Fandom Unpacked

Situation
  • 5.0 (17)
  • MARKETING

Come inside the minds of the world's greatest leaders of live experience brands with the Fandom Unpacked podcast series. Featuring conversations with the leaders on the front lines of brands who shape our culture, join us as we dive into the powers and forces that drive audience connection, loyalty, and lasting fandom. Hosted by Damian Bazadona (Situation), Peter Yagecic (A Mind at Work Consulting), and Maureen Andersen (INTIX). Fandom Unpacked is powered by Situation – the world’s leading marketing agency for live experience brands.

  1. 12/10/2025

    Fans First, Entertain Always: How The Savannah Bananas Turn Baseball Into Joy

    What if a sports team stopped selling your attention and started earning your trust? We sit down with Emily Cole, whose company, Fans First Entertainment, owns the Savannah Bananas, to unpack how putting fans first can flip an entire industry. From all-in ticket pricing and ad-free outfields to a face-value resale platform that prioritizes local families, Emily shows how clear principles lead to bold choices and unforgettable nights. We explore what “partnership” means when logos aren’t plastered on every wall and value flows to the guest first. Culture sits at the core: hiring for hungry, humble, and smart creates a team that thrives on autonomy, learns relentlessly, and treats every city with care. Emily’s quiet moments during every national anthem become a compass for the work; thousands choosing to spend their time and money with you is a responsibility, not a metric. Beyond the field, we dive into Bananas Foster, their joy-first initiative that celebrates foster families at every game, turning applause into awareness and action through local connections. And because they love doing the opposite of normal, the Bananas even bring fans together at sea with a multi-day cruise designed for deeper community. Along the way, Emily addresses misconceptions about “overnight” success, why they keep prices accessible despite demand, and how measuring people served beats watching the bank balance. If you’re craving a roadmap for fan experience, meaningful partnerships, and community that lasts, this conversation delivers play-by-play insight. Follow and share the show, and leave a review so more curious fans can find it.  Recorded Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Maureen Andersen, President & CEO, INTIX Guest: Emily Cole, Founder, Fans First Entertainment & Owner, The Savannah Bananas Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    35 min

  2. 11/26/2025

    You Had To Be There: Randy Weiner on Making Immersive Experiences Fans Can’t Quit

    What happens when a show stops asking you to watch and starts inviting you to be seen? We sit down with impresario Randy Weiner, the creative force behind Sleep No More, Queen of the Night, The Box, and the new Phantom Masquerade, to explore how human touch, story clarity, and radical hospitality can transform a night out into a memory that won’t let go. Randy traces his spark back to the balcony at Cats, where performers spilled into the aisles and changed his idea of what theater could be. From there, he breaks down why so many “immersive” attempts stall: great ideas without great execution. His approach feels more like opera than chasing the latest trend; cast world‑class talent, bring in award‑winning designers, invest in lights, sets, and sound that hold up inches from an audience’s face, and take responsibility for the entire journey, from box office to bar to goodbye. We dig into why Masquerade insists on formalwear and masks, how that shared ritual forges instant cohesion, and why the million‑dollar chandelier uses real crystals instead of plastic. If you’re curious how to turn spectators into co‑conspirators, and why the details matter when audiences are within arm’s reach, this conversation is your blueprint. Follow the show, share it with a friend who loves live experiences, and leave a review to help more curious fans find us. Recorded Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Maureen Andersen, President & CEO, INTIX Guest: Randy Weiner, Founder, Outside the Box Amusements Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    42 min

  3. 11/07/2025

    Making the Point: How Loyalty Programs Strengthen Live Entertainment

    Want to see how a loyalty program actually moves behavior without feeling transactional? We sit down with Katie Dalton, president of Audience Rewards, to unpack the mechanics that turn a thrilling night out into a habit fans can’t wait to repeat. From the first “wow” perk to AI-powered recommendations, we explore the playbook that keeps people choosing live entertainment over another night on the couch. We start by nailing what success looks like: delight for the fan and measurable value for the brand. Katie explains why theater has a head start—emotion. With Broadway as a passion product, the goal isn’t just discounts; it’s crafting moments that spark dopamine and bring fans back into the tent. We dig into the unique Broadway challenge where each show is its own business, why some productions engage at a level ten and others hesitate, and how suburban audiences remain a high-potential segment for repeat attendance when you structure rewards around realistic frequency. We get tactical about incentives—why tickets top the redemption list, how micro-earning hooks like daily trivia drive stickiness, and how experience-led rewards can produce outsized results. If you care about ticketing, fan engagement, retention, and the business of Broadway, this conversation delivers strategy you can act on today and a vision for where loyalty is heading next. Subscribe, share this with a colleague in live entertainment, and leave a review to help more fans find the show. Recorded Thursday, November 6th, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Maureen Andersen, President & CEO, INTIX Guest: Katie Dalton, President, Audience Rewards Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    32 min

