Welcome back to 500 Cats, episode 23! This week, we dive into the recent IRONMAN Frankfurt, celebrating Kristian Blummenfelt's incredible run and discussing the controversial penalties that stirred up social media. We also share our frustrations with the rampant negativity and "keyboard warriors" in online comments, contrasting it with the overwhelmingly positive community surrounding the Western States 100 broadcast. Plus, we're joined by pro triathlete Justin Metzler, who shares his perspective on dealing with online negativity, his career inflection point, and his passion for coaching. We wrap up by pondering the motivation behind online hate and sharing some inspiring words on spreading positivity.

Check out Justin's Podcast "Endurance Matters": https://bigmetztri.com/pages/endurance-matters-podcast

You can also check out the fastest IRONMAN times for yourself here: https://www.trirating.com/ironman-distance-records/

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Welcome back to 500 Cats, Episode 22! After a much-needed (and very busy) hiatus, the team is here to dish on the trials and tribulations of event production, starting with their number one pet peeve: auto-responders. Find out why these "out-of-office" emails are a "plague in the event business" when you're literally on-site with the sender.

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This week, the Cats navigate triathlon mayhem as usual – rookie wetsuit disasters, risky drone maneuvers, and questionable audio setups. But when an actual forest fire breaks out mid-broadcast (no, seriously), they carry on unfazed. There may have been a brief dive into politics too, but don’t worry, that didn’t make the final edit. Just another day at 500 Cats – where fires can’t stop us, but common sense probably should.

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After a "significant hiatus" and a whirlwind of 31 events since January 30th, the 500 Cats crew is back for Episode 20! Dave, Marcus, and Dylan dive into the madness of their incredibly busy schedule, recounting tales from the front lines of event production.

Relive the drama of Rock and Roll Las Vegas, the rollercoaster ride that was Sea Otter, the team's triumphant comeback at Levi's Gran Fondo, GPS devices at IRONMAN Texas, the success of the Boulder Boulder running race, and the groundbreaking live broadcast of Unbound Gravel – a 200-mile race previously deemed impossible to cover live.

Plus, the team laments the "toxic" nature of cycling and IRONMAN YouTube comments, shares an update on their studio's new kegerator (and its foamy beer problem), and introduces the new hit song "The Mic Level Boys", dedicated to Marcus and Corey.

Tune in as the 500 Cats crew reflects on a year of unprecedented growth, hard-earned lessons, and unwavering dedication to bringing you the best in event coverage.

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Join us as we dive deep into the world of airline status, uncovering the truth behind the points game and sharing our own frustrating experiences. We'll also explore the latest advancements in video transmission technology, including DJI's new transmitter/receiver and our plans to capture epic footage with motorcycle-mounted cameras. Plus, we'll discuss the pros and cons of different action cameras, from GoPros to Insta360s, and share our recommendations for capturing your own adventures.

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In this episode of 500 Cats, the team is buzzing with excitement as they recount early 2025 event highlights and dive into cutting-edge tech projects. From the smooth success of Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona to navigating the challenges of waterproofing GPS trackers, the crew balances innovation with real-world problem-solving. They also geek out over drones, discussing their role in live broadcasts and the intricacies of turning consumer drones into professional tools. With humor, teamwork, and plenty of field-tested wisdom, the team is setting the stage for an ambitious year ahead.

Highlights:

•Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Recap: Breaking down a well-organized race weekend with 7,300 participants.

• Boulder Running Clinic: A surprisingly inspiring corporate event for cross-country coaches.

•GPS Tracker Troubles: Waterproofing “waterproof” devices — lessons learned.

•Drone Evolution: Integrating drones into live broadcasts and overcoming technical hurdles.

•2025 Kickoff: Big plans, big projects, and even bigger ambitions.

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On this episode of 500 Cats, the team kicks off the new year by exploring the wild world of AI and how it’s shaping event production. From microphone mishaps to philosophical musings on “feeding the bears,” the crew keeps it real with stories from behind the scenes at some of the world’s biggest endurance events.

In this episode, they introduce a surprise AI guest (or two) who’s been quietly listening to past episodes — and has some shockingly insightful (and hilarious) thoughts to share. The team reflects on how AI is helping them streamline event logistics, predict race outcomes, and even generate podcasts about their own podcast.

Get ready for a mix of human connection and tech-forward fun as the 500 Cats crew navigates everything from live Zoom yoga setups to the unpredictable moments that make live events unforgettable.

Highlights

•Special AI Guests: They’ve been listening… and now they’ve got something to say.

•Feeding the Bears: Saying “no” to out-of-scope requests without burning bridges.

•Sports Bot Predictions: When AI guesses race outcomes better than the pros.

•Zoom Yoga: Remote-controlled cameras, international instructors, and innovative setups.

•Light Freakout: Preparing for sundown panic at major endurance events.

Tune in for a laugh, a lesson, and a glimpse into the future of AI in event production!

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As 2024 draws to a close, the 500 Cats crew gathers for their final podcast of the year – and it's packed with laughs, reflections, and a whole lot of "right meow!"

Join Dave, Melinda, Marcus, and Dylan as they celebrate a year of triumphs and tribulations, from conquering 85 events and countless broadcasts to navigating the complexities of international travel and customs declarations.

The team dissects their recent success at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in New Zealand, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, grading their own performance (with a little help from Slowtwitch), and revealing the hilarious "mistake board" that kept them honest throughout the event.

Plus, a tribute to the gear that made them shine in 2024, including the Blackmagic video hub, LiveU's reliable technology, AJA's powerful Bridge Live, and the almost-perfect TriCaster Mini Go.

Tune in for a purr-fectly entertaining episode filled with gratitude, goodbyes, and a healthy dose of "right meow!"

Highlights:

• A year in review: 85 events, 40 broadcasts, and countless memories
• IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship recap: Successes, challenges, and the infamous "mistake board"
• Gear of the Year Awards: Celebrating the tech that made 2024 shine
• International travel woes: Conquering customs and the importance of "doing it right"
• Shoutouts to amazing partners and clients
• A fond farewell to 2024 and a look ahead to the new year
• And of course, the "Right Meow!" song to wrap it all up

Don't miss this episode of 500 Cats!

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On this episode of 500 Cats, the team embarks on their first adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud—New Zealand! Managing all things IT and internet from Taupō during the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Ryan and Dylan share their hilariously chaotic journey navigating left-hand driving, trenching cables in parks, and learning Kiwi slang. With just “one battery bar” left on their recorder, the duo captures the essence of Taupō’s warm hospitality and unbeatable vibe.

From tales of digging trenches for Cat5 cables to surviving New Zealand customs with a last-minute import plan, the episode dives into the challenges of international event production. Plus, hear about the town’s incredible embrace of the event, local dining quirks, and the cool new tech at the Hoka expo.

Highlights

•One bar left: The struggle is real for amateur podcasters.

•Cable chaos: Trenching like pros (or not).

•Taupō tales: Left-hand driving and the best McDonald’s in the world.

•Event vibes: Meet the Kiwi locals and athletes.

•Hoka spotlight: The future of running tech.

Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a sneak peek at life behind the scenes of one of the year’s biggest triathlon events!

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This week on 500 Cats, the team dives headfirst into a post-Thanksgiving recap, complete with carrot soufflé controversies and the aftermath of a chilly Turkey Trot. Dave and Ryan brave the cold to capture the festive spirit on camera, while Mel takes on the 5K with a 360° camera in tow.

But the real action unfolds in Western Australia, where the crew tackles a complex IRONMAN 70.3 broadcast. From battling unexpected dog fights in the studio to passing along messages from their Australian counterparts, the team shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and valuable lessons learned.

Plus, a deep dive into the world of rock-paper-scissors strategy, a sneak peek at upcoming events, and the debut of a new AI-generated song! Tune in for a laughter-filled episode celebrating the highs and lows of event production, the importance of caring, and the never-ending quest for the perfect turkey... err, rhythm.

Highlights:

• Turkey Trot triumphs and weather woes
• The Great Carrot Soufflé Debate
• A wild broadcast from Western Australia
• Dog-astrophe in the studio
• Rock-paper-scissors showdown
• The debut of the new Ironman Pro Series song

Don't miss this episode of 500 Cats!

Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats!

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social for more behind-the-scenes content and updates on future episodes!