Send us a textWhat if the fastest way to your dream job… was to take the longest route?In this special episode of Skip the Lines Podcast, Jonathan Mitchell sits down with his long-time friend and Lakers insider Allen Sliwa to unravel a story of grit, creativity, and relentless drive. From humble beginnings in El Cajon, California, Sliwa shares how being the son of Iraqi immigrants shaped his relentless work ethic.Now an independent content creator and YouTube host of Hoops Talk, Sliwa reflects on betting on himself, walking away from a 15-year career at ESPN, and building his own brand from the ground up. His story is a blueprint for anyone looking to combine passion with profit.If you found value in Allen Sliwa’s journey, subscribe to Skip the Lines, share it with a friend chasing a dream, and don’t forget to check out Allen’s YouTube channel Hoops Talk with Allen Sliwa for deep Lakers coverage and NBA insights. Chapters00:00–10:03 Childhood Roots and Early HustleGrowing up Chaldean in El CajonWatching parents hustle to provide10:04–19:58 Entering Media Through InternshipsSan Diego State journalism majorInternship at Extra Sports 69019:59–30:14 Cracking Sales and Building RelationshipsFirst job post-internship in radio salesWorking across formats to stay relevant30:15–40:02 Breaking Into On-Air TalentPracticing alone on weekends in the studioNavigating internal resistance from ESPN staff40:03–50:00 Growth, Conflict and Making the JumpDoing both sales and on-air hostingManaging threats to cancel Lakers Talk50:01–01:00:08 Life After ESPN and Entrepreneurial VisionLaunching Hoops Talk YouTube ChannelWanting freedom and creative control  Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast” FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube.Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod 📢 Connect with Allen Sliwa!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allen_sliwa X: https://x.com/AllenSliwa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allensliwa/  📢 Connect with me!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410bTikTok: https://www.tiktok.comSupport the showEnjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

Ver todos los episodios