Good afternoon, good morning, and good night! Thanks for welcoming us into your inboxes, browsers, and/or hearts, if applicable.
In HMC: Vol. 23, we’re covering:
Jordan Rogers (former Nike exec) is smart and cool
How to train your dog (in a nice way)
A little football small talk
Other stuff
We had fun writing this volume! Hopefully, you enjoy reading it. If you don’t like it, please do not tell us. As always, add to our collaborative Spotify playlist as the spirit moves you.
Keep scrolling for a moderately chaotic volume of Happy Medium Club. 😎
COOL PERSON SPOTLIGHT: JORDAN ROGERS
“People like Jordan inspire me because they are good.”
Joel Moisa
Recently, I came across Jordan Rogers — former Nike exec and sports marketing expert — on Instagram. He shares marketing tips, career guidance, and also talks about his personal journey overcoming addiction.
TBH this tiny bio minimizes his amazing personal work and his career.
Recently, Jordan posted an IG reel breaking down Nike/Jordan/Adidas branding during the NCAA college football playoffs. It was both insightful, and intriguing. So, I finally gave into the algorithm and followed him.
The next reel the holy algorithm pushed across my feed was another post where he explains some of the intricacies of the NCAA NIL deals. As Jordan discusses, the new-ish rules now allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements and other opportunities using their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
At the end of the video, he encourages viewers to comment “NIL” if they’d like to receive a PDF he designed, explaining the concept in further detail. I, being easily influenced, commented “NIL.” Instantly, I received a message from Jordan’s account confirming I was interested in receiving the content.
I agreed (I know it sounds sketchy) and received a download link, entered my email address, and then promptly received a sleek presentation titled “The Business of College Sports.”
Three takeaways:
To put it simply, the infographic is super cool.
The whole presentation is really informative and helped me gain a better understanding about how NIL works.
Lastly, if anyone at the NCAA is reading this… Give Reggie Bush his Heisman trophy back.
The whole interaction was so freaking cool. From start to end, I was hooked. People like Jordan inspire me because they’re good. They’re so good, that they make content that inspires and encourages others to grow and look to create content outside of the box.
Give Jordan a follow or engage with his content.
Instagram: @jordanrogers
Threads: @jordanrogers
A LIL’ NFL SMALL TALK
“I wish I knew more about basketball.”
The Real Reason the Dallas Cowboys Lost
Several weeks ago, Dom accidentally [redacted] while wearing a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt. Now, the universe is punishing him. It is Dom’s fault the Cowboys got knocked out of the playoffs. He is sorry.
Taylor Swift Wears the Best Coat of All Time (Designed by Kristin Juszczyk)
Can’t stop thinking about this. Won’t stop thinking about this. This puffer jacket is narratively rich.
Alabama University Head Coach Nick Saban Retires
We’re proud of you but we’d be lying, lying, lying if we didn’t admit we’re happy, happy, happy.
Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Steps Down as Patriots Head Coach
See above.
Golden State Warriors
“I wish I knew more about basketball because the GSW implosion will be a documentary one day and would make a good story.” — Samirah Swaleh.
Speaking of Golden State Warriors, what the heck is Draymond Green’s deal?!?! He shouldn’t be acting like that! 👇🏼
DOG TRAINING WITH ELI AND KODAK
“Sometimes they have no idea wtf we’re talking about.”
Foreword from Dom: Eli is my nephew. He’s really smart when it comes to animals. In addition to working his way towards a biology degree, he researches random facts about animals in his free time. He’s also a Sagittarius and is the only person I know who talks faster than me. Most importantly, his baby dog, Kodak, is the cutest, smartest, kindest, best puppy I have ever met — by far. Listen to his sage advice, or else.
Eli Johnson
Alright class let’s discuss dog training. We’ll be covering: a few principles you should keep in mind throughout the dog-training process, techniques for teaching your dog a few basic commands, and a few dumb little misconceptions that could potentially set you and your dog up for failure.
5 few key principles:
1. Don’t be mean!!
I get so mad when I see people being mean to their dogs because they think it will pay off in the long run. That is incorrect. Unfortunately, a lot of well-meaning people are trying to do the “right thing” for their dog by intimidating them into obedience. But this strategy is led by misconceptions and misunderstandings about how dogs think, learn, and behave.
2. Start ASAP!!!
I got Kodak when he was five weeks old. He couldn't even eat real dog food yet, but I was already getting him to sit and come to me lol.
I was tough on him when he was young so that it would be easier for both of us later. I wanted him to be ahead of all his dog friends (and enemies) when he was older. It’s paying offffff.
3. Tailor, adapt, and adjust.
Make sure your training regimen is tailored for your dog. For instance, pick the right treats and use them wisely.
