The Michael Balko Show
By Michael Balko
The Michael Balko Show Jan 28, 2021
Jordan Dangerfield: A Story of Beating the Odds (w/Jordan Dangerfield)
8-year NFL veteran Jordan Dangerfield joins the show and talks adversity after high school, what it was like playing at Towson University, and how he played eight years in the NFL! Today marks the three-year anniversary of The Michael Balko Show, thank you all for the continued support!
Path to the Draft: Oklahoma St. WR Braydon Johnson (w/Braydon Johnson)
Oklahoma State wide receiver Braydon Johnson joins host Michael Balko in conversation about growing up in Arlington, Texas, what his college football journey has been like, how he tries to model his play style after guys like Stefon Diggs and Christian Kirk, and how he's excited for the next chapter of his football journey!
Be sure to follow this podcast on Spotify and rate FIVE STARS!!
From Poverty to Primetime: The Story of DJ Fluker (w/DJ Fluker)
DJ Fluker joins the show and talks about his difficult upbringing, what it was like playing under Nick Saban and winning three championships at Alabama, and how he's gearing up for an NFL Comeback!
PLUS: Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith makes a brief appearance!
Path to the Draft: 2023 NFL Draft Prospect Jaiden Woodbey (w/Jaiden Woodbey)
Former Florida Sate and Boston College defensive back/ linebacker Jaiden Woodbey joins the show and talks about being a 5 Star recruit in high school, how he prides himself on his strong work ethic in the classroom and on the field, and how he's gearing up for the 2023 NFL Draft and where he hopes to play!
BONUS! We also go over a variety of random questions to get to know Jaiden a bit better, and there were some GOLD moments!
Sponsored By: www.donatos.com
The Story of Logan Paulsen & the State of the Washington Commanders (w/Logan Paulsen)
10-year NFL tight end Logan Paulsen joins the show and talks about his wild recruiting process out of high school as the #15 tight end in the country, what it was like playing with some of the best players in football throughout his decade in the league, and what the current state of the Washington Commanders looks like and what they could look like in the future!
SPONSORED BY: www.donatos.com
The Story of Jalen McCleskey and how his Dad Helped him reach the NFL (w/Jalen McCleskey)
Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL) wide receiver Jalen McCleskey joins the show and talks about growing up in New Orleans and the impact Hurricane Katrina had on the city, what it was like being recruited to play college football at Oklahoma State, and how he's looking to have a huge year in the USFL after making stops with the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.
SPONSORED: www.donatos.com
Shannon Brooks: His Story of Life's Most Difficult Trials & the Strength to Prevail (w/Shannon Brooks)
Shannon Brooks is a former running back for Minnesota who nearly took his life after suffering from severe depression. Brooks opened up about his story on the show, and aims to use his voice to impact the lives of others; by the grace of God. This story is very moving and impactful. I encourage you to listen and share with someone who may need to hear what Shannon has to say. God Bless.
Sponsored By: www.donatos.com
How a Positive Outlook on Life Helped Jonathan Williams find NFL Success (w/Jonathan Williams)
Washington Commanders running back Jonathan Williams joins the show and talks about being one of the best players in the SEC in 2014, what his NFL journey has taught him about living life to the fullest, and how he never let adversity write the script on his life. Jonathan lets his personality shine in this episode and gives great tidbits on life and living it to it's fullest!
Follow Jonathan on Twitter & Instagram: @jwillpart2
This podcast is sponsored by the great folks over at Donatos Pizza! Check them out at www.donatos.com and secure a free Large One-Topping Pizza this weekend when purchasing two other large pizzas by using the Promo Code 'BILLS'
How North East's Garrett Owens Stayed True to Himself on his way to the XFL (w/Garrett Owens)
Erie native and former North East running back Garrett Owens joins Michael Balko in-studio and talks about a variety of topics including his playing days at North East, his decision to play for Mercyhurst University out of high school and later transferring to Duquesne, what it was like getting a personalized nickname from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and much much more! You will not want to miss this jam-packed episode!
