In this episode of "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" I welcome back to my microphone, Eugene Hritzuk of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. You may recall an episode about foam density in curling brushes (S3E51) where Eugene introduced us to the whole notion of the importance of foam density in curling brushes. Since that episode, World Curling has done some testing on the matter in Morris, MB. Preliminary results are in and World Curling has published an announcement about foam density as it applies to competition to the conclusion of the current Olympic cycle. More testing will follow but for the teams either playing in the Winter Olympic Games in Italy or competing on the road to possibly joining those countries who have already declared their representative teams, World Curling has listed those brushes that are compliant with the rules regarding foam density and those which are not. Eugene will bring us up-to-speed on the testing procedure and clearly explain why the density of the foam is so critical in ensuring that the field of play is level for all involved.

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In this episode of "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" we're talking baseball with someone whose voice you've heard on three previous episodes of the podcast (see below these games notes). That person is Hans Frauenlob of Auckland, NZ who for a six year time span, which included those two World Series seasons, worked in the front office for the Toronto Blue Jays. Even though it's been awhile since that time, I've asked Hans to take us "behind the scenes" and tell us what we don't see at a Major League Baseball game either in the stands or in front of a TV.

Even though we didn't plan to get into the topics of Baseball Hall of Fame eligibility, cheating and sports betting, we did and neither of us held back on our views on those topics.

For those who are baseball fans and know all about Shoeless Joe Jackson, Pete Rose and the Houston Astros cheating scandal, you may wish to hit stop on your listening device before the conclusion of the episode as I explain those issues for those who are unaware of those events in baseball. Check the chapter markers for that spot in the episode.

Hans' previous episodes were: S2E12 ("Not Sad Because It's Over But Happy Because It Happened"), S3E29 ("The Paris Olympic Games From A Media Perspective") and S3E33 ("The 2024 Paralympic Games").

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In this episode of "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" I return to my pebble can for the following topics: a response to a listener who has some ideas about lasers in curling, on this Fathers' Day Weekend a thank you to my late father, a sound bite with Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team and an idea from some listeners for a way to forward the episodes within your curling facility. I end this episode a little differently so you'll have to go to the end to find out how.

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In this episode of "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" we are fortunate to have Bobby Ray, Senior Manager, Club Development & Member Services for Curling Canada, pay us a visit to bring us up-to-speed on the necessary planning that all curling facilities need to maintain and augment the services they provide for those who will enjoy the greatest game on ice in the upcoming season. He has a host of ideas for you. Once again, this is the type of episode you may wish to forward to those in your facility who engage in this type of planning. I conclude this episode with a sound bite from the runner-up at the recent Memorial Golf Tournament who has advice which just might save your vision!

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In this episode of "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" I deal with some topics that have peaked my interest of late. They include professional v. amateur, the winter Olympic qualifying process, the USCA Under Five event, distractions (the great killer of performance) and lastly an appeal to those of you who might be able to help me distribute the episodes more efficiently! Use the chapter makers to go to the topics of particular interest to you!

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In this episode of "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" I share my microphone once again with Danielle Inglis, two time Ontario Scotties champion and Curling Canada's "Co-ordinator, Social Media & Web Content". Danielle brings us up-to-speed on a number of topics of great interest to the advancement of curling at the ground roots level. This is one of those episodes that you might like to share with others in your curling facility who might benefit from what you will hear from Danielle.

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My guest today on "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" is Dustin Mikush of Curling Canada. Dustin brings us up to speed on one very impactful programme in his portfolio as "Manager, Youth Development & Programming", U15 RockFest.

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In this episode of "A Pane In The Glass Podcast" I welcome back Jon Wall. Since his first visit (S1E47) he worked side-by-side with Mark Shurek making the ice for the Grand Slam events you see on television. We talk about making championship ice for the very best curlers on the planet but most of the episode is devoted the the ice you play on at your curling facility. You'll learn how that surface is installed, maintained and how that new found knowledge can make you and your team better. We also discuss delivering rocks and the differences among rocks and of course, the topic de jour, brushing and its effect on ice to enhance performance. Click on the "chapter markers" to go to that part of the episode of special interest to you!

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