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Thirty days from the start of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Tim Bryson sits down with Gabby Turner, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation for the Bay Area Host Committee. In this episode, Gabby shares her story, her path into sport, and her role helping shape one of the most historic years in Bay Area sport. In 2026, the region will host Super Bowl LX and FIFA Men’s World Cup matches in the same calendar year, marking the first time this has ever happened. This conversation explores what it takes to bring global sporting events to life, the power of storytelling and innovation, and how the Bay Area Host Committee is serving as a forcing function for collaboration and coalition building across cities, sectors, industries, communities, and institutions. From marketing and regional identity to legacy, impact, and the future of global sport, Gabby offers an inside look at what it means to host the world. It’s happening. We walking!! Graphic art designed by LeRoid David.

In this episode, Tim walks with Jaelyn Arndt, Associate Director of Communications (Social Media) at the NCAA, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on what it takes to lead storytelling at the highest level. Fresh off her work leading NCAA storytelling for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Jaelyn breaks down how stories get built in real time, from pre-production planning and stakeholder alignment to on-site execution, approvals, and publishing cadence. This conversation is a masterclass in creative operations, athlete-centered storytelling, and leadership under pressure. In this episode, we cover: What “NCAA storytelling” looks like in practice across platforms while at the Winter Olympic Games How to build a content plan that can flex in real time The systems and workflows that keep high-volume production moving Trust, consent, and athlete agency in on-camera moments Measuring impact beyond views and engagement Lessons from the Games that translate to future mega sporting events Advice for students and early-career professionals breaking into sport storytelling Follow and engage with @NCAA on all socials!!! Guest: Jaelyn Arndt, Associate Director of Communications (Social Media), NCAA Host: Timothy Ford Bryson

In this episode, Tim speaks with Brian Dubiski, Chairman and CEO of the Union Jack Classic. Their conversation explores what the first NCAA football game in London represents for the future of college athletics. Arizona State and Kansas will face off at Wembley Stadium in September 2026. The matchup marks a historic moment for the Big 12 Conference. More importantly, it reveals a broader shift in how college sport is embracing internationalization. Tim and Brian discuss global strategy, international media rights, revenue generation, and long-term institutional planning in an era shaped by NIL and revenue sharing. Brian also shares the personal origin of the Pink Bows Foundation, founded in memory of his daughter. He explains how that work led to the Showstop® Procedure, a global training and certification model focused on crowd safety and prevention at large-scale events. This episode situates the Union Jack Classic within a wider conversation about internationalization, safety, responsibility, recruitment, alumni engagement, and the evolving role of athletic departments as global actors. The future of college sport is global. Learn more about the Union Jack ClassicLearn more about the Pink Bows Foundation It's happening. We walking!

The NFL is moving into a new global era. In this Tim Talks episode, Tim breaks down the league’s internationalization strategy. He also reflects on what he experienced firsthand at the NFL Madrid Game, a moment that revealed how quickly American football is becoming a truly global sport. In this episode, Tim explores: How the NFL is building global ecosystems, not just hosting games The rise of international athletes in NCAA and NFL Fan growth through export + localization Europe as the league’s anchor market Why flag football in the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics matters What the NFL Madrid Game showed about culture, fandom, and belonging This episode offers a clear look at how sport, strategy, and global mobility are shaping the future of American football. It’s happening. We walking. References Blog: The London, I Mean Jacksonville Jaguars Blog: NFL Academy - International Football Athlete Pathway to NCAA Blog: NFL Practice Squads x International Athletes

In this special episode of Tim Talks, Tim steps back behind the mic to offer reflection and a future-facing look at one of the most important shifts happening in higher education today: the convergence of international education and college sport. Drawing from 15 years of global experiences — from Ecuador to Cuba, from the NFL Academy to NBA Africa, from Fulbright advising to launching the Global Sport and Education Summit — Tim breaks down how international mobility and athletics have become intertwined in ways institutions can no longer ignore. This episode explores: How professional and collegiate sports are accelerating global engagement The rising impact and visibility of international college athletes Why Black international athlete experiences deserve focused attention The five biggest truths shaping this intersection right now What “international athlete development” actually means The momentum and the challenges campuses must navigate Tim’s major announcement: a fully sponsored institutional partnership for Spring 2026 A preview of the podcast’s official return in 2026 Part reflection, part roadmap, and part call to action, this episode is a snapshot of where the field is — and where Tim believes it must go next. Whether you work in athletics, global engagement, student support, or simply care about the future of college sport, this conversation offers clarity, urgency, and possibility. It's happening. We walking! Follow @WalkWithTFB on Instagram and LinkedIn! References NCAA Article: History of College Football Games outside of the United States

During this walk, Dr. Javier Wallace joins Walk With TFB to explore the intersections of sport, migration, and education through the lens of his forthcoming book, Basketball Trafficking: Stolen Black Panamanian Dreams. A Black Panamanian historian and former college athlete, Dr. Wallace shares his journey from the court to the classroom and unpacks how the U.S. college basketball system exploits international college athletes, particularly those navigating the F-1 visa process. Together, we examine how race, nationality, and opportunity collide to create vulnerabilities for athletes seeking to fulfill their dreams through sport. Dr. Wallace’s insights challenge us to see beyond the competition and confront the global structures that enable exploitation in higher education and college athletics. Key Themes: International college athletes, F-1 visas, trafficking in sport, Black international identity, Global education Learn more about Dr. Wallace’s work at https://www.javierwallace.com/ Follow Walk With TFB on Instagram for more global conversations at the intersection of sport, education, and equity.

During this walk, we explore how international college athletes navigate the unique mental health challenges shaped by both sport and migration. Transitioning into, or returning to, higher education often comes with pressures of performance, belonging, and identity. When immigration is layered into that experience, the stakes become even higher.To unpack this, we’re joined by the Katherine Thompson. Katherine is the Founder of Spero Psychological Services, a practice built on hope and empowerment to meet the unmet mental health needs of diverse communities. From immigration hardship evaluations to organizational consulting on workplace well-being, Spero is committed to lighting the path to healing for those who feel overlooked or underserved.As a Colombian American, our guest brings both professional expertise and personal experience, weaving cultural understanding into her work to ensure marginalized populations receive the care they deserve. Together, we ask: What can higher education and sport industries learn from immigrant community care models to better support international athletes today?Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of sport, education, and global mobility.

In this episode, we explore the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) —a powerhouse in sports, academics, and student support. As a key stop on the 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit, UCLan stands out for its commitment to developing student-athletes, fostering global connections, and providing a vibrant university experience. Tune in as we uncover: 🔥 Elite Sports Programs – State-of-the-art training facilities, competitive teams, and pathways for student-athletes🌍 University Culture & Student Life – A look at campus traditions, student experiences, and what makes UCLan unique📚 Comprehensive Student Support – Academic resources, athlete services, and international student programs🤝 Global Partnerships – How UCLan collaborates with institutions worldwide to create international opportunities Whether you're an athlete, educator, or sports professional, this episode gives you insider access to what makes UCLan a leader in both sport and education.

Loughborough University is world-renowned for its excellence in sports, academics, and student experience. As a key stop during the 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit, this institution continues to shape the future of sports leadership and global education.In this episode, we dive into:🏆 Loughborough’s elite sports programs and training facilities🎓 The university’s dynamic culture and student experience🌍 How internationalization is shaping the future of student-athletes💡 Key student services that support both athletic and academic successWhether you're an aspiring student-athlete, a sports professional, or simply interested in higher education and athletics, this conversation is packed with insights!🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more discussions on global sports leadership and university experiences!

During this walk, Ashley Germain talks to us about her experience as an international college athlete. Originally from Montreal, Ashley matriculated into U.S. higher education as a track and field athlete at the University of Maryland, College Park. Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to: Navigating the visa process to stay and live/work in the U.S. Ashley's experience as a Team Canada track and field athlete The role of Worldwide Terps, UMD's international college athlete organization Self-discovery during Covid and Black Lives Matter movement The importance of major selection for international college athletes How Ashley learned English through watching Netflix shows International college athletes continue to enter U.S. higher education at increasing rates. This episodes shines light on their unique experience and shares recommendations for how NCAA athletic departments can best support international athletes during their entire lifecycle in the United States higher education system.

