SportsEpreneur
Sports brought us together — now let’s talk about it. Leaders, athletes, creators, and entrepreneurs in and around sports. Business, media, NIL, culture, and mental health. A SportsE Media production.
What the NIL Gold Rush Got Wrong | Stephen Bienko of 42U
When NIL took off, most of the attention went to deals, collectives, and monetization. Much less attention went to the person behind it all: the athlete, their identity, and whether they are actually being prepared for what comes next.
In this episode, Eric talks with Stephen Bienko, co-founder and CEO of 42U, about the gap between athlete value and athlete development. The conversation touches NIL, the transfer portal, brand equity, leadership in college athletics, financial literacy, and the life skills that still matter most.
What Stephen Bienko and Eric Discuss:
Stephen’s tr...Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Chaos & Why NFL Fans Are All Delusional | Saviors & Sports
Quick Summary
Eric and Jared try to make sense of the Cleveland Browns, front office dysfunction across the NFL, and why every fan base believes they suffer more than anyone else. Baker, Stafford, Shadur, the 49ers, Vegas lines, billionaire owners, and the eternal misery of the Vikings all make an appearance.
This is a 12-minute sports-only segment clipped from Saviors of the Metaverse — now living in the SportsE feed where it belongs.
Listen to the full Saviors of the Metaverse episode: The Running Man Review Through the Lonely Eyes of a Ge...
21% of College Students Use Education Money to Bet on Sports
More than one in five college students are using financial aid to gamble on sports. This is money meant for tuition, housing, and books.
In this episode, Eric Kasimov examines how this is happening, why it’s growing, and what it reveals about college culture, mental health, and the expanding reach of sports betting.
This is an audio edition of the SportsEpreneur article, How College Financial Aid Fuels Sports Betting Addiction | A Hidden Crisis — written and read by Eric Kasimov.
Episode Highlights
21% of college students admit to using financial aid money...How Bad Calls Fuel the NFL
The NFL doesn’t need perfect refs — it needs conversation.
Every bad call, missed flag, and replay controversy keeps fans talking, networks buzzing, and revenue climbing.
In this episode, SportsEpreneur unpacks how the league turned chaos into currency, and why the outrage over NFL “rigging” might actually be part of the plan.
This is an audio edition of the SportsEpreneur article “The NFL Officiating Problem Is a Money-Making Scheme.”
Written and read by Eric Kasimov — bringing sports, business, and commentary together in a storytelling and easy-to-consume format.
Episode Highlights
How “bad calls” drive...College Athletes Can Now Bet on Pro Sports | What Could Go Wrong
The NCAA just changed its rules. College athletes and staff can now legally bet on professional sports. College games? Still off-limits.
In this episode, Eric Kasimov breaks down what the NCAA’s new policy really means, why enforcement is impossible, and how this decision could collide with NIL money, insider access, and college sports culture.
It’s not just a rule change — it’s the NCAA quietly admitting it’s lost control.
This episode is an audio edition of a SportsEpreneur article — written and read by Eric Kasimov — bringing sports, business, and commentary together in a...
How the NBA Made the Lakers Worth $10 Billion | Audible Style
The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic in a deal that stunned the league — months before the franchise was sold for a record-setting $10 billion.
Coincidence? Or did the NBA help engineer this moment to inflate the Lakers’ value before the sale? Of course they did.
In this SportsE original, we breakdown the timing and strategy behind one of the most suspiciously perfect business moves in NBA history.
Inside the Episode:
The “gift” trade that brought Luka to LA Why the Lakers’ $10B valuation raised eyebrows — and franchise values across the NBA The...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 store as a teenager 02:43 – Why being passionate matters for entrepreneurs 05:17 – Meeting industry leaders on their way up 07:22 – Creating footwear for essential workers 10:49 – Carbon negative products and supply chain innovation 15:18 – Rethinking how products are made 20:11 – Getting into REI and major retailers 31:13 – Learning entrepreneurship from an immigrant hustler 37:44 – From stru...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 professional sports and enter a new chapter of life, including his latest ventures like FORM, a basketball training tool that’s changing how young players learn to shoot.
Gordon keeps it real about life after basketball, staying in shape, youth sports, the co...
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 the camera with Bob Steinfeld, a 10-time Emmy-winning sports producer whose career has spanned four decades of unforgettable sports moments. Bob’s journey has brought countless iconic moments to life, from directing the San Antonio Spurs’ championship runs and cover...
