The Hog Pod with Bo Mattingly

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318. Bonnie Deas: Bringing Aussie Grit to Arkansas Jan 05, 2026

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In this week's episode of The Hog Pod, we sat down with Arkansas freshman Bonnie Deas to dive into her journey from Melbourne, Australia to the SEC. From her international basketball background and medal-winning experience with Australia, to carving out a role in Fayetteville through hustle, physicality, and relentless rebounding.

317. Chris Bucknam: Passing the Baton Dec 12, 2025

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In this episode of The Hog Pod, newly retired Arkansas men's track & field coach Chris Bucknam sits down for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about closing out his 18-year run leading one of college sports' most storied programs. Bucknam talks about clearing out his office, leaving trophies where they belong, and wrestling with the memories — the SEC Triple Crowns, 18 podium finishes, two national titles, and the one-point heartbreaks that still stick with him.

He shares candid stories about replacing a legend in John McDonnell, what it felt like to sit in "that chair," and why he always kept a picture of Coach McDonnell on his desk as a daily reminder of the standard he inherited. Bucknam also discusses the challenge of trying to win in all three sports — cross country, indoor, and outdoor — with limited scholarships, and why he believes that philosophy defined his tenure.

He opens up about the changing landscape of college athletics, the transfer portal, NIL, and why the evolution of the sport played some role — but not the main role — in his decision to step away. Ultimately, he says, retirement is about family, health, and passing the program to someone he trusts. Bucknam emphatically explains why longtime assistant Doug Case is the right person to lead Arkansas next, praising his loyalty, calm presence, and technical mastery.

It's a wide-ranging look back at a remarkable career — full of competitive fire, humility, and the perspective that only comes at the end of a legendary run.

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The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com

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316. Ryan Silverfield: All In Dec 02, 2025

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New Arkansas head football coach Ryan Silverfield sits down for his first in-depth conversation since arriving in Fayetteville, opening up about the whirlwind transition from Memphis, the moment he knew the Arkansas job was real, and why he believes the Hogs are primed for a breakthrough.

Silverfield details his unconventional rise—from a career-ending high school injury to becoming the youngest position coach in college football, to seven years in the NFL, to leading Memphis to multiple 10-win seasons. He explains the work ethic that has driven him since age 18 ("I'd do this job for free") and the mentality behind his program's core mantra: ALL IN.

He breaks down how he approaches roster building in the NIL/portal era, how he evaluates current players, and what he's looking for in his staff. Silverfield also shares personal stories—raising 10-month-old identical twin girls, his love for dogs, and a few surprising chapters from his life he's saving for future episodes.

Most importantly, Silverfield delivers a direct message to Razorback fans: he knows the frustration, he embraces the challenge, and he's here to work relentlessly, build relationships, and win championships.

A raw, energetic, and revealing first look at the man now leading Arkansas football.

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315. Taleyah Jones: Out with a Bang Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Arkansas guard Taleyah Jones joins the Hog Pod to share her journey from a Hello-Kitty-loving kid in Tulsa to one of the SEC's most dynamic playmakers. She opens up about growing up in a military family, developing confidence through adversity, and the moments that shaped her — including her 37-point high school performance and learning point guard on the fly as a college freshman. Taleyah reflects on her evolution under Coach Kelsi Musick at ORU, why family proximity mattered, and the emotional decision to follow her coach to Arkansas. Now in her final season, she talks about leadership, team chemistry, and what she hopes to take away from her last year of college basketball. It's an honest, uplifting, and energetic conversation with one of the Razorbacks' newest stars.

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314. John George: The Voice of the Razorbacks Nov 17, 2025

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In this episode of The Hog Pod, we sit down with John George, the iconic voice of Razorback athletics for more than 45 years. From calling women's basketball games on a RadioShack stereo to becoming the PA announcer for Arkansas football, men's basketball, and the SEC Tournament, John shares the unforgettable journey that shaped his legendary career. He reflects on the "adrenaline on steroids" moment he first tried out for the men's job, the pivotal day Nolan Richardson told him to "jazz it up" to match 40 Minutes of Hell, and the biggest game-day moments that still give him goosebumps — from miracle finishes to the electricity of 70,000 fans waiting for kickoff. With humor, humility, and decades of memories, John offers a rare behind-the-mic look at the passion, pressure, and pride that come with being the voice of the Razorbacks.

