Steve Layman visits with Belmont men's basketball guard Nic McClain. The pair discuss McClain's circuitous route to Belmont, from rural north Florida to junior college to Eastern Washington and ultimately the Belmont campus. McClain shares stories of growing up, lessons learned, patience through adversity, and his excitement level for the 2025-26 season. Layman sparks conversation on how McClain stays connected with his older brother and Belmont legend Kevin McClain - including tales of Kevin's game-winning shot at UCLA and his heroic performance in victory in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. McClain also shares insight on Belmont head coach Casey Alexander and the Bruin coaching staff, how he's building relationships with his teammates, and enjoying the Belmont sport administration program. McClain also opens up about his favorite places to visit in Nashville and his love for the outdoors and music.
Steve Layman visits with Belmont sport administration professor of practice Erin Ryder. The pair discuss Ryder's life journey, from her story as a championship field hockey student-athlete to a career in television and film. Ryder shares personal stories about being opportunistic and grateful for her career trajectory, which includes credits for NBC Olympics, ESPN, and her role in helping launch Thursday Night Football on Amazon. Layman sparks conversation on the rise of women's sports domestically and internationally, how Nashville has become a sports and entertainment it-city, and how dynamic personalities like Caitlin Clark and Livvy Dunne can elevate all female sports. Events such as the NCAA Volleyball showcase in Nashville and the NCAA Women's Final Four are also discussed. Ryder also opens up about her motivation behind launching Playmakers Nashville to benefit women in sport and how she got connected at Belmont as a new professor of practice within the sport administration program.
Steve Layman visits with Belmont senior associate athletic director/SWA Renee Schultz. The pair discuss Schultz's journey from the pacific northwest to Belmont as a women's soccer student-athlete and how Belmont has become her professional life calling. Schultz shares about personal connection to student-athletes and community members, her excitement level for the coming academic year, and reflects upon Bruin achievements in 2024-25 - including the MVC Academic Trophy. Layman sparks conversation on the opportunities and challenges of the current college athletics landscape, and how well-positioned Belmont is as a university and athletic department. Belmont Softball's historic season and a forecast of the fall and winter sports is also discussed.
Steve Layman visits with Belmont starting pitcher and newest member of the Detroit Tigers' organization, Joe Ruzicka. The pair discuss Ruzicka's preparation and emotions leading into this year's MLB Entry Draft and living out a childhood dream. Ruzicka shares about overcoming adversity and locking in to emerge as the 2025 MVC Pitcher of the Year. Ruzicka provides revealing thoughts his own personal growth under Dave Jarvis and AJ Gaura, and his spiritual growth and development as a student at Belmont. Ruzicka opens up about growing up in St. Louis, and having a connection to former Belmont men's basketball standout and leading NBA skills development trainer Drew Hanlen. Layman sparks conversation what is next for Belmont University and the Belmont Baseball program, the strength of baseball in the MVC, and his summer training leading into reporting to the Tigers.
Steve Layman visits with Belmont softball head coach Laura Matthews. The pair discuss Belmont's highly-successful regular season, which included marquee victories over Arizona State, Purdue and Maryland (x2). Matthews shares about how she managed expectations, approached scheduling, and navigated adversity, in large part due to leadership from her Bruin upperclassmen. Matthews provides revealing thoughts about the transformational changes at Rose Park, and how she and her coaching staff have forged strong bonds with the baseball and soccer coaches. Matthews also addresses personal challenges in coaching during COVID, overseeing the Wright State softball program when the university elected to no longer sponsor the sport, and seeing things to the other side in her native Nashville at Belmont. Layman sparks conversation on standout pitcher Maya Johnson and the qualities she possesses to rank among the nation's best. The pair also preview the MVC Softball Tournament, and get a laugh about Matthews' dream job.
Steve Layman visits with Delta Dental of Tennessee Senior Vice President, Brand Experience Missy Acosta to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Belmont Athletics and Delta Dental of Tennessee. Layman and Acosta discuss the importance of wearing mouthguards during sport competition as Delta Dental is a leading advocate for Youth Sports Safety Month during April. Acosta praised Belmont coaches, such as Casey Alexander and Bart Brooks, as being generous partners to amplify the Delta Dental message, and the synergy between the Belmont University and Delta Dental missions. Layman and Acosta also discussed Delta Dental's far-reaching presence on the Belmont campus, including the lobby of the Crockett Center for Athletic Excellence, and basketball gameday in the Curb Event Center. For instance, Delta Dental mascot Marshall Molar is friends with Belmont mascot, Bruiser, and that has led to wonderful memories for children and families. The pair also highlight new initiatives for Delta Dental of Tennessee in the months to come.
