Sole Free - Sneakers & Culture

I Play Rocky: Anthony Ippolito on His Stallone Call + Full Trailer | Sole Free

What happens when you’re cast as Sylvester Stallone—and Sly himself gets on the phone?

Sole Free’s Harlan Friedman hits the red carpet on opening night of the 2026 Hamptons International Film Festival for the East Coast premiere of I Play Rocky, starring Long Island’s own Anthony Ippolito.

Anthony shares how his conversation with Stallone helped him prepare for the role, what went into his transformation, and the boxing workouts behind bringing a young Sly to life.

Then comes a special surprise: Harlan presents Anthony with a signed Burt Young photo—a heartfelt connection to the Rocky legacy and another Long Island legend. His reaction says it all. 🥊

Plus, watch the FULL I Play Rocky trailer, telling the story of Stallone’s fight to write Rocky and play the lead himself.

From iconic sweatsuits and sneakers to betting on yourself, this is a story made for Sole Free.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Opening night at the Hamptons International Film Festival

1:32 Anthony Ippolito red carpet interview

1:45 His phone call with Sylvester Stallone

2:13 Becoming Stallone

2:36 Rocky style and boxing preparation

3:11 A special Burt Young gift

3:57 Full I Play Rocky trailer

What are you most excited to see in I Play Rocky? Drop your thoughts below, and subscribe to Sole Free with Harlan Friedman for more sneakers, culture, entertainment, and conversations with the people shaping it.

#IPlayRocky #SylvesterStallone #AnthonyIppolito #Rocky #SoleFree

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Stan Smith Reveals the Story Behind the adidas Sneaker That Changed Everything

How did a tennis shoe become one of the most recognizable sneakers in the world?

During US Open week at the Thompson Central Park Hotel, Harlan Friedman sits down with tennis legend Stan Smith for a Sole Free conversation about the adidas shoe that bears his name. Stan shares how his face ended up on the tongue, what it was like to play in the original leather design, and why the shoe’s simple look has lasted for more than 50 years.

They also get into the details Stan helped add to the shoe, the famous people he’s spotted wearing it, his memories of Arthur Ashe, and the collaborations he’s excited about next—including Willie Chavarria and more from Raf Simons.

What’s your favorite Stan Smith colorway or collaboration? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe to Sole Free for more conversations where sneakers meet sports, music, fashion, and culture.

#StanSmith #adidasOriginals #SneakerCulture #TennisLegend #SoleFree

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Jason Mayden on the Air Jordan 41, Michael Jordan & Designing for LA28 | Sole Free

From sketching sneakers as a kid on Chicago’s South Side to helping shape the future of Jordan Brand, Jason Mayden’s journey is built on creativity, perseverance and purpose.

In this exclusive interview from Jordan Brand headquarters, Sole Free host Harlan Friedman sits down with Jason Mayden—Jordan Brand’s VP of Visioneering and Creative Lead for LA28—to discuss the new Air Jordan 41, Michael Jordan’s continued involvement and the technology designed to deliver “lightweight dominance” through the fourth quarter.

Jason also shares how surviving a life-threatening illness at seven years old shaped his “Why not me?” mentality, why he imagined himself as Michael Jordan’s Lucius Fox and how Chicago’s music, architecture, fashion and basketball cultures inspired an extraordinary generation of creators.

They also discuss:

• The Air Jordan 41’s ZoomX cushioning, responsiveness and performance technology
• Designing Jordan products for the next generation of athletes
• Jordan Brand’s vision for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
• Working with Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Derek Jeter and Eminem
• Jason’s journey from Jordan Brand’s first design intern to executive leadership
• The importance of empowering young creatives instead of gatekeeping
• His favorite sneakers, Chicago deep-dish versus a New York slice and the historical figures he wishes he could design for

This is more than a sneaker conversation—it’s a powerful story about imagination, leadership, community and creating opportunities for the generation coming next.

Subscribe to Sole Free for more exclusive conversations at the intersection of sneakers, sports, music, fashion and culture.

#AirJordan41 #JordanBrand #JasonMayden #MichaelJordan #SneakerCulture

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Long Island Hospitality Ball Is BACK! Keith & Heather Hart Talk 2026 Return | Sole Free

The Long Island Hospitality Ball is officially BACK!

