Eric and Jared try to make sense of the Cleveland Browns, front office dysfunction across the NFL, and why every fan base believes they suffer more than anyone else. Baker, Stafford, Shadur, the 49ers, Vegas lines, billionaire owners, and the eternal misery of the Vikings all make an appearance.

This is a 12-minute sports-only segment clipped from Saviors of the Metaverse — now living in the SportsE feed where it belongs.

Listen to the full Saviors of the Metaverse episode: The Running Man Review Through the Lonely Eyes of a Gen Xer | via YouTube — Apple Podcasts — Spotify

00:00 — Browns in a simulation: If Cleveland is 12–0 and undefeated Carolina exists, you’re probably dreaming.

The Browns are confusing, the Vikings are cursed, owners are billionaires who always win, Shadur Sanders has promise but not proof yet, and betting Cleveland still hurts. Fans everywhere live in the same delusion: “nobody has it worse than us.”

Because you want NFL takes without the clichés — just two Gen-X lunatics trying to decode the Browns and the universe.

Front office instability and questionable decision-making — plus a culture that hasn’t fully reset.

Depends on your trauma profile. Vikings lose big moments; Browns lose everything else.

Social media hype + limited NFL sample + Deion effect = unstable QB stock.

Not really — salary cap levels the roster. But ego drives decisions.

They’re 5–6 ATS — slightly better than their record, still emotionally ruinous.

Connect with Saviors of the Metaverse and SportsEpreneur

Transcript | Cleveland Browns Dysfunction, Minnesota Vikings Problems, and NFL Fan Delusion

[00:00:00–00:00:53]

Eric and Jared set up the idea of doing a sports-only segment and dropping it on SportsEpreneur.

[00:00:00] eric: Welcome to Saviors of the Metaverse, the podcast that saves and definitely entertains. You are listening to this show on a unrelated, yet unrelated podcast to get all the episodes of Saviors and to become a Saviors super fan. Search for saviors of the Metaverse on your podcast player of choice. Once there, I don’t know, subscribe.

And while you’re at it, give it a rating because well, Jared needs confirmation. Jared needs affirmation. Jared needs Savior Nation. And if nothing else, thank you for listening to Saviors of the Metaverse. We’ll see you in there. Cleveland Browns future. This is our sports segment. We need one of these. I’ll explain why later.

We’re gonna drop this shit on sports entrepreneur. It can do well. It’s gonna get us recognition anyway. Fine. We need a sports sports segment anytime around. But it could be any take. It doesn’t matter.

[00:00:53–00:01:51]

The hypothetical: Browns 12–0, Panthers undefeated, dream logic.

[00:01:00] Okay. Future. We’re in a dystopian, or, I don’t know what you call this shit, what you call it, A simulation.

Sure. Fast forward. Yep. You’re still with it. Yep. You still got your capabilities, your faculties in order. Faculty still? Yep. Yeah. You’d like to eat a little bit. You like to check out some stuff. Cleveland Browns are here. Late November going to Thanksgiving. But you got time. They’re like undefeated. Oh, whoa.

Okay. They’re 12 and oh. Coming to Carolina, who somehow is also undefeated. Oh, someone offered you tickets. I mean, this just hurts my head. You don’t even have to pay for the tickets. Good seats. That’s 50 yard, nine seats. Yeah. 26 up. Yeah. You go in the game. Are you gonna watch at home?

[00:01:43] jared: Well, it depends on how soon I wake up from my dream, because, uh, there’s no fucking way any of that would ever happen.

Yeah. You know?

[00:01:50] eric: Yeah.

[00:01:51–00:04:04]

Every fan base thinks they suffer the most.

[00:01:51] jared: So maybe I do, maybe I don’t, maybe I fly to the game with my magical cape because the Browns being 12 and Oh, I mean, let’s be honest, Carolina, I mean, they went to the Super [00:02:00] Bowl,

[00:02:01] eric: didn’t

[00:02:01] jared: they?

[00:02:01] eric: Yeah.

[00:02:02] jared: Twice. Okay. That’s not that. It’s just like, hey, they’re just having, they’re stuck in a rut.

[00:02:06] eric: They won the A FFL Championship. They were legit.

