The CUSP Show

Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Mike “Wally” Walczewski, better known as King Wally, the iconic public address announcer of the New York Knicks, to the show for a special episode celebrating the franchise’s 2026 NBA championship. One of only two primary PA announcers in Knicks history, Walczewski reflects on his 37-year career at MSG, what it felt like to announce a championship season, and his experience riding in the Canyon of Heroes parade alongside Knicks alumni. The conversation explores the craft behind the PA role, from how Walczewski develops his signature player introductions entirely on his own, to the unspoken coordination he maintains with MSG organist Ray Castaldi, whose 37-year partnership with Wally has become one of the most recognizable sounds in American sports. He also shares the story of how a single index card on a bulletin board at Fordham University led him to Sports Phone, the pioneering sports news service that launched the careers of some of broadcasting’s most recognizable voices, and ultimately to MSG. Walczewski closes with career advice drawn from decades in both sports and executive recruiting, emphasizing the power of networking at every level and the importance of understanding the culture of wherever you land.
Learn More About Mike: http://mikewalczewski.com
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The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome back Marc Horine, Chief Business Officer at For Soccer, for a special World Cup 2026 edition of the show, recorded as the tournament’s group stage wraps up across the United States. Horine discusses how For Soccer was built around the long-anticipated opportunity of hosting the World Cup in North America, and how the company has positioned itself at the center of the tournament’s business activity, from supporting the New York-New Jersey FIFA Host Committee’s fan events to producing in-stadium content for all 48 national teams. He shares insight into the brand activations driving the tournament, highlighting companies like Chobani and Allstate that are investing directly in underserved soccer communities, as well as standout campaigns like Nike’s viral short film. The conversation explores the expanded 48-team format and its impact on competitive balance, the energy of international fan bases descending on host cities, and the made-for-TV changes shaping the broadcast experience, including hydration breaks, expanded commentary teams, and FIFA’s rule changes designed to speed up gameplay. Horine, Favorito, and Richardson also discuss the ongoing debate over which announcing duos are resonating with fans, and how the tournament’s broadcast rights and ratings are tracking well ahead of the last World Cup cycle. Looking ahead, Horine addresses how brands and leagues, including MLS, are positioning themselves to capture lasting interest from this moment, the growing importance of engaging young fans and families early, and why For Soccer sees its role as translating the global soccer community for an expanding base of American sponsors and partners.
Connect with Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchorine/?skipRedirect=true
Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack
The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome Adam Zimmerman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content for the Atlanta Braves, to the show to discuss how one of baseball’s most innovative franchises has transformed its identity through mixed-use development, content strategy, and a bold approach to regional media. Zimmerman shares the story of how he joined the Braves ahead of the 2017 opening of Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta, and how the organization’s vision of commercial real estate as a team asset has reshaped the sports business landscape. The conversation explores how the Battery has evolved into a year-round destination drawing nearly 9 million visitors annually, attracting corporate headquarters, entertainment venues, and a diverse mix of retail and hospitality that extends the Braves brand well beyond game days. The discussion highlights the Braves’ creative approach to storytelling and content, from a viral Allen Iverson traffic campaign that broke through a major PR challenge, to the launch of Braves Country Fest and a growing partnership with country music star Ella Langley. Zimmerman explains how the organization uses the PESO model to manage paid, earned, shared, and owned media, and how its platform of Braves Country connects the team to fans across six southeastern states. Zimmerman also discusses the launch of Braves Vision, the team’s direct-to-consumer streaming network, and how a combination of over-the-air, traditional distribution, and streaming partnerships is expanding the team’s reach across the south. He reflects on the role of data and business intelligence in driving personalization at scale, the global growth of baseball, and how the 2026 FIFA World Cup is creating new opportunities to introduce international visitors to America’s pastime right in the Braves’ backyard.
Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zimmerman-479685a/
Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack
The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

Tom Richardson welcomes journalist and author Danny Funt to the show to discuss his new book, Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, and the sweeping impact legalized sports betting has had on leagues, media companies, athletes, and fans. Drawing on years of reporting and research, Funt examines how professional sports leagues went from staunch opponents of gambling to some of its strongest supporters, and what that shift has meant for the modern sports business. The conversation explores the financial incentives that fueled the expansion of sports betting, the role media rights and audience engagement played in changing league attitudes, and the rise of companies such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Funt also discusses the growth of prediction markets, the overlap between sports betting and financial speculation, and how new platforms are reshaping consumer behavior and sports fandom. Funt takes a deeper look at some of the unintended consequences of the betting boom, including athlete harassment, player prop wagering, integrity concerns, and the growing pressure placed on professional and collegiate athletes. He also examines the challenges facing regulators, the influence of private equity and ownership groups, and the ethical questions surrounding the integration of gambling into broadcasts, media coverage, and fan experiences.
Connect with Danny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-funt-2695b4a3/
Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack
The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com

Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson welcome VKTRY Gear CEO Steve Wasik to the show to discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the fastest-growing performance brands in sports. Wasik shares how VKTRY evolved from a family-owned Connecticut shoe business into a company trusted by athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and collegiate sports before recently being acquired by Dr. Scholl’s. The conversation explores the science behind VKTRY’s carbon fiber insole technology, how the product became popular among elite athletes, and why performance, injury prevention, and recovery have become increasingly important across all levels of sport. Wasik discusses the company’s origins with the U.S. Olympic bobsled and skeleton teams, the role athlete feedback played in product development, and how VKTRY built credibility in professional sports through word-of-mouth and measurable results. Wasik also reflects on his career in brand management, lessons learned from leading both large consumer brands and startup ventures, and the challenges of scaling a business through the COVID era. The discussion highlights VKTRY’s innovative social media strategy, its rapid growth on platforms like TikTok, and how a focus on customer experience helped transform a niche product into a nationally recognized sports performance brand.
Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwasik/
Subscribe to the CUSP Show: Substack
The CUSP Show is hosted by Joe Favorito (@Joefav) and Tom Richardson (@ConvergenceTR) and produced by Sam Henry (@s_henry11), LJ Holmgren (@LJ_Holmgren), and Danny Hagenlocher (@DhColumbiaSPS), with social media efforts led by Lissa Ruiz and Sydney Cristall.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuspshow.substack.com