S2E12: Behind the World Cup Microphone: From the University of Oregon to the World Cup Broadcast Booth

S2E12: Behind the World Cup Microphone: From the University of Oregon to the World Cup Broadcast Booth

On this episode we're joined by John Strong, Fox Sports Lead Soccer Announcer and University of Oregon Alumni. In this episode, Strong discusses his journey from the UO to calling matches on the world stage ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including what it takes to prepare for a FIFA World Cup broadcast. He also shares how he stays composed under pressure, reflects on standout moments from his time at UO, and explains why his connection to UO remains important to him. Topics * From the University of Oregon to the world stage, and how UO shaped John Strong's path [1:16] * Behind the mic and preparing for a FIFA World Cup match [8:18] * Balancing storytelling and statistics in broadcasting [11:44] * Staying composed under pressure in live sports broadcasting [13:58] * Advice for students wanting to work in broadcasting or sports media [19:43] * Giving back and why staying connected to UO matters [22:13] Guest * John Strong, Fox Sports Lead Soccer Announcer, UO Alumni Resources * School of Journalism and Communication, [https://journalism.uoregon.edu/] Oregon's top program for journalism and communication where students explore a dynamic curriculum, choose from four majors, and gain hands-on experience through student organizations, internships, and real-world media opportunities. * Alumni Profile: John Strong [https://journalism.uoregon.edu/news/alumni-profile-john-strong], learn more about John Strong's career path and achievements as a University of Oregon alum in sports broadcasting. * Eric Allen Award: John Strong [https://journalism.uoregon.edu/eric-allen-award/john-strong], explore John Strong's recognition as an Eric Allen Award recipient and his impact in the field of journalism and sports broadcasting. * FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule, [https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums] find out more about match fixtures, teams, and key details for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Quotes * "I always knew my whole life I was going to be a Duck. And the fact that I wanted to be a sports broadcaster, and the fact that [the University of Oregon] has such an excellent school of journalism, that was easy for me." [1:50] * "I'm very thankful, and that's why I say to a lot of people, not only is the University of Oregon so incredibly important to me, but it's important to me that I come back and I stay connected. And can I help to play that role for other young broadcasters that people like Rebecca and Jen played for me?" [7:58] * "The prep is months. In some ways, the prep is years because you're also drawing back on prior times you've called games with these teams and these players, prior World Cups leaning on that knowledge and history that you have. Also understanding that sometimes the most important piece of information comes two hours before kick off, and you have to be prepared for that as well." [10:59] * "Every player on the field at a World Cup, has lived their own life's journey to get to this wonderful moment. I want to celebrate that, tell that story." [12:17] * "It's a really special thing to be in this position, particularly because I love soccer so much. It's such a passion of mine, and soccer only gets these opportunities very rarely in this country. This is a standard state of being in so much of the rest of the world, where it's not just that soccer is the most popular sport in most countries in the world, it's the only major sport in many countries around the world. It's the NFL plus the NBA plus Major League baseball, plus everything else all wrapped into one." [14:43] * "I am from Oregon. I am of Oregon. The U of O has made me what I am in so many ways. I take such immense pride at being an Oregon Duck." [28:22] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts [https://news.uoregon.edu/podcasts]

