Zeke & Zonk Inside the Game Podcast

Join us for another episode of Zeke and Zonk, Inside the Game. In this episode we explore the inspiring journey of Pack Landfair, a multifaceted entrepreneur, author, surfer, and former baseball walk-on at the University of Texas. Discover how his grit, resilience, and love for adventure have shaped his life's path—from baseball fields to travel memoirs and surf shops. In this episode, we cover:  Pack Landfair’s childhood and decision to walk-on at Texas baseballThe unconventional journey from Navy SEAL aspirations to college sportsThe story behind his book "Land of the Free" and cross-country adventuresHow surfing and travel influence his lifestyle and writingBuilding a surf shop in Manhattan Beach and maintaining a community spiritEntrepreneurial lessons learned from working in corporate America to owning businessesNavigating the challenges of self-sufficient travel and personal growthResources & Links:Land of the Free (Book)Road Journals (Upcoming Book)El Porto Surf ShopAustin, Texas Baseball Surf Journals - Project Website

Join hosts Keith Moreland (Zonk) and Greg Swindell (Zeke) as they discuss the biggest moments, standout teams, and key players at the midway point of the college baseball season. From rivalries and coaching stories to player performances and postseason predictions, this episode is packed with insights for baseball fans.Main Topics & InsightsThe passion and intensity of Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry, highlighted by an emotional weekend seriesUCLA's dominant team stats, including strikeout-to-walk ratio and offensive power, positioning them as the top national seedNotable midseason achievements: Virginia Tech’s no-hitter, Santa Barbara’s shutout streak, and Rory McIlroy’s Masters back-to-back winMidseason college baseball power rankings and regional host predictions, emphasizing the SEC and ACC dominanceKansas baseball’s surprising rise under Coach Fitzgerald amidst tough weather conditions and competitive conference playsPlayer spotlight: standout pitchers like Auburn’s Alvarez, LSU’s talent, and power hitters like Landon Hairston with impressive statsThe debate over wooden bats versus aluminum in college baseball and its impact on play and player developmentAnalyzing potential national champions with UCLA as the frontrunner and the importance of postseason performanceFun regional matchups including Texas and Texas State, highlighting the exciting possibilities in postseason bracketsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:38 - Rivalry excitement: USC UCLA and Michigan Ohio State 01:06 - Texas A&M vs. Texas: emotional rivalry moments 02:02 - Describing the passion in College Station 03:36 - Virginia Tech’s no-hitter and Santa Barbara’s shutout streak 04:19 - Rory McIlroy’s Masters back-to-back win and golf highlights 04:47 - Midseason team analysis: UCLA Bruins’ stats and strengths 05:44 - UCLA’s standout strikeout-to-walk ratio and offensive power 07:02 - UCLA’s pitching staff and staff depth 07:46 - Midseason rankings, No. 1 seed race, and conference impacts 13:06 - Regional seed considerations: Big 12, independent, mid-majors 15:09 - Conference super regional hopes: SEC and ACC dominance 16:37 - Big Ten teams in postseason picture 18:55 - Kansas baseball’s surprising success and coaching impact 22:09 - Key player performances and breakout prospects 25:53 - Impressive pitchers to watch from Auburn, Florida, and others 29:52 - Top offensive players, including Landon Hairston’s stellar stats 30:18 - Power numbers and season milestones for standout hitters 33:34 - Potential national champions and UCLA’s favored position 36:07 - Bracket predictions and path to Omaha 37:27 - Postseason outlook: teams that could surprise or falterResources & Links:UCLA Baseball Official SiteCollege Baseball Stats & Rankings - D1BaseballVirginia Tech Baseball No-HitterRory McIlroy Masters WinWooden Bat Debate & EquipmentCollege Baseball Postseason PredictionsStay tuned for next week’s episode as we break down the final stretch and predictions for the College Baseball Championship!

