THE SERMAPOD

Hosted by Rich Lenkov

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Episodes

126

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Join personalities from SERMA (Sports & Entertainment Risk Management Alliance) for insightful discussions on a variety of trending and important topics in claims facing the industry.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 3, 2026Episode 12618 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 126 | Just The Two Of Us Litigants: Bill Withers v. Olivia Dean

In Episode 126 of The SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov is joined by returning guest Judith Finell, renowned forensic musicologist and expert witness in the landmark “Blurred Lines” copyright lawsuit. They examine the latest music copyright dispute involving Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us” and Olivia Dean’s “I’ve Seen It,” exploring how musical similarities are evaluated, which elements of a song receive copyright protection, and the legal challenges of proving infringement and damages. Finell also shares insights into the role of forensic musicologists, pre-release copyright screening, and the factors that influence whether these disputes settle or go to trial. Judith Finell: https://www.jfmusicservices.com/ Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

October 13, 2026Episode 12522 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 125 | Weather Insurance for Revenue Protection

In Episode 125 of The SERMAPod, guest host Matt Liller welcomes Robert Holmes, President of Spectrum Weather and Specialty Insurance, to discuss how weather insurance can protect revenue from unpredictable weather conditions. Robert breaks down the different types of weather coverage, including parametric rain insurance, adverse weather policies, and event cancellation insurance. He also shares real-world examples of how coverage has helped event organizers avoid significant financial losses, addresses common misconceptions, and offers practical advice for identifying and insuring weather-related financial risks. An informative conversation for sports and entertainment professionals, event organizers, and risk managers looking to better protect their bottom line. Learn more about Spectrum Weather and Specialty Insurance at https://spectrumwx.com Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

September 29, 2026Episode 12425 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 124 | Kilcher v. Cameron & The Future of AI Likeness Rights

Attorney Arnold Peter joins The SERMAPod to discuss the ongoing lawsuit Q’orianka Kilcher v. James Cameron and The Walt Disney Company and its potential implications for AI, digital replicas, and likeness rights in the entertainment industry. Peter, who represents Kilcher in the litigation, breaks down the allegations in the case, the legal protections surrounding an individual’s likeness, and how rapidly evolving AI technology could reshape contracts, releases, insurance, and risk management for studios and production companies. The conversation also explores practical steps entertainment companies can take to reduce risk when using AI-generated or digitally replicated human features. Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ Arnold Peter: https://peterlawgroup.com/attorneys/arnold-p-peter/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

September 14, 2026Episode 12320 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 123 | Who Owns Your Face: The Avatar Lawsuit

Harvard Law Professor Rebecca Tushnet joins SERMAPod to discuss the lawsuit involving Q’orianka Kilcher, James Cameron, Disney, and the Avatar franchise. The conversation explores right of publicity claims, the distinction between inspiration and unlawful appropriation, California’s deepfake laws, and what the rise of AI and digital likeness technology could mean for performers and the entertainment industry. Professor Tushnet: https://hls.harvard.edu/faculty/rebecca-tushnet/ Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Serivces: https://magnals.com/

August 31, 2026Episode 12229 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 122 | Live Nation Antitrust Lawsuit

Temple University law professor and antitrust expert Salil Mehra joins guest host Adam Bunge to discuss the Live Nation - Ticketmaster antitrust lawsuit. They examine the history of the merger, the allegations against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, the DOJ’s decision to settle before trial, and the potential remedies still on the table—including a possible breakup of the companies. Salil Mehra: https://law.temple.edu/contact/salil-k-mehra/ Join SERMA today: https://theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services! https://magnals.com/

August 17, 2026Episode 12125 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 121 | Miami World Cup Consigliere

In Episode 121 of SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov is joined by David Seifer of Bilzin Sumberg, lead counsel to the Miami Host Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. David takes us behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest sporting events, discussing the years of preparation required to bring the World Cup to Miami. They explore negotiations with FIFA, security and insurance challenges, coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders, and the importance of communication across legal, risk, finance, operations, and security teams. David also reflects on his experience attending all seven Miami matches and what event organizers of any size can learn from successfully managing an event of this magnitude. David Seifer: https://www.bilzin.com/people/s/seifer-david-m Join SERMA Today: https://www.theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

August 3, 202622 min

The SERMAPod Crossover: What My Sports & Entertainment Background Taught Me About Risk | Installment 1

🎙️ The first installment of The SERMAPOD Crossover: What My Sports & Entertainment Background Taught Me About Risk is released! SERMA Founder & CEO Rich Lenkov sits down with Jamie Bruhn Claims Supervisor and musician to discuss how Jamie's background in music has shaped his approach to claims and risk management. Together, they explore the importance of preparation, adaptability and building strong relationships. They also dive into the unique risks performers face and why contracts are such a critical tool—offering practical lessons that translate directly to today’s risk management and claims professionals. Jamie Bruhn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bruhn-0543a56/ Special thanks to our sponsor, A-G Specialty Insurance: https://agspecialtyinsurance.com/ Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/

July 27, 2026Episode 12042 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 120 | San Diego State Title IX Settlement

Guest host Virginia Pederson is joined by three-time Olympic champion, civil rights attorney, and Champion Women founder Nancy Hogshead to discuss San Diego State University’s landmark Title IX settlement. They examine the scholarship disparities at the center of the lawsuit, the significance of awarding monetary damages to former female athletes, and the broader cost of failing to address Title IX compliance proactively. The conversation also explores athletic opportunities, facilities, recruiting resources, outside compliance audits, and how this settlement could encourage similar lawsuits against universities nationwide. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

July 25, 2026Episode 11917 min

The SERMAPod Ep. 119 | TaylorMade v. Calloway

In Episode 119 of the SERMAPod, Rich Lenkov speaks with forensic accounting expert Teddy Brown and digital forensics expert Mark Clews about the TaylorMade v. Callaway Golf lawsuit. They examine the false advertising and trade libel allegations involving Callaway’s “mud ball” claims, along with the challenges of preserving influencer content, authenticating digital evidence in the age of AI, and calculating damages in modern brand disputes. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ And a special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/

July 14, 2026Episode 11835 min

The SERMAPOD Ep. 118 | Market Predictions

In this episode of the SERMAPod, Virginia Pederson speaks with internationally recognized gambling-law expert Professor I. Nelson Rose about the growing controversy surrounding sports prediction markets. They discuss the NFL’s efforts to restrict trading on manipulable events, concerns involving insider information and individual player actions, the role of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and whether platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are using federal commodities law to bypass state gambling regulations. Professor Rose also shares his prediction for the future of these platforms and explains why the debate extends far beyond sports. Join SERMA today: https://www.theserma.org/ A special thanks to our sponsor, Magna Legal Services: https://magnals.com/