The PXPU Podcast with Tony Castricone: from Play by Play University

Play By Play U subscriber Jason Dorow is the subject of today’s critique of the week. To get first dibs and bring your tape to the front of the line, make sure you subscribe (even if just for free!) by clicking the button below.

What does everyone think!? Chime in with your thoughts on Jason’s work below.

Some basic critique etiquette:

* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.

* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.

* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.

* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?

We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Also, we will be taking questions in the mailbag every Monday! Please shoot me whatever question is on your mind from the world of broadcasting by clicking the button below.

Hey folks! Don’t forget the Monday Mailbag is right around the corner. Send me a message about anything related living the life of a play-by-play announcer and I’ll get to it to start off next week. Just click the button below and type away.

Also, our monthly group Zoom calls are going to start soon, and they will be exclusively for people who have paid …

In this episode of the PXPU podcast, Tony Castricone interviews Carter Henderson, Associate Athletic Director at Stanford University, about the hiring process for play-by-play broadcasters at Division I schools.

Show Notes:

01:33 - Carter's background and experience in hiring play-by-play broadcasters

03:18 - Reflections on the hiring process that brought Tony to Washington

04:05 - What stands out in initial interviews with candidates

05:52 - The importance of understanding specific job needs in different searches

07:34 - How play-by-play roles are evolving and what schools are looking for

09:42 - Comparing hiring processes at different institutions (Jacksonville, Washington, Stanford)

11:48 - The importance of "fit" in the hiring process

13:08 - The challenge of assessing candidates for limited broadcasting opportunities

14:51 - The value of clarity in what both candidates and hiring committees are looking for

16:05 - Tony's memorable interview answer about integrating into the community

17:56 - The importance of bringing "soul" to the broadcasting role

19:04 - Discussion on general job interview advice for broadcasting positions

20:35 - The role of search committees in hiring decisions

22:11 - The importance of developing advocates in the industry

23:35 - Thoughts on the future of college team broadcasting

25:34 - Closing thoughts and appreciation for resources like PXPU

Key Takeaways:

1. The role of play-by-play broadcasters is evolving beyond just calling games.

2. By the interview stage, candidates' ability to call games is usually not in question.

3. Cultural fit and ability to contribute to broader institutional goals are crucial.

4. Hiring decisions are often made by committees representing various stakeholders.

5. Networking and building a positive reputation in the industry are important.

6. Candidates should demonstrate how they can integrate into the community and culture.

7. The future of college sports broadcasting may involve more diverse storytelling opportunities.

Former Stanford linebacker Kevin Richardson has turned football broadcasting into a fun side gig. The Bay Area president of a financial advising firm is in his 17th year broadcasting San Jose State football. Formerly the color analyst, he pulled off one of the harder transitions in broadcasting and made his way over to the play-by-play chair.

He submitted this tape from San Jose State’s recent thriller at Washington State for consideration on today’s episode of Tell The Truth Tuesday.

You can hear the entire call below.

What do you guys think?

Some basic critique etiquette:

* No fluffy false positives. When you say something positive, it must be sincere. Positive feedback implies that the announcer would be well served to replicate that performance as consistently as possible in the future.

* All criticism should be constructive. When something sounds like it misses the mark, the point is not to demean, but to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate ways to implement positive change.

* Critiques should aim at helping people identify ways to take the next step in their development. It makes no sense to compare a novice to national network announcers who are decades further along in their career.

* Be respectful. Make sure the statements you offer check all three boxes: is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?

We are now taking submissions for our next critique! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Critique” and include a link to 5-10 minutes of audio or video, and you might be next on Tell the Truth Tuesday. We will choose from subscribers first, so make sure you click the button below to get more content like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Also, we will be taking questions in the mailbag every Monday! Please shoot me whatever question is on your mind from the world of broadcasting by clicking the button below.

As the founder of Play By Play U, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates and reflections on our journey so far. First, I want to express my gratitude to all our subscribers, both free and paid. Your support and engagement drive me to continually improve and expand our offerings. My goal is to provide exceptional value, making you feel like you're getting $500 worth of content for just $5.99 a month.

Recent Experiences and the Power of Preparation

I recently had the pleasure of calling an exhilarating game between Washington and Michigan, which ended in a 27-17 victory for Washington. The atmosphere was electric, with a packed stadium decked out in purple. What struck me most was how prepared I felt for this broadcast. In my 23 years of experience, I've never felt more ready for a game.

This level of preparation is due in part to the spotting board techniques I've been sharing with our subscribers, but also thanks to the integration of AI in my workflow. AI has revolutionized my game prep materials, taking them to new heights. I'm excited to dive into these AI techniques in future spotting board tutorials, showing you how to leverage this technology to enhance your broadcasting skills.

Evolving PlayByPlayU

As we continue to grow, I'm making some changes to better serve our community:

1. Podcast-Centric Approach: All content will now be available in podcast form, allowing for more efficient production and consumption.

