The Hog Pod with Bo Mattingly

In this episode of The Hog Pod, newly retired Arkansas men's track & field coach Chris Bucknam sits down for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about closing out his 18-year run leading one of college sports' most storied programs. Bucknam talks about clearing out his office, leaving trophies where they belong, and wrestling with the memories — the SEC Triple Crowns, 18 podium finishes, two national titles, and the one-point heartbreaks that still stick with him. He shares candid stories about replacing a legend in John McDonnell, what it felt like to sit in "that chair," and why he always kept a picture of Coach McDonnell on his desk as a daily reminder of the standard he inherited. Bucknam also discusses the challenge of trying to win in all three sports — cross country, indoor, and outdoor — with limited scholarships, and why he believes that philosophy defined his tenure. He opens up about the changing landscape of college athletics, the transfer portal, NIL, and why the evolution of the sport played some role — but not the main role — in his decision to step away. Ultimately, he says, retirement is about family, health, and passing the program to someone he trusts. Bucknam emphatically explains why longtime assistant Doug Case is the right person to lead Arkansas next, praising his loyalty, calm presence, and technical mastery. It's a wide-ranging look back at a remarkable career — full of competitive fire, humility, and the perspective that only comes at the end of a legendary run. --- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

New Arkansas head football coach Ryan Silverfield sits down for his first in-depth conversation since arriving in Fayetteville, opening up about the whirlwind transition from Memphis, the moment he knew the Arkansas job was real, and why he believes the Hogs are primed for a breakthrough. Silverfield details his unconventional rise—from a career-ending high school injury to becoming the youngest position coach in college football, to seven years in the NFL, to leading Memphis to multiple 10-win seasons. He explains the work ethic that has driven him since age 18 ("I'd do this job for free") and the mentality behind his program's core mantra: ALL IN. He breaks down how he approaches roster building in the NIL/portal era, how he evaluates current players, and what he's looking for in his staff. Silverfield also shares personal stories—raising 10-month-old identical twin girls, his love for dogs, and a few surprising chapters from his life he's saving for future episodes. Most importantly, Silverfield delivers a direct message to Razorback fans: he knows the frustration, he embraces the challenge, and he's here to work relentlessly, build relationships, and win championships. A raw, energetic, and revealing first look at the man now leading Arkansas football. --- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

Arkansas guard Taleyah Jones joins the Hog Pod to share her journey from a Hello-Kitty-loving kid in Tulsa to one of the SEC's most dynamic playmakers. She opens up about growing up in a military family, developing confidence through adversity, and the moments that shaped her — including her 37-point high school performance and learning point guard on the fly as a college freshman. Taleyah reflects on her evolution under Coach Kelsi Musick at ORU, why family proximity mattered, and the emotional decision to follow her coach to Arkansas. Now in her final season, she talks about leadership, team chemistry, and what she hopes to take away from her last year of college basketball. It's an honest, uplifting, and energetic conversation with one of the Razorbacks' newest stars. ---- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

In this episode of The Hog Pod, we sit down with John George, the iconic voice of Razorback athletics for more than 45 years. From calling women's basketball games on a RadioShack stereo to becoming the PA announcer for Arkansas football, men's basketball, and the SEC Tournament, John shares the unforgettable journey that shaped his legendary career. He reflects on the "adrenaline on steroids" moment he first tried out for the men's job, the pivotal day Nolan Richardson told him to "jazz it up" to match 40 Minutes of Hell, and the biggest game-day moments that still give him goosebumps — from miracle finishes to the electricity of 70,000 fans waiting for kickoff. With humor, humility, and decades of memories, John offers a rare behind-the-mic look at the passion, pressure, and pride that come with being the voice of the Razorbacks. ---- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by Arvest Bank, Dollar Shave Club & South by Northwest Hospitality 

Razorback goalkeeper Keegan Smith has faced it all — from celebrating an SEC Championship to battling one of the rarest injuries in sports. In this conversation with Hogs+ host Tera Talmadge, Keegan opens up about her small-town New York roots, the family ties that led her to Arkansas, and the powerful influence of her sister and her mom's longtime friendship with Razorback legend Amber Shirey. She also shares what it's been like to sit on the sidelines, support her teammates, and rediscover her love for the game. ---- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

Ellen Calipari has spent nearly four decades living life beside one of the biggest names in college basketball. In this episode, she opens up about her journey from small-town Missouri to the center of the college hoops world — sharing what it's really like to be a coach's wife, raise a family through constant moves, and still find humor and grace along the way. From "roommate" and "princess" nicknames to brownies for players and John's quirky superstitions, Ellen gives a rare, candid look at the woman behind the man who never stops coaching. ---- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by Dollar Shave Club & South by Northwest Hospitality   

