Ever felt like sports media wasn't speaking your language? Jacie deHoop, co-founder of The Gist, is changing that conversation by creating content for "GISTers" – predominantly female, millennial and Gen Z sports fans who love the game but haven't felt fully welcomed by traditional coverage.

When deHoop and her co-founders launched The Gist, they faced significant skepticism. Critics claimed women weren't interested in sports and there wasn't a viable business model. Fast forward to today, with over one million newsletter subscribers and a 46% open rate, those critics have been proven spectacularly wrong. What The Gist recognized that others missed was the massive untapped potential in serving fans who love sports but don't necessarily fit the traditional mold.

What makes The Gist's approach particularly powerful is authenticity. They don't treat women's sports or female fans as a diversity project or marketing opportunity, but as a legitimate business venture with tremendous growth potential. As deHoop puts it, underserved audiences shouldn't be dismissed as "niche" – smart businesses should examine the actual addressable market size, spending power, and influence these fans wield.

Whether you're a sports industry professional or simply a fan who's felt overlooked by mainstream coverage, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how The Gist is transforming sports media by centering those who've traditionally been left on the sidelines.

Recorded Tuesday, August 5th, 2025
Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Lisa Cecchini, Managing Partner, Situation
Guest: Jacie deHoop, Co-Founder, The Gist
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

The electric energy of the US Open Tennis Championships goes far beyond the baseline. In this illuminating conversation, Nicole Kankam, Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing & Entertainment at the USTA, reveals how America's premier tennis event has become a cultural phenomenon by masterfully balancing tradition with innovation.

Kankam offers a fascinating glimpse into the tournament's diverse audience, increasingly representative of America's demographics, with an even male-female split. Most surprising? Half of all attendees don't even play tennis themselves, revealing enormous potential for growing the sport.

The conversation delves into the evolution of Fan Week, a free pre-tournament experience that has nearly tripled attendance in eight years. This accessibility strategy has instead created a powerful pipeline, with two-thirds of Fan Week visitors planning to return for the main tournament.

From silent discos during qualifying play to reimagined mixed doubles formats, the US Open exemplifies how sports properties can honor their heritage while embracing change. Kankam sums up the experience in one perfect word: "electric." It's this vibrant energy that keeps fans coming back to Flushing Meadows each summer, whether they're holding a racquet or simply seeking an unforgettable New York moment.

Follow Fandom Unpacked for more insider conversations with the innovators redefining sports and entertainment experiences.

Recorded Thursday, July 24th, 2025
Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guest: Nicole Kankam, Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing & Entertainment, USTA
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

What does it mean to be a Broadway fan in today's digital world? In this illuminating conversation with top industry leaders from Playbill, Broadway News, and BroadwayWorld, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of theater fandom and how Broadway is adapting to connect with audiences in new ways.

The misconception that Broadway is niche takes center stage as our guests passionately dismantle this outdated notion. "It is the greatest myth of all time that Broadway is niche," asserts Ruthie Fierberg of Broadway News, pointing to the ubiquity of musical theater references across mainstream media as evidence of theater's widespread appeal. This perspective frames a fascinating discussion about how Broadway can leverage its broader-than-acknowledged fanbase.

From the surge in Tony Awards viewership (despite platform challenges) to the transformation of in-theater experiences, our guests explore how Broadway is meeting fans where they are. We discover how pre-show playlists, immersive environments, and strategic photo opportunities are transforming ordinary theatergoers into passionate advocates. Yet the panel emphasizes that while these enhancements matter, the show itself remains the core value.

Looking ahead, our guests share exclusive insights on upcoming productions generating significant pre-opening buzz, including Lost Boys, Ragtime, Chess, and the return of Mamma Mia! Their enthusiasm suggests a bright future for Broadway fandom as the industry continues to balance theatrical tradition with digital innovation.

Whether you're a Broadway superfan or simply curious about how entertainment fandom is evolving in the digital age, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the passionate community that keeps the lights of Broadway shining bright. Subscribe to hear more fascinating discussions about modern fandom across entertainment and sports!

Recorded Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
Hosts: Jeremy Kraus, Managing Partner, Situation & Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guests: Alex Birsh, Vice President and COO, Playbill
Ruthie Fierberg, Executive Editor, Broadway News
Robert Diamond, Founder and CEO, BroadwayWorld
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

What happens when you gather Disney's most passionate fans in one community? Michael Vargo, Senior Vice President of D23, Corporate Events & Walt Disney Archives, reveals the magic behind Disney's official fan club in this captivating conversation.

From its humble beginnings in 2009, D23 has evolved into a global phenomenon connecting Disney's most devoted fans—passionate enthusiasts who visit theme parks regularly, watch films multiple times, and build lasting friendships through shared Disney experiences.

The jewel in D23's crown is its D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly D23 Expo), which has transformed from a convention center gathering into a sprawling, week-long celebration across Anaheim. Here, fans dress as their favorite characters for the spectacular Mousequerade costume contest, get first access to exclusive announcements, and connect with Disney creators in intimate panel discussions. As Vargo explains, planning begins immediately after each biennial event concludes, with teams constantly asking: "How do we top what we did last time?"

What truly sets D23 apart is that no other brand has such a unique connection to its fans. Members receive first access to announcements, products, and experiences—a strategy that recognizes and rewards their dedication. This approach extends beyond Disney's California and Florida hubs through traveling events across America and international expansions to Tokyo and São Paulo, ensuring fans worldwide can participate in the magic.

Whether you're a Disney devotee or a brand looking to build stronger communities, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating authentic fan engagement that spans generations and continues to thrive after 100 years. Listen now to discover how Disney engages their fanbase through the power of community.

Recorded Tuesday, June 10th, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Fox, Account Group Director for Disney, Situation & Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guest: Michael Vargo, Senior Vice President of D23, Corporate Events & Walt Disney Archives
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

Arts and Culture organizations are navigating unprecedented challenges with remarkable resilience. This powerful conversation with Andrew Recinos, President and CEO of Tessitura, reveals how arts leaders are responding to uncertainty with both anxiety and determination.

"I'm seeing a lot of anxiety," Recinos acknowledges, "but right alongside it, I'm seeing grit and tenacity." Rather than freezing or fleeing when faced with funding cuts and political shifts, arts organizations are fighting—not aggressively, but by recommitting to their founding principles and serving communities that need artistic experiences more than ever.

The conversation explores technology's evolving role in arts management, particularly how it should enhance rather than replace meaningful human connections. While AI offers powerful revenue optimization tools, Recinos cautions against treating audiences "like ATMs," advocating instead for community-centered approaches that build lasting relationships.

Beyond strategic considerations, Recinos emphasizes leadership practices crucial for these challenging times: acknowledging anxiety without succumbing to it, providing consistent direction, and prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout. The most resilient arts organizations share three characteristics: they know their mission deeply, provide steady leadership, and focus primarily on serving their communities.

Whether you're leading an arts organization through turbulent times or simply passionate about cultural sustainability, this episode offers invaluable insights into maintaining artistic integrity while building organizational resilience. Take a listen—and maybe a forest bath afterward.

Recorded Tuesday, May 20th, 2025
Hosts: Meghan Goria, Account Group Director for Arts & Culture, Situation & Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guest: Andrew Recinos, President and CEO, Tessitura
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

What makes an airline inspire true fandom in an industry often reduced to price comparisons and schedule convenience? In this fascinating conversation with Andrew Harvell, Manager of Digital Strategy and Optimization at Southwest Airlines, we uncover the unique approach that has earned Southwest loyal customers and industry accolades spanning decades.

"Our secret sauce is our people," Harvell explains, echoing Southwest's co-founder Colleen Barrett. "We are in the hospitality business here at Southwest. We just happen to fly airplanes." This philosophy drives everything from their celebrated "coheart" onboarding process—complete with red carpet walks and music—to their strategic decisions about digital innovation and customer service.

The conversation takes us behind the scenes of Southwest's culture-building machine, revealing how they've created a distinctive experience in an industry where differentiating is notoriously difficult. Perhaps most valuable is Harvell's perspective on balancing tradition with innovation. As Southwest evolves its digital experience and explores AI applications, it's guided by a commitment to maintaining customer trust above all else. "Trust is an absolute premium currency these days," Harvell notes, explaining how every new feature or policy change is evaluated against this standard.

Whether you're managing customer experience in travel, entertainment, or any service industry, you'll find practical wisdom in Southwest's approach to creating genuine connections with customers even when things go wrong. Listen now to discover how Southwest turns ordinary travelers into passionate fans, and consider how their hospitality-first philosophy might transform your own customer relationships.

Recorded Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Host: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guest: Andrew Harvell, Manager of Digital Strategy and Optimization, Southwest Airlines
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

The intersection of artificial intelligence and modern fandom is transforming how we discover, experience, and connect with live events. In this enlightening conversation, Janette Roush, Chief AI Officer and SVP of Innovation at Brand USA, shares a treasure trove of insights on the evolving relationship between AI and the live experience economy.

Most marketers approach AI with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety – an understandable response to technology evolving at breathtaking speed. Roush dispels common misconceptions, explaining that while today's AI tools aren't perfect, we're merely in the "training wheels" phase of what will eventually revolutionize the entire ecosystem of live entertainment.

The discovery process for experiences is already being dramatically reshaped. Unlike traditional search engines prioritizing paid results and keyword-stuffed content, AI-powered discovery offers truly personalized recommendations aligned with individual preferences. This represents a fundamental shift away from volume-based recommendations toward connecting fans with experiences that genuinely resonate with their unique tastes and interests.

The conversation explores essential tools for marketers ready to embrace AI, with recommendations including ChatGPT Team, Claude, Google Notebook LM, Midjourney, and Descript. Looking ahead, Roush envisions a future where personalized AI assistants become our primary technology interface, proactively recommending experiences based on our preferences, schedules, and interests.

Whether you're a venue operator, event producer, or marketing professional, this episode provides critical insights into how AI will reshape fandom while offering practical guidance on navigating this exciting transformation. Ready to explore how artificial intelligence will forever change the relationship between fans and live experiences? This conversation is your essential starting point.

