SQR+ Squash Radio

#33 Danielle Maur: Former National Director of Racquet Sports at Life Time, launches Squash 3.0

This week’s guest is Danielle Maur, former National Director of Racquet Sports at Life Time Fitness, CEO & Co-founder of Global Squash, and named on the list of the top 50 most influential people in the sport of squash by Squash Magazine.
 
The episode begins with Danielle discussing her time at Life Time Fitness, from how she helped it grow, to her role in the education of the club, to how she advocated for squash courts to be part of fitness clubs. She continues on to discuss how important community and friendships are in the game of squash, and how building squash communities at fitness clubs could help the sport to grow, especially in regards to gyms. She brings up points on why it isn’t as simple as just putting a squash court in every gym and hoping players come – there’s a fine balance between the community, utilizing space in the best way possible, and how finances come into all of it.
 
The conversation continues to a comparison of racquet sports, especially in a sports club setting. Of course, all are similar in a lot of ways, but Danielle brings up how, for example, tennis brings in a different crowd than squash, including revenue, engagement, and space.
 
The dialog takes a slight shift when Conor brings up the topic of both Danielle and her husband Andre’s past health scares. Danielle discusses her experience with burn out, trying to keep everyone happy, and eventually suffering a stroke and in turn, falling into coma. She’s passionate about how people can recover from trauma, especially through mental determination, and gives advice on what has helped her.
 
The episode wraps up with Danielle discussing her newest endeavor with her husband, Squash 3.0, which is an online course for squash coaches to revamp their teaching styles, and live up to their highest potential. Find more information on Danielle’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/globalsquashevent/.
 
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.

THE BREAK DOWN (TBD): #18 Dirty Laundry with Sheldon Anderson (National & PSA Referee)

Welcome to TBD Episode 18!  Conor, PJ and Bill welcome special guest Sheldon Anderson.  Sheldon shares his insights on the state of officiating in squash and the continuing steps being taken to further professionalize this critical aspect of the sport.  Based on Sheldon’s long career in the hospitality industry, this episode's R&R segment is devoted to sharing our top hotel experiences.  Have a listen as the guys air their own dirty laundry!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.
 

#32 Alicia McConnell: Former USOC Executive, Squash Champion, Mentor, Advocate for Women in Sports & more!

It’s an honor to have past U.S. #1 Alicia McConnell, in the hot seat today! A sports fanatic from a young age, Alicia’s rise to stardom may have appeared seamless from the outside, but it was certainly not an easy journey. In this episode, Alicia describes the mental health struggles that she went through when she was playing professionally, the immense pressure that she felt, and the lack of support she received. We discuss how Alicia got through this, and she shares some valuable advice for anyone who may be experiencing something similar. After her playing career came to an end, Alicia stayed close to the squash world, first as a coach, and then as part of the United States Olympic Committee, and she shares what she loved about both of these roles, and some of the incredible projects that she was an integral part of. We end the episode with a few questions that give further insights into Alicia’s personal life, and her passion for giving back.
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
Alicia describes what it was like working in the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).
Two of the achievements that Alicia is most proud of. 
Some of the organizations and corporations that USOC partnered with. 
Why Alicia recommends that communities build skateparks.
Accessibility barriers that exist in the sport of squash. 
The importance of keeping squash up to date with progression in the digital world.
How the skills Alicia learned in squash impacted other areas of her life, and inspired her to pass those onto others.
Alicia explains what her childhood was like, and the tumultuous relationship she had with squash.
Upsides and downsides of Alicia’s fierce independence.
Lack of support Alicia experienced when she was at the top of her game.
Anger and negativity that Alicia was prone to, and the moment that fueled her to seek help. 
Struggles that Alicia experienced on her journey to self-fulfillment. 
Alicia’s love for coaching.
How Alicia became a part of the USOC. 
Things that bring joy into Alicia’s life.
Alicia’s passion for giving back. 
Highlights:
 
“We need to look at an athlete as a full person, a balanced person, with their mental, emotional, physical, spiritual life. It’s way more than just a medal.” — Alicia McConnell [0:02:26]
 
“A lot of countries supported their athletes; I was just out there on my own trying to figure this thing out.” — Alicia McConnell [0:31:13]
 
“You need support, you need to tell people how you feel. First you need to become aware of how you feel, and be kind to yourself.” — Alicia McConnell [0:32:23]
 
“You have to really get to know yourself and like yourself, and whatever you do, you can make that your own success. You don’t have to have other people tell you that it’s a success.” — Alicia McConnell [0:40:18]
 
“If you were given a lot in your life, to give back gives you a strong sense of purpose, and I think it’s really important.” — Alicia McConnell [01:02:09]
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Alicia McConnell on LinkedIn
Grand Canyon
 
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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.
 

