Tech of Sports

When it comes to cars, the sticker price is just the beginning. Depreciation—the loss of value over time—can be one of the largest expenses of car ownership, and choosing a vehicle with strong resale value can save families hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Kelley Blue Book Managing Editor, Sean Tucker, explains which features and vehicle types tend to hold their value best, why resale considerations are important for smart budgeting, and how to make informed choices that pay off long after the purchase. Sean will also reveal the winners of the 2026 Best Resale Value Awards, which recognizes the cars most likely to retain their value during the first five years of ownership—helping families find vehicles that are both practical and financially smart. For more information visit: KBB.com

Rick is joined by Jay from Jaycation this week. Travel with host Jay Jay around the world on Jaycation! Explore local culture, food and drink scenes. Jay Jay will also dish out travel tips along the way! He posted his first video in the Summer of 2015, a travel guide on a trip to Santorini, Greece. After posting, he was worried about what people would think of me sharing my personal travel journeys online. But he’s been well received and has quickly been growing his brand and following. He’s visited 100s of destinations and properties and is a popular influencer. From international travel to domestic and place like Las Vegas, Jay takes his followers around the world. Rick and Jay talk sports travel, Las Vegas and trends for 2026 and beyond.  

Also known as “iCyclone” or “Hurricane Man,” Josh Morgerman has braved numerous hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones around the world in the interest of science – in fact, he holds the world record for being inside the most hurricanes on the ground – 84 to date and counting. The Harvard-educated television personality also built a special, hurricane-resistant home in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi – an especially hurricane-prone place that was devastated by Katrina. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, nine out of the 10 years with the highest number of natural disasters have occurred in the last decade. Since 1980, there have been 403 natural disasters that have caused over $2.9 trillion in damage, and in 2024 alone there were 27 events that hit that threshold including tropical cyclones or hurricanes, severe storms, major flooding, droughts, wildfires, and winter storms. There has never been a greater need to build climate resilient homes. As the world convenes in Orlando for the annual International Builders Show – the largest annual light construction trade show in the world – renowned storm chaser Josh Morgerman is showcasing the benefits of building climate resilient, durable homes.

Rick is joined by podcaster and influencer, Jordan D’Nelle, this week. She’s on Instagram at @jordannelle She’s all about inspiring women and covering topics that some would consider taboo. Give her podcast a listen.@thevvvpodcast  

If anyone knows how to plan the perfect Italian vacation, it’s Steve Perillo. As a third-generation travel expert, he has curated hundreds of Italian itineraries that perfectly balance sightseeing, cuisine, and culture. 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year to visit Italy, especially as many major sites have been revitalized following preparations for the 2025 Jubilee. Steve continually updates his travel advice and has introduced new 2026 offerings, featuring two Italian guided tour itineraries with longer stays and less unpacking allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in a single region. In addition, Perillo Tours has introduced two new tours in Portugal and Ireland, continuing to broaden its offerings throughout Europe. Steve shares expert insights on off-season travel, and what to expect visiting Italy not only in the off-season, but in 2026. For 80 years, Perillo Tours has been perfecting the art of traveling to Italy, drawing on deep roots in the country to choreograph every detail for travelers, whether they’re joining a guided group journey or customizing their own independent adventure, so they can make the most of their precious vacation time. See more at: http://www.perillotours.com/ Steve Perillo is the president and owner of Perillo Tours, America’s leading travel company to Italy. A lifelong apprentice to his father, the legendary Mario Perillo who was also known as “Mr. Italy,” Steve represents the third generation of his family’s nearly 80-year-old business. Carrying on the legacy of his father’s famous TV commercials as spokesperson of the company, Steve personally stands behind every vacation sold. These widely recognizable commercials have grown to claim a new level of fame, most recently parodied by Adam Sandler on Saturday Night Live (SNL).

Veny is an all-in-one travel app designed to consolidate everything a user needs during the entire travel journey into one place, solving the problem of needing multiple apps when traveling. The idea originated from founder Mo Matraji, who, while traveling solo, found it frustrating to navigate through numerous apps. The app features real-time flight updates, AR and classic navigation, turbulence alerts, bag tracking, a full travel marketplace and more. Predict the Journey. Reduce Stress. Veny adapts to your travel mode Departure, In-Flight, and Arrival giving you exactly what you need, when you need it.

Rick talks to Wisconsin Badger football legend, Montee Ball this week. After a record-breaking high school career, Ball had a stellar career for the Badgers. In 2011, Ball was named First-team All-American by Yahoo Sports. He was one of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy. He finished fourth in the voting, with 348 points (22-1st place, 83-2nd place and 116-3rd place points). Ball’s fourth-place finish was the highest in Wisconsin history for a non-winner of the award, until Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon finished second behind Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota in 2014. He was joined by teammate Russell Wilson, who also received votes. On January 2, 2012, Ball scored his 39th touchdown of the season, tying him with Barry Sanders for most touchdowns in a single FBS season. He finished the season with a NCAA-leading 1,923 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns, while adding 24 receptions for 306 receiving yards and six touchdowns. In 2012, Ball scored three rushing touchdowns against Purdue, giving Ball a career total of 72 touchdowns. This broke the Big Ten record and the Wisconsin record of 71 held by former Badgers running back Ron Dayne. He also ran for a career-high of 247 yards against the Boilermakers. On November 24, 2012, Ball became the FBS career record holder for total touchdowns when he scored his 79th touchdown on a 17-yard run against Penn State. Ball won the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. Ball became the second Badger to win the award. Ron Dayne won the award in 1999. He was named as a Consensus All-American. On New Year’s Day, 2013, Ball became the first player in Rose Bowl Game history to score a touchdown in three straight years.[39] Overall, he finished the season with 1,830 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. NCAA single season records Most touchdowns, season: 39 tied (2011) Most consecutive games with two or more touchdowns: 13 (2011) Most points scored by non-kicker: 236 (2011) Big Ten single season records Most touchdowns: 39 (2011) Wisconsin single season records Most touchdowns: 39 (2011) Most rushing touchdowns: 33 (2011)

Rick is joined by Daren Hornig of CourtsApp. CourtsApp, the first AI-powered marketing and booking platform built to modernize court marketing and reservations across the red-hot racquet sports industry, has announced its official launch throughout the New York tri-state area. Founded by New York entrepreneur and real estate developer Daren Hornig and creative executive Kate Daggett, CourtsApp is designed to eliminate the frustration and friction that have long plagued the tennis and pickleball communities, making it now seamless and easy to reserve a court in any racquet and paddle sport. CourtsApp also helps facilities grow. By making every court discoverable and bookable, the platform turns unused inventory into real revenue and delivers a steady stream of high-intent players to clubs. With seamless integrations with existing court management systems, full control over pricing and rules, CourtsApp gives operators a simple and efficient way to fill courts and expand their reach. CourtsApp provides its software to the facilities for free and makes a commission on the courts it books. Currently live to players with more than 1,500 courts across 150+ facilities already signed on throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, CourtsApp will expand from Maine to Florida by the first quarter of 2026 before expanding market-by-market as club density increases. Additional play-in markets, including Southern California, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest, are expected to come online throughout 2026. Clubs such as the John McEnroe Academy’s flagship location at Sportime Randalls Island, Pickleball America, Padel Haus, all Sportime Pickleball locations and more are currently available for players to reserve courts. “CourtsApp was born from pure frustration,” said Hornig, Chief Executive Officer of CourtsApp and an avid tennis and pickleball player. “For years, me and my friends struggled to find open courts in real time and near where I wanted to play. We wanted a simple, reliable solution that matched how people already book restaurants, travel, or fitness. Now, with CourtsApp, they finally have one.” Hornig called CourtsApp the “OpenTable for courts. The Expedia of racquet sports,” and added, “Beyond convenience, CourtsApp connects people; helping friends meet to play, helping communities stay active, and making racquet sports more accessible to everyone. It is also a critical marketing tool for facility owners. Most operators lack the funds and expertise to market effectively in today’s complex digital environment, and CourtsApp does this for them and more. Our goal is to get players on the courts and help clubs keep their courts full. It’s really a win-win scenario for all.” Daggett, CourtsApp’s Chief Marketing Officer, resides in Connecticut and, like Hornig, is among the 25.7 million Americans who played tennis in 2024, according to the most recent statistics reported by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which was an all-time high and a surge of 1.9 million more than 2023. Pickleball has been consistently named the fastest-growing sport in the nation with an estimated 22.7 million players, an increase of more than 45 percent over the previous year. There are more than 68,000 dedicated pickleball courts in the U.S. “Racquet sports are booming, but the technology that supports them has not kept up,” commented Daggett. “Players expect the same ease they get everywhere else, and clubs need tools that help them grow. CourtsApp brings both sides together in a modern, intuitive experience that gets more people on the court, more often.” CourtsApp is also forging integrations with the leading court-management systems nationwide, enabling instant court bookings at participating facilities. CourtsApp is continuing to roll out integrations with leading pickleball and racquet-sport technology platforms. One of the first is DUPR, the pickleball rating system used by more than 1.6 million players and 8,000 clubs. This integration will allow players to bring their verified rating directly into the CourtsApp ecosystem and for players to book courts within DUPR. A Win for Both Players and Clubs For clubs, CourtsApp functions as a free, performance-based marketing channel. Facilities can join at no cost, with CourtsApp earning a commission on court time bookings. For players, CourtsApp provides: Easy search functions across tennis, pickleball, padel facilities, as well as table tennis, squash, badminton and racquetball Real-time booking confirmations Map View Secure payment via Stripe and Apple Pay A familiar, “OpenTable-style” user experience Players and clubs can learn more or join the platform at CourtsApp.com and download CourtsApp from the Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play Store for Android. Also… A Smarter Match: CourtsApp and DUPR Form Partnership To Power Verified Pickleball Play Everywhere Local Courts to Access National-Level Ranking Infrastructure, Building a More Connected Pickleball Ecosystem Where Every Match Counts CourtsApp also announced a strategic partnership with DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the global standard for pickleball ratings and verified match data. Together, the companies are building a more connected ecosystem for racquet sports, one where every match can count toward verified player progress and help clubs attract more engaged, repeat players. DUPR and CourtsApp share a common mission: reduce friction for players and facilities by connecting access, performance, and community in one integrated environment. “DUPR has become the gold standard for measuring skill in pickleball, and together we’re making that progress visible right where the game happens, on the court,” said Daren Hornig, CourtsApp founder and CEO. “Clubs are the engine of that growth, and as CourtsApp continues expanding from the NY Tristate area into new markets in 2026, our work with more than 150 clubs and 1,500 courts shows how verified play helps clubs boost utilization and revenue without changing how they operate.” Through this partnership, CourtsApp will integrate DUPR’s universal rating system directly into its platform, enabling players to: • Connect DUPR accounts through CourtsApp • Book courts on DUPR, powered by CourtsApp’s real-time availability engine • Record match results automatically, creating verified rating histories • Receive enhanced matchmaking and performance insights over time For racquet sport facilities, the CourtsApp-DUPR collaboration unlocks new opportunities to: • Seamlessly integrate CourtsApp’s AI-driven marketing and booking tools across 8,000-plus DUPR partner facilities nationwide • Host DUPR-eligible matches and Open Plays • Tap into DUPR’s 1.5 million engaged pickleball players to drive visibility and participation • Leverage data-driven insights to boost pickleball court utilization and player retention • Drive incremental revenue as DUPR-engaged players seek more opportunities to play and log verified matches DUPR CEO Tio Machado said that CourtsApp is building the digital infrastructure that helps the sport grow. “We’re excited to align on the shared mission of connecting players and verified play everywhere,” he said. Hornig added that when CourtsApp evaluates partnerships, the focus is on partnering with the very best companies in their respective spaces. “The alignment with DUPR is a trifecta as they work with facilities and players, which is the exact audience that CourtsApp focuses on, and within the CourtsApp platform we’re able to add DUPR’s rating to our expanding network of players,” he explained. Integration work is already underway, with new functionality expected to launch in an upcoming product release. The partnership represents a pivotal step toward a unified racquet sport ecosystem that connects access, performance, community, and technology while helping clubs grow with rising demand for verified play. DUPR announced it was partnering with USA Pickleball as the official ratings system of all USA Pickleball-owned events. CourtsApp is available for free in the northeastern United States with more than 150 facilities and 1,500 courts onboarded and accepting bookings for tennis, pickleball and padel courts. CourtsApp will extend from Maine to Florida by the first quarter of 2026 before expanding market-by-market as club density increases. Additional play-in markets, including Southern California, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest, are expected to come online throughout 2026.

Colton and Matt Christman, the father and son baseball duo from La Vegas, join Rick this week. Colton, a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher recently signed with LSU. He’s also a great student. Rick talks to father and son about youth baseball, the recruiting process and training. A fun interview and informative for anyone raising a baseball player or athlete.  

Rick is joined by: Commissioner Merle Heatwole, National Commander, The Salvation Army This holiday season, rising economic pressures are weighing heavily on families across the nation, with forty-five percent of Americans expecting national economic conditions to worsen in the coming year. In these uncertain times, The Salvation Army remains a source of hope and joy, serving nearly 28 million people each year through more than 7,400 centers nationwide. Through the annual Red Kettle Campaign, which kicks off on Thanksgiving Day, and with the help of generous contributions, The Salvation Army can continue to meet the immediate and long-term needs of millions of individuals and families this holiday season and year-round. More than two-thirds of Americans are worried about having enough money to pay for gifts this Christmas. The Salvation Army provided holiday assistance to over 2.3 million people last year. Volunteers at 24,000 kettles across the country will be ringing bells this Christmas in support of spreading joy. The average volunteer bell ringer raises enough money to provide up to 250 meals to those in need. Over 1.5 million volunteers helped The Salvation Army meet people’s needs last year. The Salvation Army serves in nearly every ZIP code across the country, and the funds raised stay in the community where they were donated. Donations can be made not only through the physical Red Kettles but also digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at any Red Kettle across the country or by visiting give.SalvationArmyUSA.org. For more information on The Salvation Army, please visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. More topics: Can you tell us about the Red Kettle Campaign and why it’s important, especially this year? How does The Salvation Army meet the needs of local communities beyond the holidays? Are there ways people can donate besides a physical Red Kettle location? Where can listeners get additional information on supporting their local Salvation Army? COMMISSIONER MERLE HEATWOLE is the national leader of The Salvation Army in the United States of America serving as the National Commander. He assumed this appointment on March 1, 2025. Heatwole most recently served as the Territorial Commander for the Latin America North Territory, overseeing Salvation Army operations in ten countries including Guatemala through Panama in Central America, Colombia and Venezuela in South America, and Cuba and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Prior to this, he served as International Secretary for Business Administration at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London, England, where he was responsible for global financial strategy and information technology. His extensive career also includes leadership roles as Chief Secretary of the USA Central Territory and National Chief Secretary at The Salvation Army’s National Headquarters.

