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Brandon Sabo hosts "The Mental Game", a podcast which aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health in sports.

In this episode, Brandon discusses his journey from a Cincinnati sports fan to a broadcaster and mental health advocate. He shares his experiences growing up in Cincinnati, his favorite teams, and memorable sports moments. Brandon reflects on his broadcasting career, including a viral interview with Phil Castellini, and the impact of his podcast,

He emphasizes the common struggles faced by athletes and entertainers and highlights the importance of empathy from fans.

takeaways

• Brandon Saho is a proud Cincinnatian and sports fan.
• Growing up, Brandon had a tie between Reds baseball and UC basketball as his favorite teams.
• Kenyon Martin's injury was a defining moment for Brandon as a young sports fan.
• Brandon's favorite player was Aaron Boone, which influenced his own baseball playing.
• Football is Brandon's favorite sport to cover due to its excitement.
• The viral interview with Phil Castellini was unexpected and had significant social media repercussions.
• The Mental Game podcast aims to save lives by discussing mental health openly.
• Brandon believes everyone struggles, regardless of their success in sports or entertainment.
• Jake Fraley's journey highlights the importance of mental health advocacy in sports.
• Fans should practice empathy and think before criticizing athletes on social media.

Titles

• Breaking Barriers: Brandon Saho's Journey
• Cincinnati Sports: A Fan's Perspective

Sound Bites

• "I'm happy to break that barrier."
• "It's easily Kenyon for me."
• "Everyone struggles."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Brandon Saho and His Journey

01:25
Growing Up in Cincinnati: Sports Memories

06:13
Broadcasting Career and Sports Preferences

07:23
The Viral Interview with Phil Castellini

11:34
The Mental Game Podcast: Purpose and Impact

17:43
Changing Perspectives on Mental Health in Sports

21:29
Common Struggles Among Athletes and Celebrities

24:03
Empathy in Sports: The Role of Fans

28:09
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

28:11
Community and Unity in Sports

Sponsored by Moerlein Lager House, host of the March 26, 2025 Opening Day Eve Party benefitting the Reds Community Fund!

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In this engaging conversation, John Sadak, the TV play-by-play voice of the Cincinnati Reds, shares his journey to becoming a broadcaster, his experiences in the industry, and his passion for sports. He discusses the challenges and joys of broadcasting, the importance of preparation, and how he balances his role as a broadcaster with his love for the Reds. John reflects on his childhood fandom, his career path, and the unique aspects of calling baseball games. He also shares insights into his family life in Cincinnati and his excitement for the future of the Reds.

Takeaways

• John Sadak aims to make Cincinnati his forever home.
• He emphasizes the importance of preparation in broadcasting.
• Balancing fandom and professionalism is crucial for sports broadcasters.
• John's childhood experiences shaped his love for sports.
• He discovered his passion for broadcasting during high school.
• Baseball broadcasting presents unique challenges compared to other sports.
• John's first Reds broadcast was a surreal experience.
• He values the relationships he builds with players and coaches.
• Preparation for each game involves extensive research and collaboration.
• John is optimistic about the Reds' future and their potential for success.

titles

• The Voice of the Reds: John Sadak's Journey
• Behind the Mic: John Sadak on Sports Broadcasting

Sound Bites

• "I want this to be my forever home."
• "I want to be around sports."
• "I love being in a silent stadium."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to John Sadak

03:01
John's Journey to the Reds

10:13
The Role of a Broadcaster

12:28
Balancing Fandom and Professionalism

14:15
Growing Up a Yankees Fan

19:19
The Path to Broadcasting

26:36
Comparing Sports Broadcasting

29:07
Memorable Calls and Influences

30:32
The Hidden Talents in Sports Broadcasting

31:22
The Emotional Impact of Broadcasting

32:49
First Impressions and Partnerships

34:30
The Enthusiasm of a Sports Broadcaster

35:31
Preparation for a Game

39:09
Understanding Reds History

42:01
The Joy of Preparation

43:22
Pop Culture and Broadcasting

44:44
Word Association Fun

49:59
Family Life in Cincinnati

52:10
Looking Ahead to the Future

54:10
Cincinnati's Team Spirit

54:13
Community and Unity in Sports

Sponsored by Moerlein Lager House, host of the March 26, 2025 Opening Day Eve Party benefitting the Reds Community Fund!

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Summary

In this episode, Jeff Berding, Co-CEO of FC Cincinnati, shares his journey from a passionate Cincinnati Reds fan to a key figure in the city's soccer scene. He reflects on his childhood experiences, the influence of baseball legends like Pete Rose, and the importance of community in sports.

Jeff discusses the collaboration between FC Cincinnati and the Reds, his vision for Cincinnati's riverfront development, and how both teams can thrive together in the city's sports landscape. In this conversation, Jeff discusses the development of FC Cincinnati, the importance of community engagement, and the differences in fan experiences between soccer and baseball. He highlights the need for sports teams to attract younger demographics and shares insights on the future of TQL Stadium and its surrounding developments.

The conversation also touches on the significance of concerts and events in building community connections, exemplified by the return of The Who to Cincinnati.

Takeaways

• Jeff Berding's love for the Cincinnati Reds shaped his career.
• Growing up in Cincinnati, Jeff had a strong connection to local sports.
• Pete Rose served as a significant role model for Jeff.
• Family experiences at Reds games created lasting memories.
• Jeff transitioned from baseball to soccer, reflecting changing sports interests.
• The Bengals and Reds can coexist and support each other in Cincinnati.
• Community development is crucial for the success of local sports teams.
• Jeff emphasizes the need for better urban planning in Cincinnati.
• The collaboration between FC Cincinnati and the Reds enhances community spirit.
• A vibrant sports culture in Cincinnati benefits all teams. Milwaukee's ballpark experience is unique and impressive.
• FC Cincinnati was born from a desire for local youth to have a pro team.
• Attracting younger fans is crucial for the future of baseball.
• Soccer offers a different kind of excitement compared to baseball.
• Future developments around TQL Stadium aim to enhance community engagement.
• The Who concert was a significant event for Cincinnati's history.
• Community events can strengthen the bond between sports teams and fans.
• Winning is essential for maintaining fan interest in sports.
• FC Cincinnati aims to be a community asset beyond just soccer.
• The Reds have a promising young team for the upcoming season.

Titles

• From Reds Fan to FC Cincinnati Co-CEO
• Jeff Berding: A Cincinnati Sports Journey
• The Impact of Pete Rose on Jeff Berding
• Building Community Through Sports in Cincinnati

Sound Bites

• "I was a try hard, tough guy."
• "Soccer's dangerous too."
• "The Reds are my first love."
• "We need the banks to be awesome."
• "We need the Reds to be successful."
• "Winning solves a lot of problems."
• "The Who spoke to me."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Jeff Berding and FC Cincinnati

02:55
Jeff's Early Life and Reds Fandom

05:51
Influence of Pete Rose on Jeff's Life

09:03
Memorable Reds Moments and Family Connections

12:02
Transition from Baseball to Soccer

15:00
Business Perspective: Bengals vs. Reds

18:00
Collaboration Between FC Cincinnati and the Reds

21:11
Vision for Cincinnati's Riverfront Development

22:57
Exploring Milwaukee's Ballpark Experience

24:51
The Journey of FC Cincinnati's Formation

31:13
Attracting Younger Fans to Baseball

Sponsored by Moerlein Lager House, host of the March 26, 2025 Opening Day Eve Party benefitting the Reds Community Fund!