Today we’d like to introduce you to Amit Sanghvi
Hi Amit, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started at the University of Michigan. I had just transferred into the Sport Management program and did not know anyone. One day in class, we were discussing player contracts. I raised my hand and asked a question about a player the Detroit Pistons just signed, Hamidou Diallo. If only I knew the great things that would come from raising my hand that day. The next class, a fellow student walked up to me, asked if I had asked a question about Hamidou Diallo. He then asked a follow-up question, “Are you a Pistons fan?” That was the day I gained a friend that I couldn’t have survived undergrad without, Vali Heinemann. Vali and I talked every day about the Pistons. We would sit next to one another in class and spend every second we could showing our Pistons fandom. Towards the end of that semester, Vali said he had always wanted to start a Pistons podcast. I told him I wanted to as well, and that was the start of something special. Some time in July of 2022, we met at a park in Ann Arbor. We played on the court for hours, pitching podcast ideas, podcast names, what we wanted to talk about, who would join us on the show, and so much more. Soon after that, the Buffs On Podcast was born.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Soon after starting the podcast, Vali’s brothers, Gabe and Coni, joined the show. With, at the time, three of us being students and one working, it was a struggle to find times that work for all of us. Even today, there are some weeks when we all aren’t available. But I think we all do a great job of making time for the podcast, because its what we love to do. For me personally, one of the biggest struggles has been gaining a following. Getting our name out there is not easy and sometimes, no natter how much we post on social media, we don’t always see the engagement we would like to see. I handle most of the content creation and social media management duties for the podcast, and its occasionally discouraging when you pour your heart into something, just for it to receive 4 likes. Additionally, I am legally blind. I know, a legally blind guy doing graphic design sounds funny, but I appreciate the support I get from the Heinemann brothers to keep pushing for ward. I do what I do because I love the Pistons and want to connect with others who share the same passion for this team that I do. So, has it been a smooth road? No. But nothing worth fighting for is ever easy. All the late nights, eye-strain, and back pain is worth it for the greatest fanbases in all of sports.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was diagnosed with cancer, Stage IV Neuroblastoma, at a young age, A tumor started in my kidney, went up my spine and wrapped around my optiv nerve. My odds of making it were not great, but I somehow made it through. Surgery to remove the tumor from around my optic nerves restored some of my sight. Today, I have no sight in my left eye, and minimal sight in my right. Despite my disability, I have graduated high school, graduated from the University of Michigan, and started a podcast with over 1,300 total followers. I may not be able to competitively play the sport I love on the court, but I can share the passion for the game off the court. I was told “no” countless times in my life because of my disability. I was even told to “be more realistic” by a teacher when I told them I wanted to attend the University of Michigan. I say these things to let others know that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Vali has had to battle knee injuries to play the sports that he loves. Adversity is not lost on this group that makes up the Buffs On Podcast. Detroit understands adversity. The Pistons understand adversity. But we all continue to fight and beat the odds every single day. Huge shout out to Coni, Gabe, and Vali for letting me run the podcast socials and believing in me. Talking Detroit Basketball with these guys is always the highlight of my week. They are why we are the Best P-O-D in the 313.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Keep pushing. It sounds so generic and cliche, but keep pushing. Because though it may seem like you are stuck in the same spot, if you keep pushing, you will always be moving forward. When I started making graphics for social media posts, I had to teach myself everything. Learn things on my own. Additionally, the engagement on the posts were not great either. And looking back on my posts from the early days of the podcast, I have come a long way, and so has engagement. The only way this happens is if I keep pushing. There are no short cuts. Another thing I learned is that it’s important to put yourself out there. As an introvert, it’s often difficult for me to reach out to others and ask them to come on the show. But what you will realize is more people are willing to help than you think. Reaching out even helped us connect with the Motor City Cruise where we were able to give out tickets to our followers for free. This was just six months after we started the podcast and was a huge confidence booster. And if someone rejects you or doesn’t respond, it’s alright. Keep pushing and find someone that will support you and your goals. Possibilities are endless, if you want something, go get it. Who knows what great things the future holds. Like I say to end every podcast, “Throw the Buffs On Detroit, the future is bright!”. For the Pistons and for you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/buffsonpodcast
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buffs_on_podcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084449019544
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-sanghvi-7a640663
- Twitter: https://x.com/buffsonpodcast
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@buffsonpodcast
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@buffsonpodcast
