In Layman's Terms

Steve Layman visits with Belmont men's basketball assistant coach Luke Smith. The pair discuss Belmont's strong start to the season, including impressive undefeated pre-Christmas record away from home by a combined margin of 150 points, team chemistry and connectedness on defense, and placement in national college basketball metrics. Smith shares his unique and circuitous route from Knoxville Catholic, to Sewanee, then emerging as an Academic All-American at Belmont, and eventually coaching. Layman sparks conversation on some of the great players in Belmont history, and how players like Grayson Murphy and Nick Muszynski would stack up past, present, and future. Smith also shares about finding purpose and life calling at Belmont, his friendships with teammates, and what it is like to be on head coach Casey Alexander's staff. Smith opens up about being the son of a coach, ways to unwind outside of basketball, and favorite vacation destinations.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont men's basketball guard Nic McClain. The pair discuss McClain's circuitous route to Belmont, from rural north Florida to junior college to Eastern Washington and ultimately the Belmont campus. McClain shares stories of growing up, lessons learned, patience through adversity, and his excitement level for the 2025-26 season. Layman sparks conversation on how McClain stays connected with his older brother and Belmont legend Kevin McClain - including tales of Kevin's game-winning shot at UCLA and his heroic performance in victory in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. McClain also shares insight on Belmont head coach Casey Alexander and the Bruin coaching staff, how he's building relationships with his teammates, and enjoying the Belmont sport administration program. McClain also opens up about his favorite places to visit in Nashville and his love for the outdoors and music.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont sport administration professor of practice Erin Ryder. The pair discuss Ryder's life journey, from her story as a championship field hockey student-athlete to a career in television and film. Ryder shares personal stories about being opportunistic and grateful for her career trajectory, which includes credits for NBC Olympics, ESPN, and her role in helping launch Thursday Night Football on Amazon. Layman sparks conversation on the rise of women's sports domestically and internationally, how Nashville has become a sports and entertainment it-city, and how dynamic personalities like Caitlin Clark and Livvy Dunne can elevate all female sports. Events such as the NCAA Volleyball showcase in Nashville and the NCAA Women's Final Four are also discussed. Ryder also opens up about her motivation behind launching Playmakers Nashville to benefit women in sport and how she got connected at Belmont as a new professor of practice within the sport administration program.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont senior associate athletic director/SWA Renee Schultz. The pair discuss Schultz's journey from the pacific northwest to Belmont as a women's soccer student-athlete and how Belmont has become her professional life calling. Schultz shares about personal connection to student-athletes and community members, her excitement level for the coming academic year, and reflects upon Bruin achievements in 2024-25 - including the MVC Academic Trophy. Layman sparks conversation on the opportunities and challenges of the current college athletics landscape, and how well-positioned Belmont is as a university and athletic department. Belmont Softball's historic season and a forecast of the fall and winter sports is also discussed.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont starting pitcher and newest member of the Detroit Tigers' organization, Joe Ruzicka. The pair discuss Ruzicka's preparation and emotions leading into this year's MLB Entry Draft and living out a childhood dream. Ruzicka shares about overcoming adversity and locking in to emerge as the 2025 MVC Pitcher of the Year. Ruzicka provides revealing thoughts his own personal growth under Dave Jarvis and AJ Gaura, and his spiritual growth and development as a student at Belmont. Ruzicka opens up about growing up in St. Louis, and having a connection to former Belmont men's basketball standout and leading NBA skills development trainer Drew Hanlen. Layman sparks conversation what is next for Belmont University and the Belmont Baseball program, the strength of baseball in the MVC, and his summer training leading into reporting to the Tigers.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont softball head coach Laura Matthews. The pair discuss Belmont's highly-successful regular season, which included marquee victories over Arizona State, Purdue and Maryland (x2). Matthews shares about how she managed expectations, approached scheduling, and navigated adversity, in large part due to leadership from her Bruin upperclassmen. Matthews provides revealing thoughts about the transformational changes at Rose Park, and how she and her coaching staff have forged strong bonds with the baseball and soccer coaches. Matthews also addresses personal challenges in coaching during COVID, overseeing the Wright State softball program when the university elected to no longer sponsor the sport, and seeing things to the other side in her native Nashville at Belmont. Layman sparks conversation on standout pitcher Maya Johnson and the qualities she possesses to rank among the nation's best. The pair also preview the MVC Softball Tournament, and get a laugh about Matthews' dream job.

Steve Layman visits with Delta Dental of Tennessee Senior Vice President, Brand Experience Missy Acosta to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Belmont Athletics and Delta Dental of Tennessee. Layman and Acosta discuss the importance of wearing mouthguards during sport competition as Delta Dental is a leading advocate for Youth Sports Safety Month during April. Acosta praised Belmont coaches, such as Casey Alexander and Bart Brooks, as being generous partners to amplify the Delta Dental message, and the synergy between the Belmont University and Delta Dental missions. Layman and Acosta also discussed Delta Dental's far-reaching presence on the Belmont campus, including the lobby of the Crockett Center for Athletic Excellence, and basketball gameday in the Curb Event Center. For instance, Delta Dental mascot Marshall Molar is friends with Belmont mascot, Bruiser, and that has led to wonderful memories for children and families. The pair also highlight new initiatives for Delta Dental of Tennessee in the months to come.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont women's basketball head coach Bart Brooks. The pair reflect upon Belmont's historic run to the WBIT championship game, its unforgettable comeback victory over Northern Arizona, memories of competing in Hinkle Fieldhouse, and representing Belmont on a national stage on ESPN. Brooks shares his general coaching philosophies, and how this year's team - and senior class - holds a special place in his heart. Layman and Brooks also speak to the changing landscape of college athletics, how basketball programs are navigating the transfer portal, name-image-likeness, the pending House settlement, and rampant misinformation and tampering within the game. Brooks shares about his love of Belmont University, the influence hall of fame coach Doug Bruno has had on his coaching and life, and embracing a leadership role on campus. Bart reveals what inspires him, how energized he is about the future of NCAA women's basketball and positioning Belmont to have a rightful place among the nation's best.

Steve Layman visits with Boston Globe sports editor emeritus Joe Sullivan and Belmont associate athletic director and broadcast color analyst Greg Sage for a roundtable discussion of Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball. The three provide an overview of the conference regularseason, including insider perspective on how the Belmont Bruins have navigated the season and blended newcomers and returning players to earn a 15th consecutive 20-win season. They also share views on Drake's historic season, itsworthy national attention and NCAA Tournament at-large resume. Steve leads an engaging conversation on MVC postseason awards, including a 'player draft' of All-MVC players. They also express their thoughts on the MVC Men's Basketball Tournament and provide analysis of the field.

Steve Layman sits down with Belmont Baseball head coach Dave Jarvis for a wide-ranging conversation. The pair preview the upcoming Bruin baseball season, Jarvis' optimism on pitching and leadership, and the benefits of playing in a proven, nationally-regarded conference like the Missouri Valley Conference. They delve into enhancements to E.S. Rose Park - including an indoor training facility and new scoreboard - and the ability to host Kentucky and Notre Dame this season. Jarvis also reflects on his recent induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame and the prospects of Major League Baseball in Nashville. Layman and Jarvis discuss the current landscape within college athletics, finding work-life balance and building relationships with players.