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        <title>Skin in the Game</title>
        <description><![CDATA[Sports are about more than what happens on the field. Skin in the Game takes you inside the deals, decisions, and trends driving today’s sports industry.Hosted by sports marketing expert John Cimperman and veteran sports business journalist Tim O’Shei, the weekly podcast features conversations with top level executives, athletes, journalists, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the sports world. From NIL and media rights to professional leagues and youth sports, Skin in the Game uncovers the stories behind the scoreboard.Listen Tuesdays and 11 a.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m. on BTPM NPR or stream anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more.]]></description>
        <language>en</language>
        <link>https://www.btpm.org/podcast/skin-in-the-game</link>
        <lastBuildDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400</lastBuildDate>
        
        
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<itunes:title>Skin in the Game</itunes:title>
<itunes:author>BTPM NPR</itunes:author>

    
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            <itunes:email>podcasts@wned.org</itunes:email>
            <itunes:name>Buffalo Toronto Public Media</itunes:name>
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<itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>




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        <item>
    <title>Beyond the Ballcap: Bruce Popko on New Era, Global Sports Business and Building an Iconic Brand</title>
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    <description><![CDATA[What does it take to build one of the world's most recognizable sports brands?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Bruce Popko, President of New Era Cap, the Buffalo-based company that has become a global leader in licensed sports headwear and apparel.

Popko discusses New Era's remarkable growth from a fourth-generation family business into a worldwide brand with operations spanning 16 countries and partnerships across every major professional sports league. He explains how the company's acquisition of ’47, an American lifestyle brand strengthened its position in the marketplace while allowing both brands to maintain distinct identities.

The conversation explores the intersection of sports, fashion and entertainment, including the evolution of licensed merchandise and celebrity collaborations, including the legendary story of Spike Lee asking for the creation of a red NY Yankees ballcap. They talk about product placement and how fans increasingly use apparel as a form of self-expression.

Popko also shares insights into emerging opportunities in college athletics, NIL, global expansion, golf, entertainment licensing and the future of sports merchandising as leagues, brands and media companies continue to collaborate in new ways.
]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-07-11/beyond-the-ballcap-bruce-popko-on-new-era-global-sports-business-and-building-an-iconic-brand</link>
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    <itunes:title>Beyond the Ballcap: Bruce Popko on New Era, Global Sports Business and Building an Iconic Brand</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[What does it take to build one of the world's most recognizable sports brands?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Bruce Popko, President of New Era Cap, the Buffalo-based company that has become a global leader in licensed sports headwear and apparel.

Popko discusses New Era's remarkable growth from a fourth-generation family business into a worldwide brand with operations spanning 16 countries and partnerships across every major professional sports league. He explains how the company's acquisition of ’47, an American lifestyle brand strengthened its position in the marketplace while allowing both brands to maintain distinct identities.

The conversation explores the intersection of sports, fashion and entertainment, including the evolution of licensed merchandise and celebrity collaborations, including the legendary story of Spike Lee asking for the creation of a red NY Yankees ballcap. They talk about product placement and how fans increasingly use apparel as a form of self-expression.

Popko also shares insights into emerging opportunities in college athletics, NIL, global expansion, golf, entertainment licensing and the future of sports merchandising as leagues, brands and media companies continue to collaborate in new ways.
]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[What does it take to build one of the world's most recognizable sports brands?…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/34328f7/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F23%2Ff899cbe4463082872f1982f3c782%2Fsitg-088-bruce-popko-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>88</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>A Runner&#x27;s Journey: Bruce Kidd on Sport, Social Change and the Power of an Athlete&#x27;s Voice</title>
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    <description><![CDATA[What responsibility do athletes have beyond competition?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Bruce Kidd, one of Canada's most celebrated distance runners, a former Olympian, scholar, author, and Officer of the Order of Canada.

Kidd reflects on his remarkable journey from a teenager discovering a talent for running in Toronto to representing Canada at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Along the way, he shares how sport became much more than competition, serving as a lens through which he explored politics, economics, culture, and social change. During his decades-long efforts to challenge racism, sexism, and inequality in sport, he experienced how athletes can use their platforms to create meaningful change and why sports remain one of society's most powerful mirrors.

Kidd also addresses two issues currently driving his advocacy work: the rapid expansion of sports betting and its impact on athletes and fans, and the ongoing debate surrounding sex testing and eligibility policies in international sport.

The episode concludes with a discussion of Kidd's memoir, A Runner's Journey, which chronicles his athletic career, academic work, and lifelong commitment to making sport more inclusive and equitable.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-06-27/a-runners-journey-bruce-kidd-on-sport-social-change-and-the-power-of-an-athletes-voice</link>
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    <itunes:title>A Runner&#x27;s Journey: Bruce Kidd on Sport, Social Change and the Power of an Athlete&#x27;s Voice</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[What responsibility do athletes have beyond competition?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Bruce Kidd, one of Canada's most celebrated distance runners, a former Olympian, scholar, author, and Officer of the Order of Canada.

Kidd reflects on his remarkable journey from a teenager discovering a talent for running in Toronto to representing Canada at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Along the way, he shares how sport became much more than competition, serving as a lens through which he explored politics, economics, culture, and social change. During his decades-long efforts to challenge racism, sexism, and inequality in sport, he experienced how athletes can use their platforms to create meaningful change and why sports remain one of society's most powerful mirrors.

Kidd also addresses two issues currently driving his advocacy work: the rapid expansion of sports betting and its impact on athletes and fans, and the ongoing debate surrounding sex testing and eligibility policies in international sport.

