SportsEpreneur Podcast

Brando Babini started Youth 4 Youth FC when he was 16 after realizing his own soccer path was changing. Instead of walking away from the game, he built something for the players coming next.Eric Kasimov talks with Brando about player-led development, college soccer recruiting, pay-to-play, MLS, the World Cup, parents, leadership, and why young players need mentorship from people who have lived the journey.Topics covered:Why Brando started Youth 4 Youth FCWhat player-led mentorship looks like in youth soccerHow college soccer recruiting is changingWhy goalkeepers face a difficult pathThe impact of international players on domestic recruitingWhy pay-to-play remains a major problemHow players can take ownership of their journeyWhy street soccer and culture still matterChapters00:00 — Brando Babini, Youth 4 Youth FC, and building while at Brown00:50 — Starting Youth 4 Youth at 1602:15 — A winding recruiting journey and choosing a different soccer path03:23 — When the pro dream shifts into something else04:13 — What Brando wished existed when he was younger05:05 — Street soccer, Nike, and expression beyond exposure05:45 — College soccer recruiting and the transfer portal07:00 — International players and eligibility questions08:00 — Protecting the domestic player pathway08:36 — The goalkeeper recruiting problem11:26 — Building a better domestic soccer system12:00 — MLS, USL, and the future of soccer in the U.S.14:13 — Charlotte FC, accessibility, and the live soccer experience16:20 — Where MLS fits compared to global leagues19:13 — How the World Cup can change U.S. soccer20:00 — Breaking pay-to-play barriers23:08 — Showcases, costs, and why talent should be free to show24:00 — Profit incentives, player development, and investment27:00 — Subsidizing players and creating access28:00 — Game time, competition, and player development31:20 — Parents, pressure, and letting players own the journey34:05 — Scaling Youth 4 Youth through regions36:10 — Brown University, professors, and entrepreneurial flexibility38:00 — Why college can still matter40:30 — Leadership, teammates, and mental toughness43:00 — Internal control and handling adversity47:00 — Content, visibility, and Youth 4 Youth's growth49:00 — Nike Toma, street soccer, and culture51:00 — Messi, Ronaldo, the Premier League, and global soccer52:50 — Best players in the world today54:38 — World Cup predictions and the U.S. path57:00 — How to find Youth 4 Youth FCConnect with Brando Babini | Youth 4 Youth FC Brando Babini on LinkedIn | InstagramYouth 4 Youth FCConnect with Eric & SportsEpreneurSportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated SportsEpreneur ContentWhen Merit Gets Messy: College Recruiting in Soccer, Hockey, and LacrosseThe State of Youth SportsCollege Recruiting Tips For International Student-AthletesThe Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026: What Families Actually SpendSoccer Content by SportsEpreneurThe Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth SportsNIL Rules in 2026: What Athletes, Families, and Coaches Need to KnowHigh School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth SportsMake Youth Sports Fun Again

College sports is changing fast. NIL, social media, transfer rules, donor money, brand deals, and youth sports are now connected in ways that did not exist a few years ago.Eric Kasimov talks with Brent Wall, co-founder and CEO of Student Athlete Score, about athlete branding, NIL data, and why personal brand is becoming part of the athlete journey earlier than ever.Topics covered:What Student Athlete Score does for schools, athletes, and brandsWhy NIL still feels like a new Wild WestHow local businesses can work with student-athletesWhy follower counts, engagement, and fake followers all matterThe pressure on young athletes to build a personal brandHow the transfer portal is reshaping recruitingWhy Olympic sports and non-revenue sports face hard questionsWhat athletes can build beyond their playing careersChapters00:00 — Sports towns, fandom, and life around Michigan athletics01:50 — The professionalization of sports at every level03:00 — Why young athletes now have to think about personal brand04:39 — Social media cleanup, exposure, and the pressure on kids06:32 — What Student Athlete Score does07:56 — Measuring athlete value on social media08:35 — How universities use the platform10:05 — AI, discovery, and local brand deals11:39 — NIL education, taxes, and athlete responsibility13:36 — The old Wild West of NIL and the new one15:59 — Compliance, NIL Go, and the fight around regulation16:22 — Eligibility, the five-and-five rule, and college sports consistency19:35 — Tournament expansion, TV money, sports betting, and more games23:00 — What happens to tennis, Olympic sports, and non-revenue programs26:17 — Donor fatigue and the need for NIL ROI29:41 — Why money does not guarantee winning31:19 — The transfer portal and mid-major programs as proving grounds36:00 — International athletes, age gaps, and roster pressure38:49 — Olympic athletes, NIL, and personal brand gaps40:28 — Bots, fake followers, and better data42:31 — Why athlete interests matter to brands43:31 — Building a platform for life after sports44:11 — Youth sports, high school athletes, and brand education46:21 — NIL as a sales and marketing education47:21 — Team dinners, micro-influencers, and local business value50:40 — How Student Athlete Score grew with universities51:26 — New commercial roles inside athletic departments52:57 — Where to find Brent Wall and Student Athlete ScoreConnect with Brent Wall | Student Athlete Score:StudentAthleteScore.comInstagram: @studentathletescore Brent on LinkedIn Connect with Eric & SportsEpreneur:SportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated SportsEpreneur posts:Youth Sports Has Become a Full-Time Job for Parents | Dave Yoo of Onsides High School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth Sports The Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026 NIL Hub | SportsEpreneur's NIL News, Insights & Resources