Trevon Brazile's journey at Arkansas has been anything but straightforward. From explosive potential to frustrating setbacks, the Razorback forward has battled injuries, inconsistency, and expectation. Now entering what could be his final season, Brazile sits down with Matt Zimmerman to reflect on the highs and lows, how adversity has shaped his mindset, and why he's approaching this year with complete freedom and urgency. He opens up about feeling held back in the past, stepping into a leadership role, dragging coaches into the gym, and embracing a "this is it" mentality. In a candid and revealing conversation, Brazile shares what fuels him now—and what he wants his final chapter at Arkansas to look like. ---- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

VAULT: To celebrate the announcement of Darren McFadden's #5 jersey being honored, we're bringing back the audio versions of the Hogs+ original film, 'Put Em' in the Heisman'.  ________ For the first time, Darren McFadden and Houston Nutt sit down and relive the 2006 and 2007 football seasons. In Part 1 of this bonus Hog Pod series, the two cover the 2006 season, winning 10 straight games and clinching an SEC West title. ------------- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality, Arvest Bank & Dollar Shave Club

VAULT: To celebrate the announcement of Darren McFadden's #5 jersey being honored, we're bringing back the audio versions of the Hogs+ original film, 'Put Em' in the Heisman'. ____________ Darren McFadden burst on to the national scene in 2006, winning the Doak Walker Award and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting, behind winner Troy Smith. It was a contentious decision at the time, but it set the stage for a big 2007 season. Despite some off-field drama, the 2007 team found its footing and won five of its last six games, including a season-ending, triple-overtime win against No. 1 LSU in Baton Rouge. And Houston Nutt's postgame interview became instantly iconic. But the Heisman eluded McFadden once again. And it still bothers Arkansans to this day. In Part 2 of our exclusive conversation with Nutt and McFadden, we take you through the 2007 season—from a record-breaking performance against South Carolina to the shock of not winning the Heisman. ------------ The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality, Arvest Bank & Dollar Shave Club

VAULT: To celebrate the announcement of Darren McFadden's #5 jersey being honored, we're bringing back the audio versions of the Hogs+ original film, 'Put Em' in the Heisman'. ____________ Darren McFadden and Houston Nutt were responsible for some of the greatest moments for Razorback football in Arkansas' SEC era. In the first two parts of our exclusive conversation with Nutt and McFadden, we've taken you through the incredible 2006 season, the 2007 upset win over LSU, and McFadden getting snubbed for the Heisman. Now, in this final part of the conversation, the two reflect on what they accomplished and their relationship, which remains strong to this day. ------------------- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality, Arvest Bank & Dollar Shave Club

Billy Richmond's journey from Memphis to Fayetteville has been fueled by toughness, grit, and belief. In this episode of The Hog Pod, the Razorback sophomore talks with Coach Z about his defensive mindset, how growing up in Memphis shaped his edge, and what it's like playing inside a rocking Bud Walton Arena. He opens up about the influence of his mom, the transition from Kentucky to Arkansas after Coach Calipari's move, and his hunger to bring a national championship to Fayetteville. Richmond's energy, humility, and fire for competition shine as he reflects on how far he's come — and how much more he's chasing. ---- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

DJ Wagner has lived his entire life in the shadow of a name that carries weight in basketball circles. His grandfather, Milt Wagner, was a Louisville legend. His father, Dajuan Wagner, was a star at Memphis under John Calipari. Now at Arkansas, DJ is writing his own story—one built on family, competition, and an unwavering drive to win. In this conversation with Matt Zimmerman, DJ reflects on the lessons he's learned from his dad and granddad, and how their influence shaped his approach to the game. He shares how his mom might be the most competitive member of the family, what it was like growing up in the basketball hotbed of New Jersey, and how playing for Coach Cal connects him to his family's history while pushing him toward his own future. From the pressures of being one of the nation's top recruits to the mindset shift of "killer be killed" when he steps on the court, DJ opens up about the balance between humility and confidence, and the responsibility of carrying a name that means so much in the sport. This is the story of how DJ Wagner is honoring his past while proving he's ready to create his own legacy in Razorback red. ---- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

In this week's episode of The Hog Pod, we sit down with Dwight Stewart, a cornerstone of Arkansas basketball's golden era. Stewart opens up about his journey from Memphis to Fayetteville, the bonds that carried the Razorbacks to the 1994 national championship, and the lessons he learned playing under Coach Nolan Richardson. Known as a versatile role player who could stretch the floor, Stewart shares behind-the-scenes stories about nearly transferring, late-night workouts with teammates, and the unforgettable moments that defined his career. Now inducted into the Razorback Hall of Honor, he reflects on what the recognition means to him and why the relationships built during those years remain so strong today. ----- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

