The Playeasy Warmup

In this episode of The Playeasy Warmup , host Kerri Shields sits down with Daniel Noake, Managing Partner at Hammerton Barca, to explore the evolution of major events across sports, entertainment, and culture. With experience spanning IMG, Live Nation, and consulting for governments and federations, Daniel offers insight into: The rise of Africa as a global hub for live events Why intellectual pro...

🎙️ In this episode of The Playeasy Warmup Podcast , presented by Visit Myrtle Beach , we welcome our very first pickleball guests: Jeff Contreras and Daniel Quinones, co-founders of Pickleball Power Play . What started as two former college tennis players frustrated by a pricey tournament experience quickly evolved into a national pickleball tournament brand that’s rewriting the rules of the game....

Glenn Merry, CEO of Move United, joins us to share how adaptive sport is transforming lives and communities nationwide. From wheelchair football to the Hartford Nationals, hear how Move United is growing access, preparing for LA 2028, and opening doors for athletes of all abilities.

In this episode of The Playeasy Warmup , presented by Visit Myrtle Beach , host Kerri Shields sits down with Jake Hughes, Playeasy’s Director of Strategic Growth & Engagement . Jake shares his unique journey from uploading sports facilities as a college freshman during COVID to becoming a key leader driving growth and engagement at Playeasy today. He opens up about pivotal projects, lessons fr...

In this episode of  The Playeasy Warmup , host Kerri Shields takes you to Davis County, Utah, “Utah’s Amusement Capital”, to meet two women shaping the future of sports tourism:  Jess Merrill , Tourism Director at Discover Davis, and  Erin Miller , Destination Sales Manager. Discover how the brand-new  Western Sports Park  transformed from a horse arena built for the 2002 Olympics into a $70 milli...

In this episode of  The Playeasy Warmup , presented by Visit Myrtle Beach , host Kerri Shields sits down with Rachel Dailey, Associate Director of Sports at Valley Forge Sports , to go behind the scenes of the inaugural  Playeasy Innovators Summit . They dive into the planning process, the challenges and joys of hosting a first-time event, and how strong partnerships and community engagement made...

In this episode of  The Playeasy Warmup , host Kerri Shields sits down with Ryan Grondin, founder of 98% Armwrestling – a fast-growing movement that's bringing the grit, intensity, and community of competitive armwrestling to cities nationwide. What started as a passion project in Philly is now the biggest amateur tournament in the country, with events for kids, families, and athletes of all l...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast , presented by  Visit Myrtle Beach , Kerri sits down with Sean Hardy, Chief Growth Officer of League One Volleyball (LOVB) , to explore how the organization is reshaping the volleyball landscape in the U.S. From a national network of 75 youth clubs to a growing professional league, LOVB is building a full-circle ecosystem that empowers athletes at eve...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast , presented by Visit Myrtle Beach , host Kerri chats with Nick Factoran, Executive Director of Operations at  USA Dodgeball , about the surprising rise & evolution of dodgeball from a nostalgic schoolyard game to a structured, internationally competitive sport. Nick shares his personal journey into the sport, USA Dodgeball’s mission & structur...

In this episode of  The Playeasy Warmup Podcast , host Kerri Shields and teammate Brenna Collins take listeners to York County, South Carolina – a community that’s rewriting the playbook on sports tourism. From cutting-edge facilities to seamless event experiences powered by Playeasy, hear how this dynamic destination is driving growth with creativity, collaboration, and community buy-in. You’ll m...

In this episode of the  Playeasy Warmup Podcast , we sit down with Ruby George, Co-Founder of the  United Grid League , to explore the creation and evolution of one of the fastest-paced, strategic, and exciting emerging sports – GRID . Ruby shares how this high-intensity, co-ed team sport stands apart, blending power, speed, and tactics in a way that captivates both athletes and fans. We go behind...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup podcast, host Kerri talks with Anita Gabel, Site Search Chairperson for the American Jump Rope Federation, about the fast-paced world of competitive jump rope. Anita shares how the sport has evolved into a dynamic, high-energy competition that blends athleticism, creativity, and teamwork. Learn what goes into planning national events, how destinations can get...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast , presented by Discover Davis, host Kerri Shields sits down with Kat and Jack, the visionary co-founders behind UpDog Challenge – a trailblazing organization that's reinventing disc sports for dogs and their humans. With a mission rooted in accessibility and community, UpDog has grown from a small local event to an international movement, blending agi...