Youth sports has quietly become a full-time job for parents. Between schedules, travel, apps, training, and expectations, the load has grown far beyond just showing up.Eric Kasimov talks with Dave Yoo, founder of Onsides, a platform built to simplify the youth sports experience for parents, about the pressure and complexity behind it — and where it's heading.They get into the reality families are dealing with today, from rising costs and sideline behavior to NIL, recruiting, and how AI can actually reduce the “cognitive load” parents are carrying.In this episode: • Why youth sports has quietly become a $50B+ machine • The chaos of managing multiple teams, apps, and schedules • The real “cognitive load” parents are carrying • How AI can actually reduce stress when used right • The gap between recreational play and high-pressure club sports • The hidden financial and emotional tax on families • NIL, recruiting, and how early the stakes are starting • What AI changes for students, founders, and careersChapters00:14 – The business and emotion of youth sports03:00 – Why Dave Yoo started building Onsides05:00 – The chaos parents deal with across platforms06:12 – The vision for an all-in-one youth sports app08:26 – Reducing cognitive load for parents10:48 – Private coaching, training, and monetization12:29 – How Onsides is using AI behind the scenes14:40 – Guardrails, hallucinations, and reliable data16:36 – AI's impact on software and engineering18:57 – Advice for students and young founders20:09 – College, careers, and uncertainty21:49 – Growth, distribution, and parent adoption24:23 – The commercialization of youth sports27:07 – Recreational sports vs. club intensity29:00 – Parent pressure and youth sports culture31:44 – NIL, recruiting, and what comes next38:00 – Media, podcasts, and startup storytelling41:38 – AI, search, and signal amplification43:51 – Phones, social media, and young athletes47:42 – Connect with Onsides & Dave YooConnect with Dave Yoo / Onsides:Onsides | Onsides AppDave Yoo on LinkedInConnect with Eric & SportsEpreneur:SportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated Youth Sports Content by SportsEpreneurThe State of Youth SportsThe Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026: What Families Actually SpendThe Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth SportsHigh School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth Sports

When NIL took off, most of the attention went to deals, collectives, and monetization. Much less attention went to the person behind it all: the athlete, their identity, and whether they are actually being prepared for what comes next. In this episode, Eric talks with Stephen Bienko, co-founder and CEO of 42U, about the gap ... Read more The post What the NIL Gold Rush Got Wrong | Stephen Bienko of 42U appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Quick Summary Eric and Jared try to make sense of the Cleveland Browns, front office dysfunction across the NFL, and why every fan base believes they suffer more than anyone else. Baker, Stafford, Shadur, the 49ers, Vegas lines, billionaire owners, and the eternal misery of the Vikings all make an appearance. This is a 12-minute ... Read more The post Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Chaos & Why NFL Fans Are All Delusional | Saviors & Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

