Pathway To The Podium

About Pathway To The Podium

Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else. With Host Jake Kline. We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours?

Publisher

Pathway To The Podium

Category

news · sports

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

8 Mar 2026

Latest episode

25 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Sept 2026

   PTTP #17 - The Athletic's Ira Gorawara On CFB & The Protect College Sports Act; Paramount Settlement

   The Athletic's Ira Gorawara joins the pod to discuss the latest storylines in college football. She starts with the enormous hype surrounding the LSU-Ole Miss game and the exorbitant costs associated with Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford. She then covers UCLA's fresh start with athletic director and CEO Tim Harris and head coach Bob Chesney. She also recaps the beginning of Michigan's season, in particular the team's miraculous and controversial win over Western Michigan. Ira then identifies the type of stories that interest her and describes the experience of international students being exposed to American college sports for the first time and how it parallels her own journey to becoming a sports journalist. The conversation then shifts to the Protect College Sports Act, going over what the bill entails and what hurdles may exist for it in the House of Representatives if it is passed by the Senate. Ira also explains what makes cricket so special and makes the pitch to Americans for why they should watch the sport. In Jake's Takes, why Paramount unquestionably 'won' the settlement with the attorneys general on the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. Also, detailing how Mark Walter continues to offload sports assets following his and Todd Boehly's selling of their stakes in Chelsea FC. Additionally, how Joe Buck's contract extension with ESPN might include additional responsibilities and what it means for his on-air colleague Troy Aikman. Then, why Formula 1 appears poised to add more Sprint races in future years. The episode concludes with highlighting several individual achievements at the Primetime Emmys and exploring how Apple TV became synonymous with 'prestige television'. Ira Gorawara is a College Sports Staff Writer for The Athletic, who covers news, enterprise, and longform stories from across college athletics. She previously served as a Sports Editor at UCLA's Daily Bruin, and has worked at the Los Angeles Times, the South China Morning Post, NDTV, and several cricket publications worldwide. She also is the author of the book, 'The ABCs of Life'. You can follow her on Twitter / X IraGorawara (https://x.com/IraGorawara), on Instagram iragorawarawriting (https://www.instagram.com/iragorawarawriting/), on TikTok iragorawaraa (https://www.tiktok.com/@iragorawaraa), and on her website iragorawara.com (https://www.iragorawara.com/). #PathwayToThePodium Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We’re all striving for some kind of podium. What’s yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium)

2. 

   12 Sept 2026

   PTTP #16 - WNBA Seeks New Commissioner; Kroenke Buys Angels; Clippers Investigation Fallout; Odyssey

   In this episode, Jake covers several prominent news items in the sports business world. First, with Cathy Engelbert retiring from the position of league commissioner at the end of the year, why it is essential the WNBA chooses the right successor and what qualities will make for the best candidates during the selection process. Also, with the Los Angeles Angels set to join Stan Kroenke's sports empire, what we can expect from Kroenke as an MLB owner. Then, why everyone other than Pablo Torre looks bad in the aftermath of the NBA's investigation finding the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap by securing endorsement opportunities for Kawhi Leonard. In Jake's Takes, how Tiger Woods, Tony Romo, and Mark Sanchez each got their comeuppance despite their celebrity status. Finally, as The Odyssey becomes Universal's all-time highest grossing film at the worldwide box office, why discussions over how true the movie is to the source material may be intellectually engaging but nevertheless cause people to overlook Christopher Nolan's greater achievement. Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

3. 

   30 Aug 2026

   PTTP #15 - Mark Walter Investigation Analysis; Honoring Dolly Parton+Bill Rasmussen; Jed York Arrest

   Legal economist Andrew Granato joins the pod to cover what is known and what is still unclear about the ongoing investigation of Mark Walter and his companies. He details the disclosure requirements for affiliated investments, which is at the crux of the inquiry. Jake and Andrew also theorize what penalties Walter might face and what arguments he could make as a defense. They then discuss how this may impact Walter's sports business holdings. They also point to an abandoned 2014 lawsuit filed against Walter which contained claims that appear to run parallel to what Walter is currently being accused of. Jake and Andrew also call for more stringent federal and state disclosure regulations. They also argue sports leagues need to revamp their vetting procedures when approving new franchise owners. Additionally, Andrew spotlights the additional burden that falls upon insurance policyholders and taxpayers when insurers engage in more risky private equity investments. In Jake's Takes, remembering the life and legacy of ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen. Also, with the Atlanta Falcons turning to a private equity investment from Arctos and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx getting a new controlling owner in Marc Stad, what this frantic selling of teams says about how sports franchises are increasingly being viewed as assets. Additionally, how San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York's arrest has even further eroded the reputation of the team in what has arguably been the most tumultuous offseason in the history of the franchise. Then, how important Max Verstappen's extension with Red Bull is for both his team and Formula 1 as a whole. Lastly, a tribute to the late great Queen of Country Dolly Parton. Andrew Granato is a legal economist and an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas School of Law. He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School, a Ph.D. in Financial Economics from the Yale School of Management, and a B.A. in Economics from Stanford. He also previously served as a Senior Associate Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. You can follow him on Twitter / X agranato42 (https://x.com/agranato42). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

4. 

   16 Aug 2026

   PTTP #14 - Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill On College Sports Reform; Why Walter Sold The Lakers

   Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill joins the pod to discuss the dynamic landscape of collegiate athletics. He details his day-to-day responsibilities as commissioner and how his role has changed in recent years. Tom also describes how the Big Sky handled the addition of Utah Tech and Southern Utah as full-time members along with the departure of Sacramento State. He also explains how the conference's football scheduling formula was subsequently altered to account for the membership changes. Tom then delves into the Big Sky's media deals with ESPN and Scripps. Jake and Tom then identify where reform is needed in college sports and discuss what the best method is to implement change, assessing the pros and cons of federal legislation and student-athlete collective bargaining. The conversation concludes with Tom evaluating the health and future of the Big Sky. Then, in Jake's Takes, the impetus behind Mark Walter selling the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger a year after he bought the team. Plus, why moving the Preakness Stakes deeper into May was a necessity. Also, how Fox might have caused the NFL's media rights renegotiation strategy to backfire. Additionally, why Nielsen's planned acquisition of DoubleVerify reeks of desperation. Finally, Jake gives Jason McCourty his palmarès following his promotion to Monday Night Countdown. Tom Wistrcill is the Commissioner of the Big Sky Conference, a position which he has held since 2018. Previously he was a Senior Vice President at Learfield and earlier was the Athletic Director of the University of Akron and a Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Minnesota. During his tenure he has served on many college sports committees, including the Division I Men's Basketball Committee, the NCAA Men's Basketball Competition Committee, and the Collegiate Football Officiating Board. You can follow him on Twitter / X BigSkyCommish (https://x.com/BigSkyCommish). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

5. 

   2 Aug 2026

   PTTP #13 - ESPN Layoffs; LeBron To 76ers; CBS Romo On Leave; 49ers' Mishandling Of Shanahan's Crash

   This episode opens with Jake addressing the ESPN layoffs as he explores the business decisions behind the firings with a particular focus on the on-air talent. The terminations of Ryan Clark, Charles Davis, Tom Pelissero, Karl Ravech, David Lloyd, Cam Newton, Bart Scott, and Stephania Bell are each covered in turn. For each of these media personalities, Jake identifies why ESPN executives may have thought it was in the company's best interest to let them go and how it may signal a strategic shift across the network. That's followed by a discussion on the impact LeBron James' move to the 76ers is expected to have on NBC Sports Philadelphia at a time when many regional sports networks are struggling. Also, the NFL at last has assigned a date for the 2028 Super Bowl—why that is significant and what it means for the league’s long-held aspirations to increase the length of the regular season. Plus, how Tony Romo’s OWI arrest and getting placed on leave offers both headaches and opportunities for CBS and its other commentators. Lastly, in Jake's Takes, how the San Francisco 49ers mishandled the Kyle Shanahan car crash news by not getting out in front of the story sooner and what this all says about the state of sports journalism. Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

6. 

   18 Jul 2026

   PTTP #12 - Sportico's Eben Novy-Williams On Seahawks Sale; Why States' Lawsuit Vs Para-WBD Is Weak

