Send us Fan Mail

Before ESPN became one of the most recognizable brands in sports, it was simply an idea that many believed would never work.

In this episode of the Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast, Ashley Marie sits down with ESPN Historian Mike Soltys to explore the incredible true story behind the creation of ESPN, as featured in the documentary Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN and the new companion book.

Mike shares exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from his 43-year career at ESPN, the entrepreneurial journey of founder Bill Rasmussen and Scott Rasmussen, and how one bold vision forever changed sports broadcasting.

Whether you're passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, sports history, media, or innovation, this conversation is packed with lessons that extend far beyond the world of sports.

Featured Resources

📚 Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN
Audiobook Available Now

Paperback & Kindle — July 28

Amazon:
https://a.co/d/0iYtAAzN

🎬 Watch the Documentary
https://watch.tenero.tv/

🎙️ Guest
Mike Soltys
ESPN Historian
43-Year ESPN Veteran

Hosted by Ashley Marie

Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast

Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, executives, innovators, filmmakers, and the people changing sports and entertainment.

Support the show

Check out more podcasts at Malibash Entertainment Blog & Podcast

Support the podcast through a share or donation or monthly subscription: We bring quality info from pros in the field to you ad free:) Please help us continue doing that with a single donation: https://square.link/u/hHZPl3ZB?src=sheet

Send us Fan Mail

Is the next great sporting event happening hundreds of miles above Earth?

In this episode of Entertainment & Sports Spotlight, host Ashley Marie sits down with Philip Hover-Smoot, Founder and CEO of Atlas Cup, to discuss one of the boldest ideas in modern sports and technology: creating the world's first professional sport in space.

Philip shares how Atlas Cup plans to bring orbital racing to life by combining commercial space technology, innovation, engineering, and entertainment into a new spectator sport unlike anything the world has seen. Drawing from his experience leading aerospace and technology companies in Silicon Valley and the commercial space industry, he explains why the timing is right for a new era of competition.

During the conversation, Ashley and Philip explore:

• How Atlas Cup was born
• Why competition accelerates innovation
• The future of orbital racing
• AI, satellite technology, and autonomous spacecraft
• The growing commercial space economy
• The role of storytelling in building a new sport
• Entrepreneurship, leadership, and taking calculated risks
• Why space may become humanity's next great arena for competition

Whether you're passionate about sports, entrepreneurship, aerospace, or emerging technology, this conversation offers an exciting look into what may become the next frontier of global entertainment.

Learn more about Atlas Cup at:
https://www.atlascup.com

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in sports, entertainment, technology, and innovation.

Support the show

Check out more podcasts at Malibash Entertainment Blog & Podcast

Support the podcast through a share or donation or monthly subscription: We bring quality info from pros in the field to you ad free:) Please help us continue doing that with a single donation: https://square.link/u/hHZPl3ZB?src=sheet

Send us Fan Mail

Sports journalist Zachary Draves joins the Entertainment & Sports Spotlight podcast for a powerful conversation about the future of basketball, the rise of the WNBA, and the changing landscape of sports media.

From Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, and the NBA Playoffs, Zachary breaks down the biggest storylines shaping the sport today. We also dive into the WNBA’s historic growth, expansion teams, Olympic basketball, and why women’s basketball is entering a transformational era.

Beyond the game itself, Zachary opens up about his personal journey through uncertainty, anxiety, and rediscovering his passion for sports journalism during the pandemic — eventually building a respected career covering the NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and Olympic sports.

We also discuss his podcast “She’s Always Had Game,” which highlights the rich and often overlooked history of women’s basketball and the pioneers who helped shape the modern game.

This is a thoughtful, insightful, and inspiring basketball conversation for fans of both the NBA and WNBA.

Support the show

Check out more podcasts at Malibash Entertainment Blog & Podcast

Support the podcast through a share or donation or monthly subscription: We bring quality info from pros in the field to you ad free:) Please help us continue doing that with a single donation: https://square.link/u/hHZPl3ZB?src=sheet