Squash Radio

Squash Radio (SqR) sits down with  Amanda Sobhy, someone who really doesn’t need any introduction to the Squash Community, especially in the United States, bring the highest-ranked American in the Professional Squash Association World rankings #7. In this episode, Amanda opens up about herself, her struggles as a squash athlete, and how she gets through with life.  This is a story, told in an authentic voice by World Class Athlete.  Key Takeaways Her aspiration in sports marketing and branding as an alternative career Her idea of telling stories about squash athletes Her challenges and learnings as an athlete Losing her funding and the need for sponsorships How she does her exercise routine during the lockdown What she sleep-dreams about About herself as a dual citizen What she loves and wants to improve on squash across all levels and refereeing How she envisions squash in the future Documentaries she enjoys and her mentality Activities that fired up Amanda Who makes her happy She talks about

INTRODUCING THE ‘QUICK FIRE’ SEGMENTS: This is where we ask each guest the same kind of questions broken into two sections. First, their thoughts on major areas of the sport of squash. And then two other areas that we learn more about their life. I love this section because I never know what people were going to say. And I've learned so much about the guests and new ways to try and do things.  So we're going to try and do more interviews based on this shorter format, because we're always up for experiments and try new things.  Thank you for all your support we've been getting and your emails mean the world to me and the rest of the team as always thanks for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy. ********************** ProSportLED is also a Sponsor of Squash Radio and we both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  We cover a lot of ground on this episode and launch a new addition to our “Quick Fire” segment with a 90-second take on the major areas of the Sport. We h

Welcome to episode 3! With no live PSA SquashTV to watch, Bill and Conor breakdown their favorite streaming platforms, the shows they are binging during the pandemic, and what Gregory Gaultier and Jerry Seinfeld have in common. Whether you are  listening in your car, or just getting coffee, we hope you enjoy this episode of The Breakdown.  THE NEW SPONSOR: 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! ABOUT THE BREAKDOWN: Squash Radio is proud to introduce a new segment called “The Breakdown” focused on current happenings in the world of squash. Your hosts, Conor and Bill, former colleagues who didn’t agree on much when they worked together, show that time apart hasn’t changed things as they give their views on what’s making news on and off the court.    Email us at squashradio@g

Happy New Year! Burgers and behavior! In this episode, Conor and Bill breakdown what makes for destination eating and appointment viewing. While debating showmanship vs. sportsmanship, we find that while the prodigious talent of teenage phenom Moustafa Asal may be rare, his on court antics certainly don't suit every squash fan's palate. So, take a listen to Bill and myself… trying to Break IT DOWN!! The new sponsor: 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! ABOUT THE BREAKDOWN: Squash Radio is proud to introduce a new segment called “The Breakdown” focused on current happenings in the world of squash. Your hosts, Conor and Bill, former colleagues who didn’t agree on much when they worked together, show that time apart hasn’t changed things as they give their views on what’s m

Jesse Engelbrecht is the current Director of squash at the Surrey Sports Park, specializing in coaching, management and consultation on all matters and levels of squash.    He is also the person behind the SquashMind app, a mental skills app and resource that is robust, easy to use, educational, enjoyable and affordable. SquashMind incorporates and links working on your sporting mind with your day-to-day mind.    In this episode, Jesse talks about his coaching techniques and the importance of effort and mind power to be a successful squash player as well as how the SquashMind app can essentially assist the players to boost their mind power and performance.   If you want to know what it takes to be a successful player and notch up your performance in the sport, this episode is exactly what you need to hear! Key Topics Discussed: A little about himself and the SquashMind app Jesse being a passionate educator and communicator What it takes for him to be a successful squash player – effort and mind

INTRODUCING THE ‘QUICK FIRE’ SEGMENTS: This is where we ask each guest the same kind of questions broken into two sections. First, their thoughts on major areas of the sport of squash. And then two other areas that we learn more about their life. I love this section because I never know what people were going to say. And I've learned so much about the guests and new ways to try and do things.  So we're going to try and do more interviews based on this shorter format, because we're always up for experiments and try new things. We're already full steam ahead on prepping for 2021 and looking to do even more. Thank you for all your support we've been getting and your emails mean the world to me and the rest of the team as always thanks for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy. ********************** ProSportLED is also a Sponsor of Squash Radio and we both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  We cover a lot of ground on this episode and launch a new addition to our

*** Announcement *** Squash FANS! We have two BIG announcements for Squash Radio. We are really excited and proud to be launching a new show called “The Breakdown” The other big news… we’ve added another Sponsor to Squash Radio!  The new show:  The Break Down Squash Radio is proud to introduce a new segment called “ The Breakdown” focused on current happenings in the world of squash. Your hosts, Conor and Bill, former colleagues who didn’t agree on much when they worked together, show that time apart hasn’t changed things as they give their views on what’s making news on and off the court.  In the premiere episode, they dance around the subject of Olympic inclusion, which may or may not have been the inspiration for the show’s title. The new sponsor: 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/

