
Podcast
265 episodes on the books
Old Dominion legend Kent Bazemore joins The Monarchists for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey from a tiny North Carolina town to ODU basketball and a decade in the NBA. Baze takes us back to the beginning — arriving at Old Dominion as a raw 164-pound redshirt, battling his way up the depth chart, becoming one of college basketball’s elite defenders, winning championships and helping create one of the greatest eras in Monarch basketball history. Then we head to the NBA. Kent tells us how an undrafted opportunity with Golden State changed his life, why he embraced being the best teammate he could be even when he wasn’t playing, what it was like sharing locker rooms with Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and why those 60-win Atlanta Hawks were so special. And yes, there are stories. The infamous Warriors popcorn-car prank. His first encounter with Kobe. Battling LeBron. The heartbreak of Butler. Life as a Laker. His Atlanta years. Going back to the G League after a decade in the NBA. And how golf became much more than another sport. Kent also gets candid about fatherhood, burnout, life after the NBA, what he wants to do next in basketball, and why he believes Old Dominion can build something special again. For Monarch Nation, this one is personal. Like. Subscribe. Share it with a Monarch. Go Monarchs! 👑 #ODU #OldDominion #KentBazemore #ODUBasketball #MonarchNation #NBA #CollegeBasketball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 – Welcome, Kent Bazemore 01:00 – From a Town of 300 to Old Dominion 04:00 – Why Baze Chose ODU 06:00 – The Redshirt Year That Changed Everything 09:00 – Humility, Development & Not Skipping Steps 12:00 – The ODU Teammates Who Made Him Better 15:00 – Becoming an Elite Defender 19:00 – The ODU-VCU Rivalry & Richmond Coliseum 21:00 – When the Monarchs Knew They Were Good 24:00 – The Game Kent Still Remembers 27:00 – BAZE: Explain This Photo 28:00 – Butler Heartbreak & Getting Even With Brad Stevens 29:00 – The Infamous Warriors Popcorn Prank 30:00 – Becoming a Laker & Meeting Kobe Bryant 33:00 – Undrafted: How He Made the NBA 35:00 – The Art of the Chase-Down Block 38:00 – Guarding the Best Players on Earth 40:00 – Battling LeBron James 43:00 – Why the 60-Win Atlanta Hawks Were Special 46:00 – What Atlanta Meant Beyond Basketball 48:00 – Why Kent Fell in Love With Golf 51:00 – Golf vs. Basketball: Which Has More Pressure? 54:00 – Why He Went Back to the G League 58:00 – Fatherhood & Being Present 1:00:00 – Looking Back on an Incredible Basketball Life 1:03:00 – What Kent Bazemore Is Doing Now 1:07:00 – Steph Curry to Boston?! 1:10:00 – Kent’s Message to Monarch Nation
Aug 121h 11m
Season 3 of In The Lion's Den is here — and we're kicking it off with the entire ODU Men's Soccer coaching crew. Head Coach Tennant McVea is joined by assistant coaches Josh Spencer and Nathan Jones for our complete preview of the 2026 Old Dominion Men's Soccer season. The Monarchs have added another deep recruiting class with talent from Virginia, across the country and around the world. We break down the newcomers, how they fit what ODU wants to become, the returners who have taken another step, and why size, athleticism and character were priorities in building this roster. Then we get to the bigger question: What should ODU Soccer look like in 2026? After a season filled with games decided on a knife edge, McVea talks about turning competitiveness into wins, finding consistency and putting Old Dominion back into the NCAA Tournament conversation. We also dive into: • The 2026 recruiting class • ODU's growing international recruiting network • The goalkeeper competition • Why the Monarchs got bigger and more physical • How the coaching staff divides responsibilities • Sports science, load management and performance data • Which returners could take the next step • The toughest games on the 2026 schedule • West Virginia, Elon and the Royal Rivalry with JMU • The NCAA's new coach's challenge system • The new eight-second goalkeeper rule • Why different college soccer balls actually matter • Which ODU coach is most likely to cost Tennant a yellow card • ODU's new recovery space and athletic dining facility • Why Norfolk itself has become an increasingly strong recruiting pitch Plus, Josh gives us the story of following England around during the World Cup — even if it wasn't exactly the most financially responsible month of his life. The first chance to see the 2026 Monarchs is Friday, August 14 at 4 PM when ODU hosts American in a FREE exhibition at the ODU Soccer Complex. Welcome back to the Lion's Den. Subscribe to The Monarchists for ODU athletics coverage all year long. Go Monarchs! ODUMonarchists.com #ODUSoccer #OldDominion #GoMonarchs #SunBeltSoccer #BeAMonarchist CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Season 3 00:48 What's Changed Around ODU Soccer? 03:00 Josh Spencer's World Cup Adventure 04:40 How the ODU Coaching Staff Works 07:30 Sports Science, Data & Load Management 09:20 Meet the 2026 Recruiting Class 10:30 The Goalkeeper Battle 13:45 ODU's Nottingham Connection 17:00 Adding Size, Experience & International Talent 19:00 Building the Commonwealth Cup 20:30 Why ODU Got Bigger in 2026 23:20 More New Faces Join the Monarchs 26:30 Winning Virginia in Recruiting 28:00 Building the Next Generation 31:00 Roar & Pour + Back to Soccer 32:00 Which Returners Took the Biggest Step? 34:00 What Should ODU Soccer Look Like in 2026? 36:00 Turning Close Games Into Wins 38:20 Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule 39:20 NCAA's New Coach's Challenge Rule 42:45 When Do You Use a Challenge? 44:20 ODU's Sideline Replay Strategy 46:00 The New 8-Second Goalkeeper Rule 48:00 Does the Soccer Ball Actually Matter? 50:00 Which Coach Will Get the Most Yellow Cards? 51:15 The ONE Game You Need to Attend 54:20 What Makes ODU Stand Out to Recruits? 57:00 Norfolk's Underrated Recruiting Advantage 59:30 Final Thoughts + Go Monarchs
Aug 101h
Two ODU journeys. One small-town football family. A mission much bigger than wins and losses. Perquimans County High School Head Coach Ian Rapanick and Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach Tyler Burns join Aaron and Mike to discuss how their paths crossed at Old Dominion and eventually brought them back together on the same coaching staff. Tyler shares how a California kid who was once too big to play youth football traveled across the country to become an offensive lineman at ODU. Ian explains how he went from working in the Monarchs’ equipment room to becoming a student assistant, learning the profession and eventually accepting his first head-coaching position at just 23 years old. The coaches also take us inside football at Perquimans County: • The unique small-town atmosphere on Friday nights • Building a seventh-through-ninth-grade developmental program • Blending the shotgun Wing-T with concepts learned at ODU • Helping overlooked players navigate college recruiting • Identifying offensive linemen in approximately 15 seconds • The lessons Ian learned after becoming a head coach too early • Why relationships, mentorship and family define their program • The rivalry game every ODU fan should make the trip to see • Where to eat before kickoff in Hertford This conversation is about football, but it is really about the responsibility coaches have to develop young men, support their community and create relationships that last long after the final whistle. Subscribe to The Monarchists for more conversations with the players, coaches and personalities who make up Monarch Nation. Visit ODUMonarchists.com for complete ODU athletics coverage. Follow The Monarchists: X: @ODUMonarchists Facebook: @ODUMonarchists Instagram: @ODUMonarchists This episode is presented by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Become a member today. CHAPTERS 00:00 ODAF and episode introduction 01:00 Ian and Tyler’s football beginnings 03:00 Their different paths to Old Dominion 06:00 Reuniting at Perquimans County 08:00 Understanding the local football conference 12:00 Friday nights in Perquimans County 18:00 Becoming a head coach at 23 20:00 Ian’s coaching journey back to Perquimans 24:00 Building the varsity and developmental programs 31:00 Identifying offensive linemen and building an offense 32:00 Mixing the shotgun Wing-T with ODU concepts 35:00 Recruiting players from a small community 41:00 Why Tyler Burns became a coach 44:00 Why Ian Rapanick loves coaching 49:00 Creating a family and brotherhood 55:00 The must-see rivalry game 56:00 Where to eat before kickoff 57:00 Closing thoughts and Go Monarchs
