Here's What We Know

Why Do We Care So Much About Live Events? | Michael Dodsworth

Gary Scott Thomas Season 1 Episode 289

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Why are people willing to spend thousands of dollars on concert tickets?

Why do fans sit in online queues for hours, refreshing browsers and hoping they get lucky?

And why do live experiences still matter so much when we can almost stream everything?

This week on Here’s What We Know, Michael Dodsworth, CEO and founder of Fanfare, joins us for a conversation that starts with ticketing and eventually reveals something much deeper about human nature.

We talk about Taylor Swift, Formula 1, English soccer fandom, sneaker culture, bad actors, live events, and the psychology behind why people care so deeply about the things they love.

We explore scarcity, obsession, loyalty, competition, and the strange human need to be part of something shared.

Honestly, it’s one of my favorite rabbit-hole conversations we’ve had in a while.


In This Episode:

  • Why concert ticketing feels so broken
  • The psychology behind scarcity and demand
  • How Taylor Swift changed the live event business
  • Why Formula 1 has exploded in popularity
  • The difference between loyal fans and casual audiences
  • What sports fandom looks like in England vs. America
  • How “bad actors” manipulate systems
  • Why sneaker culture feels like a secret club
  • The hidden emotional power of shared experiences


This episode is sponsored by: 

Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!) 

License #: 679261 

 Bison Junk Removal


Bio:

Michael Dodsworth is the founder and CEO of Fanfare, a platform that turns product launches, events, and brand collaborations into seamless, memorable experiences—helping brands build lasting customer loyalty and capture actionable insights from every interaction. With a background in infrastructure and high-demand digital systems, Michael combines deep technical expertise with a passion for culture, community, and brand storytelling. His work focuses on helping brands create meaningful customer moments that build loyalty and lasting connections.


Website: https://fanfare.io/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dodsworth/


Tags: Michael Dodsworth, live events, concert tickets, Taylor Swift tickets, Formula 1 fandom, sports psychology, customer experience, ticketing industry, event management, fandom culture, sneaker culture, English soccer fans, Gary Scott Thomas, Here’s What We Know podcast, scarcity psychology, live entertainment, Formula One, Taylor Swift concert

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