Awful Announcing Podcast

We're pleased to welcome one of the very best announcers in sports back to the AA Podcast - the voice of the NHL, Mike "Doc" Emrick. While most sports fans think of Thanksgiving as football time, NBC has a national broadcast on Black Friday between the Bruins and Rangers. We catch up with Doc looking ahead to that broadcast as well as some other early season storylines including...-How realignment has affected the NHL so far this season.-Why there's such a disparity between the Eastern and Western Conference.-Why Thanksgiving is a bellwether in the standings and which team has surprised to this point.-The concussion lawsuit filed by former players and Doc's surprising answer as to why fighting will ultimately be eliminated from hockey.-Looking ahead to the Bruins-Rangers game on Friday.-His thoughts on calling the Winter Olympics in Sochi this winter and the increased number of spectacles throughout the hockey season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Thanksgiving week upon us, we're joined by one person who has the privilege of not working just one of the big games in store this weekend, but two of them. CBS's intrepid sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson works the Iron Bowl on Saturday between #1 Alabama and #4 Auburn but before that will also call the Thanksgiving Day game between the Raiders and Cowboys. In this podcast, Tracy chats with AA about the busy week and other topics including...-The differences in sideline reporting in the NFL vs college football.-Reflecting on the Kevin Ware injury and the news value of sideline reporters in various events this year.-The recent discussion on women in sports media and how progress has been made and what else needs to be done.-The Iron Bowl as one of the best rivalries in college football.-Her professional relationship with Nick Saban and how his reputation may betray his true personality.-Which Iron Bowl subplot is most compelling and does Auburn really have a chance to compete with the Tide?-Missouri flyi

In today's podcast we welcome one of the brightest minds covering sports and a lead college basketball analyst for ESPN, Jay Bilas. The former Duke player not only works in the College GameDay studio and calls games for ESPN, but also serves as an NBA Draft analyst. And he has one of the must-follow Twitter accounts in sports featuring his calls for NCAA reforms and Young Jeezy tweets. In this in-depth podcast, we chat with Jay about...-The Bill Raftery-sized hole in his life and his best Raft story.-Balancing his work in the booth, studio, and the draft.-Whether or not he's working on new vocabulary for the Jay Bilas drinking game.-Which issue is most affecting the institutional structure of the NCAA.-How the free market might be the best solution for fixing what's wrong with amateurism.-Whether he's ever been told by the NCAA or ESPN to tone down his criticism.-Comparing the sensational freshman trio - Julius Randle (UK), Jabari Parker (Duke), and Andrew Wiggins (Kansas)-The value of a strong early seaso

Ahead of this week's United States Grand Prix it's an absolute pleasure to welcome aboard one of the most venerable voices in sports broadcasting, NBC Formula One analyst David Hobbs. David has announced motorsports on American television for over 35 years and moved to NBC this year with the network's Formula One coverage. In this podcast, we chat with David about this year's season, his history in television, and much more including...-The history making 1979 Daytona 500 as the first live 500 mile NASCAR race to be televised.-Motorsports on television throughout the years.-This year's Formula One season and the dominance of 4 time champ Sebastian Vettel.-Whether we've seen anything like Vettel in the history of motorsports.-This weekend's US Grand Prix in Austin and the success of the event.-Formula One in the states.-How an American driver might be able to break into the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's AA Podcast features a conversation with the top NFL reporter in America, ESPN's Adam Schefter. His reporting has been at the center of the unfolding bullying controversy in Miami involving Richie Incognito and jonathan Martin. Since joining ESPN in August 2009, Schefter has quickly become one of the top reporters in all of sports. In this interview, we not only chat with Schefter about his reporting about the Dolphins, but how NFL reporting has evolved and the amount of interest in the league's news cycle. Topics include... -The timeline of his reporting and how it came together for him and Chris Mortensen, including his knowledge of the explosive voicemail.-The current power of reporting in the NFL and how this story has moved so quickly.-How NFL reporting is like trying to stop the waves in the ocean.-Juggling several stories at once including what's happening in Miami, Aaron Rodgers' injury, and health scares with head coaches.-Why the hazing and bullying aspect of the Dolphins story reson