Steve Layman visits with Belmont women's basketball head coach Bart Brooks. The pair reflect upon Belmont's historic run to the WBIT championship game, its unforgettable comeback victory over Northern Arizona, memories of competing in Hinkle Fieldhouse, and representing Belmont on a national stage on ESPN. Brooks shares his general coaching philosophies, and how this year's team - and senior class - holds a special place in his heart. Layman and Brooks also speak to the changing landscape of college athletics, how basketball programs are navigating the transfer portal, name-image-likeness, the pending House settlement, and rampant misinformation and tampering within the game. Brooks shares about his love of Belmont University, the influence hall of fame coach Doug Bruno has had on his coaching and life, and embracing a leadership role on campus. Bart reveals what inspires him, how energized he is about the future of NCAA women's basketball and positioning Belmont to have a rightful place among the nation's best.
Steve Layman visits with Boston Globe sports editor emeritus Joe Sullivan and Belmont associate athletic director and broadcast color analyst Greg Sage for a roundtable discussion of Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball. The three provide an overview of the conference regularseason, including insider perspective on how the Belmont Bruins have navigated the season and blended newcomers and returning players to earn a 15th consecutive 20-win season. They also share views on Drake's historic season, itsworthy national attention and NCAA Tournament at-large resume. Steve leads an engaging conversation on MVC postseason awards, including a 'player draft' of All-MVC players. They also express their thoughts on the MVC Men's Basketball Tournament and provide analysis of the field.
Steve Layman sits down with Belmont Baseball head coach Dave Jarvis for a wide-ranging conversation. The pair preview the upcoming Bruin baseball season, Jarvis' optimism on pitching and leadership, and the benefits of playing in a proven, nationally-regarded conference like the Missouri Valley Conference. They delve into enhancements to E.S. Rose Park - including an indoor training facility and new scoreboard - and the ability to host Kentucky and Notre Dame this season. Jarvis also reflects on his recent induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame and the prospects of Major League Baseball in Nashville. Layman and Jarvis discuss the current landscape within college athletics, finding work-life balance and building relationships with players.
Steve Layman sits down with Bruin Club Executive Director Russell Grimm for a holiday-themed edition of the podcast. The pair open with reflections from Belmont's victory at Richmond, which served as this year's athletic donor trip. A record-number of Belmont supporters attended, and Grimm shared his perspective in executing the trip from conception to reality. Grimm also sheds light about how previous professional experiences at Michigan, Boston College and VCU shaped his journey and fundraising lens, and how he applies lessons within his current role. Layman and Grimm share thoughts on the rise of Belmont University's profile, and how the Belmont MSA program set the stage for Grimm to return to Nashville. The pair discuss present opportunities and challenges in the current landscape, including the House case, the proposed revenue-sharing model, NIL, transfer portal, and conference realignment. Layman and Grimm also discuss college basketball, strength in the MVC in men's and women's basketball, and how Belmont is positioning itself for the next iteration of college athletics.
Steve Layman sits down with CBS Sports & ESPN game analyst/reporter Kelly Burke for a compelling conversation on the state of college athletics and the rise of NCAA women's basketball. Burke shares her personal journey from a student-athlete at Arizona State University, to local news, and ultimately, network game coverage. The pair share insights on Belmont and the Missouri Valley Conference in a rapidly changing landscape, a seemingly seminal moment and inflection point for women's sports, and the health of the Bruin program under Bart Brooks' leadership. Layman and Burke also share perspective for aspiring broadcasters and professional communicators.
Steve Layman sits down with Belmont Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Corley for an engaging conversation on the eve of college basketball season. The pair discuss the state of college athletics, how the preliminary approval of the House case impacts all NCAA Division I institutions, including Belmont, and other front-of-mind issues including revenue sharing, conference affiliation and the shift to roster limits from scholarship limits. Corley adds stories from his experiences playing for Hall of Fame coach Rick Byrd, and how lessons from Byrd have shaped his leadership. Layman and Corley also discuss positive momentum in the Missouri Valley Conference, appreciation for Casey Alexander and Bart Brooks and opportunities to leverage basketball in the years to come.
