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Mascots: They’re furry, funny, and sometimes mischievous. But what's actually going on in there?

Tom Burgoyne shares what it’s been like to embody the Phillie Phanatic for over three decades. 

Mikaela Higgins reveals how her company became a giant in the world of mascot-makers, designing icons from Ronald McDonald to the Energizer Bunny. 

And hear how one “yes“ changed the life of Conor Geary, whose turn as a mascot led to a dream sports gig he never saw coming.

 

Suggested episode:
Banjo Man, 'Woo Woo' Wickers and UConn Huskies superfans share their love of the game

 

GUESTS: 
Tom Burgoyne: “Best friend” of the Phillie Phanatic, who has been bringing the Phanatic to life for 37 years. He’s also the author of Pheel The Love! How the Most Powerful Force in the Universe Builds Great Companies - Phillie Phanatic Style!
Mikaela Higgins: Manager of Mascot Sales at Olympus Mascots in Milwaukee, WI
Conor Geary: Known as “GameDay Conor“, he's been the high-energy host at every major venue in Connecticut, starting out with the Hartford Yard Goats in 2018. This season, he became the stadium host for the New England Patriots



Jessica Severin de Martinez, Meg Fitzgerald, and Robyn Doyon-Aitken contributed to this show, with help from our interns, Coco Cooley and Isaac Moss. 

Audacious with Chion Wolf is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tune In, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Join the conversation on Facebook,Instagram, TikTok, and email.

Mascots: They&rsquo;re furry, funny, and sometimes mischievous. But what's actually going on in there?
Tom Burgoyne shares what it&rsquo;s been like to embody the Phillie Phanatic for over three decades.&nbsp;
Mikaela Higgins reveals how her company became a giant in the world of mascot-makers, designing icons from Ronald McDonald to the Energizer Bunny.&nbsp;
And hear how one &ldquo;yes&ldquo; changed the life of Conor Geary, whose turn as a mascot led to a dream sports gig he never saw coming.
&nbsp;
Suggested episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2024-07-26/banjo-man-woo-woo-wickers-and-uconn-huskies-superfans-share-their-love-of-the-game">Banjo Man, 'Woo Woo' Wickers and UConn Huskies superfans share their love of the game</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://tomburgoyne.com/">Tom Burgoyne</a>: &ldquo;Best friend&rdquo; of the Phillie Phanatic, who has been bringing the Phanatic to life for 37 years. He&rsquo;s also the author of <a href="https://a.co/d/3CYsM4c">Pheel The Love! How the Most Powerful Force in the Universe Builds Great Companies - Phillie Phanatic Style!</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Mikaela Higgins: Manager of Mascot Sales at <a href="https://olympusmascots.com/">Olympus Mascots</a> in Milwaukee, WI</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.gamedayconor.com/">Conor Geary</a>: Known as &ldquo;GameDay Conor&ldquo;, he's been the high-energy host at every major venue in Connecticut, starting out with the Hartford Yard Goats in 2018. This season, he became the stadium host for the New England Patriots </li>
</ul>
Jessica Severin de Martinez, Meg Fitzgerald, and Robyn Doyon-Aitken contributed to this show, with help from our interns, Coco Cooley and Isaac Moss.&nbsp;
Audacious with Chion Wolf is available as a podcast on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/audacious-with-chion-wolf/id1516288973">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2VuanZqxk0OsB9OE2dCB9a">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/57145d2b-5766-4fdc-bdfb-11d071bb19c9/audacious-with-chion-wolf">Amazon Music</a>, <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Audacious-with-Chion-Wolf-p1329750/">Tune In</a>, <a href="https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/audacious-with-chion-wolf-connecticut-pPzdL7yeuB1/">Listen Notes</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.
Join the conversation on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/chionwolf"> Facebook</a>,<a href="http://www.twitter.com/chionwolf"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chionwolf">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@chionwolf">TikTok</a>, and <a href="mailto:audacious@ctpublic.org">email</a>.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

For more: ctpublic.org/audacious

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
For more: <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. 

Audacious with Chion Wolf

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.

Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we’re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

Listen at ctpublic.org/audacious

Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.
Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we&rsquo;re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
Listen at <a href="http://ctpublic.org/audacious">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>
Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.