iHeartPodcasts

Hosted by Gayle Troberman and Daryl Lee, the debut episode explores why HBO’s “Heated Rivalry” is reshaping sports, culture, marketing and selling of a gay love story

Series Premieres June 15, 2026

Listen to “gay-i” Now HERE

NEWPORT, RI – June 15, 2026 – Bubbler Media, the conversation company built for curious marketers, culture-watchers and thoughtful leaders who would rather start a dinner-party debate than sit through another panel, and iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced the launch of “gay-i,” a new podcast looking at marketing, media and culture through a distinctly LGBTQ+ lens.

Co-hosted by Gayle Troberman, co-founder of Bubbler and former CMO of iHeartMedia and Chief Creative Officer of Microsoft, and Daryl Lee, Global Chairman of McCann, “gay-i” gives listeners the gay eye on what is really moving marketing, media and culture – because as the show’s tagline says, all marketing is definitely not created equal. With C-suite firepower, queer curiosity and a healthy intolerance for boring brand conversations, each episode brings together LGBTQ+ leaders, allies, marketers, creators and cultural voices to unpack the campaigns, fandoms, entertainment, ideas and conversations reshaping culture and where brands must pay attention. 

"Marketing is ultimately about understanding people and connecting through culture," said Gayle Troberman, co-host of “gay-i” and co-founder of Bubbler. "The LGBTQ+ community has always had a knack for spotting what’s next and shaping the conversations, trends and creative ideas that move culture forward. In a world increasingly focused on data and technology, ‘gay-i’ is a place for bold, human conversations about what's resonating today through the uniquely gay eye."

The debut episode, “Heated Rivalry,” dives into the unexpected impact of HBO’s breakout gay hockey romance, exploring what the show’s success reveals about fandom, representation in sports and the power of a love story once considered niche to mainstream culture. Guests include NHL CMO Heidi Browning, who shares insights into the series’ influence on the league and its audience, and McCann Chief Entertainment Officer Brendan Gaul, who explores why stories once overlooked are increasingly becoming the cultural moments brands need to understand.

“In a time of fear and caution, Heated Rivalry came along to shake us up and remind us that the stories of gay culture are also stories of universal human struggles – for achievement, for acceptance and for love,” said Daryl Lee, co-host of “gay-i” and Global Chairman of McCann. “The wild success of this gay romance and its effect on brands in the NHL is a reminder of the power of the LGBTQ+ community in generating excitement, conversation and sales.”

“Gay-i” is part of a growing slate of marketing and business podcasts from Bubbler Media and iHeartPodcasts hosted by some of the industry’s most recognizable voices. The slate aims to bring more human, unfiltered conversation into the marketing space – challenging how brands think about culture, creativity and connection. Podcasts launched on the slate, include “So, Get This” with The Harris Poll’s John Gerzema and Libby Rodney; “Unbossing” with Rishad Tobaccowala and Drew Ianni; and “Market Says?” hosted by Marcus Collins and his University of Michigan students.

“gay-i” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listen now HERE.

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Podcast cover art is available for download HERE.

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About Bubbler

Bubbler is a conversation company, co-founded by Gayle Troberman and David Alberts, to start better, braver and more human conversations across marketing, media, business and culture. A “bubbler” is a water cooler. It is the place people gather, talk, swap ideas and find out what everyone is really thinking.

That spirit sits at the heart of the company. Bubbler produces podcasts, hosts events and builds experiences designed to challenge conventional thinking, spark unexpected connections and help brands become part of the conversations people actually want to have.

Built around the belief that if you’re not in the conversation, you’re not in the game, Bubbler brings together curious leaders, creators and brands who are tired of playing it safe. The company exists to bring joy, humanity and cultural energy back into advertising – helping brands break through not by chasing impressions, but by creating ideas, access and influence people want to talk about. For more information visit: https://www.youtube.com/@Bubbler_Media/featured.

The duo is teaming up to make sense of all the dollars in the sports world 

WHAT: iHeartMedia and Sports Illustrated teamed up to announce an original podcast series featuring two of the brightest minds in the sporting business today, “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick.” Hosted by former NFL star, NFLPA Players Representative and best-selling author, Rashad Jennings, and sports and business journalist, Lindsay McCormick, the weekly show will help listeners understand the business behind sports, touching on NFTs and cryptos, to fantasy and athlete contracts. 

In the debut episode, Jennings and McCormick kick off their sports and business podcast with a discussion of Deshaun Watson’s $230M guaranteed deal and how the new streaming platform NFL+ premiere is one in the NFL’s larger plan of getting into the data business. In addition, special guest Shawne Merriman joins the show to discuss his transition from NFL superstar to league owner of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, his mentee relationship with Dana White, and the business opportunities presented by the evolving sports media landscape. 

Throughout the series, Jennings and McCormick will not only share their own firsthand experiences and expertise on navigating the sports business world, but will also sit down with guests like former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman, fantasy football guru Matthew Berry and sports marketing entrepreneur David Meltzer as well as other leading industry experts. 

WHO: Rashad Jennings is a former NFL star, NFLPA Players Representative who made foundational changes to the basic NFL contract structure, before proving his versatility by winning Dancing With The Stars, launching his own foundation, and authoring a best-selling book.

Lindsay McCormick is an award-winning sports & business journalist, investor, and judge on the entrepreneurial competition reality series Elevator Pitch.

WHEN: The first episode of “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick” is available today Tuesday, September 6, with new episodes airing daily. Listen to the debut episode HERE. 

WHERE: “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listen to the podcast on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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KEY ART:  HERE

About Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. At the intersection of sports, lifestyle and entertainment, Sports Illustrated is a 360-degree enterprise that delivers immersive content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products. Its award-winning media arm brings powerful storytelling to life through probing profiles and up-to-date news on SI.com, across social media platforms and through the monthly print magazine. The most trusted name in sports transcends media through SI Tickets, a fan-first ticketing platform, SI Sportsbook, a digital sports betting platform, SI Studios, the brand’s home for film, TV, and long form audio adaptations of SI’s thought-provoking storytelling, and more. SI brings its unique and authentic perspective to marquee events and captivating brand activations including The Sportsperson of the Year Awards, “The Party”, SI Swimsuit Launch Weekend and the SI Circuit Series. For more information, visit SI.com.