Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Future of Fandom
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beyond the Like Button: Meta's Rob Pilgrim on the Next Era of Fan Engagement | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:58:20 | |
In this special episode, recorded at Meta's London office, LiveLike founder and CEO Miheer Walavalkar sits down with Rob Pilgrim, Head of Sports Partnerships for EMEA at Meta, to explore how the world's largest social media company is helping sports organisations move fans from passive consumption to active, meaningful engagement. From the evolving role of Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Threads in a sports context, to the frontier potential of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, Rob shares candid insights on what it really takes to build lasting fan loyalty in 2026 and beyond. Whether you're a rights holder, broadcaster, or league executive, this conversation cuts through the noise and delivers a practical, forward-looking vision for the future of fandom. What you'll learn in this episode >> Why the TV is becoming the second screen - Rob explains how younger audiences, averaging just 17 minutes of daily TV viewing in the UK, are reshaping how sports organisations must think about content distribution and fan engagement across mobile platforms. >> How to use Meta's platforms strategically - Learn how smart rights holders are using each platform differently to grow audiences, drive traffic, and build community.What separates great sports brands from the rest - Rob reveals the key qualities that define high-performing partners: bravery, authenticity, a willingness to work with creators, and a commitment to connecting digital experiences back to real-life moments. >> Why owned platforms are non-negotiable - Social reach alone won't build fan loyalty. Rob and Miheer discuss why sports organisations must drive fans to their own apps and digital ecosystems to truly understand their audience and unlock personalised, scalable revenue. >> The future of the fan experience through smart glasses - Discover how Meta's Ray-Ban glasses are beginning to reshape content creation for athletes and fans alike, and what a world of frictionless, augmented stadium experiences could look like in the years ahead. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and welcome 02:30 Rob's path from YouTube to Meta's sports team 07:15 The "shop window" strategy for fan acquisition 14:00 Short-form video as a discovery engine for sport 21:45 WhatsApp communities and deepening fan engagement 29:00 Creator strategy and athlete-led storytelling 36:30 Democratisation of broadcast - clubs as media companies 43:00 Second division French rugby and owned content rights 48:15 Smart glasses, wearables, and the future of live fandom 54:00 What sports organisations should prioritise now - What do you think? What's the most underused platform in your fan engagement strategy right now - WhatsApp, Threads, or something else entirely? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We'd love to hear how you're thinking about turning passive viewers into superfans. Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Enjoyed the episode? Follow LiveLike on LinkedIn for more conversations with the people shaping what's next in sports and media. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode of Future of Fandom. About Miheer Walavalkar is CEO & Founder of LiveLike, helping leagues, broadcasters, and brands turn passive viewers into active communities. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Rob Pilgrim is Head of Sports for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Meta. With leadership experience spanning Meta and YouTube, Rob operates at the intersection of content, audience growth, and immersive technology. He works closely with the global sports ecosystem on creator strategy, fan engagement, and emerging formats, with a particular focus on how new t | |||
| The Missing Layer in Sports Streaming: Ari Evans from Maestro on Personalization, AI, and Fan Funnel | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:43:34 | |
Maestro has spent nearly a decade pulling the media industry toward a more interactive, personalized future - often years before the market was ready. In this episode of Future of Fandom, we sit down with Ari Evans, Founder & CEO of Maestro, to unpack his journey from product management to entrepreneurship, and how early lessons from gaming now shape the next generation of sports and media experiences. Ari shares how freemium economics at Zynga reshaped his thinking around funnels, personalization, and conversion - and why those same principles are finally finding their way into broadcast and streaming. We explore the shift from one-to-many TV to one-to-one digital experiences, the complexity of building across connected TV platforms, and why "just streaming" is no longer enough. The conversation dives deep into personalized interactive video, cross-platform SDKs, and how AI is accelerating experimentation inside large organizations - from automating graphics and overlays to removing internal coordination bottlenecks. Ari also explains why educating casual fans is the biggest untapped opportunity in sports, how influencer co-streams can drive top-of-funnel growth, and why product-market fit matters more than ever in an AI-first world. If you care about fan engagement, personalization, and what's next for sports media, this one's for you. What you'll learn in this episode >> How Maestro evolved from early interactive livestreams to cross-platform SDKs powering connected TV experiences. >> Why personalization - not multiview - is the real unlock for increasing watch time and fan loyalty. >> How gaming principles like funnels and experimentation apply directly to sports and media. >> The opportunity to turn casual viewers into superfans through education and just-in-time experiences. >> How AI is removing friction inside enterprises and enabling faster product iteration. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & teaser: AI disruption and the gap between small and large organisations 00:26 – Welcome & episode introduction 01:18 – Ari's background: Goldman Sachs, Stanford, and joining Zynga 03:30 – The Zynga lesson: freemium models, whales, and monetising casual fans 07:00 – Building interactive live streams before the market was ready 10:30 – The shift from esports to music to DTC: pivoting to find product-market fit 13:00 – Why streaming only unlocked its real potential in the last two years 15:30 – The case for personalisation: from data collection to actual implementation 19:25 – Cross-platform challenges: TV, mobile, remote vs. phone as primary screen 22:00 – Building for low-power devices and the least common denominator problem 24:30 – The no-code rule builder: automating personalised overlays at scale 26:30 – Early results: personalised graphics and higher click-through rates 28:30 – Multiview: is it data-driven or just table stakes? 31:00 – Where multiview does work: March Madness, Olympics Gold Zone 33:00 – The casual fan opportunity: what's the first-time viewing experience? 35:00 – AI dictating the next video: personalised broadcast at scale 37:00 – The co-streams product: growing top-of-funnel through influencers 38:30 – Building solo with AI: Ari's experience vibe coding the new product 40:00 – Why product-market fit matters more than ever in an AI-accelerated world 41:50 – Liberal arts vs. engineering: why how you think beats how you code 43:00 – Wrap up & outro Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about building community-driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. About Miheer Walav | |||
