467. Andrew Siciliano on 2024 Olympics, Peacock Gold Zone

This is the second episode about the Peacock docuseries “Bronx Zoo ’90.” The documentary is the story of the 1990 New York Yankees, a last-place team in a most tumultuous year. One of the series’ executive producers Brian Hunt is the President of Believe Studios. He joins the podcast to discuss how the original 8-part series written by Joel Sherman for the New York Post was picked up by the streaming service Peacock and turned into the docuseries.

In 1990, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was banned for life (he would be reinstated years later). Mel Hall brought cougars into the Yankee clubhouse and dated a teenager (He’s currently serving a 45-year prison sentence after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault against minors.). Andy Hawkins threw a no-hitter but lost the game. The team was rock bottom, but that team is considered the starting point of rebuilding the Yankees into the dynasty that won three championships in four seasons in the late 90s.

Hunt is President of Believe Studios, and Head of Development at Believe Entertainment Group, an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning, New York City-based entertainment company. Hunt leads the company’s studio division, developing and producing high-profile content for Digital (video + podcasts), TV, and Film.

In this episode, Hunt explains how he and his team figured out that the 1990 Yankees were a story worth telling. He also went to the high school where Mel Hall dated that 15-year-old girl and she took him to the prom.

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/SWF and get on your way to being your best self.