Personally, I love using Blue Buffalo dog treats because my pup, Kodak, goes crazy for them. Whenever I reach for the treats, he automatically sits or follows basic commands without even being asked. So, I make sure to give him a treat only when he does something I specifically ask him to do.
In addition to using the right positive reinforcements, make sure you’re paying attention to how your dog is responding. AKA look for signs they actually have a clue about what’s going on.
Sometimes, dogs may not understand wtf we're saying, especially when they're young. That's when incorporating motions or using your hands might be helpful. For example, I had to physically show Kodak how to lie down because he didn't get it at first.
4. Keep it up.
Consistency and repetition are key when training a dog. Results are not gonna happen overnight, but when you instill it in them and continue to work, your dog will become sharper and sharper.
I try to train Kodak wherever we go. He's always in training lol. Which is another reason it’s super important for me to check and make sure he’a actually following along.
I’ve found the best way to know when he actually understands what I want him to do, is when he listens to me when he’s surrounded by lots of different stimuli—like when we’re going on a walk or something.
5. Short, sweet, and simple
Keep training sessions short, positive, and enjoyable. Consistency is key, and regular practice reinforces these commands over time.
5 dog-training techniques for basic commands:
When you start the training process, focus on basic commands that you can use pretty much use anywhere — like sitting, lying down, waiting, etc.
If you’re just getting started, try out a few of the training techniques below.
1. Sit
Hold a treat close to your dog's nose.
Move your hand upward, causing their head to follow and their bottom to lower.
As they sit, say "sit" and reward them with the treat.
2. Stay
Start with your dog in a sitting position.
Hold your hand, palm out, in front of their face and say "stay."
Take a step back. If they stay, reward them. Gradually increase the distance.
3. Come
Use a long leash in a safe, enclosed area.
Crouch down, call your dog's name followed by "come," and gently pull the leash.
When they reach you, reward them. Gradually decrease reliance on the leash.
4. Lie Down
Begin with your dog in a sitting position.
Hold a treat in your hand and lower it to the ground in front of them.
As they follow the treat and lie down, say "down" and reward.
5. Shake (Paw)
While your dog is sitting, lightly tap one of their front paws.
As they lift their paw, say “shake” and reward.
Repeat with the other paw.
5 famous misconceptions about dog training
Before you sit down for a training session, there are a few things you probably need to forget.
Below, I’ve listed a few common myths about dog training and behavior. Most of them follow a common theme: don’t be freaking jerk.
1. Dogs should obey out of fear? WRONG!
Here’s the thing about instilling fear in your dogs or doling out harsh punishments…it doesn’t work. A lot of people think they need to act like an alpha or a pack leader to effectively train your dog. The science says otherwise.
Positive reinforcement, patience, and clear communication are more effective and—more importantly—waaay kinder. 💛
2. All dogs learn at the same pace? WRONG AGAIN!!
Just like humans, every dog is unique and learns at their own pace and in their own way. Expecting every dog to learn at the same speed is gonna lead to disappointment and frustration for you and your dog, respectively. Tailor your methods to your dog's individual needs or GET LOST.
3. Training is only for puppies? UM NO ELLEN, THAT’S ACTUALLY NOT THE TRUTH!!
Sure, it’s generally easier to train puppies. That was the case with me and Kodak. But dogs of any age can learn new behaviors with patience and consistent training. Underestimating an older dog's ability to learn is a mistake. While it may take more time, older dogs can still adapt to new commands and behaviors.
4. Ignoring unwanted behavior is the best approach? NAH!
When you ignore undesirable behaviors without providing clear alternatives, you’re missing an opportunity for a big learning moment. Address and redirect unwanted behavior to encourage positive habits.
5. Once trained, always trained? YOU WISH!
Don’t neglect ongoing training. Dogs benefit from consistent reinforcement and occasional refreshers to maintain learned behaviors—they’re just like us!!!
In Conclusion
Be nice to your dogs. Be patient. Be thorough. Have fun. 😎
HAPPY BITS
A few good TikToks (curated by Dana). This one is the best spiderverse edit. This one is super satisfying. This one warms my little heart. This one is funny. This one is funny hahaha.
A little wholesome Oklahoma news for ya! Customer's photo of forlorn owner in empty restaurant leads business to boom at OK diner.
There are a billion reasons you should watch “The Curse” (starring Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone). But it’s worth watching for the finale alone. It’s really, really, really weird.
In this house, we STAND for Channel Tres (alumni from Dom and Joel’s alma matter). We’re geeked to see Mr. Trez on freestyling with Kenny Beatz. Check ‘em out below.
Thank you!!!
That’s all for now! In the words of Olivia Rodrigo, “we’re grateful all the time.” Seriously, thanks for reading, governors. Until next time.