Aug 658 min
Basketball legends. An unforgettable night. One fight much bigger than the game. Former Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones and Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala Executive Committee member Russell Turner join Mike and Aaron to preview the 2026 Hampton Roads Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala. After raising more than $414,000 during its record-setting inaugural event, the gala returns to Chartway Arena on Friday, September 18 with an even bigger goal. This year’s featured guests include: • Geno Auriemma • Ryan Odom • Dave Odom • Seth Greenberg • Phil Martelli • Ralph Sampson • Debbie Ryan • Dave Twardzik • Tony Brothers • Michael Cuddyer • And more to be announced Jeff discusses how his own cancer diagnosis transformed this mission into something deeply personal. Russell shares the heartbreaking story behind his “why” and explains how the American Cancer Society assists patients and families through research, transportation, lodging, treatment support, and other critical services. They also take us behind the scenes of last year’s gala, including an emotional paddle raise that generated approximately $195,000 in only 10 minutes. The 2026 event will feature basketball legends, a VIP reception, outstanding food, open bars, auctions, powerful stories, and an opportunity for Hampton Roads to come together for a cause that touches nearly every family. Tables seat eight guests and are $5,000. Sponsorships, monetary donations, auction contributions, vacation properties, experiences, services, and other in-kind donations are also welcomed. LEARN MORE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/ PURCHASE A TABLE OR DONATE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/tables-donations/ INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR: Please contact Laura Fien, American Cancer Society Staff Partner, at laura.fien@cancer.org Even when you cannot purchase a table or make a donation, you can help by sharing this episode and spreading the word. This is not Jeff’s event. This is not Russell’s event. This is not ODU’s event. This is our event. One team. One fight. Subscribe to The Monarchists for independent coverage of Old Dominion athletics. #ODU #OldDominion #CoachesVsCancer #CancerResearch #MonarchNation YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to The Monarchists 01:15 – Last year’s record-setting $414,000 gala 01:45 – Jeff Jones gives his elevator pitch 04:00 – Geno Auriemma, Ryan Odom and this year’s legends 07:00 – Russell Turner asks Hampton Roads to find its “why” 09:00 – How to purchase a table or support the event 10:30 – Why Jeff Jones made his cancer journey public 12:00 – Building the Legends Gala after retirement 15:15 – Russell Turner shares his deeply personal “why” 17:00 – How the American Cancer Society helps patients 19:00 – Lessons learned from the inaugural gala 22:00 – The search for a presenting sponsor 23:00 – What guests will experience at the gala 25:00 – Making year two even better 27:00 – The $195,000 paddle raise 30:00 – Tables, sponsorships and ways to donate 31:15 – Jeff Jones’ recruiting pitch to Hampton Roads 32:00 – One team. One fight. 33:00 – Final message to Monarch Nation
Jul 2735 min
CB, Gary and Coach Finny chat about upcoming rule changes, non-conference opponents, Monarchs in pro ball and a stadium construction update. Beau Cowan checks in to say hello and the guys breakdown the new additions to the 2027 roster.
Jul 231h 20m
Brandon Carr helped build Old Dominion Football from the ground up. Now the former Monarch offensive lineman is building football players, leaders and young men as the head coach at Indian River High School. Coach Carr joins Aaron and Mike to pull back the curtain on ODU Football’s original era, including the brutal offseason workouts that established the program’s standard, the moment the Monarchs realized they belonged, the comeback from 21 points down at JMU and what made ODU’s explosive 2011 offense so difficult to stop. Brandon also explains how an aspiring baseball player and future FBI agent discovered his calling as a football coach. He breaks down his relationship-driven coaching philosophy, the importance of consistency and accountability, and how Indian River has created a culture in which players fall in love with the work. The offensive line talk gets deep, too. Brandon discusses how he evaluates young linemen, why fundamentals and athleticism create a true mean streak, the meaning behind “Doing Simple Great” and why he partnered with former UVA and NFL linebacker Eli Harold to develop the next generation of big men in the 757. Plus: • The lessons Brandon learned at Fork Union • Why he chose ODU and believed in Bobby Wilder’s vision • What happened inside the locker room during the JMU comeback • The brotherhood that makes offensive line rooms different • Why relationships still matter in the NIL era • His most important advice for recruits: “Love who loves you” • A preview of Indian River’s experienced 2026 team • His DMX pregame soundtrack • The former Monarch he would add to Indian River’s roster • Why ODU Football’s best days are still ahead This episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Become an ODAF member today. Like the episode, subscribe to The Monarchists and tell us your favorite memory from the original era of ODU Football. Go Monarchs! #ODUFootball #MonarchNation #757Football Chapters 00:00 ODAF Intro 00:17 Meet Brandon Carr 00:48 From Baseball Dreams to Football 03:31 Fork Union and Relentless Determination 05:19 Building ODU Football From the Ground Up 08:10 Delaware, Belief and the Explosive 2011 Offense 10:28 Wing-T Roots and Becoming ODU’s Center 12:05 Why Brandon Chose Old Dominion 14:20 From FBI Plans to a Coaching Calling 17:05 Inside ODU’s Comeback at JMU 19:35 Brandon Carr’s Coaching Philosophy 22:35 Becoming Indian River’s Head Coach 24:50 Creating Buy-In Through Consistency 27:45 Falling in Love With the Work 28:40 How Brandon Develops Offensive Linemen 30:10 Building the 757’s Big Men With Eli Harold 31:30 What “Doing Simple Great” Really Means 32:32 Technique, Athleticism and the Mean Streak 35:06 How Offensive Line Play Has Evolved 36:40 Teaching Football Without Overcomplicating It 38:25 Recruiting Advice: “Love Who Loves You” 40:20 Brandon’s Advice to His Younger Self 42:03 Previewing Indian River’s 2026 Team 43:25 The Game Everyone Circles 44:00 Rapid Fire: O-Line Life, DMX and Nick Mayers 47:05 The Most Rewarding Part of Coaching 48:05 Brandon’s Message to Monarch Nation
Jul 1350 min
