Today’s tape comes in from Gabe Genovesi, a broadcaster and network coordinator at Learfield. Give him a follow on X at @GabeGeno13 and leave a comment with your thoughts in the comments section!Some basic critique etiquette:* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comReminder: our first Office Hours session of the year takes place on Monday, November 18 at 4:30 pm PT/7:30 pm ET. If you’d like to join me for an intimate group Zoom call where we talk all things play-by-play, subscribe at the Office Hours level by clicking the Subscribe button below.You spend hours during the week preparing information for your broadcast, digging up perfect nuggets and compelling storylines. Then the game gets exciting, adrenaline takes over, and suddenly you realize you forgot to mention that perfect stat that would have captured the moment beautifully. While it's natural that you might only use 5% of your preparation – after all, you're preparing for any possible scenario – you don't want that other 95% to go to waste simply because you couldn't remember it at the right moment. You worked too hard for that.

Note: this will be our final podcast guest interview until after the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a busy time of year for everyone, but especially so for those in the college sports space who have football and basketball crossing over at this time. We will resume with our normal podcast interviews in December.On today’s episode, we talk to Joey McMurry, voice of Oregon Ducks men’s basketball about the following:* (04:22) Career path began after injuring his arm in high school, ending his athletic pursuits* (05:15) Secured internship at KSEO radio in Santa Cruz through a teacher's connection* (06:11) Received prophetic advice from "Engineer Bill" about catching the broadcasting bug and career challenges* (08:12) Details journey to University of Oregon and early career development* (09:37) Started gaining experience at student radio station KWVA, calling multiple sports* (10:23) Landed football sideline reporter role under coach Mark Helfrich, becoming youngest FBS reporter* (19:33) Discusses evolution of modern broadcasting requirements:* (20:15) Emphasizes need for broadcasters to master multiple technical and creative skills* (20:55) Explains importance of being versatile in today's media landscape* (22:17) Balances value of hands-on experience with formal education in broadcasting* (29:20) Shares key play-by-play insights developed over career:* (30:34) Discusses importance of managing emotional levels throughout different points in season* (31:58) Explains how context should influence the intensity of game calls* (32:51) Shares voice care techniques, including preference for honey lemon and green tea* (33:57) Details importance of building authentic connections:* (34:57) Emphasizes value of learning team history and tradition* (36:11) Describes impact of building genuine relationships with coaches and players* (37:36) Explains importance of understanding and connecting with the fan base* (46:35) Provides insights on solo broadcasting:* (46:51) Announces Luke Jackson joining as first-ever analyst for Oregon home games* (47:25) Details challenges of calling games alone, including voice preservation* (48:57) Offers comprehensive tips for solo broadcasting:* (49:26) Emphasizes maintaining focus on time and score as primary responsibility* (49:27) Stresses importance of tracking statistics independently* (50:26) Advises keeping play calls simple and focused on ball location* (51:31) Warns against trying to over-analyze while calling play-by-play alone This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comReminder: Our first Office Hours session is coming up on Monday, November 18 for 60 minutes starting at 4:30 pm PT/7:30 pm ET. To be a part of our group Zoom calls for Office Hours, subscribe at the Office Hours level by clicking the button below.Making In-Person Professional ConnectionsLet me continue our discussion about building your professional network. Think of your network like an egg: few mentors at the top, many peers in the middle, and a handful of people you help bring along at the bottom. At PlayByPlayU, I'm trying to reshape this into more of a triangle, making my experience and knowledge accessible to as many as I can through this website. But there's still always going to be a fairly low limit to how many close, personal mentoring relationships any one person can maintain.Last week we covered best practices for reaching out to industry contact with cold emails. Today, I want to focus on another approach: the cold in-person introduction. As someone who's experienced hundreds of these encounters – some evolving into genuine friendships, others making me dread seeing that person again – I want to share what works and what doesn't when approaching broadcasters at events.

