The Scope Podcast

Jennifer
  • 4.9 (46)
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Two perspectives; one sport. Unfiltered conversations about the equestrian world. 

  1. Episode 53: The Price of Passion—Rita Crundwell’s Crime

    8H AGO

    Episode 53: The Price of Passion—Rita Crundwell’s Crime

    Send a text In this captivating episode of **The Scope Podcast**, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the wild world of true crime, focusing on the notorious case of Rita Crundwell—responsible for the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history.  Join them as they explore the intricacies of Crundwell’s 20-year embezzlement scheme that siphoned off a staggering $53 million from her hometown of Dixon, Illinois. From her charming demeanor as the town's comptroller to the shocking revelations of her lavish spending on horses, spa visits, and luxury vehicles, Jen and Karen peel back the layers of Crundwell’s double life.  - **The Setup**: The episode kicks off with a light-hearted banter about “healthy” versions of desserts, setting the stage for a discussion about expectation versus reality—an apt metaphor for Crundwell’s life.    - **Rita’s Reign**: Listeners will learn about Rita’s rise in the equestrian world, her connections, and how she manipulated city funds to support her passion for horses, culminating in a $2 million motor home and extravagant show horses. - **The Discovery**: The story takes a dramatic turn as the hosts discuss the pivotal role of city clerk Katie Swanson, who unearthed the fraudulent activities, leading to the involvement of the FBI. - **Culmination and Consequences**: As the episode unfolds, Jen and Karen detail Rita’s arrest, trial, and eventual sentencing, reflecting on what this case reveals about white-collar crime and its impact on the community. - **Reflective Insights**: The duo wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on the pressures within the equestrian industry and the lengths some might go to support their passions. With humor and insightful commentary, this episode promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Tune in to **Scope** for a unique blend of crime, culture, and a dash of equestrian flair! Don't forget to hit follow and join Jen and Karen in their next deep dive into another riveting topic! Support the show

    34 min
  2. Episode 52: Equestrian Equality--Do Male and Female Riders Compete on Level Ground?

    MAR 1

    Episode 52: Equestrian Equality--Do Male and Female Riders Compete on Level Ground?

    Send a text **The Scope Podcast**   Join co-hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner for lively discussions that dive deep into the world of sports, especially focusing on the unique dynamics of equestrian athletics. In this episode, they explore the fascinating intersection of gender in sports, the role of sponsorship, and the emotional connections that shape the rider-horse bond. From the fun of imagining a Flavor Flav-themed party in Vegas to dissecting the importance of representation in equestrian sports, Jen and Karen bring their signature humor and insight to the conversation. They tackle thought-provoking questions like whether men and women truly compete on an equal playing field in equestrian disciplines and how societal norms influence sponsorship and visibility in the sport. As they approach their one-year podcast anniversary, listen in as they reflect on their journey, the evolving landscape of women's athletics, and the unique challenges faced by female equestrians. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a sports enthusiast, or just curious about the intersection of gender and athletics, this episode promises to entertain and enlighten. **Tune in to The Scope Podcast!** Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more engaging discussions about the world of sports. Support the show

    23 min

  3. FEB 22

    Episode 51: From Show Ring to Stand Up Stage—Comedian Maxi Witrak is the Equestrian Entertainer We All Relate To

    Send a text In this episode of **The Scope Podcast**, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner welcome the multi-talented Maxi Witrak, a comedian, actress, fitness trainer, and graduate of Johns Hopkins University, who hails from Los Angeles. Maxi shares her fascinating journey through the equestrian world, detailing her early experiences in various riding disciplines, including Arabian and Morgan shows, fox hunting, and endurance riding.  As the conversation unfolds, Maxi draws parallels between the adrenaline rush of performing in comedy and the pressures of competing in horseback riding. She reflects on her childhood experiences under her mother’s guidance.  The trio dives into the unique challenges faced by comedians, especially when addressing horse-related material. Maxi discusses how she navigates between horse enthusiasts and broader audiences, emphasizing the importance of context in delivering her comedic content. The episode also touches on the absurdities of the equestrian community, including the dynamics of celebrity status at horse shows, and the pressures that come with it. Amidst the laughter, Maxi provides insights into her role as a mentor for aspiring comedians, paralleling it with Jen’s experience  in training riders. The episode wraps up with Maxi’s upcoming projects, including her debut special and her plans to engage with the horse community through events and clinics in the future. Join us for a lighthearted yet insightful conversation that blends humor, performance, and a shared love for horses! Follow Maxi on Instagram for updates on her latest endeavors. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to **The Scope Podcast** for more engaging discussions! Support the show

    19 min
  4. Episode 50: Coaching Conundrums or Red Flags for Riding Students? 🚩

    FEB 15

    Episode 50: Coaching Conundrums or Red Flags for Riding Students? 🚩

    Send a text Join hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this lively episode of "The Scope Podcast,” where they dive into the world of coaching dynamics through the lens of "Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag."  ### Key Highlights: - **Pushing Comfort Zones**: Jen and Karen explore the green flags of a coach who encourages growth while also recognizing the delicate balance needed to avoid overwhelming students.  - **Assessing Progress**: The duo tackles the complexities of progress in training, debating whether lack of improvement is a coach's fault or a matter of individual capability. - **Financial Pressures**: They discuss the ethical implications of pushing students into financial discomfort, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication. - **Belittling Behavior**: Jen and Karen agree on the red flags of coaches who belittle their students, pointing out the need for constructive criticism delivered with care. - **Professional Practices**: The conversation wraps up with a candid examination of questionable professional practices and the significance of maintaining trust in the coach-student relationship. This episode is packed with insightful commentary and relatable anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in coaching or sports training. Tune in for a fun and informative take on what to look out for in a coach!  Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more engaging discussions on "Scope!" Support the show

