Inside The Truck

1:15 -  Paul announces he has a new job with Turner Sports2:04 - interesting NHL off-season & Paul's new position with the NHL on TNT3:49 - waiting on an approval to continue the podcast5:35 - crazy first 3 weeks at Turner Sports6:50 - what it’s like to work on a show from day one9:15 - producing a show for people in bars10:23 - trying to nail down all the elements required for a new show11:15 - creative collaboration between broadcast crew members14:40 - hopeful that Inside The Truck can continue15:30 - Twitter, Instagram & YouTube promotion16:00 - salute to listeners in Atlanta, GA

(0:00) Drew Esocoff intro (2:42) NFL trivia (6:42) SNF trivia & show information (10:08) Drew Esocoff, NBC Sports & SNF Director intro (12:00) on transition from ABC MNF to NBC SNF to Sunday Night Football (13:42) on SNF Producer Fred Gaudelli (15:42) on SNF crew (16:27) on SNF cameras (18:13) on SNF replays (18:32) on SNF graphics (19:51) on SNF audio featuring a story on Wendel Stevens; SNF lead audio mixer (21:33) on SNF travel crew (22:26) on SNF innovation technology (24:44) on incorporating broadcast innovation (25:30) on SNF booth set-up (26:40) on SNF weekly preparations (32:47) on SNF broadcast philosophy (34:35) on SNF broadcast workflow (37:10) on hardest part of SNF (38:49) on the best part of SNF (39:33) Q&A presented by conquesthockey.co spotlights SNF innovation technology (40:32) Drew Esocoff wrap up & thank you (40:46) wrap & chat monitor walls in today’s production mobiles (43:27) the boys talk about getting lazy in broadcast production (45:10) Steve tells a classic behind-the-scenes story about original MNF Director Chet Forte (48:50) Twitter, Instagram & YouTube promotion (49:27) salute to Inside The Truck listeners in Tampa, Florida

(1:20) E33 intro (2:33) Field of Dreams movie trivia (5:50) MLB at Field of Dreams & MLB on FOX background information (7:22) MLB on FOX Lead Director Matt Gangl intro (8:28) on Kevin Costner-Player Introductions (11:43) on broadcast philosophy (14:24) on directorial challenges (16:36) Gangl’s favorite moments from the week in Iowa (19:06) critiquing the playback & initial thoughts on the broadcast (20:38) Matt Gangl wrap up & thank you (21:17) Sports Video Group’s Director of Digital Brandon Costa intro (23:01) was the corn real, or was it Hollywood corn? (24:06) initial thoughts on the set-up in Dyersville Iowa (26:14) emotions on first approach to the field (28:15) MLB game or cinematic production? (32:21) MLB on FOX aerial coverage (42:05) MLB on FOX host position (43:49) MLB on FOX graphic’s package (46:31) working assignment at such an high profile event (47:50) tough loss for a diehard Yankees' fan (49:49) Q&A presented by conquesthockey.co spotlights MLB at Field of Dreams; Part 2 in August 2022 (52:37) Brandon Costa wrap up & thank you (53:45) the boys wrap up with memorable helicopter moments from their careers (1:00:15) Twitter, Instagram & YouTube promotion (1:00:55) salute to Inside The Truck Nation in Dubai, UAE

(2:44) The Premier League (EPL) & Aston Villa discussion/trivia (7:30) Jamie Oakford introduction (9:55) US vs UK TV terminology (11:20) major philosophy differences between English football & North American soccer production (15:02) Oakford’s main broadcast principals (18:32) direction philosophy differences between European & American football (21:34) speed of European football & replay philosophy (22:43) Oakford’s UEFA Euro 2020 experience  (26:11) Oakford’s favorite thing about being in-charge for elite level matches (27:26) Oakford’s biggest challenge during a broadcast (28:42) production facilities for UEFA Euro 2020 (30:47) Oakford discusses his remaining career Bucket List assignments (32:21) Oakford explains his prestigious UEFA Euro 2020 assignment (34:11) Q&A presented by conquesthockey.co features Oakford’s 1996 MLS experience (41:39) the boys discuss a couple of interesting points from Oakford’s comments (46:22) Twitter, Instagram & YouTube promotion (47:00) salute to listeners in London UK; site of UEFA Euro 2020 Final

