Howard Bender to Appear on Under the Hoodie Podcast

Nationally recognized football analyst kicks-off guest lineup for Fantasy Sports Strategies’ podcast

AIKEN, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Howard Bender, longtime fantasy sports analyst and current host of Sirius XM’s nationally syndicated Fantasy Alarm show (M-F 6-8 pm ET) headlines the guest lineup for a new podcast titled, “Under the Hoodie” produced by Fantasy Sports Strategies (FSS).

Bender’s episode is now available on most streaming platforms, including YouTube, Spotify and Apple (UTH Bender Episode). In this episode, Bender and Under the Hoodie host and FSS founder, Scott Hoyt, discuss the 2025 fantasy football season, recap the NFL playoffs and share previews and picks on the Super Bowl matchup between Seattle and New England.

Fantasy Sports Strategies is an advisory company that works with businesses in the fantasy sports and gaming industry on branding, marketing, social media, PR and business strategy assignments. FSS was founded in September 2025 by Hoyt, who has held executive-level brand marketing roles with IBM, AT&T and Proctor & Gamble, among others. He is a longtime fantasy sports and gaming enthusiast and active member of the national Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association.

According to Hoyt, guests on Under the Hoodie will discuss the business side of fantasy sports, specifically geared toward early-stage organizations. In addition to Bender, UTH’s first guests include Tom Phillips, a former Microsoft public relations executive who advises clients in the fantasy sports industry; and Kamini Manivannan, founder of Laces Sports, a fantasy app aimed at female audiences.

“Our goal with Under the Hoodie is to provide actionable tips and advice from a diverse slate of guests on how to grow their businesses, and also have a little fun along the way,” Hoyt said. “I’m thrilled that Howard agreed to be a special guest on our show.”

Hoyt added that a second iteration of Under the Hoodie is under development that will be dedicated to the analytics side to help managers and players make informed game-day decisions.

Fantasy Sports Strategies (FSS) is an advisory company headquartered in Aiken, SC that helps fantasy-focused companies build their brands. FSS provides clients with best-in-class business strategy services and also connects them with trusted subject matter experts in public relations, digital content, marketing, brand development, and podcasting to facilitate growth in the exploding fantasy sports industry.