Reminder: our first Office Hours session of the year takes place on Monday, November 18 at 4:30 pm PT/7:30 pm ET. If you’d like to join me for an intimate group Zoom call where we talk all things play-by-play, subscribe at the Office Hours level by clicking the Subscribe button below.Today’s tape comes in from Mick Tidrow, the voice of the Ball State Cardinals. Give him a follow on X at @MickTidrow and leave a comment with your thoughts in the comments section!Some basic critique etiquette:* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comRemember, our first Office Hours session with a group Zoom call will be coming up on Monday, November 18 at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. If you’d like to connect with me and other broadcasters once a month on Zoom, upgrade your subscription to the Office Hours level by clicking the button below.The Art of Spotting: Your Gateway to the Broadcasting BoothI want to focus on something specific to football broadcasting: the art of spotting. While statisticians help with basketball and baseball, football uniquely requires someone to quickly spot what's happening on the field. (Soccer and hockey might use spotters too, but I can't speak to that since I haven't called either professionally.)There’s two reasons it’s important to talk about using a spotter for our purposes of making the most out of a broadcast:

This week’s podcast is with Big Ten Network host/reporter Ashley Adamson, who has won three Emmy Awards in her coverage of college sports.Ashley is an experienced sideline reporter, game host and storyteller, and her ability to connect with sources and dig up great insight to relay to her audience makes her one of the best reporters I’ve come across in my time calling games.In this episode:* Ashley describes her roles: studio host, sideline reporter, feature producer (02:05)* Early career challenge: entry-level jobs requiring experience (04:39)* Starting salary realities in broadcasting (05:02)* Importance of taking lower-paying jobs to start (05:49)* Missing social events early in career due to work schedule (07:20)* Value of learning at lower levels (08:52)* Dealing with jealousy of others' early success (10:20)* Everyone's path in broadcasting is unique (13:01)* Broadcasting career isn't linear like other professions (14:03)* Key story: Wrong demo reel leads to first sports job (16:56)* Importance of putting yourself out there (18:32)* Value of serendipitous moments in career (19:34)* Building peer relationships vs seeking mentors (30:57)* Special challenges for women in sports broadcasting (33:56)* Making connections with athletes' families (37:57)* Tips for remembering personal details about sources (36:28)* Importance of proper name pronunciation (40:02)* Peyton Manning's media relations approach (42:15)* Storytelling in limited time frames (49:01)* Preparing multiple stories but rarely using them all (50:18)* Strategy for fitting stories into broadcasts (54:36)* Origin of "Your Mom" podcast during COVID (57:51)* Creating content that's yours, not employer's (58:43)* Balancing podcast and work with family life (01:02:02)* Value of trying new things without perfectionism (01:02:02)* Legacy aspect of creating content (01:06:01) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comI want to talk about the art of cold email, cold call, and cold reach out – particularly for those trying to make connections early in their careers. Recently, someone reached out to me, and while I believe they meant well, I was unsure why they contacted me. When we got on the phone, the conversation's direction wasn't clear, and it happened during an …

We got another strong submission for Tell the Truth Tuesday this week. Jonah Krell subscribed to the website and submitted some basketball highlights and a demo of last March’s Pac-12 Tournament championship game.This is really good tape, Jonah! I appreciate you sending this in and your submission. Leave Jonah a comment and give some feedback in the comments section below!Some basic critique etiquette:* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

Our first Office Hours session for folks subscribing at that level will be coming up on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. This gives anyone the opportunity to meet me and others via Zoom and participate in an intimate, 60-minute conversation about making a career out of play-by-play. To upgrade your subscription to the Office Hours tier, just click the subscribe button below.Now, on to today’s Monday Mailbag…Vance writes in with a question about how to make a demo and get it out there after calling his first couple of college football games. Click the video above to listen to our full answer, or leave a question or comment in the comments section below! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comThe following is an AI-generated article recapping today’s full-length podcast. For more nuanced discussion on each topic, please listen to today’s members-only podcast, and subscribe for more exclusive content like this.I want to share an experience that fundamentally changed my approach to interviewing coaches. It happened recently, during the weekend of October 21st, when circumstances forced me to conduct a coach's show with significantly less preparation than usual. What I learned from this experience applies whether you're doing a dedicated coach's show or conducting production meeting interviews as a TV broadcaster.We were coming off a bye week, during which I had planned a surprise birthday trip for my wife to San Diego. The timing worked out perfectly - I have to thank the Big 10 conference for that scheduling coincidence. I spent the weekend focused on family and didn't watch any football. This meant that by the time our next coach's show came around, our previous game - a 24-point loss - was nine days old. I knew I wouldn't spend much time rehashing that game, instead focusing on the bye week activities and the upcoming Indiana game.The challenging part came when I flew home with my son, dropped him off with the babysitter, and went straight to the coach's show. I walked in significantly less prepared than usual. In fact, it was probably one of the least prepared shows I've done in my seven years as the voice of the Huskies. I was essentially running on institutional knowledge alone.

On today’s episode of the PXPU Podcast, we talk to ESPN Radio’s Ian Fitzsimmons, who has become an integral member of ESPN Radio’s College Football Game of the Week as a third member of the broadcast crew from the sidelines.Ian has used his fun-loving personality to create a ton of authentic connections with the players and coaches he covers to become one of the most well-sourced reporters in the industry.On today's episode:* (02:36) Early career stories* Host's internship experience with Fitzsimmons* Origin of "Tolstoy" nickname from over-preparing show notes* Working with Kirk Herbstreit* (04:47) Career advice and persistence* "No means maybe or later" philosophy* Story of pursuing Dr. J interview for six months* Discussion on handling career setbacks and moves* (08:06) Building professional relationships* Balance between persistence and being annoying* How to read social cues and maintain professionalism* Organic relationship building examples* (13:07) Working with Sports Information Directors (SIDs)* When to use proper channels vs. direct contact* Building and maintaining professional relationships* Story about relationship with Ben Hartsock* (20:27) Path to ESPN Radio* Linda Cohn connection* Role of preparation meeting opportunity* Importance of luck combined with hard work* (25:27) Sideline reporting insights* Approach to being a field-level analyst* Working as part of three-person broadcast team* Importance of knowing personal limitations* (29:25) Excellence in sideline reporting* Importance of observation and listening* Taking time to go "ears off" and observe* Example of correctly reading player interactions* (34:49) Closing thoughts* Discussion of Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena"* Importance of humility in broadcasting* Value of field-level perspectiveComing up on future episodes:* Ashley Adamson from Big Ten Network talks about acquiring and telling great stories* Joey McMurry, voice of Oregon men’s basketball on becoming versatile and having a lot to offer at a young age* A vocal coach* A mental performance coach* And much more!Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5-star review! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comThe following is an AI-generated article based off the podcast episode above. Click play and listen to the full episode for more context on today’s topic.I want to talk about two things that I've heard many coaches discuss over the years - the only two things you can actually control. You can't control your talent level. You can't control where you start. You certainly can't control where you end up with 100% certainty. But there are two things you can control regardless of whether you're trying to be a good professional, athlete, broadcaster, spouse, or anything else: attitude and effort.

Alright, crew! Tyler Polk submits his 3rd quarter call of a high school hoops tournament game last year between Beaver Falls and Shadyside Academy in Pennsylvania. Let’s take a listen and let him know what we think!Give Tyler a follow on X or on LinkedIn, or check out his website at www.tylerjhpolk.com.Thanks for sending this in, Tyler! It’s fun listening to your TV work, and as a guy who does both radio and TV, you did a good job of getting the style and the vibe right for the medium you’re broadcasting.Some basic critique etiquette:* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

Coming later this week!* We’ll be releasing our first two dates for the “Office Hours” group Zoom calls! Those are only for subscribers at the Office Hours level, so level up by clicking on the subscribe button below and make sure you’re a part of the fun.* Shout out to Josh Pos, student at Indiana’s Sports Media program, who did a phenomenal job spotting for us this past weekend during Washington’s game in Bloomington. Great job, Josh!* Ian Fitzsimmons, ESPN Radio sideline reporter, will talk to us about doing great sideline reports in football, which is what a lot of us do before we ever get our crack at calling football games. Ian is one of the best in the business, and annually gets assigned the CFP National Championship Game.* Much more! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comThe following is an AI-generated article recapping today’s full-length podcast. For more nuanced discussion on each topic, please listen to today’s members-only podcast, and subscribe for more exclusive content like this.As Jim Nantz pointed out, for play-by-play announcers, football games consist of approximately 130-150 plays, each serving as a chapter in the game's story. However, the broadcast encompasses much more than just calling the plays. While the actual play-by-play rarely causes problems for experienced broadcasters, it's often the surrounding elements that can make or break how you’ll end up feeling about a broadcast.This article examines four critical non-play situations that broadcasters must master: pre-game, kickoff, transitional periods, and handling downtime.

ESPN Radio’s Marc Kestecher taped with us a few weeks back, and I thought this week would be a great time to release the conversation, given that he’s going to be everywhere the next couple months between ESPN’s college football game of the week and its NBA coverage.On today’s episode:* (02:54) Kestecher shares his unlikely path to success, describing himself as usually unlucky except in his career* (03:08) Started as a local broadcaster in Albany and Cleveland* (03:57) First big break came filling in for Rich Eisen on Yankees-Red Sox game where Pedro Martinez struck out 17* (04:47) Created demo tape by calling a 76ers game with Fred Carter, who helped for free* (05:18) Got first ESPN opportunity calling Jimmy V Classic on espnradio.com* (05:35) Major career advancement came on his 40th birthday, filling in for Jim Durham on Pistons-Hornets game* (06:01) Positioned himself as studio host since 2004, staying close to national play-by-play* (06:26) Became lead NBA voice after transitions of Mike Tirico and Kevin Calabro* (09:41) Discusses importance of believing in yourself: "You almost have to have this belief that you're just as good as anyone out there"* (13:25) Describes finding his broadcasting voice through experience and repetition* (14:55) Pivotal moment when a producer told him "you have a sound now"* (16:08) Emphasizes the value of "less is more" in broadcasting, especially on radio* (18:24) Details the balance between hometown radio style and network TV approach* (19:42) Discusses working relationship with analysts John Barry and PJ Carlesimo* (20:37) Explains "DVR mode" - ability to recreate plays when analyst goes long* (23:34) Shares techniques for managing voice and energy during big moments* (24:31) Early career lesson about giving equal energy to both teams' highlights* (26:22) Discusses voice control techniques learned from Dan Schulman* (32:48) Details his pre-game preparation routine, including 20-minute focus period* (33:34) Explains different preparation approaches for basketball versus football* (36:07) Describes how he organizes and prioritizes preparation materials* (38:17) Shares process of coordinating with crew to plan storytelling during broadcasts* (41:33) Discusses challenges of calling multiple sports, particularly baseball's unique demands* (44:16) Explains differences between college and pro basketball pace* (45:12) Shares continuing approach to learning football despite not playing* (47:06) Describes experiencing "blackouts" during great calls, not remembering what was said* (48:43) Details memorable Celtics-Nets playoff call with Jason Tatum game-winner* (51:34) Shares story of LeBron James game-winner against Bulls in 2015, including nearly getting crushed by celebrating players* (52:42) Discusses challenges of courtside broadcasting and using monitorsPlease rate and review the podcast and let us know what you think or who you’d like to hear in the comments section below! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comThe following is an AI generated article about today’s podcast. For the full, in-depth analysis on today’s topic, please make sure to listen to today’s episode.The Seven Layers of Football Play-by-Play: A Comprehensive GuideIn the world of football play-by-play, the ability to view and describe any given moment through multiple lenses is a crucial skill. This article outlines a theory developed over years of experience in football broadcasting, proposing seven distinct layers or lenses through which a commentator can analyze and describe a football game.The Importance of Perspective in Play-by-PlayEvery moment in a football game can be viewed from various perspectives. The lens through which a commentator chooses to view a play—or the one they happen to be thinking about when a play occurs—determines how they describe it, the words they use, and the context they provide in their analysis.While good play-by-play focuses on describing what happens and answering the audience's questions, elite play-by-play takes it a step further. It requires a mastery of these multiple perspectives, allowing commentators to tell a compelling story that goes beyond the basic facts of the game.The Seven Layers of Football Play-by-Play

Today’s PXPU Podcast interview is with Alex Cohen, the long-time voice of the Iowa Cubs, who made his big league debut in July on Marquee Sports Network. What he didn’t expect was another game in September that he’d call in Wrigley on less than 24 hours notice. And what he really, really didn’t expect was that it would be the Cubs’ first no-hitter at Wrigley since 1972!Show notes:* 02:22 - Alex's background and career journey in sports broadcasting* 05:38 - The importance of learning from experienced broadcasters* 07:17 - Key advice: Smile and have fun while broadcasting baseball* 08:47 - Discussion on behaving like a champion before becoming one* 10:16 - How Alex built relationships that led to his MLB opportunity* 13:00 - Alex's experience getting called up for his first MLB games* 14:42 - Preparing for his first MLB broadcasts* 16:50 - Approach to calling his first MLB game: keeping it simple* 19:17 - Reflections on his first two MLB broadcasts* 22:49 - The unexpected call to cover a Cubs game on short notice* 24:58 - Alex's self-assessment of his first two MLB games* 29:06 - Handling the developing no-hitter situation during the broadcast* 31:15 - Alex's previous experience calling no-hitters in the minors* 32:19 - Focusing on the pitcher's performance rather than the no-hitter* 34:15 - The increasing attention as a no-hitter progresses* 35:41 - Strategy for calling the final moments of a no-hitter* 36:45 - Alex's thoughts on his no-hitter call* 38:00 - Discussion on the pressure of making the perfect call* 39:50 - Advice for aspiring broadcasters: networking and taking opportunitiesComing up soon on the PXPU Podcast!* Ian Fitzsimmons, ESPN Radio, on becoming part of the play-by-play call as a sideline reporter* Ashley Adamson, Big Ten Network reporter and host, on storytelling* Marc Kestecher, the voice of the NBA on ESPN Radio* Bill Roth, longtime voice of Virginia Tech football, ESPN Radio freelancer and instructor in play-by-play broadcasting at Virginia Tech* A professional opera singer on vocal techniques* A mental performance coach* Much more!Who else would you like to hear on the podcast? Please let us know in the comments section below!Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you get your podcasts! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comThe following is an AI generated article about today’s podcast. For the full, in-depth analysis on today’s topic, please make sure to listen to today’s episode.On today's edition of Wednesday Wisdom, we're going to talk about how to handle a blowout because that's something that's pretty fresh in my mind. That was a lot of work on Saturday. The Huskies played at Iowa in Iowa City and that did not go the way that any of us really expected it to be. I thought it was going to be a low scoring game. The line going into the game was Iowa favored by three. The over-under was pretty low, relatively because Iowa had by far the worst offense in the country the last couple of years. Well, it was for one team, Iowa ended up running away with it in the second half. They led by as many as 30. We did get a late touchdown to pull within 24, but those can be really hard games to broadcast, particularly if you're with a home team that is on the losing side.

