The Yak
The Yak
February 12, 2026

Nick Had To Sign an NDA For A Pinball Factory | The Yak 2-12-26

Quick Read

Nick recounts signing an NDA to tour a high-end pinball factory, while Francis details the communication breakdown that led to his Barstool book being scrapped, and the hosts discuss various personal anecdotes and internal company dynamics.
Nick signed an NDA to tour a 'Ferrari of pinball' factory, hinting at a new, secretive machine.
Francis's Barstool book was scrapped due to a style clash and editor miscommunication, despite months of work.
Early Barstool relied on Dave Portnoy personally distributing newspapers in subways for years.

Summary

The Yak hosts engage in a freewheeling discussion covering Valentine's Day plans, grocery shopping preferences, and personal health topics like colonoscopies. Nick shares an intriguing experience of touring a high-end pinball factory, where he had to sign a non-disclosure agreement for a new machine. Francis, a guest, opens up about the process of writing a Barstool book that was ultimately rejected by Dave Portnoy due to a perceived mismatch in writing style, highlighting a communication failure with the editor. Brandon Walker shares insights into Barstool's early days, including Dave Portnoy's solo efforts in distributing newspapers. The episode also features a humorous, albeit tense, exchange between Francis and Dante, and a discussion on the concept of 'momentum' in content creation.
This episode offers a candid look into the personal lives and professional challenges of Barstool Sports personalities, providing fans with behind-the-scenes context on major company projects like Francis's book and the early struggles of Barstool. It also showcases the unique, often unscripted, dynamic of 'The Yak' podcast, blending humor with genuine insights into their experiences.

Takeaways

  • Nick toured a high-end pinball factory (Stern Pinball) and had to sign an NDA regarding a new machine, describing it as the 'Ferrari of pinball' with impressive craftsmanship and licensing.
  • Francis spent months writing a book about Barstool, which was ultimately rejected by Dave Portnoy due to a perceived mismatch in writing style, stemming from a communication breakdown with their editor.
  • Brandon Walker detailed Dave Portnoy's early grind, including years of personally distributing the Barstool newspaper in subways after models became unaffordable.
  • The hosts debated the concept of 'momentum' in content creation, with Francis feeling disconnected after a vacation, while others suggested it's often a perceived internal feeling rather than external reality.
  • A humorous but tense exchange occurred between Francis and Dante, with Dante calling Francis a 'charity case,' leading to an on-air attempt to hash out their friendship issues.
  • Francis shared an idea for a future book: a 'survival guide' for young men dealing with divorce, depression, and other struggles, offering advice on regaining control through physical activity and hobbies.

Opportunities

Develop a 'survival guide' book for young men facing modern challenges.

Francis proposed writing a light-hearted yet serious guide for young men struggling with divorce, depression, and other issues, offering practical advice like 'get in the gym,' 'get outside,' and 'pick up a hobby' to regain control and define themselves away from negative incidents.

Source: Francis

Launch a candle business with a unique, personal touch.

A host is investing in his cousin's 'Shady Lake candles' venture, aiming to help his cousin, an experienced candle maker, scale the business and move operations out of his house, despite initial investment challenges.

Source: Host (unnamed, discussing 'Shady Lake candles')

Create a custom Barstool-themed pinball machine.

Inspired by the high-end pinball factory, the idea of a custom 'Yak' or Barstool pinball machine was floated, leveraging Dan's (Big Cat's) money for a unique, licensed product.

Source: Hosts, discussing Stern Pinball

Lessons

  • Prioritize clear communication with editors and stakeholders on large projects, especially regarding tone and creative direction, to avoid misalignments and wasted effort.
  • Consider the 'long game' in content creation; perceived loss of momentum after a break might be an internal feeling rather than an external reality, as algorithms and audience engagement can be unpredictable.
  • For personal well-being, engage in activities like regular exercise, spending time outdoors, and pursuing hobbies to regain a sense of control and self-definition during challenging times.
  • Explore unique local businesses and manufacturing facilities, as they can offer surprising insights and stories, even if under NDA, fostering curiosity and new content ideas.

Notable Moments

Nick reveals signing an NDA to tour a pinball factory.

This highlights the unexpected secrecy and high-stakes nature of niche manufacturing, creating intrigue around a seemingly innocuous product.

Francis explains the failure of his Barstool book project.

It provides a rare, candid look into the internal creative process and potential pitfalls of working with a strong brand voice like Dave Portnoy, and the challenges of editorial communication.

Brandon recounts Dave Portnoy's early Barstool days distributing newspapers.

This offers a historical perspective on the humble and arduous beginnings of Barstool Sports, emphasizing Portnoy's personal dedication and grind.

Dante calls Francis a 'charity case' during a tense on-air exchange.

This moment showcases the raw, unscripted interpersonal dynamics of the show, revealing underlying tensions and personal jabs among the hosts.

Quotes

"

"I toured a pinball facility yesterday and I was hoping to have some anecdotes and stories, but I signed an NDA."

Nick
"

"I think his defense was basically, 'Yeah, I didn't know where that money was coming from. I just accepted a gift that I thought was I believe that was.'"

Brandon
"

"Everyone knows that he the the homeless people handed out the newspapers and just were terrible and then he hired the models and it was through them that he met Renee and then he couldn't afford the models anymore. And so then for like years he was the only person handing out the newspaper in the subways."

Francis
"

"I think the concept of momentum in our line of work is actually just just in our heads."

Brandon
"

"Lifting weights is a is a men's beauty routine. Is a mundane health routine, and it should be treated as such."

Francis
"

"I don't bring her around because uh of all the creatures that work for me."

Host (quoting Dave Portnoy)

Q&A

Recent Questions

Related Episodes