Episodes

  • episode 14 what nobody sees

    episode 14 what nobody sees
    Jan 24 2026
    🎧 Episode 14: What Nobody Sees | Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast Everyone sees the lights, the music, and a packed Friday night—but what they don’t see is the work that makes it all possible. In this episode of the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast, I’m not in the DJ booth or the pro shop—I’m in a plow truck. Because if the parking lot isn’t clear, the rink doesn’t open. We dive into the unglamorous but critical side of rink ownership, starting with snow removal and why something so simple directly impacts guest safety, staff safety, attendance, liability, and insurance. If people can’t get in safely, nothing else matters. I also break down why I decided to buy an old plow truck instead of outsourcing—covering cost control, reliability, timing, and what it really means to be on call as a rink owner when the weather doesn’t care about your schedule. From snow removal to trash, maintenance, repairs, and prep work, this episode is about the invisible work nobody posts on Instagram. People see a packed Friday night—they don’t see Tuesday morning in 10-degree weather. Most importantly, this episode is about pride, responsibility, and community. Taking care of the building means taking care of the skaters, parents, staff, and leagues that call Tarry Hall home. A roller rink isn’t just a business—it’s a community space. If you’re a rink owner, small business owner, or just curious what happens behind the scenes, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep the doors open. 🛼 New episodes every Saturday 🌐 TarryHall.com 🛍️ TarryHallProShop.com https://youtu.be/R6aXWAbHMtc?si=wRHyan7kfXsSA6rY https://youtu.be/sQZZQ9YajOs?si=NinD0DAa122Q-qqn
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    19 mins
  • Episode 13 Friday Night - Back on speed Skates

    Episode 13 Friday Night - Back on speed Skates
    Jan 17 2026
    Friday night at a roller rink is where everything comes together—and in this episode, I’m taking you along for the entire ride. From the moment I leave the house to the start of the session, you’ll see what a real Friday night looks like at Tarry Hall Roller Rink. We go behind the scenes with speed skating practice before session, I interview a long-time regular and a couple of our employees, and I share what it’s like stepping back onto speed skates for the first time in a year after my knee injury. This episode is raw, real, and full of rink energy—showing the people, the preparation, and the passion that make Friday nights special. Whether you’re a rink owner, speed skater, staff member, or lifelong skater, this episode gives you an inside look at what it really takes to make the magic happen on wheels. Lace up and roll with us.
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    21 mins
  • Episode 12 of the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast — Inside the Snack Bar: How We Keep Skaters Fed

    Episode 12 of the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast — Inside the Snack Bar: How We Keep Skaters Fed
    Jan 10 2026
    Episode 12 of the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast — Inside the Snack Bar: How We Keep Skaters Fed 🍟🥤 Everybody sees the snack bar… but very few understand how it actually works. In this episode, host BJ takes you behind the counter at Tarry Hall Roller Rink to break down how a roller rink snack bar really operates. From layout and equipment to food ordering, candy strategy, and handling busy sessions, this episode dives into one of the most important — and overlooked — parts of rink operations. Whether you’re a roller rink owner, operator, skate tech, DJ, or lifelong skater, this episode pulls back the curtain on the real-world decisions that keep a rink running and skating affordable. In this episode, we cover: Why the snack bar is essential to rink survival How food sales help keep skating affordable Snack bar layout and workflow Equipment we rely on behind the counter Food ordering and inventory control Managing busy sessions and adult nights Practical decisions that keep everything moving 🎙 New episodes every Saturday morning 🔗 Learn more about the rink: https://TarryHall.com 🛼 Shop skate gear & pro shop items: https://TarryHallProShop.com 👇 Listener question: What’s your favorite roller rink snack?
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    18 mins
  • Episode 11 Adult Night at Tarry Hall: Regular Skaters Share Their Stories

    Episode 11 Adult Night at Tarry Hall: Regular Skaters Share Their Stories
    Jan 3 2026
    Adult Night is more than just skating—it’s community, therapy, and a reason to keep rolling. In Episode 11 of the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast, I recorded live during our Thursday Night Adult Skate and sat down with three regular skaters who come out week after week. Each of them shared their personal skating journey and what keeps bringing them back to Adult Night at Tarry Hall. In this episode, we talk about: How long they’ve been skating and what brings them back every week How roller skating has affected them mentally, physically, and emotionally Advice for adults who are brand new or just getting into skating If you’re an adult skater, thinking about getting back on skates, or curious about the adult skate community, this episode gives a real inside look at what Adult Night is all about. 🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast—and we’ll see you at the rink.
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    15 mins
  • Episode 10: A Night at the Rink — What It Takes to Open the Doors

