500 Cats

In this episode of 500 Cats, the team takes a breather during the rare "event off-season" to reflect on a massive year of production. While they usually spend this time skiing, the unusually warm weather has them in the office focused on inventory, redesigning travel applications, and catching up on much-needed sleep. The crew reveals the results of a company-wide vote on their Top 5 Favorite Events from the past year. From the sheer technical complexity of a massive ranch-based production to...

In Episode 32, we kick things off with a recap of the Louisville Turkey Trot, where the team volunteered and filmed to support the Community Food Share. But the warm fuzzy feelings end there as we dive into the absolute disaster that was our trip to Qatar. What was supposed to be a standard broadcast installation turned into a travel nightmare. We recount the journey from hell, featuring a passenger vaping in the bathroom, a "cattle car" flight experience, and a vomiting incident in the aisle...

When live event professionals try to leave the country and the airlines say, “Absolutely not.” In this episode of 500 Cats, Dave and Marcus attempt to fly to Qatar for the Samla 200, only to have their flight canceled on the train to the gate and rebooked into a 42-hour, five-airport hostage situation. Meanwhile, we still have bags that are emotionally recovering from a previous trip to Spain, where $2,000 in luggage fees bought them a 10-day delay and some very unintentionally “just-in-tim...

The BCC Live crew recaps nine wild events—from Ironman Kona to the LT Games in Minneapolis and Ironman Florida. Hear behind-the-scenes chaos, broadcast hacks, and heartfelt moments with the One Percent Better team. Tape, travel, tech, and teamwork—this is life on the road doing what we love. Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social for more behind-the-scenes content and upd...

The 500 Cats crew takes the show to Chattanooga, Tennessee, during IRONMAN Chattanooga. Joined by race director Brian Myrick, volunteer director Alex High, regional director Ryan Richards, and athlete-turned-staffer Daniel Allemond, this episode dives into the heart of what makes the event business special: community, dedication, and the people behind the scenes. From stories of leadership and high expectations to inspiring tales of perseverance through cancer, the conversations capture the p...

Welcome to Episode 28! The Backwards Episode. We're giving you a rundown of all the events we've done since our last episode, but in reverse order. Why? Literally no reason! Come along the journey with us as we explore the ups and downs of the last few weeks and go yet again into our old standby of complaining about negative comments. But seriously, why do people have to be so negative? It's great to have you all on this journey with us, we hope you enjoy! But if you don't, you don't have to ...

Welcome to Episode 27! We start by airing our grievances about "the least successful project" we've ever been a part of. It involves broken hardware, gross incompetence from Dell, and a $5,000 TV that we had to "eat". Then, we get into the main event: a recap of Gravel Worlds. We cover how a last-minute rainstorm turned a bike race into a "peanut butter mud" mess and the best footage we’ve ever seen of cyclists getting stuck. We also discuss what makes the Gravel Worlds broadcast different fr...

In Episode 26, the hosts of 500 Cats discuss their recent experiences working on live broadcasts and operations for various events, highlighting the challenges and successes of each one. Key topics include: IRONMAN Canada: The team talks about their work at IRONMAN Canada in Ottawa, sharing stories about the amazing athletes they met, the support they received from the community and local businesses like AV Canada and Fleet Pro Sound, and the challenges they faced with shipping gear to Canada...

Episode 25 of "500 Cats" dives into the thrilling world of extreme endurance races and broadcast challenges. The hosts recap their intense two weeks, which included covering the IRONMAN Lake Placid, and the FoCo Fondo in Fort Collins, Colorado. The episode also highlights the inclusivity of races like FoCo Fondo with their non-binary category, and shares anecdotes from site visits, including a challenging reconnaissance of the Leadville 100 course. The team looks ahead to upcoming events like...

🔥 Amazingly Enough Episode 24: Lake Life, Race Highs, & Pro Swagger! 🔥 The AmazinglyEnough crew is back in the Boulder studio, dusting off the desert from a "work trip" to Lake Powell that was anything but typical! We toted podcast gear to the middle of nowhere and... didn't use it. Instead, we soaked up 103-degree heat, dodged sleep in a "hunk of junk" houseboat (seriously, if there was a fire, someone would "put it out when they're done with this"), and enjoyed the slowest work week eve...