He walked on at Old Dominion with zero scholarship offers from the D1 level — and left as a 4-year starter, team captain, and CAA Champion. Now Robbie Duncan is the Head Football Coach at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, building a program from the ground up in Hampton Roads. In this episode of The Monarchists Podcast, Robbie sits down with Mike and Aaron to talk about: 🏈 Walking onto ODU's brand-new program in 2008 and turning a preferred walk-on spot into a full ride 🏈 The legendary 2010 ODU offensive line — Ryan Jensen, Brandon Carr, Jeremy Hensley, and the infamous "Prick of the Week" t-shirt 🏈 His (very good) impressions of Coach Bobby Wilder, Bro Scott, and Bill Dee 🏈 Why he turned down a shot at pro football because of a herniated disc 🏈 Building a coaching philosophy at Western Branch before taking over at NSA 🏈 The public vs. private school football debate — and why he thinks private programs get disrespected 🏈 The insane story of how he met his wife, Kelly (she hit his car) 🏈 A zombie apocalypse survival squad built entirely out of former ODU offensive linemen 🏈 Why the Norfolk Academy rivalry game is a must-see this fall Whether you're a Monarch die-hard, a Hampton Roads high school football fan, or you bleed Saints green and gold at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, this one's for you. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS BELOW 👇 Subscribe for more ODU Football, Baseball, and Women's Basketball coverage all season long. Follow The Monarchists: X: @ODUMonarchists Instagram: @odumonarchists Facebook: @ODUMonarchists Website: odumonarchists.com This episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition, and in life. Become a member today. #ODUFootball #Monarchs #NansemondSuffolkAcademy #HamptonRoadsFootball #757Football #CAAFootball #FCSFootball #OffensiveLine #HighSchoolFootball #virginiafootball 00:00 Intro — Welcome Coach Robbie Duncan 00:12 Falling in love with football (and a full-pads panic attack) 02:00 The coach who leveled up his game in high school 03:00 Why Northern Virginia keeps producing great offensive linemen 04:00 Why ODU: his Hall of Fame grandfather and choosing ODU over CNU 06:00 Redshirt year, 4-year starter, and winning a CAA Championship 07:00 The scholarship call at Nags Head — and getting bumped to full ride 09:00 Breaking down the legendary 2010 O-line — Jensen, Carr, Hensley & more 12:00 The "Prick of the Week" T-shirt story 13:00 Robbie's coach impressions: Bobby Wilder, Bro Scott & Bill Dee 17:00 Why he chose coaching over chasing pro football 19:00 Why ODU O-linemen keep becoming coaches 22:00 Learning the ropes at Western Branch High School 23:30 His coaching philosophy: K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) 27:30 Position coach vs. head coach — and how Madden helped him learn play-calling 30:00 Landing the head coaching job at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 32:30 Building culture and getting O-linemen to camp together 34:00 Public vs. private school football — setting the record straight 37:00 Keeping multi-sport athletes fresh and healthy 42:00 The state semifinal loss and NSA's new motto: "Raise the Stakes" 44:00 Play like it's your last — the Charles Walls story 46:00 Robbie's pitch to parents considering NSA football 48:00 What football teaches you about life 50:00 Family life — his wife Kelly and daughters Riley & Claire 52:00 LIGHTNING ROUND: How he met Kelly (she hit his car) 54:00 Ideal weight room music: Metallica, Disturbed & Pearl Jam 55:30 Zombie apocalypse squad: 3 former ODU teammates he'd bring 56:30 Superstitions and Jonathan Plisco's legendary pregame punt routine 58:00 Best pregame team meals — Spanish rice wins 1:00:30 The one NSA game you have to see this fall (Norfolk Academy rivalry) 1:02:00 Message to ODU fans & memories of beating JMU twice 1:04:30 The William & Mary "All Blacks" jersey reveal — an ODU history nugget 1:05:30 Closing — Go Monarchs
Jul 71h 6m
In this episode, Mike and Justice sit down with Old Dominion University alum Brandon Linney, currently the running backs coach for the Presbyterian College Blue Hose! Coach Linney takes us through his incredible, relentless journey climbing the college football coaching ranks. From starting out as a passionate volunteer student assistant at ODU to coaching at multiple Division I and JUCO programs before the age of 30, Brandon breaks down his philosophy on player development, the "gallon mentality," and what it truly takes to make it in this game. Whether you are a Monarch fan, a Blue Hose supporter, or an aspiring coach, this is a masterclass in perseverance, teaching, and building authentic relationships.
Jun 3054 min
Coach Finny is back with CB and Gary to cover the transfer portal and recruiting. We have updates on the stadium construction and a big scheduling scheduling announcement. Plus we talk about the College World Series and Troy's run to Omaha
Jun 171h 9m
How do NFL teams really build championship rosters? This week, The Monarchists sit down with ODU football pioneer and Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Charles Walls for an incredible conversation about football, leadership, scouting, roster construction, and the journey from the very first ODU football team to helping build Super Bowl champions. Charles shares stories from ODU's early days under Bobby Wilder, working alongside Taylor Heinicke, Thomas DeMarco, Nick Mayers, Ronnie Cameron, and Deron Mayo, breaking into the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, learning from some of the league's top executives, and eventually helping the Eagles build one of the NFL's premier rosters. We also dive into: 🏈 How NFL scouting actually works 🏈 What teams are really looking for in prospects 🏈 Transfer Portal & NIL impacts on NFL evaluations 🏈 Eagles Super Bowl championship culture 🏈 Lessons from Green Bay, Cleveland, and Philadelphia 🏈 ODU's rise from startup program to national brand 🏈 The future of roster building in college football This is one of the most fascinating football conversations we've ever had on The Monarchists. If you love football, scouting, leadership, team building, the NFL Draft, or ODU Football, this episode is for you. 🔵 Subscribe for more ODU Football, ODU Basketball, and Monarch Athletics coverage. #ODU #OldDominion #PhiladelphiaEagles #NFLDraft #NFLScouting #CharlesWalls #ODUFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Why Charles Chose ODU Over Kent State 02:45 Life on ODU's First Football Team 07:00 Building a CAA Powerhouse 08:00 ODU Players Who Don't Get Enough Credit 10:00 Transitioning from Player to Coach 12:00 The Conversation That Changed Everything 13:30 Breaking Into the NFL with Green Bay 18:30 Career Growth & Lessons for Young Professionals 21:30 Why Relationships Matter in Football 24:30 What NFL Scouts Really Do 25:15 Inside an NFL Draft Cycle 28:15 How Teams Handle Scout Disagreements 30:00 Evaluating Character in the Transfer Portal Era 32:30 Why the Transfer Portal Isn't All Bad 36:00 The Hidden Work of NFL Scouting 38:30 Scouting ODU Legend Rick Lovato 40:30 Life on the Road as an NFL Scout 42:00 Charles' Favorite Concert & Jay-Z Story 44:00 Winning a Super Bowl with Philadelphia 45:30 Could NFL Roster Building Work in College Football? 47:00 Why Charles Always Gives Back to ODU 49:00 Seeing SB Ballard Stadium for the First Time 50:30 Rapid Fire Questions 56:45 Final Thoughts & Go Monarchs
Jun 1558 min
