Braves Country Convos

MLB.com

The newest official podcast of the Atlanta Braves! Join hosts Jori Palmer and Lauren Sadd for some fun, lighthearted, and unexpected discussions as they interview guests with strong Braves Country ties about the things that connect us all. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just love a good story, you’ll find laughs, insight, and community right here. 

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    BravesVision’s Wiley Ballard

    On this episode of Braves Country Convos, hosts Jori Palmer and Lauren Sadd sit down with BravesVision broadcaster Wiley Ballard for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation that dives into both his personal journey and his passion for the game. Wiley shares how his love for sports first took shape—even if his own playing career peaked with roller hockey—and reflects on the moment he realized broadcasting could be his path. From being a self-described “theater kid” to learning how to prepare, ask the right questions, and develop his on-air voice, Wiley gives an inside look at the work that goes into the role. The conversation also explores his journey through Georgia Tech, working throughout college, and the importance of networking, timing, and persistence in breaking into the industry. Jori and Lauren also dig into Wiley’s career turning points—from his early jobs to his big breaks—and what it really takes to go from “cashier to reporter.” Plus, Wiley shares his thoughts on current Braves storylines, his deep love for Braves Country, and the influence of figures like Brian Snitker on his perspective of the game and life. It all wraps up with a fun rapid-fire segment, giving fans a glimpse of Wiley’s personality off the field—from favorite players to the most random fan interactions. Whether you’re an aspiring broadcaster or a die-hard Braves fan, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs along the way.

    1hr 12min

  2. 11 MAR

    Braves Radio Network’s Ben Ingram

    Ben Ingram from the Braves Radio Network sits down with Jori and Lauren in this latest episode of Braves Country Convos. Ben talks growing up in Mississippi, his path to broadcasting in the bigs, his offseason adventures, and more!

    54 min

  3. 25 FEB

    Terri Weiss

    Terri Weiss, wife of Braves Manager Walt Weiss, joins the show to discuss life on and off the field for a baseball family! Plus, Jori and Lauren share some very important (and exciting) personal news.

    45 min

  4. 25/11/2025

    Former Professional Football Player and Sports Anchor DJ Shockley

    Former professional football player and current sports anchor DJ Shockley joined today's episode of Braves Country Convos. DJ chats about his football career, his turn into the broadcast world, and balancing his family life.

    50 min

  5. 29/10/2025

    Maria Taylor

    Sportscaster Maria Taylor joins the show this week. From her Georgia roots and UGA days to her career path and motherhood, no topic was off-limits in this chat!

    32 min

  6. 25/09/2025

    FDSN’s Executive Producer Gretchen Kaney

    Today’s guest is someone whose name you might have heard over the years if you’re an avid watcher of Braves games – Gretchen Kaney. Gretchen is a trailblazer in the sports production industry and currently serves as Head Producer of Atlanta Braves games on FanDuel Sports Network. She knows this baseball team better than any of us, is an incredible leader, and currently one of three female producers in Major League Baseball. We think you’ll adore her as much as we do!

    47 min

  7. 25/09/2025

    Athletes Unlimited Softball League Chief Development Officer Allie Kleva

    Allie Kleva, who is helping pioneer the incredibly popular Athletes Unlimited Softball League, sits down with Jori for this episode. As a former softball player and now a softball mom, this conversation was especially meaningful to Jori, and after listening to her chat with Allie, we hope you’ll be an avid supporter of the AUSL...and fingers crossed we’ll get a pro team down here in Braves Country!

    33 min

  8. 25/09/2025

    Charlie & Sarah Culberson

    Jori and Lauren sit down with a man everyone in Braves Country adores, former Brave, Charlie Culberson. But to make it even better, we invited his gorgeous and talented wife Sarah to the conversation. If you didn’t already love Charlie and Sarah enough, after our convo, you’ll love them even more. They were honest and real at a time when popular culture values the opposite of that, and it was so fun to hear their stories from early in their relationship and see how far they’ve come.

    1hr 12min

  9. 25/09/2025

    Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald

    A super special guest joins the show! Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald, a native Atlanta kid and former travel baseball player, sits down with Jori and Lauren. Mike talks his Georgia background, his unique career path, and the way he approaches not only his high-pressured job, but also his personal life.

    46 min

  10. 25/09/2025

    MLB Network Host/Reporter Lauren Shehadi

    ​This guest was at the top of our list when we first had the idea for this podcast. If you watch MLB Network, you know her by her shiny gorgeous hair and bright smile, or maybe you’ve seen her covering the MLB on TBS or running all around the March Madness tournaments. She's sports reporter and host, Lauren Shehadi! Lauren was so genuine and kind, and she’s now solidly number one on our list of favorite sports reporters. We think you’ll become as obsessed with her as we are!

    37 min

  11. 25/09/2025

    Meet Your Hosts: Jori and Lauren

    Introducing the newest official podcast of the Atlanta Braves: Braves Country Convos! Meet your hosts, Jori Palmer and Lauren Said. Jori is the Director of Marketing & Advertising at the Atlanta Braves. Lauren is the Braves in-game host and a sports reporter. Learn about the two newest faces featured on a Braves podcast!

    46 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

The newest official podcast of the Atlanta Braves! Join hosts Jori Palmer and Lauren Sadd for some fun, lighthearted, and unexpected discussions as they interview guests with strong Braves Country ties about the things that connect us all. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just love a good story, you’ll find laughs, insight, and community right here. 

Information

  • Creator
    MLB.com
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 MLB Advanced Media
  • Show Website
    Braves Country Convos

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