Interrupting Sports

In this episode, I reveal the big announcement about the end of the Interrupting Sports podcast and the beginning of Growth on the Daily! Excited about the new show?! Follow Growth on the Daily on Instagram for updates on its launch! Thank you for your continuous support :)

Interrupting Sports is travelling to South East Asia!  Follow us  here on Instagram to come along on a journey of a lifetime!

In this episode, we got Christian Blake here, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at MLSE Foundation and MLSE LaunchPad . Christian Blake is a catalyst for more open and generous community institutions, an advocate for greater equity in sport, art and culture, and an Occupational Therapist. He is also Adjunct Faculty at the University of Toronto, where he teaches, and supervises research that explores the linkages between engagement with sport, the arts, health and well-being. Christian continues his practice as an Occupational Therapist through Level Up Gaming, an organization which he co-founded.In this episode, we discuss Christian's journey to MLSE, his work in D&I, and hopes and aspirations for the role and its place in the organization. Stay tuned for the YouTube analysis next week!Love the show?!  Rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

In this episode, we got Moezine Hasham here, Founder and Executive Director of Hockey 4 Youth Foundation, a charitable organization that provides new Canadian youth with an opportunity to play ice hockey. This episode is titled SpaceIce! because as Moe says it "we are literally creating space on the ice for newcomer youth to play our great game! ".Moe was born and raised in Vancouver but now calls Toronto home where he lives with his wife, Monika. He has a background in Corporate Philanthropy, Community and Media Relations and Non-Profit Management. He is a die-hard Canucks fan and misses the Vancouver mountains and sushi joints!In this episode, we discuss Moe's relationship with hockey, how that led to the development of Hockey 4 Youth, and where he is hoping to take his work further. Stay tuned for the YouTube analysis next week!Love the show?!  Rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

In this episode, we got Marsha-Gaye Knight here, a proud Jamaican, former NCAA sprint-hurler, a notable sports marketer for CBC Sports and sports business professor, and let’s not forget the founder of the Black in Sports Business (BSB) initiative. Marsha-Gaye has worked as a sport marketing professional for over 10 years with notable companies like Mosaic Sales Solutions, Rogers and the National Hockey League (NHL).  As a Partnership Marketing Manager with CBC Sports and Olympics, she works with production and partners to weave brands authentically into the Olympic story.In this episode, we discuss Marsha-Gaye's journey through track, how that led to a career in sports, and what she is working on now.Stay tuned for the YouTube analysis next week!Love the show?!  Rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

In this episode, we got Sean McMorrow (The Sheriff) here, a former professional hockey player and current host of The Sheriff Podcast. After a phenomenal hockey career with 443 penalty minutes in 176 regular-season games in the AHL, and a debut in the NHL, The Sheriff continues to contribute to the game as a content creator.Sean has always been a fan favourite with his tremendous efforts in giving back to the community and passion for lending a helping hand. It is no surprise that he was awarded the Man of The Year award three times for his outstanding contributions to the local community and charitable organizations. In this episode, we discuss Sean's journey growing up as a black hockey player in Scarborough, his community involvement efforts, and his life as a podcaster. Stay tuned for the YouTube analysis next week!Love the show?!  Rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

For the first episode of the season, we got Erica Ayala here, a freelance multimedia sports journalist. Erica is a trusted voice in sports, especially on gender and racial equity. Erica has traveled to China to cover Black Athletes competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics for American Legacy Network. She will also cover the women's and men's hockey tournaments for various outlets. In this episode, we discuss Erica's journey sharing knowledge in women's sports, her efforts to provide a new lens in sports journalism, and telling the lion's story.  Stay tuned for the YouTube analysis next week! Love the show?!  Rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

Thanks so much for all your support over the past 2 seasons of the show with 474 episode downloads and counting!In season 1 you heard my story, in season 2 you heard a variety of unique perspectives,  but now what does season 3 hold?1. Bi-weekly interview episodes with vital influencers in the d&i sports space2. Even more content on social media including Instagram Reels and TikToks, and YouTube3. Insights from the Olympics, Black History Month, the Super Bowl, and much more!Stay tuned for episode 1 launching on February 4th! Love the show?!  Rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and follow us on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

This week we are closing off the season with an episode that connects the perspectives of all our guests this season. Beginning with varsity athletes, moving across various spaces in the industry, and ending with my conclusions. Thank you for supporting the show and stay tuned for next season!  Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

 This week, we have a change of pace with a Q&A episode. Based on your submitted questions, I have compiled the Top 10 questions ranging from my experiences, my take on various EDI topics, and some advice for BIPOC members and allies.  Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn! 

