SportsEpreneur

In this powerful episode of Athlete Mindset, “Who You Are, Not What You Do,” host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Kelsey O’Connor, a motivational speaker, former D1 student-athlete, and recent North Carolina State University social work graduate. Kelsey shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery following a career-ending head injury. Her story of overcoming adversity and redefining her identity resonated with millions when her commencement speech went viral, amassing over 40 million views across TikTok and many social media platforms.

This is the Athlete Mindset podcast, which explores mental health in sports. It is presented and produced by SportsE Media as part of the podcast network.

‘Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O’Connor’ Highlights:

About Kelsey O’Connor: Kelsey O’Connor is a motivational speaker and recent social work graduate from North Carolina State University. After recovering from a head injury that ended her D1 softball career, Kelsey found a new purpose in sharing her story and perspective with others. Her commencement speech, which went viral with over 40 million views, touched on themes of identity, resilience, and personal growth. Kelsey now travels the country, speaking to organizations and teams about building confidence, developing a strong identity, and improving team culture.

Kelsey’s mission: To help individuals and teams boost confidence, build strong identities, and improve team culture by sharing her unique perspective on identity and resilience. Through her talks, Kelsey aims to remind people that their worth is not defined by their achievements or titles, but by the qualities that truly matter.

Listen to Kelsey O’Connor’s podcast, Life Beyond Labels

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By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network SportsE Media

Athlete Mindset is also a part of QuietLoud Studios

Athlete Mindset is produced by the team at KazCM

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This is the Sports Betting Uncovered podcast series. Part of The Sports Backdrop podcast on SportsE Media.

Welcome to the high-stakes world of sports betting as we explore its explosive growth and the shadowy underbelly of addiction. Our fearless podcast host, Chaz, uncovers the journey from prohibition to proliferation and the price we’re paying for this form of entertainment.

In this eye-opening episode, we trace the meteoric rise of sports betting in America and confront the growing crisis of gambling addiction. From Supreme Court decisions to Super Bowl wagers, discover how betting has become as much a part of sports as the games themselves – and the toll it’s taking on individuals and society. This is sports betting uncovered.

Topics in ‘Sports Betting Uncovered: Explosive Growth, Advertising, and Addiction’

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Disclaimer:  This episode features AI-generated voices created using premium licensed technology. These voices do not represent actual individuals. The content has been dramatized to provide an engaging and informative listening experience while addressing serious topics. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

Transcript:

“Welcome to ‘Sports Betting Uncovered,’ where we explore the world of sports betting, its intricacies, stories, and its impacts on our lives. I’m your host, Chaz, and today we’re uncovering a serious topic that’s been rising alongside the popularity of sports betting: addiction.” 

“Six years ago, sports betting was illegal under federal law. Today, it’s everywhere. From TV ads to billboards, the rapid growth of sports betting is undeniable. But with this growth comes a significant issue: sports betting addiction. In this episode, we’ll look into the rise of sports betting, the factors contributing to its popularity, and the dark side of addiction many face.”  

“To truly understand the rise of sports betting addiction, we need to take a step back and look at the history of sports betting in the United States. Before the landmark 2018 Supreme Court decision, sports betting was largely confined to the shadows.” 

“Sports betting in the U.S. has a long and storied history. It dates back to the early 19th century when horse racing was a major pastime. Betting on horse races became popular; it wasn’t long before other sports followed suit. However, the industry faced significant challenges. In 1919, the infamous Black Sox Scandal cast a dark shadow over sports betting, where eight Chicago White Sox players were accused of intentionally losing the World Series in exchange for money from gamblers.” 

“In response to such scandals, the government began to crack down on sports betting. The most significant of these efforts came in 1961 with the Federal Wire Act, which aimed to curb organized crime by banning all forms of interstate wagering on sports. This law effectively drove sports betting underground, where it...

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, shares space with Angela Lee Pucci, a retired professional MMA fighter, six-time MMA world champion, and founder of Fight Story. Angela Lee opens up about her journey from the world of combat sports to becoming a mental health advocate. She shares her personal experiences with suicide, including her own attempt in 2017 and the loss of her sister, Victoria, by suicide in 2022. The conversation explores the pressures of professional fighting, the importance of mental health awareness in combat sports, and how Fight Story aims to revolutionize the industry by providing support and resources for fighters’ mental and physical well-being.

This is the Athlete Mindset podcast. And it’s all about mental health in sports. It is presented and produced as part of the podcast network by SportsE Media.

“Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution” Highlights:

About Angela Lee Pucci and Fight Story:

Fight Story is a platform where fighters unite to revolutionize combat sports, inspire hope, and champion a global movement for mental and physical wellness.

Fight Story vision: Our goal is to create a community that empowers one another to embrace the journey. We are starting the conversation. By sharing real stories of overcoming mental health struggles, we shine the light on a topic kept in the dark, and we break down the stigma surrounding mental health. We are here to pioneer the way for athlete guidance, support, advocacy, connection, education and wellness in combat sports. Join us in the fight for a better, kinder, and more loving world.

Click Here to contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Athlete Mindset is part of the podcast network SportsE Media

Athlete Mindset is also a part of QuietLoud Studios

Athlete Mindset is produced by the team at KazCM

Connect with the guest, host, and podcast production team:

Related episodes to “Angela Lee Pucci’s Fight Story | A Mental Health Revolution”:

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In this episode of Athlete Mindset, Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with soccer legend Brandi Chastain to explore her journey from youth soccer to international stardom. Brandi discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including her famous penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, overcoming injuries, and the impact of mentorship and leadership. They also discuss the importance of resilience, celebrating successes, and the evolving role of mental health in sports. Brandi shares valuable insights for young athletes and parents, emphasizing the significance of support, hard work, and self-belief.