Steve Layman visits with Belmont men's basketball legend Grayson Murphy for an update on his professional playing career and reflections on his journey at Belmont. The pair discuss his experiences as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Summer League team, including playing with Bronny James and Dalton Knecht. Murphy shares about his path to Belmont, how playing for Coach Byrd and Coach Alexander prepared him for professional basketball, comparisons to T.J. McConnell, and balancing career and life as a newlywed. Layman and Murphy also reflect upon the historic 2019 season, NCAA Tournament memories, NBA thoughts on Ben Sheppard and Dylan Windler and Belmont's place in the NCAA.
Steve Layman sits down with Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner Jeff Jackson for a lively and revealing conversation about the state of college athletics. The pair discuss present opportunities and challenges in the current landscape, including the House case, the proposed revenue-sharing model, NIL, transfer portal, and conference realignment. Jackson shares how the Missouri Valley Conference's history, tradition and track record of excellence through the generations has it well-positioned. Layman and Jackson also discuss college basketball, strength in the MVC in men's and women's basketball, and how MVC membership values Belmont University.
Steve Layman visits with Belmont Softball standout pitcher Maya Johnson, for a revealing conversation about her unique journey to Nashville. The pair discuss Johnson's childhood in her native Ohio, an early love of kickboxing, her competitive nature, how and when she turned to softball, and ultimately developed into one of the most accomplished pitchers in college softball. Johnson also shared personal stories of her own health and wellness journey, how a rare autoimmune condition nearly ended her college career before it started and how a reunion with Coach Laura Matthews has proven providential on and off the field. Johnson also delves into balancing athletics and her nursing degree studies and how she credits her teammates for team success.
Steve Layman chats with Indiana Pacers/Indiana Fever beat writer Scott Agness for a compelling conversation about a variety of topics impacting basketball. The pair discuss Belmont legend Ben Sheppard and his rise in the NBA. How Sheppard expressed his Pacer teammates, coaches and front office with his optimism, work ethic and team-first approach. And how the wing earned a major role in the Pacers' NBA playoff run. Agness also shares his experiences covering Caitlin Clark, how she has transcended sport, and parallels in her approach to another Indianapolis sporting legend, Peyton Manning.
Steve Layman sits down with Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones for an engaging, and wide-ranging conversation. The pair discuss Belmont legend Ben Sheppard and his rise in the NBA, embracing exciting partnerships and initiatives on campus, and staying rooted in Belmont's 'North Star' of Jesus Christ. Jones delves into his love of sport, his admiration for Belmont student-athletes and coaches and his relationships at Baylor and Duke, including Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Layman and Jones also discuss the state of college athletics, the present and future of higher education and Belmont's role in equipping and leadership formation.
Steve Layman visits with Montana State assistant director of media and Belmont MSA alumnus Noah Syverson. The two discuss Syverson's upbringing as the son of a coach, his connections to Nashville, Georgia and Montana, and his personal journey from Berry College to Belmont and beyond. Syverson also shares about his enriching educational and professional experiences in the Belmont MSA program, the unique circumstances that led him to Montana State, and the Bobcats' remarkable ride during men's basketball season. Syverson also reflected on memories during March Madness and personal advice for aspiring professionals.
Steve Layman visits with Boston Globe sports editor emeritus and NashvilleHoops.blog creator Joe Sullivan for an in-depth conversation on Championship Week and the state of college basketball. The pair discuss Belmont men's basketball, preview the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and share their thoughts on MVC all-conference awards with both serving on the voting panel. Sullivan also speaks to proposed NCAA Tournament expansion, reflections from his time covering Boston sports working with the likes of Bob Ryan and Jackie MacMullan, and what brought him to Nashville.
Steve Layman visits with Big Ten Network and Fox Sports play-by-play broadcaster Connor Onion for a revealing conversation about his rapid ascension to calling national games and how experiences at Ball State shaped him. The pair discuss Missouri Valley Conference adding Belmont University as a member institution, Onion's thoughts on Belmont's current and future prospects and memories of calling Belmont Ohio Valley Conference championship games. Onion also offers advice for aspiring broadcasters, outlines his game preparation and shares reflections from calling major sporting events such as the outdoor volleyball game at the University of Nebraska and Caitlin Clark games.