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1 - 1,000 - Monthly Reach
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1 - 5,000 - Active Followers
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1 - 500
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Recent episodes
Episode 14: Loss, Identity, Resilience, And What It Takes To Come Back With Barry Chambers
May 1, 2026
Unknown duration
Episode 13: How To Show Up Fully On The Field Without Losing Yourself With Luke Brakefield
Apr 24, 2026
Unknown duration
Episode 12: How To Make The Right Choice When You Reach A Career Crossroad With Jeff Sumpter
Apr 17, 2026
Unknown duration
Episode 11: How To Lead Instead Of Complain With Guest JR Brown
Apr 10, 2026
Unknown duration
Episode 10: Official Accountability, Evaluations, And Sports Politics With Jon Brower
Apr 3, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/1/26 |  Episode 14: Loss, Identity, Resilience, And What It Takes To Come Back With Barry Chambers | Two season-ending injuries. One elite umpire refused to let that be his story.Barry Chambers has worked at the highest levels of college baseball — including two appearances at the College World Series. But his greatest test never came on a baseball field. It came in the long, quiet months away from the game he loves.In this episode of Game Day Travelcast, Barry opens up about loss, identity, resilience, and what it takes to come back when everything is working against you.If you've ever faced a setback that made you question everything — this one's for you.TakeawaysAdversity and resilienceThe importance of family and relationships in umpiringThe impact of mentors and colleagues on an umpire's career Building a positive and supportive locker room environmentThe impact of sports officiating on family lifeChapters00:00 Umpiring Journey and Mentors43:55 Building a Positive Locker Room Environment52:11 The Impact of Officiating on Family Life57:19 The Toll on Family and Marriage in Officiating | — | ||||||
| 4/24/26 | Episode 13: How To Show Up Fully On The Field Without Losing Yourself With Luke Brakefield | This week on Game Day Travelcast, meet Luke Brakefield—pastor, umpire, referee, and state‑championship official. He lives in the tension between the whistle and the Word, and he’s learned how to show up fully on the field without losing himself off it. If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, pressure, and leadership when the game speeds up, Luke brings a blueprint you can use. Don’t miss this one.The conversation delves into the unique experience of living in two distinct worlds, balancing emotions and authority, and the impact of officiating on leadership and people management. It also explores the nuances of officiating basketball vs. baseball and the role of golf as a reflection of character.The conversation breaks out correlation between life, ministry, and officiating, highlighting the unique challenges and balancing act required when it comes to family and officiating. It explores the impact of officiating on family and ministry, shedding light on the sacrifices and decisions involved in pursuing a career in officiating while maintaining a fulfilling family life and ministry.TakeawaysBalancing dual rolesManaging emotions in officiatingLeadership and people management Balancing family and officiatingThe correlation between life, ministry, and officiating | — | ||||||
| 4/17/26 | Episode 12: How To Make The Right Choice When You Reach A Career Crossroad With Jeff Sumpter | Every official reaches a crossroads — keep chasing the next level or listen to something deeper. Jeff Sumpter listened. He chose his family. He chose his calling. And honestly? He won.The conversation delves into the themes of faith, family, integrity, and the impact of tragedy on one's journey. It explores the importance of prioritizing family and faith over career pursuits, the legacy of strength and faith, and the challenges of upholding integrity in sports officiating.The discussion also highlights the significance of tough conversations and true discipleship in the context of baseball and sports officiating. The conversation delves into the challenges of giving feedback, addressing unacceptable behavior, creating meaningful relationships, transitioning from a role, and closing reflections.It emphasizes the value of feedback, the impact of silence, and the importance of timing in decision-making.TakeawaysPrioritizing family and faith over career pursuitsUpholding integrity and responsibility in sports officiating The importance of addressing unacceptable behaviorThe value of meaningful relationshipsChapters00:00 Choosing Family Over the Field05:52 The Spiritual Locker Room12:11 Reflections on Chasing Dreams18:16 True Discipleship in Baseball25:08 The Challenge of Giving Feedback31:20 Addressing Unacceptable Behavior37:40 Creating Meaningful Relationships46:07 Closing Remarks and Reflections | — | ||||||
| 4/10/26 | Episode 11: How To Lead Instead Of Complain With Guest JR Brown | Big South Baseball Supervisor of Umpires and former military leader JR Brown joins us to break down what real discipline, accountability, and composure look like when the lights are brightest.If you’re a coach, parent, player, or official who wants to lead instead of complaining from the sidelines, this is your chance to absorb the mindset of the man mentoring the next wave of college umpires and setting the standard for leadership in blue.The conversation with JR Brown covers the challenges and opportunities in college baseball umpiring, focusing on training, technology, leadership, and career progression. JR emphasizes the need for improved training at mid-major and lower levels, the impact of technology on umpiring, the importance of leadership and character, and the need for honest feedback on an umpire's true potential.TakeawaysTraining and development at mid-major and lower levels are lacking, creating a gap in umpire skills and resources.Technology, such as TrackMan, provides valuable data for umpire training and evaluation, but access to this technology is limited at non-power conferences.Leadership, character, and professionalism are essential qualities for umpires, and crew chiefs play a crucial role in managing on-field situations and representing the conference.Honest feedback on an umpire's true potential is necessary to prevent unrealistic career pursuits and ensure a focus on skill development and improvement. Honesty and transparency are crucial in the umpiring industry.Training and development are essential for umpires to advance in their careers.Chapters00:00 Feedback and Progression in Umpiring28:22 The Importance of Honesty and Transparency43:20 Appreciating Crew Chiefs and Leadership Styles | — | ||||||
| 4/3/26 | Episode 10: Official Accountability, Evaluations, And Sports Politics With Jon Brower | This week we sit down with NCAA Division II National Umpire Coordinator Jon Brower—the guy who sees every crack, every strength, and every blind spot in college baseball’s officiating system.No clichés. No press release answers. We’re talking:Whether Division II is a launch pad or a glass ceilingWhat really gets an umpire advanced (and what doesn’t)The hard truths about accountability, evaluations, and politicsThe future of the umpire pipeline in college baseballIf you’re an umpire, a coach, or just tired of blaming “the blue” without knowing how the system actually works, this is the one you need to hear. No clichés. No press release answers.TakeawaysTransparency and honesty are essential in the evaluation and advancement of umpires.The state of college baseball and umpiring is influenced by technology, influx of young umpires, and challenges in retaining experienced officials.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Division II Umpiring07:16 Umpire Evaluation Process14:22 Crew Chief Selection and Leadership19:24 Transparency and Honesty in Evaluation25:11 Umpire Evaluation Timeline35:10 State of College Baseball and Umpiring40:15 Hard Truths in College Sports | — | ||||||
| 3/27/26 | Episode 9: A Stat More Important Than The Scoreboard With Guest Rusty Stroupe | What if the most important stat in baseball wasn't on the scoreboard? Guest Rusty Stroupe changed how Division I programs practice, how players think, and how coaches lead.Now retired from 29 seasons as head coach, Rusty tells the stories you’ve never heard from the dugout and beyond.TakeawaysCharacter and integrity are essential in coaching and teaching, and humility is a key attribute for coaches and officials.The FCA Character in Coaching Award holds significant value for Rusty, and he emphasizes the importance of deflecting attention and glory to the proper place.Rusty's approach to commentary as a color analyst for ESPN is focused on maintaining a positive and non-critical perspective on players, coaches, and officials. Maintaining a positive and constructive attitude in sports broadcasting.The importance of handling injustice with wisdom and discernment, rather than anger or violence. Unity and personal connections are essential for team dynamicsAuthenticity and personal impact are the true measures of legacyChapters00:00 Perspective on Sports Officials and Commentary32:04 Pressures Faced by College Coaches01:02:44 The Power of Belief | — | ||||||
| 3/20/26 | Episode 8: How to Turn Your Officiating Schedule Into One That You Will Love with John Porter | Most camps train your strike zone. John Porter trains your autopilot. In this episode we break down why great umpires treat every game like an audition—and how the right partnership can turn knowledge, skill, and attitude into a schedule you’ll love.John Porter served for over two decades as the Coordinator of Baseball Umpires for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). He is known for creating modern, cutting-edge training programs and has served as a teacher in numerous umpire development clinics across the United States.The conversation delves into the world of umpire training and development, highlighting the importance of professional development and leadership. It explores the challenges in umpire training, the role of camps and training initiatives, and cutting-edge training techniques.Additionally, it discusses real-time feedback, the influence of technology on umpiring, and unique training methods and teaching experience. The conversation delves into the art of teaching and the importance of partnership in the context of umpiring. It emphasizes the need for realistic expectations and the investment in self and others to achieve improvement.TakeawaysUmpire Training and DevelopmentImportance of Professional Development Teaching requires partnership and realistic expectationsInvestment in self and others leads to improvement | — | ||||||
