The Academy of Esports
By James O'Hagan
This is a great podcast for students, educators, parents, and industry advocates.
The Academy of EsportsJun 03, 2018
The Architect of a Stairway to Mental Health
Welcome to Episode Four of Y6 of The Academy of Esports podcast!
I’m your host, James O’Hagan. Thank you for joining me as I welcome a giant of the medical device field who is now using decades of experience— and his own personal journey— to build bold, collaborative mental health roadmaps within responsible, therapeutic video game environments in his new venture with Mike Wilson.
It’s an honor to speak with Ryan Douglas, co-founder & co-chairman of DeepWellDTx.
Ryan takes us on a journey that goes far beyond the “one and done” attitude of many developers. His is a manifesto rooted in science, fed by sincerity and best practices, and allowed an ever-evolving timeline that strives not to be the first across a short-term finish line but rather the best at serving the long-term individual needs of human beings of all ages.
It’s quite a ride.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a conversation that will likely redefine the way you look at video games and mental health.
Connect with Ryan Douglas:
Connect with DeepWellDTx:
Connect with James O’Hagan, Founder & Host of The Academy of Esports:
Episode References:
- Groundbreaking new study says time spent playing video games can be good for your well being— University of Oxford
- Gaming | Federal Trade Commission
The Academy of Esports podcast is powered by LeagueSpot.
The Paladin of Brooklyn
Welcome to Episode Three of Y6 of The Academy of Esports podcast!
I’m your host, James O’Hagan. Thank you for joining me as I welcome a friend, a mentor, and a global legend in esports and education— Mark “Garvey” Candella, former founder & director of Twitch Student and current Chief Business & Strategy Officer of AcadArena.
Garvey joined me from his home base in the Philippines to share a journey that has taken him from a challenging start on the streets of Brooklyn to becoming one of the most well-known and respected figures in esports education and community-building.
Just one example of a chapter along the way: his work ethic as a young UPS driver led him to a spot at power lunches over the famous red sauce of Forlinis in Manhattan– delivering financial prowess through osmosis as a side order– and established him as a founding innovator of day trading.
Without question, this is and will remain one of my favorite podcast conversations of all-time. No summary could do justice to the wisdom shared, how much I learned about someone I thought I already knew, and how grateful I am to Garvey for his openness.
Sit back, relax, and listen to a story that will captivate you, educate you, and inspire you.
Connect with Garvey:
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mark-garvey-candella-a9946bb3
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/garveynyc
- Connect with AcadArena: https://linktr.ee/acadarena
- CONQuest Festival: https://www.conquestph.com/
Connect with James O’Hagan, Founder & Host of The Academy of Esports:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesohagan
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jimohagan
- Contact: https://hihello.me/p/b1241eeb-bf95-476b-a258-6d80ef2a79fe
The Academy of Esports
- Site: https://taoesports.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taoesports
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/taoesports
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063689103336
- Subscribe to Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademyofEsports
- Subscribe to Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taoesports
Episode References:
- Welcome Back Kotter Opening: https://youtu.be/Mmm3KTa601s
- D&D Paladin: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/paladin
- 2018 TAO Esports Interview: https://youtu.be/1HFdlJM7-Z4
- Keeping Up With the Dow Jones; From Suites to Streets, All Eyes Are on Stock Market (NYT Aug 1998): https://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/23/nyregion/keeping-up-with-dow-jones-suites-streets-all-eyes-are-stock-market.html
- A Pocket Monitor for Stock Quotes (NYT Apr 1984): https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/28/business/a-pocket-monitor-for-stock-quotes.html
- Investors Business Daily: https://get.investors.com/ibd/ibd-digital/
The Academy of Esports podcast is powered by LeagueSpot. https://leaguespot.gg/
Esports in Ireland
Welcome to Episode Two of YEAR SIX of The Academy of Esports podcast!
I’m your host, James O’Hagan. Thank you for joining me as I welcome a good friend from across the sea, Stuart Dempsey, the Founder and CEO of GamerFest Dublin, Ireland’s largest esports event.
In the aftermath of Brexit, Ireland was elevated to the role of premier English-speaking nation in the European Union. The impact of this on esports opportunities is massive. To speak to this– and offer two decades of marketing and branding experience to our audience– is a longtime friend of The Academy of Esports, Stuart Dempsey.
Since establishing GamerFest in 2017, Stuart’s event has gone from strength to strength with 5,000 visitors expected for GamerFest Summer at the end of May and up to 10,000 visitors in the next 18 months. That isn’t surprising when you consider what he brought to the table– a 20-year career in B2B and B2C marketing, a Master’s Degree in Marketing Practices from Galway University, and a dance card of successful relationships with some of Ireland’s biggest companies (recently expanded to include the Irish postal system!).