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This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by Arvest Bank, Dollar Shave Club & South by Northwest Hospitality

313. Keegan Smith: The Save & the Setback Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Razorback goalkeeper Keegan Smith has faced it all — from celebrating an SEC Championship to battling one of the rarest injuries in sports. In this conversation with Hogs+ host Tera Talmadge, Keegan opens up about her small-town New York roots, the family ties that led her to Arkansas, and the powerful influence of her sister and her mom's longtime friendship with Razorback legend Amber Shirey. She also shares what it's been like to sit on the sidelines, support her teammates, and rediscover her love for the game.

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312. Ellen Calipari: Mrs Cal Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Ellen Calipari has spent nearly four decades living life beside one of the biggest names in college basketball. In this episode, she opens up about her journey from small-town Missouri to the center of the college hoops world — sharing what it's really like to be a coach's wife, raise a family through constant moves, and still find humor and grace along the way. From "roommate" and "princess" nicknames to brownies for players and John's quirky superstitions, Ellen gives a rare, candid look at the woman behind the man who never stops coaching.

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This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by Dollar Shave Club & South by Northwest Hospitality

311. Trevon Brazile: This is It Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Trevon Brazile's journey at Arkansas has been anything but straightforward. From explosive potential to frustrating setbacks, the Razorback forward has battled injuries, inconsistency, and expectation. Now entering what could be his final season, Brazile sits down with Matt Zimmerman to reflect on the highs and lows, how adversity has shaped his mindset, and why he's approaching this year with complete freedom and urgency. He opens up about feeling held back in the past, stepping into a leadership role, dragging coaches into the gym, and embracing a "this is it" mentality. In a candid and revealing conversation, Brazile shares what fuels him now—and what he wants his final chapter at Arkansas to look like.

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VAULT: Put Em' in the Heisman Pt. 2—Darren McFadden & Houston Nutt Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

VAULT: To celebrate the announcement of Darren McFadden's #5 jersey being honored, we're bringing back the audio versions of the Hogs+ original film, 'Put Em' in the Heisman'.

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Darren McFadden burst on to the national scene in 2006, winning the Doak Walker Award and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting, behind winner Troy Smith. It was a contentious decision at the time, but it set the stage for a big 2007 season. Despite some off-field drama, the 2007 team found its footing and won five of its last six games, including a season-ending, triple-overtime win against No. 1 LSU in Baton Rouge. And Houston Nutt's postgame interview became instantly iconic. But the Heisman eluded McFadden once again. And it still bothers Arkansans to this day. In Part 2 of our exclusive conversation with Nutt and McFadden, we take you through the 2007 season—from a record-breaking performance against South Carolina to the shock of not winning the Heisman.

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This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality, Arvest Bank & Dollar Shave Club

VAULT: Put Em' in the Heisman Pt. 3—Darren McFadden & Houston Nutt Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

VAULT: To celebrate the announcement of Darren McFadden's #5 jersey being honored, we're bringing back the audio versions of the Hogs+ original film, 'Put Em' in the Heisman'. ____________

Darren McFadden and Houston Nutt were responsible for some of the greatest moments for Razorback football in Arkansas' SEC era. In the first two parts of our exclusive conversation with Nutt and McFadden, we've taken you through the incredible 2006 season, the 2007 upset win over LSU, and McFadden getting snubbed for the Heisman. Now, in this final part of the conversation, the two reflect on what they accomplished and their relationship, which remains strong to this day.

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The full video version of this episode is available exclusively on HogsPlus.com

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This episode of The Hog Pod is brought to you by South by Northwest Hospitality, Arvest Bank & Dollar Shave Club

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