| What is the Future of Fan Loyalty in a World of AI? | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:27:31 | |
In this special edition of The Future of Fandom, the mics are turned around as hosts Miheer Walavalkar and Samuel Westberg become the guests. They dive deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping fan engagement, from breaking down organisational silos to launching LiveLike's new AI assistant, Genie. A must-listen for sports and media professionals navigating the future of loyalty and fan data. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> Why fan engagement needs to be built brick by brick—not with one-off gimmicks. >> How AI tools like Genie help sports brands scale content and streamline workflows. >> The importance of breaking down organisational silos for a unified fan experience. >> Practical examples of how AI can save time and drive smarter decision-making. >> The mindset shift needed to adopt AI responsibly and effectively. Meet our guests Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and Co-founder of LiveLike, a leading fan engagement tech company powering billions of interactions for major sports and media brands. Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn | |||
| Building Loyal Fans Beyond the Broadcast with Peter Hutton | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:42:24 | |
In this special episode of The Future of Fandom, hosts Miheer Walavalkar and Samuel Westberg sit down with sports media veteran Peter Hutton to explore the evolving business case for fan engagement and gamification. They dive into how fan data, community-building, and interactive experiences are reshaping loyalty, monetisation, and broadcast strategies across the industry. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> Why capturing first-party fan data is essential for monetisation and long-term growth >> How private equity evaluates sports properties using audience insight and engagement metrics >> The limitations of relying solely on social media platforms for fan relationships >> Practical examples of gamification driving deeper fan retention and loyalty >> Why even smaller leagues and emerging sports must prioritise direct fan engagement Meet Our Guest Peter Hutton is a seasoned sports media executive with decades of experience leading major networks including Eurosport and Meta. Now an advisor and board member to global sports organisations, he shares unique insights on the future of fan engagement and broadcasting. About the Hosts Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and Co-founder of LiveLike, a leading fan engagement tech company powering billions of interactions for major sports and media brands. Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Follow Peter Hutton on LinkedIn | |||
| The Future of Fan Attention in Live Streaming with Bo Han from Transmit | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:28:59 | |
In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Miheer Walavalkar, CEO and co-founder of LiveLike, sits down with Bo Han, Chief Commercial Officer at Transmit, to explore the evolving dynamics of live sports consumption and monetisation. Bo shares insights from his journey at Twitter, Buzzer, and now Transmit, diving deep into how real-time fan engagement, personalisation, and streaming innovation are reshaping the sports media landscape. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about future-proofing fan experiences and monetisation models. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> Why real-time attention is the most valuable currency in live sports >> How Gen Z consumes sports differently—and what that means for engagement strategies >> The shift from linear TV to streaming and its impact on monetisation >> The role of AI and personalisation in delivering fan-first ad experiences >> Why the future of sports media is about scalable, non-intrusive monetisation formats Meet Our Guest Bo Han is the Chief Commercial Officer at Transmit, leading commercial strategy for advanced in-stream advertising across digital video. Formerly founder and CEO of Buzzer and Director of Content Partnerships at Twitter, he’s a seasoned executive reshaping the future of live content monetisation. About the Host Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and co-founder of LiveLike, a fan engagement platform powering experiences for global giants like the NBA, UEFA, and FOX. He’s a recognised industry leader transforming how audiences interact with content in real time. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community-driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Follow Bo Han on LinkedIn | |||
| How TMRW Sports is Reinventing Fan Loyalty with Kara Baker from TMRW Sports | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:37:07 | |
Kara Baker, Senior Director at TMRW Sports, joins Miheer Walavalkar, CEO and co-founder of LiveLike, to unpack how TGL (Tomorrow's Golf League) is redefining digital fan engagement. This new indoor golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy crafts immersive experiences to monetising user journeys, and Kara shares what it takes to build a next-gen sports league for younger audiences. Discover the strategies behind TGL's explosive debut and what's next for community-driven fandom. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> Why TGL prioritised education and user data in its launch season Meet Our Guest Kara Baker is Senior Director of Digital Product and Operations at TMRW Sports. With a background spanning NBC Sports and digital strategy, Kara is pioneering tech-driven sports entertainment that meets the expectations of today’s fan. About the Host Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and co-founder of LiveLike, a fan engagement platform powering experiences for global giants like the NBA, UEFA, and FOX. He’s a recognised industry leader transforming how audiences interact with content in real time. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Follow Kara Baker on LinkedIn | |||
