Sport Lifestyle Podcast

In this episode, the co-hosts, Mike Gugat, Neil Schwartz, and John Peters, a.k.a. “The Knuckleheads,” say farewell to the Sport Lifestyle Podcast in its current form.  We hope you will go to the Sport Lifestyle Network website (sportlifestylenetwork.com) to discover new content, including the SLN Podcast.  While there, be sure to sign up for the SLN Newsletter.

In this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast, we speak with Jon Niemuth, Vice-President for AECOM Sports, Americas. Aecom, via its acquisitions of Tishman and Hunt Construction, is one of the leading construction companies when it comes to sports facilities of all shapes, sizes, and uses. They have constructed some of the most iconic stadiums and arenas in the world including Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. More recently they were one of the main contractors for the new combined Chargers/Rams stadium in Inglewood, CA. Our conversation focused on keeping fans safe and healthy in a Covid-19 environment with social distancing and other requirements. Jon has been speaking to all of their stadium owners and teams and trying to understand their needs and what it will take to accomplish the goal of keeping fans safe while still making the in-stadium fan experience fun and enjoyable. His main piece of advice was to not make any hasty or snap decisions.

Brendan Walsh joined the Sport Lifestyle Podcast to explore some of the financial and economic impacts that the Covid-19 crisis has created. We discussed some of the more far-reaching consequences created by this situation on things like youth sports, professional and college sports along with exercise and general wellbeing. Brendan was a senior analyst for Discovery Capital Management. He is currently a partner at Data Market Services, A DC-based firm that is helping associations understand their needs for data and how they can monetize this potential revenue for their members. Brendan is also one of the co-hosts of the HPS Macrocast Podcast that looks at the news of the week at the intersection of markets, policy, and economics, providing smart and entertaining analysis in a concise 30-minute conversational format.

In this episode, John Peters and Matt Tingler, Managing Director of Robert W. Baird, the leading middle market investment bank for the active lifestyle industry, broke down the deal of Lululemon acquiring Mirror. They gave their thoughts on what’s next in the fitness space and discuss some winners and losers from the deal.

In this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast, we speak with Luke Rowe, Senior Vice President at CEP Compression. Luke cut his teeth working in run and tennis specialty retail, later jumping out of airplanes with the 82nd Airborne. Following the Army, Luke joined Brooks Sports, working his way up to VP of Sales. Luke would make one more stop at Fleet Feet to lead business development before joining CEP. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

Our guest is former NFL All-Pro and current CEO of Windpact, Shawn Springs. Windpact is a technology and applied science company focused on the analysis, design and implementation of impact protection solutions for our everyday lives. Windpact is currently helping to solve for impact protection in the sporting goods, military and automotive industries. As a father, Shawn gave his thoughts on social injustice in America, Colin Kaepernick, the NFL, his new leadership position, and his recent success being just one of nine companies out of 500 to get accepted into Morgan Stanley’s Multicultural Innovation Program. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast, we speak with Steve Bonomo from Arete Partners, a global executive search firm. Prior to Arete Partners, Steve was head of talent acquisition at Twitter, adidas, and TaylorMade. We discuss his time working for leaders like Mark King, Herbert Hainer, and Jack Dorsey, along with the venture back companies he’s now recruiting for. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

On this episode, we speak to Matt Powell, the Vice President and Senior Industry Advisor for the NPD Sports Group. With over 40 years of experience in the retail and research industry. Matt has counselled many of the world’s largest brands including Nike, adidas, Under Armour, Foot Locker, Walmart, and everything in between. The NPD group is one of the world’s largest research firms and a leader in sports data. Matt shared stats on industry bright spots despite COVID-19 including brands doing well like HOKA ONE ONE® and On Running. He also shared his thoughts on the future of retail and how brands are stepping up and responding to social injustices in America today. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

On this episode, we speak to Bob Rief, the Executive Director of San Diego Sport Innovators, one of the top accelerator programs in the country. The program has graduated 86 companies, created nearly 550 jobs, and raised nearly $80 million in capital. Having run brands like Nike Golf, Merrell Footwear, Callaway, and Reef Sandals and many more, Bob and his network have quite a few experiences to pass on to younger generations. In this podcast, Bob speaks about a new short film San Diego Rising launched by the San Diego Sport Innovators community and JIVA VR that sends a positive message of enjoying the outdoors with social responsibility. NBA legend Bill Walton, surf legend Rob Machado, and golf pro Tiffany Joh are featured in the film. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

