Off The Leash Podcast

The 5 Lessons That Yale Taught Me

In today's episode, co-host Mason Shipp reflects on the 5 biggest lessons Yale University taught him over the last 4 years. Yale is a transformative place for many, and Mason spends time recounting some of these moments that transformed him as a person.
1. Never Eat Alone
2. You Can Only Do 2 Things At A High Level
3. Reach Out For Help
4. Don't Be Afraid To Be Different
5. Look Up
We hope today's episode gives those who recently graduated or are graduating soon a chance to reflect at their own time at their institution. We also hope those not yet graduated can learn a valuable piece of advice. Whatever category you fall into, we thank you for tuning in to Episode 10 of Off The Leash Podcast!
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Kelvin Smith

From Disney Star to the Ivy League – Sophia Mitri Schloss Is NEXT UP in Hollywood

In Episode 9 of Off The Leash Podcast, we sit down with actress and Ivy Leaguer Sophia Mitri Schloss. Sophia is a recent graduate of Yale University and actress who starred in Sadie (2018 film), Lane 1974 (2017 Film) and Disney+ Series Big Shot where she played the role as John Stamos's daughter.
Sophia discusses how she fell in love with acting despite growing up not watching television. We then transition to talking about some of her most notable work and what life is like in Hollywood. Sophia breaks down the competitive process of being chosen for a show and the trials and tribulations of an actress finding their way in LA. Sophia then shares why she made the decision to leave Hollywood to pursue a degree at Yale, and how this hard decision was such a rewarding one for her growth as an individual. We finish up the episode with reflections on our thoughts from Sadie, some improv, and rapid-fire questions with Kelvin. Enjoy! Please leave a like and review with your favorite takeaways from today's episode. 
Thank you to our sponsors, Skinletics and Bears BBQ Smokehouse for sponsoring Episode 9
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Bills TE Jackson Hawes on His Path from Yale to the NFL Draft

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.

How to Start a Consumer Business 101 | Founder and CEO of Stand+ Rob Gregg

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.

Jaguars LB Foye Oluokun on His Path to the NFL and Beating Expectations

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.

All-American Yale DB Abu Kamara on Beating the Odds, His Philly Upbringing, and Making His Mark at Yale

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.

Two-Time Olympian & World-Class Rower Christina Bourmpou on the Olympics, Life in Greece, Yale, and Staying Committed to the Process

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

Shaking Up Yale’s Music Scene: Annie Nguyen a.k.a. Vna's Journey from Fall Break Inspiration to Spring Fling Headliner

"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!