The Rookie Contract

This week's episode features Richard Holdridge, a broadcaster and podcast host. Richard is currently involved with a mix of various broadcasting duties with also being involved with the Army National Guard full-time.  Richard, a San Francisco, Cal. native, now living in Columbus, Ga. with his wife and two daughters, dives more into his non-linear path in sports broadcasting. From his time at Freed-Hardeman University and gaining experience with writing, broadcast (PxP, Color) and even keeping stats, he has maintained his composure to get after his passion and do something he loves.   Listen and be inspired as Richard talks about his journey of getting back into broadcast after a hiatus from school and going into the military, how discouraging the career path can be, taking advantage of every opportunity + MUCH MORE! Richard's social links: Twitter: @sportsrichardh If you would like to be on the podcast and are in the #sportsbiz, fill this out:  https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm   Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract     Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/   Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com Thank you for watching! - Kate

This week's episode features Jordan Griffitt, a guy who has stayed quite busy in the broadcast space and now more in the digital media arena. Jordan's journey starts in Wichita, Kan., fulfilling his interest in broadcast during high school and eventually leading him to earn a scholarship at  JUCO school, eventually leading him down to Georgia to Kennesaw State University. At KSU he had the amazing opportunity to gain first-hand experience calling D-I games for ESPN+ and developed a strong awareness of on-air versus off-air. (Hooty Hoo!)  Now, Jordan is currently the digital content assistant at ASUN Conference (lol, not Atlantic Sun, anymore), doing everything on the social media side of things with a better framework on Adobe Premiere and Photoshop.  Jordan talks about his up and down journey behind the microphone, preparing for a live broadcast vs. taped delay, how it's okay to laugh at yourself when you mess up, and much much MORE! Jordan's social links: Twitter: @MJGriffitt LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-griffitt-744315164/ If you would like to be on the podcast and are in the #sportsbiz, fill this out:  https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm   Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract     Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/   Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com Thank you for watching! - Kate

This week's episode features Kelly Johnson, a woman of many hats, who currently is based in Portland, Ore. Kelly is the merchandise manager for Adidas, the founder and host of The Daily Grind podcast, and the founder of her non-profit, The Kelly Johnson Foundation. A woman who continues to bring positive energy wherever she roams and keeps pushing past adversity to reach her goals and for others to reach their goals.  Kelly discusses her journey in sports; from completing her finance undergrad at UW Madison to starting a non-profit while in undergrad, what keeps her moving, her relationship with running, advice she has for those getting started in sports + MORE!  Kelly's social links:  Twitter: @kellyfastruns LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjohnson7 The Daily Grind Podcast: https://direct.me/dailygrindpod Kelly Johnson Foundation: https://direct.me/kjfwi If you would like to be on the podcast and are in the #sportsbiz, fill this out:  https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm   Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract     Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/   Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com Thank you for watching!  - Kate 

This week's episode features Sean Cain, the current director of corporate partnerships & development at The Superlative Group. Sean, a Detroit, Mich. native, has made his rounds throughout the sports arena,  from his journey playing collegiate soccer at Adrian College and earning his BBA there, to also earning his MBA + MSA from Ohio University. Not to mention, his experiences from working in college athletics at the University of Nevada, Reno, NCAA, and for Ohio University's Sports Administration dept; Sean has the willingness to always keep competitive energy and perfect the challenge. Sean discusses more of his unique journey from playing D-III soccer, utilizing connections to his advantage, appreciating the small things in a workplace, mentality of priority in personal + professional, if grad school is the move, + so MUCH MORE!  Sean's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/smcain09 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-cain/ If you would like to be on the podcast and are in the #sportsbiz, fill this out:  https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract    Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com

This week's episode features Mary Edman, the current corporate fulfillment specialist at San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. Edman is a woman who is the epitome of staying focused on the goal but being open to any possibility out there. Starting her career as a collegiate tennis player at Colorado College and then later getting her MBA at the University of Oregon, this woman enjoys stimulating and exciting work and sports have been that for her.  Mary discusses the journey she's had from playing tennis at a small liberal arts school, to graduating during a pandemic and figuring out the next steps in her career, moving back home + realizing her purpose, & MUCH MORE! Thank you again to Mary for taking the time to discuss more of her non-linear journey in sports and as she continues to make her mark and one day, maybe even the majors.  Mary's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/marbear913 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryedman/ If you would like to be on the podcast and are in the #sportsbiz, fill this out:  https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract    Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com   

It's been roughly two months since a new episode has been posted and we are back like we never left. This week's episode features Ryan Fahey, on air talent (color + PxP) and announcer for Chicago area teams, including: Loyola Ramblers, Windy City Bulls and Schaumburg Boomers. Fahey is no stranger to the broadcast booth and being behind the microphone.  Ryan talks about his unofficial start in the broadcast arena, taking on a role outside of sports, staying focused on the opportunity, finding his niche, and knowing your worth + MORE. Thank you again for Ryan for taking time to discuss more of his journey in sports and as he continues to make his mark.  Ryan's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRyanFahey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fahey-18110958/ If you would like to be on the podcast and are in the #sportsbiz, fill this out:  https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract    Kate's social links:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com   

