Recently, 9TEA3 Co-Founder Hassahn joined Emilio Bucks and Kristen Stats on the On The Go Sports Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering Chicago sports, culture, leadership, music, and personal reflections on the new Michael film.
While the episode touched on the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Bulls, one of the most personal moments came during the conversation about the Michael Jackson film.
For Hassahn, the movie wasn’t just entertainment.
As a lifelong Michael Jackson fan, the experience felt emotional, nostalgic, and deeply personal. Certain scenes brought back memories, feelings, and moments connected to the music that shaped entire generations. The conversation reflected on how Michael’s artistry wasn’t just heard — it was lived. From childhood memories to cultural impact, the film became a reminder of how powerful music can be when it’s tied to emotion, memory, and identity.
Emilio Bucks also shared appreciation for the film from a creative standpoint, highlighting the production, sound design, performances, cinematography, and overall musical experience of the project. The dialogue became less about “reviewing a movie” and more about appreciating the layers behind greatness, performance, and legacy.
The conversation also shifted into Chicago sports, including thoughts on the Bulls’ new leadership direction. One standout comparison came when Hassahn connected the Chicago Bulls hiring their new VP to the turnaround of Red Lobster under new leadership — emphasizing how strong vision, culture, and leadership can restore belief in legacy brands and organizations.
Because whether it’s sports, music, restaurants, or business, people can feel when leadership has purpose.
That’s what made this episode of the On The Go Sports Podcast feel authentic. It wasn’t forced debate. It was real conversation between people who genuinely care about culture, creativity, leadership, sports, and the moments that shape us.
At 9TEA3, we’ve always believed tea is bigger than tea. It’s conversation. It’s storytelling. It’s nostalgia. It’s perspective. It’s creating spaces where culture and community can breathe.
This conversation carried that same energy.
Watch the full episode below.