In this episode of Inside the Game, Greg Swindell (AKA Zeke) and Keith Moreland (AKA Zonk) sit down for an interview with Julia Morales. Julia shares her inspiring journey from small-town Texas to becoming a prominent baseball broadcaster. She discusses her early sports passions, career development, behind-the-scenes insights into baseball broadcasting, and balancing family life with a demanding travel schedule.00:00 Welcome Back: The Journey Begins01:14 Meet Julia Morales: A Multifaceted Talent02:56 Growing Up in Crandall: Small Town Roots05:02 Sports and Dreams: A Young Athlete's Journey07:51 From Small Town to Big Dreams: The Path to Broadcasting10:52 The Love for Sports Journalism: A Passion Ignited12:39 Climbing the Ranks: The Early Career15:11 The Transition to Major League Baseball18:40 Facing Challenges: The Astros' Struggles23:02 Building a Career: The Role of Timing and Opportunity26:53 The Journey of Storytelling in Sports Reporting30:01 The Impact of Mentorship in Broadcasting33:26 Navigating Challenges in Sports Journalism39:24 The Emotional Toll of Coverage43:23 Analyzing the Current State of the Astros49:37 Astros Farm System Insights51:27 Personal Life and Relationships in Baseball56:10 Building a Family Around Baseball57:20 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Sports

In this engaging episode of Inside the Game, Greg Swindell and Keith Moreland Zeke and Zonk sit down with  baseball expert, Butch Chaffin, to discuss the intricacies of the game, the timing of international tournaments, player development, and the importance of mental toughness and proper training. They share personal stories, insights on player growth, and opinions on how to improve youth and professional baseball.Key  topics:Timing of international tournamentsPlayer development and trainingMental toughness and approachArm strength and injury preventionChapters00:00 Introduction and First Impressions01:11 Reflections on the World Baseball Classic03:14 The Grind of Baseball Season08:17 Butch's Journey in Coaching and USA Baseball11:12 The Importance of Youth Development in Baseball16:16 Molding Young Athletes: Coaching Philosophy21:02 Arm Strength and Injury Prevention in Young Players22:16 The Evolution of Young Talent in Baseball26:23 Hitting Techniques and Strategies for Success35:19 Coaching Philosophy and Building Relationships38:16 Personal Stories and Patriotism in Sports43:02 Reflections on the World Baseball Classic guest linksTwitter - https://twitter.com/ButchChaffinLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/butchchaffin/

In this episode, of Zeke & Zonk Inside the Game we are joined by baseball scout Gene Watson who shares insights on player development, the impact of analytics, and the future of baseball. He discusses his career, the importance of team culture, and the evolving scouting landscape.Chapters00:00 Introducing Gene Watson to Inside the Game03:17 Texas Baseball Performance and Analysis05:58 World Baseball Classic Insights09:06 Gene Watson's Career and Transition to White Sox12:05 Scouting Evolution and Player Evaluation15:10 The Importance of Team Chemistry18:23 Challenges in Youth Baseball Participation21:10 Player Interaction and Team Dynamics24:16 The State of College Baseball and Wooden Bats27:12 Pitching Trends and Command vs. Velocity30:11 Building a Championship Team32:33 Conclusion and Reflections on the Game33:56 zeke and zonk  (1).mp4

Join Zeke & Zonk as they delve into college baseball with Baylor's head coach Mitch Thompson. They discuss the evolving landscape of college baseball, the importance of education, and the exciting developments at Baylor, including new facilities and partnerships.In this episode, they cover:The impact of NIL and transfer portal on college baseballThe importance of education and life skills for student-athletesFacility upgrades and investments at BaylorThe competitive landscape of the Big 12 conferenceUse of analytics and technology in coachingChapters00:00 Introduction to College Baseball and Mitch Thompson02:56 Baylor Bears Season Overview and Challenges05:54 The State of College Baseball: NIL and Transfer Portal09:05 The Importance of Education in College Sports12:03 Tice Armstrong's Historic Performance15:08 The Growth and Popularity of College Baseball18:04 Facilities and Donations: The Impact of Chip and Joanna Gaines21:17 Future Developments in Baylor Baseball23:59 Big 12 Conference Overview and Competition27:30 The Evolution of College Baseball Competitiveness29:36 The Role of Analytics in Modern Baseball35:40 Facing High-Performance Pitching36:48 The Big 12 Tournament Transition39:19 A Journey from Goodland to Coaching Success44:18 Insights from Recent College Baseball Tournaments

Welcome to the Inside the Game podcast! In this episode, Coach Steven Trout discusses the current state of Texas State Baseball, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by a new roster, the transition to the Pac-12, and the importance of building team culture. He highlights the significance of facility upgrades for player development and the competitive nature of the Sun Belt Conference. The conversation also touches on the balance between analytics and traditional coaching instincts, as well as the recruiting strategies aimed at building a championship-caliber team.00:00 Introduction to Texas State Baseball02:46 Building Team Culture with New Players05:52 Transitioning to the Pac-1209:14 Facility Upgrades and Player Development11:56 Analyzing the Sun Belt Conference14:54 Scouting Gonzaga and Upcoming Games17:49 Coaching Staff and Player Development21:10 NCAA Rule Changes and Game Evolution23:54 Balancing Analytics and Instincts in Coaching26:59 Recruiting and Building a Championship Team29:58 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Join Zeke & Zonk in this episode where they dive into the inspiring stories of leadership, service, and discipline from Coach Kaz, a retired Air Force Major and longtime college baseball coach. This episode explores the unique culture of the Air Force Academy, the importance of character-building, and how athletics develop future leaders for America.In this episode we cover:The role of military discipline and leadership in college sportsHow the Air Force Academy instills values beyond baseballThe mission to develop warfighters, leaders, and American patriotsThe significance of national pride and the Olympic spiritA day in the life of cadet-athletes balancing academics, military training, and sportsInsights into recruiting young men of “the IT factor”The connection between athletics and service: preparing men to serve in the military and beyondThe impact of exemplary alumni like Paul Skeens and Griffin JacksPerspectives on college athletics, transfer portals, and student-athlete developmentPersonal stories, including family achievements and military legacyTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Coach Kaz and his background in the Air Force and baseball02:24 - How military values influence team culture and character building03:43 - The documentary inspiration: the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team04:34 - Representing the USA in international competitions and pride05:04 - The significance of wearing the nation's uniform and service06:18 - The daily routine of cadet-athletes balancing academics, military training, and baseball09:25 - The relationship between college baseball and military service11:11 - The team’s attacking philosophy and emphasis on discipline11:57 - The legacy of senior leadership and creating a lasting impact12:30 - The importance of leadership positions in shaping future officers13:37 - Coach Kaz’s health update and his passion for impactful coaching14:33 - The beauty of the Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs15:06 - Family milestones: Coach Kaz’s children in aviation and service16:04 - How the team’s conference and schedule shape their competitive edge17:55 - College athletics’ challenges: transfer portal and NIL concerns20:38 - Proud moments of cadet-athletes in the World Baseball Classic22:39 - Building lifelong bonds through shared experiences and trauma bonding24:15 - The importance of physical training, including parachuting and MMA25:05 - Redefining success through leadership and service, not just wins26:04 - Recruiting mindset: looking for the “IT factor” and character27:45 - The Darwin survival of the fittest at the Academy and training future leaders30:03 - The significance of parachuting and daring training activities31:37 - True victory: preparing cadet-athletes for life and service36:28 - Final thoughts: be worthy and proud to serve your countryConnect with Coach Kaz:TwitterLinkedInListen to learn how military discipline shapes future leaders, how athletics serve as a foundation for service, and why character counts most in developing Americans who stand for something greater.