   Sportico's Eben Novy-Williams joins the pod to discuss the $9.612B sale of the Seattle Seahawks. Among the topics covered: how the deal was struck and who was in the running, what we know about the Khosla Family, why the team is unlikely to relocate anytime soon, how the potential addition of an NBA expansion franchise in Seattle impacted the sale, the growing trend of NFL minority owners of one team becoming majority owners of another, and what the financing arrangement might look like. Then, Jake and Eben point out what the NFL can learn from the FIFA World Cup. The two also chat about the Tour de France and engage in a broader conversation on the state of professional cycling. In Jake's Takes, why the 12-state antitrust lawsuit against Paramount's planned acquisition of WarnerBrosDiscovery is extremely weak. Also, a look at the comments Christopher Nolan made on artificial intelligence during The Odyssey press tour, in particular younger generations' rejection of AI-generated content, which are then juxtaposed with Ben Affleck's investment in AI filmmaking tools startup InterPositive. Finally, the International Olympic Committee has now lifted its suspensions of Russia and Belarus—what it means moving forward. Eben Novy-Williams is deputy editor of Sportico, which he helped launch in 2020. Previously he covered sports business for about a decade for Bloomberg News. He also co-hosts the Sporticast podcast with Scott Soshnick. You can follow him on Twitter / X novy_williams (https://x.com/novy_williams). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

7. 

   5 Jul 2026

   PTTP #11 - WSJ's Joe Flint On Comcast Spinning Off NBCUniversal, Paramount-WarnerBrosDiscovery, IMAX

   Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal joins the pod to discuss the latest deals and developments from across the sports media landscape. The conversation starts with a look at this year's FIFA World Cup and how it serves as a dry run for the LA28 Olympic Games. After that, a preview of how Netflix is going to handle the 2027 Women's World Cup, the streamer's largest sports endeavor yet. That's followed by a sizing up of the candidates for the media rights to the Men's 2030 World Cup and beyond. Jake and Joe then explore Comcast's decision to spin off NBCUniversal and what the ramifications might be. They then analyze the Paramount-WarnerBrosDiscovery deal as it works its way through the regulatory process. Next, they react to the news that IMAX is exploring a sale. They conclude with an overview of the NFL's new standalone game windows and what it could mean moving forward as the league looks to renegotiate its existing media rights deals. In Jake's Takes, why the Tour de France starting in Spain should cause some concern. Then, a look at the extensions Dave Pasch and Jason McCourty signed with ESPN and what it could signal for how the network handles contracts with its NFL talent moving forward. Finally, the significance of the Harry Potter films having a new linear TV home. Joe Flint is a media and entertainment reporter for The Wall Street Journal based in the Los Angeles bureau, covering everything from broadcast networks and sports to cable and streaming. He has previously written for the Los Angeles Times, Variety, and Entertainment Weekly. He also served as the director of industry programs at the Paley Center For Media. You can follow him on Twitter / X JBFlint (https://x.com/JBFlint). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

8. 

   21 Jun 2026

   PTTP #10 - SVG's Brandon Costa Talks FIFA World Cup; Fox-Roku; UFC Freedom 250; Taylor Swift HOFer

   Brandon Costa of Sports Video Group comes on to discuss how sports broadcasting has changed in recent years and then does a deep dive into Fox's production of the FIFA World Cup. He also identifies the elements which make for a good scorebug. The conversation concludes with how drone technology has transformed the way we watch sports. In Jake's Takes, why Fox's buying of Roku fits into their broader streaming strategy. Then, further evidence the Olympics is focused on practicing neutrality. Plus, why the UFC's White House event should have aired on CBS. Also, a retrospective on ABC/ESPN's extremely enjoyable NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final run. Finally, an analysis of Taylor Swift's Songwriters Hall of Fame speech. Brandon Costa is Director of Digital for the Sports Video Group, where he covers the sports video production industry with a focus on game production, live streaming, over-the-top (OTT), social media, and other digital distribution technologies and platforms. He also serves as program director of both the SVG College Summit and the SVG Sports OTT Forum. You can follow him on LinkedIn brandon-costa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-costa/) and on Twitter / X SVG_Brandon (https://x.com/SVG_Brandon). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

9. 

   7 Jun 2026

   PTTP #9 - NBA Finals; Myles Garrett & A. J. Brown Trades; Hawk-Eye Technology; The Issue w/MLB's ABS

   The episode opens with a recap of the first two games of the Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals and examining how the narrative has shifted. Plus, what Pat McAfee's NBA Finals altcast and new DraftKings partnership mean as he negotiates an extension with ESPN. Additionally, President Trump's busy sports calendar. Also, the NFL and College Football Playoff butt heads once more. Then, why the Browns trading Myles Garrett to the Rams shouldn't have been that surprising and the significance of the Eagles receiving a 2028 1st round draft pick from the Patriots for A. J. Brown. After that, Serena Williams' long-expected return to tennis. Then, sizing up the new NFL main studio additions, Russell Wilson and Kyle Long for CBS and Mike Tomlin for NBC. Finally, Caleb Wilson being named the Madden 27 cover athlete despite his low completion percentage and Hugh Laurie's affinity for John le Carré projects. In Jake’s Takes, why it’s high time ESPN show college tennis some love. Plus, dissecting NBA commissioner Adam Silver's comments to Pat McAfee on the league's planned technological innovations, what it could mean for other sports, and what's wrong with MLB's current ABS system. Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

10. 

    23 May 2026

    PTTP #8 - Previewing The 2026 Sports Emmys w/Dylan Manfre; Future NFL Draft & Intl Locations

    The Sport Profile's Dylan Manfre joins the pod to help preview the 2026 Sports Emmys. What follows is an extensive breakdown of the major categories: Studio Shows, Studio Host, Studio Analyst, Play-By-Play, Event Analyst, Sideline Reporter, and Emerging On-Air Talent. Also, which sports media personalities got snubbed? The conversation concludes with a discussion about the Sports Emmys at long last securing a broadcast partner. Then, in Jake's Takes, why the cities of Denver and Seattle would make for good NFL Draft hosts. Plus, as the number of international games per season increases, what new locations best align with the league's goals. Dylan Manfre is the host of The Sport Profile, a podcast that highlights the stories of sports journalists, broadcasters, and other media professionals. Dylan is also a former writer for Sportico. You can follow him on Twitter / X @Dylan_Manfre11 (https://x.com/Dylan_Manfre11), on Instagram @bydylanmanfre (https://www.instagram.com/bydylanmanfre/) and @thesportprofile (https://www.instagram.com/thesportprofile/) and on TikTok @thesportprofile (https://www.tiktok.com/@thesportprofile). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

11. 

    15 May 2026

    PTTP #7 - CBS Sports NFL Analyst JP Acosta; Nielsen's Fuzzy Metrics; Ted Turner & The Goodwill Games

    CBS Sports NFL Analyst JP Acosta joins the pod to discuss a variety of offseason storylines including: the remaining free agents available at wide receiver, the best fits between team and player from the 2026 NFL Draft, and a preview of the 2027 NFL Draft QB class. Additionally, a look at the Vikings, Falcons, and Raiders QB battles heading into the '26 season. Plus, between the AFC finalists, are the Patriots or Broncos the better team? Should the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks be favored over their NFC West rival the Rams? What are this season's under-the-radar teams? Then, in Jake's Takes, an examination of Nielsen's increasingly opaque viewership metrics. The episode concludes with a tribute to Ted Turner, highlighting his creation of the Goodwill Games and why its founding principle of prioritizing athlete participation regardless of the actions of each athlete's nation should be a policy other international sporting governing bodies follow. JP Acosta is an NFL Analyst for CBS Sports and a writer for the CBS Sports website. He is the co-host of the podcast Pushing The Pile and can be seen on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ. You can follow him on Twitter / X acosta32_jp (https://x.com/acosta32_jp) and on Instagram jpacosta32 (https://www.instagram.com/jpacosta32/). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

12. 

    1 May 2026

    PTTP #6 - Formula 1 Commentator Nelson Valkenburg On Calling F1; ESPN-NFL Network; Vrabel-Russini

    F1 commentator Nelson Valkenburg gives the inside scoop on everything that goes into a Formula 1 broadcast. Additionally, a conversation on Max Verstappen’s F1 future, the new rules regime and subsequent tweaks, whether the canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will be made up this year, the upcoming return of the Turkish Grand Prix, plus other season storylines. In Jake’s Takes, a look at the early days of the ESPN-NFL Network marriage and what the future entails for top NFLN talent. Additionally, how media rightsholders could be impacted by the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini fallout. Nelson Valkenburg is a commentator for Viaplay Netherlands, where he calls Formula 1 races alongside Melroy Heemskerk. Nelson also covers other motorsports including NLS and has been a commentator for multiple Olympic events. He is a frequent guest of The Race F1 Podcast and Nailing The Apex. Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

13. 

    18 Apr 2026

    Pathway To The Podium #5 - NFL Draft Preview With Benjamin Robinson of Grinding The Mocks

    Benjamin Robinson of Grinding The Mocks comes on to preview the upcoming NFL Draft. Ben explains the methodology behind his draft data and insights company. Then, a thorough analysis of the top wide receiver and edge/linebacker prospects. Plus, does Ty Simpson project to be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick? In Jake's Takes, why golf's proposed rollback needs to happen and why Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley should lead the charge. Benjamin Robinson is the creator of Grinding The Mocks (www.grindingthemocks.com (https://grindingthemocks.shinyapps.io/Dashboard/)), which uses mock drafts, the wisdom of crowds, and data science to predict the NFL Draft. You can read his substack: @grindingthemocks (https://grindingthemocks.substack.com/about). You can follow him on Twitter / X: @benj_robinson (https://x.com/benj_robinson) & @GrindingMocks (https://x.com/GrindingMocks). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

14. 

    4 Apr 2026

    Pathway To The Podium #4 - Ticket Talk Network's Scott Friedman Discusses Final Four & The Masters

    Ticket Talk Network's Scott Friedman joins this episode of Pathway To The Podium to discuss the ticket market for numerous sports, including this weekend's Men's and Women's Final Four and The Masters. We compare the ticket demand for the 2026 Men's and Women's Final Four to last year's and highlight several key differences. Scott also lifts the veil on the methods Augusta National uses to curb the secondary ticket market for The Masters. Also included: how tickets for the Super Bowl work and why the 2026 FIFA World Cup breaks typical ticketing trends for soccer tournaments. Scott also previews the next Ticket Con. In Jake's Takes, a frank conversation on Tiger Woods and his decision to step away from golf and why it's in the sport's best business interests that he does. Scott Friedman is the co-founder of Ticket Talk Network, where he provides insights into the primary and secondary ticketing markets for live events including concerts, sports, and theater shows. You can follow him on Twitter / X: @ScottFriedman3 (https://x.com/ScottFriedman3). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

15. 

    26 Mar 2026

    Pathway To The Podium #3 - Sports Journalist Caroline Price Talks Figure Skating & Gymnastics

    Sports journalist Caroline Price joins this episode of Pathway To The Podium to discuss all things figure skating and gymnastics. We recap Winter Olympics Figure Skating, including the performances of Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, and other international stars. Plus, an analysis of the Ice Dance scoring controversy that resulted in Madison Chock and Evan Bates getting Silver. Also included: a preview of the Figure Skating World Championships. Turning to gymnastics, Jake and Caroline examine the legal quagmire of Jordan Chiles' Paris 2024 Olympics women's floor exercise final and then review the NCAA Gymnastics conference championships. We wrap with a look back on the enormous obstacles Suni Lee had to overcome to return to the Olympic stage. Finally, in Jake's Takes, why ABC missed an opportunity to turn a negative into the positive when they pulled The Bachelorette off the air. Caroline Price is a contributor to Forbes Sports Money and has authored 'Flipping The Script: The 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Team’s Journey to Olympic Gold (https://www.amazon.com/Flipping-Script-Gymnastics-Journey-Olympic/dp/B0G4F8VRZT)'. You can follow her on TikTok: @carolineoprice (https://www.tiktok.com/@carolineoprice). Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Follow on Instagram: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytothepodium/) Follow on TikTok: @pathwaytothepodium (https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaytothepodium) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

16. 

    16 Mar 2026

    Pathway To The Podium #2 - Oscars Recap, NFL Adding a Thanksgiving Eve Game, Family Guy Spinoff

    In this second episode of Pathway To The Podium, a full recap of the Oscars where it was one award after another for Warner Bros. and why the signs pointed to One Battle After Another winning Best Picture over Sinners. Plus, the NFL is considering adding a Thanksgiving Eve game - how might that work? Additionally, exploring the impetus behind the new Family Guy spinoff, Stewie. Stick around for Jake's Takes on the need to reform how outdoor marathons and cycling races are conducted. Finally, what the F1 calendar looks like now that April's Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have been called off. Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else We're all striving for some kind of podium. What's yours? Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline, @PathwayToThePod Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod Follow on Instagram: pathwaytothepodium Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

17. 

    8 Mar 2026

    Pathway To The Podium #1 - DEBUT EPISODE, New-Look F1, Breaking Down Apple TV Deal, UFC-Paramount

    The very first episode of Pathway To The Podium! Join host Jake Kline for in-depth discussion on Formula 1's new rules regime, a recap of the Australian Grand Prix, and speculation over whether a complete season will be held. Plus, why the F1-Apple TV deal is a game changer and potential trendsetter. Finally, what's different with the UFC now that Paramount has US media rights. Sports / SportsBiz / MediaBiz / Entertainment / All Else Follow on Twitter / X: @JakeAKline (https://x.com/JakeAKline), @PathwayToThePod (https://x.com/PathwayToThePod) Follow on YouTube: @PathwayToThePodiumPod (https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayToThePodiumPod) Please send inquiries to: pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com (mailto:pathwaytothepodium@gmail.com)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Pathway To The Podium

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.