/
https://www.youtube.com/@nittanygameweek4442/featured
https://www.instagram.com/jayvpaterno/
BIOS: https://jaypaterno.onlinepresskit247.com/about.html
IMAGES: https://jaypaterno.onlinepresskit247.com/image-gallery.html
WEBSITE: https://www.jayvpaterno.com/

BLITZED on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blitzed-All-Out-Pressure-College-Footballs/dp/B0DFW82ZT5/

Thanks for tuning in and if you enjoy this episode, please consider giving me a follow here on YouTube to help me build out this platform!

#JayPaterno #PennStateFootball #Coaching #Author

In this solo episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, I'm sharing two stories that hit close to home—one from the sideline and one from the broader world of college sports.

How I Learned (Again) That I Belong

I relive one of my final club basketball games coaching in California—when my undersized team went toe-to-toe with a junior college squad and found a way to win. It's a raw look at belief, resilience, and learning how to win again after a stretch of setbacks. If you've ever questioned whether you belong—at work, in sport, or in life—this one's for you.

The NIL Era: Opportunity & Uncertainty

• I break down the current state of Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) in college sports:
• How NIL is reshaping recruiting and roster retention
• Why powerhouse programs (think Ohio State) and mid-majors (like Boise State) face different realities
• The rise of donor fatigue and what it means for long-term sustainability
• Why NIL can be a double-edged sword—creating new opportunities for JUCO and DII athletes while adding pressure elsewhere
• Practical ideas for athletes (yes, even JUCO players) to build a brand—like starting a podcast and owning your story

What you'll take away:

• How to rebuild confidence after a string of losses
• Why culture and standards help you "flip the switch" back to winning
• Actionable ways athletes and coaches can adapt in the NIL era

If you're a coach, parent, athlete, or sports fan who believes games teach life, you'll feel right at home here. After nine years of conversations with athletes and coaches from 183 countries and all 50 states, I'm more convinced than ever: when you put in the work, you belong.

If this episode resonates, follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps the mission and keeps the conversations coming. Thanks for listening and for being part of the Gametime Guru community.

Sports writer Bill Rabinowitz joins me to unpack his new book Buckeye Brotherhood, the people-first stories from Ohio State's national championship season, and what it really takes to build a career in sports media today. We cover interviewing 50+ players and coaches, the leadership arc of Ryan Day, and why great reporting starts with listening. If you love Ohio State or you want to sharpen your sports-writing game, this one will hit.

In this episode:

• The human stories behind the Buckeyes' championship run
• How to break into sports media in 2025 and build audience on your own terms
• Listening to understand vs listening to reply
• Preparing under pressure and telling hard stories the right way
• Why Ohio State football unites an entire state
• Five takeaways
• People first, plays second. The best football stories are human stories.
• Listening is your edge. It unlocks trust and better reporting.
• Preparation reduces nerves and clarifies decisions.
• You can build a writing career if you are excellent and consistent.
• Resilience and identity fueled Ohio State's run, not just scheme.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:00 Bill's path in journalism
06:45 Breaking in today
08:40 The power of listening
12:35 Why Ohio State unites Ohio
13:30 Making Buckeye Brotherhood
18:55 Telling Ryan Day's story
21:05 Unsung players, big moments
27:30 Substack and paying for real journalism
41:00 Wrap and resources

Resources

Book: Buckeye Brotherhood (search on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Triumph Books)

Bill's Substack: billrabinowitz.substack.com

About The Gametime Guru

Nine years running, I interview sports figures from around the world to deliver a panoramic view on sports. Former athletes, die-hards, and casual fans all walk away with something useful.

Enjoy the show?

Follow, rate the podcast, and share this episode with a Buckeyes fan or an aspiring sports writer.

Coach Marianne "Coach B" Blackwell knows what it takes to compete. From growing up in Middleton, Idaho, to leading her team at Brigham Young University to the Sweet 16, she's experienced every level of the game — and now she's shaping the next generation of athletes.

In this conversation, we cover:

• How growing up in a competitive family molded her game
• The transition from JUCO to D1 basketball at BYU
• Why effort, fundamentals, and mindset still matter more than flash
• How the landscape of women's basketball has evolved
• Club vs. high school coaching philosophies
• How parents can best support their athletes
• Building teams that stay together through adversity

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode gives you a look at the realities of player development, leadership, and resilience in the world of basketball.

Follow The Gametime Guru Podcast for more in-depth conversations with athletes and coaches who inspire.

#Basketball #WomensBasketball #BYU #Coaching #PlayerDevelopment #HighSchoolSports #ClubBasketball #SportsMindset #Leadership #Podcast #TheGametimeGuru

DJ Clark's story is one of perseverance, grit, and the reality of chasing a dream. From Oceanside, California to Idaho State University, DJ carved out a path as a standout defensive back. After going undrafted, he earned NFL tryouts with the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers, where every rep determined his future.

In this episode, DJ dives into:

• 🏈 How late specialization and multisport training shaped his game

• 🌍 The cultural shock of moving from California to Idaho

• 🧠 What it's really like fighting for a roster spot as an undrafted free agent

• ⚡ Facing NFL legends in camp and the mental pressure behind the scenes

• 🔄 Transitioning from player to coach and building a new life in Idaho Falls

🎙 Quick Facts:

• Who is DJ Clark? A former Idaho State DB who earned NFL tryouts with the Panthers and Packers.

• Where is he from? Oceanside, California.

• What teams did he try out for? Carolina Panthers & Green Bay Packers.

• What does he do now? Coaching and mentoring young athletes in Idaho.

This is a story about more than football — it's about resilience, identity, and growth beyond the game.

👉 Follow The Gametime Guru for weekly interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports insiders from around the world.

#Football #NFL #DJClark #IdahoState #Undrafted #CarolinaPanthers #GreenBayPackers #SportsPodcast #GameTimeGuru #Motivation #AthleteJourney