1st and Now

Matt and Nik carry the load on this post-Western Final edition of 1st and Now. The guys recap a gutsy effort in Winnipeg and break down an emotional locker room after the loss. With the future bright, the fellas also look ahead and start previewing the 109th Grey Cup between the Bombers and Argonauts.

A huge episode this week as Matt and Nik break it all down ahead of the Western Final at Winnipeg on Sunday. TSN's Farhan Lalji stops by for some insight on some of the key matchups, plus the boys each give their Lion X-Factors on both sides of the ball.

Matt and Nik break down all of the key components of Sunday's Western Semi-Final matchup with Calgary and look back on a couple of massive wins over the Stamps which helped solidify second place. The boys also speak with Dustin Nielson who will call Sunday's game on TSN.

Matt and Nik break down a huge win in Edmonton which locks down a home playoff date, discuss the news of the week in Nathan Rourke returning and break down team award winners announced by CFL.

Fullback David Mackie joins the show to talk about recovering from his toe injury, his path to the CFL which started with a 2.5 daily commute to play high school football and his endless community work that includes feeding people on the Downtown Eastside. Matt and Nik also recap a huge win over the Blue Bombers and look ahead to Friday's test in Edmonton where the Lions can lock down a home playoff game.

Matt and Nik break down the race for second place in the West, recap a very eventful short trip to Toronto plus give some insight on who should come away with Lion and CFL Outstanding Player Awards this season.

TSN's Matthew Scianitti stops by to tee up Saturday's Lions-Argonauts tilt and some of the key matchups he likes. The fellas also go around the CFL and break down the races in both divisions as playoff races get more crucial with four weeks to go.

Matt and Nik recap a tough loss to the Stampeders and look ahead to Friday's tilt against Ottawa with REDBLACKS play-by-play man AJ Jakubec. The boys also go around the CFL and break down some special plans for the Orange Shirt Day Game this Friday.

Matt and Nik talk about a big win in Calgary, the guys get fired up over the latest CFL Power Rankings, plus Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta joins the show to talk about what has impressed him the most about Vernon Adams Jr. and a few other noteworthy players.

Matt and Nik are back to preview a big home and home series with the Stampeders, beginning this Saturday at McMahon Stadium. Stamps radio man Mark Stephen joins the program to talk about their recent QB change and what has made both the defence and special teams click so far this season.

Lions co-general manager Neil McEvoy stops by to talk about a busy few days which included two big trades for the squad. McEvoy also looks ahead to the upcoming eight-week stretch drive and talks about a special excursion with members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Rod Pedersen stoops by to give his thoughts on Friday's Lions-Roughriders rematch and how pressure is on in Riderville with the Grey Cup to be played there in November. Rod also talks broadcast memories and how the industry continues to evolve.

Lions kicker Sean Whyte joins the boys to talk about his heroics in Calgary, the fun vibe around this team, his firefighting progress and how he was once almost a contestant on The Bachelor.

Matt and Nik discuss a magical performance over Edmonton and the continued legend of Nathan Rourke. Kelly Bates stops by to talk about his improved offensive line and the boys preview a huge test this weekend in Calgary.

Lions defensive back Delvin Breaux Sr. joins the show to talk about life as a Lion, why he chose to come out of retirement and also re-lives a broken neck in high school and how he was able to recover for a shot at pro football.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Phillips joins Matt and Nik to talk about his group's hot start to the season and the reasons for the early chemistry. RP also previews this Friday's game in Saskatchewan while also talking about memories of Regina from his playing days.

Matt and Nik welcome in Louie Butko from the Ticats Audio Network for a preview of Thursday's clash with Hamilton. The fellas also go around the CFL following a very exciting week of football and look ahead to this week's slate of games.

No bye week for Matt and Nik as the fellas breakdown Saturday's loss to the Blue Bombers and how it can serve as a humbling lesson moving forward. Defensive back Quincy Mauger also joins the show to talk about his path to the Lions and some big games he played in while with the Georgia Bulldogs.

Matt and Nik are back to preview a huge clash with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday. Wide receiver Keon Hatcher joins the show to break down his solid performance while Darren Bauming from Bonfire Sports TV stops by to talk about the defending Grey Cup champions.

Lions receiver Dominique Rhymes joins Matt and Nik to talk about a big performance in the win over Toronto, going back to Ottawa where he has a few special fans and his off-field hobbies which include producing video vlogs.

Matt and Nik look ahead to a big week three matchup with the Toronto Argonauts and how the squad looks to build on an impressive opener. The boys also interview Lukas Moore, a Chicago-based podcaster who covered Nathan Rourke during his time with the Ohio Bobcats.

CFL Top Performer of the Week James Butler joins the boys to talk about his big performance in the 59-15 win over Edmonton and how he initially wasn't enamoured with the idea of playing in Canada. Matt and Nik also recap a special night at BC Place and go around the CFL.

Defensive Line Coach John Bowman joins the boys to talk about his position group, transition into coaching and memories of growing up in Brooklyn and some of the sports heroes he admired. Matt and Nik also recap training camp and look ahead to the regular season opener with Edmonton on Saturday.

Four-Time CFL All-Star Bryan Burnham joins the boys to reflect on his long career with the Lions, first breaking into camp back in 2014 and how his family has provided love and support along the way.

Lions playmaker Lucky Whitehead joins the boys from Kamloops as they talk training camp life, his expanding dog family, memories of the Dallas Cowboys and much more!

Lions co-GM Neil McEvoy stops by to preview 2022 Training Camp and some of the exciting storylines surrounding Lion rookies and returning vets. 1st and Now broadcasts from the Go Goat Sports studios inside the Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver.

From the Go Goat Sports Studios at Sheraton Wall Centre, Matt and Nik are joined by Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. The new starter talks about life at Ohio University, moving south to pursue his dream and breaks down a rather forgettable tryout with the New York Giants.

Matt and Nik are joined by Lions Assistant GM Ryan Rigmaiden. The boys discuss day-to-day scouting, how the roster has shaped up for 2022 and how Riggs first got motivated to pursue a career in pro football.

Lions radio analyst Giulio Caravatta on what he likes about this 2022 squad, the difference in QB development in today's game and some great stories on his playing days and first career start for the Lions in Baltimore back in 1995.

Offensive lineman Sukh Chungh joins the show to talk about closing in on 100 games, Grey Cup hunger and how proud he is of Sikh heritage and giving back to the community.

Kicker Sean Whyte on returning to the Lions, memories of playing with CFL legends, pursuing a career in firefighting and much more as he joins Matt and Nik to look ahead to the 2022 season.

Linebacker Jordan Williams joins Matt and Nik to talk about preparation for year two, scary memories of the Ontario Regional Combine as the COVID-19 Pandemic was just beginning and reflection on winning the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2021.

Back for another season! Matt Baker introduces new co-host Nik Kowalski who just arrived at the Lions content team from Winnipeg. The boys speak with head coach Rick Campbell on preparations for 2022, his favourite musical acts and MORE.

Your BC Lions are 1-2 and looking to get back into the win column this Saturday in Ottawa. For head coach Rick Campbell, it marks a return to the city he called home for six seasons and led the REDBLACKS to a Grey Cup championship in 2016. Campbell also breaks down what was a busy and exciting week for the club, including the announcement of new team owner Amar Doman!

Matt is joined by Lions play-by-play voice Bob "The Moj Marjanovich who talks about the new broadcast deal with Corus, being reunited with Giulio Caravatta and some of the storylines he's excited for as training camp begins this weekend.

With a return to the field hopefully getting closer by the day, Matt catches up with Lions defensive backs Garry Peters and Kenny Ladler. The childhood friends talk about growing up in Atlanta, playing big games against big opponents in college and excitement to kick things off in Kamloops later this summer with an exciting group.

Defensive line coach Leroy Blugh stops in for a discussion on some of the talented players in his position group being brought to camp. It's a nice mixture of CFL and NFL experience. Blugh also talks about his relationship with head coach Rick Campbell and looks back on his Hall of Fame career as a player.

Lions co-GM Neil McEvoy stops by for a look ahead to the CFL Draft on May 4th! How excited is he for this year's class of Canadian content? That plus he and Matt kick around some stories about a few British Columbia broadcasting legends.

Matt checks in with Lions co-GM/head coach Rick Campbell for a preview of both the Global Draft on Thursday and Canadian Draft set for May 4th. How stoked is Campbell to land an impact Global player at first overall? He also looks ahead to planning for training camp in this uncertain world.

Matt is joined by Lions offensive lineman Sukh Chungh. The former Terry Fox Ravens star talks about preparation for his 6th CFL season, offseason hobbies that include re-building a classic car and the pride he takes in being a role model to younger Sikh children pursuing their sports dreams.

Coquitlam native Lemar Durant joins Matt for a bonus episode. The receiver talks about a hobby he picked up during the COVID shutdown, his excitement level for getting back on the field and his thoughts on the Lions team that's being constructed for a big return in 2021!

Matt is joined by former BC Lions defensive back and current TSN football analyst Davis Sanchez. The North Delta native looks back on some fond memories of his time in the den plus talks about his transition into broadcasting. In 2020, Sanchez realized just how much he loves being part of the CFL on TSN family.

Matt is joined by new Lions receiver Lucky Whitehead. The dynamic playmaker talks about what sold him on signing with the squad, some of the highlights of his time with the Dallas Cowboys and the scary incident which saw his dog Blitz get kidnapped and held for ransom.

Co-GM and head coach Rick Campbell joins the show to look ahead to free agency and discuss some of the great pieces the Lions have already brought in. Campbell also can't wait for the chance to see what Bryan Burnham can do in this 2021 offence, after the All-Star re-signed last week.

Matt Baker talks with Lions fullback David Mackie on his new contract, his new role as a member of the special teams leadership group and how he has kept himself busy during the pandemic growing his personal training business back east.

Rick Campbell and Neil McEvoy join episode 41 to talk about their appointment as Co-General Managers and how plans are moving forward on a return to contention in 2021. The two football lifers took vastly different paths to their current positions, but both share the common goal!

Director of Football Operations Neil McEvoy joins episode 40. A member of three Lions Grey Cup-winning squads, he talks about his championship memories. He's also a busy guy preparing for a return to the field in 2021. How does the altered draft format impact their scouting plans? McEvoy breaks it all down as he and head coach Rick Campbell continue to lead the brass.

Episode 39 is dedicated to our owner, Mr. David Braley. Matt is joined by Wally Buono and Lions Vice President George Chayka for a tribute to the giant of a man who died earlier this week. The men share some of their fondest memories of a true Canadian patriot, and also talk about some of the things many people may not have known about him. This one is for you, Mr. B!

Lions head coach Rick Campbell joins 1st and Now to talk about how he and the brass are preparing for 2021 after the departure of GM Ed Hervey. Campbell says his discussions with coaches and players are all the same: the CFL will be as exciting as ever once we are back on the field. He also breaks down how different prep for the Draft and free agency will be this offseason.

You knew he was an athletic receiver. But did you also know Shaq Johnson had another big talent? In episode 37, Johnson stops by to talk about his latest project as an aspiring rap artist. He got the inspiration to do music from his father Alvin, a former reggae performer. Shaq also looks back on breaking in with the Lions and scoring his first career touchdown in a victory in Hamilton in 2017.