Join us for this fascinating conversation. We’re confident that you’ll walk away with a fresh take on Irish esports, a load of great advice about esports partnerships, and a strong desire to buy a ticket to GamerFest Dublin!
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Connect with Stuart Dempsey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartdempsey/
GamerFest Dublin: https://gamerfest.ie/
GamerFest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GamerFestIE
Connect with James O’Hagan, Founder & Host of The Academy of Esports
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesohagan
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jimohagan
Contact: https://hihello.me/p/b1241eeb-bf95-476b-a258-6d80ef2a79fe
The Academy of Esports
Site: https://taoesports.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taoesports
Twitter: https://twitter.com/taoesports
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063689103336
Subscribe to Watch: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAcademyofEsports
Subscribe to Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/taoesports/episodes
The Academy of Esports podcast is powered by LeagueSpot: https://leaguespot.gg/
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
Joy Sticks (Part Two): How a Global Leader is Revolutionizing Mentorship in Gaming
Welcome to PART TWO of Episode One of YEAR SIX of The Academy of Esports podcast!
I’m your host, James O'Hagan. Thank you for joining me as I welcome back my friend, Amir Satvat, the global head of startup operations at Amazon Web Services.
Before stepping into their current role, Amir experience included chapters as a principal publishing producer and key positions in business development and strategy at Amazon Games. They also served as COO for AWS' Inside Sales and Demand Generation Businesses, while spending over a decade in tech and healthcare sectors, working on strategy, operations, and business development. Amir's academic achievements include an MBA and a Master's in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MPA in Public Policy from New York University. Their professional journey is a perfect example of one of Amir’s career advice tenets: think laterally within a company to gain skills you need for your dream job.
As a dedicated gamer, Amir has played over 2,200 titles, cherishing series like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Monkey Island, and The Witcher. Their love for gaming began with Asteroids on the Atari 2600. Their passion for the industry doesn’t end there– Amir runs a thriving LinkedIn community of over 33,000 video game followers (and growing daily!), with many working in games.
Amir also loves opera, having created his first at age 14. With that in mind, we invited a surprise guest– Josh Shaw, Founding Artistic Director and CEO of Pacific Opera Project– whose blend of video game characters and operas is selling out stages wherever it goes.
Named as one of Musical America’s Top 30 Innovators in Classical Music, Josh Shaw is the Founding Artistic Director and CEO of Pacific Opera Project (POP), which has been described as "L.A.'s most exciting new opera company." Over the past twelve seasons, Mr. Shaw has directed over 50 productions at POP, including The Rake’s Progress, Ariadne auf Naxos, La Calisto, Tosca: A Moving Production; and La Boheme: AKA “The Hipsters”. A frequent librettist for English updates, his Star Trek-inspired Abduction from the Seraglio and Nintendo-inspired Magic Flute (AKA #SuperFlute) have gained national attention and have been produced at multiple companies, shattering attendance records.
Enjoy, consider hitting “Subscribe,” and please make time to play in some way this week!
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Subscribe/Connect to Amir:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/amirsatvat
Amir’s Games Jobs Workbook:
Google Docs: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ORvB63Kq5pvXb8QDbEzGnJa_lFMiZmK2_vjglKgOKcw/edit?usp=sharing
Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6icqqopmsp39ool/221119%20-%20Games%20Jobs.xlsx?dl=0
Connect to Pacific Opera Project:
https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/
POP Curriculum: https://www.pacificoperaproject.com/education
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacoperaproj/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pacificoperaproject/ & https://www.facebook.com/joshshawtenor
Josh Shaw: https://joshshaw.org
Watch Part One: https://lnkd.in/gjP-Dr9j
Listen to Part One: https://lnkd.in/gzfyD7-n
The Academy of Esports podcast is powered by LeagueSpot. https://leaguespot.gg/
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
Joy Sticks (Part One): How a Global Leader is Revolutionizing Mentorship in Gaming
Hello and welcome to the first episode of the sixth year of The Academy of Esports podcast!
I’m your host, James O’Hagan, the Vice-President of Education and Innovation at LeagueSpot, and an educator for over two decades. Thank you for joining us for Part One of what is surely going to be one of my favorite conversations in this podcast’s history, as the subject is a dear friend and source of constant joy to all who know them.
Amir Satvat is the global head of startup operations at Amazon Web Services. Prior to this, they served as principal publishing producer and, prior to that, both business development and strategy lead at Amazon Games. Going back even further, they served as COO for AWS’ Inside Sales and Demand Generation Businesses and spent over a decade in the tech and healthcare sectors in a variety of roles across strategy, operations, and business development. Amir earned their MBA and Master’s in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and his MPA in Public Policy from New York University.
