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Off the Pitch

Matt Cunningham

27 episodes

4 months ago

In this episode we are joined by Brendan Hannan, the managing partner of media production company Skylark, a former MLS executive and sports entrepreneur. In this episode, Brendan shared with us his unique path to end up in sports, which led to a career working on some of the most exciting projects in American Soccer. Brendan recounted his career step-by-step, detailing some PR stunts that were pulled, and revealing details about some of the marketing campaigns behind MLS’ biggest signings. ...

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All content for Off the Pitch is the property of Matt Cunningham and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

In this episode we are joined by Brendan Hannan, the managing partner of media production company Skylark, a former MLS executive and sports entrepreneur. In this episode, Brendan shared with us his unique path to end up in sports, which led to a career working on some of the most exciting projects in American Soccer. Brendan recounted his career step-by-step, detailing some PR stunts that were pulled, and revealing details about some of the marketing campaigns behind MLS’ biggest signings. ...

Show more...

Episodes (20/27)

Off the Pitch

Storytelling Mastery in American Soccer: Brendan Hannan | Ep. 27

In this episode we are joined by Brendan Hannan, the managing partner of media production company Skylark, a former MLS executive and sports entrepreneur. In this episode, Brendan shared with us his unique path to end up in sports, which led to a career working on some of the most exciting projects in American Soccer. Brendan recounted his career step-by-step, detailing some PR stunts that were pulled, and revealing details about some of the marketing campaigns behind MLS’ biggest signings. ...

5 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Off the Pitch

Life Lessons from Liverpool's Former CEO: Peter Moore | Ep. 26

In this episode, we are joined by none other than Peter Moore, a legend in both the gaming and sports worlds, who has embarked on his latest venture of founding Santa Barbara Sky FC. In this episode, Peter recounted his dynamic career trajectory, starting from his influential roles at Sega and Microsoft, through his transformative tenure at Liverpool FC, to laying the groundwork for his own USL Championship team. Peter shared insights from his days driving the Xbox 360 to success and re...

8 months ago

57 minutes

Off the Pitch

From Courtrooms to Soccer Pitches with Atlanta United's SVP of Strategy: Dimitrios Efstathiou | Ep. 25

Grab a pair of headphones and join us for a chat with Dimitrios Efstathiou, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Atlanta United FC. Dimitrios, a seasoned strategist in the world of Major League Soccer, took us through his unique journey from legal courtrooms to the soccer pitches of the US and beyond, shedding light on the intersections of law and sport through his own experiences. Dimitrios recounted his transition from working as an Investigative Analyst at the Manhattan District Attorney’...

8 months ago

1 hour

Off the Pitch

Inside the Modern MLS Stadium with VP of Operations at S.I. Stadium: Shaun Oliver | Ep. 24

In this insightful episode, we spoke with Shaun Oliver, the current Vice President of Operations at Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena). Shaun detailed how he began working part-time for the New England Revolution just as MLS was getting off the ground, which quickly led to him becoming the Director of Operations at the newly rebranded New York Red Bulls. We spoke with Shaun about his unique journey to where he is today, sharing funny stories from the early days of MLS, highl...

8 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Off the Pitch

Building TST's $1 Million Tournament From Scratch: Matt Bilodeau | Ep. 23

Join us for a conversation with Matt Bilodeau, the Chief Strategy Officer of The Tournament, renowned for orchestrating the exhilarating TST (The Soccer Tournament) and TBT (The Basketball Tournament), each featuring a $1 Million prize for the winning team. Since leaving his 10+ career at Reebok and joining The Tournament in late 2023, Matt has been instrumental in driving forward the ambitious vision for TST, drawing on his extensive background in sports marketing. He revealed the stra...

8 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Off the Pitch

Unpacking USL's Club Strategy Playbook: Kevin Couture | Ep. 22

In this insightful episode, we dit down with Kevin Couture, the Senior Vice President of the USL's Club Performance Group, who brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career in sports marketing and management. Starting as a college soccer player at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, Kevin transitioned into a significant role with USA Hockey, where he climbed the ranks over 19 years to become the Director of Corporate Marketing. Kevin delved into his recent move to the USL at the end o...

8 months ago

1 hour 7 minutes

Off the Pitch

A Masterclass in Sports Marketing from MLS's CMO: Radhika Duggal | Ep. 21

In this standout episode, we sit down with Radhika Duggal, the Chief Marketing Officer of Major League Soccer, who brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world.Radhika shared her journey, reflecting on her upbringing detailing how her childhood interests and earl exposure to sports helped shape her path towards a career in marketing. Radhika recounted the strategic decisions that have defined her career so far, from her initi...

11 months ago

54 minutes

Off the Pitch

Lessons From a Decade of Building a Pro Soccer Club From Scratch: Nick Ragain | Ep. 20

In this compelling episode, we explored the journey of Nick Ragain, President of USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Nick opened up about his unconventional path into the world of soccer, a sport that was not a part of his life until he spearheaded the Swtichbacks. He shared insights into his personal background and the unlikely story of how he transitioned from a newcomer to the game to leading a successful soccer franchise.Nick recounted the intriguing beginnings of the S...

1 year ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Off the Pitch

Pioneering Women's Soccer Leadership with Utah Royals' President: Michelle Hyncik | Ep. 19

In this episode, we delved deep with Michelle Hyncik, President of Utah Royals, exploring her remarkable transition from a law career to spearheading a major NWSL club. Michelle began with an overview of her legal background and her initial foray into the sports industry, highlighting the skills and experiences that prepared her for leadership in soccer.Michelle discussed the strategic decisions involved in her move from New York to Utah, the complexities of legal transitions within MLS, and ...

1 year ago

1 hour 6 minutes

Off the Pitch

Recipe for Sports Marketing Success with Minnesota United's CMO: John Guagliano | Ep. 18

In this episode, we're joined by John Guagliano, the Chief Marketing Officer of MLS club Minnesota United FC. John shared his fascinating journey through professional sports, which spans across major sports leagues including the MLS, NBA, MLB, and NHL, detailing the path from his humble beginnings to now being at the helm of the marketing department for Minnesota United FC.John dove into his early love for sports, particularly soccer, and how it shaped his career aspirations. He reminisced ab...

1 year ago

1 hour

Off the Pitch

The MASL Commissioner's Plan to Revitalize Indoor Soccer: Keith Tozer | Ep. 17

In this episode, we're joined by the visionary Commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), Keith Tozer. Keith shared his extensive journey and deep passion for the sport, offering insights into his career and what draws him to the fast-paced nature of indoor soccer.Keith explained the unique appeal of indoor soccer, addressing common misconceptions about the MASL and highlighting to excitement and strategic depth that the game offers. He dove into the league's approach to corporate ...

1 year ago

1 hour

Off the Pitch

The Journey From MLS Player to Apple TV Analyst: Calen Carr | Ep. 16

Join us as we dive into the intriguing career of Calen Carr, former MLS star turned top TV analyst for Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. In this episode, Calen opens up about his transition from playing professional soccer to shaping its narrative behind the scenes.Calen shared how his passion for storytelling emerged during his playing days and the catalysts that pushed him into the media realm. He's been committed to shining a light on the underrepresented aspects of the game, tackling tough topi...

1 year ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Off the Pitch

A President's Guide to Running a MLS Club: Tim McDermott | Ep. 15

Join us as we sit down with Tim McDermott, the President of MLS Club Philadelphia Union, to uncover his multifaceted journey through the world of professional sports management. In this episode, Tim dove into his personal and professional background, sharing insights from his expansive career that spans across the NFL, NHL, NBA, and now the MLS. Tim opened up about the influential figures from his youth and early career, discussing how mentors and role models have shaped his professional etho...

