The Play by Play

Welcome to The Play by Play podcast, where the next generation breaks down what’s shaping work and the world around it. Hosted by Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer, the show brings a Gen Z perspective to conversations across sports, business, workplace trends, politics, and breaking news.

Through candid discussions and conversations with guests, they explore how Gen Z is showing up in the workplace, what’s shifting in how work gets done, and how business efficiency is being rethought through a new lens. It’s real talk, grounded in lived experience, with insights you can actually use to stay ahead of where work is going.

Hosted by

Nick Schlemmer

Podcast Host & senior in the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Jack McFarlane

Podcast Host & senior Economics major at the University of Utah

The Play by Play Episodes

March Madness: Who Will Rise To Cut The Net

Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer dive into the excitement of March Madness, sharing their top players, upsets, Cinderella teams, and bracket predictions.

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Ultimate Business Efficiency: Marketing

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer welcome Hailey McDonald to discuss the theme of business efficiency in 2026, focusing on the impact of Gen Z and technology on marketing.

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2026: The Year of Ultimate Business Efficiency

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the transformative impact of AI on business efficiency as they enter 2026.

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2025 Year in Review

In this episode, we reflect on the significant events of 2025, covering top news stories, political highlights, sports achievements, and the most streamed music and movies.

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Splitting the Bill: How BNPL is Changing Young Consumer Spending

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer iscuss the growing trend of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, particularly among Gen Z consumers.

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Gen Z and The Power of Nostalgia

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer explore the concept of nostalgia in marketing, particularly how companies are leveraging it to connect with Gen Z.

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Back to Business: Training Beyond the Manual

In this episode of The Play by Play, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer discuss the critical role of job training, particularly from the perspective of Gen Z employees.

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Back to School… 4 Years Later

In this episode of The Play by Play, hosts Jack McFarlane and Nick Schlemmer reflect on their college experiences, discussing the transition from high school to college, personal challenges, the importance of friendships and networking, and the surprises they encountered along the way.

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The Play by Play: Bad Posts and Best Bets

In this episode of The Play by Play, Jack and Nick discuss significant social media blunders made by major brands, highlighting the consequences of poor marketing decisions in the digital age.

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