Shows
Media CredentialsGrills and Greens: Jeff Tracy, Golf Media Veteran and Cowboy CookAsk Jeff Tracy what he does for a living, and prepare to be there a while. A veteran of radio, TV, and podcasting, Jeff is a man of many interests, including cooking barbeque and talking golf. He's created multiple syndicated radio programs and has appeared on countless television shows as a BBQ chef and golf expert. His podcast, "Grilling At The Green," combines those two passions, and I was lucky enough to be a guest. Was happy to return the favor as we discuss his diverse career, trends in media, and the state of our favorite game.2025-05-0946 min
Media CredentialsNick Sherburne, Co-Founder, Club ChampionNick Sherburne is the co-founder of Club Champion, the industry leader in golf club fitting centers with over 100 locations nationwide. While a teenager in Chicago, Nick took a job at famed Cog Hill and was there when the PGA Tour made its annual stop. He was fascinated by the manufacturers' tour fitting trailers and wondered if that level of technology and service could be made available to the recreational player. In this episode, we trace the history of his business and the philosophy that drives him, plus tackle some big picture topics in golf, including LIV, TGL, and the...2025-05-0325 min
Dave 'Softy' Mahler and Dick FainSofty & Dick 4-14 Hour 3: Whit Watson, Mock Draft, Teresa WalkerIn the third hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain chat with Whit Watson about Rory McIlroy winning The Masters yesterday, then discuss the Mock Draft coming up next week before talking to Teresa Walker in Tennessee about the Nico Iamaleava situation.2025-04-1546 minSofty & Dick InterviewsWhit Watson on Rory McIlroy’s Win at the Masters, Career Grand SlamGolf expert Whit Watson joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about the big win for Rory McIlroy yesterday at The Masters, the historic impact of the final round, what this means for Rory going forward and the career slam, plus the possible next winners.2025-04-1516 min
The Beat of Sports (On Demand)Monday, April 14thWhit Watson in for Marc Daniels, Whit discusses Rory McIlroy finally winning The Masters, Nico Iamaleava pricing himself out of Tennessee, and visits from Wes Reynolds and Todd Lewis discussing The Masters, and Marc Daniels.2025-04-141h 43
Miller and MoultonApril 14, 2025 Hour 2 Whit WatsonApril 14, 2025 Hour 2 Whit Watson. Whit talks Rory's victory at the Masters.2025-04-1440 minMiller and MoultonApril 10, 2025 Hour 3 Whit Watson & Matt MosconaApril 10, 2025 Hour 3 Whit Watson & Matt Moscona. Whit previews the Masters and Matt talks LSU Football and the Saints draft.2025-04-1040 minDave 'Softy' Mahler and Dick FainSofty & Dick 4-8 Hour 2: Houston, Stephen A., Whit Watson, Jon WilnerIn the second hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Hugh Millen react to Houston blowing a 12 point lead to Florida in the title game, react to Stephen A. Smith potentially running for President in 2028, then talk to Whit Watson about The Masters, and Jon Wilner later.2025-04-0948 minSofty & Dick InterviewsGolf Expert Whit Watson Previews The Masters and Top ContendersGolf expert Whit Watson joins Dave Softy Mahler and Hugh Millen to look ahead to The Masters this week including Rory McIlroy’s chances, Scottie Scheffler, if it will be a first time major win for someone else in the field, and the dynamics with PGA and LIV Golf.2025-04-0910 min
Media CredentialsBack On Track: Mike Massaro, ESPN/NBC and RFK RacingMike Massaro's passion for auto racing took him from central Connecticut to tracks around the country as a reporter and host for ESPN, ABC Sports, and NBC. Moving from sports to local TV news in Hartford, Mike found himself at a career crossroads. After taking a hard look at his skills and interests and doing some networking, Mike took the leap in 2025 with a new role as Senior Director of Communications for RFK Racing, the powerhouse NASCAR team founded by the legendary Jack Roush. Mike and I worked together on ESPN2's "RPM 2Night" for several years, but had...2025-03-2437 minMiller and MoultonMarch 12, 2025 Hour 3 Whit Watson & Seth EverettMarch 12, 2025 Hour 3 Whit Watson & Seth Everett2025-03-1240 minThe Beat of Sports (On Demand)Thursday, March 6thMarc explains why even though the NBA missed a couple calls in the Magic loss to the Raptors, it still does not change the outcome of the game. Marc and CV also discuss a listener email plus, visits from Whit Watson (Arnold Palmer Invitational), Cam Mellor (NFL Draft), and Mike O'Donnell (Basketball).2025-03-061h 40
Open MikeWhit Watson on Open Mike!Whit Watson calls in to talk the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Joe Highsmith, and all things GOLF!2025-03-0413 min
Media CredentialsChanging The Game: Andrew Fleming, COO of StreamLayerYou may not know StreamLayer yet, but you're likely to see their work if you stream live sports. This Chicago-based company provides sports leagues and teams with AI-powered advertising and interactive features that bolster the viewer's streaming experience and increase engagement. StreamLayer COO Andrew Fleming is a former VP and senior counsel at Golf Channel and NBC Sports, an industry veteran with a wide range of experience. In this episode we discuss his business and the business of sports, including his view from the sidelines as the PGA Tour and LIV Golf navigate the future of the professional game.2025-02-2841 min