Play By Play U subscriber Jason Dorow is the subject of today’s critique of the week. To get first dibs and bring your tape to the front of the line, make sure you subscribe (even if just for free!) by clicking the button below.What does everyone think!? Chime in with your thoughts on Jason’s work below.Some basic critique etiquette:* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox.Also, we will be taking questions in the mailbag every Monday! Please shoot me whatever question is on your mind from the world of broadcasting by clicking the button below. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit playbyplayu.substack.comHey folks! Don’t forget the Monday Mailbag is right around the corner. Send me a message about anything related living the life of a play-by-play announcer and I’ll get to it to start off next week. Just click the button below and type away.Also, our monthly group Zoom calls are going to start soon, and they will be exclusively for people who have paid …

In this episode of the PXPU podcast, Tony Castricone interviews Carter Henderson, Associate Athletic Director at Stanford University, about the hiring process for play-by-play broadcasters at Division I schools.Show Notes:01:33 - Carter's background and experience in hiring play-by-play broadcasters03:18 - Reflections on the hiring process that brought Tony to Washington04:05 - What stands out in initial interviews with candidates05:52 - The importance of understanding specific job needs in different searches07:34 - How play-by-play roles are evolving and what schools are looking for09:42 - Comparing hiring processes at different institutions (Jacksonville, Washington, Stanford)11:48 - The importance of "fit" in the hiring process13:08 - The challenge of assessing candidates for limited broadcasting opportunities14:51 - The value of clarity in what both candidates and hiring committees are looking for16:05 - Tony's memorable interview answer about integrating into the community17:56 - The importance of bringing "soul" to the broadcasting role19:04 - Discussion on general job interview advice for broadcasting positions20:35 - The role of search committees in hiring decisions22:11 - The importance of developing advocates in the industry23:35 - Thoughts on the future of college team broadcasting25:34 - Closing thoughts and appreciation for resources like PXPUKey Takeaways:1. The role of play-by-play broadcasters is evolving beyond just calling games.2. By the interview stage, candidates' ability to call games is usually not in question.3. Cultural fit and ability to contribute to broader institutional goals are crucial.4. Hiring decisions are often made by committees representing various stakeholders.5. Networking and building a positive reputation in the industry are important.6. Candidates should demonstrate how they can integrate into the community and culture.7. The future of college sports broadcasting may involve more diverse storytelling opportunities. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

Former Stanford linebacker Kevin Richardson has turned football broadcasting into a fun side gig. The Bay Area president of a financial advising firm is in his 17th year broadcasting San Jose State football. Formerly the color analyst, he pulled off one of the harder transitions in broadcasting and made his way over to the play-by-play chair.He submitted this tape from San Jose State’s recent thriller at Washington State for consideration on today’s episode of Tell The Truth Tuesday.You can hear the entire call below.What do you guys think?Some basic critique etiquette:* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox.Also, we will be taking questions in the mailbag every Monday! Please shoot me whatever question is on your mind from the world of broadcasting by clicking the button below. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

