More with Marc Istook

Marc Istook
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Society & Culture

Conversations. Context. Clarity. Whether it's going behind the scenes with your favorite actors and athletes, or getting expert insights on the issues that affect you every day, Emmy-winning journalist and veteran host Marc Istook digs deeper to share the stories and perspectives you might otherwise miss. Because there's always more to the story.

  1. 7h ago

    How to Save Democracy

    Democracy rarely disappears all at once. It erodes through attacks on truth, the weakening of institutions, the spread of fear, and the silence of ordinary people who believe their individual choices do not matter. Melissa Dalton-Bradford has spent 18 years living in German-speaking countries, where the legacy of authoritarianism is never far from the surface. In this conversation, she explains why history does not repeat itself but often rhymes, and why recognizing those patterns requires both urgency and care. Melissa draws on the work of political philosopher Hannah Arendt to examine the “banality of evil,” the danger of losing our ability to distinguish fact from fiction, and the complicity of those who simply go along. She and Marc discuss why speaking up can carry a real social and professional cost, especially when political divisions reach into our families, friendships, and communities. But this conversation is not simply a warning. Melissa’s book pairs 11 hallmarks of authoritarianism with specific action plans for people who have a few minutes, a few hours, or an ongoing commitment to give. Her message is direct: action dispels despair. They also explore how to talk with people across political divides, why questions can be more effective than accusations, and how language built around liberty, accountability, safety, and constitutional government can create common ground. Melissa argues that rebuilding democracy begins by rebuilding the “we,” finding people with whom we can act, and refusing the isolation on which fear depends. The conversation also examines online radicalization, the vulnerability of young people growing up in algorithm-driven communities, the network of powerful figures surrounding Donald Trump, and the difference between genuine moral strength and the performance of a political strongman. Ultimately, Melissa believes defending democracy is not a partisan project. It belongs to anyone who values truth, human dignity, constitutional government, and the responsibility to leave something better for the generations that follow. Timestamps 00:00 - Hannah Arendt and the ideal subject of totalitarianism 01:42 - Marc’s conversation with Melissa begins 04:00 - The moment Melissa decided she could no longer remain silent 07:13 - Why comparisons to Nazi Germany require historical care 12:51 - What surprised Melissa about Donald Trump’s two elections 15:01 - The Oval Office confrontation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy 17:45 - Hannah Arendt, Adolf Eichmann, and the banality of evil 20:06 - Why silence can become complicity 23:16 - The personal cost of speaking up 25:17 - Why an assault on truth is the foundation of authoritarianism 27:31 - Finding language that can reach people across political divides 30:44 - Practical action plans and why action dispels despair 34:02 - How fear, isolation, and polarization reinforce one another 36:32 - Social media, young people, and online radicalization 40:00 - Project 2025 and the network of power surrounding Donald Trump 45:14 - The insecurity behind the strongman image 47:42 - Why the real divide is democracy versus the absence of democracy 48:32 - What the V-Dem Institute says about American democracy 51:07 - Rebuilding the “we” and finding hope through action Resources and Links How to Save Democracy: The Anti-Authoritarian Playbook by Melissa Dalton-Bradford Melissa Dalton-Bradford’s newsletter Melissa Dalton-Bradford on YouTube Melissa on Instagram, @mdbglobalmom V-Dem Institute’s 2026 Democracy Report The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt Eichmann in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Project 2025’s Mandate for Leadership Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the “stone of hope” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Save Democracy

  2. Sep 18

    Whose Lesson Plan Is It Anyway?