| Firework Chief Business Officer Jason Holland on How to Light a Fire Under Next Gen Consumers | 12 Dec 2022 | 00:33:01 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we present the finale for our 2022 run of episodes. And hey, what good is a finale without a little Firework show? On this episode, we explore how Firework envisions the future of truly connected community-based live commerce in partnership with their Chief Business Officer, Jason Holland. Jason thinks like a modern content creator. From a long form, he builds for the short. Discarding the text and display of the past, he sees live and short-form video as the way forward, the only way forward. Since he joined two and a half years ago, the business has taken off like a rocket and exploded onto the scene, boosted by partnerships with major retailers and tech titans in their ranks, and we'll explain more about that in the interview. Today, we'll also discuss how next-gen consumers are embracing live commerce, the future of commerce in Web3, and his vision for an optimal community-driven experience where every voice has a voice. Jason will more than likely have a hand in the future of the way you shop. So, let's finish the year with a bang and predict the future with Firework and Jason Holland. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| USTA Chief Brand Officer Amy Choyne on How to Serve a World Class Next Gen Fan Experience | 21 Nov 2022 | 00:28:59 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we serve up an open conversation about tennis. On this episode we explore how the US Tennis Association, or USTA, is crafting brand love (get it?) for next-gen fans in partnership with their Chief Brand Officer Amy Choyne. Amy's been a lifelong tennis fan. She's attended the US Open ever since she was four. And in 2016, after various tenures stewarding brands across fashion and retail, she got the chance to serve at the helm of the sport she's loved ever since she could hold a racket. A little over six years later, Amy reflects on that time with me today and speaks about how fan engagement has evolved in that time and what she's excited about moving forward. We also touch on topics like the growing intersection between elite athletes and social voices, the difference between sports fans and fans of other industries, and just a little bit about pickleball. Let's predict the future with the USTA and Amy Choyne. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| US Soccer Chief Commercial Officer David Wright on Making a Pitch for Fans at the World Cup and Beyond | 07 Nov 2022 | 00:29:10 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we get out on the pitch ahead of the World Cup. On this episode we got to sit down with US Soccer to think through their approach to a domestic football fandom, basing the frenzy of international action coming up this winter. And we got to do it through David Wright, who is their Chief Commercial Officer. Did you know that there is more soccer content consumed in the US than any other country around the world? As David can tell you directly, the sport has seen explosive growth over his roughly 20 years of experience with it. And its rise is only continuing to ascend. You'll learn how that's impacted his tactics and approach to the newest generation of fan, the ways in which they innovate, and their plans for 2023 and onward. We also touch on how US Soccer has led the charge in equitable pay and treatment between its men's and women's teams and how it can hopefully serve as a model for other sports. So let's kick it off -- finally, that wordplay makes sense! -- and predict the future with US Soccer and David Wright. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| PointsBet SVP Content Liam Roecklein on How to Improve Your Odds of Winning Fans on Social | 03 Oct 2022 | 00:31:43 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we get to read a few pages from a sportsbook via a content juggernaut. On this episode we look at PointsBet and the way it innovates within revenue-driven content to grow a responsible diehard following. Joining us on the show will be their Senior Vice President of Content, Liam Roecklein. This isn’t Liam’s first rodeo when it comes to shaking up an industry via content approach. He was previously the first content hire at Cheddar, and saw the brand through its ascent to the pinnacle of financial media. Now, he’s turned his sights to sports gambling as the next space well worth disrupting, and on the show Liam explains how they do that with a “Thrill Bill” mentality. We also talk about how they differentiate their content experience across acquisition platforms to win on social and how to win the newest generations of sports fans, who are increasingly fanatic about individual players rather than teams. Seeing as sports gambling is legal in just 12 states in the US, the fandom yet to come isn’t just fantasy – it’s real and it’s right now. So let’s predict the rest with PointsBet and Liam Roecklein. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Shopkick EVP Brittany Billings on How to Fuel Fandom from Couch to Cashier | 22 Aug 2022 | 00:28:20 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we dive deep into the behavioral mechanics of purchase. You’ll enjoy an ever-so-slightly nerdy illustration of the next-gen, couch to cashier journey with our guest Brittany Billings. Brittany is the EVP of Marketing & Strategic Markets at Shopkick, and brings some commerce insight to the show that most can’t even provide. When you think about learning who your customer is, most brands will look to their social analytics and their receipt-level purchase data. Not a whole lot is captured, at least with true attribution, about their interim activity, that which happens between the couch and the cashier. But Brittany actually does thanks to Shopkick’s rewards-based platform, and today we chat about how something as simple as watching a video or simply walking into a store is, and should be, rewarded. As someone who’s worked previously in retail and CPG analytics, this host can tell you that what we describe on the show is truly next-gen, and hopefully you get a glimpse into what the future of commerce holds. So kick back and listen in as we predict the future with Shopkick and Brittany Billings. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| StockX CMO Deena Bahri on the Next Gen Experience and How to Own It | 18 Jul 2022 | 00:25:27 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we deep dive into the next gen experience – and how to Own It. On this episode we take a look at StockX and how it stays ahead of the curve, and even ahead of its brand partners, in this realm of consumer connection via their Chief Marketing Officer, Deena Bahri. StockX is known for sneakers, streetwear, accessories, collectibles and everything in between. It’s also been able to harness hype and build an ocean of fans drop by drop – and today Deena chats about how they stay close to next-gen consumers in the physical, digital, and "phygital" worlds. I said “Own It” at the beginning for a reason – it’s StockX’s new brand platform, and they hope it will layer another critical element of the next-gen consumer into their own experience: the desire, and the need, to belong as an individual. We explore that more deeply as well. Deena’s been on the cutting edge for years, and over the next half hour, you’ll see why. So let’s collab for a little while and predict the future with StockX and Deena Bahri. StockX "Own It" brand platform: https://stockx.com/lp/own-it-2022/ Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Reach Matters: Brian Lawlor on Rebuilding Local Fandom and the Rise of Women’s Sports | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:37:06 | |
