From 345 lbs to 180 — Tyler Jones’ story is one of transformation, persistence, and finding purpose. The Oklahoma native and University of Kansas grad has built a career in sports media covering OU Football, NASCAR, and the OKC Thunder.In this episode, Tyler opens up about his 165-pound weight loss journey, how it’s impacted his life and career, and what it means to come full circle covering the team he grew up rooting for. We also dive into his path as a freelancer, how storytelling fuels his work, and the pride he takes in his Choctaw heritage.We close with college football and basketball talk — including OU’s College Football Playoff chances, KU’s rise under Lance Leipold, and whether the OKC Thunder are the next NBA dynasty.If you enjoy the conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share who you’d like to see on a future episode!00:00 – Intro01:30 – Talking about Tyler’s new roles in sports media02:46 – Inspiration for going full-time as a freelancer & the freedom that comes with it06:24 – The 165-lb weight loss journey & how confidence changed everything14:31 – Advice for others on setting goals & staying consistent with weight loss16:06 – Real reactions to his transformation & learning who your true friends are19:00 – Coming full circle: covering the team he grew up watching26:25 – Brady St. Blends Ad Read ($1 off if you subscribe)27:03 – Showing versatility across sports radio, local news & digital coverage31:26 – Finding your voice & perfecting your craft over time36:51 – Why storytelling is the best part of any job40:31 – Tyler’s Choctaw heritage & how identity fuels his purpose45:30 – The importance of networking in sports media50:32 – Can OU Football make the College Football Playoff?56:51 – KU Football: Lance Leipold’s rebuild & next steps for the Jayhawks1:43:18 – KU Basketball: Darryn Peterson hype, Bill Self’s NIL evolution & Jacque Vaughn as next HC?1:48:05 – Are the OKC Thunder the next NBA dynasty?1:52:58 – Follow Tyler on social media + Subscribe to Couzin’s Conversations#couzinsconversations #podcast #weightlossjourney #sportsmedia #oklahomacitythunder #oklahomasooners #kansasjayhawks #choctaw #nativeamericanculture #storytelling #sports #personalgrowth #careeradvice #networking
From playing college lacrosse and junior hockey to producing sportscontent in the Bay Area, Justin Pierce has seen the game from everyangle. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on the NBA betting scandal shaking up the league, what it’s really like working behind the camera, and how storytelling connects fans to athletes. We also dive into his transition from athlete to creative, his sports bettingperspective, and lessons he’s learned from building a career in one ofthe country’s biggest media markets. 🎧 The journey behind the dream — one story at a time. 👇 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping sports #sportsbetting #NBA #SportsMedia #couzinsconversations #JustinPierce #SportsStorytelling #NickCouzin
From sleeping on a loveseat to leading sports coverage in Springfield, Missouri — Chris Pinson’s journey is all about perseverance, creativity, and believing in yourself.We talk about the grind behind chasing your dreams, how he found his voice through storytelling, and the digital movement reshaping local sports coverage.If you’re passionate about sports media, storytelling, or chasing something bigger than yourself — this one’s for you.👉 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations every week!
In this episode, Nick sits down with Cierra Clark, the creative force behind SEC Unfiltered’s new podcast SEC Tea — a rising voice in the college football digital space who’s gone viral for her humor and relatable content.Cierra breaks down:🎥 How she blends sports and entertainment on TikTok💡 The inspiration behind her Taylor Swift/Crazy Ex-BF–themed SEC videos🏈 Why she might be physic predicting James Franklin's firing at Penn State🎓 Her journey from the University of Florida to becoming a must-follow sports creator🎢 Growing up in Orlando — and just how many times she’s been to Disney WorldIf you love college football, creativity, or content that makes you laugh — this one’s for you.🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more conversations with rising voices in sports and media:👉 / @nickcouzin #CollegeFootball #SECTea #SECUnfiltered #TaylorSwiftSeries #ContentCreator #SportsMedia #FloridaGators #CouzinsConversations
Welcome back to Couzin’s Conversations! 🎙️This week, I’m joined by Courtney Mims, Sports Director at FOX 16 in Little Rock, Arkansas.We dive into:🐗 The latest drama surrounding the Arkansas football program🏀 What John Calipari’s arrival means for Razorback basketball🏟️ SEC football environments and which stadiums stand out🎶 Courtney’s love for Taylor Swift — and her case for why I need to listen to the new albumFrom SEC rivalries to pop-culture passion, this episode has a little bit of everything.🔔 If you enjoy it, don’t forget to subscribe — it helps me keep these conversations coming!#ArkansasFootball #Razorbacks #CoachCalipari #SECFootball #SportsMedia #TaylorSwift #CouzinsConversations
From local TV sports to YouTube creator with over 53,000 subscribers, Brandon Blakney has carved out his own lane in sports media. In episode 8 of Couzin's Conversations , we dive into:🏀 Caitlin Clark’s massive impact on the WNBA🔥 The drama surrounding commissioner Cathy Englebert & Napheesa Collier’s comments📈 How Brandon grew his YouTube channel and built real connections with subscribers🎥 His favorite video he’s made and the stories behind it📊 Marketing work on the side + lessons in branding🏆 WNBA Finals preview & early thoughts on women’s college basketballWhether you’re a hoops fan, content creator, or just love women’s sports, this episode gives insight into both the game and the grind behind building a platform.👉 Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on YouTube and follow on Spotify/Apple so you never miss a new episode!#WNBA #CaitlinClark #SportsMedia #YouTubeCreator #Podcast #Basketball
