1st and Now

Matt and Nik are back and getting giddy with inside 30 days remaining until our first training camp practices in Kamloops. With the coaching staff trickling into the office, the fellas speak with offensive line coach Paul Charbonneau, running backs coach Kristian Matte and receivers coach/passing game coordinator Kevin Bourgoin. The boys also take a closer look at the offence and bring you our regular fun segments in this early April edition of 1st and Now. 0:00 - Intro 5:48 - Josh Banks retirement 7:43 - Jevon Cottoy becomes BC World Vision Ambassador 9:40 - Stewart Johnston introduced as CFL commissioner 13:23 - Coach Paul Charbonneau interview 20:30 - Coach Kristian Matte interview 26:38 - Coach Kevin Bourgoin interview 36:20 - BC Lions 2025 offence preview 47:31 - Trivia Time - CFL receiving touchdown leaders 57:08 - Go For It or Punt 1:01:05 - They Not Like Us

Matt and Nik are joined by a couple of off-season additions to the 2025 BC Lions roster. First, linebacker Micah Awe joins the show to talk about returning to the Lions, approaching 100 CFL games, playing at Texas Tech, and the different aspects of the state of Texas. Next, defensive back Deontai Williams discusses why he signed with BC, his father Roosevelt’s NFL and CFL playing days, and how Coach Buck Pierce may have been targetting Deontai in his first CFL start.

The Madness is just beginning! Matt and Nik preview this week’s CFL Combine and look ahead to some of the key training camp battles on the horizon. General manager Ryan Rigmaiden joins the show to talk about some of the things the squad is looking for in the Draft along with his expectations for training camp in Kamloops. 0:00 - Intro 8:11 - Rob Ralph promoted to assistant general manager 11:43 - Lions in Langford sells out 19:28 - Lions first-year American additions 24:44 - Ryan Rigmaiden interview 47:02 - Trivia Time - BC Lions draft picks 51:58 - Go For It or Punt 56:17 - They Not Like Us

What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas. The boys are back and Bakes is playing hurt after a few days of fun in Sin City. He and Nik bring you all the latest stories from Lions land, including an overall look at free agency and intriguing camp battles with TSN's Farhan Lalji. Our Go For It Or Punt and They Not Like Us segments go heavy on the 4 Nations Faceoff! 0:00 - intro 4:05 - Kristian Matte hired as RB coach 9:31 - David Mackie retirement 18:07 - Farhan Lalji interview 42:14 - Trivia Time - Longest-tenured BC Lions 47:00 - Go For It or Punt 54:39 - They Not Like Us

The boys are back to recap a busy first couple of days on the free agent front for your BC Lions. Bob "The Moj" Marjanovich stops by to talk about the new additions, the new coaching staff and what training camp battles he is excited about. The fellas also recap an eventful Super Bowl week where MOJ and Nik had boots on the ground in New Orleans, a city that Bakes is also quite familiar with. This episode has it all! 0:00 - intro 6:35 - 2025 Free Agency Recap 16:44 - Lions in Langford 19:11 - Bob Marjanovich interview 48:22 - Trivia Time - BC Lions Free Agency 53:48 - Go For It or Punt 58:15 - They Not Like Us

The offseason has kicked into high gear as free agency is just around the corner. Lions' analyst Giulio Caravatta joins Matt and Nik to break down the key re-signings so far and what the squad might look to address when the market opens. Giulio also gives a solid account of the current state of Canadian quarterbacks. The fellas also discuss their favourite parts of the 2025 schedule and branch out during the always-entertaining 'Go For It Or Punt' and 'They Not Like Us' segments. 0:00 - Intro 3:16 - 2025 schedule release 10:44 - Lions re-signings 15:28 - Arrow Up: Home Turf episodes 17:53 - Giulio Caravatta interview 39:00 - Debate: which U.S. state has the best CFL players? 43:48 - Go For It or Punt 55:22 - They Not Like Us

Bo Lokombo joins Matt and Nik on the heels of his retirement from football to recap some of his fondest memories as a Lion, both on and off the field. The linebacker leaves a lasting legacy as both a player and someone who gave back to his community, most recently as a proud ambassador for World Vision Canada.

