Shows
BringJoyKey West High School Fall Sports: A Conversation with Andrew FreemanAndrew Freeman, Key West High School's Athletic Director, shares an inside look at the thriving sports programs and upcoming season for the Conchs. The conversation covers everything from their exciting football victory to the breadth of sports offerings and student participation.• Football team secured a thrilling 35-34 win against Homestead with over 400 yards rushing• The Van Carthon Preseason Classic honored NFL executive and Key West alum Ran Carthon• Key West secured 8 home football games this season, reducing travel costs and increasing fan attendance• Nearly half the student body (500-600 of 1350 students) participates in athletics• Fa...
2025-08-2134 min
BringJoyMarlins Fan Extraordinaire: Baseball Tales with Abel RostranWhen a lifelong Miami Marlins supporter and a devoted Yankees fan cross paths at LoanDepot Park, baseball magic happens. Abel Restrain radiates pure passion for America's pastime, captivating everyone around him with his infectious energy and encyclopedic knowledge of the game.Abel's journey from Nicaragua—where baseball reigns supreme—to becoming Miami's most enthusiastic Marlins fan offers a fascinating glimpse into how baseball creates identity and community. His vivid storytelling transports us through Marlins history, from their inaugural 1993 season through their World Series triumphs to today's promising young squad. With particular delight, Abel celebrates the Marlins' distinction as t...
2025-08-111h 02
BringJoyCoach and Historian: Judd Wise is Preserving Key West's Athletic LegacyCoach Judd Wise shares his journey through 40 years in Key West sports as a teacher, coach, athletic director, broadcaster, and now historian preserving the island's rich athletic legacy. His passion for documenting Key West's sporting achievements has uncovered remarkable statistics about local athletes who reached professional levels, including six Major League Baseball players, ten NFL players, and numerous state champions.• Started coaching in early 1980s at Mary Immaculate High School before moving to Key West High School• Has coached nearly every sport including football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling• Pioneered the fast-pitch softball progra...
2025-07-3149 min
BringJoyBullpen Triage and Batting Heroes: A Yankee Fan's Midseason RantWe're midway through the baseball season with the Yankees sitting between the Blue Jays and Red Sox, and despite some challenges, there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about our chances for the remainder of the season.• Aaron Judge continues to chase history while adding to the Yankees legacy• Giancarlo Stanton has found his swing again• Jason Dominguez proving he's the real deal in the leadoff spot• Bellinger, Goldschmidt and Williams have settled in and are performing well• Brian Cashman making strategic moves to prepare for a championship run• Carlos Rodón embracing h...
2025-07-1803 min
BringJoySoftball Sisters: The Castillo Legacy from Players to CoachesJewls and Jade Castillo, sisters and former Lady Conchs softball players, share their journey from players to coaches and their passion for developing the next generation of talent at Key West High School.• Attending the College World Series in June – a dream trip with record attendance of over 100,000 people• Professional softball's growing popularity with the AUSL now sponsored by Major League Baseball• The sisters' softball journey from Kennedy Drive's Rosa Hernandez Field to college scholarships• Transitioning to coaching roles and working to instill "Conch Pride" in current players• Creating a family atmosphere and focusing on...
2025-07-1835 minBringJoyDiamond Dreams: MLB Draft, Homerun Derby, and All-StarsThe MLB Draft highlights the dominance of shortstops, with the first 10 picks being pitchers or shortstops and six coming from high school, including two from Corona High School. History was made when 17-year-old Elis Willits became the youngest #1 pick ever, while the Marlins selected Max Williams from FSU, creating mixed emotions for fans with complicated relationships with the franchise.• Shortstops and pitchers dominated the draft, with high school players taking 6 of the top 10 spots• Corona High School in California produced two first-round draft picks• Eli Willitss made history as the youngest #1 draft pick at age 17•...
2025-07-1402 minBringJoyWhen Legends Strike: The Summer of Baseball's Highs and LowsThe Yankees are experiencing a frustrating summer slump with defensive issues and pitching injuries, losing their division lead as Clayton Kershaw makes MLB history by becoming just the 20th pitcher to record 3,000 career strikeouts. Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins are the hot teams heading into the All-Star break, with the former taking the lead in the AL East and the latter climbing out of the division basement.• Yankees playing poorly with sloppy defense, lazy at-bats, and bullpen struggles• Clark Schmidt likely needs Tommy John surgery after a strong season• Clayton Kershaw joins the elite 3000 strike...
2025-07-0807 min
BringJoyLSU Claims College Baseball Throne: Umpire Drama, and MLB MemoriesThe LSU Tigers have claimed their eighth national championship by sweeping Coastal Carolina in the College World Series. Controversy emerged when two Coastal Carolina coaches were ejected in the first inning of Game 2 for arguing balls and strikes, highlighting issues with umpire overreach in championship games.• LSU has now won two championships in three years, cementing their dynasty status• Coastal Carolina earned respect with competitive, fundamental baseball despite the loss• Ejection of Coastal's head coach and first base coach in first inning sparked controversy• Too many reviews and official interventions detracted from the championship experien...
2025-06-2907 min
BringJoyMarathon Dolphins Rise: Building a Baseball Dynasty with Coach Joey GonzalezCoach Joey Gonzalez shares how the Marathon Dolphins baseball program has transformed into one of South Florida's hottest teams, capturing back-to-back conference championships and their first district title in 2025. He reveals the program-building philosophy that combines academics with athletics, explaining how his coaching staff has created a complete development pathway from youth leagues through high school.• Marathon's 2025 season included hosting regionals with record crowds of 600 fans• The team succeeded with just five seniors who maintained a remarkable 4.25 GPA average• Coach Gonzalez played for Louis Leo, who later mentored him and entrusted him with coaching Leo's twin s...
2025-06-2944 min
BringJoyCollege World Series Preview: Eight Teams Battle for GloryBaseball's biggest week has arrived with eight teams battling in Omaha for the College World Series championship. The double elimination tournament kicks off Friday, June 13th and culminates with a three-game championship series beginning Saturday the 21st.• Arizona, Coastal Carolina, Louisville, and Oregon on one side of the bracket• Murray State, UCLA, LSU, and Arkansas on the other side • Controversy over LSU and Arkansas being on the same side of the bracket• Murray State continues their Cinderella run as the tournament underdog• Coastal Carolina coach bringing his whole family • Defense and pitching will be key fac...
2025-06-1305 min
BringJoyWho Will Punch Their Ticket to the College World Series?College baseball's Super Regionals are officially here with 16 teams battling in best-of-three series to determine which eight will advance to the College World Series in Omaha. The Regional round saw major upsets with top-ranked teams like Vanderbilt, Texas, Georgia, Oregon and Clemson all eliminated early.• Stetson Hatters players Isaiah Barkett and Lorenzo Meola earned tournament honors despite team elimination• Key West native Felix Ong closed one for the Florida Gators• Florida State (#9) faces tough west coast battle against Oregon State (#8)• North Carolina (#5) hosts Arizona Wildcats with home field advantage• Defending champions LSU (#6) welcome West Virgi...
2025-06-0607 min
BringJoyBringJoy Hits: From the Vault..Love From Key WestIn this special "Hits from the Vault" episode, Joy shares her personal favorite from the Bring Joy archives. Originally released in May 2021, this lyrical love letter to Key West captures the quintessential summertime vibe of the southernmost island. Joy describes the piece as existing "somewhere between a postcard and a poem," which perfectly captures what living in Key West feels like—a blessed reality she never takes for granted.A whispered "Buenos dias from Cayo Hueso" opens the door to an intimate portrait of Key West at daybreak. Through lyrical storytelling, we're welcomed into a world where th...
2025-06-0404 min
BringJoySuperfan Johnny Mac: The Animals of Section B & FSU BaseballBaseball fandom has its legends, and few are as storied or impactful as Florida State University's "Animals of Section B." Johnny Mac pulls back the curtain on this 47-year tradition that's become the heartbeat of Seminole baseball.From their strategic K-Time chants that rattle opposing batters to the mysteriously effective fifth-inning rendition of "O Canada" that began during the 1988 Winter Olympics, these superfans have created quantifiable home-field advantage. The NCAA has even verified that FSU players perform better and opponents struggle when the Animals are in full force – proof that passionate fans can literally change the game.