Media CredentialsThe Legendary Caddies of Augusta National: Author Ward ClaytonWard Clayton is an accomplished communications professional, author and editor with decades of experience. A former sports editor for the Augusta Chronicle, he authored a book in 2004 that gave a first-ever glimpse at the life and impact of the famed caddies at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters. In 2024, realizing that many of these men had moved away or passed on, he updated the book with new reporting -- the result is "The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National: Inside Stories from Golf's Greatest Stage." In this episode, we discuss the process of researching and writing the books...2025-02-2139 min
Media CredentialsAndrew Kehrer, Senior Art Director, TGL / TMRW SportsAndrew Kehrer and I have been stalking each other professionally for almost two decades. He was a co-worker at both Golf Channel and the old FOX sports regional networks in Florida; now, he's down south as the Senior Art Director for TGL and parent company TMRW Sports. His group creates the stunning graphics, video elements, and animations that jump off the screen in person at the SoFi Center and on TV on ESPN. Andy describes his entry into the business as a student in New Orleans, and how Katrina affected his career arc. We discuss the move to Florida...2025-02-1337 min
Verbal Shenanigans#499- Whit Watson, Stair Poop, and the Burlew-n -KnotWe know you are excited about episode 500, but we think you will enjoy episode FORE-99. Whit Watson rejoins the podcast this week to give some more insight into the PGA tour. We look at the new indoor golf league, the TGL and all of the technological advancements made for the game. We also dive into Tiger Woods's son, the sports scene in Florida, and fans who call in golf penalties. Check Whit’s podcast Making the Cut after our chat.
We also talk about Scott's son's mysterious poop, chocolate Karen's, Burlew's death aura, and play a n...2025-01-302h 13The Beat of Sports (On Demand)Wednesday, January 22ndMarc discusses the one MLB Hall of Fame voter who did not vote for Ichiro, what the Pirates should do for the kid who came across the Paul Skenes baseball card, plus visits from Keith Smith (NBA), Matt Shapiro (NFL Pro Bowl), and Whit Watson (Golf).2025-01-221h 34
Media CredentialsPhamily Man: Golf Channel Producer & Philly Guy Andrew BradleyWelcome to the first episode of 2025! My guest is Andrew Bradley, a longtime field producer for Golf Channel, who travels the world shepherding announcers and camera operators at golf's most iconic venues. We talk about his background in sports media, how he balances his work schedule with a growing young family, and his lifelong passion for Philadelphia sports. Also, a shameless plug for my radio show, "Making The Cut," airing Saturdays at 9am on 96.9 The Game in Orlando and AM 930 FOX Sports Radio Jacksonville, available anytime on the free iHeartRadio app.2025-01-1647 min
What's It Giving?It's Giving...Creative Connoisseur (with Watson)With over 6 million followers, Watson is taking TikTok by storm as one of its fastest-growing creators. His unique physical comedy and hilarious skits have made him a must-follow sensation. Watson gives Whit and Liz a behind-the-scenes peek at the highs and lows of content creation, the hustle to stay creative, and the moments that fuel his passion. Follow Watson HEREFollow Whitney HEREFollow Lizzy HEREWatch the pod on YouTubeP...2024-12-1851 min
Media CredentialsGary Christian's New Book, "Beat The Course, Not Yourself! One Golfer's Path To A Winning Mental Game"Golf broadcaster and PGA Tour veteran Gary Christian returns to the podcast to discuss his latest venture, "Beat The Course, Not Yourself! One Golfer's Path To A Winning Mental Game." The book is a joint venture with sports psychologist Dr. Curt Ickes. Together, Christian and Ickes use a narrative format to explore the mental side of the game, introducing 15-year-old Jack, a promising junior player, and seasoned pro Charlie, who becomes Jack's mental guru. In the podcast, we discuss the genesis of the book, the creative decision to use a narrative format, and the psychology that fuels the text...2024-12-0741 min
Media CredentialsSarah Kellam, LPGA Manager of Digital ContentIn her role as the Manager of Digital Content for the LPGA, Sarah Kellam is responsible for much of the content you find at the tour's website. She frequently travels with the players and seeks to tell their stories in unique ways. Sarah is a former Division I player herself, competing in her home state at Northern Kentucky University. What she called her "dream job" in production at Golf Channel didn't last as long as she'd hoped, but it propelled her towards an exciting career in sports media that still has a lot of runway left. We discuss her...2024-11-2953 min
Media CredentialsMedia Consultant Jay Coffin: Orlando Sentinel, Golfweek, Golf Channel, and BeyondJay Coffin is a veteran journalist who runs his own shop, Coffin Corner Media. In that role, he advises clients on social media presence, communications strategy, and public relations, while staying close to his roots as a writer and editor. Jay worked for the Orlando Sentinel while still a student at UCF, and has remained in Orlando ever since, moving to Golfweek and then Golf Channel, where he was the Editorial Director for the website and a frequent expert guest on camera. We talked about his career path as well as some hot-button current topics, like LIV Golf and...2024-11-0453 min
