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Events are starting back up… Rick talks with Hermann Elger, EVP and GM at Sharecare this week. Elger, talks about the long-term planning and tools stadiums and arenas need to be using to fully rebuild their businesses and fan trust. With a light at the end of the tunnel, some leagues have started to welcome fans back into stadiums (re: MSG and Barclays) and others are in the preparation stages. However, it will take more than revamped cleaning procedures to truly win back the trust of fans and visitors. Previously the Chief Operating Officer of Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, Hermann has been helping the hospitality, entertainment and sports industries get back on their feet with Sharecare’s VERIFIED®, a multi-pronged digital verification and accountability system in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide and supported by CAA Icon and OVG. Most recently, the State Farm Arena in Atlanta announced the integration of VERIFIED® into their recovery plans to establish confidence from fans in their safety efforts. Topics: Why on-site COVID testing, mobile ordering, digital health passports and cleaning procedures won’t be enough to fully recover entertainment/sporting events The value people are placing on health security, digital accountability and a verification standard for venues How COVID’s permanently changed the way people think about events and how stadiums need to communicate with visitors Hermann Elger is executive vice president and GM of travel, entertainment, and health security at Sharecare, the digital health company that helps people manage all their health in one place. In this role, Elger is responsible for leveraging the company’s digital capabilities and health expertise to help employers and businesses across service industries ensure public health safety as part of overall consumer well-being. With channel partners such as Forbes Travel Guide, Elger oversees the delivery and global expansion of Sharecare’s Health Security VERIFIED solution, a platform and verification system designed to help hospitality organizations comply with proactive and reactive measures to minimize the risk and impact of acute public health events. A well-respected, widely traveled, and assured leader in luxury hospitality, Elger brings a wealth of expertise and 25 years of global experience to Sharecare. Prior to joining the company, Elger served as managing director of Baccarat New York and chief operating officer of Baccarat Hotels and Resorts, leading the development of new properties and overseeing day-to-day operations and quality guest experiences for the flagship hotel. Previously, Elger also served as general manager for Baccarat Hotels and Resorts, overseeing operations and the guest experience at luxury properties such as The St. Regis New York and Montage Beverly Hills. He also spent 18 years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where supported the development of new hotels as an opening team leader for The Ritz-Carlton Aspen Highlands, Philadelphia, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. Born and raised in Mexico City, Elger followed his father into the hotel industry and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Denver. His talents are recognized with honors including “Best GM in US and Canada” in the Travvy Awards and “Most Innovative GM” by American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, both awarded in 2016. Elger also was named one of the “40 Most Influential Leaders in Tourism in Mexico” by Lideres magazine.

Rick is joined on “Tech of Sports” this week, by Joshua Smith, the City Manager of the great city of Hamilton, Ohio. Hamilton, Ohio is located in the heart of the Rust Belt, a region in Northeastern and Midwestern United States that has been experiencing industrial decline since the 1980s. In its heyday, Hamilton became a manufacturing powerhouse due to early investments in hydroelectric power and logistics infrastructure. Hamilton was billed as “The greatest manufacturing city of its size in the world.” Companies in the city produced paper, safes, machine tools, farm equipment, cans for vegetables, automobile parts and printing presses. Also, like many great American industrial cities of the day, Hamilton contributed greatly to the war efforts during both World Wars. Hamilton factories manufactured war materials, such as ship engines and gun lathes. However, by 1980s manufacturing had changed in the United States. A good deal of manufacturing was moved overseas to reduce labor expenses, resulting in the closure of factories across the country. Hamilton felt the impact of this globalization as factories closed and thousands of residents lost their jobs. This change in the economy also impacted other businesses in the community. Retail and restaurants were severely impacted by lost and reduced wages, as well. As a result, Hamilton’s once vibrant downtown and surrounding areas were hit particularly hard by the outsourcing of jobs, leaving many storefronts empty and buildings left to deteriorate. After feeling like they were forgotten by the rest of America and watching the opioid epidemic plaque their communities, Rust Belt cities like Hamilton have taken their destiny into their own hands. Instead of waiting for broken promises by politicians of bringing manufacturing back to the Rust Belt, the Rust Belt is taking action themselves, creating new industries to revitalize their communities. From partnering with the state to secure tax incentives, to utility rate guarantees, to direct assistance through various funding sources, Hamilton has taken an all-hands-on-deck approach to revitalization. Hamilton has partnered with a variety of organizations to rehabilitate abandoned properties for rent, or put them into the hands of new ownership who put the buildings back into use. The urban core of Hamilton has welcomed over 90 new small businesses in the last ten years, and experienced over $250 million dollars in investment. The city also has created Upper Floor Residential Rehabilitation Program to encourage activation of the upper floors in the Main Street Business District. The goal is to get people to work and live downtown, turning the once bleak downtown into a vibrant city center. Hamilton also has emphasized the importance of a diverse business base, including advanced manufacturing, breweries, retail, and tourism. Hamilton now has a variety of industries that operate in the city. A diverse mix within a local economy helps to weather the storm when macroeconomics tip the scales. Instead of having one large industry, which created the deterioration of the Rust Belt, Hamilton now has a diverse slate of industry. Sports Hamilton is betting on a 42-acre abandoned paper mill that is in the process of being redeveloped into North America’s largest indoor sports complex. Expecting more than one million visitors each year, the $144 million complex brings new life to the former home of a legacy Hamilton industry. The project will include an on-site hotel, brewery, restaurant, and convention center. Before this construction started and it sat empty in the middle of the city, it was a sad reminder of the past and everything they lost, now it is symbol of the future. Joshua talks about that and more, including being a Cyclone, lie RIck this week…  