THE BREAK DOWN (TBD): #17 Olym-Pics: TBD Goes to the Movies

This week on The Breakdown, Conor, Bill and PJ start the episode off by checking in with each other and touch base on what they’ve been up to over the past couple of weeks, from PJ arriving back in the states, to golf games, to Bill’s love of Gerry Gibson.
 
This episode mostly focuses on two main topics: the guys’ top three favorite sports movies of all time, and the Olympics. Of course squash comes up in relation to the Olympics, which leads to an interesting discussion about opinions on why squash should/shouldn’t be a part of it, and how it could be possible.  
 
Conor starts off the favorite sports movies conversation (as a note – some movie spoilers throughout the movie ranking section of this episode!) with a mention of Moneyball, which sparks an in depth dialogue about the film. He mentions a couple other favorites, and next up is PJ, and then onto Bill. The whole Rocky series is a common thread among the three, but each one has a different preference (can you guess?!).
 
The Olympics seems to be the hot topic right now, with the summer 2021 games just coming to a close, and the guys go over what they watched, what they didn’t watch, and why they aren’t tuning in as much these days. Naturally among three squash fans, the topic of squash in the Olympics comes up, and the discussion leads to how the game could be adjusted to make it more plausible for the Olympic games. Different balls? Change the court? Tin height adjustment? Should we even be trying to get squash into the Olympics?
 
Tune in for in depth movie critiques, opinions on the Olympics, squash as a sport, and more! How do your opinions compare? Reach out and let us know! 
 
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.

#31 Anderson Good: Former Head Coach of George Washington, shares the experience of Squash getting the ax!

In this episode of Squash Radio (SqR), Conor sits down with Anderson Good, the former Head Men’s and Women’s Squash Coach at George Washington University (GW).
Anderson has the distinction of being one of the youngest Head Coach of a Division 1 program in college squash history.  He took over the reins of the GW program from the talented Wendy Lawrence.
The GW program made headlines in the Squash world during Covid-19, when the Athletic Department decided to cut Squash along with several other sports.  Anderson shares what it was like to try to navigate the waters before the official news of being cut, some of the teams’ successes, how he had to break the news of the program’s future to his players and his steps in figuring out what came next for him.
Anderson moves on to discuss some of his personal endeavors, such as his role in creating the Mid Atlantic Squash Conference (MASC), which is a conference made for young varsity student squash players to get together that aren’t typically affiliated with one another and wouldn’t have a way to compete otherwise. This helps students get in touch with the right coaches and can help with college admissions.
Midway through the episode, the conversation pivots to a discussion about another one of Anderson’s passions, which is legal sports gambling. He talks about the politics of sports gambling, the potential economic benefits, how quickly the politics and legislation are changing, and answers some of Conor’s questions on the subject.
Towards the end of the episode, Anderson gives advice to prospective college students and parents of students on how to handle the recruiting process. The episode wraps up with some of Conor’s classic “quick fire” questions. Be sure to tune in to hear about Anderson’s perseverance through navigating a college squash team amidst a global pandemic, to learn a bit of legal sports gambling, and to listen to his advice to young squash players! 
 
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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.  
 