    Dr. Jessica Hawk spent 32 years in public education before retiring from the classroom and becoming a full-time content creator. Known online as @MyTeacherFace, she now uses humor, experience, and a growing social-media platform to speak candidly about the challenges facing teachers and public schools. Jessica joins Marc to explain why she misses her students but not the stress, unpaid labor, and expanding responsibilities that came with the job. She describes the “time poverty” teachers experience as new obligations are continually added without additional time or compensation, and she explains why good administrators can determine whether a teacher builds a long career or leaves after only a few years. The conversation also examines the transformation Jessica witnessed after smartphones and social media entered the classroom. Students became more isolated, less willing to participate, and increasingly eager to retreat to their screens. Jessica and Marc discuss phone-free schools, parental resistance to device restrictions, the role of technology in emergencies, and the importance of giving children opportunities to interact with one another in person. They also explore the growing political pressure on public education, the relationship between school funding and student outcomes, the limitations of standardized testing, and the danger of expecting teachers to solve problems rooted in poverty, housing instability, hunger, and family circumstances. Finally, Jessica explains why children need a foundation of knowledge and critical-thinking skills before turning to artificial intelligence. She shares her concerns about excessive classroom technology, her support for universal pre-K and equitable school funding, and the freedom she has found as an “unfettered teacher” who can now say publicly what many working educators cannot. Timestamps 00:00 - Why teachers have become society’s soft target 00:31 - Introducing Dr. Jessica Hawk of My Teacher Face 01:25 - The strange intimacy between creators and their audiences 02:18 - Retiring after 32 years in public education 02:40 - What Jessica misses about the classroom 03:54 - The story behind the My Teacher Face persona 06:02 - What coaching fourth graders taught Marc about teaching 06:56 - Managing 150 students with different needs and abilities 08:03 - Teacher “time poverty” and the job that grew tentacles 08:40 - How much Jessica’s doctorate added to her paycheck 09:09 - Teacher shortages, micromanagement, and scripted curricula 09:41 - Jessica’s cautious advice for aspiring teachers 10:39 - How she knew it was time to retire 12:43 - Losing an identity and beginning the farewell tour 13:05 - Why Jessica encourages some young teachers to leave 15:03 - Criticizing teachers while remembering the teachers who changed us 16:42 - How educators become targets of political accusations 17:59 - The change Jessica noticed when smartphones entered the classroom 19:06 - Why children seem more isolated and reluctant to participate 20:23 - Phone-free schools and parental resistance 21:08 - Why phones can become dangerous during school emergencies 23:51 - The importance of administrators who support their teachers 25:41 - What children can learn from having a teacher they do not like 28:02 - Is there a coordinated effort against public education? 30:00 - Why public education is essential to democracy 31:09 - The connection between wealth, school funding, and opportunity 32:46 - Why schools cannot solve poverty by themselves 34:30 - Teachers as the easiest people to blame 36:04 - Why education is a public good, even for people without children 38:32 - Universal pre-K and helping children before they fall behind 38:54 - Why Jessica has always voted for school funding 39:56 - The human cost of education and the temptation to replace teachers 41:30 - AI, critical thinking, and the need for foundational knowledge 43:13 - From classroom teacher to online education advocate 45:10 - Finding her political voice after retirement 46:04 - The one change Jessica would make to public education 46:59 - How universal pre-K could help level the playing field Connect with Jessica Hawk Follow My Teacher Face on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or find all of Jessica’s current links on her official Linktree. Resources mentioned The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath Bluebonnet Learning materials from the Texas Education Agency Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Whose Lesson Plan Is It Anyway?