A “Throwback Thursday” for the ages as Rick is joined by one of his former tennis doubles partners, Jim Rossini. Jim, an accomplished tennis player, grew up with Rick in Racine, Wisc. is currently CEO of Workforce Engineering Solutions in the Chicago area. Rick and Jim talk about tennis and growing up in Wisconsin. They dig deep into tennis technology and the state of the game. Fun discussion and great catching up with Jim.

Rick has the pleasure of being joined by Paralympian, Mallory Weggemann, this week on Tech of Sports. Weggemann is a record-setting, two-time Paralympic swimmer for Team USA. She has set fifteen world records and thirty-four American records, and is also the recipient of an ESPY Award, a 15-time World Champion, and a Paralympic gold and bronze medalist. Weggemann has also served as a commentator on NBC for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Games, the first female reporter in a wheelchair ever to serve in that capacity. Weggemann has established herself as a leader outside of the pool, as well; she is an inclusion advocate serving on the Advisory Board of Disability for Delta Air Lines as well as a cofounder and co-CEO of TFA Group, a social impact agency and production studio. She has a new book out and you should get it! In LIMITLESS: THE POWER OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE TO OVERCOME CIRCUMSTANCE LIMITLESS, Mallory shares her remarkable story and the lessons she learned by pushing past every obstacle, expectation, and limitation that stood in her way, and she helps readers to discover how, they, too, can choose to rewrite their own stories to overcome the challenges they face. “Sharing her journey with authenticity and vulnerability, Mallory doesn’t just bring us into her heart—she empowers us to reflect on our own journey, finding the power that exists when we honor our truth. At its core, Limitless is a reminder to all of us of the strength of the human spirit to overcome circumstance.” Thanks to Mallory and a great segment that really inspires!

Rick talks with serial entrepreneur and author, Scott Andrew this week. The Rugged Entrepreneur. “Success is yours if you want it to be.” Those are the words of serial entrepreneur Scott Andrew, who along with wife Daphne, has built more than thirty different national and international businesses in the multi-million-dollar playing field.Now he’s telling you how he did it.In his brilliant new book, The Rugged Entrepreneur, What Every Disruptive Business Leader Should Know, Andrew describes what it takes to achieve your dreams, and shares a wealth of personal stories to motivate and inspire. Carlton Scott Andrew, who goes by his middle name Scott, is a student of life and business, and passionate about sharing what he has learned with budding entrepreneurs. He and his wife Daphne have together owned/founded and run thirty businesses, both national and international, and have disrupted several market systems, showing that inspiration, faith, and hard work make a near-unstoppable force. Their businesses include the furniture industry, the cleaning industry, the beverage industry, real-estate development, rodeo productions, entertainment and more. As part of his “forever learning” attitude, Andrew seeks out successful people in all trades of life, and studies their techniques. Andrew has taken his passion for learning to East Tennessee State University, and implemented the Rugged Buc Labs, an interdisciplinary “experiential” career skills accelerator that connects companies with students. His inspiring new book, The Rugged Entrepreneur, is a blueprint for business leaders and contains the knowledge that he has garnered over his decades in business. He and his wife live in Tennessee and have two grown children. Andrew is at work on his next book. Visit: RuggedEntrepreneur.com. A great talk with Scott, enjoy this episode.  

Jordan Babineaux, former NFL player turned entrepreneur and business coach, joins Rick this week. He helps people embrace change and pivot for growth — using their strengths to overcome adversity, staying motivated for the long run. Babineaux, a serial entrepreneur, shares his insights in his new book, PIVOT TO WIN. Topics include: • Why you should establish a personal “Ground Zero” with time to reflect on what’s important to you • Why you need to find people who will hold you accountable • What to do when you come up against a “no” • How to stay focused on what’s ahead, rather than be distracted by what’s in the rear view mirror * How to employ both a growth and service mindset By sharing his accomplishments, failures, and missteps in PIVOT TO WIN, Babineaux gives readers dozens of tools that they can apply to themselves. His book is the ultimate guide to success in life, sports, and business. Jordan Babineaux, author of PIVOT TO WIN, transitioned from nearly a decade playing in the NFL to become a sports broadcaster, entrepreneur, and business executive. He currently serves as the “voice” of the Seattle Seahawks on both television and radio, while also helping organizations, teams, and leaders navigate their pivots. Babineaux and his brother Jonathan, former defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons, founded a company that produced several filmed comedy specials as well as the movie Woman Thou Art Loosed. They also launched a specialized car service in Seattle and created the Babineaux Foundation, a nonprofit that gives back to their hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, and contributes to Lupus research. Jordan Babineaux holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Southern Arkansas University and an MBA from Seattle University. He lives in Seattle with his wife and three children.

Rick talks to his friend, Bob Gillespie, former sportswriter and now co-author of South Carolina Golf. For nearly three hundred years, South Carolina has played a vital role in American golf. The first golf clubs in America came from Scotland to Charleston in 1739. Myrtle Beach is sometimes called the “Golf Capital of the World,” with more than eighty golf courses. The Country Club of Charleston produced World Golf Hall of Fame members Henry Picard and Beth Daniel. The 1991 Ryder Cup matches, the “War by the Shore,” took place at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course, also the site of the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships. Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Golf Links has hosted the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage for more than fifty years. Bob Gillespie and Tommy Braswell detail the history of the game in the Palmetto State. Bob Gillespie was a senior sportswriter, columnist and golf writer for The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1979 to 2010. He won The State’s Ambrose E. Gonzales Award for distinguished journalism in 1988, was Associated Press Sports Editors’ national runner-up in features (2001) and explanatory stories (2009) and was named the Herman Helms Excellence in Media Award winner by the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. He and his wife, Jane, live in Columbia. If you like golf, if you like South Carolina… get this book! Publisher link: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Products/9781467145497

Keira McCarrell is one busy girl. A redshirt senior at Auburn University, is staying occupied in 2021 with school, track and field and her love of creating works of art. Rick talks to Keira about combining being in school, running track and selling her beautiful artwork, which this holiday season included Christmas cards. “I was born in British Columbia, Canada, and compete on their national team when presented the opportunity. I was raised in Oregon and transferred from University of Oregon to now Auburn. As a multi athlete, I have always found myself trying new things and doing everything I can to keep myself busy.” Her artist journey started in high school when she started being very passionate about pottery. “As I lost my access to a studio I picked up watercolor. My mom suggested I started selling them online and I’ve been doing it ever since. It’s what keeps my mind at ease when I’m constantly thinking about sports and school during the week! See how Keira does it all and has a shot at the Olympics. Have a listen. Keira’s links to check out: Instagram @handpainted.by.keira @keira_mcc Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/therunningbrush

