The Approach Shot

Only 4 players in the HISTORY of the NFL have recorded 3 100-yard efforts in their first 6 games: Julio Jones in 2012, Amari Cooper in 2015, and Justin Jefferson in 2020 were three of them.  The first to ever do it was BYRON WILLIAMS, our guest on this episode of The Approach Shot. We stun Byron with the fact that 78% of the catches he made throughout his career resulted in first downs.  Now THAT's clutch! But it's his work off the field with his Best Wishes Foundation, and the NFL Players Alumni Association that gives him the most joy.  There's giving back and then there's giving yourself.  He does both. His book "Playbook for Life" is a roadmap for men who want to live with clarity, courage and conviction and is available at byronwilliamsbook.com. It's a joy to talk with, laugh with and share stories with BYRON WILLIAMS on The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did we talk with KAREEM RUSH about the Kobe/Shaq Lakers teams?  What do you think? Did we dig deep into his work with the University Heritage Fund, the fund that helps reunite former players with their school and alumni/boosters?  You bet we did! Is it possible we talked about his brothers; NBA star Brandon and UCLA baller JaRon? Yes, but not the questions you might think we'd ask. Where on the world's lists of Famous Kareem's does Kareem Rush place?  We know, and if you want to know, you have to listen! This show with Kareem Rush a fun-filled, entertaining and uplifting episode of The Approach Shot and it's presented by Fan Duel and sponsored in part by GhostBed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do we talk with KURT BEVAQUA about his incredible 1984 Word Series? Of course! How about former teammates like Dave Parker and Willie Stargell ?  Yup. Being a kid and taking ground balls with Luis Aparicio and learning from Yankees great Bobby Richardson?  You bet! His golf game?  Heck yea! Who gave him the nickname "Dirty Kurt"?  You'll want to hear that story!! And his famous dust-up with Tommy Lasorda?  What do you think? This is a baseball lover's episode with tons of behind the scenes stories, insight and the kind of depth you only get from a 15 year major leaguer.  This is a must listen for all baseball and golf fans!   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For most folks, it's the holidays that brings the greatest joy of the year. For The Approach Shot, it's the time we get to spend with the amazing SCOTT HAMILTON. One can't help but feel the joy he brings to every conversation, whether it's talking bout how he has fought cancer for 50 years now or doing a riff from his favorite song. He honors his Mom with his tenacity, he gives us all tears of joy with his stories (the Steven Tyler story is hysterical) and we laugh over the silliest things as if we were best friends growing up. It is with great pride and extreme happiness that we present our third (annual) episode with the incredible Scott Hamilton, presented by Fan Duel and sponsored in part by Ghostbed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you thought you heard some great stories in Part One of our conversation with TIM BRANDO, just wait until you listen to Part Deux. We talk more about Timmy B's dad Hub and collecting Red Chief bottle caps back in the day.  Tim talks about being a boy and wearing a tux and how he'd sing and dance with his Dad. Tim finally gets around to talking about the video of he and Spencer Tillman dancing and how that video went viral (5 million + views!) Best of all, in the 6 pack, Tim puts his play-by-play hat on and calls his own (imaginary) putt on the (imaginary) 18th hole. There are a lot of laughs, some touching moments talking about his family and just an overall great time on this incredibly memorable of The Approach Shot, presented by Fan Duel, America's #1 Sportsbook, and sponsored in part by Ghost Bed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every once is a while, our conversation with a guest is so engaging that we keep the mic hot and just keep rolling. That's the case here with Tim Brando (also known as Timmy B; Timmy Toe Tap and more). We never wanted it to end.  So, rather than cut out any great storytelling, we're presenting our conversation with Tim in two parts.  This is Part 1, with the six pack and golf talk in our next episode. Don't miss stories of how Tim grew up in the spotlight and did song and dance as a young boy, his "in booth" dance moves that went viral, his audition for Wheel of Fortune, favorite broadcast partners and so much more on this incredibly entertaining episode of the The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Laughs? Check More laughs? You betcha Will you have to put the show on pause so you don't miss anything while laughing?  Uh huh But Red Grant also has a serious side, which caused him to run for mayor of Washington DC, and with no funding from any political party, almost won.  He cares deeply and this didn't turn into party politics, but you have to respect a comedian who went door-to-door and tried to cause change. Mostly though, we laugh.  Again and again. It was like an hour of stand-up when we sat down with Red Grant on this "laugh so hard you'll cry" episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Being a professional baseball player means the world to Dodgers pitcher Darren Dreifort. It's given him a life that he and his family are grateful for every day. But being a professional dad and a loving husband? That gives DD the kind of joy that only a father of 4 and a happy husband can experience. Sure, closing games at Dodger Stadium, and pitching over 175 innings three consecutive years with double digit win totals is thrilling and rewarding. But, balancing home life and professional life is what keeps the smile on Darren's face, and the humor in his soul. And he is FUNNY! I mean, "laugh out loud A LOT" kind of funny. So, if you enjoy laughing, hearing great stories, hearing about family and contentment (and who doesn't want to hear that these days?), this episode of The Approach Shot will give you ALL the feels! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does he fly like Superman?  Well, sure, we have it on video. Is he a great girl Dad?  Absolutely, ask his friend Mike Yastrzemski. Did he bring passion and love for the game to every game in which he played?  His smile would tell you so. Is he a World Series champion?  You know he is! Was he called "Spiderman" because of his defensive prowess?  You betcha Whether he was playing for the A's or the O's, the Astros or the Cubs, Tony Kemp played the game with flair, joy and the way we all want the game to be played. And he's funny too! If you want to hear baseball talk mixed with family love and great humor, you'll be glad you listened to Tony Kemp on this magical episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does Stefan Caray's style come from great grandfather Harry Caray?  No Does he sound like grandfather Skip?  Not exactly More like Dad Chip?  Kinda sorta Stefan Caray is no nepo baby.  He's his own man carving out his own niche, bringing his unique style to every broadcast.  He is the future of baseball broadcasting, with a tip of the hat to the past.  His youthful energy mixes with his old soul to bring a refreshingly authentic sound to every game. And he brings all of that to this refreshingly honest and hilarious episode of The Approach Shot, presented by Fan Duel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you grow up in Sacramento and play college ball in L.A; you don't exactly dream of playing in cold weather, in a city that is the quintessential "small market". But the warmth GEOFF JENKINS felt (and still feels) from the Milwaukee Brewers organization is enough to keep the fire lit. Named to the Brewers Wall of Honor, Geoff had the 4th most home runs in Brewers history, only behind Robin Yount, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. But it was his one year in Philadelphia that got him his World Series ring. A fascinating man with an incredible sense of humor, this episode of The Approach Shot with GEOFF JENKINS is a must listen. And it's conversations like this that made The Approach Shot the 2026 award of distinction winner for Best Sports interview and best co-hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At 88 years old, you'd think NFL Hall of Famer RON MIX would be slowing down a bit, but his competitive fire still burns brightly. The NFL hall of Famer and 8x AFL All Star and AFL champion uses his experience and cunning to fight on behalf of former NFL players as President of the PFRPA (Pro Football Retired Players Association), where he works with other former greats like Jack Youngblood, Mike Singletary, Ahman Green to name a few to help players that are in need. Ron talks about those players, who put their bodies (and brains) through the wars of professional football, their lingering health issues, and how the PFRPA are helping those players and their families. Ron also reveals why he "hates" golf (turns out he doesn't really HATE it), and gives us his take on today's NFL. It's a fascinating view through the eyes of a man who has does it all and a must listen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Subjects we got to cover with JOHN SMOLTZ: Today's game (and why pitchers are getting hurt more often)? CHECK His love and respect for the man who gave his the nickname Marmaduke? YOU BETCHA Game 7 of the 1991 World Series? OF COURSE His favorite junk food? WHY NOT Smoltzie was 100% authentic, funny, determined, and entertaining as could be on this All Star episode of the 2026 Communicator Award winning podcast The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You know how they say everything is better in Texas?  Well, at 6'6", 338 FLOZELL ADAMS had the SIZE to be one of the greatest offensive lineman of his time.  But it's not JUST the size that worked.  He always had a plan, whether it was to knock the defender on his rear end, or to finesse his opponent, "Flo" reveals his secret to success- listening! This episode isn't just power and performance; far from it.  Flo is hilarious, and I mean genuinely funny, insightful and just uniquely Flozell Adams.  This episode is the reason you listen to podcasts in the first place. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.