| 3/13/26 | Episode 7: College World Series Umpire Scott Erby on Gratitude, Second Chances, and Priorities | What really matters with the lights go out and the crowd goes home? Scott Erby was struck in the face mask by a 96-mph fastball during a Vanderbilt vs. Stanford game. He was forced to leave the game but was able to walk off the field.After being a three-time veteran College World Series umpire and umpiring supervisor for the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), cancer was his next challenge. Father of two, Scott Erby, talks frankly about what really matters.Chapters00:00 The Enduring Camaraderie in the Locker Room14:18 Defining Success and Redefining Purpose48:53 Reflections on Umpiring Career | — | ||||||
| 3/6/26 | Episode 6: As An Official, Are You A Thermometer Or Thermostat? | Today we are asking a simple question with BIG consequences. Do you simply react to the climate in your sport's environment or are you intentional about setting the tone for your crew, coaches, and players from the moment you walk through the gate?Chapters00:00 Understanding the Thermometer and Thermostat05:21 Maintaining Composure and Communication14:18 Setting the Tone Before the Game25:36 Crew Dynamics and Teamwork45:05 Handling Player Interactions52:36 Conclusion and Takeaways | — | ||||||
| 2/27/26 | Episode 5: Turn Game Checks Into Financial Progress With Donnie Daniel | Every night you lace up, you protect the game’s integrity—but who’s protecting the money you earn from it?Welcome to The Gameday Travelcast, the place where sports officials at every level turn game checks into real financial progress, instead of disappearing cash in the glove box or concession stand.If you’ve ever ended a season wondering, “Where did all that money go?” this is where we blow the whistle on bad money habits, break down simple plays for your officiating income, and help you build a future that lasts long after your last game.So grab your rulebook and your schedule—Donnie is here to help you review the toughest calls you make off the field and make sure every game fee you earn has a job, a purpose, and a plan. | — | ||||||
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| 2/20/26 | Episode 4: Audra Harrison Shares How Fast-Rising Officials Level Up Quickly | Audra Harrison is climbing fast—and taking notes every step of the way. This week on the Game Day Travelcast, we sit down with Audra, one of the officiating world’s brightest rising stars. From high school gyms to championship courts, her journey is powered by mentorship, film study, and an unshakable drive to level up.Hear how she uses every trip—from the driveway to the locker room—as a chance to sharpen her edge, build gratitude, and prepare for the next big moment. Audra breaks down the game day habits, mentors, and mindset that turned her potential into performance on the court. Listen as she opens up about film work, feedback, and the championship moments that proved she was ready.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn potential into performance, you don’t want to miss this episode.Tags: #gamedaytravelcast #officialsjourney #sportsofficials #basketballofficiating #audraharrison #newpodcast | — | ||||||
| 2/13/26 | Episode 3: Natola Hawthorne On Staying Sharp And Credible When Every Play Is On Film | It’s a masterclass in focus, composure, and the art of earning respect 90 feet at a time. Hear how Natola Hawthorne keeps the game—and herself—in the best possible zone.Today’s guest reminds us what happens when the focus shifts from the game to the person behind the plate. Natola Hawthorne isn’t just calling balls and strikes, she’s breaking barriers. As one of the first women to make her mark in a sport long defined by men, her journey speaks to courage, discipline, and undeniable skill.In this episode, we go beyond the box score. Natola talks about what it really takes to stay sharp and credible in an era when every pitch is on film, and every call is under review. We’ll dig into her approach to game management, the mental grind of the season, and how she mentors the next wave of umpires chasing the same level of excellence. | — | ||||||
| 2/6/26 | Episode 2: Guest Scott Taylor - Why Some Umpires Plateau While Others Earn Big Assignments | Sports official podcast guest is Scott Taylor — former NCAA Division II National Coordinator of Umpires with over 50 years in the profession. Hear a true sports official “lifer” share his experience in moving up from driving Hugos and Smart Cars to BMWs and Cadillacs. Explore professionalism, communication, and trust factors in advancement with a guy who owns the front seat in the industry. Dave Brown, Caleb Groom, and Chris Daniels ask the questions you are thinking about. If you care about the craft of umpiring and the integrity of the game, you’re going to love this one. | — | ||||||
| 1/30/26 | Episode 1: Does Your Officiating Schedule Match Your Talent? | Podcast for all Sports Officials debut with Dave Brown, Caleb Groom, and Chris Daniels. Not a “gotcha” podcast, but a place for personal growth, education, and encouragement. Goal: Focus on the whole official. This is about getting better on and off the field of play. Tell us what you liked about this podcast. What moments hit home? How can we do better? | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.
Chart Positions
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