Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, hosted by Megan Van Petten! In this episode, we sit down with Ben Traub, Director of Sales at ggCircuit. With nearly 30 years in software sales, nonprofit development, and event production, Ben brings a unique perspective to the esports industry.

He shares his journey from early gaming with siblings to leading sales at ggCircuit, where he supports LAN centers and schools with tools that simplify esports operations. We talk about the growth of scholastic esports, the impact of the “Esports Winter,” and why building well-rounded players matters.

Ben’s passion for service, community, and keeping gaming fun makes this a conversation worth tuning into.

Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! Today, we have Robert Powell, Founder & CEO of the BGG Foundation. Based in St. Louis, BGG empowers youth by transforming their passion for gaming into rewarding careers. With partnerships with industry giants like PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox, Robert has created opportunities for underserved youth through tournaments and programs supported by local libraries, universities, and school districts. As a former pro player and Sony PlayStation Marketing Manager, Robert uses his industry connections to break down barriers and provide resources for young gamers. Join us as we explore his journey and vision for inclusivity in esports.

Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Joanne Loton, Film and Media Officer at Tourism Kingston. Joanne brings a wealth of experience from traditional media, immersive, digital, and XR, making her platform agnostic in her approach to storytelling. Now entering the world of esports from a tourism perspective, she is developing an esports strategy for Kingston, Ontario, aiming to position it as a premier destination for esports in the region. Join us as Joanne shares her journey, her passion for community building in esports, and her vision for how Canada can compete with the best in this dynamic industry.

Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! In this episode, we chat with Ron Kerbs, Founder and CEO of Kidas, about his groundbreaking AI-powered software, ProtectMe Bot. Despite Discord's efforts to enhance moderation, toxicity still infiltrates voice chats. Ron's innovative solution addresses this gap by monitoring both voice and text communications to safeguard young users from predators, scammers, and cyberbullies. We'll explore how Kidas' technology empowers server administrators with actionable insights and the importance of creating safer online gaming environments. Tune in to hear Ron's journey from Israeli military service to leading Kidas and his vision for a more secure and inclusive esports community.

Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, where we explore the dynamic world of competitive sim drifting with our special guest, a passionate tournament organizer deeply involved in the sim racing scene. In this episode, we uncover the origins of the Esports Drifting Association (ESDA) and its strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Next-Level Racing, MOZA Racing, and Firman. Our guest shares insights into the challenges and nuances of competitive sim drifting, ESDA's experiences at Dreamhack, and their mission to expand sim drifting in the esports world. From their entry point into esports through fighting games to being a member of ESTA for networking, discover the journey of our guest in shaping the esports industry. Join us for an engaging conversation at the intersection of esports, sim racing, and drifting on the Esports Connected Podcast!

Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of esports and its intersection with education. Join David Bruno and Sean Dwyer, as they share their journeys into the esports industry, from casual gamers to key players in academic and competitive spaces. In this episode, explore the incredible growth of Cougar Esports at Camden County College, from its inception to current opportunities. Discover the NJ Pathways Project in Esports Production and Content Creation and the duo's roles in overseeing it. Get to know the hosts with fun facts, and explore their insights on industry trends, challenges, and the importance of inclusivity. From the unexpected encounters with political figures to running marathons, David and Sean bring a unique perspective to the podcast. Don't miss the discussion on academic opportunities and the duo's commitment to shaping paths forward with industry standards. Join us in unraveling the esports landscape, its evolving dynamics, and the passion that drives educational initiatives forward. Tune in for an engaging conversation that transcends the boundaries of gaming and education.

Join us on the Esports Connected Podcast for an exclusive Q&A session with Titus Walker, the dynamic CEO of Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL). Titus, a lifelong gamer and visionary entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey from childhood gaming experiences to leading the charge in esports innovation. In this episode, Titus provides insights into UEL's latest endeavors, including a TV show, major tournaments, and a groundbreaking Casino esports deal. Learn about his unique entry into esports, challenges faced, and his mission to build a sustainable esports industry free from reliance on others' intellectual property. Titus's commitment to inclusivity and community-building shines through as he discusses the future of gaming and shares his vision for UEL as a global esports powerhouse. Subscribe now to catch this compelling conversation and stay connected with the forefront of esports evolution.

Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, featuring Mark Consiglio, a 20-year veteran in the event technology industry and current Account Executive at 4Wall Entertainment. Join us as Mark discusses his transition from traditional sports and entertainment to esports, sharing insights into creating synergies between the events and sports business. Explore his role in managing esports opportunities at 4Wall and the potential ownership of esports-specific equipment. Mark opens up about his entry into gaming, love for ice hockey, and passion for live events. As a member of ESTA, he reflects on industry trends and advocates for inclusivity. Gain behind-the-scenes insights and industry perspectives on the Esports Connected Podcast—your go-to for all things esports and live events. Subscribe now!

In this episode of the EsportsConnected Podcast, we sit down with Danielle Rourke, a technology strategist turned gaming entrepreneur. After a successful career at Dell Technologies, Danielle launched Gaming Culturist, LLC, a consulting business aimed at bridging the gap between the gaming world and education. Join us as we explore Danielle's journey from childhood gaming enthusiast to esports advocate, discussing her passion for diversity and inclusion in the industry, her unexpected adventures, and her vision for a more inclusive and sustainable gaming community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true gaming and esports culturist.

Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast with Patricia Driscoll and Christina Grimes! Join us as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the dynamic world of esports. From the electrifying energy of live esports events that bring communities together to the ever-evolving technology that drives the industry, we dive deep into the passion and innovation that fuels this vibrant space. Our conversations touch on the significant changes and trends we've witnessed since entering the esports realm, highlighting the growing recognition of gaming as more than just a hobby. We also emphasize the importance of inclusivity, advocating for diversity, and celebrating the inspiring women who are breaking barriers in the industry. Tune in as we share insights, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with the passionate individuals shaping the future of esports on the Esports Connected Podcast.