    27 min
  5. Episode 49: Daniel Geitner is Building a Unified Voice For Professionals with The United States Equestrian Trainers Association

    FEB 8

    Episode 49: Daniel Geitner is Building a Unified Voice For Professionals with The United States Equestrian Trainers Association

    Send a text In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner delve into the world of equestrian sports with a special guest, Daniel Geitner, the 2025 USEF National Horseman of the Year and co-founder of the United States Equestrian Trainers Association (USETA).  Join us as we explore the origins of USETA, a groundbreaking organization aimed at giving equestrian trainers a united voice to address their concerns with governing bodies like USEF and USHJA. Daniel shares the story behind the association's inception, sparked by frustrations voiced at horse shows, and discusses its mission to foster collaboration and improvement within the industry. Key topics include: - **The Need for a Unified Voice**: Daniel explains how USETA aims to empower trainers to voice their opinions collectively, from praising successful horse shows to addressing issues that arise. - **Diversity and Representation**: Addressing early criticisms about the leadership structure, Daniel highlights efforts to create an advisory board that reflects the diversity of the equestrian community. - **Future Goals**: The conversation touches on the importance of making equestrian sports accessible for the next generation, ensuring horse welfare, and considering the needs of all professionals, including trainers, judges, horse show staff, and grooms. - **Innovative Ideas**: Daniel discusses inspirations from international models of horse showing and the potential for adopting new practices to enhance the experience for all involved. With candid insights and a vision for the future of equestrian sports, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about horses and the equestrian industry. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to illuminate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Don’t forget to subscribe to *Scope* for more insights into the equestrian world! 🐴✨ Support the show

    22 min
  6. Episode 48: From “Emerging” to Mainstream—Increasing The Visibility of NCEA Equestrian

    FEB 1

    Episode 48: From “Emerging” to Mainstream—Increasing The Visibility of NCEA Equestrian

    Send a text Join co-hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner on this part two episode of *The Scope Podcast* as they dive deep into the evolving landscape of NCEA equestrian sports, particularly focusing on the recent transition of the UC Davis equestrian team to a club sport. The hosts discuss the controversial replacement of equestrian with stunt as an NCAA Division 1 sport at UC Davis, examining the implications for female athletes and the broader equestrian community. They emphasize the need for solidarity among women’s sports rather than tearing each other down.  Throughout the episode, they explore practical solutions to improve visibility and accessibility for equestrian sports, including innovative ideas for competition formats, community outreach, and event locations. Jen and Karen share their thoughts on how to modernize the sport to attract a wider audience, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement and understanding of the scoring system. As passionate advocates for equestrian, they challenge the community to come together, support one another, and work toward a sustainable future for NCAA equestrian. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that balances critique with constructive solutions, all while celebrating the beauty and excitement of the sport. Don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe to *Scope* for more insightful discussions! Support the show

    32 min
  7. Episode 47: The UC Davis Shakeup--A Stark Warning for NCEA Equestrian Teams

    JAN 25

    Episode 47: The UC Davis Shakeup--A Stark Warning for NCEA Equestrian Teams

    Send a text In this sure-to-be controversial episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker explore the intricacies of Title IX and its implications for equestrian sports, alongside the recent downgrade of the UC Davis equestrian team from a Division 1 varsity sport to a club sport. With heartfelt sympathy for the affected athletes, they express hopes for the team’s future while emphasizing the need for other Division 1 equestrian teams to recognize this shift as a warning signal. The conversation delves into the financial challenges facing equestrian programs, specifically when compared to other sports such as Stunt—a fast paced women’s sport that is derived from cheerleading.  Jen suggests that teams need to take the initiative in funding themselves, while Karen passionately counters that the responsibility shouldn't rest on coaches and riders. As tensions rise, Jen introduces an innovative funding model that focuses on raising money through horse development rather than traditional monetary donations, which Karen finds intriguing. This multifaceted conversation sets the groundwork for the next episode, where they will address how to make the NCAA equestrian format more spectator-friendly. Join Karen and Jen for a captivating dialogue that not only examines the current landscape of collegiate equestrian sports but also paves the way for future discussions on equity and sustainability in the sport! Support the show

    23 min
  8. Episode 46: Sound Decisions--Navigating The "Extras" in Equestrian Care

    JAN 19

    Episode 46: Sound Decisions--Navigating The "Extras" in Equestrian Care

    Send a text In this thought-provoking episode of *The Scope* podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the nuanced world of equine care, exploring the fine line between effective horsemanship and an overwhelming reliance on excessive services. As trends like massage therapy, cryotherapy, and various supplements gain popularity, the duo questions whether these treatments are truly necessary for every horse. Karen and Jen tackle the implications of this shift, pondering if the rise of "extra" treatments is creating barriers to entry in equestrian sports, making them less accessible to aspiring riders and enthusiasts. They assert that no amount of therapy or veterinary intervention can make a horse suitable for a job if it isn't inherently fit for the task at hand. The conversation also highlights the concept of being "serviceably sound"—the idea that a horse can be imperfect yet still capable and happy in its role. With fewer horses now being classified as serviceably sound, the landscape is shifting towards unrealistic standards, where horses are either deemed perfect or considered unusable. This shift not only affects how we view horses but also contributes to rising prices in the equine market. Join Karen and Jen as they challenge the norms, encouraging listeners to rethink what it means to provide quality care while ensuring that equestrian sports remain inclusive and accessible for all. Support the show

    20 min
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4.9
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

Two perspectives; one sport. Unfiltered conversations about the equestrian world. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Scope Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Scope Podcast

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