Media & Podcasts

On the mic, behind the mic, and on the other side of the interview.

Hosted shows, regular podcast appearances, and the press features that have shaped how I tell other people’s stories.

Hosted Shows

Two shows. One network.

Co-host and host roles on the Empty The Bench Network since July 2022.

Bando’s Breakdowns Host

Weekly takes across college, pro, and combat sports.

A solo show built on prep, not hot takes — conversation-style episodes covering the week’s biggest stories across the four major leagues, college athletics, and the cage. Airs Fridays at 3 PM ET on the Empty The Bench Network.

  • Weekly Friday release
  • Heavy research, prepared notes, athlete-focused angles
  • Cross-promoted on Empty The Bench Network socials
The MMA Outsiders Co-Host

Combat sports, broken down without the noise.

UFC, Bellator, PFL, and the regional scene — previewed, recapped, and put in context. Less hype, more reporting. Built around the people inside the sport, not the loudest takes around it.

  • Major UFC fight-week previews and post-fight breakdowns
  • Interviews with fighters, coaches, and corners
  • Recurring deep dives on rising prospects
Guest Appearances

Selected interviews.

Fight Capital Global

On freelance journalism in combat sports

With Ryan Vevon Rapaport — on the highs and lows of freelance, the importance of being on-site, and journalism’s role in shaping the MMA narrative.

2024

Fight Capital Newsletter #34

MMA’s billion-dollar growth, on the record

Featured alongside Tracey Lesetar-Smith and Xander Simms in a deep-dive newsletter on what’s actually fueling combat sports’ global expansion.

2024

BTN Student U

Illinois athletics, from the student desk

College-era contributions to the Big Ten Network’s student desk during my time at the University of Illinois.

2018 – 2022

Press & Profiles

Stories written about the work — and the writer.

Selected features in regional and national outlets that have profiled my path into sports journalism.

Media inquiries

Booking for podcasts, panels, or on-air commentary?

Available for guest spots on combat sports, college athletics, and sports media topics — including freelance journalism and disability in the sports industry.