Media CredentialsA Duck's Quack Has No Echo: Inside Jokes with Trey WingoTrey Wingo spent over 20 years at ESPN as a TV and radio host, including 15 years as the host of NFL Live. He's covered Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, and many of golf's major championships, and recently began a new chapter in his broadcast career working for DraftKings Network. Trey and I shared many hours on the desk when ESPNEWS was just getting started in the late 90's (the inside jokes will be explained). He talks about his father's influence on his education and his career, the important decisions that changed the course of his life, his departure from...2024-09-1655 min
Media CredentialsHither And Yon: Chris Yon, Camera Operator, Renaissance ManNYC-based Chris Yon is a versatile, experienced camera operator with a long list of clients -- NBC, CBS, FOX, the MLB Network, plus local broadcasts of the Yankees and Mets. His interest in media started on the playground, where he and a buddy would deliver mock newscasts with the latest elementary school gossip and occasionally deliver play-by-play for kickball games. We worked together for six years in the Orlando studio at Golf Channel, where his positive attitude (and savage skill at impersonating our colleagues) made long studio days much more palatable. In this episode, Chris outlines his path from...2024-09-0541 min
In The Zone: Byte-SizedIs the FedEx Cup System Broken? w/ Whit WhatsonTyler is joined by Whit Watson to discuss the current format of the FedEx Cup playoffs on the PGA Tour. Scottie Scheffler believes it is 'silly', how it compares to NFL regular season / playoffs, and can Scottie cap off an unbelievable season with a win?2024-08-1614 min
Media CredentialsField of Dreams: Chris Datres, Sports TV Field Producer, High School Umpire and RefereeThe word "producer" has many different meanings in sports media. ESPN and Golf Channel veteran Chris Datres has worn many hats as a highlight producer, graphics producer, and field producer — the last of which means he's the eyes and ears for news on the road. He's also worn many chest protectors and whistles as a longtime high school baseball umpire and basketball referee. We cover his beginnings in Harrisburg, PA, his start in the industry, and our shared paths at both ESPN and Golf Channel, including a bizarre night during the last PGA Tour event at Walt Disney World in...2024-08-081h 03
Miller and MoultonJuly 19 2024 (Hour 2) Whit WatsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-07-1940 min
Media CredentialsGolf Broadcaster Lisa Cornwell: The Women's Game, The Men's Game, The Mental GameLongtime golf announcer Lisa Cornwell joins the podcast with thoughts on the current state of the professional game -- which, she says, is a very different answer between the women and the men. A former pupil of David Leadbetter, Lisa won the Arkansas Women's State Championship four times, and played college golf with an eye towards a pro career. We trace her pivot from playing golf to broadcasting the game, and how mental health played a role in that move. Some important topics here that I haven't discussed much in previous episodes.2024-07-1838 minDave 'Softy' Mahler and Dick FainSofty & Dick 7-16 Hour 1: Mariners, Whit Watson, Fun w/ AudioIn the first hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain talk about the Mariners poor veteran hitting at the All Star break and the future of Mitch Haniger, Whit Watson then joins to talk about The Open starting this week in Scotland before they react to Fun with Audio.2024-07-1736 minSofty & Dick InterviewsWhit Watson from Golf Channel on The Open, Woods, FavoritesWhit Watson from the Golf Channel and NBC Sports joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about The Open starting soon, Colin Montgomerie’s comments about Tiger Woods, if Rory McIlroy is haunted by recent tourneys, and the favorites to win this week.2024-07-1711 min
Media CredentialsJack Graham: Sports Producer and Executive, ABC, NBC, Golf ChannelWill sports fans continue to search for their favorite teams on streaming services behind paywalls? What are the LIV Golf broadcasts doing to improve or change sports TV? Will Tiger and Rory's TGL work? Will Tiger play the PGA Tour Champions when he turns 50? Jack Graham is the man to ask. A former VP of Live Tournaments at Golf Channel and a longtime veteran of ABC and NBC, Jack has produced numerous sports around the world and managed talent, budgets, and schedules as a department head. We cover all of the topics above plus our industry's move to remote production...2024-06-2045 min
Miller and MoultonJune 14, 2024 (Hour 2) - Whit Watson & Cole CubelicWhit Watson joins the show to discuss the U.S. Open, Moulton and Trent discuss how Trevor Lawrence's huge contract affects the quarterback market, and Cole Cubelic joins the show to talk all things SEC football and preview the UFL Championship on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-06-1439 min
Media CredentialsGrant Boone: CBS, NBC, Golf Channel AnnouncerGrant Boone works as a golf announcer for NBC and Golf Channel, primarily on the LPGA Tour. His prior experience includes coverage of Amen Corner for the Masters on CBS, plus work in dozens of sports for ESPN, Turner and Fox. In this episode we discuss the 2024 US Women's Open, the state of the LPGA, what the LIV Golf rift has done to the men's game, and get some detail on Grant's uncle Pat. 2024-06-1047 min
