Welcome to a podcast that addresses everything "Official" From A to 🦓 with hosts Dana Pappas, Director of Officiating Services/NFHS & Nate Acosta, NCAA Women's Basketball Official/Former Assistant to the Commissioner of Officials in New Mexico. A plethora of topics delving into the world of officiating and sport officials with special guests and other interesting information aimed to Elevate, Educate, and Excite everyone about Officials.
From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E28 Letter Z - Zebra guest Dean Blandino
Summary:
In this episode, Dean Blandino shares his unconventional journey into officiating, the evolution of replay technology, and the unique community of officials that support each other beyond the game. Discover insights into the rules, the importance of officiating mentors, and how technology has transformed the sport.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and guest overview
02:09 Dean shares his unconventional path into officiating
04:28 The evolution of replay technology in sports
09:07 What the stripes mean to officials and community
12:39 Officiating other sports and career opportunities
15:00 The development of replay in the NFL
17:22 The acceptance of replay as a tool for officials
18:28 How to become a replay official
23:36 Lessons learned from officiating legend Jerry Seaman
26:39 The journey of women officials in football
27:15 A day in the life of a rules analyst
35:46 What fans should understand about officials
38:58 Dean's experience as a stand-up comedian
41:53 The importance of humor and mental health in officiating
43:26 The passion and community of officials
45:05 Closing remarks and season wrap-up
12 Sept 2026
From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E27 Letter X - X-Factor guest Devonie McLarty
Summary:
In this episode, Devonie McLarty shares her inspiring journey in volleyball officiating, overcoming personal adversity, and the importance of authenticity and relationships in the sport. Discover how her experiences and insights can motivate officials and athletes alike.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and guest background
04:17 Devonie's officiating journey and achievements
09:51 Balancing officiating with personal life and adversity
22:18 The growth of volleyball and professional opportunities
36:21 Overcoming personal challenges and the role of officiating
45:22 Devonie's X factor during adversity
55:10 Advice for aspiring officials and maintaining authenticity
9 Sept 2026
From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E26 Letter X - X-Factor guest Rich Fetchiet
Summary:
In this episode, Rich Fetchiet shares his journey through officiating, the qualities that define the 'it factor,' and the importance of mentorship, mental toughness, and character in sports officiating.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and guest background
01:56 Rich's start in baseball and football officiating
04:10 Key moments and mentorship in Rich's career
07:00 Experiences at the College World Series and Olympics
11:01 Defining the 'it factor' in officiating
16:00 Transferable skills between sports
20:09 Developing mental toughness and resilience
25:04 Receiving the NASO Gold Whistle Award
28:07 The role of family and support systems
32:52 Advice for aspiring officials
39:50 Final thoughts and closing remarks
Who has been a guest on From A to Zebra
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Larry Young
Kaili Kimura
Steve Shaw
Ash Synnott
Debbie Williamson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
6,372
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
4.8 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
45
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
Contact From A to Zebra
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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