Season 5, Episode 15: Cammy Dierking - Sports and News Anchor, Reds Fan, Trailblazing Journalist, and Athletic Enthusiast

Send us Fan MailJoin Randy Freking and Jack Greiner for an engaging conversation with Cammy Dierking, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, avid athlete, and lifelong Reds fan. Cammy shares her incredible journey from growing up in Cincinnati during the Big Red Machine era to making history as one of the first female sports anchors in the country. Plus, her unique insights into Reds history, memorable games, and her life beyond the camera—highlighted by her Olympic-level athletic pursuits and love for her family and Colorado's outdoor adventures.In this episode:Cammy's early Reds memories and favorite players from the Big Red MachineHer experience growing up in Cincinnati and playing neighborhood baseballTransition from sports to news broadcasting to support her familyMemorable interviews with legends like Michael Jordan, Desmond Tutu, and presidentsHighlights from her journalism career, including iconic moments at Reds gamesPersonal athletic achievements: marathons, Ironman triathlons, and college swimmingHer top Reds uniform and baseball moviesHeartwarming stories as a grandmother, including her grandkids and the "Gaga Tour"A playful look at Reds history: trades, top players, and favorite uniformsHer picks for Reds' Mount Rushmore and legendary momentsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Cammie's Reds fandom origins 01:18 - Growing up in Cincinnati during the Big Red Machine era 02:30 - Favorite Reds players and neighborhood baseball stories 03:12 - Her father's influence as an NBA player and Reds access 04:19 - Favorite Reds manager sparky Anderson 05:38 - Cammie's athletic pursuits: marathons, triathlons, college swimming 07:11 - Transition from sports to television broadcasting and breaking barriers 08:42 - Her educational background and college sports experience 10:09 - Reasons for switching from sports to news and family considerations 12:09 - Post-retirement life in Colorado and family joys 13:20 - Memorable interviews with icons like Michael Jordan and Desmond Tutu 15:15 - Covering the 2000 Hall of Fame ceremonies and experiences in Cooperstown 16:18 - What Cammie has been up to since leaving Channel 12 17:35 - Most memorable Reds moments and favorite game nights 19:35 - Revisiting Reds decisions with a time machine 21:05 - Reds players or teams she despises or loves to hate 21:53 - Reds players on her Mount Rushmore, including Pete Rose and Johnny Bench 23:05 - Dream dinner party with Reds legends like Sparky and Tony Perez 24:49 - Favorite ballpark snack and memorable nights at the ballpark 25:13 - Watching Pete Rose break Ty Cobb’s record 26:17 - Clutch moments in Reds history and her ideal pinch hitter 27:42 - Reds pitchers she trusts in high-pressure situations 28:33 - Her favorite baseball movie: Field of Dreams 29:10 - Walk-up song choice: Lose Yourself by Eminem 30:31 - Favorite Reds uniform and nostalgic appreciation for the classic look 31:44 - Most memorable visit to the ballpark, including the tragic opening day with John McSherry 32:47 - Amazing moments like Billy Bates’ heroics and Paul O'Neill’s raw talent 36:10 - Nicest Reds player she’s met and Reds hairdo favorites 37:07 - Reds players with the best hair, including Yasiel Puig's mohawk 38:46 - Most legendary Reds game she witnessed live, including fireworks and personal milestones 40:04 - Closing thoughts, her life as a grandmother, and Colorado adventuresThanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe for more stories, insights, and laughs with your favorite Reds personalities and sports fans. Jack thanks the listeners