Hello, radc network fam! 👋 Welcome back to the number one business show on the planet—Right About Now with Ryan Alford! Whether you’re tuning in for NFL insights, market trends, or just some good old-fashioned entertainment, we’ve got you covered in this episode. Let’s dive into the highlights!

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A Holiday Week & $5 Pizza Troubles 🍕

First things first, ever find yourself in a total “what day is it?” moment? Yeah, that’s me, Ryan, after Labor Day. I got caught up in the holiday confusion, thinking it was Monday and getting all hyped for Harris Teeter’s $5 pizza deal… only to find out, no, it’s Tuesday. 😅 Rookie mistake.

So instead of pizza, Nash (my son) and I had a steak night. Not bad for a Plan B, right? I’m sure we’ve all had those moments where life throws you a curveball, but that’s just part of the entrepreneurial grind. 💪

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Ikea Adventures & the DIY Dilemma 🔨

Who else loves a good Ikea trip? Banna shared her story of a shopping spree at Ikea in Charlotte, but the realization hit hard when she and her husband remembered the looming task—assembly. 🛠 Nicole (my wife) handles those jobs at my place because let’s be honest—she’s the more “handy” one. As for me, I’m more of a backseat construction guy with my drill, sometimes “over-tightening” everything. Who can relate? 🙋‍♂️

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The Big Money Machine: NFL & Business 💸🏈

Football fans—brace yourselves! NFL season is officially back, and we’re diving into the business side of things. With an expected $11 billion being shelled out by American broadcasters for the rights to air NFL games this season, it’s a massive money-making machine. Just think about that number—$11 billion, folks! And that’s just for broadcast rights.

But it doesn’t stop there. Sponsorships are even bigger business. The average NFL sponsorship deal this year is worth around $39 million, with some going as high as $90 million. Companies like Nike, Verizon, and EA Sports are coughing up these hefty sums just to get their brand associated with the NFL.

What’s even crazier is the Rams alone are pulling in about $150 million in sponsorship money this season. 🤑 Talk about being in the right market at the right time, huh?

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Layoffs & Job Openings: Is the Economy Teetering? 💼

On a more sobering note, job openings have declined to the lowest levels since January 2021, with layoffs rising to nearly 1.8 million. That’s not a small number. As business owners, we’ve noticed higher-quality candidates coming through the doors as the job market tightens. But at the same time, inflation and the cost of goods are squeezing businesses from all sides. It feels like we’re dancing on the edge of a recession, but only time will tell how that plays out. ⏳

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Censorship & Control: The Power Struggle Over Information 💻📱

In other news, Brazil has blocked Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, following a legal standoff over free speech and misinformation. It’s a chilling reminder of the power governments can wield over information. Imagine being disconnected from the world simply because a government decided to pull the plug. Scary, right? 😳

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Conclusion: Keep Your Head in the Game! 🧠

We covered a lot of ground in this episode—from $5 pizza mishaps to the billions being tossed around in the NFL. The takeaway? Whether it’s business, sports, or life in general, keep your head in the game. Don’t let the noise distract you, and always remember: the game is long, but the hustle never stops. 👊

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Call to Action:

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