In this episode, Zeke and Zonk are joined by Ben McDonald as he discusses his journey from a young athlete in Louisiana to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and a top draft pick. He shares insights on the current state of SEC baseball, the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on college sports, and the challenges coaches face today. The conversation also touches on the Baltimore Orioles' future, the dominance of the Dodgers, and the recent Hall of Fame induction of Andrew Jones. Additionally, Ben shares personal stories about hunting and his passion for the outdoors.00:00 Introduction to Ben McDonald02:46 The LSU Experience and College Sports Culture06:05 The Dominance of SEC Baseball09:03 The Impact of the Transfer Portal12:03 NIL and Its Effects on College Athletics15:07 The Future of College Baseball17:57 The State of the Orioles and MLB Insights32:06 AL East Dynamics and Team Strategies33:57 The Dodgers' Dominance and Salary Cap Debate36:23 Celebrating Andrew Jones and Hall of Fame Moments40:59 Hunting Passion and Personal Stories51:59 SEC Baseball Predictions and Team Analysis

Burnt orange expectations are sky-high as Zeke & Zonk kick off the new year with a special in-depth episode featuring Texas Baseball head coach Jim Schlossnagle. Coming off an SEC championship season, Schlossnagle breaks down year two at Texas, early-season practices, roster changes, leadership development, and what it really takes to compete in college baseball’s toughest conference.The guys dive deep into player development, pitching culture, roster limits, portal realities, and the evolving landscape of college baseball—from scheduling strategy and SEC challenges to future rule changes and stadium renovations at Dish–Falk Field. Schlossnagle also reflects on his coaching tree, the grind of the SEC, returning to College Station, and how college baseball continues to move closer to the professional game.After the interview, Greg and Keith wrap things up with their “Get Out of Town” moments, NFL playoff reactions, and a nostalgic discussion about offseason preparation as former big leaguers get ready—mentally at least—for another baseball season.College baseball is back, and it’s never been more exciting.

In this episode of Inside the Game, hosts Keith Moreland and Greg Swindell reflect on their holiday experiences, discuss the tragic accident involving Jordan Shipley, and delve into the implications of college football playoff expansion. They explore the impact of the transfer portal on college sports, share insights on rivalries, and highlight the excitement surrounding upcoming playoff games. The conversation also touches on the FCS championship and predictions for the NFL playoffs, while looking ahead to the college baseball season.Chapters00:00 Holiday Reflections and Personal Stories03:01 Prayers for Jordan Shipley05:51 The Future of College Football Playoffs09:08 Transfer Portal and Player Movement11:59 Exciting Championship Games and Their Impact14:59 The Passion of College Football17:52 Upcoming Matchups and Predictions23:30 The Unusual Dynamics of College Football Rivalries26:04 The Excitement of Playoff Season27:30 NFL Insights and Predictions32:46 Looking Ahead to College Baseball39:04 The Evolution of College Sports and Player Movement

In this episode of Inside the Game, Keith Moreland and Greg Swindell welcome Eddie Oran, a legendary figure in UT basketball, to discuss his experiences and insights into the world of basketball. The discussion covers a range of topics including humorous anecdotes about coaching, the current state of UT basketball under new leadership, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on college sports, and the evolution of the game at both the college and professional levels. Eddie shares his thoughts on coaching styles, player development, and the challenges faced by teams today, providing a comprehensive overview of the basketball landscape. In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guests reflect on the nostalgia of baseball legends, the influence of European players in basketball, and the art of sports commentary. They discuss the professionalism of international players, analyze SEC football dynamics, and make playoff predictions. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, humorous moments, and insights into the sports world, culminating in light-hearted 'get out of town' stories.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Eddie Oran and His Legacy03:00 Abe Lemons: The Comedic Coach06:01 Current State of UT Basketball09:09 Coaching Style and Game Strategy11:57 NIL and Transfer Portal Impact14:56 Insights from NBA Scouting17:47 The Evolution of Basketball26:05 Nostalgia and Legends in Baseball27:01 The European Influence on Basketball28:40 Identifying Future Stars in Sports30:08 The Professionalism of International Players31:43 The Art of Sports Commentary36:07 Analyzing SEC Football Dynamics41:12 Playoff Predictions and Insights45:56 Get Out of Town Moments and Fun Stories

In this episode of Inside the Game, Keith Moreland (Zonk) and Greg Swindell (Zeke) welcome Quan Cosby, a former Texas Longhorns football player and professional baseball player. They discuss Quan's unique journey from baseball to football, his experiences as an older freshman, memorable moments in college football, and the impact of NIL on college athletics. The conversation also touches on the future of college sports, the challenges of balancing education and athletics, and reflections on Hall of Fame eligibility and legacy in sports.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Quan Cosby and His Journey03:11 The Face Mask Incident and Its Impact06:19 Transition from Baseball to Football09:19 Returning to College Football as an Older Player12:11 The Experience of Being an Older Freshman15:14 Memorable Moments in College Football18:04 The Evolution of College Sports and NIL Discussion31:28 The Business of College Sports34:20 NIL Deals and Their Impact38:25 The Future of College Football Leagues44:25 Heisman Predictions and Player Recognition49:38 Hall of Fame ControversiesThis episode is brought to you by Brainsupreme - save 15% on your supplement order with code ITG at brainsupreme.co

In this episode of 'Inside the Game', hosts Greg Swindell (Zeke) and Keith Moreland (Zonk) welcome former Texas Longhorn Kasey Studdard to discuss his journey from a football family in Colorado to becoming a key player for the Longhorns. They reflect on Thanksgiving traditions, the challenges of college football, and the pride of being part of a successful offensive line. Kasey shares insights on the transition to the NFL, the evolution of football rules, and the importance of teamwork. He also opens up about overcoming learning challenges and the impact of personal growth on his life. The conversation wraps up with Kasey's current ventures in catering and roofing, highlighting his passion for cooking and community involvement.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Thanksgiving Reflections02:50 Transitioning to Texas: A Longhorn Legacy05:22 Changing the Narrative: Hard Work and Team Identity08:05 Memorable Road Games and Challenging Environments09:40 Pride in the Offensive Line: Rushing Success12:03 The Evolution of Offensive Strategies15:39 Final College Game Reflections18:18 Passion vs. Professionalism in Football20:20 The Clutch Moments: USC Game Insights24:18 Nervous Energy in High-Stakes Games25:47 Transitioning to Pro Ball26:23 The Rigorous Journey to the NFL28:16 A Week in the Life of an NFL Player34:08 The Art of Barbecue and Family Traditions36:27 Overcoming Learning Challenges40:15 Inspiration for Future GenerationsSave 15% on our Favorite Micro-Dose Supplements at brainsupreme.co with our code ITG

In this episode of Inside the Game, hosts Greg Swindell (Zeke) and Keith Moreland (Zonk) discuss various topics related to baseball and football, including MVPs, Hall of Fame discussions, and the dynamics of football comebacks. They also delve into Texas football's playoff prospects, share personal anecdotes through quickfire questions, and reflect on the importance of sports in bringing people together. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgic TV show references, and a heartfelt discussion on thankfulness as they approach Thanksgiving.00:00Introduction to the Episode and Overview of Topics01:15Reflections on MVPs and Hall of Fame Players02:52College Football Highlights and Comebacks05:36Analyzing Team Dynamics and Locker Room Strategies08:50Texas Football Performance and Upcoming Challenges13:06Refereeing and Game Discipline in College Football16:06Fun Quickfire Questions and Personal Preferences19:57Memorable Pranks in Major League Baseball20:42Funny Pranks and Teammate Stories23:38Nostalgic TV Shows and Humor24:42Favorite Ballparks and Historical Significance27:01Thankfulness and Reflections on Life28:49Sports and Community Connection31:44Texas Football Predictions and Strategies34:29Thanksgiving Traditions and Favorite Dishes38:08Health and Wellness Products Discussion

