In Episode 8 of Off The Leash Podcast, we sit down with Bills TE Jackson Hawes to discuss his journey from Yale to Georgia Tech, the challenges of transitioning between college football levels, and the rigorous pre-draft process. Jackson shares insights on training, team culture, and the importance of preparation for the NFL. He also offers advice for young athletes navigating the new landscape of college sports, including NIL and the transfer portal.

If you enjoyed this episode of Off The Leash Podcast, be sure to like and subscribe. Check us out here: https://linktr.ee/offtheleashpod to stay up to date on all things Off The Leash.

If you want to snag the best sweatshirt on the market, go here: https://www.skinletics.com/products/skinletics-sweater ... use the code MASON20 at checkout for a nice discount. Thank you for tuning in to Off The Leash Podcast.

In this episode of Off the Leash Podcast, Co-Host Mason Shipp interviews Rob Gregg, Founder and CEO of Stand Plus. Rob shares his journey from a young entrepreneur with a passion for problem-solving to building a successful consumer business focused on creating comfortable footwear for those who stand for long hours.

We then transition into tips and tricks on how to start a consumer business. Rob breaks down the importance of education, mentorship, and real-world experience, as well as the challenges and lessons learned in starting a business. Rob emphasizes the significance of understanding market needs, building a strong team, and maintaining a customer-centric approach in business.

If you enjoyed this episode of Off The Leash Podcast, be sure to like and subscribe. Check out our Linktree to stay up to date on all things Off The Leash.

If you want to snag the best sweatshirt on the market, go here: NEW Skinletics Sweatshirt use the code MASON20 at checkout for a nice discount.

Thank you for tuning in to Off The Leash Podcast.

No player has recorded more tackles in the NFL since 2021 than Foye Oluokun. He signed a $45 million deal with the Jaguars. And before all of that? He was a student-athlete at Yale, born and raised in St. Louis, grinding with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.

In this episode of Off The Leash Podcast, Foye Oluokun breaks down how he made the leap from the Ivy League to NFL stardom — and the mindset that helped him rise from a 6th-round pick to one of the most respected linebackers in the league. We talk discipline, doubt, leadership, and the underrated power of staying locked in and doing the work.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just love great stories — this one’s for you.

If you enjoyed Episode 6, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Check out our Instagram to stay up to date on all things Off The Leash. Shoutout to Skinletics for sponsoring Episode 6 ... Check them out to take your recovery game to the next level and be sure to use the code MASON20 at checkout.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 6 of Off The Leash Podcast.

Abu Kamara’s journey to Yale was anything but typical. Growing up in Philadelphia, playing at his local high school, the odds of making it to Division 1 football — let alone Ivy League football — were slim. But despite the challenges, Abu carved out a path for himself, ultimately setting a legacy at Yale. After a tough freshman year, he used it as fuel to power a breakout sophomore season.

Following his standout 2024 campaign, Abu earned 1st Team All-Ivy honors, was named an All-American, and became a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in the FCS.

In Episode 5, Abu opens up about how his Philly roots and his unwavering mindset helped him defy the odds, setting the stage for a rise that many might not have seen coming—but one that was always destined to happen.

If you enjoyed Episode 5, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Check out our Instagram to stay up to date on all things Off The Leash. Shoutout to Skinletics for sponsoring Episode 5 ... Check them out to take your recovery game to the next level and be sure to use the code MASON20 at checkout.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 5 of Off The Leash Podcast.

If you asked Christina Bourmpou about setting a world record at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she’d probably shrug her shoulders and tell you it's no big deal. The truth? Christina's humility, hunger for greater success, and dedication to getting better every day have turned her into a world-class rower who has won countless medals, broken numerous records, and enjoyed immense glory on the global stage for the Greek nation.

Christina is a student-athlete at Yale University (a member of the Yale Women's Crew Team) and a rower for the Greek National Team. She has had a decorated rowing career — a 3-time U23 European Championships gold medal winner, 2-time World Championships gold medal winner, Summer Youth Olympics gold medal winner, Junior World Championships gold medal winner, U23 and Junior world record holder — and many more outstanding achievements.

Christina joins us to discuss her experience competing in the Olympics, her journey competing for the Greek National Team at a young age, the unique and simple mindset that keeps her dedicated to her goals, and how her life has changed since coming to Yale.

If you enjoyed Episode 4, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Check out our Instagram to stay up to date on all things Off The Leash. Shoutout to our sponsors for Episode 4:

• Get your hands on a Cheesy Bagel — Thursdays and Fridays, 5-10 PM at Olmo.
• Check out Skinletics to take your recovery game to the next level.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 4 of Off The Leash Podcast.

"It's a privilege to think about your mental health." This lesson is something Annie Nguyen, a senior at Yale University, took with her from her upbringing in Stockton, California, and a powerful takeaway from our recording of Episode 3 of the Off The Leash Podcast.

Annie Nguyen—also known as Vna—is a DJ and cultural curator studying Economics at Yale University. Annie's spark of inspiration to begin DJ'ing quickly turned into a passion, which in a short few months led to her earning the best gig a DJ can earn at Yale - A spot in the Spring Fling lineup (Spring Fling is Yale's annual outdoor concert, featuring live performances to celebrate the end of the academic year).

Vna isn’t just playing music—she’s introducing new sounds, new artists, and new perspectives to the Yale and New Haven communities. Her sets pull from everywhere—Korea, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and more—showcasing music that often flies under the radar. Beyond DJing, Annie is a future leader who has excelled during her time at Yale, earning herself a position at a top investment banking firm in the world.

But what makes her story even more powerful is that she’s navigating an industry where representation is scarce—especially for Vietnamese women. Despite this, she’s carving out her own space, making connections, and bringing a fresh, global sound to every set she plays.

