When Things Go Wrong

When Things Go Wrong

Crisis comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes we see it coming, sometimes we don't. Host Frank Supovitz has spent more than 30 years creating, managing and producing major sports and entertainment events, and he'll speak with professionals in all walks of life and business about how they have handled crisis and adversity. From the Super Bowl to the Boston Marathon; from personal struggles to nationwide traumas; from natural disasters to breakdowns of technology, and much more, guests will talk about how they managed these crises and the lessons learned that they pass on to others.

Episodes

Willie O’Ree — NHL Legend: With only one eye, Willie broke the color barrier for Hockey

October 5, 2021 • 58 mins
Willie O'Ree, the great grandson of an escaped slave was the first African American Hockey player in the NHL. He played 22 Years. Not only did Willie break the color barrier for Hockey and make the sport accessible for African Americans, but he did it with one eye -- a secret he told only one person. Hear his story of triumph over extreme turmoil and what should have been a career ending eye injury, as well as the advice he receive...
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20 Year FBI Veteran, Greg Shaffer, Shares tips to Surviving Active Shooter Attacks

September 21, 2021 • 43 mins
If something is going wrong around you -- you want Greg Shaffer with you. If not, you want to listen to this interview to learn what he would do and read his book. Greg if the founding partner of the Shaffer Security Group and a 20 Year FBI Veteran, he served on the Hostage Rescue Team Tactical Operator (HRT), he is an FBI Certified Crisis Negotiator, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Paramedic and Close Quarter Battle Instructor. He t...
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Richard Levick - Chairman/CEO of LEVICK: Managing the Impossible I Communication during 9/11, BP Oil Spill, NFL/NIKE

September 7, 2021 • 44 mins
Richard Levick's phone rings at all hours, from all over the world, for one reason -- a crisis has occurred. With 40 years of experience, Richard credits his instincts in guiding him to navigate companies through "fixing the impossible". From the recent Champlain tower collapse in Miami, to 9/11, the BP Oil Spill, the Banking crisis, Larry Nassar Women's Gymnastics tragedy, to the Nike / NFL / Colin Kapernick controversy and many m...
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Jeffrey Miller — NFL Kansas City Chiefs Vice President of Security | Super Bowl security and managing a public tragedy

August 24, 2021 • 48 mins
Jeffrey Miller is former chief executive in charge of security for the NFL and is the current Vice President of Security for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to those positions, he had a distinguished career in law enforcement. He was an officer in the Pennsylvania State Police department and was the commissioner from 2003 to 2008. In this episode, Jeff talks about Super Bowl security, and then discusses the most difficult experience ...
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Chanel Keenan -- NHL Seattle Kracken Intersectionality Consultant on the Mobility Impaired Community consistent, daily challenges

August 10, 2021 • 45 mins
Intersectionality Consultant for the Seattle Kranken on battling Brittle Bone disease and the challenges she, and the disabled community, face every day that many of us take for granted, and how we can help. Discussion topics: the challenges of managing the logistics of sports stadiums, restaurants and office buildings for disabled persons as well as evacuating during fires, school shootings and valuable tips on how/why not to pani...
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Dan Donovan -- Managing Partner of STRATOSCOPE explains Olympics Games crisis

July 27, 2021 • 54 mins
Just about any crisis imaginable in an event setting, Dan Donovan has been faced with. As a managing partner of STRATOSCOPE, Dan has spearheaded operational risk solutions teams for the largest events in the world: Olympic Games, Super Bowl, NFL, NBA, NCAA, All Star Games to name a few.  In this episode he takes us through obstacles faced at the Atlanta Olympics including the Centennial Bombing. The near crisis at the Sydney Olymp...
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Adam Wald - NBC Universal and NBC News

July 13, 2021 • 43 mins
Director of Production Operations and Management for NBC Universal and NBC News and Line Producer for NBC’s Holiday Shows on preparing for the unexpected and handling significant challenges in real time with millions watching on live TV — discussion topics: dangers of TV crews covering natural disasters; ie: Hurricane Harvey, New York City Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nik Wallenda tight rope walk across the Grand Canyon. Follow ...
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Mario Rodriguez -- Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority

June 29, 2021 • 38 mins
Exec. Dir of the Indianapolis Airport Authority named “Best Airport in North America” by JD Power, Conde Nast Traveler, etc and appointed to US Dept. of Transportation Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection by the last two Presidents, and Biden Harris transition team. He discusses how the IND Airport managed COVID 19 and predicts the “new normal” for the travel industry. As well as how predicting a major problem and preemptivel...
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BONUS: Rob Paulsen — Voice actor ‘Animaniacs,’ ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ | Playing hockey with NHL legend Gordie Howe, and Animaniacs music

June 17, 2021 • 15 mins
In this special bonus episode, you’ll hear more about Rob’s work with the music on “Animaniacs” and an incredible story about the time Rob played in a charity hockey game with NHL legend, Gordie Howe. Hint: Gordie had a little present in mind for our friend, Rob. To purchase Rob’s book “Voice Lessons: How a couple of Ninja Turtles, Pinky, and an Animaniac Save My Life” please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Lessons-Couple-Turt...
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Rob Paulsen — Voice actor ‘Animaniacs,’ ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ | Battling throat cancer as a voice actor

June 15, 2021 • 42 mins
Rob Paulsen is one of the most accomplished voice actors in the business. He is the voice of Yakko Warner on the long-running cartoon “Animaniacs” and he has voiced numerous characters on the longtime fan favorite “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” And those roles barely scratch the surface of Rob’s career. In 2016, after more than 20 years as a performer, Rob was diagnosed with throat cancer. In this episode, hear the story of Rob’s ...
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Mary Wittenberg — President E.F. Pro Cycling | Managing teams and media during 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, COVID Pandemic

June 1, 2021 • 40 mins
After the 9/11 tragedy, Mary and her colleagues decided it was necessary to continue with the New York City Marathon just six weeks after the attacks. Mary takes us through the decision making process and how they prepared, in record time, to keep thousands safe on the streets of New York.  She opens up about a tragic event during the 2008 Olympic trials; speaks candidly about the bombings during the Boston Marathon in 2013; and re...
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Brian Burke — NHL Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations | Managing a pro sports franchise

May 18, 2021 • 48 mins
Brian Burke, President of Hockey Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, talks about the challenges of managing a professional sports franchise. It’s like working in a goldfish bowl, and the difficulties relate to almost any industry. He explains how he stays focused on his goals when everyone is watching and everyone has an opinion.  We hear how he handled the high profile Team USA Hockey controversy, and Brian’s “essential rules”...
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Introducing "When Things Go Wrong"

May 5, 2021 • 3 mins
Crisis usually strikes out of nowhere. Even with extensive planning and preparation, we can't anticipate everything. Sometimes, things just go wrong. Host Frank Supovitz will speak with professionals in a variety of industries to find out they handled crisis and adversity, and to discover lessons that can help others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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