In this episode, Keith Moreland (Zonk) and Greg Swindell (Zeke) welcome college baseball expert Mike Rooney to discuss the evolving landscape of college baseball, including the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and coaching changes. They explore the transition of coaches from college to major leagues, the challenges faced by programs like Florida, and the future of West Coast baseball. The conversation also highlights the excitement surrounding alumni games and the dominance of the SEC in college baseball. Rooney shares insights on player loyalty and the implications of recent changes in college baseball dynamics, culminating in a discussion about standout performances like Gage Wood's in Omaha.Follow Mike on X at Mike_Rooney or on Instagram at @coachrooney660500:00 Introduction to College Baseball Experts00:55 Mike Rooney's Off-Season Life02:19 Transition from College to Major League Baseball03:53 The Changing Landscape of College Baseball08:54 Mississippi State's Alumni Game12:01 The Future of West Coast Baseball19:25 NIL and the Transfer Portal in College Baseball28:20 The Changing Landscape of Hiring in Sports30:02 Building Team Chemistry in a Transient Environment32:04 Reflections on College Baseball Coaching35:22 Contrasting Coaching Styles: Murphy and Counsell37:45 The SEC's Dominance in College Baseball41:17 Emerging Teams to Watch in College Baseball42:34 Memorable Performances in College Baseball History

In this episode of 'Zeke and Zonk: Inside the Game,' hosts Keith Moreland (Zonk) and Greg Swindell (Zeke) bring on special guest Curt Schilling, a former MLB pitcher known for his exceptional career and competitive spirit. The trio discusses Schilling's experiences, including his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies, the importance of fastball command, and memorable moments from his career. They also touch on the human elements of baseball, such as the evolution of umpiring and the impact of preparation and mentality on the game. Additionally, Schilling shares personal insights into his charitable work with ALS and his life managing an animal rescue farm. The episode concludes with reflections on the Dodgers' successive World Series wins and updates on Longhorn football.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:53 Catching Up with Kurt Schilling02:02 Fantasy Camp Stories and Umpire Tales05:05 Pitching Strategies and Umpire Relations09:20 The Art of Pitching and Preparation17:19 The Impact of Teammates and Competition23:35 Career Turning Points and Fastball Command29:41 Pre-Pitch Thoughts and Veteran Insights31:07 Philly Fans and Baseball Culture32:33 Boston vs. New York Rivalry35:14 World Series Memories and Reflections44:09 ALS Advocacy and Personal Impact45:33 Animal Rescue and Life After Baseball46:37 Coaching Aspirations and Baseball Philosophy49:00 Challenges in Modern Baseball54:54 Get Out of Town Moment and Longhorn Football

In this episode of Zeke and Zonk, hosts Greg Swindell and Keith Moreland welcome former MLB pitcher and broadcaster Rick Sutcliffe. The conversation covers Sutcliffe's journey from player to broadcaster, memorable moments in baseball, the transformation of the Chicago Cubs, and personal reflections on relationships within the sport. They also discuss the impact of family, particularly grandchildren, on Sutcliffe's life and career. The episode concludes with insights on Texas football and humorous anecdotes from Sutcliffe's experiences in the game.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Zeke and Zonk Podcast02:58 Rick Sutcliffe's Broadcasting Journey06:09 Memorable Moments in Baseball09:03 Friendships and Anecdotes in Sports12:13 Transitioning from Cleveland to Chicago15:15 Reflections on Major League Baseball21:11 From Player to Coach: A Journey Begins22:36 Broadcasting Breakthrough: The Start of a New Career24:00 Roommates and Road Trips: Bonds in Baseball25:49 The Cubs Transformation: A Miracle Year in 198428:38 The Sandberg Game: A Turning Point for the Cubs32:24 Celebrating Success: The Cubs' Playoff Journey34:44 Reflections on Legacy: Family and Future Goals39:40 Weekend Highlights and Future Plans39:46 Memorable Player Relationships43:26 Humorous Stories from the Field46:36 World Series Game Insights52:27 Texas Football Comeback DiscussionTakeawaysRick Sutcliffe emphasizes the importance of authenticity in broadcasting.He shares valuable advice from Don Drysdale about appreciating the game.Sutcliffe reflects on the camaraderie and friendships formed in baseball.The transformation of the Cubs in the 1980s was pivotal for the franchise.Sutcliffe's broadcasting career was influenced by his playing experiences.He highlights the significance of family, especially his grandchildren.The impact of personal relationships in sports is profound and lasting.Sutcliffe recalls humorous and memorable moments from his playing days.The importance of teamwork and dynamics in achieving success is discussed.Insights into Texas football and the current sports landscape are shared.

