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Episode 36
Sarah Thomas, longtime NFL official, Visits with Says Who Sports. Thomas, who worked Super Bowl LV and has been in the league for a decade, visits with Says Who Sports to share her thoughts on a variety of topics, including the Philadelphia Eagles blowout of the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Thomas says that, aside from Super Bowl-specific preparation, NFL officials prepare for battle year-round, including physical conditioning and participating in multiple offseason clinics and constant rules/situational testing by the league. Thomas details the hectic atmosphere of her Down Judge positioning along the line of scrimmage during a game, including the requisite ability for unwavering focus and execution on every play. Thomas, a former college athlete, recalls her disdain for game officials as a player, and discusses the newfound understanding and respect she gained for the job after attending her first-ever officials meeting at the local amateur sports level in her native Pascagoula, Mississippi. The meeting fueled her interest in officiating and launched a career that has now spanned three decades, including many years as an official in D1 college football in Conference USA and being selected to work multiple bowl games and Senior Bowls. Thomas has worked numerous high-profile NFL contests including Monday Night Football, multiple playoff games and Super Bowl LV between the Chiefs and Buccaneers. Thomas talks about the excitement of receiving word from legendary NFL official Wayne Mackie that she’d earned the honor of officiating in Super Bowl LV, and the emotion of sharing the news with her parents. Thomas also discusses the inspirational impact made on her by Jill Upton, her aunt and the coach of the U.S. Women’s Basketball team at the World University Games in Moscow in 1973 (the team included a young player named Pat Summitt). Upton encouraged Thomas, who loved playing basketball, to try out for the fifth-grade boys basketball team because there was no girls’ team at the time. Thomas made the squad. She went on to play college basketball at the University of Mobile. Thomas has blazed an inspirational trail en route to becoming an official at the highest level of professional sports, and discusses the strong foundation of faith, work ethic and accountability (no excuses) instilled in her and her siblings by her parents. Plus, much more!
Episode 35
Four-time Emmy Award-winning Sports Reporter Michele Tafoya, who was the sideline reporter for NBC Sunday Night Football from 2011-'22 and worked five Super Bowls and multiple Olympics for NBC, including the poolside reporter role during Michael Phelps’s last Olympics at Rio in ’16, joins Says Who Sports to discuss a variety of topics, including the intensity of an NFL sideline and the necessity of being able to adjust on-the-fly to ever-changing storylines during a game and relay key information at a moment’s notice to viewers during a broadcast. Tafoya, who grew up in southern California in a family of San Francisco 49ers fans (her parents were from the Bay Area), recalls the excitement of trips to old Candlestick Park to watch the Joe Montana-era Niners play, and the thrill of meeting Montana for the first time early in her career. Tafoya talks the importance of preparation, keys to improvement (including willingness to accept criticism) and the work ethic needed to succeed for decades at the highest level. She shares the excitement of covering Phelps, Katie Ledecky and company at the Rio 2016 Games, including the joy of being able to share it with her family, who accompanied her on the trip. Tafoya, who left NBC Sports in ’22 to become host of The Michele Tafoya Podcast, shares the reasons behind her move, discusses her concern for the slide of sports media coverage into activism and identity politics, and shares her perspectives on keeping our minds right to overcome life's challenges.
Episode 34
Mark Floreani, Co-founder and CEO of FloSports, joins Says Who Sports to discuss the sports media company’s commitment to coverage of sports, athletes and events with strong fan bases he believes had been previously underserved in the sports media marketplace. From exclusive coverage of the Chili Bowl Nationals, the signature event in Dirt Midget racing, to the UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships, to track and field, wrestling, racing and more, FloSports has built a streaming service rights-and-partnerships portfolio that includes production, content and coverage of more than twenty sports and thousands of events. Floreani shares the stories behind the earliest days of Austin-based FloSports, including a ten-thousand-dollar budget and months spent traveling the country by van to provide coverage of track and field and wrestling events. Floreani, who grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Texas, talks lessons learned from his days as a member of the track and field team at UT that continue to drive him as a competitor in the sports media industry. Floreani discusses the key fundamentals of the FloSports business model, the company’s approach to rights acquisition, his perspectives on the current-and-future sports media/streaming landscape and finding ways to help partners win for the long-term when it comes to building awareness and growth of their sports, athletes and events.
