In February 2021, The Volume entered the sports media space, destined to forge an identity as a sports podcast network. Created by FOX Sports Radio and FS1 host Colin Cowherd, the brand quickly began generating attention, thanks in large part to the national profile of its founder and the arrival of four additional shows hosted by former WWE announcer Renee Paquette, comedian and sports gambling fanatic Alex Monaco, former NFL defensive back Aqib Talib, and longtime friends and basketball junkies LaJethro Jenkins and Dragonfly Jonez.
Soon thereafter, Cowherd would add Logan Swaim from DAZN to serve as the network’s Head of Content. Additional shows were launched featuring former NFL scout and football analyst John Middlekauff, Action Network’s Chief Content Officer Chad Millman, and Notre Dame teammates Kyle Hamilton, Cam Hart, KJ Wallace, and Conor Ratigan. Then just nine months after launching, the company would make another big splash when Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green signed on to host a weekly podcast and serve as an advisor to the emerging network.
By investing in unique talent and creating interesting shows, the brand has enjoyed quicker than expected growth. In addition to the fourteen podcasts featured on its website, the company has started a new show with Richard Sherman, and a college football show with T-Bob Hebert and Aaron Murray. Well known NFL reporter Mike Silver also joined the company over the summer.
Despite launching five years after Bill Simmons introduced The Ringer, the network has already surpassed them on YouTube with an impressive 800,000 subscribers across all of its YT channels. Millions more receive the company’s content on social media whether that’s through the brand’s main accounts or popular hosts such as Cowherd, Green, Paquette and others.
In order to further capitalize on the momentum created over the past eighteen months, the company is set to expand its leadership team. In an exclusive story reported first by Barrett Sports Media, Cowherd has confirmed the addition of five new executive hires. All will report directly to The Volume’s Head of Content, Logan Swaim.
Charged with helping the company strengthen its position across the sports media landscape are Andrew Samson, Alisa Harrison, Sean Herlihy, Allyson Porter, and Matt Kline. Each will have different responsibilities for the network, which we’ve laid out below.
In a statement provided to BSM, Volume Founder Colin Cowherd said, “We are always looking for people with unique perspectives and an innovative approach to their work. The leadership team we’ve assembled is going to use those qualities to strengthen our existing business and find new opportunities for The Volume as we head into our second year.”
Cowherd will be a guest next week on The Jason Barrett Podcast. The episode will be released on Tuesday September 6th. He is expected to share additional insight on the company’s new executive hires, The Volume’s growth and future goals, and much more.
THE VOLUME’S NEW EXECUTIVE HIRES
Andrew Samson, Executive Producer – Andrew will oversee The Volume’s flagship program “The Colin Cowherd Podcast.” Samson is an Emmy Award-winning writer who previously served as Director of Content for The XFL.
Alisa Harrison, Head of Production – Alisa will manage the creative and technical execution of the network’s entire slate of shows both in audio and video. She previously oversaw branded and documentary programming at Overtime.
Sean Herlihy, Head of Gambling – Sean will oversee the expansion of The Volume’s growing gambling content vertical, liaising with its partners at FanDuel and The Action Network with a goal of delivering them new audiences and customers. Herlihy previously worked at FS1 where he developed and executive produced Fox Bet Live.
Allyson Porter, Head of Programming – Allyson will oversee partnerships, distribution deals, and new show development. Porter previously worked for Activision Blizzard where she built a robust Esports roster and spearheaded the company’s gaming content.
Matt Kline, Head of Digital – Matthew will oversee The Volume’s growing social channels and build new revenue streams through digital. Kline previously worked for ESPN where he managed the network’s Snapchat shows and oversaw the development, launch, and production of digital shows for emerging platforms.
