Inside Mizzou Athletics

In the latest episode of “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter welcome newly hired Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch into the studio to tell his story – from speedy youth track star in Manhattan, Kansas, to Big Eight linebacker at Kansas State, to an athletics administrator on college sport’s biggest stage. Laird shares stories about his decision to play football for Kansas State over Mizzou; his start in college athletics administration at Texas; and working alongside several future leaders across the industry as part of “Alden’s Army” at Mizzou. He talks about the career choices he’s made along the way – Missouri, Iowa State, Learfield, Kansas State, Florida, Memphis – seizing second-chance opportunities and the unexpected CoMo homecoming that’s brought him and his family back to Mizzou, back where he took some of his first major steps along the journey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode of “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter invited gymnastics coach Shannon Welker into the studio to talk about his roots in suburban St. Louis, his Hall of Fame collegiate career and how his love for the sport pulled him into coaching. Shannon reflects on the Missouri gymnastics program’s growth under his watch in the last 12 years and his heightened expectations for 2024-25 and beyond.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter are joined by a master storyteller, the dean of Mizzou head coaches and the man behind “Tiger Style,” wrestling’s Brian Smith. Coach Smith details his journey from Long Island to South Florida to the Ivy League to Mizzou and all the stops in between that defined his climb as one of the greatest Mizzou coaches of all time. The son of a high school football coach who knew his destiny at a young age, Smith shares his memories on the earliest days of MU’s championship program, the birth of “Tiger Style” and the breakthroughs that charted the program’s path toward his upcoming 27th season at Mizzou.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Head coach Larissa Anderson previews this week's NCAA Tournament Regional hosted by No. 7 Mizzou softball. Plus hear from pitchers Cierra Harrison and Marissa McCann on this special edition of Tiger Talk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the latest “Mizzou Storytellers” episode, Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with the ideas man of Mizzou Athletics, Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Chief Revenue Officer Greg Hulen. Greg shares stories about his childhood in Florida – with a pitstop in Missouri at Fort Leonard Wood – and his college days at Florida State, where he was first drawn to the world of college athletics. Greg details his industry stops at Texas Tech, Ohio, Bowling Green, Tennessee and UNLV – where, naturally, he lived in a casino during his short time there – and all the mentors he met along the way who helped shape his career. Greg is a family man — and we learn how he’s discovered the secret to thriving in the world of college athletics while still devoting time to his wife and three children. In the episode’s final segment, Nikki is fascinated by Dave’s summer job back in college and has many questions for her co-host. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We visit with new Mizzou Men's Basketball assistant coach Rob Summers and chat about his wide-ranging career in basketball, including why he has a shirt missing somewhere in North Africa. Later, Brad and Matt get you caught up on everything about Mizzou Athletics (while enjoying a delicious plate lunch)!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Matt and Brad chat with Eric Edholm of NFL Media about the Mizzou Football players who could hear their name called in this weekend's NFL Draft in Detroit. Later, the guys catch up on everything going on around Mizzou Athletics (including good-looking plans for the North end at Memorial Stadium).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the second year in a row, Mizzou Cheer has brought a national championship to Columbia... and even Truman is in on the action! We chat with head coach Cynthia Metz about her team's repeat success in this episode, then Brad and Matt get you caught up on everything going on around Mizzou Athletics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of “Mizzou Storytellers”, Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with Rachel Blunt, Mizzou’s Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Development & Championship Performance/Senior Woman Administrator. Besides having the longest job title at Mizzou Athletics, Rachel has a fascinating story to tell, from Southeast Missouri to Michigan and back to the Show-Me State. A small-town high school basketball star from Dexter, Missouri, Rachel shares her journey from Division I basketball player to Division I sports administrator and how everything comes back to family. Later, Nikki and Dave answer fan questions and compile their wish list for Mizzou’s next guest picker for ESPN’s “College GameDay.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a special edition of Tiger Talk with head softball coach Larissa Anderson recapping the series win against Florida, and senior middle infielders Jenna Laird and Maddie Gallagher talking about their childhood days on Long Island turning double plays and making up handshakes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a special edition of Tiger Talk with head softball coach Larissa Anderson updating us on the season so far, third baseman Kara Daly talking about her pet kitty, and first baseman Abby Hay showing off her freaky fingers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some golf and guffaws in this episode - a guffaw is a hearty laugh, by the way - as Matt and Brad chat with Mizzou Men's Golf standout Jack Lundin, then visit with former Mizzou Football player turned stand-up comedian, Michael Oldroyd! Later, the guys catch you up on everything going on around Mizzou Athletics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s “Mizzou Storytellers” episode, Nikki Barry and Dave Matter get to know first-year Mizzou men’s golf coach Glen Millican, a Texas native who spent three decades as a player and coach at University of New Mexico before taking over Mizzou’s program in 2023. Glen shares how his father taught him the game of golf in Texas and how a recruiting visit to Albuquerque led to nearly 30 years on the school’s campus as part of its storied golf tradition. Glen, who’s still chasing his dad’s five career hole-in-ones, tells stories about the favorite courses he’s played around the world, teaching the game’s mental approach, coaching Mizzou star Jack Lundin and family road trips with Taylor Swift. Dave and Nikki later answer fan questions and decide on which Hollywood stars would be cast in a movie about Mizzou Athletics.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode of “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter are joined by Associate Athletics Director of Marketing and Fan Experience Tony Daniel, who shares the story of his journey from Georgia to Buffalo to Mizzou. The former Division I quarterback recalls his college playing career and what shaped his decision to launch a career in college athletics – and his side hustle as an extra in more than 30 movies and TV shows. With another special guest in the studio, Dave and Nikki share more stories from their childhoods – one of them was a child model – and ponder who would be their dream podcast guest and dream concert act at Mizzou Arena. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brad and Matt run down a Softball win over the Jayhawks, takeaways from Football's Spring Game, and championship dreams for Mizzou Wrestling, Gymnastics, and women's Swim and Dive. Later, Brad wonders which SEC mascots would be best suited for Pro Day activities, as Football holds its Pro Day on March 22nd (it makes more sense than you think!).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou head coach Brian Smith joins Beau Baehman and Keenan Hagerty at Bud's as the Tigers prepare for this week's NCAA Wrestling Championships in Kansas City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave and Nikki take the pod inside Memorial Stadium for a Spring Game edition of Mizzou Storytellers! Mizzou football alums Barrett Banister and Corby Jones are among the guests. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt and Brad catch up on everything going on around Mizzou Athletics now that Spring season is in full swing... including Football's annual Spring Game, an update on diamond sports, Wrestling's impending trip to the NCAA Tournament in KC, and much more. Later, Brad finds a fun way to get us all in the mood for the season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the latest episode of Mizzou Storytellers, Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with volleyball coach Dawn Sullivan, fresh off her debut season guiding the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament. The 2023 SEC Coach of the Year shares the story of her journey from her family’s farm in rural Minnesota to her decorated playing career at Kansas State, a lengthy and successful coaching run at Iowa State and her decision to move her family to Las Vegas to chase her dream to become a head coach. Sullivan describes the factors that played into her return to the Midwest to take over Mizzou’s program and the latest in her long line of first-year turnarounds. Also in this episode, Dave explains the show’s one-week hiatus, Nikki breaks her code of silence at the gym and Dave recalls meeting his new best friend, Peyton Manning.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the second straight year, Mizzou Club Hockey won their conference and are headed to ACHA Nationals... with a lot shorter trip to St. Louis for the competition! Hear from Nick Spolec, Drew Driscoll and Eli Baumstark about their team's success this year, then hear Matt and Brad catch you up on everything that's new with Mizzou Athletics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk 03-04-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk with Robin Pingeton 03-04-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou Tennis Head Coach Bianca Turati talks about growing up in Italy - including the other sport she chose to let go for her tennis career - playing as a collegian and pro in the United States, what she likes about her team, and much more. Later, Brad and Matt get you caught up on all things happening in Mizzou Athletics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s “Mizzou Storytellers” episode, Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with the ultimate insider of Mizzou Athletics, Associate Athletics Director for Administration Morgan Domenick to discuss her journey from the Florida tennis courts to Mizzou’s senior leadership team. A world traveler on the youth tennis circuit and former student-athlete at Boise State, Domenick shares how she discovered her passion for college athletics and parlayed her law degree into an indispensable role on Mizzou’s staff.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keenan Hagerty chats with Mizzou Wrestling Head Coach Brian Smith about the team's successful trip to the Dakotas - which ended with a dramatic win by fall! - and the upcoming trip to Northern Iowa and Iowa State to conclude the regular season schedule.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk 02-19-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk with Robin Pingeton 02-19-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week’s episode of “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with the man behind the Mizzou swoosh, Director of Athletic Equipment Operations Mike Kurowski. Mike sheds light on the process behind football uniform choices, helmet designs, Mizzou’s Nike gear, the Tigers’ evolving brand and reconciling the oval Tiger vs. Block M debate. He shares the story of his journey from small school college football to the equipment room at Oklahoma State, where he launched a career that would take him to the NFL, the XFL and back to college athletics. Nikki and Dave learn about Mike’s role in the most famous jersey in XFL history and pulling pranks on Drew Bledsoe. Mike also talks about the special bond he’s formed with student-athletes over the years and integrating his family into his vital role at Mizzou. Nikki and Dave wrap up answering fan questions and finish with a spirited debate over whom they’d choose to be stranded with on a deserted island.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou Gymnastics all-arounder Sienna Schreiber joins the podcast to discuss why she chose Missouri while growing up in Georgia, the special culture her team has, and why she's excited for the Mizzou to the Lou quad meet in St. Charles this Friday. Later, Brad and Matt get you caught up on what's new in Mizzou Athletics... and Brad beams about his Super Bowl-winning Chiefs!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Tiger Talk with Robin Pingeton 02-12-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode of “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with Mizzou Associate Athletics Director for Development and Strategic Initiatives Blair DeBord, who shared his glory days stories of growing up in Manhattan, Kansas, and becoming the hometown kid and All-Big 12 catcher at Kansas State. Dave and Nikki came prepared with detailed research on Blair’s history against the Missouri Tigers, a memorable play at the plate and some unfortunate wardrobe choices from Blair’s childhood in Kansas. Blair talks about his journey from college student-athlete to college athletics administrator, connecting with Desiree Reed-Francois at UNLV and reuniting at Mizzou and his family’s instant embrace of Columbia. Nikki and Dave wrap up taking questions from Mizzou fans and sharing updates of their first four weeks of early-morning workouts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou sophomore diver Collier Dyer and assistant diving coach Drew Sheldon talk all about the world of diving - and what makes it different than swimming, including adjustments in new venues, working out a new dive, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Mizzou Baseball around the corner, Tiger catcher Jedier Hernandez joins the podcast to explain why he transferred to Missouri this season, why everyone calls him "Yadi" (for good reason), and what fans can expect from he and his teammates this season. After that, Matt and Brad get you caught up on everything that's new with Mizzou Athletics, including a transformational gift that's creating some national buzz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk 02-05-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk with Robin Pingeton 02-05-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode of “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with Mizzou softball coach Larissa Anderson. They discuss her childhood in Lake George, New York, and how her parents’ restaurant business shaped her work ethic. Larissa shares stories of her early passion as a competitive skier, how she later fell in love with the sport of softball, explored becoming a physical therapist and how it led to her coaching career. Larissa talks about her 17-year run on the coaching staff at Hofstra University and how that experience guided her to a fresh start at Mizzou in 2018. Larissa recalls the challenges during those early transition years and that memorable day in 2021 when her program’s postseason series welcomed fans out of the pandemic and back to live sporting events. Larissa also discusses her husband, Patrick, and how they’ve navigated their marriage around their coaching careers in softball and baseball. The co-hosts wrap up the episode with some storytelling about Dave’s childhood that sends Nikki into spasms of laughter at his expense. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou Wrestling Head Coach Brian Smith chats with Keenan Hagerty and Beau Baehman about his team's recent dual results, previews Sunday's Senior Day dual against Oklahoma State at the Hearnes Center, and offers commentary on Noah Surtin's new ring attire.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou Softball Head Coach Larissa Anderson joins Matt and Brad to preview the upcoming season... including three of the top-100 players in Division 1 Softball and some newcomers who you'll need to know. She also talks about scheduling a midseason road trip to the Northeast (for pizza and bagels along with the games), the new metrics helping to separate NCAA Tournament resumes, and more. After that, the guys get you caught up on everything happening around Mizzou Athletics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode of “Mizzou Storytellers,” Nikki Barry and Dave Matter visit with first-year Mizzou baseball coach Kerrick Jackson. They discuss his upbringing in St. Louis, his unique playing career as a college student-athlete from junior college to HBCU to the Big 12. Kerrick talks about the many jobs he’s had across all levels of baseball over the last three decades and how those moves have shaped his career, including his stint as a Mizzou assistant coach and his decision to leave the program nine years ago. Kerrick details how his life has been defined by opportunities and reunions — reunions with his wife, Talia, longtime Tigers coach Tim Jamieson and, now, Mizzou’s baseball program. Kerrick shares the story of his 2021 health scare, his thoughts on being the first Black head baseball coach in SEC history and how he’s gone about constructing a diverse 2024 roster and coaching staff. Nikki and Dave wrap up the episode answering questions from Mizzou fans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou Gymnastics Head Coach Shannon Welker and junior Amari Celestine talk all about their Top-10 Tiger squad, the camaraderie they have as they climb the rankings, a big home meet with LSU, and even how Amari names her cars! Later, Brad and Matt run down everything going on in Mizzou Athletics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk 01-24-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk with Robin Pingeton 01-24-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With their first guest on “Mizzou Storytellers,” hosts Dave Matter and Nikki Barry welcome Mizzou Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois to the podcast to discuss all the checkpoints along her life, from her childhood in the Bay Area … her time as a UCLA student-athlete … her brother Roman’s impact on her life … her career pivot in law school … her early years as a college administrator … her husband, Josh, and son, Jackson … her decision to leave Las Vegas for Mizzou in 2021 … and much more. Nikki and Dave wrap up the episode answering questions from Mizzou fans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou Wrestling Head Coach Brian Smith joins Keenan Hagerty and Beau Baehman to discuss Tiger Style's shutout dual win over Stanford - with details on the individual matches that led to the big night - and a look ahead to what's next for the team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou Swim and Dive head coach Andrew Grevers chats about his team - and its goal of peaking at the end of the season - how technology is changing the sport of swimming, and much more! Then, brad and Matt catch you up on everything going on in Mizzou Athletics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiger Talk with Dennis Gates from 01-17-24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.