Victory Away from the Venue is a podcast focused on athletes and how they continue to impact the world for good even away from the bright lights.
Hosted by Matt Swinney & Zach Wells
The guys talk to University of Texas Senior Associate Athletic Director Chris Plonsky. She talks UT traditions under social justice fire and about her amazing career spanning from Kent State, the Big East, Texas and more. The guys also wrap up the weirdest baseball season that's ever occurred.
In episode 9, we talk to MLB closer and World Series champion Brad Lidge about going from last on the depth chart at Notre Dame to becoming one of the most dominant closers in baseball history. We also preview Rays/Dodgers and play Taps for Matt's beloved Astros.
In Episode 8, we talk to Katie Russell, who traveled over 30,000 miles visiting all 30 MLB ballparks in honor of her late mother. Katie talks about her own cancer journey and how baseball was the glue between she and her mom during her incredible life. We also talk the new MLB playoff format and we like going forward.
The guys talk to Sarah & Greg Swindell about 17 years in the big leagues, winning it all with the DBacks just a month after 9/11, marriage (twice!) and their amazing son Dawson with advanced Autism. We also talk baseball playoffs and the spate of NFL injuries.
In Episode 6, we talk with Super Bowl champion Tight End Ben Utecht. Ben talks about how concussions cut his career short, the tools he's using to keep his mind sharp and what he sees as the future for the NFL. We also talk about the Novak Djokovic DQ and how impressed we are with how BYU has handled college football.
In Episode 5, we talk to Reilly McGinnis. Reilly made her way to West Point as a soccer player and was recently named the 6th female cadet to ever be named First Captain. We also talk the point of the NBA protest and we mourn the loss of Chadwick Boseman and John Thompson.
In episode 4, we talk with Missouri High School Football Coaches Hall of Famer Greg Smith about coaching during a global pandemic and shaping the lives of young men. We also talk about consistency in team and public responses to hot button topics like Thom Brennaman.
In Episode 3 we talk to 3-time World Series champion pitcher Jeremy Affeldt about World Series dog piles and his amazing work in human trafficking. We also talk about the inconsistencies in the Coronavirus response as it relates to sports.
In Episode 2 we talk to Cincinnati Reds veteran pitcher Sam LeCure about life after baseball. We also talk if college football is actually happening in 2020 and we'll dig into if the Reds might make the playoffs this season.
In episode 1 we talk Joe Kelly vs. the Astros and have a conversation with 14 year NFL quarterback Jeff Blake about racial justice, being a Black QB in the NFL in the 90s, and life after football.