Synopsis
Professional mascot talk. Past and present professional mascots reveal their stories!
Episodes
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#74 Finding Your Path - with Bill Hanzlik
12/03/2025 Duration: 48minWild musical chairs moments with Kenn (Rocky), favorite skits, Bill Hanzlik's NBA career, the art of perseverance, persistence, and finding your true path & Hanzlick's passion for giving back to the community. An inspiring and entertaining conversation about chasing your dreams & finding your path.Veteran Apparel: Triple Star BrandNEW Merch: FURFOLLOW:
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#73 The Most Unique NBA Mascot Career
03/03/2025 Duration: 59minJohn Lessiue, former NBA Mascot for the New Jersey Nets as Duncan, Super Dunk, and briefly Sly. From repelling off cranes to the physical toll of life as an NBA mascot, the unpredictability of working with an NBA organization, the change in current Mascot performers, the importance of challenging yourself, and how John stumbled into this crazy career.Sports Apparel: Mitchell & NessNEW Merch: FURKenn's hat in this episode: TripleStarBrandFOLLOW:
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#72 When Stunts Go Sideways: Breaking Down Clutch's Mascot Mishaps
21/11/2024 Duration: 55minCount down Robert Boudwin's top 10 bloopers, fails, and mishaps from his legendary 21 year career as the original Clutch from the Houston Rockets. Dive into the hilarious & chaotic stories that happened behind the scenes. The inside scoop on how these mishaps unfolded, the backstage drama, and the lessons learned along the way. (This episode can be watched on Youtube or Spotify.) FOLLOW:
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#71 The Daring Duo: The Brains Behind The Super Mascot
21/10/2024 Duration: 57minCamping on the roof of Pepsi Center, viral "OK GO" Treadmill Dance & Rocky's Giant Ladder Shot. Kenn Solomon & his former assistant, Jay Evans, reminisce about their unforgettable run as an unstoppable Mascot team. Behind-the-scenes stories, valuable industry insights & just how much impact a skilled Mascot performer can have. Dive into the value of a great Mascot Assistant, the art of storytelling through skits, the secrets to success by thinking big, & how to make it in this industry. FOLLOW:
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#70 Fined By The NFL: They Failed at Controlling the Jaguars' Mascot
09/09/2024 Duration: 58minCurtis Dvorak, the original Jaxson de Ville, of the Jacksonville Jaguars, for 19 years. Curtis shares unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories, from supportive management, to pushing the boundaries of ever-changing NFL rules. He dives into his infamous beefs with NFL players and his legendary feud with coach Bill Cowher. Curtis discusses why he believes showing the performer’s face is crucial and how authenticity is key to connecting with fans & the unique power of sports to bring communities together like nothing else. A candid conversation filled with insights, laughs, and untold tales from the pro sports world. FOLLOW:
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#69: Mark Randall - Humble NBA Player to Mascot Assistant
15/07/2024 Duration: 44minMark Randall shares his journey from aspiring athlete to NBA player to Mascot Assistant. Mark takes us behind the scenes of a unique and unexpected chapter in his life working with Rocky, and the Denver Nuggets. Discover how this unexpected duo brought energy, entertainment, and unforgettable moments to fans and the community. FOLLOW:
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#68: Pushing The Limits with Dunking Super Star Austin Fritts
20/05/2024 Duration: 52minAustin Fritts, the high-flying professional dunker and social media sensation. With over 3 billion views in just three years and close to one million followers online, Austin has become a household name in the realm of basketball entertainment. Austin shares his incredible journey from local courts to the grand stages of the NBA, including Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics games, as well as the NBA All-Star Game. Discover the relentless drive and passion that fuel his quest to push the limits of what's possible in the world of dunking. Austin also opens up about his partnership with Kenn Solomon. Together, they form an unstoppable duo, constantly innovating and striving for the next viral moment. Whether you're a basketball fanatic, an aspiring influencer, or someone who loves an inspiring success story, this episode is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories. Highlights: 4:43 - First Viral Moment 18:12 - Putting Together an NBA Show 40:55 - Performing at NBA All-Star 43:21 - The TikTok Ba
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#67 When Michael Jordan Couldn't Say No to Rocky
20/03/2024 Duration: 57minJourney back to the early days of NBA mascots, where Kenn Solomon and his assistant Scott Strate formed an inseparable team, mastering the art of Mascot mind-reading, improved performances, and thriving under intense pressure. Beyond the success of their performances, Scott's unwavering support and keen intuition not only ensured Kenn's well-being but also played a pivotal role in executing some of his most iconic stunts and skits. As they reflect on over 20 years of friendship, Kenn and Scott share candid insights into their shared journey traveling the world, the challenges they faced, the unforgettable moments they shared on the court, and the profound bond that has stood the test of time. Sponsor: BURR BOTTLES use code FURBURR MERCH: https://store.streamelements.com/kennsolomon FOLLOW:
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#66 Benny's Bow: Unmasking the Secret Retirement of a Mascot Superstar
19/02/2024 Duration: 47minKenn sits down with John Nunez, the former embodiment of the iconic "Benny The Bull" Mascot for eight thrilling years. From donning the beloved costume at a young age to facing the intense pressure of maintaining a character with an immense reputation, John shares the highs and lows of his journey as the famous Mascot. FOLLOW:
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#65 The Art of Tradition with the Phillie Phanatic Performer
12/02/2024 Duration: 47minToday's episode is with Tom Burgoyne. Dive into the fascinating world of pro Mascots as Kenn chats with the iconic Phillie Phanatic performer about the art of keeping traditions alive and maintaining the magic that fans cherish. Discover the artistry, dedication, and the fascinating stories behind the unwavering consistency in the realm of Mascots. Sponsor: BURR BOTTLES use code FURBURR MERCH: https://store.streamelements.com/kennsolomon FOLLOW:
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#64 Beyond the Spotlight: Navigating the Stage with Hearing Impairment and Fading Sight
05/02/2024 Duration: 49minEpisode #64. In this inspiring episode we dive into the remarkable journey of Mike Walsh, the former mascot for the Colorado Rapids, known as Rapidman. Despite facing the challenges of hearing impairment since childhood and the gradual loss of his vision, Mike has turned adversity into opportunity. Discover the incredible story of how Mike not only embraced his unique circumstances but uses them to his advantage. Now, as the founder of 'Flight For Sight,' he is dedicated to helping individuals with hearing and vision impairments navigate life with resilience and joy.
