Sound-off with Sinkoff

What happens when a high school live streaming program ignites a lifelong passion? Meet Emmanuel Barbari, the radio voice of the New York Yankees and Siena College Basketball, as he joins us to share his incredible journey from Long Island to the big leagues. 

Emmanuel recounts his serendipitous introduction to broadcasting during his high school days and the pivotal moments at Fordham University that solidified his path. From a career-launching internship at WFAN to securing his coveted role at Siena College, Emmanuel’s story is a testament to seizing opportunities and following your passion.

Ever wondered what it feels like to be called up to the majors for the first time? Emmanuel takes us behind the scenes of his debut Major League Baseball play-by-play for a Yankees game in Pittsburgh. Feel the excitement and nerves as he prepares for the unexpected call-up, and learn about the overwhelming support from his colleagues, including Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling. With John’s early-season retirement, new doors opened, leading to a more prominent role for Emmanuel and Justin Shackil. This segment is filled with gratitude, anticipation, and the determination to excel as a key member of the Yankees' broadcast team.

Get a front-row seat to the daily grind of a baseball broadcaster. Emmanuel walks us through his meticulous game day routine, from early arrivals to dodge traffic to the thrill of charter travel with the team. He shares insightful anecdotes about preparing for broadcasts, introducing opposing teams’ players, and the unique challenges of working at Yankee Stadium. 

Plus, hear about memorable moments like calling Aaron Judge’s 300th home run and the invaluable mentorship from seasoned experts like Suzyn. Tune in to uncover what it truly takes to succeed in the high-paced, exhilarating world of sports broadcasting.

Brian Sinkoff interviews his uncle Mark Favermann, who designed the look of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and has been a design consultant for the Boston Red Sox for the past 23 seasons. Mark shares his experience of being selected to design the look of the Atlanta Olympics and the challenges he faced during the process.

He also discusses the importance of the look in creating a unique identity for the Olympics and how it helps to connect all the venues and events. They break down the Paris 2024 Olympics and how the logo connects back to the City. 

Mark also talks about the future of the Olympics and the changing ways in which people consume sports content.

Ever found yourself suddenly critiquing a gymnastics routine or a diving performance like a seasoned expert during the Olympics? 

On this episode of Sound-off with Sinkoff, Brian hilariously dissects our collective transformation into Olympic 'specialists' every four years. 

From his early crush on Mary Lou Retton back in '84 to watching jaw-dropping routines with my wife, Francine, it’s a nostalgic and comical take on how we pretend to understand sports that most of us can barely spell.Tune in as Brian ponders the baffling complexities of gymnastics and diving, questioning how athletes manage to practice such dangerous moves without constant injury. He shares his bewilderment and amusement at social media 'experts' who confidently critique routines despite knowing zilch about the sports. 

Whether you're a casual fan or an armchair judge, this episode is your ticket to laughing at our shared ignorance and embracing the simple joy of watching these incredible athletes.

Gerry McNamara, the new head coach at Siena College, joins Brian Sinkoff on the latest episode of "Sound-off with Sinkoff". 

They discuss McNamara's career at Syracuse, including winning the national championship as a freshman and his relationship with coach Jim Boeheim. McNamara also talks about his transition into coaching, his experience as a graduate assistant at Syracuse, and his journey to becoming the head coach at Siena. He shares his thoughts on recruiting, the challenges of the transfer portal and NIL, and his goals for the Siena program.

What if making the leap from college coaching to the NBA isn't the career jackpot everyone thinks it is? Brian Sinkoff explores the surprising complexities behind the idea of UConn's Dan Hurley potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Inspired by a thought-provoking comment from Francine, my wife, we dive into the historical challenges college coaches face in the NBA, highlighting why only two have managed to secure winning records in the past three decades. 

This episode unpacks the unique pressures Hurley deals with at the college level, including NIL, the transfer portal, and player attrition, and questions whether an NBA career would really be the greener pasture it appears to be.

Look forward to more thought-provoking discussions in our upcoming episodes!

