The Backyard Banter Podcast

Episode 52 of The Backyard Banter Podcast brings us CBS Sports senior NFL writer Will Brinson for a fascinating discussion revolving around the current state of sports media. Will shares his insight on a number of topics including how to be passionate fan while operating as a professional, finding you voice as a writer and what it's like juggling a family with this job. You won't want to miss out on this phenomenal chat. Highlights from this episode include: Will's transition from a true Panthers fan to how he manages that side of his approach in his current job.Finding your voice as a writer and niche when you may not be a natural student.Becoming a multi-platform analyst, including on-camera work, when that was never the goal.The struggles of juggling a family and forgoing a normal life when taking up as a media personality.Being willing to do what others aren't exploring in order to break in.

We have a treat on our hands as now confirmed badass Jourdan Rodrigue stops by The Backyard Banter Podcast to discuss her career path that landed with a gig as a beat writer for The Charlotte Observer. Jourdan goes into detail about why she took the reporter path over others, and the jobs she held in prior to covering the Carolina Panthers. Towards the end, we get into a can't-miss conversation about a piece Jourdan wrote and I contributed to covering Joe Mixon and the tenor the media takes when discussing athletes who commit violent acts against women. This was an all-around tremendous conversation you'll enjoy taking a front seat for. Highlights from today's episode include: - Why Jourdan resisted the broadcasting route and followed her desire to be a reporter. - Can a beat writer truly have a voice when the primary function is relaying the news? - Okay, but seriously, what's it like covering Cam Newton? - Jourdan's thoughts on what she learned from interviewing draft analysts about Joe Mixon and how she would cover him if drafted by a team she writes about. - What does Jourdan have to say to the critics in this field of not only her gender, but also her youth?

In the second to last episode of Season 1, Gregg Rosenthal of Around the NFL joins the podcast to talk about his journey through multiple venues and the industry at large. Gregg has been all throughout the business whether it was helping to grow Rotoworld, covering the NFL at Pro Football Talk or building up the Around the NFL group at NFL.com. In an open and honest conversation, Rosenthal brings valuable insight to anyone who finds themselves searching for their place in any field. Highlights from this episode include: - How Gregg's dissatisfaction with the entertainment industry pushed him into finding a career working in sports. - What brought Gregg to Rotoworld, joining forces with Evan Silva and growing that platform. - Gregg's multiple transitions that eventually landed him with NFL Media and all the duties he filled in between. - What pushed and continues to inspire Gregg to keep a tight grip on his space in the industry. - Why a desire to do what he truly loves doing in the football world helped Gregg decide to relinquish "the boss" duties of Around the NFL.

Episode 41 brings us Jon Moore, a former writer/podcaster for RotoViz and now the social media editor for Pro Football Focus. Jon just recently got his full-time job with PFF, so he makes for a great guest in the middle of a big transition. We also dive into Jon's beginning days at RotoViz and how a unique piece of content helped him stand out. Not only was Jon an excellent interview, he also was just plain fun to chat with. Highlights from this episode include: - Jon's upbringing as a football fan and how it was the major bonding force between him and his father. - Why Jon sought to incorporate age into the prospect evaluation conversation and where it fits as a data point. - Viewing fantasy as merely a means to an end to talk about the actual game of football. - The three interactions that stuck out to Jon the most coming up in the fantasy world when he felt like he was getting somewhere. - What Jon will be doing in his new position focusing on social media and his first big "love my job" moment.

Sorry my end of the audio is terrible in this episode. No idea what happened, but you're really here for the elite guest anyways. The much anticipated moment you didn't know you were dying for has arrived as Uncle Chaps joins the podcast for episode 40. Unlike any other figure we've had on the show so far, Chaps holds a unique place in our space but one that I view is essential. Whether it's the persistent joking, revealing of others' deeper personas or the fake reporting, Chaps has done it all. Yet, that's just the surface level of the beautiful human being that is Uncle Chaps and the story he has to tell. Highlights from this episode include: - The parts of Chaps' past you might not know about and where his life was headed prior to serving in the military. - The relationship Chaps developed with his on-duty dog in combat and what that meant to him. - How Chaps first started the fake account venture and how he's not sure when it got so big that he Chaps'd ESPN and NFL Network. - Having fun with your pals online and not understanding the people who are always mad. - What's next for Chaps, not just as a joker but perhaps ventures as a true writer.

Episode 39 brings the football diehard himself, Bob Harris, a true veteran of the fantasy industry. Bob takes us through the beginnings of his journey and provides a snapshot of what the earliest stages of the fantasy industry looks like. He also wonders aloud if even someone of his status could beak in as easily in an industry now crowded with intelligent writers. Highlights from this episode include: - Bob shares about his earliest days in the industry where he sent out newsletters through a fax machine. - Developing the personality for radio after spending years just writing. Why Bob's cats keep him grounded and the relationship he has with them. - What caused Bob to begin his own weight-loss journey and why it's an important message for everyone in the fantasy community. - How Bob sees the industry changing through the years and where it might be heading.