In this week's podcast, we invite one of the sports blogosphere's favs, Jimmy Traina, who is on the move from Sports Illustrated to Fox Sports. In the last several years, Jimmy has taken Hot Clicks at SI to one of the most popular features not just at the magazine, but across the web in sports. In this podcast, AA chats with Jimmy about the move, the evolution of Hot Clicks, and the media, and an assortment of topics including...-What it's like to now be co-workers with Erin Andrews.-Why make the move now to Fox and how what he does there will differ from Hot Clicks. Hint: more regular content instead of merely posting twice a day.-The evolution of the sports media and how Twitter changed the game.-How he'll fit into the changing nature of FoxSports.com with their added emphasis on pop culture.-The fate of his beloved miniature SI television.-The explosion of national coverage for Mike Francesa in the last year and how the show has been "joyless" since the departure of Chris Russo.-His top MLB and NFL annou

We finally catch up with one of our favorites on this week's podcast, lead ESPN soccer analyst Taylor Twellman. The former MLS MVP has quickly become ESPN's top game analyst for the US Men's National Team and Major League Soccer broadcast. In this podcast we not only chat with Taylor about the USMNT clinching a World Cup berth (and keeping Mexico alive) but a number of other interesting topics as well, including...-Whether the US team thought about tanking against Panama.-How Mexico fell so far so fast and whether or not New Zealand may actually beat them in the playoffs.-How Jurgen Klinsmann turned around US Soccer after doubts about his tenure.-The US players who helped themselves the most this summer.-Surprises and disappointments from around the globe in World Cup qualifying.-The concussion issue in sports, League of Denial, and his Think Taylor organization.-The next steps forward in dealing with concussions.-MLS TV rights and ratings for the league being down.-Possible solutions for MLS in helping to

One of the pleasant surprises of the MLB Postseason has been the entertaining crew TBS has assembled for their studio shows. One of their studio analysts is former Major League pitcher and best-selling author Dirk Hayhurst. After just 25 MLB appearances, Hayhurst has written extensively about his journeyman career and has embraced his travels to being a successful author and broadcaster. Today, Dirk chats with AA about the challenges he faces as a baseball analyst, this year's postseason, Garfooses, and much more. Topics include...-How it feels as a Kent State guy to be called a nerd by Vandy's David Price.-The burden he carries on TV being a rare analyst that wasn't a superstar and the acceptance of his personhood outside baseball.-Opening doors to other talented broadcasters who may not have had great big league success.-How his struggles in minor and major league baseball have helped him as an announcer.-The Cardinals and how they, like cockroaches, refuse to die.-Pirates-Cardinals and A's-Tigers Game

In today's podcast we welcome the newest member of one of the most elite fraternities in broadcasting. 39 year old Kevin Burkhardt is the only rookie play by play man calling NFL games for one of the major networks and he joins us to talk about his remarkable career path and his first few weeks on the job for Fox. Kevin chats with AA about...-His experience through the first three weeks of the season and if he's had a "welcome to the big leagues" moment working for the NFL on Fox.-The most unique elements of calling national NFL games.-His career path that has taken him from local radio through working at a car dealership to calling NFL games.-What one thing he learned from selling cars has helped him most in broadcasting. Seriously!-Balancing his SNY duties with the Mets with NFL duties for Fox.-The challenges in covering a team that's far out of the playoff race late in the season.-Working a broadcast with Jerry Seinfeld and being one of the few people the comedian follows on Twitter.-Looking ahead to thi

In today's podcast we welcome back CBS Sports college football insider for his annual visit to talk about the world of college football. Bruce published a fascinating all access piece inside Texas A&M football this week that's the focus of our early conversation before turning to the major college football media story of the past month, the Sports Illustrated investigation into Oklahoma. It's a very interesting conversation about the current state of reporting into college athletics, the media, and the state of the NCAA. Other topics include...-How he got Texas A&M to agree to an all access piece.-His approach to behind the scenes journalism and reporting the story.-The A&M/Bama game itself and the major takeaway from it.-How A&M responds to the loss and their national title hopes still being in tact.-The SI-Oklahoma State story and the reaction to it.-Is investigative reporting into players receiving benefits and college programs even worth it?-Bo Pelini's responsibility in the audio of hi

