The Nichols and Dimez Show
"The Nichols and Dimez Show" is your go-to resource for navigating life's pivotal transitions. Hosted by Chris Nichols, this podcast features honest conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, military veterans, and other high performers who have faced major turning points — and reinvented themselves. Whether you’re shifting from sports to business, corporate to entrepreneurship, or searching for your next chapter, this show delivers stories, strategies, and inspiration to help you move forward with purpose.
The Nichols and Dimez Show
Shawne Merriman | Lights Out: Turning a Football Legacy Into a Business Empire
Shawne Merriman is an ex-NFL All-Pro Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers & Buffalo Bills. Since his football career, Shawne has been very active as an entrepreneur, including founding Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (Fight Promotion), Lights Out Agency (Insurance), Lights Out Sports TV, and Lights Out Apparel. In this conversation, we discuss the development of his “Lights Out” brand and early adoption of personal branding, how this has served him in the business world post football, and steps he has taken to learn business skills from mentors like Donald Trump and others. We also talk about stories from the NFL, including what it was like to play with LT and how he dealt with injuries. We also cover Shawne’s early exposure and enthusiasm for combat sports, business strategies, differentiators, vision for Lights Out XF, and overall lessons learned.
Partners:
JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off for BJJ apparel
LEGACY KAPSULE: https://www.legacy-kapsule.com/ - Request a custom video podcast
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
04:38 - Lights Out Brand
11:26 - Seeking Business Mentorship & Relationship with Donald Trump
16:12 - NFL Career & Playing with LaDainian Tomlinson (LT)
20:40 - Dealing with Injuries
26:37 - Combat Training for Football, Fighting Background (Bellator, BKFC..), Training with Randy Couture
34:13 - Founding Lights Out Xtreme Fighting Promotion
37:21 - Building Teams and Delegating in Business
41:55 - Steps in Building a Fight Promotion, Learning from Dana White & the UFC
46:47 - Long Term Vision, Differentiators, & Innovation
54:35 - Entrepreneurial Life Hack
Follow Shawne Merriman:
Shawne's IG: https://www.instagram.com/shawnemerriman
Lights Out XF IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightsoutxf
Lights Out Sports TV: https://www.lightsoutsportstv.com
Lights Out Brand IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightsoutbrand
Follow Chris Nichols:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimezshow
Website: https://thenicholsanddimezshow.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nichols-dimez-show/id1667715105
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicholsanddimezshow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005/
Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com