    Episode 10: A Night at the Rink — What It Takes to Open the Doors
    Dec 28 2025
    Before the music drops… before the wheels hit the floor… before the lights come on—there’s a whole world of work that happens behind the scenes. In this episode, we take you inside a real night at Tarry Hall Roller Rink, starting hours before the doors open. From floor checks and staff prep to skate guard stories, safety realities, and the emotional highs and lows of running a rink, this is an honest look at what it truly takes to keep the doors open and the vibe alive. You’ll hear: 🛼 What happens before the first skater arrives 🛼 Skate guard moments you never see 🛼 How injuries are handled and why safety matters 🛼 The biggest challenges of running a roller rink 🛼 Why, after all the long nights and hard days, it’s still worth it When the lights finally come on and the floor fills with sound and movement, you’ll understand why every step beforehand matters. If you’ve ever skated here—or anywhere—this episode is for you. 👉 Visit us at TarryHall.com 👉 Shop skating gear at TarryHallProShop.com
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    16 mins
  • Episode 9 Inside the DJ Booth

    Episode 9 Inside the DJ Booth
    Dec 20 2025
    Welcome back to the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast 🎧 In Episode 9, we’re going inside the DJ booth to break down what really goes into running a great roller skating session. The DJ isn’t just playing songs—they’re managing energy, pacing the floor, supporting safety, and shaping the entire experience. Whether you’re a skater, rink DJ, floor guard, or rink owner, this episode explains why the booth is one of the most important positions in the building. 🎶 In This Episode We Cover: Why the DJ booth is a management tool, not just a sound system How DJs run different session types: Public sessions Adult nights Birthday parties Specialty skate nights The evolution of rink music—from organ music to streaming playlists Sound systems: then vs. now (and why clarity beats volume) The most important DJ skill nobody teaches: reading the floor If you’ve ever wondered why a session feels perfect—or completely off—this episode explains why. 🔑 Key Takeaway: You don’t play what you like—you play what the session needs. 💬 Join the Conversation: What song always works at your rink? What’s the worst song you’ve ever heard during a session? 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support rink culture 🎙️ New episodes every week from Tarry Hall Roller Rink #TarryHallRollerRink #RollerRinkPodcast #RollerSkating
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    12 mins
  • Episode 8 Inside Tarry Hall: The secret to the perfect floor

    Episode 8 Inside Tarry Hall: The secret to the perfect floor
    Dec 13 2025
    🎙️ Behind the Roll: The Floor That Keeps Tarry Hall Moving In this episode of the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast, we take you behind the scenes to talk about one of the most important parts of the rink—the skating floor. We answer common questions about grip, consistency, and maintenance, explain why floor quality matters for both safety and performance, and share the history of how Tarry Hall’s floor evolved from its original wooden surface to the durable asphalt floor we use today. You’ll also hear about the science behind our custom floor coatings, including how we test and maintain the perfect balance of glide and control throughout the year. From beginners learning their first strides to experienced skaters perfecting their moves, everything starts with the floor. This episode gives you a deeper appreciation for the care, passion, and work that go into creating the smooth, safe skating experience you enjoy every time you roll in. Thanks for listening—and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and reach out with any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes!
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    15 mins
  • Episode 7 My first time Back on Skates after 11 months

    Episode 7 My first time Back on Skates after 11 months
    Dec 6 2025
    After nearly a year away from skating, I’m finally lacing up again. On January 16th at the Emerald Coast Challenge, I tore my ACL during a speed skating event—an injury that led to reconstruction surgery, months of physical therapy, and a long stretch of wondering whether I’d ever roll onto the floor again. Today, in this emotional comeback episode, I return to Tarry Hall Roller Rink and step back into the place where my skating journey truly began. I take you through the nerves, the hesitation, the memories, and the moment my wheels finally touch the floor after 11 long months. Whether you’re a skater, an athlete, or someone facing your own recovery, I hope this conversation gives you encouragement to take your next step—no matter how small. In This Episode: • The moment that ended my season • What recovery and ACL reconstruction really looked like • Returning to Tarry Hall for the first time • Lacing up again after almost a year • My first push-off and what it meant emotionally • Reflections on injury, identity, and coming back stronger About the Tarry Hall Roller Rink Podcast: Stories from behind the scenes of rink life—skating culture, skate builds, speed skating, rink business insights, and conversations with the people who keep the roller skating world rolling. If you’ve battled an injury or are working toward your own comeback, I’d love to hear your story. Follow and subscribe for new episodes from Tarry Hall Roller Rink. @TarryHallRollerRink TarryHall.com TarryHallProShop.com
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    24 mins