Today's AA Podcast welcomes the host of NASCAR Now, ESPN's Shannon Spake. Shannon came from Speed Channel to ESPN and now not only serves as a NASCAR host and reporter but as a college football and basketball reporter for the upcoming season. Additionally, she just signed a new contract extension with Bristol. We go inside that process as well as...-What led her to re-sign with ESPN and whether or not she had any thoughts about leaving ESPN for another opportunity.-The demise of her former employer Speed and the future of NASCAR on TV.-The differences between NASCAR reporting and football/basketball.-The best and most difficult interviews in NASCAR.-What it was like to report the Clowney hit at the Outback Bowl earlier this year.-This weekend's upcoming race at Bristol and who needs a win most.-Her championship pick - Jimmie Johnson or the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome ESPN college sports sideline reporter Samantha Ponder. Sam has become one of the most popular and recognizable personalities at ESPN almost overnight with her debut on College GameDay last year and subsequent marriage to Vikings QB Christian Ponder. I talked with Sam about her new life in the fishbowl, her rise at ESPN, and the upcoming college football season. Topics include...-Her meteoric rise through the industry and why the Spelling Bee is her favorite gig.-The one lesson she learned in her first year at ESPN.-How she approaches sideline reporting and providing something different for viewers.-Why criticism of her husband is more difficult to deal with than herself.-The perils of social media and why she took Twitter off her phone.-Working the ESPYs red carpet with her husband.-Which college football personalities are the best and most difficult to interview.-The situation at Texas A&M and the saga of Johnny Manziel.-Should college athletes be treated as kids or adults?-The import

The beginning of the EPL season is just a few short days away. It's a new beginning for American soccer fans as NBC has the rights to every EPL game after coverage from Fox Soccer and ESPN. Before the launch of the 2013-14 campaign, we're joined by new NBC Premier League host Rebecca Lowe. Rebecca moved not just from ESPN UK to NBC, but also transplanted across the Atlantic to anchor NBC's coverage stateside. In this week's podcast we chat with Rebecca about:-The one thing she's missed most about the UK lifestyle.-Adjusting her style from a UK to an American audience.-How revolutionary NBC's coverage will be making every game available.-Her busy schedule with the tonnage of NBC programming for the EPL.-The balance between serving hardcore fans and marketing the league to new fans.-The transfer sagas of Suarez, Bale, and Rooney.-How the league is different without Alex Ferguson.-Which team might a new fan want to attach themselves to.All that and much more with Rebecca Lowe on this week's podcast. Hosted o

