From The 50

Schaumburg Boomers manager Jamie Bennett sits down with Matt for an in‑depth conversation about his baseball journey and what it takes to reach the next level. Bennett reflects on growing up in the Nashville area, falling in love with baseball as a University of Tennessee fan, and eventually realizing his dream of pitching in the SEC for the Volunteers. From there, he details his path to being dra...

Former MLB player Ed Tolzien joins Matt Abbatacola on From the 50 to talk about his journey through the game of baseball—and the life lessons that came with it. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Ed fell in love with the game before going on to play at Illinois State University, where his path eventually led to being selected in the 18th round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Anaheim Angels. After...

Country music artist Cody Hibbard joins Matt for a thoughtful and honest conversation about the winding road that led him to music — and the life he’s built along the way. Born in Korea and adopted along with his sister by a family in Adair, Oklahoma, Cody shares his journey from small‑town roots to attending the Naval Academy, and the personal battle he faced with addiction to pain medication. Hi...

Legendary Chicago sportscaster Mark Giangreco joins Matt for a wide‑ranging, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation reflecting on his 40‑year career in Chicago sports media. Mark shares unforgettable stories from his time on the air, the moments he’s most proud of, and a few regrets that shaped him along the way. They also dive into life after television, including Mark’s travels through Ital...

Former Chicago Bears tight end Desmond Clark joins Matt for a powerful and inspiring conversation about overcoming family adversity, finding success in the NFL, and building a meaningful life after football. Desmond (“Dez”) opens up about losing sight of who he was along life’s journey—and the hard, intentional work it took to become the man, husband, and father he aspired to be. His story goes fa...

Matt is joined by longtime Score listener Michael Wasz — better known to many as “Government Fromage.” Born and raised in Chicago, Mike’s passion for broadcasting was sparked by his love for the iconic WLUP and the legendary Jonathon Brandmeier. As kids, both Matt and Mike dreamed of becoming Johnny B someday. In 2013, tragedy struck Mike and his wife, Melissa, forever changing the Wasz family’s w...

Veteran journalist Lynn Jones of the Jacksonville Free Press joins Matt for an unforgettable conversation about the buzz — and the backlash — following her viral postgame exchange with Jaguars head coach, Liam Coen, after Jacksonville’s playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. With more than 25 years in print media, Lynn shares stories from her remarkable career, including hosting her own TV show, Lynn...

After nearly seven years from meeting, Doug Plourd, Senior Director of Sales Learning Delivery at ADP, reunites with Matt for a conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend. From life and love to music, shoes, and football, nothing is off the table. Doug’s openness, humor, and genuine heart shine through every moment — leaving you encouraged, entertained, and smiling long after the...

Tom Cillo — the 59‑year‑old freshman at Lycoming College — joins Matt to share the inspiring story behind his decision to enroll in college and try out for the football team. Tom opens up about what motivated him to take this unexpected leap, the crucial support he’s received from his family, and the overwhelming response his journey has sparked from people around the world. See Privacy Policy at...

🎭 Veteran actor John Ortiz joins Matt Abbatacola for an unforgettable conversation! We dive into John’s incredible career across stage, film, and TV, exploring his current projects and revisiting standout roles in Luck , The Diamond King , and his personal favorite, Jack Goes Boating . Beyond Hollywood, John opens up about fatherhood, love, and how life perspectives evolve with age. 👉 If you lov...

Life after 50 isn’t the end of the game — it’s halftime. And from here, the view gets interesting. Hosted by seasoned sports talk veteran, Matt Abbatacola, From the 50 brings you weekly one-on-one conversations that inspire, challenge, and often make you laugh out loud. We talk to people who are redefining what it means to be “over the hill” — from athletes and entrepreneurs to everyday...