On this special episode of Sole Free, Harlan Friedman sits down with Keith and Heather Hart at 388—one of the participating restaurants—to preview the return of Long Island’s biggest hospitality celebration.

Taking place Monday, September 28, 2026, at Crest Hollow Country Club, the Hospitality Ball brings together many of Long Island’s best restaurants, chefs, beverage brands and entertainers for an unforgettable night benefiting organizations that support cancer research and those affected by the disease.

Keith and Heather share why they decided to bring the event back, how Keith’s own battle with thyroid cancer inspired its charitable mission, and what guests can expect—including incredible food, premium drinks, live entertainment, fireworks, a cannabis-curious experience and plenty of surprises.

In this episode:

• The history of the Hospitality Ball
• How the event grew from the original Bartenders Ball
• Why giving back remains at the heart of the night
• Long Island’s restaurant and nightlife evolution
• The food, fashion, entertainment and experiences planned for 2026
• Why this is the ultimate reunion for Long Island hospitality

🎟️ Tickets: $200 per person
📅 Monday, September 28, 2026
📍 Crest Hollow Country Club
🚘 Guests are strongly encouraged to use Uber, Lyft or another safe ride service.

Follow the Long Island Hospitality Ball on Instagram for tickets, participating restaurants and event updates.

Special thanks to Matty and the entire team at 388 for hosting this conversation and supporting the event.

Subscribe to Sole Free for more conversations at the intersection of sneakers, entertainment, sports, hospitality and culture.

“The most fun you’ll have with your clothes on!”

#LongIslandHospitalityBall #LongIslandEvents #LongIslandRestaurants #SoleFree #CancerFundraiser

The 1986 Mets Reunite 40 Years Later—and Tell EVERYTHING! 🧡💙

Forty years later, the 1986 New York Mets are still New York’s team.

In this special episode of Sole Free, Harlan Friedman heads to the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the greatest and most unforgettable teams in baseball history.

Harlan reconnects with members of the World Series championship family, including Dwight “Doc” Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Jesse Orosco, Wally Backman, Sid Fernandez, Lenny Dykstra, Dave Magadan, Randy Myers, Ed Hearn, Barry Lyons, Bruce Berenyi and the family of the legendary Gary Carter.

The players take us inside the brotherhood, chemistry and clubhouse culture that made the 1986 Mets so special. They share stories about the music, personalities, practical jokes and unforgettable moments that defined a team that never believed it was out of a game.

Also featured:

⚾ Mike Sergio reveals how he parachuted into Shea Stadium during Game 6 of the World Series

⚾ Darryl Strawberry reflects on the team’s bond, Gary Carter’s legacy and his new book, Another Life

⚾ Ed Hearn shares his extraordinary story of survival, faith and the importance of thinking beyond yourself

⚾ Sandy and DJ Carter celebrate Gary Carter as a teammate, husband, father and lifelong movie fan

⚾ Sal Valentinetti discusses the emotional connection between athletes and their fans

⚾ Coaches Collectibles brings the athlete-to-fan experience to life

For 12-year-old Harlan, this is a true pinch-me moment—going from collecting these players’ baseball cards to calling many of them friends and brothers.

This episode is about much more than baseball. It’s about friendship, family, perseverance, redemption and a championship legacy that continues to unite generations of New Yorkers.

Watch, share and subscribe to Sole Free with Harlan Friedman—your home for sneakers, sports and culture.

LET’S GO METS! 🧡💙

#1986Mets #LGM #NewYorkMets #MetsBaseball #SoleFree

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Darryl Strawberry gets personal about the brotherhood, belief and never-quit mentality that made the 1986 New York Mets World Series champions.

Speaking with Harlan Friedman at the team’s 40th-anniversary celebration, Strawberry explains why the ’86 Mets were far more than the “bad boys” portrayed in the headlines. When they stepped onto the field, they were united, focused and convinced they were never out of a game.

Strawberry also reflects on the enduring legacy of Gary Carter, helping his brother and teammate Lenny Dykstra rebuild his life, and why everyone deserves the opportunity to reinvent themselves.

The Mets legend then discusses his book Another Life and the work he now does in prisons, schools, hospitals, churches and communities across the country—using his story to inspire people struggling through life’s darkest moments.

“We did it, and nobody can ever take that away from us.”

Watch this powerful conversation about baseball, brotherhood, redemption and discovering a greater purpose beyond the game.

