Today the sports world was put on notice with the launch of a new podcast called Mind The Game, hosted by two of the brightest sports minds, Lebron James and JJ Redick. Redick started the broadcast off with explaining why they were doing the show. "The core it's got to be what nothing else is...which is, we're celebrating the game, I think overall I want it to feel comforable, relaxed, I want it to strike a very positive tone...".
After episode one of Mind The Game, I can see the vision and I have a few recommendations.
So should we start with what I like or what I don't like? A little good cop bad cop? Some good news or bad news?
Let's start with what I like:
1. I like the vibe of the show. JJ did a great job opening the show with what it was about and explaining some of the terminology that was used that the average fan wouldn't understand. The show was laid back. Both Redick and James were sipping on some red wine that Lebron made sure to thoroughly explain at the beginning. Side note, the King likes to drank. Na like, the big fella gets thirsty. Respect though.
2. I like the levels of the show. "Neef, what do you mean by that? Break it down for me big dawg." So there is a lot of simplicity to the show. Two dudes just talking ball. No guest, no game segments or callers. Just a conversation. With that being said, the conversation at times get's "high level". They go deeper into play calling, game situations and different terminology which I appreciate. Think of NFL Live or NBA Today were they actually breakdown a play call.
3. I like the visuals on the show. In fact they needed to use a little more (we'll get into that soon). I like the way definitions were displayed on screen as well as actual game footage to help out the visual learners.
4. I enjoyed the opening shows topics. Now do I want to hear them talk about the same subjects every episode. Absolutely not. (And I don't think they will). I thought player mindset, nba influence, coaching, etc was a great start.
Now areas of improvement:
1. Lebron and JJ did a better job at describing the wine then the location they were at. I appreciate the wine cellar look, but try explaining where you are and why you chose this venue. Are they in the basement of a pizzeria?
2. More visuals. At one point during the episode, JJ starts writing on a piece of paper. Jonathan Clay, why the hell are you taking notes? Are you drawing Lebron? Is this a therapy session? Are you interviewing your cohost? I don't mind the notes, if you are going to show the audience what you're writing. How about you show a visual of the notes JJ jotted down. "Key Takeaways". We can't have my dog just doodling like he's a doctor writing a prescription.
3. This isn't so much as an area of improvement but more so a wish. Clearly this was shot about a week ago, if I had to guess. I wish Lebron schedule allowed for him to shoot in real time and give fresh feedback. For example, if they could breakdown calls, game plans and plays from a game that just happened 24 hours ago, that would be perfect.
I'm a person who consumes content nearly 24/7. When I say 24/7, I'm talking...airpod in my ear as I fall asleep, catching up on all kinds of shows from sports to business. The Mind The Game podcast will need to check the three most important things that go into a show, in order to be successful. Authenticity, Entertaining and informative. Authenticity, be yourself. Sound like yourself and express how you truly feel. Jay Z said, "I sound the same in every room I go in." Entertaining, make your audience laugh at least once every show. Lastly, informative. Teach people at least one thing every show. The listeners should go "I didn't know that", "I didn't think of it like that" or "That's a good point", every show.
Outside of those three elements to a show there is the almight consistency that's required. Whatever the show's schedule is, you owe it to your audience to meet those expectations, every week, month after month, year after year, until it's no longer. Everytime I go to Dunkin, I expect them to have donuts. At 10am eastern I expect First Take to be on ESPN. I expect Starbucks to always have coffee and Burger King to always have burgers.
Always deliever what your audience expects, and if you can't, have a back up plan and properly set those expectations. All and all, a good opening episode and I'm looking forward to what's to come.
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