WWE star Rhea Ripley on the nexus of wrestling and media, and CBS Sports senior writer Matt Norlander on covering the NCAA Tournament

Episode 284 of the Sports Media podcast features WWE star Rhea Ripley and CBS Sports senior writer and college basketball analyst for CBS Sports HQ Matt Norlander. In this podcast, Ripley discusses how a WWE performer navigates interviews where some people want her in character and storyline and other interviewers want to talk about the business of wrestling; being part of a major media and cultural event in the calendar — WrestleMania — which takes place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on April 1 and April 2; how to promote her brand; what kind of media training she has received; how she determines whom or with what outlet she will speak to; navigating social media; scripted vs. improvisation, the rush of an arena of fans hating you; and more. Norlander discusses the most challenging part of covering the NCAA Tournament; the access he receives; why there are more national writers covering college football than college basketball; how basketball coaches and administrators feel about college football dictating their schedules; the best player and coach interviews in the sport, and why this year’s tournament is wide open. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and more.