The episode concludes with a discussion of Kidd's memoir, A Runner's Journey, which chronicles his athletic career, academic work, and lifelong commitment to making sport more inclusive and equitable.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[What responsibility do athletes have beyond competition? This week on Skin In…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>2660</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c7c5336/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fae%2Fbd%2Ff6444d99478392cfdb918daa99e4%2Fsitg-087-bruce-kidd-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>87</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Building Sports Careers Online: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook on NIL, Networking and Sports Management Worldwide</title>
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    <description><![CDATA[What does it take to turn a passion for sports into a career?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, founder and president of Sports Management Worldwide, a global sports education company that has helped more than 30,000 graduates from 164 countries pursue careers throughout the sports industry.

Lashbrook shares his remarkable journey from athlete, coach, and university administrator to sports agent and entrepreneur, explaining how a chance encounter with the early internet and the release of Jerry Maguire helped inspire a business that has connected aspiring sports professionals with opportunities around the world.

Unlike traditional sports management programs, Sports Management Worldwide delivers its curriculum entirely online through courses taught by industry professionals in sports. Lashbrook explains how the organization's global classroom model connects students from around the world with executives, agents, scouts, broadcasters and analysts, creating opportunities that extend far beyond a traditional campus experience.

Lashbrook also offers an insider's perspective on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), calling it one of the most significant transformations in modern sports. He discusses how NIL is creating new opportunities for athletes, families, advisors and aspiring sports professionals while reshaping college athletics.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-06-13/building-sports-careers-online-dr-lynn-lashbrook-on-nil-networking-and-sports-management-worldwide</link>
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    <itunes:title>Building Sports Careers Online: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook on NIL, Networking and Sports Management Worldwide</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[What does it take to turn a passion for sports into a career?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, founder and president of Sports Management Worldwide, a global sports education company that has helped more than 30,000 graduates from 164 countries pursue careers throughout the sports industry.

Lashbrook shares his remarkable journey from athlete, coach, and university administrator to sports agent and entrepreneur, explaining how a chance encounter with the early internet and the release of Jerry Maguire helped inspire a business that has connected aspiring sports professionals with opportunities around the world.

Unlike traditional sports management programs, Sports Management Worldwide delivers its curriculum entirely online through courses taught by industry professionals in sports. Lashbrook explains how the organization's global classroom model connects students from around the world with executives, agents, scouts, broadcasters and analysts, creating opportunities that extend far beyond a traditional campus experience.

Lashbrook also offers an insider's perspective on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), calling it one of the most significant transformations in modern sports. He discusses how NIL is creating new opportunities for athletes, families, advisors and aspiring sports professionals while reshaping college athletics.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[What does it take to turn a passion for sports into a career? This week on Skin…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7b2c0eb/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff1%2Faa%2F067a7a6144cf85d26c3c406fc781%2Fsitg-086-dr-lynn-lashbrook-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>86</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Is Dance a Sport? Tony Bellissimo Says Absolutely.</title>
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    <description><![CDATA[What happens when a multi-sport athlete discovers that his greatest talent is on the dance floor rather than on the field or the ice?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Buffalo native Tony Bellissimo, a professional dancer, choreographer, actor and educator whose career has taken him from local sports fields and dance studios to some of the biggest stages in entertainment.

Bellissimo shares how growing up playing hockey, lacrosse and soccer helped shape the discipline, competitiveness and work ethic that ultimately propelled him into the professional dance world. Along the way, he has performed alongside some of music's biggest stars, including Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Chris Brown, while building a career that has taken him around the world.

The conversation explores the athletic demands of professional dance, the realities of auditioning and competing at the highest level, and why Bellissimo believes dance deserves a place alongside traditional sports when discussing performance, training and physical excellence.

Bellissimo also reflects on his recent experience working on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing in scenes inspired by the legendary "Thriller" music video.

Most importantly, he shares lessons about perseverance, mentorship, and helping young people discover the passions that can shape the course of their lives.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-06-06/is-dance-a-sport-tony-bellissimo-says-absolutely</link>
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    <itunes:title>Is Dance a Sport? Tony Bellissimo Says Absolutely.</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[What happens when a multi-sport athlete discovers that his greatest talent is on the dance floor rather than on the field or the ice?

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei welcome Buffalo native Tony Bellissimo, a professional dancer, choreographer, actor and educator whose career has taken him from local sports fields and dance studios to some of the biggest stages in entertainment.

Bellissimo shares how growing up playing hockey, lacrosse and soccer helped shape the discipline, competitiveness and work ethic that ultimately propelled him into the professional dance world. Along the way, he has performed alongside some of music's biggest stars, including Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Chris Brown, while building a career that has taken him around the world.

The conversation explores the athletic demands of professional dance, the realities of auditioning and competing at the highest level, and why Bellissimo believes dance deserves a place alongside traditional sports when discussing performance, training and physical excellence.

Bellissimo also reflects on his recent experience working on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing in scenes inspired by the legendary "Thriller" music video.

Most importantly, he shares lessons about perseverance, mentorship, and helping young people discover the passions that can shape the course of their lives.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[What happens when a multi-sport athlete discovers that his greatest talent is…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/31a9c40/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F71%2F9b620e8f4accbb9e69cd73ef3b97%2Fsitg-085-tony-bellissimo-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>85</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>A Lifetime on Ice: Bonnie Shea on Hockey, Longevity &amp; Purpose</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/05/sitg-084-bonnie-shea-eric-herman-audio-podcast.mp3" length="77778028" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[At 15 years old, Bonnie Shea was told she could no longer play hockey simply because she was a girl.

More than six decades later, she’s still lacing up her skates.