LG’s John Colaneri talks about the new OLED evo G1. Unlock the potential of your room with LG OLED evo G1 packing all the ground-breaking technology that makes LG OLED the most celebrated TV in the world into a shockingly thin design that fits your style. John Colaneri explains how the #LGOLEDTV​ can elevate your space with features like the new stylish stand, gallery mode & design, ultra thin design, and a range of sizes. Let’s not forget picture quality like no other with a screen that has over 8 million self-lit pixels.Follow LG USA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LGUSA/​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lgus​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgusa

One of the top NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers is spreading his wings. That would be Zane Smith. He is the feature of the Tech of Sports this week. Zane Smith who finished second in the Truck series points in 2020 was recently introduced as the driver for the Abingdon based late model team. “I feel like this group definitely deserves some wins,” said Smith. “I feel like they have all the resources to do so,” In addition to finishing second in the points, he was also the Truck Series Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver. He won two races last season at Michigan and Dover. “He’s a great driver,” said Josh Reeves, Highland Motorsports crew chief. “To finish second in the points and win most popular driver his rookie season in the truck series, there’s so many different incentives to make him the perfect fit for what we need.” Highlands Motorsports Crew Chief Josh Reeves talks about new driver Zane Smith Owner Wayne Lopez agrees. He said he can’t think of a better driver to help ramp up his Super Late Model team. “Being able to add Zane as a talent is just amazing for us,” said Lopez. ” I think if you were going to start a program, I don’t know if you wouldn’t pick him at any level.”

Rick is joined by Dr. Huma Haider this week. Check out https://nationalbii.com/dr_haider/ for more. Every year more than 3 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While those are the reported cases, it is estimated that the actual number is two-three times higher. A TBI occurs from the sudden jarring of the brain such as in a car wreck or fall. Dr. Haider answers the tough questions. When these events occur, the brain is rocked violently against the inside of the cranium, generating a shock wave that reverberates back through the brain severing valuable nerve fibers and rupturing sensitive neurons. Over ninety percent of those with a TBI receive a “mild” categorization. Those with “Mild” TBI suffer from a myriad of symptoms, not much different from those who have received a “Sever” categorization. The symptoms may include headaches, depression, dizziness, memory loss and many other symptoms. These symptoms may take days, weeks or months to manifest – which has also made it difficult to associate the cause of TBI with the symptoms. With “objective proof of injury” the millions of victims suffering from TBI will receive the coverage they require to treat permanent brain injuries. Topics: What are the most common causes of these injuries? Do you have tips on how to avoid them? Tell us your personal story. When and why did you start the National Brain Injury Institute? What is Diffusion Tensor Imaging? Why is this technology so important in diagnosing patients? Where can we find more information? More About Dr. Huma Haider: Raised in Pakistan, the single mother of two children, Huma left everything behind and moved to Chicago to complete her medical training. Her medical career led her to Houston where she founded the National Brain Injury Institute. She is pioneering a technique and protocol to activate a 20 year-old imaging technology called Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Now serving patients in all 50 US states, Dr. Huma Haider is a rare gem. She’s someone who genuinely cares for people who are suffering from this terrible injury. Dr. Huma Haider knows firsthand how devastating this can be. She lost her husband to a TBI and has devoted her life to the study of traumatic brain injuries.

