Every person has a story. There are many pathways to success, but not without the hardships, the celebrations, the everyday that makes people who they are and how they made the most of their moments. Side Story Sports with Nic Finelli' reveals and shares the lives of the most fascinating people who bring sports to life. Listen or watch as Nic goes one-on-one with sports personalities, executives, and players bringing you inspiring interviews each week on 'Side Story Sports with Nic Finelli'.
Embedded Files
Chris Rivett
Episode 402 ▶️
February 23, 2025
by Nic Finelli
On this episode I have a conversation with Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for PRO Referees, the organization that provides referees for a number of professional soccer leagues in North America.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of professional soccer officiating with Chris Rivet, the Manager of Communications and External Relations for PRO Referees—the organization responsible for providing referees for professional leagues across North America.
Our conversation dives deep into the world of refereeing, covering:
🔹 The Structure of PRO Referees – How the organization operates, from different referee tiers to the support staff, including coaches, analysts, and sports performance specialists.
🔹 Referee Training & Development – The rigorous training camps, ongoing coaching, and the emphasis on teamwork among officials.
🔹 Public & Media Relations – The challenges of communicating about refereeing, addressing misconceptions, and educating fans on the complexities of the job.
🔹 Diversity & Inclusion – The rise of women referees and the broader efforts to promote diversity in the profession.
🔹 The Future of Refereeing – The role of technology, the evolution of the game, and what’s next for officiating in North America.
Chris also shares his personal journey, including his career path and his experience moving from England to the U.S.
This episode offers a fascinating inside look at the world of professional referees—highlighting the dedication, expertise, and behind-the-scenes efforts that keep the game fair and flowing.
🎧 Tune in now to gain a new appreciation for the officials who help make soccer possible!
Dan Courtemanche, EVP MLS Communications and Nic Finelli, Charlotte FC Podcast Producer/Host at MLS Headquarters NYC
Dan Courtemanche and Apple TV/MLS Season Pass
Episode 201 ▶️
February 1, 2023
by Nic Finelli
I had the opportunity to visit Major League Soccer headquarters in New York City on February 1, 2023 where I sat down with Dan Courtemanche, the Executive Vice President of MLS in charge of Communications for a one-to-one interview. This was the same day as the big release of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. On this episode, we talk about the Apple TV deal, MLS growth, and get to know Dan, his career path, and a little more behind the scenes.
https://tv.apple.com/ | MLS Season Pass | @courtemancheMLS
Kevin Egan, MLS 360 Host
Episode 325 ▶️
August 31, 2024
by Nic Finelli
On today's episode I was lucky enough, no Irish pun intended there, to sit down with Kevin Egan the host of MLS 360 and MLS Wrap-Up, part of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. We talk about what it is like working for MLS, these shows, how he approaches his career, and a little about his journey and things learned along the way.
#MLS360
https://tv.apple.com/ | MLS Season Pass | @kev_egan
Ross Smith, MLS Season Pass Match Analyst
Episode 315 ▶️
May 4, 2024
by Nic Finelli
We are fortunate to have Ross Smith, a current Apple TV MLS Season Pass Match Analyst, who you hear along with Tony Husband each week during the MLS Season. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ross, as we talk about his football playing days, being an announcer for the Portland Timbers, and a little thing called No Tippy Tappy.
https://tv.apple.com/ | MLS Season Pass | nttsoccer.com | @RossSmith_20
Tom Huet, MLS Season Pass Live Sports Director
Episode 309 ▶️
March 17, 2024
by Nic Finelli
On this episode Nic has a conversation with the Emmy award-winning Director of Live Sports, Tom Huet. Tom has created a brilliant career directing and producing all sports from college football to NBA to MLB to the Olympics. He has been a part of all. His passion lies in soccer and how he can help tell the story from his directing the matches you watch on MLS Season Pass.
Mihir Kumar, MLS Sr. Director of Emerging Ventures
Episode 308 ▶️
March 10, 2024
by Nic Finelli
Today on the show I talk with Major League Soccer's Sr. Director of Emerging Ventures, Mihir Kumar, to learn about his job, the start of MLS Innovation Lab and the intersection of technology and soccer, his journey to working for Major League Soccer, and more.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihirkumar1
MLS Innovation Lab article from MLS
A-Champs
CAMB.AI
Fabric
Fitogether
Reeplayer
STAIDIUM U.S.
MLS Innovation Lab
Brad Pursel, MLS Sr. VP, Media/Game Schedule Management: Scheduling MLS
Episode 205 ▶️
March 18, 2023
by Nic Finelli
Today we take an inside look at how the MLS schedule is made with Brad Pursel, Sr. Vice President at MLS for Media and Game Schedule management. We talk with Brad about the scheduling process for the season from working with Apple, TSN, and Fox to how the clubs are involved to the new playoffs, and the Leagues Cup as well as collaboration with worldwide soccer organizations. We also explore his role within MLS over the past 25 years.
Eric Krakauer, Charlotte FC TV Play-by-Play Announcer
Episode 129 ▶️
September 22, 2022
by Nic Finelli
Eric is a multilingual soccer commentator and analyst who previously worked at beIN Sports USA with duties such as producer, play-by-play announcer, color analyst and studio analyst.
He was born and raised in Portugal and played soccer at the academy level before moving to England in order to finish his secondary education. After completing his A-Levels, Eric moved to New York City, where he attended Manhattan College and played for their Division 1 soccer team.
Eric then worked as a public school teacher in New York City while also doing freelance soccer writing for top soccer publications, mostly covering the New York Red Bulls and New York City Football Club in MLS. Eric also created, produced and hosted the BigSoccerHead Podcast, which featured interviews with soccer personalities from US and world soccer.
Known as an authority on Portuguese soccer, Eric is a frequent guest on Sirius XM FC and Talksport Radio.
Eric also played for the Manhattan Kickers in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League for twelve years after graduating from College.
Tony Husband, MLS Season Pass Match Announcer (formerly Nashville SC)
Episode 119 ▶️
July 9, 2022
by Nic Finelli
Today our guest comes to us from the Music City, he is Lead Commentator for Nashville SC, Tony Husband. Tony has been the voice of Nashville SC since their debut season in 2020. He is a UK and US sports broadcaster who has worked on some of the most iconic BBC Sports programs such as Match of the Day, Final Score, and BBC South Today. He also has covered major events including the Olympics, the FA Cup Final, Champions League football, World Athletics Series and Wimbledon. In 2020 Tony was named Royal Television Society Southern Sports Journalist Of The Year.
Born in Plymouth, Tony played cricket for Devon Colts while at Plymouth College and graduated from Bournemouth University in 1998. He started his sports broadcasting career as Southampton commentator for BBC Radio Solent and covered the 2003 FA Cup Final. from College.
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