Jim Powell sits down with Josh Brooks, the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics at the University of Georgia. Brooks, a 2023 Sports Business Journal Athletic Director of the Year finalist, shares insights on leading a powerhouse athletic program, the challenges of managing multiple sports, and balancing family life with a demanding career. They discuss UGA’s recent successes, exciting new facility projects, and the future of college athletics. Plus, a passionate fan calls in during the “Get Off My Lawn” segment, stirring up conversation about the Alabama vs. Georgia rivalry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:45] - Jim Powell introduces Josh Brooks, UGA Athletic Director
• [02:15] - Josh Brooks talks about balancing multiple sports programs
• [03:55] - Brooks discusses how he spends time with his family
• [05:25] - Jim and Josh discuss changes in college football
• [07:15] - Brooks shares what keeps him up at night about college athletics
• [12:00] - Facility renovations and future plans for UGA sports
• [14:15] - Challenges of keeping UGA athletic events affordable
• [16:22] - Josh Brooks discusses UGA basketball and Mike White’s recruiting class
• [18:22] - Flip the Switch
• [21:10] - Brooks gives his thoughts on the Georgia vs. Alabama game
• [22:30] - Get Off My Lawn Segment- Charlotte, North Carolina.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Josh Brooks emphasizes the importance of teamwork and credits much of UGA's athletic success to his predecessors, staff, and athletes.
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• Brooks highlights the challenges of balancing a demanding career as an Athletic Director with being present for his family.
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• UGA is undergoing significant facility renovations, including projects for softball, baseball, and Sanford Stadium to enhance fan experiences.
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• Brooks is optimistic but acknowledges concerns about the future of NCAA, NIL deals, and the increasing demands on student-athletes and coaches.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Josh Brooks (born May 28, 1980) is an American university sports administrator who is athletic director at the University of Georgia, and previously Millsaps College.

Millsaps College[edit]

After stints at Louisiana-Monroe and Georgia, Brooks became the athletic director at Millsaps College, a Division III school located in Jackson, Mississippi.[1]

University of Georgia[edit]

In 2016, Brooks went to the University of Georgia to serve as executive associate director of athletics. Over the course of the next 5 years, Brooks was promoted three times. In 2018, Brooks became a deputy athletic director, and in 2019 became the senior deputy...

Host Jim Powell is joined by legendary sportscaster Wes Durham, who brings his deep insights from covering the NFL and college football. This episode covers his career, the Falcons' latest game, the differences between college football and the NFL, and the complexities of international NFL games. Durham shares his thoughts on his favorite sports, the relationships formed over his career, and insights into NFL team dynamics. The episode concludes with the popular segment 'Get Off My Lawn,' highlighting fan opinions on the challenges of international NFL games.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:40] Special Guest: Wes Durham
• [00:56] Wes Durham on College vs. NFL Football
• [03:58] Rooting for Friends in Sports
• [05:41] Analyzing the Atlanta Falcons
• [07:22] NFL Draft and Quarterback Strategies
• [09:33] Surprising NFL Teams to Watch
• [15:00] - Wes discusses Cincinnati Bengals’ challenges for the upcoming season.
• [17:32] International NFL Games and Field Conditions
• [22:15] - Wes recalls the unforgettable 28-3 Super Bowl story from an insider’s perspective.
• [24:10] Get Off My Lawn segment with a passionate fan submission on NFL international games.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• In the Southeast, college football is more than a sport—it's a family tradition spanning generations.
• Successful teams must know when to let go of top players to keep cap space balanced while nurturing new talent.
• NFL teams live and die by turnovers, and this was evident in the Falcons’ recent performance.
• As the NFL grows globally, ensuring quality playing conditions for players is crucial.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dallas Wesley "Wes" Durham (born January 25, 1966, in Greensboro, North Carolina) is an American sportscaster. He is a play-by-play announcer for ESPN and ACC Network coverage of college football and basketball. He works telecasts of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) due to his experience broadcasting in the conference.

Durham served as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Georgia Tech football and men's basketball teams from the start of the 1995-1996 season through 2010, and continued to announce the basketball games through 2013.[1] He was also Georgia Tech's Director of Broadcasting

"Fans First," Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell sits down with former MLB catcher Tyler Flowers to discuss the Atlanta Braves' season, the art of pitch framing, and what it takes to make a deep postseason run. Tyler shares insights from his time with the Braves, offers his take on the current MLB season, and delves into his post-retirement life, including his unexpected passion for tennis. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good sports story, this episode has something for everyone.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:35] - Introduction of Tyler Flowers and his background with the Atlanta Braves
• [01:45] - Tyler's assessment of the Braves' injury-plagued season and their postseason outlook
• [03:20] - The impact of injuries on the Braves and the resilience of the team
• [04:45] - How pitch framing extended Tyler's career and his thoughts on the future of catching
• [06:50] - Tyler's decision to retire due to back issues and how he's managing his health post-retirement
• [10:15] - Discussion on the National League contenders and the Braves' competition
• [11:00] - Tyler's views on the Philadelphia Phillies and their postseason potential
• [13:15] - The Dodgers' depth and how they might perform in the postseason
• [14:50] - Analysis of the American League, including Tyler's thoughts on the Yankees and Orioles
• [17:00] - Tyler's unexpected passion for tennis and how it became a big part of his life.
• [18:32] Get Off my Lawn with Will Frampton on College Football

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Despite a season full of injuries, the Braves have managed to stay competitive, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.
• Tyler Flowers is known for his pitch framing skills, a technique that extended his career and made him a standout catcher.
• Tyler has found new passions post-retirement, including tennis, which has become an integral part of his life.
• Tyler provides expert analysis on which teams are well-positioned to make a deep run in the upcoming postseason.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Cole Tyler Flowers (born January 24, 1986) is an American former professional baseball catcher. Flowers was drafted by the Braves in the 33rd round of the 2005 MLB draft. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox from 2009, when he made his MLB debut, to 2015 and for the Atlanta Braves from 2016 to 2020.

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com