In the 2025 season premiere of 1st and Now, Matt & Nik have plenty to talk about! From key player transactions to the coaching staff being assembled by Buck Pierce, the season prep. is in full force. The boys also talk with linebacker Josh Woods on both his injury recovery and the tragic fire situation in Los Angeles. To close it out, it’s an NFL-themed version of both ‘Go For It Or Punt’ or ‘They Not Like Us.’ 0:00 - Intro 1:34 - Dejon Allen trade 5:10 - Sean Whyte extension 6:40 - Garry Peters extension 9:16 - Tibo Debaillie extension 10:32 - Riley Pickett extension 12:16 - James Butler, RB signings 17:30 - BC coaching staff announcement 24:00 - Josh Woods interview 44:12 - Arrow Up update 46:23 - Go For It or Punt

Matt and Nik bring you the final episode of 2024 which happens to come on the same day 2023 Most Outstanding Defensive Player Mathieu Betts signed for two more years. The boys break that and a few other transactions down, talk about their favourite Christmas gifts of all time and have some fun with our 'Go For It Or Punt' and 'They Not Like Us' segments! Happy Holidays to all of our great listeners! 0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Mathieu Betts signs two-year extension 8:36 - BC Lions signings, pending free agents 20:24 - Arrow Up update 23:24 - Holiday season talk 26:05 - Go For It or Punt 33:36 - They Not Like Us

It's been a big week for the BC Lions as Buck Pierce was officially sworn in as the team's 28th head coach. Buck joins this week's episode to reflect on arriving in Canada nearly 20 years ago, his greatest Lion memories, rising through the coaching ranks in Winnipeg and he also answers questions from fans in our latest mailbag. Matt and Nik also give their thoughts on the hire and branch out in our Go For It Or Punt and a new segment titled "They Not Like Us." 0:00 - Intro, 0:32 - Buck Pierce announced as head coach, 11:52 - Vernon Adams Jr. trade, 18:17 - Buck Pierce interview, 41:13 - Go For It or Punt, 49:40 - They Not Like Us.

Matt and Nik break down the Lions' big week of moves while saluting Rick Campbell's job one day after he left the organization. The boys also recap an exciting and fulfilling Grey Cup week for Vancouver and discuss the Argonauts' victory with Ben Grant from XsandArgos, TSN 1050 and Three Down Nation.

Matt and Nik return with some post-mortem as the Lions fell short once again in their quest for a seventh Grey Cup. The fellas look back at key moments in the loss to Saskatchewan and look ahead to this weekend's division finals plus set the stage for what will still be a fun week of festivities as Vancouver gets set to host the 111th Grey Cup.

It’s s jam-packed edition of the podcast as Matt and Nik preview all of the key storylines for Saturday’s Western Semi-Final in Saskatchewan. Hear from Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta, head coach Rick Campbell, defensive back Garry Peters plus a discussion with CJME Regina’s Jamie Nye. November in the CFL has arrived! 0:00 - Intro 1:34 - Week 20 vs Montreal, regular season recap 5:21 - Rick Campbell Oct. 29 media snippet 8:26 - Garry Peters Oct. 29 media snippet 13:40 - Giulio Caravatta interview 20:27 - Western Semi-Final at Saskatchewan preview 25:24 - Jamie Nye interview 40:59 - Eastern Semi-Final talk 43:34 - Go For It or Punt

Matt and Nik bring you the final regular season podcast of 2024 before the playoff fun begins in two weeks! The fellas break down the quarterback change and keys to entering the playoffs on a high and also speak with Alexander Hollins on the vibe following last week's loss in Regina. Plus, Vernon Adams Jr, Nathan Rourke and Rick Campbell make post-practice appearances.

Matt and Nik are extra fired up after a victory and ready to go into hostile territory as the Lions prepare for a big tilt with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday. You will hear from head coach Rick Campbell and defensive lineman Mathieu Betts on the keys to victory and the fellas also preview three other games across week 19 in the CFL. The fun wraps up with our always-entertaining 'Go For It Or Punt' segment.

