Legends Of Sport With Andrew D. Bernstein

Andy chats with marketing consultant & former lead of Nike's Business Affairs department - Mark Thomashow! Mark is responsible for many of Nike's most successful marketing campaigns from "Just Do It," Charles Barkley's "I'm Not a Role Model" commercial, "Bo Knows" with Bo Jackson, the concept of Championship hats, and many more! Andy & Mark discuss the genesis of his career from school teacher, to lawyer, to leading some of Nike's most iconic advertising campaigns. Mark describes the behind the scenes of how some of the biggest ad campaigns in sports got started, and the incredible stories he has from along the way. Andy & Mark also discuss the time he was sued by The Beatles, the Dream Team vs. Reebok, the idea of athletes as role models, his involvement with the Earl Monroe Charter School, and so much more!

Andy chats with South Carolina Gamecocks & USA Women's National Team Head Coach - Dawn Staley! Dawn discusses her journey from the projects of Philadelphia to the University of Virginia, the ABL, being voted one of the 15 best players in WNBA history, and ultimately being named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame! Andy & Dawn also discuss her various inspirations & mentors along the way, memories from the first Women's Dream Team at the Olympics in Atlanta, how she defines Philly basketball, her philosophy on losing, her 24-Hour Rule, her Players Tribune article "Black People Are Tired," and so much more!

Andy chats with sports attorney & entrepreneur Leonard Armato! Leonard discusses his path to representing elite athletes Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, creating brands such as Golden Boy for Oscar De La Hoya and “Dunkman” for Shaq, the NBA Tech Summit, AVP Beach Volleyball, and so much more! Andy & Leonard trade Shaq stories, Leonard talks about what attracted him to O'Neal as a client, how Ronnie Lott became his first client, a new book he's currently working on, how he views the modern athlete's responsibilities with social media, and his philosophy on how he approaches "work-life balance".

Andy chats with NASCAR Legend - Kurt Busch! Andy & Kurt discuss the origins of his over 20-year professional racing career, the 2020 season, his Top Five Sweetest Wins of his 775 starts, competition with his younger brother Kyle, the common qualities among elite athletes, and the Mamba Mentality he brings to his training! Kurt also shares his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter issues during last season, including NASCAR's decision to ban the Confederate Flag, & his support for fellow driver Bubba Wallace. Kurt is coming in hot with Ricky Bobby quotes, his love for the Chicago Cubs, a memorable Kobe Braynt performance he witnessed, 24-hour races, and the fire behind his 21st season on the NASCAR circuit. Plus, Kurt tells us about his passion & support for VetTix.org - an organization providing Tickets for Troops & Veterans!

In honor of Kobe Bryant's induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame on May 15th, Andy chats with veteran Los Angeles sports journalists Brad Turner & Bill Plaschke - hear stories & memories from three men who covered the entirety of Kobe's illustrious career. The guys go down memory lane describing their first moments with the young Mamba, his battles against other 2020 HOF inductees -Tim Duncan & Kevin Garnett, Kobe's unmatched confidence as a rookie, his falling out with Shaquille O'Neal, the post-Shaq era, and more! Andy, Brad & Bill also discuss Kobe's evolution into the Black Mamba, Phil Jackson's book, Magic Johnson's comment calling Kobe "the greatest Laker of All-Time", Kobe's storybook final game, and how we'll define Kobe's legacy in years to come.

Andy chats with former WNBA star & current VP of Player Development & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics - Allison Feaster! Andy & Allison discuss her current role with the Celtics, the 2021 season, her transition from player to front office, being a pioneer as a woman in men's sports, and so much more! Allison describes her on-court career path from being a 3x Ivy League Player of The Year at Harvard to dominating the European league & WNBA, her passion for women empowerment, & memories of Kobe Bryant. Plus, special guest MIMI asks Allison a question!

