The SERMAPod

We’re excited to welcome five outstanding leaders to the SERMA Advisory Board!•  Emily Buckley - Insurance Risk Manager at Specialized Bicycle Components•  Tahia Carr - Risk Project Manager at Invited Clubs•  Jessica Lauren - Vice President, Business Development at Entrusted Administrators & Subrogation•  Virginia Pederson - Partner at Mayer•  Steve Washkalavitch - Senior Vice President at MarshThese leaders represent the innovation, expertise and collaboration that define the sports and entertainment risk industry. Their insight and experience will play an important role in guiding SERMA’s strategic vision and advancing our mission.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a big thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

What really happens behind the scenes when a concert or festival gets canceled due to weather? In this episode of the SERMAPod, Shalom Suniula is joined by Roger Sandau, JR Justice, and Caleb Heckley to discuss the risk management, insurance, and safety considerations that drive difficult decisions at major live events. Using recent examples like Stagecoach and Zach Bryan’s canceled Tulsa show, the group explores weather preparedness, event cancellation coverage, liability concerns, and how operators balance fan expectations with public safety. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

Rich Lenkov interviews Michael Nellis, Vermont’s Passenger Tramway Supervisor, about ski lift safety and risk management. The conversation covers recent incidents, inspection standards, operational challenges, and how technology and training are shaping safer ski resort operations. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov sits down with leaders from the Hispanic Insurance and Risk Management Association, Carlos Luis Rodriguez, Rose De Leon, and Noemi Oliver, to discuss HIRMA’s mission, the value of diverse perspectives in risk management, and why the industry offers more opportunity than most people realize. The conversation also touches on communication breakdowns in claims, mentorship, and preparing the next generation.Plus, insights on emerging risks, including climate challenges and business continuity, and a look at the growing SERMA–HIRMA partnership.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/HIRMA: https://hirma.org/And a special thanks to our podcast sponsor, Magna Legal Services:https://magnals.com/

Kansas State’s decision to fire head basketball coach Jerome Tang “for cause” has sparked a legal dispute with major financial implications. In this episode, Matt Liller is joined by sports law professor Sam Ehrlich to unpack the controversy, including the role of Tang’s postgame comments, the meaning of “objectionable behavior” in coaching contracts, and how schools use for-cause designations as negotiation leverage.The conversation also examines what each side would need to prove if the case is litigated, how similar disputes have played out, and how the modern college sports landscape, shaped by NIL and the transfer portal, may influence future cases. Professor Ehrlich: https://www.boisestate.edu/cobe-management/faculty-staff/sam-c-ehrlich-jd-ph-d/Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

Episode 108 of the SERMA Pod examines the sudden cancellation of The Bachelorette after off-screen controversy surrounding its lead. Host Rich Lenkov is joined by entertainment attorney Larry Zerner to unpack the legal and business implications of pulling a fully produced season.The discussion focuses on why contestants likely cannot pursue claims against the network, how reality TV contracts are structured to eliminate liability, and what role (if any) ABC’s vetting process plays in potential exposure. They also explore how networks may respond moving forward and what this situation signals about risk allocation in entertainment production.A timely look at how legal strategy and business judgment intersect when millions of dollars, and reputations, are on the line. Larry Zerner: https://www.zernerlaw.com/Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

In this episode of the SERMAPod, attorney Brian Rosenblatt is joined by Cornell Law professor James Grimmelmann to break down the New York Times lawsuit against Perplexity AI.They explore how generative AI tools use content, the legal differences between scraping and indexing, and what this case could mean for copyright law moving forward. The conversation also dives into AI “hallucinations,” fair use, and whether current legal frameworks can keep up with rapidly evolving technology.If you’re interested in AI, intellectual property, or the future of digital content, this is a must-listen discussion.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Professor Grimmelmann: https://james.grimmelmann.net/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services!: https://magnals.com/

