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This episode is being republished on Nov 11, 2025.

An extraordinary Reds Fan: Julie Mulholland. A passionate Reds fan and social media influencer, Julie shares her journey of fandom, memorable moments at the ballpark, and her thoughts on the Reds' City Connect uniforms. 

She discusses her experiences as a sports content creator, the challenges she faces, and her diverse interests in various Ohio sports teams. The conversation also highlights her favorite Reds players and the impact of social media on building a community of sports fans. 

In this engaging conversation, Jules discusses her podcast, the challenges and experiences of being a woman in sports media, and her interactions with athletes on social media. The discussion flows into the significance of walk-up songs, fun word associations related to sports, and the impact of broadcasters like John Sadak. Jules shares her personal experiences and insights, making for a lively and informative dialogue about sports culture and media.

Takeaways

• Julie credits her dad for her love of the Reds.
• She was the most invested sibling in attending games.
• The Ellie Dela Cruz cycle game was a standout memory.
• Julie loves the Reds' City Connect uniforms.
• She built her social media presence during the pandemic.
• Julie faced negativity as a woman in sports media.
• Her viral moments helped grow her following.
• She prefers Great American Ball Park over others.
• Joey Votto has been her favorite player since childhood.
• Julie enjoys supporting various Ohio sports teams. Jules' podcast focuses on women in sports and their experiences.
• Social media interactions with athletes can be humorous and engaging.
• Walk-up songs hold personal significance for players and fans alike.
• The importance of representation of women in sports media is highlighted.
• Athletes like Amir Garrett and Joey Votto engage positively with fans online.
• John Sadak is a beloved broadcaster known for his enthusiasm.
• The conversation touches on the cultural aspects of being a sports fan.
• Fashion and social media play a role in the sports experience for women.
• Jules shares her thoughts on the noise of living near a ballpark.
• The camaraderie and rivalry in local sports culture are explored.

Sound Bites

• "I grew up watching Reds games with my dad"
• "I was definitely the most invested in going to the ballpark."
• "That felt like a playoff game."
• "We talk about the experience of being a woman in sports."
• "People are just weird and things they say are just not okay."
• "I love Amir Garrett because I loved when he fought the pirates."

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Summary

In this republished episode as the 2025-26 season begins, Jack Greiner and Randy Freking welcome Joe Sunderman and Byron Larkin, two prominent figures in Cincinnati sports history. Among other things, they discuss the changing landscape of college basketball.

Joe and Byron delve into their personal experiences with the Reds and Xavier basketball, discussing the evolution of sports fandom and the impact of youth sports specialization.

The discussion also touches on memorable moments in Reds history, the influence of coaching, and the future of college athletics with the introduction of NIL and the transfer portal. Both guests express optimism for the Reds' future and reflect on the importance of handling adversity in sports.

Takeaways:

• Joe Sunderman and Byron Larkin share a deep connection to Cincinnati sports.
• Byron's brother Barry Larkin's legacy with the Reds shaped his fandom.
• Joe recalls nostalgic memories of attending games at Crosley Field.
• Youth sports specialization can lead to burnout and limit skill development.
• The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball recruiting.
• High school coaches used to have more influence on player development.
• The Big Red Machine era remains a cherished memory for Reds fans.
• NIL deals are reshaping college athletics but lack transparency.
• Byron emphasizes the importance of handling adversity in sports.
• Both guests express optimism for the future of the Reds.

Sound Bites

• "The best coach I ever had."
• "I like the idea of the NIL."
• "I love our manager."

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Summary

FC Cincy beat the Columbus Crew in the first match of their MLS playoff series. So, we are republishing our interview of Jeff Berding, Co-CEO of FC Cincinnati.

Jeff shares his journey from a passionate Cincinnati Reds fan to a key figure in the city's soccer scene. He reflects on his childhood experiences, the influence of baseball legends like Pete Rose, and the importance of community in sports. 

Jeff discusses the collaboration between FC Cincinnati and the Reds, his vision for Cincinnati's riverfront development, and how both teams can thrive together in the city's sports landscape. In this conversation, Jeff discusses the development of FC Cincinnati, the importance of community engagement, and the differences in fan experiences between soccer and baseball. He highlights the need for sports teams to attract younger demographics and shares insights on the future of TQL Stadium and its surrounding developments. 

The conversation also touches on the significance of concerts and events in building community connections, exemplified by the return of The Who to Cincinnati.