(1:10) E31 introduction (2:27) American Ninja Warrior backgrounder (5:14) feature guest; American Ninja Warrior Director Patrick McManus (7:00) collaboration of different departments on ANW (8:56) difference between directing live sports & ANW (12:26) camera locations, lightning, set design & audio plan (17:45) direction philosophy & camera compliment (19:41) ANW crewing; team work, diversity & chemistry  (21:16) favorite part of being in the ANW Director’s Chair (22:37) Producer/Casting Department roles & ANW storylines (24:36) at its core, ANW is a show about people (25:30) family/friends storylines on ANW (28:05) Q&A presented by conquesthockey.co details ANW camera positions/blocking (34:21) the boys wrap-up & final thoughts  (37:26) social media promotion (38:15) salute to Las Vegas NV; home of ANW’s National Finals

(0:00) Mike Emrick; 2010 Winter Olympics Men’s Gold Medal Game (1:29) NHL on NBC final season (2:24) U.S. NHL broadcast trivia (4:45) introduction to NHL on NBC’s Matt Marvin & Charlie Dammeyer (6:50) favorite Stanley Cup Final memories (8:27) on being a fan & a broadcast professional (11:50) thoughts & emotions on the final NHL on NBC season (14:45) reflections on great moments in the 16-year run (19:45) NBC Sports-Rogers Sportsnet NHL relationship (21:49) favorite NHL Winter Classic & Outdoor Game moments (26:10) memorable bloopers & mistakes (30:02) Q&A presented by conquesthockey.co features Mike “Doc” Emrick memories (36:36) Steve discusses working 80s Stanley Cup Finals as an Edmonton Oilers fan (38:33) Paul talks about working side-by-side with NBC Sports during the Stanley Cup Playoffs (41:08) social media promotion (41:32) salute to the home of NBC Sports; New York, New York

(1:13) Top 29s In Pro Sports (4:38) Mailbag delivers social media feedback from E28 (5:57) Indy 500; the Greatest Spectacle In Racing (10:00) Rene Hatlelid, IndyCar on NBC Lead Producer (11:54) broadcasting mentors & early years in the business (16:30) road from NASCAR to IndyCar (19:00) role of the Pit Producer (20:45) broadcast preparations (23:30) streaming content through the race week (25:07) broadcast philosophy  (27:03) broadcast technology (29:25) focus & concentration (31:22) key moments in race coverage (33:25) decompressing after the broadcast (36:40) emotions before & after the race (37:52) honors her Grandmother’s memory  (39:15) Q&A presented by conquesthockey.co (45:33) the boys chat about mentally preparing right before a broadcast (48:30) social media promotion (49:10) salute to the Crossroads of America

(1:26) best #28 in pro sports discussion (7:02) Mailbag features listeners’ comments (8:23) After The Pod highlights a couple of broadcast-related items from the PGA’s 2021 Memorial Tournament (17:59) the boys introduce the theme of E28 (22:47) broadcast challenges of taking a host feed on a series-clinching game (30:49) Paul talks about being part of NHL history; having directed 2 of the 3 Stanley Cup Playoff series to have 4+ games that went into overtime (35:57) transmission issues and what happens when there are critical failures in the distribution of the broadcast signal (42:24) Conquest Hockey Q&A takes a deep dive into NHL direction philosophy and how to best capture the speed of the game (51:27) social media promotion (52:09) shout-out to listeners in Atlanta Georgia 

(1:20) best #27 in pro sports (4:13) Steve explains the theme for “Reconfigurating” (6:14) After The Pod focuses on the broadcast reaction to the John Tavares injury in the Montreal-Toronto 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs series (12:22) the Stanley Cup Playoffs is truly a new season from a broadcast perspective (18:45) rebuilding critical on-air elements in mid-broadcast during Opening Night of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (23:37) the extremely complicated process of host feed player interviews during the Stanley Cup Playoffs (32:17) dealing with weather conditions & an outdoor host position during the Stanley Cup Playoffs (37:38) Conquest Hockey Q&A spotlights the “Ref You Suck” in-game chants during the Stanley Cup Playoffs (40:14) Inside The Truck social media promotion (40:50) shoutout to listeners in Bratislava, Slovakia 