  4. 10/09/2025

    Fandom on the Field: How Sports Move the Masses

    What makes someone stick with a team through losing seasons, changing conferences, and shifting media deals? We dig into the core of modern fandom with Clinical Assistant Professor of Sport Management at the University of Michigan and co-owner of AFC Ann Arbor, Mike Lorenc, tracing how identity, access, and economics shape the way people fall in love with sports—and stay there. From the evergreen pull of a never‑ending story to the way leagues actually make money, we break down what sets sports apart from other live entertainment and why that matters for anyone trying to grow an audience. We look closely at the new entry points for young fans: NFL‑backed flag football, the Olympic spotlight, and even video games that teach the language of a sport before a kid ever picks a favorite team. On campus, we face the squeeze of Name, Image, and Likeness, the transfer portal, and realignment eroding century‑old rituals, while student attention fragments into songs, FOMO, and social moments. At the same time, minor league clubs prove that intimacy and affordability still convert, especially when access to players turns a random night into a forever memory. And ticketing? It’s not a transaction—it’s the start of a relationship that begins at search, continues through smart, timely guidance to the right gate, and lives on with personalized keepsakes. We also confront hard trade-offs: empty VIP seats that look great in revenue reports but dead on camera, versus supporter sections that power atmosphere and future demand. Along the way, Mike shares two truths leaders forget: fans choose us, and executives should buy and use their own tickets to feel the friction fans feel. If this conversation gets you thinking about your own fan journey and how to grow the next one, tap follow, share with a colleague who needs to hear it, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Recorded Thursday, October 9th, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Maureen Andersen, President & CEO, INTIX Guest: Michal Lorenc, Clinical Assistant Professor of Sport Management at the University of Michigan, Co-owner of AFC Ann Arbor Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    39 min

  5. 09/24/2025

    From the NBA and Cirque to Iconic Venues: Fandom from Every Angle

    How can physical spaces enhance rather than simply contain fan experiences? Kristina Heney, EVP of Marketing at Oak View Group, takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of fan-venue relationships, drawing from her remarkable career spanning the NBA, Madison Square Garden, Cirque du Soleil, and now the leader in global venue development. Heney reveals how next-level fan experiences begin with understanding audience demographics - recognizing that teens camping overnight for their favorite artist have fundamentally different needs than families at afternoon shows or seniors enjoying classic rock concerts. She challenges the industry to raise its baseline expectations, arguing that seamless parking, appropriate food options, and friction-free entry/exit shouldn't be considered "premium" but standard. The conversation explores how successful venues must reflect and integrate with their local communities through hiring, programming, and architectural decisions. Heney shares surprising insights about fans' willingness to engage more deeply with venues that offer compelling experiences beyond the main event - from member-only speakeasies to post-event celebrations. She advocates for creating "premium for all" experiences rather than just focusing on VIP options. For marketers and venue operators, Heney offers this profound advice: focus on observing fans throughout their entire venue journey, not just during the show itself. By watching audience behaviors from parking to bathroom lines to concessions, venues gain invaluable insights that drive loyalty and repeat business. Listen now to transform how you think about creating meaningful connections between fans, venues, and the live experiences they share. Recorded Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Maureen Andersen, President & CEO, INTIX Guest: Kristina Heney, EVP Marketing, Oak View Group Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    35 min

