Walk With TFB

Thirty days from the start of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Tim Bryson sits down with Gabby Turner, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation for the Bay Area Host Committee.

In this episode, Gabby shares her story, her path into sport, and her role helping shape one of the most historic years in Bay Area sport. In 2026, the region will host Super Bowl LX and FIFA Men’s World Cup matches in the same calendar year, marking the first time this has ever happened.

This conversation explores what it takes to bring global sporting events to life, the power of storytelling and innovation, and how the Bay Area Host Committee is serving as a forcing function for collaboration and coalition building across cities, sectors, industries, communities, and institutions.

From marketing and regional identity to legacy, impact, and the future of global sport, Gabby offers an inside look at what it means to host the world.

It’s happening. We walking!!

Graphic art designed by LeRoid David.

In this episode, Tim walks with Jaelyn Arndt, Associate Director of Communications (Social Media) at the NCAA, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on what it takes to lead storytelling at the highest level.

Fresh off her work leading NCAA storytelling for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Jaelyn breaks down how stories get built in real time, from pre-production planning and stakeholder alignment to on-site execution, approvals, and publishing cadence.

This conversation is a masterclass in creative operations, athlete-centered storytelling, and leadership under pressure.

In this episode, we cover:

• What “NCAA storytelling” looks like in practice across platforms while at the Winter Olympic Games

• How to build a content plan that can flex in real time

• The systems and workflows that keep high-volume production moving

• Trust, consent, and athlete agency in on-camera moments

• Measuring impact beyond views and engagement

• Lessons from the Games that translate to future mega sporting events

• Advice for students and early-career professionals breaking into sport storytelling

Follow and engage with @NCAA on all socials!!!

Guest: Jaelyn Arndt, Associate Director of Communications (Social Media), NCAA

Host: Timothy Ford Bryson

In this episode, Tim speaks with Brian Dubiski, Chairman and CEO of the Union Jack Classic.

Their conversation explores what the first NCAA football game in London represents for the future of college athletics.

Arizona State and Kansas will face off at Wembley Stadium in September 2026. The matchup marks a historic moment for the Big 12 Conference. More importantly, it reveals a broader shift in how college sport is embracing internationalization.

Tim and Brian discuss global strategy, international media rights, revenue generation, and long-term institutional planning in an era shaped by NIL and revenue sharing.

Brian also shares the personal origin of the Pink Bows Foundation, founded in memory of his daughter. He explains how that work led to the Showstop® Procedure, a global training and certification model focused on crowd safety and prevention at large-scale events.

This episode situates the Union Jack Classic within a wider conversation about internationalization, safety, responsibility, recruitment, alumni engagement, and the evolving role of athletic departments as global actors.

The future of college sport is global.

Learn more about the Union Jack ClassicLearn more about the Pink Bows Foundation

It's happening. We walking!

The NFL is moving into a new global era.

In this Tim Talks episode, Tim breaks down the league’s internationalization strategy.

He also reflects on what he experienced firsthand at the NFL Madrid Game, a moment that revealed how quickly American football is becoming a truly global sport.

In this episode, Tim explores:

• How the NFL is building global ecosystems, not just hosting games

• The rise of international athletes in NCAA and NFL

• Fan growth through export + localization

• Europe as the league’s anchor market

• Why flag football in the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics matters

• What the NFL Madrid Game showed about culture, fandom, and belonging

This episode offers a clear look at how sport, strategy, and global mobility are shaping the future of American football.

It’s happening. We walking.

References

Blog: The London, I Mean Jacksonville Jaguars

Blog: NFL Academy - International Football Athlete Pathway to NCAA

Blog: NFL Practice Squads x International Athletes

In this special episode of Tim Talks, Tim steps back behind the mic to offer reflection and a future-facing look at one of the most important shifts happening in higher education today: the convergence of international education and college sport.

Drawing from 15 years of global experiences — from Ecuador to Cuba, from the NFL Academy to NBA Africa, from Fulbright advising to launching the Global Sport and Education Summit — Tim breaks down how international mobility and athletics have become intertwined in ways institutions can no longer ignore.

This episode explores:

• How professional and collegiate sports are accelerating global engagement

• The rising impact and visibility of international college athletes

• Why Black international athlete experiences deserve focused attention

• The five biggest truths shaping this intersection right now

• What “international athlete development” actually means

• The momentum and the challenges campuses must navigate

• Tim’s major announcement: a fully sponsored institutional partnership for Spring 2026

• A preview of the podcast’s official return in 2026

Part reflection, part roadmap, and part call to action, this episode is a snapshot of where the field is — and where Tim believes it must go next.

Whether you work in athletics, global engagement, student support, or simply care about the future of college sport, this conversation offers clarity, urgency, and possibility.

It's happening. We walking!

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References

NCAA Article: History of College Football Games outside of the United States

During this walk, Dr. Javier Wallace joins Walk With TFB to explore the intersections of sport, migration, and education through the lens of his forthcoming book, Basketball Trafficking: Stolen Black Panamanian Dreams.

A Black Panamanian historian and former college athlete, Dr. Wallace shares his journey from the court to the classroom and unpacks how the U.S. college basketball system exploits international college athletes, particularly those navigating the F-1 visa process.

Together, we examine how race, nationality, and opportunity collide to create vulnerabilities for athletes seeking to fulfill their dreams through sport. Dr. Wallace’s insights challenge us to see beyond the competition and confront the global structures that enable exploitation in higher education and college athletics.

Key Themes: International college athletes, F-1 visas, trafficking in sport, Black international identity, Global education

Learn more about Dr. Wallace’s work at https://www.javierwallace.com/

Follow Walk With TFB on Instagram for more global conversations at the intersection of sport, education, and equity.

During this walk, we explore how international college athletes navigate the unique mental health challenges shaped by both sport and migration. Transitioning into, or returning to, higher education often comes with pressures of performance, belonging, and identity. When immigration is layered into that experience, the stakes become even higher.To unpack this, we’re joined by the Katherine Thompson. Katherine is the Founder of Spero Psychological Services, a practice built on hope and empowerment to meet the unmet mental health needs of diverse communities. From immigration hardship evaluations to organizational consulting on workplace well-being, Spero is committed to lighting the path to healing for those who feel overlooked or underserved.As a Colombian American, our guest brings both professional expertise and personal experience, weaving cultural understanding into her work to ensure marginalized populations receive the care they deserve. Together, we ask: What can higher education and sport industries learn from immigrant community care models to better support international athletes today?Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of sport, education, and global mobility.

In this episode, we explore the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) —a powerhouse in sports, academics, and student support.

As a key stop on the 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit, UCLan stands out for its commitment to developing student-athletes, fostering global connections, and providing a vibrant university experience.

Tune in as we uncover:

🔥 Elite Sports Programs – State-of-the-art training facilities, competitive teams, and pathways for student-athletes
🌍 University Culture & Student Life – A look at campus traditions, student experiences, and what makes UCLan unique
📚 Comprehensive Student Support – Academic resources, athlete services, and international student programs
🤝 Global Partnerships – How UCLan collaborates with institutions worldwide to create international opportunities

Whether you're an athlete, educator, or sports professional, this episode gives you insider access to what makes UCLan a leader in both sport and education.

Loughborough University is world-renowned for its excellence in sports, academics, and student experience. As a key stop during the 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit, this institution continues to shape the future of sports leadership and global education.In this episode, we dive into:🏆 Loughborough’s elite sports programs and training facilities🎓 The university’s dynamic culture and student experience🌍 How internationalization is shaping the future of student-athletes💡 Key student services that support both athletic and academic successWhether you're an aspiring student-athlete, a sports professional, or simply interested in higher education and athletics, this conversation is packed with insights!🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more discussions on global sports leadership and university experiences!

During this walk, Ashley Germain talks to us about her experience as an international college athlete.

Originally from Montreal, Ashley matriculated into U.S. higher education as a track and field athlete at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to:

International college athletes continue to enter U.S. higher education at increasing rates.

This episodes shines light on their unique experience and shares recommendations for how NCAA athletic departments can best support international athletes during their entire lifecycle in the United States higher education system.