It’s pickleball this week with Mike and Rob from SelkirkSport. As the popularity of Pickleball continues to surge during the COVID-19 era, Selkirk Sport has been recognized as the Pickleball Manufacturer of the year by Racquet Sports Industry (RSi) in conjunction with their inaugural Champions of Pickleball Awards. The family-owned Company based in Hayden, ID is at the forefront of driving growth of the sport, offering a full line-up of Made in-the USA Pickleball Paddles for all levels and an assortment of accessories. As outdoor activities continue to adapt to adhere to CDC and local/national health guidelines, the sport of Pickleball serves as the perfect “social distancing” physical activity. Today, Pickleball boasts more than 3.46 million players across the U.S., according to the most recent data by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and RSi recognized Selkirk Sport alongside individuals and organizations that continue to make a positive impact, while helping to accelerate the game’s growing popularity and success. The RSI excerpt from the November/December issue: MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR – Selkirk Sport Founded in 2014 by brothers Mike and Rob Barnes and their father, Jim Barnes, this family-owned company in Hayden, Idaho, is a leader in pickleball paddle design and technology, building high-performance pickle-ball equipment. Selkirk’s current product line includes paddles, balls, bags, apparel and accessories. Selkirk’s mantra—“We Are Pickleball”—applies as much to the creation of innovative equipment as to the effort to improve and promote the pickleball community as a whole. The brand partners with, among other groups, the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships, but also with Third Shot Sports, an organization to help bring pickleball awareness and clinics to all ages. Selkirk recently introduced its Vanguard Paddle series, pushing the envelope in technology and its $200 price—which has not deterred consumers, as the paddles quickly sold out on the brand’s website. “We are committed to supporting the growth of Pickleball at the recreation and professional level, and it’s humbling to be recognized by such a well-respected organization, as a Champion of Pickleball,” said Rob Barnes, Managing Partner, Selkirk Sport. “While 2020 has been a challenging year battling a pandemic, it’s refreshing to see so many individuals of all ages and backgrounds embrace Pickleball as an activity that can be enjoyed in a safe and responsible way.” Selkirk Sport is one of the industry’s fastest growing companies, and their paddles are used by many of the game’s premier players, many who are national/regional champions. Team Selkirk Ambassadors include: Tyson McGuffin, 4-Time National Champion and one of the top ranked players in the world; Cammy MacGregor, Top ranked senior player and former top 75 women’s professional tennis player; Morgan Evans, Coach to the world’s elite Pickleball players; Enrique Ruiz: Hall of Famer & 6-Time National Champion; Kaitlyn Christian, 28-year old Professional Tennis Player – Top 50 in Doubles on WTA Tour; Joanne Russell, 1977 Wimbledon Doubles Champion; Lindsey & Riley Newman, Top five ranked players and college basketball officials and Sherri Steinhauer: former LPGA star, 3-Time Women’s British Open Champion & 4-Time United States Solheim Cup Winner, among many others.

From Surf Expo, Rick talks with Tom Whaley of Aloe Up, about skin care products for athletes. Aloe Up bases all of their products with pure Aloe Vera Gel and continually update and enhance their formulas to keep Aloe Up safe for our customers as well as their environments. “We pride ourselves in creating the most comfortable, clean, and effective sunscreen available.” Dozens of athletes use Aloe Up products because they want to, not because they are compensated. Most people know a little about Aloe Vera Gel, but not the whole story. We know it’s good for you, natural and helps with burns. How many times have you come back from the beach with a bad sunburn — then, someone finds an Aloe Vera Leaf, breaks it open and rubs the gel on your burn? Feels better, right?