More than one in five college students are using financial aid to gamble on sports. This is money meant for tuition, housing, and books. In this episode, Eric Kasimov examines how this is happening, why it's growing, and what it reveals about college culture, mental health, and the expanding reach of sports betting. This is ... Read more The post 21% of College Students Use Education Money to Bet on Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The NFL doesn't need perfect refs — it needs conversation.Every bad call, missed flag, and replay controversy keeps fans talking, networks buzzing, and revenue climbing. In this episode, SportsEpreneur unpacks how the league turned chaos into currency, and why the outrage over NFL “rigging” might actually be part of the plan. This is an audio ... Read more The post How Bad Calls Fuel the NFL appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The NCAA just changed its rules. College athletes and staff can now legally bet on professional sports. College games? Still off-limits. In this episode, Eric Kasimov breaks down what the NCAA's new policy really means, why enforcement is impossible, and how this decision could collide with NIL money, insider access, and college sports culture. It's ... Read more The post College Athletes Can Now Bet on Pro Sports | What Could Go Wrong appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic in a deal that stunned the league — months before the franchise was sold for a record-setting $10 billion. Coincidence? Or did the NBA help engineer this moment to inflate the Lakers' value before the sale? Of course they did. In this SportsE original, we breakdown the ... Read more The post How the NBA Made the Lakers Worth $10 Billion | Audible Style appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

“Sneaker” Steve Patino shares his journey from sneaker enthusiast to footwear industry innovator, discussing how his passion for shoes evolved into a mission to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing. “Sneaker” Steve is the founder of Ales Gray. Chapters: 00:00 – The future of business and creating a positive legacy 01:02 – Working for free at a sneaker ... Read more The post A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

What happens when an NBA All-Star hangs up his jersey? In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Eric connects with Gordon Hayward, a former player for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Now an entrepreneur and family man, Gordon shares his perspective on what it means to move on from ... Read more The post Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Featured Guest: Robert “Bob” Steinfeld, Emmy Award-Winning Sports Producer, Author of 3…2…1…We're On the Air “The people that make it to the top respect the work of those around them.” – Bob Steinfeld “You've gotta dominate where you can.” — Tim Duncan to Bob Steinfeld “Every game has a story.” – Bob Steinfeld Go behind ... Read more The post Behind the Scenes of Iconic Sports Moments with Legendary Producer Bob Steinfeld appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote well-being ... Read more The post NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this powerful episode of Athlete Mindset, “Who You Are, Not What You Do,” host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Kelsey O’Connor, a motivational speaker, former D1 student-athlete, and recent North Carolina State University social work graduate. Kelsey shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery following a career-ending head injury. Her story of ... Read more The post Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O’Connor appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

This is the Sports Betting Uncovered podcast series. Part of The Sports Backdrop podcast on SportsE Media. Welcome to the high-stakes world of sports betting as we explore its explosive growth and the shadowy underbelly of addiction. Our fearless podcast host, Chaz, uncovers the journey from prohibition to proliferation and the price we’re paying for ... Read more The post Sports Betting Uncovered: Explosive Growth, Advertising, and Addiction appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Angela Lee Pucci, a retired professional MMA fighter, six-time MMA world champion, and founder of Fight Story. Angela Lee opens up about her journey from the world of combat sports to becoming a mental health advocate. She shares her personal ... Read more The post Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with soccer legend Brandi Chastain to explore her journey from youth soccer to international stardom. Brandi discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including her famous penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, overcoming injuries, and the impact of mentorship and leadership. ... Read more The post Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we discuss youth sports mental health dynamics, focusing on how youth sports parents impact their children’s mental health. We discuss the pressures placed on young athletes, the role of parents and coaches, and the significance of emotional intelligence and resilience in sports. This episode features Lisa Bonta Sumii, ... Read more The post Youth Sports Mental Health | Parents, Coaches, and Resilience appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

This is an audible-style blog post on the rise of soccer in the United States. Welcome to the Sports Backdrop podcast. This episode focuses on the factors propelling soccer’s growing popularity in the US especially with the World Cup coming to North America in 2026! Soccer will be a top 3 sport in the US ... Read more The post Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The Ohio State University impact — it is significant. We’re not talking about endowments or alumni, although they play a part. We’re talking about something way bigger—a shared passion. In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Jerald Kasimov tells the story of his Ohio State roots and how we all have shared passions and excitement ... Read more The post Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii shares space with Doug Middleton, a six-year NFL veteran and mental health advocate. Doug shares his journey through professional football, his transition to becoming a yoga instructor and studio owner of Dream Yoga and Wellness, and his passionate advocacy for mental health through his leadership ... Read more The post Doug Middleton | From NFL to Mental Health Advocacy and Dream Yoga + Wellness appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we focus on the innovative world of the TGL Golf League, Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s latest venture aimed at revolutionizing how we experience golf. With high-tech simulations and fast-paced competition, TGL seeks to attract a new generation of fans by making the sport more entertaining and accessible. ... Read more The post TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