Follow Garrett:
Instagram: @garrett_owens_
Twitter: @thegarrettowens
Garrett's Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkA1lzZGl2HYUFksG_TzzsQ
SPONSORED BY: Donato's Pizza
www.donatos.com
How this NFL player went from 1 offer to being a fourth round NFL Draft selection! (w/Clay Harbor)
9-year NFL veteran tight end Clay Harbor sits down with Michael Balko and talks about his small school recruitment process out of high school, what it was like featuring on the Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, and the two talk topics surrounding today's NFL! Clay gives incredible insight into several NFL teams and players that you should take note of for your fantasy football teams!
Follow Clay: @clayharbs82 on Twitter
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
FIRST ANNUAL NFL SEASON PREVIEW 2022! (w/Ben Thompson/Anthony Gulick)
Ben Thompson and Anthony Gulick join Michael Balko in studio and preview the upcoming NFL season! The guys talk Super Bowl predictions, zero to hero squads, and much much more while celebrating the 100th episode of The Michael Balko Show!
Sponsored By: Donatos Pizza; www.donatos.com
READING MEAN TWEETS, and then some (feat. Ben Thompson)
Ben Thompson, host of the Bump N' Run Podcast, joins Michael Balko as they discuss the best athletes in the history of Erie, Pennsylvania, they share their love for podcasting and their initial awe of the business, and they round out the episode reading some of Mike's mean tweets and Reddit responses!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Follow Ben:
Instagram: @_thompsonben
Bump N' Run Podcast: Available on all Streaming Platfroms.
Jim McMahon: Revealing the Truth About His 15-Year NFL Career (w/Jim McMahon)
15-Year NFL quarterback Jim McMahon joins the show and talks about his eye injury at an early age that he carried with him his entire life, what the culture shock at BYU was like, and what his body really goes through following a 15-year NFL career. McMahon also opens up about his ugly departure from the Chicago Bears, the events that occurred before Super Bowl XX in New Orleans, and about CTE and the impact that could be having on his body.
Follow Jim:
Twitter- @JimMcMahon
Instagram- @jimmymac9xx
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
How Terrance Copper Spent a DECADE in the NFL (w/Terrance Copper)
Former ten-year NFL wide receiver Terrance Copper joins Michael Balko and talks about a wide range of topics including his recruiting process out of the only high school in his city, what it was like going undrafted and the chip that added to his shoulder, and what it was like playing for the New Orleans Saints at the start of a new era for the franchise.
Follow Terrance:
Twitter: @Tcopper10
Instagram: @copper.tc
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
The Voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers: How a Dream became a Reality (w/Sean Peebles)
Erie, Pennsylvania's very own Sean Peebles joins the show and talks about his start in the public announcing game, some of his favorite Erie Sports moments, and what it was like to get the call from the Cleveland Cavaliers to become the full time PA Announcer for the team; and all the experiences that came with it!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Follow Sean:
Twitter: @cavssean
Instagram: @seanpeebles
JUCO Football: The Truth is Told (feat. Tyson Schilling)
JUCO Football: The Truth is Told is an exclusive audio only episode brought to you by Michael Balko and Tyson Schilling in a collaborative effort.
Schilling is a current Junior College wide receiver for East Los Angeles, a TikTok influencer with nearly 200,000 followers at the time of this recording and is a strong advocate for JUCO sports across the country. Balko and Schilling discuss topics such as never before told JUCO stories from Tyson himself, each of their all-time top ten Junior College players you may not have known about, and even how Tyson grew his social media following and what inspired him to do so!
Sponsored By: www.donatos.com
Previous Episode with Tyson: https://anchor.fm/michaelbalkoshow/episodes/The-Inspiring-Story-of-One-of-TikToks-Biggest-Stars-and-JUCO-Advocates--wTyson-Schilling-e1ch251
WE'RE BACK: Jonathan Wilhite Shares his Knowledge of Playing Alongside ELITE Patriots Teammates (w/Jonathan Wilhite)
Former NFL cornerback Jonathan Wilhite joins the show and talks about his journey through JUCO football and how he recommends it, what it was like playing alongside some of the best players in New England Patriots' history, and he even gives us a STELLAR Bill Belichick impersonation! Tune In!
