The PXPU Podcast with Tony Castricone: from Play by Play University

50. Aaron Cassady, founder of Gameday Broadcasting Sports Network

Reminder: this month’s Office Hours Zoom call is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23 from 3-4 pm Pacific Time/6-7 pm Eastern. If you’re interested in joining a small group of broadcasters, led by myself, to talk about the broadcasting industry, level up to the Office Hours subscription by clicking the button below. Today’s podcast guest has had a career that spans more than 15 years, and he’s literally never been turned down for a job. In fact, he’s never even applied for a job. He simply created his own broadcasting network and everything he’s ever done has simply followed from there. On today’s episode of the PXPU Podcast, Aaron Cassady and I discuss: * 02:33 - Background: Aaron's early love of local radio in Marietta, Ohio and studying business at University of Akron * 04:16 - First steps: Starting internet broadcasting in 2009 with Hilliard Davidson games * 06:09 - Business model: Developing sponsorship packages for New Albany broadcasts in 2010 and finding community support * 08:37 - Expansion: Growth to five high schools by 2018 and creating a "Game of the Week" on traditional radio * 11:22 - Hometown connection: Working with Marietta's WMOA station and becoming voice of Marietta High School * 12:18 - Career balance: Maintaining full-time work in higher education fundraising while growing broadcasting business * 14:42 - Side career perspective: Creating your own opportunities versus pursuing traditional broadcasting path * 17:28 - Community impact: Giving back through scholarships and making a difference in local communities * 21:15 - Finding talent: Working with aspiring broadcasters and creating opportunities for others * 23:02 - Professional connections: Even established broadcasters like Bob McElligott (Columbus Blue Jackets) calling high school games * 27:23 - Business background benefits: How Aaron's education helped him build a broadcasting network * 30:41 - Craft development: Self-improvement techniques including listening to his own broadcasts and continuous learning * 35:21 - Lessons learned: What Aaron would do differently (not overcomplicating business pitches to schools) * 39:15 - Key advice: "Don't wait to start" - overcome analysis paralysis and just begin broadcasting 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 [https://playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

49. Christian Caple, award-winning journalist, on covering a football team

Episode Overview Tony Castricone speaks with award-winning journalist Christian Caple about the fundamentals of covering a football team. They discuss practical strategies for observing practices effectively, building relationships with sources, and finding meaningful stories, especially when you're new to covering a program. Key Timestamps [03:22] Dealing with the overwhelm of first practices and developing an observer's eye [05:23] What to watch for during practice: Key position battles, QB rotations, and personnel groupings [10:32] Strategies for tracking player participation and identifying injuries [17:25] Challenges of identifying depth charts during spring practice [23:30] Position transitions: How coaches evaluate players differently than in high school [29:28] Preparing to cover a new team: Studying rosters, returning players, and transfers [35:55] Navigating relationships with sources: Official channels vs. direct contacts [42:23] Finding good story ideas and writing for passionate fans [45:36] Lessons on interviewing: The importance of genuine listening and follow-up questions About Christian Caple Christian Caple is an award-winning journalist who previously covered college football for The Athletic before starting his own Substack called "On Montlake" focusing on the Washington Huskies. Follow him on Twitter/X @ChristianCaple [https://x.com/ChristianCaple] and subscribe to his coverage at www.onmontlake.com [http://www.onmontlake.com]. Support the PXPU Podcast * Subscribe and rate the podcast 5 stars * Subscribe online at playbyplayu.com * Follow on Twitter/X at @PlayByPlayU * Tell others about the podcast The PXPU Podcast is part of Play-By-Play University, dedicated to creating the best, most instructive content for aspiring play-by-play announcers, analysts, and sideline reporters. 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 [https://playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

48. How Danny Reed made his debut on Westwood One

Today’s guest on the PXPU Podcast is Danny Reed, the voice of the Georgia Southern Eagles who made his Westwood One debut this March. In this conversation, we discuss: * (01:26) The value of grinding for a decade: Danny's opportunity with Westwood One came after years of doing stats work * (04:06) Early passion matters: Danny was mimicking broadcasters as a child, showing how early interests can shape careers * (05:32) Finding mentors: Local radio professionals provided Danny opportunities to learn broadcasting basics * (06:40) Education pathways: Specialized sports broadcasting education combined with playing experience * (09:42) Network building: Relationships developed while at The Citadel eventually led to Georgia Southern opportunity * (16:17) Player perspective: How playing experience helps understand and communicate what athletes experience * (18:19) Balance fan/professional: How to navigate being passionate about a team while maintaining professionalism * (22:30) Embrace unexpected roles: Sales experience in minor league baseball built transferable career skills * (31:25) Sideline value: Using sideline reporting experience to develop play-by-play skills and perspective * (34:47) Always prepare thoroughly: Even when doing stats or sideline work, prepare as if calling the game * (37:06) Polite persistence: Maintaining professional contact with industry leaders over 11 years led to opportunity * (42:35) Take feedback: Being open to critique and making adjustments based on industry feedback * (44:14) Stay ready: Technical delays and unexpected circumstances will happen; adaptability is crucial * (48:06) Never peak: Approach each opportunity with the mindset that your best work is still ahead of you 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 [https://playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

47. Elise Woodward on being up for calling any sport in any role imaginable

Today’s guest on the PXPU Podcast is Elise Woodward. Elise has experience in all three major broadcasting roles - play-by-play, color analyst, and sideline reporting - across numerous sports. She shares insights on preparing for different sports, the mindset required for each broadcasting role, and how to conduct effective interviews. Timestamped Show Notes [02:26] Discussion about broadcasting multiple sports and the challenges of learning new ones. [04:08] Elise on the importance of getting terminology right for different sports. [06:15] How to prepare for broadcasting unfamiliar sports: * Study the rule book * Consult with sports information directors * Talk to coaches to understand rosters and priorities * Watch film on YouTube to recognize players [09:06] The different preparation needs for play-by-play versus color analysis. [11:48] Tips for learning sports rules quickly, including using AI and focusing on the most relevant sections. [15:34] Elise's career progression: starting as a color analyst at age 23, then sideline reporting, and finally play-by-play. [18:08] The different mindsets required for each broadcasting role: * Play-by-play: Setting the tone and context * Analyst: Explaining the "why" behind what happens * Sideline reporter: Sharing what viewers can't see [21:25] Differences between TV and radio sideline reporting. [23:16] How to approach post-game interviews and meet interviewees at their emotional level. [24:43] Building relationships with players and coaches before interviews. [26:41] The challenge of interviewing frustrated coaches and not taking their emotions personally. [29:45] The importance of respectful questioning rather than trying to create viral moments. [31:09] How question phrasing can dramatically change an interview's tone. [34:25] Tony shares a positive feedback from Coach DeBoer about interviewing approach. [36:15] What to do as an analyst when you don't know "why" something happened. [37:46] The value of silence in broadcasting, especially on TV. [40:05] Handling unexpected broadcasting situations and last-minute role changes. [41:24] Tips for not stepping on broadcasting partners' lines and managing timing: * Communication before the game * Timing guidelines for when to speak * Keeping points succinct (10-second chunks) [45:14] Broadcasters Elise admires, including Doris Burke and Rebecca Lobo. [47:28] How working in all three broadcasting roles has improved her skills in each position. Key Takeaways * Versatility is valuable in sports broadcasting - being able to work across different roles and sports expands career opportunities. * Preparation is critical, especially for unfamiliar sports: * Study rule books and terminology * Watch film to recognize players * Talk to coaches and SIDs * Each broadcasting role requires a different mindset: * Play-by-play: Setting context and game flow * Analyst: Explaining why things happen * Sideline: Sharing what viewers can't see * Effective interviewing comes from relationship building, respectful questioning, and meeting people at their emotional level. * Working as a team with your broadcasting partners requires understanding timing, knowing when to speak, and setting each other up for success. 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 [https://playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

46. Brian Boesch breaks down his call of the game-winner vs. Rutgers

This week’s episode of the PXPU Podcast is a little bit different. Today, we’ll take you inside the head of a radio broadcaster who nailed a big moment in a big game. Michigan men’s basketball voice Brian Boesch delivered a memorable call of the Wolverines’ last second win against Rutgers. You can listen to the final call here [https://x.com/umichbball/status/1895361369299657034], where Brian hit pause and delivered a masterful final call, similar to the way he did when the Wolverines made a miraculous shot against Wisconsin [https://x.com/BrianBoesch/status/1629971205783703553] to keep their tournament hopes alive a couple years ago. Thanks to Brian for taking the time to send his thoughts and insight on a truly special moment! 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 [https://playbyplayu.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]