Suzy Kolber

Episode 656 of the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch features Suzy Kolber, the host and executive producer of a new series, "The Originals," which will premiere on September 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET on the Scripps Sports Network, the new, free streaming television channel launched by the Scripps Company earlier this year. The interview show features one on one interviews with people who defy easy explanation including Jesse Cole, founder of the Savannah Bananas; Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters, Hilary Knight, Steve Young and Diana Flores. In this podcast, Kolber discusses being let go by ESPN in 2023 after 27 years there and how she has processed that layoff over the past three years; how the the Scripps Sports show came about; interviewing Cole about his success with the Savannah Bananas; whether she has interest in returning to live sports television; how ESPN management told her about the decision; reflecting on ESPN not doing anything on her leaving the network after years of valuable service; talking to ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro prior to the layoff; taking a 39 percent on her contract prior to her layoff; why longevity for a woman in the business is something she is especially proud of; wondering why leaks happen at ESPN; why it was difficult for her to watch ESPN for a couple of years; speaking candidly on her episode with Salters where they discussed fertility levels, trying to get pregnant and miscarriages, and more. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.