17 - A.I. Overlords

01/08/25 • 58 min

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 team reflects on how AI is helping them streamline event logistics, predict race outcomes, and even generate podcasts about their own podcast.

Get ready for a mix of human connection and tech-forward fun as the 500 Cats crew navigates everything from live Zoom yoga setups to the unpredictable moments that make live events unforgettable.
Highlights

•Special AI Guests: They’ve been listening... and now they’ve got something to say.

•Feeding the Bears: Saying “no” to out-of-scope requests without burning bridges.

•Sports Bot Predictions: When AI guesses race outcomes better than the pros.

•Zoom Yoga: Remote-controlled cameras, international instructors, and innovative setups.

•Light Freakout: Preparing for sundown panic at major endurance events.

Tune in for a laugh, a lesson, and a glimpse into the future of AI in event production!

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!

•Special AI Guests: They’ve been listening... and now they’ve got something to say.

•Feeding the Bears: Saying “no” to out-of-scope requests without burning bridges.

•Sports Bot Predictions: When AI guesses race outcomes better than the pros.

•Zoom Yoga: Remote-controlled cameras, international instructors, and innovative setups.

•Light Freakout: Preparing for sundown panic at major endurance events.

Tune in for a laugh, a lesson, and a glimpse into the future of AI in event production!

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!

Previous Episode

16 - Right Meow! The 2024 Wrap-Up

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 behind-the-scenes stories, grading their own performance (with a little help from Slowtwitch), and revealing the hilarious "mistake board" that kept them honest throughout the event.

Plus, a tribute to the gear that made them shine in 2024, including the Blackmagic video hub, LiveU's reliable technology, AJA's powerful Bridge Live, and the almost-perfect TriCaster Mini Go.

Tune in for a purr-fectly entertaining episode filled with gratitude, goodbyes, and a healthy dose of "right meow!"

Highlights:

A year in review: 85 events, 40 broadcasts, and countless memories
IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship recap: Successes, challenges, and the infamous "mistake board"
Gear of the Year Awards: Celebrating the tech that made 2024 shine
International travel woes: Conquering customs and the importance of "doing it right"
Shoutouts to amazing partners and clients
A fond farewell to 2024 and a look ahead to the new year
And of course, the "Right Meow!" song to wrap it all up

Don't miss this episode of 500 Cats!

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!

Next Episode

18 - Cats, Drones, and GPS Groans

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 plenty of field-tested wisdom, the team is setting the stage for an ambitious year ahead.
Highlights:

•Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Recap: Breaking down a well-organized race weekend with 7,300 participants.
• Boulder Running Clinic: A surprisingly inspiring corporate event for cross-country coaches.

•GPS Tracker Troubles: Waterproofing “waterproof” devices — lessons learned.

•Drone Evolution: Integrating drones into live broadcasts and overcoming technical hurdles.

•2025 Kickoff: Big plans, big projects, and even bigger ambitions.

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!