All About Athletics

In this episode of the Backyard Dads Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with AJ Manning, a devoted father, husband, and accomplished long-distance runner. AJ's journey from the swimming pool to the asphalt is a testament to his dedication and passion for fitness and family. AJ shared with us his early successes in the swimming pool, where he honed his athletic skills and developed a strong work ethic. However, as life progressed and priorities shifted, AJ found himself drawn to the world of running. He discovered a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery on the open road, where he could challenge himself both mentally and physically. As a father and husband, AJ emphasized the importance of balance and prioritizing family time amidst his training regimen. He spoke about the challenges of juggling his responsibilities as a parent with his passion for running, highlighting the support and understanding of his loved ones as crucial pillars of his success. Throughout the interview, AJ offered valuable insights into the parallels between parenting and long-distance running, stressing the significance of perseverance, resilience, and setting achievable goals. His story serves as an inspiration to fathers everywhere, reminding us that with dedication and determination, anything is possible. Tune in to this episode of the Backyard Dads Podcast to hear AJ Manning's inspiring journey and learn how you too can find fulfillment and joy in both fatherhood and fitness.

From his time at NDSU to scoring big in life as a new dad and a savvy financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual, Noah's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in to hear his story, tips for financial planning, and how becoming a parent has changed the game for him. Don't miss this heartwarming and insightful conversation!

In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted life of Anthony Bryant, whose journey encompasses serving in the army, coaching basketball for over a decade, and educating young minds as a school teacher. Bryant's story is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and the impact one individual can have across different arenas. Listen now!

Today's episode features Tyler Schmidt! Based in Beulah, North Dakota, Tyler is kept busy building a powerhouse baseball program, chasing after two little girls, and holding down the fort as a husband. In this episode, he outlines several key aspects of being an everyday dad and being married to my cousin! Listen now!

Today's episode features Austin Gleave from Minot, North Dakota! Austin is a realtor, a construction guru, and a father! He details his upbringing and explains that real estate wasn't his first love but has quietly become his everyday passion! Listen now!

Today's episode features Craig Irwin. Craig has built a successful insurance business and a decorated coaching resume. He tells us his experience and his biggest takeaways over the years. Listen now!

Summer colds suck, but I'm back, and today's episode features Brady Nash! After starting and selling his company, Nash has shifted focus to growth, family, and six kids! Listen now!

Today's episode features the owner and operator of Fargo Basketball Academy & Shoot 360 Fargo--Josh Johnson! Josh explains his journey from his humble beginnings out west to a midwest mogul and entrepreneur! Listen now!

Today's guest features one of North Dakota's youngest & most successful entrepreneurs and a close friend of mine, Andrew Abernathey. From his days living on the farm in rural North Dakota to building a storage unit empire in Scottsdale, Arizona, Andrew is poised to make the future as bright as his beginnings! Listen Now!

This was a special-edition recording with three of my closest friends as we prepped for our good friends' wedding. The four of us catch up over beers and get our minds right to celebrate our dear friend Mason taking the plunge into marriage. *Warning: this episode contains explicit language - not suitable for younger audiences*

How ya doin'? It's been almost TWO years since I recorded an episode. This no-script show is off and running. Let's get'r done! Welcome to the Backyard Dads Podcast. Today's guest is Mike Washington, who is the man, the myth, the legend, and MY NEIGHBOR! Enjoy!

Welcome back, Vinnie! Former North Dakota State University standout point guard Vinnie Shahid is back in Fargo after completing his first season in Luxembourg. The offseason is short, but that hasn't stopped Vinnie from taking time to give back to the community. With his first annual Vinnie Shadid basketball camp in the books, the time back in Fargo has meant a lot to him and his family. In this episode, we had a chance to catch up with the second-year pro and see how life after NDSU has treated him! Listen right now! Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Happy 4th of July! This week features another mini pod and we are featuring some big-time sports headlines! From the groundbreaking ruling from the NCAA to a vintage performance from the point God himself, Chris Paul, it's another weekly sports recap! Tune in right now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Today, I recap a few of the major sports headlines and give you my thoughts and opinions! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

For Dr. Deutsch, finding a home in the field of Physical Education didn't happen overnight. Between the countless miles driven, the good times, and the bad, Deutsch has been through it all but will be the first to admit he's appreciative of the journey he's taken. In this episode, I speak with Deutsch about his childhood experiences, the unorthodox job interviews, and the importance of building relationships with those around you. Also, I ask Dr. Deutsch if technology has constrained how we communicate with others nowadays. Tune in right now and check it out! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Some of you might know him formerly as the "Director of Fun" for the Bismarck Larks baseball team, and others might recognize him as the gentleman who created the first-ever cross-country dating adventure or better known as 50 Dates 50 States! Were happy to have Matthew Wurnig on this episode. You will learn about Matthew's athletic career, biggest failures, lessons learned, and the creative determination that has led him to see some of the most amazing places in the country. He will also talk to us about how the 50 Dates 50 States concept came about and what lies ahead for him and his future! Tune in right now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

