Awful Announcing Podcast

The AA Podcast is back! After a summer hiatus we're back for a new fall season of the Awful Announcing Podcast. And what better guest to invite on the program than one of the most respected journalists and hosts in the history of sports media - ESPN's Bob Ley. The OTL host has been there since the beginning and we were fortunate enough to spend an hour chatting with him talking about a number of topics including...- Saying goodbye to ESPN's World Cup coverage.- Making the case that Germany 7, Brazil 1 being the most shocking result in the history of sports.- ESPN's next steps in soccer and increased competition in the sports rights derby.- ESPN's growth into a multi-billion dollar corporation and whether some of the soul of the network's beginnings is still in tact.- How ESPN has adjusted to being watched by sports media observers and reporters.- What advice he would give to someone starting out at ESPN and how the network can continue to push forward. - The recent Redskins OTL special and the nickname deba

This weekend represents the biggest day in motorsports across the world and the marquis event is the Indy 500. On today's podcast we're joined by the host of the race for ABC, SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak. This will be Lindsay's first assignment since having her first child in March. On today's show we talk about the race, her time away, and working on the 6 PM SportsCenter. Topics include...- Coming back to broadcasting this weekend for the Indy 500.- Her personal reaction to the backlash to Daniel Murphy's paternity leave and her Today Show segment with husband Craig Melvin about their own experience.- The journey to ESPN and why her time working with the legendary George Michael was the pivotal step in her career.- What might surprise viewers about working the daily 6 PM SportsCenter.- Her relationship with co-anchor John Anderson and the chemistry they've developed.- Her affinity with motorsports and excitement in hosting the Indy 500 and being the first woman to do so.- Storylines to watch this w

For this week's podcast, we have a special treat. ESPN coordinating producer Amy Rosenfeld granted us some time for an interview in the midst of preparations for the 2014 World Cup. Amy has played a major role in ESPN's critically acclaimed coverage of international soccer and the 2010 World Cup in particular. She's been one of the driving forces in transforming ESPN's coverage of the sport from a foreign novelty to the revered, mature product it is today. In this podcast, listeners are granted insights into that transformation and a look ahead to the 2014 World Cup broadcast. Topics include...-Amy's journey to being at the controls for ESPN's World Cup coverage and how far the network has come since the 1999 Women's World Cup.-Her personal philosophy in broadcasting sports and why staying out of the way is so important as well as how her life as a fan helps in production.-The transformation made at ESPN from the 2006 to 2010 World Cup and why the network no longer felt like it had to explain the offside

On today's show we're joined by one of the best basketball players of the last generation, former All-Star and current NBA on TNT analyst Chris Webber. C-Web has seen his broadcast career take off since joining Turner and he's currently working alongside Ian Eagle calling the Pacers-Wizards Eastern Conference semifinal. In this podcast, we chat with Chris about his broadcast career, his desire to get into coaching, and how the playoffs have shaken out so far. Topics include...-How being close to the game as a broadcaster helps to prepare for an eventual coaching career and his desire to follow the paths of Mark Jackson and Steve Kerr.-What it's like to work with EJ, Kenny, and Charles at Inside the NBA and why it's even funnier behind the scenes.-Why this year's first round was the best ever.-The struggle in Indiana and what's really going on with the Pacers. It's not all Roy Hibbert's fault that the Pacers are reeling.-Walking the line in being able to be critical of players having been there before and

On today's podcast we talk about the Donald Sterling controversy with Bomani Jones of ESPN. Bomani's work has drawn plenty of attention this week due to a column he wrote in 2006 documenting Donald Sterling's racism and asking why it wasn't news. Although Bomani has been credited with showing "foresight" the truth is he was one of the few calling attention to the real issue at hand that was ignored for years. In this podcast, we cut straight to the heart of the matter to talk about sports, race, the media, and society as a whole. Topics include...-Why his 2006 column is receiving more attention now than it did then.-Whether or not a threatened player boycott forced the hand of Adam Silver to deliver a maximum punishment.-Why we are easily drawn to the sexiness of the TMZ audio versus housing discrimination.-The validity of Mark Cuban's "slippery slope" comments.-The legacy of David Stern. -Who takes the brunt of the blame for enabling Donald Sterling for years and not speaking out.-Whether or not the NBA

