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The Varsity. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.

What does this episode cover?

The Varsity covers general sports. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.

General Sports

Fanatically Speaking

The Varsity›

Jul 12, 202643:51

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Episode Notes

Michael Ratner, C.E.O. of Fanatics Studios, and Lance Fensterman, C.E.O. of Fanatics Events, join John to discuss the wild growth and evolution of Fanatics Fest—and why immersive, interactive experiences built around high-profile athlete appearances are central to its appeal. Ratner also gets into the thinking behind a reimagined ESPYs, which he’s overseeing and which should kickstart a major weekend for Fanatics.

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Listen guide

How do I listen to this episode of The Varsity?

"Fanatically Speaking" is an episode of The Varsity. Runtime 43 min. Published July 12, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.

Step by step

Open Spot Sports. Get the free Spot Sports app for background play, lock-screen controls, and offline downloads.
Or stream right here. Tap play on the episode card above. No app needed.
Browse the full podcast. Jump to the The Varsity page for the rest of the catalog.
Or subscribe in any podcast app. The Varsity ships on a standard RSS feed, so Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts all work too.

Quick FAQ

When was this episode published?: July 12, 2026.
How long is this episode?: 43 min.
What podcast is this from?: The Varsity. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
What does this episode cover?: The Varsity covers general sports. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.

Sources

Listen now

Listen in the app

Episode context

Listen

Keep going with The Varsity.

Listen here or keep browsing the show and related sport coverage from here.

Episode Notes

Michael Ratner, C.E.O. of Fanatics Studios, and Lance Fensterman, C.E.O. of Fanatics Events, join John to discuss the wild growth and evolution of Fanatics Fest—and why immersive, interactive experiences built around high-profile athlete appearances are central to its appeal. Ratner also gets into the thinking behind a reimagined ESPYs, which he’s overseeing and which should kickstart a major weekend for Fanatics.

Next listen

All from The Varsity →

Next listen

A ’26 NFL Off-Field Season Preview

3 days ago42:16

Related Podcasts

Pardon My Take

Barstool Sports

General Sports

Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

Fantasy Football

General Sports

The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer

General Sports

The Dan Le Batard Show

Dan Le Batard

General Sports

DOUBLE COVERAGE PODCAST

Mystic Zach

General Sports

Listen guide

How do I listen to this episode of The Varsity?

"Fanatically Speaking" is an episode of The Varsity. Runtime 43 min. Published July 12, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.

Step by step

Open Spot Sports. Get the free Spot Sports app for background play, lock-screen controls, and offline downloads.
Or stream right here. Tap play on the episode card above. No app needed.
Browse the full podcast. Jump to the The Varsity page for the rest of the catalog.
Or subscribe in any podcast app. The Varsity ships on a standard RSS feed, so Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts all work too.

Quick FAQ

When was this episode published?: July 12, 2026.
How long is this episode?: 43 min.
What podcast is this from?: The Varsity. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
What does this episode cover?: The Varsity covers general sports. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.