[00:02:09] jared: Who won the AFL

[00:02:10] eric: champion? Cleveland Browns. Before the, uh, before the merger. They were one of the besties Before, yeah,

[00:02:15] jared: before there was a Super Bowl. They were, they were good. Yeah. Super Bowl comes along and ruins it. Yeah. Something happened.

[00:02:20] eric: Yeah. The Ravens won though.

That’s, that hurts even

[00:02:24] jared: more.

[00:02:24] eric: Yeah, because that used to be the Browns like the greatest defense ever. 2000.

[00:02:28] jared: You know, the Browns do have a great defensive line. They have a terrible offensive. More importantly, the Browns have a terrible front office and the decision making in that organization just seems to be the shittiest ever.

But

[00:02:38] eric: is this a situation where like a lot of teams have bad front offices, they’re really mad funny. There’s the rounds funny. So if I get onto social media, so our sports entrepreneur, ex account, Uhhuh and just get in the comments and shit. Yeah. And like Vikings fans are like ready to just destroy everything.

They were 13 and through four, whatever they were. They were really good last year. Yeah. Made it lost in the playoffs. Kind of got blasted I think by Detroit. Vikings fans and then they go and take [00:03:00] the quarterback and who’s a second year player and he’s just Shit the bed. Yeah. Every possible way. They’re just like, what are we, so they’re over it.

Like, blow it up. Mm-hmm. Start over. Like, we were so close last year. Yeah. To this year, it’s over. So there’s a lot of organizations that feel that way. So is the move to then say the front office is fucked, start over. Or like, would it matter for an organization like the Browns or the Vik? ’cause the Vikings fans would be like, no one’s ever felt like us before.

This is us. The Vikings have lost a lot of Super Bowls. Sure. They’ve missed out. They lost to Atlanta. Yeah. That was a one year they lost to Atlanta the year Denver won the first or second Super Bowl with la. Mm-hmm. They missed a field goal and that team was really fucking good. Dante Cole Pepper, shit like the Robert Smith, Chris Carter, and then they lose on a bad field goal.

Atlanta goes to the Super Bowl, Minnesota never got back to it. Right? That was like their greatest year ever. So they feel like it, Browns fans feel like it, Bill’s fans feel like it. This is like really bad shit.

[00:03:59] jared: I still think the Browns [00:04:00] are in a tear under themselves, but every fan feels that way. Uh, yeah.

I guess if you’ve never been in the shoes of a Browns fan, I’ll take my shoes off right now and let you wear ’em. Yeah,

[00:04:04–00:05:31]

Are front offices actually the problem?

[00:04:09] eric: yeah. Brown’s, Vikings Super Bowl 2034. Throw a year out there.

[00:04:15] jared: I mean, that’d be fun. How shitty would all the other teams have to be? Yeah.

[00:04:20] eric: Like it would have to be a colossal, see, like the Vikings, I think, have had good teams.

Mm-hmm. Over the last many years. The Browns haven’t had a good team since Baker Mayfield. They were in the playoffs, like, yes. He

[00:04:30] jared: took him to the playoffs.

[00:04:31] eric: Yeah. They were like, nah, Flacco took him to the playoffs. Yeah, that’s right. That’s not that long ago.

[00:04:36] jared: I know.

[00:04:36] eric: Yeah. They lost, but they were there.

[00:04:38] jared: The problem with the Browns is it’s a culture thing,

[00:04:40] eric: but you can change the culture, right?

Like you can,

[00:05:31–00:06:26]

Owners are in a different universe.

[00:04:43] jared: I mean, I think Jimmy Haslam’s the richest owner he had, I mean, so the Browns have plenty of money.

[00:04:49] eric: Yeah, but you have salary caps. Yeah. Yeah,

[00:04:51] jared: sure. But I mean, you would think, I don’t know. I just don’t understand the decision making process. Like why can’t they get it? Right. It seemed like they were [00:05:00] on a really, I do think it’s the front office.

I mean, John Dorsey’s, the one that brought in Baker Mayfield, miles, Garrett, Nick Chubb, like all the superstars. It actually pulled him out the rut. He’s not, John Dorsey brought those guys in. No.

[00:05:10] eric: Haslam’s. 10th. Richest over. Oh, he’s

[00:05:12] jared: 10th. Okay. I’m talking about the front office.

