Tech of Sports: Recent Episodes
Rick Limpert | Modern Life Network
From the shoes we wear on our feet to the high definition televisions in our living room, wearable devices, the sports universe is a breeding ground for technology. Writer and Photographer Rick Limpert will examine this each week on The Tech of Sports – With guests which include athletes, inventors and journalists that cover the intersection of sports and technology.
Danielle M. Donehew is only the third person to lead the WBCA in its 40-plus-year history. She was named Executive Director on July 2, 2014.
As Executive Director, Donehew administers all operational affairs for the WBCA, oversees all marketing endeavors, manages the non-profit organization’s $2.5 million annual budget, oversees all WBCA programs and services, and directs the office staff. She also oversees the WBCA’s external affairs, taking on active roles with affiliate organizations such as the NCAA, USA Basketball, the WNBA, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Donehew represents the WBCA as a non-voting member on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee, which oversees all aspects of the sport on the NCAA Division I level.
Donehew is the past president of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, having concluded a three-year term as its president on June 10, 2020. She serves on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees as well. She is also an International Women’s Forum Foundation Fellow, completing in June 2016 the leading women’s executive development program in the world.
Donehew continues to give back to athletics and the community through her service on other non-profit boards. She serves on the board of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, dedicated to the fight against women’s cancers. She is a co-founder and advisory board member of the Pat Summitt Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing awareness and funding to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. She also serves as an advisory board member for the Pat Summitt Leadership Group.
Before coming to the WBCA, Donehew was the American Athletic Conferences’ associate commissioner for women’s basketball, serving as the primary conference leader for women’s basketball initiatives. Her responsibilities at the American included managing the conference’s regular season scheduling and television processes for women’s basketball; representing and promoting the interests of American women’s basketball programs at the national level with NCAA, corporate, and television partners; and administering the annual American Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. Donehew also served as the primary contact for IMG, the conference’s partner for the management of corporate sponsorship activation, including strategic partnerships and their fulfillment for all sport championships. Prior to her position at the American, Donehew served as associate commissioner for women’s basketball for the Big East Conference from 2009 to 2013.
Donehew has worked at multiple levels in the game including the WNBA. In 2007, she served as consultant to a private investment group of community leaders in Atlanta to build the business case to bring a WNBA franchise to the city. In 2008, after the league charter was granted, Donehew was named Executive Vice President for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream expansion team, where she led finance, operations, television, contract negotiations, and community development. During the two seasons under Donehew’s leadership, the Dream was in the WNBA’s top 5 for attendance and the team earned a playoff berth in its second season. The franchise continues to be strong and competitive in postseason play
Prior to joining the Atlanta Dream, Donehew worked directly with legendary head coach Pat Summitt and the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program for seven years (2001-2008). While she was at Tennessee, the Lady Vols earned trips to six Women’s Final Fours and won two national championships. Donehew began her career as a graduate assistant for the Lady Vols while completing her master’s degree in sport management. In her second year with the program, Donehew accepted the position of director of basketball operations where she handled all operational and logistical tasks. Over time, her responsibilities increased and she was promoted to assistant athletics director for basketball operations, where she continued her mastery of operational duties with a larger role in the area of donor relations.
In 2013, Donehew was named an ACC Legend for her contributions to Georgia Tech and the Atlantic Coast Conference during her collegiate basketball career from 1996-2001. During her playing career at Georgia Tech, Donehew was the recipient of numerous accolades including an ACC Post Graduate Scholarship. In 2009, Georgia Tech recognized her with the Woman Out Front Award.
As a student-athlete, Donehew was an active member of Phi Mu Sorority; held executive offices on the Georgia Tech Student Athlete Advisory Board; represented Georgia Tech on the ACC Student-Athlete Advisory Board; and was named the 1999 Georgia Tech Homecoming Queen.
She joins Rick this week!
Rick is joined by a legend this week, in Gil Reyes
Gil Reyes is an American fitness trainer who spent seventeen years as the strength and conditioning trainer for retired tennis player Andre Agassi, from 1989 until Agassi’s retirement in 2006. He was also considered one of Agassi’s closest friends and confidants.
Gil Reyes was the strength and conditioning coach for the basketball program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before meeting Agassi in 1989. Reyes was their strength coach when they won the 1990 NCAA championships.
Reyes’s approach transformed Agassi into a well-conditioned strong athlete.
Reyes currently runs the Gil Reyes Fitness Center in Las Vegas. It was great to record this interview at Gil’s gym.
Learn How to Prepare Your Home and Finances for Wildfires; Hear Science-backed Action Steps to Help Prevent Ember Ignition and Why It’s Important to Contact Your Insurer to Make Sure You Have the Right Coverage.
Joined by:
Karen Collins; Vice President at American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA)
Anne D. Cope, PhD, P.E., Chief Engineer at Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
Wildfire risk is increasing due to several factors, such as more homes and communities in wildfire-prone areas and changing environmental conditions that result in wildfires igniting more easily, spreading more rapidly, and burning more intensely. A new 2025 report by Cotality says nearly 2.6 million homes in the western U.S. face moderate or greater wildfire risk with a combined reconstruction cost value of $1.3 trillion. The massive January wildfires in Los Angeles County are the latest example of how conflagration can severely devastate communities. The Eaton and Palisades wildfires damaged or destroyed 18,298 structures and tragically killed 30 people making it the costliest insured wildfire loss event in U.S. history.
As a result, large urban conflagration fires are occurring in more states, for example the 2020 Labor Day fires in Oregon, 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado and 2023 Lahaina Fire in Maui. These massive fires ignited and spread because these dangerous factors came together: dry conditions, high winds, along with flammable materials and vegetation near structures. Over the last five years, inflation has increased the cost of repairing and rebuilding homes. Construction labor has increased 36 percent and building materials are up 42 percent (source: APCIA Analysis of US Bureau of Labor Statistics data). It is more important than ever to call your agent or broker to complete an insurance checkup. Make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild your home.
While wildfire has become a year-round threat, there are research-based actions to reduce the chance your home ignites during a wildfire. Taking a system of research-based actions can mitigate the most vulnerable areas of the home to meaningfully reduce the risk of ember ignition
What to do:
Have a noncombustible 5-foot zone around your home. The good news is that you do not have to compromise curb appeal! Top landscape pavers or river stones with ceramic flowerpots or planters that can easily be moved indoors during Red Flag Warnings for a beautiful landscape that also acts as a fire-resistant buffer.
A wildfire prepared home includes: a Class A fire-rated roof, ember resistant vents, gutters free of debris and the last six inches of vertical space on exterior walls made from noncombustible material.
Call your agent to update your insurance and ensure your finances are protected.
Make a home inventory to account for your property and valuables.
Anne Cope, IBHS chief engineer will provide critical research-based guidance on what to do in the five feet around your home to help prevent it from catching fire during a wildfire as embers can travel miles ahead of the fire front. Karen Collins and Michael Richmond-Crum, property insurance and natural disaster experts at American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) will be available to discuss tips on preparing your finances for wildfires that you can use as well as share with friends and family.
For more information please visit: www.ibhs.org/wildfireready and www.apci.org/wildfire
Karen Collins serves as Vice President, Property & Environmental in the Policy, Research, and International Division for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). APCIA is the largest property and casualty insurance trade association with over 1,200 member companies nationwide. APCIA’s members write nearly 60 percent of the property and casualty insurance in the U.S. Karen provides thought leadership on property and catastrophe issues, with emphasis on risk mitigation and resilience to natural catastrophes such as flood, hurricane, and wildfire. She provides policy expertise on legislative and regulatory issues at the state, federal and international level, on behalf of the trade association and its membership. Prior to joining APCIA, Karen acquired 20 years of insurance experience with several major insurance carriers, in varying roles and responsibilities spanning Product, Sales, I.T.
Dr. Anne Cope joined IBHS in 2009 just a few months before the groundbreaking for the construction of the IBHS Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina. As the Chief Engineer, she leads the development of research programs to improve the performance of structures in hurricanes, wildfires, severe thunderstorms, and hailstorms as well as the team of engineers, scientists, and skilled craftsman who conduct research on full-scale homes and commercial buildings. She is responsible for the team’s implementation of research findings into building codes and standards. Prior to joining IBHS, Dr. Cope was a project manager and structural engineer with Reynolds, Smith & Hills, Inc., designing projects for NASA, Department of Defense, and commercial launch operations. Dr. Cope’s research encompasses topics ranging from the full-scale simulation of wind effects on buildings to detailed studies of the vulnerabilities of buildings to natural hazards and the development of damage prediction models. She is also a proud veteran of the United States Army.
LaMont Jones joins Rick to discuss this year’s rankings and the methodology used by U.S. News, offer helpful tips for prospective students, and more.
Topics:
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U.S. News just released its annual College Rankings. This is year 41! Tell us about this year’s results.
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How does U.S. News determine the Best Colleges? You have rankings for public schools, veterans, by state and more!
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What sets U.S. News’ rankings apart compared to other “best” school lists out there?
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What advice do you have for prospective students and parents? How can they use U.S. News’ Best Colleges rankings during college application season?
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Where can our listeners go for more information?
For more information please visit: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges
MORE ABOUT LAMONT JONES:
As managing editor for education, LaMont oversees a team of reporters, editors, bloggers and other freelancer contributors who produce advice and news content on K-12 and higher education. He has more than 35 years of journalism experience as a writer and editor. LaMont came to U.S. News in September 2019 and served four years as senior editor for education before becoming managing editor for education. Prior to that, he worked as senior writer, senior editor and co-editor at Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. Earlier in his journalism career, he was a copy desk editor at the Courier-Journal in Kentucky, a suburban reporter at the Pittsburgh Press, and a higher education reporter, race relations writer, and teen page creator and coordinator at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Rick is joined by Brian Farrell, Big Green Egg Sales Manager, this week.
Big Green Egg is the world’s leading manufacturer of the premier ceramic outdoor cooking system, renowned for its durability, passionate customer base, and exceptional culinary results. From humble beginnings in a single store in Atlanta, it has expanded to a global live-fire cooking phenomenon in over fifty countries. Ideal for both home cooks and culinary enthusiasts, The Big Green Egg is the top choice worldwide because of its commitment to eco-friendly live-fire cooking with 100% all-natural lump charcoal. For more information, visit www.BigGreenEgg.com.
Brian talks with Rick about new accessories and where Big Green Egg is going.
Notes:
Experience live-fire flavor with the Big Green Egg Large Rotisserie. Compatible with your Large Egg, the Rotisserie transforms your Egg into a self-basting, hands-free roaster, delivering crispy, juicy, and evenly cooked meats with rich, live-fire flavor. Made from premium marine-grade stainless steel, this accessory ensures juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked meats every time.
Experience It Lid-Open or Lid-Closed: Invite your guests to experience the joy of cooking over live-fire with the Rotisserie. When enjoying a lid-open Rotisserie experience, keep draft door & rEGGulator closed and use less charcoal.
Great to be joined by Theresa Steven of VisitScotland this week. Direct from the VisitScotland exhibit at IMEX in Las Vegas.
Scotland is a great destination for sports and outdoors enthusiasts and fans.
Scotland doesn’t need much introduction. It’s a country steeped in traditions and history, yet firmly rooted in the modern age. It’s a land of majestic munroes and dramatic landscapes, often within easy reach of vibrant cities. At every turn, you’ll find myths and legends (if you know where to look) alongside centres of innovation, sustainable business practices, cutting-edge science and technology, and some of the world’s most respected academic institutions.
Planning a conference, incentive trip, or business meeting?
Maybe want to play historic golf courses or just explore?
They had12 incredible partners on stand E1705 at IMEX, showcasing what makes Scotland a standout destination for business events:
2B UK DMC Scotland
Cameron House
Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)
Horizons Scotland by Tour Partner Group
Limitless DMC
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort
Marine and Lawn
Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
The Gleneagles Hotel
The Hoxton, Edinburgh
W Edinburgh
Our team will also deliver Destination Presentations throughout the show, ideal for gaining an overview of what Scotland offers MICE groups. Alongside engaging on-stand activities, you’ll also learn how hosting your event in Scotland can create meaningful legacies and memorable experiences for both you and your delegates.
Thanks to Theresa for coming on and the entire VisitScotland team.
Rick talks to Naomi J. Brown, MD, pediatric sports medicine specialist about injuries in youth sports.
While playing sports can be important for both physical and mental health, injuries are bound to happen, landing millions of young athletes in the ER each year. Contact and collision sports like football, basketball, hockey and soccer often cause injuries, but so can other sports like baseball, gymnastics, bicycling and even ballet.
Experts say establishing a healthy training routine is the key to preventing most injuries. This includes stretching and cooling down, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. Experts also say it’s important to avoid comparison, as every child is different in terms of growth, muscle strength and bone density.
Topics:
How common are injuries in young athletes?
What are the most common types of injuries you see?
What can children and teens do to prevent injury?
When it comes to sports injuries, what’s the best option for treatment – an ER, urgent care or pediatrician’s office?
Where can we go to learn more?
Naomi J. Brown, MD, is a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) focusing on sports injury prevention, overuse injuries and pain management. Her areas of expertise are dance medicine, hypermobility, injury prevention, pediatric injuries, pediatric sports medicine, repetitive strain injuries, skiing and snowboarding injuries and sports injuries.
Great to catch up with Richard Terry of Inspired at G2E.
A lot going in with Inspired in sports.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (“Inspired” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: INSE), a leading provider of B2B gaming content and systems, is set to showcase its latest advancements at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). The Company is excited to highlight how Inspired’s content drives opportunities and success for operators across its diverse digital and retail portfolio.
One of the highlights includes Inspired’s proven Hybrid Dealer® line, which innovatively combines live dealer elements with RNG efficiency. This solution eliminates the need for physical studios by utilizing CGI, green screens, and authentic footage to create a seamless, captivating experience. Inspired has launched this pioneering line with numerous operators, including BetMGM with MGM Bonus City, Caesars Entertainment with Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins, and more recently, FanDuel with FanDuel Tailgate Takeover, a football-themed Hybrid Dealer game. The portfolio, customer base, and geographic reach are expanding rapidly, demonstrating strong market momentum.
Building on this momentum, Virtual Sports takes a leap forward with the unveiling of Soccer 3.6. This new release introduces Bet Builder mechanics that offer customized, multi-outcome wagers, enhancing interactivity. At the same time, Inspired broadens the scope of Virtuals, with differentiated content designed for both retail and online audiences, such as Fortune Flyer, a fast-paced, crash-inspired racing game. Fortune Flyer provides multiple betting opportunities, quicker event cycles, and a broader range of volatility.
Delivering across multiple segments, Inspired’s Valiant cabinet continues to outperform with fun, engaging games featuring graphics, mechanics, and math profiles specifically tailored to resonate with North American players. One of the most anticipated games on display at G2E is Jaguar Gems, which embodies the “familiar but fresh” philosophy by taking Wild Mighty Tembo, a player favorite, and enhancing gameplay with pseudo-persistence, a feature that maintains game state across sessions. Additionally, seasonal titles will be introduced, promising to put everyone in a festive mood.
Central to Inspired’s diverse portfolio is its omni-channel content, which ensures seamless engagement across digital and retail platforms. At G2E, the Company will showcase the breadth of its iGaming lineup, highlighting high-performing franchises, seasonal slots, and innovative features.
Among the key titles is Wolf It Up! Again, from the popular Wolf It Up! franchise, which continues to grow in strength and brand appeal across North America. Seasonal titles such as Werewolf It Up! (arriving in time for Halloween) and Wolf It Up! Christmas will also be introduced, emphasizing Inspired’s commitment to seasonal and engaging content.
In addition, another key iGaming reveal is Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel, which features a new multiplayer persistence mechanic called Player Link (US patent application no. 63/880). This industry-first mechanic allows players on the same stake to share a single Super Wheel across all games, along with a never-before-seen bonus game, further demonstrating Inspired’s innovation in creating engaging, player-centric experiences.
Additional information can be found at www.inseinc.com.
Rick is joined by junior tennis player and PPA Pickleball player, Chloe Zigliara of Georgia.
Chloe is a top junior tennis player and is being recruited by top colleges. She is also dabbling and experiencing success in Pickleball.
Tough decisions ahead, but Chloe is doing it the right was and was a delight to talk to at a Pickleball event in Las Vegas.
Listen and learn more about Chloe’s journey.
Sports and bad weather don’t mix.
Rick is joined this week:
DR. IAN GIAMMANCO; Lead Research Meteorologist, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
MICHAEL RICHMOND-CRUM; Senior Director of Personal Lines & Counsel, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA)
The U.S. is entering the most active part of hurricane season, which typically begins to peak between mid-August and mid-October. Now is the time to strengthen your property to limit potential damage and check your insurance coverage to make sure you are financially prepared if a storm damages your property.
Natural disasters in recent years have caused billions of dollars in damage, which is a key reason why insurance costs have risen. To help ease the cost of insurance long-term, it is critical to increase the resiliency of homes and communities and reduce costly damage from severe weather. Costs to repair and rebuild homes and businesses after a natural disaster have risen significantly due to inflation. In the last five years, the cost of construction labor has increased 36.3 percent while the cost of building materials are up 42.7 percent. Homeowners should take time to review their insurance policy and verify with their insurer or agent that their coverage is keeping pace with these cost increases to help prevent being underinsured after a disaster.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) researches ways to strengthen buildings from severe weather and wildfire. The nonprofit provides property owners with science-backed guidance to prepare buildings to better withstand a severe weather event and helps inform future building codes to make our homes and businesses stronger. Adopted and enforced modern building codes are critical to improving resilience against storms.
With an active hurricane season expected, now is the time for homeowners to understand the risk of their community and evaluate ways they can reduce the potential for damage to their home if disaster strikes. In this segment, Dr. Ian Giammanco and Michael Richmond-Crum will be available to offer tips to guide property owners as they prepare for a potentially active peak hurricane season, including:
Upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof the next time you re-roof. This beyond-code standard will help keep your roof deck attached to your roof structure by using things like 8D ring shank nails that increase the uplift strength of your roof. A FORTIFIED roof will also keep you covered in the event that high winds blow off your shingles and underlayment, which exposes cracks in your roof deck and allows heavy rain to enter into your home. With a FORTIFIED roof, those cracks will be covered with flashing tape that IBHS research shows will keep up to 95% of water out of your home.
IBHS’s Roofing Roadmaps is a first-of-its kind tool to educate homeowners about the expected performance of roof covers, including asphalt shingle, metal and tile roofing systems, in relation to where they live and the natural hazards they face. (Roof 101) (Hazard 101)
The garage door is the largest opening in your home, which means it’s also susceptible to damaging winds that can cause it to fail, allowing wind to rush into the open garage pushing up on the roof and out on walls, much like a balloon, causing structural damage. Install a wind-rated garage door to prevent this.
When windows and doors are broken by flying debris, wind pressures can enter your home and push on your house from the inside out like a balloon, leading to structural damage. Installing impact-rated windows and doors that can withstand impacts from flying debris will help prevent this.. Alternatively, installing storm shutters over your windows can also help protect them from flying debris, keeping wind and water out.
Low-cost ways to strengthen your property to reduce potential damage.
Clogged gutters can lead to water damage. Remove leaves and debris so water can flow freely away from your home.
Secure loose items in your yard like flowerpots and tools that can turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Seal cracks around windows, doors, or siding to help keep the water out during storms.
How to conduct an insurance policy review to prevent being underinsured.
Other easy steps to take to be more prepared for hurricane season, such as creating a home inventory, having copies of your insurance policies in a safe and accessible place, and saving your insurer’s toll-free claims number to your phone’s contacts.
Topics:
This is predicted to be an active hurricane season. What steps can property owners take to make their home stronger and prevent potential storm damage?
How soon should homeowners get a jump on prepping their property for the season? And if they’re behind schedule, what quick fixes can still make a difference?
Why are the roof and garage door so important when it comes to severe weather and where can I learn more?
What makes hurricane preparedness just as essential for inland property owners as it is for those on the coast?
Why is it important for homeowners to review their insurance policies yearly and what should they check for to help make sure they have enough coverage to repair or rebuild their home if disaster strikes?
What kind of impact does increasing severe weather in recent years have on insurance costs and what can we do about it?
Where can our listeners go for more information?
For more information please visit: IBHS Hurricane Ready Guide: https://ibhs.org/hurricaneready/
or APCIA Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery Page: https://www.apci.org/hurricane
Rick catches up with former pro boxer, Tony Jeffries this week.
As an amateur, he won the light-heavyweight bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. In 2012, Jeffries was forced to retire due to hand injuries. He has since become a YouTuber who began posting boxing tutorials in 2007; he has amassed millions of followers.
He began to box at the age of ten, inspired by his uncle William Young “Billy” Bryce, a former professional boxer. He joined Sunderland Amateur Boxing Club, and in 1999 won the School Boys’ Championships, gold in the European Cadets (U17) in 2001 and won the juniors of the 2003 YMCA International Cup in New Delhi. He was also a semifinalist in the 2003 Junior Brandenburg Cup and 2003 European Junior Championships in Warsaw.
In addition to his success on social media platforms, Tony now owns and works at Box ‘N Burn boxing gym in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, with Kentucky fitness expert Kevan Watson.\
Tony Jeffriesboxing,
Rick is joined by a rising star of the PPA (Pickleball) Tour this week.
Meggan William, the top player from the island of St. Lucia.
Meggan is a graduate from the University of Charleston (WV) with a degree in Exercise Science, looking to pursue a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy post graduation.
The resident of Las Vegas played on the Charleston tennis team and now is one of the many players making the transition to Pickleball. For Meggan, it’s on the professional level. With some good results in 2025, Meggan now has a world ranking. She has her eyes on the Olympics if and when Pickleball becomes and Olympic sport.
She’s traveling the country picking up valuable ranking points and watching her ranking move. Meggan wants everyone to know how hard this is and how dedicated you have to be. Pickleball may be a relatively new sport, but it’s ultra competitive.
Have a listen to Meggan and her journey from college tennis to pro pickleball.
Rick talks with Joe Pyfer, UFC fighter this week.
He’s rising up the UFC ranks.
Raised in Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey, Pyfer attended Arthur P. Schalick High School and started competing on the school’s wrestling team in tenth grade, where he was able to apply jiu jitsu and judo skills he learned as a child.
Pyfer made his professional MMA debut in his home town of Philadelphia in May 2018. He won his debut and competed seven more times and went 7–1, winning the AOWCF and ROC Middleweight Championship along the way. Eight fights into his MMA career, Pyfer would have his first bout in the Dana White’s Contender Series.
He currently boasts a 14-3 record.
Pyfer is scheduled to face Abusupiyan Magomedov on October 4, 2025 at UFC 320.
Rick is joined by Ali Garawi this week.
Ali Garawi is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Muha Meds, Dialed Moods, and Dialed Labs, each contributing to advancing innovation across industries.
Born and raised in Downey, California, Ali is one of five children in a first-generation Iraqi-American family. He majored in Business Finance at Cal State Long Beach and displayed entrepreneurial talent early on, launching an e-commerce brand.
Hear what’s in if for you and how this is a passion of Ali.
Rick is talking tennis tech this week.
Discover the most advanced tennis ball machine, and the only autonomous ball collector – powered by AI.
With Haitham Eletrabi, CEO of Tennibot.
What to expect:
Use Tennibot gear individually or as an integrated system.
Automate drills and collect balls hands-free – all powered by AI.
Tennibot mobile app interface for controlling tennis ball machines and collectors
Shared interface and app integration
Control all devices from one intuitive mobile app
Tennibot mobile app interface for controlling tennis ball machines and collectors
Works with all standard tennis courts
Easy setup on any court surface or configuration
Tennibot mobile app interface for controlling tennis ball machines and collectors
Built for All Courts and Conditions
Engineered to perform indoors or outdoors, with a durable design.
See more at: https://www.tennibot.com/tennis/
Rick is joined by Kameryn Stanhouse, Vice President, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, IBM to talk about IBM and the US Open.
Technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling fans around the world to have new immersive experiences of their favorite sport and players. How are these cutting-edge technologies impacting sports, and bettering the fan experience, and how is IBM working with sports organizations to digitally transform these experiences? New for this year, IBM is introducing AI-powered fan experiences for tennis fans, in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which hosts the US Open.
At the end of this month, the US Open tennis tournament kick offs. For over 30 years, IBM has worked closely as the technology partner of the USTA to elevate the digital and fan experience for US Open. This year, new technology solutions will be introduced to enhance the fan experience at the 2025 US Open, including an interactive AI assistant to answer questions about all 254 singles matches, near live Likelihood to Win probabilities for all singles matches and AI generated quick summaries of articles, match recaps and more.
Match Chat: an interactive AI assistant available during and after all 254 singles matches. Using IBM agents and LLMs, Match Chat analyzes real-time match data to instantly answer fans’ questions on topics such as player stats, head-to-head records, match insights and even player name pronunciations.
Live Likelihood to Win: launched in 2021, IBM’s Likelihood to Win will now update in near real-time throughout matches to offer fans live win probabilities. The projections come from a comprehensive, AI-powered analysis of player statistics, expert opinion and match momentum.
Key Points built with watsonx: for the first time, fans can now receive a “TL:DR” for all articles and match analysis on the US Open app and website. By clicking a button at the top of an article page, LLMs on IBM watsonx including IBM Granite will turn the page article into an instant, three-bullet summary.
IBM has a long history of delivering next-generation digital experiences for some of the world’s most revered sports and entertainment events and venues. IBM’s sports partnerships are centered around engaging with fans digitally, and utilizing data in new ways, with the same AI, hybrid cloud and security technology leveraged by IBM enterprise clients. Kameryn Stanhouse, who leads the team who oversees IBM’s global sponsorship portfolio and IBM’s work with sports tournaments and organizations, will be available for interviews ahead of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament. She can share more information about the work IBM is doing with sports including how new technologies are impacting the fan experience, examples of IBM’s partnerships with major sporting events, and the future of sports, as IBM sees it.
Topics:
What are fans looking for in the future of sports?
How is artificial intelligence changing the sports viewing experience for fans?
How did IBM work with the USTA to bring the tournament to life this year?
What other sports partnerships does IBM have and how can fans see this technology in action?
How does this reflect the way businesses are using AI?
Where can our viewers go for more information?
For more information please visit: ibm.com/sports
Kameryn Stanhouse is the Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Partnership at IBM. Kameryn joined IBM in June 2025 and is responsible for leading the Strategy and Partnerships related to IBM’s global sponsorship portfolio, which includes partnerships with US Open (tennis), The Masters, Scuderia Ferrari, UFC, The GRAMMYs, Wimbledon, and more.
Rick is joined by actor and comedian, Clayton Farris this week. A longtime Los Angeles–based actor and writer, Clayton has spent 17 years in Hollywood honing his signature blend of grounded performances and sharp comedic timing. In Weapons, he plays Terry: a substantive, scene-stealing role that marks a standout moment in his career. Farris, stars … Continue reading Clayton Farris, Actor, ‘Weapons’ and His Hollywood Hiking Club
Rick is joined by WWE wrestling hall of famer, Rob Van Dam this week,. Van Dam is an American professional wrestler. Known for his unique ring style—which includes his variety of kicks, acrobatic movements—and flexibility, Van Dam is one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. He is signed to WWE under a Legends … Continue reading Rob Van Dam, Wrestling Legend and More
Rick is joined by Rich Mueller, editor and founder of Sports Collectors Daily for his annual visit before The National. It’s the 45th National. Sports Collectors Daily offers a heaping helping of sports collecting news daily. We publish completely original sports collecting news stories you won’t see anywhere else. At least 20 fresh pieces of … Continue reading Rich Mueller, Sports Collectors Daily on the National Sports Collectors Convention
The multi-year golf course renovation at Cragun’s Resort, Golf and Conference is finished. PGA TOUR Champions player and course architect Tom Lehman led today’s ceremonial unveiling of the final nine holes, now known as Dutch Red. Once again, all 45 holes are open to resort guest and public play. Rick talks to Tom Lehman from … Continue reading Tom Lehman, PGA TOUR Champions Player, Cragun’s Resort Course Architect
Rick is joined by Michael Brown, COO of World Table Tennis at the US Smash in Las Vegas. Brown is a qualified and experienced strategic leader with proven success in growing sports organizations. Now his attention is on table tennis. He leads Business Services and driving growth as the Chief Operating Officer at World Table … Continue reading Michael Brown, COO of World Table Tennis
Rick sits down with Matt Hetherington at the US Smash table tennis in Las Vegas. He is a Marketing Specialist for Joola. From Hetherington: My involvement in Table Tennis after completing 3 years of an economics and financial analysis degree has led me into more online fields and digital methods of marketing and promotion, going … Continue reading Matthew Hetherington, Marketing Specialist – Table Tennis, at Joola Global
Rick is joined by American table tennis player, Lily Zhang at the US Smash in Las Vegas. Zhang is one of the American hopes at this big World Table Tennis event. A six-time US national champion in women’s singles. Zhang has won the US national championship in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. In … Continue reading Lily Zhang, Table Tennis at the US Smash
Families are making plans for Fourth of July road trips, choosing cars over planes for everything from camping weekends to family reunions. Car travel remains the top choice for summer getaways but rising prices have prompted more travelers to look for ways to stretch every dollar, especially when traveling with kids, grandparents and maybe even … Continue reading Joe Saul-Sehy, Summer Road Trips and Sports Travel
It’s summer, so we all need to be mindful about hydration. From long days at the beach, to outdoor workouts, travel and yard work, it all can leave you feeling depleted. Proper hydration supports everything from energy and focus to muscle function and recovery, especially for active people, kids and older adults. A study published … Continue reading Amy Goodson, Registered Dietitian on Hydration
Rick was at Media Day for the opening of the Hall of Excellence at the Fontainbleau in Las Vegas. Gray, as well as his partner in this endeavor, Tom Brady have put their collections of items on display as part of this unique museum. Gray is an American sportscaster. As of 2021, he is with … Continue reading Jim Gray, Legendary Broadcaster, Hall of Excellence
Rick talks to Jason Nolf this week, from a top wrestling camp. Nolf is an American freestyle and former college wrestler who competed at 74 kilograms. In freestyle, he is a three-time U.S. national champion and a multiple-time medalist in international tournaments. He was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion (finalist in 2016) and … Continue reading Jason Nolf, NCAA Champion Wrestler
Rick talks fitness in 2025 and supplements with Patty Brewton. As summer approaches, many people begin focusing more on their health, fitness, and wellness routines, often kick-starting their efforts to get in shape for the season. However, more than half of adults are unaware that supplements can play a key role in supporting their fitness … Continue reading Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Patty Brewton
Rick is joined by Sam Sutton of Rich Habits to talk about a unique elite wresting camp in Las Vegas. The camp includes: Elite Instruction Learn from proven champions who have competed at the highest levels of wrestling. Personalized Development Receive individual attention and customized feedback to accelerate your progress. Competition Preparation Master the mental … Continue reading Sam Sutton, Rich Habits and the Penn St Elite Wresting Camp in Vegas
From the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, I talk trading cards, games and more with Jason Masherah of Upper Deck. Jason joins Rick to discuss the future of licensed sports and entertainment trading cards, memorabilia, games and more. Since its groundbreaking 1989 Baseball set, Upper Deck has consistently aimed to capture the thrill of the … Continue reading Jason Masherah, President at The Upper Deck Company
Rick is joined this week by the CEO of an exciting new sports talk platform, David Berman of SportsTalk247.com. Sportstalk 24/7 provides conversation solutions to the entertainment and sports industries. We enable high-profile brands to engage with customers, fans and more! Chat Features Massive scale with unlimited number of participants Real time fan interaction Sponsorship … Continue reading David Berman, CEO of SportsTalk247
Rick is joined by one of the all-time greats. Former ATP No. 1 Mats Wilander. He was ranked as the world No. 1 in men’s singles by the ATP for 20 weeks, including as the year-end No. 1 in 1988. Wilander won 33 career singles titles, including seven majors (three each at the French Open … Continue reading Mats Wilander, Former World No. 1 with 33 Career Singles Titles, Including Seven Majors
Rick is joined by Lori Oliver and Jill MacRae, the co-founders of Atlanta-based, The Inactive Company. The Inactive Company launched nationally in conjunction with the Global Sleep Symposium (May 1 in NYC) its innovative sleep mask, Inactivators™, as a science-backed solution to help combat stress by promoting deeper, restorative sleep. Inactivators feature a patented five-layer … Continue reading Lori Oliver and Jill MacRae, Sleep with The Inactive Company
Rick talks with a young entrepreneur in Ryan Burbary of Velociti Tennis. The future of tennis and tennis products. From Ryan: When it comes to the environment, every piece of waste counts. That’s why I started with small steps as we worked up to industry-changing evolutions. Single-use packaging: We started eliminating product packaging wherever possible. … Continue reading Ryan Burbary, Velociti Tennis
A great talk today with AJ Bartlett of Diadem. From Diadem: At Diadem Sports, our journey began in 2015 with a vision that transcends tennis rackets and pickleball paddles. Founded Pompano Beach, Florida—the heartbeat of the sports industry—we set out to redefine what it means to play. As the last American tennis brand, we’ve built … Continue reading AJ Bartlett, Diadem Tennis and Pickleball
Wrapping up Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, Rick talks with Dan Richer, award winning pizza chef. Dan offers insights into his craft, ingredient sourcing, and he has an upcoming collaboration with the leading dairy free brand Violife. Dan has been recognized as one of the best pizza makers in the world, with Razza earning accolades … Continue reading Dan Richer, Award-Winning Chef Behind Razza Pizza Artigianale
Nicole Wilson is a Toronto-based fashion model with a passion for high fashion, editorial, and runway. As a rising talent in the industry, she has already made her mark by closing runway shows and working with top creatives. With an eye on international opportunities, Nicole brings elegance, versatility, and professionalism to every project. Rick talks … Continue reading Nicole Wilson, Fashion Model, Babes in Toyland Event
Rick is joined by Bonnie-Jill Laflin this week. To talk about the Babes in Toyland and Hounds for Heroes event. As an author, Bonnie-Jill Laflin’s book “In a League of Her Own: Celebrating Female Firsts in Sports” was published in February and explores the stories of 19 impactful women in sports, including Billie Jean King, … Continue reading Bonnie-Jill Laflin, Author, Broadcaster, TV Personality
Rick is joined at Bar and Restaurant Expo by Olympic & Paralympic champions Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall. They are representing Rodeo de las Aguas Tequila. Tara Davis-Woodhall, an Olympic long jump champion, and Hunter Woodhall, a Paralympic sprinter, are married and a power couple who met at a high school track meet and have … Continue reading Olympic & Paralympic Champions Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall
Zenoti is an AI Infused Vertical SaaS platform tailored for the wellness and fitness industry. This globally available enterprise class platform powers 25,000+ customer across 50+ countries. Zenoti has been called out as a leader by G2 and named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ for the fourth consecutive year, listed among the Fastest-Growing Companies … Continue reading Neal Singh, President and COO of Zenoti
From Jim Lampley, HBO’s ringside face and voice of boxing, comes a first-person, blow-by-blow account of the evolution of sports television chock full of famous names, history-making events, and never-before-told stories from the world of sports. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Happened-Uniquely-Lucky-Sports-Television/dp/1637746431/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ojWedVLP7zi75rT_LFyGeUVBOidY6VPaBZc6skouIsWYbREju4ZQWgpgl9fv7mfWZcz2xxr5HQ88qQFj_JrD7w.f1h6mPZxmOQOY_zsFJIavMOS-Q0O13ye8E56R2nahkA&dib_tag=se&qid=1742178091&refinements=p_27%3AJim+Lampley&s=books&sr=1-1 Jim Lampley’s story is a 50-year travelog of an unlikely career that catalogs the evolution of sports … Continue reading Jim Lampley, Legendary Broadcaster, Voice of Boxing, New Book
Caught up with Cosmo Raines of Disc Go! at Toyfest. I create health, wellness, fitness and fun products that empower people to maximize their body’s performance today and maintain it for the long run. The latest is the MOBO System™ – my patented world-class mobilization system for modern gyms, therapeutic clinics, serious athletes, and hard-core … Continue reading Cosmo Raines, Disc Go!
Sports collector, now author, Lou Vigliotti, joins Rick This week. Vigliotti is a retired financial executive with over 40 years in the financial services industry. For over 30 years he has been collecting various sports related items with an emphasis on autographed sports memorabilia. From Lou: Have you ever wondered why people are fascinated by … Continue reading Lou Vigliotti, “Collective Dream” – A Sports Collector’s Journey
Rick talks with rising boxer, Britton “Great Britt” Norwood. Norwood won the WBF Cruiserweight Belt this past weekend in Las Vegas. This interview was conducted a day before the fight. The Mississippi native took a major step in his career as he came up off the canvas to score an eight round split decision win … Continue reading Britton Norwood, New WBF Cruiserweight Champ
Rick talks to the very unique, Jeff Diamond this week. Jeff owns On Tour Golf. Diamond has been making unique items for the past twenty-plus years, as well as furniture and other functional items from recycled golf clubs with no end in sight. His creations, are the only ones like it in the world and … Continue reading Jeff Diamond, On Tour Golf, Repurposed Golf and Tennis Products
Like ice cream? Rick talks to Bill Fisher of ColdSnap. ColdSnap, a Boston-based food technology company, made waves in mid-2024 with the launch of its highly anticipated ice cream and frozen confection machine for commercial markets. In its first year of availability, ColdSnap has quickly established itself as a disruptor in the frozen food industry, … Continue reading Bill Fisher, ColdSnap
Rick talks with Johan Gouttefangeas, CEO and co-founder of Sportyneo, a revolutionary platform transforming how amateur sports clubs operate. At CES Las Vegas and CES Unveiled, Sportyneo was present as the first online bank for sports. We empower clubs with tools to streamline management, boost finances, and enhance member experience: Flexible Payments: Members can pay … Continue reading Johan Gouttefangeas, CEO and Co-founder of Sportyneo
Direct from SLATS, the Sports Licensing and Tailgate Show. Rick talks with Jamie Bulger of Mac Daddy Leisure. Jamie is an inventor, an innovator and holder of multiple patents. The Mac Daddy Sport, is a revolutionary mobile chair designed to take all the work out of transporting gear to and from your favorite tailgating or … Continue reading Jamie Bulger from Mac Daddy Leisure
Great to run into Dan Pitkow, the inventor of the Flipper Remote at CES. Flipper Remote is an easy-to-use large button universal remote built for elderly, kids, and partially-sighted users. Dan designed Flipper after our founder to address his father’s Alzheimer’s Disease. His father was a University of Pennsylvania graduate, and a practicing lawyer for … Continue reading Dan Pitkow, Flipper Remote
Speediance, the leader in smart home gym technology, will be unveiling two AI-powered fitness machines at CES – and, to add to the excitement, former pro basketball player and ESPN sports analyst, Kendrick Perkins, was making a special guest appearance at the booth! Here’s Rick for a member of the Boston Celtics NBA Championship team, … Continue reading Kendrick Perkins, NBA Analyst for Speediance
Going outside sports and beyond this week, Rick is joined by actress and InMelanin production company owner, Hazel Grace. INMELANIN PRODUCTIONS, LLC was founded by CEO, Hazel Grace, to provide a platform for Coloured women in the adult entertainment industry. Our mission is to create a safe space for women to express their sexuality without … Continue reading Hazel Grace, Actress, Production Company Owner, InMelanin
Rick is joined by a great guest this week. The one and only Bob Moog, founder of University Games. Bob talks about the latest toy and game trends and play some games/giveaways on the air! Bob Moog is one of the most recognizable people in the toy and game industry. He is the founder of … Continue reading Bob Moog is the Founder of University Games on Board and Party Games
Metal detectors of all things this week! Rick is joined by Brittnie from Scuba Tector, to talk about the new Scuba Tector Pro. Direct from the show floor at DEMA in Las Vegas. New from Quest Metal Detectors… the Scuba Tector Pro. Great to bring to the beach or anywhere. Scuba detector and beach detector … Continue reading Brittnie Truax, SCUBA Tector Pro
Rick is joined by football legend, Dan Hampton this week, who just got inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Hampton, a Jacksonville High School product, earned All-America honors in 1978 when he logged 98 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, and was named the Southwest Conference defensive player of the year. The No. … Continue reading Dan Hampton, Football Great, Multiple Hall of Fames
The Future of Secure Packaging 🔒 Rick is joined by Lorena Figueroa, the founder of My Ultimate Bag. 100% odor-scent proof, UV-resistant, and airtight. Protects against theft, tampering, leaks, and damage. This is the only bag you need for ultimate security. Get yours now! Keep whatever you carry with your safe and dry. Lots of … Continue reading Lorena Figueroa, My Ultimate Bag
Rick catches up with one of his favorite characters this week… Wild Bill from the National Ski Patrol. The National Ski Patrol not keeps skiers safe on the slopes of North America, but also are first responders when something goes wrong. Mission To ensure the safety and well-being of individuals engaged in skiing, snowboarding or … Continue reading Wild Bill Saving Lives on the Slopes as Part of the National Ski Patrol
Alfred MInnaar, is an award winning artist born and raised in South Africa, now living in Indonesia. His specialty… underwater photography and underwater caves. Great to catch up with him at the DEMA show in Las Vegas. My philosophy in brand photography is connecting the brand to real people to tell real stories. I do … Continue reading Alfred Minnaar, Award Winning Underwater Photographer at DEMA
Rick is joined by Dr. Erik Korem this week. Erik Korem Bio: Leading the Future of Health and Performance in Pickleball Korem is an innovative leader in human performance, bringing nearly 20 years of elite experience in sports science, performance coaching, and technology integration. His distinguished career spans across professional sports, collegiate athletics, and groundbreaking … Continue reading Dr. Erik Korem, Healthy Pickleball and AIM7
For over 40 years, McLeod Racing owner Paul Lee’s passion has been racing since his first trip down the quarter mile at age 17. Growing up in New Jersey, Paul was surrounded by great race tracks such as Englishtown and Atco Dragways. Paul joins Rick this week! “It was a terrific learning experience for a … Continue reading Paul Lee, NHRA Drag Racer, McLeod Racing
Rick talks with NHRA drag racer, Steve Torrence at the massive SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Steve and his dad race for the same team and he’s still in contention for the NHRA title with one race remaining. The most dominant Top Fuel Driver of this decade Steve Torrence’s rise to the pinnacle of drag … Continue reading Steve Torrence, NHRA Drag Racer at SEMA
FGI president Steve Mays joins Rick this week. FGI is Myrtle Beach’s largest ownership group with 21 golf courses and Mays has led the company’s push to renovate its courses to ensure a great vacation experience. Pine Lakes, Grande Dunes, Pawleys Plantation and King’s North at Myrtle Beach National are among the 11 FGI courses … Continue reading Steve Mays, Founders Group International President
More than just sports this week… art and culture in Atlanta. Great to talk with Dr. Pecou! Since 2002, Nando’s teamed up with the Spier Arts Trust in South Africa to catalyze and empower over 350 artists from our homeland. Together, we run a ton of exciting artist initiatives that honor our Southern African roots … Continue reading Dr. Fahamu Pecou, Founder of African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA)
Rick is joined by noted Pitmaster and TV and online sensation, Erica Roby. As fall temperatures creep in and families get back into a routine, it’s no surprise that Americans are gravitating to what’s comfortable – and that means turning to some of their favorite home-cooked meals like pot roast and beef stew. In fact, … Continue reading Erica Roby, Pitmaster on Beef for Tailgating and Your Next Meal
Rick is joined by: Bizzy CEO Alex French — an ‘under 40′ executive just named regional EY ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ — He’s here to discuss how his cold brew brand (sold in more than 7,500 grocery stores across America + online) is energizing sector growth. We all love bold coffee drinks that fuel the … Continue reading Alex French, Bizzy Cold Brew CEO
Mike Shogren is the CEO of Prevent Biometrics, the most independently validated head impact monitoring system in the world. Mike joined Prevent in 2016 and the company has since partnered with over 200 organizations, 10 governing bodies and deployed 20,000+ smart mouthguards. He joins Rick this week. Shogren is a longtime Minnesota resident, who logged … Continue reading Mike Shogren, CEO of Prevent Biometrics, Smart Mouthguards
AI might soon be making your wine selections, even at sports events. Angel Vossough, CEO & Co-Founder Angel Vossough is the CEO and Co-Founder of BetterAI, a Silicon Valley-based AI service provider headquartered in Silicon Valley. The company is uniquely leveraging advanced AI technologies such as Machine Learning, Generative AI, Natural Language Processing, and Computer … Continue reading Angel Vossough, VinoVoss and AI Wine
Great to talk to Tony Shellman of Starter this week. They are still “what the pros wear” and have a new partnership with the Atlanta Braves.
Starter, one the most iconic, innovative and authentic sports apparel companies in the world, is celebrated with an ICON at Threads By Braves Clubhouse Store special event with legendary Artist & Music Producer, Rapper, So So Def CEO, Grammy Award Winner, Jermaine Dupri.
Shellman was part of the festivities.
Jermaine donned his favorite Starter gear to officially start the game by giving the iconic “Play Ball” announcement on the mic live from Truist field. No wonder the Braves scored 10 back to back runs!
Launched in 1971, Starter changed the face of the sports apparel industry forever. Starter boasts licensing deals with every major American sports league, and it’s no secret that Starter products have been used by more professional teams than any other brand. The Starter S and Star completely connect the fan, the team and the player and allow the fan to “wear what the pros wear.”
Talking to the President of one of the iconic retail brands in the world, this week.
Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot.
Big news, especially for Atlanta from The Athlete’s Foot.
The Athlete’s Foot is honored to announce the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters, flagship location and community center at 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 113E, Atlanta, GA 30308. Nestled in the heart of Midtown, this new establishment promises to be a cornerstone for retail excellence and community engagement.
Strategically located on the iconic Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park, the new location aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood. The Athlete’s Foot plans to implement community enrichment, sponsorships, educational programming underscoring their commitment to supporting local communities and fostering meaningful connections.
“We are thrilled to unveil our new US headquarters, flagship store, and community center in the heart of Midtown Atlanta,” said Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot. “This location is the first of its kind on Atlanta’s iconic BeltLine and will serve as a cultural hub for community engagement and deeper connectivity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience what The Athlete’s Foot has to offer, from the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.”
The Athlete’s Foot has proudly partnered with Black-owned businesses to develop the flagship location, enlisting T. Dallas Smith & Co., the largest black African American-owned commercial real estate firm in the country, to continue its standing collaboration with The Athlete’s Foot on finding locations for new stores focused on underserved black and minority communities. J.M. Lee Construction Co., founded by Morehouse graduate Justin Lee, served as the general contractor, while Atlanta artist Aysha Pennerman will be contributing vibrant murals celebrating local culture. These partnerships reflect The Athlete’s Foot’s commitment to diversity and community and supporting Black entrepreneurship in its growth strategy.
Rick had the chance to catch up with former NFL great, Warren Moon at Fanatics Fest in New York.
He played professionally for 23 seasons, spending the majority of his career with the Houston Oilers of the and the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Moon also played for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He remains one of the greatest undrafted players in NFL history.
He had success during his six CFL seasons, five of which ended in Grey Cup victories, resulted in him being signed by the Oilers in 1984. During his 17 NFL seasons, Moon was named Offensive Player of the Year in 1990 after leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He led the NFL in passing yards twice, while also receiving nine Pro Bowl selections. Moon spent 10 seasons with the Oilers, whom he led to seven playoff appearances, and made an eighth postseason run with the Vikings before retiring in 2000.
Moon is also the only player inducted to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
He talks to Rick about the sports collecting business and how he is amazed by all of it.
The owner of Prestige Collectibles was at the National Sports Collectors Convention with an expansive booth full of Japanese sports cards. Klevens has been buying them for almost 35 years.
It’s a hobby he took up while living in Japan. He spent six years living there while running Tokyo’s largest card shop, The Ball Park. Now, he makes regular trips to the Far East from his Ft. Lauderdale, FL home to uncover cards and memorabilia.
It’s great to have the opportunity to talk with Robert.
It begs the question, are his customers here in the States or halfway around the world?
“I have some customers in Japan, but mainly Americans,” explained Kleven, while conducting business at his booth not far from the front entrance. “There is a lot of interest in Sadaharu Oh cards, the Japanese home run king, items from when Babe Ruth toured Japan and the current list of Japanese MLB players.”
Shohei Ohtani’s success in the States has been a boon for Klevens and his business, which features primarily cards from various sports that were released in Japan.
Klevens noted that Americans have long been fascinated with Japanese culture and Japanese sports fans love baseball and follow MLB players. It’s a crossover.
“A lot of Americans also visit Japan and attend games there,” said Klevens.
Rick and Robert talk about that and a lot more.
According to Markets N Research, youth sports is an estimated $38 billion industry that is expected to grow to $69 billion in 2030.
Satish Kumar is the Professional Sports Industry Leader at Orion Innovation, a leading digital transformation and products development firm. He and his team work with global sports teams and leagues to help them oversee an athlete’s journey from inception to a professional career. Orion is the Digital Transformation Partner for Liverpool Football Club.
He joins Rick to discuss the growing youth sports industry and how technology is helping to track, organize, and manage the different global leagues and clubs for young participants.
The Pennysleever is a family business, founded by hobbyists, who believe that collectors would rather spend their money on their collection than their supplies. The motto says, we strive to offer top quality supplies at fair prices.
Rick talks with Isaac Alpert of The Pennysleever this week.
Whether you collect vintage or modern, rip wax or buy singles, we want to provide the products that keep your collection safe and looking great.
Facebook: ThePennysleever
Instagram: The_Pennysleever
X: ThePennysleever
Youtube: @ThePennysleever
It’s now more important than ever for collectors to protect their collection.
Team Pennysleever is getting out into the world more, setting up at card shows around New York and New England. It has been a real thrill meeting Sleeveheads (yes, I am going to try and make that a thing) face to face! We’ve had a lot of really interesting conversations with collectors, and heard about what supplies you are looking for. We are taking notes, and expect some exciting announcements in the not-too-distant future.
Rick talks with Rene Nezhoda on the floor of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland.
Rene and Casey Nezhoda have been married for 16 years and are the owners of a 7,000 square foot shop called Bargain Hunters Thrift Store in San Diego, California.
One of the first things people notice about Rene is his accent, but the second is his buying prowess. With a big bankroll and an extensive knowledge of secondhand sales, Rene is a veteran buyer who doesn’t back down for anyone. Rene’s been buying and selling storage units since the age of 11 but when he’s not at the storage lockers, Rene loves to play poker and collect.
With hundreds of episodes of “Storage Wars” in the can, is Nezhoda an actor, reality show star or a TV villain?
“I’m a collector,” laughed Nezhoda before he took the stage at the Ebay booth to conduct what he now does most of his days, a card break. “I’ve been collecting for 30 years and I’m really getting out there now with getting on sites like Ebay.”
Rick and Rene talk about that and more.
Rick talks with Ken Goldin on ‘Tech of Sports’ this week.
Ken Goldin, TV personality?
Goldin may be the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, a leading marketplace for trading cards, collectibles and memorabilia, but he is reaching a new generation of people with the hit Netflix reality TV series, “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch”.
He was a popular guy on the floor of The National and thankful for the success of the show.
“I love Netflix and I loved doing the show. I like that it has touched so many people. They told me it would be a small niche show, so I never would’ve thought it would reach millions of people around the world, different languages and I enjoyed doing it.”
Goldin is one of the most recognized figures in the collectibles industry and over the course of his career has sold more than $1.3 billion in memorabilia from many of the biggest names in sports, history, and pop culture. Goldin routinely sets records for the most expensive trading cards and other memorabilia passing through his auctions.
Rick is joined for what is turning out to be an annual chat on the state of sports collecting and more from The National Sports Collectors Convention. This year it’s in Cleveland and it’s always a busy show, but how is Cleveland doing as a host? Great to be joined by “Baseball Collector,” Mike Moynihan.
Mike has opinions and is a straight shooter. He’s my go to guy when it comes to issues and topics in sports collecting. He’s also always willing to help new collectors and answer questions based on his experiences. He’s an avid collector and and a fun watch on Youtube.
Follow his Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@BaseballCollector
Tech always plays a big role in the Olympics.
Rick is joined this week by Todd Harple, the Olympics AI Innovation Program Lead at Intel.
Intel is leading innovation at the Paris Games.
In his role, he is working to enhance the way sporting events are produced and experienced through novel applications of AI. He has over 17 years of experience and has led product and research development efforts at the cutting-edge interface between people, technology and business, leading the establishment of services and experiences that shape how we use technology today–connecting the physical and digital worlds–on a global scale.
Topics they cover include:
Utilizing AI for athletic training & identifying potential athletes in rural or developing countries using an AI app to find the next big stars
There will also be an on-the-ground demo in Paris for fans to use the AI tech to see what Olympic sport they’d be best suited for and how they compare to Olympic athletes
Intel and the IOC partnered with Senegal (a country that has only won one medal) using this tool to uncover aspiring athletes across 5 villages in Senegal bringing together 1,000 children with 40 identified as having “significant talent”
Empowering those who are visually impaired, navigate event venues using lidar and AI camera vision
Providing all athletes with an AI-powered Chatbot, that can answer complex athlete queries like questions about the IOC’s doping policy (i.e. would cold medicine be illegal for me to take before the event?) and media rights usage.
With less than two weeks until the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, joined by Rick Mueller, editor of Sports Collectors Daily, to talk about the show and more.
This year, back in Cleveland, July 24-28, the National Sports Collectors Convention stands as an annual rendezvous for collectors, dealers, and all enthusiasts passionate about trading cards, autographs, and related memorabilia. In 1980, a small group of collectors convened in a modest hotel ballroom at the Los Angeles International Airport Marriott, marking the inaugural National Sports Collectors Convention.
Since those humble beginnings, The National has evolved into an extravagant, once-a-year event, now recognized as the premier showcase in the collectibles industry.To ensure the participation of collectors and exhibitors from across the nation, the founders made a visionary decision—the event would travel to different locations.
Rick and Rich talk about the show, Cleveland as a host city, what to look for and prices of various things, including autographs.
Going to be a huge week of sports collecting. Sports Collectors Daily will have all the coverage you can handle.
Mueller spent nearly 30 years as a television sports anchor and reporter and online journalist is President of Sports Collectors Daily Incorporated and the editor of SportsCollectorsDaily.com. He has earned numerous honors throughout his career including several prestigious Edward R. Murrow awards for sports reporting. Go to SportsCollectorsDaily.com to subscribe, for daily updates.
Rick talks jet lag with expert, Dr. Steve Jasper this week.
Did you know that Olympic teams flying across multiple time zones can have their gold Olympic medal counts cut in half – or worse? And that the number of silver medals by Olympic medal teams actually increases when athletes travel long distances across multiple time zones – because athletes that were expected to win a gold medal come home with a silver one instead? Jet lag has a massive impact on the performance of athletes who travel. The difference between a gold and a silver medal is often measured in milliseconds, and jet lag is enough to have an effect.
Per Dr. Steve Jasper: “While I was researching my thesis in jet lag and executive performance, I decided to examine Olympic medal counts as a side project. After crunching the numbers for several decades’ worth of Olympic games, the results were crystal clear – jet lag has a definite and measurable impact on Olympic gold medal counts.”
There are three key things that can have a massive impact on transforming jet lag:
Know yourself – are you an owl or a fowl? Do you like to wake up at the crack of dawn, or at the crack of noon? There’s no guilt in honestly admitting you’re not a morning person – and that will affect how you manage your jet lag.
Flight direction – for most people, “east is a beast, west is best”. But for the real morning people among us, you might find it’s the other way around!
Sunlight – such a simple thing but getting outdoors for a few minutes in the middle of the day, or when you feel a bit drowsy, can reprogram the brain and wake you up.
Jasper is a recognized expert in the field of jet lag and executive performance, and is passionate about transforming the conversation around jet lag. His background was as a pharmacist, where he worked mainly in the hospital system before transferring to the pharmaceutical industry. He worked on several global clinical trials, and while working in a global HIV/AIDS trial he headed up a team with branches in San Francisco, Raleigh (North Carolina, USA), Cambridge (UK), São Paulo and Buenos Aires. He undertook lots of international travel in this role, and experienced firsthand the toll of jet lag.
After completing an executive MBA, Dr Jasper completed his PhD in international management, examining the impact of jet lag on business travelers, and he is regularly contacted by the media in all matters relating to jet lag, sleep, and performance.
As a result of his research, he is launching a suite of products to support business travelers in managing their jet lag. This includes a book, an app, workshops, and one on one coaching, as well as franchising products that alleviate jet lag. He is available for speaking engagements, and can work internationally either by video conferencing, or travel if required. Please feel free to contact us at drsteve@jetlagguy.com.au if you have any questions or require additional information.
See more at: https://jetlagguy.com.au/
Rick is joined by author and writer, Jon Reinman, this week. Reinman is a writer for the Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon and WWE.
He has a new book out.
‘The Garden’s Always Greener: Another NBA Timeline’
What people have to say about the book
“I always read a writers material before I decide to meet with them. I decided to meet with Jon Rineman. That should tell you everything you need to know. Case closed. Enjoy the book.”
– Jay Leno
“This book brings together three of my favorite pastimes: playing “what if?”; the NBA; and Jon Rineman’s comedy! A delightful read!”
– Gary Gulman, Star of The Great Depresh
“As some who has spent two decades working in sports media, I believe the two keys to success are the ability to entertain and teach. Jon does both of those things in this book. He is one of the most talented writers I know, and certainly the most passionate basketball fan I know. Give a talented writer something they are passionate about and the result is what we have here in the pages that follow.”
– Justin Termine, Host of NBA Today on SiriusXM Radio
Plot:
In 1986, the Boston Celtics were basketball’s gold standard – NBA Champions and owners of the second pick in that year’s draft. From Jon Rineman (writer for The Tonight Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, WWE) The Garden’s Always Greener explores a timeline where the good times rolled, thanks to a charismatic rookie who changed everything. From one player saving Tupac to stopping O.J. to another’s unlikely billions as a coffee magnate, it is a complete reimagining of the late-80s and 90s – with traces of 11/22/63, Forrest Gump, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. A hilarious, uplifting must-read for Gen Xers, Millennials, and fans of all ages.
Based on a computer simulation (with a story crafted around it), the book includes everything from narrative to historic rosters to Playoff brackets, as well as imagined newspaper clippings, talk show transcripts, and sitcom pages. If you are a fan of NBA tomes such as The Jordan Rules and When The Game Was War, documentaries such as The Last Dance, or HBO’s Winning Time, you’ll love this reimagined glance at what could’ve been during the NBA’s Golden Era of the 1980s and 90s.
Jon dedicated the book to his late father, who passed after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jon is donating from his profits to the Alzheimer’s Association.
From Jon Rineman (writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show, WWE) comes the Amazon #1 New Release The Garden’s Always Greener: Another NBA Timeline. On June 14, 2024, the book reached #1 on Amazon for Professional Basketball (Kindle) and #8 for Professional Basketball (Books).
In 1986, the Boston Celtics were basketball’s gold standard – NBA Champions and owners of the second pick in that year’s draft. The Garden’s Always Greener explores a timeline where the good times rolled, thanks to a charismatic rookie who changes everything.
In this timeline, a role-player inadvertently stops O.J. and saves Tupac, the surviving Beatles (attempt to) reunite, and Michael Jordan struggles to win. Meanwhile, a mysterious creature looks on from the hallowed Boston Garden rafters at this epic melding of Forrest Gump and Curb Your Enthusiasm which also features the likes of Shaq, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Red Auerbach, and Rick Pitino. A must-read for Gen Xers, Millennials, and fans of all ages.
MORE BACKGROUND: The basis for the story is an NBA2K video game simulation Jon ran during COVID-19 lockdown back in 2020-21. Once complete, Jon revisited the results (which remained untouched) and used that as a prompt to compose a comedic narrative. (Additional research into other NBA “what ifs” of the 1980s & 90s was incorporated.)
NOTE: Jon dedicated the book to his late father, who passed after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jon is donating from his profits to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Website: GardensGreenerBook.com
Rick talks with endurance racer and author of “One Mile at a Time.”
A Journey of Persistence and Dreams Realized!
Edward Rahill’s fascination with endurance road racing was sparked as a young boy tuned into the iconic 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Born and bred in Western New York and an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, Rahill carved out a successful career in the energy sector. As CFO of ITC Holdings and later as the Founder, President, and CEO of GridLiance, a Blackstone Company sold in 2021, Rahill showcased his leadership and innovation. Yet, ever faithful to his philosophy of life, upon completing this book, Rahill already has his sights set on his next exciting venture.
Edward Rahill holds a place in the annals of history as the cross-continental endurance road race record holder, boasting the fastest time in a competitive road race stretching from Boston to San Diego. His debut novel, One Mile at a Time, is more than a chronicle of this thrilling feat. It’s a tribute to a promise made to his grandmother — that his children’s generation would finally shatter the cycle of broken dreams. With its publication, Rahill’s commitment has beautifully come to life.
Currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Rahill is a record holder, a successful businessman, and a proud father of four adult children. His story is one of grit, endurance, and the power of dreaming big — his story leaves readers captivated and inspired.
A great read, get it now!
“It takes just one jump!”
That is what US long jumper, Sha’Keela Saunders told me as she prepares for the Olympic Trials in Eugene.
Suanders was the 2017 NCAA Division I Indoor track and field Long jump champion. She earned 13-time NCAA Division I All-America honors in her college career. She first broke the University of Kentucky Wildcats school record in the long jump for the first time 6.53 m (21 ft 5 in) en route to a first-place finish at the 2015 University of Kentucky Rod McCravy Memorial Track & Field Meet. Sha’Keela set the University of Kentucky Wildcats school record in the Long jump in 6.90 m (22 ft 8 in) in 2017 – a performance thank ranked and placed her in third on the all-time collegiate indoor list.
She’s competed in Diamond League events, World Championships and now an Olympics would complete her resume’.
She is also the Head Women’s Track and Field Coach at Hampton University in Virginia and loves passing along her knowledge to younger athletes.
Great to talk with Sha’Keela and it really only takes one jump.
Rick is joined by an incredible athlete this week, US Decathlete, Kyle Garland.
Garland is a University of Georgia product, who grew up and competed in Philadelphia.
Showing promise as a junior athlete, Garland won gold at the 2018 USATF U20 Championships in the decathlon scoring 7562 points. He then went on to finish 7th at the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships.
Now a pro, Garland was selected to compete at the 2022 World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, Oregon. Garland placed in the top 10 after the shot put, long jump and 100 meters events before ultimately finishing eleventh on his senior major championship debut, which was won by world-record holder Kevin Mayer of France.[4] He was selected for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August 2023.
The US has a long tradition of winning decathlons, and Garland wants to be a part of that.
Great to be joined by American middle distance runner, Charlene Lipsey to start a series of segments leading up to the US Olympic Track and Field Trials and Olympics.
She specializes in the 800 meters. She competed in the women’s 800 meters at the 2017 World Championships.
Charlene was part of Team USA setting world indoor record in the February 3 at 2018 Millrose Games in 8:05.89 – Chrishuna Williams (2:05.10), Raevyn Rogers (2:00.45), Charlene Lipsey (2:01.98), Ajee’ Wilson (1:58.37).
She was a 3-time SEC champ in college and second in the NCAAs in 2010 and 2012.
She also won the 1000m at the USA Indoor Championships in 2017.
Her personal best in the 800: 1:57.38
Charlene talks about what it is like leading up the Olympic Trials.
Give Charlene a follow on social media.
A pleasure to be joined this week, by an old friend from Racine Case High School, Brian Knudtson.
Brian and Rick shared a homeroom for four years in high school.
Brian has gone on to be a popular teacher and track coach in the Royall School District in Wisconsin.
Brian was a standout athlete in high school and discusses what it it like now to coach Track and Field at a small school.
He also decided to show his creative side and made some unique track and field sculptures. We talk about that and a lot more.
Rick talks with tennis racquet collector, Mike Barrell this week.
There are 1000’s of tennis racquets out there. Where you are looking for a racquet that is functional or something to put on your wall as a piece of art, Mike helps guide you through the tennis racquet collecting universe.
As a collector, Mike feels that part of his responsibility is education others about the history and value of racquets. We then talk about Mike’s collection, how scarcity and values are determined. In the age of social media, Mike is very active with other racquet enthusiasts on Facebook.
From wood to racquets made with all sorts of materials, Mike says, it’s about the hunt and discovering something that he’s never seen before.
Enjoy this talk with tennis racquet collector, Mike Barrell. Maybe you’ll start a collection of your own!
For seafood lovers, it can be hard to know which fish to eat. Fish are some of the only wild animals we consume on a mass scale. Nearly 90% of global marine fish stocks are now fully exploited or overfished. Alaska produces more wild seafood than all other states combined and accounts for about 60% of the nation’s commercial fisheries.
Joined by Roxana Ehsani.
Topics:
What does it mean to eat seafood that is wild and sustainable?
What are the health benefits to eating wild-caught seafood?
How can consumers be sure they’re buying fish that is wild and sustainable?
What are the biggest misconceptions about preparing seafood?
Can you share more about the fish recipes you’ve prepared for today.
Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics and a National Media Spokesperson. Roxana previously served as a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, spokesperson and on-air talent for Giant Food supermarkets, Monumental Sports Network, DOLE and the American Heart Association.
See more at: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/
Ladies and Gentlemen! Prepare to be amazed.
Well, at least prepare for “The Limbo Queen,” Zakita from the UniverSoul Circus.
UniverSoul Circus opens in Atlanta at Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot this weekend and is scheduled to run through May 26 — marking the first time that the UniverSoul Big Top has set up at Atlantic Station.
The touring show was created by concert and theater promoter Cedric Walker, who combined elements of live theater, high-powered concerts, and circus arts to create a unique blend of family-friendly entertainment. The first UniverSoul Circus show was held back in 1994 in Atlanta and was an immediate hit, leading to multi-city tours and acclaim from around the world.
Current acts in the show include a Caribbean Carnivale, the incredible Havana Night Skaters, Extreme Riders (yes, they even fly motorbikes under the tent), and the Wheel of Death.
The Atlantic Station Pinnacle Lot is located at 241 20th Street Northwest in Atlanta. Park in the Atlantic Station parking deck and you get two free hours of parking.
Rick is joined by Zakita this week. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Kita has been performing in the UniverSoul Circus for eight years. Hear as she explains that the Limbo is the national dance of Trinidad and Tobago and what life is like traveling in a touring circus.
The whole UniverSoul Circus is delighted to be in Atlanta for 10 days.
Rick talks to Dr. Erin Shannon this week.
Dr. Erin Shannon is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and an Energy Medicine Practitioner with 30 Degrees/ Certifications in Integrated Alternative Medicine Techniques for Deep Healing. She specializes in Sports Psychology for Professional Sports Organizations, Athletes, and their families.
A Summa Cum Laude graduate of both Loyola Marymount University and Pepperdine University, specializing in both traditional psychotherapy as well as cutting edge mind-body techniques and energy medicine. She offers multiple techniques to optimize performance, resolve chronic pain, speed injury recovery, resolve relational discord, unwanted habits, and patterns, medical-related stress, sleep issues/insomnia, negative thought patterns, life transitions, and imbalances.
She’s here to talk about Bimini Hydrotherapy
Bimini Hydrotherapy announces the release of its first at-home unit, the Bimini NanoJet® Eco, turning a bathtub into an oxygen perfusion system to help recover from sports injuries and aid in cellular rejuvenation. The device is the next generation in hydrotherapies by making oxygen more readily available, helping with inflammation treatment, pain management, sleep issues, fatigue, skin conditions and anti-aging.
The Bimini NanoJet Oxygen Perfusion System is a technological breakthrough for oxygen perfusion into the body’s soft cell tissue using ultra-fine nanobubbles. These small bubbles can penetrate the skin through pores, allowing for deep treatment. The Bimini NanoJet System is the only oxygen perfusion system that can produce nanobubbles as small as 0.02 microns.
The all-natural, non-invasive treatment allows a user to comfortably soak in a tub of water at a temperature of 85 to 100 degrees, infused with ultra-fine oxygen nanobubbles to increase the oxygen concentration in the body and enjoy benefits to their health and recovery.
The Bimini NanoJet Eco follows the brand’s prior systems for large, commercial whirlpools used at sports training facilities. Athletes and NFL legends will get a first glimpse of the at-home version at a Super Bowl event on Feb. 9 in Las Vegas, where they can experience the future of oxygen therapy in a new and improved delivery system.
“We’re in a league of our own when it comes to ultra-fine nanobubbles for deep tissue rejuvenation for transdermal oxygen hydrotherapy,” said Co-Founder Rick Applewhite. “Hundreds of medical studies support increasing oxygen for cellular regeneration as well as repairing soft tissue injuries, removing inflammation to anti-aging properties. With our new Bimini NanoJet Eco home mobile system, we encourage athletes and everyday folks to sit back, relax and let their bodies breathe for up to 60 minutes at a time.”
Chetola Resort’s manager of fly fishing and head guide Dustin Coffey has landed a prestigious award. Coffey was named the 2024 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year on April 5, 2024 during the organization’s annual owners and partners meeting in Manchester, Vermont.
He talks with Rick, this week.
Coffey calls the award the “heavyweight championship of the world for fly fishing guides.” It goes annually to the Orvis-endorsed guide who earns the highest customer satisfaction rating, while also excelling in the areas of conservation and recruitment of new people to the sport.
Pete Kutzer, head fly fishing instructor and endorsed operations manager at Orvis International, presented the honor to Coffey. Kutzer noted that Coffey received the best customers ratings, and he received the most customers ratings.
“Dustin blew us out of the water,” Kutzer said. “He created a new standard for getting guest reviews.”
Coffey, 44, began fishing with his grandfather at age five. He has 25 years of experience as a professional guide. He’s known for his friendliness, attention to detail, and ability to explain complicated fly-fishing techniques to everyday anglers while making the experience fun and rewarding.
Chetola is one of only two Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodges in North Carolina, and Coffey says the award is definitely a team effort. He gives credit to each of the resort’s guides and to his wife, Morgan Tarbutton, with whom he co-manages the fly-fishing program.
A native of Western North Carolina, Coffey grew up just outside Blowing Rock in the small community of Globe, N.C. In addition to his work at Chetola Resort, Coffey is a member of Trout Unlimited and owner of Native Innovation Consulting, which provides consulting for land owners who are interested in fly fishing programs.
About Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock NC
Chetola Resort is a 78-acre mountain resort tucked between downtown Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For information about fly-fishing guide service, the Chetola Sporting Reserve and lodging, visit www.Chetola.com or call 800-243-8652 to book reservations.
Miss falling asleep listening to a baseball game on your AM radio? Well, here you go. Baseball on the radio is like Mom and apple pie.
Here are 10 minutes and you can put it on loop and fall asleep to the soothing and familiar voices broadcasting baseball.
Relax and sleep well.
Great to talk with Haley Shapely this week!
A stirring and vibrant account of women’s athleticism throughout history, journalist Haley Shapley’s STRONG LIKE HER: A Celebration of Rule Breakers, History Makers, and Unstoppable Athletes (2024; Gallery Books) “will leave readers feeling inspired and powerful” (Ms. Magazine).
Part group biography, part cultural history, Strong Like Her delves into the fascinating stories of our muscular foremothers. From the first female Olympian (who entered the chariot race through a loophole) to the circus stars who could lift their husbands above their heads and make it look like “a little light housework with a feather duster,” these brave and brawny women paved the way for the generations to follow.
Filled with Sophy Holland’s beautiful portraits of some of today’s most awe-inspiring athletes, including Peloton instructor Robin Arzón, bodybuilder Dana Linn Bailey, powerlifter Meg Gallagher, celebrity fitness trainer Jen Widerstrom, CrossFit enthusiast Lindy Barber, WNBA vet Holly Rilinger, climber Margo Hayes, and many more, Strong Like Her is “a love letter to muscles and the women who rock them so gloriously” (Shape).
Haley Shapley is an award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in SELF, Teen Vogue, American Way, Shape, Sierra, and the Telegraph. An Olympics superfan and exercise enthusiast, Shapley has cycled 206 miles from Seattle to Portland, summited the highest glaciated peak in the continental U.S., competed in a bodybuilding show, and run a marathon. She lives in Seattle.
Link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Strong-Like-Her/Haley-Shapley/9781982120856
Rick talks with University of Wisconsin professor and author, Ashley Brown this week.
She’s the author of Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson.
The most comprehensive biography of Althea Gibson, set against the major historical developments of the twentieth century
Based on previously unpublished archival sources, news media accounts, and oral histories
A nuanced examination of a woman’s experience as an elite athlete
Places a woman at the center of sports integration
From her start playing paddle tennis on the streets of Harlem as a young teenager to her eleven Grand Slam tennis wins to her professional golf career, Althea Gibson became the most famous black sportswoman of the mid-twentieth century. In her unprecedented athletic career, she was the first African American to win titles at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
In this comprehensive biography, Ashley Brown narrates the public career and private struggles of Althea Gibson (1927-2003). Based on extensive archival work and oral histories, Serving Herself sets Gibson’s life and choices against the backdrop of the Great Migration, Jim Crow racism, the integration of American sports, the civil rights movement, the Cold War, and second wave feminism. Throughout her life Gibson continuously negotiated the expectations of her supporters and adversaries, including her patrons in the black-led American Tennis Association, the white-led United States Lawn Tennis Association, and the media, particularly the Black press and community’s expectations that she selflessly serve as a representative of her race. An incredibly talented, ultra-competitive, and not always likeable athlete, Gibson wanted to be treated as an individual first and foremost, not as a member of a specific race or gender. She was reluctant to speak openly about the indignities and prejudices she navigated as an African American woman, though she faced numerous institutional and societal barriers in achieving her goals. She frequently bucked conventional norms of femininity and put her career ahead of romantic relationships, making her personal life the subject of constant scrutiny and rumors. Despite her major wins and international recognition, including a ticker tape parade in New York City and the covers of Sports Illustrated and Time, Gibson endeavored to find commercial sponsorship and permanent economic stability. Committed to self-sufficiency, she pivoted from the elite amateur tennis circuit to State Department-sponsored goodwill tours, attempts to find success as a singer and Hollywood actress, the professional golf circuit, a tour with the Harlem Globetrotters and her own professional tennis tour, coaching, teaching children at tennis clinics, and a stint as New Jersey Athletics Commissioner. As she struggled to support herself in old age, she was left with disappointment, recounting her past achievements decades before female tennis players were able to garner substantial earnings.
A compelling life and times portrait, Serving Herself offers a revealing look at the rise and fall of a fiercely independent trailblazer who satisfied her own needs and simultaneously set a pathbreaking course for Black athletes.
As anticipation builds for the 2024 Olympics, a new book from Glenn Allen and Richard Kaufman takes readers back to the contentious atmosphere surrounding the Summer Games hosted by the Nazi regime, when the nations of the world had a chance to turn their backs on Hitler’s propaganda-laden spectacle — but didn’t. Their book, PLAYED: The Games of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, brings to life pivotal characters, both good and bad, to depict a cautionary story that serves to warn the modern era that history must not repeat itself.
Kaufman joins Rick this week.
Based on real stories and real people involved in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, PLAYED plunges readers into a compelling, fictionalized account of the insanity and hysteria that unfolded across Germany, the United States and in much of the world from 1931 through 1936.
At the center of the controversy in the U.S. is American Olympic Committee President Avery Brundage. Unmoved by the new Nazi regime’s anti-Jewish doctrines, Brundage leads the fight to participate in the 1936 Berlin Games after much debate of a U.S. boycott. Brundage desperately wants to be on the International Olympic Committee. If he doesn’t get the Americans to Berlin, he can kiss that dream goodbye.
When the vote is decided in Brundage’s favor, AP Sports Editor Alan J. Gould, friend and champion of the athletes, travels to Berlin to cover all of the “games” being played. Through his eyes readers see the machinations of Brundage’s complicity with the Nazis, the tenacity of the proud American athletes and the extreme pressure from the Nazis on their German athletes. Their stories, heartbreaking and tragic, give rise to feats of heroism that go beyond the playing field.
Along the way readers meet some of the most famous people of the time: Mae West, Charlie Chaplin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Joseph Goebbels, Leni Riefenstahl, Eva Braun and the madman himself, who vowed to “make Germany great again,” Adolf Hitler.
“Of course, we can’t go back in time and change history insomuch as we can change the outcome of a sporting event,” the authors added. “But we’re obligated to study history because it teaches us how to move forward. At least we hope it does.”
About the Authors
Richard Kaufman and Glenn Allen have been writing together for over 25 years. They have numerous projects in development, including scripted feature films, docuseries, television series, and have co-written and produced two award-winning independent films, all under the banner Green Bandana, a TV/film development company the two co-created in 2015.
Book: PLAYED: The Games of the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Website(s): www.greenbandana.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richard.a.kaufman
It’s Final Four week.. what helps make a successful shooter?
ShotTracker.
Rick is joined again by Davyeon Ross, Co-Founder, CEO and President of ShotTracker, this week.
There is a lot going on at ShotTracker.
ShotTracker is a revolutionary sensor-based system that delivers statistics and analytics to teams, fans and broadcast networks instantly, enhancing the experience of the game — both on and off the court.
ShotTracker tracks more than 70 stats for your team. Real-time stats at your fingertips.
Ross played basketball at Benedictine College and founded Digital Sports VENTURES, an interactive technology company, which was sold to Digital Broadcasting
Group in 2011.
Rapsodo, the company known for leading the revolution to affordable, pro-grade sports technology to help athletes play like never before, recently announced the addition of R-Speed for all Premium Members on the mobile app for the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM) and Mobile Launch Monitor 2 PRO (MLM2PRO).
Have a listen to Rick and Matt.
R-Speed is a swing speed platform that measures the speed of the golf club when swung as well as speed training clubs, without the need for impact on a golf ball. Users can measure their swing in three different units: mph, mps or kph. The feature is compatible with both golf clubs and swing speed training programs. “It’s fantastic that Rapsodo has added the ability to measure clubhead speed without ball contact. I completed my last Stack session using the MLM2PRO. The speeds were accurate and it was handy to be able to watch a down the line view of my Stack swing after each rep.” said golf biomechanist, Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, Co-Founder of The Stack.
Designed to help golfers increase the speed of their golf swing, R-Speed allows users to practice and track their swing without needing to hit a golf ball. Perfect for practice sessions, R-Speed will help users increase their swing speed which will ultimately train them to hit the ball farther.
Players can record, monitor and track their R-Speed progress through Rapsodo’s new feature R-Cloud. R-Cloud, which launched in December of 2023, is a web-based platform that allows users to access their entire performance history for MLM and MLM2PRO sessions. With access to their performance history, players can monitor and analyze their progress to improve their game performance.
“The addition of R-Speed to Rapsodo’s platform of innovative features will provide another opportunity for athletes at every level to improve their game and track their performance,” Rapsodo Director of Golf Shawn Curtis said.
R-Speed is only available to users with a Premium Membership. The MLM Premium Membership is $99 for one year and includes a number of extra features, and the MLM2PRO Premium Membership is $199 for one year, but the first year is included with purchase. The MLM, MLM2PRO and the Premium Memberships can all be purchased on www.rapsodo.com.
Rapsodo is on a mission to give athletes everywhere the tools they need to play like never before. Favored by MLB teams, D1 College Champions, and top-ranked PGA coaches, our motto of “Play Without Limits,” is realized by leveling the playing field with affordable, professional grade technology. Innovation and category leadership in golf, baseball, and softball have been celebrated in MyGolfSpy’s Best Of Golf Awards and led to the Official Partner of USA Baseball. Getting more out of your game is always within reach with Rapsodo. Experience more at https://www.rapsodo.com/.
Rick talks with Lt. Jay Sconyers, leader of the US Air Force Band of the West.
Based in San Antonio, Texas, the USAF Band of the West is a musical organization with an outstanding record of achievement. The Airmen assigned to the band are highly-trained professional musicians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country through music. Whether recording or performing for live, radio, and television audiences, band members reflect Air Force excellence to millions of people each year.
The USAF Band of the West travels more than 125,000 miles annually and provides hundreds of free performances to military and civilian audiences throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico. The organization is made up of the multiple large and small ensembles and can blend seamlessly into a any style classical to country!
Second Lieutenant Julian “Jay” Sconyers is the flight commander and associate conductor of the United States Air Force Band of the West, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Lt Sconyers assists the Commander to lead, organize, and equip a unit of 61 Airmen in engagements throughout the Southeastern United States and abroad on behalf of the 502d Air Base Wing.
Prior to serving in the Air Force, Lt Sconyers served as Director of Bands and Assistant Director of Bands at McNeese State University. Lt Sconyers received his doctorate in musical arts in conducting from the University of South Carolina, where he studied with Dr. Scott Weiss, and his masters of music education and bachelors of music education from the University of Georgia, where he studied trumpet with Professor Fred Mills. Prior to his time in higher education, Lt Sconyers served as the Director of Bands at Elbert County Comprehensive High School in Elberton, GA.
Lt Sconyers has performed in a wide variety of instrumental and choral ensembles, performing throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Vatican, and China. He has served as an associate producer with the USC Wind Ensemble’s album Dynasty on the Summit Label and as a producer and conductor on the McNeese State University Marching Band’s album McNeese Saturday Nights. Lt Sconyers has been published with GIA Press in the 12th edition of the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band as well as an upcoming publication of Arvo Pärt’s Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen for wind ensemble. Lt Sconyers has presented at a variety of conferences and clinics around the country including: The College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Athletic Band Symposium (2021), The CBDNA Southeast Regional Conference (2018, 2020, 2022), The CBDNA National Conference (2017), Louisiana Music Educators Conference (2022), Georgia Music Educators Conference (2015), The Future Music Educators Colloquium (2017, 2019), The Marching Arts Roundtable (2018, 2019), and at many high schools, colleges, and universities.
They are coming to Georgia.
The US Air Force Band of the West will present their “Music in Our Schools” concerts in the area at the following East and Central Georgia locations:
Fri, March 22: Theatre Dublin, 7pm (Dublin, GA)
Sat, March 23: Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center, 7pm (Statesboro, GA)
Sun, March 24: East Georgia State College, 3pm (Swainsboro, GA)
Mon, March 25: Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta University, 7pm (Augusta, GA)
Tues, March 26: Roswell High School, 7pm (Roswell, GA)
Admission to these performances is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve your tickets today flow.page/afband. This is a family-friendly, all-ages event.
The U.S. Air Force Band of the West will take the stage to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month. For nearly 40 years, March has been officially designated as the time to celebrate music education and it’s role in our nation. This performance will feature concert band classics, colorful storytelling as well as a debut performance of a new work by Henry Jackman (Kong: Skull Island, X-Men: First Class, Captain Phillips) The USAF Band of the West will honor those who have served and are serving, inspire the next generation of Americans and connect with audiences throughout Georgia!
Fall asleep in minutes. 10 minutes of rain and thunder. Put on “loop” to play longer than the 10 mins.
Beat insomnia and fall asleep faster with this relaxing sleep track of rain and thunder.
Athletes need great rest. Listen to this podcast while falling asleep.
Rick is joined by Andy Wahl this week.
Daylight Wine & Spirits, one of Sonoma county’s fastest growing independent wineries, is going all in on its Ammunition whiskies and it’s paying off. And partnering with up and coming NASCAR star, Anthony Alfredo with his racing team.
The up-start known for its award winning Ammunition Wines, led by the versatile red blend “The Equalizer,” which has carried national success for the past several years, is blazing a new trail: Ammunition straight rye whiskey and Ammunition straight bourbon whiskey distilled with the ‘true spirit of America.’ Following a path forged by grit, grapes and now grain. Ammunition whiskies are aged, blended and finished for the modern drinker who recognizes uncompromising dedication to quality.
Daylight founder and winemaker, Andy Wahl, takes a winemaker’s approach to the whiskies, quite literally. Ammunition Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced in small 2, 3 and 4 year-old batches and finished in French Bordeaux wine barrels, which once held Ammunition’s very own Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique marriage between bourbon finished in wine casks paired with the relentless pursuit of independence and appreciation that true mastery requires a little ammunition – enter Ammunition Wine & Whiskey and it’s incredible sales trajectory.
“Our goal has always been to make wine that helps people discover their palate on their own terms and we’re thrilled to see that same energy is translating with our whiskey,” says Wahl. “We were able to create and cultivate an expectation of excellence with our Ammunition wines and we’re setting our expectations even higher with our whiskies. Simply put, our wines took flight so our whiskies could soar. I’ll raise a glass to that.”
Adding a little more heat, Ammunition Straight Rye Whiskey, a blend of 2, 3 and 4-year-old rye whiskey finished in French Burgundy oak barrels that housed Ammunition’s Pinot Noir, scored a 95 rating from the prestigious publication The Tasting Panel. Here is what they had to say:
“…this Sonoma County rye whiskey is a voluptuous beauty with plump, candied scents of butterscotch and nougat. Round medium-bodied, chockful of flavors that include peach, walnut, cocoa, and black cherry. The clean yet spiced cedar finish is extended and warming without a rush of alcohol. The aftertaste is striking and memorable.”
Both Ammunition Wine and Whiskies can be found in select grocery stores, restaurants and online partners nationwide. For more information on Ammunition Wine & Whiskies, visit daylightwineandspirits.com and follow along on Instagram at Drink Ammunition.
Since 2013 Andy Wahl and Bill Kerr, co-founders of Daylight Wine & Spirits have focused on producing world class wines and spirits that resonate with humans who drink. The Daylight team believes that making great wine and spirits requires equal parts grit as it does quality grapes and grain. The company combines traditional farming practices with tried-and-true techniques that aim to harness the natural beauty of each vintage, each barrel and every bottle to reach its full potential when it finally hits lips. The collection includes a lineup of brands that challenge convention and were created for people, not critics. For more information on Ammunition Wine & Whiskies, Badgerhound, Trollop, Mr. Moody’s Potion, Screen Door Cellars, visit: daylightwineandspirits.com.
With an impressive track record that includes 115 tournaments, 15 top 10 finishes, and a historic victory at the Sabine River during the 2023 Elite Series, Brock Mosley has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the bass fishing community. Now, as Dakota Lithium’s official representative, Brock is poised to defend his title and make waves once again in the 2024 season.
Rick talks with Brock this week on “Tech of Sports.”
Great to talk bass fishing.
As the 2023 winner of the Bassmaster Elite Series, Brock is proud of his quest for back-to-back victories is fueled by his passion for the sport and the support of Dakota Lithium’s cutting-edge power solutions.
Topics:
Brock Mosley’s journey from his small-town roots in Collinsville, Mississippi, to becoming a leading figure in the competitive bass fishing world
Insights into the world of competitive bass fishing
The role that Dakota Lithium plays in powering his pursuits
Brock’s training regimen and how he prepares mentally and physically for elite-level bass fishing competitions
Brock’s involvement in the bass fishing community and his efforts to inspire and mentor aspiring anglers.
Talking NASCAR with one of the brightest young stars of the sport.
Anthony Alfredo.
Alfredo kicks off his sixth season at the prestigious Daytona Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Our Motorsports featuring Ammunition’s logo.
A promising driver with three top-five and 15 top-10 finishes, Alfredo had always been a fan of Ammunition’s smooth-tasting spirits and connected with its journey from outsider to award-winning wine and spirits portfolio.
Alfredo will drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Our Motorsports, with the award-winning Ammunition brand’s iconic logo displayed above the lower quarter panel of both sides of the car.
The promising young driver embarks on his sixth season as a professional NASCAR race car driver, where he will compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Our Motorsports, and part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Beard Motorsports. Alfredo has started in 85 different races in his closely-watched career and quickly gained critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase as he recorded three top-five and 15 top-10 finishes.
Alfredo connected with the sport at a young age, taking in races with his dad and driving a rented “legends” car to explore his interest in driving. After spending a lot of time operating heavy equipment and driving trucks, he quickly took to it and signed with Lee Faulk Racing’s Late Model Racing, posting 15 top tens, 7 top fives, 3 top threes, and a win in 16 starts. As Alfredo progressed in his career, he sought support from brands who embodied the same drive and all-American spirit, and working with
Ammunition was a natural fit.
“I began this partnership as a fan of Ammunition Wine & Whiskeys’ smooth-tasting spirits, and after meeting Andy and Bill and learning how they broke into the alcohol space and built a name and following for their brand, I knew this was a company I wanted to go the distance with,” said Anthony Alfredo. “I am very thankful for the support of Ammunition Wines & Whiskey, and I am excited to partner with them for this upcoming season and beyond.”
Ammunition Wines & Whiskey was established in 2021 by Co-Founders Andy Wahl and Bill Kerr to celebrate the American West and blazing new trails and traditions. The wine and spirits portfolio quickly established itself as a fan favorite and is poised to double, if not triple, its sales in 2024.
Featuring a curated selection of wine overseen by expert winemaker Bobby Donnelly and straight bourbon whiskey and straight rye whiskey produced in Kentucky, Ammunition’s offerings have gained critical acclaim with reviewers and everyday imbibers alike.
Ammunition Wine & Whiskey’s partnership with Alfredo spans nine marquee races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series across the United States.
● February 17: Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL
● March 23: Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX
● Apr 13: Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas, TX
● June 8: Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, CA
● June 22: New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH
● July 6: Chicago Street Race in Chicago, IL
● August 23: Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL
● October 5: Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL
● October 26: Homestead Miami Speedway in Miami, FL
“Anthony’s grit, perseverance, and commitment to his craft are what have helped him build a reputation
as one of NASCAR’s most promising drivers,” said Ammunition Co-Founder Andy Wahl. “We see many
parallels between his rapid ascent driving for NASCAR and Ammunition Wine & Whiskey’s building a
national brand and fan base, and we are grateful to be able to support Anthony through another
standout season.”
For more information, please visit https://www.daylightwineandspirits.com/pages/ammunition
and https://www.abcfws.com/.
Rick talks ankles this week with Tony Verutti, CEO of Betterguards. Founded in 2014, Betterguards is a next-generation sports technology company led by CEO Tony Verutti. As CEO, Verutti brings both extensive experience in leading international operations, business development, and global licensing, with a dedicated commitment to sustainability. He spent the first decade of his … Continue reading Tony Verutti, CEO of Betterguards
If you want a new you in 2024, you might want to listen to Kollins Ezekh. Ezekh has been a leader within the realm of fitness for 15+ years. A-listers such as Praya Lundberg, Shay Mitchel, Mena Massoud, and Laysla Deo have gravitated to this vegan trainer for a myriad of reasons. He’s defied all … Continue reading Kollins Ezekh, Celebrity Personal Trainer and Established Life Coach
Rick talks everything Hooters this week in terms of marketing and sports with Hooters’ Senior Director of Marketing, Melissa Fry. She has over 23 years in the hospitality industry, from management to marketing with proven success in guiding brand messaging and delivering impactful marketing solutions. Hooters, a long-running partner of both Chase Elliott and Hendrick … Continue reading Melissa Fry, Hooters’ Senior Director of Marketing
After a yearlong nationwide executive search, the National Peanut Board (NPB) announces Ryan Lepicier as its new president and CEO beginning January 1, 2024. Most recently, Lepicier served as NPB’s senior vice president and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Rick talks to Ryan this week. Lepicier has led marketing and communications for NPB for the past 15 years. … Continue reading Ryan Lepicier, President and CEO of National Peanut Board
Rick talks about Targus with Andrew Corkill this week. Targus with a bunch of new products coming off CES. Targus EcoSmart Backpacks and other sustainable products that travel well for the sports-minded consumer, and how Targus utilizes recycled plastic, some from the Oceans! At this year’s show, the industry leader in laptop cases and mobile … Continue reading Andrew Corkill, Vice President, Global Marketing and eCommerce at Targus
The Classic City will have a new entertainment venue come Summer of 2024. Danny Bryant, Athens Arena General Manager, began his successful career at The Classic Center in 2010. Danny has served in multiple operational roles during his time at The Classic Center, but since 2015, he has primarily focused on the development of The … Continue reading Danny Bryant, Classic Center Arena General Manager
Rick is joined by the new Miss Hooters International, Emily Johnson, this week. The 2024 Hooters Calendar has just been released. To celebrate the 2024 Hooters Calendar, Hooters hosted calendar signings at some Metro Atlanta locations featuring: Cover Girl: Emily Johnson (Jacksonville, Fla.) Miss March: Sophia Zullo (Mason, Ohio) Miss July: Cassidy Marginean (Grand Prairie, … Continue reading Emily Johnson, Miss Hooters International, 2024 Hooters Calendar Cover Girl
Rick is joined by David Marcus, the founder of EcoGrip this week. Note: A biodegradable tennis / pickleball grip: a high performance grip for racket sports, which decomposes naturally within one year. David had the idea for a biodegradable overgrip while traveling around eco-friendly Ireland in 2008. In 2010 I finally found a highly skilled … Continue reading David Marcus, EcoGrip
As the 2023 golf season wraps up, Rick is joined this week, by Greg Wires, the owner and publisher of Golf Minnesota. Golf Minnesota 2023 Digital lists all public golf courses in Minnesota, the Twin Cities and featured courses in western Wisconsin. It provides a wealth of golf resources. The handy directory contains maps and … Continue reading Greg Wires, Golf Minnesota
Rick talks to Phil Southerland of Supersapiens, this week. Supersapiens is a real-time energy management system for athletes powered by Abbott Libre Sense Glucose Sport Biosensor, empowering you with live data and insights around the key variable for athletic performance: Glucose. Supersapiens is the brainchild of Founder and CEO, Phil Southerland. Diagnosed with type 1 … Continue reading Phil Southerland, Supersapiens Founder and CEO
With over 1.2 million TikTok followers and over 52 million likes on TikTok, you should know who Kevin Silberman is… because your kids probably do. Silberman may seem like the typical high school teacher and track coach in Minnesota, but not really. Silberman has “blown up” on social media! What started out as a cute … Continue reading Kevin Silberman, High School Coach and Teacher, TikTok and Instagram Star
Rick talks about everything Athens, Ga. today with Katie Williams, Executive Director of Visit Athens. Sports, along with creativity and the artsy vibe of Athens, Georgia are what make the Classic City stand out to visitors and locals alike. From potters and painters to jewelry makers and local artisans, the many artists in Athens make … Continue reading Katie Williams, Executive Director of Visit Athens (Georgia)
Rick talks with inventor, John Ellis about why his latest product is a must-have gadget this holiday season? Ellis is the founder of Optics for Hire and the inventor of Roll Ranger, the world’s first tape edge sensor that solves the everyday problem of losing the edge of the tape. This nifty device is the … Continue reading John Ellis, Roll Ranger
With one week until their the first game of the season, Rick talks to first-year Kennesaw State Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Antoine Pettway. He takes over the Owls and the cupboard is not bare in Kennesaw, Pettway was named as the eighth head coach in Kennesaw State men’s basketball history this summer. Pettway comes to … Continue reading Coach Antoine Pettway, Kennesaw State Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Rick talks with Atlanta author and author of the new book: What’s With Atlanta? Paige Watts Why is every street in Atlanta named “Peachtree”? What do Atlantans mean when they say “Inside the Perimeter” or “Outside the Perimeter”? Why can’t Atlanta handle a little snow? Why do locals hate it when you call it “Hotlanta”? … Continue reading Paige Watts, Atlanta Author and ‘What’s With Atlanta?’
The leader in golf simulation technologies has just unveiled an exclusive limited-time promotion aimed at making golf more accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts of all levels with their MORE GOLF campaign. Uneekor is offering discounts on their full lineup of launch monitors with savings up to $3000! “EVN More Golf!” along with the release of … Continue reading Greg Sabella, Uneekor, Vice President of Marketing
Social media is offering average pro-athletes a financial way to survive when their playing days are over. Right now, roughly 60% of NBA players go bankrupt within the first five years of retirement, and 78% of NFL players financially struggle just two years after hanging up their jerseys. Viral Nation is a global digital and … Continue reading Jonathan Chanti, Viral Nation President
Jeehae Lee joins Rick this week. Jeehae Lee is a former professional golfer on the LPGA Tour and an executive in the sports media entertainment industry. As the Founder & CEO of Sportsbox.ai, Jeehae is building products using 3D motion analysis technology that will transform the way people learn and improve skills in sports, starting … Continue reading Jeehae Lee, Founder & CEO of Sportsbox.ai
Rick talks to Clayton Trutor this week. He has a new basketball book. Boston Ball: Rick Pitino, Jim Calhoun, Gary Williams, and the Forgotten Cradle of Basketball Coaches. Rick Pitino, Jim Calhoun, and Gary Williams played no small role in the making of modern college basketball. Collectively, they’ve won more than 2,300 games and six … Continue reading Clayton Trutor, Author, Boston Ball: Rick Pitino, Jim Calhoun, Gary Williams, and the Forgotten Cradle of Basketball Coaches
The more we fly, the more we might need AirHelp. AirHelp makes claiming compensation for delayed or canceled flights straightforward for all airline passengers who are unsure of their rights, or who lack the time or expertise to embark on the claims process themselves. AirHelp stands up to airlines in court, and campaigns for national … Continue reading Eric Napoli, VP of Legal and Leader of the Tech & Innovation team at AirHelp
Rick is joined by Molly McCage this week. Molly is a All-American out of University of Texas Austin, three-time AVCA All-America Selection and currently getting ready for the Athletes Unlimited volleyball season. She is is a member of the Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Player Executive Committee and comes from a family of athletes. During her time … Continue reading Molly McCage, Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball
Pickleball is hot!
As the popularity of pickleball continues to surge, The Wuerffel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit focused on inspiring greater service and unity, today announced the 2nd Annual PickleBowl presented by Selkirk Sport will take place on Tuesday, September 19, at ITA Atlanta.
Heisman Trophy Winner, College Football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback and humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel — now also a passionate pickleball player — will once again serve as host of the charity event that will feature a line-up of professional pickleball players competing alongside celebrities, former athletes, musicians and entertainers.
Also serving as tournament host at the inaugural PickleBowl in 2022, Wuerffel teamed up with pickleball pro Kyle Yates, representing the University of Florida, to capture the very first title. This year the duo will look to defend their title as the charitable event pairs professional pickleball players with celebrities representing their alma maters for ultimate bragging rights.
With the Major League Pickleball Atlanta event on September 21-24, a group of Pro Pickleball players and owners will also participate in the PickleBowl this year. In total, there are expected to be 24 teams competing for the 2023 title.
Wuerffel will be joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry; American Idol Winner Phillip Phillips; Director/Producer Doug Ellin, Pro Beach Volleyball player Casey Patterson, and NFL Alumni & Analysts including David Pollack, Marcellus Wiley, Eric Decker and Danny Kannell among other celebrities, as they compete alongside a strong line-up of the most accomplished professional pickleball players in the world, including Yates, Parris Todd, Collin Johns, JW and Jorja Johnson, Megan Fudge, Ryler DeHeart, and more.
The beneficiary of the 2023 PickleBowl Presented by Selkirk Sport is The Wuerffel Foundation, which has a mission to inspire greater service and unity in communities. A renowned humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel counsels and mentors community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and helps facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters. The Wuerffel Foundation also annually presents the Wuerffel Trophy, College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service.
Selkirk Sport, a family-owned business based in Hayden, Idaho, is at the forefront of pickleball’s surge in popularity because of its product innovation, market leadership, philanthropic initiatives, Selkirk TV, professional tour sponsorship and elite line-up of brand ambassadors.
Rick talks to Scott Deans of BeONE Sports this week.
BeONE Sports – developers of a platform where accomplished athletes’ movements are digitized into a phone app with the goal of creating a training paradigm for athletes to learn – today announced the first-of-its-kind collaboration with Mass St. Collective and the University of Kansas to bring a Collegiate NIL NASCAR car to the upcoming NASCAR race on September 9 at Kansas Speedway.
The collaboration also includes JD Motorsports, eleven (11) University of Kansas student-athletes being featured on the race car, and Mass St. Collective – the KU NIL Collective founded in 2021 to help Jayhawk student-athletes build their personal brand and benefit from their name, image and likeness.
“Our goal at Mass St. Collective is to find new and unique instances where we can grow the brand of our KU student-athletes in new and meaningful ways through name, image and likeness.” says Dan Beckler, President of Mass St. Collective. “To partner with BeOne Sports and have 11 Jayhawks on a NASCAR is something that has never been done before, and it’s an exciting way to bring NIL and college athletes to the racing industry. Brand loyalty is the best among NASCAR fans, and we hope this car only adds to that. What makes this even more special is to debut the car in our home state at Kansas Speedway.”
Additionally, BeONE Sports is developing technology to level the racetrack. With the technology available from BeONE Sports, JD Motorsports hopes to become more competitive with the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ top teams and is exploring a variety of applications using comparative training within the team.
“We believe athletes are everywhere, and we are very excited to bring new and interesting NIL opportunities to student-athletes. The KU NIL NASCAR is a great example of collaboration and driving innovation…literally,” says Scott Deans, BeONE Sports Founder and CEO.
BeONE Sports will be on location in Kansas from September 7th-9th. They will be kicking off their collaboration with athletes from the Kansas Chiefs on September 7th, working with University of Kansas athletes on campus on September 8th, and at the NASCAR race on September 9th. For more information, visit beonesports.com.
BeONE Sports has developed cutting-edge, sports training technology based on body mechanics within any sport. They’ve invented “Comparative Training,” where accomplished athletes’ movements are digitized into the technology, creating a catalog of learning potential. Using their patent-pending AI on a mobile device, young athletes around the world can train with their heroes! Athletes, coaches and parents receive immediate feedback on technique and body-position improvements, and BeONE Sports is revolutionizing the use of NIL where athletes and coaches earn income while training the next generation. For more information, visit www.beonesports.com
The best ticket buying experience. Rick talks to Jason Shatsky, CEO and Founder of TicketRev this week. TicketRev is the first ever buyer-driven marketplace for live events, allowing fans to name their own desired price for tickets without any fees. From there, sellers are able to accept these requests and sell their tickets without ever … Continue reading Jason Shatsky, CEO and Founder of TicketRev →
ChatGPT is all the rage. Shomton Jacob joins Rick this week. “In an era where data privacy is paramount, Zoom’s decision to train its AI models using certain customer data, as per their updated terms, underscores the delicate balance tech companies must strike between innovation and user trust. While the move aligns with Zoom’s AI … Continue reading Shomron Jacob, Iterate.ai on ChatGPT →
Rick has a few minutes with the legendary sports artist, Dick Perez. Perez’s entry into baseball started in 1972 as a team artist for the Philadelphia Phillies. His paintings of all the Hall of Famers with ties to Philadelphia reside in a permanent collection at Citizens Bank Park. While working with the Phillies, he also … Continue reading Dick Perez, Sports Artist and Donruss Diamond Kings →
Beckett Principal Autograph authenticator Steve Grad is now bringing some of his own collection to market. An autograph collector long before his job was to examine them, Grad has gained plenty of notoriety in recent years for his appearances on the hit show Pawn Stars. Now, he’s excited to let some of it go to … Continue reading Steve Grad, Autographs, Grad Collection and Pawn Stars →
Rick is joined by AVP beach volleyball pro, Phil Dalhausser this segment. The 6’9″ hitter is still going strong in 2023 on the AVP Tour. He and his former playing partner, Todd Rogers, were the 2007 AVP Tour and FIVB world champions. Dalhausser and Rogers dominated both the domestic US tour and now the FIVB … Continue reading Phil Dalhausser, AVP Beach Volleyball Pro, Four-time Olympian →
Rick talks with “Baseball Collector” from YouTube. Mike Moynihan, Baseball Collector on YouTube took in the lead in organizing the Unofficial Content Creators Night at the 43rd National in Chicago. The gathering was attended by men, women and kids, all looking to share ideas about their thoughts on YouTube and podcasting and just have a … Continue reading Mike Moynihan, Baseball Collector on YouTube →
The AVP comes to Atlanta, the first week in August and Rick is joined by AVP pro, Zana Muno this week. Some notes on Zana: She’s made an AVP semifinal five times with four different partners Partners overall have included Kerri Walsh Jennings, Kelley Kolinske, Brandie Wilkerson, Crissy Jones, Toni Rodriguez, Allie Wheeler, Delaney Mewhirter, … Continue reading Zana Muno, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Player →
Caught on with Morgan Wrublik at the NIL Summit in Atlanta back in June. Morgan throws the hammer and shot put for the Illinois State Redbirds and is big on social media. She competed in seven meets during the outdoor season where she finished third in the hammer throw with 48.35m (158′ 7″) at the … Continue reading Morgan Wrublik, Illinois State Hammer Thrower and More →
Rick is joined by a linebacker from the North Carolina Tar Heels Football Team, Kaimon Rucker. They talk NIL, football and how he approaches life as a student athlete. He appeared in 13 games and made 10 starts on the defensive line in 2023. Tied for second on the team with four sacks and tied … Continue reading Kaimon Rucker, University of North Carolina Linebacker →
Rich Mueller, the publisher of Sports Collectors Daily joins Rick this week to talk about the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, the sports collecting industry and more. For over 17 years, Sports Collectors Daily gives readers a heaping helping of sports collecting news daily. They publish completely original sports collecting news stories you … Continue reading Rich Mueller, Sports Collectors Daily, The National and More →
Rick is joined by Delaware Basketball Team member, Klarke Sconiers. A fun talk, discussing her career, NIL and more with the Blue Hens senior center. For the 2022-23 season: 12.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game • Third-Team All-CAA • CAA Player of the Week (Jan. 16) • Put together four 20+ point … Continue reading Klarke Sconiers, Delaware Women’s Basketball Player →
Rick is joined by Carter Hogg this week on Tech of Sports. Carter Hogg of G8R Skin explains how their technology will prevent life-threatening injuries in not just football but contact sports overall and completely change the way we prevent concussions moving forward. This invention will save lives, extend careers, and reduce the negative perception … Continue reading Carter Hogg, G8R Skin →
As the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta gets ready to celebrate 10 years, Rick talks with the CEO, Kimberly Beaudin. Great insight and inside look at the Hall with Kimberly. The College Football Hall of Fame was established by the National Football Foundation in 1951. The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, which … Continue reading Kimberly Beaudin, CEO of College Football Hall of Fame →
Rick gets a quick talk with UCLA quarterback, Chase Griffin from the NIL Summit in Atlanta. Griffin is active in NIL and he talks about that along with his philosophy. Bio: Enrolled at UCLA in January 2019 and took part in spring practice. 2022 Saw action as a reserve quarterback in two games (Alabama State … Continue reading Chase Griffin, UCLA Quarterback from the NIL Summit →
An Exclusive with the President of Tauck this week on family travel. Jennifer Tombaugh, President of Tauck and mother of four. Tauck is a 98-year-old leader in upscale guided travel offering more than 150 land journeys and cruises to 70+ countries and all seven continents. Included in Tauck’s portfolio are 20 Tauck Bridges family travel … Continue reading Jennifer Tombaugh, President of Tauck →
Rick talks with Jason Carlson of Wallabing, about providing RV enthusiasts an open road to revenue, adventure, and peace of mind.
With life on the open road remaining as popular and alluring as ever, one innovative company, Wallabing, is seeking to transform this growing lifestyle trend by streamlining the recreational vehicle experience for owners and renters.
“Owners make more, renters pay less” is the simple but powerful concept at the core of the Plano, Texas-based company’s forward-thinking business model. Wallabing is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace and mobile app connecting RV owners, renters, travelers, and wandering adventurers alike.
Bringing owners and renters together in a platform providing value for each has fueled Wallabing’s rapid growth since launching in 2021. Through leveraging its unique team of 164 independent consultants able to assist owners and renters in 32 states, the company has increased its inventory by 682% in six months.
It’s a dilemma faced by many RV owners for years – how to get the most out of their RVs even though they only use their vehicles for a few weeks each year. A recent survey by Verified Market Research found the average RV owner uses their RV an average of 20 days each year leaving 345 days to rent to others. Despite the growing popularity of RVs and outdoor travel, industry experts cite there are more than 54 million idle RVs at any given time, worldwide.
Meanwhile, in recent years, the rental market for RVs has been on the rise. In 2020, the RV rental market size was valued at $546 million. It is projected to reach $810 million by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31% from 2021-2028, according to Verified Market Research.
Demand for RV ownership, which is already at 11.2 million U.S. households, is growing by 500,000 to 1 million annually. Market research predicts that 20.5 million households intend to purchase an RV in the coming years.
Looking ahead, Wallabing’s five-year plan is to have 150K RVs featured on its site and on the road. To further build out its marketplace and increase inventory, Wallabing has developed a responsive business model and lowered its service fee, while keeping modest customer acquisition costs.
Wallabing is planning to launch an upcoming crowdfunding campaign to expand awareness about their company’s platform and mobile app among RV owners, renters, and potential investors.
A great option to try an RV and a new experience.
Jason Carlson
Founder and CEO, Wallabing
I’ve been interested in outdoor recreation for as long as I can remember. My family spent at least one weekend a month camping when I was a young boy and we had an annual reunion at a national forest each August. Between hiking, fishing, boating, and anything else I could get up to out there, I was always taught to appreciate all the wonders our world held for us and was encouraged to explore.
After earning a degree in finance at Southern Methodist University, and working in asset management and consulting, I realized I wanted to get back to that spirit of adventure that was instilled in me by my parents. When I started my own family, I was eager to show them the wonders that an RV adventure could bring. They fell in love just as I did and that was the true foundation of Wallabing. From there it took a few years to marry my expertise and educational background with the desire I had to instill that same sense of curiosity and exploration in each client to create the product we have today. Every day since then has been a different and challenging adventure on its own.
John Sapiente is the CEO of Volition America, a patriotic apparel brand that celebrates the country and supports the military community. Born and raised in Chicago, John is a University of Kansas Jayhawks alumnus.
John’s extensive background in manufacturing and his passion for country and community led him to build Volition America, despite his non-traditional background in apparel, consumer goods or brand building. He currently owns and operates two companies that manufacture Safety-Critical components for the Automotive Industries and Disposable Devices for the Med Device Community.
John’s mission to build a brand that celebrates the country and supports the military community was inspired by his involvement in the Folds of Honor Foundation, a 4-star Goldstar-rated charity that has provided over $220,000,000 and 44,000 scholarships to children and spouses of our fallen soldiers and First Responders, and served on the board of directors. He was inspired by Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney, the founder of the charity, which has provided over .91 of every dollar donated going to the recipients.
Marucci Sports is the latest partner to join Volition America’s curated coalition of premium lifestyle brands, building towards unity in our country and inspiring the power of choice.
Volition America is a movement changing the way we connect with America, through innovative apparel and accessories. Volition America is a collaboration of labels and a collective expression of love for America that transcends culture, gender, race, age and political beliefs. Empowering people to live through positive choices is the driving force of the company and its partnerships. Volition America is both a symbol and a catalyst for unity – when you see the VA logo, you are part of a movement that cares. This alliance of brands and the consumers who engage with them are making a conscious choice to express the power to celebrate America and build strong communities.
John’s dedication to the military community, combined with his manufacturing expertise, has allowed him to create a unique brand that unites and supports America. He is committed to making a positive impact and driving positive change in the world.
A little book that could pay big dividends for the new or old graduate in your life.
Dear Graduate asks a series of questions of the reader—about how they want to spend their lives and what values they’ll develop, evolving to bigger questions about how they act in the world and who they want to become and what they will achieve. It’s 33 questions in all. Even for many athletes I deal with that have a hard time realizing how they fit in to the world after graduation.
Laura Albert (aka JT LeRoy, author of Sarah) called Dear Graduate, “A non-interrogation, subtle and sweet guiding system for any recent graduate.” We think she nailed it.
Dear Graduate is hardcover, 6”x 6”, and 88-pages of text and bright colors, starting with a page for a note to the graduate.
All at www.deargraduatebook.com
This year, Dear Graduate was selected by Uncommon Goods!
Rick talks to the author, Charles McEnerney.
The book started from a conversation with my partner Adam Larson as I was talking to him about my two children, my son who was graduating NuVu Studio School in Cambridge (and will enter MassArt this fall!) and my daughter Adacie McEnerney who will graduate Boston University in three weeks!
We realized that the question we’ve all been asking each other for so many years, “What do you want to BE when you grow up?” probably isn’t the greatest of questions. It assumes the aspiration is a title instead of a passion or a personal mission.
We thought a better question was, “What will you DO when you grow up?” That led to more questions, and then more questions.
The idea is to celebrate all kinds of work and all kinds of people. Dear Graduate gives the reader a moment to stop and think deliberately about the decisions and life ahead.
At $15.99, it is not much more than a greeting card these days and makes a great gift for high school or college graduates, or even kindergarten or elementary school.Or it’s great for anyone!
Rick is joined by Bonnie Taub-Dix, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist.
Americans are a population of snackers, yet do they really know what’s in the snacks they choose? Seven out of ten men and half of women surveyed say they believe their current snacks have nutritional value. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion as to what is considered healthy. Nutrition labels are designed to be transparent, but many people don’t understand what they’re looking at when reading one. In fact, 69% of adults believe that they could eat healthier if nutrition labels were easier to read.
As we move into summer, snacks will be even more essential to daily routines. Kids will be home and families will take road trips and vacations, needing quick and nutritious snacks. Planning your snack choices could save you from a “hangry” meltdown – and that means kids and adults. For “hangry” adults, protein-rich snacks are key, with seven out of ten adults preferring protein for a nutrition boost.
Topics and links:
www.whisps.com
https://bonnietaubdix.com
A new study found Americans have a lot of trouble reading nutrition labels. What should people be looking for on the label?
What are some of your go-to summer snacks that fit the nutritional bill?
What’s the ideal nutritional combination for a snack that makes you feel full longer?
Where can we go to learn more?
Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RDN, CDN, is the award-winning author of Read It Before You Eat It – Taking You from Label to Table, and creator of the website BetterThanDieting.com. Taub-Dix is a media personality, spokesperson, motivational speaker, journalist and corporate and brand consultant whose messages are laced with her credible guidance as an advisor, her passion for creative cooking and her wit and wisdom as a mom. Taub-Dix is Director and Owner of BTD Nutrition Consultants, LLC, with offices on Long Island and in New York City. Taub-Dix is also Health & Wellness Contributor for sites like TODAY.com, US News & World Report and Everyday Health and she is an Expert Reviewer for Greatist and Livestrong.
Rick is joined by Terry Dale of the USTOA this week.
According to the Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023 report by The Vacationer, a whopping 85% of Americans plan to travel this summer and 42% of Americans are planning to travel more this summer compared to last. With a vast array of destinations and styles of vacations available, how can travelers save much-valued time and money in navigating the where, how, when and even why of planning a vacation? In this interview, Terry Dale, president & CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) will discuss the uptick in summer travel and current travel trends. He can also share the benefits of booking a guided tour as well as offer up some ‘off the beaten path’ destinations to plan your next adventure!
TERRY’S TRAVEL TRENDS INCLUDE:
OFF THE BEATEN PATH ITINERARIES – Unique destinations like Türkiye are growing in popularity. Türkiye welcomed 51.4 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the world’s most prominent travel destinations. Apart from its successful figures, Türkiye is also a pioneer country in sustainable tourism and started a nationwide sustainable tourism program in 2022. Tour operators like Collette bring guests off the beaten path to secret hideaways like Dalyan, a relaxing riverbank town connected to the Mediterranean Sea and filled with local charm.
CULTURE IS IN – Countries such as Malta offer thousands of years of intriguing history. Malta, a Mediterranean Archipelago with three sister islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state. Club Adventures’ Malta tour offers exceptional culinary experiences, and visits to local craft villages so that you’re fully immersed in the culture.
SIMPLE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL – Zagreb is a Croatian city of delightful contrasts – it is both young and old, cosmopolitan, and alternative, a mix of Austro-Hungarian and modern architecture, bursting with over 30 museums, 30 theaters, and many galleries and festivals. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel work with locally owned and operated accommodations in Zagreb, which helps support the local economy and provides authentic experiences for travelers. Itineraries often include visits to local artisans, like Radiceva and Tkalciceva Street, and Ilica, where travelers can learn about traditional crafts like embroidery, pottery and woodworking while also supporting small, local businesses.
For more information please visit: www.ustoa.com/tournow
Tim Wright joins Rick this week. Tim is currently Co-Founder and Chief Strategic Officer at Dome Audio.
Before embarking on a career in the technological arena, Tim Wright played in the pro football one. A former tight end who spent three years in the NFL after going undrafted out of Rutgers in 2013—one each for the Buccaneers, Patriots, and Lions—Wright won a championship with New England when the team beat the Seattle Seahawks 28–24 in Super Bowl XLIX.
Wright played, but had no catches. He caught 6 touchdowns in the regular season.
Wright wants to bring game-changing headphones to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
While winning a Super Bowl ring may represent the pinnacle of one’s football career, it doesn’t represent the pinnacle of who Wright is as a person. In a recent interview with me conducted over email, Wright made crystal clear at the outset that he’s always believed himself to be “more than an athlete.” He described his life’s purpose as “[investing] in art, technology, big vision ideas, and making a difference in people’s lives.” The origins of Wright’s entrepreneurial spirit trace back to his days at Rutgers on the school’s football team, where he became the sole offensive captain; he carried these lessons into his playing career and elsewhere.
Dome uses proprietary technology to offer so-called “open” and “closed” headphones—open being bone-conducting style, closed being the more traditional Beats-like style—designed to help people hear better all the while providing improved audio fidelity.
Wright believes this mindset has set him up well for success in life. “When preparation meets opportunity, success is inevitable… my discipline and acumen, coupled with my gifts as a visionary, shines through in my daily works,” he said.
Here is the preorder link: https://www.domeonesound.com
Rick talks with City Manager of Peachtree Corners, Ga., Brian Johnson, this week.
Each year about 1,000 cyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roadways in the U.S. To bring attention to the importance of roadway safety for cyclists, pedestrians and more, Peachtree Corners, Georgia is hosting the U.S. Pro Cycling Curiosity Lab Criterium on Wednesday, April 26. This Curiosity Lab Criterium is more than a qualifying bike race – this Criterium is a way to bring attention to the issue of roadway safety by demonstrating first-ever technologies focused on saving lives and preventing injury for pedestrians, cyclists and more.
In addition to the Criterium, in front of City Hall Peachtree Corners will be showcasing smart city technologies that improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and more. These technologies will be on display for attendees to experience during the event. Technologies include:
The first-ever connected vehicle technology for cyclists to prevent injury and death. This VRU2X technology by Spoke allows cyclists and drivers to be alerted of each other before the human eye can even detect them. This is through connected vehicle technology known as C-V2X (cyclists can communicate with vehicles, vehicles can communicate with cyclists, cyclists can connect with traffic infrastructure, etc.).
Cyclists will be using this technology during the Criterium race. This is a simple unit placed on the bike that sends signal 10x per second. Spoke partner Audi will be onsite to demonstrate the C-V2X within their vehicles as well. Attendees can experience how drivers will see where the cyclist is located in relation to the vehicle and from what direction they are approaching.
Beep’s autonomous and electric shuttles will be on display showcasing C-V2X technology by Commsignia. This tech improves AV safety by alerting vehicles of oncoming traffic, pedestrians and more.
Video analytics and LiDAR for traffic and intersection management will be demonstrated to show how object detection and data is used to make roadways safer and more efficient to improve congestion, traffic, pedestrian safety and sustainability initiatives.
For additional event information visit: https://www.curiositylabptc.com/curiosity-lab-criterium/.
Rick talks to author, Jay Margolis, this week.
The book is ‘My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me’
The movie star, the singer, the sex symbol, the so-called “dumb blonde” – all things that Marilyn Monroe is known as, and yet her story goes far beyond that. How did she build her career in Hollywood? Who was she close to – her family, her friends, her lovers – and who was really there for her? Was a successful young woman’s life cut short by suicide, or is there more to the story? Most importantly, who really was Marilyn Monroe? My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me reveals the intimate details of the star’s life and the environment of Hollywood and the United States at the peak of Marilyn Monroe’s career.
Terry Karger, granddaughter of Metro Pictures co-founder Maxwell Karger and the daughter of Fred Karger (Marilyn’s lover and vocal coach), recounts her experience with Hollywood and a young Marilyn Monroe. Coauthored by New York Times best-selling author Jay Margolis, My Maril begins with a young Terry Karger meeting Marilyn, affectionately nicknamed “Maril” by the Karger family, for the first time as her father’s new girlfriend. Marilyn becomes Terry’s babysitter, and she serves as a friend and sister-esque figure in the young girl’s life. Terry’s version of Marilyn is personal – she is kind, affectionate, smart, and mischievous, strikingly different to the way she was portrayed by the media. This book is a comprehensive account of Marilyn’s entire life, as well as a behind-the-scenes glance into other prominent public figures, such as Ronald Reagan, that Terry Karger knew personally.
Rick talks with Ophir Gaathon of Dust Identity.
Under the NCAA name, image and likeness (NIL) policy, among other benefits, college athletes are able to profit from signing autographs and essentially selling their jerseys and wares as collectibles. Having products of college athletes on the market in season ramps up excitement and growth of the industry. But the NIL also presents inherent challenges including the need for athletes to know which jerseys, helmets, and so on are theirs and which autographed wares are authentic and not knock-offs. For the individual athlete, there are not a lot of good options out there for authenticating their own products and protecting their investment.
At DUST Identity, the answer to this challenge is small — nanoparticle small. Using engineered diamond particles embedded in high-performance polymers, DUST gives physical “things” — products, parts, and packaging — an unclonable fingerprint to offer full tracking, indisputable authentication, tamper-free validation, and data transparency throughout the object’s entire lifecycle. Compared to existing identification methods, DUST is more cost efficient at less than $0.01 to apply at scale.
Ophir Gaathon – Chief Executive Officer
Ophir Gaathon is a supply chain security expert who has a deep understanding of the complex security challenges associated with global value chains. In his current role as CEO, he is responsible for the company’s overall vision and strategy, product commercialization, and overseeing technology and R&D initiatives. Prior to launching DUST Identity in 2018, Ophir was the CEO and founder of Diamond Nanotechnologies for seven years, where he developed the underlying technology for DUST with his cofounders. Prior to that, he was a Research Affiliate for the Synthetic Neurobiology Group in the MIT Media Lab for 3 years and served as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the MIT Research Laboratory of Electronics’ Quantum Photonics Lab in 2013. He received his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Columbia University and B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering. He has led research projects at MIT and Columbia, and he holds several patents.
Rick talks with Lara Krug from Adobe Summit in Las Vegas.
Lara Krug was hired as Kansas City’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer on June 29, 2021 and begins her third season in the National Football League in 2023.
As the first CMO in franchise history, Krug oversees all club marketing functions, including brand marketing; community outreach; digital, social and website operations; influencer activation; event entertainment; content production and the Hunt Family Foundation.
Reporting directly to team President Mark Donovan, she strategically and proactively works across the organization to identify opportunities to help internal and external stakeholders achieve key growth objectives. Employing short- and long-term strategies, Krug and the marketing team are focused on brand extensions and loyalty with current and new fans; engaging with fans through original content across all the club’s social, digital and mobile channels; as well as creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences domestically and globally all in an effort to welcome all to Chiefs Kingdom.
In addition to managing all domestic marketing efforts for the team, Krug is leading the club’s international growth in both Germany and Mexico as part of the NFL’s IHMA (International Home Marketing Area) announcement in 2021. This league initiative grants clubs access to international territories for marketing, fan engagement and commercialization, enabling the Chiefs to build a more robust global brand while driving NFL fan growth internationally.
Prior to joining the Chiefs, Krug spent more than seven years in multiple marketing roles with Anheuser-Busch InBev, eventually taking over as Vice President of U.S. Marketing for Stella Artois (2018-21). Before leading the national marketing efforts for Stella Artois, she served as the Vice President of U.S. Marketing for Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Regional Brands, including Estrella Jalisco, Landshark, Presidenté, Beck’s and Kirin. Those roles saw her develop and lead experiential platforms and campaigns around Super Bowl LIV (2020) and the FIFA World Cup (2018). She also held positions as the Director of Global Experiential Marketing and Director of Global Digital and Media Operations at Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Before joining A-B InBev, she spent three years with L’Oréal USA, where she finished her time as Associate Vice President of Global Digital Marketing, overseeing the creation of digital and social content toolkits, CRM and data capture strategy. Prior to L’Oréal, Krug was the Manager of Online Marketing for Avon Inc. and Avon.com and was a Media Strategist for multiple national clients at PHD Media.
The 50 Greatest Players in Braves History examines the careers of the 50 men who made the greatest impact on one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most iconic franchises. Using as measuring sticks the degree to which they impacted the fortunes of the team, the extent to which they added to the Braves legacy—in Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta—and the levels of statistical compilation and overall dominance they attained while wearing a Braves uniform, The 50 Greatest Players in Braves History ranks, from 1 to 50, the top 50 players in team history.
Rick talks with the author, Robert Cohen about this great book.
Cohen was born in the Bronx, New York in 1956. He grew up just a few miles from Yankee Stadium, rooting for the Yankees and New York Football Giants. After spending many years working in a large corporate environment, he began writing professionally in 2004. His first published work, “A Team For The Ages: Baseball’s All-Time All-Star Team” clearly reflects his great love of the game of baseball, and also his vast knowledge of the sport.
Great hats and more.
Rick is joined by Roger Duthie this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’
BearFish is a boutique Dubai brand and will appeal to a certain demographic who care about quality, comfort and fashion while playing their favorite sport. With its first line of caps, the brand aims to bring back color into outdoor sport. The founder Roger Duthie claims that the golf public has gotten dull with lack of color and designs and hopes his products will inspire people to wear brighter colors and according to him, put people in a better mood on the golf course! A real showcase to the world that incredible creativity can come from the UAE and BearFish.\
Sports fan engagement.
Brainstorming dynamic and fresh approaches to fan engagement by combining traditional experiences with the digital era can be a challenge. Organizations in sports need to begin to understand the idea of extracting the lifetime value of the customer.
In professional sports 1% of all fans will go to a game live, but in today’s globalized digital world, why aren’t all sports organizations taking advantage of this connectedness?
Rick is joined by Courtney Jeffries, CEO of Virtual Tables. Virtual Tables is a startup that provides tools to organizations to help bridge the gap between themselves and their global audience.
Their flagship product is DigiSign, a 1:1 digital autograph platform product that allows sports fans to receive a personalized autograph and a meet and greet session with fans all over the world.
DigiSign has been used across 30+ countries with multiple sports organizations. Including the Formula 1 team, Williams Racing, The Connecticut Sun WNBA Team and the Athletes Unlimited sports league.
Courtney talks about:
The importance of platforms like DigiSign in the NIL era
Innovative fan engagement strategies for sports teams
Transforming traditional collectible experiences in the digital age
Eliminating the need for geographic limitations by taking advantage of global fan engagement tools
A great talk with Courtney.
Talking to sports massage therapist, John G. Louis, this week.
He’s here to introduce his new product, the Hall of Fame self-massage tool. The patent-pending “self-manager” massage tool provides a focused and individualized pressure point that instantly delivers measurable results and benefits.
Here are some features that make the Hall of Fame self-massage tool distinctive:
Developed by a licensed Hall of Fame Sports Massage Therapist, John G. Louis, CEO of Acuforce International, Inc, a therapeutic product line, is a 42-year veteran Licensed Massage Therapist for major sports league players and Director of the Massage Therapy Center of Winnetka.
Endorsed by Frank Thomas:The patent-pending Hall of Fame Massage Toolis endorsed by Frank Thomas, the 2014 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.
Trigger-point therapy: The Hall of Fame massage tool is handy for self-massage allowing the user, both professional and consumer alike, to perform effective therapeutic techniques, such as trigger-point therapy & muscle release, for the back, neck, shoulder, hips, and more.
Stainless steel quality: Shape like a wide-angle cane, the rigid bar is the only self-massager made of high-quality stainless steel, not plastic. At the same time, the soft-coated plastisol metal treatment tip accurately replicates a therapist’s thumb.
A pioneer and leader in sports medicine and rehabilitation. John is an inventor of numerous product concepts, educator and therapist for some of the world’s best professional athletes. He was inducted into the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2022.