Welcome back to Couzin’s Conversations! 🎙This week, I sit down with Richie O’Baid, KU J-School alum and Vegas-born, New York sports fan, to talk about his journey in sports media and beyond.Richie shares:
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and stories: / @nickcouzin 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it & drop a comment with your favorite part!📱 Follow me:Instagram: @ncouzTwitter/X: @ncouzTikTok: @ncouzin#CouzinsConversations #SportsMedia #KUAlumni #JournalismTips #PlaymakersKU #NYsports #VegasSports #StudentAthlete #CareerAdvice #RunningCommunity #MarathonLife
Welcome back to Couzin’s Conversations! 🎙In Episode 6, I’m joined by Lily Schutzenhofer, in-game host for the NAHL’s Watertown Shamrocks. 🏒Lily shares what it’s like to work in a small, hands-on front office and how that’s helped her grow in the sports industry. She talks about building relationships with players, embracing the Watertown community, and where her love for hockey first began. 🏆We also dive into her time with Playmakers KU, how those experiences shaped her ability to connect with fans and athletes, and of course, her Chicago sports fandom. ⚾🏀🏈🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and stories: / @nickcouzin 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it & drop a comment below with your favorite part!Instagram: @ncouzTwitter/X: @ncouzTikTok: @ncouzin#NAHL #Hockey #SportsMedia #InGameHost #WatertownShamrocks #ChicagoSports #CouzinsConversations
In Episode 5, I sit down with Chad Cushing, fellow KU J-School alum and now a team photographer for the Jacksonville Jaguars.Chad shares his journey from working on Playmakers KU and serving as photo editor at the University Daily Kansan, to capturing the action on Sundays in the NFL. 📸🏈We dive into:What gameday looks like through the lens of an NFL photographerThe unique role of being the Jaguars’ endzone photographer — from on-field action to cheerleaders to postgame jersey swapsAdapting to a new city and team in FloridaHow college experiences helped prepare him for the real worldHis love for baseball (and the Angels ⚾)Why shooting basketball is his favorite sport to photographThe process of landing his role with the Jaguars🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and stories: / @nickcouzin 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it & drop a comment below with your favorite part!📱 Follow me:Instagram: @ncouzTwitter/X: @ncouzTikTok: @ncouzin#CouzinsConversations #JacksonvilleJaguars #NFLPhotography #SportsMedia #KUAthletics #SportsPhotography #NFL
I’m joined by Sports Betting Analyst JoMadden, who’s built a huge following through her betting insight and unique voice in the space.We get into:-MLB props that stood out-Looking ahead to the NFL season with futures + odds breakdowns-Early NHL season talk-Jo’s journey into her current role and what it’s like handling the spotlight with such a big followingThis conversation goes beyond just sports betting — we dive into her story, growth, and advice for others trying to carve out their lane in sports media.📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy the episode!👉 Subscribe for more weekly episodes: / @nickcouzin
#SportsBetting #BettingTips #MLBProps #NFLOdds #NHLSeason #Podcast #SportsPodcast #SportsTalk #WomenInSports #SportsMedia #InfluencerLife
Welcome back to Couzin’s Conversations! 🎙In Episode 3, I sit down with Creighton Volleyball standout Abbey Hayes to talk about her journey — from winning a state championship at North Scott High School to facing the defending national champs in her very first college match. 🏐🔥Abbey shares why she chose Creighton, how she’s navigating the spotlight in the NIL era, and the importance of mental health for today’s athletes. She also reveals her favorite athlete — Michael Jordan — and how his legendary mindset fuels her own preparation. 🐐🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and stories: https://www.youtube.com/@nickcouzin👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it & comment your favorite part!📱 Follow me:Instagram: @ncouzTwitter/X: @ncouzTikTok: @ncouzin#CouzinsConversations #CreightonVolleyball #CollegeVolleyball #NIL #MentalHealthInSports #StudentAthlete #MichaelJordan
Welcome back to Couzin’s Conversations! 🎙In Episode 2, I sit down with Barry Anderson, a fellow Jayhawk and current member of the Stadium Operations team at Sporting Kansas City.We talk about:-Barry’s path from KU to Sporting KC-How our student-run show Playmakers KU grew into a true campus brand-The impact of professors who shaped our careers-Changes within Kansas Athletics since my time in Lawrence-His perspective as a Kansas City native (and why he roots for the Chargers & Padres!)📍 Couzin’s Conversations is all about sharing the journeys of athletes, coaches, broadcasters, and sports/media professionals you don’t always hear about.🔔 Subscribe for more interviews and stories: / @nickcouzin 📱 Follow me:Instagram: @ncoouzTwitter/X: @ncouzTikTok: @ncouzin#CouzinsConversations #SportingKC #StadiumOperations #SportsMedia #SportsBiz #KUAlumni#RockChalk #PlaymakersKU #KansasJayhawks
Welcome to the very first episode of Couzin’s Conversations! 🎙In this debut, I sit down with Andres Tejeda, the voice of the Clinton LumberKings, to talk baseball, broadcasting, and the stories that make the game special.We cover:-How Andres became the voice of the LumberKings-His favorite moments behind the mic-Life in summer collegiate league baseball-Advice for aspiring sports broadcasters📍 Couzin’s Conversations is where I chat with athletes, coaches, broadcasters, and more to share the stories you don’t hear every day.🔔 Subscribe for future interviews and behind-the-scenes sports stories: / @nickcouzin 📱 Follow me for more:Instagram: @ncouzTwitter/X: @ncouz🎧 About the Clinton LumberKingsThe Clinton LumberKings are a Prospect League baseball team based in Clinton, Iowa — with a rich history in the game and a loyal fan base.#SportsInterview #Baseball #ClintonLumberKings #CouzinsConversations #SportsBroadcasting #AndresTejeda