Where the trade of sport collides with fashion and innovation. Your host Mike Gugat, Neil Schwartz, and John Peters break down industry news, discuss trends, and interview those influencing sport and fashion.
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.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.PlaySight’s technology proved extremely valuable during COVID times in the new normal. In this podcast, Rod spoke about his background as a tennis player and how those experiences helped him lead PlaySight through launching the Tennis Point Exhibition, why it was important to him personally to put the players first and get them back on the court to earn a living, and how the future of sports technology can help clubs better prepare for OTT offerings.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
Scaling a company is hard enough, but scaling a hard goods company from 5 employees to more than 100? That’s rare regardless of industry.We speak with Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice and learn why the recent Normatec acquisition was a no-brainer for Hyperice, their new wellness pod product, and what his company is doing both internally and externally to battle COVID. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
In just the last 2 years, over $200 million in tax revenues have been added to the US economy since states received the green light from the Supreme Court to legalize sports betting.We chatted with Jonathan Michaels, who is the Vice President at the American Gaming Association, the leading trade association who played an integral role with policy makers in Washington, DC, as they lobbied Congress for legalized sports betting. We speak about the hundreds of thousands of gaming jobs lost due to COVID, states rights and why he thinks DraftKings is still going public.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Our guest on this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast is Curtis Christopherson, the President, and CEO of Innovative Fitness. Innovative Fitness is a 12 studio premium personal training experience employing 200+ trainers, serving 4000+ clients. Learn how Curtis is innovating during this global pandemic. We also find time to talk about Florida’s decision to make WWE professional wrestling an essential service, along with the ethics of playing golf in the age of social distancing. And, we learn that JP did time at an Outback Steakhouse slinging blooming onions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Our guest is George Foreman III. We thrive on speaking with Founders on the Sport Lifestyle Podcast but this episode is the first time that founder is the quarter of one percent among us to have professionally boxed. Not just boxed but went 16-0 as a heavyweight. George Foreman III is the founder of Everybody Fights, the Equinox of Boxing Gyms or better, the luxurious fitness club with a strong boxing component. George shared his strategy to outlast the Coronavirus Pandemic, as well as imparting wisdom about the fitness and mindset of a fighter that can be applied to business and everyday life. You will be surprised to learn who’s fighting regularly at Everybody Fights.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
With this episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast, we have a cathartic conversation with our friend David Knies, the Chief Growth Officer at Essential Design in Boston, but do our best to keep it lite. We speak about the Coronavirus, along with its potential effect on the sports, fitness, and innovation economy. David is training for the Boston Maraton and will look to maintain his base now that the Marathon has been postponed until September. We recognize that having two Philadelphia Eagles fans on the same episode is nauseating, so we will do better to prevent such arrangements in the future. Please keep well and fit. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We kick off Season 3 with a new look, new sound, and one big announcement. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
This is the last episode of the decade and we go out with a bang. We speak with Matt O'Toole, the head of Reebok and talk about Beyonce, Yeezy, Bonobos, and trade deals, along with making some useless predictions. Happy Holidays to all! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Neil Schwartz speaks with Skechers National Sales Manager Dan Sullivan.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Born & raised in Detroit, Taylor is a Computer Vision nerd working with sport photos & video at Miro AI. His team trains machines to analyze athletes in motion for marathon, cycling & tri-athlon events around the world. Miro’s proprietary AI unlocks consumer insights like shoe brand, fitness trackers & performance metrics for every athlete. Since launching in 2017, Miro’s AI has analyzed more than 13 Million bodies for 600+ events all over the world.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Scott Cutler is the CEO of StockX, an online marketplace that enables the buying and selling of high-demand consumer products, including sneakers, streetwear, watches, and handbags. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
JP speaks with Ryan McGuigan from Rx3 Ventures. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
