The Power of Hype

Amir "Aura" Khan - N.C. State Men's Basketball Team Manager

Jake Fehling — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:16:06 -0400

In this episode of The Power of Hype, host Jake Fehling interviews Amir Khan, a student manager for the NC State Wolf Pack men's basketball team. Amir shares his journey from a viral moment at McNeese State to his current role at NC State, discussing the organic nature of his rise to fame, the pressures and opportunities that followed, and his aspirations for the future. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, building relationships, and staying true to oneself in the world of sports management.

00:00 The Organic Rise of a Hype Man

06:29 Transitioning to NC State: New Opportunities

11:38 Building Relationships and Authenticity

16:30 Future Aspirations in Sports and Media

19:24 Advice for Aspiring Managers and Hype Creators

Erin Gallagher - Author of Hype Women

Jake Fehling — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:29:10 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Erin Gallagher, a leading voice in the hype movement, shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to successful entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of hype in empowering women, the transformative moments that led her to start her own company, and the impact of her viral post about Jamie Lee Curtis. Erin emphasizes the need for self-recognition and the role of quiet hype in personal growth. She also introduces her upcoming book, which aims to guide readers through their own transformations while celebrating the achievements of others.

00:00 Introduction and Background
00:46 The Power of Hype
02:49 Career Journey and Transformation
06:00 Entrepreneurship and Mission-Driven Work
08:56 Self-Worth and Personal Growth
11:59 Celebrating Women's Achievements
16:34 The Power of Celebration and Support
16:57 Cultural Impact and Authentic Voice
19:33 The Journey of Hype Women Movement
20:52 The Book: A Guide to Transformation
24:31 Self-Love and Hype: A Personal Journey
29:18 Quiet Hype: Sustainable Support
33:38 Connecting and Building Community

Ohavia Phillips-Reed - Charlotte Hornets Hype Woman, Author, TV Host

Jake Fehling — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 23:40:58 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Ohavia Phillips-Reed shares her inspiring journey from a television intern to a vibrant media personality and in-arena host for the Charlotte Hornets. She emphasizes the importance of positivity in media, the power of building a supportive network, and how to handle criticism while staying authentic. Ohavia discusses her marriage to Dennis Reed Jr., the excitement of their creative partnership, and her future aspirations, including a new book and media projects. Her advice for aspiring media personalities centers on creating your own opportunities and maintaining a focus on relationships and positivity.

00:00 Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Sports Events

01:18 From News to Hype: Ohavia's Journey

04:18 The Power of Positivity in Media

07:02 Building a Supportive Network

10:21 Dealing with Criticism and Staying Authentic

11:05 Authenticity in the Spotlight

15:16 The Role of a Hype Person

19:02 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

23:01 Future Aspirations and Projects

26:00 Advice for Aspiring Emcees

Mark Shunock - Vegas Golden Knights Host & WWE Ring Announcer

Jake Fehling — Mon, 05 May 2025 23:12:31 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Mark Shunock shares his journey from a hockey-loving Canadian to a prominent figure in the entertainment and sports industry. He discusses his recent transition to WWE, the excitement of playoff hockey, and his commitment to community service through initiatives like Monday's Dark and The Space. Mark reflects on his unique career path, the importance of mental health, and his aspirations for the future, all while maintaining a positive outlook and a dedication to giving back.

00:00 The Excitement of Playoff Hockey

03:00 Transitioning to WWE and WrestleMania

05:55 From Hockey to Broadway: A Unique Journey

08:49 The Birth of the Vegas Golden Knights

12:07 The Role of a Host: Style and Approach

15:02 Community Impact: Monday's Dark and The Space

17:50 Building a Legacy: The Space 2.0

21:14 Balancing Life and Career

23:56 Exciting Future with WWE

26:46 Memorable Moments in the Ring

29:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Franco Finn - Golden State Warriors Hype Man

Jake Fehling — Mon, 05 May 2025 22:12:15 -0400

In this conversation, Franco Finn shares his journey from being a talkative child to becoming a renowned hype man in the sports industry. He discusses the importance of public speaking, the influence of early experiences, and how he balanced multiple careers before fully committing to his passion. Franco emphasizes the significance of positivity and engagement in both personal and professional settings, illustrating how these traits have shaped his career and relationships. In this engaging conversation, Jake Fehling and Franco Finn explore the dynamic world of sports entertainment, focusing on the role of the hype man. They discuss the challenges faced during tough seasons, the evolution of fan engagement, and the importance of creativity in maintaining excitement. Franco shares his aspirations for future events and offers valuable advice for aspiring hype performers, emphasizing the need for practice and adaptability in the industry.

00:00 Introduction

02:11 The Journey of a Hype Man

09:04 Early Influences and Public Speaking

15:09 Balancing Multiple Careers

19:09 Applying Positivity in Personal and Professional Life

19:41 Navigating Challenges in Sports Entertainment

22:55 The Evolution of the Hype Man Role

26:47 Creativity in Engaging Fans

30:12 Dreams and Aspirations in Sports

32:19 Advice for Aspiring Hype Performers

Duke Tango - Legendary Voice of the AND1 Mixtape Tour

Jake Fehling — Mon, 05 May 2025 21:22:49 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Duke Tango shares his journey from the streets of Harlem to becoming a renowned hype man in the basketball world. He discusses the origins of his career, the rise of AND1, and his experiences in streetball culture. Duke reflects on his transition to acting in the film 'Uncle Drew' and the evolution of his role as a hype man. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creativity in his craft, while also offering advice to aspiring hype artists. The conversation concludes with Duke's thoughts on his legacy and future aspirations in the sports entertainment industry.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Harlem to Hype Man
02:48 The Rise of AND1 and Streetball Culture
06:01 Transitioning to the Silver Screen: Uncle Drew
08:59 The Evolution of a Hype Man
12:02 Crafting the Persona: The Art of Hype
14:57 The Legacy of Streetball and Future Aspirations
18:03 Advice for Aspiring Hype Artists
20:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Welcome to The Power of Hype Podcast

Jake Fehling — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:24:15 -0400

Welcome to The Power of Hype—the podcast that breaks down the magic, the mechanics, and the messiness of hype. I’m Jake Fehling, and in every episode, we’re diving deep into the energy that fuels momentum, motivation, and maybe even a little mayhem.

From professional hype men and women who make stadiums shake to clinical psychologists who understand the science behind encouragement, we’ll explore how hype can inspire, uplift, and spark real change. But we’re also keeping it real—because not all hype is created equal. We’ll talk about the dark side: toxic positivity, FOMO, and the moments when too much hype can lead to some not-so-great decisions.

So, whether you thrive on the energy of the crowd or you’re just trying to hype yourself up for the day ahead, this is the place for you. Get ready to feel the power, question the hype, and maybe even rethink the way you show up for yourself and others.

Let’s get into it!