Subscribe to Sole Free with Harlan Friedman for more conversations at the intersection of sports, sneakers and culture.

#DarrylStrawberry #1986Mets #NewYorkMets #LGM #SoleFree

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

AIR JORDAN 41 REVEALED: Michael Jordan’s Role in the Future of Jordan Brand

The Air Jordan 41 is here—and it represents an entirely new chapter for Jordan Brand.

From Jordan Brand’s world headquarters, Harlan Friedman sits down with Leo Chang, Senior Creative Director of Basketball and Sport, and Donald “DK” Kelsey, Senior Director of Basketball and Promo Footwear, for an exclusive Sole Free conversation.

Leo and DK reveal:

🔥 How Michael Jordan personally influences every game shoe

🔥 Why the AJ41 looks forward instead of revisiting the past

🔥 The new 3D Nano Print upper

🔥 Full-length Zoom Strobel, ZoomX foam and double-stacked heel Zoom Air

🔥 How feedback from more than 250 athletes shaped the shoe

🔥 What it’s really like presenting a new Air Jordan to MJ

🔥 Their hopes for the AJ41’s legacy 20 years from now

This is more than another signature sneaker. It’s Jordan Brand’s statement about the future of performance basketball.

Subscribe to Sole Free with Harlan Friedman—your home for sneakers and culture.

#AirJordan41 #JordanBrand #MichaelJordan #SneakerCulture #SoleFree

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Futura Debuts Knicks Collab + The World Champion Knicks Take Over Fanatics Fest!

Sole Free’s Fanatics Fest 2026 coverage continues with Part 3!

Legendary New York artist Futura unveils his new Knicks apparel collaboration and explains the inspiration behind the collection—including why he placed his iconic artwork on a New York City “work train.”

Then, the 2026 NBA Champion New York Knicks take over Fanatics Fest! Watch Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart sign a massive 15-foot inflatable Knicks shirt—and stick around to hear KAT answer one very important question!

Hosted by Harlan Friedman, Sole Free is your home for sneakers, sports, art and culture.

#NewYorkKnicks #Knicks #FanaticsFest #Futura #NBAChampions

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Fanatics Fest 2026 PART 1 🔥 Jeff Hamilton, King Saladeen, KAWS x Yankees, Artist Alley & More!

Fanatics Fest 2026 is HERE, and Sole Free with Harlan Friedman takes you inside the biggest celebration of sports, sneakers, art, fashion, and culture—live from the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

In Part 1, Harlan goes behind the scenes with some of the biggest names shaping sports culture today.

🔥 Featuring exclusive interviews with:

* Jeff Hamilton on his iconic New York Knicks Championship jacket, Jordan legacy, and a surprise sneaker tease.

* Fanatics’ Andy on the historic KAWS x New York Yankees & Los Angeles Dodgers collaboration.

* Artist Alley spotlights with Alex Alpert, Caviar, JPO, and King Saladeen.

* Stories behind one-of-one artwork signed by legends like Tom Brady, Aaron Judge, Barry Sanders, and more.

* Conversations about sneakers, creativity, sports memorabilia, and the future of collectible culture.

From exclusive jackets and jerseys to custom artwork and unforgettable stories, this is the side of Fanatics Fest you won’t see anywhere else.

🎥 Subscribe to Sole Free for exclusive interviews with the biggest names in sneakers, sports, music, fashion, and culture.

#SoleFree #FanaticsFest #SneakerCulture #SportsCollectibles #KAWS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Follow for more NYC culture: @theofficialharlan & solefreeradio.com

Sean Ono Lennon Reveals the 10-Year Journey Behind His Tribeca Film

Sean Ono Lennon opens up about the 10-year journey behind his directorial debut, the creative influence of Yoko Ono, and why he’s never been afraid to push beyond music. We also go behind the scenes of threeASFOUR: Full Circle, the inspiring Tribeca Festival documentary celebrating the visionary fashion collective whose message of creativity, friendship, and cultural unity is changing the world—one design at a time.

🎥 Interviewed by Harlan Friedman on Sole Free, where sneakers, fashion, art, music, and culture collide.

#TribecaFestival #SeanOnoLennon #FashionDocumentary #SoleFree #StreetwearCulture

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna Drake

PRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. Adams

Follow for more NYC culture: @theofficialharlan & solefreeradio.com