As the founder of Play By Play U, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates and reflections on our journey so far. First, I want to express my gratitude to all our subscribers, both free and paid. Your support and engagement drive me to continually improve and expand our offerings. My goal is to provide exceptional value, making you feel like you're getting $500 worth of content for just $5.99 a month.Recent Experiences and the Power of PreparationI recently had the pleasure of calling an exhilarating game between Washington and Michigan, which ended in a 27-17 victory for Washington. The atmosphere was electric, with a packed stadium decked out in purple. What struck me most was how prepared I felt for this broadcast. In my 23 years of experience, I've never felt more ready for a game.This level of preparation is due in part to the spotting board techniques I've been sharing with our subscribers, but also thanks to the integration of AI in my workflow. AI has revolutionized my game prep materials, taking them to new heights. I'm excited to dive into these AI techniques in future spotting board tutorials, showing you how to leverage this technology to enhance your broadcasting skills.Evolving PlayByPlayUAs we continue to grow, I'm making some changes to better serve our community:1. Podcast-Centric Approach: All content will now be available in podcast form, allowing for more efficient production and consumption.2. New Content Schedule: - Monday Mailbag: Replacing the Monday Masterclass, this will feature 3-4 questions from our community. If you’d like to shoot me a note, please do at [email protected] or send me a direct message through Substack. - Tell The Truth Tuesday: Continues as before, with priority given to paid subscribers for critiques, and will be free to all. - Wednesday Wisdom: Focusing on the broader aspects of a broadcasting career. - Thursday Podcasts: Will continue to feature guest interviews and will be free to all. - Friday Focus: The new home for our in-depth masterclass content. - Weekend Spotting Board Tutorials: Will continue as before.3. Accessibility: Tuesday and Thursday podcasts will remain free, while other content will be behind the paywall for paid subscribers.4. Email Summaries: AI-generated summaries of the podcast content will be sent to subscribers' inboxes. So, if it doesn’t sound like I wrote it, it’s probably because I didn’t. The podcast is the best place to hear every nook and cranny of my mind on a topic, but the email summary will accurately cover what I discussed in the pod.5. Community Building: I'm exploring ways to create more interaction between members, and I’m excited to unroll this in the near future. Stay tuned for that.6. Tiered Subscriptions: - Everyone will continue to receive email summaries, and free subscribers will have full access to the content on Tuesdays and Thursdays. - Paid subscribers ($5.99/month or $60/year) get access to all content. - A new "Friend of the Program" tier ($120/year) will include access to my monthly Zoom calls, where I will occassionally bring on guest co-hosts. - Customized coaching plans will be available upon request.The Unique Value of Play By Play UWhat sets us apart is our focus on serving aspiring broadcasters who may not have industry connections or family ties. I know what it’s like. I knew no one involved in the industry when I started, and I ended up getting to call major games like the Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl, so it’s possible. You don't need to go into debt for a specialized degree - we're here to teach you what you really need to know. Addressing Common Challenges for New BroadcastersMany new graduates and aspiring broadcasters face similar challenges. Here are some insights based on recent questions from our community:1. Dealing with Uncertainty: It's normal to feel scared and uncertain when starting your career. The broadcasting industry is unique and can be difficult for others to understand. Patience is key, and it's important to have faith in your own path.2. Creating Opportunities: If you're not getting the play-by-play opportunities you want, create them yourself. Call games at local high schools, stream them online, or create a website to showcase your work. These self-created opportunities are valuable for gaining experience and improving your skills.3. Unconventional Paths: There's no one "right" path in this industry. Everyone's journey is different. Focus on building connections with others in the field who understand your passion and challenges.4. Balancing Fear and Faith: A little fear can be motivating, but you need more faith than fear. Use that nervous energy to fuel your work ethic and keep you grinding every day.5. Preparation is Key: For TV broadcasts, focus on syncing with your crew, building chemistry with your analyst, and preparing storylines. For radio, player identification is crucial - use flashcards to memorize key players' numbers and names.6. Spotting Board Essentials: Your spotting board should contain information you don't already know by heart. For example, include players' hometowns instead of transfer information if you've already memorized the latter.7. Mindset for Your First Broadcast: Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect. Enjoy the moment, be present, and let your passion for sports shine through. Remember, you can always call more games in the future - this one doesn't have to be flawless.Looking AheadAs we continue to evolve, I'm committed to maintaining the core mission of Play By Play U: providing accessible, high-quality education and resources for aspiring sports broadcasters. We're here to show you that with dedication, creativity, and the right guidance, you can achieve your broadcasting dreams, regardless of your background.I'm excited about the future of Play By Play U and the broadcasting industry as a whole. The landscape is changing rapidly, with new technologies and platforms emerging all the time. By staying adaptable and continuing to learn, we can all grow together in this dynamic field.Remember, your journey in broadcasting is unique. Embrace the challenges, create your own opportunities, and never stop improving. Whether you're calling high school games on a self-made stream or preparing for your first Division I broadcast, every experience is valuable.Thank you for being part of this community. Your passion and dedication inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in broadcasting education. Keep practicing, keep learning, keep growing, keep connecting and keep cultivating a true, genuine love for this. That passion is what will set you apart and drive you forward in your broadcasting journey. I can't wait to see where your path takes you, and I'm honored to be a small part of that journey through Play By Play U. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