Recorded Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025
Host: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guest: Janette Roush, Chief AI Officer and SVP of Innovation at Brand USA
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation
Slides: https://situationlive.com/aipdf

What happens when you give passionate fans five uninterrupted days with their favorite artists, chefs, comedians, or creators in the middle of the ocean? Pure magic, according to Jeff Cuellar, CEO of Sixthman.

For nearly 25 years, Sixthman has been perfecting the art of creating immersive fan experiences at sea – essentially floating festivals where passionate communities can fully disconnect from everyday life and connect deeply with both their favorite artists and fellow enthusiasts. As Jeff reveals, these experiences completely transcend traditional demographic marketing. Whether it's rock music fans or Broadway enthusiasts, what unites these seemingly disparate audiences is the intensity of their passion.

Behind the scenes, Sixthman has developed a fascinating approach to quantifying passion – analyzing everything from social media engagement to merchandise sales to determine which concepts have enough critical mass to justify a cruise. But as Jeff candidly admits, the business carries significant risk: "We joke as promoters – if you think you want to launch a festival, because that's really what this is, go out and burn a million dollars and see how that feels."

What truly sets these experiences apart is the remarkable level of artist engagement. Unlike a 90-minute concert with a brief VIP meet-and-greet, these cruises offer days of meaningful interaction. Jeff cites Michael Franti wandering the ship with his guitar, spontaneously sitting down with fans during meals to play songs or share recipes – creating moments of connection impossible in conventional venues.

Perhaps most importantly, these floating festivals foster community that extends far beyond the event itself, with many fans returning year after year, building friendships that last a lifetime. As one multi-time attendee shares, "We were absolutely blown away by the passion, the community, just the friendliness... we'd never had a holiday like it."

Ready to experience fandom at sea? Visit sixthman.net to explore upcoming cruises and find your tribe on the ocean.

Recorded Thursday, March 27th, 2025
Hosts: Jeff Miele, Account Group Director for Sports, Attractions, and Live Events, Situation & Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guest: Jeff Cuellar, CEO, Sixthman
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

Ever wonder why people proudly wear PBS merchandise as a badge of identity when nobody's sporting ABC t-shirts? Amy Wigler, Vice President of Multiplatform Marketing and Content for PBS, reveals the secret sauce behind one of America's most beloved media brands.

"Your memories of PBS take you back to a time... it's visceral," explains Wigler, describing how the network creates powerful emotional connections that transcend generations. This nostalgic bond serves as both a blessing and a challenge—how does a legacy brand honor its past while staying relevant today?

The conversation delves into the critical distinction between passive audiences and active fandoms. "Audiences create hits. Fandoms create phenomena," Wigler asserts, drawing from her experience with commercial successes like RuPaul's Drag Race and Broadway's Footloose. At PBS, where marketing budgets can't compete with commercial networks, fan evangelism becomes essential. The authentic community around PBS programming creates a special relationship commercial networks struggle to achieve despite considerable resources.

PBS's status as America's most trusted institution for 22 consecutive years stems from rigorous standards and a commitment to non-commercial content. "We are never trying to sell you something," Wigler notes, explaining why parents trust PBS without reservation. This dedication to integrity, while sometimes limiting from a marketing perspective, has created an unparalleled level of audience trust.

From strategic platform-specific content promotion to balancing nostalgia with innovation, Wigler offers a masterclass in nurturing multi-generational brand affinity. Whether you're a marketer, a PBS fan, or simply curious about how beloved institutions maintain relevance, this conversation provides valuable insights into the power of authentic connection in today's media landscape.

Recorded Thursday, February 27th, 2025
Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation, & Jordan Person, Managing Partner, Town Hall
Guest: Amy Wigler, Vice President of Multiplatform Marketing and Content, PBS
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation

What truly separates an ordinary gameday from an unforgettable sports experience? For the New York Red Bulls, it all comes down to their meticulously crafted "street to seat" philosophy that transforms every matchday into a celebration of community, passion, and soccer culture.

Elisa Padilla, CMO of the New York Red Bulls, takes us behind the scenes of creating the most fan-friendly sports experience in one of the world's most competitive entertainment markets. From the moment supporters arrive at the boulevard—with its interactive soccer activities, live music, and vibrant pre-game energy—to the final whistle in a stadium where "there's not one bad seat in the house," every element is designed with fans as the North Star.

The results speak for themselves: steadily increasing attendance, an impressive 80% renewal rate among members, and a passionate supporter culture that stands and chants for the full 90 minutes. Padilla reveals how the organization maintains this success through constant feedback loops, personalized experiences for first-time attendees, and a marketing philosophy centered on evoking emotion at every touchpoint.

Whether you're a marketing professional looking to enhance fan experiences, a sports enthusiast curious about soccer's growing cultural footprint, or simply someone interested in how brands foster passionate communities, this conversation delivers valuable insights about the intersection of sports, culture, and emotional connection. 

Recorded Thursday, February 6th, 2025
Hosts: Jeff Miele, Account Group Director for Sports, Attractions, and Live Events, Situation & Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation
Guest:  Elisa Padilla, CMO, New York Red Bulls
Producer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation