She’s been on the sidelines, behind the mic, and all over the SEC. Emily Grace McWhorter has built her name through hustle, storytelling, and a love for the game. From her early days at Georgia Southern to covering Alabama football with Crimson Cover Media and The Next Round, Emily shares her journey in sports media — the grind, the growth, and the lessons learned along the way. We talk Alabama football’s outlook during the bye week, Coach Oats and Crimson Tide basketball, the culture differences she’s seen across college campuses, and how she prepares for game days that millions are watching.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ysMIhEDqV6c?si=4onGv-iWm-N5erj7

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

#alabamacrimsontide #auburntigers #ncaa

0:00 Intro

0:27 Alabama’s SEC Championship Push & Remaining Schedule

4:23 What to Expect from Alabama Basketball in 2025

6:18 Breaking Into the Sports Media Industry

9:41 Life on the Road: Visiting Colleges Big and Small

14:22 First Sideline Reporting Experience

20:32 Preparing for Game Day Coverage

23:20 The Future of Sports Media & Storytelling

26:06 Emily Grace’s Hidden Talent: Poker

The upcoming Alabama vs. Georgia matchup is one of the most anticipated games of the season, featuring high stakes, and major implications for the SEC. Kalen DeBoer’s arrival in Tuscaloosa has brought a new culture and energy to Alabama football, and the team’s adjustments under his leadership have been a major focus. Former Crimson Tide wide receiver Slade Bolden provides perspective on the roster, team dynamics, and the challenges ahead, offering insight into how Alabama can navigate the rest of the season. From on-field matchups to the program’s evolving identity, this conversation covers everything fans need to know about Alabama football as the season progresses.

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

YouTube: https://youtu.be/u7sbBWVFWf8?si=15SutEuVPA_bR8a-

0:00 Intro

0:27 UGA Preview: Alabama’s Keys to Victory

6:39 Reflecting on FSU: Why Bama Fans Got Frustrated

10:06 Alabama’s Culture Under Kalen DeBoer

13:39 Why Playing Georgia Is Always a Challenge

18:06 Alabama’s Best Players You’re Not Hearing About

20:00 The DeBoer Dilemma: What Happens if Alabama Struggles & Why He Was Hired

25:04 Season Preview: Alabama’s Upcoming Games & ULM Recap

#alabama #georgia #alabamafootball #georgiafootball #uga #alabamacrimsontide #ugabulldogs #ncaa #ncaafootball #tuscaloosa #athens #collegefootball #football #kirbysmart #kalendeboer #sladebolden #skylarlarapodcast

Joining the podcast is legendary Curt Bloom, the longtime voice of the Birmingham Barons and ESPN broadcaster. Curt shares memories from his 30+ seasons calling Barons games, behind-the-scenes stories with Michael Jordan during his baseball journey, and insight into some of the most memorable moments in minor league baseball. From teaching the next generation of broadcasters to reflecting on a career that spanned decades, he opens up about the highs, the challenges, and the untold stories that make baseball so special.

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

YouTube: https://youtu.be/PexutWUtvsQ?si=Z5JkoIjkHQdKj8zT

0:00 Intro0:31 30 Years with the Barons4:10 Evolution of Minor League Baseball8:14 Teaching Broadcasting at Miles & BSC10:00 Birmingham Then & Now12:45 Michael Jordan22:00 Wally Backman & '86 Mets24:47 Barons' NBA Connection27:25 First MLB Broadcast

#mlb #michaeljordan #birmingham #barons #milb #minorleaguebaseball #alabama

0:00 Intro

0:31 30 Years with the Barons

4:10 Evolution of Minor League Baseball

8:14 Teaching Broadcasting at Miles & BSC

10:00 Birmingham Then & Now

12:45 Michael Jordan

22:00 Wally Backman & '86 Mets

24:47 Barons' NBA Connection

27:25 First MLB Broadcast

In this episode, I sit down with Grant Caraway, founder of First Down Training, one of the most influential football training platforms in the world. Grant shares how he built his brand from the ground up, the evolution of quarterback development in today’s game, and the role social media plays in connecting with the next generation of athletes. From training philosophy to business strategy, this conversation dives into both the X’s and O’s and the mindset it takes to build a lasting football brand.

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fbw7u0KbOBo?si=zyk_hz8lg-4CDh-j

#firstdowntraining #ncaa #ncaafootball #highschoolfootball #football #grantcaraway #qb #wr #db #nfl #collegefootball

Former Alabama and Western Michigan quarterback Stone Hollenbach joins the podcast to share his unique journey through football at the high school, college, and professional levels. Hollenbach reflects on his time in the Alabama quarterback room under legendary coach Bill O’Brien, offering insight into the learning, competition, and camaraderie that shaped his development. He also dives into his remarkable high school career at Southern Columbia High School in Pennsylvania, where he helped lead his team to back-to-back state championships, and discusses the lessons, mindset, and preparation that contributed to his success. Along the way, Hollenbach shares his perspective on mentoring the next generation of quarterbacks and the qualities needed to succeed at every stage of the game, making this episode a must-listen for fans of football and rising QBs alike.

