The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 18

Will Leitch, MLB.com, New York Magazine and much more

Deon and Eric go to the post with Will Leitch, prolific author and columnist for MLB.com, New York Magazine, and many more. We learn how Will started Deadspin, why he left, and how his roots growing up in Central Illinois and attending the University of Illinois helped shape his writing interests.

The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago.

Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric

Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi

Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi

In this episode, we also hear music from Marty Casey’s debut solo album, “The Ground You Walk On,” available now on iTunes at www.smarturl.it/MartyCasey. You can also find it on Spotify, Amazon Music and Google Play.

And big thanks to Chris Hartweg and Painless Networking for making us a part of the Painless Podcast Network! Visit www.painless.network to activate your FREE account profile and #GetConnected TODAY!

Painless Podcast episode 53:

FK Day (Co-Founder SRAM & World Bicycle Relief)

Carey Pinkowski (Exec. Race Director, Bank of America Chicago Marathon)

Hear from two of the best in their fields – FK Day and Carey Pinkowski.

FK helped launch SRAM, now the global leader in high-end bike components, surviving multiple failures. In Dec 2004 on holiday he was struck with the need for access to simple transportation in developing countries. But he didn’t want to just throw money at the problem. Nor did he want to just throw bikes at the problem either.

Carey Pinkowski was charged with saving the Chicago Marathon in the early 1990’s. By always listening, asking questions, being out in the community with a simple goal of improving every day, he gained the trust of runners and city officials alike to springboard the Marathon to one of the world’s best race day experiences.

Both FK and Carey share stories of how they listen to their consumers and empower them to make their own lives better.

Upcoming WBR Event Info:

Learn more and register here: https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/event/2018-africa-in-motion-chicago/.

WBR also could use a few more volunteers at the event. If interested, email [email protected].

Africa in Motion – Chicago

• Date: Thursday, November 8

• Time: VIP Party 5:30pm – 6:30pm, Evening of Impact 6:30pm – 9:30pm

• Location: 1328 W. Randolph St. – West Loop

View an amazing video about the work WBR does here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXQQiFRhFYg

Connect with WBR here:

• worldbicyclerelief.org

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldbicyclerelief

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-bicycle-relief

• Twitter: @PowerOfBicycles (SRAM is @SRAMRoad)

• Instagram: @worldbicyclerelief

Connect with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon here:

• chicagomarathon.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chicagomarathon

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-event-management/

• Twitter & Instagram: @ChiMarathon

*****

Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that allows access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter at: www.Painless.Network

**********

About the Painless Podcast: Get to know interesting people, jobs and places to work in and around sports, events, start-ups and cause marketing world. Hosted by Chris Hartweg (@chartweg). Focusing on how and why they landed where they are and the role of mentoring and networking to get there.

Other Painless links...

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/groups/73710

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PainlessNetworking

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PainlessNetwork

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PainlessNetwork

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 17

Dee Brown, Illini Basketball Legend

The “Human Fast Break” on the 2005 Fighting Illini Final Four Team…Dee Brown was Illinois’ Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All American his senior year at Proviso East HS. Then, in that magical 2005 season, he was a consensus All-American who earned the Sporting News National Player of the Year award.

Dee jumps on the FadeAway to share his thoughts on what’s most important to him in basketball. He also tells Deon and Eric about how many of those key players wound up together, what he learned by playing professionally, and what he’s currently up to.

The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago.

Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric

Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi

Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi

In this episode, we also hear music from Marty Casey’s debut solo album, “The Ground You Walk On,” available now on iTunes at www.smarturl.it/MartyCasey. You can also find it on Spotify, Amazon Music and Google Play.

And big thanks to Chris Hartweg and Painless Networking for making us a part of the Painless Podcast Network! Visit www.painless.network to activate your FREE account profile and #GetConnected TODAY!

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 16

Dana Howard, 2018 HOF Inductee - College Football & Fighting Illini, 1994 Butkus Award Winner

As the Dean of “Linebacker U”, former Illini Dana Howard still holds the Big Ten record for tackles. Howard still has the swagger of the NFL player he became, and jumps on the FadeAway to talk about today’s Fighting Illini team, his thoughts on being inducted into two Halls of Fame this year and shares some stories about his time on campus.

The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago.

Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric

Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi

Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi

In this episode, we also hear from Marty Casey’s debut solo album, “The Ground You Walk On,” available now on iTunes at www.smarturl.it/MartyCasey. You can also find it on Spotify, Amazon Music and Google Play.

And big thanks to Chris Hartweg and Painless Networking for making us a part of the Painless Podcast Network! Visit www.painless.network to activate your FREE account profile and #GetConnected TODAY!

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 15

Leron Black, Fighting Illini Basketball 2017-18 All-Big Ten

Leron Black lead the Fighting Illini basketball team in scoring during the 2017-18 season and was named Homorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media). But this past spring, with a year of eligibility left but a degree already in hand, Leron made the decision to turn pro.

Deon and Eric talk to Leron about how he came to that decision, what he’s looking forward to -- and scared of -- heading to Israel for the next stop on his basketball journey, and how he feels he matured over his time in Champaign.

The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago.

Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric

Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi

Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi

In this episode, we also hear from Marty Casey’s debut solo album, “The Ground You Walk On,” available now on iTunes at www.smarturl.it/MartyCasey. You can also find it on Spotify, Amazon Music and Google Play.

And big thanks to Chris Hartweg and Painless Networking for making us a part of the Painless Podcast Network! Visit www.painless.network to activate your FREE account profile and #GetConnected TODAY!

Painless Podcast episode 52:

Julia Millon (Program Coordinator, Principal Gifts, Northwestern University)

Jane Obringer (Manager, Partnership Solutions, Learfield)

Meet Jane and Julia, two recent Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration students who give us a perspective on why they chose a sports-focused masters, how they chose Northwestern and how they juggle full-time jobs, classes, volunteering and other ways of giving back.

This is conversation 4 of 4 from the Northwestern University Masters in Sports Administration’s “Facilities of the Future Symposium.” Special thanks to Jane, Julia and Doug Bakker for all their help making these episodes happen.

Connect with the NU MSA program here:

• https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/

• Twitter = @NUSportsBiz

To connect with Julia:

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @juliamillon14

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-millon14/

To connect with Jane:

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @janiepie35

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeobringer/

*****

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 5 PAINLESS EVENT!

https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/event/entrepreneurs-creating-impact-networking-purpose/

Tickets are just $20 and include snacks and beverages. ALL proceeds benefit World Bicycle Relief.

*****

Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that allows access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter at: www.Painless.Network

*****

Please support our partners:

+ Monroestar - If you have website strategy, design or building needs, talk to Vinay and Dave at monroestar. They concepted, designed and built our terrific Painless.Network website. Head to monroestar.com to check out all their work.

**********

About the Painless Podcast: Get to know interesting people, jobs and places to work in and around sports, events, start-ups and cause marketing world. Hosted by Chris Hartweg (@chartweg). Focusing on how and why they landed where they are and the role of mentoring and networking to get there.

Other Painless links...

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/groups/73710

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PainlessNetworking

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PainlessNetwork

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PainlessNetwork

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 14

Monica Abbott, 2020 US Olympic Softball Team

Arguably the most decorated softball player ever, Monica Abbott just added another accomplishment to her impressive resume. She and her Team USA teammates recently won a thrilling World Championship game against Japan, thus securing a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It’s noteworthy because it marks the return of softball to the Olympics since the sport’s last appearance in 2008.

Monica joins Deon and Eric to discuss her role in women’s sports, how she approaches her work and having the “Million Dollar Arm.”

The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week”, and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago.

Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric

Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi

Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi

In this episode, we also hear from Marty Casey’s debut solo album, “The Ground You Walk On,” available now on iTunes at www.smarturl.it/MartyCasey. You can also find it on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Play.

And big thanks to Chris Hartweg and Painless Networking for making us a part of the Painless Podcast Network! Visit www.painless.network to activate your FREE account profile and #GetConnected TODAY!

Painless Podcast episode 51:

Andy Totten (Director, Sports Americas, AECOM)

Meet Andy Totten, VP, McHugh Construction and hear how this “recovering architect,” put his love for sports, knowledge of design and passion for driving and organizing the many moving parts of stadium construction and renovation.

Managing $100-120 million in projects at any one time, we’ll hear about how he’s been a driving force on work at the United Center, Advocate Center, MB Arena, Guaranteed Rate Field and now Navy Pier. A key is “future proofing” buildings to accommodate constantly evolving technology, equipment and fan engagement trends.

This is conversation three of four from the Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration’s Facilities of the Future Symposium. Special thanks to Doug Bakker, Jane Obringer and Julia Millon for all their help making these episodes happen.

Connect with the NU MSA program here:

• https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/

• Twitter = @NUSportsBiz

To connect with Andy:

• Find his bio and email link at www.McHughConstruction.com and shoot him a note

*****

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 5 PAINLESS EVENT!

https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/event/entrepreneurs-creating-impact-networking-purpose/

Tickets are just $20 and include snacks and beverages. ALL proceeds benefit World Bicycle Relief.

*****

Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that grants access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter at: www.Painless.Network

*****

Please support our partners:

+ Monroestar - If you have website strategy, design or building needs, talk to Vinay and Dave at monroestar. They concepted, designed and built our terrific Painless.Network website. Head to monroestar.com to check out all their work.

**********

About the Painless Podcast: Get to know interesting people, jobs and places to work in and around sports, events, start-ups and cause marketing world. Hosted by Chris Hartweg (@chartweg). Focusing on how and why they landed where they are and the role of mentoring and networking to get there.

Other Painless links...

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/groups/73710

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PainlessNetworking

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PainlessNetwork

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PainlessNetwork

Painless Podcast episode 50:

Jon Niemuth (Director, Sports Americas, AECOM)

Connect with Jon Niemuth who leads AECOM’s sports facility efforts across North and South America.

Hear how a failure on the tennis court at 13 has helped shape, motivate and inform his work world every day. Today, he always looks to “own the moment” and not have regrets, not get emotional and not get nervous. He shares tips on how he's gone about doing that. He also has advice for folks looking to find their passion and gain not just mentors, but someone who believes in you and inspires you to keep reaching.

This is the second of four excellent conversations held at the Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration’s Facilities of the Future Symposium. Special thanks to Doug Bakker, Jane Obringer and Julia Millon for all their help making these episodes happen.

Connect with the NU MSA program here:

• https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/

• Twitter = @NUSportsBiz

To connect with Jon:

• LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonniemuth/

• Email = [email protected]

• Twitter = @jonniemuth

*****

Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that grants access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter at: www.Painless.Network

*****

Please support our partners:

+ Monroestar - If you have website strategy, design or building needs, talk to Vinay and Dave at monroestar. They concepted, designed and built our terrific Painless.Network website. Head to monroestar.com to check out all their work.

**********

About the Painless Podcast: Get to know interesting people, jobs and places to work in and around sports, events, start-ups and cause marketing world. Hosted by Chris Hartweg (@chartweg). Focusing on how and why they landed where they are and the role of mentoring and networking to get there.

Other Painless links...

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/groups/73710

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PainlessNetworking

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PainlessNetwork

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PainlessNetwork

Painless Podcast episode 49:

Solly Fulp (EVP, Learfield Campus+)

Meet Solly Fulp who leads Learfield’s Campus+ division. The former University of Oregon wrestler was previously a successful college athletics and university administration marketer, first at Sacramento State, then Cal. He joined Learfield early in 2017 to oversee a unit assisting 130 colleges and universities in their partnership efforts with brands, not just in athletics, but in deeper engagements and true partnerships across the entire campus.

Hear how his path evolved and how he works to be a connector every day. He also shares tips for folks looking to find their passion and gain mentors.

This is one of four excellent conversations held at the Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration’s Facilities of the Future Symposium. Special thanks to Doug Bakker, Jane Obringer and Julia Millon for all their help making these episodes happen.

Connect with the NU MSA program here:

• https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/

• Twitter = @NUSportsBiz

To connect with Sully:

• LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/sollyfulp/

• Email = [email protected]

• Twitter = @SollyFulp

*****

Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that grants access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter at: www.Painless.Network

*****

Please support our partners:

+ Monroestar - If you have website strategy, design or building needs, talk to Vinay and Dave at monroestar. They concepted, designed and built our terrific Painless.Network website. Head to monroestar.com to check out all their work.

**********

About the Painless Podcast: Get to know interesting people, jobs and places to work in and around sports, events, start-ups and cause marketing world. Hosted by Chris Hartweg (@chartweg). Focusing on how and why they landed where they are and the role of mentoring and networking to get there.

Other Painless links...

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/groups/73710

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PainlessNetworking

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PainlessNetwork

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PainlessNetwork