159 episodes

Sports got us together in the first place, but in this podcast, sports are the backdrop for way bigger conversations!



This podcast is presented and produced by the SportsE Media Podcast Network. Part of KazSource, Inc and QuietLoud Studios.



SportsE Media is a digital media sports brand and a production company focused on podcasts and blogs. Originally this platform explored the intersection of sports and entrepreneurship as the brand, SportsEpreneur. While that still exists, SportsE Media is much more. Just like this podcast is conversations that are way bigger than sports.



The Sports Backdrop show features topics and difference-makers in and around the world of sports -- including sports business leaders, athletes, managers, coaches, trainers, mental health professionals, those impacting the sports market, entrepreneurs, and amazing creatives.



Sports brought us together in the first place and sports serve as a backdrop for so much.



Recent and upcoming topics include: Innovation and technology in sports, mental health, sports media, the future of MLB, the NIL movement in college sports, soccer and football including the case for soccer becoming a top 4 sport in the US, World Cup 2026, sports betting legalization and addiction concerns, TGL, football, college football, esports, fantasy sports, and much more!



This podcast and the entire SE platform constantly remind us that sports serve as a backdrop for so much including how sports bring people together -- that is why we love sports enough to talk and write about them all the time. Sports epitomize the relationships and the stories that make it all worth it in the first place.

The Sports Backdrop QuietLoud Studios

    • Sport

Sports got us together in the first place, but in this podcast, sports are the backdrop for way bigger conversations!



This podcast is presented and produced by the SportsE Media Podcast Network. Part of KazSource, Inc and QuietLoud Studios.



SportsE Media is a digital media sports brand and a production company focused on podcasts and blogs. Originally this platform explored the intersection of sports and entrepreneurship as the brand, SportsEpreneur. While that still exists, SportsE Media is much more. Just like this podcast is conversations that are way bigger than sports.



The Sports Backdrop show features topics and difference-makers in and around the world of sports -- including sports business leaders, athletes, managers, coaches, trainers, mental health professionals, those impacting the sports market, entrepreneurs, and amazing creatives.



Sports brought us together in the first place and sports serve as a backdrop for so much.



Recent and upcoming topics include: Innovation and technology in sports, mental health, sports media, the future of MLB, the NIL movement in college sports, soccer and football including the case for soccer becoming a top 4 sport in the US, World Cup 2026, sports betting legalization and addiction concerns, TGL, football, college football, esports, fantasy sports, and much more!



This podcast and the entire SE platform constantly remind us that sports serve as a backdrop for so much including how sports bring people together -- that is why we love sports enough to talk and write about them all the time. Sports epitomize the relationships and the stories that make it all worth it in the first place.

    Find Your Yes with Brandi Chastain

    Find Your Yes with Brandi Chastain

    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. They also discuss the importance of resilience, celebrating successes, and the evolving role of mental health in sports. Brandi shares valuable insights for young athletes and parents, emphasizing the significance of support, hard work, and self-belief.

    “Find Your Yes!”

    “Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader” Topics:



    * The pressure of playing on the national stage and Brandi’s iconic penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup

    * Overcoming injuries and the mental and physical challenges of recovery

    * The importance of leadership and mentorship in sports

    * The evolving role of mental health in athletic performance

    * Celebrating successes and building confidence in athletes

    * The impact of youth sports coaching and parental influence on young athletes

    * The vision and mission behind founding AFC (Athletic Football Club) and its future in women’s soccer





    Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

    By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!



    Connect with host, guest, and podcast production team:



    * Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram

    * Brandi Chastain: X | Instagram | The Players’ Tribune articles

    * SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X



    Related content:



    * How NBC Sports’ Premier League Streaming Fuels Soccer in the U.S.

