Krow Knows

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Nov 2025

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About the show

This is 'Krow Knows,' where host AJ Krow unlocks the latest and greatest in Hospitality, Travel, Food & Beverage, and Sports. Each episode is a journey through captivating stories and expert takes, uncovering important insights these thriving industries. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a rookie, 'Krow Knows' is your invitation to the heart of what's trending, innovative, and truly transformative in these sectors. Don't just keep up with the industry – get ahead of the curve with this unmissable podcast.

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23 recent

February 10, 2024Episode 350 min

From Touchdowns to Takeoffs: Exploring the Super Bowl's Private Jet Boom with Preston Holland

In the latest episode of "Krow Knows," we dive into the electrifying world of private jets amidst the Super Bowl frenzy, a time when the stars align in Las Vegas, not just for football but for a spectacle of private aviation unlike any other. As the city brims with celebrities, athletes, and the elite, the skies tell their own story of luxury and exclusivity. We're joined by Preston Holland, Chief Commercial Officer at Flying Finance, to unravel the mysteries of private jet ownership and explore how the landscape has evolved, especially post-COVID.Private jets, once the realm of billionaires, have become more accessible, challenging the notion that sky-high dreams are reserved for the likes of Jeff Bezos. Holland shares his journey from Twitter connections to leading a media empire in aviation, highlighting how passion and opportunity can lead to unexpected careers. The conversation reveals how aviation media properties, once isolated, are now part of a broader narrative that connects enthusiasts, professionals, and casual followers alike.As we navigate the nuances of private jet financing and ownership, Holland dispels myths, offering a glimpse into the economics, accessibility, and sheer joy of flying private. The discussion goes beyond the glitz, focusing on the practicality and efficiency that private jets offer, especially to business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to maximize their time and opportunities.The Super Bowl, with its unparalleled draw, becomes a case study in aviation logistics, showcasing how major events can stretch the limits of private jet parking and coordination. Holland provides fascinating insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing such a massive influx of private aircraft, underscoring the meticulous planning and adaptability required in this high-stakes industry.Moreover, the conversation takes a personal turn as Holland shares anecdotes and predictions, including a nod to Taylor Swift's aviation choices, adding a touch of celebrity sparkle to the discussion. The podcast not only enlightens but entertains, offering listeners a rare peek into the exclusive world of private jets through the eyes of an expert who bridges the gap between aspiration and reality.As "Krow Knows" continues to explore the intersections of culture, sports, and now aviation, this episode stands out as a testament to the show's commitment to bringing diverse and engaging content to its audience. Whether you're an aviation aficionado, a Super Bowl enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of private jets, this episode offers something for everyone, delivered with the insight and charm that listeners have come to expect from the show.

August 7, 2024Episode 146 min

Taking Stock of the Private Aviation Market: A Broader Customer Base in a Post-Pandemic World

Private aviation has seen significant changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased demand and shifts in customer demographics. And in 2024, the private aviation industry continues to experience growth and challenges, with emerging trends influencing the market. The stakes are high for business owners and high-net-worth individuals considering private travel, as well as for the aviation industry itself, which must adapt to new demands and expectations.How has the private aviation market adapted post-COVID, and what does this mean for potential buyers and charter customers in 2024?In this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow is joined by the Leviate Air team, featuring CEO & Founder Luis Barros, President Randall Mize, and Managing Partner Rob Rosenberg. Together, they explore the current state of the private aviation market, the impact of COVID-19, and future trends. The discussion covers the surge in demand for private charters, the evolving customer base, and the factors influencing charter and aircraft sales.Key Points of Discussion:- Post-COVID Charter Market: The private aviation market is enjoying an increased demand and a broader customer base.- Demographic Shifts: A younger, more diverse clientele is now utilizing private aviation, shifting from business executives to families and high-net-worth individuals.- Market Trends and Challenges: The influence of interest rates, political uncertainty, and the importance of sustainable aviation practices.Luis Barros, the CEO & Founder of Leviate Air, has been instrumental in steering the company through significant industry changes. With a background in aviation and business management, Luis has led Leviate Air to become a key industry player. Randall Mize, President of Leviate Air, brings extensive experience in aircraft management and sales, contributing to the company's growth and strategic direction. Rob Rosenberg, Managing Partner, oversees operations and ensures seamless service delivery for clients.