“Find Your Yes!”

“Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader” Topics:

Click here to Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

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Music credit: Beat Provided By freebeats.io | Produced By White Hot

More about Brandi Chastain:

Brandi is a retired American soccer player. She is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She is also a coach and a sports broadcaster. She played for the US Women’s National Team from 1988 to 2004. In her 192 caps on the team, she scored 30 goals as a defender and midfielder. She scored a World Cup-winning penalty shootout goal against China in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

Brandi played professionally for Shiroki FC in the Japan Women’s Football League, the San Jose CyberRays of the Women’s United Soccer Association, FC Gold Pride of Women’s Professional Soccer, and California Storm of Women’s Premier Soccer League.

Brandi was named to the USWNT All-Time Best XI in 2013. And in March 2017, Brandi was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2018 she was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. (source, Wikipedia)

The post Brandi Chastain | Soccer Legend, Resilient Champion, Inspiring Leader appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we discuss youth sports mental health dynamics, focusing on how youth sports parents impact their children’s mental health. We discuss the pressures placed on young athletes, the role of parents and coaches, and the significance of emotional intelligence and resilience in sports.

This episode features Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW. Lisa is the CEO & Founder of AthMindset. She works with elite youth athletes, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians, professional athletes, coaches, and teams. She is the Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, a men’s professional soccer team in the USL. Lisa is listed in the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Mental Health Registry, the NFL Player Association’s Clinician Directory, and the Major League Rugby Mental Health and Wellness Directory. 

“Youth Sports Mental Health | Parents, Coaches, and Resiliences” topics:

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This is an audible-style blog post on the rise of soccer in the United States. Welcome to the Sports Backdrop podcast. This episode focuses on the factors propelling soccer’s growing popularity in the US especially with the World Cup coming to North America in 2026!

Soccer will be a top 3 sport in the US because of the following:

Efficient Game Duration:

Accessibility and Affordability:

International Appeal:

Growing Media Coverage:

CONNECT:

Host: Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn

SportsE Media: website | X | Instagram | TikTok

Related content to “Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup”: Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports | Audible Style | Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming

This episode was produced by the team at KazCM

Main point: Soccer is the biggest sport in the world. We know that. However, soccer in the US typically falls outside of the top four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. That is changing fast. Add in the World Cup in 2026 and we have a recipe for soccer becoming a top 3 sport in the US. It will go: football, basketball, soccer…wait for it…

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The Ohio State University impact — it is significant. We’re not talking about endowments or alumni, although they play a part. We’re talking about something way bigger—a shared passion. In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Jerald Kasimov tells the story of his Ohio State roots and how we all have shared passions and excitement in something.

Jerry graduated from Ohio State’s college and dental school. He is a retired dentist, entrepreneur, and now a two-time author (Altered State of Affairs and Reach for the Stars). He is also a husband, father, and grandfather, all of whom make up his Buckeye Eleven. Jerald shares how Ohio State is more than just a school or football program—it’s a shared passion.

Now, for all you non-Buckeyes, this applies to you, too. We’re sure you are excited about something! And perhaps that excitement is shared by another or many others. That’s what this episode is about. The Buckeyes are simply a backdrop to help tell the bigger story. If anything, as the author says, “GET EXCITED!”

Buy Jerald’s books: Altered State of Affairs | Reach for the Stars

Connect with Jerald: author website | X

Connect with us:

Related content to “Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author”:

Wrapping up: want to create impactful content: KazCM

Credits for Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author:

Music credits: Pandemia and Victory by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/

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In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we focus on the innovative world of the TGL Golf League, Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s latest venture aimed at revolutionizing how we experience golf. With high-tech simulations and fast-paced competition, TGL seeks to attract a new generation of fans by making the sport more entertaining and accessible. We’ll explore how TGL fits into the broader evolution of professional sports, catering to the digital habits of Millennials and Gen Z, and whether it can successfully bridge the gap between traditional golf and the demands of modern viewership.

The full transcription for this episode can be found at the bottom of this episode page.

Main Topics Discussed:

Wrapping up:

Social media:

Related content to “TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports”:

Resources for the episode: “TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports”

Credits:

Music credits: Pandemia and Victory by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/

Full Transcription for TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports:

In today’s episode, we’re looking ahead, into the future of how we consume sports, with a special focus on the groundbreaking TGL Golf League. 

The way we watch sports has taken a sharp turn over the last decade. It’s not just about catching the game on TV anymore. Streaming, social media, and smartphones have thrown the playbook out the window. Today’s fans, especially Millennials and Gen Z generations, want their sports fast, engaging, and on their terms. I don’t always watch sports live…I’ll stream it on my own time. 

When we dive into the numbers, the story gets even clear...

An Athlete Mindset special episode featuring Lisa Bonta Summi’s thoughts on the importance of therapy.

In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii discusses the following topics:

Thank you for being part of the Athlete Mindset show!

Contribute to the Athlete Mindset Community

By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect:

Related episodes to “Lisa on the Importance of Therapy”:

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Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post Lisa Bonta Sumii on the Importance of Therapy appeared first on SportsEpreneur.