Shows
The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comOctober 2025 Party in the Back PodcastIn this episode, we sit down with Keb Pound, creator of The Stupid History Minute, to explore how short-form comedy storytelling can supercharge sports entertainment. Keb’s 60-second history lessons prove that brevity doesn’t mean sacrificing impact — it can sharpen it. By “flipping” common narratives, zeroing in on quirky details, and applying stand-up timing, Keb creates memorable, shareable content that resonates with listeners. His disciplined content structure and consistent branding have built a loyal audience of thousands, showing how tight formatting and clear voice can make big waves in a crowded media space. Rob Wicall, industry veteran, mascot expert and...
2025-10-0653 min
The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comSeptember 2025 Party in the Back PodcastDon Costante has spent more than 30 years shaping the way fans experience live sports, and in this episode he shares insights from his groundbreaking book, Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation. From NBA Finals to World Series moments, Don’s career has been about more than games—it’s been about creating unforgettable memories for fans, teams, and sponsors. We dig into why game presentation matters far beyond the scoreboard. Don explains how smart event planning can transform casual attendees and first-time visitors into lifelong fans, and how a strong presentation elevates the value...
2025-08-2955 min
The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJune 2025 Party in the Back PodcastHow do you keep a stadium laughing without crossing the line? In this episode, we explore the fine line between humor and risk in live sports entertainment with veteran performers Jon Cudo, Rob Wicall and Cameron Hughes.
2025-06-0254 min
Live Yes! With ArthritisResolution Do-OverMovement is medicine when it comes to arthritis, but motivation can be the biggest challenge. In this episode, an expert shares advice to help you get — and stay — motivated.
*Visit the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast episode page to get show notes, additional resources and read the full transcript: https://arthr.org/LiveYes_Ep124 *
We want to hear from you. Tell us what you think about the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast. Get started by emailing [podcast@arthritis.org](podcast@arthritis.org).Special Guest: Sabrena Jo.
2025-03-0429 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comMarch 2025 Party in the Back PodcastWe party with with San Diego Gulls Host Kaz Egan discussing the details of the Gulls’ Bill Walton Legacy Night. Plus Rob Wicall probes in on Cudo’s recent article and the new MascotLink.
2025-03-0348 min
Birds Up PodcastS4E11: Beyond the Mascot: Unmasking UTSA Alumnus, Spurs Coyote, and Entrepreneur Rob WicallIn this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Rob Wicall, UTSA alumnus, former San Antonio Spurs Coyote, entrepreneur, and author of Furlosophy. Rob takes us behind the scenes of his 20-year career as The Coyote, sharing the creativity, endurance, and marketing strategy that made the mascot an icon. He also dives into his transition into consulting, marketing, and public speaking, offering valuable insights into branding, storytelling, and leadership. As this year’s Diploma Dash Emcee, Rob is deeply connected to the UTSA community and is currently working with UTSA Alumni to develop a new program designed to help students ga...
2025-02-211h 18The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJanuary 2025 Party in the Back PodcastWe party with Erik the Peanut Guy and Rob Wicall. Erik the Peanut Guy shares his interesting journey from peanut vendor to having a lifesize Bobblehead in front of the Stadium. Then Rob Wicall is back to talk about mascot batteries and breakfast meats.
2025-01-1051 minLive Yes! With Arthritis2024 Top Episode Takeaways & MailbagIn this episode of the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast, we revisit the top takeaways from some of 2024’s most popular and intriguing podcast episodes, and answer listeners’ most pressing questions.
*Visit the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast episode page to get show notes, additional resources and read the full transcript: https://arthr.org/LiveYes_Ep120 *
We want to hear from you. Tell us what you think about the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast. Get started by emailing [podcast@arthritis.org](podcast@arthritis.org).Special Guests: Afton Hassett, PsyD, Alisa Vidulich Casavant, Eric Rude...
2024-12-1739 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comSeptember 2024 Party in the Back PodcastTwo is a get-together, but THREE is a Party. This month we gather three Game Operations insiders with deep mascot backgrounds to talk about pre-game traditions. Zoltan Berencsi, Rob Wicall and Jon Cudo keep the Party going on the September Edition of the Pod.
2024-09-0352 minLive Yes! With ArthritisCalm Your Inner CriticYou know the old trope about a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. If you’re like a lot of people, you tend to listen to the devil when you’re already feeling down or insecure. But listening to your inner critic can spiral into a vicious cycle of more negativity, anxiety and pain. In this episode, our guest host talks to a motivational speaker and former mascot living with arthritis about how to quiet that inner devil and focus on positivity.
*Visit the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast episode page to get show...
2024-05-2127 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comMay 2024 Party in the Back PodcastMILB.com's Ben Hill and Author Rob Wicall join host Jon Cudo for the May 2024 Podcast. Public Domain Night, World Mascot Hugging Records and Cleveland's Balloon Fest highlight Ben's look at the most anticipated promotions of 2024. Then Wicall helps break down a new mascot trend and why it can be so impactful.
2024-05-0244 min
In The BuildingEp. 57 - Rob WicallLive from the Slackers Sports Bar studios, Rudy Jay & Mike Taylor are In The Building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2024-04-091h 00
Embark On The Award-Winning Full Audiobook Now, Busy Professionals!Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot by Rob WicallPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/6472to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot
Author: Rob Wicall
Narrator: Rob Wicall, Brent Barry
Format: mp3
Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 03-20-24
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 9 ratings
Genres: Sports
Publisher's Summary:
In the electrifying world of sports, where the spotlight often shines on star athletes and high-octane performances, Rob Wicall, an award-winning NBA mascot, carved a niche for himself that transcended the boundaries of the basketball court. "Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot" delves deep into Rob's journey, offering listeners a unique perspective on the art of genuine human connection and...
2024-03-203h 12Step Inside This Eye-Opening Full Audiobook — Perfect Between Meetings.Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot by Rob WicallPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/59085to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot
Author: Rob Wicall
Narrator: Rob Wicall, Brent Barry
Format: mp3
Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 03-20-24
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 9 ratings
Genres: Basketball
Publisher's Summary:
In the electrifying world of sports, where the spotlight often shines on star athletes and high-octane performances, Rob Wicall, an award-winning NBA mascot, carved a niche for himself that transcended the boundaries of the basketball court. "Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot" delves deep into Rob's journey, offering listeners a unique perspective on the art of genuine human connection and...
2024-03-203h 12Get Lost In The Most Thought-Provoking Full Audiobook Today!Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot by Rob WicallPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/59393to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot
Author: Rob Wicall
Narrator: Rob Wicall, Brent Barry
Format: mp3
Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 03-20-24
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 9 ratings
Genres: Biographies & Memoirs
Publisher's Summary:
In the electrifying world of sports, where the spotlight often shines on star athletes and high-octane performances, Rob Wicall, an award-winning NBA mascot, carved a niche for himself that transcended the boundaries of the basketball court. "Furlosophy: Beyond the Mascot" delves deep into Rob's journey, offering listeners a unique perspective on the art of genuine human connection...
2024-03-203h 12The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comMarch 2024 Party in the Back PodcastLong-time Mascot Performer, Speaker, Entrepreneur and now notable Author Rob Wicall joins the Podcast to talk about his new book Furlosphy. The book looks at how his time in costume has shaped his current success in life and business.
2024-03-0137 min
Between The Fur#61 NBA Mascots. Liability or Asset?Episode #61: NBA Mascot Performers Rob Wicall and Kenn Solomon share their expertise on Pro Sports Mascots as they recount their time in the league.
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2023-10-1050 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comSeptember 2023 Party in the Back PodcastJon Cudo and Rob Wicall talk about Secret Handshake promotions and their role in building exclusivity and unity with your fans. Hear how these promotions can turn customers into family, plus the amazing draft story of Japanese Hockey Legend Taro Tsujimoto.
