The CUSP Show

The CUSP Show

Home of the Columbia University Sports Management Podcast ('The CUSP Show'), faculty members Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson host thought leaders from across the sports industry as they discuss a wide array of topics. thecuspshow.substack.com

  1. 517: Adam Zimmerman on How the Atlanta Braves Built a Brand Beyond Baseball

    hace 2 días

    517: Adam Zimmerman on How the Atlanta Braves Built a Brand Beyond Baseball

    Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Adam Zimmerman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content for the Atlanta Braves, to the show to discuss how one of baseball’s most innovative franchises has transformed its identity through mixed-use development, content strategy, and a bold approach to regional media. Zimmerman shares the story of how he joined the Braves ahead of the 2017 opening of Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta, and how the organization’s vision of commercial real estate as a team asset has reshaped the sports business landscape. The conversation explores how the Battery has evolved into a year-round destination drawing nearly 9 million visitors annually, attracting corporate headquarters, entertainment venues, and a diverse mix of retail and hospitality that extends the Braves brand well beyond game days. The discussion highlights the Braves’ creative approach to storytelling and content, from a viral Allen Iverson traffic campaign that broke through a major PR challenge, to the launch of Braves Country Fest and a growing partnership with country music star Ella Langley. Zimmerman explains how the organization uses the PESO model to manage paid, earned, shared, and owned media, and how its platform of Braves Country connects the team to fans across six southeastern states. Zimmerman also discusses the launch of Braves Vision, the team’s direct-to-consumer streaming network, and how a combination of over-the-air, traditional distribution, and streaming partnerships is expanding the team’s reach across the south. He reflects on the role of data and business intelligence in driving personalization at scale, the global growth of baseball, and how the 2026 FIFA World Cup is creating new opportunities to introduce international visitors to America’s pastime right in the Braves’ backyard. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zimmerman-479685a/ Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    53 min
  2. 516: Danny Funt on the Hidden Costs of Legalized Sports Gambling

    9 jun

    516: Danny Funt on the Hidden Costs of Legalized Sports Gambling

    Tom Richardson welcomes journalist and author Danny Funt to the show to discuss his new book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, and the sweeping impact legalized sports betting has had on leagues, media companies, athletes, and fans. Drawing on years of reporting and research, Funt examines how professional sports leagues went from staunch opponents of gambling to some of its strongest supporters, and what that shift has meant for the modern sports business. The conversation explores the financial incentives that fueled the expansion of sports betting, the role media rights and audience engagement played in changing league attitudes, and the rise of companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Funt also discusses the growth of prediction markets, the overlap between sports betting and financial speculation, and how new platforms are reshaping consumer behavior and sports fandom. Funt takes a deeper look at some of the unintended consequences of the betting boom, including athlete harassment, player prop wagering, integrity concerns, and the growing pressure placed on professional and collegiate athletes. He also examines the challenges facing regulators, the influence of private equity and ownership groups, and the ethical questions surrounding the integration of gambling into broadcasts, media coverage, and fan experiences. Connect with Danny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-funt-2695b4a3/ Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    1 h 13 min
  3. 515: Steve Wasik on Growing VKTRY Gear from Startup to Acquisition

    2 jun

    515: Steve Wasik on Growing VKTRY Gear from Startup to Acquisition

    Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome VKTRY Gear CEO Steve Wasik to the show to discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the fastest-growing performance brands in sports. Wasik shares how VKTRY evolved from a family-owned Connecticut shoe business into a company trusted by athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and collegiate sports before recently being acquired by Dr. Scholl’s. The conversation explores the science behind VKTRY’s carbon fiber insole technology, how the product became popular among elite athletes, and why performance, injury prevention, and recovery have become increasingly important across all levels of sport. Wasik discusses the company’s origins with the U.S. Olympic bobsled and skeleton teams, the role athlete feedback played in product development, and how VKTRY built credibility in professional sports through word-of-mouth and measurable results. Wasik also reflects on his career in brand management, lessons learned from leading both large consumer brands and startup ventures, and the challenges of scaling a business through the COVID era. The discussion highlights VKTRY’s innovative social media strategy, its rapid growth on platforms like TikTok, and how a focus on customer experience helped transform a niche product into a nationally recognized sports performance brand. Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwasik/ Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    49 min
  4. 514: Jerome Allen on Player Engagement and the NBA’s Global Future

    26 may

    514: Jerome Allen on Player Engagement and the NBA’s Global Future

    Tom Richardson welcomes Jerome Allen of the NBA to the show to discuss the evolving role of player engagement, and how the next generation of athletes are navigating NIL, media, and technology. A current Columbia Sports Management student and member of the NBA’s Player Engagement Operations team, Allen shares how experiences ranging from a year abroad in South Africa to working at Roc Nation shaped his career path and perspective on sports as a global business. The conversation explores Allen’s work with future, current, and former NBA, WNBA, G League, and BAL players, including mentorship initiatives for elite high school athletes, rookie transition programming, and team awareness meetings across the league. Allen discusses the NBA’s focus on holistic player development, the challenges young athletes face in the NIL and social media era, and the importance of meeting players where they are culturally and personally as the league becomes increasingly international. In addition, Allen reflects on the changing landscape of sports business education, arguing for a more globally integrated approach that connects fans and students to sports cultures around the world. He also shares thoughts on AI’s growing impact across the industry, the rise of athlete-driven media, and why communication and relationship-building skills remain essential in an increasingly technology-driven sports business environment. Connect with Jerome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-allen-a11149127/ Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    51 min
  5. 513: Melissa Jacobs Breaks Down the Youth Sports Industry