(00:00) Grab your milk & cookies, sit back & enjoy E26 (1:51) best #26 in pro sports discussion (5:27) Mailbag features listeners’ feedback from E24 (7:22) discussion on confidence/ego in sports TV (9:45) After The Pod tackles the subject of “fake live” playbacks in sports TV production (13:06) the boys explain the theme of the episode (14:55) Steve tells an entertaining story involving former NHL goaltender & current broadcaster John Garrett at the old Cap Center in Landover, Maryland (18:12) Paul recounts a humorous NHL on TSN segment involving former NHL goalie & broadcaster Glenn Healy (22:50) Steve details a story about former NHL head coach & broadcaster Harry Neale involving Hockey Hall of Famer Gordie Howe (26:25) Paul chronicles a awkward moment involving himself & Pierre McGuire on their first road trip together at TSN (34:30) Steve tells a priceless story involving former NHL goalie, broadcaster & executive John Davidson’s very first game at Madison Square Garden in New York City (38:45) Conquest Hockey’s Q&A segment spotlights the difference between NHL regular season & Stanley Cup Playoffs broadcasts (45:24) Inside the Truck social media promotion (45:55) as we conclude Season One, special thanks to some of our devoted listeners & brand partners (SummerSkates, Conquest Hockey)

(1:58) Lisa Salters biographical information & introduction (3:44) decision to move from ABC News to ESPN in 2000 (6:36) transition from network news to sports reporting (7:48) weekly prep for ESPN’s Monday Night Football (9:42) effects of Covid-19 on NFL coach/player access & communication (11:19) pros & cons of in-person versus Zoom NFL weekly meetings (13:49) effects of Covid-19 on game day NFL sideline or NBA court-side access (16:19) what makes a great sideline/court-side report (17:47) on producing her own content & establishing a Producer’s trust (19:02) hardcore network ABC News versus ESPN sports journalism (21:25) role with ESPN’s E:60 & SportsCenter (23:23) awkward moments on live TV & how to handle it (25:54) career highlights & memorable assignments (27:42) keys to success for aspiring news/sports reporters (30:48) importance of listening while conducting an interview (31:57) the boys discuss their takeaways from today’s conversation (36:20) Inside The Truck social media promotion (36:43) shout-out to listeners in Bangkok Thailand

(1:01) Steve & Paul discuss their favorite #24s in pro sports (3:40) Mailbag features listener feedback from another accomplished podcaster (5:41) Steve explains the unique concept of this episode (8:30) Paul reveals his P.A. announcing career begins tonight in North Carolina (10:50) the boys segue into the world of charity slo-pitch events (12:50) Random Question #1 - Toughest Project You’ve Worked On? (18:27) Random Question #2 - Most Fun You’ve Had On An Assignment? (27:30) Random Question #3 - Worst Venue You’ve Worked In? (35:01) Conquest Hockey’s Q&A provides Question #4 - Biggest Train Wreck You’ve Been A Part Of? (47:16) Inside The Truck social media promotion (47:44) shout-out to listeners in Uniondale NY, home of the NHL’s NY Islanders

(0:00) listener discretion is advised (1:10) boys chat about making it to episode 23 (2:10) favorite #23s in sports & the 1980s Vancouver Canucks (5:01) Mailbag features listener feedback from Canada’s Land of Living Skies (6:03) After The Pod features the birth of a new U.S. sports network, Bally Sports (8:52) E23’s spotlight; recent hot mic incidents in sports broadcasting (10:00) NHL referee Tim Peel during a game in Nashville - 03/23/2021(17:59) NHL referee Andy van Hellemond Hockey Night in Canada feature shoot - 05/09/1985 (19:54) Cincinnati Reds’ broadcaster Thom Brennaman during a doubleheader in Kansas City - 08/19/2020 (27:15) NFL on FOX broadcasters Joe Buck & Troy Aikman during rehearsal ahead of a game in Tampa - 10/18/2020 (31:32) Calgary Flames goalie Don Edwards injured while mic’d up during an NHL preseason game back in the Fall of 1984 (35:15) Funny mic’d up story during a Calgary Flames game from the early 90s (37:44) Conquest Hockey’s Q&A segment reveals the pandemonium that happens in the truck when someone thinks their mic is hot, but isn’t (42:17) Inside The Truck social media promotion (42:40) shout-out to "The World’s Playground" & "Sin City" in honor of Bally Sports birthday

