What makes athletes so captivating? Tony Hollingsworth, Sr. Director of Strategy at Laundry Service, has a clear idea why: because they’re the last great superheroes.

In this episode, Tony explains how athletes embody the traits of the characters we’ve idolized since childhood—larger-than-life figures with stories that inspire, connect, and evolve. He shares how this perspective shapes his work on campaigns with icons like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers for Gatorade.

We also dive into the power of storytelling in sports, drawing parallels to our shared love of the 90’s Chicago Bulls and the never-ending narratives of comic books. For Tony, sports are about more than just games—they’re stories with legacies that grow, change, and endure for generations.

Tune in to hear how athletes became modern-day superheroes and what that means for sports marketing, storytelling, and our personal connections to the games we love.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Blockchain is transforming sports, and it's not just about the fans.

Lucy Mills, founder of Ready Sport Global, joins The Spread to talk about how Web3 and blockchain are creating new pathways for inclusion and social impact in sports.

We discuss how blockchain is being used to fund social impact initiatives, particularly for underrepresented groups, and how sports organizations are leveraging these technologies to better engage global audiences.

One of the most inspiring aspects of our conversation was the focus on blockchain’s potential to democratize funding, ensuring that projects with broad community support, not just the biggest backers, get the resources they need.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in how technology can reshape the future of sports and create positive change for communities everywhere.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Michael Mazzara, the CEO of Rogue Expeditions, is pioneering a fresh category in travel: the running vacation. Unlike a traditional founder story, Michael shares his unique perspective on acquiring established companies rather than building them from scratch. He dives into how he assessed Rogue Expeditions’ foundation and identified where he could innovate, expanding beyond adventure travel to offer a variety of running-centered experiences.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the future of running travel, the journey of transforming an existing brand, and how Rogue Expeditions is creating unforgettable experiences for runners worldwide.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Olivia Witherite, Marketing Director for the Webby Awards, shares her experience transitioning from the always-on sports industry, at companies including The Game Day and The Athletic, to her current role, where she’s creating a team culture centered around work-life balance.

Olivia candidly discusses the issue of burnout and the crucial mindset shift she embraced after stepping back from the world of sports marketing. She reflects on how the ambitious athlete mentality influences the business of sports and how it’s sparking conversations around mental health in the industry.

Join your host, Cari Sekendur, and hear how Olivia is prioritizing her creative expression and the importance of defining your identity and value beyond your career.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Alana Casner, the SVP of Business Development & Athlete Relations at Parity, a sports marketing and sponsorship platform dedicated to closing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports.

With a rich background at The Players’ Tribune, the NBA, and Adorama, Alana discusses unforgettable moments working with NBA legends, the power of athlete-brand collaborations, and the potential for sponsorships in women’s sports. She also explores the importance of leadership, vulnerability, and mental health, highlighting successful Olympic campaigns that captured athletes' emotions and motivations.

Tune in to hear from Alana about how Parity's initiatives are closing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Join us as we explore the intersection of endurance athleticism, entrepreneurship, and authenticity with Bill Armstrong, CEO of endurance sports nutrition brand NEVERSECOND. Are endurance athletes inherently creative or more practical? How does authenticity in athlete marketing play out for his brand? We delve into these topics on this episode of the Spread.

Discover Bill's unique approach to marketing, which focuses on authentic storytelling from athletes who genuinely love NEVERSECOND's products. Learn about the challenges and rewards of building a brand in the endurance sports nutrition industry, and gain valuable insights into the decision-making process behind investing in branding early on.

As a former endurance athlete who holds 18 years of experience running a successful B2B product manufacturing company, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Tune in to this episode of The Spread and gain valuable insights from Bill's journey.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

In this inspiring episode of The Spread, we sit down with Suzanne McKenzie, the Founder and CEO of Able Made, a label that brings soccer to the runway. Suzanne's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination.