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The World-Changing Impact of Storytelling
08/01/2024 Duration: 42minEpisode #63: Meet today's guest Trey Humphreys, formerly the force behind the Atlanta Falcons Mascot persona "Freddie The Falcon". Trey has evolved into a multifaceted individual, now making waves as an accomplished author of the book "Love is Bananas", personal branding strategist, and international speaker. In every endeavor, Trey continues to embody the spirit of joy, creativity, and genuine connection, proving that the art of storytelling transcends boundaries and can shape a truly remarkable life. HIGHLIGHTS: 5:00 - Trey's Mascot Background. 11:45 - When your team isn't very good... 15:33 - What's the most important thing in the world? 19:05 - Trey's famous party/fur bus. 28:56 - Hitting rock bottom. 39:10 - Philosophy on life. Sponsors:
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Behind The Magic: The Fading Art of Pro Mascots
15/11/2023 Duration: 44minStep into the locker room of nostalgia as Kenn Solomon, Bob Woolf, and Jon Absey share untold stories, explore the evolution of mascots from whimsical characters to integral parts of the NBA experience, and discuss the impact these fuzzy entertainers have had on fans and the game itself. Sponsored by Burr Bottles: https://burrbottles.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message
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NBA Mascots. Liability or Asset?
10/10/2023 Duration: 50minNBA Mascot Performers Rob Wicall and Kenn Solomon share their expertise on Pro Sports Mascots as they recount their time in the league. Sponsored by burr bottles
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Spurs' Original Coyote
05/11/2022 Duration: 01h01sKenn and Tim Derk traveled the world! While dunking Kenn hyperextended his knee, dislocated his shoulder and hip, Tim is left performing solo for the next 6 minutes in a sold out arena. Tim Derk was the original Spurs Coyote & put this iconic character into the spotlight in the early days of the NBA.
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"Apart of Something Much Bigger" | Orbit
31/08/2022 Duration: 50minPro Mascot performer for the Houston Astros Kyle Hamsher sheds light on the return of the beloved character Orbit and shares an incredible moment with a blind man. Kyle is a passionate performer with a lot of character and a unique approach to working a crowd.
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Super Fans, Meeting Presidents & Inspiring Generations
04/08/2022 Duration: 51minCurrant Texans Mascot performer Andrew Johnson, was inspired to chase a Mascot career after witnessing Dan Meers ("KC Wolf") unveil himself at his elementary school. Kenn and Andrew exchange their most memorable and inspirational moments from their careers. MERCH: https://linktr.ee/superkenn --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message
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#57 Growing up & Raising Kids in the NBA
06/07/2022 Duration: 01h56sEpisode #58: What are NBA Mascot's kids up to? Garett Solomon, Jon Absey and Kenn share some of their best memories growing up/raising kids while performing and traveling the world as a professional Mascot. Jon Absey - Utah Jazz | Kenn Solomon - Denver Nuggets | Garett Solomon - Current NBA Mascot Follow: @superkenn1, @jon_absey, @gsolo22 Merch: https://linktr.ee/superkenn
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NBA Mascot Freaks Out Scott Hastings
30/04/2022 Duration: 54minFormer NBA Champion and now Color Analyst Scott Hastings and Mascot performer Kenn Solomon have known each other since the 1990s and have had some entertaining experiences throughout their careers. Hastings sheds light on his position with the Denver Nuggets and why he pulls no punches. Connect with Kenn Solomon: https://linktr.ee/superkenn --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message
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NBA Mascots on The Court Then vs Now
19/04/2022 Duration: 01h10minNBA Mascots Kenn Solomon and Jon Cudo have been in the league for over 30 years and have experienced the evolution of pro sports. In this episode you will gain even more insight on the behind the scenes of the pro Mascot world.