It’s Super Bowl Sunday, but before we get to all the amazing content and storytelling we enjoyed during our three days on what used to be Radio Row, now Media Row in New Orleans, here are three recent pods of impact that touch on everything from grit to entrepreneurialism to the growing space of collectibles on every level. You can now find our pods, over nine years worth, on Substack where we are one of the few audio sites covering the business of sports. Enjoy, listen, and subscribe, or at the very least, send us suggestions for future guests!
Visiting a life that keeps rebounding for good. Tamir Goodman, was famously dubbed “The Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated in 1999 but his ride to the NBA didn’t go as planned. The result was a 25 year entrepreneurial journey that may be more interesting, entertaining and thoughtful than what the hype of college hoops could have brought. A former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, coach, consultant, and motivational speaker, Tamir shares insights from his remarkable journey including his challenges with dyslexia. He reflects on his basketball career, including playing professionally in Israel for Maccabi Tel-Aviv and how the legendary coach David Blatt gave him a new outlook on the game, and the valuable lessons he learned under the spotlight at a young age. Tamir also delves into his transition from the court to the business world following a series of injuries, discussing his innovations such as the Zone190 trainer and Aviv Net, as well as his dedication to inspiring the next generation through youth basketball camps. Catch the conversation here.
Collecting the past with an eye on the future. We talked to Steve Ziff, CEO of Cllct, the premium destination for collectibles culture, which he is expanding with his team and founder Darren Rovell. We dive deep into the business of collectibles and the reimagining of the industry in the current era. Collectibles are not merely tangible that sit on your mantelpiece. For every collector there is a story behind every piece of memorabilia – a story waiting to be told. Cllct helps deliver those compelling stories, and the industry insights and innovative experiences associated with them and are really reinventing how teams, leagues and other parties tell their history, one piece at a time..Collect some new insight here.
Bringing clarity to the vision challenged. Lastly we met Thomas Panek, President and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a globally recognized leader in canine development and training. Guiding Eyes has pioneered advancements in the service animal field, including creating the first specialized training program for running guide dogs. Blind since his early twenties, Thomas is also an accomplished marathoner, having completed the Boston Marathon more than seven times. He made history as the first blind person to finish the NYRR United Airlines Half Marathon in NYC with a relay team of guide dogs. In this episode, Thomas shares insights into the transformative work being done at Guiding Eyes and discusses how technological innovations are enhancing lives in remarkable ways and how teams like the Portland Trailblazers are innovating fan engagement with things like low vision partnerships and the use of AI to bring a new light on sports for those who can’t see well..listen and be enlightened too.
Enjoy em all, and keep sharing.