John founded Massage Therapy Center of Winnetka in 1989. The clinic is rated the best on the North Shore of Chicago. Located on Green Bay Road in Winnetka, Illinois, the clinic employs 5 certified and licensed massage therapists. In 1999, John created Acuforce International, Inc. a company that markets his patented soft-tissue therapy tools. A division of that company called Chocolate Milk Productions produced “Infant Massage Lessons for Dads”. An instructional DVD that teaches fathers how to bond with their babies while helping the infants to sleep better and develop more rapidly. The program has won 2 video excellence awards, 2004 Aurora Gold Award and the 2005 Telly Award.
John just launched a product in 2020 called the Freebounder Fitness and Rehab Machine. The machine is patented and is easily the most comprehensive machine ever created for the product space.
Rick is joined by Keith Marshall, former University of Georgia football player, former NFL player and now Co-CEO of The Players’ Lounge, a NIL-focused platform built to empower relationships between current and former college athletes.
Rick was able to attend a panel with Keith in Alpharetta, Ga. Talking about the current NIL landscape, how to best work with student-athletes and how to build a business in the collegiate space. Keith was joined by Matt Hibbs, CEO of Classic City Collective, Chris Smith, Student-Athlete at the University of Georgia, and panel moderator, Kim Hartsock, Office Managing Member of ACG.
Marshall talks candidly about NIL, what The Players’ Lounge is doing and the ever-evolving face of college athletics.
Have a listen.
Rick talks tennis… and pickleball with tennis legend, turned pickleball instructor, JoAnne Russell
JoAnne Russell is a former Major Doubles Champion (1977) and had an incredibly successful career in tennis before discovering pickleball.
With playing partner Helen Gourlay Cawley, she won the Wimbledon ladies’ doubles title in 1977. They beat the team of Chris Evert and Rosie Casals in the first round and the top-ranked team of Martina Navratilova and Betty Stöve in the final (6–3, 6–3). Russell reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 11.
As soon as she picked up a paddle, JoAnne fell in love with the sport as both a player and an instructor. Having risen through the ranks to the top tier of tennis, Russell understands what it takes to improve and works diligently with her students to share with them what it takes to be a champion. JoAnne currently resides in Naples, FL where she gives pickleball lessons full-time.
Joanne represents Selkirk when it comes to pickleball. A great time catching up with JoAnne.
Rick is joined by Glenn Booth of Kiswe this week.
Kiswe—the interactive video tech company, one of TIME’s most important inventions of 2021 and a Deloitte 500 top 20 company—has powered the world’s largest virtual concerts and events, including Josh Groban, BTS, Justin Bieber, Queen + Adam Lambert, Smosh, The Try Guys, The Rolling Stones and many others.
Kiswe also works with major sports teams and events including the NBA, PPV.COM, ESPN and most recently with the LA Clippers to bring alternative broadcasts to their fans via Clippervision, which allows for fans to watch the games in Korean, Spanish, or English.
Most recently, Kiswe has partnered with Times Square to bring the annual NYE festivities to people across the world. Viewers could upload reaction videos and selfies – allowing them to connect with each other all over the globe.
There is a lot going on here and much to discuss with Glenn. What a great discussion!
Veritone, creator of aiWARE, a hyper-expansive enterprise AI platform, partnered with former pro footballer Alan Smith will use AI voice to cover the most prestigious football tournament in the world. Opta Voice by Stats Perform, powered by award-winning aiWARE solution Veritone Voice, brings life to the sport stats and game details to fans around the world. Alan is currently a regular co-commentator and sometime studio pundit for Sky Sports for the Premier League coverage.
Rick talks about that and more with Veritone SVP, Sean King.
“Broadcasters and sports organizations can now leverage lifelike voice options in a wide range of languages for their stats reporting, reaching new fan bases around the globe, and providing better services to those who may not speak the host language, as well as those with visual impairments.”
Now, through AI voice, passionate fans can hear real-time game updates from the announcer on their phone or computer in their local language. Veritone Voice gives commentators the ability to enhance and personalize fan engagement and even bring their unique voice and cadence in multiple languages to a number of concurrent events.
“The ability to reach audiences around the world in their local language opens up a host of new opportunities for broadcasters and provides the best possible experience for the passionate fans,” shared Sport Commentator Alan Smith. “Providing one voice creates consistency for audiences and it’s a privilege that the selected voice will be the AI version of mine.”
A recent strategic partnership combines Veritone’s synthetic voice AI technology to provide voice commentary with Stats Perform’s Opta sports data, designed to provide real-time play-by-play, pre-game, in-game and post-game updates.
“We’re thrilled to already see the impact of our recent partnership with Veritone coming to life,” said Stats Perform Chief Revenue Officer Steve Xeller. “Broadcasters and sports organizations can now leverage lifelike voice options in a wide range of languages for their stats reporting, reaching new fan bases around the globe, and providing better services to those who may not speak the host language, as well as those with visual impairments.”
“We continue to expand our offerings and capabilities in sport and to help broadcasters and other organizations scale their reach and best engage their audiences,” said Veritone President Ryan Steelberg. “We’re excited to help Alan Smith reach fans around the world with his beloved sports commentary and insights.”
Veritone also recently launched SPORTX, a new intelligent marketplace for sports federations and content producers from around the globe to license short-form sports video directly to media buyers. Sports rights holders on board with SPORTX include ATP Media, Euroleague Basketball and Extreme E, with many others in advanced discussions. In addition, SPORTX plans to host content from SNTV, the world’s biggest sports news video outlet, which will include content from this year’s tournament in Qatar, including press conferences, stadium profiles, fan zones, game reviews and profiles of all 32 teams.
Rick talks with Makaela Bryant this week on “Tech of Sports.”
Makaela is up-and-coming in Hollywood, even landing multiple film roles during the pandemic. Following her acting debut in the hit show Manifest, she went on to grace high fashion magazine covers for Dolce Spain and Selin Magazine, alongside her growing film career.
At the moment, Bryant has several projects lined up for the coming year. One of her film credits will include Streaming Sarah, a film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Joyce Kostakis about a medium who channels spirits to solve cases. Bryant will play the role of Cassidy Bishop, a major supporting character in the film. In addition to this impressive role, Bryant is humbled to be working with industry talents like director Michael Coulombe (American Horror Stories) and actor/producer Sebastien Large.
While she can easily be found on the big screen in full-length films, she is no stranger to TV. Breed, a soon-to-be action/drama series, will start screening in 2023, and The Devil Comes Dressed is set to film in 2023, in which she will play the reoccurring role of Mary Tuttle. Another impressive project Bryant is ready to shine in is an upcoming pilot entitled Beginning of the End written by James Joffrion, a well-known host of The Just Acting Up Show podcast. Lastly, be sure to look out for Circlings this year, during which you will get to see Bryant once more on the big screen. In all works, Bryant will aim to demonstrate her talent and range as an actress as she brings complex and interesting characters to life.
Bryant takes her craft seriously, and like all the greats, she takes classes and seminars to help her prepare for her roles. In addition to her emotional preparation, Bryant maintains her slim and trim figure by participating as a Bikini Athlete in the NPC/IFBB League in the amateur bikini sect. She is rigorously trained by Atinder Singh and TCEF, which is how she makes sure she’s always ready for the camera. Some are even beginning to call her “The Female Rock” due to her exceptional physique and ultimate talent on-screen.
Due to her dedication to her craft, her commitment to maintaining her appearance, and her excitement over film as an artform, Bryant is definitely poised for a long and successful career in Hollywood.
For more information, visit makaelabryantofficial.com
Enjoy this interview.
Rick is joined by wresting legend, Mickie James this week.
James is one of the most recognizable wrestlers in the world and a 10-time Women’s World Champion, Mickie James has been wrestling for more than two decades, including multiple title runs in WWE and IMPACT Wrestling. She has been wrestling since 1999 and has been a multi-time winner of the Woman Wrestler of the Year award. Away from the ring, James is a renowned country music singer, perhaps best known for her hit single “Hardcore Country.” She is an inductee into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame and is signed to Sony Music.
James is part of HARD TO KILL, one of IMPACT’s premier events of the year, every year – and the 2023 show is a blockbuster, on Friday, January 13. Then, on Saturday night, January 14, IMPACT Wrestling presents the Hard To Kill Fallout Show, also at Center Stage, as the company’s television trucks will capture all of the in-ring action for upcoming episodes of IMPACT’s flagship weekly TV show, #IMPACTonAXSTV (Thursday, 8 p.m. EST on AXS TV in the U.S., Fight Network in Canada and Impact Insiders on YouTube.
IMPACT Wrestling presents back-to-back nights of action-packed live pro wrestling in Atlanta on Friday and Saturday, January 13-14 – both nights originating from famed Center Stage in Atlanta.
(Some sound issues on Rick’s end… sorry for that!)
It’s CES week and that means the debut of 100’s of new products.
That includes iTOUCH Wearables– the leading US-based lifestyle tech brand known for producing innovative smartwatches, fitness trackers and fashion-forward tech accessories. They have a new product collaboration with World Renowned Health and Wellness Expert, Jillian Michaels that is being unveiled at CES.
The brand previously announced a multi-year partnership with Michaels in November sharing that they were working with the Wellness Expert to create a limited-edition collection of smartwatches and fitness trackers designed to streamline consumers’ professional, active and social lives while encouraging healthier habits in a user-friendly way. The brand recently announced that they have collaborated with Jillian on an exclusive line of smartwatches and fitness trackers.
She’s here to talk about that and more with Rick.
Michaels has dominated the health and wellness space in every realm of media –apps, podcasting, streaming, television, print, publishing, and social media with a collective community of over 100 million strong.
The Fitness App created by Jillian is the top-rated diet and exercise app for women, having won best-of awards from both Google and Apple. From her hit TV shows, live speaking engagements, eight New York Times bestselling books, and an award-winning podcast— Jillian continues to empower and produce results for millions around the world.
Rick talks with Neil Myers, an award winning documentarian and amateur triathlete this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’
Myers has a new documentary out!
Climb
Climb – a heartwarming documentary about a triathlete’s inspirational journey back from a near-death accident. Neil Myers is an amateur triathlete – sometimes competing in individual triathlons (where he completes all three – swim, bike and running portions), and sometimes as part of a relay team as their cyclist. Four years ago, at the age of 61, Neil and his relay team had just won the biggest race of their life, the NYC Triathlon. Four weeks later – he was fighting for his life in the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital ICU.
Neil talks about that an more!
Climb is a love story of cycling, of the 300 people in the community that brought Neil back to the start line in Santa Barbara, and Neil’s family, who were there every step of the way. Climb was an official selection at 40 film festivals in the US, Canada, and Europe. It has won 26 awards, including best documentary, best original score, best cinematography, best editing, and others.
For more information please visit: https://www.climbdoc.org
Talking the popular brand of Kizik Shoes this week.
With Monte Deere, CEO of Kizik.
Taking off your shoes at the end of the day or putting them back on the morning after the first day, can feel like you are tasked with climbing Mount Everest. Your hands and back just don’t seem to want to cooperate to get your shoes on.
So Kizik shoes feature a patented heel design so all you have to do is slip your toes into the shoe, the heel will compress so your foot can slide all the way in and then once your foot is in, it will spring back into place securing your foot in the shoe.
You need a pair of Kiziks.
What is coming in 2023 for Kizik? What makes them so popular and more with Rick and Monte.
Taaluma Totes, a backpack that has a mission to give back to the world and support entrepreneurs and small businesses through microloans. A company embracing a diverse culture, helping you carry your memories while you explore the world. Hand make right in California. Here are just some reasons that make it a great backpack for … Continue reading Taaluma Totes with Founders Ethan and Jordan
Tea is hot! For tea lovers or those new to tea! ChaiBot is a blend of superior engineering design and product innovation to overcome daily hassles in tea making. With its elegant design and classy colors of black, white and matcha green, it will perfectly complement any kitchen setting. ChaiBot – the world’s first all-in-one … Continue reading Shaswat Dixit ‘Shani’, ChaiBot Founder
Rick is joined by Karl Haller, Partner, Consumer Center of Competency Leader at IBM for this special interview. Many global consumers are ready to celebrate the holidays again however, as a wider set of economic and political issues took center stage this past year, new risks and uncertainties loom over their plans. According to the … Continue reading Karl Haller; Partner, Consumer Center of Competency Leader at IBM Consulting
Great to talk to Jason this week. A great idea and a passion for sports has created SportsVisio. SportsVisio is a highly revolutionary Sports AI/Computer Vision startup that essentially uses cutting-edge AI tech to capture basketball stats and automatically generate highlights, simply using iPhone or Android phone cameras on tripods. All with Syverson and SportsVisio … Continue reading SportsVisio CEO, Jason Syversen on Cutting Edge AI →
Kudo CEO Ryan Lewis and NBA legend “Downtown” Fred Brown join Rick to discuss KUDO’s protein-powered snacks and nutritional gummies. Kudo products are non-GMO, gluten-free and created to help health-conscious consumers snack (and supplement) without guilt. Kudo, The Good Conscience Snack Co., entered the functional foods market in 2022 with a product line that features … Continue reading Kudo CEO Ryan Lewis and NBA legend “Downtown” Fred Brown on Snacking Products →
Great to catch up with Bob Wilber this week. Wilber’s book How Far? explores the incredible friendship that blossoms between a baseball player from Southern California and a hockey player from Minnesota. How Far? is an inspiring story that isn’t just for sports fans — it’s for anyone who wants to be motivated to keep … Continue reading Bob Wilber, Author, ‘How Far?: A Tale of Determination, DNA, and Drama’, Drag Racing, Sports PR →
Phenix is a real-time streaming tech provider who has worked with major sporting events and organizations around the world to stream their events with sub-half a second latency. Jed Corenthal elaborates on how ultra-low latency allows for exciting interactive features and personalization options like augmented reality with instant data overlays, real-time stats, and multi-angle viewing … Continue reading Jed Corenthal, CMO of Phenix talking Streaming →
Rick talks with one of the bright young stars in college basketball, Chris Youngblood of Kennesaw State. Chris has a chance to be one of the top Mid-Major players in the country this year for the Owls. Honors 2022-23 – ASUN Preseason All-Conference 2020-21 – ASUN All-Freshman Team As a Sophomore (2021-2022) Started in 30 … Continue reading Chris Youngblood, Kennesaw State Basketball, ASUN Preseason All-Conference →
Rick is joined by former World No. 7, Australian Open champ and longtime tennis coach, Brian Teacher. Have a listen as Brian has a new tennis coaching app. A groundbreaking new tennis instructional platform may revolutionize the way tennis players learn, and coaches serve athletes. Full Court Tennis, a collaborator of the WTA & ATP … Continue reading Brian Teacher, Former Top-10 Player, Noted Coach and Full Court Tennis App →
Rick talks with sports collector, Mike Gioseffi this week. “Heavy hitters” have launched a comprehensive platform for international trading. The recently launched Card Shop Live is a mobile and web marketplace for buying, trading, and selling sports cards, memorabilia, and collectibles. Created to attract serious collectors as well as new hobbyists, the Card Shop Live … Continue reading Mike Gioseffi, Professional Sports Collector, Card Shop Live →
Former US Congressman, Ric Keller, joins Rick this week with a new book and “achieving your dreams.” Former U.S. Congressman Ric Keller explores the upside of taking educated risks and shares other success principles he wishes he’d known as a young person in his new book, Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams. … Continue reading Former U.S. Congressman Ric Keller, ‘Chase the Bears: Little Things to Achieve Big Dreams’ →
Rick is joined by Nick Rolnick this week. Rolnick (@thehpm), “The Human Performance Mechanic,” (thehpmny.com) an authority on blood flow restriction, performance enhancement specialist, and physical therapist. Nick’s sole goal is to help people get back to the activities they love as quickly as possible so they can experience the joy of pain free movement. … Continue reading Nick Rolnick , World Class Performance Trainer →
The return of PGA Tour 2K23 is right around the corner and media got a taste of this new video game at the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Rick talks to Shaun West, one of the developers of PGA Tour 2K23. PGA TOUR 2K23 will feature PGA TOUR icon and all-time sports great Tiger Woods as … Continue reading Shaun West, Franchise Manager at HB Studios, Developer on PGA Tour 2K23 →
Stephanie Moram is a Green Living Expert, the CEO and Founder of Good Girl Gone Green, and host of the podcast Green Junkie, where she guides people to live a greener and more sustainable life without feeling overwhelmed. She joins Rick this week. It’s that season, tailgates and BBQs come with trash bags full of … Continue reading Stephanie Moram, Green Living Expert, the CEO and Founder of Good Girl Gone Green →
Rick talks to world champion dancer, Anastasia Muravyeva this week. Anastasia has a fun new concept of dance entertainment. This is priceless entertainment for any occasion. Dance ‘n Dazzle provides all inclusive and unparalleled special events, castings, media, and print spreads with the most elegant and memorable element, that will surely add a sparkle to … Continue reading Anastasia Muravyeva, World Champion Dancer, CEO and Founder ‘Dance ‘n Dazzle’ →
This is part of the press conference PGA golfer, Colin Morikawa gave at the launch of the new PGA Tour 2K23 video game at the Tour Championship in Atlanta. PGA TOUR 2K23 will feature PGA TOUR icon and all-time sports great Tiger Woods as the cover athlete. PGA TOUR 2K23 celebrates Tiger’s legacy by introducing … Continue reading Colin Morikawa on Video Games and Being in PGA Tour 2k23 →
Rick talks to Atlanta Hawks No. 1 draft pick, AJ Griffin this week. Griffin is getting ready for the upcoming NBA season, but also giving back. School kids and those who happened to be in the Athlete’s Foot store on Lee St. in the West End of Atlanta, doing some shoe shopping were treated to … Continue reading AJ Griffin, Atlanta Hawks No. 1 Draft Pick, Athlete’s Foot Brand Ambassador →
Rick is joined by track and field’s Shereese Cutler, “The Pretty Jumper.” I held high school records in both cross-country and track and field. I attended college on academic and athletic scholarship, and now I compete professionally in the long jump. I have a love for all sports and Muhammad Ali is one of my … Continue reading Shereese Cutler, Track and Field, ‘The Pretty Jumper’ →
As Sir Ben Ainslie makes his SailGP debut on home waters at the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth this weekend, SailGP will be putting into action some of the most progressive technological and sustainable clean energy innovations the sporting world has ever seen! The Great Britain Sail Grand Prix will be the most … Continue reading Sir Ben Anslie, Olympian and SailGP →
Rick is joined by a great guest this week. Georgia State men’s tennis fifth-year senior Andrei Duarte, who was awarded a main draw doubles wild card for the 2022 Atlanta Open as announced by the professional men’s tennis tournament and tournament director Eddie Gonzalez. Duarte will pair with Alvaro Regalado of Columbus State to compete … Continue reading Andrei Duarte, College to Pro Tennis, Atlanta Open →
She built on the organization’s winning 2021 season and playoff appearance, key player re-signings, and increased global exposure for the organization, leading the charge to streamline key financial operations using integrated software – a critical element to the team’s success. Her approach offers a recipe for success. Rick is joined by Rachel Pearcy, this week … Continue reading Rachel Pearcy, CFO of WNBA’s Dallas Wings →
Pleasure to be joined by Olivia Baker, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Olivia is having a career year in 2022. The New Jersey native and Stanford grad is current the 25th ranked 800m runner in the world. She just ran at 1:58:46 at the Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR. … Continue reading Olivia Baker, Professional 800m Runner, Stanford All-American, Atlanta Track Club →
Tennis & Racket Industry Pros Launch RKT3 Group To Offer Expert Consulting Strategy, Programming and Leadership Development Rick talks to Erik Kortland this week on “Tech of Sports.” Three dynamic leaders in the racket sports space are venturing out and offering their services to organizations and facilities looking to expand and take advantage of the … Continue reading Erik Kortland, Tennis Industry Veteran, RKT3 Group →
Rick is joined by former CNN Headline News’ Jane Velez-Mitchell this week to talk about her new venture. Jane Velez-Mitchell, award-winning TV journalist, New York Times bestselling author and former CNN Headline News anchor, has launched a new streaming network called UnchainedTV. This network is FREE and does not require any emails, subscriptions, or disclosure … Continue reading Jane Velez-Mitchell, Former Cable News Host, UnchainedTV →
Rick is joined this week by former D-I student athlete and now author, M.K. Lever. Imagine a world where coercion, control, surveillance, and manipulation reign. Where imbalance of power makes exploitation easy and where those at the bottom of the heap sacrifice everything to make a profit for those at the top. M.K. Lever’s knockout … Continue reading M.K. Lever, Author, College Athletics Novel, ‘Surviving the Second Tier’ →
Coach Brian Bohannon, of Kennesaw State joins Rick this week. Hired on March 24, 2013 and tasked with building a football program from scratch, Bohannon embraced the challenge and quickly turned Kennesaw State into the best five-year start-up program in college football history in 2019 with a 48-15 overall record, two Big South Conference championships, … Continue reading Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw St. Head Football Coach →
Great guest this week… Rick is joined by Gary Green. Prominent businessman Gary Green is living the dream of every sports fan as the owner of four professional sports teams: the United Soccer League’s Union Omaha and MiLB’s Omaha Storm Chasers, Richmond Flying Squirrels and Montgomery Biscuits. Now, the native New Yorker is teaming with … Continue reading Gary Green, Minor League Baseball Team Owner, Mets Fan, Jet Linx Promotion →
Rick is joined by comedian, turned skateboard coach, George Wang this week. May marked the start of AAPI Heritage Month, AAPI which stands for Asian American/Pacific Islander, is an important and impactful month for Pan-Asian individuals everywhere in the face of #StopAsianHate, and as we navigate the changing landscape for AAPI folk in the media … Continue reading George Wang, Comedian, Invasian 2.0, Skateboard Coach →
Peggy Sullivan joins Rick this week. Peggy is the Author of the book, “Happiness Is Your Responsibility”. The book is a combination of emotion, humor, and straight talk to inspire others to believe and see how they can have the life they want. By sharing practical wisdom and touching personal stories, Peggy provides insight into … Continue reading Peggy Sullivan, SheCan! and Author ‘Happiness Is Your Responsibility’ →
Rick is joined by author and lawyer, Jotham S. Stein this week. What does it mean to negotiate like a CEO? How important are employment agreements? How can you learn to protect yourself and your family if the worst does happen? These are all questions that Jotham S. Stein addresses in his book Negotiate Like … Continue reading Jotham S. Stein, ‘Negotiate Like a CEO’ →
Rick is joined by Ohio State starting quarterback this week on ‘Tech of Sports!” Stroud is Express’ first-ever Collegiate Athlete Style Ambassadors along with fellow local Columbus collegiate football player Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He spent his true freshman year at Ohio State as a backup to Justin Fields. He did not attempt any passes but had … Continue reading CJ Stroud, Ohio State Starting Quarterback, now with Express NIL Deal →
Rick is joined by Dave Duecker, CEO of Bike.com this week. Bike.com is officially live! The online marketplace looks to become the one-stop-shop for both experienced bicyclists and those graduating from training wheels. They have created a community where anyone interested in riding can come to learn, explore and purchase a bike, while also ensuring … Continue reading Dave Duecker, CEO of Bike.com →
Even though I’m not an RVer, I think about traveling the country in an RV often. This week, Rick is joined by Joel Holland, travel expert and CEO of Harvest Hosts, a membership platform for RVers to find unique overnight stays. Harvest Hosts, a membership program giving RVers access to unique overnight stays, finds that … Continue reading Joel Holland, Travel Expert and CEO of Harvest Hosts, a Membership Platform for RVers →
Just days before the 2022 Masters Tournament, Atlanta entrepreneur Edgar Evans Jr. happily released his signature golf shoe, “The Edgar 1’s.” The shoe was created to inspire the world and provide the youth of underserved communities with golf resources. Evans joins Rick this week to talk about his shoes, golf and more! A native of … Continue reading Edgar Evans Jr., Golf Professional, Atlanta Entrepreneur, ‘The Edgar 1’s’ →
Rick is joined by internet and baseball sensation, Zack Hample this week. Hample has attended games at 61 different MLB stadiums and snagged more than 11,000 balls in the stands including Mike Trout’s 1st career home run and Alex Rodriguez’s 3,000th hit. Hample gives his tips for catching baseballs at games and his favorite ballparks. … Continue reading Zack Hample, Youtuber, Baseball Fan, Home Run Ball Catcher →
Kevin Gallagher joins Rick this week to talk his new book and “saving baseball.” SAVE THE GAME ™ is a grass roots initiative to invigorate Major League Baseball and increase youth participation in the game; the initiative was launched by the nine-year veteran former MLB player Jeff Frye (Rangers, Red Sox, Rockies, Blue Jays), and … Continue reading Kevin Gallagher, Author ‘Teach Your Kids to Hit’ →
WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested a month ago in Moscow’s main airport. On Thursday it was announced that she would be held without trial until at least May 19th. She currently faces charges that could carry a sentence of up to 10-years in prison. Upon arrival in Moscow during her seventh season playing professional … Continue reading Aron Solomon, Legal Expert on the Brittney Griner Charges →
Rick is joined this week on ‘Tech of Sports’ by Kyle Groth, CEO of Whiskers. Whiskers’ Made-in-the-USA golf laces coordinate in style and color with the footwear and apparel brands PGA Tour players and amateur golfers’ wear. Crafted with ultra-durable poly-nylon tech weave and high-grade aglets, they are available in multiple styles, flat and oval … Continue reading Kyle Groth, CEO of Whiskers →
Rick is joined by Mark DiMassimo of DiGo this week. March 13th is the start of March Madness, and as many fans begin thinking about their brackets, companies should also begin thinking about their advertising strategies. How can companies use advertising during March Madness to ensure desired behavior changes are met among consumers? Mark DiMassimo, … Continue reading Mark DiMassimo , DiGo on March Madness Advertising Strategies and Branding →
What’s new from GolfLogix? Pete Charleston, Co-founder and President stops by ‘Tech of Sports’ this week. Charleston co-founded Premium Cigars International and helped take the company public on the Nasdaq. Charleston served as vice president of sales for Premium Cigars International, where he successfully launched an in-store humidor program in over 10,000 retail outlets, negotiating … Continue reading Pete Charleston, Co- founder and President GolfLogix →
Great to talk with another rower this week, Dani Hansen, Team USA Paralympic athlete in Rowing and a Hydrow athlete. Hansen is a 6’1″ rower from Modesto, Cal. She competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. She has won a gold medal and five silver medals from the World Rowing Championships and … Continue reading Dani Hansen, Two-time Paralympic Medalist in Rowing, Hydrow Athlete →
Rick is joined by former Olympic rower, Aquil Abdullah this week. He was appearing at CES 2022 at the Hydrow booth. Hydrow, the leading and only at-home connected rower that streams the live on-water experience of rowing live to users home had a great area at CES this year. The booth was equipped with the … Continue reading Aquil Abdullah, Olympian, First African American Male Team USA Rowing and Hydrow →
Rick is joined by former Major League pitcher and owner of the latest RockBox Fitness, DJ Mitchell. Fitness in Marietta, Ga. will never be the same. A former college, Minor League and Major League pitcher, DJ has many great stories to share and his unique philosophy when it comes to fitness. DJ worked his way … Continue reading DJ Mitchell, Former Major League Pitcher, RockBox Fitness →
One of my favorite things at CES in 2022 was a little fan ventilation system for facemasks. Joined by Eric Fouchard this week on ‘Tech of Sports’ to talk about the groundbreaking Aeronest. Attach Aeronest to your mask, push the button : « et voilà » , you are now breathing effortlessly !! Thanks to … Continue reading Eric Fouchard, Aeronest from New Pad Maker →
Rick is joined by Jeff Morin this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’ Jeff us the CEO and Co-Founder of Liteboxer. Liteboxer uses technology to bring about positive and lasting change through fitness. Punch into a new routine. Punch past your limitations. Jeff Morin is a MIT-educated engineer and certified personal trainer with an eye for … Continue reading Jeff Morin, CEO and Co-Founder of Liteboxer →
Rick talks with the Ambassador of France to the US, Philippe Etienne this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’ Étienne served as chief diplomatic adviser to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, from 2017 to 2019. He was nominated as ambassador of France in the United States effective September 2019. He was in Las Vegas last … Continue reading Philippe Etienne, French Ambassador to US on French Tech at CES 2022, 2024 Paris Olympics and more →
Rick is joined by Gabby Thomas this week. Thomas won both a silver and bronze in Tokyo and is the third fastest woman all-time in the 200 meters. A graduate of Harvard University, she studied neurobiology and global health as an undergraduate. While at Harvard, Thomas won 22 conference titles across her three years of … Continue reading Gabby Thomas, Olympian, Lenovo’s ‘Just Watch Us’ Campaign →
Rick is joined by Paul Shirley this week as he has a new book! The Process is the Product. Here’s the lesson Paul Shirley has learned: it doesn’t matter if it’s professional sports, writing, public speaking, engineering, or acting—there will never be enough money, fame, or success to justify all the work if you can’t … Continue reading Paul Shirley, Author, ‘The Process is the Product’ and Basketball Opinions →
Rick is joined this week on “Tech of Sports” by former Golf Channel and FOX Sports broadcaster, Holly Sonders. Her story is an incredible one, rising to fame through golf broadcasting and becoming one of the first “womenpreneurs” in the Sports and modeling world through social media. Holly is candid and insightful as the former … Continue reading Holly Sonders, Golf Personality, Model, Social Media →
Great to be joined by the legendary Dave Heeren this week. Dave has seen NBA games since 1947 and has a new book out taking statistics and the TENDEX Method into account to rank the top-75 NBA players of all-time. The book is Seventy-Five. Dave is an award-winning journalist and author of 18 books. He … Continue reading Dave Heeren, NBA Statistician, New Book ‘Seventy-Five: Best NBA Players and Teams Rated by Statistician who has Seen Games Since 1947’ →
Rick is joined by Jack Oswald of Cancha Bags this week. After nearly a decade of traveling the world on the men’s pro tennis circuit, Oswald grew tired of experiencing the downfalls of traditional tennis bags: broken zips, loose stitching, uncomfortable straps and a ‘one-size fits all’ mentality that let him and others down time … Continue reading Jack Oswald, Founder of Cancha Bags →
Happy holidays and that means eating and maybe missing some of your regular workouts. Sara Colletti, from the LIFTSWEAT Method is on ‘Tech of Sports’ this week to help. Hear Sara on quick fitness hacks and coming up with creative ways to add more movement into your day, no matter how much time you have … Continue reading Sara Colletti, from the LIFTSWEAT Method →
Sports and leisure travel and more with longtime hotel GM, Jay Leonard. Jay is the Complex General Manager at the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort. A unique and fantastic property. He is a great guest, has done it all in the hospitality industry, a big sports fan and “gets it” when it … Continue reading Jay Leonard, Complex General Manager at Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs →
The award-winning, Emmy-nominated Small Business Revolution is back! For the past five years, Deluxe has helped revitalize small businesses in communities across the US, including Fredonia, NY, Alton, Illinois and Searcy, AR. Lucky small businesses were selected to receive business, marketing, operational, technical and sometimes financial guidance to take them to the next level. In … Continue reading Former NBA Great Baron Davis and Amanda Brinkman, Small Business Revolution: Season 6 →
Great to be joined by Tiffany Taylor this week. She’s a productivity and time management coach. There used to be a time when working more hours yielded more income, but there will always be a cap on time, as you’re seeing. The key is to scale results without scaling stress and workload. We all want … Continue reading Tiffany Taylor, Schedule Optimization, Time Management →
In 1928, when Earnest Wilburn Peek began publishing the football guides of Franklin, Tennessee High School and Battle Ground Academy, he never dreamed that he was embarking on a life-long vocation. Nor did he anticipate in 1939 that his early printing efforts would evolve into the now famous PEEK’SIZE FOOTBALL GUIDE, that has been published … Continue reading Les Peek, Peek’ Size Football Guide, 81st Year →
A great talk with this interesting author this week. Tiny Blunders, Big Disasters: Thirty-Nine Tiny Mistakes That Changed the World Forever!, by Jared Knott, is a multiple award winning bestselling book. Knott just picked up the 2021 International Book Award, in the History category, and a New Generation Indie Award, (Finalist History Non-Fiction). Having garnered … Continue reading Jared Knott, Author, Tiny Blunders, Big Disasters: Thirty-Nine Tiny Mistakes That Changed the World →
Rick is joined by Kim Carducci this week and she has a new book! Carducci’s debut book, The I of the Tiger, is out and it goes into depth about the mental health aspect of being a top performing athlete and offers ways athletes can manage their minds. Carducci was able to rise above her … Continue reading Kim Carducci, Author, Former D1 Swimmer on Athletes and Mental Health →
Rick is joined by Andrea Kremer this week. Andrea Kremer and Hannah Storm became the first-ever female duo to call an NFL game in 2018, and are two of the most accomplished sports journalists in the business. They are back for their fourth year of calling Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, and speak to … Continue reading Andrea Kremer, Award Winning Sports Journalist, NFL Thursday Night and More →
Great to have Rodney Hilton Brown on the podcast this week. For most people, it’s a little known fact Cassius Clay Sr. was a house painter as well as fine arts painter in his hometown Louisville and that he shared his love of the arts and encouraged his son, known globally as Muhammad Ali, to … Continue reading Rodney Hilton Brown, Author, MUHAMMAD ALI: The Untold Story →
If you’ve seen Pawn Stars, you’ve seen Steve Grad authenticate autographs. In my opinion, the premiere autograph authenticator in the world. Grad joins me from Industry Summit in Las Vegas to talk about what’s hot in autographs and some of the current topics in authentication. That includes talking Michael Jordan autographs and how many fakes … Continue reading Steve Grad, Pawn Stars and Authenticator for Beckett Authentication Services →
Talking everything travel, Las Vegas and wagering this week with Mark Frissora, former CEO and President of Caesars Entertainment. Mark P. Frissora was previously the Chief Executive Officer and President of Caesars Entertainment. He also has served as the chair and CEO of two Fortune 500 companies, Hertz Global Holdings, and Tenneco, Inc. With over … Continue reading Mark Frissora, Former Chief Executive Officer and President of Caesars Entertainment →
Rick is joined by Olympian, Scott Shipley this week to talk about a new exciting whitewater facility in Montgomery, Alabama. The center, currently under construction in Montgomery, AL, is the future training ground of Olympians. Easily accessible from 1-85 and 1-65 exits, the Montgomery Whitewater Center is a world-class outdoor activities center within walking distance … Continue reading Scott Shipley, Olympian, Montgomery Whitewater Center →
Grip MD is a revolutionary new unique training device developed by two former collegiate tennis stars with the goal to aid players of all levels how to perfect the proper volley, serve, and slice grip. Grip MD is the creation of former ATP World Tour doubles No. 38 and NCAA Champion Mark Merklein and former … Continue reading Mark Merklein, Grip MD →
Chris Clarey joins Rick this week to talk a little tennis and his new book on Roger Federer. There have been other biographies of Roger Federer, but never one with this kind of access to the man himself, his support team, and the most prominent figures in the game, including such rivals as Rafael Nadal, … Continue reading Christopher Clarey, Author “THE MASTER: The Brilliant Career of Roger Federer” →
$20 million worth of sports history will be up for grabs when Dallas-based Heritage Auctions conducts its star-studded Summer Platinum Auction which is underway and continues through August 21-22.