While amassing such an impressive list of accomplishments, Amir always had one goal in mind since childhood: work in gaming. We challenge you to find a more dedicated lifelong gamer! Amir has played over 2,200 titles in their life and their favorite video games series include Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Monkey Island, and The Witcher. (The first game they ever played was Asteroids on the Atari 2600!)
It took 15 years in the professional world to achieve their dream role at age 37. Today, the advice they learned– as well as the respect they have earned– make Amir one of the most influential voices in the space. Today, in addition to their “day job,” Amir operates one of the most important video games LinkedIn communities on earth with nearly 32,000 followers, more than half of whom work in the games industry.
It is a responsibility they take seriously. When the slew of job cuts hit gaming, Amir bundled a lifetime of professional experiences and connections into one extraordinary project:
The Games Jobs Workbook. It is a resource that has now been viewed over 500,000 times since March, connected dozens upon dozens of job seekers with new careers, and launched a virtual mentorship program that is unprecedented in this space.
Google Docs: lnkd.in/etkUuecj
Dropbox: lnkd.in/eGJasnNR
I cannot urge you strongly enough to follow Amir’s LinkedIn page for non-stop wisdom like this:
In this first installment, we dive into career advice, actionable plans for job seekers in gaming, and the importance of self-care in the midst of an industry that keeps moving 24/7.
The content has such value for those of you in and beyond the gaming industry– but more than that, Amir’s is the face, the voice, the words you didn’t even realize you needed when you woke up this morning. You’re witnessing pure sincerity and kindness in action.
Join us next week for Part Two with Amir when– in an Academy of Esports first– we add OPERA to the mix!
Enjoy, consider hitting “Subscribe,” and please make time to play in some way this week!
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Subscribe/Connect to Amir:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/
https://youtube.com/c/amirsatvat
Amir’s Games Jobs Workbook:
Google Docs: lnkd.in/etkUuecj
Dropbox: lnkd.in/eGJasnNR
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
A Conversation with Melissa Burns // Founder and Chair of Esport Canada
The Academy of Esports podcast welcomes Melissa Burns, a leader in scholastic esports in Canada, in honor of International Women's Day. Melissa is the founder and chair of Esport Canada, one of the largest Canadian esports organizations committed to excellence in gaming and supporting the growth of the Canadian esports ecosystem by connecting and amplifying diverse gaming communities. The organization values holistic development and authentic diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of their work, which has allowed them to build a federation focused on social impact.
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Melissa Burns // LinkedIn // Twitter
Esports Canada // Website // LinkedIn // Twitter
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Powered by LeagueSpot
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Leah Koons // Gaming Event and Marketing Veteran & Founder of EQME
Leah Koons is a 10+ year gaming event and marketing veteran who has navigated and developed business relationships for endemic and non-endemic brands to the gaming industry. In our conversation, Leah invites the listener to learn how to be a successful and lasting presence in the game industry. For Leah, a bachelor's degree in psychology was the start. But it was an early decision to focus on the business of games that has led her path of success that includes working with the likes of Team Liquid, Alienware, and Riot. And now, Leah has just launched her own marketing, consulting and event business called EQME.
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Leah Koons // LinkedIn // Twitter
EQME (launching soon!)
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Powered by LeagueSpot
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dylan Liu // Collegiate Esports OG & CEO of Uconnect
Dylan Liu is not one to not have an opinion on the state of collegiate esports. That is one of the things that makes him such a compelling guest for a conversation! Since 2011, Dylan has been involved in collegiate esports while founding the team at his alma mater, Texas A&M, and now serving as the CEO of his company, Uconnect. Uconnect provides a platform to help collegiate programs and clubs to connect with potential sponsorship opportunities. This wide-ranging conversation pulls no punches and looks critically at the current state of collegiate esports, and the overall business of esports. Even at an hour, there was still quite a bit to talk about.
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Dylan Liu // LinkedIn // Twitter
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Powered by LeagueSpot
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with James Fudge // Journalist & Founder of The Esports Advocate
James Fudge has nearly 25 years of experience as an editor and journalist covering the video games industry, having worked for such companies as Avault, IDG Games' Games.Net, Computer Games Magazine, GameSpy, IGN, GamePro, GameShark, GamePolitics, GameCulture, Crispy Gamer, and more.
Over the last three years he worked behind the scenes at The Esports Observer, where he served as senior editor for two years helping to shape the quality of the writing, steer editorial policies, and generally train writers on best practices for content creation and journalism.
In this episode, James and James (James Squared) discuss the importance of journalism in gaming, and especially in the business thereof.
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James Fudge // LinkedIn // Twitter
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Sponsor // LeagueSpot
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Kalam Neale // Head of Education, British Esports Federation
As Head of Education at British Esports, Kalam focusses on delivering growth and development of esports in education across the UK and beyond.
