Offside in the Bay goes behind the scenes of the 2026 World Cup build-up with Tommy O'Hare-1998 U.S. Olympic short track speed skater and a longtime sports-media/technology executive. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan tapped Tommy to lead the city's big-event planning-everything from fan experiences to funding to safety.

Tommy breaks down what it takes to create a true ‘fan fest' environment, why community sentiment is often the biggest hurdle, and how San Jose's diversity, culture, and downtown energy can turn major sporting moments into something the whole region feels proud of.

🎙 Guest

•	Tommy O'Hare is a 1998 U.S. Olympic short track speed skater and a sports business executive working at the intersection of media and technology.

•	Experience: Built major streaming and digital platforms (including Olympic and pro sports initiatives) and brings big-event perspective to city planning.

•	Role: Leading San Jose's preparations for major events including the World Cup-funding, programming, fan experiences, and coordination.

⏱ Episode Highlights

•	[00:00:48] Meet Tommy O'Hare: Olympian turned "World Cup czar" for San Jose.

•	[00:01:48] The "boulder": how perception and skepticism can be the first obstacle to hosting big moments.

•	[00:02:13] From athlete to exec: Tommy's path through sports media, tech, and the Olympic digital world.

•	[00:03:55] What athletes want fans to understand: love of sport, sacrifice, and the goal behind the goal.

•	[00:04:33] Olympics vs. World Cup: different energy, different loyalties, same global magic.

•	[00:06:08] Building a playbook from the Super Bowl: concerts, sponsorships, and raising $5M+.

•	[00:07:18] The learning points: security, logistics, and scaling up from one weekend to a month-long event.

•	[00:16:34] Why watch parties matter: sport as community, connection, and culture.

•	[00:21:51] Safety planning at scale: 72 agencies working together inside the emergency operations center.

•	[00:23:39] Best part of the job: seeing residents proud of what the city can pull off.

•	[00:25:52] The promise: a watch party for every single World Cup game in San Jose.

•	[00:26:34] Practical tips: microclimates, no humidity, and how visitors can enjoy the city.

⚽ Why This Conversation Matters

Episode 24 is a rare look at what it takes to ‘host the world.' Tommy O'Hare explains the real work behind the headlines-funding, planning, security, and community buy-in-while keeping the focus on what sports are supposed to do best: bring people together and leave a city better than it found it.

🔗 Connect with Us

•	Claudine Wong - Facebook & Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU | TikTok: ClaudineKTVU | YouTube: ClaudineWong

•	Alex Lobban - Instagram: @thealexlobban•	San Jose World Cup / City initiatives - World Cup Santa Clara: FIFA World Cup 2026 at Levi Stadium
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond - Tommy O'Hare: Getting San Jose Ready for the 2026 World Cup

Live talk radio from Brian Kilmeade, FOX Across America, and Guy Benson, plus the FOX News primetime programs. Listen to The Five, Special Report with Bret Baier, Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingle, Shannon Bream and more!

Fox News Podcasts

Fox Television Stations

Television

KTVU's Gasia Mikaelian, Sal Castaneda, and Andre Senior bring you mid-morning updates on the biggest news of the day ahead of the weekend. From breaking local developments to the day's top stories and weather, the Bay Area's top rated team has you covered.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mornings on 2 "The Nine" - March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026


  KTVU.com Friday the 13th Superstition Poll

  Geopolitical Crisis: Conflict in Iran: Todd Belt from George Washington University joins to discuss the escalation of U.S. airstrikes in Tehran and the lack of a clear "end state" from the administration.

  Pi Day at the Exploratorium: Program Director Sam Sharkland previews the museum’s 39th annual celebration and explains the mathematical significance of the number 3.14.

  Youth Spotlight: Break the Noise - Sibling musicians Elise and Sergei Velez share their journey of starting a nonprofit to help young artists find performance venues in the Bay Area.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mornings on 2 Interviews - Friday the 13th & Strikes Over Tehran

Pam breaks down the latest GDP and inflation data that reveals an economy losing steam amid the ongoing war in Iran and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Then negotiations between Starbucks and its unionized workforce, Adobe’s multi-million dollar legal settlement over "hidden" fees, and Uber’s latest expansion into the world of driverless RoboTaxis before wrapping up with some lighthearted "Friday the 13th" news that will get you a free burrito at Chipotle today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dollars & Sense with Pam Cook: Uber’s Driverless Expansion & Friday the 13th at Chipotle

Start your day with KTVU's Dave Clark and Pam Cook as the Bay Area’s top news team bring you the latest this morning.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mornings on 2 at 6am: March 13, 2026

Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban welcome a true pioneer of American soccer: former U.S. Men&#39;s National Team captain John Harkes-MLS champion and the first American to play in the English Premier League. John reflects on breaking barriers overseas, the early ‘Wild West&#39; years of the U.S. game, and why patience has always been part of the American soccer story.

