Talking in Ovals

Opinions Podcast Network
  • 4.9 (16)
  • Running
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast dedicated to conversations about Track, Field and everything else in the world of Athletics!

  1. 21h ago

    203. Bobby Papazian | Former Gill St. Bernards Standout Runner and Youth Club Coach

    In Episode 203 of Talking in Ovals, former competitive runner, reluctant lawyer, and youth track coach Bobby Papazian joins us to share the spark that ignited his athletics journey, standout memories from his career, insights from witnessing Mary Cain’s rise (including the people and dynamics around her), and his take on the health of the sport today along with the changes shaping it. Bobby Papazian:   https://www.instagram.com/bobbyppz   https://www.hunterdonlionstc.org/announcements/278097/introducing-hlxc-cross-country   https://www.gklegal.com/attorneys/robert-j-papazian/

  2. 21h ago

    202. Ben Andrus | From Near-Death Heart Scare to Penn Relays Glory

    Episode 202 of Talking in Ovals brings Lyle, Dave and Alex together with Ben Andrus, the standout distance runner who just wrapped an unforgettable career at Haddonfield Memorial High School. From the moment the fire first lit in him to chase the clock and the pack, Ben has collected memories that stretch across seasons of breakthroughs, team glory, and personal grit.  We dig into those early sparks and the moments that still stick with him, then turn to what it really felt like balancing individual ambitions inside one of New Jersey’s most dominant programs. Ben opens up about stepping into leadership, carrying the weight of expectations while lifting the guys around him, and finding the right balance between personal bests and team titles. Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the decision that sent him to Boston College, how far he sees himself going in the sport, and the deeper ways running has shaped the person he is becoming. Through a year that tested him with a sudden, life-threatening heart condition from Lyme carditis and the heartbreaking loss of his father just days before one of his biggest races, Ben kept showing up. The resilience that carried him back to the track and onto the podium at places like the Penn Relays and the Meet of Champions is the same quiet strength that will define whatever comes next. This one is about more than splits and medals. It is about the heart of a runner who refuses to quit.  Ben's Instagram - @ben.andrus

  3. 21h ago

    201. The Best 250 NJ XC/TF Athletes of All-Time | with Jim Lambert & Andy Martin

    Welcome to Episode 201 of Talking in Ovals with your hosts Lyle Smith, Dave Hyatt, and Alex Cuesta. In this episode, we are joined by legendary sports writer Jim Lambert and NJ running legend Andy Martin for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious New Jersey track and field projects ever published. We break down Jim Lambert's recent article for NJ MileSplit, where he ranked the top 250 New Jersey Cross Country and Track & Field athletes of all-time, featuring 125 boys and 125 girls. Together, we discuss:  * The standouts, legends, and criteria behind the top 250 list  * Notable names left off the list and the reasons behind those tough cuts  * Active athletes currently competing who have the potential to crack a future edition of the list Read Jim Lambert's full article on NJ MileSplit here: https://nj.milesplit.com/articles/710229/celebrating-250-of-the-best-njtfxc-athletes-of-all-time Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel for more track, field, and cross country coverage. Let us know in the comments who you think belongs on the list.

  4. Aug 4

    200. Celebrating 200 Episodes of Talking in Ovals!

    Episode 200 of Talking in Ovals is here! We’re celebrating a massive milestone: 200 episodes of conversations about track, field, and everything in the world of athletics with Lyle Smith, Dave Hyatt and Alex Cuesta! In this special episode we kick things off with a full roundup and our honest takes on the 2026 USATF Outdoor Nationals (held at Icahn Stadium in New York). The performances, the storylines, the surprises, and what it all means heading into the rest of the season. Then we dig into the archives and each share our Top 5 Episodes from the very beginning of the show all the way to now, looking back at the guests, the moments, and the conversations that have defined Talking in Ovals over the years. Whether you’ve been with us since episode 1 or just hopped on recently, this one’s for the whole community. Thanks for listening, watching, and supporting the show all the way to 200! Drop a comment with your favorite episode or biggest takeaway from the USATF Outdoor Nationals. We want to hear from you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Follow us for more track and field talk. YouTube: @TalkingInOvals And check out the full podcast wherever you listen! #TalkingInOvals #Episode200 #USATF #TrackAndField #Athletics #USATFOutdoorNationals #TrackTalk

