Episodes
Shane Sparks returns for Part 2 of the Go Earn It Podcast with Matt McDonough, a three-time NCAA Division I finalist and two-time champion from the University of Iowa.
Published 05/09/24
This week, Kevin and Tommy discuss the Oklahoma State hire of David Taylor, and our thoughts around the hire and future of the program. We also talk through some of the transfer portal news, as well as the Gable Steveson next steps. We wrap up with discussion of the Tom Brady roast, and parent corner. The views and opinions expressed on this show are those of the individual hosts and not the network or sponsors of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. That being said, they curse a lot, too. 
Published 05/08/24
Published 05/08/24
Episode 58 of the Five Point Move Podcast welcomes back Ellis Coleman, who after a two-year hiatus from competition returned to action this past winter and just two weeks ago won the Olympic Trials. Coleman, 32, now has his sights set on placing in the top-3 at the World Olympic Games Qualifier in Istanbul, Turkey. Coleman had appeared on three previous episodes of the program but it has been a while. One thing that has not changed is his forthrightness. As always, the multiple-time World...
Published 05/08/24
This week Tommy and Kevin recap a dynamic Olympic Trials and walk through each weight and some of the fun storylines to come out of them. Kevin also touches on the exciting news that Ben Bennett will be taking over the Chippewas of Central Michigan.  The views and opinions expressed on this show are those of the individual hosts and not the network or sponsors of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. That being said, they curse a lot, too. 
Published 04/25/24
Episode 31 of the Mat Stats Show deals with how team scoring changed with the new 3-point TD and 2,3, & 4 point near fall, how accurate is the seeding process, and a recap of the 2023-24 season. Join hosts Glenn Gormley, Kevin Hazard and Jason Bryant as we dive into those numbers.  Slideshow to accompany this episode is here: https://www.mattalkonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/slideshow31.pdf Sticker Mule wants to make sure your team, program, company or project is set...
Published 04/24/24
In niche sports journalism, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and storytelling are key to success. On the latest episode of the Short Time Wrestling Podcast, host Jason Bryant catches up with longtime wrestling friend and fellow scribe Maggie Hendricks, who currently covers a number of sports for Olympics.com. The Chicago native has previously covered college and Olympic sports, wrestling, MMA and a bevy of others at outlets like Yahoo, USA Today and Ballys Sports. She was in State College...
Published 04/23/24
Brian Smith has been the architect of the Missouri wrestling program. On the latest episode of the Go Earn It Podcast with host Shane Sparks, Smith talks about his philosophy on coaching and developing wrestlers, coming from Florida and wrestling at Michigan State and how he's shaped Missouri into one of the top programs in the country.
Published 04/18/24
This week Tommy and Kevin talk through the recently announced retirement of John Smith, as well as some of the CMU coaching updates. We also walk through the Men's and Women's freestyle predictions and bracket breakdowns! Olympic Trials Baby!!! Rock On! The views and opinions expressed on this show are those of the individual hosts and not the network or sponsors of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. That being said, they curse a lot, too. 
Published 04/17/24
Episode 67 of Wrestling 411 talks with then-Penn State Athletics Director Tim Curley about the hiring of Cael Sanderson. Wrestling 411 was the first national wrestling podcast and was hosted by Kyle Klingman and Jason Bryant. Recorded in Arden Hills, Minnesota on April 24, 2009.
Published 04/17/24
In this episode of the Go Earn It Podcast, host Shane Sparks sits down with David Carr, a five-time NCAA Division I All-American and two-time NCAA champion from Iowa State. The conversation delves into the intense rivalry between Carr and fellow wrestler Keegan O'Toole, which has captivated audiences with its fierce competition and strategic maneuvers (0:00). Carr opens up about dealing with disappointment in wrestling and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset despite setbacks,...
Published 04/11/24
Shane Sparks catches up with three-time All-American and two-time NCAA Division I champion Matt McDonough from Iowa. Sparks talks with McDonough about his career at Iowa and how he almost ended up as a Northwestern Wildcat. 
Published 04/05/24
On Episode 18 of the Go Earn It Podcast, Shane Sparks delves into the wrestling journey of four-time All-American Nick Simmons, exploring his illustrious career as an athlete at Michigan State, his time on the U.S. World Team and a college and club coach. From his early days to becoming a three-time Big Ten champion, Simmons shares his insights on wrestling techniques, mental toughness, and his coaching philosophy. TimestampsWrestling Career and Memories with Nick Simmons (0:00)College...
Published 03/28/24
This week Tommy and I spend most of the time covering the goings on from this past weekend at NCAAs. We discuss our reactions to matches, upsets, and some behind the scenes activities from Kansas City. I wand to go back. It was awesome. Rock on! The views and opinions expressed on this show are those of the individual hosts and not the network or sponsors of the Mat Talk Podcast Network. That being said, they curse a lot, too. 