  3. Sep 14

    Dave Holmes Isn't Waiting for Permission

    Dave Holmes became one of the most recognizable faces on MTV after losing the network’s Wanna Be a VJ competition to Jesse Camp. But losing the contest was only the beginning. In this episode, Dave explains why he entered the competition without expecting to appear on television, much less begin an entirely new career. He remembers recognizing that Jesse would probably win and deciding that his own goal should be to “lose well,” meet the right people and find another way into the building. That opportunity did not happen automatically. Dave left the wrap party with a stack of business cards and one thought: “They will forget if you let them forget.” He began calling MTV executives at 9:01 the following Monday morning, landed meetings and eventually turned a writing opportunity into an on-camera role. Dave and Marc also compare their experiences in traditional television and examine how dramatically the media business has changed. They discuss the decline of the professional television host, the increasing demand for established celebrities, the return of live programming and the creative freedom offered by social media and independent publishing. Later, the conversation turns to political and cultural commentary. Dave explains why he has stopped watching programs that make him feel like he is “being yelled at by someone I agree with,” and why he tries to approach difficult subjects with humor and perspective. He also shares how growing up in a conservative family influences the way he communicates, especially when he asks himself how he would explain an issue to his mother. Timestamps 00:00 - Cold open: Making things without waiting for permission 00:35 - Introducing Dave Holmes 01:41 - Dave and Marc begin their first conversation 02:52 - Reinventing yourself as the media landscape changes 04:29 - Overcoming the instinct to ask a gatekeeper for permission 06:34 - How MTV’s controlled chaos prepared Dave for social media 07:57 - Leaving advertising and auditioning for MTV 10:24 - Recognizing that Jesse Camp would win and deciding to “lose well” 12:10 - “They will forget if you let them forget” 15:17 - Believing creative careers were meant for other people 18:08 - Knowing an MTV career could only last so long 19:36 - How celebrity casting changed the professional-host business 24:35 - Looking back at MTV footage and interviewing Joe Strummer 27:14 - Leaving office life and arriving at the MTV Beach House 29:15 - Why Dave loved loosely structured live television 31:20 - The live comedy game show Dave still hopes to revive 32:37 - Celebrity Says and the TV Guide Network scroll 33:27 - Tom Hanks repeatedly making the same joke 34:08 - The possible return of live entertainment 35:16 - Marc’s social-media breakthrough after the Kendrick Lamar halftime show 36:57 - Using massive platforms as a force for good 37:27 - Being “yelled at by someone I agree with” 38:48 - How Twitter became “a trash can that’s on fire” 40:35 - Writers, influencers and a camera-equipped Dyson toothbrush 42:33 - The challenge of working with brands without feeling inauthentic 44:07 - What happens when creative experimentation becomes a source of income 44:51 - Substack and the value of supporting independent voices 47:27 - Dave’s off-the-cuff process for making social videos 49:31 - How Dave’s conservative family shapes his political commentary 50:48 - Asking, “How would I make this make sense to Mom?” 52:43 - Where to follow Dave, including his memorable TikTok username Resources and links Dave Holmes on Instagram Cocksure, Dave’s Substack Dave’s writing for Esquire Party of One: A Memoir in 21 Songs Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Dave Holmes Isn't Waiting for Permission

  4. Sep 8

    Cowboys Fans: This Is Our Year!*

    Few reporters know the Dallas Cowboys better than Ed Werder. The veteran NFL insider joins Marc for a candid conversation about the Cowboys’ three-decade absence from the NFC Championship Game, whether this year’s team can finally change the story and why Ed believes Dallas could finish 11-6. The offense, led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, should be capable of competing with almost anyone. The defense is another matter. Ed explains what new defensive coordinator Christian Parker inherits, what veterans like Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary and Von Miller could bring, and why the Cowboys’ weaknesses along both edges of the line give him pause. But this conversation goes beyond schemes and personnel. Marc and Ed examine the culture Jerry Jones has created, the accountability problems that have followed the team since Jimmy Johnson left and whether Cowboys players receive the rewards of winning without actually having to win. Ed also explains why this offseason may represent a meaningful change in the way Jerry and Stephen Jones allow their coaches to operate. Then the conversation turns to Ed’s remarkable career. He reflects on covering 32 Super Bowls, watching John Elway engineer “The Drive,” walking off the field with Troy Aikman after a championship and missing his brother’s wedding for his first Super Bowl assignment. Ed and Marc also discuss the changing sports-media business, ESPN’s growing emphasis on opinions and personalities, and why reporting from locker rooms and sidelines still produces insight that can’t be replicated from a studio. And yes, despite 30 years of evidence to the contrary, hope remains. This is our year. Right? IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 - Cold open: Is this finally the Cowboys’ year? 00:42 - Meet longtime NFL insider Ed Werder 01:18 - “Experienced” is the preferred term 01:27 - Late Cowboys games and very early mornings at WFAA 03:33 - Why the Cowboys remain the best soap opera in sports 03:52 - The defense that could determine Dallas’ season 06:43 - Can the Cowboys catch the Eagles in the NFC East? 07:25 - Why nothing Dallas does matters until January 08:20 - What it was like covering the Cowboys’ Super Bowl dynasty 10:17 - Why moving to Dallas changed Ed’s career 11:35 - The remarkable statistic behind the Cowboys’ postseason drought 12:03 - Thirty years later, Cowboys fans are still drinking the Kool-Aid 13:12 - Dak Prescott’s historic challenge entering Year 11 14:22 - Are Dak Prescott and Tony Romo responsible for the playoff failures? 15:49 - Why Ed calls it an organizational failure 17:30 - Do Cowboys players receive the rewards of winning without winning? 18:02 - How former Cowboys stars view the current generation 20:28 - Accountability, the head coach and Jerry Jones’ influence 23:14 - Why this offseason may signal a real change in Dallas 25:15 - Reasons for optimism about this year’s roster 27:26 - Caleb Downs, Von Miller and the rebuilt Cowboys defense 29:48 - Ed predicts the Cowboys’ opener against the Giants 31:04 - The preparation behind Ed’s remarkable recall of NFL statistics 32:44 - Ed’s season prediction: 11-6 34:01 - Why nobody really knows what the new defense will look like 35:29 - The variables that make NFL predictions nearly impossible 37:19 - Is Ed having as much fun as ever? 37:46 - Reflecting on 32 Super Bowls and a remarkable career 38:32 - Why Ed believes sports media is moving in the wrong direction 39:06 - ESPN, influencers and the decline of traditional sports reporting 40:30 - How audiences influence the coverage they receive 41:21 - What reporters learn beyond the televised soundbite 42:27 - Breaking news is only a sentence. Context tells the story. 43:53 - What Ed’s younger self would think of his career 45:03 - Watching Super Bowl III from a hotel outside the blackout zone 45:51 - The first grader who already knew what he wanted to do 46:35 - John Elway, “The Drive” and the wedding Ed chose to miss 47:29 - Covering Troy Aikman, Drew Brees, Brett Favre and other NFL greats 49:55 - Seeing the speed and violence of professional football from the field 51:37 - Where to find Ed’s Cowboys coverage 53:17 - One last question: Were we recording? MORE FROM ED WERDER Follow Ed on X: @WerderEdNFL Listen to Ed and Matt Mosley on The Doomsday Podcast MORE WITH MARC ISTOOK More with Marc Istook brings you conversations, context and clarity, from behind-the-scenes stories with actors and athletes to expert perspectives on the issues affecting your everyday life. Because there’s always more to the story. Watch full episodes: YouTube Follow Marc: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Threads Read more: More with Marc Istook on Substack Website: MarcIstook.com Contact: info@marcistook.com Find More with Marc Istook wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Cowboys Fans: This Is Our Year!*

  5. Aug 25

    Presidents Have to Follow the Rules, Too... Right?

