Guard the Yard

About Guard the Yard

Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is a sports interview show that goes beyond the game. In a world where winning is everything and everyone is watching, Yeardley sits down with professional athletes to find out how they personally measure success, and who they are when the uniform comes off. These are warm, wide-ranging conversations with professional athletes about the careers that shaped them, the lives they’ve built beyond their sport, and the experiences, passions, quirks, and questions that make them who they are. Then, before time runs out, each guest faces a rapid-fire round inspired by the clock in their game. Every player, in every sport, in every position, has a story. Guard the Yard wants to hear it. Brought to you by Audio 99, the award-winning team behind the hit true crime podcast Small Town Dicks.

Publisher

Audio 99 | Daylight Media

Category

society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Jul 2026

Latest episode

28 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Oct 2026

   Olympic Speed Climber Emma Hunt

   Olympic speed climber Emma Hunt joins Yeardley Smith for a candid conversation about perfectionism, pressure, and learning how to love her sport again after the biggest competition of her life. Emma explains how a family trip to a mall rock wall sparked a lifelong obsession with climbing, why she thinks of speed climbing as “vertical running,” and what it takes to race 50 feet up a wall in a matter of seconds. She also opens up about slipping during the Paris Olympics, lying awake afterward, and the post-Olympic blues that followed. Emma shares how she worked through the disappointment, separated one mistake from her identity as an athlete, and began finding her way back to the joy that made her fall in love with climbing in the first place. They also talk about becoming a role model in a rapidly growing Olympic sport, why opening up about herself has not always come naturally, and the perfectionism she channels into baking when she is away from the wall. Then Emma takes on the Final Heat, answering rapid-fire questions about her childhood spy ambitions, irrational fears, her favorite things to bake, and more. Every athlete has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Follow us: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/guardtheyardshow⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@guardtheyardshow⁠ Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is an Audio 99 production. Host: Yeardley Smith Guest: Alec Ingold Produced by Jessica Halstead and Monika Scott Executive produced by Ben Cornwell and Yeardley Smith. Tech Director: Logan Heftel Editors: Soren Begin, Cristina Bracamontes, Nick Smith Design and social media by Andrew Polk. Music: Basixx / Shangri-La / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Special Thanks to Dan Resnick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Former NFL center Justin Britt

   Former NFL center Justin Britt joins Yeardley Smith for a candid conversation about competition, identity, vulnerability, and rebuilding a life after football. Justin looks back on growing up as a wrestler and football player in Missouri, going undefeated on his way to a state heavyweight wrestling championship, and eventually choosing football at Mizzou. He shares what it was like to be drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, reach the Super Bowl as a rookie, and adapt from tackle to guard before finding his place at center alongside Russell Wilson. He also opens up about the mental health crisis he experienced while playing for the Houston Texans, the decision to tell the team he was not mentally fit to return to work, and the fear and uncertainty that followed when football suddenly disappeared from his life. Justin reflects on how therapy, his wife and family helped him begin separating who he was from what he did for a living. They also talk about the unexpected second chapter Justin found through distance running, how completing the Chicago Marathon became a kind of rebirth, and why the running community has given him a new place to compete, connect, and be vulnerable. Justin shares how his longtime motto, “Run the Race,” has evolved into a bigger mission to help athletes navigate the silence and identity shift that can come when their playing careers end. Plus, Justin talks about learning from Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson, his love for seeing teammates succeed, becoming more comfortable with his emotions, and why he now wishes he could tell his younger self to slow down and appreciate the ride. Then Justin takes on the Game Clock, answering rapid-fire questions about Spider-Man, Taco Time Northwest, his favorite family tradition, marathon training, the person he admires most, and the feeling of crossing a finish line. Every athlete has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/guardtheyardshow https://www.tiktok.com/@guardtheyardshow 0:00 From the NFL Gridiron to the Marathon Start Line 1:19 Decoding the Center's Secret Language 5:20 A Childhood Shaped by Military Moves 6:59 The Mental Edge of a Professional Athlete 11:49 Navigating the Path to Sobriety 16:57 Choosing the Tiger Path: The Mizzou Story 23:40 Draft Day Surprises and Seattle Beginnings 35:21 The Tidal Wave: Facing a Mental Health Crisis 1:06:28 Run the Race: A New Vision for the Future Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is an Audio 99 production. Host: Yeardley Smith Guest: Justin Britt Produced by Jessica Halstead and Monika Scott Executive produced by Ben Cornwell and Yeardley Smith. Tech Director: Logan Heftel Editors: Soren Begin, Cristina Bracamontes, Nick Smith Design and social media by Andrew Polk. Music: Basixx / Shangri-La / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Special Thanks to Dan Resnick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Drey Jameson of the Arizona Diamondbacks

   Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Drey Jameson joins Yeardley Smith for a candid conversation about competition, resilience, and what it takes to keep believing in yourself when the path forward gets complicated. Drey looks back on growing up in the small town of Greenfield, Indiana, where playing against his older brothers helped build his competitive streak and being told he couldn't do something only made him want it more. He shares how he went from expecting to play professionally as an outfielder to struggling in college, finding his footing on the mound, and ultimately becoming a first-round draft pick. He also opens up about undergoing Tommy John surgery and the 18-month recovery that followed, including the mental toll of watching everyone else play while he had to start over and prove himself again. Drey shares why returning to the Major Leagues and earning a save at Wrigley Field in extra innings became one of the proudest moments of his career. They also talk about why Drey thrives under pressure, learning to leave a bad day at the ballpark, and his belief that losing can become something entirely different when you learn from it. Drey reflects on growing up around circumstances he didn't want to repeat, changing what the Jameson name meant in his hometown, and choosing to lead the people he loves by example. Plus, Drey gets into his sneaker obsession, the side hustle that grew from flipping shoes as a kid, his love of golf, and the unforgettable rookie experience that involved singing “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” while wearing a cow suit. Then Drey takes on Extra Innings, answering rapid-fire questions about Sour Patch Kids, SpongeBob, ghosts, snakes and spiders, his favorite ballparks, and the person he trusts most in the world. Every athlete has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/guardtheyardshow https://www.tiktok.com/@guardtheyardshow Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is an Audio 99 production. Host: Yeardley Smith Guest: Drey Jameson Produced by Jessica Halstead and Monika Scott Executive produced by Ben Cornwell and Yeardley Smith. Tech Director: Logan Heftel Editors: Soren Begin, Cristina Bracamontes, Nick Smith Design and social media by Andrew Polk. Music: Basixx / Shangri-La / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Akil Baddoo of the Milwaukee Brewers

   Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Akil Baddoo joins Yeardley Smith for a candid and joyful conversation about confidence, resilience, and learning how to stay grounded through the inevitable highs and lows of professional baseball. Akil traces his love of the game back to hitting baseballs with his dad in the backyard, breaking a window before he was even old enough for Little League, and hitting his first home run at five years old. He talks about the confidence his mother instilled in him, knowing from a young age that he wanted to play professionally, and why he never believed in having a backup plan. He also opens up about the setbacks that tested that confidence, including Tommy John surgery, a grueling rehabilitation, the loss of his brother, and the uncertainty of what would come next. Akil shares how journaling, meditation, and learning to control his thoughts helped him through those moments and prepared him for an unforgettable start to his Major League career: a home run on the first pitch he saw, followed by a grand slam and a walk-off hit in his first three games. They also talk about handling failure in a sport where even the best players fail most of the time, staying connected to the joy that made him love baseball in the first place, and the importance of family, community, and his Ghanaian and Trinidadian roots. Plus, Akil shares why he opened The Fade Lounge in Atlanta, his plans to give back to his former high school, and his lesser-known talent for roller skating. Then Akil takes on the Last At-Bat, answering rapid-fire questions about his favorite Beyoncé song, the toughest pitcher he has ever faced, the career he might have pursued outside of baseball, his 200-pair sneaker collection, and the person he trusts most in the world. Every athlete has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Follow us: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/guardtheyardshow⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@guardtheyardshow⁠ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction to Akil Baddoo 1:33 — Childhood, family, and first home run 8:34 — Discovering he was different, and comparing notes with Yeardley on early talent 20:00 — Getting drafted and life in the minor leagues 29:45 — Tommy John surgery, the Rule 5 draft, and mental resilience 46:10 — Getting called up and an unforgettable MLB debut 59:52 — The Fade Lounge, roller skating, and Trinidadian culture 1:21:30 — Lightning round and closing thoughts Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is an Audio 99 production. Host: Yeardley Smith Guest: Alec Ingold Produced by Jessica Halstead and Monika Scott Executive produced by Ben Cornwell and Yeardley Smith. Tech Director: Logan Heftel Editors: Soren Begin, Cristina Bracamontes, Nick Smith Design and social media by Andrew Polk. Music: Basixx / Shangri-La / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Special Thanks to Nick Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Alec Ingold of the Los Angeles Chargers