Episode 33
Ryan Patton, Tire Carrier for Hendrick Motorsports famed No. 24 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, talks with Says Who Sports about the thrill of winning the Daytona 500 with driver William Byron in '24, making the Championship 4 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs for a second year in a row last season, his championship expectations for ’25, and how he and his pit crew teammates on the No. 24 team are readying for a shot at a repeat Daytona 500 win in February.
Patton recalls his rookie season at Hendrick Motorsports as a member of the pit crew for Jimmie Johnson and Crew Chief Chad Knaus on the legendary No. 48 Chevrolet in 2013, including what it was like to win his first Daytona 500 and Cup Series Championship that season and learn under the tutelage of Knaus.
Patton, who grew up in a racing family in small-town Delphos, Ohio, graduated from Ohio State and was a member of the strength and conditioning team for the Ohio State football program under Eric Lichter, shares the powerful story of the visit to Hendrick Motorsports in 2011 that changed his life and launched a career as a competitor with the winningest organization in NASCAR history, as witnessed by the organization’s record 300-plus Cup Series wins and 14 Cup Series championships.
Patton explains how many of the same core skills and fundamentals necessary to become an elite college football player are essential to being a pit crew member on a premier team in the NASCAR Cup Series, especially as the evolution of pit stops has led to drastically lower stop times and made pit crew athletes possessing a hybrid combination of top-level speed and mobility a must-have for success.
Patton also shares stories about a few of the craziest happenings he has experienced on pit road, his favorite NASCAR tracks and why, watching his favorite driver Dale Earnhardt win the first Cup race he ever attended at Michigan International Speedway, the leadership influence on him of HMS owner Rick Hendrick and former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, importance of passing on insight gained from many years in the sport to the next wave of youngsters in the developmental pit crew funnel at Hendrick Motorsports, and much more!
Episode 32
Blackberry Smoke Guitarist and Singer Paul Jackson joins Says Who Sports to share his perspectives on a variety of topics, including the first concert he ever saw as a teenager in Pensacola and the life-changing impact it had on him, Blackberry Smoke’s notable longevity (twenty-five years and counting) and the keys to making it work for the long haul as bandmates, and his memories of special moments with BBS drummer and founding member Brit Turner, who died earlier this year. Jackson also discusses his love for many genres of music and the diversity of his record collection at home (think “Dancing Queen” and much more), the legendary guitarist he’d choose above all others to study and learn from, the magical first time Blackberry Smoke opened for one of the biggest bands in rock history, and the nuggets of insight he shares with his guitar-playing son about being in a band. He also shares his memories of playing little league baseball on his dad’s team in Pensacola and the impact his dad--simply known as “Coach” to everyone in the community--had on many kids, his longtime love of the Florida State Seminoles and the special Bobby Bowden era, watching college football games on television on the tour bus in the middle of the night while touring Europe, his favorite Christmas movies, and much more!
Episode 31
Bob Huggins, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the 3rd-winningest coach ever in Men’s D1 College Basketball and who led two different programs (Cincinnati and West Virginia) to Final Fours, talks with Says Who Sports to share his perspectives on a variety of topics, including his thoughts on a possible return to coaching, his continued philanthropic efforts on behalf of his fellow West Virginians (especially youngsters), the powerful influence of his father and legendary coach, Charlie, including the valuable experience he gained working the renowned Eastern Ohio basketball camps started decades ago by his dad and Pennsylvania coaching legend Ed McCluskey, the factors that separate a great coach from a good coach, the impact on him of close friend and mentor Charlie Spoonhour, his longtime friendships with Jerry West, Jerry Tarkanian and John Calipari, what it was like coaching great players such as Kenyon Martin, Nick Van Exel, and Da’Sean Butler, learning from mistakes including those in the spring of ’23 that led to him leaving his job as head coach at West Virginia and how he has become a better person thru that learning, his thoughts about the state of college basketball including the NCAA and (some) university presidents, his days as an assistant coach for Eldon Miller at Ohio State and conversations with Woody Hayes, his plans for Christmas, a prevailing gratitude for family and his life journey including the many gifts the game of basketball and those around it have given him, and more!
