Real storieS of professional athletes chasing dreams worldwide. An international sports podcast by
HOZAIFA
ALMALEH
PODCAST
Passport to the Pros is a storytelling platform that shines a light on the untold journeys of professional basketball players who’ve taken their talents across borders. Hosted by Hozaifa Almaleh—a former international pro himself—the show dives into real conversations with athletes who’ve lived the grind, embraced the culture, and built careers in places far from home.
From NBA vets extending their legacy overseas to young stars finding their rhythm abroad, Passport to the Pros goes beyond the stat sheet. Each episode explores the challenges, breakthroughs, and life lessons that come with chasing a dream around the world—on and off the court.
With raw stories, global perspectives, and an authentic voice at its core, Passport to the Pros connects fans, hoopers, and aspiring athletes to the global game like never before.
WATCH EPISODE 3
ABOUT
Hozaifa Almaleh is the founder and host of Passport to the Pros, a respected podcast platform that highlights the real, often untold stories of professional athletes who’ve built their careers overseas. With over a decade of experience playing professionally in more than 12 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Hozaifa brings rare firsthand insight into the sacrifices, culture shocks, and victories that define the international athlete’s journey.
In 2023, Hozaifa was selected for the NBA’s Future Basketball Operations Stars (FBOS) program, where he gained specialized training in player development, scouting, analytics, and basketball operations. The experience deepened his knowledge of how professional pathways are structured within the NBA and further strengthened his ability to support athletes navigating their careers across different levels of the game.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Arab International University, a Certificate in Global Sports Management from NYU, and is a certified graduate of Tim Grover’s Relentless Program, which has trained some of the world’s top-performing athletes.
Now based in the U.S., Hozaifa blends his global experience with sharp business acumen as the owner of Starnut Bistro in McLean, Virginia. Through Passport to the Pros, he has created a trusted space for professional athletes to share their journeys with honesty, vulnerability, and pride—helping the next generation of players, fans, and industry professionals understand what it truly means to chase a dream beyond borders.
Patrick Paone is the Co-Host & Executive Producer of Passport to the Pros. Sports have been a passion since childhood and he was able to turn it into a career through broadcasting. Patrick graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors Degree in Communication, majoring in Advertising, but his professional journey didn’t really start until he graduated from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Charlotte, NC.
Following broadcasting school, Patrick worked for Cumulus Media in Myrtle Beach, SC where he was the Executive Producer of The Morning Drive before becoming the show’s host. His ability to relate to the listeners and make entertaining content grew the show’s listenership and his following. Shortly after, Patrick moved back to the Northern Virginia area to join SiriusXM. Patrick’s journey at SiriusXM started out as an Associate Producer on The Fantasy Sports Channel and then he was promoted to Producer on The NASCAR Channel. As the former producer of SiriusXM On-Track and creator of multiple NASCAR-focused projects, he has a track record of elevating the conversation around sports through thoughtful commentary and engaging guest interviews.
With over a decade of experience in live sports broadcasting and audio/video production, Patrick brings a sharp ear, deep industry insight, and a passion for storytelling to every episode. Whether he’s breaking down the latest headlines or spotlighting under-the-radar talent, Patrick delivers content that’s insightful, entertaining, and always ahead of the curve.
Patrick believes that Passport to the Pros has the ability to transcend sports and spotlight the amazing journeys of athletes from all walks of life.