Let the Games Begin
On the "Let the Games Begin" podcast, Carver Messick interviews a wide variety of accomplished guests in the seemingly infinite sports world. From sports marketers to analysts to filmmakers and more, "Let the Games Begin" has you covered. Each revered guest shares their story and provides priceless advice to those intrigued by a career in sports.
Episodes
27 episodes
S3E6: Zack Jenis - Director of Sports Content Operations, FanDuel
In this episode, Carver interviews Zack Jenis, Director of Sports Content Operations at FanDuel about his career progression. Zack discusses how he rose in the ranks of FanDuel, what his day-to-day looks like, and the current state of the sport...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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29:05
S3E5: Terése Whitehead - VP, Consumer Products & Strategy at NFL Players Association
In this episode, Carver talks with Terése Whitehead of the NFLPA. Terése has worked in the sport industry for around two decades and has much experience in the agency and marketing space. She discusses current and future trends in athlete marke...
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31:10
S3E4: Jon Van Dam - Tight Ends Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In this episode, Carver talks with John Van Dam, current Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tight Ends Coach and former college assistant coach. John discusses how to climb the coaching ladder, the differences between coaching at the college and professional...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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31:41
S3E3: Bill Shumard - CEO, Southern California Special Olympics
In this episode, Carver interviews Bill Shumard, former CEO of the Southern California Special Olympics for over a decade and previous Athletic Director at Cal State Long Beach as well as Cal State Fullerton. In the interview, Bill discus...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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41:52
S3E2: Bess Barnes - VP of Programming, CBS Sports
In this episode, Carver interviews Bess Barnes, VP of Programming at CBS Sports. In the interview, Bess talks about what goes into the scheduling of games/seasons, CBS's involvement in March Madness, and much more! Enjoy!
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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26:13
S3E1: Dan Griffis - President of Global Partnerships, Oak View Group
In this episode, Carver interviews the President of Global Partnerships of the Oak View Group, Dan Griffis. Dan contributed to the founding of OVG and previously worked as the VP of Marketing for Target. In the chat, he goes over having the rig...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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47:36
S2E11: Caroline Hendershot - Team Reporter, New York Jets
In this episode, Carver interviews Caroline Hendershot, Team Reporter for the New York Jets and Michigan alum. We talk the pressure of being behind camera, how to get over on-air mistakes, and her journey!
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42:21
S2E10: Tracy Wolfson - CBS's Lead NFL Sideline Reporter
In this episode, Carver interviews CBS's lead NFL sideline reporter, Tracy Wolfson, who also spent time as the lead sideline reporter for SEC football on CBS and for March Madness. In the interview, Tracy discusses her career progression, provi...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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40:36
S2E9: Chip Smith - Athletic Performance Trainer
In this episode Carver interviews America's top performance trainer, Chip Smith. Chip discusses how he fell in love with performance training... his journey to Russia to unlock some Soviet training secrets... and his rise to become the to...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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29:57
S2E8: Vashti Cunningham - Olympic High Jumper
In this episode Carver interviews Vashti Cunningham, America's number one ranked professional high jumper and Nike athlete who recently competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Vashti highlights the mental challenges of an individual sport, how to be mo...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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26:09
S2E7: Dean Dalton - NFL Alumni Academy, Executive Director
In this episode, Carver interviews Dean Dalton, Executive Director of the NFL Alumni Academy and long time assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings. Dean discusses his lessons learned from coaching, the progress and goals of the Alumni Academ...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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37:49
S2E6: Lou DePaoli - General Sports Worldwide
In this episode, Carver chats with Lou DePaoli of General Sports Worldwide who previously served as EVP and CMO of the Atlanta Hawks and Pittsburgh Pirates and EVP and CRO of the New York Mets. We discuss the differences between the MLB and NBA...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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35:53
S2E5: Gregg Winik - NBA's President of Content and Executive Producer
In this episode, Carver interviews Greg Winik, President of Content and Executive Producer at the NBA. We discuss the rise of and changes in streaming live sports, changes in digital media the past two decades, and more! Enjoy...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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31:46
S2E4: Steve Mayer - NHL's Chief Content Officer and EVP
In this episode, Carver speaks with Steve Mayer, Chief Content Officer and EVP of the NHL. Steve talks about innovation within the NHL, marketing to a specific audience, taking risks, and more!
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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28:27
S2E3: Steve Patterson - Sports Executive, former: GM of Houston Rockets, UT Athletic Director, President of Portland Trailblazers
In this episode, Carver talks with tenured sports executive Steve Patterson who served as GM with the Rockets, athletic director at UT, President of the Trail Blazers, and much more! He discusses all things operating a franchise from the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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34:33
S2E2: John Weinbach - President of Skydance Sports
In this episode, Carver interviews sports filmmaker John Weinbach who just recently worked in depth on The Last Dance. Previously, he has made made multiple 30 for 30s, and he currently serves as president of Skydance Sports. In the interview, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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39:20
S2E1: Andrew D. Bernstein - Sports Photographer
In this episode, Carver interviews legendary sports photographer Andrew D. Bernstein about his start in the industry, his work for the NBA, his relationship with Kobe, and his more recent occupation of podcasting. His pictures:...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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54:03
S1E9: Evan Holyfield - Professional Boxer
In this episode, Carver interviews professional boxer Evan Holyfield, who currently holds a perfect 8-0 record. He dives into the mental tools needed for an individual sport like boxing, carving a name for himself separate from his father Evand...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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21:18
S1E8: Emily Weisman - Riot Games, Public Relations Strategist
In this episode, Carver interviews Emily Weisman who works at a Public Relations Strategist at Riot Games and previously worked with the San Francisco 49ers. Also, Emily interned with the NCAA and the Indianapolis Colts prior to these jobs. In ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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25:47
S1E7: John Hock - NFL Films, NBA Entertainment, 30 for 30 ESPN
In this episode, Carver interviews sports filmmaker John Hock who worked for both NFL Films and NBA Entertainment. He also played a major role in the rise of 30 for 30s on ESPN, working on projects like Through the Wire with Sebastian Telfair. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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46:26
S1E6: Don Sperling - NY Giants, Executive Producer of Entertainment
In this episode, Carver interviews Don Sperling, the Vice President and Executive Producer of Entertainment for the New York Giants. Don manages all branding, marketing, television, radio, digital media, social media, publishing, creative...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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22:07
S1E5: Chris Talbott - Agent, Baker Mayfield
In this episode, Carver interviews Chris Talbott of The Camwood Group who works as Cleveland Browns' quarterback Baker Mayfield's marketing agent. He previously worked as a marketing executive at Microsoft, BDA Sports, and Wasserman Media. We d...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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47:56
S1E4: Felisa Israel - Owner/Founder of 10 Fold Entertainment
In this episode, Carver interviews the amazing Felisa Israel, who served for almost a decade as the NBA's Director of Live Programming and Entertainment after working with the Phoenix Suns for over 6 years as the Director of Entertainment and S...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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37:36