We're pleased to welcome to this week's podcast one of the premier sportscasters in the country - ESPN's Mike Tirico. We chatted with Mike before the opening Monday Night Football telecast of the preseason in Atlanta about his busy summer calling many of the top sporting events around the world, his career, and his influences in broadcasting. Topics include...-What it's like to call the NBA Finals, Wimbledon, and the British Open in one summer.-How he transitions across different sports and mediums.-Versatility for announcers, what events he'd still like to cover, and which announcer influenced him most.-A quick discussion about soccer, Gus Johnson, and his acceptance in the golf world.-The MNF booth, working with Jon Gruden, and what he learned from Tony Kornheiser.-The challenge of calling NFL Preseason games and what the league can do to fix it.-His most memorable moment of the last year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we say goodbye to July, we welcome back to the show Rob Stone of Fox Sports. Rob is the studio host for Fox Soccer and will also have a role on Fox's college football coverage this fall. Today, Rob chats with AA about the USA's victory in the Gold Cup and the imminent launch of Fox Sports 1. Topics include...-The USMNT's record winning streak and how excited fans should truly be.-How expectations have changed for the USMNT and goals at next year's World Cup.-Gus Johnson joining Fox's soccer coverage and the reaction to it.-The complicated relationship between TV and the soccer culture.-The death of Fox Soccer and launch of Fox Sports 1.-The increased battle for parking at Fox and which FS1 debutant will make the biggest impact.-Whether or not FS1 can surpass ESPN as the #1 cable sports network.There may even be a hambone mention as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast returns with a full recap of the biggest sports media stories of the past month with Steve Lepore of SB Nation's Puck the Media. Steve anchors SB Nation's sports media coverage, which has grown in the past year with all the developments in the industry. We touch on all the hirings, announcements, new shows, and developments including...-Why Nate Silver's hire by ESPN is the most significant move of the summer.-Can Keith Olbermann last at ESPN2 in late night?-NASCAR's move to NBC and how beneficial it is to NBCSN.-How NASCAR compliments the NHL for NBC.-The expectations for Fox Sports Live and Fox Sports 1. What is jockularity anyways?-Can a light hearted approach work for FS1?-Steroids fatigue and the Ryan Braun coverage.-What one thing would Steve change at the Big 3 of ESPN, NBCSN, and FS1.All that and a lot more on this week's AA Podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Stanley Cup Final in Boston and the series tied at 1-1, we're joined before a pivotal Game 3 by NBC's voice of the NHL - Mike "Doc" Emrick. Doc is widely regarded as the best play by play man in sports and has been honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame. We talk to Doc about the Bruins-Blackhawks series and some of the traits that make him one of the elite announcers in the business. Topics include:-How he keeps going for multiple overtime games.-The Doc Emrick lexicon-Does he ever get nervous before calling a big game anymore?-The way the NHL has bounced back after this year's work stoppage and the significance of an Original Six Final.-The connection between the Bruins and the city of Boston.-The potential for this Final to rate as one of the best ever.-The players that will be key for both teams the rest of the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back for a rare weekend podcast and have the privilege of interviewing one of our favorite guests - the voice of the NBA Finals, Mike Breen. This year's championship series is the 8th Finals for ESPN's lead NBA announcer. AA chatted with Mike Saturday afternoon during an off day of the series before a pivotal Game 5 with the series tied at 2-2. Topics include...-The flop of the Finals.-Broadcast partner Jeff Van Gundy's future and what Breen is willing to do to keep him in the booth.-How the broadcast team approaches interviews with Gregg Popovich.-How his approach to announcing the Finals has changed over the years.-Covering LeBron James and Tim Duncan and how both have evolved in the last decade.-Dwyane Wade's Game 4 performance and legacy.-Manu Ginobili needing to provide an emotional lift for the Spurs.-What this series needs to truly become a classic.All that and more on this special NBA Finals edition of the AA Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who else could be the guest on the Silver Anniversary edition of the AA Podcast except our first and most frequent guest, the co-author of the #1 New York Times Best Seller Those Guys Have All The Fun - Jim Miller. With several stories surrounding ESPN in the last month, we catch up with Jim and get his take on the happenings in Bristol as well as a few stories he broke on his Twitter page. Topics include...-TBS hiring Keith Olbermann and where his long-term destination might be.-The reaction to the hundreds of layoffs at ESPN.-Whether or not the bursting cable bubble is a myth or reality and the impact on ESPN and other sports networks of rising costs.-Expectations for the new ESPN ombudsman Robert Lipsyte-Culture change at ESPN evolving from the Steve Phillips scandal-The rise and fall and rise of Stephen A. Smith.-The increasing competition of Fox Sports 1, NBCSN, and CBS Sports.More great insights from one of the most respected writers in the country on the 50th AA Podcast. I know I'm contractually obl

On today's podcast we venture into the world of Formula 1 to chat with globetrotting NBC Sports pit reporter Will Buxton. Will covers every F1 race on the calendar live on-site for NBC and is in Monaco this week for the world's most glamorous race, the Monaco Grand Prix. NBC will be airing live coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix on broadcast network television this weekend. We chatted with Will from Monaco after Thursday's practice session about his work for NBC, the F1 season, and the magic of Monaco. Topics include...-How he went from paying the way himself and camping at all the European grand prixs to workign in television.-How Monaco is different than any other Formula 1 circuit and the magic of Monaco.-How Monaco compares to Indianapolis and Daytona.-Working with a broadcast crew that's often a continent away.-Growing F1 in the USA and why Formula One needs an American audience moreso than America needs F1.-The tire debate swirling around F1 at the moment.-How 3 time champ Sebastian Vettel compares t