500 Cats

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

It's a jam-packed episode of 500 Cats! This week the team recaps three very different events: a high-tech safety conference at Folsom Field, a sold-out choir concert with a global live stream audience, and IRONMAN Arizona, where an emotional encounter with an athlete led to a heartwarming story.

Join Dave, Dylan, and the rest of the crew as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of each event, including:

• Safety Conference Shenanigans: From battling feedback to embracing the chaos of a throwable microphone, the team shares valuable lessons learned in corporate AV.
• Concert Conundrums: A last-minute platform switch, tally light troubles, and the dreaded "fade to black" button – this concert was a rollercoaster of emotions, but ultimately a resounding success.
• IRONMAN Inspiration: Marcus shares a touching story of connecting with an athlete on race day, highlighting the power of human connection and the importance of being present.

Plus, the team looks ahead to a busy holiday season filled with turkey trots, family gatherings, and exciting new projects. Tune in for a lively discussion about the ups and downs of event production, the importance of building relationships, and the never-ending quest for the perfect microphone.

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!

In this episode of 500 Cats, Marcus, Ryan, and Edde are joined by Tim and Cloe Bolen, two incredible athletes featured in IRONMAN Arizona 2024. Their story is one of resilience, generosity, and deep connection, inspiring us all to strive for more—whether it’s giving back to those in need, fostering meaningful relationships, or simply being a better version of ourselves. We’re honored to share this conversation with two truly extraordinary individuals and grateful to call them friends. Tune in and discover how their journey might inspire you to make a difference.

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!

On this episode of 500 Cats, we talk about the 20 year anniversary of IRONMAN Arizona while on site in Arizona. We talk with Judy Stowers and and Tom Ziebart, two of the people who have been to every year of the race, along with our own host Edde Burgess. Hear awesome stories from the past and some inspirational words with true friends.

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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!

This week on the podcast, we talk through travel, music, and the election. As event professionals, we have a lot of advice for how to travel better, so if you've ever wanted our insider scoop, here it is. We also talk through the way we pick music for events and some of the funny stories we have collected over the years. Lastly, we touch on the election, but don't worry, we're not getting political! Check it out!

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!

Our team sits down and talks through some of the frustrations, difficulties and successes following IRONMAN Florida the day after the race. There were a lot of learnings and some tears as well as new friends. One of those friends, Denise Escher, sat down with us to talk us through the day.

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!

Today on the podcast we talk about industry terms, or at least the made up terms we often use when talking about our equipment. We also sat down with Jim Ristow to talk about his Journey at IRONMAN and his plans to take part in the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in 2026.

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!

The crew made it to IRONMAN Florida for another event! On this episode of 500 Cats we catch up with the Race Director, Ben Rausa, as well as the jumbotron driver of legend, Larry Powell. We also have a new cat song to unveil!

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!