Podcast · 140 episodes
The Varsity, page 3
by Puck | Audacy · English
Puck Sports Correspondent John Ourand and a rotating cast of industry insiders take you deep inside the executive suites and owner boxes that run the entire sports business. You’ll hear interviews with everyone from players to network execs and everyone in between. The Varsity is an extension of John's private email for Puck by the same name. New episodes publish twice-weekly, every Wednesday and Sunday.
All episodes, page 3
NBC Sports’ Survival StrategyNBC Sports’ “survival strategy” for sports media rights—why broadcast TV still matters, how NBC uses Peacock and NBCSN as complementary distribution, and what to watch in the NFL media landscape and…22 Apr 2026 · 47 min · 21 chapters
The NFL’s Draft Day FantasyNFL Draft day and fantasy football—how landing spot/opportunity drives fantasy value; plus NFL media consolidation (ESPN taking over NFL Network/NFL.com fantasy), NFL media rights renegotiations for…19 Apr 2026 · 47 min · 23 chapters
The Athletic’s Russini-Vrabel Stress TestThe episode focuses on the Diana Rossini–Mike Vrabel scandal and what it reveals about tensions between The New York Times and its sports site The Athletic, plus a broader discussion of WNBA…15 Apr 2026 · 47 min · 16 chapters
The NFL’s Cracked ShieldThe NFL’s TV/media rights amid renegotiations and government scrutiny over streaming.12 Apr 2026 · 46 min · 16 chapters
How Much NFL Is Too Much?The NFL’s current media-rights negotiations (“How Much NFL Is Too Much?”), including broadcast/streaming inventory, the NFL’s broadcast antitrust exemption, the push for an 18-game season by 2027,…8 Apr 2026 · 47 min · 13 chapters
Mashburn’s N.I.L. Market TheoryJamal Mashburn discusses the “state of college basketball” through a business lens—NIL, the transfer portal, chaos vs on-court quality, and how these changes affect mid-majors, women’s/olympic…5 Apr 2026 · 47 min · 18 chapters
Reinventing America’s Favorite PastimeThe episode focuses on MLB’s recent rule/technology changes—especially ABS/robot umpire challenges and the pitch clock—how they’re tested in the minor leagues, and why they’re improving fan…1 Apr 2026 · 47 min · 20 chapters
ESPNW’s Growth EngineESPN’s strategy for “growth mode” in women’s sports, centered on mainstreaming women’s leagues through ESPN’s ecosystem and launching “Women’s Sports Sundays” (first June 21).29 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 16 chapters
Presenting The Draymond Green Show | Draymond Green Versus Skip BaylessDraymond Green reframes his own narrative on The Draymond Green Show, using game reactions and deeper explanations of his mindset, emotion, and competitiveness, highlighted by a sit-down with Skip…27 Mar 2026 · 6 min · 3 chapters
Inside MLB’s Netflix ExperimentMLB’s media-rights and streaming “eventization” strategy, focusing on Netflix’s Opening Night and other platform deals; also covers broader sports-media shifts (CBS radio shutdown, NCAA tournament…25 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 15 chapters
How Broadcast Survives in a Netflix WorldIn this episode, host John Ourand interviews Curtis LeGeyt, the CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).22 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 16 chapters
ESPN's Talent WhispererMike Foss, Senior Vice President at ESPN18 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 17 chapters
The NWSL’s Moneyball MomentPuck Sports Correspondent John Ourand engages with industry insiders to provide insights into the sports business.15 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 22 chapters
An Ex Cable Cowboy on the Future of SportsDavid Levy, Former Turner Networks President and Current Sports Marketing Executive11 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 16 chapters
Can the NHL Find Its Groove?A podcast featuring in-depth discussions with sports industry insiders, hosted by John Ourand, Puck Sports Correspondent. New episodes are published twice a week.8 Mar 2026 · 49 min · 19 chapters
Can ParaBros Keep the NFL?Puck Sports Correspondent John Ourand discusses the sports business with industry insiders, from players to network executives.4 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 16 chapters
Can MLS Win the World Cup?In this episode of *The Varsity*, host John Ourand welcomes Roger Bennett, founder of Men in Blazers Media Network and author of *We Are the World Cup*.1 Mar 2026 · 47 min · 22 chapters
MLB’s Netflix EraJohn Ourand (Puck Sports Correspondent) and Andrew Marchand (Senior Sports Media Columnist at The Athletic)25 Feb 2026 · 47 min · 19 chapters
Jay Bilas’s NCAAB Bull CaseJay Bilas (ESPN College Basketball Analyst)22 Feb 2026 · 48 min · 20 chapters
Olympics Politics & LA28’s Epstein ProblemIn this episode, John Ourand is joined by veteran sports columnist Christine Brennan, who shares insights from the ongoing Winter Olympics in Milan.18 Feb 2026 · 47 min · 18 chapters
NASCAR’s Roadmap to Victory LaneSteve O'Donnell, NASCAR President15 Feb 2026 · 47 min · 18 chapters
NFL’s New TV OrderBen Strauss discusses his experience with layoffs at The Washington Post, the performance of NBC during the Super Bowl, and insights into the NFL's evolving media landscape, including international…11 Feb 2026 · 48 min · 16 chapters
Any Given Sunday With Mike FlorioAny Given Sunday With Mike Florio8 Feb 2026 · 50 min · 21 chapters
Super Bowl LX SoliloquiesIn this episode, John Ourand interviews NFL executive Jeff Miller in anticipation of Super Bowl LX.4 Feb 2026 · 47 min · 16 chapters