[00:05:13] eric: Rob

[00:05:14] jared: Walton

[00:05:15] eric: is worth $113 billion.

Wow. Broncos number two is homeboy. Here, Dave Teer, 21 billion. Stephen Ross with the Dolphins. Stan Croy. The Rams. Jerry Jones at five 16. Bills Shahi Khan for the Jaguars 13 Bill.

[00:05:31] jared: Hey, let’s not talk about the Browns. Let’s talk about any of them. The Rams and the Bucks last night. I hated to see my boy baker go out.

Oh man. The Rams boy. Can they sling it?

[00:05:41] eric: Yeah, they’re good. God, I didn’t watch that game. I saw it was like 31 to three or 31. Not good. Seven, one point. It’s not

[00:05:46] jared: good. I mean, they put in, um, yeah. What’s his face? Who’s the backup for Tampa now? He used to be here. Teddy Bridgewater.

[00:05:52] eric: Yeah. He was coaching high school football not that long ago.

[00:05:55] jared: Really?

[00:05:55] eric: Yeah.

[00:05:56] jared: Hey, I mean, you know, to go in against that team after Bakker goes [00:06:00] down. Yeah. It didn’t look good. I mean, Baker threw some dumb ass. Plays too, but I was pretty impressed. Just watching. I’ve never, and again, this is coming from an ignorant, you know, I typically just watch the Browns, or now watch the Buccaneers because of baker.

[00:06:26–00:07:15]

Stafford lasers vs. Baker effort throws.

But watching Matthew Stafford, man, that guy can sling the rock. He just, yeah, like a bullet. Yeah. I mean, B’S got the same, but I don’t know. Stafford kind of has that same Joe Flacco thing where Joe Flacco looks effortless. He can just throw a rocket.

[00:06:26] eric: Yeah,

[00:06:26] jared: right into the middle of traffic and hit his guy.

And it looks like he didn’t even extend any energy. Bakker looks like he’s giving it everything. He still throws a bullet. But still,

[00:06:36] eric: I don’t

[00:06:36] jared: know.

[00:06:37] eric: I wonder, you know, like the comparison thing we’re talking about before Uhhuh quarterback, but the the owners, yeah. It’s not just owners, it’s owners across all sports.

Sure. They probably like see this, listen, fucking drive ’em crazy. If you’re like number three, you’re Dan Gilbert, the Cleveland Cavs, you’re worth $27.8 billion and you’re number four. And number one is Steve Ballmer. So [00:07:00] Microsoft boy, he was 118 billion at this time. Rob Walton was 110. He’s number two. This is Forbes and this is 2025.

Dang. Does it jive from fucking crazy? I don’t know. No, dude, I’m doing well.

[00:07:10] jared: Billionaires are in a class under themselves, quite literally. Yeah. Different type of genetic makeup. Maybe.

[00:07:15] eric: This is not about like necess. It is about they wanna win. Yeah. Because they wanna have that control, that power, that whatever.

[00:07:15–00:09:22]

The Shadur hype cycle and the Stefanski conspiracies.

Yeah. But I mean, think about Cleveland Browns. They could never win a game. Nope. And they would make billions of dollars. Yeah. They’re about to build a new stadium. Big fucking stadium.

[00:07:32] jared: It’s like we’re gonna keep two something bills massive stadium so everybody can come watch us. Shit. The bed week after week.

Yeah, that’s the narrative right there. Maybe they could take some of that money and get a new front office. Bring John Dorsey back. I don’t know. Yeah. People that actually have some sense get rid of, uh, Stefanki and Barry.

[00:07:50] eric: A lot of people think Stefanski wants Sanders to fail.

[00:07:54] jared: So stupid, so fucking stupid.

I mean that you have all these diehard [00:08:00] Sanders fans. I’m like, he’s not that great, you know? Of course people said the same thing about Baker and I was like, fuck them, you know? But Baker is great. That’s the

[00:08:06] eric: difference I was writing there. So social has you believing that. People will say, look at that dot, that shit door just threw.

