From Podcast Idea to a Book Bulls Fans Will Love

When I spoke with Eric Cohen and Niles Engerman, the conversation didn’t start with the book.

It started with the Chicago Bulls.

That probably tells you everything you need to know.

Like a lot of creative projects, this one didn’t begin with a perfectly mapped-out plan. It started with two long-time friends reconnecting, sharing ideas, and looking for something to build together. At first, that “something” was a Chicago Bulls–themed podcast. They recorded a few episodes, found a rhythm, and began to see where it might go.

Then the pandemic hit.

For most people, that would have been the end of it. Momentum fades, life gets busy, and ideas quietly get pushed aside. Instead of letting that happen, Eric and Niles made a decision to keep going!

“We were already committed to creating something,” Niles told me. “So, we just started writing.”

That pivot, from podcast to page, set everything in motion. What began as a loose idea evolved into a full-length novel set in a world that Bulls fans, and really anyone who grew up around that era, will instantly recognize.

And the idea for the book, @Tonyli1989 was born!

A Friendship That Made It Work

Writing a book is challenging on its own. Writing one with someone else adds an entirely different level of complexity. There are logistics to manage, creative differences to navigate, and the ongoing challenge of staying aligned over a long period of time.

What made this work wasn’t just the idea. It was the foundation underneath it.

Eric and Niles have been friends for more than 30 years, and that history shaped how they approached the process. They didn’t try to force a rigid system. Instead, they found a rhythm that worked for them. Some chapters were written independently and then compared. Others were drafted by one and refined by the other. Every chapter went through multiple passes, moving back and forth until it felt right.

There were challenges along the way, as there always are in a project like this, but the strength of their relationship allowed them to work through those moments rather than get stuck in them.

“We’ve always been able to speak freely with each other,” Niles said. “That helped us get through the turbulence.”

It’s a simple observation, but an important one. The ability to be honest, to give feedback, and to keep moving forward together is often what determines whether a project like this gets finished.

Why They Finished When Most Don’t

At some point in the conversation, I found myself thinking about how many people talk about writing a book and how few actually complete one. It’s not usually a lack of ideas that holds people back. It’s everything that comes after the idea.

I asked what kept them going.

Eric’s answer was straightforward. “It felt like a labor of love. We had to keep going.”

That sense of enjoyment carried them through the process. They weren’t just trying to check a box or hit a milestone. They were building something they genuinely liked spending time with. They created characters, developed a storyline, and found ways to weave in elements of their own experiences. The weekly writing sessions became something to look forward to, not something to get through.

That distinction matters more than people think. When a project becomes something you enjoy, consistency follows more naturally. And with consistency, progress becomes inevitable.

Building a World That Feels Real

One of the most engaging parts of the book is how clearly it places the reader in the late 1980s. This isn’t a vague or generalized backdrop. It’s a fully realized environment built on specific, intentional details.

The music, for example, is not just referenced—it’s chosen carefully. Early in the book, there’s a nod to She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals, a hit from 1989 that ties directly into the tone of the opening scene. From there, the details expand to include cars, slang, clothing, and the everyday rhythms of teenage life during that time.

For Niles, much of that inspiration came from personal experience growing up near Jordan’s house and in the Chicago Burbs.

“Michael Jordan’s Bulls and the Northbrook Court food court—that’s what drove us,” he said.

That combination of cultural touchpoints and lived experience gives the story a sense of authenticity. It doesn’t feel like a re-creation of the 80s. It feels like a return to it.

Coauthor, Niles Engerman speaking to students

The Michael Jordan Factor

It would be impossible to build a story like this without acknowledging Michael Jordan’s presence, and in this case, he’s more than just a reference point. He’s woven into the narrative as both an icon and a connection point for the main character.

Given that, I asked what they would hope Jordan might say if he ever read the book.

Eric approached it with a sense of humor, saying he would be fine with a simple shrug, but added that he would hope Jordan recognized the genuine admiration behind it.

Niles offered a slightly different perspective, noting that it would be meaningful to hear Jordan reflect on his own memories of the North Shore during that era.

Both answers point to the same underlying idea. This isn’t a book that uses Jordan as a gimmick. It’s a story shaped by a real appreciation for what he represented, both on and off the court.

More Than Just a Creative Project

As the conversation wrapped up, what stood out most wasn’t just the book itself but the way it came together. This wasn’t the result of perfect timing or a carefully orchestrated plan. It was the result of two people deciding to move forward, adjusting when necessary, and staying with the process long enough to see it through.

There’s something refreshing about that.

In a world where it’s easy to overthink and delay, this is a reminder that progress often starts with a simple decision to begin.

Final Thought

If you’re a Bulls fan, this book will likely feel familiar in the best possible way. The setting, the references, and the energy of that era are all present and thoughtfully woven into the story.

For those who remember the late 80s and early 90s, when the Bulls were on the rise and everything felt possible, this story carries an added layer of meaning.

It’s a fun and nostalgic read. It’s clear that it was written by people who truly understand the world they’re bringing to life.

If that resonates with you, it’s worth picking up @Tonyli1989

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I help nonprofits raise more money through education, coaching, and strategic planning. I also lead high-impact professional development, coaching programs, and retreats for companies of all sizes. If you're ready to strengthen your fundraising strategy, turn board members into advocates, or build a comprehensive legacy giving program, let's talk.