1st and Now

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.

Back to Winnipeg for another Western Final showdown! Matt and Nikl talk with "Hustler" Paterson from Winnipeg Sports Talk for an overview of this game from a Bomber perspective. The fellas also recap a special Saturday at BC Place in the Western Semi-Final, and how Vernon Adams Jr. rose to the occasion in his first Lion playoff start.

It's playoff week! Matt and Nik are back to preview Saturday's Western Semi-Final with the resurgent Calgary Stampeders. The boys speak with both Farhan Lalji from TSN and long-time Stampeders' radio man Mark Stephen. The fellas also recap a productive weekend on social media and discuss the team's award nominees in 2023.

Matt and Nik recap an impressive win in Hamilton and look ahead to the final regular season tilt on Friday with Calgary. The boys also recap some of their favourite memories of this season to date and break down all of the scenarios as the Lions are still alive in the battle for first in the Western Division.

The boys recap Friday's crazy clash against Winnipeg and keys to bouncing back against a resurgent Tiger-Cat squad in Hamilton this week. Hear from wide receiver Jevon Cottoy on his career year and linebackers coach Travis Brown who breaks down his solid position group heading into the final two weeks before the playoffs arrive.

Matt and Nik are back to tee up Friday's critical first-place showdown with the Blue Bombers and break down the case for Vernon Adams Jr. to get more Most Outstanding Player consideration. Plus. you will hear from former Bomber Michael Couture on being on the Lion side of this solid rivalry.

Matt and Nik are back to break down what they loved about the Lions' playoff-clinching win in Edmonton and how the defence did a great job neutralizing Tre Ford. Ryan Phillips and Alex Hollins join the show to give their respective thoughts and tee up Friday's big matchup with Saskatchewan.

Matt and Nik recap the wild comeback win over Ottawa and how they each viewed Terry Williams' touchdown return as it happened. The fellas also preview Friday's clash against an improved Elks team as the Lions look to nail down a playoff berth for a second straight season.

Matt and Nik are back after a bye week to tee up the regular season stretch drive as Saturday presents a home challenge against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Hear from defensive lineman Josh Banks on the keys to containing Ottawa's attack, plus running backs coach Trysten Dyce on the play of his position group and going up against his father's team this weekend. Nik is also a big fan of Beyonce's concert this week.

Matt and Nik look ahead to the Labour Day weekend clash in Montreal! Hear from Vernon Adams Jr. on facing his old team plus defensive linemen Josh Archibald and David Menard who make the return to their home province. The fellas also look ahead to eating some good poutine this weekend.

Matt and Nik look back at a tough physical battle in Saskatchewan and break down the keys to a bounce back at home against Hamilton this week. The fellas also talk with defensive back Garry Peters about a friendly wager with an ex-teammate now in Black and Gold.

Matt and Nik recap a dominating win over Calgary and a special Wall of Fame night. You will also hear from wide receivers coach Jason Tucker while the fellas hand out midseason awards for the 7-2 Lions who get set to invade Saskatchewan.

It's a Wall of Fame edition of the podcast as Matt and Nik look ahead to Saturday's home contest where the Lions look to wrap up the season series and move eight points clear of the Stampeders. We will also hear from Wally Buono and offensive lineman Andrew Peirson who breaks down the tough test against another division rival.

No guest this week as Matt and Nik recap another historic defensive performance in Edmonton and preview their biggest test of the year thus far which takes place in Winnipeg on Thursday. Both the Lions and Blue Bombers will have more key players available than in the last meeting in week three.

Matt and Nik look ahead to Dane Evans and the Lions' quest for a win in Edmonton on Saturday. President Duane Vienneau also joins the show to talk about our exciting 2023 home game themes and the success of last week's Watermelon Smash.

Matt and Nik look ahead to the beginning of a big five-game stretch for the Lions against Western opponents. It starts this Saturday with Saskatchewan in town. The boys are also joined by return specialist 'Scary' Terry Williams who talks about his path from junior college to the pro ranks.

Matt and Nik break down some impressive elements of the club's 4-1 start and also hear from Bobby Dubeau after completing his quest to visit all nine stadiums in 15 days to set a new Guinness World Record!

Matt and Nik break down some of the more impressive stats for Vernon Adams Jr. and the offence despite a loss in Toronto, plus preview Sunday's home game against Montreal with Alouettes content man extraordinaire Joey Alfieri.

Matt and Nik look ahead to a big test against the defending Grey Cup champion Argonauts on Monday. Also, CFL on TSN panelist and former Lion Davis Sanchez breaks down what he likes about his old squad.

Matt and Nik are back just hours after landing from Winnipeg. The boys recap an impressive statement win over the Blue Bombers plus talk with Lions' in-game host Katie Hamilton on her role with the team, what prompted her to pursue a career in sports and much more.

CFL on TSN Panel host Kate Beirness joins the show to recap week one, look ahead to the Panel's Vancouver visit and discuss overall life working with some of the talented folks at Canada's Sports Leader.

Matt and Nik break down the end of training camp in Kamloops, discuss LL Cool J performing at the June 17 Concert Kickoff plus go around the CFL with Sarah Said from Showtime Digital.