Brock Huard has almost two decades of experience on national TV as a football analyst. He’s worked with a large group of elite play-by-play announcers over his time at ESPN and FOX, and on today’s edition of the PXPU Podcast, he provides unique insight on how to work on your craft from one chair over.Today's show notes:2:15 - Brock discusses his post-football career and transition into broadcasting4:27 - Advantages and challenges of transitioning from player to broadcaster7:04 - Importance of timing and chemistry in broadcasting partnerships10:03 - Strategies for building chemistry with broadcasting partners12:17 - Balancing listening skills with production elements during broadcasts14:42 - Techniques for analyzing plays in real-time during games18:17 - How play-by-play announcers can support analysts effectively20:09 - The value of production meetings and creating unique content22:55 - Brock emphasizes the importance of sports talk radio experience for skill development24:23 - Closing thoughts on sharing experiences with aspiring broadcastersComing up soon on the PXPU Podcast:* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade* A sports psychologist on the mental preparation elite athletes usePlease download our podcast and leave a 5-star review! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

We’ve loaded today’s Tell the Truth Tuesday to the PXPU Podcast. Please subscribe to it and leave a 5-star review!Today, we take a listen to ABC’s Chris Fowler and Alabama’s Chris Stewart with their final call of the Alabama-Georgia thriller, we take a listen to Nate Gatter’s highlights from Kansas State’s win over Oklahoma State on Westwood One, and put an ear on Joe Castiglione, who’s been the voice of the Boston Red Sox for my entire lifetime.If you want me to review your tape and you want to get your name out there to our audience at Play By Play University, shoot me an email with 5-10 minutes worth of audio or video at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

Connor Onion made his debut on FOX earlier this year with a MLB game, and has since added college football work on national TV, including his call of this past weekend’s thriller in Boulder when Colorado completed a Hail Mary to send the game to overtime against Baylor. You can hear his call of it here.Today’s show notes:2:06 - Connor recalls first hearing Tony's work and reaching out for advice 3:38 - Discussion on pivotal career moments and universal principles 6:03 - Connor talks about his first full-time opportunity at Southern Illinois University9:36 - Strategies for identifying areas of growth and improvement 11:31 - Dealing with pressure and avoiding “chasing the next gig”14:52 - Connor's approach to building a professional website and demo reel 19:22 - Connor discusses his current work in baseball, football, and volleyball 21:35 - Balancing multiple conversations and focusing during live broadcasts 24:33 - The importance of pregame meetings and preparation 27:17 - Connor's journey from calling high school games to FOX broadcasts 31:13 - Mental preparation and building poise through experience 35:26 - Working with new broadcast partners, including Bill Raftery and AJ Pierzynski 38:57 - Connor's experience getting an agent and moving to FOX43:31 - Balancing multiple sports and the importance of volleyball in Connor's career 45:16 - Advice for aspiring broadcasters: Be resourceful and persistentComing up soon on the PXPU Podcast:* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio* Brock Huard, FOX college football* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade* A sports psychologist on the mental preparation elite athletes usePlease download our podcast and leave a 5-star review! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

J.B. Long came up with one of the most creative ways I’ve ever heard of someone making a demo tape of a major college basketball game. Take a listen to his story on today’s version of the PXPU Podcast and ask yourself: what’s going to be my version of this? In what ways can I think outside the box to drastically improve my demo tape?Coming up soon on the PXPU Podcast:* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio* Brock Huard, FOX college football* Connor Onion, FOX college football and major league baseball* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade* A sports psychologist on the mental preparation elite athletes use This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