Episode 30
Longtime CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst Clark Kellogg joins Says Who Sports to share his perspectives on the current college hoops season and teams to watch, highlights from his decades as an analyst including his favorite venues to work/watch a game, his most memorable moments working alongside Jim Nantz for multiple NCAA Championship games, his days as a first-round draft pick in the NBA facing legends like Dr. J, Kevin McHale and James Worthy, his rugged “welcome” to the NBA by Hall of Famer Bob Lanier during a game and respect shown him by Lanier for not backing down, the powerful influence of his mom on his approach to communications that originated during his days of high school stardom and continues to guide him in his broadcasting career, and the excitement of tagging along as a youngster with his father, a longtime police officer in Kellogg’s hometown of Cleveland, and uncle to Browns games in the bitter cold and local high school basketball games, where Kellogg’s love for sports and belief that he would someday compete with the best was born. Kellogg also discusses his family Christmas traditions, including focus on the true meaning of the season, how he strives to continue to grow and get better as a Christian, his gratitude for his family and basketball journey, and much more!
Episode 29
Dan Dakich, Indiana sports legend and the host of “Don’t @ Me! with Dan Dakich” on OutKick.com and the Dan Dakich Show on Indy’s Sports Ticket 1430am, talks with Says Who Sports about his induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame this year (including the influence on him of friend and longtime Andrean (IN) High School baseball coach Dave Pishkur, who presented Dakich for induction), his unforgettable first interaction with Coach Bob Knight as a high school recruit, the key lessons he learned as a player/captain and longtime assistant coach for Knight at Indiana that have contributed to Dakich’s success in sports media, the B1G’s decades-long national championship drought in basketball and what he believes is the main reason for it, why the media-at-large continues to miss the mark on accuracy and telling the truth (including his own experiences with untruths in stories written and reported about him), how what he learned in striving to get the most out of his players as a former coach has influenced his approach as a show host and sports media personality, and much more!
Episode 28
Justin Gainey, Associate Head Coach for Tennessee Vols Men’s Basketball, visits with Says Who Sports to discuss the program’s Elite Eight run last season, the ingredients that make the SEC what he believes is the toughest conference in the country, the powerful life lessons he continues to learn from mentor and Vols’ Coach Rick Barnes, the influence of NIL on recruiting (including the positives Gainey says it brings to the player/fan relationship), the noteworthy impact his approach to coaching defense has had on the team, his days as a former player and captain at NC State and what it was like playing in the dominant ACC of the late nineties including facing opponents like Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter and Steve Francis, the strength of family that has enabled him to pursue his coaching dreams, and much more!
Episode 27
Megan Courtney-Lush, captain of the Columbus Fury of the Pro Volleyball Federation, joins Says Who Sports to discuss the upcoming season, her leadership role with the team, her experiences as a key member of powerhouse Penn State’s back-to-back national championship teams in 2013-14 (including being named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four in 2014), her years playing around the world at the highest level as a professional and what it means to her to be “back home” and performing in front of family and friends, lessons learned from fighting thru and overcoming the adversity of multiple serious injuries in her career, the key ingredient to personal and team greatness in volleyball, the intensity of above-the-net play as an outside hitter and the diverse skill set necessary to play the position, her embrace of the opportunity to influence youngsters and help grow the game, and much more!
Episode 26
Tim Goodwin is widely considered to be among the best high school football coaches in the country, and his Marion Local (OH) program owns the longest active winning streak in the nation. Goodwin visits with Says Who Sports to discuss the importance of humility despite incredible success, including Marion Local’s record fourteen state championships, the core values of his program, the strong value of a coaching staff that brings a wealth of experience and ideas, and his thoughts on competing in the Midwest Athletic Conference, a powerhouse small school league where multiple schools winning state championships in a variety of sports, not just football, each year has become commonplace.
