The CUSP Show

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  530: Former NBA Head Coach Stan Van Gundy on Leadership & Coachability in the Modern Era of Basketball 15.09.2026 59dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Stan Van Gundy, former NBA head coach with 554 career wins who led the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals, to discuss leadership, coachability, the state of college athletics, and his transition from the bench to the broadcast booth. Van Gundy shared why he believes college presidents, not players or coaches, are responsible for letting money overwhelm the educational mission of college sports. He also shares candid thoughts on the transfer portal, NIL, and why the best coaches in the country are walking away from college athletics because building a real program is no longer possible. The conversation shifts to the NBA, where Van Gundy argues that professional players are actually more coachable than college athletes, explains what separates the truly elite from the merely talented, and shares the story of working alongside JJ Redick long before anyone imagined he would become a head coach. He also reflects on the WNBA’s moment, praising the quality of play while also calling out the league’s failure to control its own narrative.Learn more about Stan: https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/cast/stan-van-gundy/331Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  529: Play-by-Play Announcer Jamie Watson on Making Sports Accessible Through Audio Description 08.09.2026 54dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Jamie Watson, soccer broadcaster and play-by-play announcer, to discuss her unconventional path into sports media, the evolving world of remote broadcasting, and her groundbreaking work in audio descriptive commentary for FIFA and Netflix. Watson shares her journey from Division I soccer player at UMass and college coach at UMBC to becoming a golf teaching pro before pivoting to broadcasting in her 40s, calling nearly 100 games in just the last two years. She breaks down what audio descriptive commentary actually is, how she trained with FIFA’s accessibility partner in Washington DC to call six matches at the Club World Cup for blind and low vision fans, and how she later applied those skills to Netflix’s Field of Dreams game as an overlay commentator. The conversation also covers the state of women’s soccer from the NWSL’s explosive growth to the challenge of elite American players leaving for overseas, the debate over whether star announcers actually move ratings, and what remote broadcasting technology now makes possible for play-by-play talent calling live international events from their home studios.Learn more about Jamie: https://jamiewatsonsports.com/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  528: UT Austin’s Chris Plonsky talks Building a College Athletics Powerhouse 03.09.2026 40dk

  Joe Favorito welcomes Chris Plonsky, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief of Staff at the University of Texas, to discuss her remarkable career in college athletics and what it takes to build and sustain one of the country’s most successful athletic programs. Plonsky traces her path from Kent State and Iowa State through seven years at the Big East Conference, where she helped launch one of the first federated football conferences in the country, to her arrival at Texas in 1993, where she has spent nearly four decades helping transform the athletic department into a commercial powerhouse. She shares how Texas grew its licensing revenue from $600,000 to $13 million, how the department navigated the merger of its men’s and women’s programs without conflict, and why the careful, collaborative approach to institutional change made Texas ready for the SEC. The conversation also covers the human side of college athletics today - the transfer portal, NIL, and what Plonsky worries about when she sees young athletes jumping from program to program without building the networks, mentors, and identity that will carry them past their playing days.Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisplonsky9700165/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  527: Sirius XM’s Chris Childers on Why College Football Can't Save Itself 01.09.2026 59dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Chris Childers, host of Full Ride on Sirius XM College Sports Radio and founder of Show Pony Media, to discuss the state of college athletics as football season kicks off, the growing momentum behind women’s sports, and what the future of independent sports media looks like. Childers breaks down why he believes the Protect College Sports Act will not pass, arguing that the Congressional Black Caucus opposition and the structural difficulty of getting 60 Senate votes make it a long shot regardless of the SEC’s lobbying push. He explains the power dynamics driving college football’s current chaos, with ESPN and Fox effectively controlling the agenda through their media deals with the SEC and Big Ten, and why without a true commissioner or revenue sharing model, the sport will continue operating in anarchy. The conversation shifts to the rise of women’s sports, with Childers sharing his passion for women’s soccer, volleyball, and flag football, and why he believes women’s flag football will become one of the next great international sports.Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-childers-b12981a/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  526: Andrew Cooper on Why Collective Bargaining Is the Only Real Fix for College Sports 25.08.2026 54dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Andrew Cooper, co-founder of the United College Athletes Association, to discuss his mission to unionize college athletes and why he believes collective bargaining, not federal legislation, is the only sustainable path forward for college sports. Cooper shares his origin story, from running track at Washington State and being elected president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, to the moment a PAC-12 meeting on mental health protections convinced him that real change would never come from within the existing system. He explains how the UCAA was founded, recently formalized as a labor union, and why women’s basketball at Oregon State became the starting point for the first-ever union petition filed on behalf of women’s college athletes. The conversation breaks down the NCAA’s lobbying campaign for an antitrust exemption, why the Protect College Sports Act faces bipartisan opposition from major sports unions, and what collective bargaining would actually look like in practice across different sports and divisions. Cooper also reflects on testifying before the House Judiciary Committee and what it was like to make the case for athlete rights in one of Washington’s most charged rooms.Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcooperucaa/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  525: Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen on What It Takes to Value a Sports Franchise 18.08.2026 58dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Kurt Badenhausen, Sports Business Reporter at Sportico and one of the pioneers of sports franchise valuation journalism, to break down how teams are valued, why those numbers keep climbing, and what a record-breaking week in sports business really tells us about the industry. Badenhausen walks through the methodology behind franchise valuations, explaining why revenue multiples, not profits, are the standard measure, and how factors like market size, venue situation, and media rights shape the final number. The conversation covers the NFL’s latest valuations, including the mind-bending reality that the least valuable team in the league is worth more than almost every other sports franchise on the planet, as well as the Lakers’ $12.5 billion sale, the Apollo-Yankees deal, and what private equity’s growing appetite for sports ownership actually means for the market. The discussion also tackles the WNBA’s surging valuations, why MLB’s numbers lag behind despite its massive content library, and what categories (from real estate to fan data) could drive the next wave of franchise value growth.Connect with Kurt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-badenhausen-90bb185/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  524: George Moreira on How Capelli Sport Became the Kit Behind Cape Verde's World Cup Cinderella Story 11.08.2026 49dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome George Moreira, partnerships & events executive at Capelli Sport, to discuss one of the most unexpected stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: how a New Jersey-based soccer apparel company became the kit provider for Cape Verde and found itself at the center of a global phenomenon. Moreira shares the origin of Capelli Sport and how the company landed the Cape Verde deal, then takes listeners inside what it was actually like to be embedded with the team for an entire month: managing 150 boxes of kit inventory, watching goalkeeper Vozinha’s social media following explode from 45,000 to 30 million overnight, and sitting in the technical area as Cape Verde held Spain scoreless for 90 plus minutes in their opening match. Moreira also reflects on what the Cape Verde moment has meant for Capelli Sport’s business going forward, and why relationships and personalized service remain their edge against the giants of soccer apparel.Connect with George: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vgeorgemoreira/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  523: Janet Marie Smith on Designing the Fan Experience from Camden Yards to Dodger Stadium 04.08.2026 52dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Janet Marie Smith, EVP of Planning and Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers and co-founder of venue consulting firm Canopy Team, to discuss her remarkable career transforming some of America’s most iconic sports venues. Smith shares the origin story of her path into sports, from urban planning work at Battery Park City in New York to cold-calling Baltimore Orioles president Larry Lucchino and landing the job that produced Camden Yards (the ballpark widely credited with launching a new era of baseball stadium design). The conversation explores the philosophy behind Camden Yards and why its success came from treating the venue as an extension of the city rather than an isolated destination, a principle Smith has carried through subsequent work at Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium, and beyond. She discusses the Dodgers’ ongoing 14-year renovation journey, the creation of the two-and-a-half-acre center field plaza that now draws fans through new entrances, and how the balance of high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech amenities shapes the modern fan experience. Smith also weighs in on the debate between urban and suburban stadium development, shares her perspective on the mixed-use model pioneered by the Braves and Padres, and reflects on what the best international venues get right.Connect with Janet Marie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithjanetmarie/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  522: Liz Robbins on Writing "See It to Be It" with Billie Jean King 28.07.2026 46dk

  Joe Favorito welcomes award-winning journalist and author Liz Robbins to discuss her new book, See It to Be It: 11 Champions Leading Women’s Sports Today, written in collaboration with Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss. Robbins shares the origin story of the project, which began with a 50th anniversary piece she wrote for the International New York Times on the US Open’s milestone of achieving equal pay, and how a chance email to Kloss sparked a creative partnership that ultimately became the book. The conversation explores how Robbins and King selected the book’s eleven athletes, including Caitlin Clark, Naomi Osaka, Chelsea Gray, Mackenzie Coan, and flag football pioneer Diana Flores, balancing household names with emerging stars across a diverse range of sports, backgrounds, and identities. Robbins explains the philosophy behind the selections, emphasizing champions who are not only elite competitors but advocates driving change within and beyond their sports, and shares the stories behind some of the book’s most memorable moments, including two athletes who broke down in tears upon learning Billie Jean King wanted them involved. Robbins also reflects on her own career path from Cornell lacrosse player to New York Times reporter covering the NBA, the US Open, and immigration, and what she would tell young journalists today about storytelling, persistence, and the enduring power of knowing your subject deeply.Connect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-robbins-493277108/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  521: Disruptive Play's Michael Cohen and Jeff Nathenson Break Down the Sports Media Creator Economy 21.07.2026 1sa 20dk

  Tom Richardson welcomes Michael Cohen, founder of Disruptive Play and co-founder of Creator Sports Network, and Jeff Nathenson, partner at Disruptive Play and MD of Platforms at whynow, to discuss what they believe is the most consequential shift happening in sports media today: the rise of creator-led distribution and its implications for rights holders, broadcasters, and the next generation of fans. Cohen and Nathenson share the origin story of Disruptive Play and explain why they built a platform specifically to challenge the assumptions that have governed the industry for decades. The conversation digs into their thesis on creator-led media, arguing that it represents a system and mindset rather than simply a content format, drawing comparisons between Mr. Beast, the Savannah Bananas, and Walt Disney’s original vision for building IP ecosystems. They discuss Creator Sports Network, their venture that enables creators to legally stream live sports directly from their social channels, and why they believe this model solves two major problems for rights holders at once, reaching younger fans and generating net new commercial inventory. Cohen and Nathenson also tackle the looming generational challenge facing major sports leagues, asking what happens when an entire cohort of fans grows up never watching a live game, and why the traditional advertising model is increasingly incompatible with how Gen Z and Gen Alpha consume content.Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccohen/Connect with Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-nathenson-09abab3/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  520: Dan Mannix on How Underdog Is Disrupting the Sports Marketing Agency Model 14.07.2026 1sa 5dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome back Dan Mannix, Founder and Managing Partner of Underdog & Company, to discuss how his sports marketing agency has evolved into a multi-brand platform with investments, acquisitions, and a growing roster of clients across professional sports, college athletics, and experiential marketing. Mannix shares how Underdog’s partnership with NewSpring Capital has fueled a wave of acquisitions, including collegiate consulting firm Altius Sports Partners, experiential agency BeCore, and the launch of 40Love, a venture focused on the Olympics and content creators. The conversation digs into what makes Underdog & Company’s model different from the major holding companies, including its emphasis on senior leadership involvement, solutions-agnostic thinking, and a culture built around diverse perspectives and mentorship. Mannix reflects on working with Major League Baseball, the Clippers, and emerging sports properties, and explains why he believes agencies are more valuable than ever in a sports landscape defined by media fragmentation and NIL complexity. Mannix also shares candid advice for young people breaking into the industry, making the case for smaller agencies over big leagues as the best early career training ground, and why creative persistence beats the one-page resume every time.Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mannix-4ab0152/’Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  519: Mike "Wally" Walczewski on 37 Years as the Voice of the NBA Champion New York Knicks 30.06.2026 1sa

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Mike “Wally” Walczewski, better known as King Wally, the iconic public address announcer of the New York Knicks, to the show for a special episode celebrating the franchise’s 2026 NBA championship. One of only two primary PA announcers in Knicks history, Walczewski reflects on his 37-year career at MSG, what it felt like to announce a championship season, and his experience riding in the Canyon of Heroes parade alongside Knicks alumni. The conversation explores the craft behind the PA role, from how Walczewski develops his signature player introductions entirely on his own, to the unspoken coordination he maintains with MSG organist Ray Castaldi, whose 37-year partnership with Wally has become one of the most recognizable sounds in American sports. He also shares the story of how a single index card on a bulletin board at Fordham University led him to Sports Phone, the pioneering sports news service that launched the careers of some of broadcasting’s most recognizable voices, and ultimately to MSG. Walczewski closes with career advice drawn from decades in both sports and executive recruiting, emphasizing the power of networking at every level and the importance of understanding the culture of wherever you land.Learn More About Mike: http://mikewalczewski.comSubscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  518: Marc Horine on How For Soccer Is Powering the 2026 World Cup 24.06.2026 40dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome back Marc Horine, Chief Business Officer at For Soccer, for a special World Cup 2026 edition of the show, recorded as the tournament’s group stage wraps up across the United States. Horine discusses how For Soccer was built around the long-anticipated opportunity of hosting the World Cup in North America, and how the company has positioned itself at the center of the tournament’s business activity, from supporting the New York-New Jersey FIFA Host Committee’s fan events to producing in-stadium content for all 48 national teams. He shares insight into the brand activations driving the tournament, highlighting companies like Chobani and Allstate that are investing directly in underserved soccer communities, as well as standout campaigns like Nike’s viral short film. The conversation explores the expanded 48-team format and its impact on competitive balance, the energy of international fan bases descending on host cities, and the made-for-TV changes shaping the broadcast experience, including hydration breaks, expanded commentary teams, and FIFA’s rule changes designed to speed up gameplay. Horine, Favorito, and Richardson also discuss the ongoing debate over which announcing duos are resonating with fans, and how the tournament’s broadcast rights and ratings are tracking well ahead of the last World Cup cycle. Looking ahead, Horine addresses how brands and leagues, including MLS, are positioning themselves to capture lasting interest from this moment, the growing importance of engaging young fans and families early, and why For Soccer sees its role as translating the global soccer community for an expanding base of American sponsors and partners.Connect with Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchorine/?skipRedirect=trueSubscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  517: Adam Zimmerman on How the Atlanta Braves Built a Brand Beyond Baseball 16.06.2026 53dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Adam Zimmerman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content for the Atlanta Braves, to the show to discuss how one of baseball’s most innovative franchises has transformed its identity through mixed-use development, content strategy, and a bold approach to regional media. Zimmerman shares the story of how he joined the Braves ahead of the 2017 opening of Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta, and how the organization’s vision of commercial real estate as a team asset has reshaped the sports business landscape. The conversation explores how the Battery has evolved into a year-round destination drawing nearly 9 million visitors annually, attracting corporate headquarters, entertainment venues, and a diverse mix of retail and hospitality that extends the Braves brand well beyond game days. The discussion highlights the Braves’ creative approach to storytelling and content, from a viral Allen Iverson traffic campaign that broke through a major PR challenge, to the launch of Braves Country Fest and a growing partnership with country music star Ella Langley. Zimmerman explains how the organization uses the PESO model to manage paid, earned, shared, and owned media, and how its platform of Braves Country connects the team to fans across six southeastern states. Zimmerman also discusses the launch of Braves Vision, the team’s direct-to-consumer streaming network, and how a combination of over-the-air, traditional distribution, and streaming partnerships is expanding the team’s reach across the south. He reflects on the role of data and business intelligence in driving personalization at scale, the global growth of baseball, and how the 2026 FIFA World Cup is creating new opportunities to introduce international visitors to America’s pastime right in the Braves’ backyard.Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zimmerman-479685a/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  516: Danny Funt on the Hidden Costs of Legalized Sports Gambling 09.06.2026 1sa 13dk

  Tom Richardson welcomes journalist and author Danny Funt to the show to discuss his new book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, and the sweeping impact legalized sports betting has had on leagues, media companies, athletes, and fans. Drawing on years of reporting and research, Funt examines how professional sports leagues went from staunch opponents of gambling to some of its strongest supporters, and what that shift has meant for the modern sports business. The conversation explores the financial incentives that fueled the expansion of sports betting, the role media rights and audience engagement played in changing league attitudes, and the rise of companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Funt also discusses the growth of prediction markets, the overlap between sports betting and financial speculation, and how new platforms are reshaping consumer behavior and sports fandom. Funt takes a deeper look at some of the unintended consequences of the betting boom, including athlete harassment, player prop wagering, integrity concerns, and the growing pressure placed on professional and collegiate athletes. He also examines the challenges facing regulators, the influence of private equity and ownership groups, and the ethical questions surrounding the integration of gambling into broadcasts, media coverage, and fan experiences.Connect with Danny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-funt-2695b4a3/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  515: Steve Wasik on Growing VKTRY Gear from Startup to Acquisition 02.06.2026 48dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome VKTRY Gear CEO Steve Wasik to the show to discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the fastest-growing performance brands in sports. Wasik shares how VKTRY evolved from a family-owned Connecticut shoe business into a company trusted by athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and collegiate sports before recently being acquired by Dr. Scholl’s. The conversation explores the science behind VKTRY’s carbon fiber insole technology, how the product became popular among elite athletes, and why performance, injury prevention, and recovery have become increasingly important across all levels of sport. Wasik discusses the company’s origins with the U.S. Olympic bobsled and skeleton teams, the role athlete feedback played in product development, and how VKTRY built credibility in professional sports through word-of-mouth and measurable results. Wasik also reflects on his career in brand management, lessons learned from leading both large consumer brands and startup ventures, and the challenges of scaling a business through the COVID era. The discussion highlights VKTRY’s innovative social media strategy, its rapid growth on platforms like TikTok, and how a focus on customer experience helped transform a niche product into a nationally recognized sports performance brand.Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwasik/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  514: Jerome Allen on Player Engagement and the NBA’s Global Future 26.05.2026 51dk

  Tom Richardson welcomes Jerome Allen of the NBA to the show to discuss the evolving role of player engagement, and how the next generation of athletes are navigating NIL, media, and technology. A current Columbia Sports Management student and member of the NBA’s Player Engagement Operations team, Allen shares how experiences ranging from a year abroad in South Africa to working at Roc Nation shaped his career path and perspective on sports as a global business. The conversation explores Allen’s work with future, current, and former NBA, WNBA, G League, and BAL players, including mentorship initiatives for elite high school athletes, rookie transition programming, and team awareness meetings across the league. Allen discusses the NBA’s focus on holistic player development, the challenges young athletes face in the NIL and social media era, and the importance of meeting players where they are culturally and personally as the league becomes increasingly international. In addition, Allen reflects on the changing landscape of sports business education, arguing for a more globally integrated approach that connects fans and students to sports cultures around the world. He also shares thoughts on AI’s growing impact across the industry, the rise of athlete-driven media, and why communication and relationship-building skills remain essential in an increasingly technology-driven sports business environment.Connect with Jerome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-allen-a11149127/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  513: Melissa Jacobs Breaks Down the Youth Sports Industry 19.05.2026 1sa 2dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Melissa Jacobs to the show to discuss the current state of youth sports, the evolution of sports media, and why the NFL continues to dominate the sports and entertainment landscape. A longtime NFL writer and founder of The Football Girl, Jacobs discusses her transition from covering the league for outlets like Sports Illustrated, The Guardian, and the BBC to launching The Good Game, a Substack focused on the realities and pressures facing youth sports families today. The conversation explores the growing influence of private equity and travel sports, the rising costs associated with youth athletics, and the increasing pressure on young athletes and parents in the NIL era. Jacobs also shares insights into the challenges facing girls’ sports participation, the growth of flag football, and why so many kids leave organized sports by their early teens. Along the way, the group examines the role of coaching, the disconnect between youth soccer participation and fandom in the U.S., and how modern media platforms like Substack are reshaping sports journalism and community building. In addition, Joe and Tom discuss the NFL Draft’s continued media dominance, Amazon’s evolving sports viewing experience, the retirement of Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, and the changing economics surrounding youth and collegiate athletics.Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-jacobs-3333b32/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  512: Morgan Cato Talks Leading Player Operations at the NBPA 12.05.2026 51dk

  Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Morgan Cato, EVP of Player Operations at the National Basketball Players Association to the show, to discuss her unique journey through each side of the basketball business: from the NBA league office to the Phoenix Suns and now the players association. Cato shares insights on rookie development, mental wellness, NIL preparedness, player engagement, and the evolving support systems surrounding today’s athletes. The conversation explores how the NBPA helps players navigate everything from financial literacy and branding opportunities to mental health resources and career transitions. Cato reflects on the globalization of basketball, the realities young athletes face entering the league, and the importance of leadership, adaptability, and relationship-building in sports business. Cato also discusses her work with Pro Sports Assembly, the future of athlete development, and how leagues and organizations are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing sports landscape.Connect with Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-cato-60026b8/Subscribe to the CUSP Show: SubstackThe CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com
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  511: Harvey Schiller on the Life and Legacy of Ted Turner 07.05.2026 50dk

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