The SERMAPod

In Episode 117 of The SERMAPod, guest host Steve Washkalavitch sits down with Tim Wilson, CFO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, to discuss the enormous undertaking of bringing the FIFA World Cup to Philadelphia. From safety and security planning to transportation logistics, vendor management, public funding requirements, fan engagement, and reputational risk, Tim provides a behind-the-scenes look at wh...

In Episode 116 of SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov welcomes entertainment and intellectual property attorney Pete Salsich, III for a discussion on Entertainment Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. They explore why E&O coverage is essential for filmmakers and content creators, how copyright and trademark claims can threaten a production, and what producers need to know about fair use, rights clear...

Alberta's Fairness and Safety in Sport Act has sparked significant debate across the Canadian sports landscape. In this episode, Rich Lenkov is joined by sports lawyer Will Russell of Sport Law to discuss the legislation's requirements for female-only sport divisions, the governance challenges it creates for sport organizations, and the potential legal, operational, and reputational risk...

In this episode of the SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov and Rebecca Adelman speak with Father Theodore Ihenetu and Stanley Ukaga about launching a sports and entertainment risk management initiative in Nigeria. The conversation covers athlete safety, injury management, stakeholder collaboration, law enforcement involvement, and the steps needed to create long-term risk management standards and training progr...

We’re excited to welcome five outstanding leaders to the SERMA Advisory Board! •  Emily Buckley - Insurance Risk Manager at Specialized Bicycle Components •  Tahia Carr - Risk Project Manager at Invited Clubs •  Jessica Lauren - Vice President, Business Development at Entrusted Administrators & Subrogation •  Virginia Pederson - Partner at Mayer •  Steve Washkalavitch - Senior Vice President a...

What really happens behind the scenes when a concert or festival gets canceled due to weather? In this episode of the SERMAPod, Shalom Suniula is joined by Roger Sandau, JR Justice, and Caleb Heckley to discuss the risk management, insurance, and safety considerations that drive difficult decisions at major live events. Using recent examples like Stagecoach and Zach Bryan’s canceled Tulsa show, th...

Rich Lenkov interviews Michael Nellis, Vermont’s Passenger Tramway Supervisor, about ski lift safety and risk management. The conversation covers recent incidents, inspection standards, operational challenges, and how technology and training are shaping safer ski resort operations.  Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magna...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov sits down with leaders from the Hispanic Insurance and Risk Management Association, Carlos Luis Rodriguez, Rose De Leon, and Noemi Oliver, to discuss HIRMA’s mission, the value of diverse perspectives in risk management, and why the industry offers more opportunity than most people realize. The conversation also touches on communication breakdowns in claims, mento...

Kansas State’s decision to fire head basketball coach Jerome Tang “for cause” has sparked a legal dispute with major financial implications. In this episode, Matt Liller is joined by sports law professor Sam Ehrlich to unpack the controversy, including the role of Tang’s postgame comments, the meaning of “objectionable behavior” in coaching contracts, and how schools use for-cause designations as...

Episode 108 of the SERMA Pod examines the sudden cancellation of The Bachelorette after off-screen controversy surrounding its lead. Host Rich Lenkov is joined by entertainment attorney Larry Zerner to unpack the legal and business implications of pulling a fully produced season. The discussion focuses on why contestants likely cannot pursue claims against the network, how reality TV contracts are...

In this episode of the SERMAPod, attorney Brian Rosenblatt is joined by Cornell Law professor James Grimmelmann to break down the New York Times lawsuit against Perplexity AI. They explore how generative AI tools use content, the legal differences between scraping and indexing, and what this case could mean for copyright law moving forward. The conversation also dives into AI “hallucinations,” fai...

In this episode of the SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov speaks with outdoor recreation attorney Jim Moss about a tragic climbing incident on Austria’s Grossglockner that led to criminal charges against a climber whose partner died of exposure. They discuss the legal implications of high-risk outdoor activities, the differences between U.S. and European negligence standards, and how duty, assumption of risk,...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Justin Smulison, the host of the RIMScast, the official podcast for RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.), to discuss all things podcasting, including the origins of the RIMScast, the importance of consistency, and tips for aspiring podcasters.  RIMScast: https://www.rims.org/resources/rimscast Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/...

Former college and NFL linebacker Shak Rashad joins The SERMAPod to analyze a landmark NIL lawsuit arising from a quarterback’s transfer. The conversation explores NIL contracts, transfer portal mechanics, exclusive licensing rights, and the evolving legal risks for universities and athletes alike. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ And a big thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services:  h...

Professor Kevin Greene joins Rich Lenkov to discuss a federal fair use case involving the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the alleged unauthorized use of Van Halen photographs. The conversation covers transformative use, market impact, and the real-world risks creators face when relying on fair use in litigation.  Kevin Greene: https://www.swlaw.edu/faculty/full-time/kevin-j-greene Join SERMA tod...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Jodi Balsam, Professor of Clinical Law at Brooklyn Law School, analyzing the legal fallout from the arrest of Mark Sanchez, former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports broadcaster. The episode covers the felony battery charge, media influence on high-profile prosecutions, and the civil claims against Fox Sports for negligent hiring and supervision, with a f...

In this episode of The SERMAPod, Brian Rosenblatt is joined by Alex Papa of Weber Gallagher and Catherine DiStefano, General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, for an in-depth discussion on the unique risks faced by nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organizations, and why protecting mission, brand, and governance matters as much as protecting balance sheets. T...

THANK YOU to everyone for the support during the first 100 episodes of The SERMAPod! Enjoy a collection of top moments from our esteemed guests. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ Thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

A Little League player hits a home run, flips his bat — and gets ejected and suspended. His family fights back, and the case lands in court. Host Rich Lenkov speaks with attorney Brian Berkley of Fox Rothschild about his role in the high-profile New Jersey Bat Flip case, where a judge ruled in favor of the young athlete. They explore the key questions: Was the ejection consistent with Little Leagu...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov talks with Nick Hanes, Mallory Taylor, and Reggie Miller of the North American Contingency Association (NACA) about the new SERMA–NACA strategic partnership. The group explores how contingency insurance safeguards sports and entertainment events from disruptions like weather, illness, and other unforeseen risks—and why collaboration across underwriting, brokerage,...

Professor John Wolohan of Syracuse University joins the SERMAPod to break down the viral “Phillies Karen” incident — from foul ball property rights to stadium liability — with a mix of legal insight and fan perspective. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ John Wolohan: https://news.syr.edu/faculty-experts/john-wolohan/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magn...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Dr. James Borchers, the President of the U.S. Counsel for Athletes’ Health (USCAH), to explore the evolving landscape of college athletics in light of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, focusing on the implications for athlete health, the role of medical providers, and the ethical dilemmas that arise. Dr. Borchers discusses the challenges faced by...

SERMA Founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Professor Matt Mitten of Marquette University Law School to discuss the pending lawsuit between the University of Wisconsin and the University of Miami, wherein Miami is alleged to have illegally poached a Wisconsin football player, Xavier Lucas, in violation of his NIL contracts. As discussed in this episode, the outcome of this case could have signi...

SERMAPod hit the track at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Brickyard 400 practice to unpack the fast-paced world of Racing Industry Risk. Hosted by SERMA Founder/CEO Rich Lenkov, this special episode features: ▸ Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chief Diversity Officer & Senior Corporate Counsel Jimmie McMillian ▸ Davies North America Senior Vice President, Field Services George Burg...

Guest host Brian Rosenblatt is joined by attorney Wallace Collins to discuss the ongoing lawsuit between music group Salt-N-Pepa against Universal Music Group in an effort to obtain ownership of their master recordings. Wallace Collins: http://www.wallacecollins.com/ Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/