Game Day Travelcast

Episode 16: Protecting the Heart of High School Sports featuring Dana Pappas

Dana Pappas joins Dave Brown to share her journey in education-based athletics, the passion behind supporting officials, and what it really takes to recruit, develop, and

Episode 15: What You Eat on the Road with Holistic Nutritional Practitioner Melissa Metcalf Le Roy

On this episode, we’re tackling the toughest part of being a traveling official: what you eat on the road. Our guest, Melissa Le Roy, specializes in simple, realistic he

Episode 14: Loss, Identity, Resilience, And What It Takes To Come Back With Barry Chambers

Two season-ending injuries. One elite umpire refused to let that be his story. Barry Chambers has worked at the highest levels of college baseball — including two appear

Episode 13: How To Show Up Fully On The Field Without Losing Yourself With Luke Brakefield

This week on Game Day Travelcast, meet Luke Brakefield—pastor, umpire, referee, and state‑championship official. He lives in the tension between the whistle and the Word,

Episode 12: How To Make The Right Choice When You Reach A Career Crossroad With Jeff Sumpter

Every official reaches a crossroads — keep chasing the next level or listen to something deeper. Jeff Sumpter listened. He chose his family. He chose his calling. And hon

Episode 11: How To Lead Instead Of Complain With Guest JR Brown

Big South Baseball Supervisor of Umpires and former military leader JR Brown joins us to break down what real discipline, accountability, and composure look like when the

Episode 10: Official Accountability, Evaluations, And Sports Politics With Jon Brower

This week we sit down with NCAA Division II National Umpire Coordinator Jon Brower—the guy who sees every crack, every strength, and every blind spot in college baseball’

Episode 9: A Stat More Important Than The Scoreboard With Guest Rusty Stroupe

What if the most important stat in baseball wasn't on the scoreboard? Guest Rusty Stroupe changed how Division I programs practice, how players think, and how coaches lea

Episode 8: How to Turn Your Officiating Schedule Into One That You Will Love with John Porter

Most camps train your strike zone. John Porter trains your autopilot. In this episode we break down why great umpires treat every game like an audition—and how the right

Episode 7: College World Series Umpire Scott Erby on Gratitude, Second Chances, and Priorities

What really matters with the lights go out and the crowd goes home? Scott Erby was struck in the face mask by a 96-mph fastball during a Vanderbilt vs. Stanford game. He

Episode 6: As An Official, Are You A Thermometer Or Thermostat?

Today we are asking a simple question with BIG consequences. Do you simply react to the climate in your sport's environment or are you intentional about setting the tone

Episode 5: Turn Game Checks Into Financial Progress With Donnie Daniel

Every night you lace up, you protect the game’s integrity—but who’s protecting the money you earn from it? Welcome to The Gameday Travelcast, the place where sports offi

Episode 4: Audra Harrison Shares How Fast-Rising Officials Level Up Quickly

Audra Harrison is climbing fast—and taking notes every step of the way. This week on the Game Day Travelcast, we sit down with Audra, one of the officiating world’s brigh

Episode 3: Natola Hawthorne On Staying Sharp And Credible When Every Play Is On Film

It’s a masterclass in focus, composure, and the art of earning respect 90 feet at a time. Hear how Natola Hawthorne keeps the game—and herself—in the best possible zone.

Episode 2: Guest Scott Taylor - Why Some Umpires Plateau While Others Earn Big Assignments

Sports official podcast guest is Scott Taylor — former NCAA Division II National Coordinator of Umpires with over 50 years in the profession. Hear a true sports official

Episode 1: Does Your Officiating Schedule Match Your Talent?

Podcast for all Sports Officials debut with Dave Brown, Caleb Groom, and Chris Daniels. Not a “gotcha” podcast, but a place for personal growth, education, and encouragem