NL Sports Talk is a production of NL Sports Network, bringing you conversations, analysis and stories from the world of sports across Newfoundland and Labrador. From the latest local action to the people, teams and moments that make our province’s sports scene unique, NL Sports Talk puts Newfoundland and Labrador sports front and centre.
Episode 5: Music, Memories and Memorial Stadium w/ Andrew O’Brien of Fortunate Ones
What happens when a shared love of hockey memorabilia sparks a conversation about the good old days of Newfoundland sports?
In this episode of NL Sports Talk, Chris sits down with Andrew O’Brien of Newfoundland folk-pop duo Fortunate Ones for a trip down memory lane, revisiting the days of the St. John’s Maple Leafs and the unforgettable experience of watching hockey at Memorial Stadium.
From the thrill of collecting and trading Maple Leafs memorabilia to the sights, sounds, and unmistakable smell of an old hockey barn, including those legendary plates of gooey nachos covered in fluorescent orange cheese, Chris and Andrew reflect on a time when a night at the rink felt like a trip to the big leagues.
The conversation also explores their own sporting experiences growing up, the connections between music and sports, and the ways both bring people together through shared experiences and lifelong memories.
It’s a conversation about hockey, music, nostalgia, and the moments that stay with us long after the final buzzer.
12 Oct 2026
Episode 4: Behind the Mic with Regiment Broadcaster Seth Hyde
What does it take to call major junior hockey when you're still a teenager? And what happens when a passion for broadcasting turns into an opportunity to work with one of Newfoundland and Labrador's biggest sports teams?
On this episode of NL Sports Talk, Chris Ballard sits down with Seth Hyde, the teenaged play-by-play broadcaster for the Newfoundland Regiment, to talk about his journey behind the microphone and his experience covering the Regiment as the youngest voice in the Canadian Hockey League.
This conversation is personal too.
Chris and Seth share a connection that goes back years, when Chris, during his tenure with the Newfoundland Growlers, offered guidance as Seth began calling minor hockey games.
There's an even deeper connection through Seth's mother, who taught and coached Chris during his own high school years, helping shape his love of performance and communication.
From those early days to sharing a broadcast booth with the Growlers, and now calling games for the Regiment, Seth's story is about more than hockey. It's about finding your voice, learning your craft, and the people who help you along the way.
NL Sports Talk brings you conversations with the people, teams, and stories shaping sports in Newfoundland and Labrador.
2 Oct 2026
Episode 3: Newfoundland Hockey Around the World
There was a time when keeping tabs on Newfoundland and Labrador hockey players playing away from home meant waiting for the sports section of the newspaper.
Every so often, you'd see one of those great local graphics: a table of names, teams and statistics showing where Newfoundland players were making their mark around the hockey world. NHL, AHL, university hockey, Europe. It was a little snapshot of where our players were and how they were doing.
Those newspaper graphics may be a relic of the past, but the idea behind them still holds up.
In Episode 3 of NL Sports Talk, we bring that tradition into the podcast era.
Chris takes a look around the hockey world to see where Newfoundland and Labrador players are competing in 2026–27, from the NHL and AHL to the ECHL, NCAA, U SPORTS and professional leagues overseas.
Who are the established names? Who's climbing the ladder? Who's starting a new chapter at the university or professional level? And who might be a name worth keeping an eye on?
Consider this episode the modern-day version of that old newspaper hockey graphic.
24 Sept 2026
Episode 2: Newfoundland Regiment Season Preview
The Newfoundland Regiment are back for their second season in the QMJHL and there’s plenty to talk about as the club begins its sophomore campaign.
In the second episode of NL Sports Talk, we take a closer look at the Regiment heading into the 2026-27 season, from the players who know the league and the province well to some of the new faces expected to make an impact.
After a historic first season in the QMJHL, the Regiment are no longer the league's new expansion team. Now comes the next chapter.
How will the Regiment build on year one? Which local players could make their mark? And who are the young prospects Newfoundland fans will be talking about in the years ahead?
We get into all of it on Episode 2 of NL Sports Talk.
Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.
24 Sept 2026
Episode 1: Welcome to NL Sports Talk
Welcome to NL Sports Talk, the official podcast of NL Sports Network.
In our very first episode, NLSN Managing Editor Chris Ballard introduces the podcast, the network behind it, and what you can expect as we get underway.
NL Sports Network was created to provide dedicated coverage of sports across Newfoundland and Labrador; from the teams and athletes making headlines today to the stories, personalities and history that have helped shape the province's sporting culture.
On NL Sports Talk, we'll take those stories beyond the headline.
And this is just the beginning.
As the network grows, so will the podcast, with guests from across the provincial sports community and plenty of opportunities to talk about the teams, athletes and stories that matter to you.
Thanks for listening, and welcome to NL Sports Talk.
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