SPMT 489 with Trev Alberts: Josh Pate, Laura Rutledge & Amanda Scarborough

In another lecture with SPMT 489, Dr. Gregg Bennett was joined by CBS Sports college football analyst Josh Pate, ESPN and SEC Network host Laura Rutledge and Texas A&M All-American pitcher Amanda Scarborough.

Topics from Josh Pate interview

• 00:00 - Introduction and his thoughts on the “power” of sports
• 03:56 - His path to Josh Pate’s College Football Show and his “lightbulb moment”
• 10:03 - View numbers on his platforms
• 11:35 - Growth of his show beyond his expectations
• 15:20 - His “spiritual” side and how he handles with his “stardom”
• 17:13 - Why he moved to Nashville
• 18:15 - On why he loves Texas A&M so much
• 20:15 - His way-to-early prediction for Texas A&M vs. Texas
• 22:36 - The birth of the “JP Poll”
• 25:40 - Why he thinks others are “violently anti-A&M”
• 28:54 - Standing out to an audience as a new podcast
• 32:10 - How do we see CFB evolving over the next few years?
• 38:20 - On the reporting that the SEC and Big Ten want guaranteed auto-bids in the next CFP
• 41:00 - How he has gotten away with mixing CFB with pro wrestling
• 44:10 - The importance of “defining who you are”

Topics from Laura Rutledge interview

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:15 - Role of sports in childhood, more into arts like ballet rather than participating in sports, which helped develop work ethic
• 03:02 - First sports gig on radio in college (Florida)
• 04:24 - Power of sports — helps build relationships and respect
• 06:18 - Laura’s kindness, rooting for others even if you’re competing with them
• 09:26 - Being genuine, wanting to watch someone relatable, “breaking down that fourth wall”
• 10:22 - Storytelling, WCWS example
• 12:41 - Rising in a male-dominated space, finding and lending support
• 16:46 - What it means to work, the day-to-day grind. Trusting yourself...
• 20:31 - Home life, balancing work and personal endeavors
• 24:13 - Thoughts on A&M football this season, impressed with Marcel Reed
• 25:57 - “Lightning round” questions… 
• 32:58 - Student questions...
• 33:16 - Most difficult situation faced as a woman in sports — joining NFL Live
• 36:27 - Mount Rushmore of sports broadcasters
• 38:07 - Social media protocol for sharing breaking news
• 40:38 - Voice changing
• 42:50 - Being “Ms. Florida”

Topics from Amanda Scarborough Interview

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:55 - Pitching against boys, the Aggie baseball, football teams
• 02:34 - First playing softball, growing up in Houston, Magnollia
• 03:51 - Relationship with dad, watching Rockets, Astros games togther
• 05:48 - Importance, value of sports — can empower individuals
• 07:15 - Decision to attend Texas A&M, experience in College Station
• 09:21 - Dealing with injuries during playing days
• 13:15 - What A&M means to her
• 16:21 - Changing voice for broadcasting
• 18:12 - Having the courage to pave her own career path, building pitching business, platform
• 23:18 - Hosting pitching clinics, providing online courses
• 27:14 - Thoughts on NIL, new revenue model
• 28:34 - Growth of softball, opportunities within the sport
• 30:22 - Student questions...
• 30:38 - Thoughts on Trisha Ford and A&M softball, Oklahoma raising the bar the past few years
• 34:08 - Softball pitching, “female” injuries, how strategy has evolved in the sport
• 36:33 - Pursuing broadcasting career, calling first game to now being a full-time ESPN employee — importance of making a good impression anywhere
• 41:11 - Wearing a pitcher’s face mask
• 42:30 - International softball, other avenues for playing
• 44:19 - How A&M’s softball facilities compare to others — still a huge attraction for recruits

About SPMT 489

The Special Topics course “The Power of Sports” will explore the multifaceted impact of sports on society, culture, and business. Through a combination of guest speakers, class discussions and professional development events, students will gain insights into the various aspects of the sports industry.