Rick is joined by Alex Alt of Oracle this week. Oracle is helping Americans travel! In May, 24% of respondents said they planned to travel immediately, and 31% in the next one to three months. The takeaway? 55% are ready to roam in time for Independence Day. Stars, Stripes…and Shots: Over 3/4 (77%) of North … Continue reading Alex Alt, Oracle, Getting Back to Normal Travel? →
Rick has a great guest this week! Atlanta Radio Personality, Truist Atlanta Open presented by Fiserv tournament MC, and avid tennis player, Jason Bailey, who can now add “Inventor” to his resume. Inventor? The 46-year old radio personality has created a revolutionary new tennis product called “My Court Caddy.” It’s available for pre-order now! It … Continue reading Jason Bailey, Radio Personality, Inventor of My Court Caddy →
Our thoughts define who we are. But for many of us, thoughts of work and the things we need to get done consume our waking hours. How can we achieve a more balanced life if we are so overwhelmed? This is where Bob Boylan and his new book, 4 Ideas With Actionable Wisdom, come in, … Continue reading Bob Boylan, Author ‘4 Ideas with Actionable Wisdom’ →
Rick and Scott have a great discussion. Scott is Director of Recreation and Wellness at Reynolds Lake Oconee, but he’s so much more to Reynolds. Previously he opened the Golden Door Spa & Fitness in the Waldorf Astoria Park City, Utah, traveling the United States for six years working to turn spa and fitness operations … Continue reading Scott Cowdrey, Recreation and Wellness at Reynolds Lake Oconee →
BJ Pilling is CEO of Atlanta-based GoFan, one of the top digital ticketing companies for high school sports events. He joins Rick to talk about the busy year they’ve already had in 2021 and what the rest of the year has in store. GoFan is a tech company and a sports company, providing digital ticketing … Continue reading BJ Pilling, CEO of GoFan, High School Ticketing →
Rick talks with Felix Breitschädel, PhD, Norwegian Olympic Sports Centre this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’ How are Norwegian athletes preparing for the Olympics? Both the summer games and the winter games. The Norwegian Ski Team is utilizing unique tech to give their skiers an edge on the slopes by arming them with detailed data, … Continue reading Felix Breitschädel, PhD, Norwegian Olympic Sports Centre · Technology & Equipment on GelSight →
Rick talks with Dr. Stephen Liu this week, the man behind FORME and the Forme Tour. FORME is a transformative solution to daily posture training and lifestyle improvement and Dr. Liu. Additionally, Forme has created the PGA Tour sanctioned Forme Tour to help disadvantaged, minority and Canadian players boost their careers. The top 5 point … Continue reading Dr. Stephen Liu, FORME and the Forme Tour →
Rick is joined this week by his friend and resident Kenosha Wisc. sports historian, Pat Hegewald to talk about the oldest continuously operating velodrome in the country, Washington Park Velodrome. The Washington Park Velodrome is an open-air velodrome in Kenosha, Wisc. It is the longest operating 333 meter track in the United States. The track … Continue reading Pat Hegewald on the Oldest Operating Velodrome in the US →
Rick talks to Mike Gattone, Head Coach of the US Olympic Weightlifting Team this week on iHeartRadio. Mike has been involved in the sport of weightlifting and the strength and conditioning field for over 30 years. Mike served as High Performance and Coaching Education Director for USA Weightlifting, and was Competition Director for the weightlifting … Continue reading Mike Gattone, Head Coach US Weightlifting Team →
A great Tech of Sports guest this week, as Rick is joined by Adam Goodyer of Realife Tech. With live events strategically being held, we are starting to see organizations preparing their venues for fans. The safety of fans who attend these games/events is now taking priority, and new innovations in live event technology are … Continue reading Adam Goodyer, Realife Tech →
Endurance runner Dean Karnazes has released his latest book, A Runner’s High: My Life in Motion, on HarperOne. Throughout the pandemic, millions of people have turned to running for an array of both life-enhancing and pivotal reasons: better physical health, mental health, and for a sense of freedom and clarity. Karnazes leads the way with … Continue reading Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathoner, Author →
One of the casualties of COVID-19 was the 2020 minor league baseball season. But minor league baseball is back in 2021 and Rick talk with the head of media relations and the play-by-play broadcaster for the Class A, Bowling Green Hot Rods, Shawn Murnin. How is life in the minor leagues? Favorite minor league promotions? … Continue reading Shawn Murnin, Play by Play Broadcaster Bowling Green Hot Rods, Minor League Baseball →
A little travel this week and a little on the history of Champagne in sports. A big welcome to food innovator Cathy Connally and her book, “Flavour With Benefits: France” — the first in a series. The eBook launched in March 2021, and the hardcover edition was released in April. “Flavour With Benefits” is a … Continue reading Cathy Connally, Author, ‘Flavour With Benefits: France’ →
Rick talks with Brian Jones this week in Rock Hill, SC. Jones is the supervisor of the beautiful Rock Hill Sports and Event Center. The Rock Hill Sports & Event Center is the sports hub of the Knowledge Park corridor of Rock Hill and more. The 170,000 sq. ft. facility is part of a mixed-use site … Continue reading Brian Jones, City of Rock Hill Sports & Event Center Supervisor →
Rick is in Bowling Green, Kentucky this week checking out all the sports travel possibilities in this great town and is joined by Beth Noffsinger, Communications Director, Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. So much to do and see when it comes to sports and attractions. GEARED FOR FUN… WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT! … Continue reading Beth Noffsinger, Communications Director, Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau →
Joined this week, by one of the best follows on Twitter when it comes to the Trade Show industry. Danica Tormohlen (@DanicaTormohlen). Danica and Rick have a lively chat about events, conventions and trade shows returning. Danica has been a respected professional in the exhibition industry ever since she joined EXPO in 1994 as an … Continue reading Danica Tormohlen, Covering the Trade Show and Events Industry →
Events are starting back up… Rick talks with Hermann Elger, EVP and GM at Sharecare this week. Elger, talks about the long-term planning and tools stadiums and arenas need to be using to fully rebuild their businesses and fan trust. With a light at the end of the tunnel, some leagues have started to welcome … Continue reading Hermann Elger, EVP & GM, Travel, Entertainment, & Health Security, Sharecare →
Rick is joined on “Tech of Sports” this week, by Joshua Smith, the City Manager of the great city of Hamilton, Ohio. Hamilton, Ohio is located in the heart of the Rust Belt, a region in Northeastern and Midwestern United States that has been experiencing industrial decline since the 1980s. In its heyday, Hamilton became … Continue reading Joshua Smith, Hamilton, Ohio City Manager on the Economic Impact of Sports →
A “Throwback Thursday” for the ages as Rick is joined by one of his former tennis doubles partners, Jim Rossini. Jim, an accomplished tennis player, grew up with Rick in Racine, Wisc. is currently CEO of Workforce Engineering Solutions in the Chicago area. Rick and Jim talk about tennis and growing up in Wisconsin. They … Continue reading Jim Rossini, Rick’s Former Juniors Doubles Partner, CEO of Workforce Eng. Solutions →
Rick has the pleasure of being joined by Paralympian, Mallory Weggemann, this week on Tech of Sports. Weggemann is a record-setting, two-time Paralympic swimmer for Team USA. She has set fifteen world records and thirty-four American records, and is also the recipient of an ESPY Award, a 15-time World Champion, and a Paralympic gold and … Continue reading Mallory Weggemann, Paralympic Swimmer for Team USA, ESPY Winner, Author →
Rick talks with serial entrepreneur and author, Scott Andrew this week. The Rugged Entrepreneur. “Success is yours if you want it to be.” Those are the words of serial entrepreneur Scott Andrew, who along with wife Daphne, has built more than thirty different national and international businesses in the multi-million-dollar playing field.Now he’s telling you … Continue reading Scott Andrew, The Rugged Entrepreneur →
Jordan Babineaux, former NFL player turned entrepreneur and business coach, joins Rick this week. He helps people embrace change and pivot for growth — using their strengths to overcome adversity, staying motivated for the long run. Babineaux, a serial entrepreneur, shares his insights in his new book, PIVOT TO WIN. Topics include: • Why you … Continue reading Jordan Babineaux, former NFL player, Author, Entrepreneur and Business Coach →
Rick talks to his friend, Bob Gillespie, former sportswriter and now co-author of South Carolina Golf. For nearly three hundred years, South Carolina has played a vital role in American golf. The first golf clubs in America came from Scotland to Charleston in 1739. Myrtle Beach is sometimes called the “Golf Capital of the World,” … Continue reading Bob Gillespie, Co-Author, ‘South Carolina Golf’ →
Keira McCarrell is one busy girl. A redshirt senior at Auburn University, is staying occupied in 2021 with school, track and field and her love of creating works of art. Rick talks to Keira about combining being in school, running track and selling her beautiful artwork, which this holiday season included Christmas cards. “I was … Continue reading Keira McCarrell, D-1 Student Athlete, Olympics, Pottery and Watercolor Artist →
LG’s John Colaneri talks about the new OLED evo G1. Unlock the potential of your room with LG OLED evo G1 packing all the ground-breaking technology that makes LG OLED the most celebrated TV in the world into a shockingly thin design that fits your style. John Colaneri explains how the #LGOLEDTV can elevate your … Continue reading LG OLED evo G1 TV with John Colaneri →
One of the top NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers is spreading his wings. That would be Zane Smith. He is the feature of the Tech of Sports this week. Zane Smith who finished second in the Truck series points in 2020 was recently introduced as the driver for the Abingdon based late model team. … Continue reading Zane Smith, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver →
Rick is joined by Dr. Huma Haider this week. Check out https://nationalbii.com/dr_haider/ for more. Every year more than 3 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While those are the reported cases, it is estimated that the actual number is two-three times higher. A TBI occurs from the sudden jarring of the brain such … Continue reading Dr. Huma Haider, Brain Injuries, Including ones that Happen in Sports →
It’s pickleball this week with Mike and Rob from SelkirkSport. As the popularity of Pickleball continues to surge during the COVID-19 era, Selkirk Sport has been recognized as the Pickleball Manufacturer of the year by Racquet Sports Industry (RSi) in conjunction with their inaugural Champions of Pickleball Awards. The family-owned Company based in Hayden, ID … Continue reading Mike and Rob Barnes, Selkirk Sport, What is New in Pickleball →
From Surf Expo, Rick talks with Tom Whaley of Aloe Up, about skin care products for athletes. Aloe Up bases all of their products with pure Aloe Vera Gel and continually update and enhance their formulas to keep Aloe Up safe for our customers as well as their environments. “We pride ourselves in creating the … Continue reading Tom Whaley, CEO of Aloe Up →
An honor to talk with Bruce Gabrielson this week at Surf Expo about surfing, surf instructing and his life. Founder of National Surf Schools and Instructors Association. Bruce “Snake” Gabrielson was a true multi-sport athlete, scholar, successful contest surfer, board builder, and leader in the surfing world during Surfing’s dynamic 60’s and 70’s. His first … Continue reading Bruce “Snake” Gabrielson, Surfing Hall of Fame, National Surf Schools and Instructors →
Rick talks with the multi-talented personal fitness trainer, Egypt Taylor this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’ `As a personal trainer, Egypt believes in online fitness and offers a variety of solutions for those looking for a healthier body, mind and soul. Her 5 week Bounce Back Challenge will set you up for a great 2021! … Continue reading Egypt Taylor and ‘Bounce Back Challenge’ →
Rick is joined by the COO of Life TIme, Jeff Zwiefel, this week. Each year millions of Americans set resolutions and fitness goals to kick off their New Year, however with many living a generally sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic it’s been difficult to stay in shape. A recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation … Continue reading Jeff Zwiefel, EVP and COO for Life Time Talking Fitness in 2020-2021 →
Rick talks with former Major League pitcher, Todd Stottlemyre, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Although Todd Stottlemyre may be best known for his successful MLB career, his accomplishments off the field are just as impressive. After leaving baseball, he pursued a career in finance building an asset management business at a high-profile Wall Street … Continue reading Todd Stottlemyre, Former MLB Pitcher, Author, Speaker with New Book →
Rick is joined by Alain Cohen, CEO of NeuroTennis to talk about their new tennis tech product. Features and benefits of NeuroTennis include: Two player or solo mode – NeuroTennis is most typically used in a two-player mode, meaning that the sensors in each device communicate with each other, across the court. NeuroTennnis App – … Continue reading Alain Cohen, CEO of NeuroTennis →
A golf app, that really gives you a chance at improving your game. Can a golf app really help improve your game? Charles Cox thinks so. Cox is the CEO of SwingU, an app that features real time feedback, information, and even lessons, all designed to help shave strokes off your game. Cox has blended … Continue reading Charles Cox, CEO of SwingU →
According to Niall Fraser, Director of Golf at the beautiful Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, “there is no better time to head to Alabama to play golf.” So with that, Rick is joined on “Tech of Sports” by Fraser to talk about getting a course back in operation after a hurricane and the sprawling … Continue reading Niall Fraser, Director of Golf, The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa →
Rick is joined on “Tech of Sports” this week by the GM of the Novotel Miami Brickell Hotel, Claudia Di Gino. Claudia is leading the charge as the Novotel Miami Brickell has reopened its doors—and heart—to guests and visitors with rooms starting at great rates. A Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice 2020 winner, the hotel is … Continue reading Claudia Di Gino, Novotel Miami Brickell Hotel, Miami Sports Travel →
Rick is joined this week by former NFL and University of Georgia linebacker, Rennie Curran. Curran is doing great work since football. Game Changers Foundation, partnering with Sports Turf Company, is excited to announce the launch of its Athlete 2 Athlete program. This FREE, weekly video-based show was created to develop high school student-athletes into … Continue reading Rennie Curran, Former UGA, NFL Linebacker, Now Athlete 2 Athlete Series →
Sports travel is an important part of the economy in the great city of New Orleans. Rick talks about that and more with Marc Becker, Sales and Marketing Director at the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center in Downtown New Orleans. The highly acclaimed Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton, rated #1 on TripAdvisor … Continue reading Marc Becker, Sales and Marketing Director at Higgins Hotel, New Orleans →
Rick joined in an NFL Network conference call with Scott Hansen back at the start of the football season. Are you a fan of Red Zone on Sundays? Scott brings you live football coverage for 7 hours straight, changing the way you watch football. Every touchdown from every game, every Sunday afternoon during the NFL … Continue reading Scott Hansen, NFL RedZone →
Rick is joined by Tony Horton this week on “Tech of Sports.” Fitness Icon and Expert Personal Trainer to Tom Petty, Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks, Tony Horton, believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, whole foods, and the right mindset is the … Continue reading Tony Horton, Fitness Innovator, Founder of Power Life →
A new stadium for the Los Angeles NFL teams brings a bunch of new technology to sports fans. Rick talks to Mark Quiroz, Samsung’s Vice President of Marketing, Display Division this week on “Tech of Sports.” Samsung’s outdoor LED products were exclusively used to build SoFi Stadium’s 70,000 square-foot dual-sided, center-hung videoboard – the first … Continue reading Mark Quiroz, Vice President of Marketing, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America →
Rick talks to skateboarder, Jordyn Barratt about the Tokyo Olympics, and how she is training under new restrictions, staying focused and staying sharp! She has a great sponsor along for the ride in Clif Bar. The 2020 Olympics was set to be the first games to include skateboarding and where 21-year-old Barratt was ready to … Continue reading Jordyn Barratt, Skateboarder, US Olympic Hopeful →
Rick has an interesting talk with Matt Hassett, CEO and founder of Loftie, this week. Matt and his team are releasing the Loftie Alarm Clock. Yes, an alarm clock is still relevant in this age of smartphones and tablets. Matt is the founder and CEO of Loftie, a New York based company dedicated to creating … Continue reading Matt Hassett, CEO and Founder of Loftie →
Rick talks with Chris Madden of Matchnode this week on “Tech of Sports.” Sports and paid social media go together like peanut butter and jelly. But it’s a tricky mix. Matchnode is a digital marketing agency that specializes in paid social advertising. Through his agency Chris has worked on digital ad campaigns for Chicago sports … Continue reading Chris Madden, Co-Founder of Matchnode →
Intriguing this week as Rick talks with US Navy Officer Candidate, Taylor Blotske, from Officer Training School in Newport, Rhode Island. Taylor is in the middle of this 13-week training school. He and Rick talk about what training school is like, where he wants to be in 5 years and some of the tech he … Continue reading Taylor Blotske, US Navy Officer Candidate Live from Officer Training School →
Rick is joined by Noah Syken of IBM this week on iHeartRadio to talk about what IBM is doing at the 2020 US Open. We all know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of daily life, and sports for both fans and players have not been spared. As we adjust to a new reality, … Continue reading Noah Syken, IBM on New Technology at the 2020 US Open →
16-year MLB player, Todd Zeile, is part of the indie game developer, Bit Fry, based in New Hampshire. They are the first company to ever create a new, officially licensed sports gaming franchise that features star athletes from all the major sports leagues. Rick talks to Todd on this episode of “Tech of Sports”. You … Continue reading Todd Zeile, Former Major Leaguer, Executive at Game Developer, Bit Fry →
Rick talks to AR, VR and Mixed Reality expert, Jason Yim, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Even if movie theaters reopen, many consumers will not go. Amusement parks may not see attendance rebound to pre-COVID levels for years. In-person events, such as Comic-Con and live sports, will have to be vastly different moving forward. … Continue reading Jason Yim, CEO of Trigger on Mixed Reality →
Rick talks to Miami Rap Artist, Dyamond Doll, this week on “Tech of Sports”. Dyamond Doll is beating all odds and taking the Miami music scene by storm during lockdown. The Miami Cuban-African-American native has been writing, rapping and singing since the age of 14. Now at 27-years-old and under Dark Boys Records’ wing, she’s … Continue reading Dyamond Doll, Miami Rapper, Releases Anthem Single “Dwade”, Paying Tribute to Dwyane Wade →
College sports are going through an interesting time and it’s not only the NCAA DI programs. Don’t forget about the DII and DIII programs around the country. Rick is joined this week, by his friend, Yair Banuelos, the Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at DII, Auburn Montgomery. Banuelos came to the Auburn Montgomery Warhawks … Continue reading Yair Banuelos, Men’s and Women’s Head Tennis Coach, Auburn Montgomery →
Rick is joined by longtime tennis teaching professional and organizer, Rich Neher this week on “Tech of Sports.” Tennis Pros hurting during Covid-19 can develop a second income stream thanks to his new book, “Drop-In Tennis Secrets.” Neher talks the publication of his new tennis book “Drop-In Tennis Secrets,” which is now available as a … Continue reading Rich Neher, Author of ‘Drop in Tennis Secrets’ →
Rick revisits a book he reviewed last year, by talking to the author, Jill Sylvester. The book is Trust Your Intuition. Jill is a licensed mental health counselor, author of the Nautilus award winning book,”Trust Your Intuition: 100 Ways to Transform Anxiety and Depression for Stronger Mental Health,” and host of the “Trust Your Intuition … Continue reading Jill Sylvester, Author of ‘Trust Your Intuition’ →
Ryan Gellis joins Rick this week. He is founding partner of RMG Media. Ryan founded RMG to help brands make genuine connections with their customers. He has a background in technology and over 10 years experience in ecommerce strategy and management. The list of companies he has worked with include industry titans like Charming Charlie, … Continue reading Ryan Gellis, Founding Partner, RMG Talks the Future of Sports Retail →
This week’s guest is Stacey Nemour, the most renowned flexibility master in her field. She has been Flexibility Coach to top athletes, Olympians, Professional dancers, Cirque Du Soleil performers, actors, UFC Champion Victor Belfort and the Carlson Gracie Team and more, to maximize their potential. Stacey began her career by achieving a black belt in … Continue reading Stacey Nemour, Flexible Fitness and Getting Flexible →
The LPGA Tour is slated to launch this summer, and major women’s golf is returning to Georgia in 2021. Atlanta Athletic Club will host the 67th KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, June 22-27, 2021. To talk about this along with her career and golf in general, RIck is joined by LPGA player, Mariah Stackhouse as she … Continue reading Mariah Stackhouse, LPGA Player →
Rick is joined by Eric Malafeew this week on “Tech of Sports.” As Co-Founder of VR fitness and gaming company VirZOOM, Malafeew is bringing gaming and working out to a whole level, just like he did with gaming and music. The VZfit product allows users to use any cadence sensor that attaches to any stationary … Continue reading Eric Malafeew, Co-Founder of VR fitness and gaming company VirZOOM →
Rick talks with Ron Laikind this week on “Tech of Sports.” Ron is the CEO and founder of Extreme Mist and has a great story to tell about what he came up with during COVID-19. Extreme Mist Personal Cooling System: www.ExtremeMist.com Extreme Mist Portable Sanitizing System: www.PortableSanitizingSystem.com He also loves extreme endeavors. Ron has hiked … Continue reading Ron Laikind, CEO/Founder/Inventor of Extreme Mist →
Rick talks with American distance runner, Lindsay Flanagan, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Lindsay is one of the runners participating in the virtual race, Great American 5000, which started this week to raise money for charity. Lindsay finished 9th overall (3rd American woman) at the 2019 Boston Marathon in 2:30:07 2020 Summer Olympics Qualification … Continue reading Lindsay Flanagan, American Marathoner, Great American 5000 →
While traditional sports have come to a screeching halt amid the pandemic, eSports has become a welcome alternative for millions of sports fanatics. Reports estimate that eSports will grow to a $1.1 billion industry this year. And in light of the pandemic, it may be on track to surpass this figure. Many schools like colleges … Continue reading Bob Venero, Future Tech CEO on eSports →
A return guest this week on “Tech of Sports” and it’s been a while as Margarita Ventura joins Rick. As the Senior Project Manager of Global Creative, Digital & Content at bareMinerals, Filipino-Spanish fitness model, dancer, actress and competitive athlete rolled into one – Life can get REALLY hectic! In the midst of it all, … Continue reading Margarita Ventura, Building a Power Body and a Power Life →
Rick is joined on this episode by Ken and Michael Richards of eSportsCards LLC. Sports card collectors now have a new and techy way of organizing their collections with some bonus features thrown in. eSportsCards, LLC. has created and released the “ScoutingReport” app and it is available on iOS and Android platforms. Image ⦁ google … Continue reading Ken and Michael Richards of eSportsCards LLC →
Rick has a great guest in Jennifer Ramsey on this week. Jennifer was a standout track and field student athlete at Wright St. University in Ohio and is completing her undergraduate degree in Sports Science. More importantly, she has just launched her fitness-centric page on Instagram. Check out _fitwithjenn_ on Instagram. Jennifer talks about the … Continue reading Jennifer Ramsey, Online Fitness with _fitwithjenn_ on Instagram →
Rick is joined by his friend, Rodrigo Almeida this week on “Tech of Sports.” Rodrigo is an assistant tennis coach and the Tennis Health Program Coordinator at the University of North Texas. One of the top young coaches in the nation who is widely respected for player development, Almeida helped lead the Campbell men’s team … Continue reading Rodrigo Almeida, North Texas Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach Talks Tennis and Online Fitness →
Rick talks about the state of golf in the State of Florida this week with “The Golf Father,” Bill Cuebas. Bill is a resident of the State of Florida and has been out golfing. Golf was deemed essential in Florida by the Governor. How have golfers reacted to new restrictions, what are the golf courses … Continue reading Bill Cuebas, ‘The Golf Father’ on Golf in Florida →
Rick is joined by longtime PR rep, Steve Snyders this week talking about Sun Mountain Sports and Finn Scooters. In the time of COVID-19 golf, these companies have products that come in handy. Rick and Steve talk about how these companies offer great products in these days of social distancing on the golf course – … Continue reading Steve Snyders, Sun Mountain Sports and Finn Scooters →
Rugby has never been a topic of discussion on “Tech of Sports” before, but that is about to change. This week, Rick is joined by an All-American Rugby player from Dartmouth and a member of the Canadian U20 National team, Idia Ihensekhien. Ihensekhien, currently a member of Dartmouth’s Women’s Varsity rugby team and the Canadian … Continue reading Idia Ihensekhien, Dartmouth All-American Rugby Player, Canadian National Team →
There are so many questions to be answered about the world of sports right now. So Rick talks with Gil Fried, this week. He chairs the Sport Management Department in the College of Business at the University of New Haven and is a Sports Management Professor. Professor Fried is a specialist in sport law, finance, … Continue reading Gil Fried, Sport Management Professor at University of New Haven →
Many sports tech companies are pivoting in the fight against COVID-19. OxyStrap is one of them making a difference. This week, Rick talks with Dr. Ron Gertsch of OxyStrap. Ron Gertsch, a long-time physician and bariatric surgeon, had launched OxyStrap International Inc., (https://oxystrap.com/ ), to create fitness trackers to help consumers improve their health and … Continue reading Dr. Ron Gertsch, OxyStrap Making Protective Masks →
Rick is joined by Rich Mueller, founder and editor of Sports Collectors Daily.- SportsCollectorsDaily.com— a daily news website/blog for the sports memorabilia industry/hobby. About Sports Collectors Daily: We search the internet for stories of interest, produce our own original content and keep tabs on news made by leading companies. We then bring it all together … Continue reading Rich Mueller, Founder of Sports Collectors Daily on How COVID-19 is Affecting Sports Collecting →
Rick is joined by the Head Men’s Tennis Coach at the University of Georgia, Manny DIaz, this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’ With the cancellation of NCAA spring sports, Coach DIaz has some time on his hands, as do his players. Find out what Coach has told his players in the time of COVID-19 and … Continue reading Manny Diaz, University of Georgia Head Men’s Tennis Coach →
Rick is joined this week by Brad Payne, one of the founders of Walker Trolleys. Walker Trolleys is an Austin, Texas-based, golf startup with a story began in the entrepreneurial hotbed of San Francisco in 2018. Payne didn’t own his own push cart for tackling the crushing hills of the Presidio Golf Course. He was … Continue reading Brad Payne, Founding Partner, CEO of Walker Trolleys →
A second “Tech of Sports” this week and Rick is joined by friend and co-author of The Invaluable Experience and WTA player, Danielle Lao. Danielle, like Rick has been grounded with the COVID-19 situation and we find out what she is doing to stay in shape for a return to tennis. They talk hobbies, what … Continue reading Danielle Lao, Professional Tennis Player on Sports and Tennis Taking a Break →
Rick is joined by LPGA veteran, Jane Park this week to talk about an LPGA major coming to her hometown in Atlanta in 2021. Actually the Atlanta area when the Atlanta Athletic Club hosts the 67th KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, from June 22-27, 2021. This will mark the first KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to be … Continue reading Jane Park, LPGA Professional Golfer →
CBD that is simple, natural, and powerful with results you can trust. That would be Muscle MX. Rick talks with Kami Day, the COO of Muscle MX on this episode of “Tech of Sports.” CBD (cannabidiol) comes from hemp plants and works with your body’s natural biochemical balancer – the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Endocannabinoids are … Continue reading Kami Day, COO of Muscle MX →
Rick is joined for a jam packed episode this week, with Roi Mozer of Pico. Pico is an Israeli SportsTech startup working with Sports Organizations and brands looking for innovative sponsorship activations that convert better than industry averages. They turn engaged, anonymous fans into identifiable customers without the need to download or log-in, but using … Continue reading Roi Mozer, COO of Pico →
Jeff King. PGA Tour caddie, or jerky maker? The answer is both! Thanks to Kingmade Jerky. Rick talks to Jeff King this week on “Tech of Sports.” Jeff King, Kingmade Founder, began his love for the game of golf at age 9, started his career as a professional caddie in 1998 and has worked with … Continue reading Jeff King, PGA Tour Caddie, Kingmade Jerky →
Rick talks tennis with the CEO of World Team Tennis, Carlos Silva this week. Recorded at the Racquet Sports Expo in Orlando. Silva is planning big things for the summer, World Team Tennis season. Silva took over the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019. Prior to joining WTT, Silva served for four years … Continue reading Carlos Silva, CEO of World Team Tennis (WTT) →
Rick is joined for a fast-paced interview this week, by a member of the legendary NASCAR family, Kyle Petty. Petty was in Atlanta promoting Coca-Cola, the upcoming NASCAR season and the Atlanta race, the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500. He is former stock car racing driver, and current racing commentator. He is the son of … Continue reading Kyle Petty, NASCAR Broadcaster, Former Driver, Legendary Racing Family →
Rick has the pleasure of talking to one of the classiest guys in basketball for this “Tech of Sports.” Former North Carolina star, longtime NBAer and current Men’s Basketball Coach at NCAA DII, Clark Atlanta, George Lynch. With the men’s DII and DIII championships also to be crowned in Atlanta this April, Lynch hopes his … Continue reading George Lynch, Men’s Hoops Coach at Clark Atlanta, 12-year NBA Career →
Rick is joined by PGA Tour winner and all around nice guy, Chip Beck at the 2020 PGA Show, where he was appearing again for Pitchfix. Chip Beck is a three-time All-American at the University of Georgia. He has four victories on the PGA Tour and twenty runner-up finishes. He spent 40 weeks in the … Continue reading Chip Beck, PGA Tour Winner for Pitchfix →
Rick is joined this week by Baseball Hall of Famer and Atlanta Braves legend, John Smoltz. Smoltz played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1988 to 2009, all but the last year with the Atlanta Braves. An eight-time All-Star, Smoltz was part of a celebrated trio of starting pitchers, along with Greg Maddux and … Continue reading John Smoltz, Baseball Hall of Famer, Bridgestone Golf →
Even if you don’t have a ticket to the games being played, there will be plenty of things fans can do leading up to the 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Atlanta, April 3-6, 2020. Rick talks about that and more with Kevin White, who is best known as Mike Krzyzewski’s boss as the AD … Continue reading NCAA Final Four Coming to Atlanta with Duke AD Kevin White and Dan Gavitt of the NCAA →
As part of his look at CES 2020, Rick is joined by Daniel Pidgeon, President of Home Services at Goodman Networks, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Goodman Networks is a leading provider of premium installation services for electronics brands and retailers. CES 2020 showcased new improvements to audio and home theater as the home … Continue reading Daniel Pidgeon, President of Home Services at Goodman Networks →
Rick is joined by Kenichi Herano of ASICS, this week. He is Executive Officer and Senior General Manager at ASICS Institute of Sport Science. What is ASICS doing at CES? The ASICS Energy Research Lab is at CES to see sports innovation at work – and a look at the research. This is the first … Continue reading Kenichi Herano of ASICS Institute of Sport Science at CES →
Rick is joined this week on “Tech of Sports” by Matt Lawler. Lawler, director of digital media at AEG Global Partnerships, is at the head of this. He will be speaking on the panel “The State of Sports Analytics” on Thursday, January 9 at CES in Las Vegas. Lawler gives a preview as to what … Continue reading Matt Lawler, Director Digital Media at AEG Global Partnerships on Digital Sports Marketing →
Rick is joined this week by University of Kentucky punter, Max Duffy. He just won the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top college punter. Duffy, of Perth, Australia, has been an absolute weapon for the Wildcats this season, dominating the field position game with his booming and accurate leg. He leads the nation in … Continue reading Max Duffy, Kentucky Punter, 2019 Ray Guy Award Winner →
Rick is joined this week by the splendid running back from the University of Wisconsin, Jonathan Taylor. He’s picked up quite a few honors so far as the regular season has ended and you’ll be seeing him in the Rose Bowl. Taylor, who is arguably the most dominant running back in the history of college … Continue reading Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin Running Back and All-American →
