The Rock Stops Here

It’s been 2 years since Rays radio play-by-play broadcaster Andy Freed lost his long time radio partner Dave Wills. How is Andy doing? What’s it been like filling in for Dewayne Staats on TV broadcasts? What about broadcasting in a minor league ballpark like Steinbrenner Field? How long does Andy want to keep doing this? […] The post Rays Radio’s Andy Freed Returns Plus Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

6-5 449 lb Bucs rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson says his life is like a movie. Getting to be in the NFL on his hometown team. The largest man in the NFL tells Rock about the transition from the University of Florida to the NFL, what the Bucs are wanting him to do and how […] The post Bucs Rookie Big Desmond Watson and Rock’s stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Not only Rays great Evan Longoria joins Rock but also Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen and 2nd baseman Brandon Lowe. Evan talks about the 2008 Rays World Series team, about his career, what he’s doing now and would he ever like to coach? Rasmussen and Lowe chime in on what Longoria means to them even though […] The post Rays Great Evan Longoria & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rocco Baldelli is enjoying his time as Manager of the Minnesota Twins, but he looks back fondly of his days with the Rays. Rocco was a five-tool player who had tremendous success early on but had his career shortened because of an illness. Rocco is healthy now, a family Man that’s just taking it day […] The post Twins Manager/Rays Fan Favorite Rocco Baldelli & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rays starter Ryan Pepiot was an All-State QB in Indiana but he chose baseball. Ryan tells Rock about that decision to give up football. Ryan talks about getting drafted, going through the minors then making it with the Dodgers and now as a Tampa Bay Ray. What it was like being traded and how much […] The post Rays Pitcher Ryan Pepiot & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Bucs Super Bowl winning coach Bruce Arians and his wife Christine talk with Rock about their foundation. The Arians Family Foundation started because Christine was in family law and saw how kids going through the court system were neglected and abused. The Arians are continually raising money to help those kids. Oh, Bruce does talk […] The post Super Bowl Champion Coach Bruce Arians & Wife Christine and Rock’s Stories Trailer appeared first on Radio Influence.

Grant Balflour grew up in Australia and reflects on where he came from and then got to as a successful MLB pitcher as well as some of the high spots in his baseball career. The former Twins, Brewers, Devil Rays/Rays and Oakland A’s reliever is now doing TV work on FanDuel Sports Network as an […] The post Former MLB pitcher now TV Analyst Grant Balfour & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rays outfielder Travis Jankowski is on his 8th MLB team and loves it. Grew up in Amish Country in Lancaster Pa (stills lives there). Played at Stony Brook University. Has a World Series Ring and is still playing in MLB soon to be 34 years old. Great story. Rock tells of his admiration for all […] The post Rays Outfielder Travis Jankowski & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Joey Johnston has been a Sports Journalist for 45 years, all of the time in the Tampa Bay area. Joey is currently the Sr. Writer for USF Athletics. He also works at several other outlets. How is he still doing it and still getting offers after 45 years? Have the players (especially in college) changed […] The post 45 year Tampa Bay Sports Journalist Joey Johnson & Rock’s Biggest Broadcasting Mistakes appeared first on Radio Influence.

JT the Brick has been Hosting Sports Talk Shows for 30 years. It all started as a caller to the Jim Rome Show. JT won the smack off, got started in broadcasting and it is still going strong. JT has been on all the big national networks including Fox Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Raider National Radio […] The post 30-Year National Sports Talk Host JT The Brick Plus Rock’s stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Joe Buck has been calling NFL games since Fox Sports started in 1994. Joe has called the World Series over a 25 year span starting in 1996. Joe and his NFL broadcast partner Troy Aikman moved from Fox to ESPN to do Monday Night Football in 2022. Joe talks about that move, his storied career, […] The post ESPN Monday Night Football Play-By-Play Announcer Joe Buck & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

