Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1640 - Sports, Stadiums & the Power of Community with Aaron Clopton

About this episode

Brian Crombie discusses the deeper role of sports in society with Aaron Clopton, focusing on community building and social cohesion.

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie is joined by Aaron Clopton, PhD in organizational behavior and sport management, for a thought-provoking conversation about the deeper role of sports in society. While stadiums and arenas are often seen as places of entertainment, this discussion explores a bigger idea: sports are powerful engines of community building, identity, and social cohesion. From packed stadiums to local arenas, sports create something that modern life often lacks — shared experience, belonging, and collective meaning. Together, Brian and Aaron explore how sports function as modern-day “third places,” and why they matter more than ever in an increasingly fragmented world. Key themes include: How sports build identity, trust, and civic pride Why stadiums can revitalize downtown cores and entire cities The concept of “psychic income” and “basking in reflected glory” How sports increase volunteering, engagement, and social trust The role of shared cultural spaces in strengthening communities Why gathering places are essential for resilient societies The historical comparison between modern arenas and the Roman Colosseum Aaron explains that people are…

People in this episode

Host: Brian Crombie

Guest: Aaron Clopton

Topics covered

• sports and community
• identity and belonging
• social cohesion
• civic pride
• shared experiences
• modern arenas
• community building

Keywords

• sports
• community
• identity
• stadiums
• social trust
• civic pride
• shared spaces
• volunteering
• modern arenas
• third places

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NEWSTALK Sauga 960 AM

Books & works: Brian Crombie Radio Hour

More episodes of Brian Crombie Radio Hour

• Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1649 - The Beginning of the Next Stretch: Aging, Purpose, Connection, and the Meaning of Life · June 10, 2026 · 38 min
• Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1648 - Canada’s Housing Crisis: Too Expensive to Buy, Too Hard to Build · June 9, 2026 · 50 min
• Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1647 - Empathy, AI, and the Modern Crisis of Human Connection · June 8, 2026 · 50 min
• Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1646 - Forgiveness, Addiction Recovery, and the Meaning of Authentic Strength · June 6, 2026 · 50 min
• Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1645 - AI, Investing & the Bubble Risk: Correlation vs Causation with Sam Sivarajan · June 4, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1644 - Saskatchewan’s Strategic Power and Canada’s Commodity Future · June 3, 2026 · 54 min