Sports Management Podcast

Welcome to episode 235 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Theo Dedes, a UEFA Pro License coach who recently led TSG Hoffenheim's women's team in Germany. From growing up in Athens to coaching at the highest level in European football, Theo shares what modern leadership really looks like, why empathy beats authority in today's game, and what it takes to survive - and thrive - in one of the most pressure-filled industries in the world. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:40 The UEFA Pro License Explained 02:01 Eligible for Champions League 02:36 The Coach as Manager 04:33 The Loneliness of Leadership 05:49 Controlling the Uncontrollable 07:29 Managing Friction Inside the Squad 08:51 Handling Weekly Pressure 10:22 Being a Young Head Coach 12:31 Coaching as Brand & Identity 15:13 Greece vs Germany Leadership Styles 17:25 The Coaching Odyssey 19:50 Why Germany Felt Fair 21:17 Learning from Termination 31:15 Advice for Future Pro Coaches 33:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 234 of Sports Management Podcast. College sports has changed forever. NIL is here, brands are everywhere, and student athletes are now entrepreneurs whether they like it or not. But are they actually prepared? Today I'm joined by Stephen Bienko, co-founder of 42U, former dual-sport athlete and life coach. We dive into: NIL Athlete identity Branding Why passion alone won't prepare athletes for life after sport. And much more!  SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. 00:00 Intro 00:28 What 42U Is Building in the NIL Era 02:03 Transferable Skills Beyond "Hardworking Athlete" 05:16 Athlete Identity & Overthinking Performance 08:45 NIL Should Have Existed Years Ago 10:35 Soft Skills vs Hard Skills in the AI Era 12:18 Why Identity Impacts Performance 14:21 Why Athletes Are Underprepared for NIL 17:37 Why Most NIL Partnerships Fail 20:33 Brand First, Deals Second 23:41 The Power of Athlete IP & Social Media 29:31 The Future of NIL and High School Athletes 32:59 Putting "Butts in Seats" Through Athlete Brands 39:44 The Decathlete Mindset in Business 49:18 Why Now Is the Best Time to Enter Sports 55:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com  

Welcome to episode 233 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Gloria Mariwa - a footballer, professional freestyler, digital creator known as 14thgunner and founder of Wecheza. At just 19, she's building the future of African women's football at the intersection of sports, tech, and community. We spoke about: Why women's sports shouldn't copy the men's model How sports tech must evolve Why investing in African women's sports might be the smartest move you can make right now And much more!  SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Building 14thgunner 04:30 Growing Women's Football in Kenya 07:37 Why Women's Sports Must Build Their Own Model 08:30 The Future of Sports Tech & AI 09:41 Creators vs Traditional Media 12:03 Why YouTube Could Win Sports Streaming 14:31 Copying the West? Or Building Africa's Own Model 16:57 The Kenyan Sports Landscape 18:36 The Meaning Behind Wichesa 19:34 Grassroots Impact in Women's Football 24:46 University or Startup Life? 26:48 Monetizing as a Young Creator 27:53 Advice for Young Sports Professionals 30:29 Redefining Sports Tech 32:23 Invest in African Women's Sports Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 232 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is JP Lutz - a former Philadelphia Eagles executive turned professor, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor. We spoke about: Breaking into the sports industry Why 'luck' is actually positioning The power of always saying yes How building relationships can define your entire career. And much more! This one is packed with practical advice for anyone who wants to work in sports and a powerful life lesson you won't forget. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 From Working Elevators to the NFL 04:25 Why You Must Say Yes Early in Your Career 06:24 Creating Your Own Luck in Sports 08:10 How to Network the Right Way 12:53 Do You Need a Degree to Work in Sports? 17:11 The Magic of Game Day 19:52 $5 an Hour and Moving Back Home 22:34 Transitioning from Pro Sports to Higher Ed 23:56 Starting a Sports Business from a Basement 25:27 Soft Skills That Actually Matter 29:19 A Cancer Diagnosis at 46 32:39 The Power of Being Proactive About Health 34:30 AI, Analytics & The Future of Sports Jobs 36:55 Why You Should Consider Entrepreneurship 41:45 Career Advice: Follow Your Heart and Say Yes Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 231 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is one of the most ambitious football investors in the world. Brett Johnson is the founder of Benevolent Capital, owner of multiple football clubs including Phoenix Rising, Rhode Island FC, and part of the Ipswich Town ownership group. In this episode: Promotion and relegation in US soccer Why stadiums are the real asset How youth sports is the next big opportunity What it actually takes to build a sports empire from scratch. And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 From Analyst to Football Owner 00:20 Why Phoenix Needed a Team 01:17 The 1994 World Cup Thesis 02:06 Why the US Must Perform 03:39 Ipswich's Back-to-Back Promotions 04:43 How to Run a Club Properly 05:26 Why Multi-Club Ownership Wins 06:44 Promotion/Relegation in the U.S. 09:02 Building a $140M Stadium 11:20 Creating a Fan Base from Scratch 14:01 Inside Benevolent Capital 15:32 Why Youth Sports Is the Next Goldmine 22:39 Advice for Sports Entrepreneurs 26:25 The Dark Days in Phoenix 28:13 Almost Losing Rhode Island Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 230 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest has lived football from every angle - player, coach, owner, executive, and advisor. Matt Driver is the founder of Soccer Universities and Football Club Advisory Group, and he's worked across Europe and the U.S. helping clubs move from survival mode to scalable success. In this episode, we talk about: Why most soccer clubs struggle financially What American sports get right that football often ignores How fan engagement, data, and commercial thinking will define the future of the game And much more! This is a masterclass in the business of football. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:38 Why College Soccer Doesn't Create Pros 03:18 The Wake-Up Call Playing La Liga Clubs 05:30 Creating Real Player Pathways 08:10 Why Most Clubs Are Structurally Broken 11:13 A Bulgarian Club Case Study 15:09 Why Vertical Silos Kill Clubs 16:41 What American Sports Get Right 18:30 Why Fans Jump Between Sports 20:08 Why "We've Always Done It This Way" Fails 26:21 Turning Fan Phones Into Revenue 30:23 Monetizing Club Assets 35:47 Why Fans Must Be Entertained 55:26 Career Advice for Sports Professionals 01:05:54 Why the USL Could Explode Next 01:10:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 229 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest has been at the center of that work for over a decade. Christian Klaue is Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the International Olympic Committee. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of how the Olympic Games are planned, positioned, communicated, and ultimately delivered - from Milano Cortina to LA28 and beyond. If you've ever wondered how the biggest sporting event on earth actually comes together, this conversation is for you. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:31 Life Inside the IOC Right Before the Games 02:45 What Olympic Communications Really Do 04:47 Why Positioning Matters More Than Reacting 05:06 Working on Multiple Olympic Games at Once 06:55 Why Milano Cortina 2026 Is Different 07:52 Legacy Beats New Construction 09:13 Avoiding Olympic "White Elephants" 10:12 Designing the Athlete Experience 11:22 Why the Olympic Torch Changes Everything 13:32 How the Torch Relay Really Works 15:21 The Power of Opening Ceremonies 20:09 Christian Klaue's Career Journey 27:42 Leading Through Olympic Crises 41:51 Advice for a Career in Sports Communication 43:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 228 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is John P Reynal, the President & CEO of The Women's Cup - one of the most ambitious global platforms in women's football. John has spent his career building sports properties across continents and in this conversation, he makes a bold case: women's football isn't charity - it's one of the most undervalued growth opportunities in sports. We spoke about: Why over-investing early matters How TV rights and valuations are lagging behind reality Why the next decade of women's football could reshape the entire sports industry. His unconventional journey to and through the sports industry And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 02:21 Why women's football is a massive investment opportunity 04:18 "Women's football is a business" 04:50 What over-investing really looks like 06:53 Building a premium brand through experience 08:21 Fixing the production problem in women's football 10:07 How media rights unlock real growth 11:09 Why the US women's football model is different 13:30 The danger of women's teams as afterthoughts 15:45 Rethinking how women's football is marketed 21:58 Why investors are flooding into women's football 23:00 From $1M to $150M franchise valuations 26:01 Latin America's untapped audience power 31:01 The audience shift every club must prepare for 32:43 Why Brazil 2027 will change everything 45:00 Outro     Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 227 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Alan Arlt, founder of Ultimate Hoops and co-founder of ARLT Consulting. Alan built a recreational basketball league into a highly-engaged sports product with stats, highlights, and experiences that made everyday players feel like pros and he sold it with an 18x return in under two years. In this episode, we spoke about: What makes a sports product truly 'sticky' How to scale without losing quality How AI is changing the future of participation sports. And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:58 Building "sticky" sports products with ARLT Consulting  02:16 From sports nerd to sports entrepreneur  02:59 The Ultimate Hoops idea (treat everyone like Kobe)  03:42 From 6 teams to 40 teams in under a year  03:42 Acquired by Lifetime Fitness (18 months in)  04:26 The Carmelo Anthony moment ("I think I'm done")  05:11 The 18x return (and why he didn't plan an exit)  05:58 The "sticky product" flywheel (daily engagement)  06:54 Passion vs practicality (unit economics matter)  08:22 The 2-step decision process (gut → diligence)  09:46 Why athlete partnerships are everything (B2A mindset)  11:51 AI changed everything (stats + highlights at scale)  13:28 How ARLT uses AI with clients today  14:18 Why this model works for every sport  15:06 The golden rule (people want to feel special)  15:45 The post-game interview that proved the concept  17:24 Why AI will create "1,000 Ultimate Hoops"  19:53 The mindset shift (leaving Discovery to take the leap)  21:36 Why side hustles are the new advantage  22:50 The biggest founder mistakes (too fast vs too slow)  24:10 Best advice for founders (just get started)  25:47 How to use AI without losing the human edge  27:07 Leadership style (do every job, stay in the weeds)  30:28 Hiring without a vacuum (team fit matters)  32:11 Scaling too fast (when it stopped feeling like Ultimate Hoops)  33:02 COVID shutdown (the hardest stretch)  35:25 Letting 85% of the team go (and rebuilding)  37:02 Guest recommendations (SportsVisio + AIM Sports Group)  39:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 226 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Neil Schwartz, President of SBRnet, one of the leading sports business data providers focused on fan behavior, monetization, and engagement. In this episode, we break down the difference between passive fans and active fans, why storytelling is the real skill behind data, and how teams can turn insights into revenue across tickets, merch, sports betting and more. Let's get into it. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.   Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:59 What sports teams can learn from Disney 01:50 What SBRnet does: business-side sports data 02:46 Doing data before data was cool 04:25 Data is now traded like oil + early pushback from execs 07:28 Black box data vs transparent methodology 08:44 "If you only use your own data, you repeat the same mistakes" 09:29 Data is like making soup 11:16 SWOT analysis as a decision framework 12:57 The hardest question: "Why?" 16:41 Cross-fandom + cross-category sponsorship strategy 19:31 Active vs passive engagement explained 21:07 Neil's Dolphins example: passionate but passive fan behavior 22:49 Turning passive fans into active fans 25:08 Good data use is good storytelling 27:52 When teams reject data because of anecdotal bias 30:45 Privacy + anonymized data + integrity standards 35:14 Pandemic: removing live attendance questions to protect trend accuracy 37:15 AI fears + why people must stay in the decision-making equation 42:20 Career advice: internships + networking + better outreach emails 48:43 Sports gambling needs guardrails 52:31 Gambling growth plateau 53:19 Underage gambling problem 54:45 Guest recommendations 57:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 225 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Vance Morris, and in this episode we will uncover what sports teams can learn from Disney when it comes to service and fan experience. We spoke about: How Vance went from a security guard at a birth control factory to working for Disney Why he was a lousy employee Why his business charges 40% more than its competitors Taking the leap to starting his own business, and his wife getting sick 3 days later And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.   Time stamps: 00:00 Intro: 02:21 From factory security guard to Disney 03:32 Experience design in boring moments 05:50 Engaging fans on non-game days 07:25 Linertainment explained 08:44 What teams can do between purchase & game day 11:18 Reaching younger fans with physical mail 13:01 On-stage vs off-stage mindset 15:26 Attention to detail & perceived value 17:30 Tellable moments & word of mouth 19:44 Systems create freedom 22:34 Cost of keeping vs acquiring fans 24:27 Why he charges 40% more 28:57 "The bar is set so low" 31:23 Service standards disconnect 33:29 Hiring for service mindset 38:19 Major career setback & resilience 40:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 224 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Ersel Aybasti – a licensed FIFA-agent, founder of Analysis SportAgents and the author of The Women's Game: More Than Just a Game. Voices, Structures & Perspectives in Global Women's Football We spoke about: Why he decided to write about the women's game Why women's football needs more systemic investment How he combines work as an agent, industrial engineer and book writing How agents can contribute to positive change in football And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.   Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Why football alone wasn't enough 03:38 Trust between player and agent 07:26 Holistic support beyond contracts 09:55 Becoming a licensed FIFA agent 12:58 Entering women's football 15:45 Why the book was written 17:35 28 voices shaping the women's game 21:41 Managing pressure, feedback & growth 27:31 Why women's football needs structure 30:37 How agents can close the gender gap 31:49 Advice for young professionals 34:12 Long-term values over short-term wins 36:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com    

Welcome to episode 223 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Paul Epstein, a leadership coach, former sports executive and the creator of the Win Monday movement. Paul has worked with elite athletes, executives, and teams around the world, helping them build momentum through habits, identity, and purpose. In this episode, we unpack: Why Mondays matter more than any other day of the week How one simple action can change everything Which Monday changed Paul's life And much more!    SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.   Time stamps: 00:00 The 98% Monday momentum statistic 02:17 What it actually means to "win Monday" 06:07 Gym analogy: commitment over motivation 07:47 "Commitment begins when motivation ends" 11:43 The hero dedication concept 17:55 The Monday that changed Paul's life 24:52 Standards vs goals (win the long game) 33:44 Confidence formula: values × action 48:56 Vision of a global Win Monday movement 50:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com      

Welcome to episode 222 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Blaine Bishop – a former NFL player, 4-time pro bowler and a broadcasting host. We spoke about: Being drafted as an underdog Playing 10 seasons in the NFL Transitioning from the NFL to broadcasting Life lessons he learned from his mother And much more! SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 01:54 Drafted last & the chip on his shoulder 03:59 Why being doubted fueled his work ethic 05:51 Film study as a competitive advantage 09:15 "What do you have to lose?" mindset 14:24 First NFL start on Christmas Day 18:54 Super Bowl run & "team of destiny" 22:12 Making the Pro Bowl (unexpectedly) 25:00 Transition from NFL to broadcasting 28:16 Identity beyond being an athlete 36:04 Advice for young people entering sports   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 221 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Stef McLoughlin, Head of Commercial at Glasgow City FC, the most successful women's football club in Scotland and one of the few elite clubs in Europe that is women-owned, women-led and fully independent. Get ready to learn about: Purpose-driven partnerships Building women's sport differently Why copying the men's game may be the biggest mistake women's football can make And much more!    Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:22 What makes Glasgow City FC different 01:27 Using football as a vehicle for social change 03:28 Why women's clubs shouldn't be absorbed by men's teams 06:38 Purpose-driven partnerships explained 07:32 Dog-friendly stadiums & inclusive fan experiences 09:57 How Glasgow City avoids sportswashing 12:58 The "messy middle" of women's football 14:48 Why comparing revenues to men's football is a mistake 18:05 Building women-led commercial ecosystems 25:07 Entering football as an "angry feminist" 31:49 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 220 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest helped build the Olympic business model as we know it. Michael Payne is the former marketing director of the IOC, creator of the TOP sponsorship program, and widely regarded as the architect of modern sports marketing. In this episode, we explore 50 years of global sport power, politics, money, and what the next 50 years could look like. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Why he wrote the book & invented sports marketing 03:16 FIFA had four employees 07:43 Cold War & saving the Olympics 10:17 Bernie Ecclestone vs Samaranch 13:16 Politics weaponizing sport 15:22 Sportswashing debate (China & Saudi) 23:33 Trump, the World Cup & LA28 29:38 His wild predictions for sport 31:46 Avatar stadiums 34:12 Tech vs the soul of sport 38:26 Sustainability & white elephants 48:35 Advice for young professionals 50:18 Business lesson: problems vs solutions 53:54 How great negotiators really work 59:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 219 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Joe Foster - the founder of Reebok. At 90 years old, he's sharing the real origin story for the first time. From hand-made spiked shoes to billion-dollar global dominance, this is one of the greatest sports business journeys ever told. SPONSOR: Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today. Time stamps: 00:00 Growing up during World War II 05:45 Winning races with spiked shoes at age 8 08:08 Grandfather invents the first spiked running shoe 17:00 Walking away from the family footwear company 18:49 Building Reebok inside a collapsed brewery 25:15 Creating direct-to-athlete distribution 29:32 Naming Reebok from a dictionary 35:15 First failed attempt entering America 41:08 Runner's World five-star ratings change everything 43:31 Birth of the Reebok aerobics shoe 46:59 Why Joe exited Reebok 57:10 Turning lawsuits into brand advantages 01:05:05 Joe's 3 rules of entrepreneurship 01:09:06 Meeting celebrities & reaching global #1 01:12:19 Why he wrote his book to correct history 01:13:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 218 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Luis Fernando Ramirez – the CEO of National Padel League  (NPL) We spoke about: Juggling being CEO of NFL with commercial responsibilities for Bull Padel Padel's potential in the US Challenges and opportunities for Padel The importance of digital broadcast and streaming And much more! Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:42  Why Luis rebuilt the NPL from scratch 02:10  The first version of the league — what was broken 04:03  How the NPL expanded to 42 cities 06:58  The business model behind the league 08:20  How Racket360 powers streaming + scoring 11:12  Creating the NPL pyramid: juniors → amateurs → pros 14:33  The partnership with USPA 16:48  Why amateurs are the key to U.S. padel's growth 18:26  Why padel is exploding in the U.S. (data + trends) 21:17  The long-term vision — becoming the MLS of padel 24:09  The future of pro padel in America 26:40  How to build sustainable leagues 29:55  Luis' advice for young sports professionals 35:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 217 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Joe Michaels – the former Director of NBC's Today Show and a veteran television production leader. In this episode we get to look behind the scenes of sports media productions together with an 8x Emmy winner.  We spoke about: Why sports media is a young man's business Giving back through teaching and mentorship The future of the media industry If AI will take jobs from the media industry But also how it was like broadcasting the 9/11 tragedy in New York This and much more, in this episode with Joe Michaels. Time stamps: 00:01 Intro 00:44  How Joe started at NBC  03:38  What a sports director actually does behind the scenes 05:16  Turning nerves into energy during live broadcasts 08:23  Inside a live sports truck  11:07  Lessons from the man who invented baseball on TV 16:10  From gaff-taped cameras to 200-camera Super Bowls 20:22  Directing "Brain Surgery Live" for National Geographic 26:34  Why sports broadcasters must understand history 38:46  The future of sports media and technology 41:29  Can AI replace directors?  46:30  What Emmy Awards really mean 52:30  Career advice 53:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com    

Welcome to episode 216 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Danny Davis, founder & CEO of Recon Sports - a platform helping college football teams use data and AI to build smarter rosters and develop elite athletes. We spoke about:  The use of athlete data in sports The risks of operating in college sports How military experience shaped his entrepreneurial mindset The mindset shift from Army officer to entrepreneur How he invested 10,000 hours to master his craft And much more!    