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman sits down with Bonnie Shea — an early pioneer of women’s hockey in Minnesota — to talk about her lifelong relationship with the sport, the barriers she faced growing up in the “State of Hockey,” and how she rediscovered the game at age 40 after decades away from organized play.

Bonnie reflects on what hockey has given her physically, mentally, and socially throughout her life — from the exhilaration of skating to the friendships, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that continue to keep her active into her 80s.

Cimperman goes on to explore the broader connection between sport, movement, and healthy aging with physical therapy expert Eric Herman, PT, FACS, from Buffalo Rehab Group, who joins the program to discuss why lifelong activity, mobility, and recovery are essential ingredients for long-term health and quality of life.

They talk about injury risk, strength training, range of motion, and balance and coordination.

Whether you still play the sports you loved as a kid — or hope to someday get back to them — this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to keep moving.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-05-23/a-lifetime-on-ice-bonnie-shea-on-hockey-longevity-purpose</link>
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    <itunes:title>A Lifetime on Ice: Bonnie Shea on Hockey, Longevity &amp; Purpose</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[At 15 years old, Bonnie Shea was told she could no longer play hockey simply because she was a girl.

More than six decades later, she’s still lacing up her skates.

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman sits down with Bonnie Shea — an early pioneer of women’s hockey in Minnesota — to talk about her lifelong relationship with the sport, the barriers she faced growing up in the “State of Hockey,” and how she rediscovered the game at age 40 after decades away from organized play.

Bonnie reflects on what hockey has given her physically, mentally, and socially throughout her life — from the exhilaration of skating to the friendships, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that continue to keep her active into her 80s.

Cimperman goes on to explore the broader connection between sport, movement, and healthy aging with physical therapy expert Eric Herman, PT, FACS, from Buffalo Rehab Group, who joins the program to discuss why lifelong activity, mobility, and recovery are essential ingredients for long-term health and quality of life.

They talk about injury risk, strength training, range of motion, and balance and coordination.

Whether you still play the sports you loved as a kid — or hope to someday get back to them — this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to keep moving.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[At 15 years old, Bonnie Shea was told she could no longer play hockey simply…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/41813f6/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6c%2F24%2F67deac5c4abb854a5109cebceeca%2Fsitg-084-bonnie-shea-and-eric-herman-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>84</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>The Business of Sports Cards: Inside the Explosive Growth of Collectibles with Tracy Hackler</title>
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    <description><![CDATA[Sports cards are no longer just childhood collectibles tucked away in shoeboxes—they’ve become a global business driven by technology, culture, nostalgia, and massive fan engagement.

This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Tracy Hackler, Senior Brand Manager at Panini America, to explore the evolution of the sports collectibles industry—from vintage baseball cards to modern-day “golden ticket” chase cards and blockchain collectibles.

Tracy shares how the hobby transformed during the pandemic, why women’s sports collectibles are surging, and how athletes like Caitlin Clark are reshaping the marketplace. The conversation also dives into NIL deals, the rise of digital collectibles, international growth, and the emotional connection fans still have to physical cards in an increasingly digital world.

Along the way, Tracy reflects on his own journey from sports journalism to one of the leading voices in the collectibles industry—and reconnects with Tim over the early days of Beckett Baseball Card Monthly.

Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a casual sports fan, or someone wondering if those old cards in the basement are worth anything, this episode is a fascinating look at how sports memorabilia became both cultural currency and big business.
]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-05-16/the-business-of-sports-cards-inside-the-explosive-growth-of-collectibles-with-tracy-hackler</link>
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    <itunes:title>The Business of Sports Cards: Inside the Explosive Growth of Collectibles with Tracy Hackler</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Sports cards are no longer just childhood collectibles tucked away in shoeboxes—they’ve become a global business driven by technology, culture, nostalgia, and massive fan engagement.

This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Tracy Hackler, Senior Brand Manager at Panini America, to explore the evolution of the sports collectibles industry—from vintage baseball cards to modern-day “golden ticket” chase cards and blockchain collectibles.

Tracy shares how the hobby transformed during the pandemic, why women’s sports collectibles are surging, and how athletes like Caitlin Clark are reshaping the marketplace. The conversation also dives into NIL deals, the rise of digital collectibles, international growth, and the emotional connection fans still have to physical cards in an increasingly digital world.

Along the way, Tracy reflects on his own journey from sports journalism to one of the leading voices in the collectibles industry—and reconnects with Tim over the early days of Beckett Baseball Card Monthly.

Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a casual sports fan, or someone wondering if those old cards in the basement are worth anything, this episode is a fascinating look at how sports memorabilia became both cultural currency and big business.
]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Sports cards are no longer just childhood collectibles tucked away in…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>



<itunes:episode>83</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Beyond the Field: Soccer, Trust, and Opportunity for Newcomer Youth</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/05/sitg-082-soccer-without-borders-audio-podcast.mp3" length="77775113" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Soccer is often called the world’s universal language—but what happens when it becomes the only language you share in a brand-new country?

This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Jennifer Tepper, Executive Director of Soccer Without Borders, and Bruno Contreras, Program Director in Massachusetts, to explore how the organization is using sport to build trust, belonging, and opportunity for immigrant, refugee, and underserved youth.

With a model that prioritizes relationships over results, Soccer Without Borders has served more than 60,000 young people from over 120 countries, helping them find community, develop life skills, and simply rediscover the joy of play.

From inclusive coaching practices and culturally connected mentorship to the realities of funding nonprofit work in today’s climate, this conversation reveals what’s possible when sport is designed for connection first—and competition second.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-05-09/beyond-the-field-soccer-trust-and-opportunity-for-newcomer-youth</link>
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    <itunes:title>Beyond the Field: Soccer, Trust, and Opportunity for Newcomer Youth</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Soccer is often called the world’s universal language—but what happens when it becomes the only language you share in a brand-new country?