    Attorney Mark Lyda has built a rapidly growing social media audience by doing something deceptively simple: reading the law, digging into the details, and explaining what they actually mean. In this episode of MORE with Marc Istook, Marc (Istook) talks with Mark (Lyda) about his unexpected evolution from practicing attorney to online legal commentator - and why he believes social media has become an important place for serious conversations about law, politics and democracy. They dig into the challenge of creating thoughtful content in a medium that rewards speed and outrage, why Mark says he normally wouldn’t even discuss politics “in polite company,” and what finally convinced him that staying quiet wasn’t an option. Then they turn to some of the biggest legal questions surrounding the Trump administration, including the SAVE America Act, immigration enforcement, executive power, birthright citizenship, the Supreme Court and what Mark sees as weaknesses being exposed in America’s legal and political systems. Marc also reconnects with Mark for a special follow-up conversation after a new Supreme Court ruling involving President Trump’s executive order targeting mail-in voting. Mark explains why the Court’s decision did not declare the order constitutional, why litigation over it remains unresolved, and why he believes the uncertainty could create significant problems ahead of the midterm elections. In this episode: 00:00 - Cold open: “They rule it’s illegal... but we’re going to let it proceed?” 00:32 - Introduction to Mark Lyda 02:03 - From practicing attorney to social media creator 05:29 - How Mark scripts and researches his videos 06:05 - How long a one-minute video can actually take 07:14 - The “psychological gauntlet” of creating content online 08:55 - Social media as a new way people consume news and information 10:17 - What would Walter Cronkite be doing today? 11:22 - Why the quality of information matters more than the platform 12:41 - Covering politics when the news feels like “drinking from a fire hose” 13:11 - The SAVE America Act and ICE push Mark into political commentary 15:11 - “You would have done what you’re doing now” 16:15 - Why major stories can disappear amid the constant flood of news 17:26 - What happens when legal guardrails stop working? 18:13 - Trump as a stress test for weaknesses in the legal system 19:43 - Finding stories worth digging into 20:46 - The SAVE America Act and “visions of Saddam Hussein’s elections” 21:16 - Why Mark doesn’t want to make the 100-millionth “Trump is bad” video 23:08 - Giving people useful facts they can carry into real-world conversations 24:47 - Can confidence in the rule of law be repaired? 25:11 - Why Mark says the Supreme Court is legitimate - even when its decisions are deeply troubling 26:13 - The structural reforms he believes government needs 27:23 - Should Democrats use the same expansive executive powers if they regain control? 28:54 - The Trump action Mark considers most clearly unconstitutional 29:09 - Birthright citizenship and the Constitution 30:02 - Why the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling was more complicated than 6-3 33:44 - Supreme Court ethics and structural reform 35:16 - What bothers Mark most about the Trump presidency: “It’s the brutality” 36:17 - Stephen Miller, political power and “an unholy mix” 36:56 - Government dysfunction, institutions and the normalization of bigotry 38:49 - Racism becoming more openly expressed BONUS: Supreme Court ruling on mail-in voting 39:19 - Breaking-news addendum begins 39:54 - What exactly did the Supreme Court decide? 40:21 - “They ruled it illegal... but we’re going to let it proceed?” 41:08 - What Trump’s executive order actually does 42:32 - Threatening state election officials with prosecution 43:20 - When does the constitutional harm actually occur? 44:01 - Why the appeals process may not finish before the midterms 44:28 - Could this inject chaos into the November election? 45:07 - The legal catch-22: sue too early, then potentially too late 45:33 - Mark’s prediction: “There is a guarantee that it will muck up the works” 46:56 - What disruption could mean for states heavily reliant on mail voting 48:01 - How problems at the margins could affect close races 49:19 - Could changes to mail voting disproportionately affect Democrats? 49:50 - Trump himself votes by mail 50:02 - Could discretion over mailed ballots create unequal treatment? 52:29 - False positives in federal voter-eligibility databases 53:06 - “Please tell me it’s going to be okay, Mark” 53:23 - Mark’s answer: turnout matters 53:38 - “Vote early and vote often.” “No!” Follow Marc: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcistook TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcistook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcistook Substack: https://morewithmarcistook.substack.com Website: https://www.marcistook.com Find more episodes of MORE, with Marc Istook wherever you get your podcasts. Conversations. Context. Clarity. Because there’s always more to the story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Presidents Have to Follow the Rules, Too... Right?