The recipient of the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Award for his outstanding commitment to digital innovation, Kalam, an experienced teacher, educator and educational leader previously served as Esports Programme Lead at Barnsley College, where he co-wrote the Esports BTEC (Business and Technical Education Council) in association with Pearson and British Esports. In this episode, we dive into the BTECs and their impact in on students in the UK.
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Kalam Neale // Twitter // LinkedIn
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Sponsor // LeagueSpot
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Will English IV // FGC Enthusiast, Tournament Organizer, Awesome Big Brother
Will English IV (the fourth!) grew up wanting to be in broadcasting. He had various jobs growing up but imagined myself as a newscaster or a weatherman, but the path to a stable career was very long. A competitive gamer at Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Northern Illinois University, Will saw esports as an opportunity to meld those worlds together. In this episode, we dive into Will's passion for the Fighting Game Community (FGC), his quest to build an amazing experience in virtual and physical spaces, what gaming has meant for his own mental health, and his love for his brother and connection they made through Sonic the Hedgehog.
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Will English IV // Twitter // LinkedIn // Twitch
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Sponsor // LeagueSpot
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dr. Seth Jenny (Returns!) // Dept. of Exercise Science & Athletic Training, Slippery Rock Univ.
Dr. Seth E. Jenny returns to The Academy of Esports!
Dr. Jenny is an assistant professor within the Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU). As an esports academic, Dr. Jenny is a performance advisor to KovaaK 2.0: The Meta FPS aim trainer, founding member of the Esports Research Network, Deputy Editor of the International Journal of Esports, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports. He teaches esports courses in SRU’s undergraduate esports minor and serves as the faculty advisor to SRU’s esports team.
Dr. Jenny has conducted research studies relating to video gaming and esports since 2011. He has provided 100+ professional presentations and has published 50+ peer-reviewed academic journal articles within his prime areas of research - esports, motion-based video gaming, instructional technology, and distance running.
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Website // Twitter // LinkedIn // Book
International Journal of Esports
The Journal of Electronic Gaming & Esports
Upcoming Esports Research Network Conference 2022 in Sweden
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Sponsor // LeagueSpot
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Kowert // The Study of Extremism in Gaming Spaces
Dr. Rachel Kowert is a Research Psychologist, the Research Director for Take This, a non-profit organization that provides mental health information and resources to the gaming community and industry, and is a Henry Cavill aficionado. Dr. Kowert has been featured in various media outlets, including NPR, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Wired, and video game publications such as Kotaku and Polygon. And now, Dr. Kowert will be leading research into online extremism through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to research, produce recommendations and supports for digital community managers to combat online extremism in all forms. In this episode, we look at this effort and the current state of online extremism in gaming spaces.
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Dr. Rachel Kowert (Website // LinkedIn // Twitter // Twitch // YouTube)
DHS to Spend Almost $700,000 Investigating ‘Radicalization in Gaming’
Hate and Harassment Drive One-in-Four Moderator Actions on Minecraft Servers, Study Finds
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Andrew Czysz, Scholastic Esport Shoutcaster of the Horlick Rebels & Wisconsin High School Esports Association
Andrew Czysz is a shoutcaster for the Horlick High School Esports Team and for the Wisconsin High School Esports Association. At a young age, Andrew has already attracted attention for his calls of the game "Rocket League," been interviewed by one of the largest newspapers in the United States, and even interviewed NFL royalty. Andrew is an example of the potential of possibilities beyond the games in scholastic esports.
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Andrew Czysz // Twitter
WIHSEA Rocket League Playoffs: [Quarter Finals]: (4) Horlick vs (1) Case
The Journal Times: Meet the Horlick High School junior who could become the Al Michaels of esports
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Hillary Phan // Director of Diversity & Inclusion at VOICE
Hillary Phan is a trailblazer in the space of Collegiate Scholastic Esports. She was a part of an amazing core of people who helped to build the University of California-Irvine Esports Program. She has also been a long-time advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. Her work with UCI, and now, AnyKey, and VOICE are critical in building a vibrant gaming community beyond varsity level competition. She will also be a panelist at the Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium 2022!
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Hillary Phan // LinkedIn // Twitter
VOICE (Voice of Intercollegiate Esports)
Purdue University Games Make a Difference Symposium
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Kevin Fair (Again!) // CEO of I Play Games
At the start of the COVID Pandemic, Kevin Fair of I Play Games took the bold step to join up with the Chicago Park District to offer an NBA2K tournament to local children. What happened after that is nothing short of amazing! Learn about the great things that came about from the passion and love Kevin has for Chicago and the forward thinking of the CPD and their relationship with video games.
