Keep on Running: Lionel Brodie, Founder, Original Propaganda Athletic Club

In this episode of 'How We Connected,' hosts Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey plan for birthdays, travel and the glamour of the Grammies - as well as the latest at the US Chamber of Connection. The episode features an engaging and entertaining conversation with Lionel Brodie, founder of Original Propaganda Athletic Club (OPAC) in Philadelphia. Lionel discusses his journey from founding a high school club to building a thriving running community and apparel brand. Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and balancing community-building with financial sustainability, Lionel shares valuable insights and anecdotes that are both inspiring and practical for aspiring community builders.

00:00 Introduction & Weekend Updates

09:58 Meet Lionel Brodie

11:16 Origin Story: The Varsity

13:51 Starting OPAC Running Club

19:55 Building Community & Membership Model

25:33 Economics & Sustainability

35:28 Accessibility & Inclusion

39:47 Advice for New Community Builders

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

O.P.A.C

www.opac.club

Lionel Brahim Brodie III, Founder, Original Propaganda Athletic Club

Lionel is the founder of OPAC, a Philadelphia-based running community he launched in 2012 after starting his first run crew at Villanova University, where he served as Director of Equipment for 24 NCAA varsity sports. What began as a way to get free sneakers has grown into one of Philly's most inclusive athletic communities, built on the philosophy of "all faces, all paces." Brodie also co-founded Original Propaganda, a private-label apparel line that merges athletic function with high fashion. Under his leadership, OPAC has partnered with Nike, Lululemon, and Hoka, and produces signature events including OPAC Relays, Philly United, and OPAC Expo. A West Philadelphia native, Brodie is known for delivering Olympic-level experiences to runners of all skill levels, from couch-to-5K beginners to Boston Qualifiers.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

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