The Locker Room Podcast

Episode 31 of The Locker Room Podcast features CEO and Co-Founder of the Fan Controlled Football League and UMD Alumni, Sohrob Farudi. In the episode, we dive into the success of the first FCF season, the inspiration behind fan controlled sports, and the future of the league. As well, we discuss how the rise of blockchain and NFTs can play a massive role in the gamification of the league and utili...

Episode 30 of The Locker Room Podcast features Teddy Mitropoulos, who is a Special events coordinator at Fenway Sports Management. In this episode, Teddy gives an insight into what a day looks like at FSM and working with the Red Sox, Liverpool, and other FSM brands. As well, he shares his experience as the "ultimate intern" and the inspiration behind created FSM University (FSMU) Intro: 0:00 - 0:...

Episode 29 of The Locker Room Podcast features Jenna Grooms, who was the Director of Host Committee Events for Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay. Jenna discusses the behind-the-scenes of planning an event like the Super Bowl, the recent successes of Tampa Bay sports, her dream Super Bowl halftime show, and more.  Intro: 0:00 - 2:25 Details of the Job: 2:25 - 4:27 Planning for the Super Bowl: 4:27 -...

In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Kansas City Chiefs' Manager of Business Analytics, Armaan Ahluwalia discusses how teams can leverage data to grow revenue, the importance of being a good communicator, and what it was like to win the Super Bowl. Outside of his role with the Chiefs, Armaan also hosts the "Sports Business Strategy" podcast. Intro: 0:00 - 1:34 Breaking into Sport: 1:34 - 5:...

Episode 27 of The Locker Room Podcast features Noah Johnson, aka NoahUpNxt, the Madden 20 Challenge champion and Madden 21 Patriots Club champion. He talks us through his journey from being a regular high school senior to competing at the highest level of madden. The future UMD freshman also offers his feelings on trash talking, competitive changes due to COVID, and much more. 0:00 - 00:25 Introdu...

In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Harrison Keim is joined by UMD alumni and New Business Executive working in VIP Acquisitions at DraftKings Inc, Dillon Borgida. They discussed Dillon’s experience at UMD, his journey to working in sports, as well as his experiences at DraftKings. Dillon also talked about his role in DraftKing’s expansion to Michigan as well as where he sees the future of...

On this episode, the former Director of Performance for the New York Yankees and Strength & Conditioning Coach, Dana Cavalea, discusses his journey from being outside the fence of Yankees Spring Training to one day winning the 2009 World Series. Throughout the episode Dana shares coaching advice that will help you become a champion today and win 2021. As well, we dive into the importance of in...

In this episode, NFL Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Jon Schwartz, discusses capturing new audiences through initiatives like the Nickelodeon playoff game, creating a consistent league message on social justice, executing the first virtual NFL draft, and much more. Aside from his job with the NFL, Jon is an adjunct professor at NYU and is Chairman of the Board for the A...

Episode 23 of The Locker Room Podcast features Digital Marketing and Ecommerce Consultant, Ben Zettler. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Ben built his own sunglasses business, worked for Steiner Sports, and became 1 of 16 Shopify Plus Consulting Partners across the world. In this episode, we discuss how Ben bought early into influencer marketing, how he was able to grow his busine...

Episode 22 of The Locker Room Podcast features Opendorse Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, TJ Ciro. Opendorse is a company that helps more than 29,000 athletes share content on their social networks. In this episode, we discuss how Opendorse is helping professional athletes capitalize on their social brand value, the potential for college athletes to monetize their na...

Episode 21 of The Locker Room Podcast features Pittsburgh Penguins’ Vice President of Digital, Andi Perelman. In this episode, Andi shares how the Penguins are using new forms of media to connect with fans, how social media has even helped find a fan a kidney, and some of her favorite memories! 

Episode 20 of The Locker Room podcast features Terp Alumni and current Communications Manager for Tandem Sports and Entertainment, Katherine O'Toole Cord. In this episode, we discuss how she got to her role at Tandem, hear stories about her experiences with clients like Ja Morant, and gain some valuable insight into the agency side of the sports industry!

