The Approach Shot is our golf “flavored” podcast. We call it golf flavored because we talk with our guests about the careers (on and off the field), their lives, their passions and (what sets us apart) their personal golf game.Our guests are athletes, actors, authors, announcers and more. We love to laugh and our guests tell amazing behind the scenes stories that will make you laugh, feel and think. Listen. Enjoy.
He had a whopping 18.5 yards per catch during his NFL career. He was a deep threat that caught touchdowns for the Redskins and played for the Dallas Cowboys and was a deep threat at wide receiver. Now, he talks about it on Bleav in Commanders on the BLEAV podcast network. ANTHONY ARMSTRONG tells stories of never giving up and moments of glory on this terrific episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10/26/25 • 72:49
A prolific home run hitter? YES Stories of his time with the Giants, Twins, Yankees and more? RIGHT HERE Fresh off helping raise over $1m for Sabes Wings, which helps cancer patients who need financial help so they don't have to decide between paying their everyday bills or getting their meds? HELL YEA Great Willie Mays stories? YOU BETCHA When you play in the big leagues for 19 years, you have stories and CHILI DAVIS has stories! Our only regret is that this episode is only an hour. We could have talked all day with the man they call CHILI! If you love baseball, golf or just listening to great stories, this episode is a must listen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10/19/25 • 62:20
Yes, he really is warm, honest, faith-based, funny and Tina Turner's godson to boot. GARY (Big G) LEVINGSTON is our special guest on this episode of The Approach Shot. I'm not sure if we laughed more than we talked about friendship, faith and love. I will tell you this- we got Gary to sing (holy crap!) and make a major announcement about his love life! You will feel like you made a friend when you listen to this extraordinary episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10/12/25 • 70:08
Stories about Nomar, Mo Vaughn and Pedro Martinez? You betcha! Red Sox/Yankees rivalry? Of course Under appreciated teammate? It's right here We also talk golf, his career in the financial world, helping young players and veterans with their money, and yes, we touch on the curse of the Bambino. It's a story-packed, funny and conversation that goes by way too quickly. JOHN VALENTIN is in the batter's box for this episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10/5/25 • 65:12
He was a 5x Pro Bowler. An All Pro Led the league in TD's in TD's TWICE (1984 and 1988) Is one of the heralded Marks Brothers (Mark Clayton and Mark Duper) A member of the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll Member of the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame (but somehow not in the NFL Hall of Fame- how is THAT possible?) Had 582 receptions and 84 TD's in his career What a blast we had talking with the incredible MARK CLAYTON on this episode of The Approach Shot! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9/28/25 • 84:41
He's a 2x Cy Young Winner, a World Series champion and the 1985 World Series MVP. He's also a 3 time All Star and a Gold Glove winner. So BRET SABERHAGEN would be an amazing guest even if all we did was talk about his baseball career. But he turned his love for golf and for his wife Kandace into a phenomenal charity called SabesWings. SabesWings' goal is to strike out medical financial toxicity. Translation? They help people suffering from cancer to pay their everyday bills so that a cancer patient doesn't have to decide between paying for treatment or paying their rent. It's an amazing organization that he and Kandace pour their souls into and we talk about their upcoming event in October in Central California to help raise funds and awareness on this very special episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9/21/25 • 74:32
What a life! DON BEEBE is a 9 year NFL veteran wide receiver and return man. Out of those 9 years, he went to the Super Bowl 5 times an finally won a ring with the Green Bay Packers. He has been a successful coach at Aurora University (currently 51-10 as a head coach), and speaks at churches, businesses, colleges and more. His "Never Give Up" attitude is contagious and his faith has gotten him through some very tough situations. We talk about all of this and hear stories of Marv Levy, Jim Kelly and Brett Favre and more on this funny, uplifting, story-packed episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9/14/25 • 74:32