Welcome back to 500 Cats, episode 23! This week, we dive into the recent IRONMAN Frankfurt, celebrating Kristian Blummenfelt's incredible run and discussing the controversial penalties that stirred up social media. We also share our frustrations with the rampant negativity and "keyboard warriors" in online comments, contrasting it with the overwhelmingly positive community surrounding the Western States 100 broadcast. Plus, we're joined by pro triathlete Justin Metzler, who shares his perspec...

Welcome back to 500 Cats, Episode 22! After a much-needed (and very busy) hiatus, the team is here to dish on the trials and tribulations of event production, starting with their number one pet peeve: auto-responders. Find out why these "out-of-office" emails are a "plague in the event business" when you're literally on-site with the sender. Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us o...

This week, the Cats navigate triathlon mayhem as usual – rookie wetsuit disasters, risky drone maneuvers, and questionable audio setups. But when an actual forest fire breaks out mid-broadcast (no, seriously), they carry on unfazed. There may have been a brief dive into politics too, but don’t worry, that didn’t make the final edit. Just another day at 500 Cats – where fires can’t stop us, but common sense probably should. Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t fo...

After a "significant hiatus" and a whirlwind of 31 events since January 30th, the 500 Cats crew is back for Episode 20! Dave, Marcus, and Dylan dive into the madness of their incredibly busy schedule, recounting tales from the front lines of event production. Relive the drama of Rock and Roll Las Vegas, the rollercoaster ride that was Sea Otter, the team's triumphant comeback at Levi's Gran Fondo, GPS devices at IRONMAN Texas, the success of the Boulder Boulder running race, and the groundbre...

Join us as we dive deep into the world of airline status, uncovering the truth behind the points game and sharing our own frustrating experiences. We'll also explore the latest advancements in video transmission technology, including DJI's new transmitter/receiver and our plans to capture epic footage with motorcycle-mounted cameras. Plus, we'll discuss the pros and cons of different action cameras, from GoPros to Insta360s, and share our recommendations for capturing your own adventures. Tha...

In this episode of 500 Cats, the team is buzzing with excitement as they recount early 2025 event highlights and dive into cutting-edge tech projects. From the smooth success of Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona to navigating the challenges of waterproofing GPS trackers, the crew balances innovation with real-world problem-solving. They also geek out over drones, discussing their role in live broadcasts and the intricacies of turning consumer drones into professional tools. With humor, teamwork, and plen...

On this episode of 500 Cats, the team kicks off the new year by exploring the wild world of AI and how it’s shaping event production. From microphone mishaps to philosophical musings on “feeding the bears,” the crew keeps it real with stories from behind the scenes at some of the world’s biggest endurance events. In this episode, they introduce a surprise AI guest (or two) who’s been quietly listening to past episodes — and has some shockingly insightful (and hilarious) thoughts to share. The...

As 2024 draws to a close, the 500 Cats crew gathers for their final podcast of the year – and it's packed with laughs, reflections, and a whole lot of "right meow!" Join Dave, Melinda, Marcus, and Dylan as they celebrate a year of triumphs and tribulations, from conquering 85 events and countless broadcasts to navigating the complexities of international travel and customs declarations. The team dissects their recent success at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in New Zealand, sharing behi...

On this episode of 500 Cats, the team embarks on their first adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud—New Zealand! Managing all things IT and internet from Taupō during the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Ryan and Dylan share their hilariously chaotic journey navigating left-hand driving, trenching cables in parks, and learning Kiwi slang. With just “one battery bar” left on their recorder, the duo captures the essence of Taupō’s warm hospitality and unbeatable vibe. From tales of diggi...

This week on 500 Cats, the team dives headfirst into a post-Thanksgiving recap, complete with carrot soufflé controversies and the aftermath of a chilly Turkey Trot. Dave and Ryan brave the cold to capture the festive spirit on camera, while Mel takes on the 5K with a 360° camera in tow. But the real action unfolds in Western Australia, where the crew tackles a complex IRONMAN 70.3 broadcast. From battling unexpected dog fights in the studio to passing along messages from their Australian cou...

It's a jam-packed episode of 500 Cats! This week the team recaps three very different events: a high-tech safety conference at Folsom Field, a sold-out choir concert with a global live stream audience, and IRONMAN Arizona, where an emotional encounter with an athlete led to a heartwarming story. Join Dave, Dylan, and the rest of the crew as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of each event, including: Safety Conference Shenanigans: From battling feedback to embracing the chaos of a throw...

