Heart of a Fan

About Heart of a Fan

For sports fans and enthusiasts, Heart of a Fan explores the deep emotional connection between fans and the teams they love. Host Matthew Barry shares real stories from across the sports world — from the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NWSL, MLS, MLB, and NHL — spotlighting the fan experiences that make community possible. Whether it’s lifelong supporters, grassroots organizers, or emerging voices in women’s sports, every episode celebrates sports fandom, supporters groups, and the moments that bring people together in the stands. If you’ve ever felt the heartbreak of a loss or the joy of cheering your team to victory, this show is for you. Because Heart of a Fan isn’t just about sports — it’s about connection, identity, and belonging. Follow and discover why Heart of a Fan is more than just a podcast—it's a tribute to what makes sports matter.

Publisher

Matthew Barry

Category

society & culture · society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Mar 2024

Latest episode

23 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

40 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Flags of Our Fans: Mexico - Two Flags, One Heart

   What does it mean to be a fan of El Tri or a Liga MX club — when you live miles away from the stadium, across the border, in a country that doesn't always feel like home? In this second episode of Flags of Our Fans, we follow the heartbeat of Mexican soccer fans living in the U.S., exploring how dual identities shape the way they love the game. These are the fans who chant in Spanish at American bars, raise their kids in rival kits, and carry generations of pride and memory with them — even w...

2. 

   2 Sept 2025

   Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

   What happens when the only professional sports team left in Connecticut — the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun — faces threats of relocation? In this episode of Heart of a Fan, we explore why women’s basketball in Connecticut is more than just a game. Fans of the Connecticut Sun share what this team means to them, how UConn basketball culture shaped their WNBA loyalty, and what would be lost if the franchise left Mohegan Sun Arena. You’ll hear lifelong fans reflect on how fandom builds identity, memory...

3. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Flags of Our Fans: Los Angeles – Fans United Against ICE

   In the debut episode of Flags of Our Fans, we travel to Los Angeles to hear from sports fans, supporters’ groups, and community leaders standing on the frontlines of resistance. From tenant rights organizers to passionate American Outlaws chapters, these voices reveal how sports fandom can be a rallying point for courage, connection, and justice. You’ll hear powerful firsthand stories from advocates confronting ICE raids, fighting for affordable housing, and protecting their neighbors. From M...

Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100

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

Quality

39

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Heart of a Fan

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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