The SportComm Pod

NIL, now five years in, still generates plenty of discussion. Some speak about the positive impact it has made on athletes and the ability to make money. Others feel it has marred college sports. Co-hosts Natalie, Regan, and Shane share their experiences and insights, the cautionary tales, and if getting a degree is now secondary to the dollar. Share your thoughts in the comments or on our Instagr...

Campuses are abuzz with great action on the gridiron so far this season. From upsets to blowouts, co-hosts Ashton, Ethan, and Madison review some of the big games to date and provide their picks for potential playoff contenders. They also share some thoughts on a possible return to the CFP for JMU. Share, comment and subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

Need some ideas on who you should start or sit for your fantasy football team? Co-hosts Joe and Simon break down the key positions, the best bets, and the ones you should bury on your bench. We may not help you win your league, but it could be worth bragging rights for a week.

Every NFL season creates winners, surprises, and plenty of bad predictions. In the fall semester's first student episode, co-hosts Andrew, Diego, and Aubrey make their picks, share their biggest storylines, and put their reputations on the line with a season's worth of bold takes. Circle the wagons and share your picks with us in the comments! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe if y...

Our third season of The SportComm Pod kicks off with George Mason alum Emma Redden to discuss her journey into media with Audacy in Washington, D.C., and the mindset that helped her get there: do the scary things, even when you're scared. Emma also shares how she uses TikTok to explore music history, connect with sports fans (especially in Philly), and build her voice as a young communicator....

It's time to start the Pod engines.. The SportComm Pod is back and better than ever. We've recharged the batteries and are set to bring you all the insights and opinions from James Madison University Sport Communication students. Season Three kicks off on Sept. 18 our newest set of co-hosts, moderated by JMU professor, Jason Mollica. Tell your friends. Tell your families. Tell everyone to...

SEASON TWO FINALE! In this episode, co-hosts Rachel, Ryan and Emily break down all the action from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, diving into the biggest surprises, boldest picks, and head-scratching decisions. From unexpected selections to teams making aggressive moves up the board, we unpack what it all means for the future of the NFL. We also look ahead, evaluating which rookies have th...

When the playing days end, the real challenge often begins. In this episode, co-hosts Abbey, Michael and Grant explore how athletes navigate life after sports, highlighting those who successfully build a second chapter and those who struggle with identity, purpose, and direction once the game is over. From preparation and support systems to the realities many aren’t ready for, we take an honest lo...

We’re diving into the rapidly evolving landscape of college football and the forces reshaping the sport at every level. Co-hosts Jack, Reed, and Emma break down conference realignment and discuss how shifting league memberships are redefining competitive balance, traditional rivalries, and national exposure. There’s also a growing financial divide between Power Five programs and mid-major schools,...

The 2026 Major League Baseball season is underway! Co-hosts Linnea, Hannah, and Finley are breaking down key storylines, including the new ABS system, the teams to watch, and players poised to make an impact. Are the division races going to be close? Will it be Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge winning MVP again? Those questions are answered as well as why we're fans of the teams we follow. Don&#3...

In this episode, co-hosts Phillip, Tyler, and Avery diveinto the dramatic finale of the 2026 World Baseball Classic and highlight the record‑setting viewership, surpassing several past World Series games. They examine the challenges behind the scenes, from MLB teams carefully managing pitcher usage to insurance challenges off of the field. They also discuss how Team Italy’s showing helps to build...

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are shaping up to be a battle of heavyweights, with the Detroit Pistons leading a stacked Eastern Conference and the Oklahoma City Thunder pacing the West as top contenders. B’Lise, Ben and Bri break down the dominant forces, rising challengers, and high-stakes battles. As Boston, New York, San Antonio, and the Lakers push toward the top, momentum swings are tightening the ra...