Matt and Nik tee up Friday's big battle against the Stampeders and what to expect in some key areas as we prepare for another eventful Gravy Bowl. The fellas also discuss the two transactions this week and how the impact the active roster on Friday. Hear from Rick Campbell and Nathan Rourke on the keys to victory along with some spicy takes in 'Go For It Or Punt.'

Matt and Nik are back after a bye week to preview the four-game stretch drive with TSN's Glen Suitor. 'Suits' breaks down what he likes about this Lions squad, the decision to go with Nathan Rourke and the differences between a Hamilton team that has found some juice since the last time we faced them.

The fellas catch up with Lions' all-time passing leader and 2000 Grey Cup champion Damon Allen ahead of Legends Night when the squad gets inducted to our Wall of Fame. Allen shares great stories and a few nuggets on how that team pulled together to win it all. Matt and Nik also recap the big win in Montreal and break down the keys to sinking the Boatmen this Friday. 0:00 - Intro 1:21 - Week 14 at Montreal recap 5:34 - Week 15 vs Toronto preview 12:02 - 2000 BC Lions championship deep dive (re-run) 20:50 - Damon Allen interview 46:20 - CFL Week 15 talk 50:03 - Go For It or Punt

An episode so jam-packed, no guest was required! Matt and Nik recap an unforgettable Touchdown Pacific including their favourite off-field moments and a dominant win over Ottawa. It’s Montreal week and the fellas zone in on some key storylines against the Alouettes. With one-third of the season to go, they also go over some highs and lows of 2024 thus far while taking a look at some Lions award candidates. The episode wraps up with another edition of ‘Go for it or punt.’

It's a big week in Lions land as the squad is set to embark on Victoria and our Touchdown Pacific rematch with Ottawa. Matt and Nik recap Saturday's loss to the Redblacks and bring in offensive lineman Sukh Chungh for a fun interview on football, food and much more. The boys wrap it up by previewing OK Tire Labour Day Weekend in the CFL and with the always popular 'go for it or punt' segment.

Matt and Nik are back in a jampacked week to recap Nathan Rourke's return and another tough loss to the Blue Bombers. Now it's all about a special home-and-home series with the Ottawa REDBLACKS with round one Saturday in the nation's capital. REDBLACKS radio voice A.J. Jakubec stops by for a preview of the game and a look at the tenth anniversary of football's return to Ottawa which will be celebrated this weekend.

It’s buzzin’ inside Lion headquarters this week as Matt and Nik talk about Nathan Rourke’s return, Sunday’s pivotal showdown with Winnipeg, and around week 11 of the CFL with some juicy matchups in store. The boys also welcome Lions Radio Punjabi broadcaster Harp Pandher to talk about the news of the week and his path to broadcasting Punjabi games for football and hockey.

In this special episode of 1st & Now, Matt Baker & Nik Kowalski welcome BC Lions' linebacker Bo Lokombo, Senior VP of Business George Chayka, ex-CFLer & co-host of The Waggle, Henoc Muamba and Kyla Findlay from World Vision following a life-changing trip to East Africa. From visits to schools and youth centres, to playing ball in one of the largest refugee camp in the world, the crew talks about the most memorable moments of the trip, which is now airing on BC Lions' platforms.

Matt & Nik are back after a long weekend of fun and adventure for each guy. Now it's all about football once again as the fellas recap what went wrong in Winnipeg and discuss the keys for a bounce back in Edmonton this Sunday. Assistant defensive backs coach Tanya Henderson talks about the Elks challenge, Lions defence and promotes next week's women's flag football clinic in Surrey. 0:00 - Intro, 2:22 - Week 9 at Winnipeg recap, 6:40 - Week 10 at Edmonton preview, 14:45 - Coach Tanya Henderson interview, 37:50 - CFL Week 10 talk, 43:52 - Go For It or Punt