This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Jennifer Tepper, Executive Director of Soccer Without Borders, and Bruno Contreras, Program Director in Massachusetts, to explore how the organization is using sport to build trust, belonging, and opportunity for immigrant, refugee, and underserved youth.

With a model that prioritizes relationships over results, Soccer Without Borders has served more than 60,000 young people from over 120 countries, helping them find community, develop life skills, and simply rediscover the joy of play.

From inclusive coaching practices and culturally connected mentorship to the realities of funding nonprofit work in today’s climate, this conversation reveals what’s possible when sport is designed for connection first—and competition second.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Soccer is often called the world’s universal language—but what happens when it…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/72e0432/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2Fbb%2F453c32944f288486868eaa462e95%2Fsitg-082-soccer-without-borders-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>82</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Athletes as Media Brands: The Future of Sports Storytelling with Lars Bengston</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/05/sitg-081-lars-bengston-audio-podcast.mp3" length="77761755" type="audio/wav"/>
    <description><![CDATA[The lines between sports, media, and entertainment have officially disappeared—and athletes are now at the center of it all.

This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Lars Bengston, Head of Agency at HardScope, to explore how the next generation of athletes are becoming media brands.

From his early days at Vice during its explosive growth, to co-creating Some Good News with John Krasinski, Lars shares a front-row perspective on how storytelling, authenticity, and platform-native content are reshaping the sports landscape.

The conversation dives into the rise of athlete-creators, the impact of NIL, and why today’s players don’t need traditional media to tell their stories—or build their businesses.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-05-02/athletes-as-media-brands-the-future-of-sports-storytelling-with-lars-bengston</link>
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    <itunes:title>Athletes as Media Brands: The Future of Sports Storytelling with Lars Bengston</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The lines between sports, media, and entertainment have officially disappeared—and athletes are now at the center of it all.

This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Lars Bengston, Head of Agency at HardScope, to explore how the next generation of athletes are becoming media brands.

From his early days at Vice during its explosive growth, to co-creating Some Good News with John Krasinski, Lars shares a front-row perspective on how storytelling, authenticity, and platform-native content are reshaping the sports landscape.

The conversation dives into the rise of athlete-creators, the impact of NIL, and why today’s players don’t need traditional media to tell their stories—or build their businesses.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[The lines between sports, media, and entertainment have officially…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/90d6aa8/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa6%2F2a%2F8b916c184663b24e233db75de88a%2Fsitg-081-lars-bengston-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>81</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>The Future of Soccer Training is Here | Eddie Lewis on TOCA Soccer</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/04/sitg-080-eddie-lewis-audio-podcast.mp3" length="77761755" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[This week on Skin In The Game, hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with former U.S. Men’s National Team standout Eddie Lewis to explore how innovation and technology are reshaping the future of soccer.

After a 15-year professional career that included the World Cup and time in England, Lewis talks about the moment that changed everything. He found a way to get more meaningful reps and started to see real improvement in his game. That insight became the foundation for TOCA—now the largest operator of indoor soccer centers in North America.

Lewis breaks down how technology, data, and deliberate practice are transforming player development at every level—from youth athletes chasing scholarships to professionals refining elite skills. He also dives into the evolution of TOCA Social, a bold new concept blending soccer, gaming, and hospitality into an immersive fan experience—often compared to “Topgolf for soccer.”

Along the way, the conversation touches on youth sports specialization, the global state of the game, and why the U.S. still has ground to make up—especially in a sport where the eye to foot skills don’t really translate from anywhere else.

This is a conversation about innovation, opportunity, and what it really takes to grow soccer—from player development to how people connect with the game in the first place.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-04-25/the-future-of-soccer-training-is-here-eddie-lewis-on-toca-soccer</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019d-c0b2-dc99-a99d-f9b606bc0000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>The Future of Soccer Training is Here | Eddie Lewis on TOCA Soccer</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[This week on Skin In The Game, hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with former U.S. Men’s National Team standout Eddie Lewis to explore how innovation and technology are reshaping the future of soccer.

After a 15-year professional career that included the World Cup and time in England, Lewis talks about the moment that changed everything. He found a way to get more meaningful reps and started to see real improvement in his game. That insight became the foundation for TOCA—now the largest operator of indoor soccer centers in North America.

Lewis breaks down how technology, data, and deliberate practice are transforming player development at every level—from youth athletes chasing scholarships to professionals refining elite skills. He also dives into the evolution of TOCA Social, a bold new concept blending soccer, gaming, and hospitality into an immersive fan experience—often compared to “Topgolf for soccer.”

Along the way, the conversation touches on youth sports specialization, the global state of the game, and why the U.S. still has ground to make up—especially in a sport where the eye to foot skills don’t really translate from anywhere else.

This is a conversation about innovation, opportunity, and what it really takes to grow soccer—from player development to how people connect with the game in the first place.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[This week on Skin In The Game, hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/51ab9b5/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fd1%2F030bbf3a4a2c93c27ee85bb73395%2Fsitg-080-eddie-lewis-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>80</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>The Yankees Dynasty Explained | Mike Vaccaro on Steinbrenner &amp; Winning</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/04/sitg-079-mike-vaccaro-audio-podcast.mp3" length="77768456" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei welcome longtime New York lead sports columnist and author Mike Vaccaro for one of our deepest dives into one of the most chaotic and influential eras in sports history.

Drawing from The Bosses of the Bronx, Vaccaro unpacks the reality behind the legend of George Steinbrenner — a figure so outsized that even the wildest stories…are true.