In this episode of the SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov speaks with outdoor recreation attorney Jim Moss about a tragic climbing incident on Austria’s Grossglockner that led to criminal charges against a climber whose partner died of exposure. They discuss the legal implications of high-risk outdoor activities, the differences between U.S. and European negligence standards, and how duty, assumption of risk, and rescue obligations may apply when things go wrong in extreme environments.Jim Moss: https://recreation-law.com/james-h-jim-moss-jd-bio/Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Justin Smulison, the host of the RIMScast, the official podcast for RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.), to discuss all things podcasting, including the origins of the RIMScast, the importance of consistency, and tips for aspiring podcasters. RIMScast: https://www.rims.org/resources/rimscastJoin SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a special thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services! https://magnals.com/

Former college and NFL linebacker Shak Rashad joins The SERMAPod to analyze a landmark NIL lawsuit arising from a quarterback’s transfer. The conversation explores NIL contracts, transfer portal mechanics, exclusive licensing rights, and the evolving legal risks for universities and athletes alike.Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/And a big thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services:  https://magnals.com/

Professor Kevin Greene joins Rich Lenkov to discuss a federal fair use case involving the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the alleged unauthorized use of Van Halen photographs. The conversation covers transformative use, market impact, and the real-world risks creators face when relying on fair use in litigation. Kevin Greene: https://www.swlaw.edu/faculty/full-time/kevin-j-greeneJoin SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Jodi Balsam, Professor of Clinical Law at Brooklyn Law School, analyzing the legal fallout from the arrest of Mark Sanchez, former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports broadcaster.The episode covers the felony battery charge, media influence on high-profile prosecutions, and the civil claims against Fox Sports for negligent hiring and supervision, with a focus on employer liability, conduct clauses, and sports risk management.Jodi Balsam: https://www.brooklaw.edu/contact-us/balsam-jodi-s/Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/ 

In this episode of The SERMAPod, Brian Rosenblatt is joined by Alex Papa of Weber Gallagher and Catherine DiStefano, General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, for an in-depth discussion on the unique risks faced by nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organizations, and why protecting mission, brand, and governance matters as much as protecting balance sheets.The conversation explores how charitable organizations manage liability, brand protection, intellectual property, event risk, governance compliance, insurance coverage, and financial stewardship, all while staying true to their core mission. Catherine shares insight into the V Foundation’s commitment to directing 100% of donations to cancer research, the legal and operational challenges behind large-scale fundraising events like the Jimmy V Classic, and the importance of strong partnerships in mitigating risk.The episode also reflects on the enduring legacy of Coach Jim Valvano’s iconic “Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!” speech, the real-world impact of cancer research, and how risk professionals in sports and entertainment are uniquely positioned to give back and drive meaningful change.As part of SERMA’s strategic partnership with the V Foundation, listeners are invited to support cancer research directly through this initiative.Donate: https://www.v.org/sermaJoin SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

THANK YOU to everyone for the support during the first 100 episodes of The SERMAPod! Enjoy a collection of top moments from our esteemed guests.Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ Thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

A Little League player hits a home run, flips his bat — and gets ejected and suspended. His family fights back, and the case lands in court.Host Rich Lenkov speaks with attorney Brian Berkley of Fox Rothschild about his role in the high-profile New Jersey Bat Flip case, where a judge ruled in favor of the young athlete. They explore the key questions:Was the ejection consistent with Little League’s own rules?What does “implied contract” mean for youth sports organizations?How can leagues avoid similar situations in the future?A fascinating intersection of law, sports, and fairness, this episode highlights how even youth athletics can raise major legal implications.Listen now to The SERMAPod, presented by the Sports and Entertainment Risk Management Alliance (SERMA) — where sports, law, and risk management meet.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Brian Berkley: https://www.foxrothschild.com/brian-a-berkley And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov talks with Nick Hanes, Mallory Taylor, and Reggie Miller of the North American Contingency Association (NACA) about the new SERMA–NACA strategic partnership. The group explores how contingency insurance safeguards sports and entertainment events from disruptions like weather, illness, and other unforeseen risks—and why collaboration across underwriting, brokerage, and risk management is more important than ever.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