The conversation spans 1994&#39;s lasting impact, why TV and media mattered to MLS survival, what today&#39;s players need to thrive, and how parents and coaches can protect the fun-so the love of the game lasts long after the final whistle.

 

🎙 Guest

·         John Harkes is a former U.S. Men&#39;s National Team captain, MLS champion, and the first American to play in the English Premier League.

·         Coaching/Leadership: Former head coach of FC Cincinnati and Greenville Triumph; currently serves as Technical Director and U.S. Youth National Team (U-15) assistant coach (as referenced in the transcript intro).

·         Legacy: A trailblazer who helped open doors for generations of American players abroad.

 

⏱ Episode Highlights

·         [00:00:26] Alex introduces John&#39;s groundbreaking career-and what it meant for American soccer.

·         [00:02:11] From ODP to the 1990 World Cup: punching through ceilings in the early days.

·         [00:05:15] &quot;Go home and play baseball&quot;: what the reception was like in England-and how it&#39;s changed.

·         [00:06:41] Why TV exposure mattered: MLS nearly folding early on, and the turning point for visibility.

·         [00:08:02] Can this generation surpass 1994? John&#39;s optimism, reality checks, and what tournaments demand.

·         [00:13:41] Pathways today vs. then: what&#39;s improved-and why development still takes time.

·         [00:22:14] The fun factor: keeping joy central in development, even at the highest levels.

·         [00:25:25] Pickup soccer and street play: what we&#39;ve lost, and why it matters.

·         [00:28:33] Promotion/relegation and system talk: what could push the game forward in the U.S.

·         [00:39:37] World Cup watch list: players to watch, staying healthy, and giving coaches time.

·         [00:41:44] Handling pressure: why every game is high stakes-and what separates teams who advance.

·         [00:43:48] Iconic memories: John relives the 40-yard screamer and other career highlights.

 

⚽ Why This Conversation Matters

Episode 23 connects the dots between where U.S. soccer came from and where it&#39;s headed. John Harkes offers perspective only a trailblazer can-on patience, pressure, pathways, and how we build a culture that helps players (and fans) stick with the sport for the long haul.

 

🔗 Connect with Us

·         Claudine Wong - Facebook &amp; Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU | TikTok: ClaudineKTVU | YouTube: ClaudineWong

·         Alex Lobban - Instagr

Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond - Trailblazer: John Harkes on U.S. Soccer's Growth and the Road to 2026

Today on Take 2 Tonight, KTVU Anchors Alex Savidge & Heather Holmes bring us the latest on Oakland's celebration of Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu. Thousands showed up to cheer on the hometown hero. She says the fame has been an adjustment, but everyone has been respectful. Making an appearance at the rally was Kehlani, Mayor Barbara Lee, and Kristi Yamaguchi. Also in the news, The suspected attacker, Tony Phillips, accused of assaulting the security guard of SF Mayor Daniel Lurie, has stated he was not the aggressor. He's asking for the District Attorney for the charges to be dropped. Next, during a police officer ride along, a photographer snapped photos of an officer having to use her taser, then discharged her gun. She's now on paid administrative leave. 

In the second block of the show,  we welcome anchor Greg Lee, who's in to preview the 10 PM news. First up, the state of California's newest lawsuit against the Trump Administration. Tom Vacar will have more tonight. Also, the city of Oakland had an important safety Town Hall meeting with Barbara Lee, on the heels of the mass shooting that left two dead on Friday night. 



Closing out the show, the Fremont, CA is now considered the happiest place to live in the country. Cracking the top 10 on the list is San Jose. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Take 2 Tonight: Alysa Liu Celebration Rally

Andre takes us to downtown Oakland as the city prepares for a massive celebration and welcome home for two-time Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu following her historic performance in Italy. James Torrez was in the crowds talking to local fans who skipped work to catch a glimpse of the hometown hero. Then meteorologist Brian Gallo joins the set to break down record-breaking spring temperatures to the Bay Area before Allie dives into a new study from AAA regarding the alarming rise of hit-and-run crashes in California.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Take 2 This Morning: Oakland Welcomes Home Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu

What happens when AI can generate a reality show, create a digital influencer, or produce Pixar-level visuals with just a few people behind the scenes?

In this episode, Claudine Wong and Lisa Bernard sit down with Coco Mao, co-founder and CEO of OpenArt, a generative AI platform focused on visual storytelling. From AI influencers to AI-generated reality TV, Coco explains how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative industry — and why she believes it’s empowering creators rather than replacing them.

The conversation explores Hollywood’s concerns, AI influencers, watermarking, deepfakes, copyright challenges, and the bold prediction that much of future social media content may be AI-generated.

Episode Timestamps

•	00:00 – Welcome & intro (yes, AI helped write it)

•	01:50 – Meet Coco Mao & the rise of OpenArt

•	03:00 – The mission: democratizing visual storytelling

•	04:15 – Hollywood’s fear of AI (and who’s secretly using it)

•	07:00 – Coco’s journey: from Google Photos to startup founder

•	09:30 – Where OpenArt fits in the AI ecosystem (models vs. applications)

•	12:00 – “Uber for storytelling” — simplifying AI video creation

•	14:15 – AI singers & creative empowerment (Zinnia Monet example)

•	17:20 – AI influencers: opportunity or manipulation?

•	19:40 – The Lil Miquela ethical gray area

•	21:50 – Realism, disclosure & watermarking AI content

•	22:35 – Inside Bot House: OpenArt’s AI-generated reality show

•	29:05 – The accidental Jeff Bridges dilemma & copyright detection

•	31:30 – Deepfakes, guardrails & protecting real people

•	36:00 – Who decides AI’s future? (Hint: consumers)

•	37:45 – Actors selling their likeness & AI contracts

•	38:30 – How AI changes production timelines

•	40:20 – What’s next for OpenArt: AI influencers & music videos

•	41:45 – Bold prediction: Will most social content be AI-generated?

•	43:30 – Final thoughts: AI doesn’t replace the human behind the story

Key Takeaways

•	AI can dramatically lower the barrier to high-quality video production.

•	Creative vision still starts with humans — AI executes.

•	Disclosure and watermarking may be essential as realism increases.

•	AI could extend creators’ reach rather than replace them.

•	Audiences will ultimately decide what succeeds.

About the Guest

Coco Mao is the co-founder and CEO of OpenArt. A former Google product leader, she is building tools designed to make cinematic storytelling accessible to anyone with an idea.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Making Sense of AI 2gether - OpenArt, AI Influencers & the Future of Creative Storytelling

Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Mike McNeill, President &amp; GM of the San Francisco Glens&#39; USL League Two and USL W League teams and Executive Director of the Glens Academy. Mike shares how a community club founded in 1961 evolved into one of the Bay Area&#39;s most ambitious soccer pipelines-from youth development to pre-pro opportunities.

They dig into what it takes to build a true club culture in a crowded youth-soccer landscape, why field access and geography shape development in the U.S., and how projects like Treasure Island can create more space for players to fall in love with the game-especially with 2026 on the horizon.

🎙 Guest

•	Mike McNeill is President &amp; General Manager of the San Francisco Glens&#39; USL League Two and USL W League teams and Executive Director of the SF Glens Academy.

•	Background: Grew up playing in Modesto, transitioned from player to coach after college, and has been building the Glens since 2011.

•	Coaching: Holds UEFA licensing through the FA of Ireland and advanced coaching credentials; coached at University of San Francisco and San Francisco State.

•	Mission: Build community-first pathways in San Francisco-from grassroots soccer to college, USL, and beyond.

⏱ Episode Highlights

•	[00:00:31] Meet Mike McNeill and the Glens vision: a pathway from grassroots to MLS Next and USL.

•	[00:04:05] From the field to the goal: how Mike became a goalkeeper-and what he learned from it.

•	[00:08:45] How youth soccer changed: from ODP/state cups to MLS Next, ECNL, and a more fragmented (but higher-level) landscape.

•	[00:11:46] The transition from player to coach: injuries, opportunity, and getting pulled into the Glens project.

•	[00:16:11] The Glens origin story: leveraging a historic name (1961) while building a new youth club from scratch.