   Los Angeles Chargers fullback Alec Ingold joins Yeardley Smith for a candid conversation about embracing change, finding purpose in adversity, and what happens when the path forward looks nothing like the one you planned. Just before their original interview date, Alec was released by the Miami Dolphins. Days later, he had signed with the Chargers and was preparing to begin again. He shares what those uncertain days felt like, how he processed the disappointment, and why the inner work he had already done became essential when everything suddenly changed. Alec also opens up about being adopted, becoming a perfectionist at a young age, and the lifelong fear that he might be someone’s second choice. He explains how that idea eventually took on a new meaning, and why he now believes the second choice can sometimes be the perfect one. They also discuss going undrafted, redefining his dream of playing in the NFL, controlling your second thought when self-doubt creeps in, and his work helping young people build skills that extend far beyond the scoreboard through the Ingold Family Foundation. Then Alec takes on the Game Clock, answering rapid-fire questions about time travel, quicksand, his pregame meal, and more. Every player has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/guardtheyardshow https://www.tiktok.com/@guardtheyardshow Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is an Audio 99 production. Host: Yeardley Smith Guest: Alec Ingold Produced by Jessica Halstead and Monika Scott Executive produced by Ben Cornwell and Yeardley Smith. Tech Director: Logan Heftel Editors: Soren Begin, Cristina Bracamontes, Nick Smith Design and social media by Andrew Polk. Music: Basixx / Shangri-La / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Richie Palacios of the Tampa Bay Rays

   Tampa Bay Rays utility player Richie Palacios joins Yeardley Smith for a candid conversation about defying expectations, embracing his personality, and finding joy in the game of baseball. Richie talks about growing up in a New York baseball family, training alongside his brother Josh, and being told he was too small to play at the next level. He shares how that doubt fueled him, what he learned during his journey through the minor leagues, and the moment he finally earned a place on an Opening Day roster. They also discuss the pressure to tone down his personality on the field, how winter ball in Puerto Rico helped him reconnect with the fun of the game, and the positive self-talk that keeps a slump from defining him. Plus, Richie opens up about his love of fashion, jewelry and custom sneakers, the Built Different brand and nonprofit he created with his brother, baseball superstitions, walk-up music, and the mysterious tradition known as the rain turtle. Then Richie heads into Extra Innings, answering as many rapid-fire questions as he can before time runs out. Every player has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/guardtheyardshow https://www.tiktok.com/@guardtheyardshow Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is an Audio 99 production. Host: Yeardley Smith Guest: Richie Palacios Produced by Jessica Halstead and Monika Scott Executive produced by Ben Cornwell and Yeardley Smith. Tech Director: Logan Heftel Editors: Soren Begin, Cristina Bracamontes, Nick Smith Design and social media by Andrew Polk. Music: Basixx / Shangri-La / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Special Thanks to Nick Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Will Hernandez of the Arizona Cardinals

   Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez joins Yeardley Smith for a candid conversation about the long road that took him from a difficult childhood in Las Vegas to the NFL. Will shares what it was like living with his family in his uncle’s backyard shed, leaving football to help his parents make ends meet, and the coach who helped him see a future he could not yet imagine for himself. He also talks about handling disappointment, the pressure athletes face to maintain a certain body, the reality of draft day, and why he tries not to get too high after a win or too low after a loss. They also get into the work Will is doing with young people in his community, the sacrifices his parents made for their family, his love of Marvel, and the neighbor whose tacos helped sustain him during some of his hardest years. Then Will faces the Game Clock, answering as many rapid-fire questions as he can before 40 seconds run out. Every player has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/guardtheyardshow https://www.tiktok.com/@guardtheyardshow Guard the Yard with Yeardley Smith is an Audio 99 production. Host: Yeardley Smith Guest: Will Hernandez Produced by Jessica Halstead and Monika Scott Executive produced by Ben Cornwell and Yeardley Smith. Tech Director: Logan Heftel Editors: Soren Begin, Cristina Bracamontes, Nick Smith Design and social media by Andrew Polk. Music: Basixx / Shangri-La / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Special Thanks to Tom Linnemann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Guard The Yard is Coming August 5th!

   You know the athlete. Now meet the person. On Guard the Yard, Yeardley Smith sits down with professional athletes for candid, wide-ranging conversations that go far beyond the game. They’ll talk about the careers that shaped them, the lives they’ve built outside their sport, and the passions, pressures, quirks, and experiences that make them who they are. Before the conversation is over, each guest will also face a rapid-fire round inspired by the clock in their sport. Every player has a story. Guard the Yard is here to hear it. Available August 5th wherever you get your podcasts, with full video episodes on YouTube and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Contact Guard the Yard

Guest appearances

Books guests

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

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