The Backyard Banter Podcast

A fellow upstart in the industry from 2013, Kyle Crabbs spent some time chatting with me on the latest Backyard Banter Podcast episode about his time spent chasing the draft analyst dream. Kyle digs into what started him out on this path, where he sees the future of the draft business in terms of employment and what he learned from his biggest miss.

Highlights from this episode include:

The feeling that the game is not done with you and why football satisfies us so much.What we see on the outside and why being an NFL scout is so much different than a media job.Kyle's Mike Evans story and what he learned about being negative in an evaluation.The first time you think you're the smartest guy in the room, you're probably in trouble.Why Kyle believes building a team in the fashion he is now is his best bet to grab an ever elusive seat at the draft table.

After a long wait, NFL Fantasy LIVE Podcast host, NFL Network anchor and Los Angeles Clippers radio host James Koh joins the program to share his journey. Quite frankly, James imparts wisdom and drops knowledge that no other guest that came before him ever has. His perspective as a riser from a small-town radio voice to a figure at major media outlets is one we've not yet cover, until now.

Highlights from this episode include:

?James' time spent as a low-wage radio host in Montana after departing a well-paying sales job.A cavalier attitude that gave him a higher sense of accomplishment than his resume truly indicated and why there's really no true value in people telling you that you're good.Divorcing the information you can attain in reading criticism from the emotional sting.?Being undeterred by hearing "no" and what it looks like to actually be going for it.

Episode 52 of The Backyard Banter Podcast brings us CBS Sports senior NFL writer Will Brinson for a fascinating discussion revolving around the current state of sports media. Will shares his insight on a number of topics including how to be passionate fan while operating as a professional, finding you voice as a writer and what it's like juggling a family with this job. You won't want to miss out on this phenomenal chat.

Highlights from this episode include:

Will's transition from a true Panthers fan to how he manages that side of his approach in his current job.Finding your voice as a writer and niche when you may not be a natural student.Becoming a multi-platform analyst, including on-camera work, when that was never the goal.The struggles of juggling a family and forgoing a normal life when taking up as a media personality.Being willing to do what others aren't exploring in order to break in.

Episode 51 of The Backyard Banter Podcast welcomes Charles McDonald of SB Nation's The Falcoholic and Bleacher Report to discuss his place in the NFL Draft writing scene. Charles lays out his path from college football player to current player evaluator for the NFL 1,000 series at B/R. Towards the end of the show, we also get into the topic of race in sports, in particular the perception of the black quarterback.

Highlights from the show include:

How Michael Vick is at the epicenter of Charles' love and passion for the game of football. What made Charles want to take the leap into writing and caused his desire to improve the content?The grind that goes into scouting a mass amount of players at the defensive tackle position.The keys to compartmentalizing and how to assess your time allotment.The plight and perception of the black quarterback and why sports isn't truly the escape from real life many fans wish it was.

We've made it 50 episodes here together and I really can't believe how much the podcast has grown, developed and expanded since it began. It's all thanks to you, the listeners. You all have inspired me, each other and partnered with the guests of the show to form a community that I'm proud to be the weird little figurehead of. As my way of saying thank you, this episode is for and by you. On a special episode 50, a ton of listeners sent in their answers to my corny sign-off line, "I hope you learned something today" with a special introduction from Sal Leto of the FLAFFL Podcast. Thanks so much to everyone who is a fan of the show, it truly means the world to me. What have you learned today? Let's find out...

We have a treat on our hands as now confirmed badass Jourdan Rodrigue stops by The Backyard Banter Podcast to discuss her career path that landed with a gig as a beat writer for The Charlotte Observer. Jourdan goes into detail about why she took the reporter path over others, and the jobs she held in prior to covering the Carolina Panthers. Towards the end, we get into a can't-miss conversation about a piece Jourdan wrote and I contributed to covering Joe Mixon and the tenor the media takes when discussing athletes who commit violent acts against women. This was an all-around tremendous conversation you'll enjoy taking a front seat for.

Highlights from today's episode include:

- Why Jourdan resisted the broadcasting route and followed her desire to be a reporter.

- Can a beat writer truly have a voice when the primary function is relaying the news?

- Okay, but seriously, what's it like covering Cam Newton?

- Jourdan's thoughts on what she learned from interviewing draft analysts about Joe Mixon and how she would cover him if drafted by a team she writes about.

- What does Jourdan have to say to the critics in this field of not only her gender, but also her youth?

We're honored to be joined by Justin Twell from Inside The Pylon for episode 48 of The Backyard Banter Podcast. Justin not only comes on to discuss his background as a Australian-based NFL fan and now writer, but primarily an article he posted on Jason Romano's blog detailing his struggles with and ultimate victory over depression. Listeners to the show know just how important this topic is to me, and Justin's story is one that everyone, but particularly those who have ever battled or are battling depression, needs to hear.

Highlights from this episode include:

- How Justin came to fall in love with the game of football while living in London.

- What caused Justin to take a chance and submit his work to Mark Schoefield of Inside The Pylon.

- The root and cause of Justin's severe episode of depression and how he almost took his life.

- A detailed discussion on some of the misunderstood aspects of depression and what Justin would say to the version of himself set to end his life.

- How Justin ended up as a trivia guest on one of his favorite shows, the Around the NFL Podcast.?

In an incredibly real episode of The Backyard Banter Podcast, Football Diehards analyst Justin Lonero stops by to share his story along the path winding through the fantasy industry. More importantly, Justin digs into his struggles with alcoholism, recognizing his addiction and the battle he's still fighting today. It's an episode unlike any other before it, and one that can speak to anyone who is struggling to overcome a challenging obstacle.

Highlights from this episode include:

- The importance of networking and how to put yourself out there.

- Justin's place in the industry and why he values his placement in a print magazine so much.

- The history of Justin's past with alcohol abuse and how it affected his journey.

- Hitting rock bottom but using it to relearn life as he knew it.

- What would Justin say to not only someone considering getting sober, but also to the version of himself just four years ago?

Episode 46- Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible by Matt Harmon

Season 2 of The Backyard Banter Podcast rolls along with episode 45 and a visit from Draftkings and ESPN daily fantasy sports analyst Al Zeidenfeld. The purveyor of Smizz Life and $1,000,000 winner, Al takes us through his journey from being just another player to one of the faces of the industry today.

Highlights from this episode include:

- Al's life before DFS, including as a basketball recruiter and poker player.

- Betting on yourself and showing the confidence to others that you know you'll stand out.

- Creating a five-year plan with an ultimate goal in mind, but establishing the little steps you need to take to get there.

- Your brand is really just who you are.

- The story of Al's Millionaire Maker lineup and the joy of sharing in the win with the community.