Meet Joey Christopoulos | Producer at Beyond the Big 10, Content Creator Bleav Sports

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joey Christopoulos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Two things come to mind. The first is that, for me personally at this point in my life, I need structure within my creativity for me to find the kind of fulfillment all creatives strive for. For years I certainly enjoyed creative expression that was spontaneous or off-the-cuff and I still have a great respect for it. But even great improv involves structure. So when I began my pursuit in a career working in sports, talking about sports, I took what I learned in comedy about structure and tried to bring that to a sports format in, hopefully, a fun, interesting way.

The other element that comes to mind is making a decision to embrace ‘process’ at all times. It doesn’t matter the stage or platform but getting in reps at what you want to improve upon is integral to success. Even if no one is listening, that preparation allows you to be as sharp as possible when the right opportunity comes around. It sounds simple but it can be hard to execute on the day-to-day. Frustration and apathy can set in. Just remember you’re getting a little bit better every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What excites me the most about working in sports is that there is a romantic, full-circle element that’s occurring in my present life. From the age of 19 and into my 30’s, I have been lucky enough to work in the entertainment industry as director, writer, producer and actor. I’ve had opportunities to write my own plays, direct a few productions, tell jokes with some of my best friends all around the country and some days turn on the tv and see my face. Never got famous, never really wanted to be and am proud of what I accomplished in that arena.

But my love of sports has been in my DNA since birth. As much as I loved learning every line to Ghostbusters at the age of 6, I also become obsessed with playing sports and sports statistics. I fell in love with Michael Jordan, the Bears, baseball and most importantly, newspapers. The sports section was MY bible, so much so that I would fold the entire section so meticulously into my slacks just so I could sneak into the bathroom and read legendary basketball scribe Sam Smith during Sunday Mass.

Working to entertain people through the prism of sports content, I feel like encompasses everything that I have been working towards my entire life. To me, sports is the last bastion of Rome, the undisputed king of improv. Do people take it too seriously? Of course, but that’s what passion brings out of people. Sports connects communities and can bridge social barriers. My 6-year-old self would be proud of me these days.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lived in Sherman Oaks the past 7 years so let’s keep it Valley baybayy!

Itinerary:

Breakfast: Harvest Moon (maple bacon and BRING ON THE BISCUITS)

Calorie Burn: A quick nine holes at Weddington Par 3

Feats of Strength: Run over to the batting cages off Sepulveda. Let’s sock some dingers!

Lunch: In-N-Out (was worried about the over-hype when I moved here…..it. lives. up. to. the. hype.)

………….Is this day catered for an 11 -year-old? How dare you!!!!……well…. Ok, kind of.

Ventura Bar crawl: Drinks at Fat Tuesday’s, Home State, whatever floats your boat!

Dinner: Casa F****N Vega!!!!!!

Into the night: Let’s hop on over (responsibly) to Universal Studios where we: hop on the tram (They named the shark in Jaws….’Flaws’! LAUGHTER), watch the Mariner win for the 1,000th time in a row for the Waterworld show, make some magic at Harry Potter land, have a Duff at Moe’s, scream on Jurassic Park)

Late night dinner (just because) Fat Burger on Ventura/Beverly Glen

BOOM……day complete!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I love this question because it reminds me of the liner notes inside the CD of a rock album. I would simply read the bands the band I liked thanked and then simply went out and checked out their material. I certainly hope you support the following that has helped shaped who I am now and the person I want to become in the future! Of course my family, including my wife Maura and my dog Vito Corleone. I have endless gratitude towards my former Chicago sketch comedy group The Cool Table as most of its members are some of my closest friends in the world. Shoutout to all of the sports entities that I contribute to: Bleav Sports, Sports Talk Chicago, Rotoballer.com, Fans First Sports Network and the Tuddy Guys. I would love to thank my current pursuit, Beyond the Big 10, the new digital platform for all of your Big 10 content this season. And finally, thank you to Shoutout LA for giving myself and countless others this space to express themselves!

Website: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebig10/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeysportsguy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-christopoulos-84310278/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joeysportsguy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3NWO3RGF_g&t=40s

Other: Oldie but a goodie- Fantasy Football Comedy Series The Tuddy Guys https://www.youtube.com/@tuddyguys

Image Credits
Joey featured with John Goblikon of ‘Right Now!’ with John Goblikon………the goblin photo Photoshop credit of Joey looking like Bears quarterback credit to Maura Christopoulos Bet on Chicago image courtesy of Bleav Sports