On today's podcast we shift our attention to the NHL postseason and chat with NBC sports host Liam McHugh. Liam is the lead studio anchor for NBC's coverage of the NHL as well as Notre Dame football, the Tour de France, and other sports. In many ways, he is one of the faces of the young NBCSN. Today we talk with Liam about the Stanley Cup and his career at NBC. Topics include...-His journey to NBCSN including looking back at his time with Versus and The Daily Line and what that experience meant for his career.-How he became a "hockey guy" with his NHL assignments.-Whether he's ever had to break up a fight between Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick. Sadly, answer is no, but the behind the scenes dynamics are great.-Why Pens-Blue Jackets is the most exciting first round series.-How the physicality of the Blackhawks has been one of the most impressive things from the playoffs thus far.-What it maeans to have an 18 year old, Nathan MacKinnon, as the top points scorer of the postseason.-What's left on Liam's broa

On today's podcast we welcome the co-host of Fox Sports 1's newest show, America's Pregame, Molly McGrath. Molly has been with FS1 since the network launch in mid-August. After serving mainly at the newsdesk providing updates, she then got the call to co-host Fox's new daily show alongside Mike HIll (who she incredibly used to print scripts for as a production assistant at ESPN). Molly also chats with AA about...-Her sportscasting journey including how she created a sports reporting role as a Boston College cheerleader.-Her time with the Boston Celtics and whether she has any good Tommy Heinsohn stories.-Moving to Fox Sports 1 and the difference in sports on the west coast and east coast.-Fighting the stigma against blonde women working at Fox News and Fox Sports 1.-Is Fox Sports 1 really "the one for fun" behind the scenes?"-The vision for America's Pregame and how it can grow into being an alternative to SportsCenter.-Why taking viewer suggestions for improving the show is so important.-Which would she r

It’s been one of the most exciting EPL seasons on record and NBC has earned rave reviews for their first year coverage of the league. The biggest game of the season takes place this Sunday at 8:30 AM Eastern when Liverpool hosts Manchester City in what some are calling a winner take all title clash. To talk about it all we’re pleased to welcome to this week’s AA Podcast one of NBC’s Premier League analysts, a man who knows the league very well from his nearly 500 apperances in English football, Robbie Mustoe. Robbie joined NBC this season after working at ESPN for several years on their global soccer coverage. Today, we chat about...-How soccer coverage has evolved in the states and what excites him most about the response to NBC's EPL coverage.-Why EPL fans in America may have it better on television than fans in the UK.-How Liverpool have leapt to the top of the EPL table in a huge surprise.-Why manager Brendan Rodgers has been Liverpool's catalyst and how he might line up the team against Manchester Ci

It’s WrestleMania week and we’re pleased to welcome WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross to the podcast. Good ol’ JR has seen his popularity increase in the sports world as his most famous calls have become a favorite soundtrack to some of the most exciting plays in sports. These days JR writes for Fox Sports and has just launched one of the top rated podcasts on the internet. We talked with JR for a wide-ranging, in-depth podcast about the wrestling business and its evolution, his writing at Fox, announcing in his future, and so much more. Topics include…-What excites him most about his post-WWE career and his WrestleMania anthology series at FoxSports.com.-WWE slowly moving its way alongside mainstream sports at places like Fox and elsewhere.-How the WWE Network is another bold move from Vince McMahon and why it may be a gamechanger for sports and entertainment.-JR’s favorite eras from his career in the wrestling business.-The evolution of professional wrestling from being presented as sports to sports en

ONIONS!!!!!We're pleased to be joined by one of the most beloved announcers in all of sports on today's podcast, Bill Raftery. He's been a part of NCAA Tournament coverage for CBS for many years and continues to be one of the highlights of the television production. His classic calls, humor, exuberance, and enthusiasm are a trademark of one of the finest careers in broadcasting. Today Raf joins us to talk a little bit about that career and this year's tourney...-Working Big East games with Gus Johnson and how Gus used to play basketball in New York City with Bill's son.-Working with Verne Lundquist and the chemistry behind their partnership.-Balancing bringing fun to the broadcast while still teaching the game.-The Dayton Flyers as this year's Cinderella and his admiration for Scoochie Smith.-Looking ahead to the East region and the meaning of playing in MSG.-A look ahead to the Iowa State-UConn and MSU-Virginia matchups.-How many more tournaments does he plan to call in the booth? Hosted on Acast. See aca