November 3, 2025Episode 139 min

Slow Stories in a Fast League: Why the NBA Still Deserves Real, In-Depth Journalism

In a sports world increasingly defined by short-form clips, social algorithms, and viral takes, long-form storytelling remains a vital counterweight — the place where depth, nuance, and narrative still matter. The NBA, perhaps more than any other league, sits at the center of this tension: every quote can become a meme, every story a highlight reel, yet fans continue to crave the context behind the noise.As journalism adapts to this fast-moving ecosystem, the challenge isn’t whether long-form still belongs — it’s how it can thrive alongside the swipe-speed rhythm of modern media.Welcome to Krow Knows. In the latest episode, host AJ Krow sits down with Yaron Weitzman, award-winning NBA writer and author, for a conversation on how modern storytelling is evolving inside basketball’s media ecosystem. Together, they explore the state of NBA journalism, the balance between honesty and access, and how in-depth reporting can still cut through the algorithmic clutter.Top insights…How short-form video and social media have reshaped the NBA’s media landscape — and how journalists can adapt without sacrificing depth.Why Weitzman still champions long-form storytelling as the best way to tell complex, human stories in sports.The balancing act between truthful reporting and maintaining relationships in covering figures like LeBron James.Yaron Weitzman is an award-winning NBA journalist known for his deep reporting and narrative storytelling across outlets, including The Ringer, Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, and GQ. He is the author of two acclaimed books — Tanking to the Top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Most Audacious Process in the History of Professional Sports and A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers. Recognized in The Best American Sports Writing 2020, Weitzman has built a career distinguished by insightful features, industry credibility, and a commitment to long-form sports journalism.

October 27, 2025Episode 148 min

Coaching Insights: Inside the Relentless Pressure and Changing Realities of Modern College Football

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 never find a new home—underscoring how high the stakes have become for 18–22-year-olds navigating life-changing decisions.So, in a sport where rosters can be rebuilt overnight and patience is at a premium, how do coaches maintain culture, protect mental health, and make sound personnel bets without breaking the locker room—or the budget?In this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with Jay Paterno, President at Blue Line 409 LLC and longtime Penn State assistant, to unpack the modern coaching reality. Krow and Paterno dive into assistant-coach uncertainty, locker-room dynamics in a portal world, NIL budget math, and why culture—not star names—wins over time. They also explore Paterno’s new book, Blitz: The All-Out Pressure of College Football’s New Era, and what collective bargaining could mean for sanity across the sport.Highlights from the conversation…Culture > Roster: Anyone can build a roster; not everyone can build a team. Portal evaluations happen in days, not months—so proven relationships, fit, and internal equity matter more than star power.Managing the Human Cost: Midseason firings and portal churn create uncertainty for assistants and players. Mental-health resources and clear expectations help teams “cross the blue line” and focus on what they can control.The New Math: With revenue sharing, NIL, and growing staffs, coaches now run mini-enterprises. Real stability likely requires collective bargaining to protect both players and schools and to restore sensible rules of engagement.Jay Paterno is President of Blue Line 409 LLC, a former longtime assistant coach at Penn State, and a current author and speaker. He’s written Hot Seat and, most recently, Blitz: The All-Out Pressure of College Football’s New Era. Paterno is recognized for his advocacy around player mental health, practical insights on NIL/transfer dynamics, and leadership perspectives shaped by decades in FBS coaching and athletics governance.

September 12, 2025Episode 120 min

College Football’s AP Poll: Should Voter Rights Be Revoked?

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 quarterback contracts in the NFL.Should AP poll voters face accountability, even revocation, when their ballots drift from on-field reality? And how do money and perception drive decision-making at every level of the game?On this special episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow unpacks flawed voting in the AP poll, the strain that soaring buyouts and revshare obligations place on college programs, and the roster-building challenges NFL teams face when quarterback contracts and coordinator changes lock franchises into limited options.In this episode, you’ll learn about…AP Poll Accountability: Early-season confirmation bias keeps flawed rankings in place, raising arguments for probation or revocation of extreme ballots.College Football Economics: Escalating buyouts and donor fatigue are shifting more accountability onto athletic directors.NFL Quarterbacks and Coaching Windows: Rookie contracts provide a narrow window to contend, while expensive veterans and coordinator losses limit flexibility.AJ Krow is the host and voice behind Krow Knows, known for delivering unfiltered, analytical perspectives on college and professional football. His work blends insider observations with big-picture analysis, making his podcast a go-to for fans seeking context beyond the box score. Beyond broadcasting, Krow draws on years of leadership and business experience, adding a unique edge to how he connects trends in sports to broader industry dynamics.

