The Perfect Game: Greg Bauch and the Story Behind "Unbelievable"

The Perfect Game: Greg Bauch and the Story Behind "Unbelievable"

Episode 299 of Riter Radio moves outdoors to the back patio as Brad welcomes longtime friend, former radio producer, comedian, and author Greg Bauch to discuss his new novel, Unbelievable. Greg shares the unlikely journey from writing comedy bits and radio sketches to publishing his second novel, explaining how a simple idea about a mythical "perfect game" in college basketball evolved over more than a decade into a fully realized story. The conversation dives deep into the creative process, including character development, world building, editing, and the challenges of turning a rough idea into a finished book. Brad and Greg also revisit their shared history in Buffalo radio, from the chaos of the old Riter Cup e-mail competitions to Greg's early days writing comedy and production pieces that helped shape his career. Along the way, they explore the themes and inspirations behind Unbelievable, discuss the role sports and broadcasting play in the novel, debate the merits of AI in creative work, and even uncover the book's lone basketball inaccuracy: a star player wearing an impossible college jersey number. It's part book club, part radio reunion, and part celebration of the creative process.

Bob Gaughan, Jury Duty, and Other Problems

After a brief break from regular podcasting, Brad Riter returns with Episode 298 and welcomes longtime Riter Radio favorite Bob Gaughan for a wide-ranging conversation. The two catch up on everything from getting older and coaching youth sports to concert plans, jury duty, and the challenge of keeping the podcast rolling toward the milestone 300th episode. Along the way, Bob shares a painful softball injury courtesy of his son, while both laugh about the realities of aging, umpiring games, and finding new ways to stay active. On the sports side, Brad and Bob dive into Buffalo sports topics including Lindy Ruff's Coach of the Year snub, the Sabres' offseason decisions surrounding Alex Tuch and the goaltending situation, and questions facing the Bills' defense heading into training camp. They also discuss NFL betting futures, the controversy surrounding Texas Tech quarterback transfer Chandler Morris/Sorsby-related eligibility issues, and close with a lengthy discussion about the Jerry Sandusky case and the media narratives surrounding it. Brad wraps up the episode with an update on jury duty, the WGR schedule with Tim Graham, and plans to continue pushing Riter Radio toward Episode 300.

Corporate Brad Takes a Day Off

In Episode 297 of Riter Radio, Brad Riter returned to the podcast during an unexpected break from his WGR schedule and used the opportunity to update listeners on everything happening behind the scenes. He explained how jury duty uncertainty and Tim Graham’s minicamp reporting duties led to a few days away from the radio show, while also discussing the continued evolution of his role at WGR and the future of Riter Radio. Riter reflected on how the independent podcast helped him regain his daily-show rhythm, shared plans to reconnect with regular contributors such as Scott Wilson, Bob Gaughan, and Jon Fuller, and talked about maintaining the show even as his professional radio commitments continue to grow. Joined by Scott Wilson, the conversation shifted into a wide-ranging sports discussion that covered the NBA Finals, controversial officiating, college football’s ongoing battle over gambling and player eligibility, and major changes affecting the NCAA. Wilson also previewed the upcoming FIFA World Cup, highlighting key storylines surrounding the United States team, international rivalries, and the unique atmosphere expected when the tournament comes to North America. The episode blended personal updates, sports analysis, and the free-flowing conversations that have become a hallmark of Riter Radio, while setting the stage for future episodes as the show approaches the 300-episode milestone.

WGR, Riter Radio, and the Sabres Run

After a long break between Episodes 295 and 296, Brad returns to explain where Riter Radio has been — and where it’s headed next. With a new daily role alongside Tim Graham on WGR 550 from 1–3 PM, Brad admits he no longer has the bandwidth for two live shows every day, meaning the old Monday-through-Friday live Riter Radio format is officially evolving. Episode 296 becomes part reboot, part therapy session, as Brad talks through rebuilding the setup after a month away, dealing with audio glitches and green screen disasters, and realizing how much he missed the freedom of doing his own thing. He also lays out the future vision for Writer Radio as a weekly or twice-weekly podcast featuring familiar voices like Scott Wilson and Bob Gaughan while keeping the live interaction occasional instead of daily. The episode quickly turns into a full Buffalo sports hangout once Scott joins the show. The two dive deep into the surreal excitement of a fictional-but-fully-committed Sabres playoff Game 7 against Montreal Canadiens, discussing road-vs-home performance, Lindy Ruff’s coaching decisions, goalie chaos, playoff superstitions, drum bangers, and Buffalo’s unique relationship with Canada. They also revisit the NFL Draft, including why both hosts are convinced former University at Buffalo opponent Skyler Bell could become a steal for the Buffalo Bills. Between baseball updates, sponsor shoutouts, disappearing green-screen magic tricks, and reflections on returning to radio, Episode 296 feels less like a comeback show and more like reconnecting with the loyal community that kept waiting for Riter Radio to return.

Playoff Fever and Hall of Fame Debates

In this jam-packed episode of Riter Radio, Brad dives headfirst into the electric atmosphere of the NHL playoffs as the Buffalo Sabres finally break their 14-year postseason drought. Brad meticulously breaks down the newly released schedule, weighing the logistics of the Sunday night start time against a busy weekend of basketball banquets and youth sports. He reflects on the historical overlap of the NHL playoffs and the NFL Draft, recalling the shift to the Thursday night format in 2010 and how this year’s Sabres schedule might play out alongside the Buffalo Bills’ draft strategy. Between navigating the final days of "indoor baseball" and planning his annual draft party, Brad captures the unique intensity of a city ready to balance high-stakes hockey with the hope of a new football season. As the show moves into its second hour, Brad is joined by Scott Wilson to dive deeper into the local sports landscape and the sheer relief of having meaningful hockey in April. The conversation then shifts gears with senior music correspondent Josh Gregory to dissect the newly announced Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class. The group offers a candid and somewhat skeptical review of a list they label as "boring," sparking a heated debate over Sade’s place in a "rock" institution versus the undeniable influence of New Order and Iron Maiden. From Billy Idol's punk roots to the sibling rivalry of Oasis, Brad, Scott, and Josh provide a deep, opinionated dive into the legends—and the head-scratchers—shaping the headlines this week.