An honor to talk with Bruce Gabrielson this week at Surf Expo about surfing, surf instructing and his life. Founder of National Surf Schools and Instructors Association. Bruce “Snake” Gabrielson was a true multi-sport athlete, scholar, successful contest surfer, board builder, and leader in the surfing world during Surfing’s dynamic 60’s and 70’s. His first experience with surfing was in Belmont Shore in Long Beach during the mid-1950s, but it wasn’t until the early 1960s that he began surfing seriously at the Power Plant in Seal Beach. His parents moved to Huntington Beach in 1964. Snake was a very successful contest surfer during most of his competitive surfing career. He started entering USSA contests in 1964, received a 3A ranking in 1967, and soon after placed as high as 3rd at the US Championships. That same year he finished 3rd in the final US Rankings. Snake continued contest surfing through the 1970s and then after he moved to the East Coast in the early 1980s. In the 1990s he retired from active ESA competition and only occasionally enters a longboard or legend event, mostly for fun. He also sometimes judges contests in the Mid-Atlantic region. Besides a top competitive surfer, Snake was also a strong surfing organizer and leader. He was one of the founders of the first inter-collegiate surfing association while at California State University Long Beach. Then, while in graduate school, he founded the first official high school surfing league and first varsity surfing team in the US at Huntington Beach High School. He also founded Edison High School’s surf program, plus published a book geared towards surf team coaches. Bruce was also a shaper and board manufacturer. Taught to shape by the legendary Dale Velzy during his tenure at Soul Surfboards, Snake opened his Wave Trek Surfboards shop in 1969, and continued making boards in Huntington Beach until 1978. Wave Trek was a leading innovator in board design, plus a strong contender in the Southern California manufacturer’s team competitions during those years. Snake was the President of South Sea Surf Club in Huntington Beach in 1965 and 1966. Then, as President of Huntington Beach Surfing Association from 1967 until 1977, Snake successfully built the HBSA into a leading force in the surfing world at all levels from competitions to political influence. Additionally, as both the Western Association Director, and as a Director of the US Surfboard Championships, he was able to give the competition surfing world its “Declaration of Independence” from sponsor control and traditional community influence. In the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, Dr. Gabrielson, a successful engineer in the field of computer security, took on a number of “give back” roles in the surfing world. He has been an active speaker for many surf organizations, clubs and schools since the mid-70s, has been a strong supporter and spokesperson for the Surfrider Foundation for several years, has become one of the worlds leading mentors for numerous high school and college students doing serious research into various surfing related areas, has joined and supported surf clubs and museums throughout the US, personally led the development of Internet use for surfing sites, and has worked with various national sports organizations, including the USSF, to help gain surfing’s recognition as an Olympic sport. Among his notable sport firsts, in 1993 he put the first surfing oriented web page on the Internet and in 2002, he completed the USSF USOC application for surfing to become an official Olympic sport. In 2005 Snake founded the National Surf Schools and Instructors Association to professionalize the industry and subsequently wrote another surf related book “Teaching Surf Instructors to Teach” as a manual for the organization. He also re-opened his Wave Trek Surfboards company, now in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, and started shaping again. In 2012 Bruce became the East Coast director for the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame. In 2017 Bruce received an Honor Role on the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame for being the first varsity surf coach at Huntington Beach High School. In 2012, Bruce opened his Bruce “Snake” Gabrielson Surfing Museum and Surf Art Gallery in Chesapeake Beach. The museum has received a tremendous response and has been ranked among the top 20 Cultural Museums in Maryland by the Maryland Department of Tourism.

Rick talks with the multi-talented personal fitness trainer, Egypt Taylor this week on ‘Tech of Sports.’ `As a personal trainer, Egypt believes in online fitness and offers a variety of solutions for those looking for a healthier body, mind and soul. Her 5 week Bounce Back Challenge will set you up for a great 2021! Egypt attended Southern University, where she was captain of the Cheerleading team. In college, she attended theater/acting classes, which opened her eyes to the entertainment industry. Egypt earned her degree in broadcasting journalism, which then piqued her interest in film. Upon graduating, her passion for film continued to grow, & she is continuing to study and further her career in film & television. Productions: MTV Revenge Prank (2020) Zero (III) (2018), Music & Murder (2017), Push (II) (2016), The Perfect Race (2019), 2015 Push, 2015 Bad Apple. Fitness is also a passion and Egypt is active and interactive on social media. Get details on how Egypt can help you here. Follow Egypt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3gyptianfit/?hl=en “The Future of Fitness Fun”

Rick is joined by the COO of Life TIme, Jeff Zwiefel, this week. Each year millions of Americans set resolutions and fitness goals to kick off their New Year, however with many living a generally sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic it’s been difficult to stay in shape. A recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows there’s been a 32% reduction in physical activity this year and another poll finds 53% of people say their mental health has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. As we enter 2021, personal health and fitness has never been more important. Life Time is encouraging people to get back to their health and fitness goals by taking one positive action during its Commitment Day celebrations. On Wednesday December 30th, Chief Operating Officer of Life Time Jeff Zwiefel will be available to share how to kick off the New Year and commit to health in 2021 with a variety of tips and events such as virtual 5K, live and on-demand classes and more. Topics: How had the pandemic affected overall health and fitness? What is the importance behind Commitment Day and One Positive Action and how can people get involved? Can you share some key tips on how people can create flexible and sustainable fitness goals in 2021? Where can listeners go for more information? For more information, visit: www.commitmentday.com. Zwiefel joined Life Time in December 1998 as Vice President of the Health Enhancement Division, and became Vice President of Fitness, Training and New Program Development in January 2004. He was subsequently named Senior Vice President of Life Time University in March 2005, Executive Vice President of Operations in June 2008, and Chief Operating Officer in October 2013. Zwiefel brings more than 30 years of comprehensive and diverse experience in the health, fitness and wellness industry. Prior to joining Life Time, he was a senior leader at NordicTrack, Inc. for more than nine years, where he last served as Vice President of Product Development. He holds a M.S. in exercise physiology.