Media CredentialsSteady Eddie: Mike Germond, Steadicam OperatorIn 1975, a cinematographer from New Jersey named Garrett Brown invented the Steadicam -- a wearable rig with counterweights that enabled camera operators to create shots that were never before imaginable. Nearly 50 years later, Steadicam shots are everywhere in movies and TV. The Steadicam revolutionized sports television. My guest on this episode is one of the best in the business. Mike Germond mans a Steadicam for the NFL on NBC, the Olympics, and a variety of other events, including corporate, concerts, commercials, and film. We talk about his path into production, the nuances of wearing the rig, and his upcoming...2024-05-2136 min
Media CredentialsNCAA Golf Championships, with Golf Channel's Steve BurkowskiThe month of May brings the onset of college golf's postseason. The men's and women's fields for the 2024 NCAA Golf Championships were announced on Golf Channel at the end of April; with regional play beginning May 6, Steve Burkowski joined the podcast to handicap the fields. "Burko" has been with Golf Channel for over 20 years, and has carved out a niche as the go-to resource for college and amateur golf. His address book of college coaches is unmatched. We talk about his path from New Jersey to the University of Florida and then go deep on what schools can win...2024-05-0545 min
Media CredentialsDave Mishkin: Voice of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Author of "Blind Squirrel"Dave Mishkin has been the radio voice of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning for over 20 years, and recently published a fiction novel called "Blind Squirrel." As he tells it, the book is hockey-adjacent, and tells the story of Noah, a former pro hockey player who deals with mental health issues. As an aspiring writer myself, I was interested in hearing about Dave's process in writing. In this episode, we talk about his background as a student announcer at Yale, his journey through the minors, and the Lightning's three Stanley Cup wins and our mutual friend Paul Kennedy. This was...2024-04-2353 min
Open MikeGolf Insider Whit Watson:There's No Way of Knowing if Scottie is the Best in the WorldHow will Tiger do in The Masters?2024-04-1116 min
Media CredentialsAnn Liguori: Sports Journalist, Entrepreneur, Author of "Life On The Green"Ann Liguori wears many hats: sports journalist, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. She was the first woman to host a call-in show on New York's WFAN, the original sports talk radio station in the US. She's covered multiple majors in golf and tennis, has reported from the Olympics, Ryder Cups, and Solheim Cups, and is perhaps best known for the long-running cable series "Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori." She was also a Golf Channel original, hosting a golf-centric interview show under the guidance of fellow podcast guest Mike Whelan. Ann has just published her latest book, "Life On The...2024-04-1035 min
Media CredentialsPuttin' On The (Ethan) Ritz: Sports TV Graphics Producer, Production ManagerEthan Ritz is one of the smartest people I know. Grew up in Virginia, played college lacrosse at Tennessee, worked for Golf Channel for many years as a graphics producer and now holds a similar role at LIV Golf and farms himself out as a production manager. He's been there and done that, including the Olympics, the Ryder Cup, and all of golf's majors. We are a killer team at bar trivia nights. Nobody understands the dynamics of sports media freelancing better than Ethan.2024-04-0246 min
Media CredentialsSports Photography, with Cy CyrCy Cyr (pronounced 'sigh sear') is an acclaimed photographer based in Orlando. His sports credits include Golf Channel, NBC, Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest, and ESPN, and he's a go-to photog for the PGA Tour. Beyond sports, Cy is highly regarded in editorial, commercial, and portrait work, with clients like Mitsubishi, Yamaha, and Discovery Channel. He's been at this for over 25 years, a passion project that started when he was a high schooler in Maine. In this episode, we talk about his love for golf, his arsenal of equipment, and the essence of being a photographer. Plus: horses.2024-03-2732 min
In The Zone: Byte-SizedCan Scottie Scheffler Be Stopped?Scottie Scheffler has followed up his Arnold Palmer victory with a first-placed finish at The Players this past weekend. Brandon is joined by Whit Watson, host of Making the Cut, to break it all down.2024-03-1810 min
The Beat of Sports (On Demand)Fore!Whit Watson fills in for Marc Daniels as he joins us from court side in Kansas City. NFL Moves, Is Golf taking their page from College Football on the PGA-LIV merger, and how is that really growing golf?2024-03-131h 34
The Beat of SportsWhat is the LIV-PGA Cut Line?Whit Watson fills in for Marc who is in KC, why is taking the PGA so long in "merging" with LIV? Do we care?2024-03-1313 min
Media CredentialsDave Revsine, Big Ten Network and ESPNDave Revsine is the lead studio host and a play-by-play announcer for the Big Ten Network. He's one of my oldest friends in the business, going back to the days of ESPN and the original launch of ESPNEWS. In this episode, we talk about his path from Chicago to an investment banking job he hated, his return to broadcasting, and how ESPN and the Big Ten Network changed his life. He describes his family's connection to Northwestern University and how his fandom began on the South Side. Plus, thoughts on the Caitlin Clark phenomenon, the cable TV model, and...2024-03-1248 minIn The Zone: Byte-SizedArnold Palmer Day 2 Update w/ Whit WatsonBrandon is live from Bay Hill once again and is joined. by Whit Watson from the Golf Channel to discuss the first two days of action at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Tune in for some exclusive insights from one of the golf specialist in Central Florida.2024-03-0916 min
