EsportsNext Podcast

Hosted by Esports Trade Association

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Mar 2025

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About the show

The EsportsNext Podcast showcases prominent industry leaders and professionals from the EsportsNext conference, the annual event hosted by the Esports Trade Association. This conference is a key networking hub for the esports industry. Tune in with hosts John Davidson and Megan Van Petten as they engage with experts who share their insights and experiences in the world of esports.

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March 4, 20258 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 19: Michele Togashi

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by Adam Joshua! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Michele Togashi, an Assistant Professor of Business and Esports Gaming at Atlantic Cape Community College. Michele brings a wealth of academic and industry experience, serving on the ACCC Esports Board and as an active member of the Esports Trade Association.Join us as Michele discusses her journey in esports education, the opportunities she sees for students in the field, and how business principles are being integrated into esports programs. Tune in for insights into the growing connection between higher education and the esports industry, and the exciting possibilities for the future of esports at the collegiate level.

February 18, 202517 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 18: James O'Hagan

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by Adam Joshua, professional entertainer and esports enthusiast! Today, we’re excited to welcome James O'Hagan, Founder of The Academy of Esports. With over 20 years of experience in education, James has been at the forefront of integrating esports as a tool for student engagement and learning.In this episode, James takes us through his journey into esports, which began with Rockford Public Schools in 2013. He shares how esports has become a powerful medium to motivate students and explores both the challenges and opportunities that scholastic esports present. From addressing educational ROI to the positive impact of video games on student well-being, James dives into how esports is shaping the future of education. Tune in to hear his innovative approach to using video games as a learning tool and his vision for the future of gaming in schools!

February 4, 202518 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 17: Vijay Koduri

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re excited to feature Vijay Koduri, co-founder of Sizzle.gg, an innovative startup that leverages AI to automate gaming highlights. Vijay, an entrepreneur and ex-Googler, brings extensive experience from his previous roles, including Head of Marketing for Google Wallet and SVP of Marketing at Adyen.At Sizzle.gg, Vijay is revolutionizing the way gamers experience content by using AI to automatically select the best moments from streams and gameplay videos, delivering highlight compilations or action-packed clips. Tune in to learn more about Vijay’s journey and how Sizzle.gg is shaping the future of gaming content creation.

January 21, 202517 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 16: Rebecca Longawa

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re featuring Rebecca Longawa, founder and president of Happy Warrior, a consultancy specializing in sports marketing, entertainment, and esports. With over 25 years of experience, Rebecca is a leading expert in the industry, working with pro athletes, streamers, and esports teams to dxevelop brand partnerships and growth strategies. She also collaborates with media agencies to help brands integrate into the esports ecosystem authentically.Beyond her work in esports, Rebecca advises sports-tech startups and venture capital funds, guiding investment and go-to-market strategies. Passionate about community impact, she volunteers with M Health Fairview Children's Hospital and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, among other charitable efforts. Tune in to hear Rebecca’s insights on the future of gaming, sports, and entertainment.

January 7, 202511 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 15: Ray Smith

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re joined by Raymond Smith, Director of Gaming & Esports at NASCAR. With over four years of experience at NASCAR and more than two years in his current role, Raymond has been instrumental in combining the excitement of gaming with the thrill of esports, making it a fun and accessible experience for all. Raymond is passionate about keeping things simple and enjoyable while driving innovation in the esports space at NASCAR.Tune in to this episode to learn more about Raymond's journey in gaming and esports and how he's shaping the future of NASCAR's digital presence.

December 17, 20247 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 14: Robert Powell

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re excited to feature Robert L. Powell III, Founder of the BGG Foundation and former PlayStation alum. The BGG Foundation is dedicated to empowering socioeconomically disadvantaged youth by using gaming as a tool to guide them toward higher education. Robert and his team provide exclusive school gaming events that offer students a unique opportunity to connect, express themselves, and explore their passion for gaming.The foundation also offers mentorship programs, helping students discover esports scholarship opportunities and career pathways in the gaming industry. With partnerships that include STEM organizations, BGG uses gaming to enhance the learning experience and inspire the next generation to turn their love for gaming into full-time careers. Tune in to hear more about Robert’s mission to empower youth through gaming and the positive impact the BGG Foundation is making.

December 3, 202434 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 13: Will English IV

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re featuring Will English IV, Founder of EBNEsports, Software Engineer, Freelance Broadcast Engineer, and Twitch Streamer. Will brings a diverse skill set to the table, combining his expertise in software engineering with a passion for broadcast engineering and esports. As the founder of EBNEsports, he is dedicated to growing the competitive gaming scene while fostering community and innovation.In addition to his technical background, Will is a streamer on Twitch, where he connects with audiences through engaging gameplay and interactive content. Tune in to this episode of EsportsNext to learn more about Will’s journey in esports, his experience as a software and broadcast engineer, and his vision for the future of gaming and streaming.

November 19, 202418 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 12: Christopher Silbernagel

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re featuring Christopher Silbernagel, Sports Planning Guide Lead and Social Media Manager at Premier Travel Media. After interning with Premier Travel Media in late 2019, Chris officially joined the team in 2021, where he plays a key role in building the company’s social media presence and brand awareness. He also assists in overseeing the overall production of the Sports Planning Guide.Chris is a passionate advocate for diversity and cultural exchange, with a love for languages. Specializing in English rhetoric and writing, Chris applies his skills not only to the travel industry but also to crafting short and long-form fiction. He enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, from mountain villages to hidden alleys. One of his favorite travel spots is the Basque Country, known for its unique culture and relaxed vibe along the Atlantic. Tune in to this episode of EsportsNext to hear more about Chris's journey and his passion for travel, culture, and storytelling.

November 5, 202420 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 11: Tyler Thompson

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re excited to feature Tyler Thompson, Founder of My Favorite Company. Originally from Seattle and now based in Oregon, Tyler is a Pacific Northwest native with a lifelong love for gaming. From classics like Super Mario, Diablo, Halo, StarCraft, and Contra to his favorite Pokémon, Squirtle, Tyler's gaming experiences have shaped his worldview.In addition to his passion for gaming, Tyler has a love for travel and living abroad, though his heart remains with the USA. With a diverse background that includes being an Eagle Scout, playing rugby, and working his way up from dishwashing to Ecommerce, Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey is just getting started. Tune in to this episode of EsportsNext to hear more about Tyler’s story and his exciting new ventures.

October 22, 202423 min

EsportsNext Podcast Episode 10: Dexter Carr Jr.

Welcome to the EsportsNext Podcast, hosted by professional entertainer Adam Joshua! Today, we’re thrilled to feature Dexter Carr Jr., Founder and CEO of G-Haven Esports. Dexter's lifelong passion for gaming began with his first Gameboy Color and Pokémon Yellow, and gaming has remained a central part of his life ever since. For Dexter, video games have been more than just a hobby; they’ve helped him build lasting friendships, provided a source of comfort, and served as a powerful learning tool.In 2019, Dexter turned his passion for gaming and philanthropy into G-Haven Esports, a platform designed to unite people through gaming while driving positive social impact. Inspired by his spiritual upbringing and involvement with Penn State’s THON charity for pediatric cancer, Dexter’s mission of "gaming with a purpose" is helping shape the next generation of gamers and thought leaders. Tune in to this episode of EsportsNext to learn more about Dexter’s journey and how he’s using gaming to make a positive difference in the world.