In what amounts to a national holiday in the fantasy community, we're lucky to be joined by Scott Fish during the ??week of the #SFB480. Scott delves into the origins of the Scott Fish Bowl and what makes it the most unique fantasy format around. He also shares some information about his Fantasy Cares leagues and why he takes the extra time out of his day to make the world a little bit better. One of the most giving people in our industry, Scott's outlook is one we can all learn from. Highlights from this episode include: - ?How the Scott Fish Bowl first began and why it almost got axed after one year. - What makes the league so unique: from the massive 480 team format, the wild scoring to the way it lights up the community. - Scott's venture with the Fantasy Cares leagues and why he believes charity should be a no-brainer aspect to fantasy football. - Where Scott sees his place in the community as it stands today and where he's heading. - The pride he feels not so much for creating a fantastic league, but for bringing us all together.

We continue onward across the industry to a visit from Mike Tagliere of Pro Football Focus. Not only is Mike one of the kindest people you'll encounter in the industry, he's clearly brimming with an infectious work ethic. He shares the story of a multi-year journey in desperate chasing of a full-time job in the fantasy industry, one which culminated in such a position recently with PFF. Mike dives into the perspective that got him here and his relationship with his wife, who supported him all the way through. Highlights from this episode include: - Mike's relationship with his father, how he initially came to love the sports world from his youth and eventually to cover fantasy. - The moment when Mike almost backed away, but how his wife, Tabbie, pushed him to keep fighting. - Feeling like he should always be working at the craft, even at a recreational fantasy industry event. - Why it is important for Mike to always show his followers the appreciation he feels for them getting him to his current status. - Mike and Tabbie's uniquely powerful message, and what their new Hot Route Podcast hopes to accomplish.

In a style we've never broached before, episode 35 brings us an appearance by Ben Cummins, a new contributor to RotoViz, TwoQBs and The Fantasy Footballers' upstart website. He represents a writer in the industry who is just breaking in at that ground zero level. Ben shares his perspective on feeling the itch to try and make a run at grabbing a position as a writer, and the steps he took to just get off the ground. Highlights from this episode include: - Following the Broncos growing up and how his fandom still means quite a bit to him. - How Ben initially felt the urge to dive deeper into DFS coverage when that format of fantasy just clicked with him. - Reaching out to established writers and how he knew who to talk to in order to gain more of a footing. - Looking ahead five years into the future and wondering where he'll stand if he does not have a full-time job. - Controlling what you can control and always remembering to "just start writing".

Episode 34 brings us Field Yates of ESPN and former NFL front office employee. Field shares his experience in getting to the NFL and then transitioning out into the media side. He shares a wealth of information through his journey, and especially in the latter years as he currently wears multiple hats with ESPN. ?Highlights from this episode include: - How Field initially got connected with NFL teams as a young person working at the camps as an intern. - What turned him off about working for an NFL team and his eventual departure from that life. - The itch to cover football once out of the league and starting as just another guy with a blog. - Bringing some of his scouting background to his work at ESPN but also realizing he's not the authority on the matter. - What's changed in Field's perspective now that he not only does fantasy football, but also is a TV personality.

No matter your place in life, episode 33 with Chris Heil will speak to you. Chris contacted me at the show's onset about doing an episode detail his rise and ultimate exit from the fantasy football industry. What started as a love for the game and podcast grew sour with trials and time spent trying to become a better writer. Chris is now in a fine place personally after leaving the industry, and re-captured his obsession as a fan. His message is surprisingly one of inspiration and realistic encouragement that anyone looking to find a place in this community needs to hear. Highlights from this episode include: - Chris' background as a Cleveland fan with years of sadness but a current high ride. - What sparked his initial foray into podcasting and all the fantastic opportunities and success that came with it. - How trying to become a better writer slowly began to turn him off from the pursuit of a career. - The feelings of self-doubt and crippling workload that are silent killers in the fantasy industry. - What Chris' true message it to aspiring writers and why he's not here to discourage anyone.

Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle by Matt Harmon

Episode 30 brings us Matthew Freedman, the editor-in-chief of Fantasy Labs and the producer of RotoViz Radio and the Fantasyland Podcast. Freedman took a unique path to his full-time spot in the fantasy business, starting out as a Ph.D student before shifting gears. He talks about how that perspective still influences his work in fantasy sports to this day and some ideas it brought into action. Finally, we dig into the ground-breaking Fantasyland podcast and where the show might be headed. Highlights from this episode include: - How a fortunate start to NFL fandom and fantasy sports got Freedman rolling towards an obsessive path. - Matthew's background as an academic and what pushed him from that into the world of football analysis. - Finding a community you belong in and your avenue to still stand out in that group. - Why Freedman approaches fantasy sports and football from a numbers only approach, and whether he believes that is the only way. - The origins of the RotoViz podcast network and how that led into their newest program, Fantasyland.

We finally complete the NFL Fantasy Stronghold circuit as Marcas Grant joins the podcast for episode 28. It seems that Marcas tried his hand at just about every facet of the industry, from play-by-play commentary to radio analyst, before settling into the gig he has today. As such, he brings a wealth of perspective for anyone with aspirations of getting into the sports media industry. Highlights of this episode include: - Marcas' winding backstory through broadcast media school, to being the voice of a minor league baseball team and finally to landing as an analyst on NFL Fantasy live. - Whether Marcas actively crafts the persona you see today or whether it comes natural. - What dream would TV's Marcas Grant be chasing if the NFL collapsed tomorrow? - Marcas' thoughts on being a black non-athlete analyst in the industry and how race/identity influence our space. - The importance of keeping content accessible to the casual fan as the fantasy industry continue to evolve.

Status update - Season 1 and what to expect going forward by Matt Harmon

If you haven't noticed, I have/had a lot of bosses in this life. In episode 23 of the podcast, we were joined by Eric Galko, the Owner of and Scouting Director at Optimum Scouting. As so many aspire to do, Eric grew a team of writers into a full-blown scouting service that provides an asset to several pro teams and All-Star game companies. The Optimum Scouting model provides a great template for aspiring members at multiple layers of the football industry. Whether you desire a scouting, writing or business position, you will gain a wealth of insight from Galko's appearance. Highlights from this episode include: ?- How a background in finance and law influenced Eric to take more interest in the business side of football. - Why Eric enjoys some of the "off internet" portions of the job, including working with agents and thinking from a team perspective. - The importance of character in the evaluation process, but why it is complicated and his experience with Connor Cook's parents this season. - Eric notes that scouts are paying attention to interviews, why they are becoming important for Optimum Scouting and story on talking to Braxton Miller this draft season. - Taking an interest in not only the players we cover as human beings, but also why Eric loves helping grow the following of lesser known analysts on Twitter by hiring them at Optimum Scouting.

We get titanic as industry giant Evan Silva, the senior football editor of Rotoworld, joins us for the 18th episode of the podcast. Evan takes a look back at his own beginning and explains why the industry looks much different now than it did in those days. Through the layers of our discussion Evan reveals why he takes some of the approaches he does and what he looks for in other writers. Highlights from this episode include: - How a good amount of pestering led Evan to get his foot into the door at Rotoworld. Why Evan is always willing to boost other writers up and never hesitates to share good work. - The importance of podcasts and constantly consuming information in a convenient way. - A discussion on whether there should even be a war between film and metrics analysts, or if the two sides are better off together. - Evan's thoughts on DFS and whether the money or the puzzle it creates is the true appeal behind the game.

Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle by Matt Harmon

For episode 13 we are privileged to welcome in NFL Network's Adam Rank to share a wealth of information. Given the platform he needed to go into full filibuster form, Ranks dishes on every topic under the sun as we weave through the humorous and all too ironic story that landed him with NFL Media. You don't want to miss this episode with a guest I am quite lucky to call a personal friend and an individual with a centered but easy-going outlook on all things life and sports related. Highlights from this episode include: - The story of the starting point to Rank and I's relationship and how out friendship almost didn't get off the runway. - Rank's background as a sports fan and his complicated relationship with the unfaithful Los Angeles Rams. - How Rank decided mid-way through college to switch his path and how he never looked back. - The value of just being available and just never going away puts you in positions for success. - Plenty of relatable and important nonsense along the way.

On this episode, Adam Pfeifer of Project Roto and DFS Bootcamp joins us to talk about the state of his place in the fantasy football industry. Adam is the first guest we've had on who represents a young writer who is at the "in progress" stage of trying to make a career in this space. Many of the aspiring analysts who listen to the show will find his perspective on how he motivates himself to chase his dream and the approach he takes quite relatable. If I had to bet on one young writer out there trying to make it in this industry accomplishing the goal, it would be Adam Pfeifer. Highlights from this episode include: - Where Adam is currently in his writing career and the steps he took to get there. - Juggling getting your point across but also providing detailed analysis. - How writing is a real and helpful piece of therapy for those of us who love it. - The importance of connections and always learning while picking other writers, and our readers' brains. - Why Adam doesn't view the success of others in the industry as a a bad sign for him, but rather something to motivate him to keep going.