March Madness is upon us, and after being deprived of bracket chaos a year ago, fans everywhere are rejoicing! Cody Bickler, a good friend of mine and the show, is our guest this week! He and I will break down every matchup and make our predictions all the way through to the National Championship game. Will Gonzaga cap off an undefeated year with a title? Does Illinois have what it takes to run the tables? Will a 2 seed surprise us all? Listen right now and find out! Cardiac Kemba Audio Clip: via Youtube User RiseberryBasketball Episode Cover Art: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NCAA_Division_I_Men%27s_Basketball_Tournament#/media/File:2021_NCAA_Men's_Final_Four_logo.svg --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Andrew Moore hasn't let his youthfulness prevent him from succeeding as Concordia's newest assistant football coach. After spending time with FCS powerhouse North Dakota State University, Moore took his talents and winning experiences across the Red River to Concordia College. In his new role, Moore has flourished. We had a chance to catch up with Coach Moore and you won't want to miss our conversation with him. Let's go! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Carson Wentz is now an Indianapolis Colt. The 2016 second overall pick has left the city of brotherly love and found a new home and new threads. In this mini-pod, I voice my opinion on Carson's misrepresentation, whether I see Indianapolis as an AFC contender, and what needs to happen for Wentz and his new team to find success in the coming seasons. Tune in right now! Photo Courtesy: NFL.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Our final episode of 2020 will feature former North Dakota State point guard, Paul Miller. A native of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Miller was an instrumental piece to the success of the bison basketball program from 2014-18 where he averaged 19.5 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per contest, along with 3.4 assists per game. He finished ranked fifth in NDSU history with 1,719 career points. Our conversation with Miller talks about his upbringing, his competitive toughness, and what it was like playing on the biggest stage that is the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Larry Derr isn't the most outspoken coach, but that hasn't stopped him from having an extensive coaching career, and while players have come and gone, Derr's coaching philosophies have remained intact. Listen now as he talks about what his keys to success have been while navigating such uncertain times. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

For Mark Knutson, running isn't just a hobby. It's a lifestyle. The Fargo Marathon Executive Director has been working tirelessly over the past two decades to turn the Fargo Marathon into a premier running event. Listen to our conversation as Mark talks about the history of the Fargo Marathon and how it became what it is today. Also, Mark offers his advice on how to approach racing, whether you're a beginner or a more seasoned veteran. Listen now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

In this episode, I speak with Bismarck High School Men’s Basketball Head Coach & University of Mary alumnus Jordan Wilhelm. In his unique approach to basketball, he and his staff have transformed the BHS basketball program into a formidable powerhouse. Much like his personality, Wilhelm is using energy and effort to climb BHS to the mountaintop of the basketball scene. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

There isn't a lot Reile Payne can't do. A dual-sport athlete in basketball and volleyball, Payne is the winner of the 2019-20 Miss North Dakota Basketball award. Among the countless awards and accolades, she remains humble and unapologetically herself. Listen to how the Bismarck State College commit explains how she handles it ALL. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Former NDSU defensive tackle, Aaron Steidl, joins the podcast and the two of us discuss his story from his start in a small town to a four-time NCAA FCS National Champion! Photo courtesy: Gobison.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

WE ARE BACK! After a much-needed break, my good friend Cody Bickler and I debate about the NBA restart, Patrick Mahomes' bank account, and whether hot dishes and casseroles are the same. Curious? Listen now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

This episode features a signature voice familiar to the sports scene in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Brian Shawn. Listen in as Brian discusses with me what life in the booth and on the sidelines has taught him over the years. From the buzzer-beaters to the made field goals, don't miss out on this play-by-play call! *Until further notice, ALL episodes are being recorded remotely and over-the-phone out the respect and safety of others. I apologize for any audio distortions during playback* *Photo courtesy of Bison Illustrated* --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Newly appointed Head Football Coach, Taylor Teske speaks with me about his journey through the coaching ranks as he prepares for his first season as the leader of the DLB Lakers. While he's young, Coach Teske's knowledge and tactical approach to coaching have gotten the attention of not only his players but also the Laker's opponents. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Part II begins with Dex talking about his NDSU Basketball days. From there, Dexter gives us his recap on his time spent overseas playing international basketball and the difference between how the games are played there versus here in the states. You'll also get to find out who's on Dexter's Mount Rushmore of basketball and whether he believes a quarterback trend is making its' stay in the NFL. Listen to part II now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

In part 1, I catch up with Bismarck native and NDSU Basketball Alum, Dexter Werner. We cover everything from childhood sports heroes, the lessons learned from being on the losing end of games, and whether or not new-age basketball trends are here to stay. Tune In now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

In this episode, I speak with Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood High School longtime Head Women's Basketball Coach Wayne Brackenbury. From his earliest days of coaching, Coach B has learned a thing or two over the years. Want to know what exactly that might be? Listen in! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

In this episode, I speak with Tyler Schmidt of West Fargo, who's passion for baseball has taught him a lot over the years and given him the career he now has today! *Disclaimer: All episodes have been conducted remotely in response to the ongoing public health crisis* --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

Family-friend Brian Gutierrez, talks to me about life, being from LA, parenthood, and a business owner of Crossfit Tundra. Follow along as I rediscover Brian's path and how it's gotten him where he is today. *Disclaimer: All episodes have been conducted remotely in response to the ongoing public health crisis* --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support

I kick off the All About Athletics Podcast by talking 2020 NFL football with my good friend, Cody Bickler. *Disclaimer: All episodes have been conducted remotely in response to the ongoing public health crisis* --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blaine-cook/support