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

YouTube: The Skylar Lara Podcast

0:00 Intro

0:30 NFL Comparisons

1:03 Back-to-Back State Championships

3:36 Walking On at Alabama

6:24 Learning from Bill O’Brien in the QB Room

10:23 Adjusting to the Speed and Physicality of SEC Football

12:28 Transition from Alabama to Western Michigan

14:26 Culture at Western Michigan

15:32 Mentoring the Next Generation: Training Young QBs

#alabama #alabamafootball #alabamacrimsontide #rolltide #quarterback #football #collegefootball #ncaa #ncaafootball #skylarlarapod #westernmichigan

Former LSU and current Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Paul Gervase joins the show to share the remarkable story of his baseball journey. From playing Division III baseball to earning his spot at LSU and teaming up with future star Dylan Crews, Gervase reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shaped his career. He also dives into life in professional baseball, including the experience of going on the road after being traded and adjusting to the fast-paced demands of the major leagues. Along the way, Gervase offers insights into the mindset, work ethic, and perseverance required to succeed at every level of the game, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the path from underdog to professional athlete.

Instagram: @theskylarlarapod

YouTube: https://youtu.be/LmvwJ4HNNbI?si=ngtSs4SB9F4McYjA

#lsu #lsubaseball #tampabayrays #mlb #milb #collegebaseball #sec #newyorkmets #baseball #ncaa

Former Alabama and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Mike Johnson joins the show to share his unique perspective on both college and professional football. Johnson reflects on the culture shift at Alabama when Mike Shula was fired and Nick Saban arrived, providing insight into how leadership changes can reshape a program. He also takes listeners behind the scenes of the NFL, discussing his time under Coach Mike Smith, the intensity of the 2012 NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, and what it was like lining up alongside Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. From locker room dynamics to on-field battles, Johnson offers candid stories and lessons from his football journey at the highest levels.

Instagram: ⁠ @skylarlarapod

YouTube: The Skylar Lara Podcast

#nfl #atlantafalcons #ncaa #ncaafootball #nicksaban #alabama #alabamacrimsontide #atlanta

In this episode, former Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden gives fans an inside look at life in one of college football’s most talent-packed programs. Bolden recounts what it was like sharing a wide receiver room with five future first-round NFL draft picks, sharing stories about camaraderie, competition, and what it takes to stand out among elite talent. He also reflects on unforgettable moments under Coach Nick Saban, including Saban’s fiery meltdown against Mercer and other behind-the-scenes stories. Bolden dives into the thrilling 2021 Iron Bowl that went into four overtimes, breaking down the intensity, pressure, and excitement of that historic game. From locker room dynamics to on-field drama, this episode is a deep dive into Alabama football like never before.

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

YouTube: https://youtu.be/VbLE7Jp6zQ8?si=AEhz8rBhopIGOyNw

0:00 Intro

0:26 Holding Out Hope

5:13 Practice Under Coach Saban

9:51 Best Coach Saban Story

16:31 High School QB to College WR

21:16 Alabama Football’s New Era

30:40 Playing Alongside Mac Jones & Bryce Young

36:17 Scoring First College Touchdown

40:20 The 2019 LSU Game

#ncaa #ncaafootball #alabama #alabamacrimsontide #nicksaban #collegefootball #alabamafootball

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher and current Montgomery Biscuits (AA) standout Evan Reifert joins the show to share the story of his baseball journey. From his early days at JUCO to playing at UNC Chapel Hill and Central Missouri, Reifert reflects on the challenges and lessons that shaped him as a player. He also discusses the experience of being signed by the Brewers and later traded to the Rays, giving insight into the business side of professional baseball. On the field, Reifert breaks down his pitching approach, including his mental game and how he ‘plays chess’ with batters to stay one step ahead. Fans get a behind-the-scenes look at life in the minor leagues, his path to the pros, and the mindset it takes to succeed at every level of the game.

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

YouTube: https://youtu.be/KjLrkgW57Vo?si=4j_twFJ8b3K0nwWL

0:00 Intro

0:37 Reflecting on a Standout Season

1:17 Breaking Down the 2024 Biscuits Roster

2:23 Playing at Historic Rickwood Field

3:12 Pitching Preparation and Routine

4:38 Mental Approach on the Mound

6:25 Getting Ahead in the Count

7:12 Journey from JUCO to UNC Chapel Hill

9:23 Signing with the Milwaukee Brewers

11:28 Being Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays

12:53 Clubhouse Atmosphere

14:14 Experience in the Arizona Fall League

16:15 Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

#mlb #tampa #tampabayrays #baseball #rickwoodfield #montgomery #alabama

Former Alabama and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Byron Young joins the show to share some incredible stories from his journey. He recalls the hilarious moment when he first met new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, including how DeBoer mistook him for someone not participating in drills. Byron also takes us inside the unforgettable, life-changing phone call he received from Josh McDaniels and the Raiders on draft night, what it was like growing up as an LSU fan before making his mark at Alabama, and the lessons he’s carried from college to the NFL. All that and more in this episode!

Instagram: @skylarlarapod

YouTube: https://youtu.be/NSPGMueiod0?si=D9F3Dcs-K5jeB2mM

#lasvegasraiders #nfl #alabamafootball #ncaafootball #collegefootball #ncaa #kalendeboer #lsufootball #joshmcdaniels