The Olympics. The Super Bowl. The Winter Classic. All examples of worldwide sporting events that bring in hundreds of thousands of people. They spend money which is supposed to help local economies. But the cost to put it all together can be more than the average fan realizes. This week, co-hosts Avery. Gigi, and Lydia break down the dollar figures, the behind-the-scenes negotiations, and, at time...

Since most states in the U.S. have legalized sports betting, we're beginning to see a difference in the conversation. What started as "Should we legalize it?," now has some asking, "How far is too far?" In this week's episode, co-hosts Lacey, Chet, and Sebastian discuss their experiences with betting and the impact they see on professional and amateur sports. Follow us...

The NBA is seeing the fastest pace of play in nearly 40 years to go along with soaring television ratings. There are questions though if the current uptick in pace causes injury and overall affects player health. Co-hosts Jayleena, Tommy and Brady explain why play is faster, what today’s players are saying, and if load management is the answer. Share your thoughts by commenting and don’t forget to...

Season Two of the SportComm Pod kicks off with co-hosts Jerica, Finn, and Megan as they delve into the evolution of officiating in the NFL. They discuss the historical context of officiating, the advancements in communication technology, the role of replay in enhancing game accuracy, and the importance of rules analysts in broadcasts. The conversation also touches on fan perspectives regarding off...

The SportComm Pod is warming up for another season. What do we have in store? Check out our trailer. Make sure you are subscribed. We're excited for what's on deck!

Our 20th episode (and last of the fall semester of 2025) takes to the gridiron to look at the NFL MVP race. Co-hosts Josh, Catlyn, and Chuck are calling the signals on their key candidates including New England Patriots QB Drake May, Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford and Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor. The conversation dives into their performances to date, their strengths and weaknesses...

College football isn’t just about touchdowns and rivalries. It’s the traditions that help make game day unforgettable. In this episode, co-hosts Piper, Elsa, and Katrina dive into some of the most iconic pre-game and in-game rituals across campuses nationwide. We’ll discuss the University of Iowa’sheartwarming wave, as well as Clemson’s sprint down “The Hill.” Don’t worry; we’re not forgetting abo...

Sports betting is booming, but what's the real cost? In this episode, co-hosts Annie, Andrew, and Jacob dive into the hidden dangers behind the hard to ignore ads and live odds. We’ll explore how platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings use influencers to hook younger audiences and the growing number of professional athletes suspended or heavily fined for illegal gambling. If you or someone you c...

The College Football Playoff race is heating up as we head into the final weeks. Co-hosts Rylie, Zion, and Molly share their thoughts on whether James Madison can crash the playoff party. We’ll analyze JMU’s remaining schedule, their chances compared to ACC powers like South Florida and North Texas, and what the committee might value most when deciding that coveted spot. Then, we turn our attentio...

Women’s sports are experiencing an unprecedented rise in popularity, visibility, and investment. From record-breaking attendance at soccer matches to the growth of professional hockey leagues and the global impact of women’s basketball, co-hosts Anna, Kate, and Cathleen dive into the forces driving this transformation. They also explore the role of media coverage, sponsorships, and grassroots move...

The NHL season is underway and we’re diving headfirst into the hottest debates on the ice. In this episode, Noelle, Preston, and Olivia break down the frontrunners for the league’s top honors: Hart, Vezina, Norris, Calder, as well as make bold, unapologetic predictions for who’s hoisting the Stanley Cup when the dust settles.

Join co-hosts Quinn and Caroline as they dive into the world of sports media training and the unforgettable post-game interviews that shape athletes’ public image. From mastering tough questions to handling viral moments, this episode explores what makes an interview memorable—and what athletes can learn to stay composed under pressure. Perfect for fans, aspiring pros, and anyone curious about the...

In this episode of the SportComm Pod, co-hosts Mae, Lola, and Andrew discuss the thrilling Game Three of the 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. They analyze the game's key moments, standout performances, and the implications for the series moving forward. The conversation also delves into the postseason surprises, underperformers, and the strategies ea...