Media CredentialsLeslieAnne Wade: Former CBS SVP, Communications, Consumer Media ExpertLeslieAnne Wade has enjoyed a remarkable career in public relations and communications, much of it in the sports space. After working in sports information at the college level, she moved to USA Network, where she handled PR for a variety of events, including the first Ryder Cup to be televised live from Europe. She is perhaps best known for her tenure at CBS Sports, where she rose to the level of Senior Vice President -- the first woman to do so in that division. In a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, we discuss her career, the current state of the...2024-02-2848 min
Media CredentialsSuper Bowl Preview and Silly Prop Bets, with Todd WrightTodd Wright is one of my oldest friends in the business. He’s known for “All Night with Todd Wright,” a national show on ESPN Radio that he started in 1996. He was also on nationwide on Sporting News Radio, and made frequent appearances on local radio in Tampa, where he still lives. We worked together for several years at the old Sun Sports, where Todd was a panelist on our talk shows. Now in semi-retirement from radio, Todd runs the Todd Wright Tour, a wildly successful amateur golf series in the Tampa Bay area, and hosts a couple of podcas...2024-02-0847 min
Media CredentialsGary Christian: A Life In GolfFor an Englishman, Gary Christian has an All-American story. Coming from a working class background in Britain, he learned to play golf with a set of cut-down, hickory-shafted clubs. A successful amateur career led to a scholarship at a junior college in Alabama, where he played well enough to transfer to Auburn. Turning pro at the age of 28, he played minitours all over the US, eventually graduating to what is now the Korn Ferry Tour. There, he won twice before earning his PGA Tour card for the first time at the age of 40. When his playing career was cut...2024-02-0550 min
Media CredentialsFlorida Man: Television's Paul KennedyIn 1988, a new regional sports network was launched in Tallahassee, Florida. Called 'Sunshine Network,' its first property was Florida State University, and the first announcer for FSU sports was Paul Kennedy. 36 years later, Paul is still broadcasting Florida sports. He was on the mic when the Orlando Magic played their first game; same for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's done play-by-play for the Miami Marlins and hosted talk shows for the Miami Dolphins. There are few, if any, pro teams or major colleges in Florida that haven't welcomed Paul into the broadcast booth. In this episode, we dive...2024-01-2958 min
Media CredentialsGolf Commentator Jerry Foltz, Golf Channel and LIVJerry Foltz is a golf lifer. He picked up the game as a kid in Las Vegas, was an All-American in college at the University of Arizona, and then (in his words) "backed into" a career in golf broadcasting that started at Golf Channel and now continues with LIV Golf. In all, he's had well over 20 years on a microphone. In this episode, we trace his path to television and get right to it about his decision to join LIV. Jerry is a good friend, and this was a great interview.2024-01-2257 min
Media CredentialsMike Soltys, Former PR Executive at ESPNMike Soltys spent 43 years at ESPN -- as he puts it, 98 percent of the company's history. Originally hired as an unpaid intern by ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen, Mike rose to the very top of the Worldwide Leader's public relations department, documenting the biggest sporting events in the world and managing the explosive growth of the ESPN brand. He departed ESPN in June of 2023, part of cost-cutting moves by parent company Disney. In this episode, we look back at ESPN's history and look ahead to trends in sports media. Plus, details on Mike's upbringing in Connecticut and what motivated him...2024-01-0640 min
Media CredentialsRon Sirak, JournalistIf it happened in golf in the last 40 years, Ron Sirak probably saw it, and wrote about it. He's a former senior writer and executive editor for Golf Digest and Golf World magazines and a longtime contributor to Golf Channel. A champion of the women's game, he might be the only media member to cover all of the men's and women's major championships in the same year -- a feat he's accomplished multiple times. We discuss his upbringing in Western Pennsylvania, his time with the Associated Press, his magazine career, his TV work, and the state of journalism today.2023-12-1052 min
Media CredentialsPoker Star: Joe Stapleton, Commentator and ComicJoe "Stapes" Stapleton is a star in the poker world -- as he once put it, he's "poker-famous." He's a longtime poker commentator with credits that include PokerStars, The World Series of Poker, The Big Game, and Poker Night in America. In a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, he outlines his path from upstate New York to Hollywood, where he's also a stand-up comic and host of the popular "Poker In The Ears" podcast. Joe originally moved to LA with dreams of being a TV comedy writer; his irreverent sense of humor and willingness to try anything opened doors that...2023-12-0551 min
