The Playbook Podcast Powered by Talisman

In this episode, former NBA executive and Drone Racing League CEO Rachel Jacobson shares an unfiltered look at building emerging sports into mainstream properties. From betting on yourself to finding untapped Gen Z audiences, Rachel unpacks the strategy behind scaling digital-first leagues, empowering women in leadership, and turning purpose into commercial success. It’s a playbook on disruption, innovation, and why comfort is the enemy of progress.

In this episode, we explore one of the fastest-growing movements in U.S. sports: women’s professional volleyball. Omaha Supernovas captain and three-time All-American Brooke Nuneviller joins The Playbook to discuss the sport’s meteoric rise and what it represents for women’s athletics, fandom, and culture. From Nebraska’s record-breaking crowds to the growing professional ecosystem, Brooke shares how volleyball is capturing a new generation of fans and reshaping the future of sports entertainment.

In this episode, Sarah Brooks, CMO of BetterHelp, is interviewed by Talisman advisor Tom Fox to discuss how the brand is redefining what category leadership looks like - by connecting the worlds of mental health, sports, and purpose. We go inside BetterHelp’s strategy for using sports as a platform to normalize therapy, and spark cultural conversation. The discussion reveals how purpose-driven marketing can create emotional impact while driving meaningful business growth.

In this episode, we unpack the forces reshaping modern sports marketing. From shifting fan behaviors to the blurring lines between sport, culture, and entertainment, Talisman Founder Dharpan Randhawa introduces key themes in sports marketing, including what it now takes to build connection and cut through. This opening conversation sets the stage for how brands can evolve from traditional sponsorship models to deeper, more authentic expressions of relevance and value.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the Intuit Dome’s groundbreaking “Halo”—a revolutionary fusion of sport and entertainment technology. We explore how a bold idea evolved into a game-integrated, fan-responsive visual system that redefines home-court advantage and sets a new global benchmark for live sports. From engineering challenges to fan psychology, the team at Spinifex, the designers of the "Halo," share how this immersive experience transforms passive spectators into active contributors and opens up new frontiers for sponsorship, esports, and entertainment.

In this episode of The Playbook Podcast, Tom Fox shares his journey across iconic brands like Gatorade, Nike, Arsenal FC, and FaZe Clan, revealing how storytelling shapes success in sports marketing. From aligning brand purpose with partnerships to navigating new platforms like esports, Tom discusses what makes narratives authentic and impactful. Alongside host Dharpan Randhawa (Founder - Talisman), they explore the future of storytelling with AI, immersive tech, and fan-driven content, offering actionable insights for brands and marketers looking to elevate their game.

In this episode, John Sertori, renowned F1 pundit, delivers an insightful review of the 2024 Formula 1 season and offers a compelling preview of what lies ahead for 2025. Joining him is Dharpan Randhawa, Founder of Talisman, who dives deep into standout commercial partnerships across the grid. Together, they unpack what makes a sponsorship truly impactful and share strategic insights for brands aiming to craft innovative and results-driven deals in the world of F1. Whether you’re a fan, a brand marketer, or a curious mind, this episode promises a blend of expert analysis and actionable takeaways.

On today's episode, John Sertori, a leading Formula 1 race analyst with over two decades of providing expert F1 commentary shares his insights coming out of the Brazilian Grand Prix and moving into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the first of the final three race weekends of the season.       John is joined by Dharpan Randhawa, Founder & CEO of Talisman. Dharpan shares his unique perspective revealing the business dynamics that have become the driving force behind Formula 1's growth as well as how Talisman is delivering truly innovative solutions within sports marketing to generate meaningful business results between brands and sports properties.