Goodwin shares his perspectives on the work ethic and strong family values inherent to kids growing up in a community and surrounding area with a rich history of farming and agriculture, life lessons learned from the toughest moments in coaching including tragedy, the ever-increasing spotlight on his program and his disdain for self-promotion, the intense practices that prepare his teams for crunch time in the biggest games, the intense debate among high school football fans in Ohio and beyond about the possibility that his teams could compete with and/or defeat the best ‘big school’ teams in the state, the influence of Bill Belichick on his coaching approach, and much more!
Episode 25
Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers Band) talks with Says Who Sports about his days as a Little League Baseball pitcher, including facing future MLB Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. in an All Star game, the similarities between athletes and musicians when it comes to finding “The Zone” and blocking out noise and crowd to perform at the highest level, and attending New York Knicks and Rangers games at Madison Square Garden with his teenage son.
Haynes also discusses the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene to his native Asheville, North Carolina, where much of his family still lives, and talks about the status of his upcoming annual Christmas Jam benefit concert event, which has always taken place in Asheville during the holiday season.
Haynes shares his affinity for and approach to playing improvisational music, his appreciation for the two decades-plus he spent in the Allman Brothers Band and the opportunity former ABB guitarist Dickey Betts gave him to join the band, his almost ‘telepathic’ musical connection with original Gov’t Mule bassist and co-founder Allen Woody and longtime-and-current Mule drummer Matt Abts, the mark Woody made on music and his continued influence on younger bass players, and how Haynes continues to improve as a musician and bandmate despite already being considered among the greatest guitar players ever.
Haynes recalls the first time he met the legendary Willie Nelson and offers insight into Nelson’s unique approach to playing guitar, talks about the influence his older brothers had on his musical tastes and exposure as a youngster, the first album he ever bought, and the first concert he ever attended.
He also shares his perspective on the seeming dearth of quality rock bands on the scene nowadays and hope for a revival of sorts, his matter-of-fact opinion on finding success in an always-brutal music business, his gratitude for being able to do what he loves for decades, and much more!
Episode 24
Oscar-Winning Writer/Director Cameron Crowe (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) talks with Says Who Sports about a celebrated career that was launched when he became the youngest writer ever as a teenager for Rolling Stone and traveled with the biggest rock bands in the world, including the Allman Brothers Band and Led Zeppelin, wrote the best-selling novel Fast Times at Ridgemont High and wrote the screenplay for the movie, wrote and directed such films as Say Anything, Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous, and won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay
Crowe recalls the making of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, including battles with the studio to release the film and the unexpected and mind-blowing crowd reaction to the movie in a theater on Opening Weekend.
Crowe shares special memories of the making of Jerry Maguire, including the awe-inspiring skills of actor Tom Cruise, who played the title character and whom Crowe describes as committed in the most powerful way to understanding and respecting the roles of all members of the movie-making team and in helping Crowe realize his vision for the film.
Crowe discusses the influence of watching as a teenager from the stage while the Allman Brothers Band performed marathon shows on the scenes he created in Almost Famous, and a scene in Almost Famous featuring Kate Hudson that remains perhaps his most favorite from his movies.
Episode 23
Texas Longhorns legend and longtime NFL quarterback Colt McCoy, now in his first season as a college football analyst for NBC, visits with Says Who Sports.
McCoy discusses the learning curve that comes with moving from the playing field to the broadcast booth, shares his perspectives on the upcoming College Football Playoff, the transfer portal and NIL, current Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s situation, and his excitement about covering B1G Football on television.
McCoy also recalls the intensity of playing high school football in “Friday Night Lights country” in West Texas, and talks about the differences between the powerful Longhorns teams he led in ’08 and ’09, his experiences playing for the Cleveland Browns after being selected by the team in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL draft, his belief in a “no excuses” mentality as a player, fighting thru frequent injury, and the key factors that allowed him to play fourteen seasons in the NFL.
McCoy breaks down the significant differences between the current NFL product and the one he experienced in his playing days, and shares what he learned from former coaches including Sean McVay and Jay Gruden.