Janet Hanson: Entrepreneur, Investor, & Author + proud Mother of a U.S. Champion (Chris Hanson) Do you spend enough time thinking about the ROI (return on investment) of a project, client or general use of your time? Some of us live by it, other 50/50 or even none at all.   But how much time do you spend thinking about the ROH (Return on Happiness!) of those same projects?  My guess is you are in the same boat as me, where probably not enough as Janet is the first person I’ve heard impart this wise approach for how to spend your time, money or energy.     We cover a wide range of topics in this interview and I promise this is well worth your time.    So, what makes this interview with Janet special?  Well, I’m likely joined by many, many other people who will agree that Janet is a mixed parts; motivational expert, a leader who inspires as well as your ultimate cheerleader! All this is anchored with Janet’s depth of knowledge and wisdom outside of one’s normal reach. You can tell Janet is a purebred e

INTRODUCING THE ‘QUICK FIRE’ SEGMENTS:  This is where we ask each guest the same kind of questions broken into two sections. First, their thoughts on major areas of the sport of squash. And then two other areas that we learn more about their life. I love this section because I never know what people were going to say. And I've learned so much about the guests and new ways to try and do things.  So we're going to try and do more interviews based on this shorter format, because we're always up for experiments and try new things. We're already full steam ahead on prepping for 2021 and looking to do even more. Thank you for all your support we've been getting and your emails mean the world to me and the rest of the team as always thanks for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy. ********************** ProSportLED is also a Sponsor of Squash Radio and we both aligned about the importance of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  We cover a lot of ground on this episode and launch a new addition to our

Episode 21: Show Notes. Today we are very happy to welcome Kelsey Engman to Squash Radio! Kelsey is currently a counselor working in a school in Philadelphia, and we get to hear all about her current work as well as the important part that coaching squash has played in her life. Early on in our conversation, Kelsey underlines her feminist outlook, situating it in a broader fight against oppression and discrimination.  This motif runs through the episode, as Kelsey talks about the difficulties she encountered as a coach and the types of discrimination that still occurs in sport. We discuss the impact of the introduction of Title IX regulations, Kelsey's reflections on coaching male and female teams, and how she made a change into her current line of work. Kelsey also unpacks some of her thoughts on education and the ways that teachers are undervalued, especially financially.  From there we get to hear from our guest about the support she offers the students of her school, the forms this takes, and some examp

INTRODUCING THE ‘QUICK FIRE’ SEGMENTS:  This is where we ask each guest the same kind of questions broken into two sections. First, their thoughts on major areas of the sport of squash. And then two other areas that we learn more about their life. I love this section because I never know what people were going to say. And I've learned so much about the guests and new ways to try and do things.   So we're going to try and do more interviews based on this shorter format, because we're always up for experiments and try new things. We're already full steam ahead on prepping for 2021 and looking to do even more. Thank you for all your support we've been getting and your emails mean the world to me and the rest of the team as always thanks for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy.   ********************* What does Yankee Stadium, Pepsi Center in Denver and the University of Pennsylvania all have in Common? Well, it’s someone from the Squash community, Lee Witham! He is the CEO of ProSportLED as you might have heard,

We sit down and talk with the CEO of ProSportLED, Lee Witham.  If you don't know Lee or ProSportLED, you likely know the places he's worked such as, Yankee Stadium, Pepsi Center in Denver and University of Pennsylvania just to name a few.   ProSportLED is also a Sponsor of Squash Radio and we both aligned about the important of sharing the stories of people involved in our Sport.  We cover a lot of ground on this episode and launch a new addition to our "Quick Fire" segment with a 90 second take on the major areas of the Sport.   We hope you enjoy our conversation!    *************************** This episode of Squash Radio sponsored by ProSportLED – the most advanced lighting technology for sports. Music for Squash Radio by Bensound. If you have an interesting story you think our audience needs to hear, feel free to reach out to us on social media or email squashradio@gmail.com. As always, thanks for listening!

Alix Williams is a passionate squash player who is a late bloomer to the game. After having three children, finding a new hobby to throw herself into was Top of Mind.  As luck would have it, a beginner Squash clinic at her club emerged at a fortunate time. Although its was “Google” that helped her learn the rules, she became fully addicted between the new ways she could challenge herself oncourt as well as the amazing community of other women players.    It is clear from the conversation that Alix is a great ambassador at her club, and shares how much her coaches shaped her excitement and love for the game. She recognizes that not only has she found a lifelong sport but it has opened the door and allowed her to network and grow her firm as well as her husband’s businesses.    Between watching the Pro’s on Squash TV and learning this new world of squash,  Alix was inspired to put pen to paper and launch a squash focused website. Combining her writing, research, interview skills, to craft modern squash stories

Chanel Erasmus is a true squash fanatic, and a South African native who travelled to America to pursue her passion for the game.   Networking with other players helped bring awareness of the opportunities that were available across the pond. Playing squash in college was a first step in creating a career for Chanel. It was because of these relationships that she believes her life is where it is today. So Chanel continues to be an advocate on how important positive and continued connections within the sport can be.   A multi-sport athlete, Chanel has been a jack of all trades in the sports avenues. A strong competitor in everything she takes on, she played three different sports in college and managed to excel at her academics as well. After graduating, she was hired to coach at The Hill School, a top tier boarding school in Pottstown, PA. Not only is she the Director of Squash but also is the Donor Relations Officer.   When it comes to squash, it takes a high energy individual to play the game at a top level.

For some quick background on our guest in this episode, here’s a quick overview, Hope Prockop is one of the most remarkable women involved in the Sport of Squash in the United States. At her core, Hope is the ultimate competitor and uses that drive to propel her through all avenues of the Sport.  Now, what make Hope so remarkable?  Hope has been involved in the sport in so many wide ranging ways.  As you learn through out conversation, Hope was a Top Junior player who then went on be a Top ranked College player both in Team and Individual rankings while attending Harvard University.  After college, she continued to work on her game to be a part of Team USA, representing the red, white and blue at the World Team Championships and Pan-American Fed Cup.  Her focus and drive extended into Master’s level squash, winning four British Open Master’s and placing top three at the World Master's Championships.  After Coaching for a while, Hope decided to explore another avenue of the sport, which is so crucial and often

For some quick background on our guest in this episode, here’s a quick overview. Lauren Patrizio Xaba is the Executive Director & Founder of SquashDrive, the Squash & Education Alliance program based out of Oakland, California. Lauren has been at the helm since 2009, leading the program to evolve & grow to increase their mission’s impact.  We cover a variety of topics from; what it's like navigating their core student-programing during a pandemic, how Lauren positioned herself to start Squash Drive and where the program is looking to break new ground in the sport….literally. After College, Lauren launched her career in Marketing working at companies like Comcast & JP Morgan Chase, before coming to a decision point on what to do next.  When these crossroads happen, like many others, Lauren reached back to her roots and decided to explore how squash could make an impact in people’s lives. Today, Lauren and the SquashDrive Board of Directors are embracing innovative thinking to be the first SEA p

For a quick background on our guest in this episode, here’s an overview.   We connect with Wendy Lawrence, who recently retired as the Division 1, Head Men’s & Women’s Squash Coach of George Washington University.  While Wendy is originally from New York City, she has made Washington, DC her home for over 40 years and her efforts have helped put DC on the Squash Map. Wendy distinguished herself amongst her peers with several leadership & sportsmanship awards but also developed the GWU Team as one of the college’s most successful Programs from a rankings perspective.     One of the main impetus behind connecting with Wendy, was getting her thoughts on the announcement that has sent shockwaves through the Squash community with Top tier Colleges removing their squash programs from Varsity status, those schools include,  Brown, Stanford & George Washington.  Wendy has a unique perspective on these developments, as during her tenure, she was part of the Leadership Team that guided the College Squash As

We talk with Renato Paiva, who is the CEO, or Executive Director of Access Youth Academy in San Diego, California.  Access Youth is part of the Network of S-E-A, Squash Education Alliance, a non-profit After School Youth program, combing Squash training and Academic enrichment.   Renato, has been leading the charge in San Diego since 2007 and on top of his role with Access Youth, he’s been raising awareness for the sport on the West Coast to inspire more growth of Squash.  One of his students, Reyna Pacheco, is an inspiring example of how a dedicated Coach can remarkably impact the trajectory of a person’s life and their family.  As an undocumented immigrant, Reyna went from a novice squash player, to playing Varsity at Columbia before turning Pro.  Reyna has since retired as Professional but moved onto the Financial sector working at Goldman Sachs.         This player/Coach story is now encapsulated in ‘Hollywood’ history, by Apple TV filming their story for the series Little America and highlights just one

For some quick background on our guest in this episode, here’s a quick overview, We talk with David Kay, who is the CEO of MetroSquash, a thriving non-profit After Squash Youth Squash program, based in Chicago. During his 15 years at the helm of METRO Squash, he’s helped raised millions of dollar, built an permanent 10 Million home for the program, including 8 Squash courts, office space & classrooms.  They have expanded locations to include programs on both the North and South of Chicago.  The Team David's works with has over 20 staffers, more than 100 volunteers, a 40 person Board of Directors with an Auxiliary board of 60 people.   All this is done, to help enrich the lives of more than 400 students.  Most students join the program in middle-school, where MetroSquash Team (and Teammates) will be together through High-school, College and help launch their careers.   David is originally from Canada, and he rose through the the ranks of the Junior Squash.  Earned a spot to attend Princeton University, whe

In this episode we connect with James Dodson who launched his publishing career covering youth and poverty issues for Youth Communication and the RFK Memorial where he picked up the game.  He’s devoted to using squash to enrich the lives of young people.  And, in his new residence of Phoenix founded Arizona Squash, Inc.  He’s partnered with Empower College Prep, Grand Canyon University and the Family Life Center at North Phoenix Baptist Church to support a largely multiethnic underserved community in the city’s West Valley.    James is no stranger as to what it takes to build a successful squash program, he is a Founding Board Member and Past Board Chair of Chicago’s MetroSquash.  In 2005 MetroSquash was the first National Urban Squash initiative founded outside of the East Coast.  In 2015, METROsquash raised $8 million and opened its primary squash and academic center near the campus of the University of Chicago to serve the program’s students.  This month Arizona Squash launched programing with its first cl