1 year ago

59 minutes

Off the Pitch

The Visionary Leader Behind Charleston Battery's Rise: Lee Cohen | Ep. 14

In this episode, we're joined by Lee Cohen, the President of USL Championship side Charleston Battery and former President of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Lee shared with us his extensive journey through the soccer landscape, revealing the insights and strategies that have shaped his successful career so far.Lee took us back to his early experiences as an intern at the PDL that quickly found himself as the league's Director less than 18 months later, which is a theme in Lee' career of facing challe...

1 year ago

1 hour 12 minutes

Off the Pitch

Steering New Mexico United as Club President: Ron Patel | Ep. 13

In this episode, we're joined by Ron Patel, President of USL Championship side New Mexico United. Ron shared his unique journey from being born in Liverpool and quickly getting exposed to the passion for the game, to now leading one of the most community-focused soccer clubs in the US.Ron reflected on the early challenges of starting a soccer club (Albuquerque Sol), the lessons learned from his first business ventures, and how this shaped his skillset when he was tapped on the shoulder to com...

1 year ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Off the Pitch

Ownership Playbook for Purchasing and Rebranding a Club: James Keston | Ep. 12

Join us as we explore the journey of James Keston, Owner & CEO of USL Championship side Orange County SC, and his transformative impact on the club.James shared the backstory of how he almost became the owner of teams in Portland and Seattle almost ten years prior to acquiring Orange County SC, and he discussed the detailed process of purchasing an existing club and the strategic decisions behind the transformative rebranding from Orange County Blues FC to OCSC.James gave us a deep dive o...

1 year ago

1 hour 1 minute

Off the Pitch

From Leading the Houston Dynamo to Securing a World Cup Bid: Chris Canetti | Ep. 11

Join us for a conversation with Chris Canetti, the visionary behind Houston's 2026 World Cup bid and former President of Houston Dynamo and Dash. In this episode, Chris shares his journey from the baseball fields of New Haven to leading one of MLS' most successful franchises, and now spearheading Houston's effots to host the world's most prestigious soccer event.Chris delves into his early days juggling numerous roles within soccer, his strategic vision that brought a women's team to Houston,...

1 year ago

56 minutes

Off the Pitch

Investing in Soccer's Future from USL to Premier League: Brett Johnson | Ep. 10

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Brett Johnson, who's not just shaping soccer clubs, but entire communities. As the Chairman & Co-Founder of USL Championship side Rhode Island FC and a key stakeholder in Premier League Club Ipswich Town FC, Brett has a story you'll want to hear.In this episode, Brett reveals how his investment firm, Benevolent Capital, ventured in to the world of sports , and why soccer was their chosen field. He elaborates on the economic strategies behin...

1 year ago

57 minutes

Off the Pitch

Shaping the Future of Soccer Gaming as EA FC's Creative Director: Eric Beard | Ep. 9

Ever wondered what goes into rebranding a legendary game like FIFA? Well, in this episode, were joined by Eric Beard, the former Creative Director of EA Sports FC.Eric took us through the major transition from FIFA to EA FC, revealing the strategic shifts and creative innovations that define the new era of his iconic game. We explored the challenges and triumphs of developing EA FC's new identity, including choosing the right voice for the game's announcement film and selecting tracks that re...

1 year ago

1 hour 6 minutes

Off the Pitch

The Game Plan of USL Championship's President: Jeremy Alumbaugh | Ep. 8

Join us as we sit down with Jeremy Alumvaugh, the influential President of the USL Championship. From coaching at the youth level to calling the shits for U.S. Soccer's second division, Jeremy's journey through soccer is nothing short of inspiring.In this episode, Jeremy takes us behind the scenes of how he keeps the league running smoothy, from fan engagement to negotiating major broadcast deals. He shared stories about the early days and what it takes to manage the complexities of a nationa...

1 year ago

57 minutes