Episode 22
Keith Byars, a former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles who spent thirteen seasons in the NFL and remains among the all-time leaders in running back receptions, joins Says Who Sports to break it all down like few can, from his “should-have-been” Heisman Trophy season as a junior at Ohio State in 1984 (he finished 2nd to Doug Flutie) to how he dealt with the devastating injury that dashed the big expectations for him the following season at Ohio State to all things NFL, including what he learned from legendary coaches he played for, including Buddy Ryan, Don Shula and Bill Parcells, and great players he played with, from Reggie White to Dan Marino. Byars shares stories galore from his days at Ohio State, including his influence on former Buckeye head coach Jim Tressel, who coached running backs at Ohio State while Byars was there, in spurring Tressel to become a student of the running game. Byars recalls his excitement at receiving a “spicy” phone call from Woody Hayes as a high school recruit, and his appreciation for the many candid conversations he enjoyed with mentor Hayes while Byars was at Ohio State. Byars shares stories of powerful moments on the field and in the locker room with the fiery Ryan and Parcells, including Parcells’s relentless coaching approach to hold every player on the roster accountable, not just the stars or starters. Byars recalls Parcells’s reliance on him as a team leader responsible for helping younger players understand what it took to succeed in the NFL, ultimately helping to lead the Parcells-coached Patriots to Byars’s only Super Bowl appearance. Byars also shares his perspectives on expectations for Ohio State football this season, indicating that championships are the standard at the school and stressing the importance of restoring the program’s winning ways versus rival Michigan (Byars shares a story of being trolled by Jim Harbaugh at a golf tournament in 2021 after Michigan beat Ohio State that year) and again capturing the B1G Championship after a three-year dry spell.
Episode 21
Beth Mowins, longtime play-by-play announcer for ESPN, joins Says Who Sports to share her perspectives on a variety of topics, including becoming the first female broadcaster to call a game for Monday Night Football, calling college football and basketball games, and being the voice of the Womens College World Series for thirty years for ESPN. Mowins provides valuable insight into what it's like in the broadcast booth from a play-by-play perspective during a game, and likens handling the hectic, many-things-happening-at-once duties to being a quarterback or point guard, which she was at Lafayette College (Mowins captained the basketball team, and still holds the school's all-time assists record). Mowins shares her thoughts about growing up in a sports-crazed family in North Syracuse, N.Y., the powerful impact of watching Phyllis George on the iconic NFL Today show as a kid, and the honor of receiving the Marty Glickman Award for leadership in sports media from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School (where she earned her master's degree in communications) in 2015, joining the likes of Bob Costas, Marv Albert and Sean McDonough. Mowins also offers her perspectives on the creeping influence of social media on the way some broadcasters approach calling games, the importance of broadcasters knowing when to 'stay out of the way' during big moments in games and letting the camera work of the production crew and crowd paint a powerful picture, and much more!
Episode 20
AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1-ranked High School Basketball Player in America (Utah Prep, Class of ’25), visits with Says Who Sports to talk about the factors that matter most to him as he considers where he’ll play college basketball next year, his belief in basketball “karma” (making the right decisions off the court), staying humble and respecting the game, fearlessness and self-confidence in crunch time, the former NBA greats he models his game after, his basketball “IQ”, unselfishness and trusting teammates, letting the game come to him instead of “forcing it” on the court, the inspiration he draws from the work ethic of his parents, the importance of giving back to the community, his gratitude for family and the coaches and trainers who have helped him along the way, and much more!