Media CredentialsBetter Sports Betting: Steve Rubenfaer, CEO, BettorTakesIn 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down a law that prohibited sports gambling outside of Nevada. In the years since, more and more states have legalized sports betting, and sports media has fully embraced 'the line' as content. Steve Rubenfaer, CEO of BettorTakes, walks us through the trends in the industry and outlines his BettorTakes app -- a product that analyzes your betting history to make you a better bettor.2023-11-2430 min
Media CredentialsRay Almeda, Global PR Lead, EA SportsThe video game industry did $235 billion in revenue in 2022, and that number is expected to jump to $321 billion by 2026. Six of the 20 best-selling games in '22 were sports titles, and two of the top 7 in sales are produced by Electronic Arts, or EA. Ray Almeda, a former gaming journalist, is now the Global PR Lead for EA's sports portfolio, overseeing the NHL and PGA TOUR franchises, among several others. He joins the podcast to talk about his career path, the scope of his duties now, the mind-bending technology behind the games, and where he thinks the gaming industry is...2023-11-1744 min
Media CredentialsAlex Russell: Manager, Player, Talent, Tour Relations and Booking, NBC and Golf ChannelYou're watching a tournament on Golf Channel, and a celebrity drops by the booth for a visit. Maybe you're watching Live From early in the week at a major championship, and Dustin Johnson or Rory McIlroy joins the announcers on set. Ever wonder who sets that up? Alex Russell is part of a two-woman team at NBC / Golf Channel responsible for contacting and booking those guests, as well as maintaining communication with golf's governing bodies. In this episode, Alex explains how it's all about personal relationships and trust. She also tells a few stories about her father, Mark Russell...2023-11-0945 min
Media CredentialsHigh Seas, NBA Hardwood, Hot Sauce: The Ballad of Dan BallisterDan Ballister is a Naval Academy grad and former Surface Warfare Officer who has diverse experience in business. He oversaw digital media for the NBA as part of 20 years in digital media and internet advertising. He tells the story of how a compliment at an Army-Navy tailgate turned into The General's Hot Sauce, a brand that creates employment opportunities for Veterans and donates a meaningful percentage of its profits to help military and Veteran families.2023-10-3122 min
Media CredentialsAlex Gimenez: Manager, Major League Operations & Professional Scouting, Boston Red SoxAs a kid growing up in Miami, Alex Gimenez dreamed of working in baseball. That dream carried him to Cornell University, where he faced a crossroad: pursuing a career in broadcasting, or choosing a path that would lead him into a front office. Now the Manager of Major League Operations and Professional Scouting for the Boston Red Sox, Alex recounts how his love for the game developed and how his entrepreneurial spirit left a legacy for aspiring broadcasters who followed him at Cornell.2023-10-2058 min
Media CredentialsDave Stevens: Sports Reporter, Motivational Speaker, Teacher, Disability AdvocateMy guest on this episode is a 7-time Emmy winner as a sports journalist. A three sport star in high school, he played college football and later had a brief stint in minor league baseball. Today, he teaches media and production at the college level while also hosting a nationally syndicated podcast and running youth sports camps, and is prominently featured in a recent Netflix documentary. By any measure, that’s a full life. Now, what if I told you he was born without legs? Dave Stevens is my guest on Media Credentials.2023-10-0936 min
Media CredentialsThe Spo Show: Directing Live Events, with Peter EspositoPrevious episodes of "Media Credentials" have covered directing live studio shows (with Eric Rutledge) and producing live events (with Ray Jacobs). Now, a new combination -- directing live events. Peter Esposito started his broadcasting career at a small college in New England, moving to an entry-level position at ESPN, and then joining Golf Channel at the network's inception. Golf has taken "Spo" all over the country and around the world as he "paints the picture" for the viewers at home. We talk about his upbringing in a tiny corner of Massachusetts, his introduction to the big leagues in Boston...2023-10-0443 min
Media CredentialsRay Jacobs: NHL Senior Coordinating Producer and Live Golf ProducerMy guest on this episode is a hockey guy, but like most hockey guys I’ve met in my career, he’s also a golf guy. Ray Jacobs is the senior coordinating producer for the National Hockey League’s production arm, a staff job he took in 2023 after 20-plus years on the road as a freelance golf producer. We touch on that familiar theme -- freelancing versus staff -- and delve into his experiences at golf’s major championships and the Olympics, and why he ultimately left the road life. He explains how remote production has taken some of the fun...2023-09-2450 min
Media CredentialsFrom Madden & the NFL to Valspar & the PGA Tour: Media Relations with Rick OdiosoWith over 40 years of experience in the NFL and nearly 30 years with the PGA Tour, Rick Odioso has collected some stories. He's the Media Director for the Valspar Championship, while also freelancing as a statistician for the NFL on FOX, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. As the former PR Director for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rick managed media relations for luminaries like Doug Williams, John McKay, and Steve Young; as a statistician and spotter, he's shared the booth with legendary broadcasters like John Madden, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton, and Dewayne Staats, among others. Fun stories...2023-09-1848 min