Danielle M. Donehew is only the third person to lead the WBCA in its 40-plus-year history. She was named Executive Director on July 2, 2014. As Executive Director, Donehew administers all operational affairs for the WBCA, oversees all marketing endeavors, manages the non-profit organization’s $2.5 million annual budget, oversees all WBCA programs and services, and directs the office staff. She also oversees the WBCA’s external affairs, taking on active roles with affiliate organizations such as the NCAA, USA Basketball, the WNBA, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Women’s Sports Foundation. Donehew represents the WBCA as a non-voting member on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee, which oversees all aspects of the sport on the NCAA Division I level. Donehew is the past president of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, having concluded a three-year term as its president on June 10, 2020. She serves on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees as well. She is also an International Women’s Forum Foundation Fellow, completing in June 2016 the leading women’s executive development program in the world. Donehew continues to give back to athletics and the community through her service on other non-profit boards. She serves on the board of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, dedicated to the fight against women’s cancers. She is a co-founder and advisory board member of the Pat Summitt Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing awareness and funding to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. She also serves as an advisory board member for the Pat Summitt Leadership Group. Before coming to the WBCA, Donehew was the American Athletic Conferences’ associate commissioner for women’s basketball, serving as the primary conference leader for women’s basketball initiatives. Her responsibilities at the American included managing the conference’s regular season scheduling and television processes for women’s basketball; representing and promoting the interests of American women’s basketball programs at the national level with NCAA, corporate, and television partners; and administering the annual American Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. Donehew also served as the primary contact for IMG, the conference’s partner for the management of corporate sponsorship activation, including strategic partnerships and their fulfillment for all sport championships. Prior to her position at the American, Donehew served as associate commissioner for women’s basketball for the Big East Conference from 2009 to 2013. Donehew has worked at multiple levels in the game including the WNBA. In 2007, she served as consultant to a private investment group of community leaders in Atlanta to build the business case to bring a WNBA franchise to the city. In 2008, after the league charter was granted, Donehew was named Executive Vice President for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream expansion team, where she led finance, operations, television, contract negotiations, and community development. During the two seasons under Donehew’s leadership, the Dream was in the WNBA’s top 5 for attendance and the team earned a playoff berth in its second season. The franchise continues to be strong and competitive in postseason play Prior to joining the Atlanta Dream, Donehew worked directly with legendary head coach Pat Summitt and the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program for seven years (2001-2008). While she was at Tennessee, the Lady Vols earned trips to six Women’s Final Fours and won two national championships. Donehew began her career as a graduate assistant for the Lady Vols while completing her master’s degree in sport management. In her second year with the program, Donehew accepted the position of director of basketball operations where she handled all operational and logistical tasks. Over time, her responsibilities increased and she was promoted to assistant athletics director for basketball operations, where she continued her mastery of operational duties with a larger role in the area of donor relations. In 2013, Donehew was named an ACC Legend for her contributions to Georgia Tech and the Atlantic Coast Conference during her collegiate basketball career from 1996-2001. During her playing career at Georgia Tech, Donehew was the recipient of numerous accolades including an ACC Post Graduate Scholarship. In 2009, Georgia Tech recognized her with the Woman Out Front Award. As a student-athlete, Donehew was an active member of Phi Mu Sorority; held executive offices on the Georgia Tech Student Athlete Advisory Board; represented Georgia Tech on the ACC Student-Athlete Advisory Board; and was named the 1999 Georgia Tech Homecoming Queen. She joins Rick this week!

Rick is joined by a legend this week, in Gil Reyes Gil Reyes is an American fitness trainer who spent seventeen years as the strength and conditioning trainer for retired tennis player Andre Agassi, from 1989 until Agassi’s retirement in 2006. He was also considered one of Agassi’s closest friends and confidants. Gil Reyes was the strength and conditioning coach for the basketball program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before meeting Agassi in 1989. Reyes was their strength coach when they won the 1990 NCAA championships. Reyes’s approach transformed Agassi into a well-conditioned strong athlete. Reyes currently runs the Gil Reyes Fitness Center in Las Vegas. It was great to record this interview at Gil’s gym.

Learn How to Prepare Your Home and Finances for Wildfires; Hear Science-backed Action Steps to Help Prevent Ember Ignition and Why It’s Important to Contact Your Insurer to Make Sure You Have the Right Coverage. Joined by: Karen Collins; Vice President at American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) Anne D. Cope, PhD, P.E., Chief Engineer at Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire risk is increasing due to several factors, such as more homes and communities in wildfire-prone areas and changing environmental conditions that result in wildfires igniting more easily, spreading more rapidly, and burning more intensely. A new 2025 report by Cotality says nearly 2.6 million homes in the western U.S. face moderate or greater wildfire risk with a combined reconstruction cost value of $1.3 trillion. The massive January wildfires in Los Angeles County are the latest example of how conflagration can severely devastate communities.  The Eaton and Palisades wildfires damaged or destroyed 18,298 structures and tragically killed 30 people making it the costliest insured wildfire loss event in U.S. history.   As a result, large urban conflagration fires are occurring in more states, for example the 2020 Labor Day fires in Oregon, 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado and 2023 Lahaina Fire in Maui. These massive fires ignited and spread because these dangerous factors came together: dry conditions, high winds, along with flammable materials and vegetation near structures. Over the last five years, inflation has increased the cost of repairing and rebuilding homes. Construction labor has increased 36 percent and building materials are up 42 percent (source: APCIA Analysis of US Bureau of Labor Statistics data). It is more important than ever to call your agent or broker to complete an insurance checkup.  Make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild your home.    While wildfire has become a year-round threat, there are research-based actions to reduce the chance your home ignites during a wildfire. Taking a system of research-based actions can mitigate the most vulnerable areas of the home to meaningfully reduce the risk of ember ignition What to do: Have a noncombustible 5-foot zone around your home. The good news is that you do not have to compromise curb appeal! Top landscape pavers or river stones with ceramic flowerpots or planters that can easily be moved indoors during Red Flag Warnings for a beautiful landscape that also acts as a fire-resistant buffer. A wildfire prepared home includes: a Class A fire-rated roof, ember resistant vents, gutters free of debris and the last six inches of vertical space on exterior walls made from noncombustible material.  Call your agent to update your insurance and ensure your finances are protected. Make a home inventory to account for your property and valuables. Anne Cope, IBHS chief engineer will provide critical research-based guidance on what to do in the five feet around your home to help prevent it from catching fire during a wildfire as embers can travel miles ahead of the fire front. Karen Collins and Michael Richmond-Crum, property insurance and natural disaster experts at American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) will be available to discuss tips on preparing your finances for wildfires that you can use as well as share with friends and family. For more information please visit: www.ibhs.org/wildfireready and www.apci.org/wildfire Karen Collins serves as Vice President, Property & Environmental in the Policy, Research, and International Division for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). APCIA is the largest property and casualty insurance trade association with over 1,200 member companies nationwide. APCIA’s members write nearly 60 percent of the property and casualty insurance in the U.S. Karen provides thought leadership on property and catastrophe issues, with emphasis on risk mitigation and resilience to natural catastrophes such as flood, hurricane, and wildfire. She provides policy expertise on legislative and regulatory issues at the state, federal and international level, on behalf of the trade association and its membership. Prior to joining APCIA, Karen acquired 20 years of insurance experience with several major insurance carriers, in varying roles and responsibilities spanning Product, Sales, I.T. Dr. Anne Cope joined IBHS in 2009 just a few months before the groundbreaking for the construction of the IBHS Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina. As the Chief Engineer, she leads the development of research programs to improve the performance of structures in hurricanes, wildfires, severe thunderstorms, and hailstorms as well as the team of engineers, scientists, and skilled craftsman who conduct research on full-scale homes and commercial buildings. She is responsible for the team’s implementation of research findings into building codes and standards. Prior to joining IBHS, Dr. Cope was a project manager and structural engineer with Reynolds, Smith & Hills, Inc., designing projects for NASA, Department of Defense, and commercial launch operations. Dr. Cope’s research encompasses topics ranging from the full-scale simulation of wind effects on buildings to detailed studies of the vulnerabilities of buildings to natural hazards and the development of damage prediction models. She is also a proud veteran of the United States Army.

LaMont Jones joins Rick to discuss this year’s rankings and the methodology used by U.S. News, offer helpful tips for prospective students, and more. Topics: 1. U.S. News just released its annual College Rankings. This is year 41! Tell us about this year’s results. 2. How does U.S. News determine the Best Colleges? You have rankings for public schools, veterans, by state and more! 3. What sets U.S. News’ rankings apart compared to other “best” school lists out there? 4. What advice do you have for prospective students and parents? How can they use U.S. News’ Best Colleges rankings during college application season? 5. Where can our listeners go for more information? For more information please visit: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges MORE ABOUT LAMONT JONES: As managing editor for education, LaMont oversees a team of reporters, editors, bloggers and other freelancer contributors who produce advice and news content on K-12 and higher education. He has more than 35 years of journalism experience as a writer and editor. LaMont came to U.S. News in September 2019 and served four years as senior editor for education before becoming managing editor for education. Prior to that, he worked as senior writer, senior editor and co-editor at Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. Earlier in his journalism career, he was a copy desk editor at the Courier-Journal in Kentucky, a suburban reporter at the Pittsburgh Press, and a higher education reporter, race relations writer, and teen page creator and coordinator at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Rick is joined by Brian Farrell, Big Green Egg Sales Manager, this week. Big Green Egg is the world’s leading manufacturer of the premier ceramic outdoor cooking system, renowned for its durability, passionate customer base, and exceptional culinary results. From humble beginnings in a single store in Atlanta, it has expanded to a global live-fire cooking phenomenon in over fifty countries. Ideal for both home cooks and culinary enthusiasts, The Big Green Egg is the top choice worldwide because of its commitment to eco-friendly live-fire cooking with 100% all-natural lump charcoal.  For more information, visit www.BigGreenEgg.com. Brian talks with Rick about new accessories and where Big Green Egg is going. Notes: Experience live-fire flavor with the Big Green Egg Large Rotisserie. Compatible with your Large Egg, the Rotisserie transforms your Egg into a self-basting, hands-free roaster, delivering crispy, juicy, and evenly cooked meats with rich, live-fire flavor. Made from premium marine-grade stainless steel, this accessory ensures juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked meats every time. Experience It Lid-Open or Lid-Closed: Invite your guests to experience the joy of cooking over live-fire with the Rotisserie. When enjoying a lid-open Rotisserie experience, keep draft door & rEGGulator closed and use less charcoal.  

Great to be joined by Theresa Steven of VisitScotland this week. Direct from the VisitScotland exhibit at IMEX in Las Vegas. Scotland is a great destination for sports and outdoors enthusiasts and fans. Scotland doesn’t need much introduction. It’s a country steeped in traditions and history, yet firmly rooted in the modern age. It’s a land of majestic munroes and dramatic landscapes, often within easy reach of vibrant cities. At every turn, you’ll find myths and legends (if you know where to look) alongside centres of innovation, sustainable business practices, cutting-edge science and technology, and some of the world’s most respected academic institutions. Planning a conference, incentive trip, or business meeting? Maybe want to play historic golf courses or just explore? They had12 incredible partners on stand E1705 at IMEX, showcasing what makes Scotland a standout destination for business events: 2B UK DMC Scotland Cameron House Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) Horizons Scotland by Tour Partner Group Limitless DMC Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort Marine and Lawn Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh The Gleneagles Hotel The Hoxton, Edinburgh W Edinburgh Our team will also deliver Destination Presentations throughout the show, ideal for gaining an overview of what Scotland offers MICE groups. Alongside engaging on-stand activities, you’ll also learn how hosting your event in Scotland can create meaningful legacies and memorable experiences for both you and your delegates. Thanks to Theresa for coming on and the entire VisitScotland team.

Rick talks to Naomi J. Brown, MD, pediatric sports medicine specialist about injuries in youth sports. While playing sports can be important for both physical and mental health, injuries are bound to happen, landing millions of young athletes in the ER each year. Contact and collision sports like football, basketball, hockey and soccer often cause injuries, but so can other sports like baseball, gymnastics, bicycling and even ballet. Experts say establishing a healthy training routine is the key to preventing most injuries. This includes stretching and cooling down, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. Experts also say it’s important to avoid comparison, as every child is different in terms of growth, muscle strength and bone density. Topics: How common are injuries in young athletes? What are the most common types of injuries you see? What can children and teens do to prevent injury? When it comes to sports injuries, what’s the best option for treatment – an ER, urgent care or pediatrician’s office? Where can we go to learn more? Naomi J. Brown, MD, is a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) focusing on sports injury prevention, overuse injuries and pain management. Her areas of expertise are dance medicine, hypermobility, injury prevention, pediatric injuries, pediatric sports medicine, repetitive strain injuries, skiing and snowboarding injuries and sports injuries.

Great to catch up with Richard Terry of Inspired at G2E. A lot going in with Inspired in sports. Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (“Inspired” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: INSE), a leading provider of B2B gaming content and systems, is set to showcase its latest advancements at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). The Company is excited to highlight how Inspired’s content drives opportunities and success for operators across its diverse digital and retail portfolio. One of the highlights includes Inspired’s proven Hybrid Dealer® line, which innovatively combines live dealer elements with RNG efficiency. This solution eliminates the need for physical studios by utilizing CGI, green screens, and authentic footage to create a seamless, captivating experience. Inspired has launched this pioneering line with numerous operators, including BetMGM with MGM Bonus City, Caesars Entertainment with Caesars Palace Wheel of Wins, and more recently, FanDuel with FanDuel Tailgate Takeover, a football-themed Hybrid Dealer game. The portfolio, customer base, and geographic reach are expanding rapidly, demonstrating strong market momentum. Building on this momentum, Virtual Sports takes a leap forward with the unveiling of Soccer 3.6. This new release introduces Bet Builder mechanics that offer customized, multi-outcome wagers, enhancing interactivity. At the same time, Inspired broadens the scope of Virtuals, with differentiated content designed for both retail and online audiences, such as Fortune Flyer, a fast-paced, crash-inspired racing game. Fortune Flyer provides multiple betting opportunities, quicker event cycles, and a broader range of volatility. Delivering across multiple segments, Inspired’s Valiant cabinet continues to outperform with fun, engaging games featuring graphics, mechanics, and math profiles specifically tailored to resonate with North American players. One of the most anticipated games on display at G2E is Jaguar Gems, which embodies the “familiar but fresh” philosophy by taking Wild Mighty Tembo, a player favorite, and enhancing gameplay with pseudo-persistence, a feature that maintains game state across sessions. Additionally, seasonal titles will be introduced, promising to put everyone in a festive mood. Central to Inspired’s diverse portfolio is its omni-channel content, which ensures seamless engagement across digital and retail platforms. At G2E, the Company will showcase the breadth of its iGaming lineup, highlighting high-performing franchises, seasonal slots, and innovative features. Among the key titles is Wolf It Up! Again, from the popular Wolf It Up! franchise, which continues to grow in strength and brand appeal across North America. Seasonal titles such as Werewolf It Up! (arriving in time for Halloween) and Wolf It Up! Christmas will also be introduced, emphasizing Inspired’s commitment to seasonal and engaging content. In addition, another key iGaming reveal is Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel, which features a new multiplayer persistence mechanic called Player Link (US patent application no. 63/880). This industry-first mechanic allows players on the same stake to share a single Super Wheel across all games, along with a never-before-seen bonus game, further demonstrating Inspired’s innovation in creating engaging, player-centric experiences. Additional information can be found at www.inseinc.com.

Rick is joined by junior tennis player and PPA Pickleball player, Chloe Zigliara of Georgia. Chloe is a top junior tennis player and is being recruited by top colleges. She is also dabbling and experiencing success in Pickleball. Tough decisions ahead, but Chloe is doing it the right was and was a delight to talk to at a Pickleball event in Las Vegas. Listen and learn more about Chloe’s journey.

Sports and bad weather don’t mix. Rick is joined this week: DR. IAN GIAMMANCO; Lead Research Meteorologist, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) MICHAEL RICHMOND-CRUM; Senior Director of Personal Lines & Counsel, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA)       The U.S. is entering the most active part of hurricane season, which typically begins to peak between mid-August and mid-October. Now is the time to strengthen your property to limit potential damage and check your insurance coverage to make sure you are financially prepared if a storm damages your property. Natural disasters in recent years have caused billions of dollars in damage, which is a key reason why insurance costs have risen. To help ease the cost of insurance long-term, it is critical to increase the resiliency of homes and communities and reduce costly damage from severe weather. Costs to repair and rebuild homes and businesses after a natural disaster have risen significantly due to inflation. In the last five years, the cost of construction labor has increased 36.3 percent while the cost of building materials are up 42.7 percent. Homeowners should take time to review their insurance policy and verify with their insurer or agent that their coverage is keeping pace with these cost increases to help prevent being underinsured after a disaster. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) researches ways to strengthen buildings from severe weather and wildfire. The nonprofit provides property owners with science-backed guidance to prepare buildings to better withstand a severe weather event and helps inform future building codes to make our homes and businesses stronger. Adopted and enforced modern building codes are critical to improving resilience against storms. With an active hurricane season expected, now is the time for homeowners to understand the risk of their community and evaluate ways they can reduce the potential for damage to their home if disaster strikes. In this segment, Dr. Ian Giammanco and Michael Richmond-Crum will be available to offer tips to guide property owners as they prepare for a potentially active peak hurricane season, including: Upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof the next time you re-roof. This beyond-code standard will help keep your roof deck attached to your roof structure by using things like 8D ring shank nails that increase the uplift strength of your roof. A FORTIFIED roof will also keep you covered in the event that high winds blow off your shingles and underlayment, which exposes cracks in your roof deck and allows heavy rain to enter into your home. With a FORTIFIED roof, those cracks will be covered with flashing tape that IBHS research shows will keep up to 95% of water out of your home. IBHS’s Roofing Roadmaps is a first-of-its kind tool to educate homeowners about the expected performance of roof covers, including asphalt shingle, metal and tile roofing systems, in relation to where they live and the natural hazards they face. (Roof 101) (Hazard 101) The garage door is the largest opening in your home, which means it’s also susceptible to damaging winds that can cause it to fail, allowing wind to rush into the open garage pushing up on the roof and out on walls, much like a balloon, causing structural damage. Install a wind-rated garage door to prevent this. When windows and doors are broken by flying debris, wind pressures can enter your home and push on your house from the inside out like a balloon, leading to structural damage. Installing impact-rated windows and doors that can withstand impacts from flying debris will help prevent this.. Alternatively, installing storm shutters over your windows can also help protect them from flying debris, keeping wind and water out. Low-cost ways to strengthen your property to reduce potential damage. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage. Remove leaves and debris so water can flow freely away from your home. Secure loose items in your yard like flowerpots and tools that can turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds. Seal cracks around windows, doors, or siding to help keep the water out during storms. How to conduct an insurance policy review to prevent being underinsured. Other easy steps to take to be more prepared for hurricane season, such as creating a home inventory, having copies of your insurance policies in a safe and accessible place, and saving your insurer’s toll-free claims number to your phone’s contacts. Topics: This is predicted to be an active hurricane season. What steps can property owners take to make their home stronger and prevent potential storm damage? How soon should homeowners get a jump on prepping their property for the season? And if they’re behind schedule, what quick fixes can still make a difference? Why are the roof and garage door so important when it comes to severe weather and where can I learn more? What makes hurricane preparedness just as essential for inland property owners as it is for those on the coast? Why is it important for homeowners to review their insurance policies yearly and what should they check for to help make sure they have enough coverage to repair or rebuild their home if disaster strikes? What kind of impact does increasing severe weather in recent years have on insurance costs and what can we do about it? Where can our listeners go for more information? For more information please visit: IBHS Hurricane Ready Guide: https://ibhs.org/hurricaneready/ or APCIA Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery Page: https://www.apci.org/hurricane

Rick catches up with former pro boxer, Tony Jeffries this week. As an amateur, he won the light-heavyweight bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. In 2012, Jeffries was forced to retire due to hand injuries. He has since become a YouTuber who began posting boxing tutorials in 2007; he has amassed millions of followers. He began to box at the age of ten, inspired by his uncle William Young “Billy” Bryce, a former professional boxer. He joined Sunderland Amateur Boxing Club, and in 1999 won the School Boys’ Championships, gold in the European Cadets (U17) in 2001 and won the juniors of the 2003 YMCA International Cup in New Delhi. He was also a semifinalist in the 2003 Junior Brandenburg Cup and 2003 European Junior Championships in Warsaw. In addition to his success on social media platforms, Tony now owns and works at Box ‘N Burn boxing gym in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, with Kentucky fitness expert Kevan Watson.\ Tony Jeffriesboxing, 

Rick is joined by a rising star of the PPA (Pickleball) Tour this week. Meggan William, the top player from the island of St. Lucia. Meggan is a graduate from the University of Charleston (WV) with a degree in Exercise Science, looking to pursue a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy post graduation. The resident of Las Vegas played on the Charleston tennis team and now is one of the many players making the transition to Pickleball. For Meggan, it’s on the professional level. With some good results in 2025, Meggan now has a world ranking. She has her eyes on the Olympics if and when Pickleball becomes and Olympic sport. She’s traveling the country picking up valuable ranking points and watching her ranking move. Meggan wants everyone to know how hard this is and how dedicated you have to be. Pickleball may be a relatively new sport, but it’s ultra competitive. Have a listen to Meggan and her journey from college tennis to pro pickleball.

Rick talks with Joe Pyfer, UFC fighter this week. He’s rising up the UFC ranks. Raised in Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey, Pyfer attended Arthur P. Schalick High School and started competing on the school’s wrestling team in tenth grade, where he was able to apply jiu jitsu and judo skills he learned as a child. Pyfer made his professional MMA debut in his home town of Philadelphia in May 2018. He won his debut and competed seven more times and went 7–1, winning the AOWCF and ROC Middleweight Championship along the way. Eight fights into his MMA career, Pyfer would have his first bout in the Dana White’s Contender Series. He currently boasts a 14-3 record. Pyfer is scheduled to face Abusupiyan Magomedov on October 4, 2025 at UFC 320.

Rick is joined by Ali Garawi this week. Ali Garawi is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Muha Meds, Dialed Moods, and Dialed Labs, each contributing to advancing innovation across industries. Born and raised in Downey, California, Ali is one of five children in a first-generation Iraqi-American family. He majored in Business Finance at Cal State Long Beach and displayed entrepreneurial talent early on, launching an e-commerce brand. Hear what’s in if for you and how this is a passion of Ali.  

Rick and guests.

Rick is talking tennis tech this week. Discover the most advanced tennis ball machine, and the only autonomous ball collector – powered by AI. With Haitham Eletrabi, CEO of Tennibot. What to expect: Use Tennibot gear individually or as an integrated system. Automate drills and collect balls hands-free – all powered by AI. Tennibot mobile app interface for controlling tennis ball machines and collectors Shared interface and app integration Control all devices from one intuitive mobile app Tennibot mobile app interface for controlling tennis ball machines and collectors Works with all standard tennis courts Easy setup on any court surface or configuration Tennibot mobile app interface for controlling tennis ball machines and collectors Built for All Courts and Conditions Engineered to perform indoors or outdoors, with a durable design. See more at: https://www.tennibot.com/tennis/

Rick is joined by Kameryn Stanhouse, Vice President, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, IBM to talk about IBM and the US Open. Technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling fans around the world to have new immersive experiences of their favorite sport and players. How are these cutting-edge technologies impacting sports, and bettering the fan experience, and how is IBM working with sports organizations to digitally transform these experiences? New for this year, IBM is introducing AI-powered fan experiences for tennis fans, in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which hosts the US Open. At the end of this month, the US Open tennis tournament kick offs. For over 30 years, IBM has worked closely as the technology partner of the USTA to elevate the digital and fan experience for US Open. This year, new technology solutions will be introduced to enhance the fan experience at the 2025 US Open, including an interactive AI assistant to answer questions about all 254 singles matches, near live Likelihood to Win probabilities for all singles matches and AI generated quick summaries of articles, match recaps and more. Match Chat: an interactive AI assistant available during and after all 254 singles matches. Using IBM agents and LLMs, Match Chat analyzes real-time match data to instantly answer fans’ questions on topics such as player stats, head-to-head records, match insights and even player name pronunciations. Live Likelihood to Win: launched in 2021, IBM’s Likelihood to Win will now update in near real-time throughout matches to offer fans live win probabilities. The projections come from a comprehensive, AI-powered analysis of player statistics, expert opinion and match momentum. Key Points built with watsonx: for the first time, fans can now receive a “TL:DR” for all articles and match analysis on the US Open app and website. By clicking a button at the top of an article page, LLMs on IBM watsonx including IBM Granite will turn the page article into an instant, three-bullet summary. IBM has a long history of delivering next-generation digital experiences for some of the world’s most revered sports and entertainment events and venues. IBM’s sports partnerships are centered around engaging with fans digitally, and utilizing data in new ways, with the same AI, hybrid cloud and security technology leveraged by IBM enterprise clients. Kameryn Stanhouse, who leads the team who oversees IBM’s global sponsorship portfolio and IBM’s work with sports tournaments and organizations, will be available for interviews ahead of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament. She can share more information about the work IBM is doing with sports including how new technologies are impacting the fan experience, examples of IBM’s partnerships with major sporting events, and the future of sports, as IBM sees it. Topics: What are fans looking for in the future of sports? How is artificial intelligence changing the sports viewing experience for fans? How did IBM work with the USTA to bring the tournament to life this year? What other sports partnerships does IBM have and how can fans see this technology in action? How does this reflect the way businesses are using AI? Where can our viewers go for more information? For more information please visit: ibm.com/sports Kameryn Stanhouse is the Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Partnership at IBM. Kameryn joined IBM in June 2025 and is responsible for leading the Strategy and Partnerships related to IBM’s global sponsorship portfolio, which includes partnerships with US Open (tennis), The Masters, Scuderia Ferrari, UFC, The GRAMMYs, Wimbledon, and more.

Rick is joined by actor and comedian, Clayton Farris this week. A longtime Los Angeles–based actor and writer, Clayton has spent 17 years in Hollywood honing his signature blend of grounded performances and sharp comedic timing. In Weapons, he plays Terry: a substantive, scene-stealing role that marks a standout moment in his career. Farris, stars in Weapons, the highly anticipated Warner Bros. thriller from Barbarian director Zach Cregger, released on August 8, 2025. He joins the legendary cast that includes Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, and Julia Garner–and is currently filming several major projects to be announced soon. Clayton’s previous credits span standout genre projects across horror and comedy, including American Horror Story, Ratched, The Morning Show, and most recently, the hit A24 slasher MaXXXine. He’s also built a robust digital presence through witty, relatable sketch comedy—writing and starring in videos that consistently rack up millions of views, earning him the nickname “the Larry David of TikTok.” Clayton enjoys hiking in LA and also backpacks. He hosted a hiking club and we talk more about that. Enjoy this talk with one of my favorite people in Hollywood, Clayton Farris.

Rick is joined by WWE wrestling hall of famer, Rob Van Dam this week,. Van Dam is an American professional wrestler. Known for his unique ring style—which includes his variety of kicks, acrobatic movements—and flexibility, Van Dam is one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. He is signed to WWE under a Legends contract. He has held many different titles over the years and has wrestled all over the world Van Dam has also appeared on numerous television shows and in films. In 1995, he was in Superfights as “The Mercenary”, and in 1997 he appeared in Bloodmoon as “Dutch Scholtz”. On October 23, 1999, he appeared in City Guys, in the episode “El-Trainmania IV” as himself. In 2000 he appeared in 18 Wheels of Justice, on August 2 as “Robert Laramie”, and in The X-Files on May 7 as “Burt’s opponent” in the episode “Fight Club”. He also appeared on V.I.P. in the episode “Survi-Val” as “Major Ving Talbot” that year. On July 26, 2001, he appeared as himself on Spy TV, and again later that year he appeared as himself in Ultimate Revenge on December 2. In 2002, he was featured in the music video for Breaking Point’s “One of a Kind” along with starring in two films, Black Mask 2: City of Masks as “Claw”, and a cameo appearance in The Backyard as himself. Great to talk to Rob, especially with the recent passing of Hulk Hogan.

Alice Williams of T-Mobile.

For a Wireless Wednesday Live.

Rick is joined by Rich Mueller, editor and founder of Sports Collectors Daily for his annual visit before The National.  It’s the 45th National. Sports Collectors Daily offers a heaping helping of sports collecting news daily. We publish completely original sports collecting news stories you won’t see anywhere else. At least 20 fresh pieces of content are added over the course of one week alone thanks in part to some talented writers, contacts inside and outside the industry and a good old fashioned nose for news. We measure our annual page views in the millions. No other site can match the professional experience and journalistic quality of Sports Collectors Daily. We set the standard. As one reader put it, SC Daily is “the Wall Street Journal for our industry.” The National Sports Collectors Convention The National Sports Collectors Convention, often simply called “The National,” is the largest and most prestigious gathering of sports collectors and memorabilia enthusiasts in the world. Held annually, it has become the cornerstone event for the sports collectibles industry, attracting dealers, collectors, celebrities, and media from across the globe. Rick and Rich talk The National and more.

The multi-year golf course renovation at Cragun’s Resort, Golf and Conference is finished. PGA TOUR Champions player and course architect Tom Lehman led today’s ceremonial unveiling of the final nine holes, now known as Dutch Red. Once again, all 45 holes are open to resort guest and public play. Rick talks to Tom Lehman from Cragun’s Resort in Brainard, Minn. The renovation of Dutch Red—thoughtfully designed to improve playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels—includes striking new bunkering, four redesigned greens, and fresh green surrounds. The routing remains the same, but significant reshaping and clearing have enhanced scenic views across the course. Among the most noticeable changes is the improvement in playability on holes #3 and #4. Hole #3 now boasts a dramatic change in the landing area off the tee, nearly doubling the size of the fairway. The new green was moved 50 yards back with a soft chipping area surrounding the entire green, making the hole much more enjoyable for all skill levels. Hole #4 is now a drivable par 4, previously guarded by a series of bunkers and a cart path along the left side. The renovation relocated the bunkers to new strategic areas, moved the cart path to the right side, and it is now more playable and enjoyable. The new green on #4 is much more subtle but still allows for some terrific pin placements. Today’s grand opening was attended by representatives of Cragun’s Resort owners, Leisure Hotels & Resorts, PGA TOUR Americas, regional and national media, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for golf in the Upper Midwest. Looking ahead, Cragun’s Resort, Golf & Conference will host the prestigious CRMC Championship, presented by the Northern Pacific Center, for the fourth year, August 28 to 31, offering fans and players an exciting glimpse of the renovated Red and White layouts. Past champions include two-time PGA TOUR winner Jake Knapp (2022), Yi Cao (2023), and Frederik Kjettrup (2024). For more information, visit the website at www.craguns.com.

Rick is joined by Michael Brown, COO of World Table Tennis at the US Smash in Las Vegas. Brown is a qualified and experienced strategic leader with proven success in growing sports organizations. Now his attention is on table tennis. He leads Business Services and driving growth as the Chief Operating Officer at World Table Tennis (WTT). The role involves spearheading the development and execution of operational strategies across Finance, Legal, IT, Translation, and General Operations. Focused on key initiatives such as: – Driving commercial revenue growth – Ensuring effective management of commercial rights and intellectual property – Developing strategies for data collection and monetization – Managing the due-diligence process for potential third-party investment Great to talk with Michael

Rick sits down with Matt Hetherington at the US Smash table tennis in Las Vegas. He is a Marketing Specialist for Joola. From Hetherington: My involvement in Table Tennis after completing 3 years of an economics and financial analysis degree has led me into more online fields and digital methods of marketing and promotion, going from small contracts working in building online sales platforms to lead roles in table tennis marketing for USA Table Tennis and now JOOLA both in the USA and Global. Established in Germany in 1952, JOOLA has dominated the professional table tennis scene in the United States for over 15 years. Partnering with North American Table Tennis (NATT) early on, JOOLA established a strong presence through the North American Tour and NATT‘s flagship event, the North American Teams Championships. Each event in the Tour generally drew in 200 to 300 participants and showcased about 30 JOOLA tables, while the Teams event exposed the brand to nearly 1000 players, who competed on about 150 JOOLA tables. With each successful event, JOOLA grew its fan base and eventually became the most visible table tennis brand in US table tennis. JOOLA later served as the Official Table Sponsor of USA Table Tennis’ (USATT), the national governing body for table tennis, major tournaments from 2012 until 2019. This included the US Open and US National Championships. In 2019, Sport Squad, Inc., the US-based distributor and licensee of JOOLA for the North American and Brazilian market., announced its acquisition of JOOLA Tischtennis GmbH. Established in 2006 and based in Rockville, MD, Sport Squad, Inc. was founded by Richard Lee out of a love for table tennis. Sport Squad eventually expanded to include 4 different brands dedicated to offering interactive and immersive games and gaming equipment. It is the parent company to JOOLA, iPong, Sport Squad, and Hit Mit. In 2022, JOOLA launched JOOLA Pickleball and immediately took the sport by storm as the sponsor of pickleball world #1 Ben Johns and a partner of USPPA.  

Rick is joined by American table tennis player, Lily Zhang at the US Smash in Las Vegas. Zhang is one of the American hopes at this big World Table Tennis event. A six-time US national champion in women’s singles. Zhang has won the US national championship in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. In 2011, she was a bronze medalist in women’s singles and women’s team at the Pan American Games and won the women’s doubles title at the Qatar Peace and Sport Cup. She is currently a member of the United States National Women’s team. From a young age, Zhang showed promising skill. When she was 7 years old, Dennis Davis, the president and head coach of the Palo Alto Table Tennis Club and the North American representative of the junior commission of International Table Tennis Federation, began training her. When she was 11, Zhang made the U.S. Cadet Team. By age 12, Zhang became the youngest player to ever make the U.S. Women’s Team. Great to talk to Lily.  

Families are making plans for Fourth of July road trips, choosing cars over planes for everything from camping weekends to family reunions. Car travel remains the top choice for summer getaways but rising prices have prompted more travelers to look for ways to stretch every dollar, especially when traveling with kids, grandparents and maybe even a pet or two. Planning ahead can help avoid common road trip pitfalls. Experts say the right approach to budgeting for food, fuel and lodging can make a big difference. Small steps, like prepping for surprise expenses or joining rewards programs or using incentives and offers to help cover part of the cost, can help families save without cutting corners on fun. Rick is joined by personal finance expert Joe Saul-Sehy, to share practical, family-friendly advice to help make summer travel smoother and more affordable. Topics: Why are so many families choosing road trips this Fourth of July? Road trips can be hard on vehicles, what are some things people can do to protect their investment in their car? How can families plan ahead to avoid overspending? What are your favorite money-saving tips for food, gas or hotels? Are there any tools or programs that can help families save money while traveling? Where can we go to learn more? Joe Saul-Sehy is a creator, author and host of ” The Stacking Benjamins” podcast, named “2023 Best Personal Finance podcast by Bankrate.com.” Joe provides personal finance advice on a variety of topics, including major purchases like automobiles. Thanks to: General Motors and Barclays  

It’s summer, so we all need to be mindful about hydration. From long days at the beach, to outdoor workouts, travel and yard work, it all can leave you feeling depleted. Proper hydration supports everything from energy and focus to muscle function and recovery, especially for active people, kids and older adults. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences found that 100% orange juice hydrates just as well as water or a sports drink, making it a refreshing way to stay cool and hydrated during the summer months. Made of nearly 90% water and inclusive of naturally occurring electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, 100% orange juice offers a science-backed ways to rehydrate and recharge after exercise. Registered dietitian Amy Goodson breaks down the research and share smart summer hydration tips, including various ways to help hydrate. Topics: Why is hydration so important, especially in the summer? What makes 100% orange juice an effective hydration option, and what are some common misconceptions about it? Tell us about some of the recipes you’re making today. Where can we go to learn more? https://floridasnatural.com/our-juices/orange-juices Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered dietitian and consultant with an emphasis on overall health, wellness and sports nutrition. She has fifteen years of experience and has worked with Ben Hogan Sports Medicine, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, as well as with many middle school, high school and endurance athletes. She also works with the everyday exercising population to improve health and wellness.

Rick was at Media Day for the opening of the Hall of Excellence at the Fontainbleau in Las Vegas. Gray, as well as his partner in this endeavor, Tom Brady have put their collections of items on display as part of this unique museum. Gray is an American sportscaster. As of 2021, he is with Showtime, Fox and SiriusXM as a reporter, commentator, and interviewer, having served in the same capacity at ESPN, NBC Sports and CBS Sports. The Hall of Excellence features “history’s elite entertainers, with items used or worn by Elvis Presley and the Beatles; Jackie Robinson’s bat from the season when he broke the color barrier; the late Kobe Bryant’s McDonald’s All-American gear; Billie Jean King’s most iconic tennis dress; a golf ball smacked by Tiger Woods in his first Masters triumph; all of Brady’s rings; worn gloves from Muhammad Ali’s first bout . . . and Shohei Ohtani’s bat from last season’s World Series triumph.” It’s open to the general public. Hall of Excellence is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission will be $35 per person. Seniors, Nevada residents and military members will pay $30 with $20 tickets available for those 15 and under.  

Rick talks to Jason Nolf this week, from a top wrestling camp. Nolf is an American freestyle and former college wrestler who competed at 74 kilograms. In freestyle, he is a three-time U.S. national champion and a multiple-time medalist in international tournaments. He was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion (finalist in 2016) and a two-time Big Ten Conference champion out of Penn State. In April, Nolf competed at the US Olympic Team Trials, and won the finals of the challenge tournament after wins over Jarrett Jacques and Olympian Gold Medalist, Pan American Champion and 6 Time World Champion Jordan Burroughs. During Saturday’s Championship Series, facing Olympian Bronze Medalist and four-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake, Nolf was defeated on points, ending his hopes of a run at the Summer Olympics. Check out https://rich-habits.com/ for more info.

Rick talks fitness in 2025 and supplements with Patty Brewton. As summer approaches, many people begin focusing more on their health, fitness, and wellness routines, often kick-starting their efforts to get in shape for the season. However, more than half of adults are unaware that supplements can play a key role in supporting their fitness regimen. Supplements like protein, creatine, and pre-workout can be helpful tools to enhance performance, build muscle, and support recovery—yet many people overlook how they can contribute to a healthy, balanced routine. Understanding how these supplements can complement a fitness regimen and healthy diet can make a significant difference in achieving wellness goals. Despite the buzz around these supplements 54% of adults under 49 either don’t know or are unsure of how much protein they should consume daily. It’s not just protein – only 38% are aware of the benefits of pre-workout supplements, and fewer than 30% understand the advantages of creatine. Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Patty Brewton is here to clear up the confusion. A former Division I collegiate swimmer with a degree in kinesiology, she guides people to train smarter by combining the right exercise, nutrition, and supplements. Topics: Summer is just around the corner and with many people focused on getting in shape, how would you suggest our viewers enhance their fitness and wellness routines? Tell us more. Are you suggesting supplements? I keep hearing about protein and creatine. They’re making headlines right now, can you tell us more? When and how do we take each of these? Where can viewers go if they want more information? Link: https://nutrabolt.com/

Rick is joined by Sam Sutton of Rich Habits to talk about a unique elite wresting camp in Las Vegas. The camp includes: Elite Instruction Learn from proven champions who have competed at the highest levels of wrestling. Personalized Development Receive individual attention and customized feedback to accelerate your progress. Competition Preparation Master the mental and physical preparation needed for championship performance. Technical Mastery Perfect advanced techniques with step-by-step instruction from elite athletes. Elite Clinicians Train directly with championship-level wrestlers who have competed at the highest levels of the sport. Event Details: June 5-7, 2025 Location Las Vegas, NV Price Check website Single day: $175 Capacity Limited to 200 wrestlers Age Group 8-18 years https://rich-habits.com/events/2 Train directly with championship-level wrestlers who have competed at the highest levels of the sport. Vincenzo Joseph 2x NCAA Champion Joseph’s success as a 2x NCAA Champion demonstrates his mastery of high-level wrestling techniques and competition strategy. He specializes in developing wrestlers for championship-level performance and mental preparation. Mark Hall 3x NCAA Champion Hall brings championship experience at both collegiate and international levels as an NCAA Champion and Junior World Champion. His coaching focuses on developing the technical precision and mental toughness needed for elite competition. Jason Nolf 3x NCAA Champion Nolf’s dominance as a 3x NCAA Champion and World Team Member makes him one of the most accomplished clinicians in wrestling. His technical expertise and competitive experience provide invaluable insights for elite-level development. What’s Included: Train directly with NCAA Champions and World Team members Advanced video analysis system Professional nutrition plan and guidance Premium camp gear package Scholarship opportunity evaluation

From the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, I talk trading cards, games and more with Jason Masherah of Upper Deck. Jason joins Rick to discuss the future of licensed sports and entertainment trading cards, memorabilia, games and more. Since its groundbreaking 1989 Baseball set, Upper Deck has consistently aimed to capture the thrill of the sport and provide fans and collectors with high-quality, innovative, authentic, and collectible products. This mission has remained our top priority. Our business was originally focused on sports trading cards, but over the years has expanded to include other products including entertainment trading cards, authenticated memorabilia, gallery prints, and authentic digital collectibles. Upper Deck prides itself on being a pioneer in technology and quality with its products and processes. Upper Deck’s long list of accomplishments include: – 5-StepAuthentication Process – Personalized Trading Cards – e-Pack Marketplace – Authentic Digital Collectibles – Personalized Trading Cards Upper Deck Authenticated® Upper Deck Authenticated® (UDA) became the first division to create and develop a five-step authentication process that assures fans are getting genuine autographs. Today the company has relationships with many biggest sports and entertainment stars and produces some premium sports memorabilia. For more information on UDA, please visit the About Upper Deck Authenticated page. Entertainment and Gaming Upper Deck has built a roster of key licenses including DC Comics, Neopets, and Halo. In addition to licensed products, Upper Deck has developed original games including Legendary and VS. System with plans to launch the highly anticipated game Rush of Ikorr.  

Rick is joined this week by the CEO of an exciting new sports talk platform, David Berman of SportsTalk247.com. Sportstalk 24/7 provides conversation solutions to the entertainment and sports industries. We enable high-profile brands to engage with customers, fans and more! Chat Features Massive scale with unlimited number of participants Real time fan interaction Sponsorship and promoted messages Supports replies and reactions Easy to use dashboard with key stats Advanced Moderation Options (AI based & manual) File delivery / data retrieval Chat history SmartScale – superior performance for the first user to the peak user User Channels Support for Chat Bots Moderation Permanent and temporary bans Naughty words filter Pre and Post moderation filters using web hooks Predictable pricing Security & Compliance All new features will be automatically added to your account

Rick is joined by one of the all-time greats. Former ATP No. 1 Mats Wilander. He was ranked as the world No. 1 in men’s singles by the ATP for 20 weeks, including as the year-end No. 1 in 1988. Wilander won 33 career singles titles, including seven majors (three each at the French Open and Australian Open, and one at the US Open), and seven career doubles titles, including a major in men’s doubles at Wimbledon. Mats was appearing at the Grand Opening of the Game, Set, Match tennis and pickleball store in Henderson, NV. Always great to get a couple minutes with Mats.  

Rick is joined by Lori Oliver and Jill MacRae, the co-founders of Atlanta-based, The Inactive Company. The Inactive Company launched nationally in conjunction with the Global Sleep Symposium (May 1 in NYC) its innovative sleep mask, Inactivators, as a science-backed solution to help combat stress by promoting deeper, restorative sleep. Inactivators feature a patented five-layer design. They are not just sleep masks; they act as a performance tool for anyone looking to enhance their sleep quality, especially during periods of heightened anxiety and stress. More than 60 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and only one in three adults gets the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Even mild sleep deprivation can lead to increased stress, cognitive decline, and long-term health risks like high blood pressure and obesity. As April marked National Stress Awareness Month, Atlanta-based sleep performance company The Inactive Company is showcasing its innovative sleep mask, Inactivators, as a science-backed solution to help combat stress by promoting deeper, restorative sleep. Developed over more than a year, largely in collaboration with hospitality and performance brands such as Equinox Hotels, the National Football League, and Collegiate Football properties, the Inactivators feature a patented five-layer design. They are not just sleep masks; they act as a performance tool for anyone looking to enhance their sleep quality, especially during periods of heightened anxiety and stress. “Stress and sleep are closely interconnected. Each affects the other, and both can be improved with the right tools,” says Lori Oliver, co-founder of The Inactive Company. “Inactivators are designed to support your sleep physiology, allowing your body to restore, recover, and recharge each night.”

Rick talks with a young entrepreneur in Ryan Burbary of Velociti Tennis. The future of tennis and tennis products. From Ryan: When it comes to the environment, every piece of waste counts. That’s why I started with small steps as we worked up to industry-changing evolutions. Single-use packaging: We started eliminating product packaging wherever possible. Sure, product packaging can help with marketing, but we don’t feel it’s always worth the environmental cost. So, we’re testing removing packaging to eliminate single-use waste on some of our products. That’s why our TurboPoly string and NEH string are sold without traditional packaging that is thrown away. Greenhouse gases: We’re selling some of our products in bulk in hopes of reducing emissions. For example, our NEH string can be purchased in sets of 5 and Velociti Catalyst can be purchased as a reel so that players who know and love these products can reduce pollution from additional shipments. Product duration: Making products last longer is another great way to reduce waste. Our Grip-Enhancing Towel can help prolong the life of tennis grips so they don’t need to be replaced as often. Durability is also a top priority in our tennis string manufacturing. Biodegradable products: The first three steps are all great small steps to an eco-friendlier world of tennis, but the real game-changer came in late 2022. In 2022, we invented the first-ever fully biodegradable polyester string, Velociti Catalyst. Catalyst biodegrades in just 3 to 5 years compared with the 400 to 600 years it takes other synthetic tennis strings to decompose. Velociti is continuing to research other uses for our biodegradable additive, and we hope to launch new biodegradable products in the near future. Velociti Tennis is the worldwide leader in environmentally sustainable tennis string. The products feature biodegradable materials and minimal single-use packaging to reduce tennis waste. Give Velociti tennis string a try and you’ll find it plays just as well as the top brands.

A great talk today with AJ Bartlett of Diadem. From Diadem: At Diadem Sports, our journey began in 2015 with a vision that transcends tennis rackets and pickleball paddles. Founded Pompano Beach, Florida—the heartbeat of the sports industry—we set out to redefine what it means to play. As the last American tennis brand, we’ve built our legacy on innovation. Our team, boasting over a century of combined experience as collegiate and pro players and coaches, saw beyond the status quo. We didn’t just see strings and rackets; we saw untapped potential. This insight led to breakthroughs like our Solstice Power string with patented Star Core Technology, offering unparalleled spin and control. But our mission goes deeper than creating top-tier products. We believe in “Live to Play”—a philosophy that shapes everything we do. It’s about recognizing that when we pick up a racket or paddle, we’re engaging in something profoundly human. We play for physical fitness and nurturing our health and wellness. We play for the joy of social interaction, satisfying our innate desire to connect with others. This belief has guided our expansion from tennis into the vibrant world of pickleball. It’s why we’ve diversified our product line with a full range of pickleball gear. Each product is a testament to our commitment to innovation, designed in-house to help you play better. Yet, “Live to Play” is more than a tagline; it’s a call to action. In a world that often feels disconnected, we’re using sports as a bridge. Tennis and pickleball aren’t just games; they’re platforms for human connection. They’re opportunities to step away from screens, engage with others, and remember the simple joy of play. As we continue to grow, partnering with distributors worldwide, our vision remains unchanged. We’re here to innovate, to redefine the game, but more importantly, to remind you of why you play. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, when you choose Diadem, you’re choosing more than equipment. You’re embracing a lifestyle that celebrates movement, connection, and the sheer delight of being active. Join us in this journey. Live to Play, and let’s make every serve, every volley, and every point a celebration of what makes us human. Tennis and pickleball players should try Diadem. Have a listen to Rick and AJ.  

Wrapping up Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, Rick talks with Dan Richer, award winning pizza chef. Dan offers insights into his craft, ingredient sourcing, and he has an upcoming collaboration with the leading dairy free brand Violife. Dan has been recognized as one of the best pizza makers in the world, with Razza earning accolades such as: Pizza Maker of the Year (2023) – 50TopPizza Pizzeria of the Year (2021) – PizzaToday.com One of the 22 Best Pizzas in North America (2024) – The New York Times (glowing review from Pete Wells)

Rick and Ed Walsh on AI.