It's one thing to be one of greatest base stealers in MLB history and a fan favorite. It's another to fall from grace, struggle with drugs, addiction and public ridicule for your actions. OTIS NIXON recovers "out loud", sharing his ups and downs, and how his recovery has fueled his desire to help kids who are facing touch challenges in their lives. It's hard enough to face "Pudge" Rodriguez when trying to steal a base. It's quite another to face your demons openly and turn your experiences into a way to help others. This is a very real and very uplifting episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9/7/25 • 60:39
Remember the Road Runner cartoons? BEEP BEEP! That's how Steelers head coach described DWIGHT STONE'S speed. It's also how we described it and yes, we all did our best Road Runner impressions on the show. We talk about the Steelers, the Panthers, the Jets and some of Stoney's famous teammates. We also talk about Chuck Noll, his impact on his players as well as Coach Bill Parcells. So grab yourself a Mountain Dew (you'll understand when you listen) and enjoy this fun-loving, hilarious episode of The Approach Shot. BEEP BEEP! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8/31/25 • 67:41
He had a terrific major league career with the Phillies, Cardinals, Pirates and White Sox and has amazing stories of a locker room full of guys like Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and Joe Morgan. And his stories of the time with guys like Ozzie Smith and Barry Bonds and the love he has for the city and people of Pittsburgh make this episode full of heart-warming, funny and great tales. And yes, we talk about the Sid Bream slide. Just sit back, listen and enjoy the stories because this is one hell of an incredible episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8/24/25 • 65:11
Here are some odd subjects you may not expect to hear from TOM BERGERON, but are here in this episode of The Approach Shot: Calling Australia on his radio show to hear the toilet flush Talking with 2 of the 3 Stooges when he was 16 years old, because he felt like it The horror of hearing your producer tell you to help with a "nip slip" His self admitting nerd-dom Yes, of course we get into "Dancing With the Stars", sure we talk about "America's Funniest Home Videos", of course we talk "AFV", but there's so much more to our discussion with TOM BERGERON. It's one of our absolute favorite episodes ever, and will be yours too. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8/17/25 • 78:36
So much to cover with DD; he was an All Star, a Silver Slugger winner, he hit a HR in his first World Series at bat. He also replaced Brooks Robinson, the beloved long time 3B in Baltimore. Hear how he dealt with fan reaction, being traded to the West Coast and developing a gorgeous golf course. Those are just a few things we covered on this incredible episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8/10/25 • 64:22
We love when our guests have the same kind of passion for golf as they had for their on-field careers. But quietly and without fanfare, JEFF FASSERO shut even John and Neal up with his golf prowess. This is a terrific baseball turned golfer turned baseball episode. Follow the twists and turns on this amazing episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8/3/25 • 54:33
PHIL SIMMS. You don't really have to say much beyond his name. He's a fierce competitor, whether on the football field, on the golf course or in life. He's also funny as hell, tells some amazing stories (yes, a few Lawrence Taylor stories are mixed in here), and his love and respect for his teammates, coaches, Big Blue, his family and the college that will honor him by naming their stadium after him this fall (Morehead State). It's all here including stories of Bill Parcells, Bill Walsh and so much more. Because, after all, it's Phil Simms. Enjoy this incredible episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
7/27/25 • 77:35
9 YEAR MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYER FOR THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX? ✔️ BECAME A 6 YEAR NFL VETERAN? ✔️ PLAYED IN THE SUPER BOWL? ✔️ BECAME A RADIO HOST? ✔️ A PODCASTER? ✔️ AN AUTHOR? ✔️ AND DOES IT ALL WITH AN EASY STYLE THAT EARNED HIM THE NICKNAME "EZ ED"? ✔️ He's also one of the true nice guys and gentlemen and man, does he tell great stories. You gotta listen to Ed Smith III's incredible episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
7/20/25 • 59:40
165 Big league HR's? Check! Defensive star in the outfield? Yep! After hanging 'em up, he became the manager of the Frederick Keys? You betcha Does he have stories? Well, if you want to hear stories about Roger Clemens, Torii Hunter, Shannan Stewart, and how he played the ball off the "baggie" in the Metrodome, then you know what to do. Download and listen to this hilarious, story-packed episode of The Approach Shot with 10 year Major League Baseball star JACQUE JONES. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