From media manipulation to nonstop headlines and Billy Martin drama to multi-billion-dollar brand building, this conversation explores how Steinbrenner turned the New York Yankees into a 365-day story — and why every day felt like breaking news.

Steinbrenner didn’t care if he was on the first page, the last page, or anywhere in between. This episode dissects why that was so important. It’s a conversation about leadership, ego, storytelling, and the business of attention — and what today’s sports world has lost as ownership shifts from personalities to corporations.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-04-18/the-yankees-dynasty-explained-mike-vaccaro-on-steinbrenner-winning</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019d-9cf4-df45-a5ff-def66e430000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>The Yankees Dynasty Explained | Mike Vaccaro on Steinbrenner &amp; Winning</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei welcome longtime New York lead sports columnist and author Mike Vaccaro for one of our deepest dives into one of the most chaotic and influential eras in sports history.

Drawing from The Bosses of the Bronx, Vaccaro unpacks the reality behind the legend of George Steinbrenner — a figure so outsized that even the wildest stories…are true.

From media manipulation to nonstop headlines and Billy Martin drama to multi-billion-dollar brand building, this conversation explores how Steinbrenner turned the New York Yankees into a 365-day story — and why every day felt like breaking news.

Steinbrenner didn’t care if he was on the first page, the last page, or anywhere in between. This episode dissects why that was so important. It’s a conversation about leadership, ego, storytelling, and the business of attention — and what today’s sports world has lost as ownership shifts from personalities to corporations.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei welcome longtime…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3240</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6868dde/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F94%2Fe9%2Fc8a127744475906613c95483a094%2Fsitg-079-mike-vaccaro-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>79</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>How Sports Arenas Transform Cities: Lessons from Cleveland’s Downtown Revival</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/04/sitg-078-len-komoroski-audio-podcast.mp3" length="81211578" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[What happens when a city invests in sports, entertainment, and the fan experience? 

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei welcome Len Komoroski, longtime executive with Rock Entertainment Group and former CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.

Komoroski helped lead the transformation of Cleveland’s downtown sports district—anchored by Rocket Arena and Progressive Field—into one of the most vibrant entertainment corridors in the country. What began as a struggling arena and team in the early 2000s evolved into a sports and entertainment ecosystem hosting hundreds of events annually and generating major economic activity for the city.

In this conversation, Len explains how arenas can become catalysts for urban revitalization, why fan experience matters as much as the game itself, and what Rust Belt cities like Buffalo, Hamilton, Detroit, and Cleveland can learn from each other.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-04-11/how-sports-arenas-transform-cities-lessons-from-clevelands-downtown-revival</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019d-792e-d006-a99d-fd7f7e890000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>How Sports Arenas Transform Cities: Lessons from Cleveland’s Downtown Revival</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[What happens when a city invests in sports, entertainment, and the fan experience? 

This week on Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei welcome Len Komoroski, longtime executive with Rock Entertainment Group and former CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.

Komoroski helped lead the transformation of Cleveland’s downtown sports district—anchored by Rocket Arena and Progressive Field—into one of the most vibrant entertainment corridors in the country. What began as a struggling arena and team in the early 2000s evolved into a sports and entertainment ecosystem hosting hundreds of events annually and generating major economic activity for the city.

In this conversation, Len explains how arenas can become catalysts for urban revitalization, why fan experience matters as much as the game itself, and what Rust Belt cities like Buffalo, Hamilton, Detroit, and Cleveland can learn from each other.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[What happens when a city invests in sports, entertainment, and the fan…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3382</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ad060dc/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd4%2F7f%2Fea68bb1e42409e1c9e6c83fe6098%2Fsitg-078-len-komoroski-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>78</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Why Muscle Matters: Science, Story, and Strength with Bonnie Tsui</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/04/sitg-077-bonnie-tsui-podcast.mp3" length="81194871" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Author and journalist Bonnie Tsui joins Skin In The Game for a fascinating conversation about the science, story, and meaning of muscle.

Drawing from her book On Muscle, Tsui explores how strength shapes not just athletic performance, but identity, longevity, and human connection. From her childhood immersed in swimming and martial arts to learning to surf later in life, she shares how movement has influenced every chapter of her journey.

The conversation spans cutting-edge research on muscle memory and aging, the mind-body connection, and why strength training may be one of the most important investments we can make in our long-term health. Tsui also reflects on the cultural and historical perceptions of strength—from ancient Greece to modern fitness—and how those ideas continue to evolve.

At its core, this episode is about possibility. Whether you’re an athlete or just getting started, Tsui reminds us that it’s never too late to build strength, find joy in movement, and redefine what our bodies are capable of.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-04-04/why-muscle-matters-science-story-and-strength-with-bonnie-tsui</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019d-54b6-de98-addf-57b745b70000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>Why Muscle Matters: Science, Story, and Strength with Bonnie Tsui</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Author and journalist Bonnie Tsui joins Skin In The Game for a fascinating conversation about the science, story, and meaning of muscle.

Drawing from her book On Muscle, Tsui explores how strength shapes not just athletic performance, but identity, longevity, and human connection. From her childhood immersed in swimming and martial arts to learning to surf later in life, she shares how movement has influenced every chapter of her journey.

The conversation spans cutting-edge research on muscle memory and aging, the mind-body connection, and why strength training may be one of the most important investments we can make in our long-term health. Tsui also reflects on the cultural and historical perceptions of strength—from ancient Greece to modern fitness—and how those ideas continue to evolve.

