What can I say about the cultural phenomenon, who is Ryan Bagdikian? Next to my family and some personal influences, Ryan is truly one of the most inspiring and influential people I have ever met. Ryan is one of the most intelligent people I have ever come across and the fact that he has risen above obstacles to start an amazing early career in production speaks volumes! This guy will be one of the biggest names in media, I guarantee it. He has worked as a Producer at ESPN, has received a vote of confidence from SportsCenter anchor, Scott Van Pelt himself. After talking to him in studio for my podcast, I clearly see why. He is driven, he is resilient, and he always knows how to persevere in any challenge. On the podcast, we talked about him covering the NBA Finals and College Football National Championships. We talked about meeting and working with some of the most famous people in the world, which include Lebron James, Kevin Hart, and Disney CEO Robert Iger. We also talked about how he made the most of his opportunities at ESPN, what you need to prepare for when pursuing a career in media, and why you need to stay humble. We also talked about some other fun things, like our favorite sports movies and characters, Dating Apps, and NY vs. Boston sports fandom. Brendan Brown aka Brendan St. Brown also adds to our convo throughout the podcast. My conversation with Ryan really relates to the title of this podcast. This was as productive a conversation as you can make it. (3:46)
- We start the show with Matt and Ryan talking about their favorite sports movies and sports movie characters. (6:18)
- Ryan and Matt get into a deep discussion about Ryan working as a Video Producer for ESPN. He talks about the best things he got out of working for the major sports media company. He talks about what he has learned as a person and a professional, and he offers some amazing advice on taking advantage of a major opportunity (14:12)
- Ryan talks about some of his early opportunities after getting hired at ESPN. He talks about some of the more influential people in his early career and how they have helped him cease his opportunities. He also discusses how SportCenter Anchor, Scott Van Pelt, gave him an early vote of confidence once he got his foot in the door. (27:16)
- Ryan talks about his humble beginnings. He talks about interviewing for his first position at ESPN. What made him stick out as a candidate? How did he get promoted and worked his way up at ESPN at such a young age? How did he go from an entry-level part-time job to covering NBA Finals and College Football National Championships? (38:53)
- What is Ryan’s advice to people who want to start a career in media? (49:50)
- Ryan and Matt talk about the high profiled people they have both worked with in their early production careers. Ryan also just talks about interacting with some of the most famous and influential people in the world, which include Kevin Hart, The Ball Family, and Disney CEO Robert Iger. (54:51)
- Ryan talks about what it was like working at ESPN the day Kobe Bryant passed away (1:24:49)
- Matt and Ryan share more stories regarding professional athlete encounters. These encounters include Aaron Judge, Lebron, AD, and Rajon Rondo (1:30:06)
- We then get into the world of collecting and selling autographs. A world that Ryan use to be very involved in. He talks about his experiences trying to get star athletes sign autographs for him (1:36:55)
- We then talk about Matt’s specific loyalty to the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden. We also discuss Ryan’s Boston sports fandom to Matt’s New York sports fandom (1:46:13)
- Ryan and Matt have a funny, but also honest chat about dating apps and dating. (1:59:28)
- What are some of the great TV Shows and Movies Ryan and Matt discovered in the past year? (2:05:42)
- Ryan then answers the Proust Questionnaire (2:14:15)
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