The podcast speaks with Michael Serazio from Boston College. We discuss his latest book, The Power of Sports, along with several other timely topics. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Very few can count Tiger Woods, Phil Knight, and Bill Walton as onetime colleagues and friends, so meet the man who does, Bob Rief. Listen now to his interview with the Sport Lifestyle Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak with former CamelBak President Tara Moeller about several topics including "cloning herself" so she can sit on several boards all while raising four wonderful kids. We also find time to banter about Gen Z's desire for more sneaker drops, Jordan getting a new jump man, Canadian corners the rare sneaker market, and VF's earnings are off the wall. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We get to know Joe D. Briggs from the NFLPA and the work they're doing on behalf of current and former players.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Do you know any experts in predictive and prescriptive analytics? You need to know our guest Beni Gradwohl from Congnovi Labs. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Do you know any growth strategist? Lindsay Angelo is one you should know. We spoke with the former Lululemon strategist about a number of topics, including her time at Lululemon. JP gives a preview of the presentation he will make at the Fit Tech Summit in Munich, while Poobah has a bug in his crawl about the politicization of everything, and we banter about Ed Stack’s new affection for Under Armour. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Do you run with purpose or to support a cause? Check out our interview with Mike Burnstein the Co-founder and President of Janji running apparel. We also find time to banter about scary data and Walmart. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
On this episode, we speak with Hookit CEO & Co-founder Scott Tilton. We opine on sports betting, adidas and Under Armour’s latest earnings, and viewership for the NBA playoffs being down. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
If closing the gender gap presents an opportunity to generate $28 Trillion in economic activity, is it not time to turn talk into action? Our guest host Melissa Schwartz, Ann Rodriguez, and Kerith Lemon tackle this subject and much more for this bonus episode of the Sport Lifestyle Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak with Brooks EVP & COO Dan Sheridan, leaving time to banter about Lulu’s earnings,The Beyonce and JZ house divided by three stripes, and more. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak with Blythe Jack from TSG Consumer, a leading private equity firm in the consumer space. We also banter about March Madness, Amazon’s CRaP strategy, and cashless retail discriminating against the poor and elderly. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak with Kyle Bunch from R/GA about the work he and his agency do for brands like Nike, ESPN, Samsung, the L.A. Dodgers, and more. JP and Mike were up on the Hill alongside celebrity athletes lobbying for the passage of the PHIT Act. We also leave the Poobah time to opine about the fate of DSG, whether or not Modell’s can reinvent itself after 130 years, and Amazon dropping vendors. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak with the Boston Celtics head of e-sports Jim Ferris. We also banter about SXSW, Amazon closing pop-ups, and Neil’s interest in Third Love. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
Our guest host Ann Rodriguez (A Rod) and Melissa Schwartz interview Robert “Bob” Hart the Executive Vice President of AECOM Building Construction. Bob’s current projects include the Rams and Chargers new stadium in Inglewood, USC Coliseum renovation, ASU Stadium renovation, and the new San Francisco Giants Spring Training Facility. Other notable stadium projects in Bob’s portfolio include the Arizona Cardinals Stadium, Diamondbacks Stadium, Mariner’s Safeco Field, and the Giant’s AT&T Park to name a few. A Rod and Melissa also tackle Robert Kraft’s legal woes and discuss Nike’s “Dream Crazier” ad. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak with Dave Powers the CEO of Deckers Brands (UGG, Kookaburra by UGG, Hoka, Teva, & Sanük). We also find time to banter about UA not being Ruhled by board, Zion’s blowout, and tax refunds being lower than expected. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
JP finally gets a vacation from the Poobah, leaving Mike and Neil to banter about leadership changes at Asics and REI, while also paying homage to Jon Epstein. Our guest is venture capitalist Keith Bank. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak with Ann Rodriguez, most recently the Chief Operating Officer of the WNBA. We also banter about the PGA Show, adidas’s explosive Yeezy growth, and have a lightening round. One of the three of us bet against the GOAT for Super Bowl LIII. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We talk CES, SEARS, Nike’ self lacing HyperAdapt, and speak with Euromonitor’s Head of Retailing Michelle Grant. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We share some New Year’s resolutions, predictions for 2019, and speak with DC Fray CEO Robert Kinsler. If you’re not following the social sports space you should be. It’s no longer your father’s softball rec league! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
We speak to RW Baird’s Matt Tingler. JP’s all about Lulu’s ABC’s. The Poobah is a little paranoid that Google and allBirds are conspiring to spam him with e-mails. And Mike wants the Redskins to become “Americas” team by changing their name and signing Colin Kaepernick. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sport-lifestyle-podcast/donations
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