S2E11: Meeting the Moment: A Conversation with President Karl Scholz

On this episode we're joined by Karl Scholz, President of the University of Oregon. In this episode, he discusses how the university is working to support and prepare students for success post-graduation. He also discusses how the UO is strengthening its impact across Oregon through workforce development, community engagement and research innovation in alignment with Oregon Rising. Topics * Meet Karl Scholz [00:29] * Earning Back Trust and Credibility after UO's 150-Year Legacy [2:28] * How Oregon Prepares Students for What's Next [5:46] * Investing in the future: The "Scooby Doo Moment" and Affordability [8:52] * UO's Impact Across Oregon and Beyond [11:36] * Innovation and Impact at UO: Where UO is Headed Next [14:11] * Community, Leadership, and What "Flourishing" Means at UO [24:15] Guest * Karl Scholz, President of the University of Oregon Resources * Wu Tsai Human Performance Initiative, [https://humanperformancealliance.org/] learn more about UO's roles as a founding member of this global effort to transform human health through the science of peak performance, and helping everyone lead healthier, more active lives. * Oregon Rising, [https://oregonrising.uoregon.edu/] explore the University of Oregon's strategic framework guiding decisions, aligning efforts, and unlocking the potential of the University of Oregon to better support students, Oregon, and our nation. * Olympic Studies Hub, [https://business.uoregon.edu/faculty/centers/warsaw/olympic-studies-hub] find out more about University of Oregon's membership of the worldwide network of academic centers dedicated to the study and research of the Olympic movement and Olympic Games. * Global Sport University Network (GSUN), [https://gsun.org/] learn more about the University of Oregon part in the worldwide trusted and respected source of higher-education knowledge, research and policy advice in sport. * Warsaw Sports Business Center, [https://business.uoregon.edu/faculty/centers/warsaw] explore the University of Oregon's first-of-its-kind immersive program providing hands-on learning and access to an impressive network of alumni who hold leadership positions in sports organizations across Oregon, the U.S., and the world. * The Sustainable City Year Program, [https://knightcampus.uoregon.edu/] learn more about the UO's large-scale partnership connecting university courses with an Oregon community for an academic year to complete real world projects. * Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT), [https://cascadiaquakes.org/] find out more about the nation's first subduction zone earthquake hazards center. * Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ), [https://ohaz.uoregon.edu/] explore research, data and community-driven efforts to understand, monitor, and mitigate natural hazards within the Pacific Northwest. * Launch Oregon, [https://www.launchoregon.com/] learn more about how this initiative supports and assists UO startups through leadership development, advisory connections and investment opportunities and its partnership with UO's Industry, Innovation and Translation (IIT) unit. * The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, [https://knightcampus.uoregon.edu/] explore cutting edge advancements in bioengineering research, biomedical data science and high-tech workforce training — transforming human health, accelerating commercialization of new technologies and preparing PhD and master's students for scientific and industry leadership. Quotes * "In short, the 150th isn't just a celebration of where we've been. It's a statement about where we're going and how will we meet this moment." [2:17 * "A favorite word I have is 'proximity.' We close the gap through outcomes that better serve students and families. We create that by relationships with people both inside and outside the academy, and that's through more concrete connections to workforce needs, through showing up in communities and being useful." [4:57] * We're training students who fall in love with the majestic Pacific Northwest who would love to stay here, and so we have a ready engaged, well-trained workforce. We have discoveries, innovations that can support the business climate, and we want to leverage that by working not just with the two universities, but with civic organizations, political leaders, business leaders, anyone who wants to help, because we don't want our students who want to stay in the great state of Oregon to have to move to California or Texas to find good jobs. [6:58] * "We're working on the things that truly matter for the university and for the citizens of the state. That is creating great experiences for the students that we serve, broadening the impact and awareness of the knowledge that we provide, and digging in in the communities where our interests align so that we can be part of the solutions that everyone would like to see." [11:07] * "The University of Oregon had a $3.7 billion impact last year, and every year going forward. And behind that, that's over 21,000 jobs. We generated $238 million in state and local tax revenues. And for every dollar invested in the University of Oregon, that's generating $15 of impact." [11:59] * "It's useful to have your, you know, what is your "why," what is your sense of purpose? And so that is what we're talking about when we talk about flourishing. And we're working hard to try to measure it over time and figure out different things that can inculcate or help support those qualities." [25:33] * "Flourishing isn't about abundance. In fact, sometimes it's most important and in harder times, but it's about learning, finding purpose, and trusting each other. And I think it's a really, really important issue now." [26:03] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts [https://news.uoregon.edu/podcasts]

S2E10: A New Climate Blueprint: Building A Legal Framework for Atmospheric Recovery

On this episode we're joined by Mary Wood, Philip H. Knight Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Law School's Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center at UO. In this episode, she discusses her work with her Atmospheric Trust Litigation Strategy, approaches in protecting blue carbon areas, and the Pacific Northwest Framework for Atmospheric Recovery. Wood explains how environmental law can drive meaningful climate action locally and globally, offering both practical solutions and hope for addressing climate challenges. Topics * From interest to impact in environmental law [1:18] * Stakes in climate change and reason for hope [2:43] * What is Atmospheric trust litigation? [5:26] * Inside the atmospheric recovery framework [7:55] * Solutions for protecting blue carbon ecosystems? [11:59] * Turning environmental legal damages into community climate solutions [15:01] * Expanding climate legal strategies beyond the Pacific Northwest [18:48] Guest * Mary Wood, Philip H. Knight Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Law School's Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center Resources * Mary Wood, expert in environmental law and natural resources, [https://news.uoregon.edu/expert/mary-wood-school-law-environmental-natural-resources-program] learn more about Wood's career in environmental law and climate solutions. * Mary Wood, Philip H. Knight Professor, Faculty Director for the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center, [https://law.uoregon.edu/directory/faculty/all/mwood?utm_source=chatgpt.com] explore more about Wood's teaching, research and contributions at University of Oregon's School of Law. * Trailblazing legal scholar aims to clean up the carbon spill in the sky [https://news.uoregon.edu/trailblazing-legal-scholar-aims-clean-carbon-sky], read an OregonNews article highlighting Mary Wood's work in natural land-based climate legal solutions. Quotes * "For me, it was personally devastating to watch something so rich with natural beauty and functions just disappear in a matter of a few years." [1:54] * "People from all corners and walks of life are stepping up with this understanding that, you know, we're all part of the problem in that we all participate in this fossil fuel economy, but that also means can all be and actually, we all must be part of the solution." [4:25] * "If we spew fossil fuel emissions and drive up the planet's average temperature, the climate system becomes disrupted, and we pay the price in loss of life and property loss and economic collapse." * "So, we often just think of climate crisis as a problem of emissions or pollution. Too much fossil fuel use, sending those pollutants into the sky. But we could halt all fossil fuel use tomorrow, and we would still be sliding towards a climate cliff. And that's because we have exceeded the highest safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by a long shot." [8:12] * "Inevitably people think, 'Oh I can meaningfully participate in this small way, and I always say, you know, 'You can't save the world alone, but the world can't be saved without you." [23:47] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts [https://news.uoregon.edu/podcasts]

S2E9: Oregon's Global Sports Legacy: The Stories Behind Oregon's Olympic History

On this episode we're joined by Lauren Goss, Athletics Archivist in Special Collections and University Archive at UO. In this episode, she discusses her work preserving and investigating the history of Oregon athletics, including UO's long-standing connection to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. She also shares how the athletics archives preserve the stories, artifacts and moments behind UO's sports legacy and how iconic events and venues like Hayward embedded in public memory through media, storytelling and shared generational experiences. Topics * What exactly does an athletics archivist do? [0:35] * The themes defining the Olympics and Paraympic Movements across history [1:28] * Inside the athletics archives [3:07] * Iconic places and venues in Olympic history [10:03] * What makes Hayward Field historic? [11:31] * UO's Olympic Story through the archives [12:46] * Hidden gems from the archive [13:48] * Inside the Olympic Studies Hub at the University of Oregon [17:18] * What Oregon's Olympic legacy tells us [17:39] Guest * Lauren Goss, MLIS, CA, Atheltics Archivist Resources * University of Oregon Libraries [https://library.uoregon.edu/special-collections] - Special Collections and University Archives, learn more about how to request and access archival materials. * Oregon Sports History Program [https://library.uoregon.edu/oregon-sports-history-program)], to ensure that future generations will appreciate the full scope of our athletic history, the Special Collections and University Archives [https://library.uoregon.edu/special-collections] of University of Oregon Libraries is committed to preserving UO's rich heritage of athletics excellence. Launched in fall of 2024, the Oregon Sports History Program (OSHP) is dedicated to preserving and sharing this legacy with the world. Quotes * "Our first Olympian was in 1908, so we've had a long history of athletes that create and promote the university's legacy, and they've, you know, become known on the global stage. They're inspirational. We all kind of feel that Duck pride, and, you know, we're so happy for their experiences as Olympians, but also at the university, we have incredible faculty and students that work on research and innovation." [4:59] * "So, whether it's television, broadcasting or photography, you know, it kind of fixes a venue in the public imagination. It's the place where something happened. You can see that event and especially with, you know, anniversaries and celebrations and every, you know, for years when we think about the Olympics again, we think back to the history of these different places." [10:14] * "Hayward [Field] is often referred to as a [sacred] cathedral for track and field, and so as an archivist, I pay attention to how those narratives are constructed and how memory is constructed, so through exhibits and anniversaries and just the human element of everyone experiencing Hayward in different ways, whether you're an athlete or a fan, it all contributes to this construction of a narrative of this really symbolic, sacred place." [12:05] * "That's what I love about working in the archives. The serendipity of coming across these lesser-known stories and people's ideas and imagining what it would be like if Oregon hosted the Winter Olympics or the Summer Olympics." [14:56] * "The research by our faculty and sport history really matters because it reveals how our traditions are formed, how our collective identities are formed, whether that's knowing what it means to be a Duck or what it means to be an Oregonian, or what it means to be an American." [17:47] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts [https://news.uoregon.edu/podcasts]

S2E8: Rethinking the Athlete: Why Inclusive Sports Design Matters

On this episode we're joined by Susan Sokolowski, founder and professor of the sports product design program in the College of Design at the UO. In this episode, she discusses her journey in product design innovation, and how innovative universal design is making a difference in sports product design. Sokolowski shares insights from her research, education, and industry experience. Topics * Journey in Career in Product Design and Inclusive Sport Innovation [1:29] * Universal Design in Athletic Performance [6:46] * Designing for Female Athletes, Adaptive Athletes, and Underserved Body Types [7:41] * AI and the Future of Product Design [16:35] * Advice for Emerging Designers in Inclusive Sports Products [17:31] * The Role of Research and University in Sports Product Design [18:29] * Defining Success in Product Design? [19:11] Guest * Dr. Susan Sokolowski, Professor and Founder of Sports Product Design MS program at University of Oregon Resources * University of Oregon experts' 2026 Winter Olympics Analysis [applewebdata://15F3420E-487A-4123-A63A-ED3B2252975E/%E2%80%A2%09https:/news.uoregon.edu/uo-experts-break-down-coming-winter-olympics-media-forum], explore the insights from UO experts, including Susan Sokolowski, breaking down the storylines, innovation, and trends ahead of the Winter Olympics. * Susan Sokolowski designs Olympic gear [https://news.uoregon.edu/product-design-professor-sweats-details-olympians-gear], learn more about Susan Sokolowski's work designing the gear this year's Winter Olympians are wearing. * Team USA's uniform innovation, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/07/ralph-lauren-team-usa-olympic-uniform-wool-shaniko-sheep/88543988007/] discover how Susan Sokolowski helped use American-grown wool and advanced manufacturing techniques influenced Team USA's 2026 Olympic uniforms. * Streamlining Old Navy's women's sizes [https://news.uoregon.edu/content/uo-professor-helps-old-navy-streamline-womens-sizes], learn more about how Susan Sokolowski helped streamline Old Navy's women's garment sizes. * The Smithsonian's evolution of women's sportswear [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/from-corsets-to-singlets-the-olympics-have-driven-the-evolution-of-womens-sportswear-180984732/], hear from Susan Sokolowski about the history of women's sportswear, and how the Olympics affected it. Quotes * "As a design educator, I believe it's essential to remain current with the evolving practices of our industry and new technologies emerge in ways of working, sustainability and shifting athlete needs that are continually reshaping our field and really understanding how these changes are critical for preparing our students for professional success" [1:06] * "I still feel like we're on the journey of educating people and bringing to conversation the importance of [designing products for underserved populations]"[8:14] * "As a designer, you must balance being too innovative on a new product with too many design changes that are unfamiliar to the athlete versus making incremental and understandable changes that enables trust in your product and adoption of those products."[11:08] * "I think it all comes down to user-centered design. We always need to listen to the voice of the athlete and bring them on the journey, and in design and engineering programs, at any university, students must learn about the human body, how to collect user insight, how to measure the performance of design product, otherwise you're only doing 40% to 50% of the job."[18:37] * "We always need to listen to the voice of the athlete and bring them on the journey." [18:40] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts [https://news.uoregon.edu/podcasts]