Time stamps:  00:01 Intro 00:26  What Recon Sports does - syncing athlete data 01:22  Internal vs external data and identifying future stars 02:40  The hundreds of metrics collected across programs 04:15  The original idea: from high school analytics to college innovation 05:43  First client discovery and go-to-market process 07:02  Biggest challenge - scaling himself and training others 09:03  AI, digital twins, and the next frontier of sports analytics 11:19  Why consolidating data is the foundation of AI success 12:01  The risks of operating in college sports 14:38  Expanding into aerospace and other verticals 18:27  How military experience shaped his entrepreneurial mindset 22:02  The mindset shift from Army officer to entrepreneur 26:57  How he invested 10,000 hours to master his craft 31:14  The value of mentorship and how to find great mentors 37:17  Overcoming rejection and separating vision from strategy 40:16  Advice for breaking into the sports industry 43:40 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 215 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Jordy Leiser - the CEO of Jump, a platform which is redefining the fan experience, from AI-driven personalization to direct-to-consumer fan engagement. We spoke about: Why teams need to own their fan relationships How AI personalizes the sports experience The story behind Jump's $25M raise Working with Alexis Ohanian, Alex Rodriguez & Mark Lore The future of global fan engagement And much more! Time stamps: 00:01 Intro 00:30 Jump - connects the full fan experience 01:23 Partnering with North Carolina Courage and Minnesota Timberwolves 03:18 The meaning of "vertical platform" in sports tech 05:36 How Jump replaces legacy ticketing systems 07:51 Using AI to personalize fan experiences 10:58 Why direct-to-consumer fan relationships matter 15:01 Raising $25M led by Alexis Ohanian 18:23 Global expansion opportunities 20:32 Remote-first company culture & trust 23:19 Jordy's path from finance to sports entrepreneurship 33:47 Resilience through setbacks 39:15 Advice for young professionals in sports 40:35 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 214 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Spencer Gore – founder and CEO of Gorely Group and the owner & chairman of Chelmsford City Football Club. He is also the founder and CEO of EMJ (European Medical Journal) & AMJ (American Medical Journal) and EMJ Learnings. We spoke about: The power of daily visualization Why process = freedom How Chelmsford City plans to reach the Premier League by 2038 Lessons in leadership, failure, and mindset And much more! Time stamps: 00:01 Intro 00:33  How he manages multiple companies & leadership structure 01:58  The gap in the market that led to founding EMJ 05:38  Scaling challenges & importance of process 08:47  Launching AMJ in America — following his dream 10:18  Visualization & daily affirmations 13:01  Hiring for values over skills 15:49  Why he bought Chelmsford City FC 19:38  Reverse-engineering the 2038 Premier League goal 22:43  The 3 critical success metrics for Chelmsford City 28:36  Marginal gains and learning from Clive Woodward 35:03  Failures, mistakes & the “win or learn” philosophy 37:33  COVID resilience — “One day closer” mindset 39:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com  

Welcome to episode 213 of Sports Management Podcast. Todays guest is Elias Gallego – the VP of Business Development, Marketing and Media at Sporty Group and Football.com We spoke about: The sports media landscape Expanding to Latin America, Africa and more Balancing brand consistency across media, betting, entertainment and tech Elias' journey through sports And much more! Time stamps: 00:54 Sporty Group vision 01:59 Building SportyTV Nigeria in 4 months 06:13 Free-to-air model & European rights 08:12 Brazil strategy: Serie C rights + YouTube access 10:17 “Curated content is king” philosophy 12:10 Multi-country production hubs  13:39 Mobile-first, highlight-driven model 17:10 Balancing global brand with local identity 20:35 ROI and brand impact in multi-vertical business 23:20 Future of sports media & smart TV expansion 27:59 Watch parties and interactive fan experiences 37:07 Career advice: “Hard work and passion are non-negotiable Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 212 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Ed Horne – the Chief Operating Officer at On Location – a sports hospitality company set to deliver premium experiences. Ed has a long background in sports industry and he has worked for organizations like the NHL, NFL, 160over90 before joining On Location. Ed has been instrumental in getting NHL players to play in the Olympics as well as being part of organizing the first ever Super Bowl half time show. It was great speaking with Ed and learning from his wisdom. We spoke about: Key components for a successful event What fans request from a premium sports experience The skills you need to succeed in the sports industry His involvement in the first ever Super Bowl half time show His career journey and pitfalls along the way And much more! Time stamps: 00:01 Intro  02:23 Global Sports Hospitality  05:22 Experience Economy Growth and Consumer Expectations 06:52 The "driveway to driveway" experience 09:29 Technology Integration and Personalization Strategy 10:51 On Location future plans  17:42 Strategic Positioning within TKO and Multi-Property Synergies 19:00 Future Outlook and Market Vision 20:10 Leadership Philosophy and Talent Development 21:20 Ed's career bumps  23:00 Outro Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 211 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Pablo Carro. The co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Playtomic - the world's leading app for racket sport players and clubs. We spoke about: Why he started Playtomic How to avoid the Swedish example The benefits of competition Becoming the leading company in the field Their US expansion plans And much more! Time stamps: 00:01 Intro  00:47 Playtomic Origin story  03:19 Social DNA of Padel & how tech mirrors it 05:13 Scaling globally – passion & persistence 10:27 Sweden's rise & fall – the social lesson 13:24 Competition makes you stronger 15:29 U.S. expansion – 200 clubs in months 19:13 PwC Global Padel Report insights 28:58 Asia is next – India & China potential 30:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 210 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Szymon Szemberg, a reoccurring guest who first appeared on episode 5, almost 5 years ago – and a lot have happened since. Szymon recently wrote an article about the NBA closing in on a league in Europe and if this could lead to an NHL-driven ice hockey league in Europe as well. This topic became even more relevant when NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently stated that such a league could start already in 2027 or 2028. Szymon is the perfect person to discuss this topic. He has been a player, coach and later sports director and managing director of an elite basketball club in Sweden. He has worked as a sports reporter, covering both basketball and hockey. Between 2001-2014, he served as Communications Director for the International Ice Hockey Federation. He was the Champions Hockey League's project lead and later COO (2013-2015) and most recently he was the Managing Director of EHC, Alliance of European Hockey Clubs, from which he just stepped down after 10 years. We spoke about: Why the NBA is planning a new European league How such a league could be structured If NHL can go the same route, and if so how the league look like Szymon explains the possible 4 scenarios, from least to most likely. We also cover the financial and political implications And much more!   Time stamps: 00:01 Intro  02:00 NBA's European League Plans 03:30 The NBA's move to control the global basketball ecosystem13:30 The NHL's current strategic advantage 15:45 Expanding NHL franchises directly into Europe 20:45 Financial and Market Considerations for European Leagues 28:50 Potential NHL European League Scenarios and Strategy 35:00 Long-Term Vision and Regional Opportunities 40:00 Outro   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 209 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Maike Wellmann - a brand specialist, entrepreneur, and founder of Swim & Move Academy. Maike went from regional swimmer to building a thriving swim school and helping athletes and federations shape authentic brands. ' We spoke about: Why authenticity beats copy-paste branding How Swim & Move grew from 5 → 50+ classes in 2 years Branding workshops for federations & athletes Why hard skills can be taught, but passion can't Lessons in consistency, self-care & scaling a business And much more!  Time stamps: 00:01 Intro 07:27 Swim school growth from 5 to 50 classes 09:09 Authenticity in branding 13:49 AI & branding workshops for federations 31:50 Recruitment: hard skills can be taught, soft skills can't 34:29 Consistency + self-care in entrepreneurship 37:17 Taking a step back: aligning brain and heart Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to epsiode 108 of Sports Management Podcast. James Kerr is bestselling author of Legacy, the book that revealed the leadership principles behind the legendary All Blacks. We spoke about: What truly defines high performance Why humility and accountability matter How culture can be designed and delivered in any team Transferable skills from sports to business And much more!  Time stamps: 00:01 Intro 04:03 Defining High Performance 07:25 All Blacks Principles 09:10 Purpose explained through “day makers” 11:22 How to build culture 15:45 Toxic people & the “no dickheads” rule 18:25 How behaviors spread 24:47 What would a great All Black do? 27:55 Saying yes means first saying no (focus & sacrifice) Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 207 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is former Swiss Olympic Swimmer David Karasek. David is the owner of Swimpros, a swim camp focusing a lot on the mental aspect of swimming, since that was something David struggled with himself. Get ready to learn: Why David used to choke under pressure Why tennis players are the mentally strongest athletes The power of visualization What he has learned from Michael Phelps and Roger Federer Why sport is so important for kids What his favorite animal is His favorite C-words And much more! Time stamps: 00:01 Guest Introduction & Background 01:19 Swim Pros Business Development 10:18 Mental Training Philosophy & Techniques 19:46 Athletic Performance Insights 25:35 Youth Sports Development 30:36 Personal Journey & Career Transition Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 206 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is John Parker – the CEO of Kickback Soccer Media. John is clear: Soccer in the US is not an up and coming sport anymore. In this episode you can expect to learn: Why the media narrative around soccer is often wrong The building up to the Men's World Cup The Beckham rule The legacy after World Cup 2026 And much more! Time stamps: 01:36 Soccer's Current State in America 03:05 Company Overview & Mission 05:46 World Cup 2026 Concerns & Opportunities 06:56 Youth Development Evolution 19:53 Media & Fan Engagement Strategy 21:09 Player Quality & League Evolution 24:56 Future Predictions & Infrastructure 27:42 Career Journey & Industry Challenges Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com  

Welcome to episode 205 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Tan Kesler, the CEO and minority shareholder of the Ekstraklasa club Pogoń Szczecin. How can you take a club who is 48 hours away from collapse, to a financially stable club with a 10 year plan and a league contender? That's what we will learn today! We also spoke about: Leaving a secure job in England for a struggling Pogon Foreign investments in football How he was welcomed by the fans as a foreign owner Poland as an emerging football market Tan's journey from agent to sports executive And much more! Time stamps: 00:00 Podcast Introduction & Club Background 04:30 Financial Crisis Resolution 07:34 Market Opportunity Assessment 09:11 Operational Improvements & Revenue Streams 09:11 Football Assets & Academy 12:08 Strategic Goals & Timeline Balance 15:05 Polish Market Integration 18:05 Operational Philosophy 19:27 International League Development 20:54 Professional Background Journey 23:58 Agency & Executive Experience 29:37 Specific Organizational Goals 33:56 Career Advice & Industry Insights 35:24 