Mascot Trailblazer, Dave Raymond

Welcome to Mad Props! Chris is joined by Mascot Trailblazer and original Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond! Learn stories from the Phanatic, how he changed what a mascot is, and the power of happiness! #phillies #sports #podcast #philadelphia #mascot #baseballTry Audible today, head to https://www.audibletrial.com/madpropspod to start your 30-day free trial and get reading 📖Subscribe and follow for more captivating stories!Making Magic by Pat Williams:https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Making-Magic-How-Orlando-Team/dp/0941263118About Dave Raymond:Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, is a trailblazer in sports entertainment and one of the creators of the modern mascot industry. For 15 years he brought the Phanatic to life, transforming fan engagement across MLB. Today, Dave leads Raymond Entertainment Group, designing mascots for pro teams and brands, speaking worldwide on leadership and joy, and sharing his signature philosophy from his book The Power of Fun.https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveraymondspeaks/https://daveraymondspeaks.com/https://raymondeg.com/https://www.instagram.com/dave.raymond.speaks/Follow Mad Props on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/madpropspodTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspodX- https://www.x.com/madpropspodFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/madpropspodYou can find Chris on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabelTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabelYouTube - @Chris.Schnabel Episode Produced by Chris SchnabelMad Props is a Schnabel Studios ProductionChapters0:00 - Intro & Welcome0:14 - Chris Introduces Dave Raymond1:05 - How Dave First Got Into Mascots1:40 - Growing Up Around Baseball2:22 - First Exposure to Mascot Culture3:10 - Interning With the Phillies4:32 - Becoming the Phillie Phanatic5:45 - First Time in the Costume6:20 - Learning Mascot Performance on the Fly7:52 - Early Mistakes and Adjusting to the Role9:10 - Creating the Phanatic’s Personality10:15 - Comedy, Improvisation & Fan Reactions11:58 - Understanding Emotional Intelligence in a Suit13:10 - Best Early Fan Moments14:20 - Kids’ Reactions and Family Interactions15:50 - On-Field Antics and Player Stories17:25 - Hidden Challenges Behind the Costume18:40 - Travel Stories and Road Appearances20:15 - Strangest or Funniest Mascot Moments22:05 - What Made the Phanatic Stand Out23:40 - What He Learned About People From Mascot Work25:10 - Leaving the Phanatic After 15 Years26:40 - Identity Shift After Stepping Away28:00 - Starting a New Chapter in Life30:05 - Launching Raymond Entertainment Group31:30 - Designing Mascots for Other Teams33:00 - What Makes a Mascot Truly Great34:25 - Teams That “Get It” vs. Teams That Don’t35:45 - Favorite Mascot Projects38:49 - Creating the Power of Fun Philosophy40:10 - How Joy Translates to Leadership42:00 - What Companies Get Wrong About Fun44:15 - Bringing Mascot Principles Into Business45:05 - Evolution of Mascots Over the Decades46:30 - The Impact of Social Media on Mascots48:20 - Modern Mascots Dave Admires49:45 - Thoughts on the Phanatic’s Legacy Today50:05 - Dave’s Personal Legacy and Reflections51:00 - Advice for Young Creatives & Performers51:35 - Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off