Published 03/28/24
Episode 30 of the NWCA's Mat Stats Show gets a look into the annual monstrosity that is the Mat Talk Online Division I Wrestling Championships Preview Guide - or as many call it - The Guide. With over 250 pages, the Mat Talk Online NCAA Division I Wrestling Fan Guide is the ultimate digital resource for the wrestling fan looking for information on the current tournament, historical news and notes, qualifier breakdowns, data, and interactive content from the Mat Talk Podcast...
Published 03/19/24
Shane Sparks sits down with Robert Kokesh, a standout wrestler from the University of Nebraska, to discuss his journey from South Dakota to becoming a three-time All-American. Kokesh shares insights into his wrestling career, the influence of his coaches, and the lessons learned along the way. TimestampsWrestling, Sports, and Personal Background (0:02)Toughness, Resilience, and Wrestling (3:33)High School Wrestling Experiences and Coaching (6:26)College Wrestling Recruitment and Early...
Published 03/15/24
Jason Bryant is joined by Anthony and Gennaro Bonaventura from the D3 Nation Podcast to talk about the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships coming up March 15-16 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Brackets: https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/files/2024-03/2024DIIIMWR_ChampionshipBrackets.pdf  Check out The Guide, Mat Talk Online’s massive Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship Preview Guide with pre-orders now available at WrestlingPreviewGuide.com. Use the Discount...
Published 03/13/24
This week we have a special guest host in Earl Smith, NWMA Journalist of the year and Site Editor for Intermat. We discussed At-Large Bids and our general thoughts on those. We also cover some conference reactions across the board, and we talk through Earl's experiences from the B1G Tournament. We also talk through some of his Intermat experiences and a quick parent corner. Rock on! The views and opinions expressed on this show are those of the individual hosts and not the...
Published 03/13/24
The 2024 ACC Championship will be hosted by North Carolina this year on Sunday, March 10. NC State leads the ACC with five top seeds, and the Pack also added three with the second seed. Meaning, the Wolfpack will have just two compete in the opening round, while the eight others have a bye into the semifinals as NC State goes for a sixth straight ACC title. Host Brian Reinhardt and Pack head coach Pat Popolizio go weight-by-weight for a complete preview on episode No. 121 of the...
Published 03/07/24
This week is a solo pod from Claunch. I refer most to the Intermat Conference Crossover podcast we did this week to preview the B1G, EIWA, and ACC. Then I cover the rest, MAC, Big 12, and Pac 12. I try to throw out a couple things to pay attention to regarding possible upsets and projections, and I do elaborate on some of the B1G projections, and the excitement that can be 149. Finish with a brief tribute to my daughter getting me into Taylor Swift. Rock On! The views and...
Published 03/07/24
Shane Sparks welcomes Cole Konrad, a wrestling legend from the University of Minnesota and an undefeated Bellator champion in MMA. Konrad discusses his journey from being a top high school heavyweight to achieving collegiate wrestling glory and making a mark in the MMA world. Timestamps College Sports Achievements with a Former Athlete (0:02) Wrestling Success, Motivation, and Dedication (1:01) High School Wrestling, College Recruitment, and Career Goals...
Published 03/06/24
Shane Sparks sits down with Matt Valenti, a distinguished figure in collegiate wrestling and athletics administration. Valenti shares insights from his journey as a multi-sport athlete in high school to becoming a two-time NCAA wrestling champion for the University of Pennsylvania. He’s now working at his alma mater as a Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Leadership and Development. The conversation covers the importance of family support, the challenges and triumphs of his wrestling...
Published 02/29/24
Checking out what’s coming up at the 2024 NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championships this weekend at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.  Host Jason Bryant will look at the draws, point out who to keep an eye on and provide some history of the championships.  Event kicks off Feb. 29 and will be streamed live on Flowrestling. Brackets at Trackwrestling.com Check out The Guide, Mat Talk Online’s massive Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship Preview Guide with pre-orders...
Published 02/28/24
This week Tommy and I talk through some suggested rule changes at the High School level. We then catch up with Head Coach Mark Branch from Wyoming to catch up on their season and some of their developing young guys in the lineup. We then talk through the Pan Am Qualifiers and what to look forward to this week. We finish up with a parent corner and some movie recommendations. Rock on! The views and opinions expressed on this show are those of the individual hosts and not the...
Published 02/28/24
The new Executive Director of Beat the Streets Bay Area, John Lange, comes on Short Time to talk about his new role with the organization and his return to wrestling. An All-American at Penn State in 1998, Lange has the unique distinction of being the first wrestler in the full wrestleback era to have lost in the first round and come back to take third at the NCAA Division I championships. He spent time as an assistant coach at Hofstra and Eastern Michigan before assuming the role of interim...
Published 02/27/24