The Skylar Lara Podcast

Atlanta Hawks play-by-play legend Bob Rathbun joins the podcast to reflect on his 30-year broadcasting career, covering everything from iconic NBA moments to life behind the mic. He shares insights on fan emotion vs player mindset, what it’s like calling games with Dominique Wilkins, his thoughts on today’s Hawks roster and identity shift, and the evolution of the league over decades. Rathbun also...

Frankie Ferrari is a 2x First-Team All-WCC point guard who made his mark at the University of San Francisco before taking his game to the NBA G-League, Summer League, and overseas in Spain. Now, he’s back with the Dons, helping develop the next generation of players. From USF’s WCC Tournament run to the grind of pro basketball in the G League and overseas, and his journey from player to coach, thi...

Ever wonder what REALLY happens behind the scenes in sports? ESPN sideline reporter, author, and former Rutgers athlete Lauren Sisler pulls back the curtain on her career. From hilarious, chaotic, and emotional moments from the sidelines, the athletes who surprised her the most off-camera, and the lessons only years in the game can teach, this is interview is a must watch. YouTube: https://youtu.b...

In the early 1980s, college football’s brightest star seemed destined for greatness…until fate intervened. Marcus Dupree was a phenom from a small town in Mississippi, a running back so talented that he rewrote the record books and made entire programs rethink what was possible. From legendary high school dominance to the spotlight of the University of Oklahoma, Dupree’s talent was undeniable. Des...

Today I’m joined by Avery Chenier — the face of OwnersBox, the GeoGuesser king, and co-host of Gate 14, the biggest baseball podcast in Canada. We get into Avery’s journey before OwnersBox, how the channel was built behind the scenes, the rise of Gate 14, and what life is actually like off camera. Avery also gives his thoughts on the Toronto Blue Jays offseason, the moves they still need to make,...

Former MLB All-Star Jair Jurrjens joins the show to talk about his Braves breakout, the toughest hitters he faced, battling injuries, and how the game has changed since his playing days. JJ also opens up about his upbringing in Curaçao and what life looks like for him now. Instagram: ​⁠@skylarlarapod YouTube: https://youtu.be/E08rH_X15vE?si=1Ahe6MiD4AnFEOn6 #JairJurrjens #Braves #MLB #Baseball

In 1978, the NBA witnessed one of the strangest deals in sports history…a franchise trade. Not a player-for-player swap. Not a blockbuster draft move. An owner-for-owner trade. The legendary Boston Celtics and the struggling Buffalo Braves literally swapped franchises; ownership, front offices, and all. What started as a desperate financial move turned into a chain reaction that reshaped the leagu...

She’s been on the sidelines, behind the mic, and all over the SEC. Emily Grace McWhorter has built her name through hustle, storytelling, and a love for the game. From her early days at Georgia Southern to covering Alabama football with Crimson Cover Media and The Next Round, Emily shares her journey in sports media — the grind, the growth, and the lessons learned along the way. We talk Alabama fo...

The upcoming Alabama vs. Georgia matchup is one of the most anticipated games of the season, featuring high stakes, and major implications for the SEC. Kalen DeBoer’s arrival in Tuscaloosa has brought a new culture and energy to Alabama football, and the team’s adjustments under his leadership have been a major focus. Former Crimson Tide wide receiver Slade Bolden provides perspective on the roste...

Joining the podcast is legendary Curt Bloom, the longtime voice of the Birmingham Barons and ESPN broadcaster. Curt shares memories from his 30+ seasons calling Barons games, behind-the-scenes stories with Michael Jordan during his baseball journey, and insight into some of the most memorable moments in minor league baseball. From teaching the next generation of broadcasters to reflecting on a car...

In this episode, I sit down with Grant Caraway, founder of First Down Training, one of the most influential football training platforms in the world. Grant shares how he built his brand from the ground up, the evolution of quarterback development in today’s game, and the role social media plays in connecting with the next generation of athletes. From training philosophy to business strategy, this...

Former Alabama and Western Michigan quarterback Stone Hollenbach joins the podcast to share his unique journey through football at the high school, college, and professional levels. Hollenbach reflects on his time in the Alabama quarterback room under legendary coach Bill O’Brien, offering insight into the learning, competition, and camaraderie that shaped his development. He also dives into his r...