So it’s, it’s all, it’s like parody. It’s kind of a joke. So he throws a four yard screen pass. Quin John Jenkins, who runs it? 77, Quin Johns is badass. Right. So he does that. Yeah. And then everyone gets in that comments like, what the fuck are you talking about? You dunno football. And so all they’re doing, they’re just talking with people and the engagement, it’s fucking, the roof people get so mad.

I wanna see. I mean, seriously,

[00:08:38] jared: I mean, he seems like a great kid, you know? I mean, but I have not seen all, all the, they’re trying to keep Sha door down and this, and I’m like, you think Stefanski really has the time or the inclination? Like, I wanna just completely screw a player. Why? Why would he do that?

[00:08:56] eric: Yeah.

[00:08:56] jared: Why? And I think that’s just because people thought no, Shado should be number two in the [00:09:00] drop behind Cam Ward, and he’s so great. And just the evidence wasn’t there for that. And then even now, like you see him now again, he is playing on the rounds, but I mean, do I think that kid’s got talent that could be developed?

Absolutely. Of course. But he doesn’t have it right now. I mean, he still needs, I mean, he’s got that bad problem. Tap tap

[00:09:17] eric: balls, we’re gonna see it, right? Yeah. He, he won a game. He have to start ’em.

[00:09:22–00:11:33]

Breaking down the a brutal schedule + the ATS misery.

[00:09:22] jared: Yeah. I mean, he won a game, but the, it just goes to show you how shitty the Raiders are.

[00:09:26] eric: Yeah.

[00:09:26] jared: Because the Browns did not play well, it didn’t, I mean, I watched, I was watching the high, well, watching the highlights and I was like, okay.

I mean. It did not look like it was hard for them to

[00:09:35] eric: beat players. So let’s see. Let’s see what they got. So this is early. We’re dating ourselves a little bit. They play at home against the 49 ERs next week. Oh, they’ll get

[00:09:42] jared: smashed

[00:09:42] eric: and they play the Titans, who are actually the worst team in the league.

[00:09:45] jared: They’ll probably find a way to fuck it up, but let’s see. Chicago. Mm-hmm. They’re gonna lose that one too. Buffalo, those Cleveland.

[00:09:52] eric: That’s crazy. Oh, they finished the buffalo and they go Pittsburgh at home since the on the road. Yeah, dude. So I mean. The Titans is a win. Should be.

[00:09:59] jared: Yeah. [00:10:00] We should be.

[00:10:00] eric: If they lose.

So we’ll see. We’re gonna find out this week against the 49 ERs. They’re a D they’re a good team. Yeah. Yeah. But they’re coming. That’s fucked up. 49 ERs like on Monday night. This is NF l’s. Crazy. NFL 49 ERs play at home on Monday night on the west coast. Play against Carolina, right? Mm-hmm. Sunday. Sh So a short week for them.

They gotta come to Cleveland. Yeah. And play a one o’clock game, which is 10:00 AM their time. Hmm. It’s fucking crazy. Fun and they’ll, they’ll figure it out.

[00:10:25] jared: I get it. Yeah. Well, they’re gonna be in Cleveland before, so I don’t know what

[00:10:27] eric: the odds say, but oftentimes it’s a don’t bet West Coast teams coming east and the early game, unless you’re playing the Browns, unless you’re playing the Browns, there’s here.

Yeah. But even still, like, I don’t know what the Browns are against the spread.

[00:10:41] jared: Yeah.

[00:10:41] eric: I mean, what was, uh, what were Shara’s stats? He threw, he was like 11 for 20. I’ve just seen it so many times. Just popping up 11 for 20 for like 200 yards.

[00:10:49] jared: Yeah, that’s the fanfare. I mean, that’s just, I mean, he has so many fans of social media from when he was a, I mean, he’s Dion.

Sanders kid. Yeah. I mean, again, he’s, you know, look at us. We’re [00:11:00] on a fucking podcast. We’re not professional athletes. He is, he’s, we’re professional podcasters. We’re professional podcasters. Yeah. Yeah. No. I mean, so all respect to him for sure. But it’s an interesting thing to see, like the fans like, oh yeah, it’s a conspiracy and this, and that’s like, look, he has the potential to be really good.

