Most camps train your strike zone. John Porter trains your autopilot. In this episode we break down why great umpires treat every game like an audition—and how the right partnership can turn knowledge, skill, and attitude into a schedule you’ll love.

John Porter served for over two decades as the Coordinator of Baseball Umpires for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). He is known for creating modern, cutting-edge training programs and has served as a teacher in numerous umpire development clinics across the United States.

The conversation delves into the world of umpire training and development, highlighting the importance of professional development and leadership. It explores the challenges in umpire training, the role of camps and training initiatives, and cutting-edge training techniques.

Additionally, it discusses real-time feedback, the influence of technology on umpiring, and unique training methods and teaching experience. The conversation delves into the art of teaching and the importance of partnership in the context of umpiring. It emphasizes the need for realistic expectations and the investment in self and others to achieve improvement.

Takeaways

• Umpire Training and Development
• Importance of Professional Development Teaching requires partnership and realistic expectations
• Investment in self and others leads to improvement

What really matters with the lights go out and the crowd goes home? Scott Erby was struck in the face mask by a 96-mph fastball during a Vanderbilt vs. Stanford game. He was forced to leave the game but was able to walk off the field.

After being a three-time veteran College World Series umpire and umpiring supervisor for the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), cancer was his next challenge. Father of two, Scott Erby, talks frankly about what really matters.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Enduring Camaraderie in the Locker Room
• 14:18 Defining Success and Redefining Purpose
• 48:53 Reflections on Umpiring Career

Today we are asking a simple question with BIG consequences. Do you simply react to the climate in your sport's environment or are you intentional about setting the tone for your crew, coaches, and players from the moment you walk through the gate?

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding the Thermometer and Thermostat
• 05:21 Maintaining Composure and Communication
• 14:18 Setting the Tone Before the Game
• 25:36 Crew Dynamics and Teamwork
• 45:05 Handling Player Interactions
• 52:36 Conclusion and Takeaways

Every night you lace up, you protect the game’s integrity—but who’s protecting the money you earn from it?

Welcome to The Gameday Travelcast, the place where sports officials at every level turn game checks into real financial progress, instead of disappearing cash in the glove box or concession stand.

If you’ve ever ended a season wondering, “Where did all that money go?” this is where we blow the whistle on bad money habits, break down simple plays for your officiating income, and help you build a future that lasts long after your last game.

So grab your rulebook and your schedule—Donnie is here to help you review the toughest calls you make off the field and make sure every game fee you earn has a job, a purpose, and a plan.

Audra Harrison is climbing fast—and taking notes every step of the way. This week on the Game Day Travelcast, we sit down with Audra, one of the officiating world’s brightest rising stars. From high school gyms to championship courts, her journey is powered by mentorship, film study, and an unshakable drive to level up.

Hear how she uses every trip—from the driveway to the locker room—as a chance to sharpen her edge, build gratitude, and prepare for the next big moment. Audra breaks down the game day habits, mentors, and mindset that turned her potential into performance on the court. Listen as she opens up about film work, feedback, and the championship moments that proved she was ready.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn potential into performance, you don’t want to miss this episode.

Tags: #gamedaytravelcast #officialsjourney #sportsofficials #basketballofficiating #audraharrison #newpodcast

It’s a masterclass in focus, composure, and the art of earning respect 90 feet at a time. Hear how Natola Hawthorne keeps the game—and herself—in the best possible zone.

Today’s guest reminds us what happens when the focus shifts from the game to the person behind the plate. Natola Hawthorne isn’t just calling balls and strikes, she’s breaking barriers. As one of the first women to make her mark in a sport long defined by men, her journey speaks to courage, discipline, and undeniable skill.

In this episode, we go beyond the box score. Natola talks about what it really takes to stay sharp and credible in an era when every pitch is on film, and every call is under review. We’ll dig into her approach to game management, the mental grind of the season, and how she mentors the next wave of umpires chasing the same level of excellence.

Sports official podcast guest is Scott Taylor — former NCAA Division II National Coordinator of Umpires with over 50 years in the profession. Hear a true sports official “lifer” share his experience in moving up from driving Hugos and Smart Cars to BMWs and Cadillacs. Explore professionalism, communication, and trust factors in advancement with a guy who owns the front seat in the industry. Dave Brown, Caleb Groom, and Chris Daniels ask the questions you are thinking about. If you care about the craft of umpiring and the integrity of the game, you’re going to love this one.

Podcast for all Sports Officials debut with Dave Brown, Caleb Groom, and Chris Daniels. Not a “gotcha” podcast, but a place for personal growth, education, and encouragement. Goal: Focus on the whole official. This is about getting better on and off the field of play. Tell us what you liked about this podcast. What moments hit home? How can we do better?