Play-by-Playcast

Quint Kessenich is the lead lacrosse analyst for ESPN but in his time with the network he has expanded that role to include sideline reporting and, more recently, play-by-play itself.  He gives a great perspective on the craft this week, diving into preparation, teamwork and more.

John Walters always wanted to be in play-by-play, working his way up through television and as the radio voice of the Drake Bulldogs.  When he took over for the Cyclones he replaced his longtime friend and mentor who had passed away suddenly. 

On this episode we talk about he relationship with Pete Taylor, being humble, working in TV and radio simultaneously and operating Cyclones.tv.

Sam Farber is one of the most respected names in PxP in Los Angeles covering high school sports and college athletics across a variety of TV platforms.  Sam and I met through broadcasting the CrossFit Games in 2018 after years of knowing his name.  On this pod he'll detail his rise through the ranks out west, how he calls a high school game, his prep in general, watching games back and more.

Tony Castricone just completed his second season as the voice of a Pac-12 team, years after being laid off from a job and traveling the country playing open mic nights.  He talks his journey to the pinnacle of college sports and what makes a great broadcast on this week's pod.

What is a Sod Poodle? Sam Levitt knows...no, seriously, the guy went out onto the prairie this week and met some.  You can find it on social media.  The AA Padres voice is very active on social media both on and off the air and is super creative in ways he covers his team.  We dive into that, his voice, not becoming a doctor and more!

 

 

The late Auburn Tigers PxP voice Rod Bramblett lived for his team.  His passion oozed through every word he announced.  Recently Rod tragically passed away in an automobile accident and many of you have tweeted or emailed that you'd like us to repost the Rod Bramblett episode ... and here it is, Episode 108 with Auburn's Rod Bramblett.  He was so enthusiastic about coming on the pod, and I was excited to have had the opportunity to have him.

Deene Ehlis is one of the deans of Triple-A baseball, having served with the Iowa Cubs since 1990.  He's seen everybody from Mark Prior to Kerry Wood and Rod Beck's RV in the parking lot.  Deane talks about his career and his approach to calling games throughout his career.  We also play some name association with players he's seen throughout his career.

So this week's episode needs very little introduction...Kevin Harlan is simply one of the best play-by-play announcers in the business.  On this week's episode he breaks down how he calls a football game, a little look into how he prepares a story arc going into a game, big calls about LeBron having no regard for human life and more.

Ben Wagner was my first boss in broadcasting when I worked for the Buffalo Bisons in 2009. Ten years later he's in the Major Leagues. Coincidence? I think not.

But seriously, Ben spent more than a decade as one of the most well respected voices in MiLB before he got his break at the Major League level. On this episode we talk about his climb, if he thought the break would ever come, what makes a good call on the radio, handling no-hitters and how he handles building relationships and interacting with players and coaches in the bigs.

Harry Donahue is the voice of the Temple Owls, but he's also so much more. A fixture of KYW news radio in Philadelphia for almost four decades, Donahue covered the biggest sports and news in Philly and also served as PxP voice of the USFL's Stars for their two year stint in the city...which in a roundabout way earned him a Hollywood movie credit later in life.