This episode features Brian Lamb, who is the founder and content creator of Infinity Sports Network, encompassing a multitude of various sites in the sports blogging space. A Houston, Texas native with a strong desire to build a platform for all types of sports-related content in writing, podcasting and more.  Brian discusses more of the struggles with starting a brand with no prior experience, the art of understanding SEO, gaining digital engagement and MUCH MORE! Brian’s social links: Twitter:  https://twitter.com/brianlamb_ISN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lamb-84703ba7/ If you would like to contribute to ISN or share ideas with Brian : reach out via Twitter or LinkedIn --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract    Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com    Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Kailey Hood, who currently is a podcast host for Kalling Plays with Kailey. A Columbus, Ga., native is making the rounds on her podcast which started back in 2020, talking about all things related to sports.  Still fresh in her journey, Kailey talks about why she decided to start her podcast, the story behind the name of her podcast, what gets her fired up in this industry, her goals in the future and the best advice she has to other people wanting to make a podcast + MORE.  Kailey’s social links:  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kallingplays If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm   Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract    Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/   Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com    Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Regina Ham, who currently is a free agent sports reporter and producer. With much experience in the sports media space, Regina has always been motivated to be on-air and is still making that a reality. Experience at Sirius XM, R/T, and countless other places, has given her more excitement in her craft. After recently being laid off, she has maintained her infectious energy to keep moving in a more defined man-dominated arena.  Regina discusses her journey from Jersey and growing up watching Phillies games, the disparities of being a woman in a mostly male industry, learning constructive criticism, taking a chance on yourself + much MORE!  Regina’s social links: Twitter:  https://twitter.com/regina_ham LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-ham-51037455/ If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract   Kate's social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com      Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Natasha Brophy who currently is an executive assistant at United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. A former college athlete in swimming and lacrosse at Purdue, Natasha is a person who is not afraid to get out of her comfort zone for something new. In this episode, Natasha talks about the culture shock of moving, the trials and errors of a toxic job, staying patient through the ups and downs + MORE.  Natasha’s social links:      Twitter:  https://twitter.com/nmbrophy LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashabrophy/ If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm    Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract   Kate's social links:   Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/   Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com       Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Sam Reck who is currently an entertainment associate at Chicago Bulls. Sam has made his mark in the sports industry thanks to the University of Michigan where he was more privy to the idea of actually working in sports. From taking on various internships throughout his undergrad and his graduate career at U of M, he has not skipped a beat to stay moving in the communications and fan experience arena in sports. Sam dives into his journey to the Chicago Bulls which was a tough road but he kept going and showing up throughout the uncomfortable situations, turning down a job offer, dealing with the pandemic and staying motivated, and most importantly the advice he has for anyone else wanting to get started in sports.  Sam's social links:     Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrSamReck12  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samreck96/  If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm   Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract  Kate's social links:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com      Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Patrick Felts, a sophomore journalism student in the Media School at Indiana University. As any young person in sports, he has developed a strong passion to make a eventual career in the journalism realm. Patrick is the founder and director of Student Media Poll, which is a brand he conceptualized as he mentioned while working at Homefield Apparel. Student Media Poll is an outlet where student journalists have the opportunity to take part in college men's + women's basketball polls, and college football, which is pretty awesome. (link down below to find out more). Patrick talks about how he wanted to start Student Media Poll, getting his first credential, keeping interest in Student Media Poll and other opportunities such as with Indiana's student paper, Indiana Daily Student, what keeps him going, his legacy and more! Patrick's social links:     Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrickjfelts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-felts-1b78671b9/ Student Media Poll: https://studentmediapoll.com/  If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract  Kate's social links:   Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com      Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Jake Aferiat, who is a former intern at The Sporting News and former sports editor and writer for The Daily Collegian at Penn State, where he graduated in May 2021.  Jake dives into his young career in the sports industry, from beginning his love for the sports journalism space in high school. Listen as he sheds light on the reality of life after graduating, understanding the optics of a trend, being confident in your work, learning different areas of the field, and MORE! Jake's social links:    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jake_Aferiat LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-aferiat-bb1a5915a/ If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract Kate's social links:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/ Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com     Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Javaris Harris, who is a former intern at WBRL News 3 Sports (Columbus, Ga. CBS affiliate) and Ignite Sports (Columbus River Dragons, and the Chatt-A-Hoots). Javaris is no stranger to putting his name out there, as he finishes his undergrad at Columbus State University, summer 2022. Making his mark in the sports journalism arena, with experience in broadcast and writing, and is constantly learning new ways to approach other areas in sports.  Listen as Javaris mentions some of the ways that has helped him develop his skills in sports, while still in school. Tackling how to network, building your overall brand, staying busy in the media world, and so much more! Javaris' social links:   Twitter:  https://twitter.com/javarislharris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javaris-harris-9a1986168/  If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm   Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract   Kate's social links:   Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/   Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com    Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate

This episode features Alan Cole, who is a freelance sports reporter out of Georgia, and he's had a pretty remarkable year and journey, rather, in sports covering just about everything you can think of. Covering a national title game, writing features on athletes in the Super Bowl, Alan is always trying to stay ahead of the game and tell stories that matter.  In this chat, we talk about getting started in freelancing, how to self-motivate when pitching stories, asking questions... constantly, how to establish credibility to cover big events such as the national title game, and MORE! Alan is a determined sports writer who has made a point to write stories that not only drive the clicks, but start a conversation and impede the awe factor. With notable bylines in the Washington Post, Salt Lake Tribune, Pittsburgh Sports Now, and most often Gwinnett Daily Post.  So, if you see Alan Cole's byline, it's worth the read. If you would like to be a guest, fill this out: https://bit.ly/TRC_GuestForm  Rookie Contract social links: https://linktr.ee/TheRookieContract  Alan's social links:  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Alan__Cole LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-cole-4305181a2/ Kate's social links:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/katenorum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenorum/  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers https://www.silvermansound.com   Please make sure to share the love of The Rookie Contract on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen. If you're not already, please subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes release every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET and be sure to leave a review. Thank you for listening and I cannot wait to keep sharing more incredible rookie stories! - Kate