Another “Tech of Sports” this week. Rick is joined by University of Georgia Kicker, Rodrigo Blankenship. Blankenship just was named the winner of the 2019 Lou Groza Award as the nation’s best kicker. He talks to Rick about his kicking philosophy, technology he uses and NFL kickers he admires. As a senior, Blankenship connected on … Continue reading Rodrigo Blankenship, University of Georgia Kicker 2019 Lou Groza Award Winner →
Great to catch up with Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst, at the Miss Universe Pageant in Atlanta. A perfect guest to have on “Tech of Sports” this week! Kryst is a full-time attorney that is licensed to practice law in two states. She earned both her law degree and MBA from Wake Forest University and graduated … Continue reading Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA and World Class Heptathlete →
In honor of me working the Miss Universe Pageant in Atlanta this week, a special “Tech of Sports” this week. It’s the perfect combination of sports and tech with Miss Ireland, Fionnghuala O’Reilly. Call her “Fig”. Fig is a Datanaut with NASA and a former Junior Olympic Athlete. She has been my favorite contestant to … Continue reading Miss Ireland, Fionnghuala O’Reilly, on Sports and Working for NASA →
Rick is joined this week by L.D. Morrow talking a great new book, Think Like a Bartender: Recipes for Life. There are sports connections of course as L.D. will explain in this fascinating interview. Think Like a Bartender: Recipes for Life would be a great addition to a holiday gift guide! Comedian, former bartender, and … Continue reading LD Morrow, Author, Comedian, Bartender, Storyteller ‘Think Like a Bartender’ →
Rick is joined on this special Thanksgiving week episode of ‘Tech of Sports’ by his co-author of The Invaluable Experience, and WTA tennis pro, Danielle Lao. Danielle, a former USC All-American is wrapping up the 2019 tear on the WTA Tour and is now in the off-season until she heads to Australia to start out … Continue reading Danielle Lao, Professional Tennis Player and Writer →
Rick is joined by a great guest this week on “Tech of Sports. Golflogix Co- founder/President, Pete Charleston. Prior to GolfLogix, Charleston co-founded Premium Cigars International and helped take the company public on the Nasdaq. Charleston served as vice president of sales for Premium Cigars International, where he successfully launched an in-store humidor program in … Continue reading Pete Charleston, Co-founder, President of Golflogix →
Sports, video displays and Samsung this week at Rick is joined by Harry Patz on “Tech of Sports.” Patz is the Sr. Vice-President and GM of the B2B Display Division at Samsung America. Rick caught up with Patz and the Samsung team as Samsung is responsible for all the displays in the new Chase Center … Continue reading Harry Patz, Sr. Vice-President and GM at Samsung America →
Rick is joined by Tom Cox of Golfballs.com this week. A country club manager turned internet entrepreneur in 1995, Tom Cox has been involved launching and helping to start businesses for 25 years. Married to Susan (also an entrepreneur), father of Thomas, a 2-year old. Tom is the President & CEO of Golfballs.com, a business … Continue reading Tom Cox, President and CEO of Golfballs.com →
Pickleball is hot! And it’s even hotter at Palmetto Dunes resort on Hilton Head. Rick is joined by Sarah Ansboury, the head pickleball professional at Palmetto Dunes this episode. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center has 16 pickleball courts and eight more on the way (all lighted for night play). Pickleball is a sport … Continue reading Sarah Ansboury, Pickleball Professional at Palmetto Dunes →
Rick is talking about a special release of wine this week with wine educator, Elizabeth Clark of Adelsheim Vineyard. Perfect for the start of the NBA season and the upcoming holidays: Portland Trail Blazers and Adelsheim Vineyard Released 50th Anniversary Commemorative Wine Sept. 24 The Portland Trail Blazers and Oregon’s Adelsheim Vineyard are releasing a … Continue reading Elizabeth Clark, Wine Educator at Adelsheim Vineyard →
Sports travel makes up a sizeable percentage of business for many hotel and resort properties around the country. So it’s time to cater to sports fans and those that work in the sports industry. Nick Kuhns, General Manager of the new Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown-Pioneer Square agrees with that statement as he joins Rick this … Continue reading Nick Kuhns, General Manager, Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown-Pioneer Square →
Joined by Dave Baarman, from The Wireless Power Consortium this week, at the Smart Kitchen Summit. But we’ll be talking more that just how wireless power affects your kitchen. We’ll of course, talk sports. Established in 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium is an open, collaborative standards development group of more than 500 member companies from … Continue reading Dave Baarman, Co-Chairman at The Wireless Power Consortium →
A fun and informative interview with Sea Pines Country Club’s Robbie Ames this week. Robbie is the General Manager and COO of Sea Pines Country Club on Hilton Head Island. Recently recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Clubs and one of only 179 Distinguished Clubs in America, Sea Pines Country Club provides a lifestyle that … Continue reading Robbie Ames, Sea Pines Country Club General manager and COO →
This is a sports book, but also more than just that. Rick is joined this week by Andra Douglas, who has a new sports book out! Black & Blue: Love, Sports and the Art of Empowerment A native of central Florida and a graduate of Florida State University and Prat tInstitute, Douglas has been a … Continue reading Andra Douglas, Author, Artist and Athlete →
Carlos Monroe, Jr. is a professional boxer who currently holds the WBA Latin American Middleweight Title in the Middleweight Division. Born July 22, 1994 in Chicago, Carlos moved to Atlanta at age three where he spent the rest of his upbringing. He practiced Tae-Kwon-Do as a child and began boxing as a teenager with Xavier … Continue reading Carlos Monroe, Jr., WBA Latin American Middleweight Champion →
Rick is joined by a true “Renaissance Man” this week on “Tech of Sports.” Guy Harvey of www.GuyHarvey.com. Rick and Guy talk about his background and what’s coming in 2020. Harvey’s iconic ocean-inspired artwork which serves as the backdrop for the Spring 2020 launch. The Spring 2020 collection focuses on Guy’s original artwork showcased on … Continue reading Guy Harvey, Guy Harvey Apparel, Artist, Scientist, Conservationist →
If you know music in the South, especially the state of South Carolina, you know Patrick Davis. Rick catches up with Patrick this week as the college football season starts and his beloved Gamecocks are 0-1. Davis, University of South Carolina alumnus and one of the Gamecock Nation’s favorite musical sons, is releasing The Gamecock … Continue reading Patrick Davis, Singer and Songwriter’s ‘National Championship Blues’ →
Rick is joined by one of the most innovative minds in sports, Joshua Jacobs. Jacobs is the CEO and founder of TGA Premier Sports. TGA Premier Sports is the leading introductory “delivery system” for kids’ in-school and community-based golf programs. They just added their eighth youth sports golf franchise in the New York/New Jersey market … Continue reading Joshua Jacobs, CEO, Founder of TGA Premier Sports →
Caught up with PGA Tour golfer, Tommy Fleetwood, this week at the Tour Championship at East Lake. Fleetwood was among the 30 golfers that qualified for East Lake this year. He was also serving as one of the judges for the FedEx Junior Business Challenge this week in Atlanta. This week, Junior Achievement students from … Continue reading Tommy Fleetwood, PGA Tour Star on FedEx Junior Business Challenge →
A centennial celebration of the Negro Leagues launched at The National, thanks to the hard work of Seattle’s Jay Caldwell. Glad to be joined by Caldwell, on this week’s “Tech of Sports.” Caldwell is a collector who has a passion for preserving the history of the Negro Leagues. At the National, he was offering a … Continue reading Jay Caldwell, Preserving History of the Negro Leagues →
Great to be joined by quite an interesting character, horse trainer, John Parisella, talking about his new book. And does he have some stories to tell. The book is: From the Streets of Brooklyn to Trainer to the Stars: John Parisella’s Lifetime of Celebrity Connections This is an amazing read! An accomplished trainer of Thoroughbred … Continue reading John Parisella, Horse Trainer to the Stars with his New Book →
Another “Tech of Sports” this week. Rick is joined by world famous golf instructor, Michael Breed. Michael Breed is the No. 1 golf instructor in NY, has coached winning Tour players and had the most successful instruction show on The Golf Channel – now he’s embarking on a totally new venture by collaborating with MorganFranklin … Continue reading Michael Breed talks Golf and Partnership with MorganFranklin Consulting →
This week, an excerpt from Gary Vee’s talk at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago. Gary Vaynerchuk is no stranger to technology as he has invested in numerous tech startups. Well, he’s also an investor in baseball and sports cards. Serial entrepreneur, social influencer and CEO of VaynerMedia, Gary Vaynerchuk, never had the chance … Continue reading Gary Vee at the National Sports Collectors Convention →
Former MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig, from a book signing in the Atlanta area, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Bud Selig is the former ninth Commissioner of Baseball. A life-long baseball fan and long-term baseball executive, he’s known for contributions to America’s Pastime including reform of the economic structure of the game, as well as … Continue reading Bud Selig, ‘For the Good of the Game’ →
I had a great trip to Austin, TX and the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa a few weeks ago, so I thought we’d have a guest on that played a big part in the $150 million renovation of this popular Texas resort. Fantastic to be joined this week by Laura McKoy of Omni Hotels … Continue reading Laura McKoy, Creative Director and Vice President of Interior Design for Omni Hotels & Resorts →
Rick is joined this week, by Sabrina Ann Zielinski. She is not just the newly crowned Mrs. Georgia, She is here to discuss her secret to living a healthy life which she has shared in her book with husband Dr. Eric Zielinski, THE ESSENTIAL OILS DIET: Lose Weight and Transform Your Health with the Power … Continue reading Sabrina Ann Zielinski, Mrs. Georgia and Author of The Essential Oils Diet →
Rick is joined by 2008 Olympic Volleyball Silver Medalist, Kim Glass, this week. Kim was an All-American and four-time All-Pac-10 pick, is Arizona’s career leader in kills with 2,151 and ranks third all-time in the Pac-10 in the same category. She averaged 5.27 kills, 2.84 digs, 0.70 blocks and 0.40 aces per game for the … Continue reading Kim Glass, Olympian, All American Talks Volleyball and Halo Sport 2 →
Rick is joined by Tyler Gottstein, CEO of Cadi this week. An innovative new retail golf concept. Visit: www.cadikiosk.com Cadi is an unattended, automated kiosk that allows golfers the ability to demo, compare and purchase golf equipment at unbeatable pricing in the ideal environment, right on the course. At the same time, Cadi is a … Continue reading Tyler Gottstein, CEO and Founder of Cadi →
The sports collecting hobby and industry is booming! With The National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, just six weeks away, it’s the perfect time to take a look at sports collecting, with Rich Mueller of Sports Collectors Daily. Mueller, a long-time television sports anchor and reporter and online journalist is President of Sports Collectors Daily … Continue reading Rich Mueller, Founder and Editor, Sports Collectors Daily →
Rick is going to talk a little soccer this week. Only appropriate with the Women’s World Cup getting underway. He is joined by Guy Aharon, the CEO and co-founder of sports technology company PlayerMaker, a boot-mounted device that tracks and analyses players’ technical, tactical and physical performance on and off the ball. He previously founded … Continue reading Guy Aharon, CEO, Co-founder PlayerMaker →
Rick is joined by PGA Tour’s Justin Thomas this week. Justin is known for his ball striking and his play along with his attire, on and off the course as he represents Ralph Lauren. A former World No. 1 and one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour. In 2017, Thomas experienced a … Continue reading Justin Thomas, PGA Star for Ralph Lauren →
Rick is joined by the fantastic duo from Pocket Radar, Christ Stewart and Steve Goody. Chris Stewart is Pocket Radar’s President and COO. He has an extensive engineering and inventor background holding five patents. He is a volunteer professor at Sonoma State University where he lectures in electrical engineering and business entrepreneurship. Steve Goody is … Continue reading Chris Stewart and Steve Goody, Pocket Radar →
Rick welcomes Roger Cox to Tech of Sports this week. Nobody knows as much about tennis travel as Roger. Tennis Resorts Online has just released their Top 100 Tennis Resorts and Camps for 2019. Roger is here to talk about the 2019 rankings and more. Tennis Resorts Online’s founder and editor-in-chief Roger Cox has spent … Continue reading Roger Cox, Tennis Resorts Online Founder →
Rick is joined by a great guest this week, Tracey Ellis, CEO, Leadous. Leadous helps organizations grow their pipeline by improving Marketo Strategies. Marketo Marketing Automation is the latest innovation in marketing and drives real value if implemented and used correctly; that’s where Leadous comes in. We work with those that are looking to improve … Continue reading Tracey Ellis, CEO of Leadous →
Rick is joined this week, but Chad Willis, the President of Racing Electronics in Concord, NC. Racing Electronics is a fixture at major motorsports events across the country. From the ubiquitous “RE Red” headsets worn by thousands of race fans to the Racing Electronics equipment used on pit road, in the car, and on the … Continue reading Chad Willis, President, Racing Electronics →
Great to be joined by Donna Carpenter this week. From zMax Raceway in Concord, NC. We were at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals and it was a blast. Donna is the President and CEO of the Cabarrus County (NC) CVB. Comprised of Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland, and Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, Cabarrus County is located just … Continue reading Donna Carpenter, President and CEO, Cabarrus County NC CVB →
Rick talks with Steve Mays of Tee Time Central this week on Tech of Sports. Tee Time Central is a software service designed specifically for the golf industry. The powerful golf course management suite includes booking engine, central reservation system, call center, and package company platform. They will equip your golf course with the latest … Continue reading Steve Mays, President of Tee Time Central →
Rick is joined by one of the most well respected doctors in sports this week, on “Tech of Sports.” Dr. Leigh Ann Curl is the Chief of Orthopaedics at MedStar Harbor Hospital. As part of the MedStar Sports Medicine team, Dr. Curl is the head orthopaedic surgeon for the Baltimore Ravens. She has been with … Continue reading Dr. Leigh Ann Curl, Head Orthopaedic Surgeon for the Baltimore Ravens →
Rick is joined by Richard Goldman this week on “Tech of Sports.” Goldman is the President and CEO at St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. A big undertaking for this busy section of Florida. Hear from Goldman about the successes earned by his team, but also the challenges. He has … Continue reading Richard Goldman, President/CEO at St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau →
Excited to have Willy T. Ribbs on “Tech of Sports’ this week! Ribbs is a retired American race car driver, racing owner, known for being the first African-American man to have tested a Formula One car (he did so in 1986) and to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Ribbs competed in many forms of auto … Continue reading Willy T. Ribbs, Former Indy Car and NASCAR Racer Now Giving Back →
Joined on this episode by Dylan Elder, the Founder and CEO of Monster Roster, a powerful algorithm-driven platform that helps you make the right picks in sports betting (it was the first company admitted to the Philadelphia 76ers Innovation Lab). Rick and Dylan talk the new one-and-done rule and NBA, MLB or NFL trending topics. … Continue reading Dylan Elder, the Founder and CEO of Monster Roster →
Rick’s guest this week is David Reese, President of Florida’s First Coast of Golf. Florida’s First Coast of Golf is designed to promote Amelia Island, Jacksonville and The Beaches, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, Clay County and Palm Coast & The Flagler Beaches as the premier destination for Florida golf vacations. We also … Continue reading David Reese, President of Florida’s First Coast of Golf →
Rick is joined this week by a young entrepreneur, who is looking change the drinking experience at tailgates, out on boats or at your next pool party. Let me introduce you to BruMate. At 24 years old, Dylan Jacob, inventor, and entrepreneur, an Indiana native operates BruMate, his third business, which is on track to … Continue reading Dylan Jacob, Entrepreneur and Founder of BruMate →
Rick is joined this week by noted sports attorney, Richard Roth. When news just broke that Robert Kraft was arrested for soliciting a prostitute in Florida, the sports world took notice. Was it true, well there apparently is a video. Richard Roth, New York City attorney. A multi-faceted attorney, focusing on sports, white-collar crime, and … Continue reading Richard Roth, Sports Attorney on the use of ‘Video’ →
Rick is joined by the entertaining and informative Marisa Corcoran this week. Many entrepreneurs find themselves going to a competitor’s website and the comparison monster has them asking how they got their message so captivating.Marissa can and will help. Especially in the world of sports, it’s important to have content that keeps your readers engaged. … Continue reading Marisa Corcoran, Copywriter and Copy Coach, The Copy Chat →
Rick talks seamless charging this week with Omri Lachman, Chief Executive Officer of Humavox. Soon we may be having our devices charged by common ordinary objects in our homes or office. Humavox, a leader in wireless charging technology, introduces its wireless charging ecosystem for smartphones and other everyday mobile devices, such as wireless headphones, power … Continue reading Omri Lachman, CEO of Humavox →
Rick is joined once again this year, from the PGA Show in Orlando, but PGA Tour great and one of the nicest guys in golf, Chip Beck. Chip is once again at the show serving as a brand ambassador for Pitchfix. Pitchfix USA, a global market leader in switchblade divot tools and other golf products, … Continue reading Chip Beck, PGA Tour Great for Pitchfix →
Rick is joined by one of the Original Kings of Comedy this week on iHeartRadio and “Tech of Sports.” Cedric the Entertainer. Two days before the Super Bowl, Cedric the Entertainer brought laughs and a huge party to Super Bowl LIII weekend with his all new 1st & Goal Comedy Bowl. Held at the College … Continue reading Cedric the Entertainer, Actor, Comedian, Sports Fanatic →
Rick is joined this episode by Scott Hansen, host of the popular NFL RedZone channel each Sunday. Hansen was in Atlanta for Super Bowl week in Atlanta, hosting the NFL’s 1st and Future event. This is an annual “Shark Tank” like competition where football ideas are brought before a panel of judges and could become … Continue reading Scott Hansen, NFL RedZone →
Rick is joined on this special episode this week by NASA astronaut, Leland Melvin. It might seem strange that an astronaut is in Atlanta for the Super Bowl, but he was also a college football star and was drafted into the NFL. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Florida’s Space Coast are taking football fans … Continue reading Leland Melvin, NASA Astronaut, Former NFL Player →
Rick is joined this week by Austin Cohen. Cohen is the CEO of the new flexible fitness and gym membership, FlexIt. Cohen is a consumer venture capitalist and entrepreneur with broad-based experience in strategy, business development, finance and capital raising across the consumer health and wellness, sports, entertainment and technology verticals. Cohen also has extensive … Continue reading Austin Cohen, CEO, FlexIt →
This week on “Tech of Sports”, Rick is joined by Richard Rakowski, CEO, Medically Home. Richard has relished the excitement, diversity and nourishment secured from a 39-year career in engineering, strategy consulting and senior leadership roles in entrepreneurial start-ups, health care services companies, renewable energy, and resource recovery. His experience includes both public and private … Continue reading Richard Rakowski, CEO, Medically Home →
As we approach the PGA Golf Show in Orlando, Rick is joined by Brendan McCarthy of KemperSports. Brendan is the National Director of Marketing and Sales and there is no better person to talk the business of golf as we look ahead to 2019. Brendan McCarthy joined KemperSports in 2009 as a Regional Sales and … Continue reading Brendan McCarthy, KemperSports, National Director of Marketing and Sales →
Rick is joined by tech professional and sports talk host, Pat Hegewald, this week. Pat runs the Kenosha Sports Extra Website and hosts Kenosha Sports Extra on Wednesday nights on AM 1050 WLIP.
Rick is joined by Nick Hill or Sure Petcare this week to talk about training and monitoring the health of dogs with Animo dog tracker
We talk Foria Wellness this week, with Kiana Reeves and Ben Odell. Lower back pain and pelvic pain are incredibly common ailments for men: half of all men will experience prostatitis in their lifetimes, along with other ailments like sciatica that cause pain in the lower back and pelvic regions. Fortunately, there’s an unorthodox new … Continue reading Kiana Reeves, Ben Odell of Foria Wellness →
Everyone is trying to eat cleaner and more healthy, but Rick’s guest this week has a product that helps everyone “eatCleaner.” Mareya Ibrahim is an award-winning entrepreneur, chef, author and inventor. She is the founder and CEO of Grow Green Industries, Inc. (www.growgreenindustries.com) creators of patented, plant-based organic and Kosher solutions formulated to enhance food … Continue reading Mareya Ibrahim, Founder of eatCleaner →
Rick is joined by Antonia Townsend this week. She is the Founder, CEO and “Chief Knicker Officer” of [ENCLOSED] — the first and only lingerie gift-giving service specifically designed to empower men to create high-end, romantic gift experiences for the women they love. Since launching in 2013, the San Francisco-based e-commerce lingerie subscription company has … Continue reading Antonia Townsend is the Founder, CEO of [ENCLOSED] →
Do you read Amazon product reviews before purchasing? If so, I’ve got the website for you. Fakespot.com Rick is joined this week, by Saoud Khalifah of Fakespot.com to help you with your holiday shopping for sports items and more. Fakespot.com is the new fake review detection service for online shoppers. Did you know that in … Continue reading Saoud Khalifah, CEO of Fakespot.com →
If good sleep is something you want for the holidays, Rick is joined by Sleep Club’s Aly Teich to talk about some products that can provide you with a better night’s sleep. Following a ten-year career in media and marketing — Late Show with David Letterman, Conde Nast, and others — Aly Teich switched her … Continue reading Aly Teich from Sleep Club and The Sweat Life →
A pleasure to be joined by Randy Donley of Donley Auctions on “Tech of Sports.” Donley Auctions is one of the largest and most unique auction retailers in the industry. In fact, they procure everything from Elvis Pinball Machines, to Sports Items, to Military Land Rovers, to Space Patrol Rides, to museum relics, and even … Continue reading Randy Donley, Co-Owner of Donley Auctions →
Rick talks to the “Good eye doctor” this week on “Tech of Sports” Warren Modlin joins Rick to talk sports eyewear. Warren is a trained optometrist with 25 years of optical industry experience. He started his career as an optometrist in South Africa before moving to Canada in ’93 where he joined CIBA VISION (Now … Continue reading Warren Modlin for EYEKING, Under Armour Eyewear →
Coach: (noun) – one who instructs or trains; especially one who instructs people in the fundamentals of a sport or activity and directs strategy Everyone knows someone who would like to write a book someday. Some people may want to write a novel, while entrepreneurs may want to write a book on their area of … Continue reading Annalisa Parent, Writing Coach, Author, and Entrepreneur →
NoSweat, a Minneapolis-based company that creates patented sweat-absorbing headwear liners, and it’s President, Jared Robins are onto something. Robins, who previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at NoSweat joins Rick on “Tech of Sports” this week. NoSweat is a lifestyle brand and manufacturer of products that are 100% USA made and built to … Continue reading Jared Robins, President of NoSweat →
Rick is joined by one of the new stars in the NBA this week. Trae Young, the top draft pick of the Atlanta Hawks has been everything Hawks and NBA had hoped he would be as the NBA season is just about three weeks old. He’s also looking for specifics when he’s in the market … Continue reading Trae Young, NBA and Atlanta Hawks Rookie Sensation for Tissot →
Edgybees, a leader in visual intelligence technology, has harnessed the power of AR to make broadcasting experiences more palatable and understandable. Already working with Turner Sports to add a new dimension to golf broadcasts, CEO and Co-Founder Adam Kaplan speaks to Rick about the untapped potential of AR in sports and in baseball — from … Continue reading Adam Kaplan, CEO of Edgybees →
Rick talks with Raw Athletics founder, a former University of Maryland club hockey player, Stephen Steinberg this week on Tech of Sports. You might be asking what laundry detergent pods have to so with sports, well keep reading. Raw Athletics launches and scales brands that help people lead healthier lives, “because we believe a healthy … Continue reading Stephen Steinberg, Vapor Fresh Laundry Detergent Pods →
Great to sit down with Danielle Lao @TheLittleGiant, this week as she makes a return appearance on Tech of Sports. Lao has been rising up the WTA ranking and ending her 2018 campaign strongly. Rick sits down with Danielle at the 80K USTA Pro Circuit event in Macon, Ga. Lao talks about her year, travel … Continue reading Danielle Lao, Pro Tennis Player and Writer →
Rick is joined by Chef Gigi Gaggero this week for an insightful discussion about her new book and kids who are picky eaters. Make lunch, not war. Food Fight: For Parents of Picky Eaters (Koehler Press, August 31, 2018) is a hands-on guide to understanding and reprogramming how families battle picky eating. It’s loaded with … Continue reading Chef Gigi Gaggero, Author ‘Food Fight” For Parents of Picky Eaters →
Rick talks with entrepreneur and former member of the Israeli special forces, Barak Fainaro. Barak has released the Combat Wipes line of products and they are catching fire here in the US. This is a fascinating look at a great product and the problems it solves. There are available online here or through Amazon and … Continue reading Barak Fainaro, Founder of Combat Wipes →
Rick talks with Jeni Janover, founder and certification instructor of Liquid Motion®. Liquid Motion® is a methodology that can apply to any aspect of life, from everyday movement to technical dance vocabulary. This program teaches how to achieve a seamless and natural movement quality by applying basic dance theory and sensual movement exploration. Liquid Motion® … Continue reading Jeni Janover, Founder of Liquid Motion →
An honor to be joined by former NFL All-Pro running back, Warrick Dunn, this week on “Tech of Sports.” We all know what Warrick has done on and off the football field, but I talk with the former NFL-er at the PGA Tour Championship as he was a judge in the FedEx Junior Business Challenge. … Continue reading Warrick Dunn, FedEx Junior Business Challenge and Warrick Dunn Charities →
Junior Achievement students from across North America pitched original business concepts for the chance to generate a $75,000 donation from FedEx at the 2018 TOUR Championship. One of the competitors, from Jacksonville, FL, was high school student, Rosa Santos. Santos and her team’s goal is to provide fresh fruit cups to the students at her … Continue reading Rosa Santos, Tropical Wave and FedEx Junior Business Challenge Finalist →
Great to speak with Don Rosenfeld this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’ Don is the Executive Producer of this amazing documentary about Golden Gloves Boxing in New York City, CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS. CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS follows three extraordinary, inspiring individuals—James Wilkins, Nisa Rodriguez, and Titus Williams—on an urban odyssey through a ten-week tournament, founded in … Continue reading Don Rosenfeld, Executive Producer, Cradle of Champions →
Let’s talk drones this week as Rick caught up with Josh Ziering, of Kittyhawk.io at the 2018 InterDrone show in Las Vegas. Drones in the world of sports is just one of the topics they cover. Josh is the Founder of Kittyhawk, a drone operations and management solution backed by Boeing. He is also a … Continue reading Josh Ziering, Founder of Kittyhawk.io →
Rick gets and education this week from Julie Wu, from RadRoller.com. RAD mobility and massage tools are designed by experts and for everyone, so we’ve made it our business to make our products high quality, affordable and above all, awesomely effective. You can even bundle the products and purchase in RAD Kits. Julie is an … Continue reading Julie Wu, RadRoller.com →
Had the fantastic opportunity to play the new Sage Run Golf Club in Harris, Mich. and hear from the architect of the course himself. Golfers in the northwest corner of Michigan have a new course to play as Sage Run opened in the town of Harris. The course is designed by Paul Albanese, ASGCA (Albanese … Continue reading Paul Albanese, Architect of Sage Run Golf Club →
Great to be joined by Sharkie Zartman this week to talk about her new book. The book is #HeySportsParents: An Essential Guide for any Parent with a Child in Sports. Sharkie Zartman is a USVBA five-time All-American volleyball athlete and champion competitor at UCLA where her jersey was retired. She was a member of the … Continue reading Sharkie Zartman, Author and Certified Health Coach →
PWCC had a presence at the National in Cleveland. So it was great that Rick caught up to PWCC CEO, Brent Huigens. Brent Huigens, CEO of PWCC. Since 1998, PWCC has provided buyers and sellers of investment-caliber trading cards with an efficient, honest, and predictable marketplace. Trading cards are an emerging real asset class poised … Continue reading Brent Huigens, CEO of PWCC Marketplace from The National →
Born and raised in Arkansas, but now living in St. Louis, Steven Walden had one of the most colorful booths at this year’s National (#2169). Bright and bold works of art that look remarkable by themselves, but get even better when Walden himself hands you a pair of 3-D glasses. The 3-D sports art immediately … Continue reading Steven Walden, Sports Artist →
These next few “Tech of Sports” will be coming to you from last week’s National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland. This week, Rick talks with Jeff Foy and three generations of sports collectors that make up the entire Foy Family and Card Country. They are from Indianapolis, IN and Jeff is a successful doctor, but … Continue reading Card Country, Three Generations of Sports Collecting and Dealing →
Rick is joined this week, by Ben Keal, Director of Sales for PrivateCommunities.com. PrivateCommunities.com is the nation’s top online information resource for affluent and age-targeted consumers seeking primary, retirement, or second homes in master-planned lifestyle communities. Ben works with national developers and builders, along with ad agencies, HOAs, and real estate professionals to generate leads, … Continue reading Ben Keal is Director of Sales for PrivateCommunities.com →
Rick talks with Neville Boston on “Tech of Sports.” Disrupting a 125-year old industry doesn’t happen overnight… but Reviver Auto Co-Founder and CEO Neville Boston is up to the challenge. That, added with the fact that people, especially sports fans love personalization. What started out as a way to speed up and streamline the registration … Continue reading Reviver Auto Co-Founder and CEO Neville Boston →
Track and field legend, Michael Johnson, is coaching in the American Flag Football League (AFFL). And his Godspeed team is going for the $1 million. Great to be joined by Michael Johnson, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Michael Johnson is nothing short of a legend. Michael was a part of the USA Olympic team … Continue reading Michael Johnson, Olympic Track and Field Legend, Coach in AFFL →
It’s the middle of summer… do you need your football fix? Did you catch the American Flag Football League on the NFL Network over the weekend? Longtime NFL and Iowa State Football fans would’ve had a chance to relive some of the glory days, when Seneca Wallace was taking snaps from center and scrambling around … Continue reading Catching Up With Former Iowa State and Longtime NFL Quarterback, Seneca Wallace →
Will Allen, a college football star for Ohio State University, received All-American honors. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and also played DB for the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a panelist at the recent Green Sports Alliance Summit, in Atlanta. The … Continue reading Former NFLer, Will Allen, on Sports ‘Going Green’ →
This week on “Tech of Sports”, Rick is joined by three distinguished guests. Greg Taylor, Vice President of Sales in Samsung’s Enterprise Business Division Brian Fitzpatrick, CMO of RevelTV BJ Vander Linden, CIO for the Utah Jazz Samsung has announced the installation of their displays at Vivint Smart Home Arena, home of the Utah Jazz. … Continue reading Samsung’s Greg Taylor, RevelTV’s Brian Fitzpatrick and BJ Vander Linden, CIO of Utah Jazz →
This week, Rick is joined by entrepreneur, the founder of Adams Golf, inventor of the Tight Lies fairway wood, holder of several patents on golf products, author of The WOW Factor! – Barney Adams! And he has something new. Adams was selected as Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 1999.[1] The … Continue reading Barney Adams, CEO Breakthrough Golf Technology talks Stability Shaft →
Rick is joined this week by Catherine Rotman, the marketing and golf director at the Inlet Sports Lodge in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Located in the heart of Murrells Inlet, The Inlet Sports Lodge is a boutique hotel catering to golf lovers, fishing, boating and outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone simply looking to relax. Just 1 … Continue reading Catherine Rotman, Inlet Sports Lodge, Marketing and Golf Director →
Card collecting as a hobby and investment? It is according to Rick’s guest this week, Brent Huigens, CEO of PWCC. Since 1998, PWCC has provided buyers and sellers of investment-caliber trading cards with an efficient, honest, and predictable marketplace. And we’re just getting started. Trading cards are an emerging real asset class poised for growth … Continue reading Brent Huigens, CEO of PWCC Marketplace on Sports Card Investing →
