Big Stories

The Big12 football season is coming to a close. Who had succesful seasons? Some unexpected solid teams came out of the word work in Arizona and Houston. Is the Big12 the best basketball conference in America? What teams accross the conference are doing to prove that. Much more on Big Stories!

UCF's Spirit Squad wouldn't be where it is right now without coach Linda Gooch. And Linda wouldn't be where she is today without her husband, Alan. In this podcast episode, discover how Linda Gooch went from a standout high school athlete to a trailblazing cheer coach, leading the UCF Knights to multiple national championships and earning her place in the Florida Sports Hall of Fame—the first ever for cheerleading. Alongside her husband Alan, a former UCF football coach and sports foundation CEO, Linda shares stories of perseverance, building traditions from the ground up, and the challenges and triumphs of coaching at the collegiate level. Tune in for an inspiring journey through four decades of UCF spirit, sports, and the enduring partnership of Mr. and Mrs. UCF. Guests: Linda Gooch - UCF Spirit Squad Head Coach Alan Gooch - Orlando Sports Foundation CEO

This week on Big Stories: We spotlight backup quarterbacks who stepped up and delivered when their teams needed them most. Plus, we break down a shocking upset that no one saw coming! On the hardwood, get in-depth basketball analysis from Cincinnati, BYU, and Utah. And to cap it off, we challenge a few podcasters to make the case for why their team deserves a spot in the College Football Playoff. Guests: Alex Markham - UteNation Podcast Russ Heltman - Bearcat Blitz Podcast Jarom Jordan - BYU SportsNation

Join host Cleon Wall as he reconnects with Conrad Hawley, Iowa State Basketball's former Chief Energy Officer, for an inspiring update on his journey from walk-on basketball player to motivational leader. Discover how Conrad’s resilience helped him overcome a devastating injury and led him to embrace new roles as a public speaker and private coach. Drawing on insights from his father, Adam, this episode delves into what it means to lead with energy, character, and heart—on the court, in the locker room, and beyond. Guests: Conrad Hawley - Motivational Speaker and former Iowa State Basketball Player Adam Hawley - Conrad's father and Certified Financial Planner

The Big 12 title race is heating up as Texas Tech secures a commanding victory, reclaiming its position at the top of the conference. What can the other teams do to stay in contention? Is it possible for the conference to receive three bids in the College Football Playoff? Additionally, we’ll provide an insider look at the basketball teams of TCU and Arizona. Cleon Wall and producer Chase Davidson cover all this and more on the latest episode of the Big Stories podcast. Guests include: - Melissa Triebwasser from the Frog Insider Podcast - Damon Fairall from the PHNX Wildcats Podcast

Step onto the Folsom Field as the Big Stories team charges into the heart of one of college football’s most beloved traditions: Ralphie, the live buffalo mascot of the University of Colorado. Host Cleon Wall takes you behind the scenes with Ralphie program manager Taylor Stratton, student handlers, and the newest buffalo herself, Ralphie VII. Discover what it takes to train a young bison for the spotlight, the intense preparation of the student crew, and the emotional journey that connects generations of Buffs fans to their iconic mascot. From the history of the Ralphie program to the life-changing impact on those who run alongside her, this episode is a celebration of tradition, teamwork, and the powerful bond between people and animals. Whether you’re a die-hard college football fan or love a great story, you won’t want to miss this episode. (Photo Courtesy of University of Colorado Athletics) Guests: Taylor Stratton - Ralphie Live Mascot Program Director Olivia Drobnich - Ralphie Handler Matthew Winston - Ralphie Handler

Get ready for another action-packed episode of Big Stories! Host Cleon Wall and producer Chase Davidson go head-to-head as they reveal their top five teams in the conference. Then, Cleon dives into the hottest storylines dominating the Big 12—including the marquee matchup in West Texas: BYU vs. Texas Tech with BYU SportsNation's Spencer Linton. What’s at stake, and what’s the best possible outcome for the conference?

Big Stories Host Cleon Wall had to take some time off for a family matter. So, the Big Stories team is bringing you an episode from Big Stories season one. Jack Trice Stadium is home to the Iowa State football team. But who is Jack Trice? We dive into the life and death of the Cyclone's first African-American player and how the stadium came to be named after him. And how former Iowa State softball player Lea Nelson's social media post led to the fan bases of two teams coming together to support the "Cycloneers." Guests: George Trice - Jack Trice's Cousin Tom Emmerson - Former Iowa State University Journalism Professor Darien Porter - Iowa State Football Player Rebecca Wells - Iowa State University Student Life Archivist Lea Nelson - Former Iowa State Softball Player Randy Mazey - West Virginia Baseball Coach

From “Where do we go from here?” to “Spoiler warning,” we’re breaking down the biggest stories going on right now in the Big 12: West Virginia's Struggles, BYU’s rise, Houston’s surprise — and everything in between. GUESTS: Mike Casezza - EerSports at 247.com and the Country Roads Confidential Podcast John Walters - Voice of the Cyclones and host of the "CyCast" Podcast

BYU's Cougar Tail is a staple for football fans who attend games at LaVell Edwards Stadium. But what are the origins of the large maple bar? And why would BYU make a donut its signature food item at sporting events? Well, Cleon Wall and the Big Stories team found a guy who was there from the inception of the sweet treat and can fill us in on the maple-ee details. Guests: Russ Robertson - Former BYU Donut Guru John McDonald - Executive Chef, BYU Dining Services Job Rodriguez - Support Services Director, BYU Dining Services Jared Wilkey - Current BYU Donut Guru

It’s a wild ride in the Big 12 as more than half the conference still has a shot at making the championship game. In this week’s episode, we break down the pivotal “must-win” matchups for contenders like Utah and Iowa State, dive into the Sunflower Showdown, and tackle the toughest question of all: who’s truly the best team in the Big 12 right now? Spoiler alert—it’s not as simple as looking at the standings. GUESTS: Brian Howell - Buffzone Tim Fitzgerald - GoPOWERCAT.com

Cody Stovall’s path to hosting Locked On Oklahoma State is anything but typical. In this episode of Big Stories, Cleon Wall dives into Cody’s lifelong Cowboys fandom, his days as a college athlete, and the life-altering health battle that led to the loss of his leg. Discover how grit, passion, and a love for Oklahoma State carried Cody from the oil fields to the podcast mic. Subscribe to Big Stories for more powerful journeys from across the Big 12, and hear the heart behind the headlines. Guests: Cody Stovall - Locked On Oklahoma State Podcast Host Logan Osborn-Stovall - Cody's Stepson

In this episode of Big Stories, it’s all about in-state showdowns and gridiron bragging rights. Host Cleon Wall dives into the fierce rivalries between BYU and Utah, TCU and Baylor, and Texas Tech’s surprising dominance across the Lone Star State. Plus, Cleon breaks down which teams desperately need a bye week—and why Cincinnati is back on his “Are You For Real?” list. GUESTS: Chris Level - Locked On Texas Tech Podcast Josh Furlong - KSL.com and the Utah Checkdown Podcast Jason Shepherd - BYU SportsNation Zach Smith - Waco Tribune

Arizona State’s Kendall Whitmarsh carries a name that resonates deeply in the world of beach volleyball. Her father, Mike Whitmarsh, was a legend in the sport—an Olympic silver medalist in 1996. Tragically, he passed away when Kendall was just five years old. In this episode of the Big Stories podcast, explore how Kendall keeps her father's legacy alive while forging her own identity—both in life and on the sand. It’s a heartfelt journey of remembrance, resilience, and rising talent. Guests: Kendall Whitmarsh - ASU Beach Volleyball Player Cindy Whitmarsh - Kendall's Mom and Fitness Expert Subscribe to Big Stories for more amazing and uplifting tales from around the Big 12!

On this episode of the Big Stories Pod, we break down our Top 5 teams from last week's action and spotlight a surprising contender emerging in the race for the Big 12 Championship. When will Oklahoma State finally notch an FBS win? Plus, we preview an exciting Week 7 slate featuring massive matchups: #21 Arizona State heads to Salt Lake to face Utah, Kansas takes on 9th-ranked Texas Tech, and more games that could shake up the standings. Guests: Erik Ruby - PHNX Sun Devils Podcast Mark Van Sickle - The Jayhawker Talker Podcast Cody Stovall - Locked On Oklahoma State Alex Markham - Utenation.com

The Big Stories team is scouring the Big 12 for more inspirational stories for this season. In the meantime, we thought we would dip into the Big Stories archive to bring you an encore presentation of an episode from Season 1. Cassady Brewer wanted out of Apopka, Florida. The softball player desired to play anywhere other than nearby UCF. But Cassady's mother desired for her to play for the Knights before she died. In this podcast episode, we discover why Cassady stuck close to home to play softball and how coach Cindy Ball-Malone's influence guided her return to the Knights as an assistant coach. Guests: Cassady Brewer - Former UCF Assistant Softball Coach Bobby Brewer - Cassady's Father Cindy Ball-Malone - UCF Head Softball Coach

The Big Stories pod crowns a new top Big 12 team from week 5 - highlighting a few squads that pulled off amazing comebacks. They also dive into the biggest storylines heading into Week 6, featuring insights from Big 12 podcasters across the conference. Tune in for a preview of the “Texas Two-Step” showdown between Texas Tech and Houston, and a look at Cincinnati’s high-stakes clash with Iowa State. Guests: RC Maxfield - The Red and Black Report Melissa Triebwasser - Frogs Insider Podcast Charlie Walter - Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast  Trace Trylko - Sons of UCF Podcast

Emily Bott flips, twists, and tumbles with the best in collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling. As a key member of Baylor’s National Championship-winning team, she earned All-American honors in her sophomore season. But behind her powerful performances is a story of grit and resilience. In this episode of Big Stories, Emily opens up about her scoliosis diagnosis, the invasive spinal surgery that left her with a metal rod in her back, and her unwavering determination to compete at the highest level. Guests: Emily Bott - Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling athlete Christine Bott - Emily's Mother

The Big Stories podcast loves its Top Fives, so they are adding a new segment declaring the Top Five teams of the week from the Big 12 with producer Chase Davidson. Hint: It's a team from Texas that won with their backup quarterback. After awarding the Big Man on Campus, host Cleon declares the Top Five quarterbacks in the conference and discusses the Top Five storylines in the Big 12 with the help of BYU SportsNation's Jarom Jordan and PHNX Wildcats podcast host Damon Fairall. Make sure you like and subscribe to the Big Stories podcast so you don't miss any episodes.

Drew Lisk wanted to challenge himself after he left high school. The former quarterback decided to walk on to the University of Utah Football team instead of accepting a scholarship at a smaller school. Drew didn't get a lot of playing time and even wondered if he should transfer, but in the end, he led Utah to one of the most improbable comebacks in Utes football history. Learn about Lisk's legend in this episode of BYUradio's Big Stories. Guests: Drew Lisk - Former Utah Quarterback Whitney Hessler - Former Utah Track Athlete, Drew's Fiance Jeff Call - Former Deseret News Reporter and Sports media lab manager at BYU