The Surge’s first season showcased their dedication and talent, launching them from rookies to crowd favourites. But the team’s story began long before the first tip-off in May 2023.

In this episode, host Lucy Beauregard talks with three people who have been with the team before it was even the Surge — Chairman Usman Tahir Jutt, Vice-Chairman and President Jason Ribeiro, and Vice-President Dylan Howe.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

The facility that a team calls home can have more of an impact then you might think. In this episode we look at Winsport: a multi-area building originally commissioned for the 1988 Olympics. Since then, Winsport has come to serve many purposes: everything from minor hockey, to ringette, all the way up to pro leagues. 

In this episode, Ava Free and Sierra Kaliell talk to Surge operations and events manager Ryan Mohaupt and Brendan Barber, who manages operations at Winsport, to learn how the Surge have adapted to their ‘new home’.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

Being a woman can be hard sometimes, especially when you hold a leadership role at a sports organization. In this episode, we sit down and have a chat, woman to woman, about the obstacles and advantages of being female in a predominantly male space. 

Senior Vice President of the Calgary Surge, Brittany Easton, and Manager of Communications Hilary Fontus sit down with hosts Emma Miller and Khaoula Choual. They share personal experiences, opinions and attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the role women play in the athletic industry.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

The team behind the scenes are just as instrumental to the Surge’s success on the court as the players or coaches. Developing a team identity and fostering a welcoming environment are all part of the organization’s success.  

In this episode, we hear what the team is doing for their employees. Hosts Mia Smith and Emma Marshall connect with brand manager Jesse Tamayo and in-game host Priscilla Cherry to learn more about how they promote and energize the team – both on the court and in the community.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

Giving young people the chance to connect with sports they love – or have never tried before – helps grow the game and build community. For the Surge, partnering with local youth organizations is one way to give back. 

In this episode, hear about the Surge’s community engagement with the younger generation. Hosts Mona Bruckberger and Heather Johnston handed the mic to Chairman Usman Tahir Jutt and Hadya Azeem from the Kids Up Front program to discuss why involving youth in basketball is important.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

Basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a community. And for the Surge, coming to Calgary has meant learning about what’s happening with sports in the city, and how they can help make it even better.

In this episode, hosts Yashina Sharma, Daria Orth, and Jasmine Majoros talk to Surge community advisor Rob Kerr about how sport and play not only builds skills, but connections. They also speak with Richard Running Rabbit from Siksika Recreation about how basketball can be a point of connection and understanding between the city and the reserve.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

Not every family can afford to put their kids in sports. While basketball might not require a lot of equipment, making sure those in need have access to basic gear is a key part of the Surge’s community work. 

In this episode, hosts Sarah Palmer and Nash Hanna take you through the Surge’s role in building the Century Garden’s triple court and how they helped create a program that puts sneakers in the hands of underprivileged kids.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

With season one in the rearview mirror, the Surge now looks to next season’s tip-off on May 21, 2024.

In this episode, hosts Lama Al-Wadeiah and Mariam Khan speak with Senior Vice President  Brittany Easton and Vice-President Dylan Howe about what the team has learned, how they’ve grown, and where they’re headed next.

This series was created in partnership with the Community Podcast Initiative. Learn more about the CPI at thepodcaststudio.ca.

Find out more about the Calgary Surge at calgarysurge.ca

This is Beyond Basketball — where we go behind the scenes of Calgary’s newest pro sports team — the Calgary Surge.

Tune in for exclusive interviews and immerse yourself in the journey of the city’s new basketball team as they connect with and build community – one basket at a time.

Tip-off is May 1st. Subscribe and be the first to hear it all.

Beyond Basketball is a collaboration between the Calgary Surge and the Community Podcast Initiative at Mount Royal University. 

Follow the Surge and their new season at calgarysurge.ca, and @CalgarySurge on social media. 

Learn more about the Community Podcast Initiative at thepodcaststudio.ca and @communitypodYYC.