In honor of the late Kobe Bryant, please enjoy this re-release of Andy & Kobe's discussion about their book, "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play". Andy & Kobe delve into their bestselling book collaboration as Kobe shares his thoughts and emotions around the craft he held so dear. Kobe & Andy discuss the championships, his iconic work ethic, Team USA, the importance of overcoming his achilles injury, his storybook final game, and the true meaning behind "The Mamba Mentality" from the Mamba himself. We Love You Kobe.

Andy chats with author, filmmaker & entrepreneur Gotham Chopra! Andy & Gotham discuss the genesis of his sports documentaries "Muse" about Kobe Bryant, "Shut Up & Dribble" with LeBron James, the spiritual aspects of sports, being a Boston sports fan, athlete activism, Religion Of Sports, the theme of Greatness, and more! Gotham describes his relationship with Kobe Braynt, working with Tom Brady this past season, and gives his thoughts on the pause in sports. Hear about Andy's experiences working with Kobe on their book "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play", Gotham's experience working on "Decoding Deepak" about his father, and so much more!

Andy chats with legendary basketball player & broadcaster Ann Meyers Drysdale! Andy & Ann discuss her book "You Let Some Girl Beat You," dynamics of her early life, where her dream of becoming an Olympian began, the importance of recognizing female role models, signing with the Indiana Pacers in 1979, her extensive broadcasting journey, playing in the Women's Professional Basketball League(WPBL), and more! Ann also discusses her many "firsts", Title 9, the Men's Superstars & Women Superstars, pickup games with Tommy Lasorda, golfing with husband Don Drysdale, trail blazers, resiliency, and memories of Kobe Bryant.

Andy chats with MLB legend Darryl Strawberry! Andy & Darryl discuss his book "Turn Your Season Around," successfully endearing himself to both Mets & Yankees fans, his time with the LA Dodgers, photoshoots with Andy, his personal battles with addiction & cancer, and how his spiritual journey changed his life! Andy & Darryl also reflect on the social impact of the Miracle Mets of 1969, how he puts the pandemic into context, playing under the microscope of major cities, and more! Darryl speaks on rejection, criticism, contentment, the positive influences in his life, relationships with Gary Carter & Mookie Wilson, he & his wife's work in the Autism community, and how he's "switched teams & put on a new uniform"!

Andy chats with 20-year NBA veteran and all-around class act - Jamal Crawford! Andy & Jamal discuss his early life growing up between Seattle & LA, working out with Michael Jordan after being drafted, playing against MJ & Kobe and the relationships that followed, Lob City, athlete activism, and more! Hear Jamal share what he learned from MJ & Kobe, favorite memories of his two heroes, "A Midsummer Night's Magic", favorite teams he's played for, his love & hopes for a Seattle SuperSonics return, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Andy & Jamal also share their favorite NBA photos, as well as Andy's favorite players to shoot & favorite photos. If you love MJ & Kobe, you won't want to miss this episode!

Andy chats with legendary NBA & College basketball coach - Paul Westhead! Andy & Paul discuss the motivation for his book "The Speed Game," the genesis of his Speed Game system, coaching the Lakers to a Championship in 1980, his time coaching at LMU, successfully taking his system overseas to Japan, and more! Hear Paul describe coaching the greats from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Tracy McGrady, Dikembe Mutumbo, and more! Andy & Paul also discuss Jack McKinney's accident, the tragic death of Hank Gathers at LMU, Spencer Haywood's wild admission, and winning a WNBA Championship with the Phoenix Mercury 27 years after his title with the Lakers.

Andy chats with NHL Hall Of Fame Montreal Canadiens Right Winger - Yvan Cournoyer! Yvan discusses his career with the Canadiens, playing against Andy's beloved Rangers, winning TEN Stanley Cups, his nickname "The Roadrunner", the league expansion, playing for Team Canada in 1972 vs the Soviet Union, Wayne Gretzky, and more! Hear Yvan talk about his first game in Detroit vs Gordie Howe at 19 years old, his two favorite Cups and how he says one of them changed the game! Andy & Yvan also discuss the style of play in today's NHL, his suggestion for enhancing the game, and his work as Ambassador for the Canadiens!