Sponsored By Donatos Pizza. Go to www.donatos.com to secure the pizza bag today!
Jason LoCricchio: What he's been up to 'Lately' (feat. Jason LoCricchio)
Follow Jason:
YouTube: (670) Jason LoCricchio - YouTube
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4ipdFPw9kXFc6TWPJ6VSFw?si=BcpbnF1URPa1dwQlaEjf5A
Follow the Michael Balko Show:
YouTube: (670) The Michael Balko Show - YouTube
Sponsors:
www.donatos.com
How One of Erie's Best Athletes Set the Table for Fellow Erie Athletes to Come! (w/Jerry Roberts)
Arizona linebacker Jerry Roberts joins Michael Balko and talks about a range of topics including the talent that is set to follow him in Erie, what the atmosphere of that 2017 Cathedral Prep State Champion Team was really like, and Jerry pays tribute to one of the best head coaches in Erie football history; Mike Mischler. Jerry is actively looking for any sort of NIL deals and sponsorships, please contact him via his social medias if interested.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
TikTok Star Clifford Taylor IV SPILLS THE TEA about his Departure from the LA Rams! (w/Clifford Taylor IV)
Clifford Taylor IV, a social media influencer with more than 330,000 followers at the time of this recording, chops it up with Michael Balko for over an hour and talks about a wide variety of topics. Taylor IV opens up about his battles with overcoming depression-especially during his time in Los Angeles, he also talks about how he organically grew both his personal TikTok following as well as carrying the Rams' TikTok to over 1.2 million followers! Clifford also spills ALL the TEA regarding his time in Los Angeles, and how this year's Super Bowl Champions treated him behind the scenes.
First Episode with Clifford Taylor IV:
https://anchor.fm/michaelbalkoshow/episodes/From-Flag-Football-to-the-Florida-Gators--wClifford-Taylor-IV-eqcg7e
Sponsor:
www.donatos.com
Follow Clifford:
TikTok: @clifford
Instagram: @cliffordtayloriv
Twitter: @clifftayloriv
A Career Reflection after an 11 Year MLB Career (w/Andrew Romine)
11 year MLB veteran Andrew Romine joins the show and talks about every significant stop of his baseball career, some epic moments that occurred throughout his professional baseball career, and when he knew he was ready to hang up the cleats.
Contact Andrew:
741.474.4505 (office)
aromine@lend.us
Sponsor:
www.donatos.com
2022 NFL Draft Interview: Western Kentucky WR Jerreth Sterns!
Western Kentucky wide receiver Jerreth Sterns joins the show and talks about his recruiting process in high school, what it was like shattering receiving records at two different colleges, and how he's preparing for his transition into the NFL.
Sponsors:
www.donatos.com
www.primotailoring.com
Lifestyle Bands: Use Code BALKOSHOW for 10% off your order!
Elite Athletic Gear: Use Code BALKO10 for 10% off your order!
How Pat McAfee and Hard Work Propelled this Kicker to the NFL! (w/Taylor Russolino)
NFL kicker Taylor Russolino joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about playing D3 college football with little high school experience, how Pat McAfee helped shine some light on him and helped him reach the NFL via a personal recommendation, and how he aims to not only get back to the NFL; but become a top ten kicker in the league in the near future.
Sponsors:
www.donatos.com
Primo Tailoring: @primotailors
Elite Athletic Gear- Use code BALKO10 for 10% off your order!
The Inspiring Story of One of TikTok's Biggest Stars and JUCO Advocates! (w/Tyson Schilling)
East LA wide receiver Tyson Schilling joins the show and talks about his recruiting process out of high school, what it was like transferring Junior Colleges, and how he became a TikTok super star and one of the biggest advocates for JUCO football players in the world. Don't miss this Season 3 debut!
