In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, Kenny Groom sits down with Ty Smith, co-founder of Big Stage Energy and founder of Optical Diversity Telecom, to discuss how conferences, networking, and strategic relationships can create real business opportunities and career growth.

Ty shares his journey from enterprise telecom sales into building a conference community focused on helping professionals gain access to the right rooms, build meaningful relationships, and navigate industry events with more intention.

The conversation explores conference culture, the hidden value of networking, how relationships accelerate business development, and why access is one of the most overlooked advantages in entrepreneurship and technology.

If you’re interested in networking, entrepreneurship, business development, conferences, or building stronger professional relationships, this episode delivers practical insights and valuable perspective.

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Can the NBA afford for LeBron James to retire?

In Part 2 of this Beyond Normal Media conversation, Kenny Groom and Less Bless dive into one of the biggest questions facing professional basketball. As international stars continue to dominate the league and player brands become larger than ever, what happens when the NBA's biggest attraction eventually walks away?

From LeBron James' economic impact to the rise of Victor Wembanyama, player empowerment, and the future of American basketball, this episode explores the intersection of sports, business, entertainment, and global culture.

In this episode, we discuss:

🏀 Why LeBron's value extends far beyond basketball
💵 The economic impact superstar athletes have on cities and franchises
🎟️ Why entertainment may now be just as important as winning

Whether you're a sports fan, business leader, or simply curious about how entertainment drives billion-dollar industries, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the future of professional sports.

Subscribe for more conversations exploring business, media, sports, and culture through a different lens.

#LeBronJames #NBA #SportsBusiness #SportsEntertainment #Basketball #BusinessOfSports #BeyondNormalMedia

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Website | www.beyondnormalmedia.com

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What if professional sports are closer to Hollywood than we want to admit?

In Part 1 of this Beyond Normal Media conversation, Kenny Groom sits down with sports personality Less Bless to explore how the business of sports has evolved beyond wins and losses. From television rights and fan loyalty to franchise value and media narratives, this episode asks whether today's biggest leagues are built as much for entertainment as they are for competition.

The conversation explores why WWE and the NBA may have more in common than most fans realize, how cities build lifelong sports identities, and why markets like Charlotte are still searching for theirs.

In this episode, we discuss:

🏈 Is professional sports becoming entertainment first?
📺 How TV deals shape modern sports
🌎 The difference between sports culture in Charlotte, Baltimore, and other
💰 How leagues monetize passion through branding, storytelling, and media

If you enjoy conversations about sports, business, branding, and culture, this episode will challenge the way you think about the games you watch.

Subscribe for more conversations exploring business, media, sports, and the ideas shaping what's next.

#SportsBusiness #NBA #NFL #SportsEntertainment #BusinessOfSports #Charlotte #BeyondNormalMedia

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Support the show

Follow us on:

Website | www.beyondnormalmedia.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/beyondnormalmedia/

Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-normal-media