Yeah, for sure. He’s got the height. It’s like, but to treat him like he’s fucking Tom Brady, you know, right now is,

[00:11:23] eric: yeah. It’s like that’s just not Case. Browns are five and six against the spread this year, so the record against the spread’s better than the record. I’m saying, man, this is what it’s, yeah.

[00:11:33] jared: Unsurprising.

[00:11:33–00:11:56]

Running backs who are actually fun to watch.

[00:11:34] eric: Yeah. So you’re like, so maje, they suck.

[00:11:39] jared: Oh God. Bet the spread. You still fucking lose. I don’t even, man, I was like considering not finishing, watching the highlights from the game. I was like, I just don’t care. I don’t care anymore. Yeah. Although Quin, Sean Jus is really fun to watch, man. That guy can just motor and I’ll tell you what, Samson man, that guy gets the ball and he gets motoring.

Yeah.

[00:11:56] eric: Ooh, you can’t catch

[00:11:57] jared: him.

[00:11:57] eric: Tennessee kid, right? Yeah. Volunteer. [00:12:00] Dylan Sampson you’re talking

[00:12:01] jared: about. Yeah. Yeah. It’s Dylan Sampson, isn’t it? That’s how much

[00:12:03] eric: I don’t give a shit anymore. It’s fine.

[00:12:04] jared: Yeah.

[00:11:56–00:12:33]

The kicker line before the segment ends.

[00:12:05] eric: I love it. Yeah, whatever. It’s big. Last one. Go. Tampa Bay. Last one. Job market. So the spray and pray approach.

Uhhuh. So I’m hearing all these kids talk about applying for jobs, right? Yeah. Can’t get jobs.

[00:12:19] jared: So they need to be applying for food stamps. You know what I’m saying? Geez. Yeah.

[00:12:24] eric: That’s gonna be clipped. Oh gosh. And that’s gonna get a lot of hate. I know.

[00:12:33] jared: Oh

[00:12:33] eric: man.

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 Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Chaos & Why NFL Fans Are All Delusional | Saviors & Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

More than one in five college students are using financial aid to gamble on sports. This is money meant for tuition, housing, and books.

In this episode, Eric Kasimov examines how this is happening, why it’s growing, and what it reveals about college culture, mental health, and the expanding reach of sports betting.

This is an audio edition of the SportsEpreneur article, How College Financial Aid Fuels Sports Betting Addiction | A Hidden Crisis — written and read by Eric Kasimov.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sports betting or gambling addiction:

Read the full article on College Financial Aid Money Going to Sports Betting

Connect with SportsEpreneur: X | LinkedIn

Connect with Eric: X | LinkedIn

Want your brand featured on SportsEpreneur? Let’s talk →

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 21% of College Students Use Education Money to Bet on Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The NFL doesn’t need perfect refs — it needs conversation.
Every bad call, missed flag, and replay controversy keeps fans talking, networks buzzing, and revenue climbing.

In this episode, SportsEpreneur unpacks how the league turned chaos into currency, and why the outrage over NFL “rigging” might actually be part of the plan.

This is an audio edition of the SportsEpreneur article “The NFL Officiating Problem Is a Money-Making Scheme.”
Written and read by Eric Kasimov — bringing sports, business, and commentary together in a storytelling and easy-to-consume format.

Listen to this episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Read the full article on How the NFL Officiating Problem Is Big Business

Connect with SportsEpreneur: X | LinkedIn

Connect with Eric: X | LinkedIn

Want your brand featured on SportsEpreneur? Let’s talk →

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 How Bad Calls Fuel the NFL appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The NCAA just changed its rules. College athletes and staff can now legally bet on professional sports. College games? Still off-limits.

In this episode, Eric Kasimov breaks down what the NCAA’s new policy really means, why enforcement is impossible, and how this decision could collide with NIL money, insider access, and college sports culture.

It’s not just a rule change — it’s the NCAA quietly admitting it’s lost control.

This episode is an audio edition of a SportsEpreneur article — written and read by Eric Kasimov — bringing sports, business, and commentary together in a storytelling and easy-to-consume format. Based on Eric’s article “The NCAA Just Admitted It Can’t Police Sports Betting” on SportsEpreneur.

Listen to this episode here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Read the full article on NCAA & Sports Betting

Related article: How NIL Is Changing Bowl Games

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Want your brand featured on SportsEpreneur? We collaborate with sports media, NIL, and content partners. Let’s talk →

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 College Athletes Can Now Bet on Pro Sports | What Could Go Wrong appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic in a deal that stunned the league — months before the franchise was sold for a record-setting $10 billion.

Coincidence? Or did the NBA help engineer this moment to inflate the Lakers’ value before the sale? Of course they did.

In this SportsE original, we breakdown the timing and strategy behind one of the most suspiciously perfect business moves in NBA history.

Did the NBA Inflate the Lakers’ $10 Billion Sale—And Every Other Team’s Value Too? sportsepreneur.com/nba-lakers-10b-sale-franchise-valuation-inflation

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Host: Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn

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This episode was produced by the team at QuietLoud Studios

TL;DR: What Just Happened Here?

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic — and then sold the franchise for a record-setting $10 billion. That’s not just a trade. That’s a valuation play.

In this episode, we explore whether the NBA manipulated events to inflate the value of its marquee franchise, raise league-wide NBA team valuations, and set a new benchmark in the business of sports. From the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers’ $10B sale, to the Cooper Flagg lottery twist, this story isn’t about basketball. It’s about leverage, timing, and brand power.

If you’re into sports business, franchise valuations, and the not-so-hidden strategies of pro leagues, this one’s for you.

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 How the NBA Made the Lakers Worth $10 Billion | Audible Style appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

“Sneaker” Steve Patino shares his journey from sneaker enthusiast to footwear industry innovator, discussing how his passion for shoes evolved into a mission to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing. “Sneaker” Steve is the founder of Ales Gray.

Chapters:

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KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

Related content to ‘A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability’:

Credits:

About A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability guest “Sneaker” Steve Patiño

Steve Patiño is the Founder and CEO of AGS Labs Inc./ALES GREY, a Los Angeles-based foot-tech company pioneering sustainable footwear manufacturing in North America.

With 30 years in the footwear industry, Steve’s career highlights include serving as Global Director of DC SHOES during its $1B growth period and co-founding the luxury footwear brand Android Homme, which attracted elite athletes and artists, including LeBron James and Kendrick Lamar.

His products have been featured in premium retailers worldwide, including Barneys, Nordstrom, and Selfridges. He’s also led successful collaborations with Latin music stars J Balvin and Bad Bunny.

A Stanford GSB graduate and NYU alum, Steve was born in Queens, NY to Colombian parents. He now lives in Beverly Hills with his family. ALES GREY, named after his son Greyson Alessandro, reflects his mission to create sustainable footwear for future generations.

The post A Footwear Industry Pioneer Talks Entrepreneurship and Sustainability appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

What happens when an NBA All-Star hangs up his jersey? In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Eric connects with Gordon Hayward, a former player for the Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Now an entrepreneur and family man, Gordon shares his perspective on what it means to move on from professional sports and enter a new chapter of life, including his latest ventures like FORM, a basketball training tool that’s changing how young players learn to shoot.

Gordon keeps it real about life after basketball, staying in shape, youth sports, the college game, mental health, and entrepreneurship. Gordon Hayward is such a genuine and relatable guest. He speaks his mind, shares great insights, and has a clear passion for helping the next generation improve their shot. It was a privilege to have him on the podcast. Thank you, Gordon, for your time, inspiration, and stories.

What Gordon Hayward and I Discuss:

Connect with Gordon Hayward & FORM:

Connect with Eric:

Chapters in the Gordon Hayward Podcast:

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

Related content to ‘Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today’:

Credits:

More about Gordon Hayward, NBA All-Star, FORM Co-founder:

Gordon Hayward was an NBA All-Star forward known for his smooth shooting, high basketball IQ, and ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game. After leading Butler University to an unexpected NCAA Championship appearance in 2010, he was drafted ninth overall by the Utah Jazz, where he quickly became a key player. Gordon has enjoyed a successful career with the Jazz, Boston Celtics, and, most recently, the Charlotte Hornets. His resilience and consistent on-court production earned him a reputation as a dependable and adaptable player.

Off the court, Hayward has cultivated a variety of passions and pursuits. A devoted family man, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Robyn, and their four children.