  5. Jul 26

    199. Ray Hoffman | Head Men's and Women's XC/Track & Field Coach at Kutztown

    In this episode, we break down the electric Kerr Mile Record performance l, our full reaction to the historic run, whether any current competitors can re-break it soon, smart marketing angles to sell the story (and the shoe), plus highlights from the other standout races at the meet. We also sit down with Kutztown Coach Ray Hoffman for an inside look at the his journey: the spark that ignites a passion for running, and the unforgettable memories that shape a career from the early days to now. Plus, a deep dive into Coaching at Kutztown University (DII level): the unique challenges of building a program, how roster limits, NIL, the transfer portal, and the upcoming age limit are reshaping college athletics, and exactly what kind of athletes they’re recruiting to thrive in today’s landscape. Whether you’re a runner, coach, parent, or track & field fan, this conversation delivers raw insights, inspiration, and real talk on the evolving sport we love. Join the conversation in the comments: Could the Kerr Mile Record fall again this season? What’s your favorite track memory? If you enjoy authentic stories from the oval, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE to Talking in Ovals for more NJ & national track & field coverage, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Drop your questions for future guests below! #TrackAndField #KerrMile #KutztownTrack #CollegeAthletics #RunningCommunity #NIL #TrackCoach

  6. Jul 16

    198. Special Announcement | Kerr Record Attempt | And More!

    We have a special announcement right off the top to lead the show! This will change the show forever in the best way. The we talk about the mile record attempt by Josh Kerr and much more!  Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the show!

  7. Jul 3

    197. Stella Blanchard | Wilberforce XC and Track Star, National and NJ MOC Runner-Up in the 800

    Join us as we sit down with Stella Blanchard, Wilberforce XC and Track standout, NJ MOC Runner-Up in the 800, national finalist, and All-American. Stella takes us through her athletic journey, from the moment she caught the running spark to the unforgettable memories that have shaped her path so far. We discuss her breakout year on the rise, the key changes in training, mindset, nutrition, and sleep that fueled her big improvements, and how she’s handling the extra national spotlight that comes with elite times. Stella also opens up about how competing in the ultra-competitive New Jersey scene prepared her for the national stage, and whether that tough daily competition was the secret to her success. Finally, we look ahead to next season: her big goals and how she feels about carrying the target as one of the top returners. If you love inspiring high school to college track stories and athlete development, this episode delivers.  Like, subscribe, and tell us what you think in the comments!

  8. Jun 28

    196. NJ MOCs and Nationals Wrap-up with Jim Lambert, Corey Annan & Bakari Tice

    On this episode, we’re joined by Jim Lambert of NJ MileSplit and Corey Annan and Bakari Tice of NJ.com for a deep dive into the current state of high school and college track and field. We start with the new NCAA age rule. What are their first impressions? Will it actually fix anything? And what other changes would they like to see? Then we break down the NJ Meet of Champions: the biggest surprises, the standout performances, and the underclassmen everyone should be watching next season. Finally, we talk about the explosion of national meets. How did New Jersey athletes perform across all the big ones? What are the overall impressions? And is this model of having hundreds of “Nationals” sustainable long term? If you’re into New Jersey track and field, high school athletics, or the future of the sport, this episode is packed with expert insight. Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your thoughts on the new NCAA rule!

See All (204)

4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to conversations about Track, Field and everything else in the world of Athletics!

Information

  • Creator
    Opinions Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    204
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Opinions Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Talking in Ovals

You Might Also Like