In this episode of The Hog Pod, Razorback basketball's Karter Knox opens up about his journey through a challenging freshman year, the lessons learned while testing the NBA Draft, and the decision to return to Fayetteville with "unfinished business." From growing up in a fiercely competitive athletic family to carving out his own identity on the court, Knox shares the mindset driving him into his second season and what Razorback fans can expect from the team this year. ----- The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by Arvest Bank & South by Northwest Hospitality 

Mike Washington's journey to Fayetteville is anything but ordinary. Overlooked out of high school and faced with multiple transfers, limited portal interest, and academic hurdles, Washington had to fight for every step of his football career. In this episode of The Hog Pod, Washington opens up about the discipline he learned from his family, the challenges that nearly derailed his path, and the gratitude he feels now that he's wearing the Razorback uniform. From dealing with anxiety to finding team chemistry and thriving in Bobby Petrino's offense, Washington's story is one of perseverance, faith, and proving he belongs on college football's biggest stage. ------ The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram The Hog Pod is brought to you by Dollar Shave Club & South by Northwest Hospitality 

After a devastating injury left her with both bones in her leg snapped, multiple surgeries, infections, and doctors telling her she may never play again, Arkansas soccer's Taylor Tommack refused to give up on her dream. In this episode, Taylor opens up about the moment her injury happened, the grueling recovery that followed, and the mental and physical battles she faced along the way. From the fear of losing her leg to the joy of finally returning to the field after 500 days, Taylor shares her powerful story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of her teammates, coaches, and family. ------ The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram The Hog Pod is brought to you by Northwest Hospitality 

In this week's episode, we bring you a special excerpt from the newst Hogs+ original film, One Five.  You'll hear from Razorback legends like Joe Adams, Jarius Wright, Tyler Wilson and Bobby Petrino as they take you through the 2010 run to the Sugar Bowl. One Five is a powerful and emotional journey through the life and legacy of Ryan Mallett, the legendary Arkansas quarterback whose arm, charisma, and larger-than-life presence made him a Razorback icon. From his record-breaking performances in Fayetteville to his career in the NFL, Mallett's story is one of talent, perseverance, and deep pride in representing the state he loved. Beyond the field, the film reveals the man behind the number—his relationships, his passion for coaching, and the lasting impact he had on those around him. Through intimate interviews, never-before-seen footage, and heartfelt reflections, One Five celebrates Mallett's triumphs while honoring his memory after his tragic passing in 2023, preserving the enduring spirit of a player and a person who will never be forgotten. -------- The full version of the film can be found exclusively on HogsPlus.com  

In this episode of The Hog Pod presented by Dollar Shave Club, Razorback quarterback Taylen Green opens up about his journey heading into his final season at Arkansas. From mastering Bobby Petrino's demanding offense to building trust with a retooled roster of playmakers, Green reflects on the growth, challenges, and lessons of his time in Fayetteville. He shares the impact of his offensive line, the chemistry developing in the receiving room, and how year two under Petrino is setting up higher expectations. Most of all, he talks about the pride of wearing "Arkansas" across his chest—and what he hopes Razorback fans see from this team in 2025. ------ The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram The Hog Pod is brought to you by Dollar Shave Club & South by Northwest Hospitality 

Razorback linebacker Xavian Sorey takes us inside his journey from being a highly rated recruit at Georgia to a nervous transfer looking for a fresh start in Fayetteville. He opens up about the challenges of rebuilding his confidence, how Coach T-Will's belief in him changed his game, and what it means to lead by example on and off the field. Sorey reflects on his Florida upbringing, the competitive fire that fuels him, and the lessons he's learned about finding your "why" and playing with an edge. Now a leader on Arkansas' defense, he shares his ultimate goal—to be the best linebacker to ever play the game—and why he's determined to put on for the state of Arkansas. From backyard games as a kid to SEC battles under the lights, this is the story of grit, growth, and a relentless drive to go all out, every snap. __________ The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality 

From an overlooked high school player in Jacksonville, Florida, to a starter in the SEC, Larry Worth's football journey is fueled by determination, faith, and relentless work. In this episode of The Hog Pod, Worth opens up about battling through a slow recruitment process, overcoming a serious injury, and starting his college career as a walk-on at Jacksonville State. He shares the emotional moment he earned a scholarship, the drive to prove himself at every level, and the mindset that carried him to Arkansas, where he's become a leader on and off the field. Along the way, Worth reflects on the role his family and faith played in keeping him focused, the lessons learned from adversity, and his vision for the future. __________ The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com Follow us on social media! Twitter Facebook Instagram The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality & Arvest Bank.