“If you treat this field as a job, then you’ll never have success because you will lose the love you have for the work.”
Jason Feirman hosts The Route 4 Sports podcast and writes for The Sports Column. Known as ‘The Sports Prophet,’ Feirman is a veteran sports journalist and broadcaster. I had an opportunity to sit down with him recently. Here’s what he had to say.
On Anchor
McElwain: What’s your advice for aspiring writers and podcasters?
Feirman: The best advice I can give someone looking to get into this business is to find something you’re passionate about and learn all you can about that particular topic, team, and sports. If you treat it like a job, then you’ll never have success because you will lose the love you have in this field. One way to get your foot in the door is to go to a broadcasting school like The Connecticut School of Broadcasting, where they teach you all aspects of radio, TV, and journalism. On a personal level, you should bring excitement, enthusiasm, something unique to viewers and listeners to keep them reading and listening. Don’t be afraid to be bold, but always make sure you have your facts straight.
McElwain: Define podcasting in one word.
Feirman: JOY!
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in 30 years?
Feirman: In 30 years, I hope I’m alive for starters, haha! As a physical education teacher and coach, plus my love for sports, I believe that I’ll have a chance to look back at all the fun I’ve had and the successes in my life. In 30 years, I’ll still be involved in sports and jump off my couch every time my 49ers score a touchdown!
McElwain: What are your favorite moments in sports?
Jason Feirman
Feirman: My top three moments in sports history are the 49ers Super Bowl in the 1994 season, George Foreman defeating Michael Morrer to retain the Heavyweight Title at age 45, and when Terrell Owens caught the game-winning touchdown against the Packers in the 1998 playoffs.
McElwain: What’s the biggest problem in modern sports?
Feirman: The biggest problem in sports is off the field. Social media has taken over the world, and professional athletes are not immune to it. They frequently get themselves and their teams in trouble. And social media is used too often in the heat of the moment when private locker room speeches are being made like Antonio Brown did in the Steelers’ locker room. Athletes need to concentrate on the game and leave social media aside for the most part.
McElwain: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Feirman: The best advice I’ve received in writing is to stick to the topic title. Whatever you title your article, you need to make sure that the first paragraph hits that topic hard. Grab the reader right away with a solid topic sentence. Asking a controversial open-ended question in your first paragraph will make the reader want to keep reading and comment on your article. The other main advice I’d like to share is fact-checking. Nothing is worse than someone reading your article and calling you out on a mistake. Double-check everything!
McElwain: Who was the best person to interview on your show?
Jen Welter (photo, Arizona Cardinals)
Feirman: I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to interview current and retired pro athletes, as well as radio and tv personalities. My favorite was Dr. Jen Welter, who became the first female to get a coaching job with an NFL team (Arizona Cardinals). Jen was recently a defensive specialist for the Atlanta Legends in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) and signed as a running back with the Revolution in a men’s indoor football league. She was a star player in the Women’s Football Alliance as a linebacker. She then moved on to work with different women’s groups and won the 2015 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award for her work in women’s sports. And if that’s not enough, Jennifer Welter has a sports psychology Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in psychology from Capella University. She was a wealth of information, was a great guest, and has inspired many people throughout her incredible life.
McElwain: Lastly, where will sports be in the future?
Feirman: Tough question.
One thing for sure is that technology will continue to be more involved in each sport. I do believe football will look significantly different due to the violence of the sport.
McElwain: It was amazing to interview you.
Feirman: I’m flattered that you asked. It was an honor!