Professor John Wolohan of Syracuse University joins the SERMAPod to break down the viral “Phillies Karen” incident — from foul ball property rights to stadium liability — with a mix of legal insight and fan perspective.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ John Wolohan: https://news.syr.edu/faculty-experts/john-wolohan/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Dr. James Borchers, the President of the U.S. Counsel for Athletes’ Health (USCAH), to explore the evolving landscape of college athletics in light of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, focusing on the implications for athlete health, the role of medical providers, and the ethical dilemmas that arise. Dr. Borchers discusses the challenges faced by athletes and medical professionals as financial pressures increase, the impact of the transfer portal on care continuity, and the need for better regulations to protect athlete health and safety.Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ Dr. James Borchers: https://medicine.osu.edu/find-faculty/clinical/family-medicine/james-borchers-mdUSCAH: https://uscah.com/ And a big thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services!https://magnals.com/

SERMA Founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Professor Matt Mitten of Marquette University Law School to discuss the pending lawsuit between the University of Wisconsin and the University of Miami, wherein Miami is alleged to have illegally poached a Wisconsin football player, Xavier Lucas, in violation of his NIL contracts. As discussed in this episode, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for NIL contract enforcement and athlete transfers across college sports.  Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Professor Matt Mitten: https://law.marquette.edu/faculty-and-staff-directory/matthew-mitten And a big thanks to The SERMAPod’s sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/ 

SERMAPod hit the track at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Brickyard 400 practice to unpack the fast-paced world of Racing Industry Risk.Hosted by SERMA Founder/CEO Rich Lenkov, this special episode features:▸ Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chief Diversity Officer & Senior Corporate Counsel Jimmie McMillian▸ Davies North America Senior Vice President, Field Services George Burgee▸ Advisory Board Member and Players Health Head of MGA & Vice President of Underwriting Jayson DeMarcoThis episode includes a discussion on legal liabilities, insurance challenges, workers’ comp for race teams, and the risks behind fan zones, concerts, and carnival rides. From drone crashes to climate concerns, this episode takes you under the hood of motorsports risk management.Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services! https://magnals.com/

Guest host Brian Rosenblatt is joined by attorney Wallace Collins to discuss the ongoing lawsuit between music group Salt-N-Pepa against Universal Music Group in an effort to obtain ownership of their master recordings. Wallace Collins: http://www.wallacecollins.com/ Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

SERMA General Counsel and Advisory Board member Brian Rosenblatt welcomes attorney Aaron Moss to discuss an ongoing copyright infringement lawsuit brought by Warner Music Group against Crumbl over its alleged unauthorized use of copyrighted songs in their social media videos without permission. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/Aaron Moss: https://www.msk.com/attorneys-aaron-moss Brian Rosenblatt: https://www.dl-firm.com/attorneys/brian-a-rosenblatt/ Thank you to Magna Legal Services for sponsoring the SERMApod: https://magnals.com/Thank you to EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants for their sponsorship at SERMAnar III: https://www.epicbrokers.com

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by James Nussbaum to discuss the recent Court ruling in the House v. NCAA case, which establishes and confirms new and groundbreaking rules regarding payments to college athletes. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ James Nussbaum: https://www.cchalaw.com/our-people/james-nussbaum Thank you to A-G Specialty Insurance for their sponsorship at SERMAnar III: https://agspecialtyinsurance.com/And thank you to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Arthur H. Bryant to discuss an overview of Title IX and recent changes made by the Trump administration to NIL payments under Title IX.Arthur H. Bryant: https://clarksonlawfirm.com/people/arthur-bryant/ Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/Thank you to Applied Entertainment & Sports for their sponsorship at SERMAnar III: https://www.aes.auw.com/And thank you to our sponsor Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/ 

Guest host Virginia Pederson is joined by attorney Seth Myers to discuss potential legal implications involving golf clubs following the recent tragic death of John Elway’s agent after falling from a golf cart.Seth Myers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethmyers832/ Virginia Pederson: https://www.mayerllp.com/attorneys/virginia-pedersonJoin SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ Thank you to WTW for their sponsorship at SERMAnar III: https://www.wtwco.com/en-usAnd thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/ 

Guest host Marci Reading of Command Investigations is joined by Professor Sam C. Ehrlich, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies at Boise State, to discuss the very unique website he developed to track court cases involving college athletics, breaking down the complex legal proceedings and key litigation into easily understandable summaries and providing a calendar of each event.The College Sports Litigation Tracker: https://www.collegesportslitigationtracker.com/ Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org Professor Ehrlich: https://www.boisestate.edu/cobe-management/faculty-staff/sam-c-ehrlich-jd-ph-d/ Also, a big thanks to our sponsor Magna Legal Services!https://magnals.com 

Guest host Brian Rosenblatt is joined by attorney Puya Partow-Navid to discuss the history of the "Three-Peat" trademark, as well as the larger concepts of how trademarks and intellectual property affect sports. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ Puya Partow-Navid: https://www.seyfarth.com/people/puya-partow-navid.htmlAlso, a big thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services.https://magnals.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Senior Property Risk Consultant Jonathan Frost of MarshMcLennan to discuss several important aspects of venue security, as well as the Venue Guide for Security Enhancements put out by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ Jonathan Frost: https://www.marshmclennan.com/about/our-people/jonathan-frost.html And a BIG thank to our podcast sponsor, Magna Legal Services!

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Caitlin Kovacs to discuss the current state of multiple legal actions involving actress Blake Lively and co-star/director Justin Baldoni from the movie "It Ends With Us." Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/Caitlin Kovacs: https://www.beneschlaw.com/people/caitlin-kovacs.html

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Kevin Casini to discuss the current landscape of a lawsuit brought by recording artist Drake against record label Universal Music Group, for alleged defamation contained in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" song. Kevin Casini: https://www.casinilaw.com/ Join SERMA today: https://theserma.orgAnd a BIG thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

Guest host Matt Liller is joined by attorney Eric Cramer to discuss not one, but two, high-profile cases wherein he (Eric) represents fighters against the UFC. Hear the details of what the cases are about, what he learned during discovery, and how he hopes to improve conditions for all fighters going forward. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.orgEric Cramer: https://bergermontague.com/eric/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Rebecca Adelman to discuss prevention programs, preservation of evidence, and formal litigation hold policies in high risk industries.Thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services!Join SERMA today: theserma.orgRebecca Adelman: https://adelmanfirm.com/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorneys Baird Fogel and Rachel Reid to discuss the current landscape of using Artificial Intelligence ("AI") in the world of gambling on professional sports. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/Biard Fogel: https://www.eversheds-sutherland.com/en/united-states/people/fogel-bairdRachel Reid: https://www.eversheds-sutherland.com/en/united-states/people/reid-rachel

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Jay Taylor to discuss different funding methods for film and TV projects, both old and new, as well as managing risks and avoiding legal pitfalls. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.orgJay Taylor: https://andersonkill.com/people/jay-l-taylor/

This special episode of the SERMAPod features the keynote speech from SERMA's inaugural Youth Sports Risk Conference. Former professional baseball player and CEO of 3A Athletics Travis Snider discusses his journey from youth sports to the major leagues, including how sports as a whole impact the younger generation.Join SERMA today: www.theserma.orgTravis Snider: https://www.3athletics.com/about-us

Guest host Michael Melamed is joined by attorney Aarij Wasti to discuss several AI-related topics, including how generative AI can affect the sports world. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ Arij Wasti: https://gowlingwlg.com/en/people/aarij-wasti

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Dina Bell-Laroche to discuss the important, yet often underserved, topic of dealing with grief and loss in sports and athletics. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ Dina Bell-Laroche: https://instituteofcoaching.org/author/bell-laroche-dina

