The SportEmotions podcast takes the ideas behind the blog further—into real conversations.
In each episode, I speak with fans, media personalities, and experts to explore the sporting moments we all feel—heartbreak, loyalty, and everything in between.
Because when you bring real people into the conversation, you uncover stories and perspectives you simply can’t capture in a blog post.
It’s deeper, more human—and yes, far more entertaining.
On this episode, I’m joined by journalist and author Brendan Kelly to discuss his book Habs Nation: A People’s History of the Montreal Canadiens.
We talk about Brendan’s relationship with the Canadiens, the team’s historic connection to Quebec society, the decline of the Habs’ dominance, and the changing presence of Quebec-born players.
We also explore why the Canadiens continue to inspire such intense passion, and what the future might hold for the team and its fans.
In this episode of the SportEmotions podcast, I speak with Stephen Reysen, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at East Texas A&M University, about the psychology of fans.
What is the difference between fanship and fandom? Why do we value loyalty in sports fans? And why can it be so difficult to walk away from a team, even when supporting it brings pain and frustration?
We explore personal and collective fan identities, bandwagon fans, dysfunctional fan behaviour, and the role of belonging and social connection in fandom.
In this episode of the SportEmotions podcast, I speak with Simon Duke and Jerry Cope, two longtime Fulham F.C. supporters, about what it means to stay emotionally invested in a club that has little realistic chance of winning it all.
Why Fulham? What keeps fans loyal when trophies aren't the expectation? And can the emotional rewards of fandom have little to do with winning?
We explore loyalty, identity, community, and what makes supporting a football club meaningful—even when glory isn't the goal.
In this episode of the SportEmotions podcast, I speak with Kasey Symons, Lecturer in Communication and Sports Media at Deakin University in Melbourne, about gender, fandom, and the evolving culture of sports audiences.
We discuss how women experience sports spaces, the growth of women’s leagues like the AFLW, toxic fan culture, and how women’s sports are reshaping what it means to be a sports fan.
What happens to sports fandom when it becomes your job?
In this episode, I sit down with veteran broadcaster Moe Khan, whose career spans nearly two decades across basketball, football, and university sports. Moe has seen the game from every angle—especially from behind the mic.
We explore the tension between fandom and professionalism—and what it really takes to call a game at a high level.
On this episode of the SportEmotions podcast, I sit down with Daniel L. Wann, a social psychologist at Murray State University and a leading researcher on sports fandom.
We explore the psychological benefits of fandom, including identity, belonging, and well-being, as well as the darker side of fandom and what drives dysfunctional fan behaviour.
Finally, we look at Chicago Cubs fans, where decades of losing became part of the identity—and what happens when that identity is challenged.
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