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 for athletes, teams, and coaches. Together, they explore the power of resilience, leadership, and culture change in sports psychology, and discuss how mental health and performance are interwoven in today’s sports landscape.
Dr. Gunter highlights how the NBA & WNBA Mi...
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 overcoming adversity and redefining her identity resonated with millions when her commencement speech went viral, amassing over 40 million views across TikTok and many social media platforms.
This is the Athlete Mindset podcast, which explores mental health in sports. It is pre...
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 this form of entertainment.
In this eye-opening episode, we trace the meteoric rise of sports betting in America and confront the growing crisis of gambling addiction. From Supreme Court decisions to Super Bowl wagers, discover how betting has become as...
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 experiences with suicide, including her own attempt in 2017 and the loss of her sister, Victoria, by suicide in 2022. The conversation explores the pressures of professional fighting, the importance of mental health awareness in combat sports, and how Fight Story aims to revolutionize...
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. 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!”
“Br...
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...
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 enti...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 who...
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 t...
Lisa Bonta Sumii on the Importance of Therapy
Thank you for...
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 most teams winning, focusing on the NBA’s structure and the historical championship droughts of teams like the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Phoenix Suns. Fan optimism vs. reality: Addressing the paradox of unwavering fan support despite the long odds against championship victories. Proposing that the l...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 these principles have shaped her career and success. Danita shares her unique perspective on the process over outcome, the importance of being a “professional friend,” her addiction to building and growing in her field, and how confidence, pressure, and purpose intert...
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 Prime Regional Sports Streaming audible style episode:
Amazon’s investment in Diamond Sports (owner of Bally Sports) is a major shift for fans of 37 professional MLB, NBA, and NHL teams. The potential of Amazon Prime’s streaming technology is a massive up...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 rage about the following topics:
When your team loses! Nothing fun about that, right? Or maybe that’s the point… how else can a Cleveland Browns or Buffalo Bills fan handle the end of a season?
The Carolina Panthers. From bad...
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 for a game-changing conversation that’s reshaping athlete well-being.
Now Available: The AthMindset® Workbook: Training Your Mind for Optimal Mental Health in Sport and in Life by Dr Tiana Woolridge MD MPH and Lisa Bonta Sumii LCSW
Here’...
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 as a clinician, and how he leads as a coach of a girls’ high school soccer team.
Topics discussed in “Bringing Lived Experience to Clinical Work with Derek Bylsma”:
Derek shares his story of becoming a mental health...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 different, fame, and experiencing isolation and depression after success at the Olympics. What made a difference for Allison: seeking therapy after a breakdown during a swimming meet. Alison emphasizes the importance of continuing the conversation about mental health. Allison credits...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 rage about the following topics:
NFL International
The NFL (aka NFL International) has been playing games in England and Germany, and they are simply crushing it.
Baker Mayfield
Jared’s favorite quarterback may have a new home, but Ja...
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, expectations, and perception in the media-verse.
Introduction to the young CEO of a publicly traded company CEO’s passion for the New York Knicks RJ Barrett’s expectation, reality, and just playing basketball Spotlight on Ja Morant and decision-making The challenges of young...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 believes in podcasts.
Episode Highlights from “Why This Former Athlete Believes In Podcasts”
Telling Your Story: Podcasting allows former athletes to communicate their experiences, the highs, and the lows, in an authentic manner. Ripple Effect: Understand the profound impact even a sing...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, Dr. Korem uses his in-depth knowledge and experience to provide realistic, science-backed guidance for everyday people seeking to improve their health and wellness.
In this conversation with Dr. Erik Korem of AIM7, we discuss:
His days playing college football at Texas A...Mississippi State University + Dr. James Barnes | Education, Youth Sports, and Marketing Insight
At the intersection of sports and business sits Mississippi State University’s associate extension professor of economics and online marketing coach, Dr. James Barnes. Dr. James Barnes is a Storybrand Certified Marketing Guide, the Director of the Bricks-To-Clicks Marketing Program at Mississippi State University, a youth basketball coach, and an author. Drawing upon his unique expertise and easygoing attitude, Dr. Barnes makes room for a conversation that explores the parallels between sports and business, shedding light on the importance of perseverance, a positive mindset, and the transformative power of marketing in today’s fast-changing economy.
In this Spor...
Hockey Goes South
In this episode of The Sports Backdrop podcast, we chat with Chris Heivly, a successful entrepreneur (co-founder of MapQuest), and an ardent lover of hockey. Chris resides in the Raleigh, North Carolina area — after spending 10 years in the bustling city of Chicago (and before that, the northeast). This hockey goes south episode is about growing up with hockey, the impact of hockey on family, and hockey culture. We also discuss cities, moving, and life decisions. Cities mentioned: Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Boulder, Chicago, Buffalo, Lancaster, PA.
