The SERMAPod

SERMA fonder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by psychologist Dr. Susan Lipkins for a discussion on this history of sports hazing, why it continues, its effects on victims, and steps coaches and players can take to stop this culture. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org Dr. Susan Lipkins: https://www.insidehazing.com/dr-lipkins  

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Mikaela Whitman from Pasich, LLP to discuss defamation claims and lawsuits generally, as well as how some insurance policies can afford coverage against these claims. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org Mikaela Whitman: https://pasichllp.com/attorney/mikaela-whitman/ 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by former college athlete and Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner to discuss recent allegations of hazing at Northwestern University, as well as Representative Buckner’s efforts to enact legislation against hazing practices. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org Representative Kam Buckner: https://www.kambuckner.com/ 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney David Cummings of Reed Smith to discuss unique and lesser-known types of insurance coverages, including those for specific body parts, physical characteristics, and even disgrace. In this episode, you’ll learn what those coverages are and who may benefit from them. David Cummings: https://www.reedsmith.com/en/professionals/c/cummings-david-m...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by musicologist Judith Finell of MusicServices Inc. to discuss the recent verdict in Ed Sheeran's (very public) copyright infringement lawsuit over his Grammy-winning song, "Thinking Out Loud." Rich and Judith discuss how these music copyright lawsuits develop, as well as how artists and expert witnesses combat these claims. Judith Finell:...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Gerald Maatman of Duane Morris LLP to discuss breaking news on the new relationship (merger??) between the PGA and LIV golf, and potential federal antitrust issues that may arise from it. https://www.duanemorris.com/attorneys/geraldmaatman.html Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorneys Patrick Essiminy and Antoine Metayer of Stikeman Elliott (three proud Canadians) to discuss the current intersection of Canadian sports and the law! In additional to their legal analysis, the panel also gives their predictions on the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Patrick Essiminy: https://www.stikeman.com/en-ca/people/e/patrick-essiminy Antoine...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Professor Kermit Roosevelt from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law to discuss the potential use of song lyrics from rapper Young Thug in his criminal trial as substantive evidence. The discussion includes Constitutional analysis, as well as new legislation specifically addressing the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal proceedings. Ker...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Paul Fakler of Mayer Brown to discuss the relatively new (and imprecise) area of law involving copyright lawsuits over musical beats or rhythms, as well as the strategies employed by the litigants when fighting and defending these claims. Paul Fackler: https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/people/f/paul-fakler?tab=overview Join SERMA today: www.these...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by entertainment lawyer Wallace Collins to discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence ("AI") in the music industry, and how artists' potential use of AI could affect copyright claims made against their music. Wallace Collins: https://www.wallacecollins.com/  "Rock and Roll President": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVRs7YRQGU0...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Barry Chase of ChaseLawyers to discuss a recently filed lawsuit by certain police officers against rapper Afroman after they searched his property pursuant to a warrant. Following the search, Afroman released a song, music video, and merchandise about the officers' escapades, including an interesting interaction with some lemon pound cak...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Julie Hopkins of Hopkins IP to discuss the unsuccessful efforts of the Baltimore Ravens football team to trademark the term “Charm City.” This episode includes a discussion on what can be trademarked, what protection are afforded with a trademark, and why the Ravens have been unable, at least to date, to trademark “Charm City.” Julie Hopkins:...

SERMA founder & CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Luke Fedlam of Porter Wright to discuss the history of NIL regulations with respect to NCAA athletes and the actions taken by the NCAA against the Miami Hurricanes’ Cavinder twins for alleged NIL violations. Luke Fedlam: https://www.porterwright.com/luke-a-fedlam/ Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Bryan Sullivan to discuss a recent episode of ‘South Park’ which includes a (cartoon) parody of Meghan & Harry. The discussion includes a multitude of defenses the show and network would have if suit was filed, and the potential arguments that could be made in support of a claim. Bryan Sullivan: https://www.earlysullivan.com/attorneys/bry...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney David Hollander of Stafford Rosenbaum LLP to discuss two lawsuits filed by Bret Favre, against Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee, for allegedly defamatory statements relating to spending of welfare money. The discussion includes a review of the elements of defamation, what Favre must prove to prevail in these suits, potential defenses, and potent...

SERMA founder and CEO is joined by attorney Bryan Sullivan of Early Sullivan to discuss the formative structure of film production companies and how that can afford corporate protection, how insurance comes into play, how the potential for liability and claims can affect an actors’ willingness to participate in a film, and issues surrounding Alec Baldwin’s criminal charges from the “Rust” incident...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Dan Novack to discuss the liability considerations and realities of producing content that is based on a true story and/or inspired by real-life events. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org Dan Novack: https://www.novackmedialaw.com/ 

SERMA founder and CEO is joined by attorney Tim Peterson to discuss interesting and unique jurisdictional issues and challenges to workers’ compensation claims filed by athletes following injury. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org Tim Peterson: https://bpkfirm.com/timothy-peterson/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Michael Pang of Allison McLean to discuss the unique complexities of workers’ compensation claims in California, and particularly those filed by athletes who may have limited contacts with the state. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org  Michael Pang: https://adelsonmclean.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AM-Law_Michael-Pang.pdf 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Landis Barber to discuss the trial brought by the widow of former USC football player Matthew Gee against the NCAA, which alleged the NCAA failed to protect him from repeated head trauma that led to his death. SPOILER ALERT: a jury found the NCAA not liable. Join SERMA: www.theserma.org Landis Barber’s blog: www.offthecourtdocket.com

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by an All-Star panel to discuss how individuals can manage and cope with psychological trauma after witnessing a traumatic event, specifically inspired by Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffering an on-field cardiac arrest during an NFL game. Jessica Mechtly:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mechtly-b452b783 Jeff Gorter: https://www.linkedin.com/...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Professor Betsy Rosenblatt of the University of Tulsa and Dr. Derek Miller of Harvard University discuss a recent (unusual ) lawsuit stemming from a fan-created musical based on the hit Netflix show Bridgerton. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org Betsy Rosenblatt: https://faculty.utulsa.edu/faculty/betsy-rosenblatt/ Derek Miller: https://english.fas.ha...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Peter Halprin of Pastich, LLP to discuss the development of “cyberinsurance,” what it covers, and the cyber dangers affecting the movie and TV industry. Peter also takes the SERMAquiz on his sports and movie likes and dislikes! Peter Halprin: https://pasichllp.com/attorney/peter-a-halprin/  Join SERMA today: www.theserma.org

Riley Cote is a former NHL player who suited up for 8 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers as an enforcer. Since retiring from professional hockey in 2010 with some concussion-related collateral damage, Riley has embarked on a quest of holism, healing, and alternative/natural medicines. He became a student of life, committed to personal development and spiritual growth. He studied different philos...

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Jonathan Steinsapir of Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley to discuss how beloved characters and music can eventually enter the public domain, and specifically how this area of the law allows the beloved Winnie the Pooh character to be portrayed in an upcoming horror movie. Official Trailer, "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey": HERE J...