(0:00) Chris Schultz dedication (1:14) Steve & Paul chat St. Patrick’s Day 2021 (4:30) Mailbag features listener feedback (7:04) After The Pod remembers Canadian football commentator Chris Schultz who passed suddenly on March 4, 2021 (12:59) Paul recounts a fortunate moment while directing a San Jose Sharks broadcast from the 2017-18 NHL season (17:20) Steve shares a story about producing a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast with legendary NHL commentator Danny Gallivan on his farewell tour (21:47) Paul recalls a stroke of luck on the final play of the CFL’s 97th Grey Cup (27:20) Steve tells a behind-the-scenes production story while on the road with NHL commentator Harry Neale (34:52) Conquest Hockey Q&A highlights virtual advertising & puck/player tracking on NHL broadcasts (40:40) Inside The Truck social promotion (41:04) shout-out to Waterford Ireland; home of Ireland’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade (1903)

(1:14) some fun with the Johnny Carson-themed title (2:30) greatest pro athlete to ever wear the number 21 (5:26) After The Pod features some listener’s feedback from E20 (9:50) Mailbag highlights listeners’ comments from social media (13:56) the boys tee up E21’s feature guest, former NHL player turned hockey analyst, Mike Johnson (15:50) his thoughts on calling NHL games remotely this season (17:49) discusses the challenges of calling NHL games off-tube from a TV studio (19:40) tells how he fell into sports broadcasting (21:33) confesses his natural curiosity & how it meshes with his role on the broadcasts (23:33) explains why he always checks-in with the production crew before & after games (25:58) reveals advice he was given early in his career (28:13) describes his on-air broadcast philosophy (29:34) breaks down the details of announcing a goal during the broadcast (31:41) talks through his on-air thought process & processing all the information available during the course of a game (34:30) comments on working with different play-by-play announcers (35:56) discloses his favorite sports broadcasters (37:59) chats about the difference between working games versus in-studio assignments (40:09) tells the backstory on his sports betting segment, The Inside Edge on TSN (42:00) Conquest Hockey Q&A features Johnson’s three keys to being a successful sports analyst (45:37) Steve recounts a funny story about John Davidson’s Hockey Night in Canada on-air rookie initiation (49:36) Inside The Truck social media promotion (50:09) shout-out to Bowling Green Ohio, home of Mike Johnson’s alma mater, Bowling Green State University

(1:46) Steve & Paul share their memories of working Hartford Whalers broadcasts at the Hartford Civic Center (5:40) Paul tests Steve on some Whalers trivia (6:44) the boys discuss the greatest #20 to play in any sport (7:41) After The Pod focuses on Super Bowl 55 & CBS Sports’ broadcast coverage (9:55) Paul gives listeners a detailed recap of the 17th Annual Puppy Bowl (12:09) Paul raves about the Super Bowl 55 halftime performance & the boys breakdown the financials of The Weeknd spending $7 million of his own money on production costs (14:24) the boys correct a factual error from E19 (15:24) Mailbag spotlights Paul’s appearance on The SVG Podcast: Super Bowl Round-table episode & Sports Video Group cross promotion (16:57) Steve & Paul discuss the inability to watch sports TV from a fan's perspective (18:54) the boys tee up E20’s feature interview with John Forslund (20:49) John Forslund joins Steve & Paul; topics include his time with the Hartford Whalers, his departure from the Carolina Hurricanes, remote broadcasts with the NHL on NBC & looks ahead to the next chapter of his career with the NHL’s newest franchise, the Seattle Kraken (40:26) the Conquest Hockey Q&A segment features John Forslund’s favorite arena to work a game, his all-time favorite NHL arenas, his old-school method of preparation, the NHL’s best & worst uniform numbers (46:02) Steve & Paul discuss core philosophy & base coverage on regional/national NHL broadcasts (50:20) Inside The Truck social media promotion (50:50) special musical shout-out to The Emerald City, Seattle Washington

(1:20) Steve & Paul tease E19’s unique title (2:04) Mailbag features listener’s feedback; as well as Larry King & some behind-the-scenes conversation on Dave Hodge (8:45) After The Pod spotlights the NHL’s oldest active players (10:52) the boys provide listeners with an entertaining Super Bowl 55 primer (17:10) Steve tests Paul with some Super Bowl trivia (24:00) Paul tests Steve’s knowledge of the Vince Lombardi Trophy (28:28) Paul updates listeners on what to expect with this year’s Super Bowl commercials (31:10) Steve & Paul give listeners some background on the audio process used in live sports television (34:30) freelance audio engineer Eddie Verstraete joins the boys to discuss his experiences & share stories from his six Super Bowl assignments (51:40) the boys discuss the difference between production & technical knowledge in sports TV (55:52) Steve & Paul take-over the Q&A segment for a Super Bowl 55 "By-The-Numbers" segment that highlights CBS Sports technical facilities for Sunday's broadcast (1:02:08) Inside The Truck social media information (1:02:55) shout-out to listeners in Guatemala City, Guatemala 