What does it take to transform a 56-game-winning team into playoff contenders? Listen as we sit down with Brian, the Kansas City Royals' pitching coach, who shares the secrets behind their extraordinary turnaround. From strategic player acquisitions to fostering a winning culture, Brian reveals the pivotal factors propelling the Royals toward success. He discusses the nuances of coaching a diverse group of players, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches and the balance of experience and innovation in shaping a formidable team.

Get an insider's perspective on the evolving role of a pitching coach in modern baseball. Brian offers a fascinating look at how traditional coaching methods are now interwoven with contemporary data analysis to drive performance. He reminisces about his mentorship under veteran coach Carl Willis and provides anecdotes about his unique strategies during mound visits. 

But there's more to Brian than just his coaching prowess. Discover his rich baseball journey, including his unexpected transition from the Padres to a successful stint in Japan. He shares personal stories of cultural immersion, the exquisite Japanese cuisine, and representing Italy in the World Baseball Classic. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, from the camaraderie within the Royals clubhouse to the remarkable career of Bobby Witt Jr., making it a must-listen for any baseball enthusiast.

Ever found yourself clutching onto a piece of history that takes you straight back to the heart of your fondest memories? That's exactly the case with my cherished sports memorabilia collection, which I'm ecstatic to share with you all on this episode of "Sound-off with Sinkoff". This trove of treasures isn't just a bunch of signed items; it's a snapshot of my youth, each piece steeped in stories from the DC area sports teams I grew up adoring. From the Washington Bullets to the Capitals, Orioles, and the Redskins — each autograph spins a yarn of the past that has shaped my love for sports.

Whether you're a sports fanatic or someone who cherishes a good stroll down memory lane, this podcast episode will resonate with that part of you that holds dear to the mementos from life's most pivotal moments. 

Join me, Brian Sinkoff, for a nostalgic trip that celebrates more than the game—it's a tribute to the memories that bind us to our passions.

Embark on an enthralling expedition with Jeremy Palko, the dynamic actor from "The Walking Dead," as he recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his acting journey. 

From a third-grade play that sparked a flame, to the intense thrill of presenting a head to Negan's base, Jeremy's stories are nothing short of captivating. With anecdotes that include his time as a Disney entertainer and his climb from a background extra to a character with his very own narrative arc, this episode is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights.

Completing this multifaceted narrative, we explore Jeremy's artistic side as he delves into his passion for painting, an endeavor that flourished alongside his acting career. The discussion also swings for the fences with Jeremy's lifelong love for baseball, providing listeners with a personal account of his fandom for both the Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners. 

From his experiences on "The Walking Dead" to his evolving aspirations in acting and art, this episode is a home run for anyone intrigued by the stories that unite us in the shared human experience of chasing our dreams and celebrating our passions.

In this episode of "Sound-Off with Sinkoff", host Brian Sinkoff introduces a segment called Sink or Swim, where he presents a statement and listeners can decide if they sink (disagree) or swim (agree) with him. 

Brian thinks that grown men shouldn't bring a glove to a baseball game. Brian argues that it is unnecessary and looks ridiculous. He discusses the optics of wearing a glove, the slim chances of catching a foul ball, and the impracticality of using the glove while eating or enjoying other activities at the game. 

He also addresses the idea of bringing a glove to protect a child and suggests that people should move their seats if they are concerned about safety.

Is watching the NFL Draft a prime example of time you'll never get back? Buckle up as Brian Sinkoff serves up a no-holds-barred critique on the marathon that is the NFL draft and the farcical circus of mock drafts in the latest episode. With a blend of humor and blunt honesty, he dissects why these crystal ball predictions are as reliable as a chocolate teapot and why slapping a grade on a draft mere moments after it concludes is as premature as celebrating a touchdown at the 50-yard line.

If your springtime ritual involves being a couch commando for the NFL's three-day name-calling bonanza, then prepare for a wake-up call. Sinkoff take a swing at the obsession consuming fans, where mock drafts and immediate draft grades are gospel, despite their inevitable obsolescence. Tune in for a laugh, a moment of sober reflection on life choices, and the cold, hard truth about the unpredictability and marketing genius behind America's favorite sports spectacle.