Takeaways

• Jeff Berding's love for the Cincinnati Reds shaped his career.
• Growing up in Cincinnati, Jeff had a strong connection to local sports.
• Pete Rose served as a significant role model for Jeff.
• Family experiences at Reds games created lasting memories.
• Jeff transitioned from baseball to soccer, reflecting changing sports interests.
• The Bengals and Reds can coexist and support each other in Cincinnati.
• Community development is crucial for the success of local sports teams.
• Jeff emphasizes the need for better urban planning in Cincinnati.
• The collaboration between FC Cincinnati and the Reds enhances community spirit.
• A vibrant sports culture in Cincinnati benefits all teams. Milwaukee's ballpark experience is unique and impressive.
• FC Cincinnati was born from a desire for local youth to have a pro team.
• Attracting younger fans is crucial for the future of baseball.
• Soccer offers a different kind of excitement compared to baseball.
• Future developments around TQL Stadium aim to enhance community engagement.
• The Who concert was a significant event for Cincinnati's history.
• Community events can strengthen the bond between sports teams and fans.
• Winning is essential for maintaining fan interest in sports.
• FC Cincinnati aims to be a community asset beyond just soccer.
• The Reds have a promising young team for the upcoming season.

Titles

• From Reds Fan to FC Cincinnati Co-CEO
• Jeff Berding: A Cincinnati Sports Journey
• The Impact of Pete Rose on Jeff Berding
• Building Community Through Sports in Cincinnati

Sound Bites

• "I was a try hard, tough guy."
• "Soccer's dangerous too."
• "The Reds are my first love."
• "We need the banks to be awesome."
• "We need the Reds to be successful."
• "Winning solves a lot of problems."
• "The Who spoke to me."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Jeff Berding and FC Cincinnati

02:55
Jeff's Early Life and Reds Fandom

05:51
Influence of Pete Rose on Jeff's Life

09:03
Memorable Reds Moments and Family Connections

12:02
Transition from Baseball to Soccer

15:00
Business Perspective: Bengals vs. Reds

18:00
Collaboration Between FC Cincinnati and the Reds

21:11
Vision for Cincinnati's Riverfront Development

22:57
Exploring Milwaukee's Ballpark Experience

24:51
The Journey of FC Cincinnati's Formation

31:13
Attracting Younger Fans to Baseball

32:52

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Former Major League pitcher and Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh joins the podcast to discuss his early years as a Reds fan, his collegiate baseball career, his time in the minors, and his career as a Major Leaguer

Chris shares stories about playing with future MLB stars and his unique pitching style and his famous pickoff move. Welsh also talks about his transition to broadcasting and the influence of Hall of Fame pitcher, Robin Roberts (his collegiate coach for one season). In this conversation, Randy and Chris discuss various topics related to baseball, including Chris's career as a pitcher, his broadcasting career, and his expertise in baseball rules. 

Randy and Chris also touch on rule changes in the game and the importance of the human element. Chris shares his thoughts on the pitch clock, the three-batter minimum rule for relief pitchers, and the use of technology in the game. 

Due to technical difficulties, Jack was only able to join for a portion of this episode. :(

Takeaways

• Chris Welsh grew up as a Reds fan and had a deep love for the team from a young age.
• He played college baseball at the University of South Florida and had a successful career.
• Welsh spent four years in the minors before making it to the majors, playing with future MLB stars like Dave Righetti and Willie McGee.
• He developed a unique pickoff move that became his signature, and he shares a memorable story about using it against Vince Coleman.
• After his playing career, Welsh transitioned to broadcasting and has been a mainstay on the Reds broadcast crew since 1993. Chris shares his journey from being a pitcher to becoming a broadcaster and rules expert.
• He discusses his thoughts on various rule changes in baseball, including the pitch clock and the three-batter minimum rule for relief pitchers.
• Chris emphasizes the importance of the human element in the game and the need to maintain a balance between technology and tradition.
• He reflects on his favorite broadcasters and the impact they had on his career.
• Chris also talks about his passion for the game and his desire to contribute to the baseball community through his website, Baseball Rules Academy.

Sound Bites

• "On the 22nd, I threw home and he decided to steal second."
• "I think it's one of the most interesting developments of the Reds season."
• "Jim Day is hilariously funny, self-deprecating, a true talent."
• "I think it's my way of saying thank you to the baseball community for allowing me to be around the game for so long."

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In light of the excitement around the dedication of Marty Brennaman's statue at Great American Ballpark, we thought we would republish this special episode during our fall break.

Mike Zilliox, an IT professional and lifelong Reds fan (and Randy's neighbor!), joins the podcast to discuss his Reds fandom and his Twitter account @TitanicStruggle, where he shared funny, interesting, and controversial quotes from retired Reds announcer Marty Brennaman. (Randy and Mike are co-authors of "@Titanicstruggle: The Best of Marty Brennaman) Mike talks about his love for Marty and Joe, his favorite Reds players, and his experiences meeting Sean Casey and other players. He also shares his favorite Martyisms and memorable moments from the broadcasts. Mike also shares his favorite Reds players, memorable trades, and attending postseason games. Mike mentions his go-to Twitter follow, Umpire Auditor, for information about the accuracy of MLB umpires..

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In this fascinating episode, which was recorded before the 2024 season, Randy and Jack interview Mike Suter, a lifelong Reds fan and the father of major league pitcher Brent Suter who signed with the Reds in January, 2024. They dive into Brent's journey to the major leagues, from his time at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, at Harvard, and his draft day experience and his minor league career. The episode continues with a discussion about Brent's path to the major leagues and his success as a pitcher. I

Mike discusses his experience following Brent's career in the minor leagues and his call-up to the majors. Mike shares his nervousness as a parent watching Brent pitch and the special moments he has been able to attend. He also talks about the challenges of being a Reds fan while Brent played for other teams and his excitement when Brent signed with the Reds. Mike highlights Brent's passion for the environment and his children's book, as well as the similarities between Milwaukee and Cincinnati as baseball cities. 

The trio discuss Mike's Reds fandom, his favorite players, and his first game as a Reds fan. They also talk about Mike's athletic background and his experience playing with Barry Larkin. Mike shares his favorite moments as a Reds fan, including the 1972 pennant win and the 1975 World Series. 

He concludes by expressing his hope for a Reds World Championship with Brent on the team.

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Hosts Jack and Randy welcome Julie Isphording, a Cincinnati native and Olympian, to discuss her journey from growing up in Cincinnati to becoming a world-class runner. Julie shares her experiences with the Cincinnati Reds, her Olympic trials, and the challenges of burnout after achieving her dreams. 

The conversation also touches on Cincinnati's vibrant sports culture, her retirement from directing the Thanksgiving Day race, and her future plans in health and wellness.

Takeaways:

• Julie Isphording is a proud Cincinnatian and Olympian.
• Growing up in Cincinnati provided a supportive community for Julie.
• Her first memorable Reds game was with her grandmother.
• Julie had a unique experience training with Eric Davis during spring training.
• The Olympic trials were a pivotal moment in her running career.
• Burnout is a real challenge for athletes after achieving their goals.
• Cincinnati has a rich sports culture that includes baseball, football, and running.
• The Flying Pig Marathon is one of the best organized races in the country.
• Julie is stepping back from directing the Thanksgiving Day race after 25 years.
• She plans to focus on health projects and writing in her retirement.

Sound Bites

• "Slumps are real deals."
• "This race saved his life."
• "I love LaRosas pizza."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to an Olympian's Journey

01:47
Growing Up in Cincinnati

03:17
Memorable Reds Experiences

07:47
Favorite Players and Spring Training Stories

12:11
The Start of a Running Career

19:23
Training for the Olympics

24:10
The Role of Community and Support

26:56
The Olympic Trials Experience

33:44
First Marathon and Personal Bests

40:00
Dealing with Slumps and Burnout

42:23
Transitioning from Race Director to New Ventures

47:08
Memorable Moments in Racing

52:53
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

52:57
Community and Unity in Sports

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John Hirschbeck, a former MLB umpire, shares his journey from a high school student needing money to a respected umpire in Major League Baseball. John discusses his experiences in various cities, the challenges of scheduling, injuries faced during his career, and the impact of technology on umpiring. 

John reflects on memorable games, the importance of handling managers with respect, and his community work through the Magic of Michael Foundation, which supports children with disabilities. The conversation provides insights into the life of an umpire and the evolution of the game.

Takeaways

• John Hirschbeck's journey to becoming an MLB umpire started from a need for money in high school.
• He enjoyed umpiring from the start. 
• Scheduling for umpires is influenced by seniority and personal preferences.
• Umpires have to manage injuries and physical challenges throughout their careers.
• Cincinnati is a favorite city for John due to its proximity to home and great food.
• John emphasizes the importance of handling managers with respect and understanding.
• Replay technology has changed the dynamics of umpiring, reducing the need for direct interactions with managers.
• Memorable games include significant moments like no-hitters and record-breaking events.
• The evolution of umpiring standards has made the game more technical and less personal.
• John's final game was a historic World Series, marking the end of a significant career.