Our conversation delves into Suzanne's personal journey of channeling grief into action after the sudden loss of her husband in 2009. She shares how she honored his memory by founding a soccer non-profit, The Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation to carry on his legacy, and later the fashion label, Able Made to help fund the non-profit.

Discover how Able Made has gained incredible traction, including partnerships with iconic brands like Burberry, where surplus fabric is repurposed into Able Made looks. Suzanne also discusses her collaborations with industry leaders such as Alan Dye from Apple, Nike, Pentagram, and IDEO, highlighting her fearless approach to pursuing her vision.

A key theme throughout our discussion is Suzanne's unwavering commitment to creative problem-solving and sustainability. Learn how she infuses these values into every aspect of Able Made, from design to production, making it a frontrunner in the sustainable fashion movement.

Join us as we explore Suzanne McKenzie's remarkable journey of resilience, creativity, and sustainability with Able Made. Whether you're passionate about fashion, entrepreneurship, or making a positive impact, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. 

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Your host, Cari Sekendur, sits down with Tim Bartels, the CEO and Co-Founder of Velous, a sports-recovery footwear startup. Tim brings a wealth of industry experience, having previously led sales for renowned brands such as Columbia, Keen, and DC Shoes.

Our conversation dives into Tim's personal and professional journey since launching Velous. Join us as we explore the valuable lessons he's learned while navigating the crowded landscape of the sports footwear market.

Discover the pivotal moments that led Tim to make the leap from the corporate world to the challenging yet rewarding realm of startups. And, learn how Velous crafts a compelling brand story that resonates with both retailers and consumers, setting them apart in the competitive world of sports footwear.

Join us on this journey into innovation and entrepreneurship with Tim Bartels on The Spread.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

In this episode of The Spread, your host Cari Sekendur sits down with Karen Dobres, the driving force behind Lewes FC's Equality Campaign. Her work not only symbolizes her commitment to gender equality but also showcases how a football club can become a catalyst for societal change.

What sets Karen apart is her "outsider lens" approach to football, which has led to a more inclusive and appealing experience for women in the football community. From providing essential amenities like tampons in the stadium bathrooms to establishing breastfeeding stations and even offering prosecco on tap, Karen's innovative mindset has redefined the fan experience.

But that's just the beginning. Lewes FC operates on a plane of infinite creativity. As a completely fan-owned club, they have woven their community into the very fabric of the fan experience. Their approach to advertising is equally innovative. Their campaigns play on pop culture, turning the spotlight on issues that matter. Yet, the most remarkable achievement is that Lewes FC became the first team across the globe to equally pay and resource both the men's and women's teams. The impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since this historic move in 2017, attendance and sponsorship have surged, growing by an astonishing 20 times.

Join us as we explore the journey of a remarkable leader who is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of sports business. Karen's story is a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to equality. Tune in to gain insights into how sports can be a vehicle for positive change and how breaking the status quo can drive progress, both in football and far beyond.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.

Dive into the intersection of art and sport with Jasmine Maietta, Founder and CEO of Round21. Jasmine's journey from professional athlete to executive at brands like Reebok and Peloton has uniquely positioned her to bring a fresh take to the sports equipment market with her company, Round21.

Join us for a discussion on how Round21 is breaking new ground by infusing creativity into basketballs, ping pong paddles, apparel, and more. And, learn about their innovative approach to designing equipment that doubles as a canvas for artistic expression.

Learn about Round21's collaborations with iconic brands and celebrities, including the Basquiat estate, basketball sensation Brittney Griner, and the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. Jasmine shares the behind-the-scenes stories of these partnerships and how they've contributed to Round21's mission to empower the creative spirit in all of us.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation that celebrates the fusion of art and sport. Jasmine's passion for creativity, inclusivity, and community shines through as we explore Round21's impact on the world of athletics. Tune in to discover how Round21 is transforming the game, one artistic design at a time.

Subscribe to The Spread for more stories exploring the creative side of athletics.

The Spread is produced by Butter Studio.