In this episode of 500 Cats, Marcus, Ryan, and Edde are joined by Tim and Cloe Bolen, two incredible athletes featured in IRONMAN Arizona 2024. Their story is one of resilience, generosity, and deep connection, inspiring us all to strive for more—whether it’s giving back to those in need, fostering meaningful relationships, or simply being a better version of ourselves. We’re honored to share this conversation with two truly extraordinary individuals and grateful to call them friends. Tune in...

On this episode of 500 Cats, we talk about the 20 year anniversary of IRONMAN Arizona while on site in Arizona. We talk with Judy Stowers and and Tom Ziebart, two of the people who have been to every year of the race, along with our own host Edde Burgess. Hear awesome stories from the past and some inspirational words with true friends. Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on soc...

This week on the podcast, we talk through travel, music, and the election. As event professionals, we have a lot of advice for how to travel better, so if you've ever wanted our insider scoop, here it is. We also talk through the way we pick music for events and some of the funny stories we have collected over the years. Lastly, we touch on the election, but don't worry, we're not getting political! Check it out! Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to su...

Our team sits down and talks through some of the frustrations, difficulties and successes following IRONMAN Florida the day after the race. There were a lot of learnings and some tears as well as new friends. One of those friends, Denise Escher, sat down with us to talk us through the day. Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social for more behind-the-scenes content and updat...

Today on the podcast we talk about industry terms, or at least the made up terms we often use when talking about our equipment. We also sat down with Jim Ristow to talk about his Journey at IRONMAN and his plans to take part in the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in 2026. Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social for more behind-the-scenes content and updates on future...

The crew made it to IRONMAN Florida for another event! On this episode of 500 Cats we catch up with the Race Director, Ben Rausa, as well as the jumbotron driver of legend, Larry Powell. We also have a new cat song to unveil! Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social for more behind-the-scenes content and updates on future episodes!

There are no words that do justice to express our feelings of the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship, and what it means to us and to our friends. This is definitiely one you're going to want to listen to. We want to extend a special thank you to: Marcus Thomas, Melinda Downey, Cate Camacho, Isabel Bowman, Morgan Crescent, Katie Copner, Diana Bertsch, Mark Mosback, Matthieu van Veen, Julia Polloreno, Matt Lieto, Greg Welch, Michael Lovato, Dede Griesbauer, Mirinda Carfrae, Nicholas Strope, Tracy...

In Episode 5 of 500 Cats, it's the day before the big race at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, and the crew is buzzing with excitement! This episode features Katie Copner, who oversees VIP operations at IRONMAN, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on how she’s gearing up for race day. We’re also joined by Ryan High, back with updates on how things are going at merch as the final touches come together for the big event. With race day and the broadcast just around the corner, the energy i...

The 500 Cats pod squad is back, reporting live for the fourth day in a row from the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona! In this episode, we’re joined by Marc Roy from Sports Stats, the top-tier timing company, and Matthieu van Veen, CBO of IRONMAN. Matthieu hears his custom AI song for the first time and shares his initial reaction. Meanwhile, the crew has been busy with more and more and more internet installations, a drone shoot, and gearing up to get into broadcast mode. Tune in for behin...

We're 3 for 3 on pool deck debauchery! Another beautiful morning in Kailua-Kona means another episode with 500 Cats. Today we get personal with our great friend, Matt McClone. We catchup on serious work on the island, and meet with our boss at IRONMAN for broadcasting, Mark Mosback. Thanks for tuning in to 500 Cats! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on social for more behind-the-scenes content and updat...

Today, the guys met up on the pool deck of the Kona Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i once again to discuss the cats from yesterday's work on the island. We take a special look at the summary of our day through the power of AI music, and hear from our friends JJ Schuster and Matt Lieto (take 2). To learn more about JJ Schuster and his story, please visit Kona4Ethan.com and consider a donation in support of Mental Health and Suicide Awareness. To hear more from the voice behind the IRONMA...

Welcome to the first-ever episode of 500 Cats, a podcast by event professionals recorded live on-site at the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Dave, Ryan Kelly, Ryan High, and Dylan are poolside, chatting about all things race week, with surprise appearances from friends Bob Gitsham and Isabel Bowmen. Expect plenty of stories, laughs, and maybe even some chaos. It’s all in good fun—after all, this might just be the second-worst podcast ever made, right behind How to Ski It....