Colby Blaine is the 2023 NAIA men's basketball national championship winning coach with the College of Idaho. During his 6 years as the head coach, Colby has built C of I into a powerhouse program, one who believes in themselves and their talent. He strives to bring the best out of each of his players and what they bring to the table. A three time CCC coach of the year, a one time NAIA NABA coach of the year, and the 2020 NAIA Division II coach of the year, Colby knows a thing or two about building a successful program. 

Colby joins the Chalk Talk crew to talk about the C of I journey of creating one of the most feared programs in the nation that is built upon the togetherness of each member of their team, how they go about finding the next generation of Yotes, and retaining each student-athlete for the long term development of the team. Enjoy!

Imbler Track and Field head coach Heidi Bowers joins the Chalk Talk crew as they discuss the Imbler Track and Field project and the hard work they have put in to fundraising for a new track, lights, and modern facility to bring their program up to speed. This hasn't deterred Heidi as she has been coaching for 33 years and has 11 state champion athletes. Join us as we figure out how fundraising has been going, how to help, also how Heidi strives to bring the best out in every student-athlete. 

To help the Imbler Track and Field project, visit www.imblertrack.org.  

Blake Franklin is a man of many talents and although one of the busiest guys you'll ever meet, Blake is the first guy to lend his time to anyone in need. Blake Franklin joins the Chalk Talk crew as they talk about his journey into health and fitness, finding his correct path, his faith and the turns and influences he met along the way that guided him to where he is today. Blake is a doctor of physical therapy and owner of Kaizen Training and Nutrition. He loves to help all athletes along their journey to being the best version of themselves. He volunteers his time with Young Life, as well as hiking, spike ball, and just about any to keep himself active. Enjoy The Blake Franklin Episode!

To learn more about Kaizen Training and Nutrition visit https://www.kaizentrainingandnutrition.com/. To check out Blake's podcast, check out The Eastern Oregon Connection anywhere you get your podcasts. 

Dustyn Azure has led the comeback for wrestling at Eastern Oregon University and has made them a well known name in the nation as he enters his eighth season at the helm he strives to help instill values that will not only take them to victories on the mat but also in the real world. Chris and Jordan sit down with the two time conference coach of the year to learn about philosophy, what he looks for in student-athletes, and what makes a Mountaineer wrestler. Enjoy!

Josh Goodman although a young coach, is making an impact at one of the most well known programs, Eastern Oregon University women's soccer, of the last decade in the nation. Just off his rookie season at the helm, Goodman sits down with Chris and Jordan to talk shop about what it was like, what he learned under his mentors, his first season in charge, and his love and pain for his Eagles and Man United. Sit back, relax, and enjoy season two, episode two with Josh Goodman.

Don't worry, Chalk Talk is back! Chris Gianandrea and Jordan Hillmick return to the mics to fill you in on where they have been, recap season one, and talk about life events that changed a lot of things. Catch up with the guys as they get ready to launch season two and sneak peak the upcoming guests. 

Also, thank you for your support for Chalk Talk! We had over 1,300 downloads for the first season which is incredible. At one point, Chalk Talk was statistically top 40% of podcasts being listened during season one. Thank you again!

The Chalk Talk crew sit down with women's professional hockey player Reagan Rust of the Metropolitan Riveters. Reagan is an avid hockey player and mental health advocate and owner of the Female Athlete Society (@femaleathletesociety on Instagram). Reagan has continued to push and break through the hockey ranks and taking her talents overseas to Budapest, Hungary, Canada, Sweden and was chosen to represent USA in the 2017 IIHF Women's World Championships. 

Reagan was an amazing guest we cannot wait for you to listen to her interview. Enjoy the Reagan Rust episode!

Chris and Jordan sit down to talk with Klel Carson, LHS wrestling coach with 30 years of coaching experience, coaching some of the top wrestlers in the state of Oregon earning 11 OSAA placement trophies, 4 team state championships, multiple coach of the year awards, and 28 individual state champions. An overall nice guy and a legendary coach in the region, join the Chalk Talk crew as they sit down with Klel Carson!

Chris and Jordan get to sit down with the one, the only Dan Abrahams! Dan Abrahams is a sport psychologist working alongside individuals, teams, coaches and organizations globally. He is the author of four best-selling sport psychology books and is the founder of both the Dan Abrahams Soccer Academy and The Sport Psych Show podcast. A former professional golfer and PGA qualified, Dan has a First Class Honors degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Sport Psychology. 

On this episode we talk about what Dan is passionate about in his studies, how he got to where he is today, and how he approaches his clients to help better themselves through the use of psychology. Enjoy!

The Chalk Talk crew get to sit down with Michael Fields, resident of La Grande who has coached pretty much every youth sport there is and continues to stay busy and one of the most involved community members in Eastern Oregon. Michael Fields has over fourteen years of experience coaching football.  He has coached youth to high school as a head coach, offensive and defensive coordinator, special teams, and position coach.  His football coaching career began in Indianapolis, IN as a middle school coach for 4 seasons. There he coached offensive and defensive lineman then 2 years as defensive coordinator, special team’s coordinator and his final year as head coach. 

Fields spent two years in New Mexico coaching youth football before moving to La Grande in 2015.  He coached Optimist football and flag football for the first three years, then moved up to help at the middle school in 2018.  In 2019, he joined the high school staff for the undefeated state championship season.  After serving as the freshman head coach for 4 years, in 2022 he began serving as the head JV coach and offensive coordinator.  He helps the varsity program with QBs, RBs and LBs as well as helping with special teams’ coordination.  He’s the endzone camera operator on Friday nights and coordinates the film for the team.

Over the past decade and half, Fields has worked youth and high school football skills camps helping to develop players and coaches.  In addition to football, Fields has also coached softball for UC Lightning (USA softball), La Grande Fire basketball(AAU), and previously Little League baseball. Michael also spends his free time writing articles in two separate football coaching magazines.