Rick talks with former Major League pitcher, Todd Stottlemyre, this week on “Tech of Sports.” Although Todd Stottlemyre may be best known for his successful MLB career, his accomplishments off the field are just as impressive. After leaving baseball, he pursued a career in finance building an asset management business at a high-profile Wall Street firm. He then, founded a private equity fund that owns, manages, and oversees several companies. Today, Stottlemyre is a global entrepreneur, speaker, and high performance business coach with a highly personal, transformative story to tell through his new book, “The Observer”. Far from being a fiction novel, “The Observer” offers actionable strategies for professional and personal growth and it is also the fable of Todd Stottlemyre’s life. He rose to superstardom winning two World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays but had yet to reach his true “peak” until the journey that began afterward… The Book: Kat has it all (money, success, recognition, influence) except the one thing she desires desperately: a fulfilled life. A business entrepreneur in the high-end sportswear industry, Kat is driven in relentless pursuit of ever-greater success. The two anchors in Kat’s frenzied life have been her father; a famous baseball pitcher turned team manager, and her son, who is following in his grandfather’s footsteps. When both anchors become unstable, Kat’s life tips dangerously out of balance. The market and her finances flip, and relationships start slipping through her fingers. Eager for solutions, she turns to find uncanny wisdom from places she never expected. The Observer unpacks the idea of 180-degree thinking, which changes everything for Kat. Now, seemingly impossible goals now come into focus with crystal clear clarity. As Kat focuses on the right things, the impossible becomes her new reality. -Release Date: December 29, 2020 -Publisher: Made for Success Publishing -ISBN-10: 1641465344 -ISBN-13: 9781641465342 -Purchasing Details: “The Observer” is available for Pre-Order on Amazon, Books-a-Million, Bookshop, and Barnes & Noble. Stottlemyre is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for 15 seasons most notably as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays with whom he won two World Series championships. He also played for the Oakland Athletics, St Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Awarded for his outstanding integrity and dedication to community service, he received the prestigious Branch Ricky Award and the Lou Gehrig Award. After leaving professional baseball, he pursued a career in finance building an asset management business at a high-profile Wall Street firm. He is the co-founder and owner of a private equity fund that owns, manages, and oversees a number of companies. Today, Stottlemyre channels his passion for winning as a high-performance business coach, best-selling author, and keynote speaker. Taking all he has learned both on and off the field, he works to help people achieve unparalleled success in every dimension of their lives. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: https://toddofficial.com/the-observer

Rick is joined by Alain Cohen, CEO of NeuroTennis to talk about their new tennis tech product. Features and benefits of NeuroTennis include: Two player or solo mode – NeuroTennis is most typically used in a two-player mode, meaning that the sensors in each device communicate with each other, across the court. NeuroTennnis App – The feature-rich app allows you to select lessons and drills from an extensive library designed by world-class coaches, including Mats Wilander. Taking it to the next level, you or your coach can easily customize content to specifically address your goals. Available for iPhone and Android. Game Modifying Technology – While other wearable tennis products just measure physical results, like speed and spin, NeuroTennis is about ingraining better habits and accessing your tennis skills consistently so you can raise your game while you practice. Training at higher levels leads to playing at higher levels. NeuroTennis is available now at NeuroTennis.com and sells as a pair for $269. For more information on how to train your brain and raise your game, visit NeuroTennis.com. Great talking with Alain and great information.

