Episodes

At Fort Wayne Country Club, Brock Orlowski is betting on padel, a new generation of members, and a different approach to racquets leadership. When pickleball swept across the American private club landscape, many clubs found themselves playing catch-up. Members were asking for courts, neighboring clubs were adding facilities, and racquets directors were scrambling to respond. But not in Indiana. At Fort Wayne Country Club in Indiana, Director of Racquets Brock Orlowski remembers that experienc...

One of the leading NCAA Division I female coaches and one of the nation’s leading teaching professionals, Shir Azran joins the podcast. Azran is just off a summer at Sippican Tennis Club in Marion, Massachusetts where she served as Assistant Director of Tennis. Now at well-known Boston area club Weymouth, Azran is coaching the number one junior prospect in the USA, Chloe Anthony, who is currently ranked number 4 in the world in the 12 and under age group. Azran was the leading Israeli junior w...

Magnus traces his unlikely journey from growing up as an aspiring ice hockey goalie in Uppsala, Sweden, to playing collegiate tennis at Ferris State University and beginning his professional career under legendary tennis director Mike Rahaley in Vero Beach. He also recalls accepting his first director’s position at just 26 years old—despite having never played platform tennis and knowing little about squash—and learning quickly that succeeding at a private club requires far more than technical e...

In this episode of the BeyondTheBaselines.com podcast, host Ed Shanaphy welcomes listeners back for another insightful conversation exploring the latest developments in the private club and hospitality industries. This installment turns the spotlight on a fundamental—but often overlooked—component of racquet sports facilities: court fencing and surrounds. For decades, chain link fencing and windscreens have been the standard. But as the sport evolves, the question arises—are these traditional s...

As we enter our seventh year behind the microphone, it’s still remarkable to say those words out loud: seven years of conversations, insights, and shared experiences across the private members club and hospitality landscape. What began as a passion project has grown into a trusted forum for club leaders, operators, and professionals who care deeply about the future of our industry. Jeff Isbell, Renaissance General Manager There is no better way to kick off the first Beyond The Baselines podcast...