Sponsors:
www.donatos.com
Angel's Abound Erie: 814-449-7162
The Ultimate Second Chance Story: 2022 NFL Draft Interview w/Zahir Williams
Missouri Valley defensive back Zahir Williams joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about growing up in the Bronx, how football saved his life, and how he turned some intense adversity into an opportunity that has him knocking on the front door of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Sponsors:
www.donatos.com
Angel's Abound Erie: 814-449-7162
This NFL Free Agent Used His Faith to Move Mountains in his Personal and Professional Career! (w/Jaylen Flye-Sadler)
NFL free agent offensive lineman Jaylen Flye-Sadler joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about a range of topics including his tough childhood that saw him sharing a two bedroom home with ten people, the adversity of being let go from Austin Peay University after a season in which he tore his ACL, and how he's finding a different path to the NFL after graduating during a global pandemic.
Show Sponsors:
www.donatos.com
Primo Tailoring: @primotailors on Instagram
2021 World Series Preview with some of the Best Minds in Baseball! (w/Josh Lester and Matt Jenkins)
The 2021 MLB World Series is now upon us and joining me to preview one of the most interesting series' of all time is minor league baseball player Josh Lester and former Pittsburgh Pirates employee Matt Jenkins!
This 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Used ONE Camp to Land Him an Offer of a Lifetime! (w/Jacobi Francis)
University of Memphis cornerback Jacobi Francis talks about his recruiting process as a two star recruit back in high school, what it was like landing his only offer following a showcase camp performance, and how he's developed into one of the nation's top defensive draft prospects!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
This Former NFL Linebacker Gives the BEST Advice on how to Make it to the NFL and Stay There! (w/Dezman Moses)
Retired NFL linebacker Dezman Moses sits down with Michael Balko and talks about his journey to the NFL that included stops at Iowa and Tulane, what it was like playing with Aaron Rodgers, Tamba Hali, and Charles Woodson, and how he used a chip as coming into the NFL as an undrafted free agent to put together a successful five year career in the NFL! You won't want to miss this very informative episode with one of the best guests in The Michael Balko Show history!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
This NCAA Star Doesn't Let His Size Stop Him from Being one of the BEST DB's in the Country! (w/Antonio Parks)
UTSA safety Antonio Parks joins the show and talks about his recruiting process out of high school, what it was like leaving Arizona to join UTSA, and how he aims to model his playstyle after Tyrann Mathieu.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Interviewing one of the NCAA's Best Safeties! (w/Bryce Cosby)
Ball State safety Bryce Cosby joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about his lack of recruitment in high school, how much his hometown of Louisville Kentucky means to him, and what it was like winning the MAC Championship in 2020 as well as being the Defensive MVP of the 2020 Arizona Bowl!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Looking at the NFL After the First Three Weeks! (w/Anthony Gulick)
Local podcaster and sports media personality Anthony Gulick joins the show and talks about some surprise teams in the NFL this season, fantasy football studs and duds, and who is the front runners to win some of the most prestigious NFL awards after the season!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
How this converted WR is trying to chase the NFL as a TE! (w/Kalias Robertson)
Detroit's #9 Prospect Talks his College World Series Experience and Overcoming Adversity! (w/Alex Faedo)
A REAL Look at the JUCO Football Grind (w/Trevon Gauno)
Trevon Gauno joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about the adversity he's had to overcome throughout his career, how he had to overcome Jason Brown's coaching (from Last Chance U), and how he earned all the recognition he's receiving as one of the best blue collar NFL prospects.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
How this Michigan Wide Receiver Truly Got it out the Mud (w/Daylen Baldwin)
Current Michigan wide receiver Daylen Baldwin joined the Michael Balko Show and talked about a range of different topics including what it was like to play under Deon Sanders at Jackson State, how he would rank the five best wide receivers in the NFL right now, and why he decided to transfer to the University of Michigan despite an offer from his dream school.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Angels Abound: 814-449-7162
Former Indians Catcher Logan Ice Talks About the Struggles of Minor League Baseball (w/Logan Ice)
Former Cleveland Indians second round draft pick Logan Ice talks about his journey from Oregon State through the Professional Ranks that saw him play as high as AA Akron. Ice talks about the struggles of being a minor league baseball player, and shares why he retired from the game in 2020.