Episode 19
Oscar-Winner and frontman for The Boxmasters Billy Bob Thornton and his longtime bandmate, Grammy-winning guitarist JD Andrew, talk with Says Who Sports about music, movies and a whole lotta sports! Thornton has been a big fan of sports, especially baseball, all his life. He grew up in rural Arkansas and became a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Thornton shares his excitement at meeting Stan Musial and Bob Gibson, what it was like to witness the power of slugger Albert Pujols taking cuts in batting practice from an on-field perspective, drinking beers with Goose Gossage, a smoking session with Jim Leyland, his close relationship with former Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, and his pick between Greg Maddux and Roger Clemens to pitch a winner-take-all game. Thornton, who starred in the movie Friday Night Lights, discusses immersing himself in the intensity and drama of Texas high school football, his iconic halftime speech in the movie, and his big respect for kickers, reinforced thru his own (painful) attempts at kicking seemingly simple extra points during breaks in filming in the Astrodome. Thornton, who has played and toured with the best in the music business since he was a teenager, and Andrew discuss their musical brotherhood of nearly two decades, their earliest musical influences, and stories of recording and sharing stages with many of their musical heroes, from ZZ Top to Warren Zevon. Andrew recounts what it was like working as a mixer in the studio with the Rolling Stones during the sessions for A Bigger Bang, including special moments with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Thornton discusses how winning an Oscar for Sling Blade changed his life, his gratitude for the cast members of the movie and the friendships that developed, and if Sling Blade could even be made today.
Episode 18
Ted Ginn Sr., founder of The Ginn Academy and football coach at Cleveland Glenville High School, sits with Says Who Sports to share his perspectives on the importance to his community of Glenville’s back-to-back state championships, his love for Cleveland and why he has turned down high-profile coaching jobs elsewhere, what he calls the “Opt-Out Generation” in terms of players avoiding hard work and seeking shortcuts to greatness, the big money of N.I.L. being paid to young players ill-equipped to handle it, the emotional damage being caused to kids and adults alike by immersion in cell phones and social media, the urgent need for a societal return to focus on family and faith, the importance of never giving up on kids, his educational efforts on behalf of girls and young ladies (not just boys and young men), and much more!
Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, Winner of the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and ranked #2 in Major League Eating, sits with Says Who Sports to discuss a full plate of topics, from capturing the elusive Mustard Yellow Belt for the first time at Nathan’s to his record-setting victories days later at the Great American Blueberry Challenge (18.5 lbs. in eight minutes) and Wendy’s Chicken Nugget Eating Championship (220 nuggets in eight minutes) and the toll those triumphs took on him. Bertoletti, a chef and former restaurant owner who hails from Chicago, talks about his lifelong love for food and overeating, his brotherhood with the legendary Joey Chestnut, his numerous world records, his legacy as one of the greatest competitive eaters of all-time, why he stepped away from Major League Eating for years and is “back with a vengeance”, the nutrition and conditioning necessary to prepare for bigtime competitive eating events, the commitment it takes to fend off younger competitors, his practice regimen, traveling the world to compete, and much more.
Episode 17
Hall of Fame Caddie Joe LaCava visits with Says Who Sports to discuss highlights from his three-plus decades on the PGA Tour and working with the game’s greats, from twenty years on the bag with Fred Couples, including a win at the 1992 Masters, to ten years with Tiger Woods, including Tiger’s improbable 2019 Masters win. Considered perhaps the greatest caddie ever, LaCava nonetheless maintains a humility and gratitude for his journey that fuels his drive for continued success. LaCava shares the story of how he landed his first high-profile job with Couples, what he learned from Freddie about golf and life, his “unique” steakhouse dining experience with Tiger early in their relationship, the emotional moments he shared with Woods on the 18th green at Augusta following Tiger’s win in ’19, the unconventional way LaCava celebrated the win that night, why he is uncomfortable with the acclaim he has received, his words to young caddies about what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport, his special experience as a kid with his father at a Knicks game in Madison Square Garden in the Seventies, his undefeated record at multiple Super Bowls as a fan rooting on his beloved New York Giants, golfing with LT, Derek Jeter and numerous other sports legends, and much more.
Episode 16
Patty Gasso, who has led Oklahoma to a record four straight National Championships, eight National Championships since 2000, and its place as the preeminent softball program in the country, shares with Says Who Sports the ups and downs of her storied coaching career, including the days when the Sooners team didn’t even have its own field. Gasso discusses her coaching journey from Long Beach Community College to Oklahoma, the struggles of trying to balance being a young mom and building a successful program, overcoming the fear of being fired, the career-defining moment she realized her real purpose as a coach, the key role Faith plays in the success of her program at Oklahoma, learning about sports from her mom including listening together to Vin Scully calling Los Angeles Dodgers games on the radio, looking forward to the new challenge of competing in the SEC, and much more.
