1st and Now

The offseason has kicked into high gear as free agency is just around the corner. Lions' analyst Giulio Caravatta joins Matt and Nik to break down the key re-signings so far and what the squad might look to address when the market opens. Giulio also gives a solid account of the current state of Canadian quarterbacks. The fellas also discuss their favourite parts of the 2025 schedule and branch out during the always-entertaining 'Go For It Or Punt' and 'They Not Like Us' segments.

0:00 - Intro

3:16 - 2025 schedule release

10:44 - Lions re-signings

15:28 - Arrow Up: Home Turf episodes

17:53 - Giulio Caravatta interview

39:00 - Debate: which U.S. state has the best CFL players?

43:48 - Go For It or Punt

55:22 - They Not Like Us

Bo Lokombo joins Matt and Nik on the heels of his retirement from football to recap some of his fondest memories as a Lion, both on and off the field. The linebacker leaves a lasting legacy as both a player and someone who gave back to his community, most recently as a proud ambassador for World Vision Canada.

In the 2025 season premiere of 1st and Now, Matt & Nik have plenty to talk about! From key player transactions to the coaching staff being assembled by Buck Pierce, the season prep. is in full force. The boys also talk with linebacker Josh Woods on both his injury recovery and the tragic fire situation in Los Angeles. To close it out, it’s an NFL-themed version of both ‘Go For It Or Punt’ or ‘They Not Like Us.’

0:00 - Intro

1:34 - Dejon Allen trade

5:10 - Sean Whyte extension

6:40 - Garry Peters extension

9:16 - Tibo Debaillie extension

10:32 - Riley Pickett extension

12:16 - James Butler, RB signings

17:30 - BC coaching staff announcement

24:00 - Josh Woods interview

44:12 - Arrow Up update

46:23 - Go For It or Punt

Matt and Nik bring you the final episode of 2024 which happens to come on the same day 2023 Most Outstanding Defensive Player Mathieu Betts signed for two more years. The boys break that and a few other transactions down, talk about their favourite Christmas gifts of all time and have some fun with our 'Go For It Or Punt' and 'They Not Like Us' segments! Happy Holidays to all of our great listeners!

0:00 - Intro

0:55 - Mathieu Betts signs two-year extension

8:36 - BC Lions signings, pending free agents

20:24 - Arrow Up update

23:24 - Holiday season talk

26:05 - Go For It or Punt

33:36 - They Not Like Us

It's been a big week for the BC Lions as Buck Pierce was officially sworn in as the team's 28th head coach. Buck joins this week's episode to reflect on arriving in Canada nearly 20 years ago, his greatest Lion memories, rising through the coaching ranks in Winnipeg and he also answers questions from fans in our latest mailbag. Matt and Nik also give their thoughts on the hire and branch out in our Go For It Or Punt and a new segment titled "They Not Like Us."

0:00 - Intro, 0:32 - Buck Pierce announced as head coach, 11:52 - Vernon Adams Jr. trade, 18:17 - Buck Pierce interview, 41:13 - Go For It or Punt, 49:40 - They Not Like Us.

Matt and Nik break down the Lions' big week of moves while saluting Rick Campbell's job one day after he left the organization. The boys also recap an exciting and fulfilling Grey Cup week for Vancouver and discuss the Argonauts' victory with Ben Grant from XsandArgos, TSN 1050 and Three Down Nation.

Matt and Nik return with some post-mortem as the Lions fell short once again in their quest for a seventh Grey Cup. The fellas look back at key moments in the loss to Saskatchewan and look ahead to this weekend's division finals plus set the stage for what will still be a fun week of festivities as Vancouver gets set to host the 111th Grey Cup.

It’s s jam-packed edition of the podcast as Matt and Nik preview all of the key storylines for Saturday’s Western Semi-Final in Saskatchewan. Hear from Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta, head coach Rick Campbell, defensive back Garry Peters plus a discussion with CJME Regina’s Jamie Nye. November in the CFL has arrived!

0:00 - Intro

1:34 - Week 20 vs Montreal, regular season recap

5:21 - Rick Campbell Oct. 29 media snippet

8:26 - Garry Peters Oct. 29 media snippet

13:40 - Giulio Caravatta interview

20:27 - Western Semi-Final at Saskatchewan preview

25:24 - Jamie Nye interview

40:59 - Eastern Semi-Final talk

43:34 - Go For It or Punt

Matt and Nik bring you the final regular season podcast of 2024 before the playoff fun begins in two weeks! The fellas break down the quarterback change and keys to entering the playoffs on a high and also speak with Alexander Hollins on the vibe following last week's loss in Regina. Plus, Vernon Adams Jr, Nathan Rourke

and Rick Campbell make post-practice appearances.

Matt and Nik are extra fired up after a victory and ready to go into hostile territory as the Lions prepare for a big tilt with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday. You will hear from head coach Rick Campbell and defensive lineman Mathieu Betts on the keys to victory and the fellas also preview three other games across week 19 in the CFL. The fun wraps up with our always-entertaining 'Go For It Or Punt' segment.