42: Andrew D. Bernstein on Photography, Basketball, and Inspiration

The Madhappy Podcast

Welcome to Episode 42 of The Madhappy Podcast. This week we are excited to welcome Andrew D. Bernstein, also known to us as Andy, onto the show to learn more about the evolution of his career, since his childhood in New York, throughout the Showtime Lakers Era, and now as one of the most established sports photographers in the world. Mason and Andy kick off the episode with a conversation about Andy’s childhood in Brooklyn and experiences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst prior to moving to the West Coast to pursue photography (4:56). Andy talks about the effects the move to Los Angeles and trying to make it as a photographer had on his mental health (13:58), before the two talk about Andy’s first big break photographing the 1983 NBA All Star game (20:00) which he used as a launching pad to working with the NBA and Lakers (24:28). Mason asks Andy more about the Showtime era (28:47) and how he handles the disappointment of missing a photo (31:33). The two talk about Andy’s experience as the photographer for the 1992 Olympic Dream Team and life as a traveling photographer (46:42). Andy talks about the sixth-gear (55:09) before the two wrap up as Mason asks Andy how he stays inspired (1:01:48) and his current routine to prioritize his mental health (1:05:37). We talk about some serious topics on this show. We are not professionals and are not giving advice. If you or someone you know needs help, please text start to 741741 and for additional resources please visit LocalOptimist.com/Get-Help The Madhappy Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Follow us: @Madhappy | @LocalOptimist Visit us: Madhappy.com | LocalOptimist.com