Painless Podcast

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 18 Will Leitch, MLB.com, New York Magazine and much more Deon and Eric go to the post with Will Leitch, prolific author and columnist for MLB.com, New York Magazine, and many more. We learn how Will started Deadspin, why he left, and how his roots growing up in Central Illinois and attending the University of Illinois helped shape his writing interests. The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels: Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi In this episode, we also hear music from Marty Casey’s debut solo album, “The Grou

Painless Podcast episode 53: FK Day (Co-Founder SRAM & World Bicycle Relief) Carey Pinkowski (Exec. Race Director, Bank of America Chicago Marathon) Hear from two of the best in their fields – FK Day and Carey Pinkowski. FK helped launch SRAM, now the global leader in high-end bike components, surviving multiple failures. In Dec 2004 on holiday he was struck with the need for access to simple transportation in developing countries. But he didn’t want to just throw money at the problem. Nor did he want to just throw bikes at the problem either. Carey Pinkowski was charged with saving the Chicago Marathon in the early 1990’s. By always listening, asking questions, being out in the community with a simple goal of improving every day, he gained the trust of runners and city officials alike to springboard the Marathon to one of the world’s best race day experiences. Both FK and Carey share stories of how they listen to their consumers and empower them to make their own lives better. Upcoming WBR Event Info:

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 17 Dee Brown, Illini Basketball Legend The “Human Fast Break” on the 2005 Fighting Illini Final Four Team…Dee Brown was Illinois’ Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All American his senior year at Proviso East HS. Then, in that magical 2005 season, he was a consensus All-American who earned the Sporting News National Player of the Year award. Dee jumps on the FadeAway to share his thoughts on what’s most important to him in basketball. He also tells Deon and Eric about how many of those key players wound up together, what he learned by playing professionally, and what he’s currently up to. The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 16 Dana Howard, 2018 HOF Inductee - College Football & Fighting Illini, 1994 Butkus Award Winner As the Dean of “Linebacker U”, former Illini Dana Howard still holds the Big Ten record for tackles. Howard still has the swagger of the NFL player he became, and jumps on the FadeAway to talk about today’s Fighting Illini team, his thoughts on being inducted into two Halls of Fame this year and shares some stories about his time on campus. The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels: Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi I

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 15 Leron Black, Fighting Illini Basketball 2017-18 All-Big Ten Leron Black lead the Fighting Illini basketball team in scoring during the 2017-18 season and was named Homorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media). But this past spring, with a year of eligibility left but a degree already in hand, Leron made the decision to turn pro. Deon and Eric talk to Leron about how he came to that decision, what he’s looking forward to -- and scared of -- heading to Israel for the next stop on his basketball journey, and how he feels he matured over his time in Champaign. The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels: Fac

Painless Podcast episode 52: Julia Millon (Program Coordinator, Principal Gifts, Northwestern University) Jane Obringer (Manager, Partnership Solutions, Learfield) Meet Jane and Julia, two recent Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration students who give us a perspective on why they chose a sports-focused masters, how they chose Northwestern and how they juggle full-time jobs, classes, volunteering and other ways of giving back. This is conversation 4 of 4 from the Northwestern University Masters in Sports Administration’s “Facilities of the Future Symposium.” Special thanks to Jane, Julia and Doug Bakker for all their help making these episodes happen. Connect with the NU MSA program here: • https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/ • Twitter = @NUSportsBiz To connect with Julia: • Email: julia.millon@northwestern.edu • Twitter: @juliamillon14 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-millon14/ To connect with Jane: • Email: jobringer@learfield.com • Twitter: @janiepie35 • L

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 14 Monica Abbott, 2020 US Olympic Softball Team Arguably the most decorated softball player ever, Monica Abbott just added another accomplishment to her impressive resume. She and her Team USA teammates recently won a thrilling World Championship game against Japan, thus securing a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It’s noteworthy because it marks the return of softball to the Olympics since the sport’s last appearance in 2008. Monica joins Deon and Eric to discuss her role in women’s sports, how she approaches her work and having the “Million Dollar Arm.” The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week”, and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels: Facebook –

Painless Podcast episode 51: Andy Totten (Director, Sports Americas, AECOM) Meet Andy Totten, VP, McHugh Construction and hear how this “recovering architect,” put his love for sports, knowledge of design and passion for driving and organizing the many moving parts of stadium construction and renovation. Managing $100-120 million in projects at any one time, we’ll hear about how he’s been a driving force on work at the United Center, Advocate Center, MB Arena, Guaranteed Rate Field and now Navy Pier. A key is “future proofing” buildings to accommodate constantly evolving technology, equipment and fan engagement trends. This is conversation three of four from the Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration’s Facilities of the Future Symposium. Special thanks to Doug Bakker, Jane Obringer and Julia Millon for all their help making these episodes happen. Connect with the NU MSA program here: • https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/ • Twitter = @NUSportsBiz To connect with Andy: • Fin