How the former ESPN SportsCenter Anchor made it to being one of the top NFL Insiders and now is succeeding as the Senior NFL Insider at The Athletic. Growing up in NJ playing soccer at George Mason worked her way up from being a news reporter at WRC-TV in Washington. Fascinating stories about her career. […] The post Senior NFL Insider for The Athletic Dianna Russini and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock chops it up with former Chicago Bears guard 3X Pro Bowler Kyle Long. What was it like trying to follow in the footsteps of his famous father Howie Long and his 2X Super Bowl Champion brother Chris? Kyle has some great stories and is crushing it in broadcasting and podcasting too! Rock has stories […] The post 3X Pro Bowler Kyle Long, Son of Howie Long and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Brian Engblom loves calling Tampa Bay Lightning games on FanDuel Sports Network. The former NHL defenseman and 3X Stanly Cup Winner with the Montreal Canadiens, Brian tells Rock about his playing and broadcasting career, the biggest difference between broadcasting games on National TV compared to local and why he’s so thankful for his current gig. […] The post TB Lightning TV Analyst Brian Engblom & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Darren Rovell is a highly successful Sports Business Analyst, founder and partner in several businesses and an accomplished author. He’s always been ahead of the game. He had a Sports Business College Radio Show at Northwestern. He was one of the first influencers on Twitter. Find out why he’s been successful and what’s next for […] The post Sports Business Analyst Darren Rovell & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Former A’sand Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder might even be a better golfer than he was as a hurler. The 2X All Star finished 2nd in Cy Young voting in 2001 and had 21 wins that year. Mulder talks about his career, how he got to be so good at golf, why he likes playing in […] The post 2X All Star Former A’s Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder & Rock’s Bachelor Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Roman Oben has found a successful career with the NFL since retiring as a player. Rock used to Host the Roman Oben Show on Bay News 9 and reconnected after twenty years. Roman fills Rock in on what he’s doing now with the NFL as VP of Football Development and of course great stories as […] The post Super Bowl Champ Former Bucs Tackle Roman Oben and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Kenny Mayne had a successful run at ESPN known for his dry sense of humor. Kenny pretty much did it all at ESPN. He talks about his days as a college quarterback, to his injury and his time at ESPN. Kenny now is helping combat veterans be able to walk and run pain-free. Kenny is […] The post Former ESPN Sportscaster and Media Personality Kenny Mayne and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

The most versatile sportscaster in America, Fox Sports’ Chris Myers on the Bucs (Chris does the Bucs preseason games with Ronde Barber, his career and what he likes more NFL or Nascar or other sports? Chris talks about how he started, how long he’d like to be broadcasting and more! Rock’s got some entertaining stories […] The post Fox Sports NFL MLB Nascar Broadcaster Chris Myers and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

The former Raiders, Panthers, Giants, Bucs and 49ers wide receiver Luis Murphy sits down with Rock to talk about his career in the NFL as well as being a 2X BCS National Champion with the Florida Gators. What did Louis think of this year’s Bucs team? Baker and Bowles? Luis also gets into his new […] The post Former NFL & 2X BCS National Champion WR Luis Murphy & Rock’s Super Bowl New Orleans stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock sits down with 24 year old Heavyweight Drake Banks 7-0 5 KO’s and his promoter Phil Allessi Jr. Big Drake tells how he got started, where he’s been including Puerto Rico with Jake Paul and about his fight Feb. 14th on Valentine’s Night at the Hilton in Tampa. Phil Alessi Jr is the promoter […] The post Undefeated Heavyweight Drake Banks & Tampa Boxing Promoter Phil Alessi Jr & Rock’s stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock sits down with 2X Super Bowl Champ and Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien at The Pro Cup at Innisbrook. Mark is a 14-year NFL QB that just loves golf and is pumped about this new golf event pitting the greats in the NFL against MLB, NBA and NHL Legends. Next up for the Pro […] The post 2X Super Bowl Champ/Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien and Rock’s Super Bowl Party Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Brian Bradley was on the original Tampa Bay Lightning team. He was their first All Star. He’s got stories of the days playing at the Fairgrounds, Hockey legend Phil Esposito and how big the fan base is for hockey now in Tampa Bay! Rock has stories of how he got to know Brian, to his […] The post Tampa Bay Lightning HOF Inductee Brian Bradley and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

BJ Daniels has seen the highs and lows, not only in his football career but in life. That’s why he wrote the book Beyond the Red Zone. BJ talks to Rock about his football career where he had to switch positions in the NFL to what he’s doing now running the NIL department at USF. […] The post Super Bowl Champ USF QB Great BJ Daniels & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Tim Brown is one of the greatest receivers to ever play football. The Heisman Trophy Winner, Pro Football Hall of Famer talks with Rock about his football career, his broadcasting career and playing golf with NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL Legends in the Pro Cup. Good stuff! Rock fills you in on his new weekly […] The post Pro Football HOF’er Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Brown and Rock’s stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Bucs starting rookie Center Graham Barton returns. Graham tells Rock what he’s learned in a full year under center. What is Baker Mayfield really like? What’s it like blocking for Bucky Irving? How does he like living in Tampa Bay? Rock tells how he first met Graham who was throwing out a first pitch at […] The post Bucs Center Graham Barton and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer “The Bus” Jerome Bettis sits down with Rock at The Pro Cup at Innisbrook reflecting on his tremendous career. How much he enjoyed playing in the inaugural Pro Cup, his days at Notre Dame and with the Steelers, his son going to play for the Irish […] The post Pro Football HOF’er Jerome Bettis “The Bus” & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