An Athlete Mindset special episode featuring Lisa Bonta Summi’s thoughts on the importance of therapy. In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii discusses the following topics: The importance of seeking out a mental health professional. Therapy does not make you weak, and you don't have to tell everything to your therapist. You can engage in preventative ... Read more The post Lisa Bonta Sumii on the Importance of Therapy appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

This is an audible-style blog post on embracing the now in sports — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Championship or Bust.” And it focuses on why the moment matters. Exploring the universal sentiment of sports fans’ championship aspirations across various cities and sports levels. We highlight the statistical improbability of ... Read more The post Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this empowering episode of Athlete Mindset, we’re honored to host Danita Johnson, a trailblazer in the world of sports. As the President of Business Operations for D.C. United, Danita brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the forefront. We discuss the core themes of consistency, communication, and commitment. And then explore how ... Read more The post Danita Johnson, D.C. United | Consistency, Communication, Commitment appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

This is an audible-style blog post on Amazon Prime regional sports streaming — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Amazon Prime Saves Bally Sports and Sports Fans Everywhere.” This episode explains Amazon Prime’s transformative role in sports media and its impact on fans and blackout restrictions. Topics touched on in Amazon ... Read more The post Audible Style | Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors' co-hosts ... Read more The post Saviors & Sports | When Your Team Loses appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Meet Duke University's Dr. Aaron Goodson, the driving force behind Duke University's Mental Health and Performance Department. In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we explore the vital significance of embedding clinical mental health and mental performance consultation services within athletic departments, the importance of racial and ethnic representation among practitioners, and much more. Join us for a game-changing conversation that's reshaping athlete well-being. Now Available: The AthMindset® Workbook: Training Your Mind for Optimal Mental Health in Sport and in Life by Dr Tiana Woolridge MD MPH and Lisa Bonta Sumii LCSW Here's what you can't afford to miss: The groundbreaking integration of clinical mental health and performance-boosting services for student-athletes—right where they need it the most. A candid discussion on racial and ethnic representation in mental health practice. Choice matters: Why seeing a counselor who reflects your identity can be a game-changer. How tailored psychological services transform lives, both on and off the field/court/you name it. About Dr. Aaron Goodson: Ph.D. in Sport Psychology (2018, West Virginia University). Extensive education in sport and mental health fields. Provides psychological services to Duke University student-athletes. Formerly at Mississippi State University, rising to Assistant Athletic Director. Licensed counselor and CMPC, with expertise in student-athlete psychology and diversity in sport psychology. Production team: Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network, QuietLoud Studios Presented by SportsE Media: a digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports Social media and more: Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | website | AthMindset Workbook SportsE Media:  TikTok | Instagram | X Dr. Aaron Goodson: Bio | LinkedIn | X Related episodes to “Duke University's Approach to Athlete Mental Health with Dr. Aaron Goodson”: Ashley Prange | University of Alabama Softball & Inspiring Others Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma Michelle Alozie: Navigating the Challenges of College and Professional Soccer Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW | CEO & Founder of AthMindset®  Lisa brings a high level of expertise to the athlete mental health space, from both a clinical and performance focus. She works with elite youth athletes, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians/Olympic hopefuls, professional athletes, coaches, teams, and the entire sport ecosystem.   Lisa is the first-ever Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, a men's professional soccer team, in the USL, working alongside other coaches on the Technical Team, as well as the Sports Medicine staff.   Lisa is listed in the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee's Mental Health Registry, the NFL Player Association's Clinician Directory, and the Major League Rugby Mental Health and Wellness Directory.  As a direct response to need, Lisa founded AthMindset® – a diverse team of athlete-centered, licensed mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants, serving across several states.    Lisa is a professional podcast host and podcast guest. She hosts the Athlete Mindset Podcast and co-hosts Roots Radio. She is a keynote speaker, an accomplished TEDx Speaker, speaks nationally and internationally, and is often invited to speak at conferences and contribute to expert panels.  Lisa has been quoted in Time Magazine, Teen Vogue, Women's Health Magazine, as well as being interviewed on the BBC World News and Radio Bliss, in Jordan. Her first book, The AthMindset® Workbook: Training your mind for optimal mental health in sport and in life is now available.  Lisa received her Master's in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara as an undergraduate. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Meet Duke University’s Dr. Aaron Goodson, the driving force behind Duke University’s Mental Health and Performance Department. In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we explore the vital significance of embedding clinical mental health and mental performance consultation services within athletic departments, the importance of racial and ethnic representation among practitioners, and much more. Join us ... Read more The post Duke University’s Approach to Athlete Mental Health with Dr. Aaron Goodson appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

This episode features Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center, Derek Bylsma. This episode is about bringing lived experience to clinical work, suicide prevention and awareness, and addressing the mental health stigma that still exists today. In this Athlete Mindset podcast, Derek also discusses mental health in young athletes, his background as a clinician, and how he leads as a coach of a girls' high school soccer team. Topics discussed in “Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma”: Derek shares his story of becoming a mental health professional. How to spot athletes struggling with mental health. It's important to stay approachable for those who may need help. How Derek blends being a clinician with being a coach. Helping young female athletes build confidence and speak up for themselves. How social media has changed the way young people see the world. The importance of learning how to adapt your coaching style. About Derek Byslma, LCPC:  Derek is the Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center. He holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and board-certified counselor, he specializes in recovery-related work, mood disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Derek's passion for athletics and helping others led him to lead the Sports division at the Millennium Counseling Center. He boasts a distinguished background as a two-time college All-American and All-Big Ten soccer player, transitioning from player to renowned High School soccer coach in Illinois. Production team: Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network, QuietLoud Studios Presented by SportsE Media: a digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports Social media and more: Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | AthMindset website SportsE Media:  TikTok | Instagram | X Derek Bylsma: Podcast | LinkedIn | X Related episodes to “Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma”: Dr. Jessica Bartley, Director of Mental Health for Team USA Allison Schmitt | 10-Time Olympic Medalist on Mental Health 4 Lessons I Learned from Coaching Youth Basketball Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW | CEO & Founder of AthMindset®  Lisa brings a high level of expertise to the athlete mental health space, from both a clinical and performance focus. She works with elite youth athletes, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians/Olympic hopefuls, professional athletes, coaches, teams, and the entire sport ecosystem.   Lisa is the first-ever Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, a men's professional soccer team, in the USL, working alongside other coaches on the Technical Team, as well as the Sports Medicine staff.   Lisa is listed in the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee's Mental Health Registry, the NFL Player Association's Clinician Directory, and the Major League Rugby Mental Health and Wellness Directory.  As a direct response to need, Lisa founded AthMindset® – a diverse team of athlete-centered, licensed mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants, serving across several states.    Lisa is a professional podcast host and podcast guest. She hosts the Athlete Mindset Podcast and co-hosts Roots Radio. She is a keynote speaker, an accomplished TEDx Speaker, speaks nationally and internationally, and is often invited to speak at conferences and contribute to expert panels.  Lisa has been quoted in Time Magazine, Teen Vogue, Women's Health Magazine, as well as being interviewed on the BBC World News and Radio Bliss, in Jordan. Her first book, The AthMindset® Workbook: Training your mind for optimal mental health in sport and in life is now available.  Lisa received her Master's in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara as an undergraduate. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. SportsE MediaThe post