ODU Football head coach Ricky Rahne joins The Monarchists to talk spring ball, the importance of summer development, recruiting camps, roster retention, NIL/revenue sharing, offensive line progress, and why Monarch fans should embrace the team in front of them right now. Coach also explains why summer workouts shape the heart and soul of a football team, what ODU looks for during camps, how player leadership develops in June and July, and why the best days of college football can still be ahead. Plus: golf tournament stories, Coach Snodgrass praise, honest recruiting insight, and a surprise wrestling detour at the end. Subscribe, like, comment, and share with Monarch Nation. Go Monarchs! Chapters 00:00 Intro & ODAF shoutout 01:00 Spring ball recap: 15 practices, not 16 02:35 Offensive line progress 04:00 Coach Snodgrass and the importance of summer development 06:45 ODU Football golf tournament 09:50 Football camps and players coaching campers 12:45 What makes a successful summer? 16:20 NCAA recruiting calendar and rule complexity 19:15 What ODU evaluates at camps 23:05 What can be taught vs. what traits are harder to change 25:25 Recruiting measurables and why height exaggerations hurt players 29:25 NIL, revenue sharing, recruiting, and roster retention 34:00 Post-camp evaluations and offer decisions 35:45 Evaluating camp data and long-distance campers 37:00 How ODU treats every camper 38:25 New offensive line coaches 40:45 What ODU fans should do before the season 41:45 “The good old days are never coming back” 44:00 Bonus wrestling talk with Coach Rahne 47:00 Coach Rahne thanks The Monarchists 48:00 Go Monarchs
Jun 848 min
Monarch Nation… this one belongs in the ODU Hall of Fame. Taylor Heinicke finally joins The Monarchists Podcast and delivers an all-time conversation that every Old Dominion fan needs to hear. From the real recruiting story that brought him to Norfolk, to getting thrown into the fire against ranked UMass, to 730 yards in one afternoon, to JMU heartbreakers (for them), to NFL playoff chaos, Busch Light fines, and the moment he knew it was time to walk away from football — nothing is off limits. This episode is raw, hilarious, emotional, and deeply Monarch-proud. Taylor reflects on: - The improbable moments that built ODU Football - His relationship with Thomas DeMarco, Larry Pinkard, and teammates - Life-changing NFL moments (including that Tampa Bay playoff game) - Why he’s retiring — and why Virginia Beach is home next - And yes… the full Busch Light plane story 🍺😅 If you love Old Dominion. If you lived those early ODU Football seasons. If you still get chills thinking about JMU, New Hampshire, or Washington vs Tampa… 👉 This episode is for you. 🎙️ The Best — and ONLY — ODU Podcast 👑 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU 1:00 – Taylor Heinicke finally joins The Monarchists 3:05 – The real story of how Taylor ended up at ODU 6:45 – Late recruiting chaos & betting on himself 9:35 – Arriving as a freshman & the Oregon-style offense 12:40 – Thomas DeMarco injury & getting thrown into the fire vs UMass 16:30 – Campus fame, Heineke shirts & pre-NIL madness 19:05 – 730 yards vs New Hampshire (and surviving the heat) 23:00 – Punting, fake punts & Kevin Byard ending it 26:40 – That JMU scramble + Larry Pinkard catch 31:20 – Transitioning ODU from FCS → FBS 35:30 – Favorite ODU moment (it’s not his play 👀) 38:30 – Wild off-field team stories 41:00 – Golf talk (yes, a lot of golf talk ⛳) 43:45 – Lowest moment → NFL comeback mindset 46:10 – Washington playoff game vs Tom Brady 48:55 – Taylor announces his retirement 🏈❤️ 51:40 – Taylor’s message to Monarch Nation 52:55 – Go Monarchs 👑
Jun 754 min
CB and Gary recap the 2026 season with Coach Finwood. Finny gives us a behind the scenes view of the exit interview process and a stadium update. The guys will be back in June for a recruiting update.
May 261h 21m
CB and Gary recap a series win over JMU and reveal Players of the Week. Then a quick preview of the Sun Belt Baseball Tournament before the fellas head off to Montgomery.
May 1846 min
Darin Kuskie and Nick Sulpizio join to recap a series win over #8 Coastal Carolina. CB, Gary and Coach Finwood look ahead to the final series against JMU and who you should root for this weekend.
May 121h 21m
CB and Gary recap and SBC series win and a week with two walk off victories. Brody Connors and Maddox Jack hop on to tell their ODU story.
May 51h 13m
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the Georgia State series, including the gut wrenching loss on Sunday. The guys look ahead to the final 9 SBC games of the year and what ODU needs to do to make the tournament.
Apr 281h 10m
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 4-0 week with a sweep of Georgia Southern. Monarch outfielders TJ Aiken and Nick Felton hop on to talk about the weekend, Nick's walk off win and what's considered the south.
Apr 211h 28m
RHP JJ Gatti joins this week, fresh off this third consecutive strong start. CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 2-2 week and look ahead to a big weekend series with Georgia Southern
Apr 141h 26m
ODU Baseball Sophomore Efrain Morales joins the guys to talk about his big bounce back from injury. Coach Finny hops on to recap 4 games against Top 10 opponents and the big win Friday.
Apr 71h 23m
Old Dominion fans have had a lot of questions lately about the future of ODU Athletics, NIL, revenue sharing, the AD search, and what Monarchs+ is really supposed to be. In this episode of The Monarchists Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ron Moses, ODU’s Deputy Athletic Director for Student Athlete Advancement, Revenue Growth, and Competitive Strategy, for one of the most informative conversations we’ve had in a long time. Dr. Moses breaks down the current Athletic Director search, why search firms matter, how FOIA can impact executive hires, and what kind of timeline fans should realistically expect. Then we dive deep into the new college athletics landscape, including the difference between traditional NIL and revenue sharing, how ODU is approaching both, and why accountability, infrastructure, and fan experience now matter more than ever. We also get into Complete Champions, ODU’s NIL arm, and the launch of Monarchs+, a new membership model built to give fans more access, more content, exclusive gear, and a more direct connection to Old Dominion Athletics. This is a must-listen if you care about where ODU Athletics is headed and how Monarch Nation can help shape it. Become a member of Monarchs+ and the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation today and support the future of ODU Athletics. https://odusports.com/monarchs-plus#subscribe Subscribe now and stay locked in with The Monarchists, the best and ONLY ODU podcast on the planet. #ODU #ODUAthletics #OldDominion #MonarchsPlus #NIL #RevenueSharing #TheMonarchists Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:28 Meet Dr. Ron Moses 1:00 What Dr. Moses actually does at ODU 2:10 AD search timeline and what fans should know 5:05 Why schools use search firms 8:15 FOIA, airport interviews, and how searches stay private 10:18 NIL vs. revenue share explained 14:12 ODU’s commitment to revenue sharing 18:07 Accountability and building winning systems 22:18 Can ODU win across all sports in this era? 27:18 What Complete Champions actually does 32:20 How local businesses can partner with ODU athletes 33:28 What Monarchs+ is and why it matters 38:22 Building the infrastructure behind Monarchs+ 42:42 Behind the Shield, the new paywall, and fan experience 44:18 Events, access, and what fans can expect from Monarchs+ 47:24 How current supporters can convert to Monarchs+ 51:50 Exclusive gear and sideline apparel possibilities 54:18 Final message to ODU fans 57:18 Closing thoughts
Apr 558 min
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the series at South Alabama. Freshmen pitchers Ben Tanton and Jackson Okonkwo hop on to chat all things pitching, hidden talents and getting the win on Saturday.
Mar 311h 26m
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 2-2 week and a series loss to App State. The guys dive into the pitching staff and how they can get back on the right track. Patrick Johnson joins to talk about earning the win on Friday out of the pen and much more!
Mar 241h 13m
We recap a 1-3 week against ECU and Troy then look ahead to Norfolk State and App State. Outfielder Tyler Zedalis joins to talk about his hot start to the season and growing up in a baseball family.