September 9, 2025Episode 145 min

Ryen Russillo’s Creator-Owned Pivot: What His Barstool Deal Signals for the Future of Talent, IP, and Distribution

Ryen Russillo’s decision to launch his own production company—while tapping Barstool for investment, distribution, and commercialization—lands squarely in the middle of a larger shift: audiences are following personalities more than platforms, and the business is finally catching up. For years, Russillo has been a fixture at the top of the sports podcast charts, first at ESPN and since 2019 at The Ringer, demonstrating the portable power of creator-led IP. The Barstool arrangement underscores a new norm: creators keep ownership, platforms supply infrastructure, and both sides share in the upside across audio, video, merch, licensing, and TV windows.So what does Russillo’s “own the IP, rent the rails” blueprint mean for creators, publishers, and the next wave of sports media deals?In this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with Matt Reustle, CEO of Colossus, for a pragmatic tour of the new creator economy in sports media—covering infrastructure, incentives, TV licensing, and how investment stakes can finally align platforms and stars. Together, they unpack why Russillo chose a hybrid model, how it differs from The Ringer and The Volume, and what it signals for everyone from up-and-comers to legacy networks.Highlights from the conversation…Infrastructure as leverage: Barstool’s strengths in video, merchandising, and partnerships raise the floor for a creator-owned shop, while The Ringer’s Spotify context has historically limited cross-platform flexibility—especially on video and commerce.Alignment by design: Equity/investment in a creator’s company can solve the old “build-then-bolt” problem—keeping platforms invested even if a star eventually moves, and removing the perverse incentives that once capped talent growth.The TV licensing bridge: As FS1 and others license blocks from digital publishers, creator-owned companies gain more paths to monetize (and window) the same IP—podcast → YouTube → linear TV—without surrendering ownership.Matthew Reustle, CFA, is an experienced finance and media executive with a background spanning capital markets, equity research, and digital content strategy. He served nearly a decade at Goldman Sachs in equity and credit research before moving to Raven Capital Management, where he focused on origination, underwriting, and portfolio management. Most recently, as CEO of Colossus, he scaled a leading content platform for institutional investors—growing its family of podcasts and media properties to over 8 million annual listeners. Reustle also hosts the Business Breakdowns podcast, where he brings an operator’s lens to media economics, incentives, and structure.

July 7, 2025Episode 159 min

The Branding Balancing Act: Reinvent Without Losing Your Brand Identity

The recent resurrection of the Pac-12—reborn with new members and a possible rebrand—raises critical questions about what keeps a brand relevant in the face of disruption. According to Yahoo Sports, the rebuilt conference has signed a five-year media deal with CBS despite fielding just two original members, underscoring how legacy names must evolve to maintain value. As conferences, companies, and creators all wrestle with brand identity in a media-saturated world, the branding conversation is evolving from logos to long-term loyalty. Texas State’s entry into the conference and the potential name change underscore how even legacy brands must adapt to stay meaningful.How can legacy brands modernize without alienating their base—or worse, collapsing under the weight of their own history?In this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with returning guest Kevin Hartley, trademark attorney and co-founder of Trust Tree, to explore what it really means to preserve, evolve, or retire a brand. From sports leagues to legal firms, they unpack how to shape narrative, maintain emotional equity, and avoid the trap of reactive branding.Key Highlights:Trademarks vs. Brand Identity: A trademark is a legal identifier, but a brand is a personality. Brands endure when they evoke emotions in people, and fail when they ignore shifting perceptions.The Pac-12’s Pivot: Despite upheaval, the Pac-12 still holds trademark value because of its emotional and cultural associations. Rebranding, if done right, could extend its relevance rather than erase its legacy.Lessons from Nike, Apple, and Hospitality: Subtle, proactive brand evolution (like Apple’s naming pivot or Hilton’s brand tiering) often outperforms high-profile overhauls. The best brands know when to modernize and when to hold steady.Kevin Hartley is a trademark attorney and co-founder of Trust Tree, a legal services firm helping clients protect and build brand value through streamlined trademark registration. With over a decade of experience in trademark law, he transitioned from litigation to focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in securing intellectual property. Since 2015, he has led Trust Tree’s mission to simplify the trademark process and make brand protection more accessible.

