Send us a text

Barbara Smith, President of Cincinnati based Journey Steel, joins Jack and Randy to discuss her Cincinnati Reds fandom. The youngest of eight children, Barb was a young girl who watched her father play in minor league Negro baseball, and became a Reds fan in the early 1970s when she attended a game at Riverfront Stadium and wanted her own "flag"! (pennant)

Barbs recalls her years as a Rosie Red, her favorite players George Foster, Eddie Milner, Bronson Arroyo, and most recently Nick Castellanos, chasing down autographs and a foul ball, and catching a ball thrown into the right field stands. Barb also recounts her memories as a season ticket holder and her Opening Day attendance. One of her highlights was a head nod from Ken Griffey, Jr., while Brandon Phillips was chasing the 30-30 Club.

As Secretary of the Reds Community Fund, Barb describes her pride at the dedication of Cleveland Parker Field in Avondale as well as her years of involvement with Knothole Baseball in the inner city.

Send us a text

This episode is being republished on Nov 11, 2025.

An extraordinary Reds Fan: Julie Mulholland. A passionate Reds fan and social media influencer, Julie shares her journey of fandom, memorable moments at the ballpark, and her thoughts on the Reds' City Connect uniforms.

She discusses her experiences as a sports content creator, the challenges she faces, and her diverse interests in various Ohio sports teams. The conversation also highlights her favorite Reds players and the impact of social media on building a community of sports fans.

In this engaging conversation, Jules discusses her podcast, the challenges and experiences of being a woman in sports media, and her interactions with athletes on social media. The discussion flows into the significance of walk-up songs, fun word associations related to sports, and the impact of broadcasters like John Sadak. Jules shares her personal experiences and insights, making for a lively and informative dialogue about sports culture and media.

Takeaways

• Julie credits her dad for her love of the Reds.
• She was the most invested sibling in attending games.
• The Ellie Dela Cruz cycle game was a standout memory.
• Julie loves the Reds' City Connect uniforms.
• She built her social media presence during the pandemic.
• Julie faced negativity as a woman in sports media.
• Her viral moments helped grow her following.
• She prefers Great American Ball Park over others.
• Joey Votto has been her favorite player since childhood.
• Julie enjoys supporting various Ohio sports teams. Jules' podcast focuses on women in sports and their experiences.
• Social media interactions with athletes can be humorous and engaging.
• Walk-up songs hold personal significance for players and fans alike.
• The importance of representation of women in sports media is highlighted.
• Athletes like Amir Garrett and Joey Votto engage positively with fans online.
• John Sadak is a beloved broadcaster known for his enthusiasm.
• The conversation touches on the cultural aspects of being a sports fan.
• Fashion and social media play a role in the sports experience for women.
• Jules shares her thoughts on the noise of living near a ballpark.
• The camaraderie and rivalry in local sports culture are explored.

Sound Bites

• "I grew up watching Reds games with my dad"
• "I was definitely the most invested in going to the ballpark."
• "That felt like a playoff game."
• "We talk about the experience of being a woman in sports."
• "People are just weird and things they say are just not okay."
• "I love Amir Garrett because I loved when he fought the pirates."

Send us a text

Summary

In this republished episode as the 2025-26 season begins, Jack Greiner and Randy Freking welcome Joe Sunderman and Byron Larkin, two prominent figures in Cincinnati sports history. Among other things, they discuss the changing landscape of college basketball.

Joe and Byron delve into their personal experiences with the Reds and Xavier basketball, discussing the evolution of sports fandom and the impact of youth sports specialization.

The discussion also touches on memorable moments in Reds history, the influence of coaching, and the future of college athletics with the introduction of NIL and the transfer portal. Both guests express optimism for the Reds' future and reflect on the importance of handling adversity in sports.

Takeaways:

• Joe Sunderman and Byron Larkin share a deep connection to Cincinnati sports.
• Byron's brother Barry Larkin's legacy with the Reds shaped his fandom.
• Joe recalls nostalgic memories of attending games at Crosley Field.
• Youth sports specialization can lead to burnout and limit skill development.
• The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball recruiting.
• High school coaches used to have more influence on player development.
• The Big Red Machine era remains a cherished memory for Reds fans.
• NIL deals are reshaping college athletics but lack transparency.
• Byron emphasizes the importance of handling adversity in sports.
• Both guests express optimism for the future of the Reds.

Sound Bites

• "The best coach I ever had."
• "I like the idea of the NIL."
• "I love our manager."