Media CredentialsKristi Hujik: ESPN, Golf Channel, SiriusXM, Health CoachKristi Hujik is a certified health coach and Senior Producer for PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM. We shared newsrooms together for over two decades at both ESPN and Golf Channel, a bizarre overlap in our careers that neither one of us can truly explain. Kristi talks about her journey in sports media, starting at a local radio station in Pennsylvania and continuing to Bristol and Orlando. We discuss common connections and random pathways, how a phone call or a chance encounter on an airplane can alter the direction of our lives. I also dedicate this episode to a former...2023-09-0854 min
Media CredentialsVersatility and "Pivoting": Julie Hoddy, Production SpecialistFor many in sports media - particularly those who work behind the scenes - freelancing is a way of life. Staff jobs are often hard to come by, even more so in the post-Covid 'gig economy.' Julie Hoddy forged a long career as a freelancer in sports television before pivoting to a corporate role outside the realm of sports. We talk about her transition from road to office, her fondest memories of gigs at Golf Channel and the Big Ten Network, among others, and her advice for women who might be contemplating a career in media.2023-08-2833 min
Media CredentialsNathan Strack, Production Designer, Pinehurst Resort and Country ClubNathan Strack is the Production Designer for the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. Pinehurst is one of the most prestigious golf complexes in the United States, home to nine golf courses and the host site of the 2024 US Open. Nathan talks about his experience there, how his golf background meshes with his skills as a graphic designer, and why Pinehurst is the ultimate golf destination.2023-08-2136 min
Media CredentialsThe Sports PR Life, with Dan PearsonDan Pearson is a veteran sports PR executive with experience in college athletics, Arena Football, the XFL, baseball, and more. A longtime Central Florida resident, he continues to work in semi-retirement as a sportswriter for local weeklies. Dan is a storyteller, and offers sound advice for those considering a career in sports media. Great stories here of the raucous days of the Orlando Predators and memories of the Boardwalk and Baseball theme park.2023-08-1136 min
Media CredentialsCollege Football Chaos with Marc Daniels, Voice of UCFMarc Daniels has been the Voice of the UCF Knights for nearly 30 years, and hosts a daily radio show on Orlando's 96.9 The Game. We discuss the explosive news in college football regarding conference realignment, and how sports other than football might be affected. We also delve into UCF's entry into the Big 12 this fall, and the impact it will have for the athletic program.2023-08-0936 min
Grilling At The GreenAfterhours - Whit Watson - Golf Channel Aug '23Whit Watson from the Golf Channel visits with JT in AfterhoursThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy2023-08-0925 minGrilling At The GreenWhit Watson - Golf Channel Aug '23Whit Watson from the Golf Channel visits with JTThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy2023-08-0535 min
Golf TodayBRIAN HARMAN WINS IN BRITAIN! | Jul. 24THE BUTCHER OF HOYLAKE! Brian Harman's 6-stroke win at The Open gets him his first major championship victory and arguably one of the coolest new nicknames in the game. Whit Watson, George Savaricas and Paige Mackenzie break down his unexpected breakthrough and what it could mean for the home stretch of the Ryder Cup qualifying race. Two-time Ryder Cup participant Peter Jacobsen stops by the show to discuss the career-changing win for Harmon, and what he thinks is a bright future for Rory McIlroy after another disappointment at a major championship.2023-07-2453 min
Media CredentialsGeorge Galante, Senior Director of Communications, Orlando MagicGeorge Galante joined the Orlando Magic as a PR intern while still in college. Nearly 30 years later, he is still part of the team. As the Senior Director of Communications, he's a managing editor for the team's media guide, a daily contributor to game notes, a coordinator of interviews for players and coaches, and a stat guru who travels with the team. As he puts it, his department is the gatekeeper between the Orlando Magic and the local and national media. In this episode, we talk about how the NBA has changed during his career, how the Magic have...2023-07-2448 min
Media Credentials"Sports Intelligence" with Justin Ray, Head of Content, Twenty First GroupMy guest on this episode is my former Golf Channel colleague Justin Ray, who is now the Head of Content for Twenty First Group, a company that bills itself as a "sports intelligence agency." From their website: “Performance analytics enables us to drive sporting success for athletes, teams, leagues and investors, and enable brands, broadcasters and rightsholders to tell unique stories to their fans." Justin and Twenty First Group help those entities turn data into an action plan. The desired outcome depends upon the client; the goal might be to win more games, sell more tickets or sponsorships, or re...2023-07-1143 min
Media CredentialsSportscasting 101: Eric Rutledge, TV Sports Director and Course Director at Full Sail UniversityEric Rutledge got his start as a TV sports director in college, and eventually made his way to Golf Channel, where he spent nearly 20 years, primarily doing studio work. He explains what a director does, and we go deep into all the different jobs in the control room, and the remote production truck. Eric currently directs live golf for PGA TOUR LIVE, the tour’s streaming service, but his day job finds him in the role of educator. Eric teaches a class at the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University, a specialized school for entertainment media and...2023-06-2543 min