    * TLH Reckoning – Women’s Soccer Franchise | Ashlee Fontes-Comber

    * US World Cup Series | Soccer: The World’s Most Popular Sport



    Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot



    More about Brandi Chastain:



    Brandi is a retired American soccer player. She is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She is also a coach and a sports broadcaster. She played for the US Women’s National Team from 1988 to 2004. In her 192 caps on the team, she scored 30 goals as a defender and midfielder. She scored a World Cup-winning penalty shootout goal against China in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

    Brandi played professionally for Shiroki FC in the Japan Women’s Football League, the San Jose CyberRays of the Women’s United Soccer Association, FC Gold Pride of Women’s Professional Soccer, and California Storm of Women’s Premier Soccer League.

    Brandi was named to the USWNT All-Time Best XI in 2013. And in March 2017, Brandi was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2018 she was inducted into the Bay Area Spo...

    Youth Sports Mental Health | Parents, Coaches, and Resilience

    Youth Sports Mental Health | Parents, Coaches, and Resilience

    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, LCSW. Lisa is the CEO & Founder of AthMindset. She works with elite youth athletes, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and teams. She is the Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, a men’s professional soccer team in the USL. 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. 

    “Youth Sports Mental Health | Parents, Coaches, and Resiliences” topics:



    * Bad calls in sports

    * Parental expectations of young athletes

    * Specialization versus playing multiple sports

    * The mental health challenges faced by young athletes today

    * The importance of emotional intelligence and resilience in sports

    * The role of coaches in supporting the emotional well-being of athletes

    * Strategies for parents to manage their emotions and support their children effectively



    Social Media:



    * Lisa Bonta Sumii: LinkedIn | Instagram

    * Eric Kasimov: LinkedIn | X

    * SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X



    Related Content:



    * Coach Jim Tressel’s Legacy: A Buckeye’s Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver

    * The Mental Game in Sports with Aren Ulmer

    * Derek Bylsma | Mental Health in Youth Sports



    Resources:



    American Academy of Pediatrics: How We Can Support the Mental Health of Young Athletes

    * Mission Harbor Behavioral Health: The Good And Bad Of Youth Athletics On Your Child’s Mental Health

    * University of Washington Medicine: Strengthening Mental Health for Young Athletes



    Credits:



    * Listen on Apple Podcasts

    * Listen on Spotify

    * Music credits: Dark Mystery Trailer (Taking Our time) by AlexGrohl | Website | Music promoted by Pixabay | Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license (“CC0 Content”) a href="https://pixabay.

    Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup

    Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup

    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 because of the following:

    Efficient Game Duration:



    * Highlighting soccer matches’ typical duration of two hours, appealing to fans with busy schedules.

    * Discussing how the compact nature of soccer fits well into modern life, making it easier for fans to watch entire matches.



    Accessibility and Affordability:



    * Exploring soccer’s low-cost entry point, requiring minimal equipment to play.

    * Addressing ongoing efforts to reduce expenses and create inclusive leagues, giving more children the opportunity to engage with the sport.



    International Appeal:



    * Examining soccer’s global popularity and its impact on the diverse U.S. population.

    * Understanding how the influx of immigrants brings a passion for soccer, enriching the American soccer scene.

    * The World Cup is the biggest event in the world of sports–and it’s not close. Read this: The Biggest Sporting Event, Even Bigger Than the Super Bowl



    Growing Media Coverage:



    * Discussing the increased television coverage of international leagues, such as the Premier League on NBC.

    * Explaining how easy access to top-tier soccer helps build interest and knowledge among American fans.



    CONNECT:

    Host: Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn

    SportsE Media: website | X | Instagram | TikTok

    Related content to “Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup”: Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports | Audible Style | Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming

    This episode was produced by the team at KazCM

    Main point: Soccer is the biggest sport in the world. We know that. However, soccer in the US typically falls outside of the top four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. That is changing fast. Add in the World Cup in 2026 and we have a recipe for soccer becoming a top 3 sport in the US. It will go: football, basketball, soccer…wait for it…

    Eric Kasimov

    • 2 min
    Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author

    Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author

    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 in something.