2025-05-3026 min
BringJoyThe 2025 Lady Conchs Chasing A ChampionshipThe 2025 Lady Conchs softball team is making their mark in the playoffs, dominating opponents with powerful hitting and stellar pitching on their quest for a state championship. Their journey features standout performances from sophomore pitcher Brianna Brenner, who tied a school record with 14 strikeouts, and clutch home runs from Shyloh Sanchez and Skye Sterling that energized their passionate home crowd.• Regular season finished with impressive 12-7 record including numerous high-scoring victories• Sophomore sensation Brianna Brenner forms elite battery with junior catcher Shiloh Sanchez• Senior leaders Vera Roger, Alexa Candela and Tavin Gage providing consistent offensive produc...
2025-05-1105 min
BringJoyPots, Pans, and Playoff Plans: Baseball Glory at The RexThis episode captures the electricity of high school playoff season, highlighting our Conchs path through district championships and setting the stage for the upcoming regional matches against the Satellite Beach Scorpions.Recap of regular season finale featuring 12 strikeouts and offensive fireworks from Caden Pichardo, Roman Garcia, and Nelly OngDominant district tournament opener against South Miami Cobras, called by mercy rule in the fifth inningJC Lampas-Gormley's pitching masterclass, needing just 55 pitches in Coach Ralphie's strategic conversion from infielder to pitcherThrilling 1-0 district championship victory over Belen thanks to Vinny Moline's complete game shutout with 8 strikeoutsPreview of upcoming regional series...
2025-04-1909 min
BringJoyFrom Olympic Gold to World Series Victory: Doug Mientkiewicz's Champion JourneyDoug Mientkiewicz shares his extraordinary journey from Olympic gold medalist to World Series champion, revealing what it truly means to develop a championship mindset in baseball and life. His emotional stories about turning career setbacks into defining moments show how champions respond when facing the toughest challenges.• Being sent down to Triple-A in 2000 despite a strong spring training and having his confidence shattered• Receiving the opportunity to play for Team USA in the 2000 Olympics, fulfilling his mother's dream• Hitting the game-winning home run against Korea in the Olympic semifinals in rainy, cold conditions• The emotiona...
2025-04-091h 13
BringJoyThis Week In Baseball: March MadnessBaseball binds together generations of players and fans in Key West, where championship legacies and community connections create an unbreakable bond through America's pastime. The recent Championship Weekend honoring the 1955, 1995, and 2005 state championship teams showcased the deep baseball tradition that continues to thrive on the island.• Felix Ong striking out four batters in his collegiate debut with Florida Gators• Major League Baseball season opening in Tokyo with Japanese stars taking center stage• College baseball rankings in flux as conference play begins with top teams struggling• Lady Conchs winning behind Brianna Brenner's one-hit shutout• Championsh...
2025-03-2624 min
BringJoyThis Week in Baseball: All Fields Covered (March 2025)Baseball season has arrived, and with it comes the stories that connect major league diamonds to high school fields across America. The heartbreak of Yankees fans learning that ace Gerrit Cole requires season-ending Tommy John surgery stands in stark contrast to the jubilation of Key West Conchs High School baseball securing dramatic walk-off victories against powerhouse programs.The podcast takes you into the stands with Lisa Dibias as she shares her experience witnessing Cole's final spring training appearance in Tampa before the devastating injury news broke. Beyond the professional game, we celebrate the achievements of h...
2025-03-1120 min
BringJoyPinstriped Passion: From World Series Heartbreak to New Season HopeNothing captures the essence of baseball fandom quite like Cookie Charres's description of emerging from the dark subway tunnel to see Yankee Stadium gleaming in the sunlight. This episode delves deep into the heart of Yankee fandom through the eyes of a lifelong supporter who witnessed the glory days of Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra firsthand.Cookie takes us back to his childhood in the Bronx, sharing stories of Sunday family trips to the ballpark in the 1950s. We then shift to dissect last season's World Series heartbreak against the Dodgers, analyzing the pivotal Game 5 momentum shift...
2025-03-0955 min
BringJoyThis Week In Baseball: All Fields Covered (Feb 17, 2025)Tune in for inspiring stories of young athletes making their mark and celebrating milestones that add character to their communities. Whether it's a day at the park with family or an edge-of-your-seat finish —the thrill of baseball is undeniable.Key West Hype @iammikestackMusic and SFX: Subscription to SoundStripeTalk to JoySupport the show
2025-02-2711 min