This episode features Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center, Derek Bylsma. This episode is about bringing lived experience to clinical work, suicide prevention and awareness, and addressing the mental health stigma that still exists today. In this Athlete Mindset podcast, Derek also discusses mental health in young athletes, his background ... Read more The post Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Allison Schmitt, a professional swimmer and 10-time Olympic medalist shares her journey in swimming, her experiences at the Olympics, and her passion for sports and mental health. In this episode: Allison shares the profound impact her cousin's tragic suicide had on her — it's what fueled Allison's passion for mental health. Allison talks about feeling different, fame, and experiencing isolation and depression after success at the Olympics. What made a difference for Allison: seeking therapy after a breakdown during a swimming meet. Alison emphasizes the importance of continuing the conversation about mental health. Allison credits her support system for understanding her heightened emotions and talks about her relationship with Michael Phelps, who has become like a brother to her — Allison Schmitt and Michael Phelps share a passion for mental health advocacy. More about Allison Schmitt: Allison Schmitt is a four-time Olympian and a ten-time Olympic medalist. She won five medals, including three gold, at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She won a gold medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay and a silver medal in the 4×100 m freestyle relay at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In total, she has won twenty-five medals in major international competitions. She was a four-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national champion. She was named SwimSwam's Swammy Award-winner for Female Swimmer of the Year in 2012. Wrapping up: Athlete Mindset is part of the KazSource Podcast Network Presented by SportsE Media: a digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports Content brings people together: KazCM Social media and more: Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram | AthMindset website SportsE Media:  TikTok | Instagram | Twitter Allison Schmitt: LinkedIn | Instagram Related episodes: Making a Splash with USA Olympic Gold Medalist, Cullen Jones (Part 1) The Olympian Mindset with Swimmer, Cullen Jones (Part 2) AthMindset | Dr. Jessica Bartley, Director of Mental Health for Team USA Watching the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy Two current projects: We published a book! Check it out on Amazon: Altered State of Affairs Short-form video production: KazCM Credits: This podcast was produced by the team at KazCM Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW | CEO & Founder of AthMindset®  Lisa brings a high level of expertise to the athlete mental health space, from both a clinical and performance focus. She works with elite youth athletes, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians/Olympic hopefuls, professional athletes, coaches, teams, and the entire sport ecosystem.   Lisa is the first-ever Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, a men's professional soccer team, in the USL, working alongside other coaches on the Technical Team, as well as the Sports Medicine staff.   Lisa is listed in the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee's Mental Health Registry, the NFL Player Association's Clinician Directory, and the Major League Rugby Mental Health and Wellness Directory.  As a direct response to need, Lisa founded AthMindset® – a diverse team of athlete-centered, licensed mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants, serving across several states.    Lisa is a professional podcast host and podcast guest. She hosts the Athlete Mindset Podcast and co-hosts Roots Radio. She is a keynote speaker, an accomplished TEDx Speaker, speaks nationally and internationally, and is often invited to speak at conferences and contribute to expert panels.  Lisa has been quoted in Time Magazine, Teen Vogue, Women's Health Magazine, as well as being interviewed on the BBC World News and Radio Bliss, in Jordan. Her first book, The AthMindset® Workbook: Training your mind for optimal mental health in sport and in life is now available.  Lisa received her Master's in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara as an undergraduate. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Allison Schmitt, a professional swimmer and 10-time Olympic medalist shares her journey in swimming, her experiences at the Olympics, and her passion for sports and mental health. In this episode: Allison shares the profound impact her cousin’s tragic suicide had on her — it’s what fueled Allison’s passion for mental health. Allison talks about feeling ... Read more The post Allison Schmitt | 10-Time Olympic Medalist on Mental Health appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts ... Read more The post Saviors & Sports | NFL International, QB Talk, Cleveland, and the city of Pittsburgh appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

A short conversation with Saagar Govil, the young CEO of Cemtrex (NASDAQ: CETX). CEOs and athletes may be in the limelight, but just like everyone else, they are people. This CEO happens to be a New York Knicks fan. So naturally, we talk about RJ Barrett and Ja Morant — including their rise to stardom, ... Read more The post Young CEO of Publicly Traded Company on RJ Barrett and Ja Morant appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Podcasts have become an influential medium in the sports world, bridging gaps between athletes, enthusiasts, and the media. It goes deeper than that though. Former athletes, for example, have so many stories to share. In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we discuss why podcasts resonate so powerfully today, and specifically why this former athlete ... Read more The post Why This Former Athlete Believes In Podcasts appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we’re joined by a sports scientist who is bridging the gap between data and action in the wearable tech and mHealth space, Dr. Erik Korem. With over 15 years of experience as a High Performance director in collegiate football and the NFL, and as the founder of AIM7, ... Read more The post Simplifying Sports Science and Overcoming Adversity with Dr. Erik Korem, Founder of AIM7 appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