Sound Bites

• "I love being in the Midwest."
• "Dusty was always a class act."
• "Bob Boone was the best receiver."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to John Hirschbeck

01:19
Journey to Becoming an MLB Umpire

04:34
Umpiring Experience and Favorite Cities

07:51
Injuries and Challenges as an Umpire

08:33
Umpiring in Cincinnati and Memorable Interactions

11:19
Handling Managers and Game Psychology

12:35
Replay and Its Impact on Umpiring

15:06
The Galarraga Perfect Game Controversy

16:06
Understanding the Replay System

18:05
Changes in Umpiring with Replay

20:55
The Technicalities of Modern Umpiring

23:16
The Evolution of Umpiring Styles

24:43
Reflections on a No-Hitter Game

28:06
Historic Moments in Umpiring

30:27
The Rain Delay Dilemma

33:31
Reflections on Retirement

41:14
The Impact of Terry Francona

46:48
Life After Umpiring and Community Involvement

52:17
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

52:21
Community and Unity in Sports

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Julie Nixon-Hills, Russ Nixon, Cincinnati Reds, baseball history, family legacy, sports management, baseball fans, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, baseball stories

Summary

Julie Nixon-Hils shares her deep-rooted connection to baseball, stemming from her family's rich history in the sport. She discusses her upbringing in Cincinnati, her uncle Russ Nixon's career as a manager for the Reds, and the challenges he faced in that role. Julie also talks about her father's baseball career - He was Russ' twin!

Julie reflects on her experiences as a Reds fan, the dynamics of her family, and the impact of her grandfather's legacy. The conversation also touches on her life in Indianapolis, her favorite Cincinnati beers, and her preference for a Reds championship over a Pacers title.

Takeaways

• Julie Nixon-Hills has a strong family legacy in baseball.
• Growing up in a baseball family shaped her identity.
• Her uncle Russ Nixon faced challenges as a manager for the Reds.
• Julie has fond memories of watching Reds games with her grandmother.
• The Nixon twins were known for their talent in baseball from a young age.
• Julie reflects on the importance of respect for the game.
• She enjoys following the Reds despite living in Indianapolis.
• Julie has a preference for Cincinnati beers like Hudy Delight.
• The conversation highlights the differences between Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
• Julie values her family's history and connection to baseball.

Sound Bites

• "We were just kind of born into it."
• "Nobody likes being fired."
• "We miss home. It's familiar."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Julie Nixon-Hils

01:37
Julie’s Background and Family History

03:22
Growing Up in a Baseball Family

07:23
The Story of Herman Clifton

12:30
The Nixon Twins and Their Baseball Journey

17:52
Being a Reds Fan and Family Connections

19:08
Russ Nixon's Management of the Reds

22:29
Challenges and Triumphs of Russ Nixon

24:42
Russ Nixon's Time with the Braves

26:37
Reflections on Past Experiences

27:57
Memories from the Braves Era

29:24
Pranks and Family Bonds

30:38
Growing Up with a Famous Name

32:00
Following the Reds from Afar

33:50
Life in Indianapolis vs. Cincinnati

37:28
Favorite Cincinnati Beers and Memories

40:26
Reds vs. Pacers: A Fan's Perspective

44:21
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

44:25
Community and Unity in Sports

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Summary

Geoff Hobson, aka Butch Hobson, a sports journalist for 49 years, shares his journey from a young baseball fan in Massachusetts to becoming a prominent beat writer for the Cincinnati Bengals. He reflects on his early influences, the evolution of sports journalism, and the differences between working for newspapers and NFL teams. 

Hobson also discusses his experiences covering the Reds, memorable players, and his predictions for the Bengals' future success.

Takeaways

• Geoff Hobson has been a beat writer for the Bengals since 2000.
• He grew up in Massachusetts, heavily influenced by the Boston Globe's sports section.
• Hobson's journey into sports journalism began at Syracuse University.
• He transitioned to Cincinnati for better opportunities and quality of life.
• Hobson believes the current Bengals team is the best he's seen in his tenure.
• He reflects on the differences in reporting for newspapers versus the NFL.
• Hobson emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sports journalism.
• He shares memorable experiences with players like Tony Perez and Joe Nuxhall.
• Hobson predicts a successful season for the Bengals, potentially hosting the AFC Championship game.
• He acknowledges the evolution of sports journalism and the challenges of modern reporting.

Sound Bites

• "This is a great hit."
• "I always wanted to read stuff."
• "I think the Red Sox won that series."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Jeff Hobson

01:41
Growing Up and Early Influences

05:27
Journey into Sports Journalism

11:42
Transition to Cincinnati and Career Beginnings

14:19
Differences in Reporting: Newspapers vs. NFL

20:44
Storytelling in Journalism

21:21
Lifelong Reds Fandom and Career Reflections

30:00
Reflections on Tony Perez's Short Tenure

32:18
The Impact of Tony Canigliaro's Career

36:36
Personal Connections to Baseball Legends

40:30
Comparing Fenway Park and Great American Ballpark

41:28
Mike Brown's Love for the Reds

46:26
Predictions for the Bengals' Future

52:26
The Evolution of Sports and Gambling

55:41
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

55:45
Community and Unity in Sports