Sound-off with Sinkoff

Episode #15: Emmanuel Berbari / Radio voice of the New York Yankees

What happens when a high school live streaming program ignites a lifelong passion? Meet Emmanuel Barbari, the radio voice of the New York Yankees and Siena College Basketball, as he joins us to share his incredible journey from Long Island to the big leagues.  Emmanuel recounts his serendipitous introduction to broadcasting during his high school days and the pivotal moments at Fordham University that solidified his path. From a career-launching internship at WFAN to securing his coveted role at Siena College, Emmanuel’s story is a testament to seizing opportunities and following your passion. Ever wondered what it feels like to be called up to the majors for the first time? Emmanuel takes us behind the scenes of his debut Major League Baseball play-by-play for a Yankees game in Pittsburgh. Feel the excitement and nerves as he prepares for the unexpected call-up, and learn about the overwhelming support from his colleagues, including Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling. With John’s early-season retirement, new doors opened, leading to a more prominent role for Emmanuel and Justin Shackil. This segment is filled with gratitude, anticipation, and the determination to excel as a key member of the Yankees' broadcast team. Get a front-row seat to the daily grind of a baseball broadcaster. Emmanuel walks us through his meticulous game day routine, from early arrivals to dodge traffic to the thrill of charter travel with the team. He shares insightful anecdotes about preparing for broadcasts, introducing opposing teams’ players, and the unique challenges of working at Yankee Stadium.  Plus, hear about memorable moments like calling Aaron Judge’s 300th home run and the invaluable mentorship from seasoned experts like Suzyn. Tune in to uncover what it truly takes to succeed in the high-paced, exhilarating world of sports broadcasting.

Episode #14: The "Look" of the Olympics

Brian Sinkoff interviews his uncle Mark Favermann, who designed the look of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and has been a design consultant for the Boston Red Sox for the past 23 seasons. Mark shares his experience of being selected to design the look of the Atlanta Olympics and the challenges he faced during the process. He also discusses the importance of the look in creating a unique identity for the Olympics and how it helps to connect all the venues and events. They break down the Paris 2024 Olympics and how the logo connects back to the City.  Mark also talks about the future of the Olympics and the changing ways in which people consume sports content.

Episode #13: Stop Pretending You're An Olympics Gymnastics Judge!

Ever found yourself suddenly critiquing a gymnastics routine or a diving performance like a seasoned expert during the Olympics?  On this episode of Sound-off with Sinkoff, Brian hilariously dissects our collective transformation into Olympic 'specialists' every four years.  From his early crush on Mary Lou Retton back in '84 to watching jaw-dropping routines with my wife, Francine, it’s a nostalgic and comical take on how we pretend to understand sports that most of us can barely spell.Tune in as Brian ponders the baffling complexities of gymnastics and diving, questioning how athletes manage to practice such dangerous moves without constant injury. He shares his bewilderment and amusement at social media 'experts' who confidently critique routines despite knowing zilch about the sports.  Whether you're a casual fan or an armchair judge, this episode is your ticket to laughing at our shared ignorance and embracing the simple joy of watching these incredible athletes.

Episode #12: Gerry McNamara - From Syracuse to Siena

Gerry McNamara, the new head coach at Siena College, joins Brian Sinkoff on the latest episode of "Sound-off with Sinkoff".  They discuss McNamara's career at Syracuse, including winning the national championship as a freshman and his relationship with coach Jim Boeheim. McNamara also talks about his transition into coaching, his experience as a graduate assistant at Syracuse, and his journey to becoming the head coach at Siena. He shares his thoughts on recruiting, the challenges of the transfer portal and NIL, and his goals for the Siena program.

Episode #11: Should Danny Hurley take the Lakers job?

What if making the leap from college coaching to the NBA isn't the career jackpot everyone thinks it is? Brian Sinkoff explores the surprising complexities behind the idea of UConn's Dan Hurley potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Inspired by a thought-provoking comment from Francine, my wife, we dive into the historical challenges college coaches face in the NBA, highlighting why only two have managed to secure winning records in the past three decades.  This episode unpacks the unique pressures Hurley deals with at the college level, including NIL, the transfer portal, and player attrition, and questions whether an NBA career would really be the greener pasture it appears to be. Look forward to more thought-provoking discussions in our upcoming episodes!