  6. Aug 19

    Trey Wingo Is Not Mike Tirico

    For more than two decades, Trey Wingo was one of the most recognizable faces and voices at ESPN, anchoring SportsCenter, hosting NFL Live and covering everything from the NFL Draft to major golf championships. Now, he’s doing things on his own terms. In the inaugural episode of the revamped More with Marc Istook, Trey joins Marc for a wide-ranging conversation about ESPN’s heyday, the changing sports-media landscape, why he has little interest in manufactured hot takes, and what he enjoys about building an independent media business. They also revisit some of the defining moments of Trey’s ESPN career, including helping turn NFL Live from an afterthought into appointment television, hosting the unprecedented 2020 NFL Draft during COVID, and anchoring SportsCenter alongside Bob Ley in the days after September 11. And yes, Trey also explains why he is definitely not Mike Tirico. In this episode: 00:00 - Trey Wingo is not Mike Tirico 00:31 - Welcome to the revamped More with Marc Istook 01:16 - Why Marc and Trey had to record the entire interview twice 03:00 - The surprisingly small world of sports broadcasting 04:21 - Trey’s Texas roots, Baylor and some very deep Fort Worth references 06:24 - What the iconic ESPN sound still means to Trey 09:12 - When ESPN was the common language of sports fans 10:25 - Trey’s dream of working at ESPN and realizing how big it had become 12:43 - Why sports television feels different today 13:38 - Trey on ESPN now: “We take ourselves very seriously, and if there’s time we’ll talk about sports” 14:36 - Why Trey wants to know what analysts know, not just what they think 17:11 - “No bits, no b******t, just ball” and the freedom of independent media 18:34 - What great sports television used to get right 21:04 - How Overreaction Monday started 21:41 - Why Trey refused to bury Tom Brady and Bill Belichick 24:35 - What made Bill Belichick such an adaptable coach 27:14 - Dale Hansen’s influence on Trey as a broadcaster and storyteller 29:34 - The strangest cases of mistaken identity in Trey’s career 32:19 - Trey’s biggest “pinch me” moments at ESPN 33:30 - How NFL Live became appointment viewing 34:17 - Hosting the historic 2020 NFL Draft essentially alone in the studio 36:08 - Anchoring SportsCenter after 9/11 and why Bob Ley changed Trey’s mind about going on the air 39:31 - Life after ESPN 40:03 - Why Trey says he’s having a blast now 41:27 - Golf, football and the freedom to cover only what he actually cares about 42:51 - Building the Wingo Network and moving from cable to YouTube 43:50 - Why authenticity is at the center of Trey’s new work 45:42 - How sports betting changed the sports-media business 49:03 - Why Trey has become more willing to speak out online 49:30 - “I hate politics. But I don’t like people lying.” 50:31 - Final thoughts and the legend of the lost first recording More from Trey Wingo You can find Trey’s latest work across The Wingo Network, including: Trey Wingo Presents on YouTube Trey Wingo Golf on YouTube Inside Football on YouTube The Wingo Network on your favorite audio podcast platform Trey also hosts Golf Live with Justin Ray, breaking down the biggest stories and developments from the world of golf. Follow Trey on social media for more sports analysis, commentary and updates on his latest projects. More with Marc Istook More with Marc Istook brings you conversations, context and clarity - from behind-the-scenes stories with actors and athletes to expert perspectives on the issues affecting your everyday life. Because there’s always more to the story. Watch full episodes: YouTube Follow Marc: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Threads More: morewithmarcistook.substack.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Trey Wingo Is Not Mike Tirico

  7. Season 3 Trailer

    The New Name: More with Marc Istook

    A new name. A broader focus. The same curiosity. In this short announcement, Marc shares why "Dream Job" is evolving into "More with Marc Istook." The show will continue going behind the scenes with interesting people from sports, entertainment and media, while also featuring experts and newsmakers who bring greater perspective and insight to the issues that affect us every day. Conversations. Context. Clarity. Because there’s always more to the story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The New Name: More with Marc Istook

