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 leadershi…

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 Bo…

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 Dur…

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. Jerr…

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…

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 t…

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 improbabi…

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 expl…

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 Ama…

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 fol…

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 represe…

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 discusse…

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 fee…

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 fol…

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-vers…

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 athle…

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 e…

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 a…

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…

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 fascinating. Everything from relegation, history, depth, drafts, transfer windows, passion, youth sports, and much more. In the latest episode of “The Sports Backdrop” podcast, Eric Kasimov of the …

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 podc…

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 fol…

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 …

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 …

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 m…

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…

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 …

A conversation with the director and producer of the essential documentary, Medicating Normal. We talk a lot about mental health on this platform, so we have to discuss with Lynn Cunningham the medication side of mental health. It’s clear there is a need for more awareness of the potential effects of medications. It’s also necessary to continue to …

If you listen to anything today, listen to this important story and message from the non-profit founder of We’re All A Little Crazy: #SameHere Global Mental Health Movement, Eric Kussin. We are all going through something. And each story is unique. This episode is taken from our Raw, Authentic, and Vulnerable podcast series. It’s too critical not t…

Helping Elite Athletes Transition to a Productive Sales Career | with Founder and CEO of Shift Group, JR Butler The greatest achievement–pulling off one of the more incredible upsets in your sport. In sports, it is so much about moments like these. But then how do you continue to achieve in other areas of life including your work career? In this ep…

Former Brazilian footballer combines Brazilian football and NFTs at the youth level. As our guest, Bruno Pessoa says, “football is like religion” in Brazil. So enabling the connection between fans and players makes so much sense with new Web3 technology like NFTs. What if we told you there’s a digital way of investing in young Brazilian footballers…

The sports metaverse has arrived and SimWin Sports is changing the game! It’s predicted that by the year 2030, the metaverse market size will be $824 Billion! And with what SimWin Sports is building and who is involved, you have to pay attention. And we have to talk about it… Luckily, we get to talk to the architect of legendary brands and the Chie…

Cybersecurity for web3 is going to be massive. Security is already a $132 Billion industry–we have to talk about it… Do you lock your car doors? Of course you do. If your car and the items in it are important enough to protect, shouldn’t these bits of digital information be worthy of protecting: bank account passwords, private information, and othe…

Per a Market Decipher report, the Collectibles market size was estimated at $402 billion in 2021! This figure is expected to go beyond $1 Tillion by 2032. The fastest-growing segment? Digital NFT Market Collectibles. These NFT collectibles have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% during this forecast period. (here’s the report) We clearly…

Fantasy sports is a $20 billion industry. And The Fantasy Football Counselor (aka Joseph Robert K’amo) is coming for it! In this SportsE+ podcast episode, we talk with The Fantasy Football Counselor himself — and he makes it known that he is the best there is in fantasy football. He provides his own unique style that is filled with confidence, hone…

“College basketball is on an island.” – Coach Alan Major in conversation with Fran Fraschilla Who better to talk to about the practical and essential changes college basketball needs to make in order to evolve and keep up with basketball globally. In today’s game, college basketball is just one of the options that exist before entering the NBA. It …

There is a lack of available therapists right now. Mental health awareness seems to be at an all-time high — and that makes it a challenge in finding a therapist. It’s a therapist shortage. There are many reasons for that. And this conversation featuring mental health professional, Derek Bylsma, focuses on that and more. In this SE podcast episode,…

“Creating a platform where females feel empowered.” -Sydney Supple Sydney is a rising senior at Northwestern University. Born and raised in Oshkosh, WI. Three-time Gatorade Player of the Year for Wisconsin and State Champion her senior year. She committed to Northwestern in 8th grade and she is a pitcher, first baseman, and designated hitter for th…

Providing athletes of all ages the opportunity to own their own moment — with NFT Players cards. A Web3 podcast conversation with DPC Labs Founder and CEO, Daniel Pardo. Topics: Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Buckeyes Name Image and Likeness The landscape and future of college sports Sports bring people together Crypto bear market Providing …

Hard work and effort. Sounds easy. Sounds boring. Tom Murphy, catcher for the Seattle Mariners proves it is anything but easy and boring. Any ball player and any individual looking for a calming and inspiring influence would do well to watch how Tom carries himself on and off the field. In an effort to amplify great people, we bring you this remast…

From significant injury as a soccer goalkeeper > to noticing a lack of resources > to leading the athlete mental health team for Team USA. And so much work and stories in between it all. Senior Director of Psychological Services at USOPC and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Denver, Dr. Jessica Bartley chats with Lisa Bonta-Sumii, L…

“I care about being a better person.” – Josh Beauregard-Bell NBA Agent, Josh Beauregard-Bell chats with Lisa Bonta-Sumii, LCSW, CSW in this episode about the life of an NBA agent. So often, the public assumes that sports agents are in it for all the wrong reasons. But then you hear a conversation like this–and remember, there are great people in th…

The way you show up in the world is reflective of your character. That is exactly what Trey Wertz and his father Langston Wertz Jr. strive to do every day — show up and be good citizens. Join us for this special episode that shines a spotlight on what it means to truly dedicate yourself completely on and off the court. Trey and Langston epitomize c…

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle This is an episode all about redemption. This redemption story started with support. And this conversation features Mental Health & Sports Performance Coach, Lisa Bonta Sumii sharing space with Marques Ogden. Marques is a former NFL player and now an inspirational k…

“Edge perspective on the inevitable future of NFTs” – @m3tafive on Twitter Anyone following the NFT space sees the impact it’s having on the sports world. So we talk about it all in this episode: Web 2.5 Decentralized Multi-sig wallets Physical art to NFTs Security concerns with NFTs Smart contracts and royalties NFTs for sports event ticketing CPG…

“Prioritize your own mental health.” -Reina Bonta In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii shares space with Yale Women’s Soccer Student-Athletes, Mia Grillo and Reina Bonta. Learn more about each of these amazing young women on their Yale Soccer Page: Mia Grillo | Reina Bonta Mia and Reina’s support for each other, their teammates, and their own mental h…

“The credit belongs to the ‘person’ who is actually in the arena”. -Theodore Roosevelt. In this episode, I chat with Matt Doherty, North Carolina Tar Heel, former College Basketball Coach, and college basketball national champion. While this conversation took place during the pandemic, the Tar Heels are making a visit to the 2022 Final Four, so we …

Teresa Brown shares space with Lisa Bonta Sumii in this episode of SportsEpreneur for a candid discussion about mental health–specifically struggles related to body dysmorphia. She is a high-performing powerlifter, and she also works as an elementary school teacher. Her passion for the sport and for teaching truly shines through in her voice. A maj…

The creativity happening in the NFT space is fascinating! So when my guys at Distinction Agency reached out about a conversation with one of the founders of OutKast NFT, I was all over it! You must see what they are creating at OutKast NFT. Web3 | So Many Questions! | Let’s Start a Podcast Series Web3 is happening so fast—or at least that’s what it…

Celebrating Black Heritage Month with the first black president of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). “We can cope with adversity and we can navigate uncertainty. And maintain our health and wellness and in some instances, thrive, even in the midst of challenging situations.” (19:53) – Dr. Kensa Gunter In this AthMindset episode, …