7/13/25 • 57:51
If you stand next to Sammie Coates, you'll feel the energy and can almost see the light from his meteoric rise from college standout at Auburn to his brilliant moments with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But like all bright lights in the sky, his glow faded too soon. But not his sense of humor! That's when THIS meteor took on a new role as football coach and in 5 short years has become the head football coach at Columbia High School in Huntsville, AL. Can Sammie's light shine that bright on a golf course? You'll have to play at the Sammie Coates' Golf Tournament on August 1, 2025 to find out. We talk with Sammie about football, coaching kids and golf on this hilarious, yet humble episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
7/6/25 • 55:47
How do you cover a Hall of Fame career that spanned decades in an hour? You don't, so we talked with Hall of Fame Coach DICK VERMEIL about things that gave him joy; his family, his wines, the fact that his players love and respect him, and how he was able to get the best out of his players. Coach tells stories about his belief in Kurt Warner, his love for his coaches, the incredible story of Vince Papale, his time off the field and in the broadcast booth, his climb to the top of the mountain (winning the Super Bowl) and how active he still is at 88 years young. What a joy and honor is it is have Coach Vermeil spend some time with us on The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6/22/25 • 69:16
First Team All-American? YOU BET (from Dartmouth, no less!) A member of the College Football Hall of Fame? YESSSS! Most sacks in Bengals history? HECK YA! (62. to be exact) Most inceptions in Bengals history? UH HUH (16 if you're counting) The NFL Man of the Year? YES SIR (in 1986) Sports Illustrated's co-Sportsman of the Year? YOU KNOW IT (in 1987) A member of two Super Bowl squad's with the Bengals? SUPER DUPER! A member of the Bengals Ring of Honor? NO. WHATTTTTTTTTT??? Reggie Williams isn't mad, he just wonders why, as do we and so many others. But, Reggie has a lot of other things on his mind, like helping Disney create the Wide World of Sports complex, like fighting the pain every day that his body withstood and the 24 knee operations he needed. Certainly, the fact that his left leg is 3 1/2 inches shorter than his right leg and how his strength and perseverance gets him through each day. REGGIE WILLIAMS' story is one of will, of mental toughness and gratitude. And we're honored to have him as our guest on The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6/15/25 • 72:19
Sure, they are the hosts of The Approach Shot, but John and Neal were both radio personalities first. On air DJ's that spun records. So whenever a big time music act appears on the show, they geek out a little. And what a guest this week! BURLEIGH DRUMMOND (yes the word "Drum" is in his name) the drummer and original founders of the band AMBROSIA ("How Much I Feel", "You're the Biggest Part of Me", "You're the Only Woman", "Holdin' On To Yesterday" takes us for a Magical Mystery Tour of the 50+ of years of AMBROSIA, but also talks about Alan Parsons, Bruce Hornsby, The Beatles and others that have been part of their half century of music. Burleigh also talks about how golf was a big part of his life when he was younger and how he was able to bond with his Dad over golf. **He also got John and Neal's jaw to drop when he shocked us with a story of one of his Dad's friends who used to drop by and teach him golf. It's NOT who you would guess. If you grew up listening to "soft rock" or "Yacht Rock", you're going to love this episode. Or to borrow the title from an Ambrosia song, this episode is Nice, Nice, Very Nice"! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6/8/25 • 65:22
Jason Campbell had a great 9 year NFL career. He played with All Pros, became part of Raider Nation and will always be a War Eagle. But the stories of Southern food, Al Davis and how HGTV's "Home Town" has changed his beloved Laurel, MS are beyond your traditional interview. This was a lively chat with a friend, and when you listen, you'll feel like Jason is your friend, too. This episode of The Approach Shot is as entertaining as it gets! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6/1/25 • 72:23
Want to hear Scott Hamilton do a famous guitar riff? You will! Want to hear Scott drop a name, or two, or three, or four? Oh, he will, but only because they're his friends. Want to hear us all choke up thinking of the loss of Dick Button and the horrific memory of Flight 5342 that crashed outside Reagan National Airport? You will and we aren't afraid to show it. Want to hear the "rest of the story" on how Scott found out he'd be the flag bearer in the 1980 Olympics? You will This episode is wall-to-wall with laughter, emotion, stories and love. You get it all in this incredible episode of THE APPROACH SHOT with our good friend SCOTT HAMILTON. Simply put, we love this man! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
