Between The Fur

The first "LUCKY" wasn't quite so lucky. Jeff Goodin was the first Celtics in costume Mascot "Lucky" (yes, when it comes to Boston there's a difference) and the Dallas Mavericks Mascots "MavsMan" and "Champ". We get into how everyone in Boston hated the first "Lucky", how this isn't a $7 an hour job, the early days of Mark Cuban and our interactions with him. Goodin is as "goodin" as it gets!  https://www.facebook.com/BTFmascots/ Sponsors: ALINCO Costumes & GameOps.com

Zoltan (Zoli) the best chameleon in professional sports! Zoli was the first "G-Wiz" for the Washington Wizards. He has gone on to fill in for Mascots spanning the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He is currently the Senior Production Manager for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters!  We share our stunt work in movies, commercials, and music videos, as well as our brushes with the rich and famous. https://www.facebook.com/BTFmascots/  Sponsors: ALINCO Costumes & GameOps.com

Designing and creating BOOMER, I nearly die in Australia, & the cancer he will die with!  Paul and I go way back to almost the beginning of my career. He talks of his gymnastic background, being involved in creating the character Boomer and performing as such. We share stories of Australia and how I almost died. Paul also shares his story of his current battle with cancer. I love this guy and miss him. https://www.facebook.com/BTFmascots/ Sponsors: ALINCO Costumes & GameOps.com  

Talk about going deep... Barry, the artist formerly known as "BENNY THE BULL" from the Chicago Bulls, dives deep into the art of being a professional mascot.  Barry reveals how he brought Benny to life and the mental and physical effort it took!  Checkout what Barry is up to now! -Custom Costumes:  orders@chigacocostume.com / ChicagoCostumes.com -JigSaw Entertainment:  barry@jugsawentertainment.com - Mascot design, construction, branding and performance for international & domestic sports teams, sports federations and large corporations.

The one and only Rufus from the short-lived Charlotte Bobcats.  Hear him tell of his journey to the NBA, his 9 years with the Bobcats, his book Belayed Gratification, and a starstruck Jessica Simpson and her parents.    CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK @BTFmascots

Chris Ernest drops a couple shockers in this episode!  I was totally caught off guard when he spoke of his childhood! It was a true pleasure to speak to the man who worked his way in to the mascot world and the NBA. I learned that there really is a soft heart behind that crazy FUR BALL!! Thank You for listening! CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK - @BTFmascots 

Eric McMahon ("GRIZZ"),  Jon Absey (former "JAZZ BEAR"),  Barry Anderson (former "BENNY THE BULL"), and I share some memorable and amusing mascot mishaps and stories at the 2019 Mascot Conference in Memphis TN. (Bleeps are added to this episode to cover up language and names keeping current mascots identity private.)   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

What an honor it was to have THE KING, Jerry Lawler, as the guest speaker at the 2019 NBA Mascot Conference in Memphis, TN! Jerry is in the WWE Hall of Fame and is a Color Commentator, he has also appeared in several movies including MAN ON THE MOON.  In his speech he tells of his experiences with Mascots, the late Hollywood Star ANDY KAUFMAN, and Late Night with DAVID LETTERMAN. We were all riveted... ENJOY! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

A chat with the legendary and current Kansas City Chiefs Mascot KC WOLF!  Dan Meers is the first NFL Mascot featured on Between the Fur.  Dan talks of his work in the community, philanthropy, 30 year career, and how his near death injury has been a blessing overall.  As we chatted about his 70 ft. fall, I get the opportunity to clear the air about the time I got hung from the catwalk in front of 19k people!  ENJOY!! FOLLOW:  Facebook @BTFmascots  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

In a way these two gentlemen "Brought me into this world!"  Tom Sapp is the Designer and Creator of hundreds of mascots and characters around the globe. Wayne and Tom have worked together developing characters like the Denver Nuggets mascot ROCKY and the Pistons HOOPER to name a few.  It was a ton of fun chatting with these two geniuses and sharing stories of successes and me almost dying while skydiving in costume! ENJOY!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

An unbelievable story of a man behind a mask cheating death.  Eric McMahon shares his eerie, jaw dropping story of his battle with cancer and how his team, town and fellow mascots rallied around him.  You will be saddened, angry, and inspired as Eric takes you on this personal journey. FOLLOW: Facebook @BTFmascots --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

It seems like most Mascots have an uncommon childhood. Ned and Georgia (Mom & Dad) are my biggest supporters and always have been! In this episode we talk about my hero's, and influencers, and how I was a Mascot from DAY ONE! They tell of my early childhood, gymnastics in the backyard, how a couple of professional mimes helped shape my future, and some bonus stories about Shaq and Magic Johnson. For a closer look into my background and "Mascot in the making" antics, listen to this up close and personal episode.     --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

Former NBA mascot "CLUTCH" for the Houston Rockets talks about "Mascot University", the mindset of a successful mascot, key elements of entertainment and more.  This is a high energy, information packed, conversation with one of the best entertainers in the business. A MUST listen for any and all pro sports entertainers, managers and fans!     --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

Kit Ackermann is currently LUCKY in more ways than one!  He tells of his journey to the pros and how a baseball player turned into a dunking mascot that speaks. The Boston Celtics thought outside the box when they decided to create a character who's face is the face of the mascot. Apparently Kit has a face for mascoting! It was fun to hear the different experiences he has opposed to those of masked characters.    --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

The living legend himself!! Dave tells of his ground breaking time with the Philadelphia Phillies as the famous Philly Phanatic.  His stories of how his father inspired him, the relationships he built with fans, the Mascot Hall of Fame and more, will no doubt entertain and inspire you!  One of my favorite stories involves one of my childhood heros, Tommy Lasorda.  Dave also gives me a glimpse of life after the mascot world.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did recording it!

A chat with the man who made HUGO/SUPER HUGO the Charolette Hornets mascots an international icon.  Mike takes us through his journey sharing stories of his start, Mascot Dunk Contests at All Star, celebrities, international travel, playing two characters at once, and more!  Mike is a great  example of what commitment to a character and brand is all about! He explains how he pushed through several serious injuries and 14 surgeries to perform and keep his character at 100%!  Of course we share similar stories as you will hear.  ENJOY!

Miguel Vargas, truly a "Jack of all trades" tells of his time as the New Jersey Nets mascot SLY and more!  Stories of international travel, spontaneous crowd work, and what goes on inside the fur, etc.  Miguel has not only been an NBA mascot but has done TV and Movie work.  He worked his way up through the ranks of NASCAR, and is currently the game presentation director for the Carolina Panthers!  A funny, talented, hard working guy that isn't afraid to take chances! ENJOY! BTW, in the interest of time, I unfortunately had to cut out a lot of his stories of delivering mail, putting in the time and work to learn, becoming the production manager of NASCAR,  his garage being on a home show, and pre-mascotting, if thats a word.

"A lot of people would give anything to get in these suites." - Wes Lockard This episode features one of the all time funniest guys in and out of a costume. Wes Lockard shares some stories of being a mascot in the NBA during the early days. Everything from being a mascot with no name to several court cases. He reveals heart felt experiences with his community, purposing to his wife, stories of Pat Riley, and how his unique humor bled through the fur and feathers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message

Formerly with the Atlanta Hawks, one of my favorite people and podcasts so far!  Stories from the 80's and 90's, how Wayne played a key role in my career, Harry the Hawk stories and more! FOLLOW: Facebook @BTFmascots

Every great mascot has a great assistant. Dominic is "The Rocket Man" for the Houston Rockets and is the Assistant / Baby Sitter / Sidekick / Body Guard for "Clutch". Dominic has had the opportunity to become one of the best in the league and put himself in the spotlight around the NBA.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kennsolomon-betweenthefur/message