In this episode of  The Playeasy Warmup , host Kerri Shields sits down with Playeasy Co-Founder Ryan Quigley to reflect on the platform's evolution over the past seven years. From his transition from NFL punter to tech entrepreneur, Ryan shares insights into the challenges of connecting Event Organizers with sports venues & how Playeasy has become a leading platform in sports tourism. The...

This special episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast marks the launch of the Playeasy Purpose Project. To kick it off, Playeasy is proud to donate to the Austin 1st Foundation in support of their mission.   In this episode, Kerri sits down with Anthony & Lindsey Terling to share the story behind the Austin 1st Foundation — a mission born from love, loss, & an unshakable drive to make a diff...

In this special "Tech Talk" episode, listen to our recent webinar with Playeasy co-founders. They introduce Playeasy's newest launch - easyMoney. They explain how destinations can leverage this system by creating hotel profiles, accessing live rates, and earning referral fees from OTAs. The easyMoney program allows destinations to receive 100% of marketing commissions back in the form of credits,...

In this special episode, sponsored by Discover Davis,  we spotlight Lauren Tebsherany , a powerhouse in college basketball operations and the  Director of Basketball & Conference Operations at the Big East.  Lauren’s journey in sports began at Boston College, where she started as a team manager and quickly proved herself as an essential part of the program. Since then, she has built an impress...

 In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup podcast,  sponsored by Discover Davis ,  Kerri sits down with Ainslee Lamb, Chief Executive Officer at Performance Sport Events , to dive into her journey in the sports tourism industry. Ainslee shares her path from early career roles to becoming a key figure in driving impactful destination partnerships. She discusses strategies for building successful coll...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast,  sponsored by Discover Davis , host Kerri sits down with David Moore, founder of Go Nuts Bike Racing . David shares his inspiring journey from BMX freestyle enthusiast to race promoter, explaining how his passion for biking evolved into a thriving race series now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Hear how David’s mission to bring fun back into cyclin...

In this episode of  The Playeasy Warm Up Podcast , presented by Discover Davis, we sit down with Sarah and Blake from USA Track & Field (USATF) to explore the complex world of hosting elite sporting events. From managing bids and compliance to ensuring a seamless athlete experience, they break down how destinations can get involved with USATF events of all sizes. We discuss what makes a great...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup podcast,  sponsored by Discover Davis Kerri interviews Heather Faas, the National Meet Director of USA Powerlifting. Heather shares her inspiring journey from a mom seeking personal goals to a leader in the powerlifting community. The conversation explores the basics of powerlifting, its inclusivity across ages & experience levels, & the support provi...

In this episode of The Playeasy Warmup Podcast, presented by  Sports Richmond, VA , Brian Werner shares his journey from working with the Yankees to leading  Prospect Wire . He discusses its growth from a small showcase to a major force in youth baseball tournaments, emphasizing opportunities for the 98% of players who need exposure. Brian highlights the importance of strong relationships with hos...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast, presented by Sports Richmond, VA, Kerri interviews her mother, Renie Shields, a Senior Associate Athletic Director at Saint Joseph's University to reflect on National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Renie shares her journey in sports, from her early involvement as a young girl to her current role in college athletics. She discusses the challenge...

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast, presented by  Sports Richmond, VA , Kerri interviews Steve Andrus, the XTERRA America's Tour Manager. They discuss Steve's background, the mission & evolution of XTERRA as an outdoor lifestyle brand, & the importance of community engagement in hosting events. Steve shares insights on successful partnerships, the immersive experience o...

In this episode, presented by Sports Richmond, VA, Kerri interviews Andrew Vorce, President of 5v5 Soccer, discussing the growth & impact of the organization on grassroots soccer participation. Vorce shares his journey in soccer, the evolution of the 5v5 Soccer organization, & the importance of partnerships within the local soccer community. He emphasizes the mission to make soccer accessi...