THE SERMAPOD

In Episode 117 of The SERMAPod, guest host Steve Washkalavitch sits down with Tim Wilson, CFO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, to discuss the enormous undertaking of bringing the FIFA World Cup to Philadelphia. From safety and security planning to transportation logistics, vendor management, public funding requirements, fan engagement, and reputational risk, Tim provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to host a global event on this scale.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/ 

In Episode 116 of SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov welcomes entertainment and intellectual property attorney Pete Salsich, III for a discussion on Entertainment Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. They explore why E&O coverage is essential for filmmakers and content creators, how copyright and trademark claims can threaten a production, and what producers need to know about fair use, rights clearances, and insurance coverage.

Pete also shares practical guidance on avoiding common legal pitfalls, obtaining permissions, working with distributors, and navigating the E&O application process.

Pete Salsich, III: https://capessokol.com/people/pete-salsich/
Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

Alberta's Fairness and Safety in Sport Act has sparked significant debate across the Canadian sports landscape.

In this episode, Rich Lenkov is joined by sports lawyer Will Russell of Sport Law to discuss the legislation's requirements for female-only sport divisions, the governance challenges it creates for sport organizations, and the potential legal, operational, and reputational risks facing event organizers and governing bodies.

The discussion explores the balance between competitive fairness and athlete inclusion, the role of provincial governments in regulating sport, and what Alberta's approach may mean for the future of sport governance in Canada and beyond.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/
And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

In this episode of the SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov and Rebecca Adelman speak with Father Theodore Ihenetu and Stanley Ukaga about launching a sports and entertainment risk management initiative in Nigeria. The conversation covers athlete safety, injury management, stakeholder collaboration, law enforcement involvement, and the steps needed to create long-term risk management standards and training programs across Nigeria’s growing sports and entertainment industries.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Lgal Services: https://magnals.com/

We’re excited to welcome five outstanding leaders to the SERMA Advisory Board!

•  Emily Buckley - Insurance Risk Manager at Specialized Bicycle Components
•  Tahia Carr - Risk Project Manager at Invited Clubs
•  Jessica Lauren - Vice President, Business Development at Entrusted Administrators & Subrogation
•  Virginia Pederson - Partner at Mayer
•  Steve Washkalavitch - Senior Vice President at Marsh

These leaders represent the innovation, expertise and collaboration that define the sports and entertainment risk industry. Their insight and experience will play an important role in guiding SERMA’s strategic vision and advancing our mission.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a big thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

What really happens behind the scenes when a concert or festival gets canceled due to weather? In this episode of the SERMAPod, Shalom Suniula is joined by Roger Sandau, JR Justice, and Caleb Heckley to discuss the risk management, insurance, and safety considerations that drive difficult decisions at major live events. Using recent examples like Stagecoach and Zach Bryan’s canceled Tulsa show, the group explores weather preparedness, event cancellation coverage, liability concerns, and how operators balance fan expectations with public safety. 

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

Rich Lenkov interviews Michael Nellis, Vermont’s Passenger Tramway Supervisor, about ski lift safety and risk management. The conversation covers recent incidents, inspection standards, operational challenges, and how technology and training are shaping safer ski resort operations. 

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/
And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov sits down with leaders from the Hispanic Insurance and Risk Management Association, Carlos Luis Rodriguez, Rose De Leon, and Noemi Oliver, to discuss HIRMA’s mission, the value of diverse perspectives in risk management, and why the industry offers more opportunity than most people realize. The conversation also touches on communication breakdowns in claims, mentorship, and preparing the next generation.

Plus, insights on emerging risks, including climate challenges and business continuity, and a look at the growing SERMA–HIRMA partnership.

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/
HIRMA: https://hirma.org/

And a special thanks to our podcast sponsor, Magna Legal Services:
https://magnals.com/

Kansas State’s decision to fire head basketball coach Jerome Tang “for cause” has sparked a legal dispute with major financial implications. In this episode, Matt Liller is joined by sports law professor Sam Ehrlich to unpack the controversy, including the role of Tang’s postgame comments, the meaning of “objectionable behavior” in coaching contracts, and how schools use for-cause designations as negotiation leverage.

The conversation also examines what each side would need to prove if the case is litigated, how similar disputes have played out, and how the modern college sports landscape, shaped by NIL and the transfer portal, may influence future cases. 

Professor Ehrlich: https://www.boisestate.edu/cobe-management/faculty-staff/sam-c-ehrlich-jd-ph-d/
Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/
And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

Episode 108 of the SERMA Pod examines the sudden cancellation of The Bachelorette after off-screen controversy surrounding its lead. Host Rich Lenkov is joined by entertainment attorney Larry Zerner to unpack the legal and business implications of pulling a fully produced season.

The discussion focuses on why contestants likely cannot pursue claims against the network, how reality TV contracts are structured to eliminate liability, and what role (if any) ABC’s vetting process plays in potential exposure. They also explore how networks may respond moving forward and what this situation signals about risk allocation in entertainment production.

A timely look at how legal strategy and business judgment intersect when millions of dollars, and reputations, are on the line. 

Larry Zerner: https://www.zernerlaw.com/

Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/