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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

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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

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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.

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World-renowned sports scientist and performance expert Dr. Jack Groppel joins Ashley Marie on the Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast for a powerful conversation about the emotional realities behind elite success. From working with top athletes and organizations like Nike and the Chicago White Sox to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his son, Dr. Groppel shares incredible life lessons on resilience, purpose, leadership, relationships, and the true cost of greatness.

The conversation also explores his deeply personal book Mountains Within, where he opens up about high performance, identity, personal struggles, and learning what truly matters most in life. This episode is filled with inspiration for athletes, entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone striving to climb their own mountain.

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In this episode of the Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast, Ashley is joined by A.M. Pfeffer, co-host of Beyond the Surface on the X-Rayted Sports Network, for a smart and engaging conversation on where sports really starts — not just with the players, but with ownership, leadership, management, accountability, and organizational culture.

With the NFL Draft approaching, this episode takes a different path than the typical mock draft discussion. Instead, Ashley and A.M. explore what truly drives success in sports: stable ownership, strong front office leadership, healthy team culture, media narratives, and the people behind the product on the field. They also dive into how sports media shapes fan perception, why authentic debate matters in sports coverage, and why some talented franchises stay dysfunctional for years.

If you enjoy sports conversations that go beyond the box score, beyond hot takes, and beyond headlines, this episode delivers real depth.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of sports, entertainment, leadership, and culture.

Check the Beyond the Surface: X-Rayted Sports Network Here

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In this episode of Entertainment & Sports Spotlight, Ashley is joined by "Hali" Michal Zebede, an award-winning writer and producer whose career spans feature films, scripted television, and independent filmmaking.

Hali shares how she broke into the entertainment industry through The Humbling with Al Pacino, what she learned working in both film and television, and how the TV writers’ room differs from feature storytelling. She also breaks down the ladder from staff writer to executive producer and showrunner, offering valuable insight for anyone looking to build a career in Hollywood.

The conversation also explores Hali’s latest project, Cuba, Paraíso, a film inspired by her time in Cuba and her mission to challenge the emotional and psychological effects of our screen-driven culture. Through her film and the growing Unplugged Movement, Hali is encouraging people to reclaim attention, creativity, mental wellness, and real-world human connection.

This is a powerful episode for creatives, filmmakers, writers, and anyone curious about the future of storytelling in a hyper-digital world.

Learn more & support MICHAL “HALI” ZEBEDE: https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/cubaparaiso

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In this episode of the Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast, host Ashley Marie sits down with golfer and author Bob Labbe, creator of Putting by the Numbers, to break down a quantitative method for mastering lag putting.

Putting accounts for nearly 50% of your strokes in a round — and distance control is often the difference between shooting in the 90s and the 80s.

Bob shares:

• What lag putting really is
• How force and friction impact green speed
• A simple practice routine to improve your handicap

If you're looking for Masters golf tips, lag putting techniques, or ways to improve your short game, this episode delivers practical, easy-to-apply advice.

Learn more about Putting by the Numbers and how mathematical precision can transform your putting performance.

🎧 Listen now and start playing smarter this season.

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With Superbowl LX upon us and draft season not far away. Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast, host Ashley Marie sits down with LeRon McCoy — former NFL wide receiver and sports agent with Legacy NIL and the older brother of LaSean “Shady” McCoy.

LeRon expertly breaks down what athletes and families need to know about NIL deals, collectives, contract negotiation, 1099 taxes, draft lessons, and the biggest money mistakes young athletes make.

We also talk about identity after football, the transfer portal, and how parents can protect their athletes while building a real long-term plan.

Follow/Work With LeRon: @Dutch | @LegacyNIL | legacynil.com
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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