John Smoltz, a first ballot Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher and really good golfer talks about the MLB team that he was captain of beating Legends from the NFL, NBA and NHL in the inaugural The Cup. A team format golf tourney at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor FL. It’s a fan friend tour that’s going […] The post Baseball HOF’er John Smoltz on The Pro Cup and Rock’s UFC Tampa Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Bucs starting right guard Cody Mauch has come a long way in just his second season. How long did it take to shed the coming from a small school (North Dakota State) in the NFL? Why has he been able to take that big leap in his second year? Life outside of football and more! […] The post Bucs Guard Cody Mauch and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Connor ‘The Kid’ Coyle trains in St. Pete under legendary trainer Jim McGloughlin, but is from Northern Ireland. Connor is 21-0 and ranked #2 as a middleweight in the WBA. The challenges of leaving his wife and kids back home while he focuses on his fights, the biggest difference between living in the UK and […] The post 21-0 WBA #2 Middleweight in the World Connor ‘The Kid’ Coyle & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock talks with Penn State great, 12 year defensive lineman in the NFL and current ESPN College Football color Analyst Tyoka Jackson. Rock and Tyoka did a little sports radio together about 10 years ago. Tyoka has some great stories about his career and especially the Bucs. What’s it like doing college football games? How […] The post ESPN College Football Broadcaster Former NFL Def. Tackle Tyoka Jackson And Rock Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Will Wilson came from a small town on a farm to becoming a NASCAR champion working on a Pit Crew. He also is highly sought after for making custom suits as owner of William Wilson Suits. There’s so much more. How did a guy out of the Navy and into the construction business get on […] The post Former NASCAR Pit Crew Champion William Wilson and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Matt Grothe was one of the best players to ever suit up for the University of South Florida Bulls football team. The Hall of Famer talks to Rock about his career, the big wins all the way up to leading the Bulls to a #2 ranking in the country as well as life after football. […] The post USF Hall of Fame QB Matt Grothe and Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock sits down with NHL Network reporter Diandra Loux. How she started her career in journalism and broadcasting after getting her Masters at NYU. How she did it all in different companies in and outside of broadcasting to get where she is today. Why does she love covering the Tampa Bay Lightning and never wants […] The post NHL Network’s Diandra Loux appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock talks with one of the greatest Indycar drivers of all-time Scott Dixon. In his stellar career, why has Dixon been so successful and how much longer will he keep racing? Since Tropicana Field, home of the Rays has been in the news lately, Rock tells of his most entertaining stories spending a lot of […] The post IndyCar Star Scott Dixon and Rock’s Entertaining Stories About Tropicana Field appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock talks with good guy longtime Tampa Bay Lightning Radio play-by-play broadcaster Dave Mishkin. About his new book Blind Squirrel his career coming out of Yale University and what it's like working with Hockey Legend Phil Esposito. Rock has more stories of returning to normal after the Hurricanes. Trying to help those that lost a […] The post Tampa Bay Lightning Radio Voice Dave Mishkin & Rock's Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

No guest for this episode. Rock wants to take time to tell you how thankful he is and how much he feels for those that have lost everything in these last two storms to hit Florida. Rock tells about what happened before, during and after Hurricane Milton. So many are still reeling from Hurricane Debby. […] The post Rock’s Stories of Before, During and After Hurricane Milton appeared first on Radio Influence.

Two Tampa guys, two Baseball Hall of Famers Wade Boggs and Fred McGriff on the Rock Stops Here Podcast. Rock spoke to Wade on the Red Carpet at Hard Rock where he was appearing about legalizing sports gambling in Florida. Fred was being inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame. Both love the Tampa Bay […] The post Baseball Hall of Famers Wade Boggs & Fred McGriff on The Rock Stops Here Podcast appeared first on Radio Influence.

Spectrum Sports/Bay News 9 Sports Anchor/Reporter Olivia Stacey returns to the Rock Stops Here Podcast. What has Olivia been up to? Olivia and Rock discuss the changing TV Sports reporting industry. What teams and athletes Olivia likes to cover and just how much she loves being able to work in the market where she grew […] The post Spectrum Sports’ Olivia Stacey and Rock’s Hurricane Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock was honored to be at the Bucs UK Fan Club’s 40th Anniversary at Raymond James Stadium. President Phill Jones and longtime Bucs UK fan David Cambridge return! Phil and David talk about their passion to be Bucs fans, how their group is all online during Bucs games, the difference between now and when this […] The post Bucs UK Fans Phil Jones & David Cambridge & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock talks to Pro Football Hall of Fame Cornerback Ronde Barber. The popular Buc tells Rock had Tampa Bay fans have always been so good to him and his love for the area is why he and his family elected to stay here. Stories on the differences between he and his twin brother Tiki, what […] The post Bucs Pro Football HOF'er Ronde Barber Plus Rock's Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Titus O’Neil is so much more than a WWE Hall of Famer. He’s tirelessly giving back to his community and helping the less fortunate. Titus here talks about what it means to him to be inducted into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay and all he’s doing now. Rock asked him about all of his […] The post WWE & Sports Club of Tampa Bay HOF’er Titus O’Neil & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

The lovely Aileen Hnatiuk from WFLA TV in Tampa is back from Paris with tons of stories covering the Olympics. From the athletes she covered to the culture, food and more! Rock chimes in on life, the good and bad as well as covering college football compared to the NFL and sooo much more! This […] The post WFLA TV Sports Reporter Aileen Hnatiuk Back from Paris Olympics & Rock Has Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

What a story. Riddick Bowe came out of a rough part of town, Bedford Stuyvesant in New York, and rose to become the 2X Undisputed Heavyweight Champ of the World. This after an illustrious amateur career taking silver in the 1998 Olympics. Rock talks to Riddick about his career, Mike Tyson (who he was in […] The post 2X Undisputed Heavyweight Boxing Champ Riddick Bowe & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Bruce Arians media session where he talks about what Tampa Bay has meant to him and his family as well as what he’s doing now, how happy he is, what he misses, and this year’s Bucs team! Lotta good stuff. Rock has tons of stories about how Willie Nelson, Tom Jones, and Mick Jagger are […] The post Bruce Arians Sports Club of Tampa Bay HOF Inductee & Rock’s Stories appeared first on Radio Influence.

Boog Sciambi is the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs on Marquee Sports Network. How he got onto sports broadcasting, his years on ESPN and now loving being in Chicago at Wrigley Field as his office. Rock hints about his new venture and how he’s dealing with hurdle after hurdle regarding technology as well as […] The post Cubs TV Play-by-Play Boog Sciambi plus Rock’s Stories on The Rock Stops Here Podcast appeared first on Radio Influence.

Keith “Big Nasty” Kunzig is a 2-Time Inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s the Ultimate Bucs Super Fan. What’s Nasty been up to since retiring from painting up his face? How hard was it to give it up? Will Nasty be making a comeback and who were some of his favorite Bucs […] The post Pro Football Hall of Fame Bucs Super Fan Big Nasty returns & Rock’s stories covering Bucs and USF Football appeared first on Radio Influence.

It’s a 2 guest podcast! Former NFL kicker Bucs great Super Bowl Champion Martin Gramatica proudly talks about his son Nico, who’s starting his college career as a kicker for the University of South Florida. Martin still loves coaching youth soccer and is proud of the work of his Gramatica Family Foundation providing homes for […] The post Super Bowl Champion Kicker Former Buc Martin Gramatica & Team USA Olympics Basketball Announcer Noah Eagle appeared first on Radio Influence.

Loaded episode! Rock talks with the Bucs 2nd year wide receiver Trey Palmer about his year, why he says he wakes up pissed off, and more. Rock also talks with TE Payne Durham about last season about the new Bucs offense and how he went from lacrosse to football. Rock has some entertaining and behind-the-scenes […] The post Bucs WR Trey Palmer & TE Payne Durham & Rock’s Stories of Four Days With Jake Paul’s Camp appeared first on Radio Influence.

2 more great guests. first, starting Bucs right tackle Luke Goedeke who talks about how he came from being a tight end in high school adnthe start of his college career to now. What he thinks of this new Bucs offense and more! Rock catches up with fan favorite the Bucs battering ram fullback Mike […] The post Bucs RT Luke Goedeke & Bucs Great Mike Alstott on The Rock Stops Here appeared first on Radio Influence.

Rock talks with Fox Sports Radio’s Rob Parker who’s been covering and talking on air about sports for 40 years. How he made the move to Fox Sports from Detroit, why he believes in calling it like he sees it and how much he likes teaching at USC! Rock chats with super busy broadcaster/podcaster/former NFL […] The post Fox Sports Radio’s Rob Parker & Multi Media Maven Ross Tucker Plus Rock’s Worst Crank Calls appeared first on Radio Influence.