Rick is joined by Jason Rose, founder of the Scottsdale Beat the Heat 10/5 K Race – The Hottest Race on Earth After a five year hiatus, the hottest race on earth, Scottsdale’s Beat the Heat is returning to WestWorld of Scottsdale as part of the new Scottsdale Fahrenheit Festival: Arms, Legs and Kegs event … Continue reading Jason Rose, Founder of Scottsdale Beat the Heat 10/5K Race aka The Hottest Race on Earth →
NASCAR’s Jeffrey Earnhardt is partnering with veteran-owned Nine Line Apparel to raise money for Angels of America’s Fallen which provides services for the children of soldiers who died in war or committed suicide as a result of PTSD. The NASCAR star who is the grandson of Hall of Famer, Dale Earnhardt, and Nine Line CEO … Continue reading NASCAR’s Jeffrey Earnhardt and Nine Line Apparel CEO, Army Ret. CPT Tyler Merritt →
Rick is joined in this episode by Glenn Johnson, the Carolina Hurricanes’ vice president of information technology, and Kevin Wittnebert, Extreme Networks associate director of sports and entertainment to talk about what fans want in arenas and stadiums- fast Wi-fi. Today’s consumers expect to be able to text, post to Instagram, send a Snapchat, stream … Continue reading Glenn Johnson of the Carolina Hurricanes and Kevin Wittnebert of Extreme Networks Talking Arena Wi-Fi →
The big talk this week in legalizing gambling what a literal game changer it is for the sports industry. What this means is that not only legalized gambling will become a reality, it will change the operation and include new revenue streams for teams and leagues and will also increase the value of those teams.” … Continue reading Dave Torromeo from the Sport Business Management Program at Manhattanville College on Sports Gambling →
Rick is joined by personal trainer, Chris Caso, this week on Tech of Sports. Caso, a certified personal trainer at OneLife Fitness Atlanta is here to provide a wealth of valuable tips for those who are training for Peachtree (or any other race, for that matter). Chris is here to help and talks with Rick … Continue reading Chris Caso, Personal Trainer on Getting Ready for a 10K →
Rick is joined by a great guest this week, Mike Yagley, Director of Innovation, Research and Testing at Cobra PUMA Golf. Cobra PUMA Golf makes some of the finest golf clubs in the world, but a new partnership with Arccos Golf has everyone paying attention to the unique technology one will find in the KING … Continue reading Mike Yagley, Director of Innovation, Research and Testing at Cobra PUMA Golf →
Going out of the world of sports a little this week, but couldn’t pass up the chance to talk to actor, Michael Gross. The longtime Hollywood actor is really one of the nice guys in Hollywood and he’s reprized his role in the new Tremors movie, and he’s wearing a Cubs hat. We talk about … Continue reading Michael Gross, Actor and Train Collector talks Tremors 6 and More →
Raycon, is the new celeb-led CE company co-founded by Ray J, the charismatic young entrepreneur, who “cruised” in to the tech world on the Scoot-e-bike e-bicycle he introduced in 2016 and recently sealed a $31 million deal with distributor Cowboy Electronics for a full-scale CE lifestyle brand. Raycon pulled back the curtain on its introductory … Continue reading Ray J: Singer and TV Personality, Tech Entrepreneur →
If you love golf and sports, chances are you’ve set foot in a PGA TOUR Superstore. Rick is joined by Dick Sullivan, President and CEO of PGA TOUR Superstore this week on “Tech of Sports.” Fueled by capturing market share, new market expansion and strong e-commerce comp sales growth, PGA TOUR Superstore posted a record … Continue reading Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore →
Rick is joined by Rooly Eliezerov this week. Rooly is the Co-Founder and President of Gigya. Who controls the data we have stored online? We take a look at that and a new book this week. Gigya is the industry leader in Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM), providing over 700 leading brands and businesses … Continue reading Rooly Eliezerov, Co-Founder and President of Gigya, Author of ‘The Digital Identity Crisis’ →
Joined by Lokesh Ohri and Kenneth Marzin from Deloitte Digital this week in a piece that was taped at Adobe Summit. They discuss how the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is leveraging Adobe Experience Manager and Adobe Analytics to promote, develop, and grow the game of tennis in the United States. Experience Manager consolidates 18 … Continue reading Lokesh Ohri and Kenneth Marzin, Deloitte Digital →
An honor to be joined by Tom Evans, the Chief Marketing Officer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Tom has a wealth of experience with more than 20 years of experience in the field of hospitality marketing and advertising. He has been instrumental in the creation, branding and maintenance of multiple hospitality products. A key figure … Continue reading Tom Evans, Chief Marketing Officer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas →
A pleasure to have Ken Grohe of SignNow, back on Tech of Sports with some updates. Ken is in golf mode at he played TPC Sawgrass and is at the Masters. He talks Legal, Compliance, HR, Sales, Hospitality, etc and the many uses of SignNow to: Register the players, caddies, transportation, Pro-Ams, and volunteers Run … Continue reading Ken Grohe, Update of SignNow for Golf Tournaments and Spring Sports →
Great to be joined by Aceing Autism’s Richard Spurling this week. He’s doing fantastic work with putting tennis racquets in the hands of people who have never experienced tennis and success on the tennis court. Richard attended Florida Atlantic University where he played Division I tennis and achieved his degree in International Business. Following graduation, … Continue reading Richard Spurling, Founder and Executive Director of Aceing Autism →
Rick is joined by a great guy, Gavin Dear, of Shot Scope, an innovative golf tech company in Edinburgh, Scotland. Shot Scope has now released their V2 here in the U.S. and it’s a great golf product to help improve your game and keep track of your personal golf data. Shot Scope is out of … Continue reading Gavin Dear, CCO at Shot Scope →
Sportco is looking to change the way fans experience their favorite sports. How is the Spanish tennis player going to change the lives of all sports fans? Rick is joined by former Spanish ATP Tour player, Juan Carlos Báguena, this week. A surprising move, linking sport and technology, is designed to change people’s news consumption … Continue reading Juan Carlos Báguena, Former ATP Tour Tennis Player for Sportco →
International Women’s Day is March 8th, so Rick is joined by fitness expert, Felicia Romero to talk about that, getting fit and advice for staying fit and healthy. Felicia Romero is a celebrity health and fitness expert, and recently appeared on the second season of the Lifetime hit, “From Fit to Fat to Fit.” Earlier … Continue reading Felicia Romero, From Fit to Fat to Fit and International Women’s Day →
Getting into some good tech this week as Rick is joined by Dr. Erika Angle and Scott Tindal of Ixcela. Like physical fitness, the fitness of your gut microbiome is critical to your overall health and wellness. Ixcela worked with ORACLE TEAM USA to improve internal health. Ixcela was co-founded by Drs. Erika Ebbel Angle … Continue reading Dr. Erika Angle and Scott Tindal of Ixcela →
Rick is joined by one of the nicest guys in golf, and most well respected, three-time Ryder Cup member and four-time winner on the PGA Tour, Chip Beck. Beck was at the 2018 PGA Show for Pitchfix. Pitchfix USA, a global market leader in switchblade divot tools, recently announced that is has retained former PGA … Continue reading Chip Beck, Three-time Ryder Cup Member, Pitchfix Spokesperson →
Bubba Wallace is one of the fresh faces of NASCAR. He’s also fresh off a runner up finish at the 2018 Daytona 500. Rick talks to Bubba, this week, on “Tech of Sports.” Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. (born October 8, 1993), is an American professional stock car racing driver. He currently competes full-time in the … Continue reading Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver and Runner Up in 2018 Daytona 500 →
This week, on Tech of Sport,” Rick is joined by former Heavyweight Champ, Shannon Briggs. Shannon Briggs, the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, today announced his plans for 2018 including his return to the ring and the launch of a new business venture. “I’m really happy to be getting back into training and I want … Continue reading Shannon Briggs, Two-Time World Heavyweight Boxing Champ →
Based in the Florida Keys, Kadan Swimwear is the new and unique swimwear line from 18-year old designer, Kelsey Caputo. ‘Kadan’ means ‘where the heart lies.” Rick is joined by Kelsey, on this episode of “Tech of Sports.” “Every woman should feel comfortable, look. The suit alone is a statement piece, add a bracelet and … Continue reading Kelsey Caputo of Kadan Swimwear →
Fantastic to be joined by Dr. Oz this week on “Tech of Sports” to talk sleep. Specifically, SleepScore Max. SleepScore Labs™, the company behind the most advanced non-contact sleep improvement system for consumers, has revealed an initial stable of carefully curated sleep products and technologies in the world’s first science-based sleep ecosystem. Aiming to improve … Continue reading Dr. Oz for SleepScore Max →
Wednesday, February 7, was National Signing Day and an app called SignNow played a big role. We talk with Ken Grohe of SignNow this week on Tech of Sports. The SignNow app allows you to get legally binding signatures from your customers, partners and employees in seconds. Stop chasing paper! SignNow E-Signature cuts document turnaround … Continue reading Ken Grohe of SignNow →
Rick is joined this week, by Jim Stracka, President of StrackaLine. The company is most known for its laser-scanned greens guides that are used on every major professional tour and by more than 250 Division I college teams, professionals and tournament players. StrackaLine, one of golf’s leading technology companies, vaulted to prominence in 2017 as … Continue reading Jim Stracka, President of StrackaLine →
It was great to have the opportunity to spend some time with the legendary Olympic sprinter, Usain Bolt. Bolt joins Rick on “Tech of Sports” discussing his passion for music and favorite products at the Gibson tent at CES 2018. He was insightful, representing Philips Bass + new Headphones at the show. In addition to … Continue reading Usain Bolt, 8-Time Olympic Gold Medalist →
Tech of Sports, Episode 200! We made it! So a special guest is on order and we have, Shaq. Shaq’s individual accolades include the 1999–2000 MVP award, the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award, 15 All-Star game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, two scoring titles, 14 All-NBA team selections, … Continue reading Episode 200, Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq) →
Rick is joined this week, by Jason Simmons of DeadSoxy. Socks may literally be the most boring article of clothing…but DeadSoxy is changing this opinion one step at a time by reinventing the underrated apparel. After years of searching for the perfect sock, creator Jason Simmons (a sock and fashion enthusiast from birth) was disappointed … Continue reading Jason Simmons, DeadSoxy →
Rick is joined by former college coach and now top football analyst, Rick Neuheisel. Rick talks to current football analyst Rick Neuheisel about the teams, their strengths and what they need to do be holding the iconic Coaches’ Trophy (aka) crystal ball trophy when the season is over.
Austin Cook is a University of Arkansas graduate and PGA Tour Rookie currently ranked 144th in the World and currently ranked 3rd in the Fed-Ex Cup Standings. A month ago, Cook captured his first career win in his 4th PGA Tour event as member. He emerged victorious with a four-stroke win at the RSM Classic; … Continue reading PGA Tour’s Austin Cook →
Super Heroic is a new children’s technical sneaker label from footwear industry vet, former Jordan Brand Senior Global Design Director, Jason Mayden; Super Heroic. The brand is backed by Playground Ventures, Accel Partners, UP2398 and Magic Johnson, raising $7 Million to launch. The shoe is designed to fit the unique needs of a child’s foot … Continue reading Jason Mayden of Super Heroic →
Mark Murdock, managing partner of CryoUSA, the world’s leader in providing whole body cryotherapy and other recovery modalities. Murdock is available to discuss with your listeners the latest cutting-edge recovery method to hit the market: infrared light therapy. Light therapy is shown to reduce oxidative stress, an underlying trigger for many diseases, and to help … Continue reading Mark Murdock, CryoUSA →
Michel Longacre joins the show to talk about poor circulation, hypoxia, the effects of both, insomnia, sleep apnea, other sleep disorders, athletic performance and recovery, body striving for homeostasis etc. If you have questions and want to know how to get your body back in balance, increase blood flow, oxygen and nutrient content l, and … Continue reading Michel Longacre DC, Chiropractor, BEMER →
Tobin Heath is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup silver and gold medalist who plays for the United States Women’s National Team and the Portland Thorns FC. Considered “perhaps the USA’s most skillful player” by the United States Soccer Federation, Tobin was voted U.S. women’s Player of the Year in 2016.
Samsung teamed up with PingHD and award-winning EngagePHD CMS to give the University of Texas football locker room a new look this season. Not only does this revamp bring a new energy to the Longhorns team, but it provides a glimpse into the future of locker room technology.
On August 9, 2017, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 spectacular seasons. But this two-time Super Bowl champion and barbecue aficionado won’t let retirement slow him down. Now, he’s teaming up with Kingsford Charcoal to shake his tailgate tail feathers and hosting a farewell tailgate party for fans before … Continue reading Super Bowl Champ, NFL Great – Vince Wilfork →
Rick is joined this week by Roger Fredericks, an innovative golf instructor and renowned fitness expert. He has joined the staff at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa to create a curriculum of golf swing analysis and flexibility programs, seminars, and workshops for the Omni La Costa Golf Performance Institute.
Filip Keuppens is a vice president with The Pickle Juice Company – a world leader and manufacturer of the only isotonic sports beverage proven to combat muscle cramps at the neurological source. He is the company’s leading ambassador for Pickle Juice®, it’s famed history and original all-natural formula. Keuppens’ expertise stems from more than 20 … Continue reading Filip Keuppens, The Pickle Juice Company →
Tom House is considered by many to be the “father of modern pitching mechanics.” He is the founder of The Rod Dedeaux Research and Baseball Institute (RDRBI) and The National Pitching Association (NPA). The RDRBI and NPA are renowned for their health and performance research and development involving three-dimensional analysis of human movement, physical preparation … Continue reading Former MLB Pitcher and Pitching Coach Tom House →
A very special show this week, as Rick is joined by MVP David Villa, forward and Team Captain for New York City Football Club to talk soccer, his dedication to lifting up the league and the Next Big Thing
Tour Level is a global high performance tennis program that provides both online and in-person training to junior, collegiate and pro tennis players across the world has been created by a Southern California certified tennis mental coach. Started by L.A.’s Mark Springett, Tour Level Player Development Program (LLC) brings together tennis experts from around the … Continue reading Mark Springett of Tour Level Player Development →
In less than three years, Motorsport Network has gone from a ‘twinkle in the eye’ idea to the world’s largest digital disruptor in the auto sport industry. The company has acquired 24 major entities in the industry, including Autosport.com, and it has no intention of stopping anytime soon.
Kevin Hrusovsky is Rick’s guest this week. Kevin is the CEO of Quanterix, a company that has developed a blood test that can objectively diagnose concussions. Having won funding from the NFL for its test, Kevin can shed light on why current concussion protocols often fail and why more science must be applied to the … Continue reading Kevin Hrusovsky, CEO of Quanterix →
The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Experience Rewards Program is a new monthly or annual subscription service that lets you “partner” with Cliff Drysdale Tennis for some serious tennis. Subscribers will receive exclusive benefits and rewards both online, in print, and onsite at some of the nation’s most highly acclaimed tennis resorts, clubs & events. The program … Continue reading Cliff Drysdale Tennis Experience Rewards Program with Joey Hanf →
Someone who knows first hand how grueling summer camp practices are on the body is pro fullback, James Develin, who played on the 2015 and 2016 New England Patriots championship teams. Develin is fully aware that even with proper hydration, stretching and rest between practice and games, it’s important to stay healthy by avoiding injuries … Continue reading New England Patriots, James Develin and Harvard’s Dr. Bruce Bean →
Sherpa is an app and an intelligent Personal Assistant which is the brain across devices like smartphones, home devices such as the Amazon Echo, smart TVs, robotics, smart cars and more. The Sherpa platform uses uses Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms based on probability models to predict information a user might need.
Bryan was diagnosed with the chronic medical condition in November, 2016. He and his doctor, Dr. Timothy Vartanian, are with us today to share more about Bryan’s MS experience and discuss relapsing MS, its causes, symptoms and the importance of treatment. Bryan and Dr. Vartanian hope to inspire others impacted with MS to stay positive … Continue reading Bryan Bickell and Dr. Timothy Vartanian, M.D →
Dr. David Geir holds board certifications in both orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine. He serves as publications chair for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine as well as the Communications Council chair for its board of directors. Previously, he was the director of sports medicine at an academic medical center in Charleston, South … Continue reading Sports Injuries with Dr. David Geier →
Johnny Unser of the legendary Unser racing family, and his daughter, Loni (a rookie racer herself), both know how important tires are for safe, successful driving. Johnny Unser is a member of the famous Unser racing dynasty and is currently Partner and Vice President of Precision Dynamics, a company that specializes in creating compelling engagements … Continue reading Johnny and Loni Unser →
RJ has won 6 Off Road Racing Championships and over 100 career podiums. On top of his busy racing schedule, many know RJ for his viral videos producing over 30 million views. RJ races on the BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A® KR2. The consumer tire, the BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A® KO2, incorporates technology gleaned directly from years of … Continue reading Off-Road Racing Champ, RJ Anderson →
Katie Linendoll talks making your home smarter than ever! Home automation reached new levels and allows you to interact. We live in a time unlike any other, with so many technological advancements at our fingertips and at the tip of our tongues. A recent report projects the smart home market to grow to a nearly … Continue reading Katie Linendoll Talks Sports IoT →
Dr. Bradley Borne joins Rick this week to talk about what is going on at Golf & Body NYC and getting prepared for golf season. There is a lot you need to do to stay fit and healthy. As Director of Wellness, Bradley Borne, D.C., is at the hub of all performance, training, and healing … Continue reading Golf & Body NYC and Dr. Bradley Borne →
Isobar is 5,500 people in over 85 locations across more than 45 markets globally, united by belief in the power of “Ideas Without Limits.” As digital technology continues to transform businesses and brands, what we can do has no boundaries. We take up new challenges with an open mind about the structure, team, technology and … Continue reading Jeff Maling of Isobar →
Myontec produces wearable shorts called Mbody which are the world’s first EMG-based muscle sensing smart shorts, providing in depth analysis on how muscles react when subject to physical activity. This technology is currently used by some of the best known names in sports including, FC Barcelona, Red Bull, FIFA , British Cycling alongside grass roots … Continue reading Janne Pylvas CEO of Myontec →
Rick is joined by Nick Merry, CEO of Screen Time as Spring Break is upon us. This is the perfect time for kids to actually have a real spring break and maybe a bit of a break from their devices. With Screen Time, one can control when, how long a device or tablet is used, … Continue reading Nick Merry of Screen Time →
ACEing Autism was founded in the summer of 2008 by Richard Spurling & Dr. Shafali Jeste in Boston, MA. as a family run organization with the invaluable efforts of its volunteers & supporters. We launched our first program at The Longfellow Club, Wayland (MA) with 15 children. In the spring of 2009 we added a … Continue reading ACEing Autism and Tennis With the Stars with Alex Huggan →
Jennifer Pinches was an elite British gymnast and now has transitioned into the world of tech and marketing. She was a member of the British national squad throughout her career, competing in two World Championships as well as by competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games. She was awarded ‘Master Gymnast’ status in 2012 for … Continue reading Olympic Gymnast and Tech Enthusiast, Jennifer Pinches →
Lou Holtz and World-Renowned Robotic Surgeon Break Down Common Questions and Concerns about a Disease that Impacts 1 in 7 Men. Prostate cancer is the second leading cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. The American Cancer Society reports about 1 in every 39 prostate cancer patients will die. But, it doesn’t have to … Continue reading Lou Holtz Tells Men To Get PSA Screenings →
With Wineven you can find the best sports coach for you. You can of course choose according to your sport (there are more than 100 available!), budget, location, or the ratings and opinions of Wineven members. You can easily book a sports session at home, a site chosen by your coach or a video call … Continue reading Wineven →
Sports Tracker, the award-winning application and online sports tracking service developed by a passionate team of outdoor sports enthusiasts along with a legion of loyal users, hit Vegas to help people train better, connect through sports, and live healthier, happier lives. All while using innovative products and their mobile phones.
Traverse is designed to fit the entire family. Traverse offers seating for up to eight, best-in-class maximum cargo space and active safety technologies. Connected technology such as available built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi and the refined, comfortable interior make the ride the best part of any trip. Filled with plenty of amenities and style, Traverse is … Continue reading Chevy Traverse Product Manager, Sue Wright, from Detroit Auto Show →
She’s a former World No. 1 tennis player with 18 Grand Slam singles titles and three doubles titles. Chris Evert knows all about being a trailblazer. Chris joins us on the “Tech of Sports” this morning to give us an inside look at something new and exciting in US tennis.
Curtis Keene spent 10 years dominating the fast-paced world of downhill mountain biking. Then, in 2012, he decided to give the growing sport of Enduro mountain biking a try. The new discipline clearly suited him, and that year he took home the overall championships title in the North American Enduro Series. Around the world, Enduro … Continue reading Mountain Biker Curtis Keene →
Acclaimed golf course designer Bobby Weed specializes in design, renovation and repurposing. His work features a balance of visual appeal, sustainability and playability, all informed by an environmentally-sensitive aesthetic and an exceptional hands-on, holistic approach. Bobby Weed Golf Design is a leader in golf course repurposing – a means to update layouts through redesign and … Continue reading Golf Course Architect Bobby Weed →
Don Yaeger is an award-winning keynote speaker, executive coach and team culture expert, a nine-time New York Times Best-selling author and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated. A world-class storyteller, he is has been invited as a guest to every major talk show from Oprah to Nightline, from CNN to Good Morning America.
This week, Rick is taking with Best Buy Blue Shirt Bianca Jones with the latest in tech for Black Friday shopping, including sports-related tech. This coincides with Best Buy’s November 10th release of its highly anticipated Black Friday circular and the tons of deals being offered, not only for Black Friday, but throughout the holiday … Continue reading Best Buy’s Bianca Jones →
Glen Alex’s family and friends know that she is about health—perhaps nauseatingly so to them. She believes in a healthy body, mind, and spirit as the full expression of humanity. So health is at the forefront of her life. Whether in massage therapy, social work, charity work, or interpersonal relations, Glen puts her healthiest foot … Continue reading Glen Alex, Author and Sports Massage Therapist →
Joel Telling, known as The 3D Printing Nerd on YouTube, is the source for all things 3D printing. From tutorials to reviews, to giveaways, and how-to’s Joel helps make 3D printing approachable and fun for everyone. Join him on his adventures as he prints everything from cosplay props and custom creations, to cookie cutters and … Continue reading Joel Telling – 3D Printing Nerd →
This week, Rick is talking with Carolina Gomes, Director of ECommerce of JanSport. Carolina Gomes is Director of ECommerce at JanSport, where she oversees the launch of new products, conducts in-depth data analysis, and connects technology with business strategy. She has over four years of experience in product management, and previously served as Director of … Continue reading Carolina Gomes, Director of ECommerce for JanSport →
A father of six, Gregg is a certified financial planner and consultant who became a leading advocate for sound parenting, child accountability and financial literacy as the inventory and CEO of My Job Chart. In 2014, he was named Chairman of 2014 “Smart Money Week” for the state of Arizona, as well as, the National … Continue reading Gregg Murset CEO of BusyKid →
Captain Britton “Shack” Shackelford comes from a long line of fishermen. His family has been in the commercial fishing business since 1670, so it’s common belief among the locals that Shackelford has salt water running through his veins. Born and raised in Gloucester, Virginia, he is a proud Southerner who puts faith and family first … Continue reading Capt. Britton Shackelford of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks →
Rick is talking Sumo Wrestling this week as the national pastime of Japan will have highlight shows now available in the U.S. in a growing number of markets via NHK World TV. NHK WORLD TV, Japan’s English language channel, is proud to announce its partnership with PBS Charlotte (WTVI) based in Charlotte, North Carolina. PBS … Continue reading Sumo Wrestling Comes to NHK World TV →
Rick talks some new high tech and healthy food that athletes might be able to see a benefit from.
Hannah is a Hooters Girl from Irving, Texas and is a soon-to-be law student who already holds a master’s degree in philosophy. Last month, she was recognized as runner up in the 2016 Miss Hooters International Bikini Pageant. She loves to volunteer in the community especially with ESL elementary students. When she’s not busy serving … Continue reading Fantasy Football with Hooters Girl, Hannah Williams →
International Clubmakers Guild® (ICG) golf’s only clubfitting and clubmaking organization that is owned and run by its members, has experienced significant growth this past year, both in membership and in program offerings. Over 81 new members, originating from numerous countries, have been welcomed to ICG since 2015.
Rick is bringing guest on Live from Copacabana Beach in Rio… members of the U.S. Women’ Rugby Team. Rugby is making its return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1924. Kelly Griffin and Jillion Potter will compete as a part of the U.S. rugby sevens team, a variant of rugby in which … Continue reading Live from Rio! The US Women’s Rugby Team →
Kayla Harrison is in Rio, trying to win another Gold Medal. Rio 2016 is here and the country of Brazil welcomes the world for the Olympic Games, Rick talks with one of the most inspiring gold medal winners from 2012, and she’s going for the gold again in Rio.
This week on the Tech of Sports Rick has a phone interview with the legendary coach Mike Ditka. Coach Ditka talks about a new prostate product, the NFL, Brett Favre, Social Media and the upcoming general election.
A two-time world bronze medalist (2014, 2015), Donnell Whittenburg medaled at the Pacific Rim Championships, American Cup and Winter Cup events in 2016. Chasing his dream of making his first Olympic team, Donnell hopes to compete with Team USA in Rio.
Longtime sports columnist Woody Woodburn returns to the “Tech of Sports” to talk about his book, current events and the state of the sports world. He also is an avid runner.
Rick is back from a trip to Philadelphia this week, where he got an exclusive look at Sprint and what is on the horizon when it comes to 5G. It was a demo held at the Chile vs. Panama Copa America soccer match in Philadelphia. Sprint is a major partner in the Copa America tournament. … Continue reading Sprint 5G and Copa America Soccer →
Rick is joined this week by noted artist, Lee Wybranski. Lee Wybranski has been a professional artist since 1992. He formed his company in Philadelphia in 1995 (then known as Group W Art Works) as a fine art and graphic design studio and the exclusive publisher and agent for his work. On January 2, 2012, … Continue reading Lee Wybranski →
After a roadside bomb in Baghdad took one of her legs in 2004, lifetime athlete Melissa Stockwell wasn’t going let her disability get in the way of her Olympic dreams. Her goal to compete on the world stage was achieved in Beijing 2008, where she defied expectations on the Paralympic Swim Team. This summer, she’s … Continue reading US Paralympian hopeful Melissa Stockwell →
Rudy Garcia-Tolson set his first goal at age eight when he declared he’d go to the 2004 Paralympic Games for swimming. Not only did the double amputee compete, he won gold and has been inspiring people ever since. Now, Rudy wants Americans to help inspire Team USA this summer in Rio.
Kamala Nellen is the founder of Coaching for Champions, a consulting firm for professional and elite athletes and high achievers that utilizes the comprehensive science of yoga for peak performance. Nellen pioneered the method called The Art and Science of Working IN for Champion Sports Performance and is the author of the newly released book … Continue reading Kamala Nellen Founder of Coaching for Champions →
Dara Torres is one of the most decorated Olympians of all-time. As a swimmer, she is a 5-time Olympian and a 12-time medalist. She will also be leading Team Kellogg’s leading up to Rio. With less than 100 days from now, the nation will be cheering on Team USA at the Summer Games in Rio. … Continue reading Olympian Swimmer Dara Torres →
The recent opening of the 2016 Major League Baseball season has also launched a brand new platform for baseball fans of the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and New York Mets looking for a daily news source. Sports Lunch, a sports, entertainment and media start-up which piloted its “Sox Lunch” daily email newsletter last season, … Continue reading Kevin Phelan of Sox Lunch →
Today Joey lives in Venice Beach, CA, within blocks of most of the Carve team and has founded a new business model while acting as Carve Bar’s CEO (which keeps her very busy, to say the least.) The platform and mobile application Joey has created is called DEPT OF GOOD; it encompasses all that Joey … Continue reading Joey Adler of Carve →
Founded in 2007, Sparta is the place for athletes. Using force plate technology and proprietary analytic software, we make sure every one of our athletes gets exactly what they need and nothing they don’t. From strength and speed to skills and regeneration, our passionate and experienced coaches build lasting relationships with our athletes based on … Continue reading Sparta Science with Dr. Phil Wagner →
Over 22 million people completed a cruise holiday in 2015; many of those came home weighing upwards of 4 pounds heavier – due in no small part to the huge quantities and choice of food and drink on board modern cruise liners. The Shirrans, avid cruisers themselves, want to help you avoid needing to take … Continue reading Martin Shirran of Cruise Yourself Slim →
Founded in Scotland, the Home of Golf, Golphin design and make specialized golf equipment to encourage more kids, juniors and families to experience the fun of playing the great game of golf. Founder Calum McPherson, formed a group of golf enthusiasts to challenge the reality that very few young kids under the age of 11 … Continue reading John Leighton of Golphin →
HockeyTech is the worldwide leader in providing hockey-related technologies, analytics and information services. HockeyTech was founded in 2012 by Stu Siegel, serial technology entrepreneur and former Florida Panthers Managing Partner/CEO, to address the lack of technology tools available to the hockey world. The company has grown rapidly, and has made five company acquisitions to date. … Continue reading Colin Campbell, Chief Marketing Officer of HockeyTech →
Dr. Patrick Kerr wants to save football’s neck. The Manhattan chiropractor designed a protective collar to insert between a player’s shoulder pads and jersey to reduce the force of blows endured during games and practices. The device rises to support the neck and head as a player prepares to make a tackle. The aim is … Continue reading Dr. Patrick Kerr and the Kerr Collar →
If you’ve seen Walk the Moon’s chart-topping music video for “Shut Up and Dance”, you know who Lauren Taft is. From the age of 4, Lauren grew up dancing at competition dance studio The Movement Center in Columbus Ohio. After graduating high school, she then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career professionally in … Continue reading Professional Dancer Lauren Taft →
Welcome to “The Tech of Sports” from Charlotte N.C. and the NASCAR Media Tour for 2016. The Daytona 500 and the start of the NASCAR season is less than a month away and Rick has been in Charlotte at NASCAR Media Days. That usually means a look ahead at the 2016 NASCAR season, rule changes … Continue reading Rick from NASCAR Media Days 2016 →
Weil Academy Director and Founder Mark Weil opened the Weil Tennis Academy in Ojai, California in June of 1997, becoming the first coach to open a full time, boarding tennis academy in the heart of Southern California. Since opening 13 years ago, Weil Academy has trained many junior world champions including former ITF #1 Grigor … Continue reading Mark Weil of the Weil Tennis Academy →
It’s that time of the year, as Rick gives his picks for his favorite sports and even some non-sports related gadgets for the year. 2015 has been a great year for innovative gadgets, but Rick has paired it down to his favorite 7 and he is happy to discuss them with Steve.