I first met Guy Haberman back in 2018 when I had just taken over as the basketball announcer at Washington before inheriting football the following season. Guy, who was in Seattle covering our game for Pac-12 Network, immediately introduced himself to me at a Huskies practice and has always struck me as one of the more friendly, personable broadcasters in the business.He’s an excellent announcer, extremely smart and thoughtful and also very versatile. We talk shop often, and I think he’ll be a great resource to this community as this project grows. (You may have even noticed him pop into the comments section from time to time.)Our conversation with Guy includes:* 02:30 - Discussion on the importance of appreciating every step in your career journey* 05:04 - Guy shares pivotal moments in his broadcasting career:* High school community television opportunity* College radio experience at Fresno State* AAA baseball broadcasting job* Bay Area radio opportunity* 09:22 - The importance of networking and maintaining connections in the industry* 12:45 - Advice on effective communication when reaching out to industry professionals* 17:27 - Tips on crafting specific and meaningful questions when seeking feedback* 22:27 - The value of seeking advice from various professionals, not just those at the top* 25:26 - Discussion on the importance of building relationships with mentors, peers, and mentees* 27:45 - The process of developing one's unique broadcasting style and voice* 34:33 - Strategies for identifying areas of improvement in broadcasting* 36:24 - The importance of continuous learning and preparation in broadcasting* 39:11 - Guy shares specific techniques for preparing for game opens and transitions* 43:42 - Discussion on improving word economy and conciseness in broadcasting* 46:37 - Example of preparing for a specific broadcast scenario (introducing Dillon Gabriel)* 48:20 - Reflection on how broadcasting styles have changed over the years* 49:14 - The importance of starting strong in a broadcast and managing expectationsI really appreciate Guy popping on and his support of this project! Catch him on Big Ten Network this fall, or check out some of his previous work online at guyhaberman.com.Coming up soon on the PXPU Podcast:* J.B. Long, voice of the Los Angeles Rams* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio* Brock Huard, FOX college football* Connor Onion, FOX college football and major league baseball* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade* Much more! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

Nate Gatter seems to do a good job at staying ahead of the curve. As a junior in college, Gatter won the 2017 Jim Nantz Award, given annually to the top college sportscaster in the country.Now, at just 28 years old, Gatter takes over the play-by-play role on Westwood One’s A-crew for college football this fall with college basketball work, including March Madness games, included in his package.He made his debut this past weekend in Gainesville calling the Miami Hurricanes win at the Swamp over the Florida Gators, and has many big games ahead this season, including Georgia-Texas, Missouri-Alabama, Michigan-Ohio State and the SEC Championship Game.He talked to the PXPU Podcast last month shortly after landing the gig of a lifetime, and I hope you get a lot out of our conversation! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

I have to say, after 14 years of working in the college sports play-by-play production landscape, Tom Boman is one of the most sought after professionals with whom young broadcasters want to network.The vast majority of Division I college athletic programs have a multimedia relationship with Learfield, and when it’s time for those schools to hire a play-by-play announcer, they turn to Tom.In this episode, Tom and I discuss what you need to know and how you need to think about these searches to give yourself the best chance possible at landing one of these jobs. I hope you enjoy our conversation! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe

Here are some highlights from our conversation with Geoff:* (01:22) Geoff reflects on his early days at IMG College, emphasizing the value of learning from talented colleagues and the importance of perseverance in the face of initial challenges.* (03:49) The importance of humility in broadcasting: Geoff shares a recent on-air mistake, highlighting that even experienced professionals make errors and the key is to learn from them. * (05:40) Geoff discusses how his background as an umpire has helped him in broadcasting, particularly in understanding and explaining rules and handling non-routine situations.* (07:15) Strategies for handling non-routine situations in broadcasts: Geoff emphasizes that finding away through the awkward lulls in a broadcast makes the whole show so much better.* (08:54) The importance of mental cataloging and continuous learning: Geoff explains how he remembers and applies insights from conversations with experienced analysts and former players.* (10:55) Geoff describes the grind of major league broadcasting, highlighting the need for consistency and bringing your best regardless of challenging schedules or personal fatigue.* (14:22) The value of versatility in sports broadcasting: Geoff shares how his experience across multiple sports opened up more opportunities in his career.* (16:30) Geoff discusses the importance of relationship building and persistence in pursuing career goals, emphasizing the need to focus on personal growth and improvement.* (22:30) Insights on improving TV standups: Geoff shares his techniques, including working with a broadcast coach, doing rehearsals, and focusing on body language and engagement with co-hosts.* (26:28) Geoff provides tips on effective storytelling in baseball broadcasts, emphasizing the importance of conciseness, timing, and involving broadcast partners in the narrative.* (29:05) Geoff reflects on one of his favorite calls (Adam Frazier's game-tying double), discussing the challenge and excitement of capturing unexpected, high-stakes moments.* (35:01) The importance of staying in the moment during big calls: Geoff emphasizes that the effectiveness of a call often lies more in the delivery and emotion than in the specific words used.I hope you get a lot out of our conversation!Coming soon:* J.B. Long, Los Angeles Rams* Guy Haberman, Big Ten Network* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio* Nate Gatter, Westwood One* Tom Boman, Learfield* Vocal techniques from a professionally trained opera singer* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade* Much more! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe