Why are people willing to spend thousands of dollars on concert tickets?
Why do fans sit in online queues for hours, refreshing browsers and hoping they get lucky?
And why do live experiences still matter so much when we can almost stream everything?
This week on Here’s What We Know, Michael Dodsworth, CEO and founder of Fanfare, joins us for a conversation that starts with ticketing and eventually reveals something much deeper about human nature.
We talk about Taylor Swift, Formula 1, English soccer fandom, sneaker culture, bad actors, live events, and the psychology behind why people care so deeply about the things they love.
We explore scarcity, obsession, loyalty, competition, and the strange human need to be part of something shared.
Honestly, it’s one of my favorite rabbit-hole conversations we’ve had in a while.
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In this Episode:
- Why concert ticketing feels so broken
- The psychology behind scarcity and demand
- How Taylor Swift changed the live event business
- Why Formula 1 has exploded in popularity
- The difference between loyal fans and casual audiences
- What sports fandom looks like in England vs. America
- How “bad actors” manipulate systems
- Why sneaker culture feels like a secret club
- The hidden emotional power of shared experiences
Quotations:
“Whenever you create scarcity, you create an enormous incentive for people to work around the system.” — Michael Dodsworth
“People follow incentives. You just need to make sure everything points in the right direction.” — Michael Dodsworth
“You really want the front seats filled with people who love the artist.” — Michael Dodsworth
“People are proud of where they come from. That’s what makes sports fandom powerful.” — Michael Dodsworth
“Everyone has the thing they love that probably doesn’t make sense to other people.” — Michael Dodsworth
Bio:
Michael Dodsworth is the founder and CEO of Fanfare, a platform that turns product launches, events, and brand collaborations into seamless, memorable experiences—helping brands build lasting customer loyalty and capture actionable insights from every interaction. With a background in infrastructure and high-demand digital systems, Michael combines deep technical expertise with a passion for culture, community, and brand storytelling. His work focuses on helping brands create meaningful customer moments that build loyalty and lasting connections.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://fanfare.io/