Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil

Barry Curtin and Phil Smyth

Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil is your go-to for in-depth sports talk and interviews, led by hosts Phil Smyth and Barry Curtin. Each episode starts with their lively discussions on current sports topics, setting the stage for exclusive, in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, and trailblazers in South Australian sports. Through candid storytelling and revealing insights, Sporting Spotlight lets you hear firsthand about the moments that define their careers and the passion behind their journeys. Dive into the people, the stories, and the heart of South Australia’s sports culture with Bazz and Phil.

  1. Boti Nagy on Journalism, Adelaide Basketball Greats and His Books | S2 E2

    16 MAR

    Boti Nagy on Journalism, Adelaide Basketball Greats and His Books | S2 E2

    In Episode 17 (Season 2 Ep2) of Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil, Phil Smyth flies solo this week with Bazz sidelined by an injury, but the chat is still rolling with one of the great storytellers in Australian basketball, Boti Nagy 🏀 We get into Boti’s life journey, how he found his way into journalism, and what it takes to cover sport properly over the years. Then we have some fun with Boti’s best picks from Adelaide basketball history, the legends who shaped the scene, and the names every Sixers fan knows. We also dive into Boti’s work as an author, the books he’s published, and why capturing the stories of the game matters. 🎙️ Hosted by Phil Smyth 🤝 Proudly brought to you by Air Diffusion Australia 👇 Jump in the comments Who makes your all time Adelaide basketball team? 👍 Like, subscribe, and share it with a mate who loves their hoops.

    57 min
  2. Michelangelo Rucci: Footy Reporter, Radio Voice… and The Media Game | Sporting Spotlight S2 E1

    16 JAN

    Michelangelo Rucci: Footy Reporter, Radio Voice… and The Media Game | Sporting Spotlight S2 E1

    Welcome back to Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil… and this one’s a ripper. In Episode 16, Phil Smyth and Barry “Bazz” Curtin sit down with the one and only Michelangelo Rucci, legendary footy journalist, longtime chief footy writer, and now SEN drive host… for a wide-ranging chat that goes way beyond the back page. A massive thanks to our great mates at Air Diffusion Australia, the best air conditioning company in Australia… if not in the world. When the boss walks in and the air con is working in 10 seconds, you know you’re in good hands. 😄 In this episode, we cover: • Rucci’s journey from Adelaide to New York, including the US Open grind and big international assignments • Why he disappears to Italy every year, work hard, reset hard • The shift from old-school journalism, phone calls, facts, deadlines… to instant news on X and endless opinions • Accuracy, accountability, and the reality of sources playing games behind the scenes • Hall of Fame selection debates, why stats can mislead… and Roo’s idea for a “stat free round” • Picking the first 3 stars for the Tassie team, plus big calls on Port Adelaide, Josh Carr, and the club’s list strategy • The Matthew Nicks contract question and why clubs should stop panicking about external noise • Rapid-fire favourites, dream events, dream dinner guests… and a few laughs along the way 👍 If you enjoyed it, like, share, and subscribe, it helps the show a ton. 🎧 Listen to more Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil on YouTube and your podcast apps.

    1hr 15min
  3. Brett Maher: Boomers Star, 36ers Legend… and Now an Author | Sporting Spotlight Episode 15

    30/11/2025

    Brett Maher: Boomers Star, 36ers Legend… and Now an Author | Sporting Spotlight Episode 15

    From basketball royalty to the world of teen adventure fiction, Brett Maher joins Bazz and Phil for a wide-ranging chat that goes well beyond the court. He shares the story behind his brand new book The Adventures of Jack Gibson, an Indiana Jones meets Stargate-style adventure for young readers, and how the idea came to life during COVID. Brett opens up about the creative process, the Golden Wizard Book Prize, and plans for a four-part series. We also hear about the early days of his career, including a devastating ACL injury at 16, a near miss with a US college scholarship, and the mental toll that came with rebuilding himself as a player. The conversation shifts to Brett’s loyalty to the Adelaide 36ers, where he played 18 seasons and captained three championships. He reflects on turning down major offers from overseas, the moment his name was put on the Brett Maher Court, and the difficult decision to step away from the club during a turbulent period. Brett also shares his views on the current 36ers roster, what’s changed in today’s game, and the key role his family played in every major career decision. To round things out, we dive into his time with the Boomers, his most admired teammates, and what it meant to finally see Australia break through for an Olympic medal. Brett finishes with some brilliant advice for young athletes on how to train with intent, push out of their comfort zone, and hold themselves to elite standards. It is the same mindset that took him from the backyard to the world stage. 📚 The Adventures of Jack Gibson is out early December. Available on Amazon and all good bookstores. 🎥 This episode was proudly recorded at Garton Plastics. Huge thanks to Gary Thompson and the team for their support. 🙏 Big thanks to our sponsor Air Diffusion Australia, the best air conditioning company in the country. 👇 Like, comment, and subscribe to help us keep shining a light on Aussie sporting legends.

    32 min
  4. Ashes Banter and Blazing Laughs with Wayne “Flipper” Phillips | Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil

    09/11/2025

    Ashes Banter and Blazing Laughs with Wayne “Flipper” Phillips | Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil

    Bazz and Phil are back in the hot seat and this week it’s all about cricket with one of the sharpest minds in the game. Wayne “Flipper” Phillips joins the boys for a massive Ashes chat packed with laughs, insight, and a few cracking stories. From captaincy calls to Travis Head’s future, the pull of T20 money versus the pride of the Baggy Green, and why test cricket still hits different. Plus, Phil drops a hilarious story about his first ever golf shot that ended up making the news for all the wrong reasons. Tell us your take in the comments. Like, share, and subscribe, it helps the show heaps. Key topics • Steve Smith’s captaincy return and Travis Head’s next step • The lure of T20 money versus the pride of the Baggy Green • Who Australia can’t leave out for the Ashes • England’s biggest weapons and why Wood and Archer still scare everyone • Gaz the GOAT and the art of spin under pressure • The Barmy Army and the spirit of the game • Phil’s unforgettable golf day disaster • Why the Redbacks have everyone’s attention again Hosts: Phil Smyth and Barry Curtin Guest: Wayne “Flipper” Phillips Thanks to our mates at Air Diffusion Australia for backing the show. #ashes #cricket #WaynePhillips #FlipperPhillips #AustralianCricket #TestCricket #SportingSpotlightPod #BazzAndPhil #SportingSpotlightPodcast #philsmyth #barrycurtin #AirDiffusionAustralia #CricketPodcast #CricketStories #SouthAustralia #SACA #Redbacks #BarmyArmy

    48 min
  5. Bazz vs Phil on GF entertainment, umpires, and cricket’s top order | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 13

    07/10/2025

    Bazz vs Phil on GF entertainment, umpires, and cricket’s top order | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 13

    Where have we been? On todays episode the boys discuss where they have been over the past few months, Football Grandfinals and General Sports Talk

    49 min
  6. Terry Lindblom Returns, Secrets from Sport, TV & Music | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 12

    25/08/2025

    Terry Lindblom Returns, Secrets from Sport, TV & Music | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 12

    🎙️ In this episode of Sporting Spotlight, Bazz and Phil welcome back Terry Lindblom, the man behind Vegas Promotions.....One of Australia’s most colourful and influential promotion companies. From rock bands to sporting heroes, TV stars to comedians, Terry has worked with some of the biggest names in Australia and beyond. He returns to share more outrageous and unforgettable stories from his decades in the game. You’ll hear about his wild times with Mark “Jacko” Jackson, his legendary tours with Ted Whitten, hilarious tales with Greg Ritchie, insights into Sam Newman, and plenty more characters from footy, cricket, music and media. Packed with laugh-out-loud yarns, behind-the-scenes stories, and Terry’s unfiltered take on the entertainment industry, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves sport, showbiz, or just a cracking story. ⏱️ Timestamps: • Interview Start: 00:46 • Mark “Jacko” Jackson Stories: 01:11 • Ted Whitten & Curly Austin: 06:45 • The End of Port Adelaide Luncheons: 11:36 • Greg Ritchie Tales: 14:20 • Sam Newman Stories: 16:32 • Nicknames & Footy Club Legends: 26:30 • Never Working With Them Again: 44:16 • Wrapping Up with Vegas Promotions: 49:14 🙌 Thanks to our amazing sponsor Air Diffusion Australia. 🙌 Huge thanks to everyone who continues to support Sporting Spotlight. 🔔 Like, share, and subscribe to keep the Spotlight shining #sportingspotlightpod #terrylindblom #vegaspromotions #sportsagent #australiansport #sanfl #afl #cricketaustralia #philsmyth #barrycurtin #sportpodcast #entertainmentindustry #australianmusic #tvstars #rockbands #footystories #sportslegends #comedy #gregritchie #samnewman #markjackson #tedwhitten #sportsbusiness #behindthescenes #aussielegends #locallegendsaustralia #footyhistory #cricketpodcast #footylegends #sportingstories #australiansportspodcast

    56 min
  7. Phil Smyth: Olympics, NBL Glory and That Magic Johnson Moment | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 10

    04/08/2025

    Phil Smyth: Olympics, NBL Glory and That Magic Johnson Moment | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 10

    🎙️ This week on Sporting Spotlight, we flip the script. Barry takes the reins and interviews his long-time co-host and Aussie basketball icon Phil Smyth. Phil shares stories from a life in sport..... captaining the Boomers at four Olympic Games, winning three NBL championships as coach of the Adelaide 36ers, and everything in between. He opens up about: Choosing basketball over footyHis journey through the Olympic GamesThe highs and lows of coachingThat infamous Magic Johnson momentHis current work in AFL with the Brisbane Lions A rare look behind the scenes with one of Australia’s most respected sporting minds 🙌 Thanks to our sponsor Air Diffusion Australia 🙌 Big Thanks to The Glenelg Golf Club for hosting us! 🙌 Intro/Outro music by @kayneandreasmusic 🔔 Like, share, and subscribe to keep the Spotlight shining

    41 min
  8. Jason ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie: 201, Baggy Green Mayhem and Coaching Chaos | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 9

    04/08/2025

    Jason ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie: 201, Baggy Green Mayhem and Coaching Chaos | Sporting Spotlight Podcast Episode 9

    Whether you remember him steaming in at the SCG or raising his bat for one of cricket’s most talked-about double centuries, Jason 'Dizzy' Gillespie’s story is unlike any other. A true student of the game, he’s seen it from every angle. As a player, a coach, and now a thoughtful voice in the commentary box. This episode dives into the grit, the glory, and the great yarns behind one of Australia’s most unique cricketing journeys. Bazz and Phil sit down with Jason Gillespie to talk cricket, coaching chaos in Pakistan, Vegemite emergencies, and everything in between. 🙌 Thanks to our sponsor Air Diffusion Australia 🙌 Big Thanks to Air Diffusion Australia for hosting us! 🙌 Intro/Outro music by @kayneandreasmusic 🔔 Like, share, and subscribe to keep the Spotlight shining

    58 min
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About

Sporting Spotlight with Bazz and Phil is your go-to for in-depth sports talk and interviews, led by hosts Phil Smyth and Barry Curtin. Each episode starts with their lively discussions on current sports topics, setting the stage for exclusive, in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, and trailblazers in South Australian sports. Through candid storytelling and revealing insights, Sporting Spotlight lets you hear firsthand about the moments that define their careers and the passion behind their journeys. Dive into the people, the stories, and the heart of South Australia’s sports culture with Bazz and Phil.

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