Between The Fur

Talk about going deep... Barry, the artist formerly known as "BENNY THE BULL" from the Chicago Bulls, dives deep into the art of being a professional mascot.  Barry reveals how he brought Benny to life and the mental and physical effort it took!  Checkout what Barry is up to now! -Custom Costumes:  orders@chigacocostume.com / ChicagoCostumes.com -JigSaw Entertainment:  barry@ju...

The one and only Rufus from the short-lived Charlotte Bobcats.  Hear him tell of his journey to the NBA, his 9 years with the Bobcats, his book Belayed Gratification, and a starstruck Jessica Simpson and her parents.    CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK @BTFmascots

Chris Ernest drops a couple shockers in this episode!  I was totally caught off guard when he spoke of his childhood! It was a true pleasure to speak to the man who worked his way in to the mascot world and the NBA. I learned that there really is a soft heart behind that crazy FUR BALL!! Thank You for listening! CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK - @BTFmascots 

Eric McMahon ("GRIZZ"),  Jon Absey (former "JAZZ BEAR"),  Barry Anderson (former "BENNY THE BULL"), and I share some memorable and amusing mascot mishaps and stories at the 2019 Mascot Conference in Memphis TN. (Bleeps are added to this episode to cover up language and names keeping current mascots identity private.)  

What an honor it was to have THE KING, Jerry Lawler, as the guest speaker at the 2019 NBA Mascot Conference in Memphis, TN! Jerry is in the WWE Hall of Fame and is a Color Commentator, he has also appeared in several movies including MAN ON THE MOON.  In his speech he tells of his experiences with Mascots, the late Hollywood Star ANDY KAUFMAN, and Late Night with DAVID LETTERMAN. We were all...

A chat with the legendary and current Kansas City Chiefs Mascot KC WOLF!  Dan Meers is the first NFL Mascot featured on Between the Fur.  Dan talks of his work in the community, philanthropy, 30 year career, and how his near death injury has been a blessing overall.  As we chatted about his 70 ft. fall, I get the opportunity to clear the air about the time I got hung from the catwal...

In a way these two gentlemen "Brought me into this world!"  Tom Sapp is the Designer and Creator of hundreds of mascots and characters around the globe. Wayne and Tom have worked together developing characters like the Denver Nuggets mascot ROCKY and the Pistons HOOPER to name a few.  It was a ton of fun chatting with these two geniuses and sharing stories of successes and me almost dyin...

An unbelievable story of a man behind a mask cheating death.  Eric McMahon shares his eerie, jaw dropping story of his battle with cancer and how his team, town and fellow mascots rallied around him.  You will be saddened, angry, and inspired as Eric takes you on this personal journey. FOLLOW: Facebook @BTFmascots

It seems like most Mascots have an uncommon childhood. Ned and Georgia (Mom & Dad) are my biggest supporters and always have been! In this episode we talk about my hero's, and influencers, and how I was a Mascot from DAY ONE! They tell of my early childhood, gymnastics in the backyard, how a couple of professional mimes helped shape my future, and some bonus stories about Shaq and Magic Johnso...

Former NBA mascot "CLUTCH" for the Houston Rockets talks about "Mascot University", the mindset of a successful mascot, key elements of entertainment and more.  This is a high energy, information packed, conversation with one of the best entertainers in the business. A MUST listen for any and all pro sports entertainers, managers and fans!    

Kit Ackermann is currently LUCKY in more ways than one!  He tells of his journey to the pros and how a baseball player turned into a dunking mascot that speaks. The Boston Celtics thought outside the box when they decided to create a character who's face is the face of the mascot. Apparently Kit has a face for mascoting! It was fun to hear the different experiences he has opposed to those of maske...

The living legend himself!! Dave tells of his ground breaking time with the Philadelphia Phillies as the famous Philly Phanatic.  His stories of how his father inspired him, the relationships he built with fans, the Mascot Hall of Fame and more, will no doubt entertain and inspire you!  One of my favorite stories involves one of my childhood heros, Tommy Lasorda.  Dave also gives me...

A chat with the man who made HUGO/SUPER HUGO the Charolette Hornets mascots an international icon.  Mike takes us through his journey sharing stories of his start, Mascot Dunk Contests at All Star, celebrities, international travel, playing two characters at once, and more!  Mike is a great  example of what commitment to a character and brand is all about! He explains how he pushed...

Miguel Vargas, truly a "Jack of all trades" tells of his time as the New Jersey Nets mascot SLY and more!  Stories of international travel, spontaneous crowd work, and what goes on inside the fur, etc.  Miguel has not only been an NBA mascot but has done TV and Movie work.  He worked his way up through the ranks of NASCAR, and is currently the game presentation director for the Caro...

"A lot of people would give anything to get in these suites." - Wes Lockard This episode features one of the all time funniest guys in and out of a costume. Wes Lockard shares some stories of being a mascot in the NBA during the early days. Everything from being a mascot with no name to several court cases. He reveals heart felt experiences with his community, purposing to his wife, stories of Pat...

Formerly with the Atlanta Hawks, one of my favorite people and podcasts so far!  Stories from the 80's and 90's, how Wayne played a key role in my career, Harry the Hawk stories and more! FOLLOW: Facebook @BTFmascots

Every great mascot has a great assistant. Dominic is "The Rocket Man" for the Houston Rockets and is the Assistant / Baby Sitter / Sidekick / Body Guard for "Clutch". Dominic has had the opportunity to become one of the best in the league and put himself in the spotlight around the NBA. 

This episode features retired Kevin Vanderkolk, the man who put the Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango on the map. Kevin gives insight on Hulu's "Behind The Mask", the NBA All-Star Game, how he pulled off the Ladder Back-flip Dunk, and what he's up to now.

In this Episode the current mascot for the Memphis Grizzlies "GRIZZ" tells his story along with Zoli who was the Mascot for the Wizards and other NBA mascots. We also get to hear a little bit from another current mascot from the ****RS. This interview to place at the NBA Mascot Conference 2018 in the weight room in the hotel the conference was held in, in SLC. The interview was filmed as well so l...

In this Episode the former mascot for the Utah Jazz the "Bear" tells his story of his rise to fame! A great story of hard work, philanthropy, influence! "THE BEAR" is known for his big stunts, big props, sledding down the steps of his arena, blowing stuff up, and caring for the community. He is of the best for a reason... Enjoy!

Marc Taylor, retired mascot for the OKC THUNDER, Seattle SONICS and the Seattle STORM tells his TALE of his rise to NBA Stardom, shares some great stories about his time with these teams, and what he's up to now! 

Current NBA mascot, Kenn talks with ROBERT BOUDWIN, former Houston Rockets mascot, "Clutch". An inspirational journey to becoming an NBA mascot, success in the community, and beyond the fur. Robert is the definition of wild and crazy!

Former NBA mascot for the Orlando MAGIC and Detroit PISTONS tells his story and his tales with DWIGHT HOWARD. Scott Hesington, a man of FUR and more!

Rob Wicall, former San Antonio Spurs Mascot, "The Coyote", shares his story of before, during, and after being one of the NBA's premier mascots, for one of the NBA's best teams. Hosted by KENN- current professional NBA mascot.

John Cudo, former mascot for the Cleveland Cavaliers known as "MOONDOG" and "CRUNCH" for the Timberwolves. One of my good friends from the beginning of my professional career. John is one of a kind, a great performer, father, and friend.