Episode 19 of the Locker Room Podcast features Jack Mascone, also known as JBM. Jack was the first pick of the 2020 NBA 2K League Draft, leading Wizards District Gaming to a championship in his rookie season. JBM recently joined Team USA Basketball as one of seven players to represent our country. Still not amazed? Imagine playing 2k for the first time two years ago at the age of 17! Tune in to th...

In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Austin Eastman, co-founder of Odyssey Sports Group, discusses his journey to becoming an agent, his motivations for starting his own agency, his relationships with clients, the differences between negotiating contracts in the NBA versus overseas, and his biggest selling points to prospective clients.

In this episode of The Locker Room podcast, Terrapin Hoops Alumni and fan favorite, Bruno Fernando joins alongside our host, Harrison Keim. Bruno Fernando is currently the center for the Atlanta Hawks and discusses his journey from Angola to the NBA. He shares some of his favorite stories during his time at UMD, his experience playing alongside Vince Carter in his final season, how he has helped i...

In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Marco Medugno is joined by Oklahoma Sooners Athletic Director, Joe Castiglione. They discuss Joe’s journey to Oklahoma (0:52), the challenges of dealing with Covid-19 (5:33), ways that innovative technology is changing the stadium experience (12:54), the traits to look for when hiring a head coach (18:04), his role on the College Football Playoff selecti...

In this episode of the Locker Room Podcast, Philadelphia Flyers’ Director of Business Devlopment Neil Hofman discusses his journey from the University of Maryland to his various roles in professional sports. He gives us his favorite memories in sports and advice for those looking to break through into he industry.

In this episode of the Locker Room Podcast, Vice Chairman and Owner of Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Raul Fernandez joins our club President, Bradley Polkowitz. In this episode, Raul Fernandez dives into his passion for entrepreneurship, sports, and philanthropy. He shares his perspective on the future of Esports, sports betting, and fan experience. Along with this, we get a behind the scen...

In this episode of the Locker Room Podcast, Russ Potts dives into his career as the first sports marketing director in college sports for the University of Maryland. After going on to become Athletic Director for SMU and Vice President for the Chicago White Sox, Russ founded and remains president of Russ Potts Productions, a company that organizes some of the largest sporting events in the country...

As the senior manager of corporate sales, Chris was able to give us an insight on how the industry has shifted their focuses during a global pandemic. Chris also shares how he got to work for the Nationals and why he loves being in the sales industry.

In episode 11 of The Locker Room Podcast, Kelsey Nicole Nelson talked about having the opportunity to go and report at various sporting events including nba and WNBA finals and the craziness of working at superbowls yet the most memorable moment of her career was hands down Kobe’s last game.

In this episode, John Ourand talked to Ryan Gold about the biggest challenges in sports business, as well as the best way to get yourself positioned to enter sports business after school. They also discussed the massive implications that COVID-19 had on sports media and which companies positioned themselves best for a post-COVID breakout.

Episode 9 of The Locker Room podcast is out now featuring former @terrapinhoops player, Diamond Stone. On this episode, Diamond talked about his days as a Terp as well as his G League Championship this past season! He also discussed his decision to go to the NBA and why he picked Maryland as a top national recruit. The episode is out now on Apple and Spotify. Check the link in our bio!

In episode 8 of The Locker Room Podcast, Taylor talked about how crazy it is to be friends with her sports idol growing up, Jen Adams. She recounts her journey from playing at UMD, to being placed on Team USA, something she never even thought possible, to now getting ready for the WPLL season, creating her own brand and everything in between.

In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, Steve Schanwald talks about his long run as Executive VP of Business for the Chicago Bulls, including his favorite Michael Jordan story and what it was like to rep the bulls at the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery. Steve also talks about his career before joining the Bulls and his memories from attending the University of Maryland.