Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! Today, we have Robert Powell, Founder & CEO of the BGG Foundation. Based in St. Louis, BGG empowers youth by transforming their passion for gaming into rewarding careers. With partnerships with industry giants like PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox, Robert has created opportunities for underserved youth through tournaments and programs supported by local libraries, universities, and school districts. As a former pro player and Sony PlayStation Marketin...
Sep 10, 2024•31 min
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Joanne Loton, Film and Media Officer at Tourism Kingston. Joanne brings a wealth of experience from traditional media, immersive, digital, and XR, making her platform agnostic in her approach to storytelling. Now entering the world of esports from a tourism perspective, she is developing an esports strategy for Kingston, Ontario, aiming to position it as a premier destination for esports in the region. Join us as Joanne sha...
Aug 06, 2024•28 min
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast! In this episode, we chat with Ron Kerbs, Founder and CEO of Kidas, about his groundbreaking AI-powered software, ProtectMe Bot. Despite Discord's efforts to enhance moderation, toxicity still infiltrates voice chats. Ron's innovative solution addresses this gap by monitoring both voice and text communications to safeguard young users from predators, scammers, and cyberbullies. We'll explore how Kidas' technology empowers server administrators with action...
Jun 28, 2024•27 min
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, where we explore the dynamic world of competitive sim drifting with our special guest, a passionate tournament organizer deeply involved in the sim racing scene. In this episode, we uncover the origins of the Esports Drifting Association (ESDA) and its strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Next-Level Racing, MOZA Racing, and Firman. Our guest shares insights into the challenges and nuances of competitive sim drifting, ESDA's experiences at Dr...
Jan 30, 2024•35 min
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of esports and its intersection with education. Join David Bruno and Sean Dwyer, as they share their journeys into the esports industry, from casual gamers to key players in academic and competitive spaces. In this episode, explore the incredible growth of Cougar Esports at Camden County College, from its inception to current opportunities. Discover the NJ Pathways Project in Esports Production and Content Creation a...
Jan 16, 2024•50 min
Join us on the Esports Connected Podcast for an exclusive Q&A session with Titus Walker, the dynamic CEO of Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL). Titus, a lifelong gamer and visionary entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey from childhood gaming experiences to leading the charge in esports innovation. In this episode, Titus provides insights into UEL's latest endeavors, including a TV show, major tournaments, and a groundbreaking Casino esports deal. Learn about his unique entry into esports, ...
Dec 12, 2023•43 min
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast, featuring Mark Consiglio, a 20-year veteran in the event technology industry and current Account Executive at 4Wall Entertainment. Join us as Mark discusses his transition from traditional sports and entertainment to esports, sharing insights into creating synergies between the events and sports business. Explore his role in managing esports opportunities at 4Wall and the potential ownership of esports-specific equipment. Mark opens up about his entry in...
Dec 05, 2023•37 min
In this episode of the EsportsConnected Podcast, we sit down with Danielle Rourke, a technology strategist turned gaming entrepreneur. After a successful career at Dell Technologies, Danielle launched Gaming Culturist, LLC, a consulting business aimed at bridging the gap between the gaming world and education. Join us as we explore Danielle's journey from childhood gaming enthusiast to esports advocate, discussing her passion for diversity and inclusion in the industry, her unexpected adventures...
Nov 07, 2023•54 min
Welcome to the Esports Connected Podcast with Patricia Driscoll and Christina Grimes! Join us as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the dynamic world of esports. From the electrifying energy of live esports events that bring communities together to the ever-evolving technology that drives the industry, we dive deep into the passion and innovation that fuels this vibrant space. Our conversations touch on the significant changes and trends we've witnessed since entering the esports realm, hig...
Jul 13, 2023•30 min
What was your entry point into esports/gaming and what is your current role?: I run a network of nonprofits that use Esports for education and empowering youth; high school Esports Coach; collegiate Esports Coach. Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: I wanted more insight into the industry and how we can expand it into Connecticut. Tell us 3 fun/unexpected facts about yourself: I started a GI Joe toy repair business in the 5th grade; I wasn't allowed to play video games, and didn't ow...
Apr 20, 2023•32 min
Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role? I started in esports by helping build EGLX starting all the way back in 2014. Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA? To help develop the gaming industry in Toronto. What is your expertise/niche and how do you see that changing relative to the esports industry? What are you doing now? Where are you making an impact? I'm currently focused on building XP Gaming and through that, the XP Game Develop...
Apr 06, 2023•27 min
Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: We got drawn into the world of Esports through our Valari gaming pillow product, which we believe can play a role in improving the comfort and enjoyment of professional & casual gamers Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: We would like to be involved more in the Esports ecosystem, we would like to network with other businesses in gaming and Esports and we would like to learn more about E...
Feb 16, 2023•30 min
Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: I view esports as a terrific way to engage a vibrant community and audience for fundraising. My entry point was watching the Starcraft championships in South Korea. As a video gamer, it's awe-inspiring to see stadiums filled with people who want to watch a competitive video game tournament. Currently, I serve as the livestream gaming SME at Doctors Without Borders USA. Why did you decide to become a me...
Feb 09, 2023•39 min
Meet Matthew Hixon of Gamers Glorified. Gamers Glorified works with youth gamers by giving them a social outlet where they can come together in a safe environment, learn new games, and make new friends. To learn more about Gamers Glorified, visit: GamersGlorified.com Full Episode Q&A Why did you get involved in esports? What was your entry point and what is your current role?: I've been a competitive and professional gamer since 1999 Why did you decide to become a member of ESTA?: Because of...
Feb 01, 2023•36 min
When it comes to getting kids involved in team sports, it shouldn’t stop at gaming. Teacher Chris Aviles saw an opportunity to use kids’ love of gaming to create a team atmosphere and developed the first middle school esports team through Garden State Esports. He now helps kids from all over through school teams and events, helping them cultivate their love for gaming in a team atmosphere. Garden State Esports He joins Megan Van Patten on this episode of Esports Connected to talk about his journ...
Jan 12, 2023•50 min
Having an idea is only the first step in a very long journey to make a company successful. However, there are many nights of hard work and many different paths that can be taken to find the right partners and funding to grow a company. In this episode of Esports Connected, Megan is joined by Mark Besharaty, CEO and President of Gamelevate. Gamelevate is on a mission to become the premiere hub for esports information and content by sharing inclusive and diverse thoughts about the world of esports...
Dec 01, 2022•42 min
Although it seems very obvious that there’s a correlation between eye health and gaming, it hasn’t been at the forefront of research and solutions. Dr. Amy Czyz and her husband, Dr. Tom Czyz, Optometrists by Day, discovered an opportunity after they weren’t making their own health a priority during the pandemic. This was when they got the idea for SLY, the first of-its-kind, drink made specifically for gamers. Plus it’s made with the ingredients you need for better sleep and better recovery, whi...
Nov 10, 2022•25 min
Many times we don’t think about needing a lawyer or legal advice until it’s too late. However, this is the absolute worst time to start engaging a team who can help you with your due diligence and setting up things the right way. This is more important than ever in the gaming industry, and in this episode of Esports Connected, Megan is joined by Darius Gambin and Leah Leyendecker from Saul Ewing Arnstein and Lehr. They are lawyers and also the hosts of the Lawyers with Game Podcast. They talk ab...
Oct 20, 2022•29 min
There is no doubt talent plays a significant role in any success story; however, talent only is not enough. The right mindset, proper guidance, and putting in the work are also necessary. Coming from a family of athletes and entrepreneurs, Caleb Smith is the perfect example of that. Caleb Smith is the founder and CEO of CVS Entertainment and a franchise owner of Contender eSports in Cary, NC. CVS Entertainment provides premium encounters to improve the esports community, mainly in the Triangle a...
Sep 02, 2022•39 min
It may not be something we think about (or want to think about every day), but insurance is part of our daily lives, and getting the right one for your business and life can save you a lot of headaches when you actually need it. That's exactly what Chris Johnson, from the Johnsonese Brokerage LLC is here to discuss. In this episode of Esports Connected, Chris talks to Megan Van Patten about the importance of insurance in the industry. They discuss how insurance can protect your business and expl...
Aug 18, 2022•39 min
In 2021 we’re seeing the re-emergence of live events, and no one is more excited about this then today’s guest, Rebecca de Freitas. Rebecca produces Mega Events and is the Director, of Customer Engagement at Hargrove. In this episode of Esports Connected, Rebecca talks about her role in putting on live events, and why all industries need to be watching and paying close attention to what esports is doing within events. She also talks about how companies can stand out, even when working on hybrid ...
Aug 11, 2022•38 min
The gaming and esports industry is about connection, inclusion, and growth, but what happens when people interested in participating can't do it because they lack the resources to do it. That is why organizations like Varsity Esports Foundation exist; to ensure connectivity for low-income families and schools. In this episode of Esports Connected, Megan is joined by Bubba Gaeddert, Executive Director of Varsity Esports Foundation. He has over 20 years of experience in non-profit and development....
Aug 04, 2022•41 min
The 20% growth of the gaming industry during the pandemic turn it into a talent constraint market. Betting dollars, hours of content consumption, people buying the consoles, and the entertainment industry, in general, is heading into esports and gaming. Because of all that, companies turn into recruitment agencies and ask for help; they need to recruit double of what they initially thought they would. That is one of the many challenges recruiters face and some of the things we will discuss with ...
Jul 21, 2022•28 min
Being authentic and bringing positive energy, and of course, his natural talent for marketing, helped our guest, Jeff Donnelley, build a flawless and outstanding career as an independent contractor working with online gaming companies. After 15 years of experience in the gaming market, the moment he learned about esports, he knew it was the industry's next natural wave. Jeff hasn't stopped doing great things since then, and today is sharing all that with us. Jeff Donnelley is the CEO of MEGAFANS...
Jul 14, 2022•44 min
There is a difference between professional organizations and gaming communities; professional teams focus only on professional players and neglect community building. However, it is possible to create a community, have a professional structure, and be competitive at the same time, and Team 7AM is the living proof of that. John Smith-Howell, Director of Team 7AM, created a professional esports team grounded on community values, offering its players the opportunity to compete at the highest level ...
Jul 07, 2022•51 min
Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Bruce Stein, Managing Director at Westbridge Consulting, LLC. Bruce is an experienced CEO and multi-preneur. He has vast experience as president, CEO, and Board Member of several toys, video game, technology and entertainment companies. He co-founded and directed aXiomatic, an esports and video gaming enterprise. In this episode, Bruce shares his thoughts on the need for a connection in the gaming industry, the misunderstanding about esports, and why ...
Jun 23, 2022•6 min
There was a time when robots serving you drinks and food only seemed to only be real in a cartoon like the Jetsons. However, if you were at the EsportsNext Conference last September, you would have had drinks being served to you by CLOi. CLOi is LG’s robot technology, and she’s not just about serving drinks. In fact, she does so much more, including disinfecting public places by utilizing UV lights. Dan Leunig, Senior National Sales Manager, joins Megan for this live episode at EsportsNext to ta...
Jun 16, 2022•13 min
In this episode, we’re back at last year’s EsportsNext Conference, as Megan welcomes Chyron’s Vice President of Marketing, Carol Bettencourt. Chyron was one of the production sponsors at EsportsNext, and the ladies discuss how Chyron helped take the delivery and graphics at the conference to a whole new level. They also talk about events, and how it can be amazing when different teams come together for one main purpose. Plus, how hard that can be at times. They also talk about what sets Chyron a...
Jun 09, 2022•14 min
Joining us today to talk about education, esports, and gaming is Nick Turner, Consultant and Lecturer of Esports at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke, UK. In this episode, co-hosted by Brandon Brunhammer, our conversation revolves around the benefits of adding esports to formal education curriculums, staying grounded, and keeping things real as members of the esports and gaming industry and how to base the industry's growth on connection. We also talk about Nick's journey in the industry, what...
Jun 02, 2022•44 min
When you see a need, you don’t have to wait for others to fill that need. That’s exactly what Brian Exner of PwR Up GG did when he wanted a way to highlight so many amazing gaming and esports businesses in the midwest. Instead of waiting for someone to create the event he wanted, he stepped in and created it himself. Brian sits down with Megan and Brandon Bruhammer to talk about why it was so important for him to bring the event to life, and how he was able to harness the power of his community ...
May 26, 2022•8 min