  6. 09/12/2025

    How Feld Entertainment Keeps Audiences Coming Back, Generation After Generation

    What does it take to create extraordinary family entertainment that spans generations? Jim Moseley, VP of Event Marketing and Sales, Northeast, for Feld Entertainment, pulls back the curtain on how iconic brands like Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey continue captivating millions of fans yearly. The numbers alone are staggering—10 million people attend Feld shows annually in North America, with up to 400,000 fans filling venues every weekend. But the true magic lies in how these experiences continuously evolve while honoring their beloved traditions. Moseley reveals the company's unique approach to cross-pollination between brands: "How can Ringling make ice shows better? Or how can ice shows make Ringling better?" This creative ecosystem has led to Disney on Ice incorporating more stunts and aerial acts inspired by Ringling's DNA, while allowing constant reinvention that keeps fans coming back. Today's entertainment landscape demands more than just a show. Modern fans seek immersive experiences, digital engagement, and personalized connections. Feld has responded by transforming from event producer to franchise powerhouse, expanding beyond arenas into retail, digital media, licensing, and theme park experiences. Rather than competing with screens, they've embraced digital platforms to build community and showcase why nothing compares to the live experience. "We're not out here saving lives," Moseley notes, "but our goal is to create extraordinary moments for families that will create memories for a lifetime." Ready to experience the magic yourself? Discover upcoming Feld Entertainment shows in your area and create your own unforgettable family memories that will last for generations. Recorded Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Maureen Andersen, President & CEO, INTIX Guest: Jim Moseley, VP of Event Marketing & Sales, Northeast, Feld Entertainment Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    33 min

  7. 08/06/2025

    Rewriting the Playbook: What the Rise of The Gist Says About the Future of Fandom

    Ever felt like sports media wasn't speaking your language? Jacie deHoop, co-founder of The Gist, is changing that conversation by creating content for "GISTers" – predominantly female, millennial and Gen Z sports fans who love the game but haven't felt fully welcomed by traditional coverage. When deHoop and her co-founders launched The Gist, they faced significant skepticism. Critics claimed women weren't interested in sports and there wasn't a viable business model. Fast forward to today, with over one million newsletter subscribers and a 46% open rate, those critics have been proven spectacularly wrong. What The Gist recognized that others missed was the massive untapped potential in serving fans who love sports but don't necessarily fit the traditional mold. What makes The Gist's approach particularly powerful is authenticity. They don't treat women's sports or female fans as a diversity project or marketing opportunity, but as a legitimate business venture with tremendous growth potential. As deHoop puts it, underserved audiences shouldn't be dismissed as "niche" – smart businesses should examine the actual addressable market size, spending power, and influence these fans wield. Whether you're a sports industry professional or simply a fan who's felt overlooked by mainstream coverage, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how The Gist is transforming sports media by centering those who've traditionally been left on the sidelines. Recorded Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Lisa Cecchini, Managing Partner, Situation Guest: Jacie deHoop, Co-Founder, The Gist Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    32 min

  8. 07/25/2025

    Serving the Future: How the US Open Became a Culture-First Sports Brand

    The electric energy of the US Open Tennis Championships goes far beyond the baseline. In this illuminating conversation, Nicole Kankam, Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing & Entertainment at the USTA, reveals how America's premier tennis event has become a cultural phenomenon by masterfully balancing tradition with innovation. Kankam offers a fascinating glimpse into the tournament's diverse audience, increasingly representative of America's demographics, with an even male-female split. Most surprising? Half of all attendees don't even play tennis themselves, revealing enormous potential for growing the sport. The conversation delves into the evolution of Fan Week, a free pre-tournament experience that has nearly tripled attendance in eight years. This accessibility strategy has instead created a powerful pipeline, with two-thirds of Fan Week visitors planning to return for the main tournament. From silent discos during qualifying play to reimagined mixed doubles formats, the US Open exemplifies how sports properties can honor their heritage while embracing change. Kankam sums up the experience in one perfect word: "electric." It's this vibrant energy that keeps fans coming back to Flushing Meadows each summer, whether they're holding a racquet or simply seeking an unforgettable New York moment. Follow Fandom Unpacked for more insider conversations with the innovators redefining sports and entertainment experiences. Recorded Thursday, July 24th, 2025 Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation Guest: Nicole Kankam, Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing & Entertainment, USTA Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

    27 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Come inside the minds of the world's greatest leaders of live experience brands with the Fandom Unpacked podcast series. Featuring conversations with the leaders on the front lines of brands who shape our culture, join us as we dive into the powers and forces that drive audience connection, loyalty, and lasting fandom. Hosted by Damian Bazadona (Situation), Peter Yagecic (A Mind at Work Consulting), and Maureen Andersen (INTIX). Fandom Unpacked is powered by Situation – the world’s leading marketing agency for live experience brands.

Information

  • Creator
    Situation
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Fandom Unpacked
  • Show Website
    Fandom Unpacked