Matt and Nik speak with the dynamic receiving duo of Lucky Whitehead and Dom Rhymes from The Den Cafe in Kamloops. The duo breaks down the first couple of days of camp and discusses 2023 goals with the Lions. The fellas also answer social media questions.

Matt and Nik have you covered on the eve of Training Camp in Kamloops. The boys welcome in Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta for a deep dive on some key training camp questions plus a look around the CFL as the quest for the Grey Cup beckons.

With less than a week to go until the start of first-year player camp in Kamloops, the fellas recap Tuesday night's CFL Draft plus interview first-round pick Francis Bemiy Jr. who is expected to compete for a spot on the defensive line. Matt and Nik also talk Stanley Cup playoffs.

Matt and Nik welcome in Lions punter Stefan Flintoft for a chat about the upcoming Lions season, his love of golf and the companionship with teammates plus some best memories of his time at UCLA.

Co-GM Neil McEvoy joins the fellas as excitement heats up for another season. Neil looks ahead to the May 2 CFL Draft and discusses the breakdown of the roster as we get closer to training camp. Matt and Nik also break down last week's exciting jersey launch plus talk a little hockey and Major League Baseball.

Matt Baker hosts solo this week and leads a roundtable with Lui Passaglia, Sean Millington and TSN's Farhan Lalji on the cancellation of SFU's football program and the subsequent fight to reverse the decision.

CFL All-Star Marcus Sayles joins the fellas to talk about a busy offseason in Vancouver, the relationships he's established with Lion teammates and how continuity in the secondary should breed plenty of success on defence in 2023. Matt and Nik also salute the 2023 Wall of Fame Inductees and tease some exciting new developments coming in the den.

In our latest Alumni Series episode, Bobby Singh stops by to talk Lion memories, the dominant stretch he played with the team from 2004-06, being the only player to win championships in the CFL, NFL and XFL plus what it was like being around the 'Greatest Show on Turf' St. Louis Rams team in 1999.

Our Alumni Series continues with Lions great Solomon Elimimian. Number 56 talks about getting the call from Wally Buono that he was part of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class, early adversity which led him to the BC Lions and some of the great memories of his playing days that included a courageous comeback off a devastating injury in the prime of his career.

Legendary kicker Paul McCallum joins the podcast to talk about some of his best Lion memories including a big lesson he learned from Lui Passaglia and how it came full circle when Sean Whyte first joined the squad. Paul also talks about winning a World Bowl in Scottland and has some crazy stories of suiting up for Las Vegas in the original XFL.

The boys break down a Lions defence that should have some solid depth at each key position. Matt is feeling a bit like George Costanza after his office move while Nik has enjoyed being a Vancouver sports heel, outside of our BC Lions of course.

Matt and Nik break down the BC Lions offence position by position following the early days of CFL free agency. A couple of intriguing battles loom ahead of 2023 training camp. You will also hear from head coach Rick Campbell who joined Sekeres and Price at the beginning of the week.

Matt and Nik are back after a week off to break down a busy couple days of signings in the den. Nik weighs in on some fun Super Bowl stories in Arizona and the fellas also talk to new receiver Justin McInnis on how he plans to contribute with the squad.

The fellas recap a busy few days of signings in the Lions Den plus look ahead to what should be a busy period with free agency opening in less than two weeks. Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta also stops by to discuss what the squad might need when the shopping period officially opens. He also recaps a few memories from his playing days, specifically one trip to Baltimore in 1995.

Matt and Nik break down a busy week of re-signings as the free agent period draws closer. The fellas also speak to Lions receiver Dominique Rhymes on what he has in store following a career-year in orange, plus take a look at this weekend's NFL conference championship games.

Matt and Nik are refreshed after a few weeks off and bring you an outstanding episode to kick off 2023. The boys talk to an extremely motivated Vernon Adams Jr. who is ready to do whatever it takes to lead this Lions team back to the promised land. They also go around the CFL and break down a big weekend ahead in the NFL playoffs.

Matt and Nik each pick three intriguing games on the 2023 schedule, break down Rick Campbell and Neil McEvoy contract extensions plus some key re-signings and speak with Manny Rugamba on his solid rookie season and everything he learned in adjusting to the CFL.

Bryan Burnham joins the program on the day he officially announced his retirement from the Lions after eight outstanding seasons. He reflects on his path to the pros, motivation that kept him going through a tough stretch in 2021 and how he now looks forward to more family time.

Matt and Nik are stuck inside on a snowy day and talking about favourite CFL road trip hot spots, plus a decent chat with receiver Alexander Hollins who looks to make bigger strides in 2023 and beyond.

Offensive lineman Kent Perkins joins the show to talk about the season that was, his love for soul food and cooking, plus his great memories playing with the Texas Longhorns. Matt and Nik also recap a great Grey Cup experience in Regina and some of the key moments in Toronto's upset victory over Winnipeg.

Matt and Nik are back at Lions Den at the 109th Grey Cup in Regina! The guys speak with Reid Johnson from the Markcast and Lions play by play man Bob Marjanovich while also giving their predictions for Sunday's game.

Matt and Nik are LIVE from Lions Den in Regina and the 109th Grey Cup. The boys speak with head coach Rick Campbell who discusses the offseason ahead and defensive assistant Tanya Walter on her first year in Pro Football.