Former LSU and current Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Paul Gervase joins the show to share the remarkable story of his baseball journey. From playing Division III baseball to earning his spot at LSU and teaming up with future star Dylan Crews, Gervase reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shaped his career. He also dives into life in professional baseball, including the experience...

Former Alabama and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Mike Johnson joins the show to share his unique perspective on both college and professional football. Johnson reflects on the culture shift at Alabama when Mike Shula was fired and Nick Saban arrived, providing insight into how leadership changes can reshape a program. He also takes listeners behind the scenes of the NFL, discussing his time un...

In this episode, former Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden gives fans an inside look at life in one of college football’s most talent-packed programs. Bolden recounts what it was like sharing a wide receiver room with five future first-round NFL draft picks, sharing stories about camaraderie, competition, and what it takes to stand out among elite talent. He also reflects on unforgettable moments...

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher and current Montgomery Biscuits (AA) standout Evan Reifert joins the show to share the story of his baseball journey. From his early days at JUCO to playing at UNC Chapel Hill and Central Missouri, Reifert reflects on the challenges and lessons that shaped him as a player. He also discusses the experience of being signed by the Brewers and later traded to the Rays, giving in...

Former Alabama and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Byron Young joins the show to share some incredible stories from his journey. He recalls the hilarious moment when he first met new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, including how DeBoer mistook him for someone not participating in drills. Byron also takes us inside the unforgettable, life-changing phone call he received from Josh McDan...

Roger Hoover, the versatile TV and radio broadcaster for the Alabama Crimson Tide, joins the show to share his journey behind the mic and the lessons he’s learned working alongside legendary voice Eli Gold. Hoover breaks down what it takes to succeed in the world of broadcasting, reflects on his favorite memories from calling big games, and gives his insight on Alabama’s keys to success heading in...

Legendary former Alabama and Arkansas Little-Rock basketball coach Wimp Sanderson joins the podcast to reflect on his remarkable career and experiences in the world of college athletics. Sanderson shares personal stories about his friendship and relationship with Alabama football icon Bear Bryant, revealing how Bryant’s leadership and influence shaped his own coaching philosophy. He also discusses...

Samford quarterback and 2024 NFL Draft prospect Michael Hiers joins the show to share an inside look at his journey in football and beyond. Hiers discusses his preparation for the upcoming NFL Draft, detailing the workouts, mental approach, and strategies he’s using to make an impact at the next level. He also opens up about his lifelong love of baseball, reflecting on how the sport shaped his com...

In this episode, we tackle some of the biggest questions in sports right now. Will Caleb Williams live up to the hype, or is he at risk of being a bust? Can James Harden lead the Lakers to success in LA? Is Victor Wembanyama already deserving of the NBA Rookie of the Year award? We also break down the blockbuster trade sending Chase Young to the 49ers and discuss whether Alabama football is starti...

Legendary Alabama high school basketball coach Heath Burns joins the podcast to share his incredible journey in the sport. In this episode, Coach Burns reflects on his 2023 Jasper team, the strategies and mindset that drive his program, and what it takes to compete against elite players like Herb Jones. He also revisits the triumph of winning a state championship at Cordova in 2018, sharing behind...

Former Cordova High School football standout Jake Howton reflects on his playing days alongside Ryan Smith and the dominance of those Blue Devil teams. He shares his journey to the college level under head coach Joey Jones at South Alabama, where he helped lay the foundation for a new program. Jake also opens up about unforgettable memories like the iconic mud game against Sumiton Christian, life...

Eric Nix, the owner of Old 64 Barbershop in Sumiton, Alabama, reflects on his journey as a barber and the vision that brought Old 64 to life. As the shop approaches its eleventh year in business, Eric shares the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. He dives into the inspiration behind Old 64, how he built a loyal community of clients, and some of the wildest and most memorable...

Former Cordova High School legend Tim Simon joins the show to reflect on his journey through football and beyond. He shares his favorite high school memories, the intense recruiting battle that nearly led him to Clemson before choosing Ole Miss, and the devastating leg injury that cut his playing career short. Tim also opens up about his transition into coaching, his perspective on the rise of NIL...