Sports fandom doesn’t grow behind paywalls. In this episode of Future of Fandom, we’re joined by Brian Lawlor, President of Scripps Sports, to unpack how mass distribution is reshaping local sports, why over-the-air reach still matters, and what the explosive growth of women’s sports tells us about the future of media. Brian shares how Scripps is helping teams reconnect with fans after regional sports network disruption, why combining broadcast and streaming beats choosing between them, and how visibility directly fuels ticket sales, merchandise, and youth participation. We also dive into the WNBA’s breakout moment, what happens when games become easy to find, and why consistent scheduling, not just star power, is key to building the next generation of fans. This is a candid conversation about reach versus revenue, storytelling as a growth engine, and why fandom starts with simply letting people watch. What you'll learn in this episode >> Why local teams lost up to half their audience, and how Scripps helped triple viewership by prioritizing reach >> How combining broadcast and streaming creates a stronger fan experience than choosing one platform >> Why women’s sports are seeing record growth and what finally made them easy to follow >> How visibility drives real downstream impact, from youth participation to merchandise sales >> Why storytelling and athlete profiles are critical for creating emotional connection with new fans About the host Miheer Walavalkar is CEO & Founder of LiveLike, helping leagues, broadcasters, and brands turn passive viewers into active communities through next-gen fan engagement. With deep experience across sports, media, and product innovation, Miheer focuses on building scalable, interactive experiences that drive loyalty, growth, and meaningful connections between fans and the content they love. About the guest Brian Lawlor is President of Scripps Sports, where he leads national and local sports partnerships across broadcast and streaming. With decades of experience in media and distribution, Brian is helping redefine how leagues and teams reach fans, with a particular focus on accessibility, community connection, and the rapid rise of women’s sports. Enjoyed the episode? Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Mehir Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Brian Lawlor on LinkedIn | |||
| talkshoplive CEO and Co-Founder Bryan Moore: Let's Get Shoppable! | 21 Jun 2022 | 00:32:47 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we’re live! Well, not really, but we talk a lot about being live. On this episode we learn about the ever-evolving world of live shopping and commerce, thanks to the perspective of talkshoplive and its CEO and co-founder, Bryan Moore. As you probably know, this world of live shopping was started on television years and years ago. While live streamed content became more popular across sectors like gaming and then more broadly, Bryan was studying trends in the far East to learn about how the discipline was trickling into shopping. What’s resulted is a sharp focus on creating the best shopping experience possible – one which is interactive, always-on, and available wherever you are. Since 2018, Bryan has been shifting those trends westward and has brought along mega-talent and merchant partners to combine customers and fandoms in unique experiences which we’ll touch on today. Of course, as always, we’ll also leverage his perspective on how far we’ve come to get a glimpse at what the future of live commerce will be – plus, we’ll expand on why every brand should leverage live content as a pillar of its strategy. That’s something we agreed on long before ever meeting. So let’s talk shop, so to speak, and predict the future with talkshoplive and Bryan Moore. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Rally Co-Founder Rob Petrozzo on How to Let Your Superfans Tell Your Story | 13 Jun 2022 | 00:28:11 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we explore how to let super fans tell your story for you. On this episode, we take a look at Rally and how it creates shareable experiences for its investors and die-hards, all with the help of Rob Petrozzo, their Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. We've chatted with a few fintechs and investing brands on this show. You know that. We know that. But Rob is a true modern day pioneer of the belief that anything can be an investment. So he's seen the best and the worst of the trends within alternatives, and he's had a front row seat to the ways regulation impacts the ways financial brands can tell their stories, not that, that stops him. Rally has developed a cult following. And with a little experience tinkering and a lot of shareable moments, Rob has managed to steer his community into a frenzy whenever they get in on the investing action. We chat about this particular strength and how the future relies on that critical muscle, no matter who you are. So let's be super now and predict the future with Rally and Rob Petrozzo. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Extend Founder & CEO Woody Levin on Protecting the Future of Your E-Commerce Experience | 06 Jun 2022 | 00:30:53 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we protect you, starting with your stuff. On this episode, we explore how Extend is building and borrowing fandoms in the name of protecting product, with their founder and CEO, Woody Levin. On the show, Woody refers to Extend as the AppleCare for everything, and our conversation drifts into what a best-in-class e-commerce purchasing experience might look like in the future. He's betting that it will include warranties on what you love written in plain English, and that consumers will grow to demand that just as they do for protection for their iPhones. Woody also talks about how you can't create external fans without internal ones, which we haven't touched on too much on this show, but it carries extra weight when talking about an industry not known, at least not yet, for having fans. I'm not sure how many extended warranty brands have that right now, but they might down the road. So let's get some coverage on this topic and predict the future with Extend and Woody Levin. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Fundbox Head of Brand & Content Marketing Cameron Maxwell on Fostering Fans from the Small Side of Small Business | 31 May 2022 | 00:20:04 | |
Today on the Future of Fandom, we explore an explosion of entrepreneurialism. On this episode, we chat with Fundbox about how to build and retain communities of small businesses and its similarities with consumer efforts via their Head of Brand and Content Marketing, Cameron Maxwell. Think about it for a moment. How many people that you know, have started up a side hustle over the last few years? The truth is, small business is on the rise, and Cameron has a front seat as to how those businesses are being built and supported. We also talk about how to market when small businesses and consumers become indistinguishable. After all, on the small side of small business, we're essentially just talking about people. Thus, a fandom can be achieved even in a B2B context, and Cameron explains how. So let's all put on an entrepreneurial hat and predict the future with Fundbox and Cameron Maxwell. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Age of Learning Chief Innovation Officer Sunil Gunderia on How to Teach the Newest Class of Consumers | 23 May 2022 | 00:26:55 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we teach you a lesson. On this episode, we learn about the consumerization of education and its future at the primary level with Age of Learning and their Chief Innovation Officer, and Head of Mastery and Adaptive Product, Sunil Gunderia. It's no secret that one of the most disrupted arenas over the last few years has been the classroom. Alongside that, tech has evolved from forced Zoom rooms to increasingly individualized programs, giving children a new lease on their learning life. Sunil has seen that firsthand and believes this proliferation of disparate educational content will only continue and broaden for our youngest students going forward. Of course, that individualized, disaggregated approach brings up questions of retaining educational communities and the comradery that results from early schooling. And we get some insight there as well. We also think about fandom in this way, not in the typical consumer lens we've been used to so far on this show. Open your books and your ears and let's predict the future with Age of Learning and Sunil Gunderia. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Dave CMO Michael Goodbody on Building a Better Bank for All Humans | 16 May 2022 | 00:28:47 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we bank for humans. You're a human, right? Well, then you're going to love this. On this episode, we explore how Dave is creating an ecosystem for, and inspired by, those facing economic hardship, through the lens of their CMO, Michael Goodbody. Ever notice how most fintechs or financial apps you see gain popularity, target investing and other actions frequented by high earners or high net worth individuals. Well, guess what? Most people aren't in that position and the team at Dave noticed. It inspired Michael to join and build a community to serve a different set of needs. It also brings up interesting brand questions like, how do you create an enthusiastic community around financial topics, which people don't love to talk about? How, even if you empower them to better their finances, do you retain that base? Michael's got great insight here and I think it deserves more attention. So let's be humans together and predict the future with Dave and Michael Goodbody. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Ladder VP of Marketing Olivia Borsje on Ensuring Your Customers Are Set for Life | 09 May 2022 | 00:28:25 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, get a life, or at least some insurance for it. On this episode we learn about some terms of digital engagement as a startup with Ladder and their VP of marketing, Olivia Borsje. Ladder lets you get a life insurance policy in as little as five minutes, which is obviously a great pull, but it got me thinking. If you can get your customer to make a lifelong decision in such little time, how do you build community from minute six onwards? Olivia does a great job explaining that, as well as, how to set yourself apart as a startup via a little shock value, and all together, what a best in class digital insurance experience of the future looks like. So let's stake a claim of our own and predict the future with Ladder and Olivia Borsje. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Betterment CMO Kim Rosenblum on Crafting Brand Love via a Common Enemy | 02 May 2022 | 00:30:09 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we craft brand love, find a common enemy and talk a little bit about SpongeBob. Together we'll explore how Betterment is setting up the next generation with a long-term investing focus, and building a fandom regardless, with our guest, their Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Rosenblum. Most folks in their 20s and 30s will deeply appreciate Kim's contributions as a leader at Viacom where she led creative for properties like Nickelodeon. That's what makes her journey into FinTech all the more fascinating. The perspective of a media style approach to building a community of investors is one not often seen, but I think you'll agree that many of its principles work incredibly well when it comes to influencing your financial choices. As someone who's had the pulse of the next generation since the '90s, Kim is in incredibly well-positioned to peer into the crystal ball and chat about what the leaders of this industry will need to do to stick. So let's do that now as we predict the future with Betterment and Kim Rosenblum. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Public.com GM of IR Innovation Katie Perry on Leveling Up Investor Relations | 25 Apr 2022 | 00:27:35 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we quit chasing memes and level up our understanding of the market. On this episode, we get a look at how Public.com is differentiating within one of the most commoditized financial services out there, stock trading, via their GM of IR innovation, Katie Perry. App-based stock trading has gone from virtually non-existent to everywhere within the last seven to eight years, and so has the community surrounding it. The forums of yesteryear have become the full content studios of today, giving new meaning to what investor relations really is and the power it wields. Katie has invested in this world early and makes a few calls as to what's to come. So let's make a few asks of our own and predict the future with Public.com and Katie Perry. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Rakuten CMO Dana Marineau on How to Earn a Cart Full of Fans | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:28:31 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, earn some cash! Or earn some back, anyway. On this episode, we go shopping with Rakuten to learn about might be on the horizon for online and in-store shoppers alike via their Chief Marketing Officer Dana Marineau. Obviously over the last two years, we've seen shopping change a lot, being forced out of stores similarly, forced brands to think harder and fast about how to create better digital experiences, partnerships, and new way a to showcase product. Now that COVID seems to be on the decline, consumers continue to demand high-quality e- (and now hybrid) commerce. Dana's on the cutting edge there and has plenty to teach us about what to expect for best in class shopping. So fill your cart and we will start to predict the future with Rakuten and Dana Marineau. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| From Data Provider to Experience Enabler: Sportradar's Evolution | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:35:37 | |
Sportradar has evolved far beyond being just a data provider, they've become a full-stack experience enabler spanning streaming, betting engagement, and sports analytics. Patrick Mostboeck, SVP of Fan Engagement, takes us inside how the company prioritises innovation across soccer, tennis, basketball, and US sports markets. We explore how COVID forced the industry to rethink everything with a fresh mind, why cultural differences between European and Asian markets demand different engagement strategies, and how Sportradar's graduate program revealed that some Gen Z hires don't even watch live sports anymore. Patrick shares lessons on deploying AI responsibly in betting contexts, the patience required to see new features succeed, and why education - not just entertainment - is critical for developing the next generation of sports fans. What you'll learn in this episode >> How Sportradar evolved from a pure data company to a 360-degree experience enabler across betting and media. >> The cultural differences in fan behavior between European and Asian markets, and why they matter. >> How to deploy AI responsibly in sports betting contexts while navigating ethical and legal boundaries. >> The importance of educating new fans, not just entertaining existing ones. About the host Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. About the guest Patrick Mostboeck is a seasoned leader in the global sports technology and fan engagement space, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement and Global Director for Video & Streaming Products at Sportradar, a world-leading provider of sports data, digital content and streaming solutions for the sports betting and media industries. With more than a decade of experience in sports, media and technology, Patrick has been instrumental in shaping how data, video and streaming products are developed to enhance the fan and bettor experience. Enjoyed the episode? Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Connect with Patrick Mostboeck on LinkedIn | |||
| Roofstock CMO Suresh Srinivasan on Building a Neighborhood of Investors | 11 Apr 2022 | 00:23:36 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we make ourselves at home -- or at least make a portfolio of them. In this episode, we rent some time with Roofstock and their Chief Marketing Officer, Suresh Srinivasan. In a world where job and city hopping alike is often met with better opportunity, so too has buying a home lost a fraction of its luster. Today, we talk about the rise of home investorship as a proxy for ownership, especially among the newest generations in the workforce and what that means for the need to build best in class digital experiences to make the process more accessible and foster a neighborhood of happy homeowners from afar. So, let's open the door on this topic and predict the future with Roofstock and Suresh Srinivasan. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/podcast Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Yieldstreet CMO Wittney Rachlin on Investing in an Alternative Future | 04 Apr 2022 | 00:25:01 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we diversify our understanding of investing and provide some alternatives to watching stock tickers with Yieldstreet via their Chief Marketing Officer, Wittney Rachlin. Yieldstreet gives regular folks the ability to invest in assets like art in short-term notes. Between the explosion and stock trading app use and the rise of crypto, it's no secret that investors are looking for new and different ways to invest their wealth -- and Wittney sees opportunities in building communities of people building a future of their own from investing in these alternatives "before it was cool." So let's have some fund and predict the future with Yieldstreet and Wittney Rachlin. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/join-the-future-of-fandom/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Ledn Co-Founder & CSO Mauricio di Bartolomeo on Building Decentralized Community | 21 Mar 2022 | 00:27:35 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, we'll tiptoe into crypto and its passionate worldwide following with Ledn Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Mauricio Di Bartolomeo. Mauricio grew up in Venezuela where he learned about Bitcoin and truly understands its global applications. Heads up if you're in North America, where media-forward, Ethereum-based NFTs and simply HODLing coins forever rules the day. Mauricio has a much broader perspective for how it can be used and how its fans come together across the world. Today, we explore how crypto communities coalesce and how to build a centralized brand presence within it despite Bitcoin's decentralized nature. Mauricio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-di-bartolomeo-780284101/ Ledn: https://www.ledn.io/en/ Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/join-the-future-of-fandom/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Elysian Park Venture Partner Pete Vlastelica on Investing in How Fans and Entertainers Connect | 07 Mar 2022 | 00:20:07 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, get invested in the ways cheering for your favorite performer has evolved over time, from idol worship to surrogate coaching and quasi friendship, through the eyes of Pete Vlastelica from Elysian Park Ventures, the private investment arm of the LA Dodgers ownership group. Pete made a splash in sports journalism as the founder of Yardbarker before being acquired by Fox Sports, and most recently, serving as CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports before joining Elysian Park. He's a battle tested champion of democratizing access to athletes and entertainers, and he's turned his eye today to wellness. We deep dive on how fans are craving more relatability and accessibility than ever before and of course, talk about how that affects the content and experiences, which we all see today and going forward. Pete has seen that as an operator and now broadly as an investor, which is a first for us here on the show. So let's put our money where his mouth is as we predict the future with Elysian Park Ventures and Pete Vlastelica. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/join-the-future-of-fandom/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| QisstPay Co-Founder & CEO Jordan Olivas on Checking Out Tech-Savvy Shopping | 22 Feb 2022 | 00:19:51 | |
Today on the Future of Fandom, we one click check out how consumers around the world are shopping faster, and what that means for fans here in North America, with QisstPay via their co-founder and CEO, Jordan Olivas. Jordan launched QisstPay in Pakistan and expanded through South Asia before his entry into the U.S. market. As it happens, fans and customers abroad are much more tech savvy in the way they shop, and Jordan joins a select few early players in bringing that acceleration to our markets. That means by extension, that the future is actually now. We talk about that and then peer further into what paying for stuff might look like down the road. Jordan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-olivas/ QisstPay: https://qisstpay.com/us/1click Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/join-the-future-of-fandom/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Boston Red Sox CMO Adam Grossman on the Broadening and "Bespoke-ing" of the Baseball Fan Experience | 07 Feb 2022 | 00:26:50 | |
Today on the Future of Fandom, we step into the batters box with the Boston Red Sox and their Chief Marketing Officer, Adam Grossman. Adam explains how a broadening of content and advertising since has brought a more bespoke approach to the way in which fans both new and long-standing interact with their favorite franchise. Adam Grossman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grossmanadam/ Here's your hub for everything Sox: https://www.mlb.com/redsox Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/join-the-future-of-fandom/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| Paceline Founder & CEO Joel Lieginger on the Fusion of Financial and Physical Health | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:28:01 | |
Today on the Future of Fandom: how'd you like to get paid for being fit? Today we predict the future with Joel Lieginger, Founder & CEO of Paceline. Paceline is pioneering unified wellness and giving its fans real compensation in exchange for their healthy habits. In a world where most consumers get rewarded based on expenditure, today we explore a future in which they can also and should be based on exercise. Check out Paceline for yourself: https://paceline.fit/ Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/join-the-future-of-fandom/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| NASCAR Chief Digital Officer Tim Clark on Racing for the Next-Gen Fan | 11 Jan 2022 | 00:27:58 | |
Today on The Future of Fandom, ride along as one motorsports brand races ahead in the digital landscape. My name’s Adam Conner, I’m your host, and our specific focus on this episode is how NASCAR is building a next-generation fan experience. In particular, you’ll hear from Tim Clark who is their Chief Digital Officer. You might not know it, but NASCAR was the first sport to return to the airwaves following COVID’s initial rise, due primarily to its virtual savvy and realism. Since then, the sport has only expanded its digital footprint, and today we explore how it’s evolving side-by-side with the sport’s on-track product. We also expand on the importance of personality in motorsports, something which any fan of F1 will appreciate, plus how brands get involved given how sponsor-forward NASCAR is in all aspects of its existence. Tim’s on the front row of it all, and I’m happy he could make a pit stop here with us. So let’s put you in the passenger seat as we predict the future with NASCAR and Tim Clark. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Join the podcast! https://livelike.com/join-the-future-of-fandom/ Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. | |||
| The Future of Fandom: A New Podcast by LiveLike | 07 Dec 2021 | 00:01:19 | |
As the world’s biggest brands race to convert their users into fans -- and fans into diehards -- a clear, crucial question stands out: What is the future of fandom? After all, over the past two years, digital accessibility to historically physical events has exploded across work, life, and everything in between. Whether it’s shopping, watching sports, or even taking a cooking class, consumers are no longer satisfied with passive experiences that don’t allow them to feel a sense of empowerment, real-time interaction, or connection. Hybrid is not just the new normal -- it’s table stakes. Society now demands it -- and brands get it! They’re on the clock to keep up with digital-first demand. They’re moving as fast as they can to evolve -- and they’re struggling. So, what is the future of fandom? On this podcast, you’ll get the answer. Tune in to hear about what the world has planned for the next generation of digitally-native users directly from chief executives from some of the world’s most recognizable names in sports, fintech, e-commerce, and beyond. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll predict the future together. Check out The Future of Fandom, a podcast by LiveLike, wherever you get your podcasts. We hope that you become a fan! Learn more about LiveLike: https://livelike.com/ Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livelike/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveLikeInc Hosted by Adam Conner. The Future of Fandom is powered by Authentic Avenue. This podcast is powered by Pinecast. | |||
| Behind the rise of E1 Series with Laurence Boyd | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:26:25 | |
In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Samuel Westberg welcomes Laurence Boyd, Chief Content and Product Officer at E1 Series. Laurence shares how E1, the world's first electric powerboat championship, blends entertainment, cutting-edge tech, and storytelling to redefine what it means to engage fans. From AR/VR innovations to powerful social media strategies, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the future of sports media. What you'll learn in this episode >> How E1 leverages social media and celebrity team owners to reach global audiences. >> Why immersive technologies like AR and VR are central to E1's content strategy. >> The importance of character-driven storytelling in building fan loyalty. >> What makes E1 a unique production environment in the sports world. >> Insights into launching a sport from scratch and navigating startup constraints. Meet our guest Laurence Boyd is Chief Content & Product Officer at E1 Series and founder of 1311 Content. A veteran of sports media, he's held leadership roles at Formula E, Hawk-Eye Innovations, and The Coaches' Voice, with a focus on storytelling, innovation, and commercial growth. Meet our host Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Connect with Laurence Boyd on LinkedIn | |||
| Inside YES Network's fan engagement playbook | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:39:43 | |
What does it take to turn passive viewers into loyal fans? In this episode of The Future of Fandom, YES Network's Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, Matthew Duarte, joins host Miheer Walavalkar to unpack how smart product strategy, nimble third-party partnerships, and data-driven decision-making are reshaping the fan experience. Discover how YES Network's innovations in gamification, streaming, and community engagement are setting new standards in sports media. What you'll learn in this episode >> How YES Network evolved its streaming platforms to enhance user experience and retention >> Why fan engagement needs to be treated as a holistic, long-term business strategy >> Key lessons from building gamified features like Pick & Play and rewards programmes >> The role of community features in deepening viewer connection and boosting loyalty >> How YES Network balances innovation, speed, and ROI with lean, cross-functional teams Meet our guest Matthew Duarte is Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at YES Network. With a background in finance, corporate strategy, and sports media, he leads strategic initiatives across partnerships, product, and commercial innovation. Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and Co-founder of LiveLike, a leading fan engagement tech company powering billions of interactions for major sports and media brands. Enjoyed the episode? Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Matt Duarte on LinkedIn | |||
| Mastering fan engagement with Stefanie Rapp | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:37:33 | |
In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Miheer Walavalkar chats with Stefanie Rapp, SVP and Commercial Growth Officer at TNT Sports, about balancing authentic fan engagement with monetisation. From Bleacher Report to Roland Garros, Stefanie shares how digital transformation, interactive experiences, and community-first thinking are reshaping sports media and fandom. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> How TNT Sports integrates monetisation with authentic fan engagement across platforms. >> Why understanding cultural relevance is key to building loyal fan communities. >> The importance of listening to fans when shaping content and digital strategy. >> How to take calculated risks in sports media without alienating audiences. >> Stefanie’s vision for expanding live sports experiences to underserved communities. Meet Our Guest Stefanie Rapp is SVP and Commercial Growth Officer at TNT Sports. With 15+ years in media and digital leadership, she drives revenue across top brands like Bleacher Report. Known for her people-first leadership, Stefanie fuses fan-centric thinking with business acumen to shape the future of sports media. About the Host Enjoyed the Episode? Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Follow Stefanie Rapp on LinkedIn | |||