Painless Podcast episode 50: Jon Niemuth (Director, Sports Americas, AECOM) Connect with Jon Niemuth who leads AECOM’s sports facility efforts across North and South America. Hear how a failure on the tennis court at 13 has helped shape, motivate and inform his work world every day. Today, he always looks to “own the moment” and not have regrets, not get emotional and not get nervous. He shares tips on how he's gone about doing that. He also has advice for folks looking to find their passion and gain not just mentors, but someone who believes in you and inspires you to keep reaching. This is the second of four excellent conversations held at the Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration’s Facilities of the Future Symposium. Special thanks to Doug Bakker, Jane Obringer and Julia Millon for all their help making these episodes happen. Connect with the NU MSA program here: • https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/ • Twitter = @NUSportsBiz To connect with Jon: • LinkedIn = https://w

Painless Podcast episode 49: Solly Fulp (EVP, Learfield Campus+) Meet Solly Fulp who leads Learfield’s Campus+ division. The former University of Oregon wrestler was previously a successful college athletics and university administration marketer, first at Sacramento State, then Cal. He joined Learfield early in 2017 to oversee a unit assisting 130 colleges and universities in their partnership efforts with brands, not just in athletics, but in deeper engagements and true partnerships across the entire campus. Hear how his path evolved and how he works to be a connector every day. He also shares tips for folks looking to find their passion and gain mentors. This is one of four excellent conversations held at the Northwestern Masters in Sports Administration’s Facilities of the Future Symposium. Special thanks to Doug Bakker, Jane Obringer and Julia Millon for all their help making these episodes happen. Connect with the NU MSA program here: • https://sps.northwestern.edu/masters/sports-administration/ •

Painless Podcast episode 48: Julie Haferkamp (President, WISE Chicago / Sr. Director, Mosaic) Amy Potter (Chair & President Emeritus, WISE Chicago / Head of US Sponsorship, BMO Harris Bank) Part 2 of an excellent conversation. If nothing else, “Be a good human.” To connect with Julie: • LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehaferkamp/ • Email = julie.haferkamp@mosaic.com • Twitter = @rocknjewels To connect with Amy: • LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-potter-9616b51/ • Twitter = @amypotter00 To connect with WISE Chicago: https://www.facebook.com/WISEChicago/ WISE National: http://www.wiseworks.org ***** Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that grants access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter at: www.Painless.Network ***** Please support our partners: + Chicago Sport & Social Clubs – CSSC has another offer for Painless members: Volleywood is BACK! The biggest beach volleyball tournament paired with Summer’s best one-day music festival retur

Painless Podcast episode 47: Amy Potter (Chair & President Emeritus, WISE Chicago / Head of US Sponsorship, BMO Harris Bank) Julie Haferkamp (President, WISE Chicago / Sr. Director, Mosaic) One credits Chuck E Cheese for teaching her many of her client service skills – and then admits a “thing” for mascots. The other was convinced her attempt to explain how she was well-organized, yet flexible, that went terribly wrong, totally torpedoed her chance at a dream job. Both turned out much better than “just fine.” Amy and Julie are truly outstanding people. Hear more how they have earned their success and terrific reputations. To connect with Amy: • LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-potter-9616b51/ • Twitter = @amypotter00 To connect with Julie: • LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehaferkamp/ • Email = julie.haferkamp@mosaic.com • Twitter = @rocknjewels Connect with WISE Chicago here: https://www.facebook.com/WISEChicago/ Or WISE National here: http://www.wiseworks.org ***** Please support

Painless Podcast episode 46: Sean Callahan (VP, Jack Morton) (Some of) The ingredients used to create the unique Sean Callahan: Music. Family. Doodling. Cardinals baseball. Creativity. Phish. First-hand experiences. Relationship building. Using drum circles for pitches. Start-ups. Transparency. Thom Yorke. Adaptability. No judgments. Hear it all come together on Painless Podcast Episode 46. Check out Sean’s terrific “What Marketers Can Learn From Phish” post using this link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-marketers-can-learn-from-phish-sean-callahan/ To connect with Sean: • LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancallahanwi/ • Twitter = @seancalchi ***** Sign up for your no cost Painless membership that grants access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter here: www.Painless.Network ***** Please support our partners: + Chicago Sport & Social Club offers the largest sports leagues at locations all over the city. It's not just competition, it's camaraderie. Last chance

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 13 Dan Harleb, University of Illinois, Head Baseball Coach One of the most successful Illini sports programs over the past several years is the baseball team. Deon and Eric step into the box with Head Coach Dan Hartleb to talk about this year’s team and how Coach Hartleb found his way to the University of Illinois. The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week”, and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch with the FadeAway on the following social media channels: Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi In this episode, we hear more of Marty Casey’s debut solo album, The Ground You Walk On. It’s available now on iTunes at ww