FORM: This patented basketball shooting aid is designed specifically to guide proper shooting form. Its unique shape provides built-in guides to help players of all ages and skill levels shape their shot and build muscle memory for more accuracy and consistency on the court.

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 Gordon Hayward | NBA Stories, FORM Basketball, and Youth Sports Today appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Featured Guest: Robert “Bob” Steinfeld, Emmy Award-Winning Sports Producer, Author of 3…2…1…We’re On the Air

“The people that make it to the top respect the work of those around them.” – Bob Steinfeld

“You’ve gotta dominate where you can.” — Tim Duncan to Bob Steinfeld

“Every game has a story.” – Bob Steinfeld

Go behind the camera with Bob Steinfeld, a 10-time Emmy-winning sports producer whose career has spanned four decades of unforgettable sports moments. Bob’s journey has brought countless iconic moments to life, from directing the San Antonio Spurs’ championship runs and covering the Dream Team in Barcelona to producing World Cup soccer at the Cotton Bowl. Working alongside broadcasting legends like Bob Costas, Jim Nantz, Joel Klatt, and Verne Lundquist, Bob’s dedication to capturing the magic of sports has left an indelible mark on the industry.

In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we discuss:

This episode offers a unique look into the high-stakes world of sports production through the eyes of a true legend, capturing how every game—whether NBA Finals or Little League—is an unforgettable story waiting to be told.

This show is made possible by:

KazCM: A content production company that aims to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more here: https://kazcm.com/

QuietLoud Studios: A podcast network where reflection and voice come together. Learn more here: https://quietloudstudios.com/

Related content to Behind the Scenes of Iconic Sports Moments with Legendary Producer Bob Steinfeld:

Connect with Bob Steinfeld:

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:

Credits:

More about Bob Steinfeld and his book “3…2…1… We’re On the Air”:

Robert Steinfeld has produced and directed network sports television for five decades, covering MLB, NBA, WNBA, college basketball and football, NCAA Championships, World Cup Soccer, Cotton Bowl Classics and summer Olympics. He’s Executive Producer of the WNBA Dallas Wings. His innovated work has earned him 10 Sports Emmy Awards plus five more nominations, a national Cable Ace Award nomination, plus additional industry accolades.

Thoughts on his book from some of the biggest names in sports television broadcasting:

“Bob’s memoir is a game-changer for anybody who craves tales about the athletes and sports he’s covered.” —Nancy Lieberman, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer

“An authentic look at how it all comes together. ” —Jim Nantz, CBS Sports

“Stories of decades in sports TV.” —Bob Costas, Broadcaster for NBC Sports from 1980 to 2019

“I stepped into the booth for my first college football broadcast, having no idea what I was doing.  Thankfully, the voice in my headset was ‘The Doctor’ himself, Bob Steinfeld! Bob’s level of preparation and leadership is top-notch and continues to drive me to this day.  Reading 3…2…1… We’re On The Air! brought me back to that day with the rush of excitement I felt then. This peek behind the production curtain is a must for anyone that enjoys watching their favorite sports on TV.” —Joel Klatt, Fox Sports, lead college football analyst

(source: robertsteinfeld.com)

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 Behind the Scenes of Iconic Sports Moments with Legendary Producer Bob Steinfeld appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of Athlete Mindset, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, welcomes Dr. Kensa Gunter, a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and Director of NBA and WNBA Mind Health. Dr. Gunter opens up about her journey in sports psychology, the evolution of mental health in professional sports, and her mission to promote well-being for athletes, teams, and coaches. Together, they explore the power of resilience, leadership, and culture change in sports psychology, and discuss how mental health and performance are interwoven in today’s sports landscape.

Dr. Gunter highlights how the NBA & WNBA Mind Health program is working to shift the conversation around mental health from stigmatization to normalization, ensuring that athletes are supported holistically on and off the court. She also shares insights into injury recovery, mental resilience, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of well-being within teams.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Kensa Gunter:

Resources Mentioned:

Credits: Athlete Mindset is part of the SportsE Media platform.

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!

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

Related episodes to “NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter”:

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

The post NBA and WNBA Mind Health with Dr. Kensa Gunter appeared first on 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

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:

The post Who You Are, Not What You Do with Kelsey O’Connor appeared first on SportsEpreneur.