Networking Recommendation   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to this week's episode of SMP Insights. Andrew Brandt grew up in Washington, DC and played tennis at Stanford University before going on to law school at Georgetown. He started his career as an unpaid intern at a firm that represented tennis players, but eventually transitioned into football and grew a team of clients from three to 15 over the course of six years. He then made the switch to the management side of the industry, taking on the role of running the Barcelona Dragons in the NFL's World League. From there, he went on to work with the Minnesota Vikings and eventually became the VP of the NFL team Green Bay Packers. Today he works as an academic director, hosting a podcast, writing a weekly newsletter and is often seen on ESPN giving insight to sports law matters. Get ready to learn: How To Get a Job in Sports Full episode: https://sportsmanagementpodcast.com/77-andrew-brandt-former-vp-of-green-bay-packers  ________________________________________________ Follow us on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com  

Colo Colo were on the verge of a squad overhaul after losing the title. Then, KPI Football told them something surprising: “You're already the best team. Keep your core, tweak a few details.” They followed the advice. Next season:

Welcome to episode 204 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is José Gandarillas – the founder of KPI Football. In this episode you will hear the story of how José took a football team from struggling to champions using data analytics. You will also learn: José's journey from industrial engineer to sports entrepreneur The time he was managing one of Chile's most iconic football clubs How covid almost changed everything How AI will impact the football industry And much more! Time Stamps:  00:30 Football KPI Overview & Founding 01:38 Data Analytics Methodology 11:34 Technology & AI Implementation 17:04 Jose's Professional Background 22:41 Future Plans & Market Expansion 24:33 Challenges & Obstacles 26:14 Networking & Industry Recommendations   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 203 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Chris Marshall – the Co-founder of Young Champs – an initiative to bring more young people into tennis. We spoke about: How to get more people into sports What's keeping kids from being active Over-coming the financial barrier to sport If there is a Marcus Rashford of tennis And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 202 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Leticia Martignon, founder of AquaNova - a bold initiative dedicated to transforming youth development in Switzerland through the sport of swimming. We spoke about: Building AquaNova Transforming lives through swimming Sport as a second education Why infrastructure should have a pulse And much more!   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 201 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Geoff Thomas MBE – A former professional footballer, cancer survivor and a Patron of charity for Cure Leukaemia. When this episode is live, he just completed all the 21 stages of the Tour the France, raising vital funds for Cure Leukaemia, a cause close to his heart having overcome chronic myeloid leukaemia himself. We spoke about: His background as a professional footballer 9 caps with England without losing Being diagnosed with leukaemia and getting 3 months to live Giving back through charities How Arthrosamid® helped with his knee pain And much more! Time stamps:  00:03 Guest Background & Football Career   03:09 Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment Journey   09:51 Sports Mindset Application to Cancer Treatment   11:54 Tour de France Charity Challenge   15:00 Cure Leukaemia Charity Evolution   19:46 Physical Challenges & Recovery Strategy   21:22 Arthrosamid Knee Treatment   27:09 Mental Health & Support Advice   31:58 Future Goals & Network    Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 200 of Sports Management Podcast. Before I introduce today's guest I would like to take a moment to thank you all for listening to this podcast week after week. It means the world to me! If you would like to support this podcast, the best way is to hit the follow or subscribe button on your podcast player. That helps the podcast grow, and the bigger the show the bigger the guests – thank you! Now, today's guest is Therese Sjögran - the Director of Football at Manchester City Women. She is a former player with over 200 games for the Swedish national teams and she has played in the Euro, World Cup and Olympic games. After her playing career she transitioned into a role as sporting director at her club Rosengård and since a couple of months she is the first Swedish person ever to hold a sporting director role in top football. We spoke about: How she got the job at City Being a role model for young girls The evolution of women's football Her predictions in the ongoing Euro And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 199 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Jason Ferguson – the Chairman & CEO of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) & Director at the World Snooker Tour. We spoke about: Transitioning from player to CEO Growing the sport in Asia Women and men competing against each other The difference between Snooker, Pool and Billiards Olympic Inclusion Growing up in a mining town His time as a mayor And much more!   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 198 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Jesse Burke – the Client Marketing Lead at PSI Sports Management. Jesse is a former NCAA Division II baseball Player from Cal State who transitioned into a career in sports management where he now works with marketing and scouting. We spoke about: His role at PSI Sports Scouting evaluating talent Learnings from his baseball career The NIL college landscape in America Work-Life balance And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 197 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Fabiola Wilcox – The VP of Marketing and Communications at Footballco. We spoke about: Fabi's journey through sports Making a difference Getting more women in leadership roles And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 196 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Nicola Innocentin – a strategic football executive who's transforming clubs into global icons through vision, innovation & leadership. Nicola began his career in professional football in Italy and also went on to play in Germany, Scotland and the United States. During his time as a player in the MLS Nicola was able to attend a course in Marketing and Management at the "University of Boston", an opportunity that allowed him to approach football from a managerial perspective. We spoke about: His experiences as a football player Transitioning into the managerial side of football The potential for football in the middle east His role as a SIGA Integrity Champion Starting his own company And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com  

Welcome to episode 195 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest is Andy Martson – the Founder and MD of Sports Pundit. Andy started Sports Pundit as a newsletter in 2020 and has developed it into a multifaceted platform encompassing podcasts, events and a community. We spoke about: Why he started sports pundit Growing an audience from scratch Expanding into podcast, events and community The importance of networking Creating your own luck The future of Sports Pundit And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 194 of Sports Management Podcast.  Today's guest is Samuel Hymes – a Harvard fellow and consultant, who has previous experiences from the NHL, Washington commanders and more.  We spoke about:  Graduating at the beginning of Covid His time at the Washington Commanders The objectives of his current research Sports Diplomacy AI in sports  And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 193 of Sports Management Podcast.  Today I'm honored to have two great guests on the podcast. Lindsey Eckhouse, the Chief Revenue Officer and Hannah Haynes, Chief Strategy Officer for Mercury 13. Mercury 13 is a multi-club ownership group focused on acquiring controlling stakes in European professional women's football teams. We spoke about: How their past experiences has prepared them for their roles at Mercury 13 What criteria Mercury 13 prioritize when identifying potential clubs for investment? How to ensure that each club retains its unique identity while aligning with the group's overarching strategy Commercial opportunities in women's football The opportunity to redefine fan engagement in women's football And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 192 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest Dr. Erkut Sogut - the Founding partner of Football Agent Institute. He is a sports lawyer, author, lecturer, Keynote speaker and a sports agent with clients like Kieran Gibbs and Mesut Özil. This is the second time I'm honored to have Erkut on the show and this time we discussed what he has been up to since last we spoke in 2022. Get ready to learn: Why he moved to the United States His goal to become a Harvard professor Founding Pitchside Recruitment How to build winning teams Starting The Football Week Founding International Federation of Football Agents And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 191 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest Jan Wendt – Co-founder & CEO of PLAIER AI. We spoke about: How Plaier AI got a database of over 300,000 players How their AI system work How it is beneficial to teams, players, scouts, coaches etc. Expanding outside of football The future of Plaier AI And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 190 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest Joe Barth also known as “The Hit Doctor”. He is an Hall of Fame Baseball Coach & Hitting Expert with over 50 years of experience, and we spoke about: The Commercialization of youth sports Coaching kids Dealing with parents Common traits for elite athletes The Mental Game of Baseball Coaching over 300 MLB players At what age you should get a coach And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 189 of Sports Management Podcast. Ben McFadyean is a football journalist, fan activist, translator and writer with a specialization in German football, particularly the Bundesliga, which he has been following since the 1990s.  We spoke about: The evolution of German football His love for Borussia Dortmund Promoting German football in the UK The 50+ 1 rule His contribution to several books What he has learned from interviewing elite athletes And much more! Notes: Uli Heese's book is called: Building the yellow wall. Steel billionaire Jack Walker was the owner of Blackburn Rovers into which he invested over £100m when they won the title in 1992. Link to Ben's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XAwg5aC4kcDGPuWH9ulrj   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 188 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest Dennis Fryer the founder of Hustle Inc. Dennis is a sports business professional with experiences from Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Baltimore Ravens and more before starting his own company Hustle Inc. We spoke about: How to build a winning team His nickname Denny Hustle Empowering teams His obsessive personality The importance of preparation And much more! Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com

Welcome to episode 187 of Sports Management Podcast. Today's guest Mike Buckley - Co-Owner and CEO of the United States SailGP Team We spoke about: Being owner, CEO & athlete simultaneously If being a strategist is beneficial in business Growing up poor, but choosing sailing Why he considers himself an outsider How to build a winning team And much more!   Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com