In the middle of March Madness we welcome one of the play by play men who called Thursday's action on one of the best days in the history of the NCAA Tournament. Brian Anderson of Turner & CBS may be more known more as a baseball announcer from his work for TBS baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers, but this is his third year working the NCAA Tournament. He chats with AA today about the exciting games from Orlando yesterday. Topics include...-How much sleep he got after Louisville-Manhattan ended well after midnight.-The mental challenge of announcing 4 games in 1 day and resetting for each broadcast.-Where yesterday ranked among his favorite days in the broadcast industry-His experience with college basketball and what it means to call tournament games.-How the St. Louis-NC State game was one of the most unique games he's ever seen and how St. Louis' fouling strategy fueled an epic comeback.-Manhattan being a tough matchup taking Louisville to the brink.-The upcoming Brewers season and how the team is de

In today's episode we're joined by one of the broadcasters that will be covering March Madness for CBS and Turner - Allie LaForce. In addition to being a sideline reporter for the NCAA Tournament, Allie is also the co-host of CBS Sports Network's late night program Lead Off with Doug Gottlieb. The 25 year old from Ohio has had a quick rise through the industry in the last year and she chats with us about that ride and her assignment this weekend in Buffalo. Topics include...-How a beauty pageant winner and basketball player gets into sports broadcasting.-How CBSSN found her through her YouTube reel and why prospective broadcasters need to do everything they can to get their name out there.-What's unique about working on a program that airs at Midnight ET and how that presents something different compared to other sports networks.-The different challenges of hosting and reporting.-The experience of working four games in one day at the NCAA Tournament and the preparation that goes into it.-The Ohio State-Day

In today's podcast we welcome Seth Davis from CBS and Sports Illustrated to talk about the NCAA Tournament and his new biography on John Wooden. Seth is a veteran sportswriter who has also served for over a decade as a television analyst in college basketball and brings that unique perspective to viewers. In today's podcast, we discuss...-Why he was motivated to writing a book about John Wooden and presenting the coach in a three-dimensional way.-The mythologizing of college coaches.-Whether contemporary media can learn to balance building up and tearing down coaches.-Building towards March and what it's like to cover the NCAA Tournament.-Working with his CBS and Turner colleagues in Atlanta.-Who's the fourth #1 seed?-Which bubble teams have helped and hurt themselves the most during Championship Week.All that and more on this week's AA Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's podcast we're joined by one of the best new television analysts working in sports today - ESPN's Seth Greenberg. After a lengthy coaching career, Greenberg moved to Bristol from Virginia Tech after the 2012 season and he's quickly cemented himself as one of the sport's most enthusiastic and insightful voices. Today we talk about a number of topics touching on Seth's TV career and the current season including...-How working in television is refreshing compared to the daily grind of coaching.-How much of his coaching personality comes through in front of the cameras?-Whether or not he would consider a return to coaching and what friends in the profession tell him about his second career.-Wichita State's unbeaten season and the pressure now facing the Shockers.-Syracuse's precipitous fall and why teams have figured out the Orange.-Why the Big 12 is the best conference in college basketball and the Big 10 has the most teams who can win the national championship.-Explaining Ohio State's struggles this

Coming out of the Sochi Winter Olympics we welcome back NHL on NBC lead analyst Eddie Olczyk to the program to talk all things hockey. Eddie will be a part of the first network television broadcast of an NHL game since 1974 when the Penguins play the Blackhawks in Soldier Field on Saturday night. With such a momentous occasion upon us, what better time to get caught up with Edzo. On today's podcast we discuss...-His recent comments about aspiring for a return to coaching, his desire to teach, and what kind of opportunity it would take to leave NBC.-Where the USA-Russia game and T.J. Oshie shootout heroics rank in his most memorable moments in the booth.-How the NHL can use the Olympics as a springboard the rest of the season.-Whether or not the NHL would be crazy to abandon the Winter Olympics and what other opportunities might exist for international hockey.-The significance of the Stadium Series for hockey and Saturday's matchup.-The Blackhawks serving as a blueprint for the rest of the league to build a

In this week's edition of the Awful Announcing Podcast, we're trying something new. For the first time, we have multiple guests and they are all from our awesome staff. Ken Fang, Steve Lepore, and Joe Lucia all hop aboard a roundtable broadcast breaking down NBC's coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi and the highlights and lowlights of these games for the network. We also share some of our favorite moments from the Olympics so far and why everything can be explained by a classic Simpsons reference. Topics include...-Best & Worst Moments from NBC's coverage thus far.-Bob Costas' pink eye and how the network handled an unexpected "crisis"-The live versus tape delay debate and why NBC's effort towards sports fans is better in 2014, but still a long ways from perfect.-Record ratings for NBCSN and whether or not the Olympics actually pulls them ahead of Fox Sports 1 in the race for #2 behind ESPN.-Why did the Bode Miller interview receive such an immense backlash?-Tara Lipinski & Johnny Weir

We've saved the biggest guest for the AA Podcast thus far for our 78th episode as broadcasting legend Marv Albert joins us before TNT's All-Star Game coverage this weekend. Regarded as "the voice of basketball," Albert has been on hand to witness many of the greatest moment in NBA history. In addition, he's called Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals, NCAA Tournaments and much more as one of the top announcers of the last 50 years. Today we talk with Marv about the All-Star Game, the season so far, and his career in broadcasting. Topics include...-What makes the All-Star broadcast unique from any other.-Top storylines, surprises, and disappointments of the season so far.-The Indiana Pacers trying to knock off the Miami Heat and whether they'd be playoff favorites if they get the East's top seed.-The change at the top of the league with Adam Silver replacing David Stern.-The evolution of pro basketball and how the game is played differently now versus the 70s, 80s, and 90s.-How Marv's signature "YES!" call origi

For today's podcast we welcome one of the most accomplished NBA players of this generation - 7-time All-Star Grant Hill. Grant has made the full-time transition to broadcasting with Turner Sports as the co-host of Inside Stuff on NBA TV. Today, Grant chats with AA about that broadcast career and the NBA season so far. Topics include...-HIs roles at NBA All-Star weekend including being A GM for the Rising Stars Challenge.-Whether the NBA should make any changes to All-Star weekend to revive interest.-His transition to broadcasting and why he chose a career in television.-How his co-workers at Turner like Charles Barkley and Chris Webber have helped him during his rookie season.-Relaunching Inside Stuff and his conversation with the original hosts and his desire to give being a game analyst a try.-Why Kevin Durant is having a better season than LeBron James and is the MVP frontrunner.-The East-West discrepancy being more extreme than ever.-The rise of the Portland Trail Blazers as the best story of the seas

To take a look at Fox's Super Bowl broadcast, we invite back an old friend of the program - Ed Sherman of the Sherman Report and the Chicago Tribune. We take an in-depth look at how Fox did the best job they could with the Super Bowl blowout and discuss Ed's new book about Babe Ruth's called shot. Topics include...-His glorious feud with Deadspin and how it all started.-How being called every four letter word by Tommy Craggs has helped his internet profile.-Fox's grade for the Super Bowl broadcast and why it's an incomplete.-Best & Worst elements of Fox's Super Bowl pregame coverage.-Are we getting saturated with too much pregame?-The firestorm surrounding Erin Andrews and all the unfair criticisms flung her way.-No noticeable Super Bowl bump for Fox Sports 1.-Ed's new book on Babe Ruth's Called Shot. Is it fact or fiction? -Why Babe Ruth himself made the most convincing argument that his called shot was a myth.-A quick look ahead to NBC's Winter Olympics coverage.You can pre-order Ed's book at Amazon a

On this week's podcast we're joined by the voice of curling and lead announcer for NBC's Olympic curling coverage, Andrew Catalon. While Andrew works the Olympics for NBC, his full-time job is with CBS Sports and the CBS Sports Network. Andrew was named one of our Rising Stars for 2013 in the broadcast industry for his work on a multitude of sports. Today he joins us to talk about topics that include...-Just recently getting a full-time job with CBS Sports Network and giving up his local sportscasting job in Albany.-Advice he would give to younger broadcasters hoping to move up in the broadcasting world.-Calling college basketball for CBS and working with Clark Kellogg this winter.-The phone call that led to his start in curling.-How he learned the rules for the sport and what it's like to call Olympic sports like curling and handball.-The cult following of curling and the ride he's been on with the sport since Vancouver 2010.-Medal hopes for Team USA and the redemption narrative of John Shuster.-How he appro