2. New Content Schedule:

- Monday Mailbag: Replacing the Monday Masterclass, this will feature 3-4 questions from our community. If you’d like to shoot me a note, please do at [email protected] or send me a direct message through Substack.

- Tell The Truth Tuesday: Continues as before, with priority given to paid subscribers for critiques, and will be free to all.

- Wednesday Wisdom: Focusing on the broader aspects of a broadcasting career.

- Thursday Podcasts: Will continue to feature guest interviews and will be free to all.

- Friday Focus: The new home for our in-depth masterclass content.

- Weekend Spotting Board Tutorials: Will continue as before.

3. Accessibility: Tuesday and Thursday podcasts will remain free, while other content will be behind the paywall for paid subscribers.

4. Email Summaries: AI-generated summaries of the podcast content will be sent to subscribers' inboxes. So, if it doesn’t sound like I wrote it, it’s probably because I didn’t. The podcast is the best place to hear every nook and cranny of my mind on a topic, but the email summary will accurately cover what I discussed in the pod.

5. Community Building: I'm exploring ways to create more interaction between members, and I’m excited to unroll this in the near future. Stay tuned for that.

6. Tiered Subscriptions:

- Everyone will continue to receive email summaries, and free subscribers will have full access to the content on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

- Paid subscribers ($5.99/month or $60/year) get access to all content.

- A new "Friend of the Program" tier ($120/year) will include access to my monthly Zoom calls, where I will occassionally bring on guest co-hosts.

- Customized coaching plans will be available upon request.

The Unique Value of Play By Play U

What sets us apart is our focus on serving aspiring broadcasters who may not have industry connections or family ties. I know what it’s like. I knew no one involved in the industry when I started, and I ended up getting to call major games like the Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl, so it’s possible. You don't need to go into debt for a specialized degree - we're here to teach you what you really need to know.

Addressing Common Challenges for New Broadcasters

Many new graduates and aspiring broadcasters face similar challenges. Here are some insights based on recent questions from our community:

1. Dealing with Uncertainty: It's normal to feel scared and uncertain when starting your career. The broadcasting industry is unique and can be difficult for others to understand. Patience is key, and it's important to have faith in your own path.

2. Creating Opportunities: If you're not getting the play-by-play opportunities you want, create them yourself. Call games at local high schools, stream them online, or create a website to showcase your work. These self-created opportunities are valuable for gaining experience and improving your skills.

3. Unconventional Paths: There's no one "right" path in this industry. Everyone's journey is different. Focus on building connections with others in the field who understand your passion and challenges.

4. Balancing Fear and Faith: A little fear can be motivating, but you need more faith than fear. Use that nervous energy to fuel your work ethic and keep you grinding every day.

5. Preparation is Key: For TV broadcasts, focus on syncing with your crew, building chemistry with your analyst, and preparing storylines. For radio, player identification is crucial - use flashcards to memorize key players' numbers and names.

6. Spotting Board Essentials: Your spotting board should contain information you don't already know by heart. For example, include players' hometowns instead of transfer information if you've already memorized the latter.

7. Mindset for Your First Broadcast: Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect. Enjoy the moment, be present, and let your passion for sports shine through. Remember, you can always call more games in the future - this one doesn't have to be flawless.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to evolve, I'm committed to maintaining the core mission of Play By Play U: providing accessible, high-quality education and resources for aspiring sports broadcasters. We're here to show you that with dedication, creativity, and the right guidance, you can achieve your broadcasting dreams, regardless of your background.

I'm excited about the future of Play By Play U and the broadcasting industry as a whole. The landscape is changing rapidly, with new technologies and platforms emerging all the time. By staying adaptable and continuing to learn, we can all grow together in this dynamic field.

Remember, your journey in broadcasting is unique. Embrace the challenges, create your own opportunities, and never stop improving. Whether you're calling high school games on a self-made stream or preparing for your first Division I broadcast, every experience is valuable.

Thank you for being part of this community. Your passion and dedication inspire me to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in broadcasting education. Keep practicing, keep learning, keep growing, keep connecting and keep cultivating a true, genuine love for this. That passion is what will set you apart and drive you forward in your broadcasting journey. I can't wait to see where your path takes you, and I'm honored to be a small part of that journey through Play By Play U.

Brock Huard has almost two decades of experience on national TV as a football analyst. He’s worked with a large group of elite play-by-play announcers over his time at ESPN and FOX, and on today’s edition of the PXPU Podcast, he provides unique insight on how to work on your craft from one chair over.

Today's show notes:

2:15 - Brock discusses his post-football career and transition into broadcasting4:27 - Advantages and challenges of transitioning from player to broadcaster7:04 - Importance of timing and chemistry in broadcasting partnerships10:03 - Strategies for building chemistry with broadcasting partners12:17 - Balancing listening skills with production elements during broadcasts14:42 - Techniques for analyzing plays in real-time during games18:17 - How play-by-play announcers can support analysts effectively20:09 - The value of production meetings and creating unique content22:55 - Brock emphasizes the importance of sports talk radio experience for skill development24:23 - Closing thoughts on sharing experiences with aspiring broadcasters

Coming up soon on the PXPU Podcast:

* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio

* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners

* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer

* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade

* A sports psychologist on the mental preparation elite athletes use

Please download our podcast and leave a 5-star review!

We’ve loaded today’s Tell the Truth Tuesday to the PXPU Podcast. Please subscribe to it and leave a 5-star review!

Today, we take a listen to ABC’s Chris Fowler and Alabama’s Chris Stewart with their final call of the Alabama-Georgia thriller, we take a listen to Nate Gatter’s highlights from Kansas State’s win over Oklahoma State on Westwood One, and put an ear on Joe Castiglione, who’s been the voice of the Boston Red Sox for my entire lifetime.

If you want me to review your tape and you want to get your name out there to our audience at Play By Play University, shoot me an email with 5-10 minutes worth of audio or video at [email protected].

Connor Onion made his debut on FOX earlier this year with a MLB game, and has since added college football work on national TV, including his call of this past weekend’s thriller in Boulder when Colorado completed a Hail Mary to send the game to overtime against Baylor. You can hear his call of it here.

Today’s show notes:

2:06 - Connor recalls first hearing Tony's work and reaching out for advice 3:38 - Discussion on pivotal career moments and universal principles 6:03 - Connor talks about his first full-time opportunity at Southern Illinois University9:36 - Strategies for identifying areas of growth and improvement 11:31 - Dealing with pressure and avoiding “chasing the next gig”14:52 - Connor's approach to building a professional website and demo reel 19:22 - Connor discusses his current work in baseball, football, and volleyball 21:35 - Balancing multiple conversations and focusing during live broadcasts 24:33 - The importance of pregame meetings and preparation 27:17 - Connor's journey from calling high school games to FOX broadcasts 31:13 - Mental preparation and building poise through experience 35:26 - Working with new broadcast partners, including Bill Raftery and AJ Pierzynski 38:57 - Connor's experience getting an agent and moving to FOX43:31 - Balancing multiple sports and the importance of volleyball in Connor's career 45:16 - Advice for aspiring broadcasters: Be resourceful and persistent

Coming up soon on the PXPU Podcast:

* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio

* Brock Huard, FOX college football

* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners

* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer

* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade

* A sports psychologist on the mental preparation elite athletes use

Please download our podcast and leave a 5-star review!

J.B. Long came up with one of the most creative ways I’ve ever heard of someone making a demo tape of a major college basketball game. Take a listen to his story on today’s version of the PXPU Podcast and ask yourself: what’s going to be my version of this? In what ways can I think outside the box to drastically improve my demo tape?

Coming up soon on the PXPU Podcast:

* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio

* Brock Huard, FOX college football

* Connor Onion, FOX college football and major league baseball

* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners

* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer

* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade

* A sports psychologist on the mental preparation elite athletes use

I first met Guy Haberman back in 2018 when I had just taken over as the basketball announcer at Washington before inheriting football the following season. Guy, who was in Seattle covering our game for Pac-12 Network, immediately introduced himself to me at a Huskies practice and has always struck me as one of the more friendly, personable broadcasters in the business.

He’s an excellent announcer, extremely smart and thoughtful and also very versatile. We talk shop often, and I think he’ll be a great resource to this community as this project grows. (You may have even noticed him pop into the comments section from time to time.)

Our conversation with Guy includes:

* 02:30 - Discussion on the importance of appreciating every step in your career journey

* 05:04 - Guy shares pivotal moments in his broadcasting career:

* High school community television opportunity

* College radio experience at Fresno State

* AAA baseball broadcasting job

* Bay Area radio opportunity

* 09:22 - The importance of networking and maintaining connections in the industry

* 12:45 - Advice on effective communication when reaching out to industry professionals

* 17:27 - Tips on crafting specific and meaningful questions when seeking feedback

* 22:27 - The value of seeking advice from various professionals, not just those at the top

* 25:26 - Discussion on the importance of building relationships with mentors, peers, and mentees

* 27:45 - The process of developing one's unique broadcasting style and voice

* 34:33 - Strategies for identifying areas of improvement in broadcasting

* 36:24 - The importance of continuous learning and preparation in broadcasting

* 39:11 - Guy shares specific techniques for preparing for game opens and transitions

* 43:42 - Discussion on improving word economy and conciseness in broadcasting

* 46:37 - Example of preparing for a specific broadcast scenario (introducing Dillon Gabriel)

* 48:20 - Reflection on how broadcasting styles have changed over the years

* 49:14 - The importance of starting strong in a broadcast and managing expectations

I really appreciate Guy popping on and his support of this project! Catch him on Big Ten Network this fall, or check out some of his previous work online at guyhaberman.com.

Coming up soon on the PXPU Podcast:

* J.B. Long, voice of the Los Angeles Rams

* Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio

* Brock Huard, FOX college football

* Connor Onion, FOX college football and major league baseball

* Aaron Goldsmith, FOX and Seattle Mariners

* Vocal techniques from a professional opera singer

* A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade

* Much more!