The Sports Backdrop
KazSource, Inc
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.
Episodes (154)
8 months ago • Duration an hour
A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
“Sneaker” Steve Patino shares his journey from sneaker enthusiast to footwear industry innovator, discussing how his passion for shoes evolved into a mission to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing. “Sneaker” Steve is the founder of Ales Gray. Chapters: 00:00 – The future of business and creating a positive legacy 01:02 – Working for free at a sneaker ... Read more
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10 months ago • Duration an hour
Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today
What happens when an NBA All-Star hangs up his jersey? In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Eric connects with Gordon Hayward, a former player for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Now an entrepreneur and family man, Gordon shares his perspective on what it means to move on from ... Read more
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10 months ago • Duration an hour
Behind the Scenes of Iconic Sports Moments with Legendary Producer Bob Steinfeld
Featured Guest: Robert “Bob” Steinfeld, Emmy Award-Winning Sports Producer, Author of 3…2…1…We’re On the Air “The people that make it to the top respect the work of those around them.” – Bob Steinfeld “You’ve gotta dominate where you can.” — Tim Duncan to Bob Steinfeld “Every game has a story.” – Bob Steinfeld Go behind ... Read more
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a year ago • Duration a month
Athlete Mindset | NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter
In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote well-being ... Read more
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a year ago • Duration 32 minutes
Athlete Mindset | Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O'Connor
In this powerful episode of Athlete Mindset, “Who You Are, Not What You Do,” host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Kelsey O’Connor, a motivational speaker, former D1 student-athlete, and recent North Carolina State University social work graduate. Kelsey shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery following a career-ending head injury. Her story of ... Read more
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a year ago • Duration 16 minutes
Sports Betting Uncovered: Explosive Growth, Advertising, and Addiction
This is the Sports Betting Uncovered podcast series. Part of The Sports Backdrop podcast on SportsE Media. Welcome to the high-stakes world of sports betting as we explore its explosive growth and the shadowy underbelly of addiction. Our fearless podcast host, Chaz, uncovers the journey from prohibition to proliferation and the price we’re paying for ... Read more
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a year ago • Duration 34 minutes
Athlete Mindset | Angela Lee Pucci's Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution
In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Angela Lee Pucci, a retired professional MMA fighter, six-time MMA world champion, and founder of Fight Story. Angela Lee opens up about her journey from the world of combat sports to becoming a mental health advocate. She shares her personal ... Read more
The post Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution appeared first on SportsEpreneur.
a year ago • Duration an hour
Athlete Mindset | 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. ... Read more
The post Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader appeared first on SportsEpreneur.
a year ago • Duration a month
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, ... Read more
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a year ago • Duration 3 minutes
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 ... Read more
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a year ago • Duration 10 minutes
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 ... Read more
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a year ago • Duration 11 minutes
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. ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 12 minutes
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 ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 6 minutes
Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports
This is an audible-style blog post on embracing the now in sports — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Championship or Bust.” And it focuses on why the moment matters. Exploring the universal sentiment of sports fans’ championship aspirations across various cities and sports levels. We highlight the statistical improbability of ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 30 minutes
Athlete Mindset | Danita Johnson, D.C. United, President of Business Operations
In this empowering episode of Athlete Mindset, we’re honored to host Danita Johnson, a trailblazer in the world of sports. As the President of Business Operations for D.C. United, Danita brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the forefront. We discuss the core themes of consistency, communication, and commitment. And then explore how ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 3 minutes
Audible Style | Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming
This is an audible-style blog post on Amazon Prime regional sports streaming — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Amazon Prime Saves Bally Sports and Sports Fans Everywhere.” This episode explains Amazon Prime’s transformative role in sports media and its impact on fans and blackout restrictions. Topics touched on in Amazon ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 11 minutes
Saviors & Sports | When Your Team Loses
Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration an hour
Duke University’s Approach to Athlete Mental Health with Dr. Aaron Goodson
Meet Duke University’s Dr. Aaron Goodson, the driving force behind Duke University’s Mental Health and Performance Department. In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we explore the vital significance of embedding clinical mental health and mental performance consultation services within athletic departments, the importance of racial and ethnic representation among practitioners, and much more. Join us ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 33 minutes
Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma
This episode features Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center, Derek Bylsma. This episode is about bringing lived experience to clinical work, suicide prevention and awareness, and addressing the mental health stigma that still exists today. In this Athlete Mindset podcast, Derek also discusses mental health in young athletes, his background ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 37 minutes
Allison Schmitt | 10-Time Olympic Medalist on Mental Health
Allison Schmitt, a professional swimmer and 10-time Olympic medalist shares her journey in swimming, her experiences at the Olympics, and her passion for sports and mental health. In this episode: Allison shares the profound impact her cousin’s tragic suicide had on her — it’s what fueled Allison’s passion for mental health. Allison talks about feeling ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 8 minutes
Saviors & Sports | NFL International, QB Talk, Cleveland, and the city of Pittsburgh
Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment. Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 5 minutes
Young CEO of Publicly Traded Company on RJ Barrett and Ja Morant
A short conversation with Saagar Govil, the young CEO of Cemtrex (NASDAQ: CETX). CEOs and athletes may be in the limelight, but just like everyone else, they are people. This CEO happens to be a New York Knicks fan. So naturally, we talk about RJ Barrett and Ja Morant — including their rise to stardom, ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 7 minutes
Why This Former Athlete Believes In Podcasts
Podcasts have become an influential medium in the sports world, bridging gaps between athletes, enthusiasts, and the media. It goes deeper than that though. Former athletes, for example, have so many stories to share. In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we discuss why podcasts resonate so powerfully today, and specifically why this former athlete ... Read more
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2 years ago • Duration 39 minutes
Simplifying Sports Science and Overcoming Adversity with Dr. Erik Korem, Founder of AIM7
In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we’re joined by a sports scientist who is bridging the gap between data and action in the wearable tech and mHealth space, Dr. Erik Korem. With over 15 years of experience as a High Performance director in collegiate football and the NFL, and as the founder of AIM7, ... Read more
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