Media CredentialsMike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel Columnist and Radio RaconteurMike Bianchi is a sports columnist for the Orlando Sentinel and one of the most influential voices in the Southeast. His 20-plus years with the Sentinel coincides with a lengthy career as a sports radio host in Orlando, and he was also a regular TV talk show panelist with me in the old days of Sun Sports (now Bally Sports Sun). A proud native Floridian, Mike talks about his early writing influences, his studies at the University of Florida, and his stops at newspapers in Gainesville, Cocoa Beach, and Jacksonville before coming to Orlando. We cover a little bit...2023-06-1845 min
Media CredentialsKeith Hirshland: LIV Golf Producer, Veteran of Golf Channel and ESPN, AuthorKeith Hirshland is an Emmy-winning sports television producer whose path started in Hawaii, passed through Orlando as he helped launch the Golf Channel, and now finds him in the producer’s chair for live broadcasts of the upstart LIV Golf League. LIV is backed by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. On June 6th, 2023, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour announced that they were going into business with the PIF, a move that has been termed a "merger." It's not that simple. While the scope of this historic agreement is still developing, it...2023-06-1351 min
Verbal Shenanigans#439-Whit WatsonGreat guest, weird conversations….par for course on this show. This week we are joined by former Sportscenter anchor and current play by play commentator Whit Watson. We had an amazing conversation hearing about his rise from intern to radio in Orlando on his way to ESPN. We go over learning along the way, his viral note taking before events, and golfers being human and cursing their brains out. Check out Whit’s own podcast “Media Credentials Podcast” after listening to our interview.
We also talk about making Biden cool, updating golf and the Pro Bowl, and...2023-06-051h 28
Media CredentialsMichael J. Whelan, Golf Channel OriginalMichael J. Whelan is an Emmy-winning former television executive, a veteran of CBS and HBO Sports, who was a driving force in the creation of Golf Channel. He’s also living proof that sometimes the story behind the executive bio is complicated. In this episode, you’ll hear about his biggest events, including Wimbledon, the Olympics, and the Buster Douglas - Mike Tyson fight in Tokyo in 1990. Mike also describes the monumental task of getting Golf Channel on the air, a frantic effort in a very short time frame… he also goes deep into his own struggles with mental health...2023-06-0241 min
Media CredentialsDavey Finch, Hall of Fame CBS Camera OperatorDavey Finch worked as a camera operator for CBS Sports for over 40 years, and he is indisputably one of the best ever at his craft. In 2010, he was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, the first camera operator to be so honored. His fellow inductees that year included Pat Summerall and John Madden. In this episode, you’ll hear about Davey’s introduction to TV, his big move to Hollywood, and how he sees what he sees. Think about what you do for a living. Picture that one person who does it better than anyone else. Now: imag...2023-05-2838 min
Media CredentialsMike Eaby, Coordinating Producer, Westwood One SportsFrom humble origins -- a boxing match in Pittsburgh in 1921 -- live sports on the radio has evolved into an everyday part of our lives. In this episode of Media Credentials, I speak with Mike Eaby, the Coordinating Producer at Westwood One Sports, one of the largest sports radio networks in the United States. Mike oversees radio production for the NFL, NCAA basketball, NCAA football, golf, and a wide variety of other events each year. We discuss how he started out in college radio, his experience at the Olympics and the Masters, the rise of satellite radio and streaming...2023-05-2241 min
Media CredentialsSellers Shy, Producer, PGA TOUR on CBSCBS has been televising professional golf for nearly 70 years, and in that time, the network has employed exactly three lead golf producers. Sellers Shy is the third. A two-time high school golfer of the year in his native Tennessee, Sellers oversees more than 20 weeks of PGA TOUR coverage in addition to his duties with college football and the NFL. We discuss his path to CBS, his relationship with three-time major winner Dr. Cary Middlecoff, what he learned from television legend Frank Chirkinian, and the innovations that CBS is bringing to golf. What struck me about this conversation is how...2023-05-1534 min
Media CredentialsTracey Veal, Manager, Media Relations, PGA TOURIf you're a media member -- or hope to be -- Tracey Veal is the PGA TOUR's gatekeeper. She approves media credentials for the Tour's biggest events, including the PLAYERS, the Presidents Cup, and the FedEx Cup Playoffs, among others. She also coordinates with local tournament teams to make sure the logistics are squared away before every event, and administers the Tour's media credential website. Fascinating interview that goes deep into the symbiotic relationship between the Tour and the media, and how "media" is defined in an age when anybody with a phone can call themselves a reporter. Plus...2023-05-0953 min