At its core, this episode is about possibility. Whether you’re an athlete or just getting started, Tsui reminds us that it’s never too late to build strength, find joy in movement, and redefine what our bodies are capable of.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Author and journalist Bonnie Tsui joins Skin In The Game for a fascinating…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3383</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ceb2245/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2F22%2F1506df964e7394d7a72efc0dda8e%2Fsitg-07-bonnie-tsui-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>77</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Inside the Sports Betting Boom—and Its Consequences</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/03/sitg-076-danny-funt-podcast-final.mp3" length="85725277" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[This week on Skin in the Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with journalist and author Danny Funt to discuss the explosive growth of sports gambling and what it means for fans, athletes, and the future of the games themselves.

Funt’s new book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, takes an investigative look into an industry that has rapidly reshaped sports culture. Funt talks about today’s sports fans and the barrage of advertising and in-game betting opportunities to the rise of VIP gamblers and mounting concerns around addiction, integrity, and athlete safety.

The leagues may be cashing in, but at what cost?

This episode challenges the idea that sports betting is just entertainment, raising important questions about regulation, responsibility, and whether the very thing that makes sports special is being changed in the process.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-03-28/inside-the-sports-betting-boom-and-its-consequences</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019d-30a6-dfd5-a3bd-f5bfc2130000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>Inside the Sports Betting Boom—and Its Consequences</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[This week on Skin in the Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with journalist and author Danny Funt to discuss the explosive growth of sports gambling and what it means for fans, athletes, and the future of the games themselves.

Funt’s new book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, takes an investigative look into an industry that has rapidly reshaped sports culture. Funt talks about today’s sports fans and the barrage of advertising and in-game betting opportunities to the rise of VIP gamblers and mounting concerns around addiction, integrity, and athlete safety.

The leagues may be cashing in, but at what cost?

This episode challenges the idea that sports betting is just entertainment, raising important questions about regulation, responsibility, and whether the very thing that makes sports special is being changed in the process.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[This week on Skin in the Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3571</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/779f0fd/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F32%2F6a%2F866a10ea4c1183de2d2a68704122%2Fsitg-077-danny-funt-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>76</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>The Future of Hockey Starts with Access</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/03/sitg-075-rick-nadeau-podcast-final.mp3" length="82313331" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[In this episode of Skin In The Game, John Cimperman sits down with Rick Nadeau of Nadeau Sports to explore what it really takes to grow the game of hockey.

Drawing on his experience with Madison Square Garden and his work advising teams and leagues, Nadeau breaks down how fan development starts at the grassroots level—creating meaningful, accessible entry points for young athletes and their families. With renewed excitement coming out of international competition, including the Olympics, hockey has a major opportunity to expand its reach—but only if the sport can meet that interest with access.

From rising participation in girls’ hockey to the need for more affordable, flexible pathways beyond elite travel teams, this conversation highlights both the momentum and the challenges facing the sport. At its core, the future of hockey depends on opening the door for those not yet in the game.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-03-21/the-future-of-hockey-starts-with-access</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019d-0ce9-d18f-abbf-edefc6fd0000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>The Future of Hockey Starts with Access</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Skin In The Game, John Cimperman sits down with Rick Nadeau of Nadeau Sports to explore what it really takes to grow the game of hockey.

Drawing on his experience with Madison Square Garden and his work advising teams and leagues, Nadeau breaks down how fan development starts at the grassroots level—creating meaningful, accessible entry points for young athletes and their families. With renewed excitement coming out of international competition, including the Olympics, hockey has a major opportunity to expand its reach—but only if the sport can meet that interest with access.

From rising participation in girls’ hockey to the need for more affordable, flexible pathways beyond elite travel teams, this conversation highlights both the momentum and the challenges facing the sport. At its core, the future of hockey depends on opening the door for those not yet in the game.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[In this episode of Skin In The Game, John Cimperman sits down with Rick Nadeau…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3428</itunes:duration>



<itunes:episode>75</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>From Grassroots to Gold Medals: How USA Fencing Is Expanding the Sport</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/03/sitg-074-usa-fencing-podcast-final.mp3" length="78229230" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Fencing may be one of the oldest Olympic sports, but in the United States it is experiencing a modern surge in growth.

This week on Skin In The Game, hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, and Brad Suchorski, Director of Membership Service and Growth, to explore how the national governing body is expanding the sport across the country.

From grassroots programs to elite Olympic competition, Andrews and Suchorski explain how USA Fencing manages everything connected to the sport in the United States — including more than 750 clubs and a growing membership base.

The conversation dives into the business strategy of growing the sport, including marketing campaigns that introduce new audiences to fencing, how they examine and launch clubs in emerging markets, and how experiential programs like Fencing Across America allow people to try the sport for themselves.

While the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles may seem far off, Andrews and Suchorski explain how USA Fencing is already preparing for the games.

Finally, are you curious about trying something new? Visit usafencing.org to find a club near you!]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-03-14/from-grassroots-to-gold-medals-how-usa-fencing-is-expanding-the-sport</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019c-e2c7-d460-a19e-f2d7ce7c0000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>From Grassroots to Gold Medals: How USA Fencing Is Expanding the Sport</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Fencing may be one of the oldest Olympic sports, but in the United States it is experiencing a modern surge in growth.

This week on Skin In The Game, hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, and Brad Suchorski, Director of Membership Service and Growth, to explore how the national governing body is expanding the sport across the country.

From grassroots programs to elite Olympic competition, Andrews and Suchorski explain how USA Fencing manages everything connected to the sport in the United States — including more than 750 clubs and a growing membership base.

The conversation dives into the business strategy of growing the sport, including marketing campaigns that introduce new audiences to fencing, how they examine and launch clubs in emerging markets, and how experiential programs like Fencing Across America allow people to try the sport for themselves.

