SQR+ Squash Radio

#42 Nathan Lake: The Englishman & World #36 settles in Chicago but his ranking continues to rise!

Hello and welcome to another episode of Squash Radio! This week, Conor is joined by Nathan Lake, a top English professional player.
 
The episode begins with Nathan discussing his recent matches at the Houston Open and reaching a career high rankings breaking into the 30's. The two discuss what it takes to play for England at the Commonwealth Games, which is one of the sport's highest honors.
 
Nathan talks about the transition from the UK to the US, the differences he's noticed between squash in both places, and how he's enjoying Chicago. They discuss prize money and sponsorships, as well as how social media fits into the lives of professional squash players.
 
Outdoor Squash is a hot topic that should not be overlooked! Nathan won the inaugural prize money event held in New York City on the new Steel court in Maspeth in 2021.
NOTE:          The quick fire segment will be aired as a separate episode so stay tuned!
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REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSORS: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ***NEW WEBSITE ALERT*** ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs. ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  Padel+ is coming to the United Kingdom and the United States. These are premium quality courts but at great prices.
Padel+  also offers a unique Canopy roof structure that provides an outdoor playing experience with the reliability you need to play your match regardless of the weather.Reach out to us at squashradio@gmail.com if you know of anyone interested in LED lighting.
 
 

#41 Alex Gough: 20 years at the Top! The PSA World Tour CEO discusses the journey, growth and milestones. He even talks about his World #2 finish for Wales.

Squash Radio is back with another episode! We have a really special guest this week. Alex Gough, former world #5 and current CEO of the PSA World Tour, joins Conor to discuss all things PSA!
 
Alex begins the podcast by discussing how he became involved with the PSA, what it was like when he first started in 2008, and how it has constantly evolved and grown since then. He discusses previous tournaments, the evolution of the personnel, new projects, prize money, events, and so on. The two talk about the PSA's latest partnership with Infront and what it means for the organization and the sport.
 
Alex talks about some of the things he's most excited about for the PSA's future, as well as himself, and how he thinks some of these goals will be achieved. He sees a lot of potential in changing the way events are organized, and he illustrates how small adjustments may attract a whole new audience.
 
Conor switches the discussion about Alex's squash playing days, recalling his time playing for Wales and helping them to a record World #2 finish as Finalists in the 1999 Men's World Team Championships. Egypt won their first Team Championship that year, establishing their domination on the international stage.
 
With so much going on in the sport, Alex Gough is the perfect person to listen to for some behind-the-scenes information!
NOTE:  The quick fire segment will be aired as a separate episode so stay tuned!
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REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSORS: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ***NEW WEBSITE ALERT*** ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs. ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport. 

THE BREAK DOWN (TBD): #23 Showdown in Chi-town at the Windy City Open

Welcome back to another TBD episode with your three favorite hosts, Conor, Bill and PJ! This week the guys are joined by John Flanigan and Yoni Ellous from The University Club to discuss all things Windy City Open in Chicago.
 
The guys start off by doing their best to pronounce Yoni's last name, and then get into the topic at hand. John talks about the behind the scenes work of getting the courts up and running (including the use of sledgehammers), and how they decide on the structure. They talk about experiences in Chicago in the winter vs. summer (Chicago isn't always freezing!?), and their excitement for this specific tournament. 
 
John and Yoni go into more details about The University Club, and how fan engagement can vary from club to club. The common consensus amongst everyone is the rowdier the fan base, the better, so bring your pom poms! PJ asks about certain fashion choices, and the guys dive into a discussion about winner's jackets. The significant prize money from this tournament is brought into the conversation. They end the episode with a chat about who they're excited to see compete. 
 
Tune in for the highest order of squash at the Windy City Open! Who are you excited to see out on the courts?!Link https://windycityopen.ussquash.com/  Feb. 23 - Mar. 2
 
REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSORS: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ***NEW WEBSITE ALERT*** ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs. ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  Padel+ is coming to the United Kingdom and the United States. These are premium quality courts but at great prices.
Padel+  also offers a unique Canopy roof structure that provides an outdoor playing experience with the reliability you need to play your match regardless of the weather.

#40 Will Hopton: Executive Director of Squash On Fire in DC talks about their approach for opening new doors in Squash

Hey there squash fans! This week's guest is Will Hopton, the Executive Director of Squash on Fire in DC, former World #2 Rackets player & Doubles Champion as well as a lover of all racket sports! 
 
The episode starts off with a conversation about Will's background in Rackets. He explains how he got into the sport, his experience with coaching, and his passion for other racket sports.
 
The topic changes when Conor asks about Will's current passion, Squash on Fire, in DC. Will explains a bit about what exactly Squash on Fire is, the walk-in pay to play concept, how they're trying to make it more of a social club (not just for squash), the European feel to it, and challenges he's faced. He explains a bit about how pricing works and how accessible it is to everyone. 
 
Conor and Will discuss the upcoming event that will be held at Squash on Fire, the Squash on Fire Open, which will take place from February 16th until the 20th. The two talk about who they're most excited to see play.
 
Will finishes off the episode by talking about what he's most excited about for the future of Squash on Fire.
 
Be sure to tune in to the event on Squash TV if you aren't able to join in person!
 
REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSORS: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ***NEW WEBSITE ALERT*** ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs. ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  Padel+ is coming to the United Kingdom and the United States. These are premium quality courts but at great prices.
Padel+  also offers a unique Canopy roof structure that provides an outdoor playing experience with the reliability you need to play your match regardless of the weather.Reach out to us at squashradio@gmail.com if you know of anyone interested in LED lighting.
 