During this walk, Dr. Walker talks to us about how to increase access for Black students and Black college athletes to study abroad. Dr. Walker is the Founder of World Walker, LLC. World Walker's mission is to curate transformative learning experiences abroad. ⁠https://www.worldwalker.org⁠ During the Spring 2025 term, World Walker will lead two Spring Break trips for Black students to the United Arab Emirates and Japan. Discussion points in this episode include but not limited to: Importance of centering Black students when designing study abroad programs Exploitation of Black athletes in global contexts How white supremacy shows up in United States and abroad History of U.S. Black Americans relationship with mobility Interest convergence: college athletics and international education If you don't have Black students interested in studying abroad, you ain't doing it right! Dr. Walker comes with gems, a lot of truth, and a vision for the future of international education.

During this episode, George talks to us about NFL globalization. Commonly known as "George on Sports," George is a Sport and Lifestyle Personality, Creator, Host & Former UK Running Back. George was also named "arguably the most influential Colts fan in Europe," per a 2023 IndyStar featured article. Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to: NFL Globalization efforts in the UK Differences in NFL fandom between UK and Germany Involving local community in NFL internationalization initiatives Leveraging stories of international athlete/coaches to increase visibility grow the game globally George's 2024 NFL MVP and 2025 SuperBowl prediction When we can expect an NFL regular season game in Africa This an episode we will look back on and say "George told us so!" NFL's International Impact Follow George on IG: @GeorgeOnSports We're walking!

During this walk, Lucy shares why education abroad is for all athletes. A United Kingdom native, Lucy is a returning guest to the Walk With TFB Podcast. During her first appearance, we learned more about her story, career experiences, and moments that led her to create Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA) in 2022. Lucy is the Founder of ⁠Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA)⁠. AFA is the study discovery platform that empowers student-athletes to explore overseas study. AFA equips athletes with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to pursue their education in the UK, regardless of their desire to continue competing. Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to: Impact of global politics on students desire to study abroad Social media as a tool for international student recruitment How UK universities choose to become competitive destinations for former NCAA athletes Role of Graduate Route Visa in decision making to study abroad in the UK Lucy recognizes the value of education abroad. AFA is committed to connecting all students and athletes to opportunities in the United Kingdom, including NCAA athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. This episode surely sets the tone for the rest of Season 6! Tell a friend to tell an athlete about Athlete Futures Abroad! Visit AFA's website! ⁠www.athletefuturesabroad.com ⁠ Follow AFA on ⁠Instagram⁠!

During this walk, Tim shares why Walk With TFB is THE Internationalization and Athletics Podcast. Discussion points: Reflecting on "This Ain't Normal" TimTalk episode Reason for the year long hiatus NFL Academy, NBA Academy, NFL London Game What to expect from Season 6 Call for podcast guests IG/TikTok: ⁠⁠@WalkWithTFB⁠⁠ ⁠Sign up for Walk With TFB newsletter

During this walk, Timi explains what it means to be a British-Nigerian playing American football. Born in London and from Nigerian descent, Timi played global football (soccer) his entire life. After watching Super Bowl LVI between the Rams and Bengals, he became intrigued with the sport. His mom's encouragement was the final push. Timi decided to pivot away from soccer and learn American football. In 2022, Timi enrolled at the NFL Academy. Founded in 2019, the NFL Academy is “a global initiative by the NFL, which aims to use American football to create life-changing opportunities for young people all around the world.” The Academy is THE international athlete pathway to compete as an NCAA college athlete. His story has been covered by ESPN and Sky Sports, but during this episode Timi gets to share his story with his own words. Discussion points: Timi's commitment to being a STUDENT-athlete Timi's career plans alongside NFL aspirations Growth of American football in the U.K. International athlete recruiting process Future of NFL Academy talent in the NCAA Big 10 stadiums Timi is looking forward to competing in Timi is trilingual but throughout this episode he speaks his truth. Buy stock in the NFL Academy now. International football athletes are coming to the NCAA. Timi and others are leading the way. Instagram: @TimiOke Blog: NFL Academy, International Football Athlete Pathway to NCAA