While the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles may seem far off, Andrews and Suchorski explain how USA Fencing is already preparing for the games.

Finally, are you curious about trying something new? Visit usafencing.org to find a club near you!]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Fencing may be one of the oldest Olympic sports, but in the United States it is…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3258</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/54a5bda/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F79%2F3a%2F5672276445f38c96934c84b4c80d%2Fsitg-074-usa-fencing-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>74</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Cowboys, Cowgirls, and Big Business: The Growth of Professional Rodeo</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/03/sitg-073-rodeo-podcast-final.mp3" length="77690911" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Rodeo may have deep roots in the American West, but today it’s becoming a global sports business, with a focus on equity in the sport.

In this episode of Skin In The Game, hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei are joined by Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner of Professional Bull Riders (PBR), and Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, Commissioner of Premier Women’s Rodeo (PWR).

The conversation explores the explosive growth of rodeo, including sold-out events at Madison Square Garden, major television deals and the expanding global footprint of professional bull riding.

Gleason explains how PBR evolved from a small group of riders investing $1,000 each into a global sports property alongside UFC and WWE. Rosser-Sumter shares how Premier Women’s Rodeo, with the support of PBR, is creating long-overdue opportunities for female athletes centered around increased prize money, competitive disciplines, and bringing women’s rodeo to national television.

Whether you are a rodeo fan or just rodeo-curious, this episode is for you.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-03-07/cowboys-cowgirls-and-big-business-the-growth-of-professional-rodeo</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019c-c433-d239-a79c-ffbf716d0000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>Cowboys, Cowgirls, and Big Business: The Growth of Professional Rodeo</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Rodeo may have deep roots in the American West, but today it’s becoming a global sports business, with a focus on equity in the sport.

In this episode of Skin In The Game, hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei are joined by Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner of Professional Bull Riders (PBR), and Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, Commissioner of Premier Women’s Rodeo (PWR).

The conversation explores the explosive growth of rodeo, including sold-out events at Madison Square Garden, major television deals and the expanding global footprint of professional bull riding.

Gleason explains how PBR evolved from a small group of riders investing $1,000 each into a global sports property alongside UFC and WWE. Rosser-Sumter shares how Premier Women’s Rodeo, with the support of PBR, is creating long-overdue opportunities for female athletes centered around increased prize money, competitive disciplines, and bringing women’s rodeo to national television.

Whether you are a rodeo fan or just rodeo-curious, this episode is for you.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Rodeo may have deep roots in the American West, but today it’s becoming a…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3237</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d5265bf/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc0%2F65%2F6fb009fa465c9b406aa30f0874b2%2Fsitg-073-rodeo-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>73</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Canada’s Basketball Boom: Inside The Golden Generation with Oren Weisfeld</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/02/sitg-072-oren-weisfeld-podcast-final.mp3" length="77452193" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[In this episode of Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with sports journalist Oren Weisfeld, author of The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse, to explore how Canada transformed from producing the occasional NBA player into a global basketball force.

From immigration policy under Pierre Trudeau to the grassroots AAU movement, Weisfeld explains how culture, access, infrastructure, and commercialization shaped a new era of Canadian hoops.

The group dives into the “Carter Effect” in Toronto, the Raptors’ 2019 championship, the rise of privatized youth sports, cost of elite development, and the influence of current AAU programs.

Canada invented basketball, but for decades, it didn’t dominate it. That’s had a cultural and financial impact on the sport. This is a conversation about what happens when a country finally embraces the game it helped invent.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-02-28/canadas-basketball-boom-inside-the-golden-generation-with-oren-weisfeld</link>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">0000019c-a055-d239-a79c-ffddb4c80000</guid>
    
    <itunes:title>Canada’s Basketball Boom: Inside The Golden Generation with Oren Weisfeld</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with sports journalist Oren Weisfeld, author of The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse, to explore how Canada transformed from producing the occasional NBA player into a global basketball force.

From immigration policy under Pierre Trudeau to the grassroots AAU movement, Weisfeld explains how culture, access, infrastructure, and commercialization shaped a new era of Canadian hoops.

The group dives into the “Carter Effect” in Toronto, the Raptors’ 2019 championship, the rise of privatized youth sports, cost of elite development, and the influence of current AAU programs.

Canada invented basketball, but for decades, it didn’t dominate it. That’s had a cultural and financial impact on the sport. This is a conversation about what happens when a country finally embraces the game it helped invent.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[In this episode of Skin In The Game, John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3226</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5019162/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5a%2Fe6%2Fc26095574c71b778d97cc1fb8bbf%2Fsitg-072-oren-weisfeld-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>72</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Forged for Gold: What It Takes to Become an Olympian</title>
    <enclosure url="https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s310/audio/2026/02/sitg-071-olympic-special-podcast-final.mp3" length="77619440" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    <description><![CDATA[Recorded live at Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York, this Olympic Special of Skin In The Game explores what it truly takes to compete at the highest level in sport.

Hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with three-time Paralympic gold medalist Adam Page, training center director Miguel Azcarate, and sports performance coach Dr. Jason Rich for a powerful conversation about sacrifice, deliberate practice, pressure, and mental resilience.

Airing during the Olympic Closing Ceremonies and just days before the Paralympics begin, this episode bridges both worlds and reminds us how greatness is built and the price it takes for a chance at the podium.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-02-21/forged-for-gold-what-it-takes-to-become-an-olympian</link>
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    <itunes:title>Forged for Gold: What It Takes to Become an Olympian</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Recorded live at Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York, this Olympic Special of Skin In The Game explores what it truly takes to compete at the highest level in sport.

Hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei sit down with three-time Paralympic gold medalist Adam Page, training center director Miguel Azcarate, and sports performance coach Dr. Jason Rich for a powerful conversation about sacrifice, deliberate practice, pressure, and mental resilience.

Airing during the Olympic Closing Ceremonies and just days before the Paralympics begin, this episode bridges both worlds and reminds us how greatness is built and the price it takes for a chance at the podium.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Recorded live at Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York, this…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3234</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d85888f/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff6%2F55%2Fce92c16c4b72b3a96f2f81f2ffc9%2Fsitg-071-olympic-special-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>71</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Leaving It All on the Field: Brandon Steiner, Sports Memories, and the Business of Collectibles</title>
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    <description><![CDATA[Entrepreneur and sports memorabilia pioneer Brandon Steiner joins Skin In The Game for a conversation about building businesses, preserving sports history and turning passion into purpose.

Steiner shares the entrepreneurial mindset that fueled his rise from a childhood spent working in a bagel factory to creating one of the most influential memorabilia businesses in sports. He reflects on decades of working with elite athletes, navigating fame and fortune and learning that success isn’t about chasing money—but about chasing the things that make the money.

The conversation centers on Steiner’s latest work transforming iconic stadiums into tangible memories for fans, including his ambitious project at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York. From salvaging turf, signage, and locker-room artifacts to understanding what Bills fans truly value, Steiner explains the responsibility that comes with preserving a place so deeply tied to community identity.

Along the way, Steiner talks about leadership, mentorship, generational differences in the workplace, and why empathy, curiosity, and growth are essential to long-term success. This conversation will resonate with anyone who understands that sports live far beyond the scoreboard, and that the places where they’re played hold real meaning.]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-02-14/leaving-it-all-on-the-field-brandon-steiner-sports-memories-and-the-business-of-collectibles</link>
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    <itunes:title>Leaving It All on the Field: Brandon Steiner, Sports Memories, and the Business of Collectibles</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Entrepreneur and sports memorabilia pioneer Brandon Steiner joins Skin In The Game for a conversation about building businesses, preserving sports history and turning passion into purpose.

Steiner shares the entrepreneurial mindset that fueled his rise from a childhood spent working in a bagel factory to creating one of the most influential memorabilia businesses in sports. He reflects on decades of working with elite athletes, navigating fame and fortune and learning that success isn’t about chasing money—but about chasing the things that make the money.

The conversation centers on Steiner’s latest work transforming iconic stadiums into tangible memories for fans, including his ambitious project at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York. From salvaging turf, signage, and locker-room artifacts to understanding what Bills fans truly value, Steiner explains the responsibility that comes with preserving a place so deeply tied to community identity.

Along the way, Steiner talks about leadership, mentorship, generational differences in the workplace, and why empathy, curiosity, and growth are essential to long-term success. This conversation will resonate with anyone who understands that sports live far beyond the scoreboard, and that the places where they’re played hold real meaning.]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Entrepreneur and sports memorabilia pioneer Brandon Steiner joins Skin In The…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3253</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/faf30c6/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F60%2F63%2F92fc61bd4191b47cb3baa65817a8%2Fsitg-070-brandon-steiner-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>70</itunes:episode>


</item><item>
    <title>Turf Wars: DeMaurice Smith on Power, Labor, and the Business of the NFL</title>
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    <description><![CDATA[Former NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith joins Skin In The Game for a candid, wide-ranging conversation with hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei about power, labor, and the true business of professional football.

Drawing from his new book Turf Wars: The Fight for the Soul of America’s Game, Smith takes listeners inside nearly 15 years of battles with the NFL — from collective bargaining and player safety to race, money, media, and the hidden forces that shape the league fans love. His unfiltered view explains why he never saw himself as a “football fan,” how that perspective shaped his leadership and why protecting players often meant challenging the very game itself.

Smith reflects on concussion protocols, workers’ compensation, union leadership, and the uneasy relationship between sports entertainment and journalism. Along the way, he makes the case that the NFL is not just a sports league — it’s a mirror of American labor, politics, and accountability.

This episode asks hard questions: Who really benefits from the football business and who pays the price? ]]></description>
    
    <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <link>https://www.btpm.org/2026-02-07/turf-wars-demaurice-smith-on-power-labor-and-the-business-of-the-nfl</link>
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    <itunes:title>Turf Wars: DeMaurice Smith on Power, Labor, and the Business of the NFL</itunes:title>
<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Former NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith joins Skin In The Game for a candid, wide-ranging conversation with hosts John Cimperman and Tim O’Shei about power, labor, and the true business of professional football.

Drawing from his new book Turf Wars: The Fight for the Soul of America’s Game, Smith takes listeners inside nearly 15 years of battles with the NFL — from collective bargaining and player safety to race, money, media, and the hidden forces that shape the league fans love. His unfiltered view explains why he never saw himself as a “football fan,” how that perspective shaped his leadership and why protecting players often meant challenging the very game itself.

Smith reflects on concussion protocols, workers’ compensation, union leadership, and the uneasy relationship between sports entertainment and journalism. Along the way, he makes the case that the NFL is not just a sports league — it’s a mirror of American labor, politics, and accountability.

This episode asks hard questions: Who really benefits from the football business and who pays the price? ]]></itunes:summary>
<itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Former NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith joins Skin In…]]></itunes:subtitle>

<itunes:duration>3256</itunes:duration>
<itunes:image href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f84b10a/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1600x1600+0+0/resize/1600x1600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2F6f%2F32c72dcf4275b1e2933d61f9c1d0%2Fsitg-069-demaurice-smith-1600x1600-ct.jpg" />


<itunes:episode>69</itunes:episode>


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