  8. Aug 12

    Chad Blankenship | President & GM, Texas Rattlers

    What does it take to build a professional sports franchise around one of America’s oldest and most dangerous competitions? In this episode of Dream Job, Marc Istook sits down with Chad Blankenship, President and General Manager of the Texas Rattlers, to explore the evolution of professional bull riding and the remarkable career path that prepared Chad to help lead it. Chad explains how the PBR Teams league took a traditionally individual sport and added the hometown loyalty, shared responsibility, rivalries, and season-long storylines that make team sports so compelling. He also breaks down what fans experience at a live event, from world-class riders and bulls to music, lights, pyrotechnics, and a carefully designed pace that keeps the entire arena engaged. The conversation expands into the resurgence of Western culture across sports, television, music, and fashion. Chad discusses why values such as perseverance, self-reliance, community, and respect for the land continue to resonate with modern audiences. Then Marc and Chad retrace a career journey that was anything but predictable. Chad shares stories from his early years in advertising, being laid off from one of the world’s most prestigious agencies, working on New York City’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, spending seven years at ESPN, launching a television network with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, and helping create the PBR Teams league. He also recounts leaving his career behind for nearly a year to travel through China, Tibet, Nepal, and Thailand, including trekking to Everest Base Camp and unexpectedly taking a job at a resort on a Thai island. The episode concludes with a conversation about failure, personal responsibility, community, and one of Chad’s most enduring life lessons: wherever you go, you remain the same person. The real opportunity is learning to be fully present and make the most of where you are now. Timestamps 00:00 - Meet Chad Blankenship, President and GM of the Texas Rattlers 01:53 - How professional bull riding and the PBR Teams league work 04:12 - What it feels like to experience a Rattlers event in person 04:56 - The difference between traditional rodeo and PBR 07:30 - Building a fast-paced entertainment experience around eight-second rides 09:00 - Fan service, live sports, and the Savannah Bananas comparison 11:38 - Commercial breaks and the pace-of-play problem in American sports 15:49 - Why the young PBR Teams league has so much potential 16:39 - What team competition adds to an individual sport 19:17 - How teammates change the experience for bull riders 20:22 - Why Western culture is having a major resurgence 24:44 - The influence of Yellowstone, country music, fashion, and pop culture 26:23 - Chad’s unconventional career journey begins 27:18 - Growing up in Oklahoma and studying marketing at OU 28:02 - His first advertising job at The Richards Group 30:40 - Getting recruited by Wieden+Kennedy 32:54 - Losing his job and learning an early career lesson 35:35 - Moving to Los Angeles and finding a community of creators 39:36 - Leaving work behind to travel through Asia 40:46 - Trekking to Everest Base Camp from Tibet and Nepal 42:05 - An unexpected job opportunity at a resort in Thailand 44:53 - Joining New York City’s bid for the 2012 Olympic Games 47:01 - How sports can inspire social and personal change 48:40 - Why losing can sometimes be more valuable than winning 50:21 - Taking ownership of failure and deciding what comes next 51:13 - Seven years at ESPN and earning a “sports business MBA” 53:02 - Launching El Rey Network with Robert Rodriguez 54:17 - Working with Richard Branson’s Virgin Sport 54:50 - Joining PBR with little background in Western sports 56:01 - Launching a streaming platform and helping create PBR Teams 57:03 - Becoming President and GM of the Texas Rattlers 58:28 - Winning the 2023 PBR Teams Championship 59:24 - Why Chad and his family fell in love with Fort Worth 1:02:23 - The biggest lesson from Chad’s travels and career 1:05:23 - Final thoughts and an invitation to experience Rattler Days Links and Resources Ariat Texas Rattlers official website 2026 Rattler Days at Dickies Arena - October 2-4 Texas Rattlers on Instagram Texas Rattlers on Facebook Professional Bull Riders Connect with Chad Blankenship on LinkedIn Dream Job on Apple Podcasts Connect with Marc Website: MarcIstook.com Instagram: @MarcIstook YouTube: @MarcIstook Facebook: MarcIstookTV TikTok: @MarcIstook Substack: More, with Marc Istook Contact: info@marcistook.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Chad Blankenship | President & GM, Texas Rattlers
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About

Conversations. Context. Clarity. Whether it's going behind the scenes with your favorite actors and athletes, or getting expert insights on the issues that affect you every day, Emmy-winning journalist and veteran host Marc Istook digs deeper to share the stories and perspectives you might otherwise miss. Because there's always more to the story.

Information

  • Creator
    Marc Istook
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Marc Istook
  • Show Website
    More with Marc Istook