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Kevin Fair // LinkedIn // Twitter
Purdue University Games Make a Difference Symposium
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Stephen Reid (Again!) // Senior Customer Engagement Project Manager at Microsoft
The work of Stephen Reid is a major influence on The Academy of Esports Podcast.
Stephen is a passionate advocate of both play as a powerful learning mechanism, and technology as a tool for learning. Spanning an education career of 20 years, he has used over 140 off-the-shelf games to teach in over 70 countries worldwide.
Minecraft sits at the heart of his teaching toolkit for curriculum, and social and emotional learning, as well as unique learning projects such as the creation of an entire school with Minecraft and a single 3D Printer, summer camps on farms, in museums, and on archaeological digs, and a series of Teaching The Tough Stuff lessons that teach gender equality, the refugee crisis, civil rights, conservation, and more.
He fosters the strong belief that all learning should be relevant and meaningful to the individual, with intentional real-life connections wherever possible.
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Stephen Reid // LinkedIn // Twitter
Refugee Crisis Learning Resources
Purdue University Games Make a Difference Symposium
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dr. Samantha Blackmon // Associate Professor of English at Purdue University
In this conversation, Dr. Samantha Blackmon, Associate English Professor at Purdue University, discusses not just her work at the university but also as a researcher interested in DEI issues in gaming. Dr. Blackmon champions working specifically on ways to bring people together from the games community, the games industry, content creators, and esports in order to bring about positive change in the games space.
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Dr. Samantha Blackmon // Website // Twitch // Twitter
Purdue University Games Make a Difference Symposium
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dr. Roberto Gallardo // Director, Purdue Center for Regional Development
In this episode's conversation, Dr. Roberto Gallardo, the Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development comes onto the podcast to talk about the current state of Internet connectivity in rural and urban areas. The issue is very much front of mind for many, especially in how it impacted education access during the height of the COVID pandemic. Now, as more dollars are flowing into the connecting homes to the Internet, Dr. Gallardo helps to answer some of the big questions around how Indiana is encouraging Internet access in areas that have been overlooked in the past.
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Dr. Roberto Gallardo // Website // LinkedIn // Twitter
Purdue Center for Regional Development
Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, April 8-9, 2022
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Kowert (3rd Time!) // Research Psychologist & Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium Panelist
Dr. Rachel Kowert is a Research Psychologist, the Research Director for Take This, a non-profit organization that provides mental health information and resources to the gaming community and industry, and is a Henry Cavill aficionado. Dr. Kowert has been featured in various media outlets, including NPR, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Wired, and video game publications such as Kotaku and Polygon. And now, Dr. Kowert will be a panelist at the inaugural Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium on April 8-9, 2022. In this episode, Dr. Kowert catches us up on the changing state of the world, changes in thoughts about screentime, and insights that will be further explored at the symposium.
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Dr. Rachel Kowert (Website // LinkedIn // Twitter // Twitch // YouTube)
Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, April 8-9, 2022
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dr. Kelli Dunlap // Clinical Psychologist & Game Designer
Dr. Kelli Dunlap is a clinical psychologist (PsyD in clinical psychology, licensed, and practicing), a game designer, an adjunct professor of game design (MA in game design), and the Head of Community at Take This.
Dr. Dunlap comes onto The Academy of Esports to discuss the main challenges she sees facing the gaming space and ways to tackle them. She is an advocate for the importance of play and games to mental health in all ages, not just kids.
Be sure to check out the Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, and register here.
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Dr. Kelli Dunlap // Website // LinkedIn // Twitter
How Gaming Benefits Our Mental Health
Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, April 8-9, 2022
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Dr. William Watson // Associate Professor of Learning Design and Technology, Purdue University
Dr. William Watson, Associate Professor of Learning Design and Technology, and Director of Purdue Center for Serious Games and Learning in Virtual Environments focuses his work around the idea that the system of education is antiquated and designed to meet entirely different societal needs than currently exist. Like any tweaks, educational video games are not themselves enough to solve the problems facing education today. Rather, Dr. Watson believes we need a new system of education that is focused on actual learning rather than driven by time and the comparison and sorting of learners, a personalized approach to learning.
Be sure to check out the Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, and register here.
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Dr. William Watson // Website // Google Scholar // LinkedIn
Serious Gaming Center at Purdue
Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, April 8-9, 2022
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Chris Bishop // Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium (April 8-9, 2022)
As the Associate Director of Business Development at Purdue University, Chris Bishop is tasked with bringing events and initiatives to Purdue that would benefit past, current, and future Boilermakers. Three years ago, Chris and I started a conversation that morphed from "how to get esports onto Purdue's campus," into "we have all these amazing people doing work to support the gaming space on campus right now, and we need to showcase this!" On April 8-9, on the Purdue Campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, the culmination of these conversations will showcase the ecoverse around gaming and esports at the inaugural "Games Make a Difference" Symposium.
This podcast episode is a first dedicated to the speakers at the conference to provide further depth and insights that can sometimes be lost in symposium conversations.
Be sure to check out the Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, and register here.
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Chris Bishop // Website // LinkedIn
Purdue University: Games Make a Difference Symposium, April 8-9, 2022
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Alex McNeil // Choosing College & Esports
Alex McNeil is a private admissions consultant and one of the moderators of Reddit's r/ApplyingToCollege community, the largest student community in the world dedicated to college admissions. He has been working in college preparation and admissions in various capacities for almost five years — first starting a test prep company in the San Francisco Area in 2017 that was sold in 2019, then working with colleges to build and evaluate their esports programs, and then back into college admissions in late 2020 as the Founder of McNeil Admissions.
In this conversation, Alex and I discuss the challenges and changes in colleges, and what to look for when considering an esports scholarship to an institution of higher learning.
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Alex McNeil // Website
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
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Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
A Conversation with Marcus Howard // Content Creator and Crypto Specialist
Marcus Howard returns to the podcast to discuss his new project "Innovate: Gaming & Esports." This project is a culmination of his work to bring a heightened level of awareness to the depth of the esports industry beyond the games, and to give light to those doing the work not always seen on big stages. As an almanac, this project also hopes to open the eyes to everyone, students in particular, that the esports industry is growing in new ways not thought of in the recent past.
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Marcus "Esports" Howard (LinkedIn)
Order your copy of "Innovate: Gaming & Esports" here!
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Chris Haskell // Head Coach of Boise State University Esports
Dr. Chris Haskell, Head Coach of Boise State University Esports, returns to the podcast for the third time. Our conversation revolves around the development of an esports culture, and the careful considerations one must take when considering corporate sponsorships of your program.
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Dr. Chris Haskell // Twitter // Website
Check out the First Interview with Dr. Haskell
Check out the Second Interview with Dr. Haskell
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Krista-Lee Malone // Anthropologist at UW-Madison
Professor of Anthropology and Game Scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Krista-Lee Malone, is a conversational guest on this episode of the podcast. As an Anthropologist, it is surprising to some her involvement in gaming. However, as Dr. Malone points out, "The social sciences have so much to offer games and vice versa. People play games - without the people, the games are meaningless." We dive into major challenges in gaming culture and esports, issues related to DEI, and ways to reduce and understand online toxicity.
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Dr. Krista-Lee Malone // LinkedIn // Twitter
Game Certificate Program at UW-Madison
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Monica Miller // Director of Ritual Motions Guild
Monica Miller, Director of Ritual Motion Guild, is an independent consultant, freelance writer, and researcher who specializes in gaming and esports. With a passion rooted in the intersection of gaming and education, she calls upon her unique in-game and in real life experiences to dispel the stigma that video games are a "waste of time."
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Monica Miller // LinkedIn
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Tunisha Singleton // Host of I Have Questions Podcast and MORE
Dr. Tunisha Singleton is a Media Psychologist, Creative Strategist, and Sports Entertainment professional with an expertise in fan engagement, integrated marketing, and digital communication. Dr. Singleton is also President of Black Girl Hockey Club and aspires to work with more brands and non-profit organizations on projects surrounding building experiences, fandom, esports, mental health, amplifying Black voices, and race/gender/LGBTQ empowerment.
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Dr. Tunisha Singleton // LinkedIn // Twitter // Website
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Daniel Clerke, Director of Esports at Maryville University
Dan Clerke (Clerkie) has built a powerhouse esports program at Maryville University in St. Louis. He has worked to build a properly funded and staffed program at the school. However, he has some reservations about the state of collegiate esports. He shared his thoughts on the future of collegiate esports, and steps to consider to sustain it.
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Daniel Clerke // LinkedIn // Twitter
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with George Walker // Student Leader at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee
When I was first introduced to George Walker through 88Nine Radio Milwaukee Host Tarik Moody, I had no idea George was a student at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. I thought for sure this was an educator trying to bring esports to his school. George has worked with school staff to enter his high school, this spring in the midst of a pandemic lockdown, as a member of the Wisconsin High School Esports Association. This is my first student conversation on the podcast.
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George Walker Jr. (LinkedIn)
George Walker Sr. (LinkedIn)
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Andrew Byrne // Counseling, Leadership, and Research in Scholastic Esports
Dr. Andrew Byrne, a professor at CalPoly, comes onto The Academy of Esports podcast to discuss a variety of counseling topics not typically discussed at the K12 level with regards to esports. Dr. Byrne has a doctorate in rehabilitation counseling/addictions from East Carolina University, so this episode is quite a change of pace.
