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Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by Pol O'Callaghan for episode 315 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, kicking off with news of the USTA's new AI-powered coaching platform co-founded by Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. The three dig into what AI can and cannot do for player development, making the case that no amount of technology can replace thousands of hours of hands-on coaching and the human relationship at the heart of real teaching.The conversation moves into a wide-ranging discussion on tennis parenting, drawing on stories from Steve and Dave's decades of experience with players and families, including the "three-legged stool" of parent, coach, and player, and the danger of a child's dream becoming a parent's dream instead. Pol closes with a thoughtful question on adapting to a generation with shorter attention spans, and the group lands on a shared belief that there is no substitute for hunger, hard work, and going back to basics.
Pastor Russell Johnson opened the Like Never Before series with the movie cameo, the famous face that flashes on screen and disappears. He said that is how Gentiles looked in Israel's story: Rahab, Ruth, Naaman, Nineveh, rare. Then Jesus arrives and the cameos become regular cast. In John 4:4, the word behind "had to pass through Samaria" is not geography. John uses it for divine necessity, the same compulsion behind the Son of Man being lifted up. Samaria was not a detour. It was the destination. Devout Jews would add days to their journey to avoid that ground, carrying centuries of contempt back to the Assyrian resettlement of 722 BC and the rival temple on Mount Gerizim. Jesus went straight through, sat down tired at Jacob's well at noon, and asked a Samaritan woman with five husbands behind her for a drink. Samaritan, woman, sinner: three walls, walked through on purpose. Pastor Russell showed this was always God's heart, from Genesis 12:3 to Isaiah 49:6, but in the Old Testament grace flowed through the nation. Now God sits on the well Himself. He closed with the first two pastors of Faith Bible Church, Bill Elkins and Dave Anderson, and fifty years of grace now handed forward.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to the Chrissie and Martina documentary, taking listeners on a deep and detailed walk through the records, rivalries, and history behind two of the greatest careers in tennis. Steve runs through an exhaustive list of Chris Evert's win loss records against nearly every rival of her era, while both hosts reflect on what made the rivalry so enduring and why the mutual respect between the two players pushed them both to greater heights.The conversation ranges well beyond the documentary itself, touching on the evolution of the serve across generations, the challenges of getting players to accept technical changes, and the deeper philosophy behind coaching as a relationship built on trust and information transfer. Steve and Dave close with a broader reflection on what today's game could learn from that era, and why being brilliant with the basics still matters more than anything else.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome Egor Shestakov to the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, a 24-year-old teaching pro originally from Kaliningrad, Russia, now based in Dallas and coaching on staff at Brookhaven Tennis Academy. Egor shares his journey from hitting balls on hardwood and carpet courts as a kid, to becoming team captain at the University of Texas at Tyler, to working alongside Dave Anderson and Mark Vos, both trained by Steve.The conversation ranges from growing up in a tennis family and the differences between Russian and American coaching culture, to overcoming injury, the mental side of the game, and why he believes so strongly in playing at a smaller, non-brand-name college over sitting on the bench somewhere bigger. Egor is candid, thoughtful, and deeply committed to applying the GreatBase methodology to help players build technically sound strokes while developing confidence, discipline, and character both on and off the court.
While we prepare Season 17 of the podcast, Tim will be giving weekly rapid reactions to audio articles from The Fire Time Magazine. In this week's episode, Tim reacts to an article by Dave Anderson titled, "Build Careers, Not Just Crews" titled, (released in the February 2026 issue of The Fire Time Magazine). ------ Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/20FLyJLvKC8 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fire-time-podcast/id1433804268 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vHdzg48bE5qFf0KjMeMej?si=7b6cae3923d348f2 Read The Fire Time Magazine: https://www.itsfiretime.com/magazine Subscribe to The Fire Time Magazine: https://itsfiretime.com/subscribe Support The Fire Time Podcast financially: https://www.itsfiretime.com/join Want to get more fireplace leads for your company? Check out: https://findmyfireplace.com
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome Arvind Aravindhan to the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, a high performance coach, CEO of Gulph Mills Tennis Club, and Executive Director of the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis. Arvind brings a remarkable resume to the conversation, having competed as the number two junior in India and a top 75 ITF junior, coached at all four majors, and served as a board member of USTA Middle States.The conversation covers Arvind's journey from India to the upper echelons of American tennis, his approach to high performance coaching, and what it takes to build and sustain a world-class program at both Gulph Mills and Julian Krinsky. Steve and Dave dig into his philosophy on player development, the role of culture and environment in producing champions, and what the American tennis establishment could learn from coaches who have seen the game from every angle.
