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Good News York by Growth Mode Content
Good News York by Growth Mode Content

Your go-to podcast for inspiring stories, uplifting news, and positive vibes from across New York State!

Whether it’s groundbreaking innovations, community heroes, or businesses making a difference, we bring you the stories that remind us all of the good happening around us.

Join us as we highlight the changemakers, dreamers, and everyday folks bringing positivity to the Empire State.

From local businesses thriving in Syracuse to heartwarming tales from Buffalo, Albany, and beyond—this is the news you’ll actually want to hear. Because good news deserves to be heard.

🔊 Listen in, get inspired, and spread the good! Good News York is a project of Growth Mode Content in Syracuse, NY.

Visit: GoodNewsYork.com for full video episodes, clips, links and more!

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Growth Mode Content is a division of Growth Mode Technologies LLC.

GNY EP.150 | feat. Rob O’Connor from ELITE Gaming!
byGrowth Mode Content

Elite Gaming’s Rob O’Connor on eSports, STEM, and Building Community in Syracuse Host Danny Tripodi interviews Rob O’Connor of Elite Gaming about their advanced gaming center in Syracuse that combines eSports with STEM/CTE programming, content creation (podcasting and streaming), drones, and Lego robotics. O’Connor explains Elite Gaming began as a pre-COVID idea with partner Matt, grew after touring other facilities, launched in a rented wing at MOST, and expanded to 60 PCs as educators showed interest in engaging students who weren’t involved in traditional activities. He addresses misconceptions about gaming, describing structured practices, accountability for grades/attendance/discipline, teamwork and communication skills, and stories of students improving school engagement and reaching college, including eSports scholarships. He discusses helping districts build eSports programs and using AI tools for game development learning. He promotes a Sunday high school invitational featuring Smash, Rocket League, and Fortnite. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:31 What Elite Gaming Is 02:07 Why They Started 04:47 Debunking Gaming Myths 06:58 Scholarships and College 09:31 Student Success Stories 12:33 Team Structure and Accountability 14:17 Soft Skills and Life Lessons 18:48 Hope for the Future 20:21 Rapid Fire Game Picks 21:47 Gameplay Versus Graphics 22:44 Toxic Fanbases And Digital Citizenship 23:31 Building School Esports Programs 26:16 AI And Game Dev In Schools 30:54 High School Invitational And Community Impact 33:10 Future Of Esports In Education 34:33 Final Thanks And Sign Off

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  • Outlook Screams on This Thing

    “Next thing you know, the secretary has an Alienware computer on their desk… Outlook screams on this thing.” 😂 This clip from Rob O’Connor explains exactly why a real esports program takes more than just equipment. It takes planning, support, and knowing how to build something that actually lasts. #GoodNewsYork #EliteGaming #Esports #GamingHumor #Education More

  • Eliting Gaming High School Invitationals

    At Elite Gaming, it’s not just about who wins the match. Rob O’Connor shares how bringing students together through invitationals creates real friendships, community, and opportunities for kids across Central New York. #GoodNewsYork #EliteGaming #Esports #GamingCommunity #CentralNewYork More

  • GNY EP.150 | feat. Rob O’Connor from ELITE Gaming!

    Join Danny Tripodi as he sits down with Rob O’Connor, co-founder of ELITE Gaming, to discuss how gaming is transforming education in Central New York. Rob shares the journey of building Syracuse’s premier eSports facility with 60 gaming PCs, revealing how competitive gaming helps students develop essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and time management. […] More

  • Stigma Behind Video Games

    “People think they’re just mashing buttons.” Rob O’Connor breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions about gaming and why esports can help students grow in ways a lot of adults never expected. #GoodNewsYork #EliteGaming #Esports #GamingCulture #Syracuse More

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