When Eutaw Street Report senior editor Derek Arnold approached me in September 2020 about hosting a podcast on ESR, I jumped at the chance. I had recently shared some ramblings about what was going on in my head and my struggles with mental health. Derek and the other ESR higher-ups offered me the opportunity to do something I would enjoy that would also allow me to have a bit of consistency in my schedule. He gave me free reign to take it in whichever direction my heart desired. I could create my own logo, intro soundbite, decide if I wanted a co-host, find my own guests (with help if requested), and talk about whatever I wanted to talk about.
About a month later, we launched Give That Fan A Podcast. I posted a new episode almost weekly at first. I interviewed former coaches of recent Orioles draftees, Keith Law of The Athletic, broadcaster extraordinaire Kevin Brown, O’s Director of Player Development Matt Blood, and more.
I enjoyed it very much. The consistency was there for a while. Eventually, the gaps between episodes got longer until finally I started receiving messages asking if I was ever going to bring the podcast back. My responses were always along the lines of “I want to soon,” which was true.
The truth is, though, I’m still not better. I’m trying to figure it out but it’s a difficult process. I’m giving college a fourth attempt and have excelled thus far. I’ve given up on scouting, for now at least, so that I can focus on other things in my life. But it’s not easy. For many people who share my struggles, the road to improved mental health takes years.
Part of my problem is that I tend to compare myself to others. What do I bring to the table that O’s fans can’t find anywhere else? Connor Newcomb has all the news and notes on Locked On Orioles, right up there with MASN All Access. Scott and Jake with Bird’s Eye View, Josh and Matt with Section 336, and many others have been providing excellent content for years. On The Verge has the minor leagues covered in spades. The Exit 52 Podcast is back and as popular as ever. Why do Orioles fans need to listen to me, too?
Here’s the thing, though. I love talking about baseball. I love talking about the Orioles. I’d like to think I’m pretty damn good at it. I’ve still played guest roles on other podcasts and even co-hosted another show during the 2022 season, but I miss having my own show.
So, it’s coming back, this time with a familiar co-host.
Paul Valle, former host of The Payoff Pitch right here on ESR and current host of The Bat Around for PressBox Sports, and I will be re-launching Give That Fan A Podcast in the coming days. Our recent project has dissolved and Paul, for reasons I cannot explain, likes me enough to continue working with me.
There will be a video component – perhaps streamed live on occasion, perhaps posted later. We plan on bringing along interesting and exciting guests, just as I did before. We have a chip on our shoulder, and we are committed to providing top-tier Orioles content.
I’m sorry it took me so long to get my act together and bring the podcast back. Derek will tell me I don’t owe anybody an apology but you’re all getting one anyway. There’s no sensible reason that my most recent episode is from last June.
That won’t be the case for much longer. See you soon.