We have five LAMBs and Twenty-five films from 1977, and we deliberately left out Star Wars. Get ready for a deep dive into the Cinema of this great decade . Howard Casner trots out his Five Best Films, but Dave Anderson, Todd Liebenow, and David Brook, choose some random films that are simply their favorites' of that year. There are at least five science fiction films on the list as well as, four horror films, six comedies, and several action movies, thrillers and some animated faire. We even have a documentary to show we are not complete philistines. You will not want to miss this fun episode of the Lambcast featuring one of the formats most loved by the community. So put on you dancing shoes, polyester shirts, and bell bottoms and find some films you are going to love.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dig into the latest from Wimbledon, breaking down the singles and doubles action with their usual mix of sharp observation and strong opinions. The two discuss standout performances, emerging patterns of play, and what the results say about the state of the modern game on grass.The conversation drifts into a broader discussion about the lost art of doubles and what the best teams at Wimbledon still do that recreational and junior players simply never learn. Steve and Dave make the case that doubles is not just a complement to singles but a critical training ground for net play, communication, and competitive instincts that the game desperately needs more of.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by Brookside teaching pros Aoife Wilson and Brendan Moore for a wide-ranging conversation about coaching culture, player development, and the GreatBase system in action at the Brookside training program. Aoife shares her journey from Ireland to Tyler Junior College and later Alabama, while Brendan traces his path from junior tennis into coaching and eventually to Brookside, where both have built their careers around Steve Roberts and the GreatBase method.The conversation covers the nuts and bolts of how Brookside teaches the game, from grip, stroke shape, and shadow swings to cone work and observation, as well as the broader themes of all-court tennis, equipment changes, junior competition in the Bay Area, and the value of mentorship for coaches just entering the profession.
Dave Anderson, representing Evenflow AI, joins the PartsEdge Podcast from the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Ops Summit to talk about what automotive can learn from healthcare and airlines when it comes to maximizing technician time, intelligent scheduling, and creating stand-out customer experiences.Dave shares how smaller, more immersive conference formats spark deeper connections and actionable conversations with dealers, and reveals why transparent, proactive communication keeps dealership customers happy and coming back. Drawing from his experience in healthcare and airlines, he highlights practical wins dealerships can implement right now to turn inventory faster and deliver the kind of service customers actually rave about.Fresh takeaways and gritty optimism, parts managers—this one is for you.--------------------------------------------This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Our strategies are proven to amp up parts sales by a whopping 20%, all while cutting down on idle inventory. If you're looking to optimize your parts management, visit
Recording got delayed so the June MOTM is here for you the first week of July. And even though we just did a MOTM in the Film Noir genre, the community chose a film this month that straddles the line between heist film and Noir, the 1956 French classic "Bob le Flambeur (The Gambler/High Roller). Howard Casner suggested the film so he ends up leading the discussion with Richard and Dave Anderson. Director Jean-Pierre Melville gets proper kudos for this stylish looking slow burn which turns the heist film on it's head. A quick show with lots of spoilers.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson welcome 16-year-old junior player Mason Vaughan to the podcast for a candid conversation about his tennis journey. From his first trip to Memphis at age eight, to living away from home and training full-time at Brookhaven, Mason shares the struggles, the growth, and the routines that have shaped him into the player he is today.The conversation covers everything from mental training with Tracy King and situational drills to tournament strategy, tennis parenting, and the physical grind of chasing a college tennis dream. Mason is refreshingly honest about what he still needs to work on, and both Steve and Dave make clear that his best tennis is still very much ahead of him.
Thursday's program featured a conversation with three gentlemen with strong ties to Merrimack Valley High School, Rick Allen, Bob Tewksbury and Dave Anderson. Rick a MVHS athlete and graduate, Bob who went on to a great career Major League Baseball and a Merrimack Valley grad and Dave a long-time MVHS baseball and basketball coach. All will be in attendance Saturday from 1-5 PM for the MVHS/Penacook High Reunion to benefit their scholarship fund.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by NC State women's tennis coach Dave Secker and Spanish visitor Paul O'Callaghan for a deep dive into the rapidly shifting landscape of college tennis. Secker walks through the transfer portal, NIL, revenue sharing, the new five-year eligibility rule, and what it all means for American players, foreign recruitment, and the survival of programs like Arkansas.The conversation covers everything from agents signing high school juniors to the future of Lake Nona as a national championship site, with both Anderson and Secker offering their perspective on what college tennis means for junior players and why there is, despite all the chaos, plenty of reason for optimism.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by AJ Chabria and Craig Bell, co-hosts of the At the Net podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation covering a lifetime of experiences across all facets of the racket sports industry. The four dig into the state of teaching organizations, the challenge of attracting new blood into the profession, the legacy of John Yandel and TennisPlayer.net, and where pickleball fits into the future of tennis.Listeners will benefit from the stories, energy, and passion that AJ and Craig bring to the table, from their early days in the industry to their thoughts on elevating standards and growing the next generation of coaches.
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Episodio #215La mayoría de empresas no tienen un problema de talento.Tienen un problema de dependencia operativa.Si el líder no está: la ejecución cambia, los estándares bajan,y cada área trabaja diferente.Ahí el negocio deja de escalar.En este episodio hablo de cómo construir equipos que sostengan resultados sin supervisión constante, usando el marco operativo de Dave Anderson en Up Your Business! (2007):— corregir fundamentos— construir sistemas visibles— crear accountability operativo— escalar sin perder consistenciaEsto no es teoría.Es operación real.Si trabajas en liderazgo, retail, operaciones o crecimiento organizacional, este episodio te va a dar claridad inmediata.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by three special guests for a Richmond Hill reunion on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast. Richard Hernandez, Miron Mann, and Patrick Jeffrion Amorin, three directors who have carried the GreatBase torch at Richmond Hill Country Club across three decades, share stories, laughs, and some sharp observations about the state of tennis development in Canada and beyond.The conversation covers everything from the origins of each coach's journey into the game, to the challenges of building a culture when federations are circling and parents are overthinking, to the sorry state of junior tennis circuits on both sides of the border. Underneath the banter and the ribbing of Dave Anderson, there is a serious and consistent message: teach kids to hit the ball better, keep competition local, and trust the process.Also, the return of the GreatBase Tennis merchandise online store! Please visit the website or our social medias for the link if you are interested in purchasing any apparel.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson mark episode 300 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast with a mix of shoutouts, reflection, and sharp commentary on the state of American college tennis. The episode opens with congratulations to Dave on his induction into the North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame and a tribute to the late Dr. Jim Loehr, whose work on the mental side of tennis remains as relevant as ever.The centerpiece is a reading of a spoof Steve wrote years ago, a fairy tale reimagining of Patrick McEnroe's time juggling three major roles in American tennis simultaneously, landing with humor but carrying a serious message about focus and accountability. The episode closes with a frank conversation about the University of Arkansas dropping its tennis program, the broader crisis facing college tennis, and why more Americans need to be both playing and teaching the sport they love.
We have a new format for an episode, and guest hoist Aaron Neuwirth takes over the reins this week as a bunch of movie bros take on the Hollywood Remake Cycle. There are plenty of bad remakes, but this show focuses on the ones that the guests think are worth a damn. See if you agree with Aaron and his guests Matthew Simpson, Matthew Poirier and Dave Anderson. They find some remakes that you may not have realized were remakes and a few obvious ones that stand up to and even exceed the original. The Exit Question asks what film you would like to see remade, and your suggestions are welcome.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to one of the most fundamental and overlooked topics in tennis teaching: grips. Responding to listener requests to go back to basics, Steve works through his notes on the subject while he and Dave dig into why so many players, even experienced ones, are holding the racket incorrectly and why so few coaches are doing enough about it.The conversation covers everything from the math behind bevel changes and racket face angles, to the grip habits of all-time greats like Borg, Connors, McEnroe, and Graf. Steve and Dave make the case that getting grips right from the beginning is not just a technical detail but the foundation everything else is built on, and that slowing down to get it right early is one of the most important things a coach or parent can do for a young player.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to an exciting new chapter for the organization, a formal partnership with the Malagasy Tennis Federation in Madagascar. Steve walks through the backstory of how the partnership came together, tracing the connections between former University of Texas player Nomena and the GreatBase network that quietly shaped some of her tennis education years ago.The conversation touches on what it takes for a federation-level initiative like this to actually work, from having committed leadership at the top to building a curriculum that reaches families and not just coaches. Steve and Dave also reflect on the legacy of Vic Braden and what the tennis world continues to miss without his voice, closing with a shared hope that Madagascar becomes a model that ripples outward.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson cover a wide range of topics on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, from submarine parenting and the three phases of truth in tennis teaching, to shoutouts for Dave Fish, the Bryan brothers, and the coaching tree that continues to grow through the GreatBase network.The centerpiece of the episode is a look at the surge of new racket sports, with a particular focus on Steve Bellamy's new game Type T and whether sports like pickleball can serve as genuine bridge sports into tennis. Steve and Dave weigh the opportunities and the risks, making the case that no matter what sport a kid picks up, mechanics and skill development have to come first if any of it is going to stick.
Steve and the crew have a special edition of the "Steve Deace Show" featuring theologian Dave Anderson, discussing the origins and many misunderstandings of the theological label "dispensationalism." TODAY'S SPONSORS: MASA CHIPS: https://www.masachips.com/pages/deace use promo code DEACE JASE MEDICAL: https://jasemedical.com/ and enter code “DEACE” at checkout for a discount on your order COVEPURE: https://covepure.com/?ref=151 and get up to $200 off PATRIOT MOBILE: https://patriotmobile.com/STEVE or call 972-PATRIOT for your FREE MONTH of service FAST GROWING TREES: https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Steve+Deace+Show code DEACE ANIMAL FARM: https://www.angel.com/animalfarm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Dave Anderson interviews Max Darsonval, Former Elite Navy Seal about Velocity AI, a groundbreaking real-time adaptive coaching system that leverages proprietary hardware and AI to personalize fitness training. They explore Max's impressive background, the technology behind Velocity AI, and its potential to revolutionize strength and performance training.Key TopicsVelocity AI's real-time adaptive coaching technologyMax Darsonval's background in Navy SEALs, martial arts, and skiingThe science of velocity-based training and AI integrationHardware development and device capabilitiesPersonalized workout programming and auto-regulation00:00 Introduction to Velocity AI and Its Vision03:08 Max Darsonval's Unique Background and Journey11:51 The Concept Behind Velocity AI16:06 Personalized Strength Training with AI23:11 Real-Time Performance Tracking and Adaptation24:41 Understanding Heart Rate Variability and Recovery27:15 Velocity-Based Training: A New Approach32:55 Integrating Strength and Aerobic Training33:55 The Importance of Nutrition in Training37:18 Pricing and Launch Details
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson pick up where they left off on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, turning their attention to Patrick McEnroe's official rebuttal to Wayne Bryan's open letter. Written during McEnroe's tenure as general manager of USTA Player Development, the response is polished and well-argued, but Steve and Dave feel it sidesteps too many of the hard questions Bryan raised.The conversation ranges from the structure of sectional play and the family versus federation debate, to the broader question of who really develops champions and who gets to make the decisions that shape American tennis. With Craig Tiley now at the helm of the USTA, both hosts express cautious optimism while making clear that the problems Wayne Bryan identified over a decade ago are still very much alive today.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson dedicate the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast to a deep dive into Wayne Bryan's now-famous open letter to the USTA, a document that was written over a decade ago but reads as urgently relevant today. Dave reads the letter in full while the two hosts pause to reflect on each point, drawing on their own decades of experience in the trenches of American tennis development.The letter pulls no punches, taking aim at the under-10 mandate, the glut of foreign players in college tennis, the downfalls of USTA player development, and the systematic sidelining of local coaches and parents who are actually doing the work. Steve and Dave add their own stories and observations throughout, making the case that the problems Wayne Bryan identified years ago have only deepened, and that the solutions, as always, start at the grassroots level.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson cover a wide range of topics on the latest episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, from the Korda family's remarkable multigenerational tennis legacy to Iga Swiatek's recent struggles and the revolving door of coaching at the pro level. Along the way they draw on lessons from basketball, boxing, and other sports to make the case that the habits and disciplines that produce champions are universal.The centerpiece of the episode is a deep dive into the approach shot, what the hosts call a lost art in today's game. Steve and Dave break down why juniors are failing to capitalize on short balls, the importance of situational training, and why getting to the net is less about risk and more about geometry, smart patterns, and building the skills early enough to trust them when it counts.
It's true it has only been a month since the last "roll Your Own" Episode, but it is such a fun format and we have a completely new set of guests, so you won't be bored by repetition. Nicole Ayers, Dave Anderson, Jeffrey Lyles and David Brook all have new and creative top five lists to share with you, and the exit question of the week will definitely encourage you to seek out the illustrated podcast on YouTube. It is a long episode but it will not feel that way once you start listening.
On episode #293 of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith and Dave Anderson offer a candid look inside the world of tennis academies, drawing on their time at the Seguso Bassett Tennis Training Center in Boca Raton to cut through the noise for parents and players alike. The two take a trip down memory lane, revisiting their dream of building something rooted in fact-based instruction and long-term development.By listening, parents and aspiring players will hopefully come away with a clearer picture of what real development looks like and what it does not. The core message is straightforward: before a young player sets foot in an academy and logs endless hours on court, they need a sound technical foundation. Without it, those hours can do more harm than good.
Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson and Andy Fitzell for a wide-ranging discussion on player development, coaching education, and the direction of American tennis. The conversation centers around Craig Tiley's leadership, accountability in coaching, and the growing challenges in junior development, including tournament structure, travel demands, and the role of parents.They also dive into doubles strategy, lost fundamentals like the approach shot and volley, and the importance of teaching through clear fundamentals and visual learning. Throughout the episode, stories, names, and lessons from across decades in the game highlight both what has been lost and what can still be rebuilt in tennis.
For our 100th episode of the Charity Matters Podcast, we are celebrating in the most meaningful way possible....by spotlighting a true innovator, a quiet disruptor, and a modern-day hero who dared to ask a simple but world-changing question: What if no parent ever had to say, “I have no one to call?” When psychologist Dave Anderson saw firsthand the devastating ripple effects of child abuse and foster care, he didn't just shake his head at a broken system, he built something different. He shares how his bricklayer father's words, “If I don't help them, who will?” became the blueprint for Safe Families for Children, a revolutionary approach that mobilizes communities to step in before a crisis becomes a catastrophe. This episode is about courage, radical hospitality, and the extraordinary impact of ordinary people choosing to care.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson discuss the news of Craig Tiley becoming CEO of the USTA, reflecting on their early days together in the Tennis Tech program and the foundation of coaching education that shaped his career. They explore what leadership might mean for the future of American tennis, from player development to rebuilding stronger coaching networks.The conversation moves through the trenches of the sport: doubles strategy, tournament structures, coaching education, and the role parents play in junior tennis. Along the way, stories, names, and lessons from decades in the game highlight both the challenges facing tennis and the ideas that could help move it forward.
Get ready to celebrate the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day in Denver! In this episode, we're joined by Dave Anderson, president of the Denver Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee, and special guests, including Queen Colleen, a third-generation Irish heritage title holder. They share the history and excitement behind this iconic event, from its origins to the fun and festivities you can expect this Saturday. We'll also dive into the parade's special theme, "Stars, Stripes, and Shamrocks," and learn about the community's involvement in the celebration. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to get into the Irish spirit!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tour coach and author Dave Sammel joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to unpack what “locker room power” really means, how players create an aura opponents can feel, and why advancing in tennis is driven by winning streaks, not perfection. He shares lessons from growing up in South Africa, playing U.S. college tennis, and decades of coaching on the tour, including the idea that the best winners are often the best losers.They also get practical: how to identify your two weapons, why “less is more” in coaching communication, and how the five-minute rule can reset standards without drama. Episode 290 closes with Sammel's mission to help players and parents handle the moments that happen off-court: before matches, after losses, and in the spaces where confidence is built.