May 28, 2025Episode 144 min

The Future of Flight Depends on Mechanics, Not Machines: How Jets MRO is Solving the Aviation Maintenance Talent Gap

Private aviation is booming—but behind the sleek jets and luxury cabins lies a hidden crisis. A looming shortage of qualified aviation maintenance technicians threatens to ground growth. According to Boeing’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the industry will need about 690,000 new maintenance technicians by 2042. While private jet usage is skyrocketing, the infrastructure to safely and reliably maintain them hasn’t kept pace. The stakes are high: without experienced, motivated mechanics, safety, reliability, and on-time performance are all at risk.So, how do we fix this? Can the aviation maintenance sector reinvent itself—not through technology or regulation, but by elevating the people who keep planes in the sky?On this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with Suresh Narayanan, Founder and CEO of Jets MRO, to explore how rethinking mechanic culture and leadership can reshape aviation maintenance. From his family’s legacy in aircraft repair to launching a fast-scaling business focused on transparency and team-first values, Narayanan shares insights on solving a problem that’s part labor, part leadership, and entirely human.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why technician burnout and turnover—not pay—are the root cause of aviation’s maintenance crisis.How Jets MRO is building loyalty through transparency, no-forced-overtime policies, and free family benefits.The surprising role of vulnerability and culture-fit in hiring—and why “experience” alone isn’t enough in high-stakes environments.Suresh Narayanan is an accomplished aviation executive with deep expertise in MRO operations, aerospace M&A, and private equity-backed growth strategies. He is the Founder and CEO of Jets MRO, a people-first aviation maintenance company, and has held leadership roles across aviation engineering, charter operations, and aerospace investment firms. Known for building high-performing teams and driving operational excellence, he combines hands-on industry knowledge with a strong track record in scaling aviation businesses through strategic acquisitions and disciplined execution.

May 20, 2025Episode 11 hr 0 min

Private Aviation Demystified: Fractional, Leases, and the Real Costs

Preston Holland unpacks the rise of fractional jet ownership and why private aviation is now more accessible than ever.

May 14, 2025Episode 140 min

Legendary Sports Agent Leigh Steinberg Reveals How Purpose, Trust, and Legacy Redefine Athlete Representation

Amid growing public scrutiny of sports agents and questions around athlete empowerment, few voices carry the weight of lived example like Leigh Steinberg. Known as the inspiration behind Jerry Maguire, Steinberg has redefined what it means to represent athletes with integrity, purpose, and impact. At a time when college athletes are navigating NIL deals and professionals are building personal brands, his blueprint of combining on-field success with off-field legacy is more relevant than ever.How can athletes and the professionals around them leverage their platforms not just for profit, but for purpose?On this episode of Krow Knows, host AJ Krow sits down with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg. They explore the origins of Steinberg’s career, his philosophy on representation, and the long-lasting impact of community-driven work.Key Highlights:Steinberg emphasizes that trust and deep listening, not deal-making, are at the heart of elite athlete representation.He recounts how his first client, Steve Bartkowski, led him into the sports agency by chance, not ambition.He shares stories of client-led philanthropy, including Warren Moon’s foundation and Patrick Mahomes’ “15 and the Mahomies,” which reflect Steinberg’s influence beyond contracts.Leigh Steinberg is a legendary sports agent and Chairman of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment, where he has represented over 300 professional athletes and secured more than $4 billion in contracts. Known for building athletes into global brands, he is credited as the inspiration for the film Jerry Maguire and has represented eight No. 1 overall NFL draft picks. Steinberg also founded a brain health foundation and has taught sports law at top universities, emphasizing ethics, philanthropy, and athlete empowerment.