•	[00:19:55] Why Treasure Island matters: field scarcity in SF and building a home for the community.

•	[00:27:58] Building a pre-pro pathway: USL League Two/W League growth, pro signings, and local pride.

•	[00:34:02] Bay Area momentum: how nearby pro teams and facilities can raise the tide for everyone.

•	[00:42:54] If Mike had a magic wand: aligning leagues, funding standards, and regional development centers.

•	[00:47:28] What 2026 could unlock: participation growth, pro shifts, and the next wave of soccer culture.

•	[00:51:01] Community-first World Cup plans: free clinics and programming to welcome new players.

⚽ Why This Conversation Matters

From field access to league structure to community identity, Episode 22 is a blueprint for how local clubs can shape the future of the sport. Mike McNeill breaks down the practical realities behind building a sustainable pathway-while keeping the joy and belonging that make soccer stick for life.

🔗 Connect with Us

•	Claudine Wong - Facebook &amp; Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU | TikTok: ClaudineKTVU | YouTube: ClaudineWong

•	Alex Lobban - Instag

Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond - SF Glens: Deep History and a Bright Future with Mike McNeill

Mornings on 2 "The Nine" - March 12, 2026

March 12, 2026


  
Pain at the Pump: Fuel Saving Strategies -- As Middle East tensions drive gas prices up by $0.75 in a month, AAA Northern California expert Doug Johnson shares practical tips for increasing fuel economy.

  
Agricultural Crisis: Immigration and Labor -- Assistant Professor Zach Rutledge discusses a study showing how the "chilling effect" of immigration rhetoric is causing labor shortages on California farms.

  KTVU.com survey -- The "Radish" Compound: Co-Living in Oakland














Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mornings on 2 Interviews - The AAA Guide to Saving Gas & The Hidden Cost of Immigration Rhetoric

Pam gets into Disney’s new "Verts" feature—a direct challenge to TikTok—and the $1 billion valuation of a company promising AI-powered robots that can actually handle your laundry and dishes by the end of the year. Then, we cover the shifting landscape of the EV market as Honda pulls the plug on several U.S. models, while California considers a new $3,500 incentive to combat rising gas prices. Dollars & Sense also break down the legal end of the "SAVE" student loan plan and the controversial "Billionaire Tax" heading to California ballots.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dollars & Sense with Pam Cook: Dishwashing Robots & California’s $3,500 EV Rebate

Mornings on 2 at 6am: March 12, 2026

Today on Take 2 Tonight, KTVU Anchors Alex Savidge & Heather Holmes bring us the latest on the people involved with the security guard of the San Francisco Mayor. The judge ruled the security guard was the aggressor. Also, SF Supervisor Alan Wong challenges citizen to find Dumb Laws for a new contest. 



In the second block of the show,  we welcome anchor Claudine Wong, who's in to preview the 10 PM news. First up, Tom Vacar is covering a story on the United States potentially tapping into oil reserves to help ease the burden of soaring gas prices. Still a lot of questions that Tom will provide insight on. After that, Zak Sos is covering a story on the Oakland Police Chief. Rounding out coverage, Betty Yu spends some time with Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors. 



Closing out the show, the hometown celebration and rally for the hometown gold medalist. Tomorrow, the City of Oakland will celebrate Alysa Liu at City Hall. More than seven thousand people are expected to show up. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Take 2 Tonight: Dumb Laws Contest & Oakland' s Alysa Liu Celebration

Andre begins with Day 3 of the Dublin teacher strike, where a glimmer of hope emerged after an unexpected overnight bargaining session. While teachers fight for capped class sizes and better pay, the district warns of a "real challenge" ahead for school funding. The conversation then shifts to the heavy toll of the U.S.-Iran conflict. With the stock market reeling and oil prices surging, the tension has now spilled onto the pitch: Iran’s sports minister officially announced the national team will withdraw from the World Cup. Then, we find a silver lining in Oakland, as the city prepares to celebrate Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu in a homecoming rally full of surprises.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Take 2 This Morning: Day 3 of the Dublin Teacher Strike & Oil Skyrockets Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict

In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban explore the intersection of technology, data, and player development with Barry McCabe, Director at the Copa Soccer Training Center. From his roots playing in Ireland to leading a state-of-the-art facility in Walnut Creek, Barry discusses how objective data is changing the way we identify talent and measure growth in youth soccer.