Former ATP pro and Venezuelan Davis Cup player David Souto joins Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Coach Andres to unpack a player's journey from Caracas to the Orange Bowl finals, Argentina, and Spain, and the hidden costs of trying to make it fast. He reflects on what he would change: do not rush development, invest in the little things such as mobility, recovery, and mental skills, and build fundamentals that hold up across surfaces and stages.The conversation expands into culture and leadership, including the changing meaning of Davis Cup, accountability in modern tennis, and why many players skip steps without even knowing the steps. Souto also shares how he is building TenniSapien to raise standards in Venezuela through coach education, structure, and professionalism, creating a bigger universe of athletes and a clearer pathway for long-term development.
A few weeks ago, Nate gathered a group of storytellers in front of a live audience in Portsmouth, N.H. to celebrate 10 years of Outside/In. From goats to ghosts and ill-fated coloring book pages, this motley crew of storytellers explored the theme of metamorphosis in a changing world. If you've got a special moment or episode from Outside/In's long history, we'd love to hear about it. Send us a note at outsidein@nhpr.org. Featuring Gretchen Legler, Kianny Antigua, Sara Lamagna, Jake Lewis, Aubrey Nelson, Dave Anderson Produced by Taylor Quimby and Zoë Mitchell. For full credits and transcript, visit outsideinradio.org. SUPPORT Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In. Follow Outside/In on Instagram or join our private discussion group on Facebook. LINKS Check out Gretchen Legler's blog, where she writes about all sorts of nature and farm-inspired subjects, here. More on the work of Kianny Antigua can be found on her website. Listen to Sarah Lamagna's interview for a previous episode of Outside/In, where she and Taylor talk about tricking kids into loving hiking. Listen to more musings from naturalist Dave Anderson on NHPR's Something Wild. If you want to hear more of Nate's music, check out “Snoweater on Bandcamp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson revisit foundational habits that shape long-term success in tennis and life. Drawing from Stephen Covey's principles and decades of coaching experience, they explore proactivity, prioritization, win-win thinking, and the importance of beginning with the end in mind. Episode 288 connects these ideas directly to player development, character, and building resilient competitors.They also dive into awareness on the court, managing mistakes, body language, breathing, rituals, and the mental toughness concepts popularized by Jim Loehr. Along the way, they share stories from Brookhaven, Ave Maria, and the broader tennis community, emphasizing that growth comes from fundamentals, reflection, and daily habits that build confident, self-reliant players.
A low turnout on the poll did not keep us from having a great discussion on this pivotal socially relevant film. 1967 was a tipping point for Hollywood and "In the Heat of the Night" won the Academy Award for Best Picture in a contest between old and new Hollywood. Dave Anderson of the Free Kittens Movie Guide championed the film and hosts the discussion. Pop Art's Howard Casner and Matthew Simpson from the Awesome Friday Podcast also step up to cover a dozen or more issues related to this film. In addition to the attention that the two stars of the movie receive, the LAMBs on this week's show go deep to talk about some other cast members as well. We guarantee that you will smile more than a turnip while listening or watching the show this week.
