Before the Whistle

Before the Whistle: My Best Audible

How do you become a sideline reporter for a FBS football program with little to no experience in either sports or broadcasting and why are so many people from nontraditional backgrounds finding themselves in media? Those same questions drove Maddy Hudak from a career in law to chasing her passion. Here's what she's learned along the way.

Before the Whistle: Where the Conversation Goes

This is supposed to be a podcast about football...but sometimes you start in one place and end up not where you intended to go, but someplace really good nonetheless. That's this episode. Maddy Hudak and Ross Jackson, in a conversation that's supposed to be about football, that ends up someplace different but really good.

Before the Whistle: Teaching Toughness

Adversity is part of life and it's one of the most compelling components of sports. How players and teams deal with adversity isn't luck, but is it a skill that can be taught and developed?

Before the Whistle: Zen and the Art of Player Scouting

In her weekly Friday conversation, Maddy is joined by Deuce Windham as they discuss the art of scouting players. Both Maddy and Deuce are graduates of The Scouting Academy and Windham has earned a reputation for his film breakdowns and his work with The Athletic among others. It's nuts and bolts football to send you into the weekend.
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In the Portal: Fixing College Football Free Agency

The one-time transfer portal rule has had a major impact on college football in a very short amount of time. Is there a way to make the system better, simpler, and fair to schools, players, and coaches? Maddy asks that question on this episode of Before the Whistle.

Before the Whistle: Sidelines, Booths, and Beyond

In her Friday conversation, Maddy welcomes Todd Graffagnini to BTW. Graff was the voice of Tulane baseball for 27 years, as well as men's basketball and football for a dozen more. Now, he serves as the radio voice for the New Orleans Pelicans and as a mentor to Maddy in the industry. They share stories about their relationship and their paths in sports broadcasting.
Follow Todd Graffagnini on Twitter: @NTGraff

Before The Whistle: A QB for Today and a Plan for Tomorrow

Rookies are in camp and Maddy was on Airline Drive as the newest Saints suited up for the first time. She gives her thoughts on what she saw out of quarterback Jake Haener and details the Saints plan for the present and future of the most important position in the game.

Before The Whistle: The King & I

This week Maddy talks with former Tulane/NFL quarterback Shaun King, the signal-caller for the undefeated 1998 Green Wave. King, who still holds the NCAA record for highest single-season passer rating, discusses just what made that '98 team so special and what parallels he sees with last year's Cotton Bowl champions. They also talk about evaluating and developing the quarterback position, the progress of and expectations for Michael Pratt, and more.

Before the Whistle: Knowing How Much We Don’t Know About Drafting Players

With rookies reporting to their respective teams across the NFL, Maddy takes a look at the draft process. Does it really give teams the most accurate picture of prospective players and does it serve both sides?
Before the Whistle is available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes each Tuesday and Friday.
Follow Maddy on Twitter: @MaddyHudak_94

Before The Whistle: Rethinking Sports Through The AIQ w/ Mike Clark, Ph.D.

What is athletic IQ and how do you measure it? Coaches and front office staff have been trying to answer that question for decades. Maddy welcomes Mike Clark of the University of Arizona as they discuss advancements in sports psychology and player assessment that give greater insight into what goes on inside the minds of elite athletes.