On the surface, Dave Portnoy, the brash, pizza-reviewing founder of Barstool Sports, and Burnie Burns, the innovative creator behind Rooster Teeth, seem worlds apart. Portnoy is loud, controversial, and thrives in chaos; Burns is thoughtful, introspective, and quietly creative. Yet, when you peel back the layers, these two pioneers share more than you might think.
Both Portnoy and Burns started as genuine underdogs—outsiders fighting to be heard. Portnoy famously began Barstool Sports as a local print publication, hustling newspapers on street corners and clawing his way through years of obscurity. Burns, meanwhile, co-created “Red vs. Blue” in a spare bedroom, a quirky web series that was initially dismissed by traditional media but eventually spawned a multimedia empire.
Each faced skepticism, rejection, and countless obstacles. Both turned those obstacles into fuel. Portnoy’s relentless authenticity and refusal to back down built Barstool into a massive digital sports and entertainment powerhouse. Burns, through quiet innovation, humor, and storytelling, turned Rooster Teeth into a groundbreaking digital production company and community.
Remarkably, both entrepreneurs also share a rare entrepreneurial journey: Dave Portnoy has famously sold Barstool Sports twice, only to buy it back each time, reclaiming control and reshaping its future. Burnie Burns, too, recently mirrored this path by reacquiring Rooster Teeth, emphasizing the personal and passionate connection each has with their creation.
My journey with these two companies is also personal. I watched Rooster Teeth for many years, especially enjoying “Red vs. Blue” alongside my friend ArbiterJim, whom you might recognize from his political blogs on this site. After taking a hiatus, I rediscovered RVB and Achievement Hunter, eventually becoming a dedicated listener of the Rooster Teeth Podcast until the new crew took over. This shift led me toward Barstool Sports, drawn in by comedians like Bert Kreischer and Ari Shaffir on KFC Radio. Soon enough, I was deep into Barstool lore, fully embracing the Stooley identity.
When Burnie announced his new podcast, “Morning Somewhere,” I was ecstatic and immediately subscribed to their Patreon. Their challenge coin remains one of my favorite possessions. Additionally, podcasts by former Rooster Teeth folks, such as Regulation Podcast and Good Morning Gustavo, continue to be staples in my listening rotation alongside Barstool favorites like The Unnamed Show, KFC Radio, The Yak, and The Dozen Trivia.
These men share an uncanny ability to rally passionate, loyal communities around them, understanding that authenticity matters more than polish. They’ve redefined entertainment and media by simply refusing to give up, embracing their underdog status as a badge of honor.
Dave Portnoy and Burnie Burns prove that, despite vastly different styles, backgrounds, and personalities, success often comes down to determination, creativity, and staying true to oneself. Underdogs, indeed—but today, undeniably top dogs.
