This season on Beyond the Game, we sat down with athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, creators, and storytellers to uncover the grit, humor, heartbreak, resilience, and real-life lessons behind the moments that shape a career.

From chasing dreams and overcoming setbacks to family legacies, unbelievable stories, and hard-earned wisdom. These are the conversations that defined our year.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in, supported, shared, and championed these voices. And a huge thank-you to our sponsor, Dazzle Sports Marketing, for fueling the stories that move the sports world forward. Now, here’s a look back at some of our favorite moments from the season.

Enjoy the recap, and we’ll see you next year.

Sponsored by Dazzle Sports - for all of your sports memorabilia, autographs & collectibles: dazzle-sports.com

In episode 36 of Beyond the Game, former MLB outfielder Travis Snider gets real about the highs, lows, and everything in between. From being a top prospect dominating in 2008–2009… to facing injury, struggle, and the moment his identity shattered after being sent down — Travis opens up about the part of the game fans don’t see. Now co-founder of 3A Athletics, Travis is helping rebuild youth sports culture from the ground up — focusing on emotional awareness, healthier coaching environments, and the long-term impact sports have on identity.

We dig into:

- The pressure of being labeled a “can’t-miss” prospect

- How early success can mask deeper issues

- Identity crises athletes face during slumps, injuries, or retirement

- Why youth sports culture is broken — and how 3A Athletics is fixing it

-The role parents and coaches really play in shaping mindset

- Complex PTSD, self-worth, and rebuilding life after baseball

- Why achievement doesn’t define fulfillment

- Leadership, culture, and what organizations must change

- PLUS personal stories from Justin on coaching, ownership, and losing identity on the business side of sports This episode is a deep, honest look at the human side of sports — far beyond statistics, drafts, and highlight reels.

Sponsored by Dazzle Sports: for all of your sports memorabilia, autographs & collectibles: dazzle-sports.com

In this episode of Beyond the Game Podcast, Justin is joined by longtime Central PA sports voice Crey Giger to break down the biggest shift in Penn State football in years: moving on from James Franklin and the search for PSU’s next head coach.

They dive into what today’s top programs really need — a true CEO-style leader — and why NIL, recruiting, player development, and locker-room culture played a massive role in Penn State’s plateau. Justin and Cory lay out the core issues, the risks of change, and the traits the next coach must have to elevate the program.

They also explore realistic coaching candidates, why PSU is now a top-tier job, and how the transfer portal and modern expectations complicate every decision.

🎧 Sponsored by Dazzle Sports — use code BTG for 20% off.

0:00 – “Coach or CEO?” — The opening debate on what modern college football coaching really requires 1:30 – Justin introduces Cory Giger + sponsor shoutout 6:00 – Justin explains his long-standing concerns with James Franklin 11:00 – The core issue: why player development and adjustments never hit championship level 15:00 – NIL + culture: the moment the program’s momentum started slipping 17:00 – Cory’s bold take: why firing Franklin was necessary 18:45 – The uncomfortable truth — the next coach might not be better 22:10 – Is Penn State truly a top-tier job? Cory breaks it down 25:40 – Transfer portal realities and how it reshapes coaching decisions 30:10 – Cory’s top candidates and who actually fits PSU’s needs 36:00 – The “fit” factor: why personality and leadership style matter more than ever 38:00 – Final thoughts: risk, reward, and the future of Penn State football

In this episode of Beyond the Game, Justin sits down with longtime friend, autograph expert, and legendary “grapher” Jeremy Posey — a man whose 28 years in the autograph world span mall signings, private shows, TTM collecting, flight-tracking chasers, and encounters with some of the biggest names in sports. Jeremy shares incredible stories from the early days of autograph collecting, how the culture shifted with social media, why modern signatures have lost their quality, and what it was like chasing legends like Derek Jeter, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Sandy Koufax, and more. You’ll hear the wild Pete Rose “Sh*t King” story, the chase for elusive signatures, the ethics of graphing, and how today’s card companies and athletes have transformed the business. If you love sports, memorabilia, collecting, or behind-the-scenes stories from the good old days of sports culture — this is a must-watch episode.

In this episode of Beyond the Game Podcast, former MLB player and author Chad Hermansen joins Justin to share his journey from being a first-round draft pick with the Pittsburgh Pirates to discovering his true calling as a mental performance coach. Chad opens up about the challenges of transitioning positions, battling “the yips,” and learning the power of mindset both on and off the field. He also dives into his new book, The Parent’s Edge, which helps parents better support their young athletes by managing their own emotions and expectations. Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, growth, and the mental game behind success in sports and life.

Former Penn State and NFL player Keith Conlin joins Justin on Beyond the Game to talk about life on and off the field — from growing up in Philadelphia and playing under Joe Paterno to navigating injury, the business side of the NFL, and his life in media and podcasting today.

Keith shares never-before-heard stories from Penn State’s glory days, thoughts on Bill O’Brien and James Franklin, and an inside look at how college football has evolved through NIL and the transfer portal era.

Former AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh Pirates reporter Robby Incmikoski takes us inside the world of sports broadcasting. From covering the Pirates' playoff years with McCutchen, Cole, and Walker to his current role with Bally Sports Southwest and the World Series champion Texas Rangers, Robby shares what it's like reporting from the sidelines across multiple sports and markets. A Temple University grad's journey through baseball, hockey, and basketball broadcasting at the highest level.

Former NFL defensive tackle Brandon Noble takes us through his journey from Penn State standout to playing for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. Brandon shares honest insights about the physical toll of playing in the trenches, transitioning from player to coach at various levels, and what life looks like after dedicating your body to professional football. A candid conversation about sacrifice, resilience, and finding new purpose beyond the playing field. Presented by Dazzle Sports