Behind the Mic: The Podcast

Jason Shepherd has been a BYU sports fan for a long time and doesn't mind proclaiming his fandom over the airwaves. Cleon Wall feels a bit differently. The two talk about how Shepherd got into broadcasting, which young Cougar football players could see more playing time in the final home game, and the "grand experiment" known as BYU basketball.

14 University of Wyoming football players were kicked off their team in 1969 for wanting to protest BYU. But a new documentary film from BYU's journalism program shows how the Black 14 and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have reconciled and are working together to help those who desperately need food. But first, former Cougar wide receiver Mitch Juergens knows a thing or two about losing streaks. Just like this year's team, he suffered through two four-game skids. Juergens talks about how his team handled it and if team-only meetings work.

BYUtv and BYUradio spend countless hours preparing fans for the Cougar's home football games. Have you ever wondered about how they pull it off? We give you an insider's "listen" at how they do it.

Home and family is the theme of this episode. BYU Men's basketball point guard Rudi Williams explains why he has bounced around the country playing basketball before finally calling Provo his home. Davin and Creed Thompson remain close as brothers and cross country runners, but a family tragedy helped make them into the men and racers they are today. But first, what do you do when the Cougar faithful in the home stands scream for change? Former BYU QB and broadcaster Blaine Fowler has all the answers.

Jason Shepherd and Dave Phillips, Jr. join Cleon Wall to talk about the story of BYU football’s season and the storylines we expect through the rest of the season. BYU women’s basketball star-in-the-making Nani Falatea gets ready to take over for the stars who have left the program. Cougar soccer forward Ellie Maughn talks about why this season has been different. And BYU long snappers Austin Riggs and Britton Hogan explain the art of long snapping.

BYU is playing in Las Vegas for the 18th time, and this one is a big one against Notre Dame. So, we expanded our coverage of the game. Ben Bagley of BYU SportsNation stops by to discuss the trending topics for this week, Dave McCann talks up the Cougars playing in Vegas often, Lauren McClain elaborates on Knute Rockne teaching at BYU, and Greg Wrubell reflects on his first time watching the Cougars and Irish play at Notre Dame stadium. You'll also hear from Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and BYUtv's Jarom Jordan.

Mitchell Juergens and Spencer Linton join the program to talk about what it’s like standing on the sidelines in a hostile environment. Juergens also breaks down what it’s like when a Cougar teammate decides to transfer. Spencer shares his favorite stadium venues and what’s happening with the BYU women’s soccer team before conference play begins.

Former BYU linebacker David Nixon was worried. He thought the Cougar's defense would wear down against Baylor after BYU's rushing attack struggled to gain traction. Nixon explains why the Cougar defenders flourished, why he doesn't like hockey line substitutions, and his favorite stadium to play on the road. Then, Amy Gant reveals how she transitioned from volleyball player to television analyst, if BYU’s tough early season schedule will help the team, and how Whitney Bower is able to make the right call as a setter.

BYU Sports Network color analyst Riley Nelson has been impressed with the Cougar's offense but still wants to see more from in their game against Baylor. Nelson also explains how he lobbied to become BYU's analyst and the radio mentor he had growing up. Then Rachel Jorgensen stops by to explain how she got the job as BYU's soccer analyst, why Jennifer Rockwood's teams are so successful, and then tries to teach Cleon the intricacies of the beautiful game. It's not easy!

Greg Wrubell, the voice of the BYU Cougars, started Behind the Mic as a once-a-week radio show featuring current and former Cougars. It has changed since the inaugural show, and now it's changing again. A once-a-week show has returned, but with a twist. Cleon Wall will interview BYU sports broadcasters on their unique insights into the game’s fans love to watch. Wrubell returns as a guest this time to talk about his two-plus decades calling BYU games and the storyline of this football season. Then, former Cougar QB Blaine Fowler reflects on how he got into broadcasting BYU sports and how Jaren Hall looks different this season.