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Dr. Andrew Byrne (Website // Twitter)
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Miles Harvey & Dr. Clint Kennedy // Getting Deeper with Student Connections
Dr. Miles Harvey, Ph.D., a middle school educator in New Mexico and NASEF Scholastic Fellow, and Dr. Clint Kennedy, NASEF Board Member and Long-Time Scholastic Trailblazer, will join in on The Academy of Esports to chat about their work to deepen relationships with students through esports and gaming.
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Dr. Miles Harvey (LinkedIn // Twitter)
Dr. Clint Kennedy (LinkedIn // Twitter)
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play! James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast. The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter) You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free
"8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Patricia Smith // James O'Hagan's Mother, and a Grandmother
Patricia Smith is a chef, an artist, a former educator, a grandmother, and our host James O'Hagan's mother. Pat and James sat down in his kitchen to talk about her perceptions and thoughts about gaming and esports. This is not just about kids, but also how parents and grandparents can start to engage with their own children and grandchildren through gaming and esports.
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Clint Kennedy // From CT to PlayVS to NASEF
Clint Kennedy has been involved in Scholastic Esports for several years. He first brought about league play in Connecticut, before being a part of the start of PlayVS, and now is involved with NASEF. Dr. Kennedy is one of the few educators who has direct experience with non-profit and for-profit esports. Truly a great interview!
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Clint Kennedy (LinkedIn // Twitter)
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Chris Aviles // Co-Founder of Garden State Esports
Chris Aviles returns to the podcast for a whole new conversation about being an accomplished author, and co-founder of a non-profit statewide esports association in New Jersey (Garden State Esports).
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Chris Aviles (Twitter // LinkedIn // Website)
The Esports Education Playbook: Empowering Every Learner Through Inclusive Gaming
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Kevin Fair // Founder & CEO of Chicago-Based “I Play Games!”
In a conversation with Kevin Fair, Founder & CEO of "I Play Games!," James and Kevin dive into the issues of access to gaming, bringing tech and events to underserved communities across the country, and perspectives of those experiencing gaming for the first time.
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Kevin Fair // LinkedIn
Chicago Park District adds esports to its recreational program with inaugural ‘NBA 2K21’ tournament
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
Esports: It is a "Space Race," and is not the "Wild West"
While not a perfect analogy, when you strip away the geopolitical feud between the USSR and the USA, the potential infinite possibilities of space creates an interesting mindset. In American pop culture, the space race morphs into Star Trek where society had to come together for a greater purpose. With esports, we see that need, now more than ever. We see there is not one way to create an esports experience. We see the potential of infinite possibilities for all to benefit from esports in ways that are unique to the individual.
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Jorrel Batac // Engaging in the Diversity of Scholastic Esports
Jorrel Batac is an Esports Scholastic Instructional Coach & Curriculum Specialist for the North America Scholastic Esports Association and the Orange County (CA) Department of Education. Jorrel and James sat down to discuss the diversity across ideas and experiences for those involved in scholastic esports. There is a growing richness that could impact the amateur and competitive pro experiences in the future.
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Jorrel Batac // LinkedIn
NASEF Scholastic Fellows Program
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Kowert // She Returns, and, Wow, the World Has Changed!
Dr. Rachel Kowert is a Research Psychologist and the Research Director for Take This, a non-profit organization that provides mental health information and resources to the gaming community and industry. In this episode, we stray a little bit from talking solely about gaming to discuss topics related to the psychology around learning and interacting in digital environments. We also have a frank discussion about a new game, "Gamer Girl," and the issues related to its development and content. And she shares key insights from her book "A Parent's Guide to Video Games: The essential guide to understanding how video games impact your child's physical, social, and psychological well-being."
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Dr. Rachel Kowert (Website // LinkedIn // Twitter // Twitch // YouTube)
Research Review: 2020 Bryter Female Gamer Survey
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Dr. Tore Olsson // Teaching Historical Concepts with Red Dead Redemption 2
Dr. Tore Olsson is a professor of history at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. He took up playing the game Red Dead Redemption 2 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and quickly saw an undercurrent of themes related to the late 19th and early 20th century in the game. Realizing there could be educational value in using the game as a vehicle to discuss these concepts, Dr. Olsson has proposed a collegiate course using the game as a teaching tool.
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Dr. Tore Olsson // Twitter // Website
Red Dead Redemption 2 Course Tweet
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Christopher Turner & Cody Dragon // Launch of a New Esports Arena
Recently, Southern University Lab School launched their new esports arena. Christopher Turner returned to the podcast to talk about the space, and Cody Dragon also came on to talk about support of these spaces by the professional industry. The development of an esports arena is a major step for many schools. Southern University Lab School built their space through purposeful planning around their esports program mission. Learn how!
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Christopher Turner // LinkedIn // Twitter
Cody Dragon // LinkedIn // Twitter
The Future is Here at Southern University Lab School
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Stephen Reid // Senior Project Manager at Microsoft
Stephen Reid is a Senior Project Manager at Microsoft who is showing the world new ways for children, parents and educators to embrace Minecraft as a platform for game-based learning. Listen as Stephen shares his thoughts on the new ways games are being embraced in schools, and new ideas to consider related to the rights of children in digital spaces.
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Stephen Reid // LinkedIn // Twitter
UNICEF Child rights in the Digital Age
UNICEF The online gaming industry and child rights
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
A Conversation with Angelique Gianas // Educator & NASEF Scholastic Mentor
Angelique Gianas is an educator at Helix Charter High School in San Diego, a former North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) Scholastic Fellow, and now a NASEF Scholastic Mentor. Her story about her growth in scholastic esports should resonate with many educators who are not sure where to start. She also looks at game play as a great way to engage her students, especially in a remote online setting.
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Angelique Gianas // LinkedIn // Twitter
NASEF Scholastic Fellows Program
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
An Interview with Ashley "AJ" Jones // Esports Head Coach at Park University
EPISODE 100!!! Ashley "AJ" Jones is an amazing person worth knowing in scholastic esports. Not only is she the esports head coach at Park University outside of Kansas City. She is also the chair-elect for the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), and the vice-chair of the Kansas City Esports Coalitition.
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Ashley "AJ" Jones // LinkedIn // Twitter
Park University Esports // Website // Twitter
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
An Interview with Lori Bajorek // President of the National Esports Association
Lori Bajorek is the President of the National Esports Association. Her organization is focused on meeting students and schools where they are, and providing new experiences unique to their needs. In a growing sea of national esports organizations, the NEA is taking a measured approach to stand out.
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Lori Bajorek (LinkedIn)
National Esports Association (Website // Twitter)
The Strong National Museum of Play
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
An Interview with Bradford Harris // The EdTechTinker & Chief Learning Officer of TexSEF
Bradford Harris is an educator and the Coordinator of Digital Innovation in Aldine (TX) ISD just outside Houston. He also currently serves the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation as their Chief Learning Officer. Bradford's journey in esports is one not of a rush to implementation, but one that is carefully studying the landscape to, in the end, create an experience that is inclusive for all the students he serves.
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Bradford Harris (LinkedIn // Twitter)
Texas Scholastic Esports Federation
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
An Interview with Darren Korb // Musician & Voice of Zagreus in "Hades"
Darren Korb is a musician and the Audio Director of the IGN and Polygon 2020 Game of the Year, "Hades." We discuss Darren's process to develop the music for this amazing game. As esports grows in schools, this is an example of how we can think beyond the games to provide unique experiences for all our Scholar Gamers.
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Darren Korb (LinkedIn // Twitter)
Hades (Game // Soundtrack)
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
An Interview with Kathy Chiang // Assistant Director of UCI Esports
Kathy Chiang is the Assistant Director of UCI Esports. But one could argue that Kathy has been a key person for helping to bring collegiate esports to prominence. Since her days at Whitney High School, she has been helping to organize events and experiences that set new standards of excellence.
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Kathy Chiang (LinkedIn // Twitter)
ESPN: Panelists hoping to crack code of female acceptance in gaming
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS
An Interview with Victoria Horsley // President of the Unified Collegiate Esports Association
Victoria Horlsey, the Founder & President of the Unified Collegiate Esports Association, shared her story operating within the collegiate esports space. Victoria's place in the esports "Space Race" starts ten years ago through her involvement in early esports tournaments throughout the Midwest of the United States. Now, Victoria is an esports event vet. Her insights should help anyone getting started.
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Victoria Horsley (Website // LinkedIn // Twitter)
Unified Collegiate Esports Association (Website // Twitter)
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Esports is organized competitive video games allowing schools to redefine their athletic culture, diversify opportunities for student participation, promote physical and mental health, increase collegiate scholarship pathways, and play games! We cannot forget the importance of play!
James O'Hagan (LinkedIn // Twitter) is the Founder and Host of The Academy of Esports podcast.
The Academy of Esports (Website // Twitter)
You may email any questions or topic suggestions to contact@taoesports.com.
--
Music provided Royalty Free "8 Bit Adventure!" Querky Fun Game Music by HeatleyBros
iTunes: https://goo.gl/M3b16f
Spotify: https://goo.gl/5SbVuk
License: https://goo.gl/jadB5E
Twitter: https://goo.gl/fKqyrj
Facebook: https://goo.gl/PrsTvS