On this episode, we speak with Michael Schaeffer, the Co-Founder of NOBULL, one of the fastest growing brands you may not know about yet. NOBULL is a footwear, apparel, and accessories brand for people who train hard and don’t believe in excuses. Like many Founders, Michael and his Co-Founder Marcus Wilson built NOBULL by doing every job from customer service calls to cleaning the floors to product design. When you listen to Michael’s story, you can understand why they have no problems creating some of the best organic content in the athletic industry today. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode, we speak with ASICS, Vice President and Head of Categories Ian Dickinson. We discussed his time working in sales, marketing, and product creation for brands like Nike, Under Armour, and now ASICS. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we had having it. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

We speak to Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan, the global leader in obstacle course races. Spartan is responsible for hosting over 300 events spanning across 45 countries to date. So just like many others, they felt the business impact of COVID-19. He spoke about his decision to relaunch Spartan Race in Florida and how the internet reacted to that decision. His passion for health bleeds through on this interview, and he also explains why healthspan is just as if not more important than lifespan. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

On this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast we speak to Kate Delhagen, Founder of Oregon Sports Angels - an angel network out of Portland, Oregon, with an investment focus around anything an athlete, fan or team can use or wear. Having held senior digital roles at both Nike and Forrester, Kate spoke about how she helps founders think about creating a strategy for a digital world. Kate also spoke about how her angel network loves to roll up their sleeves, help entrepreneurs and provide strategic value as hands-on investors. She also shared a few examples of investments and other macro trends like CBD in sports. If you are a founder with a pre-revenue or early stage company, be sure to visit OregonSportsAngels.org to learn more. There’s so much to unpack from this master-class like interview from an expert like Kate, so let’s just get to it. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode, we speak with Jasmine Maietta, the founder of round21. Before founding round21, Jasmine was the head of global marketing for Peloton, having held executive positions at Under Armour, Hasbro, and Reebok. We found Jasmine to be thoughtful and creative, as she authentically connects cultures by bridging art with sport. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

On this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast we speak to Steven Webster, CEO and Founder of asensei, your software-powered personal trainer who knows your every move. Steven talked about the five year journey in bringing asensei to market, how his time at Microsoft and Adobe helped inform his team when designing asensei’s software, why Connected Coaching is the next big thing, and why he’d rather have a small number of people who love the product versus attracting the masses in the early days. We also worked in a few Adobe jokes with two former Adobe executives on this episode. Now let’s get to the interview. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

On this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast, we speak to Jessica Berman, Deputy Commissioner of the National Lacrosse League. Jessica is officially the highest-ranking woman in a men’s professional sports league after taking on this role earlier in January this year. Jessica spoke about how she transitioned her career after spending nearly a decade at the NHL. How working with Gary Bettman prepared her for this role, diversity versus inclusion, and how the NLL is working to unify the industry to grow the game. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

No guests, just three knuckleheads on this special episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast. Mike, Neil, and John banter about major retail companies filing for bankruptcy, the NCAA allowing players to get paid for endorsements, the future of Sports Broadcasting, The Last Dance, and much more. Listen in! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode, we speak with Bruce Smith, the Founder and CEO of Hydrow, the live outdoor reality rowing brand. Bruce talks about how delivering a connected experience from the water to your home differentiates Hydrow from the rest of the market, why he loves Peloton and how rowing culture is everywhere, but no one realizes it just yet. We also learned that you should never challenge Bruce to an indoor rowing contest. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

On this episode, we spoke to Rod Rapson, the Managing Director of PlaySight in Europe. PlaySight is a smart sport technology with artificially intelligent powered cameras. Because PlaySight's High Definition cameras don't require humans to operate the broadcast, the PlaySight technology allowed them to officially bring sports back by launching the Tennis Point Exhibition in Germany which was covered by CNN, ESPN, The New York Times, and many more. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In the episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast, we speak with Justin Kittredge, the President, and CEO of ISlide, the only premium custom slide company in North America. Everyone from Lebron James, Steph Curry, DJ Khaled, and Ellen DeGeneres are regularly wearing Islide’s. We also discuss Justin’s appearance pitching The Sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank, along with his time leading Reebok’s basketball division. Listen now. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations