On the Road to Rhine-Ruhr 2025 - Sports PodCast

Andreas Hebbel-Seeger & Thomas Horky
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Join us as we journey toward the World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr! This podcast features conversations with leading scholars from around the globe, exploring diverse perspectives on major sporting events. From social and economic impacts to innovation and sustainability, each episode delves into how sports shape societies, foster global connections, and inspire the next generation. Tune in for insights that bridge continents, disciplines, and cultures on the road to one of the world’s most exciting international sports events.

Episodes

  1. 07/13/2025

    FISU World University Games

    Within the 10th and final episode of our podcast Dr. Verena Burk, Vice President of the FISU, is talking with us about the genises of the world's second largest multi sport event, aims and impact; from the first Universiade, held in Turin/Italy in 1959 to the FISU World University Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025.

    25 min

  2. 06/29/2025

    An Outsider Olympics in Australia: Brisbane 2032

    Get ready for an explosive exploration of the upcoming Brisbane Olympics! Join us as we unpack the city's groundbreaking journey to host the 2032 Games. Dr. Peter English (University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland; AUS), expert sports journalist and media academic reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges, media dynamics, and game-changing strategies that will make these Olympics unlike any before. Listen now and discover how Brisbane is rewriting the Olympic playbook.

    26 min

  3. 06/15/2025

    Games within the Games

    Join us as we sit down with Dr. Johanna Pirker, Professor of Game Development and Research at TU Graz (AUT), to explore the fascinating convergence of traditional sports and digital gaming. Discover how digital technologies are revolutionizing sports events, creating new hybrid experiences, and transforming audience engagement. From innovative spectator interactions to the educational impact of video games, this episode dives into the future where virtual and physical sports thrive together.

    32 min

  4. 06/01/2025

    Sustainability, Environment and Sports

    In this episode we dive deep into the environmental impact of mega sporting events. Join Prof. Brian Wilson and Dr. Liv Yoon (both from University of British Columbia; CAN) as they unpack the controversial world of sports sustainability. From challenging traditional environmental reporting to revealing the ecological devastation behind the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, this conversation will make you rethink how we stage global sporting spectacles. Tune in for a groundbreaking exploration of sports, media, and environmental responsibility! The film and further information about the project “Mount Gariwang: An Olympic Casualty” discussed in this episode can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/3EpNPJN

    36 min

  5. 05/18/2025

    Major Sporting Events in South America

    What happens when a global sporting spectacle meets a complex cultural landscape? Join Prof. Matheus Simoes Mello (Federal University of South and Southeast of Pará; BRA) as he unpacks the transformative power of mega-events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics in Brazil. From social media journalism to the deep roots of football in Brazilian society, this episode reveals the hidden narratives behind the headlines. Get ready for an insider's perspective on how international sports shape development, perception, and national identity.

    40 min

  6. 05/04/2025

    Mega Sports Events and Soft Power in Africa

    Join us as media scholar Prof. Tendai Chari (Venda University; RSA) unpacks the extraordinary legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. From soft power dynamics to event planning insights, Chari reveals the transformative impact of this groundbreaking tournament and offers three must-hear recommendations for future international sporting events. A deep dive into sports, politics, and national transformation – don't miss this illuminating conversation!

    21 min

  7. 04/20/2025

    Major Sporting Events and Gender and Media in the US

    Join renowned sports scientist Prof. Frauke Hachtmann (University of Nebraska-Lincoln/USA) as she breaks down the incredible world of women's college sports! Starting with the volleyball phenomenon that is the Nebraska Cornhuskers, she describes how Title IX has changed women's sports and why the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has become a hotbed of female athletic excellence. Discover the untold stories behind packed stadiums, media influence and the unique American sports culture that is changing the game - literally! Get ready for insights that will expand your understanding of women's sports like never before.

    22 min

  8. 04/06/2025

    The World University Games from the Athletes’ Perspective

    Dive into the world of beach volleyball with Kala Borger! In this episode, Kala Borger, World University Games and World Championship medalist and multiple Olympian, gives insights into the world of professional sport. From university sports and Olympic challenges to balancing sport and studies, Borger talks about her incredible journey as a beach volleyball star, President of the Athletes Germany association and current Chair of the Board of Trustees for the FISU WUG Rhine-Ruhr 2025. Get ready for insider insights, personal struggles and three game-changing tips for organizing major sporting events. An unmissable conversation that goes beyond the pitch!

    19 min

  9. 03/23/2025

    Major Sport Events in China

    Within our second episode Prof. Wei Wei (Beijing Foreign Studies University/Chengdu Sport University) pulls back the curtain on China's massive sporting spectacles. Drawing on his experience as an consultant to the 2023 World University Games in Chengdu, Wei Wei reveals insider perspectives on international sports, cultural dynamics, and the incredible passion driving Chinese athletic events. What makes these games different from the Olympics? How do cultural nuances shape massive international sporting experiences? Tune in to uncover the fascinating insights that most people never get to hear!

    25 min

  10. 03/09/2025

    Major Sporting Events in the Gulf Region

    The Gulf region is increasingly emerging on the map of international sport as a host of major sporting events; in football, for example, with the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 22 or the FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia planned for 2034. The Gulf region has also been anchored in the Formula 1 racing calendar since 2001, as well as in the LIV Golf Series. Doha is hosting the Asian Games in 2030 and the list goes on. We speak with Prof. Simon Chadwick (Salford University, UK) about his insights and experiences as research director of the FIFA World Cup 2022, about changing societies, politics and the role of sport.

    45 min

  11. Trailer

    On the Road to Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Sports PodCast

    Starting March 10th, every 14 days until the Start of the FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr 20125, you will hear about sports organization, sports management and sports communication from leading academics and experts from around the world. Stay tuned...

    1 min

Trailer

About

Join us as we journey toward the World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr! This podcast features conversations with leading scholars from around the globe, exploring diverse perspectives on major sporting events. From social and economic impacts to innovation and sustainability, each episode delves into how sports shape societies, foster global connections, and inspire the next generation. Tune in for insights that bridge continents, disciplines, and cultures on the road to one of the world’s most exciting international sports events.

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