Episode 15
Mike Hargrove, former MLB manager who led the Cleveland Indians to two World Series appearances, shares his thoughts about a variety of topics, including the electric atmosphere at Jacobs Field in the mid-to-late 90s, the confidence and swagger of those powerhouse Indians teams, the heartache of an extra-innings loss to the Florida Marlins in Game 7 of the '97 World Series and his experiences in the hours immediately after that game, his approach to managing (including the fine line between becoming friendly with players and maintaining necessary distance), what he learned about managing from Billy Martin, the team's name change from Indians to Guardians in '22, the most talented player he ever managed, the current state of Major League Baseball (including analytics and rules changes) and much more.
Episode 14
Matt Guy, America's Greatest Cornhole Player, visits with Says Who Sports to discuss his decades of dominance in the sport, the excitement of winning a World Championship with his son, Bret, partnering with former football star Doug Flutie to improve Flutie's cornhole game and win a national tournament, throwing bags with rock stars including Styx and Eddie Money, finding his five-to-six beer competitive groove, the rapid growth of the sport (spurred by nationally-televised events) that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, the crucial role of the mental aspect of the game, the arrival of a talented wave of youngsters at the professional level, and much more.
Bob Costas, who has won 29 Emmy Awards, more than any other sports broadcaster, visits with Says Who Sports to discuss his crazy experiences calling minor league hockey for the Syracuse Blazers, his futile attempt to persuade Jack Nicholson to do a television interview at a 1992 NBA Finals game in Chicago, his call of the 'Sandberg Game' at Wrigley Field and a famous Cubs fan who showed up unannounced at his house months later for reasons related to that game, his thoughts about the shifting media landscape, the media swirl surrounding Caitlin Clark, the impact on him of the death of close friend and Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, the fierce loyalty of Bob Uecker, the importance of family, his gratitude for dreams realized and much more!
Episode 12
Lou Holtz, who led Notre Dame to the 1988 National Championship and is the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games, talks with Says Who Sports about the four stages of becoming a championship team, how friend Jack Nicklaus's unexpected victory at the 1986 Masters bumped Holtz from the cover of Sports Illustrated, what he considers his greatest accomplishment in life, the lack of accountability and family values in society, what mentor Woody Hayes would likely say about the current state of college football including the transfer portal and NIL, the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Catholics vs. Convicts about Notre Dame's thrilling win over the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes (led by Jimmy Johnson) in 1988, and much more!
Episode 13
Roger Clemens, winner of more Cy Young Awards than any pitcher in MLB history, visits with Says Who Sports to discuss his relentless old-school work ethic, road-tripping as a youngster with his father on a motorcycle from Tennessee to Cincinnati to watch the Big Red Machine play, his gratitude for playing many years on the hallowed grounds of Fenway Park and old Yankee Stadium, the thrill of facing his hero Reggie Jackson early in his rookie season, special words shared with him by Jack Nicklaus, his thoughts on the current wave of young power pitchers and much more.
Episode 11
Episode Ten features a conversation with college softball star Karli Spaid, who leads the nation in home runs and 23rd-ranked Miami of Ohio into the NCAA Tournament and Knoxville Regional this week. Karli discusses the powerful influence of Coach Kirin Kumar, her love of defense and playing third base, hitting the first home run ever at perennial powerhouse Oklahoma’s new field earlier this season, her thoughts about leadership, not overthinking in the batter’s box, the strong level of trust she shares with her Red Hawks teammates, the growth of the game of softball and more.
Episode 10
Erik Bakich, Head Baseball Coach at Clemson and 2019 National Coach of the Year, discusses the impact of the transfer portal on recruiting and relationships with players, the unique strength of the ACC and SEC, what it takes to build a power program, learning from greats like Tim Corbin, the crucial role family sacrifice plays in the success of a program, and the importance of staying in the moment and not looking ahead.
Episode 9
In this episode, we discuss Michael Jordan's first in-person visit to Victory Lane as an owner, Cleveland Ballpark "Mustard Wars", King Roger Goodell, Detroit Rocks the NFL Draft and delivers a REAL old-school sports bar, dear Uncle Andy, and the Kentucky Derby is now!
Episode 8
Episode 7
Larry Collmus, the television voice of the Kentucky Derby for NBC, visits with Says Who Sports to discuss the excitement and preparation leading up to calling his 14th consecutive Kentucky Derby, what it was like to call two Triple Crown winners, meeting American Pharoah, landing his dream broadcasting job after decades of paying his dues, and being an ambassador for the sport.
Episode 6
Hall of Fame jockey and three-time Kentucky Derby winner Kent Desormeaux visits with Says Who Sports to discuss the rush of being at the controls of a 1,000 lb. horse moving at 40mph in a heel-to-heel pack, the thrill of winning the Kentucky Derby multiple times, the electricity in the Jockeys Room in the leadup to the Kentucky Derby, the personal struggles that kept him away from the sport for much of last year, and his thoughts about the skills that have made him one of the all-time great Thoroughbred jockeys.
Episode 5
It’s almost Kentucky Derby Time, and Says Who Sports (aka “Derby Central”) gets you ready! Episode Five features a visit from Gary Palmisano Jr., Director of Racing at Churchill Downs Inc., who discusses his unique role with the company, the delicate balance of growth and staying true to rich history at the world-famous track, the potential challenges facing Thoroughbred horse-racing, and his up-close perspective on the excitement of Derby Day. We also continue our discussion of the sad state of sports bars and what sports bar owners must do to get it right for fans.
Episode 4
Renowned sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who represents Patrick Mahomes and has represented more #1 picks in the NFL draft than anyone else, joins Says Who Sports to talk Patrick Mahomes, the upcoming draft in Detroit, the key factors that have contributed to the NFL’s dominant position in American sports and entertainment, the unintended consequences of the arrival of NIL in college sports, overcoming alcoholism and the lessons he learned about resilience and making a positive impact in society.
Mini Episode
South Carolina guard Bree Hall shares with Says Who Sports the mindset and work ethic crucial to the Gamecocks’ undefeated season and national championship run, her thoughts on overcoming self-doubt and believing in yourself, and her respect for former players in the game of Women’s Basketball who helped pave the way for the media spotlight the sport now enjoys!
Episode 3
On Episode 3…Final Four Weekend is here, for the Ladies and Men! And that means stars and storylines aplenty, including the big Iowa/Uconn semifinal matchup tonight, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers look to lead their teams to the Championship game!
UConn and N.C. State with both men’s and women’s teams in action at the Final Four, a rare thing indeed…UConn coaching legend Geno Auriemma back in his “second home” at the Final Four…
’Cocks Coach Dawn Staley has her club primed and ready…UConn and Coach Dan Hurley seeking back-to-back men’s national championships…and Purdue with Big Man Zach Edey looking to (finally) bring home the hardware for the B1G!
Says Who Sports has you covered on all this and more!
Episode 2
On this week’s episode of Says Who Sports, we welcome the one-and-only Gene Steratore, the rules analyst for CBS Sports for the NCAA Tourney and NFL, for a fascinating conversation that goes deep and wide. Gene touches on all things family, his unique way of dealing with out of control fans, the late night car rides and conversations about life with fellow officials after games that shaped his career, realizing his childhood dreams of refereeing an NFL game (with his brother!) at hallowed Lambeau Field and in Super Bowl LII, and staying mentally tough in the most pressure-packed moments of bigtime sports.
Episode 1
MARCH MADNESS IS HERE, AND SO IS SAYS WHO SPORTS!
In our first episode, we share the magical story behind the phrase “March Madness”, discuss the Big Ten’s continued futility in attempting to break a long national championship drought, and welcome a very special guest, Hall of Fame Coach Bob Hurley Sr., who takes us to school on the current state of basketball.
*The Says Who Sports theme song was written and recorded by the Hook & Ladder Band. Check out their music and learn more about them at HnLBand.com, the official community of HnL Band.