Mar 171h 22m
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recaps ODU's 2-2 week against UConn and VCU. Catcher Jack Slater joins the pod to talk about baseball and what is lined up for him after his final season.
Mar 101h 18m
The guys recap a 1-2 week against Norfolk State and Charlotte and look ahead to VCU midweek before UConn comes to town. Plus, Coach Finny becomes a grandfather!
Mar 358 min
Monarch Nation — this one is different. In this powerful episode of The Monarchists Podcast , we sit down with ODU alum, retired Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and leadership expert Jason Redman — and if you didn’t know he was an Old Dominion graduate before today… you’re not alone. Jason enlisted in 1992, became a Navy SEAL, later earned selection into the ultra-competitive Seaman-to-Admiral commissioning program, and chose Old Dominion University as his path forward. His journey includes: Elite SEAL leadership Battlefield injury in Iraq The legendary “Sign on the Door” Founding Wounded Wear Launching TurboVets (AI + automation for veterans) Becoming a nationally recognized leadership speaker And helping bring Patriot Hard Seltzer to Virginia But more importantly — this is about mindset . If you: Love ODU and the Hampton Roads community Respect the military and Navy SEALs Are fighting through adversity Want to become the elite version of yourself Believe leadership starts within …this episode is for you. Jason breaks down: How to build an Overcome Mindset Why leadership is about leading yourself first The difference between rank and real leadership What he learned from failure Why comfort is the enemy of growth How to write your own “Sign on the Door” This isn’t just an interview. It’s a masterclass in resilience. 📚 Connect with Jason Redman 🌐 Website: https://jasonredman.com 📖 Books: Trident & Overcome TurboVets (Veteran tech platform): https://turbovets.com 🥃 Patriot Hard Seltzer (Whiskey-based / supporting first responders & veterans): https://patriothardseltzer.com 🎧 Subscribe to The Monarchists — the BEST and ONLY ODU podcast. #GoMonarchs #Overcome #Leadership #Veterans #ODU ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – ODAF Introduction 1:00 – How ODU Fans Discovered Jason Was a Monarch 2:00 – “Who Is Jason Redman?” in 60 Seconds 3:00 – Growing Up in a Family of Service 5:00 – Becoming a Navy SEAL & BUD/S Reality 8:00 – Starting ODU’s Special Operations Club 10:00 – 9/11 & Commitment to Serve 13:00 – SEAL Team Leadership & Elite Performance 18:00 – Enlisted to Officer (Seaman-to-Admiral Program) 22:00 – Failing as a Leader & The Ranger School Redemption 27:00 – Leadership Lessons That Changed His Life 33:00 – The Gunfight in Iraq 38:00 – The “Sign on the Door” That Went Viral 41:00 – Building an Overcome Mindset 47:00 – Trident vs. Overcome — Which Should You Read? 49:00 – TurboVets: Fixing the Veteran Transition System 53:00 – Patriot Hard Seltzer & Supporting Heroes 56:00 – Write Your Own “Sign on the Door”
Mar 259 min
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a weekend sweep of Niagara. Cole Lanford joins after a key outing to complete the sweep. He also tells his comeback story from brain surgery a year ago.
Feb 241h 21m
Mike had the special opportunity to talk with Clarisse Machanguana. The former Lady Monarch had a storied career at Old Dominion, earning CAA Player of the Year and All-American honors on her way to being drafted by the LA Sparks in the WNBA athlete. After a successful professional career Clarisse started the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation with the vision of creating a generation of women leaders who can harness their dreams, potential, and talent to overcome traditional barriers and positively reshape their futures and communities. Her foundation has touched countless lives in Mozambique since its' founding in 2014. Mozambique is dealing with catastrophic flooding, that sadly took Clarisse's home and all of her possessions. In order to continue her work with her foundation, she seeks support to get her life back in order. Please visit the following link to support Clarisse in this effort: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Rebuilding-clarisses-home-after-mozambique-floods?attribution_id=sl:3c6c9f38-62df-4071-ad85-5f24ea752228&ts=1771515920&utm_campaign=natman_today_topbar_ios&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link Chapters: 00:00 Sponsor Message: Old Dominion Athletic Foundation 00:20 Meet ODU Legend Clarisse Machanguana 00:36 Growing Up in Mozambique: Finding Basketball & Belonging 01:59 Breaking Barriers: Civil War, Gender Norms & Becoming a Voice 06:24 Portugal Years: First Big Move and a Path to ODU 09:50 Culture Shock at Old Dominion: Language, Training & Survival 14:41 ODU Dominance: Leadership Lessons from a Historic Run 17:37 Playing for Coach Wendy Larry: Tough Love and Growth 19:42 Sisterhood with Ticha Penicheiro & the ODU Family 21:45 Pro Career & WNBA Draft: Proving Yourself Around the World 24:46 Building the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation: Health, Education & Hope 27:07 UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Impact and Limits 29:25 NBA Africa Partnerships: Basketball as the Entry Point, Not the Destination 31:48 Has Mozambique Changed for Girls? The Work Still Ahead 33:37 Catastrophic Flooding: Losing Everything and Asking for Help 36:29 How to Support + Final Message to Monarch Nation
Feb 2339 min
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the opening weekend series against Quinnipiac, including the new outfield seating. Jayce Park and Connor Schumann join after strong appearances out of the pen on Saturday.
Feb 171h 11m
In this episode, the Monarchists discuss spring ball and recent news for ODU Football. Key topics include the expansion of the scouting department, the impact of JUCO connections, and the returning talent on both offense and defense. The hosts also delve into position battles, focusing on the quarterback, offensive line and wide receiver groups. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 02:20 Scouting Department Expansion 09:44 Future Game Schedules and Rivalries 16:21 Spring Ball Position Battles 26:23 Center Position Battle 28:48 Offensive Line Battle 30:01 Wide Receiver Room Talent 36:53 Kicker Position Competition 39:26 Running Back Room Analysis 41:56 Quarterback and Offensive Strategy 51:03 Upcoming Events and Announcements
Feb 1257 min
Monarch Nation, this was a must-listen episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show. Head Coach Mike Jones joins Aaron and Mike for a deep, honest breakdown of the week that was—what went wrong against ULM, how the team responded against Ohio, and why the next three games inside Chartway Arena will define the stretch run. Coach Jones takes you inside: - The emotional hangover from the road trip - A powerful 6:00 AM practice that reset the culture - Zacch Wiggins’ growth as a true freshman - Cal’s impact when he stays out of foul trouble - LJ’s clutch, ice-cold finish - The goaltending no-call everyone’s still talking about - Scouting Marshall and Georgia State - Game-day preparation during doubleheaders - What he learned from this season so far - Ronnie Valentine’s jersey retirement on Valentine’s Day - Why these final home games matter more than ever Plus: 🎙️ A special message about The Mane Event w/ Coach Mike Jones at Afterglow Brewing on Thursday, 2/19 at 6PM and a plug for our upcoming episode with ODU Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Clarisse Machanguana, Mozambique flood relief, and a rallying call for Monarch Nation. Go Fund Me: Rebuilding Clarisse's Home After Mozambique Floods https://gofund.me/00e5a6e74 The Mane Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6K2q3pGu/ Buckle up. This one has everything. Go Monarchs! ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & ODAF Message 00:45 – ULM Recap: “We Didn’t Answer the Call” 01:55 – Mental Hangover from Texas State 02:35 – Ohio Win & Late Rebounding Surge 03:55 – Chartway Crowd Energy Impact 05:00 – The Goaltending No-Call Breakdown 😬 07:45 – The 6:00 AM Reset Practice 10:05 – Zacch Wiggins’ First Home Start 11:25 – Freshman Development & Work Ethic 12:35 – Finishing Through Contact & Physical Growth 13:45 – Cal’s Impact When Out of Foul Trouble 16:05 – The “Pass of the Year” Moment 17:30 – LJ’s Crunch-Time Takeover 19:50 – 16-of-18 From the Line & Only 6 Turnovers 20:55 – ODAF Mid-Roll 22:30 – Marshall Preview & Doubleheader Setup 24:10 – Game-Day Prep Changes Explained 25:20 – The Mitch Advantage (24/7 Access) 26:55 – Spurs Practice Facility Experience 28:15 – Ronnie Valentine Jersey Retirement ❤️ 29:45 – Georgia State Preview 31:10 – Louisiana Game Reminder (President’s Day) 31:55 – Senior Day Discussion 33:40 – Conference Scheduling Frustrations 35:05 – The Mane Event at Afterglow Announcement 36:45 – Baseball Season & Clarisse Machanguana Tease 🌍 38:20 – Coach Jones’ Message to Monarch Nation 39:55 – Go Monarchs
Feb 1140 min
CB, Gary and Coach Finny preview the season opening series with Quinnipiac this weekend. We've got an update, and photos, of the outfield seats, plus the weekend rotation. Bailey Matela and Kellen Davis hop on to talk dugout chatter and how they are getting ready for this weekend.
Feb 101h 4m
Five straight conference championships. Six straight NCAA Tournaments. And somehow… that still isn’t enough for Dom Manilla 😤🎾 Dom is BACK on The Monarchists Podcast, and as always, it’s equal parts laughs, wisdom, brag-worthy success, and a masterclass in what Old Dominion Women’s Tennis has become. We wrap up another dominant season, dive into recruiting at an elite level, talk pro Monarchs competing on the world stage, break down the new Folkes-Stevens upgrades (including the brand-new scoreboard 👀), and preview a LOADED spring slate featuring Penn State, Wake Forest, Ole Miss, Florida State, and more. Plus: - How ODU keeps replacing All-Americans with… more All-Americans - Why losing sometimes fuels championship runs - What revenue sharing actually looks like in women’s tennis - Why the new student-athlete dining facility is a total game changer - And why the bar now is Sweet 16 or bust If you love winning, development, and hearing how elite programs are truly built — this one’s for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more ODU-only content 👑 Join The Pride of ODU to support Monarch student-athletes 🎟️ Don’t miss the Beavers Family Foundation Scoreboard Dedication - RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-beavers-family-foundation-scoreboard-dedication-party-tickets-1962623858794 Go Monarchs. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome back + Dom Manilla returns 01:00 – Five straight conference titles, six NCAA appearances (and the hunger for more) 04:00 – Recruiting at an elite national level 07:00 – Inbox recruiting, blue-chip talent, and raising the standard 10:00 – Monarchs on the pro tennis tour 14:00 – Facilities upgrades & Folkes-Stevens transformation 18:00 – Student-athlete dining: a total game changer 21:00 – Beavers Family Foundation scoreboard dedication details 24:00 – Spring season kickoff & early results 26:00 – Replacing stars with… new stars 29:00 – Coaching six courts at once: how it really works 33:00 – Lineup rules, protests, and NCAA tennis drama 38:00 – Revenue sharing & NIL in women’s tennis 43:00 – Wake Forest preview + must-see home matches 46:00 – How fans can support ODU Women’s Tennis 48:30 – Final thoughts, gratitude & Go Monarchs
Feb 449 min
This week we preview the hitters and get a glimpse of the opening day batting order with Coach Finny. Scotty Young and Zach Leite join us to talk all things ODU Baseball
Feb 31h 8m
The 2026 season premier of Hudson Homers! Coach Finwood gives us a preview of the rotation and bullpen, including two of the three weekend starters. ODU all-time saves leader John Holobetz joins us from Red Sox camp in Fort Myers to talk about his impressive first season of Minor league ball.
Jan 271h 10m
A special edition of Hudson Homers from Step Up to the Plate. The guys catch up with a few returners and some new faces who will play big roles in 2026. Stay tuned as Hudson Homers ramps up with preview episodes starting next week!
Jan 221h 7m
The Monarchists Basketball Show is back with Head Coach Mike Jones as Old Dominion wraps up a critical road trip and turns the page toward two huge home games at Chartway Arena. We break down the heartbreaker at Georgia Southern, the gritty win at App State, and what Coach Jones learned about his team’s growth, toughness, and maturity along the way. The conversation highlights Jordan Battle’s electric performance, Jared Turner’s confidence and development, and what it truly means to learn how to win in Sun Belt play. Looking ahead, Coach Jones previews: - A massive Wednesday night matchup vs. Troy - A Saturday showdown vs. Louisiana - The jersey retirement of ODU legend Ronnie Valentine - Why alumni weekends, tradition, and fan support matter more than ever This episode is all about growth, belief, and momentum as the Monarchs fight for positioning and prepare for the stretch run toward Pensacola. 🎧 Presented by The Pride of ODU 👉 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU 00:30 – Road trip recap & growth since last episode 01:20 – Georgia Southern heartbreak breakdown 02:50 – Free throws, officiating & attacking the rim 04:45 – Practice focus & late-game pressure 06:05 – Boone, App State & rivalry mentality 07:10 – Jordan Battle’s big night & infectious energy 09:00 – A “maturity win” and learning how to close games 10:30 – Jared Turner’s development & confidence 12:30 – What the team learned from the road trip 14:00 – Troy preview: shooting, defense & adjustments 16:10 – Handling multiple defensive looks 18:10 – Louisiana preview & defensive challenges 20:30 – Ronnie Valentine jersey retirement meaning 22:10 – Alumni weekend & Monarch tradition 24:15 – What fans should see now vs early season 26:15 – February urgency & Sun Belt positioning 27:30 – Final thoughts & Here Come The Monarchs
Jan 2129 min
Old Dominion Basketball Head Coach Mike Jones joins The Monarchists Basketball Show to break down a pivotal Sun Belt road trip, highlight standout performances, and dive deep into what it will take for the Monarchs to stay in the thick of the conference race. Coach Jones walks us through: -The defensive tone-setting win at Coastal Carolina -Robert Davis Jr.’s bounce-back performance and leadership -The heartbreaking finish at James Madison and late-game execution -What discipline really means in tight Sun Belt games -How injuries impact the frontcourt and rebounding -Preparing for major road tests at Georgia Southern and App State -Why every single possession matters in this league This episode is a must-listen for Monarch Nation as ODU battles through one of the toughest stretches of conference play. 🦁 Join the Pride of ODU 👉 https://theprideofodu.com/pages/memberships 🎧 Subscribe for weekly ODU Athletics coverage 👍 Like, comment, and share with Monarch Nation ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU 01:00 – Defensive mindset & fast start vs Coastal 02:10 – Why road trips shape Sun Belt standings 03:00 – Robert Davis Jr.’s impact beyond scoring 05:00 – Creating energy in tough road environments 06:40 – Quick turnarounds & second-time matchups 08:30 – Dominant first half vs JMU 10:00 – Life in the paint without key bigs 12:00 – Robert Davis Jr. injury update 13:00 – Film sessions, ball movement & rebounding 15:00 – Discipline becoming a team identity 17:20 – Coach Jones on Mark Cline’s influence 19:00 – Late-game execution & timeout strategy 23:00 – Breaking down Georgia Southern matchup 26:00 – What to expect at App State 28:00 – Coach Jones’ message to Monarch Nation
Jan 1429 min
Old Dominion Basketball Head Coach Mike Jones joins The Monarchists Basketball Show for an honest, in-depth conversation about where the Monarchs stand as Sun Belt play heats up. Coach Jones breaks down the challenges of a tough non-conference schedule, early-game struggles, offensive flow, defensive execution, rebounding analytics, lineup decisions, and the leadership emerging inside the locker room. He also previews a massive matchup with Georgia Southern and addresses fan questions head-on — from slow starts to young player development to Sun Belt scheduling frustrations. Despite the bumps, one thing is clear: everything the Monarchs want to accomplish is still right in front of them. 🎙️ Real talk. Real insight. Real Monarch basketball. 👇 Get involved, drop your thoughts in the comments, and Go Monarchs. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The Pride of ODU & Show Intro 01:00 – Season reflection since Villanova 02:15 – Non-conference scheduling & roster health 03:40 – JMU win, Coastal & App State lessons 05:10 – Slow starts & early-game focus issues 07:40 – Defensive execution & rebounding fundamentals 10:00 – Offensive flow & ball movement concerns 13:00 – Injuries, rotations & continuity challenges 15:10 – Analytics: box-outs, crashing & idle possessions 18:45 – “I’m gonna get mine” offense discussed 20:40 – Leadership emerging on the roster 24:00 – Young players, rotations & Zacch Wiggins 30:00 – Special teams in basketball & execution lapses 33:10 – What Coach wants to see in the next 3 games 36:00 – Georgia Southern scouting report 40:10 – Sun Belt scheduling frustrations 42:40 – Message to Monarch Nation & closing thoughts
Jan 244 min
The fellas recap Old Dominion Football's 24 to 10 victory over South Florida Bulls in the Cure Bowl, discuss the trip to Orlando and all the bowl game festivities. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Co-Host Welcome 00:26 Recap of Orlando Trip and Bowl Game 00:58 Special Guest: Justice's Take on the Game 02:16 Interview with Cure Bowl MVP Quinn Henicle 04:43 Travel Woes and Comfort Plus Experience 07:34 Pre-Game Events and Tailgate Highlights 09:10 Game Day Walkthrough and Strategy 16:33 Press Box and Field Experiences 24:20 First Half Game Analysis 26:07 Analyzing South Florida's Performance 26:41 Key Moments and Plays 27:11 Challenges Faced by the Offense 30:17 Offensive Line Adjustments 33:42 Behind the Shield and Membership Benefits 35:10 Coaching Changes and Future Prospects 40:16 Reflecting on the Season and Bowl Game 46:17 Fan Engagement and Future Plans 53:08 Senior Leadership and Team Culture 59:21 Final Thoughts and Thank You
Dec 231h 1m
The fellas are joined by Justice of the G5 Hive to preview the Cure Bowl against the USF Bulls and after the break Mike talks with Head Coach Ricky Rahne about the season, his contract extension, the game and more. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Bowl Week Excitement 01:03 Game Preview: Old Dominion vs. South Florida 04:11 Coaching Changes and Their Impact 05:52 Quarterback Spotlight: Gaston Moore 08:16 Offensive and Defensive Strategies 19:43 Fan Events and Social Gatherings 22:16 Coaching Market and Contract Extensions 26:34 Recruiting Success and Future Prospects 30:06 Predictions for the Bowl Game 32:46 Interview with Head Coach Ricky Rahne 34:31 Reflecting on the Season's Achievements 41:19 Bowl Game Preparations and Challenges 51:18 Future of College Football and Personal Reflections
Dec 1556 min
The fellas are joined by Justice of the G5 Hive to discuss their favorite moments of the season, the bowl game in Orlando, signing day, Sun Belt Football coaching changes and more. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Recap of the Georgia State Game 05:21 Season Overview and Reflections 11:31 Favorite Moments of the Season 20:07 Bowl Season 35:23 Coaching Changes Across the League 39:30 Old Dominion's Recruiting Success 49:13 Bowl Game Preparations and Travel Tips 58:14 Concluding Thoughts
Dec 91h 1m
CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap Signing Day for ODU Baseball. We have stadium updates, including the configuration to start the season, along with a potential future home and home with an ACC opponent. Bryce Jones and Casey Gibbs join to give insight on their transition from player to coach.
Dec 11h 8m
🏈 From QB to WR and Back: David Washington on ODU Football, Leadership, and Legacy | The Monarchists Podcast David Washington made history at Old Dominion University — the only quarterback in Monarch history to win a bowl game, the last to lead ODU to a 10-win season, and the definition of a true team-first leader. In this episode, David joins Mike and Aaron to share his story — from his recruitment and first days at ODU, to his transition from quarterback to wide receiver, memories from the Bahamas Bowl, and hilarious locker room stories featuring his teammates. David also reflects on what he’s most proud of as a Monarch, his advice for current ODU players, and life after football as a proud father and youth soccer coach. If you love Monarch Football, nostalgia, and genuine insight into the life of a student-athlete, this is one you don’t want to miss. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: The Pride of ODU and welcoming David Washington 01:00 – David’s recruitment and decision to join Old Dominion 04:00 – Early impressions of ODU and the 757 football culture 05:00 – Redshirting, gaining 50 pounds, and “welcome to college football” moments 07:30 – Transitioning to FBS and new challenges 09:00 – Moving from quarterback to wide receiver 12:00 – Learning both positions and how it changed his mindset 15:00 – Taylor Heinicke’s last throw at Ballard and passing of the torch 17:00 – Building chemistry with Zach Pascal and breakout games 20:00 – Louisiana Tech game and top career memories 28:00 – Lessons from switching positions and leadership 30:00 – Locker room fun, teammates, and legendary lunchroom chaos 34:00 – The atmosphere at Ballard Stadium and “clamshell magic” 37:00 – David’s proudest ODU moments on and off the field 40:00 – In the zone: FAU, Louisiana Tech, and that 2016 team 42:00 – How he wants to be remembered as a Monarch 47:00 – Hall of Fame talk and the case for ODU’s offensive linemen 48:00 – Life after football and coaching his daughter’s soccer team 49:00 – Advice for current and future ODU players 52:00 – NIL talk and his ideal sponsorship (hint: Del Vecchios pizza!) 56:00 – Karaoke night idea and closing thoughts
Nov 2658 min
Monarch Nation, we’re back with another episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show featuring Old Dominion Head Coach Mike Jones! In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Coach Jones opens up about the team’s growth since the early-season road trip — and the fellas don’t hold back. We ask Coach some tough, honest questions about the struggles, lapses, and inconsistencies the Monarchs have shown so far this season, including what’s behind the offensive stagnation, defensive breakdowns, and difficulty maintaining momentum on the road. Coach breaks down the lessons learned from four challenging road losses (Miami (OH), George Washington, Xavier, Drexel) and the positives gained from strong home performances against Randolph, Norfolk State, and Morgan State. He also explains how he’s balancing a roster full of former “go-to guys,” the importance of trust, and why becoming a more connected team is the key to unlocking their true potential. You’ll also get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at ODU’s analytics system — from deflections to punctures to multi-side possessions — and how the coaching staff uses real-time data to guide decision-making. The episode wraps with a preview of massive upcoming road matchups vs Villanova, William & Mary, Richmond, and George Mason… plus a powerful message to Monarch Nation about staying locked in as this team gears up for Sun Belt play. Whether you’re looking for Xs and Os, honest discussions about growing pains, or pure ODU hoops passion… this episode delivers . . . despite problematic hotel internet towards the end. Go Monarchs! ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Monarchists Basketball Show 00:32 – Coach Jones on Team Growth Since Miami (OH) 02:00 – Why Offense Sometimes Stalls & Breaking Old Habits 03:15 – Defensive Struggles: Technique, Trust & Fixing Blow-By Drives 05:20 – Inconsistency & Learning to Play Connected 07:10 – The Miami (OH) First Half & What “Good ODU Basketball” Looks Like 08:00 – Electric Atmosphere vs Norfolk State & Newcomer Reactions 09:00 – Home vs. Road: Fixing Runs & Stopping Momentum Swings 10:40 – Identifying a Leader When Things Go Wrong 11:00 – Zacch Wiggins’ Maturity & Freshman Impact 12:00 – Defensive Technique Deep Dive: Turning Hips vs Stepping Out 14:00 – What High School/AAU Doesn’t Always Teach Defensively 15:50 – Xavier Breakdown: Length, Matchups & Missed Responses 17:00 – Timeout Philosophy & Preparing for Sun Belt Crunch Time 19:00 – ODU’s Analytics System (Deflections, Punctures, Shot Clock Zones) 24:00 – Internet Chaos & Pepper the Dog’s Cameo 26:00 – Closing Thoughts from Mike & Aaron 28:20 – Final Message from Coach Jones 30:00 – Why Monarch Nation’s Support Matters
Nov 2532 min
In this episode, the fellas are joined by Justice of the G5 Hive. We celebrate Old Dominion Football's 45-10 victory over Georgia Southern: discussing the team's impressive performance, including standout players like Devin Roche, Bull Hargrove, and Trequan Jones. They delve into statistical highlights and the significance of the victory for the program. The episode also previews the upcoming game against Georgia State and explores the possible impact of JMU's playoff chances on ODU. With senior day approaching, the hosts reflect on the contributions of key players and the exciting prospects for the remainder of the season. Join us as we break down all things Monarch football and look ahead to what's next. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:29 Celebrating the Victory 02:50 Player Highlights and Performances 06:21 Coaching and Strategy Insights 20:56 Senior Day and Team Culture 31:57 Looking Ahead: Next Game and Season 32:33 Analyzing Georgia State's Offensive and Defensive Stats 34:32 Old Dominion's Offensive Strategy 35:28 Key Players to Watch 40:33 Quarterback Situation and Defensive Pressure 43:02 Georgia State's Struggles and Old Dominion's Strengths 47:08 Bowl Game Speculations and JMU's Playoff Chances 52:26 G5 Teams in the Playoffs: Challenges and Biases 01:01:51 Sun Belt Conference Matchups and Predictions 01:04:26 Final Thoughts and Game Day Preparations
Nov 241h 5m
In this episode, Mike and Aaron recap Old Dominion Football's resounding 33 to 0 win over Troy on national television and preview the trip to Statesboro to take on the Eagles of Georgia Southern. They also analyze key matchups, Georgia Southern's offensive and defensive analytics, standout players, and potential path to victory. Get prepared for kickoff with this episode. Go Monarchs! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:26 Game Highlights and Predictions 01:11 Campus Sports Center Event 02:59 Toys for Tots Drive Success 05:19 Defensive Dominance in the Game 09:29 Player Highlights and Performances 12:01 Coaching and Team Culture 20:30 Fan Reactions and Opinions 27:20 Game Analysis and Final Thoughts 28:06 Controversial Kickoff Play Analysis 30:14 Upcoming Game Preview: Old Dominion vs. Georgia Southern 31:18 Georgia Southern's Offensive and Defensive Breakdown 33:01 Keys to Victory for Old Dominion 34:56 Matchup Insights and Predictions 47:31 Fan Engagement and Watch Party Details 51:39 Support for Old Dominion Athletics 54:12 Final Predictions and Closing Remarks
Nov 1856 min
In this episode, Mike and Aaron are joined by Justice of the G5 Hive to provide a comprehensive preview of Old Dominion University’s upcoming football game against Troy at SB Ballard Stadium. Additionally, they discuss significant updates such as the absorption of the Pride of ODU by Old Dominion Athletics and the Athletic Foundation. The trio delve into various pre-game festivities including a live taping of SportsCenter from Kaufman Mall, a Toys for Tots drive and a drone show. They also analyze key matchups, Troy’s offensive and defensive strategies, standout players, and the potential impacts on recruitment. Don't miss their predictions and an overview of highlights for fans attending the event. Go Monarchs! Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Monarchist 00:46 Updates on NIL Collective and Pride of ODU 01:30 Excitement for Upcoming Football Game 01:57 Festivities and Events on Game Day 04:27 Toys for Tots Game and Community Support 06:57 Military Appreciation and Game Day Logistics 15:19 Recruiting Efforts and JUCO Success Stories 20:30 Matchup Analysis: Old Dominion vs. Troy 28:39 Analyzing Quarterback Performance Under Pressure 31:00 Old Dominion Defense and Quarterback Running Game 35:38 Offensive Strategy Against Troy Defense 44:29 Predictions and Betting Picks 48:29 Final Thoughts and Game Day Preparations
Nov 1150 min
n the Lion’s Den - S2EP06 ft. Tennant McVea | ODU Men’s Soccer Coach on Tournament Push & Kentucky Battle Old Dominion Men’s Soccer Head Coach Tennant McVea joins Aaron and Mike to break down a huge week for the Monarchs — from the rivalry draw at JMU to a gritty comeback vs. #18 Kentucky that sealed their spot in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Coach McVea opens up about ODU’s resilience, tactical evolution, and leadership on and off the pitch, with special praise for standout striker Lewis Rourke. The guys also dig into officiating drama, the physicality of the Kentucky game, and what it’ll take to upset West Virginia this Sunday. Plus: soccer lingo lessons like “handbags” and “tiki-taka” — because every Monarch needs to sound sharp come matchday. 📅 ODU vs. West Virginia – Sunday, 3 PM on ESPN+ 👑 Support ODU student-athletes: theprideofodu.com 🎧 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU 00:45 – Welcome back, Coach Tennant McVea 01:00 – The JMU rivalry match and late equalizer 04:00 – Battling #18 Kentucky: toughness, tactics, and heart 06:00 – Halftime message and second-half surge 08:00 – Lewis Rourke’s clutch goals and growing confidence 11:00 – Preparing for West Virginia in the Sun Belt Tournament 13:00 – Kentucky red cards and refereeing frustrations 16:00 – Adjustments heading into Morgantown 17:30 – What ODU must do to beat WVU 18:00 – Tournament format: golden goal and penalties explained 21:00 – Postseason intensity and legacy moments 22:30 – Women’s team seeding and respect for the grind 25:00 – Soccer talk: “handbags” and “tiki-taka” explained 32:00 – Final thoughts and Go Monarchs!
Nov 733 min