(1:45) Steve kicks things off by challenging Paul to some Tampa Bay Lightning trivia (5:39) Mailbag highlights some listener feedback (10:09) After The Pod discusses the term “talent” in sports broadcasting; as well as the effects of Covid-19 on NHL players and broadcast production crews (16:30) Dave Randorf, TV play-by-play announcer for the Tampa Bay Lightning on Fox Sports Sun joins the boys to chat about his days calling Hockey Night in Canada & his new gig with the reigning Stanley Cup Champions (33:20) Q&A spotlights pro tips for aspiring player-by-play announcers from Dave Randorf (36:50) the boys discuss working events that are not at the at the top level of their respective sport (46:43) Inside The Truck social media promotion (47:16) & finally a shout-out to listeners in Tampa, Florida

(1:49) Mailbag; shares listener feedback from Twitter & YouTube (4:00) After The Pod; features the 1996 IIHF World Junior Championship in Boston featuring TSN Sr. Producer Jon Hynes & Paul shares a story about a TSN studio assignment he’ll never forget (14:00) the boys tee up this episode; the NHL returns to play next week & here's what listeners can expect from their favorite broadcast (15:28) discussion on the execution of regional & national shows (22:27) effects of Covid-19 (27:35) communication between home & road broadcast production teams (31:44) use of synthetic audio & (33:25) profanity filter (34:36) player interviews (35:58) game coverage adjustments (39:28) Jim Mallia, Sr. Producer; Carolina Hurricanes on Fox Sports Carolinas joins the boys for a deeper dive into regional broadcasts (47:52) the Q&A segment focuses on the future of NHL games being executed remotely (52:21) social media information (52:48) shout-out to listeners in Turku, Finland; E17 for #17; Finnish Hockey Hall of Famer Jari Kurri

(2:06) Steve & Paul tee up this episode which features TSN’s coverage of the 2021 IIHF U20 World Championships in Edmonton (10:55) Paul Graham, TSN VP/Executive Producer on how the broadcast coverage has dramatically increased international interest in the tournament (13:17) Graham on the dedicated production & technical crews that give up their holidays each year to work on the broadcasts (15:57) Paul talks about missing a final Christmas with both his parents (17:40) Graham on his favourite World Junior moments (19:35) Paul shares some funny stories about the 2013 edition of the tournament in Russia (20:45) Paul recalls some highlights from his 16-year run on the tournament (23:55) Chris Edwards, TSN Lead Producer on his role and memories from working 11 tournaments (24:35) Edwards on some favourite memories from his first tournament back in 1999 (26:00) Edwards on lessons learned from working on this international event (27:44) Edwards on the TSN-Hockey Canada partnership (29:08) Edwards on the philosophy difference between producing a feed for the world versus the domestic broadcast (30:45) Edwards on dealing with the emotion of Canada’s success in the tournament (32:37) Edwards on working the tournament in Europe (34:35) Edwards on which show is harder to produce; Canada’s opening game, or Canada going for Gold (35:42) Edwards on the stress of producing 28 games in 17 days (37:02) Edwards on his approach to being in the producer’s chair for this broadcast marathon (38:17) Paul recalls an unusual food story from the 2013 tournament in Russia (43:39) Gord Miller, TSN play-by-play commentator on some fond memories from his first tournament back in 2002 (44:55) Miller on working the Christmas holidays every year (45:44) Miller on what working the tournament means to him (46:55) Miller on his preparation and execution (48:54) Miller on the pronunciation of unique player names (51:48) Miller on what day-to-day life is like away from the rink during the tournament (52:55) Miller on his all-time favourite tournament memories (54:42) Miller on Canada’s chances at this year’s tournament (55:55) Miller on the increasing international popularity of the tournament (57:31) Steve describes his role as the tournament broadcast researcher (58:20) Paul tells a funny behind-the-scenes story from the 2010 tournament in Saskatchewan (1:03:24) the Q&A segment focuses on some of the optics of this year's tournament including EA Sports’ synthetic audio (1:06:11) social media & YouTube promotion (1:07:00) end of the year sign-off featuring an Inside The Truck version of Auld Lang Syne and some of the best outtakes from 2020