#30 Bill Ullman: Princeton grad with a passion for Finance, Squash & Podcasting

We are making Squash Radio history today with our first fellow podcaster in the hot seat. Bill Ullman is an investment banking and financial services veteran, a lifelong squash player, and host of Squashing the Market, a podcast where he sits down with various experts, leaders and CEOs to discuss the latest developments in the FinTech world. In this conversation, we hear about Bill's incredibly diverse journey, the different spaces he has worked in, and his decision to venture out on his own. Naturally, the chat moves to the squash world, where Bill weighs in on the state of the sport in the country. Having lived abroad, Bill has seen just how international the sport is, and the potential it has if we can overcome capacity constraints and misconceptions about it.
We also touch on some of the exciting developments that have taken place and Bill’s hopes for squash going forward. As usual, we end the show with our Quick-Fire questions. Bill is an admirable champion of the game, having won 2 US National 50+ doubles championships and one in Canada (55+)! Be sure to tune in today!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
Get to know Bill, the various chapters of his career, and his continual reinvention of himself. 
The highlights of being an investment banker along with the drawbacks of the sector. 
The most important financial thing Bill has done throughout his life: maximizing on savings. 
Why you want to avoid being a trader and should look to be an investor instead. 
It is tough to delay gratification in a culture that does not support it. 
Bill's view of the squash industry; where the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities lie. 
The major hurdle when it comes to scaling the sport in the U.S. 
There is a lot of squash talent in the country, what's lacking are the opportunities. 
Why there needs to be government involvement for the physical capacity of the sport to increase. 
Bill's outlook on whether squash is a good investment or not. 
Exciting partnerships that are already happening; looking at SquashBusters. 
Bill's squash achievements and his relationship with the game over the years. 
Hear what squash means to Bill; it encompasses so many things. 
The impetus for starting Squashing the Market and its unique niche. 
How Bill picks the guests for his show  
Quick-fire questions with Bill: his take on professional squash, his favorite players, and more! 
Bill's favorite movies, what gets him fired up, what makes him happy, what his TED Talk would be about, and the media he recommends.
 
Highlights:
 
“The single most important thing that I have done in my life financially has been to be a religious saver.” — @UllmanBill [0:09:13]
 
“Squash, for me, is the most complete game. It just seems to encapsulate everything.” — @UllmanBill [0:16:24]
 
“Squash to me is friends, fitness, it's community, it's playing the game, and trying to get better at the game. Those are the key things for me. I have so many relationships that I cherish that I have made through the game of squash.” — @UllmanBill [0:40:18]
 
“I don’t know that it's the recognizable names that make my podcast what it is. I'm not after the uber celeb investor or CEO, although I'd be happy to interview them. I'm more interested in entrepreneurs and people building things at earlier stages in their journey.” — @UllmanBill [1:02:13]
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Bill Ullman on LinkedIn
Bill Ullman on Twitter
‎Squashing the Market with Bill Ullman
Orchard Platform
The Daily FinQ Quiz
US Squash
NU Squash
SquashBusters
Greg Zaff
Princeton University
McArthur Squash Center
Zac Prince
Zac Prince on Squashing the Market 
Rear Window
The Godfather
Superbad
Step Brothers
Hamilton
The Killer Angels
Here's the Thing
Robert E. Lee and Me
Warren Buffett
 
SPONSOR SUPPORT: ProSportLED
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.  
 

THE BREAK DOWN (TBD): #16 Special Preview of World Champs in Chicago w/PaulJohnson

Thank again for tuning in and we hope you Enjoy the show!
As you know, the biggest tournament in squash is going to be taking place this month. The timing is unusual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was a lot of ambiguity around whether it would happen at all, but that hasn’t taken away from the excitement we are all feeling. In today’s episode PJ explains why the World Championships are in a different league from other squash tournaments, and gives us a rundown of the various male and female players who he thinks are contenders for the win this year. Unfortunately, for reasons you’ll hear today, PJ won’t be commentating at the event this year, so this is the place to hear his expert opinion on the possible outcomes. None of us are afraid of a bit of controversy, so we also discuss the heated debates that PJ found himself in the middle of, regarding the young Egyptian superstar, Mostafa Asal, and the dominance of Egyptian players in the sport.
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
How the World Championships differs from other events.
PJ explains where the World Championships originated.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the scheduling of the World Championships this year.
The controversy surrounding Egyptian player, Mostafa Asal, and how PJ and Joey became involved.
Dominance of Egyptian squash players at the moment.
PJ’s opinion on interactions between referees and players during squash games.
Prize money for the winner of the upcoming World Championship event.
Why PJ is not going to be commentating at the event.
An analysis of the top female players, one of whom PJ expects to win the World Championships.
PJ runs us through the men who he thinks have a chance at taking the win.
The importance of the early rounds of major squash events.
Bill, Conor, and PJ share their top picks for winners of the men’s and women’s events.
 