Andy chats with WNBA Legend Penny Toler. Andy & Penny discuss her ten-year career in the European leagues, how she got her start in the WNBA, the incredible story of her transition from player to GM for the Sparks, and the genesis of her new app! Hear Penny talk about adjusting to life abroad, the story of scoring the first points in WNBA history, her work on the new 2020 WNBA CBA, and more! Andy & Penny also discuss her new "Bullying Buddy" app to help children who are experiencing bullying, and memories of the late Kobe Bryant.

In honor of the late David Stern, we revisit Andy's chat with the former NBA Commissioner from Season 2 - Original Air Date, April 2nd, 2019. Andy sits down with David Stern - in his office! David shares his path from law school to the NBA's 24th employee, his role in the ABA expansion, starting the WNBA, the NBA's presence in China, Yao Ming, and his thoughts on the league today. Hear David discuss his top 3 most memorable moments during his tenure, Magic Johnson's HIV diagnosis, and his decision to let Magic play in the iconic 1992 NBA All-Star Game. Andy & David also share some of their favorite memories together throughout the years.

Andy chats with 12-time Emmy winning sports journalist Jim Gray about his new book - "Talking To GOATs"! Andy & Jim discuss the genesis of the book, his path into the industry, early inspirations, cutting his teeth as a video tape editor, the countless memories featured in his book, lessons from Chuck Daly, the influence of his father, and memories of Kobe Bryant. Hear the backstories of Jim's biggest interviews & subjects over the years - from his very first interview with Muhammed Ali, conversations with Tom Brady & Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan's first retirement, the return of baseball after 9/11, the Atlanta Olympic bombing, The Malice in the Palace, a kiss from Mike Tyson, and so many more! 

Andy chats with legendary fashion designer & co-founder of Guess Jeans For Men - Jeff Hamilton, aka "The Emperor of the Leather Jacket!" Jeff discusses his incredible path into the heights of the fashion world - from his journey from Morocco to LA, co-founding Guess Jeans, how his iconic leather NBA Championship jackets got started, his contribution to the intersection of culture and sports, he and Andy's time together with the 1992 Dream Team, and what he's doing today! Andy & Jeff go behind the creative process, the work that goes into every jacket, The Jeff Hamilton Studios Street Art Fair, Kobe Bryant murals and Jeff shares a Kobe story.

Andy chats with former NBA player, writer & fellow podcaster - Etan Thomas about athletes & activism! Andy & Etan discuss the roots of athletes as activists, his own beginning in activism, the onset of the social media era, and his book "We Matter: Athlete's & Activism". The two discuss the issues of police brutality in minority communities, what he learned from interviewing the families of victims, his conversations with other athlete's about their opinions & passion for social justice, and much more. Plus, the guys also discuss the success of the NBA Bubble and the lessons other leagues could learn from, as well as a great personal story about the late Kobe Bryant.Be sure to check out Etan's book "We Matter", his work at BasketballNews.com & his podcast The Rematch!

Legends Of Sport celebrates 100th Episode!!! Andy chats with Los Angeles Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer! Andy & Steve talk about his larger than life enthusiasm for sports & business, sports fandom growing up, working with Jerry West, the philanthropic focus of the Ballmer Group, and his vision for the future of the LA Clippers! Steve gives his perspective on racial issues and social injustice, and how it relates to what he learned during his acquisition of the team. Plus, Andy & Steve discuss the plans for the Clippers new arena! #LOS100

Andy chats with Brad Turner & Dan Woike of the LA Times about their time covering the unique 2020 NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida! Andy, Brad & Dan each share their personal experiences, professional adjustments, player & personnel experiences, unique memories, the pause for social justice, LeBron's greatness as a Laker, and next season! Hear stories from the campus, inside the arena & official protocols, to hotel room workouts, alligator encounters & wild turkey chases, and the future for the Lakers & Clippers!