What happens at an NBA game when the cameras aren’t focused on the players?

In this episode of Courtside, host Marc Israel sits down with Natalie Alvarado, Director of Live Programming & Entertainment for the Houston Rockets. Natalie is responsible for everything fans experience inside the arena — from national anthems and halftime shows to mascots, contests, music, and real-time game flow.

Natalie’s story goes far beyond the arena. A former Rockets Power Dancer, she went on to sign a record deal, tour nationally, and chart on Billboard before returning to the NBA with a new perspective and a bigger role.

This episode explores:

• The choreography behind NBA game presentation
• The pressure of live decision-making during games
• The intersection of performance, production, and sports
• Why the most memorable moments can’t be planned

A fascinating look at the people who turn basketball games into unforgettable experiences.

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New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

In Episode 2 of Courtside, host Marc Israel sits down with Jonathan Sanford, the public address announcer for the Houston Rockets and the University of Texas Longhorns, to explore the hidden craft behind the NBA game-day experience.

Jonathan shares his remarkable journey from a small town in Alabama to announcing NBA Finals games, winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs, and ultimately becoming the voice fans hear inside Toyota Center.

This episode explores:

• 🎙️ What a public address announcer actually does during an NBA game
• 🏀 How arena energy is built, managed, and protected
• ⏱️ The precision behind timeouts, music cues, and in-game entertainment
• 🤝 Why relationships, preparation, and reliability matter
• ❤️ The powerful story behind the fan-favorite “Two Shots” call

Jonathan also discusses working with officials, coordinating with game operations, respecting player identities through pronunciation, and why PA announcing offers a level of fan connection that radio and television simply can’t match.

If you’ve ever wondered how the NBA experience comes together beyond the court, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the voice that helps bring it all to life.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

In the inaugural episode of Courtside, host Marc Israel sits down with Craig Ackerman, the longtime television voice of the Houston Rockets, to unpack one of the most unique journeys in professional sports broadcasting.

Craig shares how a childhood love of the Rockets, a college baseball career, and an unpaid internship inside the Rockets organization ultimately led him to one of the rarest jobs in sports: NBA play-by-play announcer.

This conversation covers:

• 🎙️ How broadcasters actually break into the NBA
• 📻 Why radio is the true “art form” of play-by-play
• 🤝 The power of internships, relationships, and timing
• ✈️🏀 What it’s really like traveling with an NBA team
• 🔥 Why energy matters more than perfection behind the mic

Along the way, Craig reflects on working alongside legendary voices, learning the language of the game, and why preparation and persistence matter just as much as talent.

Whether you’re an NBA fan, an aspiring broadcaster, or someone curious about how careers are really built, Courtside Episode 1 offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at life in the NBA broadcast booth.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.