The Leverett Ball Show

3-Time Emmy Winner Josh Canu Talks Celtics, Red Sox & Patriots Controversies

What’s it really like working behind the scenes at NBC Sports Boston during one of the wildest periods in Boston sports history? On this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Leverett Ball sits down with , a three-time Emmy-winning editor at NBC Sports Boston, to discuss his career in sports media, covering the Boston Celtics, and the nonstop chaos surrounding Boston sports. Josh shares how he went from studying broadcasting at Ithaca College to building a successful career in television production and sports editing. He also talks about winning Emmy Awards, working behind the scenes in sports TV, and what it’s like covering teams like the Celtics, Patriots, Bruins, and Red Sox on a daily basis. The conversation also dives into: * The Celtics’ playoff disappointment * The Patriots and Mike Vrabel controversy * Red Sox struggles and Alex Cora’s firing * How sports media works behind the scenes * The evolution of social media in sports journalism * Why NFL coverage dominates Boston sports media * Josh Canu’s journey from on-air aspirations to Emmy-winning editor If you enjoy sports media, Boston sports, the NBA, NFL discussions, or behind-the-scenes broadcasting stories, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more interviews with athletes, broadcasters, entertainers, and sports personalities on The Leverett Ball Show. #BostonSports #NBCSportsBoston #Celtics #Patriots #RedSox #SportsMedia #NBA #NFL #JoshCanu #LeverettBallShow Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Noah Katz Became a Savannah Bananas Umpire and Social Media Star

What does it take to turn umpiring into a viral brand? In this episode, Noah Katz—creator of the wildly popular Umpire Channel and Savannah Bananas umpire—shares how he built a massive following by showing sports from a perspective most fans never see. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN * How Noah Katz grew his first video to 300,000 views almost overnight * Why umpiring content works in a crowded sports media space * The strategy behind building a niche brand with little competition * How social media can change public perception of sports officials * What it’s like umpiring for the Savannah Bananas in front of massive crowds EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * 00:00 – Introduction to Noah Katz and the Umpire Channel * 02:00 – The viral video that started it all * 05:30 – Why umpiring content took off on TikTok * 10:00 – Changing how fans view sports officials * 15:00 – Journey to the Savannah Bananas * 22:00 – Balancing college, athletics, and content creation * 28:00 – Turning a side project into a full-time career * 35:00 – Advice for aspiring creators and sports officials MEET THE GUEST Noah Katz is the creator behind the Umpire Channel, one of the most popular officiating-focused platforms on social media, and an on-field umpire for the Savannah Bananas. CLOSING INSIGHT Noah’s journey proves that success often comes from finding a unique angle that others overlook. By focusing on a niche and staying consistent, he turned a part-time job into a full-time career and a growing media brand. Follow the Umpire Channel on all platforms and subscribe to The Leverett Ball Show for more conversations with athletes, creators, and industry insiders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Klecko: From Underdog to NFL Legend

What does it take to go from overlooked to legendary? In this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Klecko shares his incredible journey from working a trucking job and playing semi-pro football to becoming one of the most dominant defensive linemen in NFL history. Joe opens up about his rise with the New York Jets, the dominance of the “New York Sack Exchange,” and what it was like striking fear into quarterbacks across the league. He also reflects on his long-awaited Hall of Fame induction and the emotional moment when Joe Namath delivered the news. Beyond football, Joe dives into life after the NFL, including overcoming financial setbacks, building a successful career in construction, and how his faith and work with Catholic Athletes for Christ shaped his second chapter. What You’ll Learn: .How Joe Klecko went from unknown prospect to NFL superstar .Inside the legendary New York Sack Exchange defense .The mindset that helped him dominate multiple positions .Life after football, including business success and setbacks .The role of faith, family, and purpose beyond the game ️ Timestamps: 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O4rSWtb8Go] – Intro & early life before football 03:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O4rSWtb8Go&t=210s] – Playing semi-pro under an alias 08:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O4rSWtb8Go&t=495s] – Dominating with the NY Sack Exchange 14:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O4rSWtb8Go&t=885s] – Versatility across defensive positions 20:10 – Retirement and life after the NFL 26:30 – Faith, business, and personal growth 34:20 – Hall of Fame induction story 41:00 – Family, legacy, and future plans Joe Klecko’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and relentless work ethic—on and off the field. Subscribe for more interviews with elite athletes, entertainers, and leaders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Love Is Blind’s Ashley Carpenter on Dating Red Flags, Reality TV & Self-Worth

What really happens after Love Is Blind ends—and what can it teach you about relationships? In this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Love Is Blind contestant Ashley Carpenter shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at her experience on the hit Netflix dating show, including her relationship with Alex, her decision at the altar, and how the show changed her perspective on love, self-worth, and personal growth. Ashley opens up about navigating public attention while working a full-time job, dealing with online criticism, and staying grounded through it all. She also dives into deeper relationship topics like recognizing red flags, overcoming toxic dynamics, and why trusting your intuition is critical when dating. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: * What Love Is Blind is really like behind the scenes * Why Ashley Carpenter said no at the altar * How to recognize toxic or manipulative relationships * The importance of asking hard questions in dating * How to maintain confidence and self-worth after a breakup EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * Ashley’s life before and after Love Is Blind * Her relationship with Alex and what went wrong * Dealing with hate and public scrutiny * Viral moments from the show and what viewers didn’t see * Advice for anyone struggling in unhealthy relationships Ashley also shares powerful insights from her past experiences, including being in a toxic, manipulative relationship, and how that shaped her approach to love today. Her message is clear: know your worth, trust your gut, and never settle. If you're a fan of Love Is Blind or interested in dating advice, personal growth, and real conversations about relationships, this episode delivers both insight and authenticity. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share if you enjoy conversations like this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside the Life of Actor Laith Wallschleger: NFL Dreams, Hollywood Roles & Hustle

What does it really take to go from pro football dreams to landing roles in hit shows like NCIS, Stranger Things, and All American? In this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Leverett sits down with actor and former professional football player Laith Wallschleger to break down his unconventional journey into Hollywood. From playing Rob Gronkowski on screen to sleeping in his car early in his career, Laith shares the real story behind chasing a dream in a highly competitive industry. They dive into the transition from athletics to acting, the realities of making a living in entertainment, and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty, rejection, and opportunity. Laith also shares insights on building multiple income streams, staying grounded, and why betting on yourself is often the only path forward. Whether you're pursuing acting, sports, or any non-traditional career, this episode offers a raw and honest look at what it takes to succeed. What You’ll Learn: .How Laith transitioned from football to acting .What it’s like playing Rob Gronkowski on screen .The reality of breaking into Hollywood without connections .How to manage uncertainty and rejection in competitive industries .Why living below your means can create long-term freedom ️ Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Playing Rob Gronkowski and going viral 06:30 – From arena football to first acting role 12:45 – Why he chose acting over a finance career 18:10 – The reality of life as a working actor 24:30 – Building multiple income streams in entertainment 30:15 – Balancing career, relationships, and personal life 36:40 – Advice for aspiring actors and creators Closing Insight: “You only get one life, and it goes by fast. If you’re going to do it, do it.” If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone chasing their own path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.