5/21/25 • 63:58
One of the greatest running backs of the last 25 years? YEP A touchdown machine? INDEED Respectful and grateful for having great coaches? YOU BETCHA A Super Bowl Champion? YOU KNOW IT A funny and playful interview? HECK YA! If you think you know Gerald Riggs for plowing through defenses and scoring TD after TD, you only know one side of this amazing man. Take a listen to this episode of The Approach Shot and get to know ALL sides of GERALD RIGGS. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
5/11/25 • 60:29
The world of the NFL isn’t easy, even for a talent like Adrian Colbert. His passion for both football and golf comes through in this highly personal episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
5/4/25 • 50:28
Sure, we talk with All Pro and Pro Bowl wide receiver Carl Pickens (one of the top 50 Bengals of all time) about his time in Cincinnati, his incredible collegiate career that made him an All American at Tennessee, and being 1992's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. You'd have to cover those subjects when talking with Carl. But we also talk with him about being a self-proclaimed mama's boy, loving his Mom's tater tot casserole, and his upcoming 25th wedding anniversary (you HAVE to hear that story). There's a difference between the player and the man, and we're lucky enough to get to know both on this episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
4/27/25 • 59:37
Sure, we talk with All Pro and Pro Bowl wide receiver Carl Pickens (one of the top 50 Bengals of all time) about his time in Cincinnati, his incredible collegiate career that made him an All American at Tennessee, and being 1992's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. You'd have to cover those subjects when talking with Carl. But we also talk with him about being a self-proclaimed mama's boy, loving his Mom's tater tot casserole, and his upcoming 25th wedding anniversary (you HAVE to hear that story). There's a difference between the player and the man, and we're lucky enough to get to know both on this episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
4/20/25 • 57:30
Funny? Hell yes. An actress who has been on show like Will Trent and was in the 2024 Christmas movie "Red One"? That's an affirmative. Writes, directs and acts? Yes, yes and yes And is one of the cast of the funniest thing to happen to golf since Billy Madison and Caddyshack? Yepper! Hannah Aslesen is our hilarious guest this week on The Approach Shot. Get ready to laugh! Seriously! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
4/13/25 • 59:55
We have been fortunate to have multiple NFL all Pros as our guest on the show. We have had many MLB All Stars too. But in 170 shows, we have only had ONE Hall of Famer as our guest and that was PGA Hall of Famer Tony Jacklin. So it is our honor to welcome DWIGHT FREENEY to the show. Dwight is a great storyteller, is an incredible student of the game and has a terrific sense of humor. Especially about his golf game. This episode is a must listen! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
4/6/25 • 69:51
His dad, Mark Patrick (Storen) is a celebrity in Indianapolis (and nationally) for his work on television and the syndicated Bob & Tom radio show. He is also, related to one of the great sportscasters ever; Hannah Storm. But DREW STOREN made his own way by being a virtually unhittable pitcher in high school and at Stanford before pitching in the Majors. In his second year in the big leagues, Storen became the closer for the upstart Washington Nationals and saved 43 games. His love for the game and his 13 year major league career eventually drove him to the fields where dreams are made- in Iowa. There, with his partners, he now bottles whiskey and bourbon (whiskey) with the iconic "Field of Dreams" brand. How does a kid from Indiana go from pitcher to businessman with THAT brand? You'll just have to listen and find out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
3/30/25 • 55:38
Yes, he is a three time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks. Yes he is a two time national champion with the Trojans of USC. But where did the fire and passion come from? LOFA TATUPU credits his family and talks with love and reverence about his dad LOFI TATUPU (who was a star in the NFL with the New an England Patriots). So yes Lofa brings the fire but there’s a soft spot there and you’ll enjoy it all on this episode of The Approach Shot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
3/23/25 • 65:03