Michael Rubin breaks down the truth about the White Party, why relationships matter more than people realize, and how he thinks about building rooms where power, business, and culture collide. He shares how Fanatics grew into a $40 billion company, why he treats networking as a real business skill, and what most people misunderstand about success.

Michael Rubin is the founder of Fanatics and one of the most connected figures in sports, business, and culture. In this conversation, he opens up about the White Party, building authentic relationships, running philanthropy like a business, and the work ethic, resilience, and mindset behind becoming a billionaire.

Chapters

00:00 - Relationships Are Everything

01:25 - The Meek Mill Story That Changed His Life

05:19 - Why He Started Reform Alliance

06:09 - Running Philanthropy Like a Business

09:04 - The Truth About the White Party

12:41 - Sophia’s White Party Fall & Meeting Jay-Z

13:53 - The Only 3 Events He Throws Each Year

15:19 - How He Learns by Talking to People

17:16 - Spotting Young Talent Before Everyone Else

17:54 - Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities & Starting Young

20:10 - What His Kids Have Taught Him

21:46 - Sleeping 4.5 Hours a Night

22:30 - Recovery & Trying to Live Longer

23:19 - Weight Loss, Ozempic & Not Taking Himself Too Seriously

26:10 - If He Lost Everything, How He’d Rebuild

28:02 - The Most Important Early Business Decisions

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About The Burnouts

The Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, athletes, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to reveal the real stories behind ambitious careers.

Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more.

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What Really Happens at Billionaires' Private Parties (Michael Rubin)

The Burnouts with Phoebe & Sophia

What Really Happens at Billionaires' Private Parties (Michael Rubin)