    19 may

    513: Melissa Jacobs Breaks Down the Youth Sports Industry

    Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Melissa Jacobs to the show to discuss the current state of youth sports, the evolution of sports media, and why the NFL continues to dominate the sports and entertainment landscape. A longtime NFL writer and founder of The Football Girl, Jacobs discusses her transition from covering the league for outlets like Sports Illustrated, The Guardian, and the BBC to launching The Good Game, a Substack focused on the realities and pressures facing youth sports families today. The conversation explores the growing influence of private equity and travel sports, the rising costs associated with youth athletics, and the increasing pressure on young athletes and parents in the NIL era. Jacobs also shares insights into the challenges facing girls’ sports participation, the growth of flag football, and why so many kids leave organized sports by their early teens. Along the way, the group examines the role of coaching, the disconnect between youth soccer participation and fandom in the U.S., and how modern media platforms like Substack are reshaping sports journalism and community building. In addition, Joe and Tom discuss the NFL Draft’s continued media dominance, Amazon’s evolving sports viewing experience, the retirement of Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, and the changing economics surrounding youth and collegiate athletics. Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-jacobs-3333b32/ Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    1 h 2 min
  6. 512: Morgan Cato Talks Leading Player Operations at the NBPA

    12 may

    512: Morgan Cato Talks Leading Player Operations at the NBPA

    Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Morgan Cato, EVP of Player Operations at the National Basketball Players Association to the show, to discuss her unique journey through each side of the basketball business: from the NBA league office to the Phoenix Suns and now the players association. Cato shares insights on rookie development, mental wellness, NIL preparedness, player engagement, and the evolving support systems surrounding today’s athletes. The conversation explores how the NBPA helps players navigate everything from financial literacy and branding opportunities to mental health resources and career transitions. Cato reflects on the globalization of basketball, the realities young athletes face entering the league, and the importance of leadership, adaptability, and relationship-building in sports business. Cato also discusses her work with Pro Sports Assembly, the future of athlete development, and how leagues and organizations are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing sports landscape. Connect with Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-cato-60026b8/ Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    51 min
  7. 511: Harvey Schiller on the Life and Legacy of Ted Turner

    7 may

    511: Harvey Schiller on the Life and Legacy of Ted Turner

    Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Dr. Harvey Schiller, Chairman at Schiller Management Group to the show, to reflect on the life, legacy, and lasting influence of Ted Turner following his passing. Having worked closely alongside Turner during the rise of Turner Broadcasting, Schiller shares firsthand stories about the visionary executive who helped reshape sports media, cable television, and global broadcasting. The conversation explores Turner’s role in building the Superstation model, launching CNN, expanding Turner Sports, and pioneering ideas around vertical integration long before they became industry standards. Schiller also discusses Turner’s impact on the Braves, WCW, the Goodwill Games, NASCAR, international sports, and the early evolution of streaming and out-of-market sports distribution. Joe and Tom also dive into leadership lessons from Turner, his relentless creativity, his global mindset, and the entrepreneurial culture he built throughout Turner Broadcasting. Along the way, Schiller shares memorable behind-the-scenes stories involving David Stern, Vince McMahon, George Steinbrenner, the NFL, HBO, Sports Illustrated, and the early days of digital sports media. Connect with Harvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-schiller-2332386/ More on Ted Turner: https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/06/us/ted-turner-death Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    50 min
  8. 510: Sheila Sickau on How the Kansas City Chiefs Are Growing Flag Football Participation

    5 may

    510: Sheila Sickau on How the Kansas City Chiefs Are Growing Flag Football Participation

    Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Sheila Sickau, Head of Football Development for the Kansas City Chiefs to the show, to break down how flag football is reshaping the future of the sport, from youth participation to global expansion and women’s access to the game. Sickau is the Pro Sports Assembly 2025 Medal of Leadership Rising Leader honoree and on the show she shares her unique journey from special education teacher to NFL executive, detailing how a $12/hour seasonal role turned into a leadership position at the forefront of one of the league’s biggest growth initiatives. The conversation explores why the NFL is investing heavily in flag football as a more accessible entry point than tackle, how early participation is creating a more skilled pipeline of players, and how increased female engagement is already impacting fandom. Sickau also offers insight into the business strategy behind football development, from grassroots programming and international growth to content creation and next-gen fan engagement. Nominations for the Pro Sports Assembly Class of 2026 Medal of Leadership Honorees are open through May 15, 2026. Connect with Sheila: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilasickau/ Submit a Medal of Leadership nomination: https://www.prosportsassembly.org/ Read more about the Medal of Leadership: Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Medal of Leadership Celebration Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

    48 min
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Home of the Columbia University Sports Management Podcast ('The CUSP Show'), faculty members Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson host thought leaders from across the sports industry as they discuss a wide array of topics. thecuspshow.substack.com

Información

  • Creador
    The CUSP Show
  • Años de actividad
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodios
    521
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © The CUSP Show
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The CUSP Show

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