Perform 2026 felt like a turning point for Dynatrace, and when Steve Tack joined me for his fourth appearance on the show, it was clear this was not business as usual. We began with a little Perform nostalgia, from Dave Anderson's unforgettable "Full Stack Baby" moment to the debut of AI Rick on the keynote stage. But the humor quickly gave way to substance. Because beneath the spectacle, Dynatrace introduced something that signals a broader shift in observability: Dynatrace Intelligence. Steve was candid about the problem they set out to solve. Too much focus on ingesting data. Too much time spent stitching tools together. Too many dashboards. Too many alerts. The real opportunity, he argued, is turning telemetry into trusted, automated action. And that means blending deterministic AI with agentic systems in a way enterprises can actually trust. We unpacked what that looks like in practice. From United Airlines using a digital cockpit to improve operational performance, to TELUS and Vodafone demonstrating measurable ROI on stage, the emphasis at Perform was firmly on production outcomes rather than pilot projects. As Steve put it, the industry has spent long enough in "pilot purgatory." The next phase demands real-world deployment and real return. A big part of that confidence comes from the foundations Dynatrace has laid with Grail and Smartscape. By combining unified telemetry in its data lakehouse with real-time topology mapping and causal AI, Dynatrace is positioning itself as the engine behind explainable, trustworthy automation. When hyperscaler agents from AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud call Dynatrace Intelligence, they are expected to receive answers grounded in causal context rather than probabilistic guesswork. We also explored what this means for developers, who often carry the burden of alert fatigue and fragmented tooling. New integrations into VS Code, Slack, Atlassian, and ServiceNow aim to bring observability directly into the developer workflow. The goal is simple in theory and complex in execution: keep engineers in their flow, reduce toil, and amplify human decision-making rather than replace it. Of course, autonomy raises questions about risk. Steve acknowledged that for now, humans remain firmly in the loop, with most agentic interactions still requiring checkpoints. But as trust grows, so will the willingness to let systems self-optimize, self-heal, and remediate issues automatically. We closed by zooming out. In a market saturated with AI claims, Steve encouraged listeners to bet on change rather than cling to the status quo. There will be hype. There will be agent washing. But there is also real value emerging for those prepared to experiment, learn, and scale responsibly. If you want to understand where AI observability is heading, and how deterministic and agentic intelligence can coexist inside enterprise operations, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective straight from the Perform show floor.
Coach Florian Kuehne joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to share his tennis journey. From starting at seven and competing in Tennis Europe and German club leagues, to earning his German C and B licenses by 19 (then the youngest German coach to hold a B license). In episode 287, Florian breaks down what shaped his coaching lens in Europe and why those developmental environments create adaptable, fundamentally sound players.Now based in the U.S., Florian discusses building players in a different system while personally coaching nationally recognized juniors, including a top-50 U15 boy and a rising 6th-grade girl ranked No. 2 in the nation. He also connects tennis to leadership and resilience from his executive role in global manufacturing and why Brookhaven mornings keep his competitive edge sharp and his coaching energy high.
Steve Smith and Dave Anderson preview the Australian Open semifinals through a GreatBase lens, stressing that skill must come before strategy. They revisit court geometry, targets, and why understanding space, margins, and shot production is essential before tactical planning.Episode 286 moves through red, yellow, and green zones, net decision-making, and common modern misconceptions such as serve plus one and avoiding the forecourt. Along the way, they reference classic coaching principles, professional examples, and stories that highlight why fundamentals still decide matches.
Although we did a sports movie draft in 2019, that episode is lost in the ethernets. Besides, we have new LAMBs and a hundred or more Sports movies to choose from since then, so we are just going to do it again. We celebrate 800 episodes of the Lambcast this week, and in the ten years that Richard has joined the podcast, he managed to be on more than half the episodes now. So remember that when you post your votes on the LAMB site for the slate of films you want to see win. Matt Poirier, Todd Liebenow, Dave Anderson, Justin Gott and 4 time Poll winner Aaron Neuwirth, join the show for a rousing draft competition of sports movies that somehow manages to skip, Rudy, The Karate Kid, and Hoosiers.
Former pro doubles standout and longtime Texas Tech head coach Tim Siegel joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to trace his tennis path from junior doubles titles in Louisiana to competing at the majors, then into college coaching, then 23 years building Texas Tech into a nationally respected program. Tim shares what he valued most in recruiting, how he coached culture and accountability, and why he chose loyalty and “unfinished business” over other opportunities.The conversation then shifts to Tim's son Luke, the life-changing accident, and Tim's work as Executive Director of Team Luke Hope for Minds, supporting families affected by pediatric brain injury across the U.S. Tim also shares Luke's “seven inspirations,” his podcast Tuesdays with Tim, and a new team-tennis venture (Intense Tennis), bringing episode 285 home with perspective that reaches far beyond the court.
Matt Davis joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to discuss his journey from Palmyra, New York, to becoming Director of Rackets at Park Ridge Country Club in the Chicago area. He reflects on early technical training at Midtown Tennis in Rochester, his education at Ferris State in Professional Tennis Management, and the foundation those experiences provided.The later part of the episode turns into a wide-ranging walk through tennis history, with rapid-fire stories and name drops from decades in the game. Coaches, administrators, players, and mentors are all referenced as the conversation highlights the relationships, lessons, and shared experiences that shape long careers in tennis.
Ashley Hobson joins Steve Smith and Dave Anderson to discuss coach mentorship, player development, and building athletes from the inside out. Hobson shares his path from South Africa and Lesotho into elite coaching, including formative years with Dennis Van der Meer and a decade with Peter Burwash, experiences that shaped his progression-based approach and emphasis on professionalism.Episode 283 covers what has changed in junior tennis, including the rise of early “teams” around young players, the value of long-term coach player relationships, and why post-match evaluation and character-driven habits matter as much as technique. Listeners should also check out Hobson's coaching resources and, separately, Robert Davis's book Elements of Coaching Professional Tennis.
Robert Davis joins Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ilja Semjonovs for a wide-ranging conversation on what pro-level coaching actually requires. With over 30 years on the ATP Tour and experience as a technical director and national coach across multiple federations, Davis brings a global perspective shaped by high-performance environments and his work as editor-in-chief of ELITE Tennis Journal.The discussion examines coaching as a long-term responsibility, the difference between confidence and competence, and why doubles remains essential to complete player development. Episode 282 also breaks down professional routines such as planning, recovery, nutrition, and deliberate training, and how these habits separate coaches and players who continue to grow from those who stagnate.Listeners are encouraged to check out Robert Davis's book Elements of Coaching Professional Tennis for a deeper dive into the principles discussed in this episode.
As the new year approaches, Steve Smith and co-host Dave Anderson step back and re-center on the fundamentals that drive long-term development in tennis and in life: being proactive, prioritizing what matters, and committing to steady improvement. They connect timeless principles to junior development, especially grips, habits, and the idea that “winning” is built through process and skill-building rather than a scoreboard-driven mindset.The conversation also highlights a set of ten "life lessons” drawn from a GreatBase student: being all-in, outworking the room, showing gratitude and respect, valuing character before technique, and doing the ordinary an extraordinary number of times. Steve and Dave discuss, on episode 281, why the best growth comes from “Program Plus" - the work done away from the lesson, the court, and the spotlight. The pair closes with a practical mindset for 2026: simplify goals, avoid spreading yourself thin, and make daily routines measurable and repeatable.
Is your brand agile enough for the changing expectations of your customers in a world increasingly driven by AI?Agility requires more than just fast reactions; it demands proactive adaptation, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies. It also requires understanding how these technologies can transform customer experience and drive business value.Today, we are in New York City at Contentsquares CX Circle and we're going to talk about the convergence of digital experience analytics and the power of voice of the customer insights, particularly in light of the increasing impact of AI. We'll also dive into how these insights can drive a more agile and customer-centric approach to brand building. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Dave Anderson, VP of Product Marketing at Contentsquare. About Dave Anderson Dave Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveando/ Resources Contentsquare: https://www.contentsquare.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is your brand agile enough for the changing expectations of your customers in a world increasingly driven by AI? Agility requires more than just fast reactions; it demands proactive adaptation, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies. It also requires understanding how these technologies can transform customer experience and drive business value. Today, we are in New York City at Contentsquares CX Circle and we're going to talk about the convergence of digital experience analytics and the power of voice of the customer insights, particularly in light of the increasing impact of AI. We'll also dive into how these insights can drive a more agile and customer-centric approach to brand building. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Dave Anderson, VP of Product Marketing at Contentsquare. About Dave Anderson Dave Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveando/ Resources Contentsquare: https://www.contentsquare.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Register now for Sitecore Symposium, November 3-5 in Orlando Florida. Use code SYM25-2Media10 to receive 10% off. Go here for more: https://symposium.sitecore.com/Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company