Highlights:
 
“The World Championships, it’s the pinnacle of our sport really.” — PJ [0:02:58]
 
“We are being paid and brought in to say it as we see it. So if something is taking place, and I know Joey is the same, I’m not going to sit on the fence.” — PJ [0:12:03]
 
“The top four ladies in the world at the moment have a little bit of a gap between themselves and the rest of the players on the World Tour.” — PJ [0:24:38]
 
“When you’re coming into an extra round of best-of-five, that reservoir of energy, that tank that you need coming into these types of events, needs to be pretty extensive.” — PJ [0:43:50]
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 SUPPORT: BIA Sports
They were on a mission to develop the best court shoe EVER.  These shoes are performance ready, straight out of the Box.  Made by squash player for Squash players!The latest shoes are out BIA FORCE X, go to their website https://biasports.us/and take a look!

THE BREAK DOWN (TBD): #15 TOP GUNS with John White & Cameron Pilley

Thank again for tuning in and we hope you Enjoy the show!
 
It’s not every day, we get to welcome world record holders onto the show, and today, we are talking to not one but two of them! Cameron Pilley is a former world number 11 squash player hailing from Australia. He now lives in New York, where he is the director of junior squash at the Apawamis Club. John White, also from Down Under, the former world number one, and now works as the head coach for the men's and women’s teams at Drexel University in Philadelphia. In this episode, we talk about the record John held, which Cameron subsequently broke, and the two of them share their feelings on the matter. We then dive into what some of the biggest game-changers in everyone’s lives have been. From having children to the advent of the internet, there is much to be grateful for in all of our lives. Rounding the conversation off, we talk about who and what the biggest game-changers in squash have been. Tune in to hear it all!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
 
The world record that John held that Cameron broke some years after.
The viral video where Cameron hit his brother in the back with squash balls.
Hear about the story behind Cameron’s famous watermelon video.
A player that John believes hit the ball harder than him or Cameron.
How John and Cameron’s respective games were affected by their hard-hitting reputations.
John and Cameron’s take on some serious ball smashers.
The possibility of an exhibition match between John and Cameron.
Three of the biggest game-changers Cameron has seen in his lifetime.
What Bill notes as the game-changers in his life.
Notable inventions and events John highlights as game-changers in his life.
How the internet has changed the way we connect and communicate.
The game-changers in Connor’s life.
Two players that changed the game of squash, according to Cameron.
Bill’s insights into what changed the game of squash.
Who the game-changers in squash are, as told by John.
The infrastructural changes that have changed the game.
How John prepares his players to play on glass courts, which they don’t have at Drexel.
Connor’s take on the game-changers in squash.
Reflecting on the challenges of having a podcast; Cameron’s insights.
 
Tweetables:
 
“And then you get some young whippersnapper by the name of Cam Pilley coming up, and he throws the ball up and he hits it a little bit faster. I will say, for the record, he does hold the record for the forehand hardest hit; he does have a weak backhand.” — John White [0:06:11]
 
“You got to start realizing that you’ve got to use the pace wisely, and at a certain time, you know that you can get that ball through the court and put that person under pressure, as opposed to just hacking it. ” — John White [0:16:39]
 
“If I started hitting the ball a little bit harder, after one or two games, I found it hard to then revert back to how I should be playing.” — @campilley [0:18:04]
 
“We both hit the ball the hardest.” — @campilley [0:53:13]
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
 
Cameron Pilley
The Apawamis Club
John White
Cameron Pilley Hitting a Squash Ball at his Brother
Mohamed ElShorbagy
Omar Mosaad
Jonathon Power
Nicol Squash
Drexel University
Comments From The Couch
Paul Johnson
Ramy Ashour
Squash Radio
Conor O'Malley on Twitter
Bill Buckingham on Twitter
 
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 SUPPORT: BIA Sports
They were on a mission to develop the best court shoe EVER.  These shoes are performance ready, straight out of the Box.  Made by squash player for Squash players!The latest shoes are out BIA FORCE X, go to their website https://biasports.us/and take a look!