Painless Podcast episode 45: A "Micro Pod" with simple updates RSVP for our event TOMORROW (Thurs, April 19, 6-8p) with WISE Chicago and the USGA! Read about it, plus Painless discounts and 50+ jobs and internships in the latest Painless Email Blast here: https://mailchi.mp/painless/lastcall-april-19-wise-usga-intersport ***** Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that grants access to other members, job and event postings and our email newsletter at: www.Painless.Network ***** Please support our partners: + Chicago Sport & Social Club offers the largest sports leagues at locations all over the city. It's not just competition, it's camaraderie. Registration for Spring & Summer is now open. Use code ‘PAINLESS’ to receive up to $75 off your fee. Code is good for a 5% discount off team registration. Register at www.chicagosocial.com. +Chicago Beer Classic returns to Soldier Field, Sat, May 5. Receive $10 (good towards GA or VIP tickets!) either tasting session on the Chicago Beer Classic w

Painless Podcast episode 44: Chris Hastings (President/Partner, Chicago Sport & Social Club) Chris planned to be NBA or NFL commissioner, and life took a different turn. He actually technically oversees dozens of leagues now and 130,000 participants, but it’s in the recreation space instead. How did this one-time Division III “possession receiver” carve this different path? What are his recommendations for others looking to break in or find their way? Is he sure he doesn’t want to be a pig farmer? Hear it all on Painless Podcast Episode 44. To connect with Chicago Sport & Social: • Web = www.chicagosocial.com (Jobs page: http://www.chicagosocial.com/about/employment ) • Grab A Game = http://grabagame.com • Twitter = @ChiSportSocial • FB = @ChicagoSocial • LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-sport-and-social-club/ To connect with Chris: • LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hastings-3450579/ ***** Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that grants access to other me

Painless Podcast episode 43: Dave Knickerbocker (Founder, Banner Collective) Dave shares how he made his sports job break happen in minor league baseball, his "harassment" of the Cubs' John McDonough with constant phone calls -- and handwritten thank you notes! -- that earned him a promotion to the major leagues, a huge step up at the Blackhawks and most recently, co-founding a now thriving production agency. Did I mention he plotted Banner while working at the Hawks? With the help of Hawks' ownership? Check out this terrific open and honest chat with Dave Knickerbocker. To connect with Banner Collective: +Web = https://www.bannercollective.com (Jobs page: https://www.bannercollective.com/careers/) +Twitter = @BannerVideo +FB + Insta = @BannerCollective +Email inquiries = hello@bannercollective.com +LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/company/banner-collective/ To connect with Dave: +Twitter = @DKnickerbocker +LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-knickerbocker-75811741/ ***** PAINLESS EVENT THIS

Painless Podcast episode 42: LIVE at ISBC with Joe Ronovsky & Anthony Krzyzak (Chicago White Sox & Chicago Wolves) Hear from two University of Illinois grads (Joe in 2008 and Anthony in 2010) on how they discovered they wanted to work in sports, how they each got their starts and how they work their way up tapping mentors and growing their networks. Currently, Joe Ronovksy is Manager of Corporate Sales for the Chicago White Sox and Anthony Krzyak is Sales Development Manager at the Chicago Wolves. To connect with Anthony & Joe: * LinkedIn - Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonykrzyzak/ * LinkedIn - Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeronovsky/ * Twitter - Joe: https://www.twitter.com/ronovsky To connect with ISBC: * Website: https://www.illinoissportsbusiness.com * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uofisbc/ * Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/UIUC_ISBC * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isbc_uiuc ***** Sign up for your complementary Painless membership that grants access to other members, job

Painless Podcast episode 41: Jim Andrews (SVP, ESP Properties & Chair, IEG Sponsorship Conference) Jim explains how a high school teacher scared him away from pursuing an acting career and he shifted to journalism. Northwestern University's famed Medill School of Journalism lured him to Chicago. One fateful day in grad school, he passed the Medill job board - real corkboard, not a website - and spotted an interesting job with a new marketing newsletter. That newsletter became The IEG Sponsorship Report, and Jim has never looked back. Hear his story on Episode 41 of the Painless Podcast. To connect with Jim, the IEG Sponsorship Conference and ESP Properties... * Web: www.IEG2018.com or www.sponsorship.com * Twitter - ESP: https://www.twitter.com/@ESPprops * Twitter - Jim: https://www.twitter.com/JimAndrews_ESP * LinkedIn - ESP: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1690937 * LinkedIn - Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimandrewsieg/ * LinkedIn - HomeField Alliance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/homefieldal

The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 12 Illini Holiday Event with AD Josh Whitman, 2003 Miss America Erika Harold and former Illini basketball players Robert Archibald and Brian Randle Deon and Eric catch up with several Illini friends at the annual Suburban Illini Club's holiday party. University of Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman gives us some insight into his first two years on the job. You'll also hear what former Illini basketball players Robert Archibald and Brian Randle are up to. And we also hear why Erika Harold is devoting so much time to public service, and how she turned an attempt at paying for law school into becoming Miss America 2003! The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men's Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast "Game of the Week," and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch w