Fans First a Sports Podcast

About Fans First a Sports Podcast

Welcome to "Fans First: A Sports Podcast," where your voice matters most! Hosted by the legendary Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, this show puts fans at the heart of the conversation. We believe sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life, a source of passion, and a community that brings people together. That’s why "Fans First" is here to celebrate your insights, opinions, and love for the game like never before. Whether you’re cheering in the stands, shouting at the TV, or debating trades with friends, "Fans First" is your go-to destination for all things sports. Each episode features fan-driven discussions, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Jim Powell brings his wealth of experience and storytelling prowess to every episode, guiding conversations that are as engaging as they are insightful. But this podcast isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the stories that matter to you. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from blockbuster trades to unforgettable moments in sports history, "Fans First" covers it all. We’re here to give you a platform to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and connect with a community of fellow sports enthusiasts. Join us each week as we explore the stories behind the scores, the emotions behind the plays, and the fans who make it all possible. Plus, don’t miss our special segments—“Flip the Switch,” where we suddenly turn the conversation in an unexpected new direction, and “Get Off My Lawn,” where fans can offer their spirited opinions about the hottest current topics in sports before the host gets his chance to react. So, tune in, speak up, and be part of the sports conversation that celebrates what makes the game great—you, the fan! Bio: Jim Powell is an American radio and television sportscaster, previously employed with Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2008) and Atlanta Braves (2009–2023). A native of Roswell, Georgia, Powell was educated at the University of Georgia. He began his baseball play-by-play career with the minor-league Columbia Mets (1987–89, 1993–94) and Charlotte Knights (1990–91, 1995), also calling games part-time for the Minnesota Twins in 1993–94 before being hired by the Brewers in 1996. Teaming with Bob Uecker, Powell called games for the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network and was Uecker’s longest-tenured partner. Powell was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 1998. In 2009, he began teaming with Don Sutton to call games on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and continued his play-by-play role through 2023. In addition to his baseball work, Powell has called college football (for the University of South Carolina and CBS Radio) and college basketball (for Davidson College and South Carolina) at various points in his career. Powell was a National Merit Scholar and is MENSA-qualified. He was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020. Social Media Handles: X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/ Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

Publisher

Jim Powell

Category

news · society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Aug 2024

Latest episode

23 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2025

   Scott Howard on Following Larry Munson, Georgia Football & The SEC

   Scott Howard, the legendary Voice of the Georgia Bulldogs, joins Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Powell to talk about Georgia Bulldogs football, life behind the mic, following Larry Munson, UGA’s success in the SEC, and the evolving landscape of college football broadcasting. From the Bulldogs’ big wins to NIL challenges, Scott shares an insider’s perspective on what it means to call games for one of college football’s greatest programs. What You Will Learn in This Episode ✅ How Scott Howard stepped into Larry Munson’s shoes and made the role his own ✅ Why Georgia’s win against Tennessee was such a pivotal SEC moment ✅ Inside stories about changes in the Bulldogs’ radio booth and new partnerships ✅ Scott’s perspective on NIL, player culture shifts, and the future of college football Enjoy this episode? Be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more great conversations each week. Key Timestamps 00:00 Scott Howard on stepping into the booth after Larry Munson 04:33 Breaking down Georgia vs Tennessee and SEC competition 08:36 Scott Howard’s Hall of Fame induction and broadcasting career 10:45 Changes in the Georgia Bulldogs’ radio booth this season 14:59 Following a legend while staying authentic 23:01 Georgia vs Alabama rivalry and championship moments 25:57 SEC predictions: LSU, Oklahoma, Missouri, and more 29:37 Scott Howard on NIL and its impact on athletes 32:54 Carson Beck, Georgia quarterback transitions, and locker room culture 36:10 Depth at QB: Gunner Stockton and Psi impressing the Dawgs 38:49 Closing thoughts and why being authentic matters in broadcasting Key Takeaways 🔹 Authenticity is everything: Scott Howard succeeded Larry Munson by being himself, not an imitation 🔹 Georgia’s dominance in the SEC comes from consistent leadership and depth at every position 🔹 NIL is reshaping college football culture, presenting both opportunities and challenges 🔹 The SEC remains a gauntlet, with LSU, Oklahoma, and Alabama looming as serious contenders Guest Bio – Scott Howard Scott Howard is the longtime Voice of the Georgia Bulldogs, calling football and basketball for UGA. With over three decades behind the mic, he’s a Hall of Fame broadcaster who has carried on the tradition of legendary calls while creating his own authentic style. Resources & Links Fans First Podcast Website (https://fansfirstpodcast.com) Georgia Bulldogs Athletics (https://georgiadogs.com/) Follow Fans First on Instagram (https://instagram.com) Georgia Bulldogs, Scott Howard, Larry Munson, SEC football, UGA, college football radio, NIL, Carson Beck, Gunner Stockton, college sports broadcasting

2. 

   27 Aug 2025

   How Tom Hamilton Became a Hall of Fame Voice in Baseball Broadcasting

   Baseball broadcasting legend Tom Hamilton shares his unforgettable Hall of Fame journey, from Wisconsin farm life to becoming the voice of the Cleveland Guardians. This heartfelt conversation with host Jim Powell dives into how Hamilton built a 36-year career behind the mic, the power of staying authentic, and why baseball still matters in today's world. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: ✅ How Tom Hamilton developed his signature broadcast style ✅ What it takes to become a Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster ✅ How Bob Uecker inspired Tom’s career and character ✅ Why family values matter more than accolades Subscribe to Fans First Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts and visit www.fansfirstpodcast.com (http://www.fansfirstpodcast.com/) to join the conversation or submit your own fan story. Timestamps (00:00) Legendary call opens the show (02:50) Jim Powell introduces Tom Hamilton (04:00) Reflections on Hall of Fame induction (05:00) Balancing broadcasting with family life (09:45) First break doing 4-H livestock commentary (13:00) The unforgettable Hall of Fame phone call (16:00) Iconic play-by-play clips that shaped his legacy (20:00) Meeting Bob Uecker: a legendary story (23:00) Why Bob Uecker’s legacy is unmatched (27:00) What makes Cooperstown sacred (32:00) Flip the Switch: Tom’s backup career path (33:15) Closing remarks and listener submissions Key Takeaways 💎 Staying true to yourself is key to longevity in sports broadcasting 💎 Bob Uecker’s influence lives on through humor, humility, and honesty 💎 Hall of Fame moments don’t erase humble beginnings, they honor them 💎 Great broadcasters remember it’s always about the fans first About the Guest Tom Hamilton is the longtime radio voice of the Cleveland Guardians, with more than three decades of broadcast excellence. A 7-time Ohio Sportscaster of the Year, Hamilton was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award. From minor league roots to national recognition, he remains one of the most iconic voices in Major League Baseball. Cleveland Guardians Radio Info (https://www.mlb.com/guardians/team/broadcasters) Resources Mentioned Georgia Advisory Group: https://www.gaadvisorygroup.com (https://www.gaadvisorygroup.com/) Fans First Website: www.fansfirstpodcast.com (http://www.fansfirstpodcast.com/) Email to be a guest: jim@fansfirstpodcast.com SEO Keywords baseball broadcasting, Tom Hamilton, Hall of Fame, Bob Uecker, Jim Powell, Fans First Podcast, MLB announcers, Ford Frick Award YouTube Hashtags #BaseballBroadcasting #TomHamilton #FansFirstPodcast

3. 

   23 Jul 2025

   Tony Barnhart on NIL Lawsuits, SEC Power Shifts & the Future of College Football

   NIL lawsuits, SEC vs Big Ten playoff clashes, and explosive 2025 predictions take center stage in this must hear episode of Fans First: A Sports Podcast. Host Jim Powell sits down with legendary college football analyst Tony Barnhart, known nationwide as “Mr. College Football”—to break down the headlines, controversies, and behind-the-scenes power moves defining the next era of the sport. From the legal chaos unfolding around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to the escalating conflict between the SEC and Big Ten over playoff expansion, Tony offers expert analysis on how money, media, and power are reshaping college football. He shares why the College Sports Commission could soon face an avalanche of lawsuits, why the locker room is becoming a hotbed of jealousy over NIL contracts, and what’s really at stake with new collective bargaining efforts. The episode highlights key takeaways from SEC Media Days, including the most surprising team rankings and why powerhouse programs like Georgia and Texas could meet up to three times in 2025. Tony shares exclusive insights on Georgia’s quarterback drama, the underrated rise of South Carolina, and the serious questions surrounding the Bulldogs’ run game and receiving corps. He also reflects on Nick Saban’s post-retirement transition and why he’s thriving in the broadcast booth. This conversation is packed with expert predictions, insider knowledge, and a deep understanding of how tradition, talent, and new rules are colliding in real time. Whether you’re a fan of the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, or just love the game, this episode is your front-row seat to the future of college football. Timestamps: (00:00) NIL, market value battles &amp; lawsuits looming (02:00) Georgia Advisory Group sponsorship (03:12) Introducing Tony Barnhart, “Mr. College Football” (04:30) Key takeaways from SEC Media Days (07:00) Nick Saban’s retirement &amp; possible return? (09:30) SEC vs Big Ten: The playoff fight ahead (12:00) College Sports Commission: Useful or dangerous? (15:00) Locker room divide: NIL’s impact on team culture (17:42) Gunner Stockton vs. Carson Beck: Leadership &amp; likeability (19:00) Media’s SEC predictions &amp; Tony’s take (21:00) Big 10, ACC, Big 12: Who’s rising in 2025? (24:00) Can Georgia’s youth and recruiting keep them on top? (28:00) Kirby Smart’s leadership style in the NIL era (30:00) Retirement plans and spoiling grandkids 4 Key Takeaways NIL Lawsuits Are Coming – With the College Sports Commission attempting to cap market value, lawyers are lining up to challenge those restrictions. SEC Power Shifts – Texas and Georgia are leading media polls, but LSU and South Carolina are gaining momentum. Team Chemistry Threatened by NIL – Players driving Lamborghinis while others grind in silence is creating tension in locker rooms. Tony Barnhart’s Top Picks – Georgia, Texas, Penn State, and Clemson are the programs to watch as potential national contenders in 2025. Guest Bio: Tony Barnhart Tony Barnhart, affectionately known as “Mr. College Football,” is a veteran journalist and broadcaster who has spent decades covering the game’s most iconic moments. A mainstay on CBS, ESPN, and the SEC Network, Tony is one of the sport’s most trusted voices, known for his insider access and deep historical knowledge. Resources &amp; Mentions Resource Links: Fans First Sports Podcast Archive – https://fansfirstpodcast.com (https://fansfirstpodcast.com) Georgia Advisory Group (Show Sponsor) – <a href="https://www.gaadvisorygroup.com/" rel="noopener...

Who has been a guest on Fans First a Sports Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Tom Glavine
• Brian Anderson
• Murphy Jensen

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Fans First a Sports Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.