| How Yahoo Reimagined Fan Engagement | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:46:31 | |
How can a legacy brand like Yahoo drive next-gen fan engagement while staying true to its roots? In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Miheer Walavalkar, CEO and Co-Founder of LiveLike, sits down with Ryan Spoon, President of Yahoo Media Group, to explore how Yahoo is rethinking fantasy sports, leveraging community feedback, and partnering with creators to deliver personalised, gamified experiences. Discover the balance between innovation and loyalty, and why Yahoo is betting big on community and experimentation. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> How Yahoo leverages gamification to boost fan loyalty and engagement. >> The strategy behind Daily Draw and partnerships with creators like MrBeast. >> Why community feedback shapes Yahoo's product roadmap. >> The role of AI in personalising sports experiences. >> How Yahoo balances its legacy user base with Gen Z preferences. Meet our guest Ryan Spoon is the President of Yahoo Media Group, leading Yahoo Sports, Finance, and new digital ventures. A seasoned media executive, he has previously held top roles at Sorare, BetMGM, and ESPN, driving digital transformation across the sports and gaming sectors. Miheer Walavalkar is the CEO and co-founder of LiveLike, a fan engagement platform powering experiences for global giants like the NBA, UEFA, and FOX. He’s a recognised industry leader transforming how audiences interact with content in real time. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn Connect with Ryan Spoon on LinkedIn | |||
| Inside the Future of Fan Experiences | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:50:58 | |
LiveLike takes listeners inside SportsPro AI and Leaders Week for a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is revolutionising the sports and media landscape. In this special edition of The Future of Fandom, leaders from LiveLike and major broadcasters unpack trends in fan engagement, workflow automation, and personalized streaming. Discover how rights holders and tech innovators are building the next generation of fan experiences. What you'll learn in this episode >> Why AI is central to future fan engagement strategies across sports. >> How global broadcasters like Warner Bros. Discovery and Eurovision are adopting AI to personalise content. >> The role of workflow automation in editorial, product, and engineering teams. >> How gamification and loyalty programmes are evolving beyond gimmicks. >> Why younger audiences demand interactive, creator-led sports content. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Connect with Miheer Walavalkar on LinkedIn | |||
| How Recast is Redefining Digital Content Monetisation with Andy Meikle | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:39:40 | |
How can clubs, leagues, and content creators monetise digital assets without pushing away fans? In this episode of The Future of Fandom, Samuel Westberg, Co-Founder of LiveLike, sits down with Andy Meikle, Founder & CEO of Recast, to explore how fintech infrastructure is transforming fan engagement and content distribution. Discover the evolution of microtransactions, smart paywalls, and why subscription fatigue is pushing the sports media industry into a bold new era. What You'll Learn in This Episode >> How Recast evolved from a content platform to a fintech solution for rights owners. >> Why subscription fatigue is reshaping fan consumption patterns in sports media. >> The power of microtransactions and branded credits in building loyalty. >> How smart paywalls can enable seamless content access across platforms. >> What clubs and leagues must do to build a first-party data strategy around fan engagement. Meet our guest Andy Meikle is the Founder & CEO of Recast, a next-gen monetisation platform bridging media, sport, and fintech. With a background in digital innovation and entrepreneurship, Andy is leading the charge in building transparent, direct-to-consumer payment infrastructure for the global content industry. Meet our host Samuel Westberg is CRO and Co-founder of LiveLike and CEO of LaSource, blending deep sports industry experience with strategic innovation across media and technology. Enjoyed the Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are passionate about developing community driven fandom! Visit LiveLike to discover how you can activate your audience. Connect with Samuel Westberg on LinkedIn Connect with Andy Meikle on LinkedIn | |||
| How NASCAR is Winning Over the Next Generation of Fans - Media Rights, Original Content & What's Next | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:44:00 | |
NASCAR is rewriting the playbook on how a legacy sport stays relevant in a fragmented media landscape. Struggling to balance a loyal core fan base with the need to attract younger, digitally native audiences? Wondering how to future-proof your media strategy when consumption habits shift faster than your rights cycle? Brian Herbst is EVP and Chief Media & Revenue Officer at NASCAR, where he oversees the sport's billion-dollar-plus media rights business, a $60 million in-house production facility, and distribution across 185 countries. He's been with the organisation for 21 years, rising from intern to architect of one of the most ambitious broadcast operations in American sport. In this episode, Brian breaks down exactly how NASCAR structured its multi-platform media rights deal, why they invested in building production capabilities before going to market, and how a driver incentive programme is turning athletes into brand ambassadors. You'll walk away with a concrete framework for thinking about content, distribution, and fan development at scale. This one is for media executives, sports business leaders, and anyone responsible for growing audiences across linear, streaming, and social platforms. Brian covers media rights strategy, in-house content production, fan acquisition, sponsorship packaging, and international expansion.What you'll learn in this episode>> NASCAR allocated $15–20M from its media rights deal to pay drivers for growing their personal brands and the top earner took home $1M, creating real incentive for athletes to drive sport-wide relevance. What You'll Learn In This Episode >> Building a $60M production facility before entering media rights negotiations gave NASCAR the leverage to say yes to new partners like the CW who lacked live event production experience. >> Amazon's younger-skewing audience didn't just spike during streaming windows. The 16% growth in 18–34 viewers carried across the entire season on all platforms. >> NASCAR's vertical structure (owning tracks, media rights, archives, and production) allows them to sell unified sponsorship packages with must-spend buckets across teams, networks, and venues.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and welcome Timestamp 01:36 Brian's 21-year journey from intern to EVP at NASCAR Useful Resources Connect with Miheer Walavalkar and Brian Herbst on LinkedIn. Visit LiveLike’s website and NASCAR here. Connect with the show | |||