Ryan O'Reilly & Kelly James of Mac N Cheeze: Stanley Cup, Kids Music, and Never Losing the Kid Inside You

Ryan O'Reilly & Kelly James of Mac N Cheeze: Stanley Cup, Kids Music, and Never Losing the Kid Inside You

What happens when a Stanley Cup champion and his childhood best friend start a kids' band? You get Mac N Cheeze — and a whole lot of joy. In Episode 46 of Superfan Diaries, host JR Green sits down with Nashville Predators center and future Hall of Famer Ryan O'Reilly and actor-musician Kelly James to talk about their debut children's album Pizza Party, their friendship forged on the Major Junior hockey circuit in Erie, and how making silly songs became one of the most meaningful things either of them has ever done. In this episode we cover: * How Ryan O'Reilly and Kelly James met as teenagers on the OHL's Erie Otters, and knew immediately they'd be lifelong friends * The origin story of Mac N Cheeze: from locker room joke songs to a real record deal with Dine Alone Records * Recording Pizza Party in Nashville with producer Chris Kimmerer (drummer for Thomas Rhett) * How "Pizza Party" became the Nashville Predators' win song, and what Ryan heard his teammates singing in the showers * The mental health side of creativity: why Ryan says music made him a better hockey player * Their upcoming adult TV show concept with comedian Jerry Dee * Desert Fan Island, rapid fire questions, Stanley Cup stories, and Tim Horton family memorabilia Whether you're a hockey superfan, a parent looking for music your kids will actually love, or someone who just needs a reminder that it's okay to be a little weird, this one's for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

From 7 Grammys to Memphis Grizzlies Grit: A Conversation with Brent Maher

In this captivating episode of The Superfan Diaries, host JR Green sits down with music industry icon Brent Maher. With seven Grammys to his name and a portfolio including Elvis Presley, The Judds, and Tanya Tucker, Brent is a true architect of modern country music. But beyond the studio, his heart beats for the Memphis Grizzlies. Join us as we explore: * The Intersection of Performance: How producing a hit song mirrors the pressure of an NBA game. * Legends Off-Court: Brent shares an incredible story of an elevator encounter with Shaq and Kobe Bryant. * Roots of Fandom: Growing up in small-town Kansas and how baseball paved the way for his love of the game. * The Grit and Grind: Why Brent’s loyalty lies with the Grizzlies and his take on the current state of the team. * Desert Fan Island: Brent reveals his must-have movie, music, and stadium snacks if he were stranded in an arena. Whether you're an NBA enthusiast or a music history buff, this episode offers a rare look at the passion that drives a legend. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What Really Happened with Pete Rose? His Attorney Reveals the Untold Truths of Baseball's Biggest Controversy

What happens when the ultimate superfan doesn’t just sit in the bleachers, but holds the pen at the negotiating table with some of the most iconic and polarizing figures in history? In this episode of The Superfan Diaries, we are pulling back the curtain with powerhouse sports and entertainment attorney Gary Spicer Sr., a man whose life sits at the fascinating intersection of law, legacy, and absolute greatness. From his humble roots on a one-acre Tennessee farm to becoming a central figure in the gritty, fiercely loyal heartbeat of Detroit sports culture, Gary shares the untold stories you won't find in any record book. We dive deep into the mind of baseball legend Pete Rose, uncovering what truly fueled his relentless drive, and reveal a mind-blowing secret about country music royalty Conway Twitty that will change the way you see him forever. How did icons like Martha Reeves survive the brutal realities of touring during the Green Book era to build the MoTown sound? And what stark, unfiltered warning does the man who helped shape the careers of Ronnie Milsap and The Oak Ridge Boys have for today’s young athletes swimming in millions of dollars in NIL deals? Fandom doesn’t always wear face paint—sometimes, it wears a suit and tie. If you think you know the full history behind your favorite sports and music legends, think again. Hit play to hear the hidden truths of the game from the man who fought for the legends themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

How Carolina MiC Became the Viral Voice of the Panthers and Hornets

What happens when a single melody transcends the internet and ignites an entire stadium? On this episode of The Super Fan Diaries, we’re diving deep into the viral phenomenon that is Carolina MiC. You’ve heard the voice, you’ve seen the money toss, and you’ve definitely wondered: why $150,000? Host J.R. Green sits down with Michael Malloy to uncover the enigmatic origin of the anthem that turned a "goofy dad" from Minnesota into a Carolina Panthers legend. From the surreal moment of hearing 70,000 fans echo his lyrics at Bank of America Stadium to the secret "Professor-level" vocabulary that fuels his creativity, this is more than just a story about a viral hit—it’s a journey into the heart of NFL and NBA fandom. Stick around for an exclusive sneak peek of his newest single, "Press Play," and discover what it truly feels like to live a double life as a suburban Bruce Wayne and a Charlotte superstar. You won't believe what inspired that oddly specific number, but to get the full story, you’ll have to listen for yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

From Cave Walls to the Colosseum: The Ancient Origins of Sports Fans

The kick is up, and the kick is good! Welcome back to The Superfan Diaries with your host, JR Green, but today, we’re stepping out of the modern stadiums and taking a journey 20,000 years into the past to uncover the true, hidden history of fandom. Long before the NFL, before jerseys, and before the very first tailgate, human beings were already die-hard fans—but what exactly were they cheering for? From the ancient, torch-lit walls of the Lascaux caves to the deafening, earth-shaking roar of the Roman Colosseum, we are diving deep into the primal psychology of sports fans to answer the ultimate question: why do we care so much? Discover the ancient origins behind why we paint our faces, why underdog stories drive our culture, and the centuries-old secret behind "bread and circuses" that perfectly explains your undying loyalty to your home team. The origin of sports fandom isn’t about the game at all; it’s about a deeply wired human survival instinct that you probably never even realized you had. Hit play to uncover the ancient secret behind your loudest cheers, because to be human is to belong, and to belong is to be a fan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]