 

THE BREAK DOWN (TBD): #22 Talking Points: from Asal’s Suspension to Paul Coll (is it the hair?)

Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Conor, Bill and PJ!
 
In an homage to Kornheiser and Wilbon, TBD is proud to present its very first rundown!  Since  the names PTI and PMT are already taken, and PJ’s salary doesn’t leave us any money to defend ourselves against copywrite infringement suits, we need your help producing a name for this segment!
In this episode, the guys run through a wide range of topics, including the recent suspension of Mostafa Asal, the rise of Paul Coll (and Bill’s love affair with his hair), college squash, Ricky Gervais, coaches getting too much credit, and much more.
 
Listen in for an episode filled with debates, squash stats, and as always, just the right amount of absurdity.
 
P.S. - we’re serious! Come up with a name for our newest segment of TBD and in exchange you get full bragging rights, a shout out on the next episode and a lock of Paul Coll’s hair!
 
REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSORS: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ***NEW WEBSITE ALERT*** ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs. ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  Padel+ is coming to the United Kingdom and the United States. These are premium quality courts but at great prices.
Padel+  also offers a unique Canopy roof structure that provides an outdoor playing experience with the reliability you need to play your match regardless of the weather.

#39 Simon Parke: The former World #3 Englishman, now SquashTV Commentator/Coach shares his journey…

Welcome back to another episode of Squash Radio! This week’s guest is former world number 3 player, squash commentator, and cancer survivor: Simon Parke.
 
The conversation starts off with Parke explaining how he got into squash commentary, and how it related to his squash game. He explains the mental challenges of squash, and reminisces on past games and tournaments.
 
Conor changes the subject a bit when he asks Parke to expand a bit on his past health struggles, specifically his diagnosis and battle with testicular cancer in 1995. Parke explains how it changed his life, and specifically squash career. The guys discuss their shared experience of appendicitis.
 
They continue on to discuss role models in Parke’s life and how his father encouraged his squash endeavors. This leads to a conversation about Parke’s own experience with fatherhood.
 
The episode ends with the classic “quick fire” section!  
 
REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSORS: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ***NEW WEBSITE ALERT*** ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs. ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  Padel+ is coming to the United Kingdom and the United States. These are premium quality courts but at great prices.
Padel+  also offer a unique Canopy roof structure that provides an outdoor playing experience with the reliability you need to play your match regardless of the weather.Reach out to us at squashradio@gmail.com if you know of anyone interested in LED lighting.

THE BREAK DOWN (TBD): #21 Mostafa Asal, Squash’s youngest super star creating a buzz AKA ”The Asal Effect”

In the first episode of the New Year, Conor and Bill sit down with the most talked about player on the PSA Tour, Mostafa Asal, the 20 year old Egyptian phenom who is taking the sport of squash by storm.  Mostafa discusses what it is like traveling the world at such a young age, his love of chick-fil-a, and driving in Egypt.  While we recorded the episode days before his recently announced suspension, we do delve into his thoughts on being the most compelling and polarizing figure the game has seen in years.
 
 
REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSORS: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ***NEW WEBSITE ALERT*** ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs. ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  Padel+ is coming to the United Kingdom and the United States. These are premium quality courts but at great prices.
Padel+  also offer a unique Canopy roof structure that provides an outdoor playing experience with the reliability you need to play your match regardless of the weather.Reach out to us at squashradio@gmail.com if you know of anyone interested in LED lighting.
 

#38 Barrett Takesian: A Community Builder, spreading a new vision of Squash. With a Community first approach that embraces everyone.

Welcome back, squash fans! This week’s guest is most well known for being the Executive Director of Portland Community Squash in Maine: Barrett Takesian. Barrett is the master of building community, which is definitely a theme throughout this episode!
 
The episode begins with an introduction of a new video project he’s been working on, in which he’s put his business model for growing squash programs, along with other programs, into a three-part model. He explains how he helped grow Portland Community Squash from the ground up, what worked and what didn’t, and how he can help others do the same. 
 
Conor asks about some of the trials and tribulations Barrett went through when first starting off, and Barrett goes into some detail about different roadblocks and how he overcame them. Once it got off the ground, however, Portland Community Squash has only grown and currently has 156 members involved in the programs.
 
Barrett then talks about what elements of the program he finds most rewarding, and sheds light on how he’s watched various students and players transform in such positive ways. This leads into the topic of dividedness, along with diversity across our country, and how Portland Community Squash is trying to combat the divide, and encourage the diverse, especially through exercises he describes as “iceberg talks”.
 
Before the quickfire section begins, Conor asks what Barrett’s vision is for the future, and the two discuss all of the exciting plans ahead, especially for community centers across the country. The conversation ends with the classic quickfire section, with discussions about the new James Bond movie, and potential Ted Talks.
 
Be sure to tune into an episode filled with conversations about community, diversity, and growth! 
 
LINKS:
Video – ‘A Matter of Community’
US SQUASH https://ussquash.org/community/
 
REACH OUT:  FAN FOLLOW UP > The Appendix!! In this segment, we will be sharing the feedback, comments, insights, you name it!  So reach out us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening! SPONSOR: This episode of Squash Radio (SQR+) sponsored by ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for your racquet sport needs.
ProSportLED and Squash Radio (SQR+) are both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  Reach out to us at squashradio@gmail.com if you know of anyone interested in LED lighting.