    Jerry graduated from Ohio State’s college and dental school. He is a retired dentist, entrepreneur, and now a two-time author (Altered State of Affairs and Reach for the Stars). He is also a husband, father, and grandfather, all of whom make up his Buckeye Eleven. Jerald shares how Ohio State is more than just a school or football program—it’s a shared passion.

    Now, for all you non-Buckeyes, this applies to you, too. We’re sure you are excited about something! And perhaps that excitement is shared by another or many others. That’s what this episode is about. The Buckeyes are simply a backdrop to help tell the bigger story. If anything, as the author says, “GET EXCITED!”

    Buy Jerald’s books: Altered State of Affairs | Reach for the Stars

    Connect with Jerald: author website | X

    Connect with us:



    * Eric Kasimov: LinkedIn | X

    * SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X



    Related content to “Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author”:



    * Altered State of Affairs Podcast | OSU

    * The Game and The Genesis of Altered State of Affairs

    * How it All Began

    * But for OSU

    * The Power of Ohio State Football on Alumni, Engagement, and Fans

    * Sports Bring People Together



    Wrapping up: want to create impactful content: KazCM

    Credits for Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author:



    * Listen on Apple Podcasts

    * Listen on Spotify

    • 10 min
    TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports

    TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports

    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. We’ll explore how TGL fits into the broader evolution of professional sports, catering to the digital habits of Millennials and Gen Z, and whether it can successfully bridge the gap between traditional golf and the demands of modern viewership.

    The full transcription for this episode can be found at the bottom of this episode page.

    Main Topics Discussed:



    * The launch and vision behind TGL, and its potential to change professional golf

    * How TGL plans to engage younger audiences with golf simulator technology and team competitions

    * The balance TGL must strike between innovation and the traditional golfing experience

    * Challenges TGL faces, including skepticism from traditionalists and the need to prove its value beyond an “indoor golf” novelty

    * The role of celebrity and athlete investors in shaping TGL and its appeal to a broader audience

    * The future of professional sports in adapting to the preferences of younger generations



    Wrapping up:



    * digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports: SportsE

    * want to create impactful content: KazCM



    Social media:



    * Eric Kasimov: LinkedIn | X

    * SportsE Media: LinkedIn | X



    Related content to “TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports”:



    * The Future of Sports Betting with Frontrunner’s Neil Zhang | A $231 Billion Industry!

    * Shaping the Future of MLB: Embracing Change and Engaging a New Generation

    * The Sports Betting Industry: Exploring Future Opportunities, Challenges, and Game-Changing Trends

    * US World Cup Series | Soccer: The World’s Most Popular Sport



    Resources for the episode: “TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports”



    * https://www.sportsdestinations.com/management/economics/gen-zs-consumption-lot-less-live-sports-and-lot-32441

    * https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2657184

    * https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/will-tiger-woods-rory-mcilroys-tgl-succeed-exploring-new-golf-leagues-battle-to-capture-an-audience/

    * https:...

    • 10 min
    Lisa Bonta Sumii on the Importance of Therapy

    Lisa Bonta Sumii on the Importance of Therapy

    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 therapy; you don’t have to wait for something to happen.

    * You can go through a consultation with a therapist to know if it’s a good fit.

    * Friends are not a substitute for therapy; both are really important.





    Thank you for being part of the Athlete Mindset show!

    Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community



    By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!



    Connect:



    * Lisa Bonta Sumii and AthMindset: LinkedIn | Instagram | AthMindset website

    * Presented by SportsE Media | a digital sports media brand for entrepreneurs engaged in sports: TikTok | Instagram | X



    Related episodes to “Lisa on the Importance of Therapy”:



    * Normalizing Mental Health in Sports

    * The Alarming Impact of Powerful Psychiatric Drugs on Mental Health

    * The Challenges of Finding a Therapist | Derek Bylsma, LCPC



    Music credit:



    * Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot



    Eric Kasimov

    • 11 min

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