2023-09-0439 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJuly 2023 Party in the Back PodcastRob Wicall joins Host Jon Cudo to discuss the audition process, with insights for building a successful process for teams and tips for those auditioning. Plus the value of the Secret Handshake promotion and more.
2023-07-0153 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comApril 2023 Party in the Back PodcastGuests Amanda Greco, Ben Hill and Rob Wicall join the Party to discuss everything from figure skating, OREO cookies, off-beat promotions and the value of blowing your own horn.
2023-04-041h 16The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comOctober 2022 Party in the Back PodcastThe October Party in the Back rages with guest Rob Wicall and Jonny Greco. We look at being accountable for your own position in Live Events, evaluation techniques and a creating culture to grown and improve.
2022-10-0252 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comAugust 2022 Party in the Back PodcastIn August we Party with Matthew Kaminski, who Sports Illustrated called "an expert troll" on social media. Matthew shares his experience as the Atlanta Braves Organist. Plus Rob Wicall talks about the first installment of his new series Impact Moments.
2022-08-011h 01The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJune 2022 Party in the Back PodcastSaint Paul Saints VP Sierra Bailey and Rob Wicall join the podcast. Sierra shares the secret to putting the FU into your FUN promotions and how to run a marathon in-game while singing Karaoke (really). Plus Rob Wicall talks about how a bit can become a skit.
2022-06-011h 06The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comFebruary 2022 Party in the Back PodcastSerial Podcast Guest Rob Wicall and Touring Act Kevin Shiflett drop into the Party in the Back to talk game presentation, winning promotions and balancing surf boards on your chin.
2022-02-0238 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comNovember 2021 Party in the Back PodcastWreaths Across America's Sean Sullivan helps us find the right tone for Military Appreciation night and Rob Wicall joins the Party to look discuss Kraken, Tacos and Wicked Big things.
2021-11-0156 min
Between The Fur😵 Being Cute is DeathEpisode #49: Kenn Solomon, Robert Boudwin, Jon Absey, Rob Wicall and many other guest speakers go over the art of performing and catching the attention of large crowds while sharing some of their crazy performances from the NBA.
2021-09-121h 04The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comApril 2021 Party in the Back PodcastMILB's Ben Hill and Rob Wicall join host Jon Cudo for the Party in the Back Podcast. We discuss MLB realignment, sports promotions, mascots and more. Plus the introduction of new correspondent Harry Hill.
2021-04-051h 03The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comFebruary 2021 Party in the Back PodcastSavannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole joins the Party in the Back podcast. Jesse is the author of "Find Your Yellow Tux" and the engine behind the fun for minor league baseball's wildest show. The Bananas have sold out every game since their first season and now have a waiting list in the thousands. Plus Rob Wicall on Kid's Day promotions and fan cutouts.
2021-02-0157 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comSeptember 2020 Party in the Back PodcastAndrew Isaacson from The Famous Group joins the party. He talks about their new virtual fan solution Thunderdome created for WWE and how the pandemic pushed them to build a better virtual fan solution. Plus Rob Wicall on evolving mascot costumes, bubbles and a look at the best Water Cooler Moments in August.
2020-09-0957 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comFebruary 2020 Party in the Back PodcastRob Wicall joins host Jon Cudo to talk about in-game tributes, making your fans wait and the best Water Cooler Moments of January.
2020-02-0442 min
Between The FurSpurs' "COYOTE" Catches a Live Bat | Rob WicallThe Mascot world is a mad mad mad world full of excitement, danger, and criticism. Rob Wicall brings up how he got ejected from a game, after years of waiting how he ended up catching a bat on court, and how he made the best of his career. A story packed episode!
2020-01-071h 14The Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJune 2019 Party in the Back PodcastJune 2019 Party in the Back Podcast. We launch the rebranded podcast with Rob Wicall, Chris Grosse and Martie Cordaro.
2019-06-0356 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comMay 2019 Podcast (The Final Edition)May 2019 Podcast with Jon Cudo and Rob Wicall. The duo discusses the recent article called Mascot Mechanics, plus the originality of the Riverdog's promo schedule and breaking news on about the podcast.
