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Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, FOX News Bill Hemmer has stayed true to his roots, cheering for his hometown teams, the Elder Panthers, Reds, and Bengals, no matter where he's gone in the world. Hemmer, who was in Kansas City last Sunday for the Bengals AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, got In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, to discuss the outcome, quality of officiating, his work in journalism that goes back to when he was working sports at WLWT-TV and WCPO-TV with John Popovich and Dennis Janson. Football is a passion for the FOX News co-anchor, who teams with Dana Perino on America's Newsroom on weekday mornings and has since his days at Our Lady of Victory and Elder High School, where he followed older brother Andy Hemmer (played at Boston College) earning honorable mention all-city as a defensive back his senior year. Not only do Hemmer and Lap talk about the success of the Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow, but they also dig into Hemmer's work as a reporter for both CNN and FOX News and stories and interviews that have stayed with him over the years. Who would be his dream interview? Hemmer also turns the table of Lapham looking to start early talks about the Bengals' draft needs in the next NFL Draft to be held this spring.
My guest on this episode of Nobody’s Safe w/Brady Laber is John Popovich. Popo worked in the sports department at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati for 40-years from 1979-2019. Popo got his start working at a high school radio station in his hometown of Struthers, Ohio. He admits that his love of sports was not going to translate into a playing career but this opportunity opened his eyes to the fact that he could still be a part of sports without playing the game. After graduating from high school, he attended Ohio University and earned a degree in telecommunications. He worked as a news reporter covering events in town such as city counsel meetings and interviewing presidential candidates for the upcoming election in 1972. At times the athletics department at OU had a number of good sports teams to follow. Bob Wren coached the baseball team to the 1970 College World Series with Hall of Fame Mike Schmidt playing shortstop for the Bobcats. Also, the basketball arena, The Convocation Center, opened during his time in Athens and the Bobcats opened it by beating Purdue who was ranked third in the country at the time. OU made it to the NCAA tournament before being beaten by Notre Dame who was lead by the great Austin Carr. After gradation Popo packed up and moved to Iowa for his first job at WDBQ radio in Dubuque. After about one year he moved across the state to the Quad Cities market in Davenport, Iowa. There he was working both radio and television at WOC for six years. Three years into his tenure, Popo moved full-time over to the sports department. In July 1979, Popo moved to Cincinnati taking a job in the sports department at WCPO-TV Channel 9. He was hired by the lead news anchor and general manager Al Schottelkotte who was a legendary figure in the television news industry. We talk about quite a few of his former co-workers in the sports department over the years. They include working with Jack Moran and Tim Melton when he first joined the station. Dennis Janson, who he worked with for 29 years, plus quite a few up-and-coming talents that went on to do great things in the business. Popo has lots of great stories including an interview he conducted with Muhammad Ali at Staggs Barbershop in Avondale. John talks about a close encounter that he was lucky enough not to be involved in when the newsroom was taken hostage on October 15, 1980. Click here (https://www.wcpo.com/news/our-community/from-the-vault/from-the-vault-james-hoskins-holds-wcpo-hostage) read a story with video footage from the original incident on one of the anniversaries of the event. In 1980, at the suggestion of Schottelkotte, Popo created a show called Sports Of All Sorts that aired after the Sunday night newscast. The show started with feature stories but eventually evolved into a weekly full length episode that even had live calls from viewers. This show is still on the air and is the longest running sports show in the country. He bounce around talking about of the more interesting people and subjects he has covered over the years. These include the Bengals during the Super Bowl runs and the dismal years, the return and fall of Pete Rose, the meteoric rise of local boxing champion Aaron Pryor, the Crosstown Shootout, college basketball in the area and high school sports. As we start to wrap up Popo talks about him cleaning out his desk in his last months at WCPO and sharing some of those one-of-a-kind memorabilia items he collected over the course of his tenure. He admits that he doesn’t miss the daily grind of putting together a newscast everyday but misses all of the people he met and worked with over the years. Popo is not as active on Twitter as we once was but you can still follow him @Popo_WCPOSports (https://twitter.com/Popo_WCPOSports) You can follow Brady Laber on Twitter @BradyLaber1 (https://twitter.com/BradyLaber1) please use the hashtag #NobodysSafe Check out the Nobody’s Safe website at nobodysssafe.fireside.fm (https://nobodysssafe.fireside.fm) For more information on Stove Leg Media go the website StoveLeg.com (https://www.stoveleg.com) or send an email to Podcasts@stoveleg.com Intro music for the podcast was provided by bensoud.com (https://www.bensound.com)
Despite Andy Dalton leading the Cincinnati Bengals for a 23-point fourth-quarter comeback to tie the game and force overtime in Miami on Sunday, the Dolphins ultimately won the game 35-38. The loss ensures the Bengals will have the first overall draft pick in the 2020. WCPO sports director John Popovich is joined by Craft Brewed Sports podcaster Scott Kyser to discuss the loss in Miami, the questionable futures of both Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, and share their thoughts on the Bengals draft options. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andy Dalton returned as the Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback and led the team to finally find first victory of the season with a 22-6 win over the New York Jets. WCPO sports director John Popovich and podcaster Scott Kyser joined WCPO anchor Tanya O'Rourke to discuss the Bengals' first win, Andy Dalton's redemption, and possible draft scenarios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals went 0-11 for the first time in franchise history with a 16-10 loss to rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The Bengals previously went 0-10 in 1993 under Dave Shula. WCPO sports director John Popovich is joined by podcaster Scott Kyser to discuss the Bengals' historic loss, along with rookie quarterback Ryan Finley's struggles, and the debatable idea of "playing for the draft." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 0-10 Cincinnati Bengals tied Dave Shula's 1993 team for worst start in franchise history in Sunday's 10-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Bengals fan and podcast host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by WCPO sport director John Popovich and podcaster Scott Kyser. The group discusses Finley's failures, Tate's injury, Mixon's TD moment, and the Kaepernick rumor mill as they reflect on another Bengals loss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite a bye week and a quarterback change, the Cincinnati Bengals failed to find their first win in a 49-13 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Rookie quarterback Ryan Finley threw for 167 yards and one touchdown in his debut, but his performance was overshadowed by his two red zone turnovers. Instead, it was Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson who made headlines, delivering the best performance of a quarterback this season thanks to a weak Bengals defense. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by WCPO sports director John Popovich and podcaster Scott Kyser to discuss Finley's disappointing debut, Jackson's theatrics, A.J. Green's questionable status and the sinking ship that is the Bengals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
FOP President Dan Hils talks Dayton police shooting; Dave Lapham previews Bengals vs Ravens; John Popovich joins the Stooge Report
Gary Jeff coming out of the UC loss to Ohio State, talks with retiring sportscaster John Popovich.
Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor announced that rookie quarterback Ryan Finley will start over veteran Andy Dalton after the Bengals lost their eighth straight game. Their 0-8 start is the team's worst start since 2008. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by WCPO sports director John Popovich and WCPO sports photographer Philip Lee to discuss the announcement, possibilities with Finley, the lack of movement before the trade deadline, and the fan's outlook on the team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals fall to 0-7 after a 27-17 loss to Jacksonville in a game that WCPO sports directer John Popovich describes as "old and ordinary." Popovich is joined by WCPO sports photographer Philip Lee to discuss another Bengals loss, rushing weaknesses, and a budding Dalton/Finley quarterback controversy. The duo then look ahead to next week when the Bengals face the Los Angeles Rams in Londan, England. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals fell to 0-6, the team's worst start since going 0-8 in 2008, after a 23-17 loss in Baltimore. It's a rough season for the Bengals, but misery loves company. WCPO anchor Tanya O'Rourke is joined by WCPO sport director John Popovich and podcaster Scott Kyser to discuss the Bengals' shortcomings and the lack of accountability from owner Mike Brown, as well as search for progress in the struggling team. Later, the gang looks ahead to next week when the Bengals face the Jacksonville Jaguars at home and have hope that a W may come soon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our panel discusses Mary Magdalen House, P&G's new ads on racial diversity, traffic speed cameras, new details on Blink, and more. At 39:15, Brian is then joined by WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss Marty Brennaman and his retirement after spending 46 years as the radio voice of the Cincinnati Reds. "All I had to do was walk up the street," Popovich recalled. "I would hear Marty on the front porch, next house you could hear it blaring from the back porch." Notable Links: Mary Magdalen House provides hot showers, clean clothes for people living on Cincinnati's streets Grandparents who ended up homeless out of love for their grandson, Tank, get 'new beginning' 'We're doing it for the next generation': P&G ads on racial diversity continue to evolve Are traffic speed cameras about public safety ... or money? MAP: Here's what you'll see (and do) at BLINK in Cincy and Covington this year Fountain Square BLINK installation will make audience part of the show Flying Pigskin: Bengals can't complete forth-quarter comeback at Bills; lose 17-21 Marty Brennaman says goodbye to Reds radio after 46 years Marty Brennaman: How sports world said thanks, goodbye Hall of Fame ceremonies in 2000 secured Marty Brennaman's place in Reds history Marty Brennaman's last game brings back a flood of memories
Andy Dalton threw for a career-high 418 yards in the Cincinnati Bengals' season debut on Sunday in Seattle, but it wasn't enough to earn the win. But the Bengals put up a good fight, losing by a single point (21-20) in a game that was predicted to be all Seahawks. The Bengals' aggressive offense marked the end of the Marvin Lewis era and ushered in a new era under first-year head coach Zac Taylor. WCPO sports anchor John Popovich is joined by WCPO photographer Philip Lee and Craft Brewed Sports' Scott Kyser to discuss the debut of the Taylor-led Bengals, take a look around the AFC North and preview the Bengals' week two matchup at home against the San Francisco 49ers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With their first-round draft pick, the Cincinnati Bengals set the tone for their 2019 season by selecting Alabama tackle Jonah Williams. WCPO anchor Tanya O'Rourke joined sports director John Popovich and sports podcaster Scott Kyser to assess the Cincinnati Bengals' 2019 draft class. Later, WCPO reporter Keenan Singleton sat down with Jonah Williams to discuss perfectionism, respect and rookie work ethic. FULL BENGALS DRAFT COVERAGE: Bengals draft Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams with No. 11 pick Bengals draft Washington tight end Drew Sample to support running game Here's who the Bengals selected in the 2019 NFL draft Jonah Williams appears to be Bengals' new Incredible Hulk Bengals finally draft quarterback, trade up for Ryan Finley in fourth round Analysis: Bengals draft for smash, not flash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals officially confirmed the rumors on Monday that Zac Taylor will be the team's next head coach. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and John Popovich to discuss first impressions of Coach Taylor, his minimal resume, his philosophies and more. Popovich reports that coach Taylor thinks Andy Dalton is a "great fit for what he does." RELATED: With Zac Taylor, Bengals (finally) look toward the future Playlist: Welcome to the Jungle, Zac Taylor Can Taylor light a fire under Bengals offense? With wait over, Bengals hire Zac Taylor as coach See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals announced Monday that head coach Marvin Lewis would be leaving the team after 16 seasons. The Bengals ended their season 6-10 with a loss in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Host John Popovich is joined by Scott Kyser and Tanya O'Rourke to discuss Lewis's departure, his legacy, and who might replace him as Bengals head coach. "I have great admiration for Marvin Lewis cause I knew what this organization was before he came here," John Popovich said. RELATED: 'Nothing but respect:' Players react to Marvin Lewis' departure from Bengals Who might become the Cincinnati Bengals' next head coach? Here are some names to consider The optimistic highs and memorable lows of Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati 'I didn't deliver:' Marvin Lewis out as Bengals head coach See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals finally broke their five-game losing streak with a win over the Oakland Raiders, but the win is too little, too late to keep their post-season hopes alive. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the Bengals win, the future of the franchise, and respond to listener's messages. The panel then looks ahead to week 16 when the Bengals head to Cleveland to face the Browns. Want to join the conversation? Leave a voicemail for the Flying Pigskin podcast at (513) 449-0716. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals lost their fifth straight game to the Los Angeles Charges on Sunday. They're currently tied with the Falcons and Panthers for the longest active losing streak in the NFL. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the game, questionable play calls, the confusing "giving himself up" TD that wasn't, the Bengals' long-shot playoff changes, how to best clean house, and more. The panel then looks ahead to week 15 when the Bengals face the Oakland Raiders; the third straight opponent coming off a win over the Steelers. Want to join the conversation? Leave a voicemail for the Flying Pigskin podcast at (513) 449-0716. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals lost their fourth straight game to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the game, the team's growing list of injuries, and the coaching changes that could be in store for the Bengals. The panel then looks again to week 14 when the Bengals head to Los Angeles to face the Chargers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals took an embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Browns at home this week despite hiring the Browns recently-fired head coach Hue Jackson. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the embarrassment, Hue Jackson's ineffectiveness, the future of Marvin Lewis, Andy Dalton's injury, Jeff Driskel's performance, and much more. The panel then looks again to week 13 when the Broncos come to Cincinnati. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals came close but fail to find a win in Baltimore, falling to 5-5. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the loss in Baltimore, Lamar Jackson's 117 rushing yards, Cody Core's dropped pass, the weight of A.J. Greens absence, and more. The team also looks ahead to week 11 when the Bengals face the Browns at home and how Hue Jackson might play a roll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals fired their defensive coordinator a say after taking a beating from the New Orleans Saints to lose 51-14. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the disappointing game, the coaching shake up, Sean Payton's issue with the fire alarms, and more. The team also looks ahead to week 11 when the Bengals head to Baltimore. RELATED: Bengals fire defensive coordinator Teryl Austin after 37-point loss RELATED: Editorial cartoon: Who dat? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite being on bye this week, the Cincinnati Bengals found a way to lose with the news of A.J. Green's toe injury. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the Green injury. The crew also analyzes the team's pro and cons midway through the season. The team is then joined by Sports Director Ed Daniels of WGNO-ABC in New Orleans to preview the week ten matchup between the Saints and Bengals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first week of the Ohio high school football playoffs is upon us. This special playoff edition features thorough coverage on the matchups from the seven divisions around the Cincinnati area. WCPO’s John Popovich and Mike Dyer discuss the 27 area postseason qualifiers and this weekend's first round games with TriStateFootball.com’s Greg Shoemaker and Cox Media reporter Rick Cassano. Kings coach Andy Olds and Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock discuss their teams, keys to success and top players while Little Miami coach Nate Mahon discusses the euphoria around the school community as the Panthers earned their first postseason appearance since 1992.
Despite blowing a 21-point lead, the Cincinnati Bengals squeaked by with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- but a win is still a win. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser and WCPO sports director John Popovich to discuss the narrow win over the Bucs, the "Fitzmagic" factor, injuries, public perceptions and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals took a beating from the Kansas City Chiefs 45-10 on Sunday Night Football. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser, WCPO sports director John Popovich, and WCPO sports photographer Philip Lee to discuss the Bengals' defense allowing 500+ yards, missed tackles, A.J. Green's most targets of the season, penalties and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals allowed Antonio Brown to score the Steelers' go-ahead touchdown with 10 second remaining, leaving the Bengals with their second loss of the season 21-28. Host Tanya O'Rourke is joined by Scott Kyser, WCPO sports director John Popovich, and WCPO sports photographer Philip Lee to discuss the Bengals' last-minute loss, clock management, defensive issues, Tyler Boyd's solid performance and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Bengals second-round draft pick overshadowed the rest. What will the team look like on the field and off the field with Joe Mixon? WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich look ahead to the 2017 season on this post-draft edition of Flying Pigskin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Cincinnati Reds first-baseman and grand marshal for the 2017 Reds opening day parade Sean Casey talks to Andy Furman about what makes opening day so special in Cincinnati. Voice of the Cincinnati Bengals and UC Bearcasts Dan Hoard joins Furman to talk about Adam Jones and football in Cincinnati. Plus, hear from WCPO's John Popovich on his experiences and coverage of opening day. 0:40 - John Popovich talks about his experiences covering opening day in Cincinnati 6:50 - Sean Casey explains what makes opening day so special in Cincinnati. 24:40 - Dan Hoard talks Adam Jones and shares his insight on what to expect for Cincinnati football in 2017. Find more at wcpo.com/AndyFurman