This week, joining me is Jason Maglantay. Jason joins us this week to discuss his impact as a youth sports coach along with over 2 decades of experience in the sports & entertainment industry!About JasonJason Maglantay, born and raised in Toronto.  A husband, father to 2 young boys (aspiring athletes).  With 20+ years in the Canadian Sports and Entertainment industry, working in business development roles at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Tennis Canada and the Canadian Football League.  Currently, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the T1 Agency. I have a passion for being a volunteer youth sports coach and more importantly, working to be a positive role model for his boys and community.Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

This week, joining me is Alanna Hernandez. Alanna joins us this week to discuss her work with Wasserman in fostering an inclusive workspace for her colleagues and clients!About AlannaAlanna Frisby Hernandez is the Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and Operations of Wasserman’s Team Sports division where she manages the legal and day-to-day operations of the group. In this role, Alanna has negotiated and finalized playing, endorsement, sponsorship and appearance contracts for Wasserman baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, coaches and executives, and Olympic clients, and she is also charged with educating and informing the entire talent practice on important legal issues and industry trends, including the application of various Olympic rules, NIL, NFTs and inclusion riders in talent agreements. Alanna was a founding member of Wasserman’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and is a co-leader of the DE&I subcommittee which is dedicated to promoting and supporting women at Wasserman and within the industry as a whole.Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

This week, joining me is Samir Bhatla. Samir joins us this week to discuss his experience growing up playing basketball and how that has shaped his career in sports and entertainment!About SamirSamir is a second-year MBA student in the Sport Business focus at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University. He completed his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto and has played basketball at the provincial level. After specializing in areas such as injury prevention and assessment, sport psychology, and human anatomy, Samir has established himself in the sports and entertainment industry through roles with the Toronto Raptors, GXSLab, Wasserman, and Canada Basketball. Within the MBA program, Samir has taken on a prominent leadership role as President of the newly-formed Sport Leadership Association, MBA representative on the Graduate Programs Council, and as a Delegate for the Ryerson University MBA Games team, where he also competed on one of the case competition teams. Samir prides himself on his ability to lead individuals in pursuit of a common goal, efficiently solve complex problems with a strategic mindset, and build meaningful relationships with others. Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

This week, joining me is my brother Justin Lambie. Justin joins us this week to discuss his experience as a avid sports fan given his background as a former athlete!About JustinMy brother, Justin Lambie, joins us today in our newest episode of Interrupting Sports. He grew up playing a variety of sports from hockey to basketball to running track and field. He is now a hardcore sports fan and in his third year at McMaster University, majoring in Economics.Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

This week, joining me is my professor Nouman Ashraf current faculty member of the Rotman School of Management. Nouman joins us this week to discuss his experience following sports, his perspective in the d&i space, and the overlap with current world events!About NoumanNouman Ashraf is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream within the Organizational Behavior area at the Rotman School of Management. He possesses a broad range of interests, with a specialized focus on enabling inclusive and innovative practices within teams, organizations and boards. For the last decade and a half, he has held progressively senior roles at the University of Toronto, including most recently as the Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion the Rotman School of Management. I’ve also attached a picture you can use.Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

To start off this season, joining me is Natalie Thompson currently a goalie for the Ryerson Rams Women's hockey team. Nat joins us this week to discuss her experience as a varsity athlete and her journey as a female  hockey player, and proud LGBTQ+ member! About NatShe grew up her whole life as a hockey player and laced up her skates for the first time at 3 years old.  She has since played a high competitive level of hockey and finished off her minor career with the Toronto Junior Aeros where she was awarded goaltender of the year. Now, she is in her 4th year with the Rams, pursuing a degree in Criminology and minoring in French and Law. Natalie is hoping to continue her education next year with a Master's degree in Criminology. Love the show?! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn!

I have done enough talking for the moment and it is time for me to listen to those who haven’t said enough yet.  For Season 2, I’m planning to host an interview-style podcast to uncover the realities of the unique individuals that make up the sports industry. We will hear the career journeys and life experiences of people from all walks of Earth. They may be industry professionals, athletes, parents, students, or avid sports fans – the possibilities are endless.Stay tuned!

When it comes to progressing EDI in sports it is important for us to ask questions. We must question information we receive, our personal experiences, and the action’s of those around us to bring about positive change. Take a listen to find out more about how to ask the right questions. Key Points: Check the sources of all information you receive. Reflect on your personal experiences. Question the actions of others.Key Takeaways:A newsworthy story does not necessarily mean a credible onePersonal growth is achieved through personal reflection.Be an active bystander and to differential treatment. Love this show? Please leave a review here! We appreciate all the love that comes our way and thank you all for your support!

Are intercollegiate sports worth it? What are my realistic chances of going pro? How do the opportunities compare in Canada to the U.S.? All these questions and more will be answered this week as we dive into all things university athletics. Key Points: Women are systemically discouraged from going pro with only a 6.9% likelihood compared to 21% for men in basketball.The landscape of intercollegiate sports is vastly different when comparing NCAA to USports.Athletic scholarships are not one size fits all. Key Takeaways:If you are trying to go pro, consider your sport choiceConsider the cost of education versus your athletic scholarship wherever you study. Your involvement in sports is not limited to a D1 NCAA scholarship - the opportunities to play are endless. Love this show? Please leave a review here! We appreciate all the love that comes our way and thank you all for your support!

For decades, female sports have been overlooked. This week, we shed light on how they’ve impacted the sports industry, the communities surrounding them; and how they have inspired emerging athletes. Key Points: WNBA players have led the racial justice movement in professional sports.NWHL increases their viewership in unprecedented times by capitalizing on video streaming trends using Twitch.The discrepancy that exists between the salary of male and female athletes is at the forefront of wage inequality.Key Takeaways:Professional female athletes are paving the way for racial justice and still, they are unseen They are creating opportunity, following and fandom without the resources neededWomen do the most with half the money, praise and respect they deserveLove this show? Please leave a review here! We appreciate all the love that comes our way and thank you all for your support!