At the intersection of sports and business sits Mississippi State University’s associate extension professor of economics and online marketing coach, Dr. James Barnes. Dr. James Barnes is a Storybrand Certified Marketing Guide, the Director of the Bricks-To-Clicks Marketing Program at Mississippi State University, a youth basketball coach, and an author. Drawing upon his unique expertise ... Read more The post Mississippi State University + Dr. James Barnes | Education, Youth Sports, and Marketing Insight appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of The Sports Backdrop podcast, we chat with Chris Heivly, a successful entrepreneur (co-founder of MapQuest), and an ardent lover of hockey. Chris resides in the Raleigh, North Carolina area — after spending 10 years in the bustling city of Chicago (and before that, the northeast). This hockey goes south episode is ... Read more The post Hockey Goes South appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Across the Atlantic, there is a unique sports culture. And no matter what side of the Atlantic you are on, England’s or the USA’s, the sports culture is fascinating. Everything from relegation, history, depth, drafts, transfer windows, passion, youth sports, and much more. In the latest episode of “The Sports Backdrop” podcast, Eric Kasimov of ... Read more The post Sports Culture | England vs USA appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

This is a unique guest-hosted episode of the Sports Backdrop. And it's all about life after sports… Athletes to Entrepreneurs. Recently I have had the opportunity to connect with and spend time with Rob Finkelstein, all thanks to Tim Claiborne and his Lockerroom sports group. Rob is the CEO & Founder of Alumni Direct. And ... Read more The post Athletes to Entrepreneurs appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts ... Read more The post Saviors & Sports | NFL Sunday Ticket and Rooting for Losers appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this eye-opening episode, we discuss the ever-growing sports betting market, exploring its potential for growth, innovation, and profitability. We also tackle the darker aspects of the industry, such as the impact on mental health, sports betting addiction, and the potential for corruption. Tune in as we break down the latest trends and analyze what ... Read more The post Exploring the Sports Betting Market appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this power-packed episode of The Sports Backdrop podcast, we explore the life and mind of Dre Baldwin, also known as Dre All Day. From his humble beginnings as a self-taught basketball player to becoming a successful entrepreneur and content creator, Dre shares the principles, dedication, and determination that have fueled his unstoppable drive on ... Read more The post The Unstoppable Drive of Dre Baldwin | Basketball & Entrepreneurship appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The world of sports betting is ridiculously big. According to Statista, the global sports betting industry reached $231 Billion in 2022. And it’s growing fast! We have to talk about it… In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we chat with Neil Zhang, the founder and CEO of Frontrunner. Frontrunner is a trailblazing decentralized sports ... Read more The post The Future of Sports Betting with Frontrunner’s Neil Zhang | A $231 Billion Industry! appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with Ohio State Buckeye, Nate Oliver. Nate was a key member of the 2007 to 2011 Ohio State Buckeye football program under legendary coach, Jim Tressel. Nate and Lisa discuss the influence of life-changing mentorship on collegiate athletes. (a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way!) Conversation list from “Coach Jim Tressel's Legacy: A Buckeye's Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver”: Coach Jim Tressel – more than a coach — he was a father figure Social life differs as we age The importance of relationships Coach Tressel resigning from Ohio State Players and coaches receiving death threats and hate mail from fans The transition from college football to life after football | feels like being stripped away of your superpower “Football – if you don't LOVE it, don't do it. It's a commitment“ Raising your kids to love sports Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW | Athlete Mindset podcast host: Lisa is a psychotherapist and mental performance consultant to high-performing athletes at the youth, collegiate, Olympic-hopeful, and professional levels. She is the first-ever Mental Health & Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots SC, a men's professional soccer team, in the USL. Lisa is the Founder & CEO of AthMindset, a diverse team of licensed mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants, who serve alongside her. Wrapping up: Athlete Mindset is part of the KazSource Podcast Network | looking to start a podcast or join a network: https://kazsource.com Presented by SE: a digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports: https://sportse.io content brings people together: https://kazcm.com Social media and more: Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Twitter | AthMindset website Nate Oliver: Instagram Related episodes to life-changing mentorship: AthMindset | Sport Psychology Mentor and Leader, Dr. Kensa Gunter Chimdi Chekwa | Ohio State Buckeye For Real Just Drop Down and Do 10 Pushups Right Now | Take Action article | The Power of Ohio State Football Two current projects: We published a book! Check it out on Amazon: Altered State of Affairs Short-form video production: https://kazcm.com/tiktok-agency Credits: This podcast was produced by the team at KazCM Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot Eric KasimovEric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy. Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today. His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs. The post Coach Jim Tressel's Legacy: A Buckeye's Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with Ohio State Buckeye, Nate Oliver. Nate was a key member of the 2007 to 2011 Ohio State Buckeye football program under legendary coach, Jim Tressel. Nate and Lisa discuss the influence of life-changing mentorship on collegiate athletes. (a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ... Read more The post Coach Jim Tressel’s Legacy: A Buckeye’s Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