The Cincinnati Bengals finished this season at 6-9-1, their worst record since 2010. Hosts Ken Broo and John Popovich take a closer look at the Bengals, the disappointing season, and what needs to change between now and August. Hear how Broo and Popovich grade the team at each position and how the rest of the AFC North is feeling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hosts Ken Broo and John Popovich discuss the Bengals' 24-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after blowing a halftime lead with a miserable second-half performance. Adam Jones speaks in defense of Marvin Lewis, and Lewis weighs in on missing the playoffs. Former Bengals Kicker Jim Breech, Chris Adamski from Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and Bengals superfan Tanner Meyers join this week's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bengals "win" on a bye week after an interesting Steelers-Ravens game tightens up the AFC North. Ken Broo and John Popovich break down the team's season and their prospects for upcoming games against the Giants, Bills and Ravens. Former Bengals Safety David Fulcher joins this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A TIE?! The Cincinnati Bengals go all the way to London only to tie against the Washington Redskins. WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich discuss how the Bengals' tie will affect their season. Andy Dalton talks about the team's missed opportunities. Plus, Cincy Jungle 's Rebecca Toback and Bengals UK fan club member Michael Smith join the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A bounce-back week for the Bengals -- and did you see that catch?! A.J. Green get his 15 minutes of football fame. Now the team is preparing for London, are so are fans. The Bengals are in striking distance of the Steelers for first place. WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich break it all down and we'll get Jeremy Hill's thoughts on traveling to London. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 2-4 Bengals are watching their chances at making the playoffs slip away. The team put up a fight in the first half but struggled in the second half and fell to the Patriots in Tom Brady's return to Foxborough. The Bengals allowed a safety early in the third quarter that Ken Broo calls the turning point of the game. WCPO Sports Anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich break down the game and get thoughts on Burfict's controversial hit. Former Bengal Rodney Heath and Superfan Tanner Meyers join the show. Plus, we'll hear from Boston and Cleveland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disappointment and frustration set in for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals defense was ripped to shreds in their 28-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Bengals offense also struggled to do anything most of the game. WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich break down the game and get Marvin Lewis' thoughts on the Dalton getting sacked. Former Bengals kicker Jim Breech and WFAA-TV Dallas sports reporter Joe Trahan join this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals got a big win over the Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. Now the team prepares for a difficult Cowboys team this Sunday. Vontaze Burfict is back and his impact is being felt already. Tyler Eifert should be back soon and his teammates expect his participation to make a big difference. WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich break it down and get AJ Green's thoughts red zone efficiency. Former Bengals DB Rodney Heath and Bengals superfan "Mr. Satin" join this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals did not look good in their lost to the Denver Broncos. The Bengals offensive line looks like it needs help. As the team gets ready for a prime-time Thursday night game against Miami, what adjustments can be made? WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich break it down and get Marvin Lewis' thoughts on the two-game losing streak. Former Bengals kicker Jim Breech and KMGH Denver's Troy Renck join this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Cincinnati Bengals had plenty of missed opportunities in their week-two loss in Pittsburgh. Two big questions following the loss: Where was the Bengals offense? Who were the referees? WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich break it down and get Marvin Lewis' thoughts where the team fell short. Former NFL linebacker Rocky Boiman and KMGH Denver's Troy Renck join this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A nail-biter on the road puts a W up for the Bengals, but it came with a lot of questions about the team. WCPO sports anchors Ken Broo and John Popovich break it down and get Marvin Lewis' thoughts on what needs to improve. Former Bengals cornerback Rodney Heath and Bengals superfan Tanner Meyers join this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.