SERMA general counsel and advisory board member Brian Rosenblatt is joined (again!) by law professor Rebecca Delfino to discuss new legislation from Tennessed, coined the ELVIS Act, which is the first of its kind to offer protection for the unauthorized use of AI-created voices which mimic known persons.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ Professor Rebecca Delfino: https://www.lls.edu/faculty/facultylistc-d/rebeccadelfino/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Alexander Rufus-Isaacs to discuss defamation, including specific defamation lawsuits, by public figures against film and streaming companies for inaccurate portrayals.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Alexander Rufus-Isaacs: https://www.rufuslaw.com/alexander-rufus-isaacs/

SERMA CEO and founder Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Cannon Lambert, Sr. to discuss the shocking videos from the Tyreek Hill traffic stop, as Tyreek was just blocks from the Miami Dolphins' stadium for their 2024-25 season home opener. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/Cannon Lambert, Sr.:https://www.getthecannon.com/attorneys/cannon-lambert-attorney

Guest host Brian Cafritz is joined by Peter A. Carfagna, the Chairman and CEO of Magis, LLC, a privately owned sports marketing, management and investment company, as well as supervisor of the sports law program at Harvard Law School, to discuss current issues with "amateurism" in college sports given the ability for athletes to get paid via name, image, and likeness ("NIL") deals.Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/Peter Carfagna: https://hls.harvard.edu/faculty/peter-a-carfagna/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by co-host Mike Melamed and (Canadian) Senator Marty Deacon to discuss pending Bill S-269, which would provide regulations surrounding betting in sports. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.orgSenator Marty Deacon: https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/deacon-marty/ Bill S-269: https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/en/bill/44-1/S-269/ 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined (again!) by attorney Bryan Sullivan, this time to discuss potential legal implication and challenges to a Donald Trump Biopic, 'The Apprentice.'  Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org Bryan Sullivan: https://www.earlysullivan.com/attorneys/bryan-m-sullivan 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by an all-star panel of Ryan Douglas, Jayson DeMarco, and Shalom Suniula to discuss event cancellation insurance and potential claims following an unexpected cancellation of a live event, inspired by abrupt cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austria after authorities uncovered a potential security threat.Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Matt Mitten, Professor of Law and Executive Director of the National Sports Law Institute at Marquette University Law School, to discuss a proposed monetary settlement from the House v. NCAA lawsuit that would see payments given to athletes across many Universities. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.orgMatt Mitten: https://law.marquette.edu/faculty-and-staff-directory/matthew-mitten

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Marshall Gilinsky of Anderson Kill to discuss how insurance coverage can apply to claims and cases involving allegation of sexual harassment and/or sexual abuse.Join SERMA today: www.theserma.orgMarshall Gilinsky: https://andersonkill.com/people/marshall-gilinsky/ 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Rebecca Delfino, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs and Experiental Learning at Loyola Law School, to discuss artificial intelligence “deepfakes” and legal issues that can arise  when celebrities’ likenesses are replicated without their consent. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.orgRebecca Delfino: https://www.lls.edu/faculty/facultylistc-d/rebeccadelfino/ 

SERMA’s CEO and founder Rich Lenkov is joined by attorney Mit Winter to discuss groundbreaking developments in the important case of House v. NCAA, involving a (potential) HUGE settlement of claims brought by former athletes for lost NIL (name, image, and likeness) revenue. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.orgMit Winter: https://kennyhertzperry.com/kennyhertz-perry-lawyers/mit-winter/ 

SERMA Founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Jeremy Luke, the CEO and President of the Canadian Centre of Ethics and Sports, to discuss ongoing problems and concerns with sports betting.Join SERMA today: www.theserma.orgJeremy Luke: https://cces.ca/news/jeremy-luke-announced-cces-president-and-ceo 

SERMA founder and CEO Rich Lenkov is joined by Shirin Malkani of Perkins Coie to discuss how the now ever-present Artificial Intelligence (AI) can have legal implications in professional sports. Join SERMA today: www.theserma.orgShirin Malkani: https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/professionals/shirin-malkani.html