At this point, we've all seen or at least heard about what happened in the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football game in early January 2023. Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety for the Bills suffered cardiac arrest after what seemed like a routine tackle. Damar collapsed on the field in front of millions of people watching. Such an event has an impact on the mental health of all of the players on the field, coaches, other teams, fans, and everyone watching the game. In this conversation, we invited a mental health professional to discuss coping with emotions after witnessing what as Lisa says, “was a traumatic event”. Lisa Bonta Sumii is someone we have respect and admiration for — and her voice is needed. Lisa advises on how to and how not to cope with a traumatic event. This includes talking about the emotions you felt during the event, staying away from the 24-hour news cycle, journaling, and other coping skills. It is extremely critical to process those emotions and to seek emotional support as soon as possible after a traumatic event. About Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CSW: Lisa Bonta Sumii is a psychotherapist and mental performance consultant to high-performing athletes at the youth, collegiate, Olympic-hopeful, and professional levels. She is the first-ever Mental Health & Performance Coach at the Oakland Roots SC, a men's professional soccer team, in the USL. Lisa is the Founder & CEO of AthMindset, a diverse team of practitioners, who serve alongside her. Grateful: As we were about to publish this podcast episode, we were told this incredible news: Damar Hamlin has been released from Buffalo General Hospital! Damar Hamlin's GoFundMe: The Chasing M's Foundation Community Toy Drive Wrapping up: digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports: https://sportse.io want to start your own podcast or join our network: https://kazsource.com want to create impactful content: https://kazcm.com Social media: Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Twitter | AthMindset Eric Kasimov: LinkedIn | Twitter  KazSource: TikTok | YouTube SportsE: Instagram | Twitter Related episodes to “Coping With Emotions After Witnessing the Damar Hamlin Traumatic Event: Breaking Through Trauma To Serve Others With Mike Moore Reggie Walker on the Game Within the Game Dr. Jessica Bartley, Director of Mental Health for Team USA Two current projects: We published a book! Check it out on Amazon: Altered State of Affairs It's all about mental health in sports: Athlete Mindset podcast Credits: Listen on: Apple Podcasts Listen on: Spotify Intro Music, “escape” was provided by Pluto Tracks Of note: This is not the first time something like this happened. Almost 25 years ago, Chris Pronger suffered a similar traumatic injury during a hockey game. Luckily, he was able to continue playing for 13 more seasons. Also, those who follow soccer might remember Christian Eriksen, a Danish soccer national team player who suffered cardiac arrest in June 2021 during their first game of the Euro Cup. Luckily, he also recovered and continues to play soccer professionally. Eric Kasimov

At this point, we’ve all seen or at least heard about what happened in the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football game in early January 2023. Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety for the Bills suffered cardiac arrest after what seemed like a routine tackle. Damar collapsed on the field in front of millions ... Read more The post Coping With Emotions After Witnessing the Damar Hamlin Traumatic Event appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

A conversation with the director and producer of the essential documentary, Medicating Normal. We talk a lot about mental health on this platform, so we have to discuss with Lynn Cunningham the medication side of mental health. It’s clear there is a need for more awareness of the potential effects of medications. It’s also necessary ... Read more The post The Alarming Impact of Powerful Psychiatric Drugs on Mental Health appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Contemplating about taking the action most often ends up in not taking the action at all. Instead of overthinking, take action, now! We all lack motivation sometimes, but accept the responsibility — go to the gym, go for a run, go for a walk, start a podcast, whatever, but do it now! You will feel ... Read more The post Just Drop Down and Do 10 Pushups Right Now | Take Action appeared first on SportsEpreneur.