The Athletic Business Podcast

On this episode, we're joined by Dan Schoof, chief of staff and project manager Beloit College's Powerhouse Recreation Center. We speak about the unique challenges and opportunities of the project, which converted a former power plant into a hub for recreation and campus life.

Those with questions about the project can get in touch with our guest at [email protected].

Thanks to this week's sponsor, Synexis.

In this bonus episode, we speak with two leading Black voices in the athletics and fitness industry. First, a conversation with Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association commissioner Jacqie McWilliams on her work amid the COVID-19 crisis and the pride she feels in representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Next, we speak with Cedric Bryant, president and Chief Science Officer of the American Council on Exercise about the fitness industry's efforts to improve diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Links: 

CIAA

American Council on Exercise 

During the pandemic, the NFHS Network, a streaming platform that broadcasts high school athletics and events,  has seen immense user growth. On this episode, we speak with Mark Koski, vice president of the NFHS Network, about the platform and the benefits it provides to students, fans and schools. 

Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Stitcher — or follow along on SoundCloud.

This episode features audio from a recent webinar Athletic Business hosted with Power Systems Education Coordinator Elisabeth Fouts. 

We discuss the challenges facing the global fitness equipment market, and how facilities can overcome these logistical hurdles and obtain new equipment despite the pandemic's knock-on effects.

In this episode of the Athletic Business Podcast, Andy talks with Don Barnum, the head of DLR Group’s global Sports studio. In a wide-ranging discussion on the future of stadium and arena design, Don offers insights on how the pandemic, as well as spectator preferences are changing the way architects, operators and fans think about and interact with the sports venues that host our favorite pastimes. 

Today's episode features a conversation with Pete Simon of the Prairie Athletic Club — a local health club near AB headquarters in Madison, Wis.

Simon shares how his club has been coping with the pandemic and striving to create the safest environment possible for members, all while dealing with state and local restrictions. 

Thanks to this week's sponsor, Synexis. 

Be sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. 

Check out the audio of this virtual workshop hosted by Ruby Newell-Legner and featuring guest speakers Justin Caron, Shawn DeRosa and Megan Pleli, as we discuss returning to aquatics facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This episode features audio from our virtual workshop series — you can check out on-demand sessions on a variety of topics here, and stay up to date on forthcoming sessions by visiting athleticbusiness.com/webinar

Thanks to our sponsor, Synexis.

More on our Guest Speakers:

• Justin Caron | Principal, Aquatic Design Group, Carlsbad, Calif.

As a championship field hockey coach, Karen Weaver saw firsthand the benefits that come with collegiate sports participation. With the pandemic forcing schools to make difficult budgetary decisions, including the cutting of non-revenue sports, Weaver, a former athletics administrator and current faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania, has focused her regular contributions to Forbes on the severe challenges suddenly facing athletic departments. Weaver joined AB senior editor Paul Steinbach on The Athletic Business Podcast to discuss the financial future of college athletics.

Brent Darden, interim president and CEO of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, joins us to talk about how IHRSA is helping members navigate the pandemic. 

Between research, outreach and advocacy, the association has its sights set on helping clubs to reopen and serve their members. 

Thanks to our sponsor, Synexis. 

Links: 

IHRSA

As racial issues have come to the forefront of the national consciousness, NIRSA — Leaders in Collegiate Recreation are launching the 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge. 

We're talking with NIRSA director of advocacy and strategic partnerships Erin O'Sullivan about the program, and the role collegiate rec professionals can play in advancing racial equity on campus. 

Links:

NIRSA

21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge

Eddie Moore, Jr.