2019-05-0655 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comDecember 2018 PodcastBen Hill, Rob Wicall and Amanda Greco join host Jon Cudo to review the 2018 Best of Gameops.com Awards.
2018-12-0154 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comSeptember 2018 PodcastCharlotte Checkers VP Paul Branecky talk about their 2018-19 promo calendar. Rob Wicall joins to look at the cost of upsetting Millennials and the value in mascot playoff beards.
2018-09-0535 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJuly 2018 PodcastRob Wicall, Stephen Bowles and Christopher Ruvo join the July 2018 podcast to talk about innovative dance team staging, show scripting software and a Bobblehead Case in the Ohio Supreme Court.
2018-07-1943 minBetween The FurSpurs Former "COYOTE" | Rob WicallRob Wicall, former San Antonio Spurs Mascot, "The Coyote", shares his story of before, during, and after being one of the NBA's premier mascots, for one of the NBA's best teams. Hosted by KENN- current professional NBA mascot.
2018-02-2354 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJanuary 2018 PodcastWe are off to a great start in 2018 with repeat podcast guest "Entertainer" Rob Wicall and Best Selling Author Zach Hall. Rob shares his “Dog and Pony” philosophy for taking skits and on-court moments from good to great. Easy to follow and will help you immediately make your show better. Then pro-mascot turned author Zach Hall talks about his book “Don’t Sleep on Planes”, with some great tips on building a powerful network that can change your life.
2018-01-0148 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comOctober 2017 PodcastCudo is joined by the Kansas City Royals Senior Director of Event Presentation. We review some of the quotes and philosophies referenced by Rafi Kohan in last month's podcast. Don also helps us understand how the added safety nets in Kansas City effected his presentation. Benjamin Hill talks about this year's MILB Promo Seminar and then gives his thoughts on baseball safety nets as someone who sees games all across the country. Ben also touts the Dayton Tortugas great Bob Ross Promotion. Rob Wicall offers up his thoughts on several of this month's Water Cooler Moments and nominates a Best of...
2017-10-0143 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comJune 2017 PodcastEntrepreneur, Mascot, Speaker and all-around great guy Rob Wicall is our guest for the June 2017 Podcast. We talk about taking the time know know you own character. Rob's initial reason for spending hours thinking on the topic was to refine the Spurs Coyote. Now Rob is painting with a broader brush and looking at how you can apply those same ideas to your game operations department and your life.This is a fun discussion intended for mascots, game operations professionals and anyone who wants to get a better focus on their big picture.
2017-06-0123 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comFebruary 2017 PodcastRob Wicall fresh off his TED Talk on making moments talks about applying what he learned as a mascot and how to apply that daily. Then Cudo and Wicall look at several moments teams have been creating for fans in January. Emperor of Fun David Raymond joins the podcast to look at a skit that got some bad press in Minnesota and step to avoid the dangers of people taking your comedy the wrong way. Cudo talks about the new Water Cooler Moment section, the relaunch of the Blog, 5 years ago on the Pod highlights and nominates a team for f...
2017-02-0148 minThe Party in the Back Podcast on Gameops.comNovember 2016 PodcastOur All-Star Panel discuss the seven award categories for the Best of 2016, along with news and promotions from across the country. Pat Walker returns and reviews a steakhouse’s costly game promotions in Michigan, Rob Wicall connects a great mascot and their social media work, and Scott Carter looks at how game directors build a successful program. Then Cameron Hughes and Kronke Sports Executive Director Steve Johnston talk about building entertainment teams and getting the most out of halftime acts. Looking back at our 2011 Podcast when Cudo and Walker debate if its acceptable to play off boos with your fans.
2016-11-0130 min
CurrentCast#6 Former Spurs Coyote Rob WicallAfter 16 years on the job, Rob Wicall is hanging up his big, furry head. Wicall was better known as Coyote, the Spurs' mascot. He spoke with CurrentCast about his favorite bits, how he became Coyote, and what's next for him.
2016-05-2500 min