The Tailgate Connect® Podcast

Here at Tailgate Connect®, tailgating is what we do and we want to share that with the world. We’re passionate about fandom and celebrating that fandom with other fans, even if it’s fans of the opposing team; bringing people together to celebrate and party is what tailgating is all about. It’s something we get to see firsthand every week across 50+ locations and something we think is getting lost in the shuffle of NIL deals and the further commercialization of college sports. With The Tailgate Connect® Podcast we want to shine a light on the stories and people that exemplify that sense of community week in and week out. Whether it’s an interview with a legendary tailgating figure or one of our awesome hosts, a story about tailgates myths gone by, or just our team breaking down what the season looks like from inside the TGC machine, The Tailgate Connect® Podcast is your newest source for everything CFB and tailgating.

Contributors

Host

Luke Lorick

Luke is the founder of Tailgating Challenge, the largest online tailgating brand with a quarter of a million followers. He is a subject matter expert on tailgating gear in having personally reviewed over 700 items and counting. He also is the creator of three national days: Tailgating Day, Homegating Day and Yard Games Day.

Luke has written and been featured in Tailgater magazine and is a world record holder for longest backward cornhole toss. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina (BS) and earned his MBA from Southern Wesleyan University.

Luke Lives by the motto: "Don't Hate, Just Tailgate"

https://tailgating-challenge.com/

Host

Tailgate Connect®

Tailgate Connect® is transforming tailgating by connecting fans in parking lots across America. Whether you're a visiting fan or just looking for a tailgate, you'll be introduced to local hosts to share food, drink, traditions, and stories. Hosts can earn cash by welcoming newcomers to their pre and post-game festivities. Similar to Airbnb® and Uber®, tailgating is now a personal space-sharing experience. Sign up today and get connected with Tailgate Connect.

https://www.tailgateconnect.com/

Producer

Grant Yeager

Grant grew up as an OU fan, graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2019 and spent three years in the Austin tech world before returning to Norman. He started with the company by overhauling the website, ticketing system, and customer notifications, creating a more efficient and user-friendly platform that has elevated the tailgating experience for both hosts and fans.

Now overseeing operations, Grant is focused on optimizing every aspect of the tailgate experience—from improving internal workflows to supporting hosts with the tools they need to succeed, all while ensuring fans enjoy seamless access to unforgettable game day events.

https://www.tailgateconnect.com/

Guests

Guest

Dan Donnelly

Dan is the founder and Editor of the Dan From the Tailgate (DFT) blog. He chronicles his weekly journeys which have taken him to over 100 stadiums across America. His goal of attending a game and tailgate at every FBS venue and major rivalry games at the lower divisions is nearing fruition. It was in his travels that Dan found the inspiration for Tailgate Connect, witnessing first-hand the need and the subsequent opportunity we are addressing.

Additionally, Dan has written for Tailgater Magazine, Stadium Journey Magazine and is a frequent contributor to numerous other tailgating and traveling websites and publications. Dan is a graduate of Frostburg State University in MD where he was Captain of the Rugby Team. He earned his Master's in Business Administration at Oklahoma City University. Prior to entering the corporate world, Dan was a U.S. Army Officer obtaining the rank of First Lieutenant.

https://www.tailgateconnect.com/

Guest appearance on:

Dan Donnelly, Founder of Tailgate Connect®