The conversation dives deep into the &quot;pay-to-play&quot; model, the importance of &quot;unstructured&quot; play, and how to balance the high-pressure environment of elite youth sports with the ultimate goal: a lifelong love for the game.





🎙 Guest

Barry McCabe is a Director at Copa Soccer Training Center.


  
Background: He was born and raised on the west coast of Ireland and played professionally before focusing on youth development.



  
Credentials: He holds a USSF B license and both undergraduate and master&#39;s degrees in exercise science.



  
Mission: Barry joined Copa in 2019 to help set a global standard for objective player identification and assessment-oriented development.








⏱ Episode Highlights


  
[00:01:12] Introduction of Barry McCabe: Barry’s journey from playing in Ireland to bringing science-based training to Northern California.



  
[00:02:40] The Power of Core Memories: How simple moments like playing in the backyard or receiving a trophy at age eight fuel long-term passion for the sport.



  
[00:05:37] The Decline of Pickup Culture: A discussion on the &quot;safe space&quot; and free time needed for kids to express themselves outside of structured practice.



  
[00:07:30] Coaching as Teaching: Why professional playing experience is different from the skill of teaching and creating effective learning environments.



  
[00:10:45] The Pay-to-Play Pressure: How the financial investment from parents can create an expectation for constant instruction over valuable &quot;free play&quot;.



  
[00:12:34] Winning vs. Development: Addressing the American &quot;DNA&quot; of winning and why development should be the primary measure of success.



  
[00:15:47] Inside the &quot;Disneyland of Soccer&quot;: Barry explains Copa&#39;s 110,000-square-foot facility and its objective assessment protocols for speed, technical scanning, and perception.



  
[00:17:53] Creating Opportunities: How objective data removes barriers like geography and coaching bias to create pathways for all players.



  
[00:19:48] The &quot;Secret Sauce&quot; of Intentional Learning: Using technology and feedback loops to ensure kids are motivated and know exactly why they are training.



  
[00:24:20] The Lionel Messi Debate: Discussing whether elite success requires high-tech facilities or if a ball and endless opportunity to play are enough.



  
[00:28:14] Spotting Burnout: How to handle tough conversations when a child loses their passion and why a &quot;six-month pause&quot; is sometimes the best solution.



  
[00:33:45] 2026 World Cup Impact: Hop

Offside in the Bay: 2 the Pitch and Beyond - Hi Tech Training And Evaluation With Barry Mccabe

Mornings on 2 "The Nine" - March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026


  Escalating tension with Iran disrupting global travel. 
Professor Stephen Pratt discusses how Middle Eastern conflicts and rising oil prices—trading near $85 a barrel—are forcing flight cancellations and fare hikes.

  AI in the classroom: Learning Tool or Weapon. Professor Neil Johnson explores a study from 50 countries suggesting that AI may undermine foundational development if not properly monitored by humans.

  49ers Free Agency: Mike Evans potential impact. 
Analyst Steph Sanchez breaks down the San Francisco 49ers' signing of 32-year-old future Hall of Famer Mike Evans to a deal worth $16 million in guarantees.

  Live Nation settlement and impact on ticket buyers. Stephen Parker of the NIVA critiques the $280 million settlement with Live Nation and 
covers the ongoing efforts by attorneys general from 27 states to seek stronger structural remedies for independent venues and consumers.

  Empowering Events: Women in Business. Shaville Spencer, founder of Uppity Events, shares her journey from selling balloon sculptures out of a truck to managing large-scale events for tech giants like Google.

  
KTVU.com -- The Sleep Gap: Trackers vs. Reality


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mornings on 2 Interviews - War & global travel, AI & Learning, 49ers & Mike Evans

Pam dives into the global response to surging oil prices as the IEA moves to release 400 million barrels of crude to combat disruptions caused by the war in Iran, before taking a look at the latest inflation data, the volatility of the stock market, and why California’s EV market might be eyeing a comeback despite the loss of federal tax incentives. Dollars & Sense also  gets into the "takeover" of Oracle Park's McCovey Cove by Netflix, the latest TikTok-Apple Music integration, and a first look at the new emojis hitting your iPhone this month.  Then the bittersweet 50th-anniversary season of California’s Great America—a nostalgic celebration that marks the beginning of the end for the iconic Santa Clara theme park.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get Started

Download the App