5:10 - Becoming a DJ

8:08 - Spring Fling Auditions

12:46 - Growing up in Stockton, CA

20:00 - Annie Discusses Losing Her Mother at a Young Age

25:37 - Where does VNA come from? Annie's Relationship with Vietnamese Culture

28:00 - Preparing A Set / What Do DJ's Actually Do?

35:57 - Mindset / Mental Health

44:17 - Rapid Fire Questions

If you enjoyed Episode 3 don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with all things OTL. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and the best clips from your favorite interviews.

A huge shoutout to our sponsors for sponsoring Episode 3

• Get your hands on a Cheesy Bagel Thursdays and Fridays 5-10 PM at Olmo
• Check out Skinletics to take your recovery game to the next level

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 3 of Off The Leash!

College basketball fans remember him as the 2024 NCAA Tournament folk hero who ended Auburn’s title hopes before they began. Yale knows him as an authentic, humble, and hardworking student—who also happens to be elite at hoops. John Poulakidas brings it all to Episode 2 of Off The Leash.

John Poulakidas, a senior guard from Naperville, Illinois, is closing out an unforgettable career at Yale. During his junior season, he earned 2nd Team All-Ivy honors and set a school record for three-pointers in a single season (83). He then delivered one of the biggest shots of his career in the Ivy League Postseason Tournament, fueling Yale’s unreal comeback against Brown to punch their ticket to March Madness. If you’re an Ivy League hoops fan—or looking to get more involved—watch the highlights from that game. It was truly something special - Yale's Unreal Comeback to Earn NCAA Postseason Bid

After their thrilling Ivy League Tournament win, Yale earned a 13-seed in the NCAA Tournament, drawing a tough matchup against Auburn. The Tigers had everything—elite defense, scoring depth, a veteran coach, and momentum. On paper, Yale didn’t stand a chance. John Poulakidas had other plans. He delivered a showstopping 28-point performance on 10-of-15 shooting, playing with precision and confidence that turned heads nationwide. His breakout moment catapulted him onto the national stage. Relive the madness—watch Yale’s stunning upset over Auburn here - #13 Yale Upsets #4 Auburn in Back and Forth game

Episode two kicks off with John reflecting on his journey—from high school standout to Yale star. He dives into his recruiting process, explaining why he turned down high-major offers from TCU, Rutgers, Wake Forest, and Butler to pursue an Ivy League degree. John then breaks down his transformation from a young freshman to a polished veteran, sharing the dedication and detailed work it takes to refine your game at the college level.

We then shift to March Madness, where John takes us inside the experience—from the venues and pregame atmosphere to the biggest moments on the court. He breaks down his unforgettable performance, the emotions of the game, and how that night changed his life as a basketball player.

Lastly, we dive into John’s personal journey. Deeply rooted in his faith, he shares how it has guided him through both the highs and lows of his career. We also discuss the challenge of maintaining confidence throughout an up-and-down season, along with the mental tools needed to stay locked in on your goals. As always, Kelvin wraps up the episode with rapid-fire questions for John.

4:30 - Recruiting / Transformation as a Player

11:50 - March Madness

19:00 - Aftermath of the Tournament

21:52 - Deciding to Stay at Yale

23:57 - Jayson Tatum Elite Wing Camp Invite

25:56 - Future of the Ivy League

29:40 - Faith

31:13 - Mental Health

34:13 - Role Models

36:16 - John's Thoughts on Success

If you enjoyed Episode 2, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on all things Off The Leash. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and the best clips from your favorite interviews - Instagram

A quick shoutout to our sponsor, Skinletics. Skinletics is redefining the recovery space, and doing it in style. Check out their NEW crossbody bag here - Skinletics NEW Crossover Bag

Shoutout to our team behind the camera that makes all this possible

Zoë Colfax - Videographer

Joseph Sinkovits - Audio Engineer

Jaylan Granberry - Graphic Design

Thank you for tuning in to Episode Two of Off The Leash

In Episode One of Off The Leash, David Pantelis joins the show. A former Yale Football standout at wide receiver and current Stanford Football commit as a graduate transfer, David recaps his time at Yale University, discussing his unique mindset on the field as well as his approach to staying up to speed in the classroom.

During his time at Yale, David excelled on the field. Dave totaled 127 career receptions, 1,778 yards, and 17 career touchdowns, and capped it off with a stellar 2024 season that led to him being selected for both the First-Team All-Ivy League Team and the 2024 All-New England Team. Following the season, David was a heavily sought after recruit in the transfer portal gaining the attention of schools like Michigan, Missouri, West Virginia, and more, before ultimately making his decision to commit to Stanford University.

David begins by talking about his game day routine, relating it to fond memories of enjoying video games with his brother, and playing backyard football as a kid. He then transitions into talking about being in the game, and how he stays poised in the moment, saying "I try to limit myself from being too emotional and not being emotional enough."

Next, Dave quickly discusses how he balances school and football and describes his unique relationship with school. He then spends time talking about his brother, and the profound impact he has had on Dave's football career and life.

We wrap up Episode One with Dave recounting his time at Yale, explaining how his past successes and shortcomings both have led to who he has become today. Kelvin brings the episode home with some rapid fire questions.

If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a like or comment, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all things Off The Leash. If you want to see something particular in the next episode or hear more on a topic, let us know!

Thank you to Skinletics for sponsoring this episode of Off The Leash. Skinletics is changing the way athletes recover through their innovative light therapy recovery tools. I have loved using their light therapy face mask as an addition to my facial routine, and end most of my nights with a cool-down recovery session on their innovative light therapy yoga mat. Check them out at https://www.skinletics.com/ and be sure to use the promo code WELCOMEMASON20 at checkout.

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David Pantelis

Mason Shipp

Kelvin Smith