Life after SI
Summary
John Kelly interviews Jimmy Trana, who discusses leaving Sports Illustrated after 20 years to launch Underscore Media, a New York-focused startup. Trana explains his shift from daily writing to podcasting, citing changing media consumption and a desire for creative freedom. The episode also covers WNBA ratings, NFL broadcasting changes, and the upcoming In the Arena conference.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsors, and Puck Summit announcement
NWSL media growth and Jimmy Trana's departure from SI
Leaving daily writing for podcasts and new media formats
How COVID shifted podcasting to video and remote interviews
Podcast segments, Sal Paolantonio, and UnitedHealthcare ad
Underscore Media pitch and creative freedom vs. SI constraints
New show format: three episodes weekly and newsletter plans
Launch date, industry events, and balancing criticism with access
Maintaining authenticity and handling backlash from critics
Mad Dog Russell, audience awareness, and Netflix broadcast critique
Ignoring industry noise and ADT/Primely Pure ads
Netflix baseball ratings vs. NFL preseason viewership
NFL media day insights and Ian Eagle/Ross Tucker pairing
Tony Romo's future and Greg Olsen's contract situation
JJ Watt's potential role and closing remarks
Outro, credits, and newsletter promotion
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