From Netflix's QB1 to Shining at the Division 1 Level! (w/Re-al Mitchell)
Temple quarterback Re-al Mitchell joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about being a highly recruited player from St. John Bosco in high school, what it was like being on Netflix's QB1 documentary as a high school senior, and how he could look to pursue a baseball career after his football days are said and done.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
This 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Talks Success and What it Takes to Achieve It! (w/AJ Uzodinma)
Ball State CB AJ Uzodinma joins the show and talks about what it was like being a two star recruit in high school, what it was like winning the MAC Championship Game, and what he's looking forward to in terms of taking his talents to the NFL in the near future.
Sponsor:www.donatos.com
New Orleans Saints TE Dylan Soehner Talks Post-Draft Process and Signing with New Orleans (w/ Merv Walls & Dylan Soehner)
Former Iowa State tight end and current New Orleans Saints tight end sits down with Mervin Walls and I and talks about a range of topics including what his recruiting process was like from a small town, how crazy it was for him following the NFL Draft, and who his favorite rappers to listen to before a game are!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Brand New Saints Offensive Lineman Mike Brown Shares His Path to the Pro's! (w/Mike Brown)
Former West Virginia offensive lineman Mike Brown joins the show and talks about not playing football for the first time until after high school, what his NFL Draft process was like, and what he hopes to bring to the New Orleans Saints!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
How This Athlete Overcame Two JUCO Stints to Being in a Position to Pick His Next School! (w/Mike Mitchell)
Former Temple RB/CB Mike Mitchell joins the show and talks about his recruiting process and having to settle at the JUCO level despite interest from over 10 D1 Schools, What it was like playing at the JUCO level, and what's next for him and his football journey!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Adventure Athlete Talks Overcoming Adversity and Chasing Your Dreams in This Motivational Episode! (w/Clark Hazlett)
Clark Hazlett, a YouTube personality with over 150,000 subscribers, joins the show and talks about growing his YouTube platform, overcoming adversity, and how his perseverance has allowed him to explore a plethora of different avenues including professional football and country music. Make sure to follow Clark on Instagram @adventureathlete and subscribe to his YouTube Channel (Adventure Athlete).
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
This CFL DB Overcame all the Odds to Get to Where He's At Today! (W/Malik Boynton)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers DB Malik Boynton joins the show and talks about his journey to Austin Peay University, how he switched positions in college, and how he overcame life's most difficult adversity to get to the point where he's at today. This episode is very inspiring!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
This 2021 NFL Draft Prospect Battles Adversity All the Time- Yet Still Keeps Grinding! (w/Caleb Huntley)
Ball St running back Caleb Huntley joins the show and talks about what he would bring to the NFL level, his inspiring journey to Ball St, and who he listens to on his pregame playlist!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
This Safety Went From HATING Defense to Being One of the Best DB's in the CUSA (w/Rashad Wisdom)
UTSA Safety Rashad Wisdom joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about being a 3 star recruit out of high school, who he listens to pre game, and how he overcame some of the most difficult adversity to get to where he's at today.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
How One of Erie's Best Athlete's Carried His Work Ethic Throughout an Impressive CFL Career! (w/Jovon Johnson)
Retired CFL defensive back Jovon Johnson joins the show and talks about being from Erie, Pennsylvania, what his NFL experience was like, and he gives outstanding advice for any aspiring college athletes to tune into!
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
How the FASTEST Player in College Football and 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Tackled Life's Adversity (w/Caleb "DFlash" Eagans)
How This 2021 NFL Prospect Kept His Faith First During His Football Journey (w/Antwan Davis)
Ball State wide receiver Antwan Davis joins the Michael Balko Show and talks about his journey to Ball State, how he's gearing up for the 2021 NFL Draft, and how he's kept his faith first throughout his football journey.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com
Interviewing the Most UNDERRATED CB in the 2021 NFL Draft! (w/Antonio Phillips)
Ball State cornerback Antonio Phillips joins the show and talks about his welcome to college football moment, when he realized he could play in the NFL, and how he's handling being an underrated draft prospect this year.
Sponsor: www.donatos.com