The Hog Pod with Bo Mattingly

Latest Episodes:

214. Colby Hale: The Next Step Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

Did you know, that prior to Colby Hale's arrival at Arkansas, the Razorback soccer program had never been to the NCAA Tournament? Now, they've been nine times in his 11 years in charge. And after back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight, Hale's ready for the program to take the next step. In this episode, we go inside that process—from where it started to where the program is today—as Colby Hale looks to lead Arkansas soccer to its first Women's College Cup.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

213. Marcus Woodson: Grit & Grind Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

Gritty. Tough. Hard-nosed. All words to describe Arkansas co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson. It just so happens they also describe Sam Pittman and the Razorback football program. Which makes Woodson and Arkansas a match in Hog Heaven. Woodson grew up in a hard-working, blue-collar family. That mentality helped him earn a scholarship at Ole Miss. And even though his playing career was cut short by injuries, he's carried that same work ethic into his coaching career. In this episode, we get to know Woodson, what drives him to be great, and what it's like to be the new co-defensive coordinator at Arkansas.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

212. Jimmy Smith: Hard Work Pays Off Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Jimmy Smith has had a rapid ascent through the football coaching ranks. Just five years ago, he was in his fifth season as a high school head coach in Atlanta. Now, he's in his fourth season coaching running backs at Arkansas, and serves as Sam Pittman's associate head coach. Whether it's coaching up Rocket Sanders or heading out on the recruiting trail, his background as a high school coach serves him well. But beyond that, it taught him how to handle adversity—something we all can learn from.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

FROM THE VAULT: Clint Stoerner Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Original Episode Synopsis:

When many people think of Clint Stoerner, they think of the fumble against Tennessee. But shouldn't he be remember for so much more? We sat down with the former Razorback to tell his story—starting with what he's up to now and why he likes coaching (3:00). We go back to how he grew up (9:36) and how he got into football instead of baseball (15:50). Next, he tells us why he chose Arkansas over LSU (21:18) and what it was like when Houston Nutt got hired (25:25). We get into what he remembers about the 1998 Tennessee game, the fumble that everyone talks about and the immediate aftermath (29:53). He talks about what he had to endure from angry fans (36:43), and what he thinks fans think of when they hear his name (42:48). Finally, we talk to Clint about getting redemption against the Vols in 1999 and his story coming full circle (44:05).

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ) & Sawyer Radler

FROM THE VAULT: How Norm DeBriyn Built Razorback Baseball Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

Original Episode Synopsis:

It's the story of how Arkansas baseball went from playing at the fairgrounds to becoming one of the top programs in the country. We visit with legendary Razorback baseball coach Norm DeBriyn, and talk about how he ended up in Arkansas, how he eventually got the head coaching job, teaching Driver's Ed, and how he helped get Baum-Walker Stadium built. We'll also chat with him and current coach Dave Van Horn about when Norm decided the time was right to pass the baton to his former player, and coming so close to winning a national championship.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: Sawyer Radler & James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

211. Jared Wegner: Little League to Big Dreams Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

Jared Wegner's journey hasn't been a straight line. And he's perfectly OK with that, knowing how things have turned out. Wegner's baseball life started from a young age in Kearney, Nebraska, and even included a trip to Williamsport to play in the Little League World Series. But excelling in Little League doesn't guarantee a shot at major college baseball. Wegner ended up at Creighton, where he battled injuries but eventually became a top player for the Blue Jays—all while watching big-time programs play right there in Omaha at the College World Series. So, with a grad transfer available, Wegner bet on himself, and ended up at Arkansas. The hard work paid off for Wegner, who overcame a hand injury in the middle of the season and became a major player for one of the top programs in the country. As Wegner prepares to begin his professional journey, he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest levels, and owes it, in part, to his time with the Hogs.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

FROM THE VAULT: Ryan Mallett Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

As Razorback nation mourns the unexpected and tragic loss of Ryan Mallett, one of the all-time great quarterbacks in school history, we're digging into the vault and bringing back one of our favorite Hog Pod episodes.

Original Episode Synopsis:

Ryan Mallett is one of the best players in Razorback history. But his college career didn't start with the Razorbacks and from his perspective, there was a good reason why. Mallett's talent was evident at a young age. Michigan was the first to take notice and eventually earned Mallett's commitment, but after the legendary Lloyd Carr retired, Mallett's boyhood dream of becoming a Hog began to look like more of a reality. After sitting out a year because of transfer rules, it became clear that Ryan Mallett was a perfect fit for head coach Bobby Petrino. And in 2010, Arkansas made its first-ever BCS bowl appearance. Though there were ups and downs, missteps and misunderstandings. Ryan Mallett gave Arkansas some of its best SEC memories, culminating as an NFL starter and eight year league veteran.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ) / Sawyer Radler

210. Dan Skipper: Larger Than Life Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

At 6-10, Dan Skipper stands out on and off the football field. But his journey from Arkansas to the NFL has been larger than life. A three-star recruit out of high school, Skipper came to Arkansas and quickly assumed a starting role. He would start 47 straight games for the Razorbacks, the second-longest streak in program history. Skipper blocked seven field goals at Arkansas, just two shy of the NCAA career record, and he was a two-time All-SEC selection who played a role in some memorable moments. But a standout college career doesn't equate to immediate success at the next level. At one point, Skipper was making pies, thinking his career was over. After six teams in six years, Skipper finally got his shot in 2022. After emotionally being cut in training camp by Detroit, he got his first career start in Week 2 for the Lions, and made an immediate impact. No matter where his professional journey takes him next, Dan Skipper's story is already larger than life.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

209. Lance Harter: A Legendary Career Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

How do you sum up a legendary career? For Lance Harter, the stats tell the story: 33 years, seven NCAA Championships and 45 SEC Championships. But his impact on the Razorback program—and its student-athletes—goes beyond the numbers. It's about the relationships he's built, how he's treated others, and how he's represented the University of Arkansas. As an incredible career ends, Lance Harter's name now adorns the track at the Randal Tyson Track Center, ensuring that his legacy will live on at Arkansas for years to come.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)

208. Hunter Hollan: Random Pitch Generator Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

Hunter Hollan doesn't take the success he's having for granted. He knows he's come a long way on a journey that hasn't been in a straight line. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted his college choices, and the junior lefty ended up at San Jacinto College for two seasons. But he eventually got his chance at Arkansas, and he's taken full advantage. A guy who can throw five or six different pitches any given night, Hollan has become a weapon for pitching coach Matt Hobbs. Hollan is 8-2 across 14 starts for the Razorbacks, including a stand-out complete-game performance in a big win over South Carolina. Whether he pitches Friday, Saturday or Sunday, he's been ready to bring his best stuff to the mound.

FIND US ONLINE:

Twitter: @HogsPlus

Instagram: @thehogpod

Email: thehogpod@sportandstory.com

CREDITS:

Host & Executive Producer: Bo Mattingly (@SportAndStoryBo)

Producer: Bart Pohlman (@Bart_Pohlman)

Editor, Engineer & Mixer: James Youngblood (@CYoungJ)