Great in-game music doesn't happen by accident. In this episode, Joe Green, DJ and Music Director for the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights and the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, shares his career journey and provides an inside look at the strategy, preparation, and technology behind creating an exceptional in-game music experience. We also discuss playlist development, the role of music in sports, what separates a good sports DJ from a great one, and his advice for the next generation of Music Directors.

In this episode, Don sits down with Don Scott, Vice President of Entertainment and Marketing for Clemson Athletic Ventures, to explore the strategy behind one of college athletics' premier gameday experiences. Don explains why "traditions are awesome, but traditional thinking is not," shares Clemson's approach to communication, creativity, and evaluating new ideas, and reveals the framework that guides every gameday decision. He also shares the biggest mistake athletic departments make, the most overlooked element of the fan experience, and practical lessons that can help elevate Event Presentation at any level.

Pressure, stress, long hours, and quick decisions are all part of working in live events. In this episode, Don sits down with mindset expert Ricky Kalmon to explore how top performers build confidence, stay focused under pressure, recover from mistakes, and avoid burnout. Ricky shares practical strategies for mental preparation, visualization, and developing the habits that support long-term success in live events and other demanding environments. If you've ever struggled with stress, self-doubt, or maintaining focus when the pressure is on, this episode is for you.

A great host shapes how an audience feels, reacts, and remembers a live event. In this episode, Lauren Thompson shares her playbook from more than 20 years in television and live event hosting with NBC Sports and Golf Channel. We cover her career journey, hosting philosophy, the three most important skills to be effective, how to deliver content authentically, her preparation process, and the most common mistakes hosts make and how to avoid them. If you want to become a host, improve as one, or manage hosts, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Don sits down with John Bochiaro, Group Vice President of Game Presentation and Entertainment for the National Hockey League, to examine how league events are designed and elevated at the highest level. John shares his career journey and the design philosophy guiding marquee NHL events such as the Winter Classic, Stadium Series, and All-Star Weekend. He also discusses his role as liaison to all 32 clubs, insights from cross-league collaboration, his perspective on emerging technology, and where he sees the future of game presentation heading.

Behind every great event are decisions most people never see. Don is joined by Frank Supovitz, one of the most respected leaders in live sports and event production, to explore how those unseen decisions define successful events. Drawing from more than 35 years of experience with the NFL and NHL, including work on the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Pro Bowl, Stanley Cup Finals, and NHL All-Star Weekends, Frank shares how decisions made early, under pressure, and behind the scenes shape the audience experience. Together, they break down eight critical decision areas that separate good events from great ones.

In this episode, Don sits down with Paris Buchanan, Senior Associate AD for Fan Experience and Creative Strategy at Auburn University, to take listeners behind the Tigers gameday experience. Paris shares his career journey, the philosophy guiding Auburn's approach to event presentation, and how he structures and leads teams to deliver seamless, high-impact fan experiences. He also discusses the planning process, creative strategy, and evolving technologies shaping gameday in college athletics, and offers valuable advice for the next generation of sports professionals.

Transitions are part of every sports career — joining a new organization, stepping into a different role, or adapting to a new culture. In this episode, Darius Smith, Senior Director of Game Presentation and Entertainment for the Washington Commanders, shares five strategies for approaching new opportunities with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Drawing from his experience with both the Commanders and the Minnesota Vikings, Darius offers practical insights for building momentum, earning trust, and making an immediate impact in a new environment.

When a team reaches the championship stage, everything changes. Event presentation shifts from team-driven to league-driven, bringing new challenges and added pressure. In this episode, Joe Legaz, Director of Game Operations and Live Experience for the Seattle Sounders FC, shares five key lessons from producing league championships. These behind-the-scenes insights won't appear on a highlight reel, but they're what truly make championship events successful.

In this special episode of The Rundown, the table is turned as host Don Costante takes the hot seat to share the story behind his new book, Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation. Hear how three decades of experience turned into Sports Business Journal Publishing's first book, and why it's a game-changer in the sports industry.