This week on the podcast, Matt & Nik pay tribute to 100 episodes recorded dating back to March 11, 2022 when we re-launched the podcast with Rick Campbell as our guest. There have been many laughs, stories, recaps of wins and losses and other great memories along the way! Strap in and join us as we look back at some of our best interviews and look ahead to the next 100! 0:00 - intro 1:42 - Rick Campbell interview 27:42 - Sean Whyte interview 55:36 - Nathan Rourke interview 1:23:52 - Lukas Moore interview 1:49:40 - Bryan Burnham interview 2:16:11 - Vernon Adams Jr. interview 2:41:03 - Paul McCallum interview 3:10:49 - Solomon Elimimian interview 3:36:01 - Jamie Taras & Sean Millington interview 4:01:22 - Chase Brice interview

Matt and Nik are jacked up after a bye week and ready for our 5th trip to Winnipeg in the last 13 months. Along with previewing the Blue Bombers with Hustler Paterson from Winnipeg Sports Talk, Matt and Nik ring in their 100th episode together by going around the CFL in what is shaping up to be an exciting week of action across the league.

Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta joins the podcast to give an assessment on the squad after six games and help preview Sunday’s big matchup in Calgary and what to expect from a Stampeders squad that has lost two in a row. Giulio also breaks down what makes Vernon Adams Jr. the elite player he is. Matt and Nik also go around the CFL while recapping last week’s impressive victory over Saskatchewan that put them into sole possession of first place in the West.

Matt and Nik are back to preview Saturday's 1st place battle with Saskatchewan and some of the exciting plans for our second annual Watermelon Smash. Quarterback Chase Brice joins the fellas to talk about his memories of Clemson, his friendship with Trevor Lawrence and adjustments to life in the Canadian Football League.

Matt & Nik bring you a special 1st and Now with Lion legends Jamie Taras, Angus Reid and Honourary Jennifer Whiteside, Minster of Mental Health And Addiction. The roundtable discusses the Help Starts Here Program and how people battling mental health and addictions can seek help.

It's Hamilton week as the Lions are back at work in search of a fourth straight win this Sunday. Matt and Nik are thrilled to be joined by Steve Milton, formerly with the Hamilton Spectator and now with Ticats.ca. 'Uncle Milty' gives a thorough breakdown of what has plagued the Ticats in their 0-4 start while giving credit to how well Bo Levi Mitchell has performed despite their record.

It's another rivalry week as Matt and Nik look ahead to Thursday Night Football against the Edmonton Elks. The boys speak with Elks' radio analyst Dave Campbell on the 0-3 start, how the offence has looked under McLeod Bethel-Thompson and a little check- in on the Alberta Capital after a long Stanley Cup run.

A special bonus episode of the podcast this week as BC Lions legend Andrew Harris makes his 1st and Now debut. The 2011 Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian discusses the documentary ‘Running Back Relentless’ which chronicles his eventful and sometimes turbulent path to pro football. Harris also re-lives some of his best memories in Lion colours.

Matt and Nik recap a special Concert Kickoff home opener against Calgary and a big divisional win. The fellas also look forward to another big divisional test in Winnipeg against a depleted Bombers team. The boys are also excited to welcome Team Canada head coach Warren Craney ahead of this weekend's World Junior Championships in Edmonton where Canada goes for a third straight gold medal.

Matt and Nik tee up Saturday’s much anticipated Concert Kickoff featuring 50 Cent and the keys to taking down the Stampeders. Defensive lineman Josh Archibald joins the show to discuss how much he’s grown in three years while giving an in -depth review of his first career sack in Toronto which had a historical result.

Lions' receiver Ayden Eberhardt joins the show to talk about his goals for year two with the squad. He also breaks down some of his great Wyoming memories which included some great stories about quarterback Josh Allen. Matt and Nik also look ahead to the week one opener in Toronto, break down the other three CFL games and recap what has been a busy and exciting week in the city with Lions football grabbing plenty of headlines.

A conversation with a CFL lifer. Matt and Nik sit down with new long snapper Kyle Nelson who dishes on life in Kamloops and his rich Canadian bloodlines. Plus, Bakes gets some insight on his time with the 49ers which included a memorable Super Bowl clash.

Matt and Nik recap the Lions' first camp scrimmage this past weekend plus sit down with director of US Scouting Jim Jauch. Jim talks about the routine of scouting and how his year-round schedule dictates who the team brings into camp.

