The Program with Woj

In the Arena Studios
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Adrian Wojnarowski and In the Arena Studios welcome you to "The Program with Woj." In this series, the veteran journalist and influential media personality—now serving as General Manager of the St. Bonaventure men's basketball program—is joined by high-profile guests. They offer a wide range of perspectives across multiple college and professional sports to explore the business of building a sustainable and competitive program. Woj will approach every conversation from the seat of a brand-new GM in a completely different profession. With this transition in mind, the series acts as a lens into his own curiosity, seeking to understand how teams develop their respective programs and what it takes to sustain the success needed to compete at the highest levels of college and professional sports. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Tom Crean Pt. 1: Managing the dilemmas of modern college basketball

    Tom Crean, the former head coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia, joins Woj to discuss the seismic shifts currently reshaping the college basketball landscape. Crean, who led Marquette to a Final Four and coached stars like Dwyane Wade and Anthony Edwards, dives deep into the evolving demands of coaching staffs in the NIL and Transfer Portal era, sharing insights on  player development and how the best programs are fighting to maintain culture in an increasingly transactional world. Problem vs. Dilemma: Crean explains the shift in the head coaching role, where modern issues like NIL and the portal are no longer "problems" to be solved but "dilemmas" that must be managed daily. The Evolution of Coaching Staffs: He discusses how the responsibilities of assistants have changed, emphasizing that every staff member must now be a fundraiser, an evaluator, and a relationship-builder rather than just a recruiter. Recruiters vs. Evaluators: Crean breaks down why the ability to evaluate talent and provide fundamental solutions is more critical than ever, and warns against the "shortsightedness" of recruiting based on empty promises. Sustaining Culture: He shares a behind-the-scenes look at his recent visit with Tom Izzo at Michigan State, highlighting how the Spartans have mastered program consistency and former-player engagement despite the chaos of the portal era. The Professional Bridge: Crean reflects on the vital role college programs play in preparing athletes for the mental and professional rigors of the NBA, and the danger of losing those transformational bridges in a transactional environment. We’ll see you next week for episode eleven of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Thanks to Chime. Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to chime.com/woj to learn more. Finally, thanks to Rula. Take control of your mental health at rula.com/woj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  2. 17 DEC

    David Carle’s blueprint for a NCAA hockey dynasty

    This week Woj sits down with David Carle, the two-time national championship hockey coach at the University of Denver. With four Frozen Four appearances and two titles in eight seasons at DU, Carle is one of the most coveted coaches by the pros in all of college sports.     •    The College Hockey Disruption: Carle details the unprecedented changes, including the recent ruling that made all players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) eligible for NCAA hockey — adding an entirely new dimension to recruiting.     •    The DU Strategy: Why the two-time national title  program intentionally chooses to be one of the youngest teams in the country, prioritizing recruiting and developing freshmen instead of relying on older transfer portal players x     •    The Non-Starter: Carle reveals the major "red flags" within a prospect's family and his mindset that will cause him to walk away from a top talent in the recruiting process.     •    Life at the Top: Carle shares his philosophy on success, the pressure of maintaining the standard of a 10-time national championship program and weighing factors when considering job opportunities at the NHL level.     •    The Future of the Sport: Carle gives his pragmatic prediction on the next major structural change in college hockey, driven by the revenue-sharing model. We’ll see you next week for episode ten of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min

  3. 10 DEC

    Dalmar Ali on Building Somalia's National Basketball Team and LIU's Mid-Major Success

    Dalmar Ali, the newly appointed head coach of the Somalia National Basketball Team and an assistant coach at LIU, joins Adrian Wojnarowski to discuss his new international challenge, his roots, and the unique realities of of building a competitive program. The International Blueprint: Ali discusses modeling the Somalia National Team's structure after successful nation-building efforts in Africa, including the work of Masai Ujiri's Giants of Africa and Luol Deng's South Sudan program, leveraging their influence and pride. The Somali Basketball Community: He shares insights into the passionate and large Somali basketball community, particularly in Toronto and Minnesota, and the significant role it plays in developing talent. Coaching at LIU: Ali opens up about working with head coach Rod Strickland and the staff's remarkable success in the Northeast Conference (NEC) with limited resources. He explains their unique recruiting strategy that prioritizes relationships and vision over NIL funding. The Future of Mid-Majors: Ali expresses his concern over the sustainability of smaller conferences due to the transfer portal and NIL landscape, and how LIU managed to retain top talent by building a positive and impactful program culture. Mentorship and Learning: He reflects on the invaluable experience of learning program building from two Division I legends, Rod Strickland and his former boss, Leonard Hamilton. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Thanks to Chime. Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to chime.com/woj to learn more. Finally, thanks to Rula. Take control of your mental health at rula.com/woj For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  4. 5 DEC

    J.B. Bickerstaff on NBA Coach Autonomy and The Formula for Earning Player Trust

    Detroit Pistons coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, joins Woj to discuss the dynamics of team building, power structures in the NBA, and the principles that drive a healthy, winning organization. Coach vs. Management vs. Ownership: Bickerstaff discusses the critical importance of a true partnership between the head coach, the general manager (Trajan Langdon), and ownership, highlighting the supportive, hands-off approach of Tom Gores in Detroit. The Player-Coach Relationship: He emphasizes that success is built on a foundation of trust and respect with a team's best player, allowing for open, honest conversations and preventing manipulation of the locker room. Communication Style: J.B. shares his commitment to "touching base" with every player on the 1-15 roster every single day, fostering communication to solve problems before they escalate. Lessons from a Basketball Family: As one half of the winningest father-son coaching combo in league history, Bickerstaff reflects on the unchanging constants of coaching passed down from his father, Bernie Bickerstaff, emphasizing the importance of telling the truth and treating everyone with the same respect. League Life: J.B. introduces "League Life," the resource app he and his wife, Nikki, created to help professional sports families navigate the constant moves and find vetted services in new cities. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min

  5. 26 NOV

    Parcells Team Building Lessons & Will NIL Kill College Dynasties? With Mike Tannenbaum

    Woj sits down with his former ESPN colleague, current NFL Front Office Insider at ESPN, and founder of The 33rd Team, Mike Tannenbaum, to discuss the dramatic blurring lines between the NFL and major college football. College Football & The Cap How NIL, revenue sharing, and the lack of a true salary cap are forcing college GMs and coaches to adopt NFL-style decision-making. The essential difference between a "binary" scholarship decision and a rigorous salary cap approach. Is the dynasty dead? Mike's take on whether the Nick Saban-era of dominance is possible in the new landscape where players like Carson Beck can earn millions. Lessons from Bill Parcells  The most important principles Tannenbaum learned about team-building and player evaluation from his mentor, Bill Parcells. How Parcells was using data and analytics 30 years ago with his "typing system" for player prototypes (e.g., the "big men" philosophy). The Steve Kerr & David Blatt Saga A fascinating look inside Tannenbaum's time as an agent, detailing the final, dramatic hours of the Steve Kerr coaching sweepstakes between the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors. The race to hire David Blatt for the Cleveland Cavaliers right before LeBron James' return. The Future of the NFL Mike's prediction on what will drive the NFL forward in the next 5-10 years: sports science, player wellness, and data-driven decision-making to win on the edges. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ozgl82a2 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  6. 19 NOV

    Dusty May on NIL Deals, Tampering, and The Future Structure of College Basketball

    In this week's edition of The Program with Woj, Woj sits down with Michigan Basketball Head Coach Dusty May. Coach May takes us inside the incredible journey of Florida Atlantic’s improbable 2023 Final Four run and the historic challenges of keeping that mid-major team together in the face of the burgeoning transfer portal and NIL era. He discusses his team-building philosophy, how it has evolved with the modern game, and the unique culture he is now building as he begins his tenure at the University of Michigan. Some of the topics covered: The Historic FAU Run: How May kept the Final Four team together when NIL money was in play. Tampering and the Portal: His evolving stance on players entering the portal and returning, and the debate over high-major vs. mid-major tampering. The Agent Partnership: What he has learned about negotiating with agents, and the necessity of being 100% honest to build long-term relationships in college basketball. The Coach's Accountability: May’s philosophy on leadership, culture-building, and how he uses vulnerability to serve his players. Knight in the NIL Era: How legendary coach Bob Knight might have adapted to the modern disruptions of the portal and NIL. The Future of College Hoops: May’s prediction on the structural changes coming to college basketball, including revenue distribution and governance. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

  7. 12 NOV

    Grant Hill on the Pressure, the Players, and the Future of USA Basketball

    On the latest episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Grant Hill, the Managing Director of USA Basketball. Some of the topics covered: The Weight of Gold: Hill shares what no one could have prepared him for regarding the pressure and expectation of winning the Olympics. Connecting with the New Generation: How the league and players have changed in the last decade, and the evolving approach to leadership and communication. The World Cup vs. The Olympics: Analyzing the different challenges and roster-building strategies for each international tournament. The Spoelstra Hire: Why Coach Spo's program culture and ability to connect with players made him the perfect fit for the next cycle, including the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Balancing Director and Coach: The delicate art of empowering a coach while serving as a supportive, accountable managing director for the players. The Future Model: How USA Basketball must adapt its strategy and marketing to stay relevant in a changing global and domestic basketball landscape. We’ll see you next week for episode five of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min

  8. 5 NOV

    Prioritizing Player Over Paycheck with Tulane Football’s Jon Sumrall

    On the third episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Tulane Football Head Coach Jon Sumrall to discuss his approach to roster building in the NIL era—balancing the transfer portal, constant roster churn, and the pursuit of a winning culture. Coach Sumrall shares why he separates coaching players from coaching dollar amounts, how he rewards good players who are good people, and why he’s comfortable operating in the chaos of modern college football. Some of the topics covered: High School Recruiting as a Foundation: How traditional recruiting remains central while the portal supplements it. Balancing Winning and Culture: The tension between winning now and building a lasting culture Rewarding Good People: Why character still drives his roster decisions. Separating Money and Performance: Why Sumrall prefers not to know what players earn. Timestamps: 2:00 – Sumrall’s formula for roster building at Tulane 4:50 – Balancing competitiveness with culture 7:44 – Rewarding good players who are good people 12:33 – Limiting a coach’s exposure to player earnings 16:23 – The future of non–Power Four college football We’ll see you next week for episode four of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min

  9. 29 OCT

    Building Around a Superstar with Lindsay Gottlieb of USC Women’s Basketball

    On the second episode of The Program, Woj sits down with USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb — the former NBA assistant who returned to college to build one of the sport’s most exciting programs. Gottlieb shares why she saw USC — and Los Angeles — as the next great sports hub, and how she’s building a perennial national contender around phenom JuJu Watkins.  Some of the topics covered: Building Around a Star: Gottlieb explains what makes JuJu Watkins unique — and how you build a sustainable program around a generational player. The NBA Effect: Hear how her time on the Cleveland Cavaliers staff prepared her for team-building in the NIL era of college basketball Recruiting the Right Fit: Why even elite talent sometimes isn’t the right match — and how Gottlieb identifies players who elevate the whole system. LA Rising: Why Gottlieb believed Los Angeles was poised to become the epicenter of women’s sports — and what that means for the next wave of athletes considering USC. We’ll see you next week for episode three of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min

  10. 22 OCT

    How Global Recruiting Has Transformed College Basketball with Jonathan Givony

    On the debut episode of The Program, Woj visits with Jonathan Givony, founder of DraftExpress. They discuss the accelerated pattern of college’s recruiting international basketball talent — strategy that’s transforming roster construction in the age of paying players and the transfer portal. Some of the topics covered:     •    The Global GM Mindset: Givony reveals the one crucial evaluation method schools must adopt to succeed in international recruiting, arguing that only offering the most money is an often a losing strategy.     •    Woj's Reporter Edge: Hear Woj explain how he leaned on his past life as a reporter to land top European talent like Achille Lonati.     •    How the NCAA's reluctance to fight lawsuits is flooding the college market with older, professional players and what that means for high school recruitment.     •    Playing Time vs. The Paycheck: Is a big NIL/Rev share deal at a Power Five school worth sitting on the bench? Woj and Givony detail how agents are increasingly steering clients on a different path that maximizes long-term earnings.     •    The Future of College Staffs: Givony gives his bold prediction on the next major structural change in the sport. We’ll see you next week for episode two with USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at ⁠https://novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min

  11. 21 OCT

    The Program with Woj: Learning From the Best Team Builders in Sports

    Welcome to The Program with Woj.  I’m Adrian Wojnarowski. You may remember me from my days as the Senior NBA Insider at ESPN, but now I’m back at my alma mater, St. Bonaventure, navigating a whole new world as GM of their men's college basketball team. On The Program with Woj, I’ll sit down with some of the most accomplished and innovative leaders and minds across all levels of the sporting community--my personal exploration of front office work and modern team building. From college to pro, men and women, The Program with Woj will dig into it all. The Program with Woj is a creation and production of In the Arena Studios. The series will be presented by our title sponsor, Novig. New episodes will drop every Wednesday and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See you soon, on The Program with Woj. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's #1 Sports Prediction Market, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds in over 35 states! Learn more at novig.us/woj and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    3 min

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About

Adrian Wojnarowski and In the Arena Studios welcome you to "The Program with Woj." In this series, the veteran journalist and influential media personality—now serving as General Manager of the St. Bonaventure men's basketball program—is joined by high-profile guests. They offer a wide range of perspectives across multiple college and professional sports to explore the business of building a sustainable and competitive program. Woj will approach every conversation from the seat of a brand-new GM in a completely different profession. With this transition in mind, the series acts as a lens into his own curiosity, seeking to understand how teams develop their respective programs and what it takes to sustain the success needed to compete at the highest levels of college and professional sports. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com

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  • Creator
    In the Arena Studios
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11

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