In Layman's Terms

Steve Layman sits down with Bruin Club Executive Director Russell Grimm for a holiday-themed edition of the podcast. The pair open with reflections from Belmont's victory at Richmond, which served as this year's athletic donor trip. A record-number of Belmont supporters attended, and Grimm shared his perspective in executing the trip from conception to reality. Grimm also sheds light about how previous professional experiences at Michigan, Boston College and VCU shaped his journey and fundraising lens, and how he applies lessons within his current role. Layman and Grimm share thoughts on the rise of Belmont University's profile, and how the Belmont MSA program set the stage for Grimm to return to Nashville. The pair discuss present opportunities and challenges in the current landscape, including the House case, the proposed revenue-sharing model, NIL, transfer portal, and conference realignment. Layman and Grimm also discuss college basketball, strength in the MVC in men's and women's basketball, and how Belmont is positioning itself for the next iteration of college athletics.

Steve Layman sits down with CBS Sports & ESPN game analyst/reporter Kelly Burke for a compelling conversation on the state of college athletics and the rise of NCAA women's basketball. Burke shares her personal journey from a student-athlete at Arizona State University, to local news, and ultimately, network game coverage. The pair share insights on Belmont and the Missouri Valley Conference in a rapidly changing landscape, a seemingly seminal moment and inflection point for women's sports, and the health of the Bruin program under Bart Brooks' leadership. Layman and Burke also share perspective for aspiring broadcasters and professional communicators.

Steve Layman sits down with Belmont Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Corley for an engaging conversation on the eve of college basketball season. The pair discuss the state of college athletics, how the preliminary approval of the House case impacts all NCAA Division I institutions, including Belmont, and other front-of-mind issues including revenue sharing, conference affiliation and the shift to roster limits from scholarship limits. Corley adds stories from his experiences playing for Hall of Fame coach Rick Byrd, and how lessons from Byrd have shaped his leadership. Layman and Corley also discuss positive momentum in the Missouri Valley Conference, appreciation for Casey Alexander and Bart Brooks and opportunities to leverage basketball in the years to come.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont men's basketball legend Grayson Murphy for an update on his professional playing career and reflections on his journey at Belmont. The pair discuss his experiences as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Summer League team, including playing with Bronny James and Dalton Knecht. Murphy shares about his path to Belmont, how playing for Coach Byrd and Coach Alexander prepared him for professional basketball, comparisons to T.J. McConnell, and balancing career and life as a newlywed. Layman and Murphy also reflect upon the historic 2019 season, NCAA Tournament memories, NBA thoughts on Ben Sheppard and Dylan Windler and Belmont's place in the NCAA.

Steve Layman sits down with Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner Jeff Jackson for a lively and revealing conversation about the state of college athletics. The pair discuss present opportunities and challenges in the current landscape, including the House case, the proposed revenue-sharing model, NIL, transfer portal, and conference realignment. Jackson shares how the Missouri Valley Conference's history, tradition and track record of excellence through the generations has it well-positioned. Layman and Jackson also discuss college basketball, strength in the MVC in men's and women's basketball, and how MVC membership values Belmont University.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont Softball standout pitcher Maya Johnson, for a revealing conversation about her unique journey to Nashville. The pair discuss Johnson's childhood in her native Ohio, an early love of kickboxing, her competitive nature, how and when she turned to softball, and ultimately developed into one of the most accomplished pitchers in college softball. Johnson also shared personal stories of her own health and wellness journey, how a rare autoimmune condition nearly ended her college career before it started and how a reunion with Coach Laura Matthews has proven providential on and off the field. Johnson also delves into balancing athletics and her nursing degree studies and how she credits her teammates for team success.

Steve Layman chats with Indiana Pacers/Indiana Fever beat writer Scott Agness for a compelling conversation about a variety of topics impacting basketball. The pair discuss Belmont legend Ben Sheppard and his rise in the NBA. How Sheppard expressed his Pacer teammates, coaches and front office with his optimism, work ethic and team-first approach. And how the wing earned a major role in the Pacers' NBA playoff run. Agness also shares his experiences covering Caitlin Clark, how she has transcended sport, and parallels in her approach to another Indianapolis sporting legend, Peyton Manning.

Steve Layman sits down with Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones for an engaging, and wide-ranging conversation. The pair discuss Belmont legend Ben Sheppard and his rise in the NBA, embracing exciting partnerships and initiatives on campus, and staying rooted in Belmont's 'North Star' of Jesus Christ. Jones delves into his love of sport, his admiration for Belmont student-athletes and coaches and his relationships at Baylor and Duke, including Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Layman and Jones also discuss the state of college athletics, the present and future of higher education and Belmont's role in equipping and leadership formation.

Steve Layman visits with Montana State assistant director of media and Belmont MSA alumnus Noah Syverson. The two discuss Syverson's upbringing as the son of a coach, his connections to Nashville, Georgia and Montana, and his personal journey from Berry College to Belmont and beyond. Syverson also shares about his enriching educational and professional experiences in the Belmont MSA program, the unique circumstances that led him to Montana State, and the Bobcats' remarkable ride during men's basketball season. Syverson also reflected on memories during March Madness and personal advice for aspiring professionals.

Steve Layman visits with Boston Globe sports editor emeritus and NashvilleHoops.blog creator Joe Sullivan for an in-depth conversation on Championship Week and the state of college basketball. The pair discuss Belmont men's basketball, preview the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and share their thoughts on MVC all-conference awards with both serving on the voting panel. Sullivan also speaks to proposed NCAA Tournament expansion, reflections from his time covering Boston sports working with the likes of Bob Ryan and Jackie MacMullan, and what brought him to Nashville.