In this episode of Inside the Game, Zeke and Zonk sit down with radio and television personality Bobby Bones for a candid conversation about fandom, persistence, and the emotional power of sports.Bobby shares his 20-year pursuit to interview icons like David Letterman, Sting, and Mark Grace, and opens up about how his stepdad’s love for the Chicago Cubs shaped his own lifelong connection to the team. The trio dive deep into what it means to be a fan — the nostalgia, heartbreak, and sense of identity that sports bring out in all of us.From chasing dream interviews to reflecting on what makes fandom so personal, this conversation reveals the cultural heartbeat behind the game itself.Key Takeaways:Bobby’s 20-year list of dream interviews includes David Letterman, Sting, and Mark GraceHow the Chicago Cubs became a family bond and lifelong passionThe emotional and nostalgic pull of sports fandomWhat it’s like to write about your heroes — and wait for their call backWhy sports can be both brutal and rewarding for the fans who love them most🎧 Tune in for stories, laughs, and real talk from Inside the Game with Zeke & Zonk and special guest Bobby Bones.

In this episode of the Zeke and Zonk Inside the Game podcast, hosts Greg Swindell and Keith Moreland welcome legendary pitcher Roger Clemens. The conversation covers a range of topics including World Series experiences, the transition from college to professional baseball, pitching techniques, and the importance of injury prevention. Clemens shares personal anecdotes from his career, insights on the current state of baseball, and reflections on mentoring younger players. The episode provides a deep dive into the life and career of one of baseball's greatest pitchers, along with valuable lessons for aspiring athletes. In this engaging conversation, Roger Clemens, Greg Swindell, and Keith Moreland delve into various themes, including the competitive spirit in sports, philanthropy through Roger's foundation, and memorable moments with friends like Toby Keith. They also analyze the Texas Longhorns' football performance and discuss the resurgence of the split finger pitch in baseball, culminating in Roger's recent experience pitching for the Savannah Bananas.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Studio Z: Introduction to the Podcast00:57 World Series Memories and Insights03:03 Roger Clemens: Early Career and First Start08:51 Transitioning from College to Professional Baseball11:59 Pitching Techniques and Strategies15:50 Injury Prevention and Training Insights20:00 Reflections on the Game and Future Generations22:52 The Competitive Spirit in Sports24:42 Giving Back: Roger's Foundation and Philanthropy26:37 Remembering Toby Keith: A Tribute to Friendship29:50 Texas Football: Analyzing the Longhorns' Performance32:58 The Resurgence of the Split Finger Pitch40:14 Roger's Comeback: Pitching for the Savannah Bananas

In this episode of Zeke & Zonk's Inside the Game podcast, hosts Greg Swindell and Keith Moreland dive into the world of sports, focusing on Major League Baseball playoffs and the Texas vs. Oklahoma football rivalry. They discuss the dynamics of playoff baseball, the importance of pitching, and the strategies that come into play during high-stakes games. The conversation also touches on the expansion of playoffs in MLB, the significance of team chemistry, and the excitement surrounding college football. With insights from their own experiences, the hosts provide a comprehensive look at the current sports landscape.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Zeke & Zonk Podcast01:28 Playoff Baseball Dynamics06:32 Pitching Strategies in the Playoffs10:02 Base Running and Game Management14:48 Changes in the Game: Umpiring and Hitting16:02 Expansion of Playoffs and Its Impact17:22 Texas vs. Oklahoma: A Rivalry Renewed28:05 Major League Playoff Predictions