Big Stories

Welcome back to another bi-weekly check-in as we prepare to join forces with BYUtv's Big Stories this fall. In the meantime, enjoy an update from a couple of their episodes from last fall. First, meet Lex Gillette — a Paralympic long jump champion who lost his sight at age eight and went on to become one of the most decorated blind athletes in the world. Today, he dedicates his life to helping oth...

As host Cleon Wall and the Big Stories podcast team readies for a new season, they kick off a new biweekly check-in series as the podcast joins forces with BYUtv's Big Stories franchise this fall. And during these check-ins, they will also share some of the episodes BYUtv shared last fall. First, meet Julius Thomas — a Portland State basketball player who walked past the football field every day,...

From faith-filled miracles to moments of unexpected kindness, this season brought some truly incredible stories from real people living extraordinary lives. Thank you to every guest who opened up and shared a piece of their journey, and to every listener who tuned in. As we close out Season 3, host Cleon Wall reflects on where the show has been — and where it's headed. Season 4 brings Big Stories...

Just like that, we have come to the end of another season of the Big Stories Podcast. Join producer/host Cleon Wall and assistant producer Brandon Thorpe as they discuss their favorite moments from season 3. Next week, join us as we reveal what we have planned for season 4. We can't wait to bring you more amazing and inspiring tales from around the Big 12 conference!

Kaitlyn Amos was a competitive soccer player for Baylor University — but an unexpected diagnosis during her freshman year changed everything. What followed was nearly a decade of navigating a serious heart condition, making difficult medical decisions, and figuring out who she was without the sport that had defined her. Along the way, she encountered a series of setbacks and unlikely turning point...

Scott Springer of the Cincinnati Enquirer joins to assess the state of the Bearcats now that Brendan Sorsby has transferred to Texas Tech — gambling allegations and all. We look at who steps in at quarterback, and whether head coach Scott Satterfield is on the hot seat after two late-season collapses. Then, we continue our series on new Big 12 quarterbacks. Scott Wright of The Oklahoman breaks dow...

Taylor Talbot grew up competing in track and field while losing her sight to a degenerative eye condition. After competing in the Paralympics, her path took an unexpected turn during her unique mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, eventually leading her away from the track and into the world of paratriathlon. Now based in Tucson, she’s training with Wesley Johnson, the head...

Collin Klein has come home. The former Kansas State QB and offensive coordinator is now the head coach of the Wildcats. In this podcast, host Cleon Wall talks with 3 Maw Podcast and Open for Business Podcast host John Kurtz about whether there is pressure on Klein in his first season. Then we take a look at another school involved in the quarterback carousel with the West Virginia Mountaineers. Ry...

Big Stories host Cleon Wall had to take some time off for the funeral of a family member, so we decided to replay one of our favorite stories from Season 1. Former Texas Tech tennis coach Tim Siegel's son Luke suffered severe brain damage from a golf cart accident, but Tim's strength and faith in God carried him through years of caring for Luke. He also started Team Luke Hope for Minds — a foundat...

The Big 12 makes history as the first major college athletics conference to approve a private equity deal — but is it really a game-changer? We break down the partnership and what it could mean for the conference's next TV rights negotiation, with John Kurtz from the Open for Business Podcast. Then, we shift to the quarterback carousel spinning across the Big 12 this spring. Mark Van Sickle (Jayha...

While watching her son’s basketball practice, Stacy McDaniel noticed several kids sitting on the sidelines—not because they didn’t want to play, but because they lacked the proper equipment. What began as a personal response to a problem she couldn’t ignore grew into one of the most impactful youth sports nonprofits in the state: Cleats for Kids. In this episode, Stacy shares powerful moments from...

New coaches, big questions, and conference milestones — it's all happening in the Big 12. We break down the five biggest storylines, including Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's NCAA gambling investigation. Then, we dive into our query of the week: how will new coaches fare in new places? Locked On Oklahoma State's Cody Stovall previews the Eric Morris era in Stillwater, and Ben Hutchins of t...

Kim Dobbs has been a Bearcat longer than she can remember — and after 30 years as an elementary school teacher, she found a new way to invest in the next generation. She now funds multiple scholarships for UC student athletes, walking alongside them as a mentor, attending their games, and hosting them for dinners. In this episode, Kim reflects on her deep roots at Cincinnati, the legacy she's buil...

Spring sports are dominating the Big 12, but Big Stories is locked in on spring football. Host Cleon Wall debuts a new format that brings together short, insightful clips from podcasters and reporters across the conference, breaking down the biggest storylines shaping the football landscape. In storylines, we discuss two schools with brand-new head coaches: Utah and Kansas State. Alex Markham from...

When Anthony Weatherspoon suited up for the Colorado Buffaloes, he wasn't just a fullback — he was the kind of teammate people never forgot. So when leukemia threatened his life, his former brothers in black and gold refused to stand on the sidelines. What started as a rallying cry for one of their own became something much bigger: Buffs4Life, a foundation built on the belief that being a Colorado...

College basketball's offseason is officially here, and it's chaotic — but is that a bad thing? Host Cleon Wall breaks down the biggest storylines of the week, starting with the transfer portal frenzy reshaping rosters across the Big 12. Then, the NBA Draft picture comes into focus as ESPN finally reshuffles their top 100 — and BYU's AJ Dybantsa edges out Kansas' Darren Peterson for the top spot. W...

Isaiah Kaufusi’s football journey didn’t follow the storybook ending. After going undrafted and bouncing between NFL rosters, he eventually stepped away from the game in search of something bigger than football. What followed was an unexpected calling—one sparked by BYU Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake. At Sitake’s request, Kaufusi teamed up with former BYU center Connor Pay to launch a nonprofit...

As the NCAA Tournament has come to an end, host Cleon Wall breaks down the latest storylines from around the conference- From Arizona falling apart in the Final Four, big-name coaches the likes of Bill Self and Tommy Lloyd sticking with their programs, West Virginia taking the Crown in Vegas, and transfer portal talk. Later in the show, story time will feature two teams that have their moments but...

The Kansas Jayhawks, BYU Cougars, and TCU Horned Frogs all had seasons full of highs, heartbreaks, and what-ifs — and we're breaking it all down. Brian Hanni, the voice of the Kansas Jayhawks, talks about how Darryn Peterson's health woes created two completely different Kansas teams, the offensive inconsistencies that derailed a talented squad, and why Peterson could still be the top pick in the...

When the Big Stories team hit a recording snag, we reached back into the vault for a great story from Season 1 — and with March Madness in full swing, the timing couldn't be better. This week, we revisit our episode about Hot Rod Hundley — the Charleston, West Virginia native who became a West Virginia University basketball legend. Equal parts showman, entertainer, and flawed hero, Hot Rod dazzled...

As the NCAA tournament rolls on, host Cleon Wall breaks down the latest storylines — from coaching hires at Arizona State and Cincinnati to the Sweet 16 performances of Arizona, Iowa State, and Houston. We also look at how Kansas and BYU fell short due to injuries, the potential top two NBA Draft picks in AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, and give credit to TCU and UCF for their tournament moments....

In 2019, Roman Rozell captured national attention as a 35-year-old retired Green Beret and father of seven who walked onto the ASU wrestling team and earned a WWE tryout. But shortly after his viral moment, Roman's marriage ended, the WWE halted operations during COVID, and the pro wrestling career he'd chased dissolved. Soon enough, he found himself living in a camper, dealing with debt, and stru...

The NCAA Tournament is here, and the Big 12 has plenty of storylines heading into the big dance. Host Cleon Wall also offers a public apology to During storytime, Cleon talks about two teams that didn't make the NCAA Tourney and are now looking for new head coaches. He speaks with Michelle Gardner of the Arizona Republic about Bobby Hurley's tenure, the state of the ASU program, and the challenge...

Growing up in Finland with only one hand never slowed down Tanja Kari. If anything, it fueled her. She tore up the cross‑country ski trails with such determination that she eventually became a Paralympic legend—winning an incredible 12 gold medals across four Games. But ask Tanja today about her proudest accomplishment, and she might point to the work she’s doing long after her competitive career...

Join host Cleon Wall as he breaks down the conclusion of the Big 12 men's basketball regular season. In this episode, we cover the conference awards announcements, including a surprising Player of the Year selection, and dive into the five biggest storylines heading into tournament play. In our featured interview, Ashley Hodge from Sic'Em 365 joins us to discuss Baylor's disappointing season. We e...