Key Discussion Points in This Episode
Life Decisions and Mo...
Sports Culture | England vs USA
TL;DR: In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Eric Kasimov (USA) and Jim James (England) compare sports culture across the Atlantic—from promotion and relegation to college athletics, youth sports, and career paths. Using football (soccer) as the lens, the conversation explores how sports systems shape business, education, and opportunity in very different ways.
Sports Culture Across the Atlantic
Across the Atlantic, there is a unique sports culture. And no matter what side of the Atlantic you are on, England’s or the USA’s, the sports culture is fas...
Athletes to Entrepreneurs
This is a unique guest-hosted episode of the Sports Backdrop. And it’s all about life after sports… Athletes to Entrepreneurs.
Recently I have had the opportunity to connect with and spend time with Rob Finkelstein, all thanks to Tim Claiborne and his Lockerroom sports group. Rob is the CEO & Founder of Alumni Direct. And he is the host of the podcast Athletes to Entrepreneurs. We’re bringing an episode of his show to the SportsEpreneur platform because it’s all about sports, entrepreneurship, and mental health. And with that, here’s a special episode of athletes to entrepr...
Saviors & Sports | NFL Sunday Ticket and Rooting for Losers
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 rage about the following topics:
The NFL Sunday Ticket Shake-Up
Diving into the pricing chaos surrounding YouTube TV’s takeover of NFL Sunday Ticket and what it means for football fans everywhere.
The Red Zone Channel
A newbie...
Exploring the Sports Betting Market
In this eye-opening episode, we discuss the ever-growing sports betting market, exploring its potential for growth, innovation, and profitability. We also tackle the darker aspects of the industry, such as the impact on mental health, sports betting addiction, and the potential for corruption. Tune in as we break down the latest trends and analyze what the future holds for sports betting enthusiasts and investors alike.
The full transcription for this episode can be found at the bottom of this episode page.
Main Topics Discussed:
The explosive growth of the sports betting market Technological innovations...The Unstoppable Drive of Dre Baldwin | Basketball & Entrepreneurship
In this power-packed episode of The Sports Backdrop podcast, we explore the life and mind of Dre Baldwin, also known as Dre All Day. From his humble beginnings as a self-taught basketball player to becoming a successful entrepreneur and content creator, Dre shares the principles, dedication, and determination that have fueled his unstoppable drive on his unstoppable journey.
In our “unstoppable drive” conversation, we cover:
Thrilling stories from Dre’s basketball playing days The art of selling yourself and making an impact The current state of basketball and its future An insightful look into all things basket...The Future of Sports Betting with Frontrunner’s Neil Zhang | A $231 Billion Industry!
The world of sports betting is ridiculously big. According to Statista, the global sports betting industry reached $231 Billion in 2022. And it’s growing fast! We have to talk about it…
In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we chat with Neil Zhang, the founder and CEO of Frontrunner. Frontrunner is a trailblazing decentralized sports prediction market set to revolutionize the way fans, investors, and sports betting enthusiasts engage with sports.
Discover how Frontrunner combines finance, sports betting, and blockchain technology to create a unique, dynamic experience for users. We cover everything including the impact of bett...
Coach Jim Tressel’s Legacy: A Buckeye’s Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver
The Athlete Mindset podcast presents a conversation with Ohio State Buckeye, Nate Oliver. Nate was a key member of the 2007 to 2011 Ohio State Buckeye football program under legendary coach, Jim Tressel. Nate and Lisa discuss the influence of life-changing mentorship on collegiate athletes.
(a quick ask: a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way!)
Conversation list from “Coach Jim Tressel’s Legacy: A Buckeye’s Story of Life-Changing Mentorship | Nate Oliver”:
Coach Jim Tressel – more than a coach — he was a father figure Social life differs as we age The importance of relations...Coping With Emotions After Witnessing the Damar Hamlin Traumatic Event
At this point, we’ve all seen or at least heard about what happened in the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football game in early January 2023. Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety for the Bills suffered cardiac arrest after what seemed like a routine tackle. Damar collapsed on the field in front of millions of people watching. Such an event has an impact on the mental health of all of the players on the field, coaches, other teams, fans, and everyone watching the game.
In this conversation, we invited a mental health professional to discuss coping wi...