A golf app, that really gives you a chance at improving your game. Can a golf app really help improve your game? Charles Cox thinks so. Cox is the CEO of SwingU, an app that features real time feedback, information, and even lessons, all designed to help shave strokes off your game. Cox has blended a perfect mix of golf and technology into one of the most downloaded golf apps on the planet. Cox joins Rick this week on Tech of Sports. Golfers who download the app will experience: GPS and scorecard tracking A monthly lesson that breaks down your statistics A golf newsletter in your inbox with the latest news Free lessons from golf instructors A chance to sign up for instructional videos and drills/lessons from SwingU approved teachers A chance to sign up for one-on-one coaching A platform for coaches to create their own branded app to charge (or not charge) anything for instructional videos for current and future clients Have a listen and see what SwingU can do for you. Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, SwingU is a sports technology and media company focused on golf game improvement. The company owns and operates top-rated smartphone apps across GPS, scorecard, statistics, instruction, social & ball tracing. SwingU Clubhouse publishes an email newsletter reaching hundreds of thousands of golfers daily. Lastly, SwingU Academies develops personalized, branded instruction & training apps for clubs, teachers and academies. For more company information, please visit www.swingu.com.

According to Niall Fraser, Director of Golf at the beautiful Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, “there is no better time to head to Alabama to play golf.” So with that, Rick is joined on “Tech of Sports” by Fraser to talk about getting a course back in operation after a hurricane and the sprawling resort that he calls home. Fraser was born in Alberta, Canada and attended Michigan State University. He was hand selected by Robert Trent Jones Senior to travel the world to design golf courses. His work with Robert Trent Jones Sr. had a strong and lasting influence on these prestigious clubs: ⦁ Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown, PA – Over the past century has hosted many prestigious tournaments most notably the 1962 PGA Championship; 1977 U.S. Amateur Championship; 1997 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship; 2003 Senior PGA Championship; 2010 & 2011 AT&T National Championship; 2018 BMW Championship ⦁ Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, MO is only the third club in history to host all four men’s Major Championships. 1965 U.S. Open; 1981 Mid-Amateur Championship; 1992 PGA Championship; 2004 U.S Senior Open; 2008 BMW Championship; 2013 Senior PGA Championship; 2018 PGA Championship ⦁ Valderrama Golf Club in Spain is one of the leading golf courses in Europe and the venue of some of the most important golf competitions in Europe. 1997 ⦁ Ryder Cup; World Golf Championships; 1999 & 2000 American Express Championship; Volvo Masters ⦁ Adare Manor Golf Club in Ireland – 2014 Irish PGA Championship ⦁ New courses Niall helped design are: Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, VA; Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston, MA; Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, NY; Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club in the Dominican Republic; Anglebrook Golf Club in Lincolndale, NY has hosted U.S. Amateur, NY State Open qualifying, Met PGA Section Pro-Am, and 2013 MGA Mid-Amateur Most recently before joining the Grand Hotel, Niall was Head of Construction, while overseeing the planning and construction from start to finish. The 26 courses, a total of 468 holes, are at 11 locations across the state of Alabama. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and is part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The resort collection has eight properties across Alabama on or near RTJ golf courses. The RTJ Golf Trail has 26 golf courses on 11 sites across the state, including two courses at Lakewood Club. For more on the RTJ Golf Trail and Resort Collection visit www.rtjgolf.com. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa One Grand Boulevard, Point Clear, Alabama, 36564-0639 (251) 928-9201 – http://www.marriottgrand.com/ ⦁ The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is family-friendly historic hotel which recently completed a massive, three-year transformation. A top destination for business groups and leisure guests, the resort became part of the Autograph Collection on August 23, 2018. Known for its history and Southern hospitality, the resort has been praised by leading industry publications such as Successful Meetings, Garden & Gun, Travel + Leisure; ConventionSouth; Conde Nast Traveler, Southern Living and others. While new to the Autograph Collection, the resort first opened in 1847 and is known for exceptional service, Southern charm, majestic oaks and beautiful sunsets over Mobile Bay. The Grand is truly the Queen of Southern Resorts. ⦁ 405 guest rooms in five buildings on 550 acres and is AAA Four Diamond rated. ⦁ Hotel transformation completed in August 2018 and joined Autograph Collection. ⦁ “Latest and Coolest Hotel Renovations” USA Today, September 10, 2018 (Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Hawaii and the Grand Hotel). ⦁ Six new restaurants and lounges opened in 2018: Jubilee Poolside Grill; Bayside Grill; Southern Roots; Grand Hall; 1847 Bar and the Local Market. Bucky’s Lounge remodeled and outside seating area with fire pits expanded in 2018. ⦁ Seven restaurants and lounges ranging from casual to formal. ⦁ High tea offered Thursday through Sunday in the Grand Hall.