Professor Shirin Mollah sits down with Dr. Kevin Curran, a seasoned play-by-play producer and college professor with over 30 years of experience working with teams like the Oakland Athletics, LA Lakers, and University of Arizona. They explore the often-overlooked economic impact of play-by-play announcers on team revenue, fan engagement, and marketing strategies. Curran reveals how these voices aren't just calling games – they're sophisticated sales tools, building parasocial relationships with fans while promoting everything from bobblehead nights to season tickets. The conversation covers the business relationships between teams and broadcasters, the challenges of measuring ROI on play-by-play investment, and how emerging technologies like AI might reshape this traditional role. With insights from someone who's worked alongside Hall of Fame broadcasters like Chick Hearn, this episode uncovers the fascinating economics behind the voices we trust to guide us through our favorite games.

Professor Shirin Mollah sits down with Jason Logan, head coach of a high school girls basketball program and director of Logan Basketball Academy, to explore how youth sports function as economic engines in local communities. Logan shares his personal journey from an out-of-control teenager in South Carolina to a dedicated mentor, crediting his high school coach with literally saving his life through structure, discipline, and unwavering support.

The conversation dives into how basketball teaches essential workforce skills like teamwork, resilience, and leadership that translate directly to professional success. Logan discusses the challenges facing modern high school athletics, including how NIL deals are reshaping college recruiting and making scholarship opportunities more competitive. He explains his philosophy of putting academics first while using sports to build character and confidence in young women.

Logan also talks about his Logan Basketball Academy, which provides opportunities for underdog players who might not make their school teams. The discussion touches on the Caitlin Clark effect on women's basketball, the importance of female coaching representation, and how proper investment in youth sports programs can create lasting community impact. Throughout, Logan emphasizes that sports create family bonds that extend far beyond the playing court, providing life-long support networks for young athletes.

Tyler Potts, Senior Director of Partnership Sales for the LA Rams, breaks down the sophisticated world of sports partnerships that go far beyond simple logo placement. The conversation explores how teams create authentic connections between brands and fans through strategic partnerships that align with team culture and community values. Potts shares behind-the-scenes stories including the innovative draft house concept, the heartwarming response to LA fires with the fire department partnership, and community impact initiatives like the PacSun clothing donation program. The discussion covers partnership evaluation criteria, measuring success through fan engagement, and how partnerships have evolved from traditional signage to content-driven, data-focused collaborations. Potts also discusses the Rams' academic partnership with LMU, youth sports initiatives including girls flag football, and preparation for hosting major global events like the World Cup, Olympics, and Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium.