Joe Mazzulla's First Podcast Reveals Kobe's Hidden Influence

The newly launched podcast Cult of Kobe premiered this week, featuring Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla as its first guest. Produced by Religion of Sports—a company founded by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra—the show examines how Kobe Bryant’s legacy influences current athletes.

The podcast launched on September 10, 2026.

Bryant considered his 2010 NBA Finals seven‑game win over the Celtics the pinnacle of his career, calling it “the ultimate one.” The podcast will explore how such moments shape an athlete’s identity and impact fans worldwide.

Religion of Sports has produced HBO’s Alex vs ARod, Paramount+ series 5 Star and Made for March, Netflix’s Simone Biles Rising and Amazon’s Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues. Co‑host Varun Soni, USC chaplain, will guide each conversation and explore spiritual dimensions of competition.

The podcast will also feature behind‑the‑scenes clips that highlight the production process.

## Background & Context

Religion of Sports was founded in Marina Del Rey to create sports‑centric media that blends storytelling with personal development. Its previous projects have earned critical acclaim across streaming platforms.

Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” inspired athletes, artists and philanthropists worldwide, shaping training regimens and community outreach. Cult of Kobe intends to capture that legacy through contemporary voices. The show will also examine how Kobe’s philanthropic work influenced athletes' community involvement.

The early guest list includes Jon Bon Jovi, author J.R. Mohringer, NBA star Jaylen Brown, Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers, and Brady himself. Each guest brings a unique perspective on how Kobe’s ethos informs their careers.

Their appearances will be announced monthly.

## Episode Format and Future Plans

Each episode will feature a dialogue between Varun Soni and a high‑profile individual who cites Kobe as an influence, spanning athletes, artists and business leaders. Episodes run about 45 to 60 minutes.

The first episode focuses on Joe Mazzulla’s experience coaching the Celtics during the 2010 Finals and his views on Kobe’s legacy in contemporary basketball. Mazzulla will discuss rivalry dynamics, team culture and how his coaching philosophy aligns with the principles Kobe championed.

Future installments are slated to release weekly, offering listeners insight into how Kobe’s mindset translates across different arenas. The series aims to inspire fans and professionals by highlighting stories of resilience and excellence. Listeners will also receive a monthly newsletter summarizing key takeaways from each episode.

Listeners can access the show through iTunes, Spotify, and the Religion of Sports website, where exclusive behind‑the‑scenes footage will be posted.

Cult of Kobe is now available on major podcast platforms, with the first episode featuring Joe Mazzulla released earlier this week. Listeners interested in the intersection of sports legend and personal growth will find the series a compelling addition to their playlists.

Subscribers can also follow updates on the show's social media channels. The series will be updated every Thursday to keep the conversation fresh.