Matt and Nik break down the training camp storylines and position battles plus take a deep dive into the 2011 Grey Cup champion Lions. The boys also talk to Ryan Phillips and Jason Tucker about their camp experience and life in Kamloops.

With one week to go until first-year Lions hit the training camp grind in Kamloops, Matt and Nik recap the 2024 draft class with 3 Down Nations's JC Abbott. Offensive lineman and round- one selection George Una also stops by. The boys also break down a huge week of signings headlined by the addition of local boy Christian Covington and continue the Grey Cup recap series by breaking down a dominant 2006 squad.

Matt & Nik are back with a deep dive on the 2000 Grey Cup win as that year's unforgettable squad will enter the Wall Of Fame later this year. Jamie Taras and Sean Millington join the show for a look back on some of the best memories from the championship season, including an intense battle in the backfield with Millington and Robert Drummond. The fellas also preview special teams as 2024 training camp draws even closer.

Matt and Nik catch up with Vernon Adams Jr. from his home in Tacoma. VA talks about his motivation for the 2024 season, the role he played in helping recruit key free agents to the den and his thoughts on March Madness! The boys also continue their Grey Cup recaps with a look at the unforgettable 1994 championship.

Defensive lineman David Menard joins the fellas from his offseason training hub in Montreal. Menard talks about the mindset and goals ahead of his 10th CFL season, how the Combine process has changed since he worked out for CFL teams in 2014 and much more. Matt and Nik also continue our 70th Season Grey Cup recaps by breaking down the performance of our 1985 champions and a big win over Hamilton.

Matt and Nik dish out their favourite Lions home game themes of 2024 plus begin their deep dives into our Grey Cup championship teams with a look at the 1964 squad! Tanya Henderson also joins the fellas to talk about an exciting new flag football venture as we honour International Women’s Day.

Matt and Nik recap a busy week of Lions free agent activity while looking ahead to some exciting battles brewing for 2024 training camp in May. Matt has strong takes on watching big games around big crowds while Nik is about to jump on the Taylor Swift bandwagon. Intro - 0:00 BC Lions re-signings - 7:54 Free agency signings - 10:45 Early team positional battles - 25:02 Victoria Play with the Pros trip - 31:18 Go for It or Punt - 33:39

Matt and Nik speak with newly re-signed DL Tibo Debaillie on life in Belgium and his path to Canada. The fellas also break down some other key Lions signings and give their thoughts on Super Bowl 58 between Kansas City and San Francisco. Nik is also jacked for his first trip to Las Vegas! 0:00 - intro 2:54 - weekly BC Lions news 13:35 - CFL news 15:46 - Arrow Up talk 18:42 - Tibo Debaillie interview 36:27 - Go For it or Punt 44:06 - Super Bowl talk

Matt and Nik are back with our opening episode of 2024 as we recap a busy week of key Lions signings and also chat with assistant GM Ryan Rigmaiden on the talent evaluation process. The fellas also look ahead to the NFL Divisional Playoffs and talk television and football overtime rules in our 'Go For It Or Punt' segment. 0:00- Intro 4:06- Lions player news and signings 21:58- Ryan Rigmaiden, Lions assistant GM 40:53- Go For It Or Punt 50:22- General Sports Talk

Matt and Nik are here with the final show of 2023! The boys do a deep dive into the 2024 regular season schedule and talk favourite road cities while discussing a few special holiday traditions. Plus, Ryan Phillips joins the show to talk about his new coaching role and excitement for his 16th season with the Lions organization.

The offseason may be underway, but that doesn't exist for Matt and Nik! The boys break down an exciting Touchdown Pacific announcement and also talk about some important work ahead with Lions radio analyst Giulio Caravatta.

Matt and Nik are back from Lions Den in Hamilton at the 110th Grey Cup! Sean Whyte joins the program to break down his stellar All-Star season while Co-GM Neil McEvoy talks Grey Cup week, puts a wrap on the 2023 Lions campaign, and looks ahead to another off-season process.

The boys are LIVE from 2023 Lions Den in Hamilton! Most Oustanding Defensive Player Mathieu Betts talks about winning his award, motivation for next season, and the love and support from his fiancee Camile who was in attendance.