Playmakers with Dave Calabro

IBJ Media Podcast Network
IBJ Media Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Sports
  • Updated Semimonthly

IBJ Media's Playmakers With Dave Calabro features behind-the-scenes conversations with athletes, coaches, executives and leaders connected to Indiana sports. Host Dave Calabro spent 32 years in local TV sports and continues as a track announcer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Each episode digs into the turning points, pressure and decisions behind the wins, plus what these playmakers do beyond the spotlight. New episodes publish twice a month. Presented by Indiana Members Credit Union.

  1. 5d ago

    Gregg Doyel on Sportswriting, Faith and the Colts

    Gregg Doyel has built a career by seeing sports differently, and the IndyStar sports columnist explains how that instinct shaped decades of reporting and commentary. Doyel tells Playmakers host Dave Calabro how reading the Sunday sports page with his father led to a ninth-grade teacher suggesting sportswriting as a career. He recalls answering phones at a newspaper in Macon, freelancing while attending the University of Florida, covering the Florida Marlins for the Miami Herald, and eventually becoming a national columnist before coming to Indianapolis. The conversation turns to what it means to write opinions people disagree with. Doyel rejects the idea that columnists manufacture outrage for clicks and explains why credibility depends on believing what you publish. He also describes how he searches for stories away from the biggest media crowds, including a recent idea connecting Colts receiver Alec Pierce with another downfield target. Doyel reflects on memorable assignments, including writing about Tyler Trent, a Father's Day story inspired by a basketball goal he repeatedly passed along Interstate 74, and an early UFC assignment that led him to try boxing himself. He also talks about his Christian faith and recent baptism, then closes with his outlook on the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers as both teams try to rebound with key players returning. Playmakers is brought to you by IBJ Media and presented by Indiana Members Credit Union.

  2. Sep 18

    Reggie Wayne on the Colts, Hall of Fame and His Coaching Future

    Reggie Wayne never planned to coach. Calling preseason plays for the Colts gave him butterflies he had not felt since retiring. The Indianapolis Colts wide receivers coach sits down with Playmakers host Dave Calabro to discuss teaching young players, Daniel Jones' leadership and whether a head coaching job could be next. Wayne explains why former Colts coach Frank Reich finally persuaded him to return and how Chris Ballard helped him understand that not every receiver can do what he did. He also looks back on losing his brother, Rashad, months before winning the Super Bowl, and the humility that came with that loss. Wayne says being available for his teammates matters more to him than touchdowns, catches or receiving yards. He discusses his Hall of Fame wait without bitterness and why the respect of his teammates means more than a gold jacket. The conversation covers raising four sons without pushing them into sports, the work ethic he learned from his parents, his loyalty to Miami and what NIL would have meant for his college teammates. Wayne also assesses the Colts' experienced receiving group and the urgency of reaching the playoffs while veteran players still have a chance to win. Playmakers is from IBJ Media and brought to you by Indiana Members Credit Union. https://www.imcu.com/

  3. Sep 4

    Colts 2026 Outlook With Radio Analyst Charles Arbuckle

    Indianapolis Colts 2026 expectations take center stage as Charles Arbuckle sizes up the quarterback room, new weapons and a defense that must improve on third down. The former Colts tight end and new Colts radio analyst tells Playmakers host Dave Calabro why Indianapolis still feels like a second home, from his arrival in the early 1990s to the locker room personalities that shaped his playing career. Arbuckle recalls the pain of being released during the 1995 season, the identity shift that followed retirement and how broadcasting and a long career in the pharmaceutical industry gave him a new direction after football. He also breaks down the roster he will cover alongside Matt Taylor. Arbuckle discusses Daniel Jones' return, Anthony Richardson Sr.'s progress, Jonathan Taylor and the running game, the impact of Keenan Allen, Josh Downs and Tyler Warren, and the need for more consistent pressure and third-down defense. He shares what he has seen from DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr., Justin Walley and Cam Bynum, and explains why reaching the playoffs is the standard for success. The conversation closes with Arbuckle's view of Carlie Irsay-Gordon's hands-on leadership and the community culture carried forward by the Colts organization, plus how his years in college football broadcasting prepared him for a full season back in the Indianapolis booth. Playmakers is brought to you by Indiana Members Credit Union - www.imcu.com

  4. Aug 21

    Chris Ballard on the Colts' 2026 Season and Books for Youth

    Chris Ballard puts the Indianapolis Colts' Books for Youth work alongside a candid look at adoption, Daniel Jones' recovery and a pivotal 2026 season. The Colts general manager talks with Playmakers host Dave Calabro at Grand Park about why foster youth have become a lasting focus for his family. Ballard and his wife, Kristin, describe how becoming foster certified and adopting two daughters reshaped their family, and why books can give children both ownership and a new window into what is possible. Steve Fugate of Cargo Services explains how the Books for Youth effort grew from the experience of a foster child who received a box of books. He says the program has reached 11,580 children and now extends to graduation celebrations for young people aging out of foster care. The conversation then turns to football. Ballard says quarterback Daniel Jones has looked strong after surgery and credits the quarterback's work during recovery. He also discusses owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon's hands-on approach to learning football, the pressure surrounding the franchise, the goal of winning the division and making a long playoff run, and a younger defense that he expects to play more aggressively. Ballard says community events help keep the pressure of the NFL in perspective. For him, the work with foster families and the push to build a winner in Indianapolis are both part of giving everything he has to the job. Playmakers with Dave Calabro is brought to you by Indiana Members Credit Union and is part of IBJ Media. - https://www.imcu.com/

  5. Aug 7

    Matt Taylor, the voice of the Indianapolis Colts, on the 2026 Colts: Playoff Urgency, Daniel Jones and Chris Ballard

    Indianapolis Colts training camp arrives with playoff pressure, Daniel Jones returning from an Achilles injury and a roster facing urgent questions on both sides of the ball. Matt Taylor, the voice of the Indianapolis Colts, gives Dave Calabro his assessment of the 2026 team after an 8-2 start ended in seven straight losses and another missed postseason. Taylor explains why the organization believes the early-season offense can return, what Jones showed during spring work, how Anthony Richardson Sr. has handled his trade request, and where the receiving corps must replace Michael Pittman Jr. The conversation also focuses on a defense entering camp with new leaders and uncertainty along the defensive line. Taylor discusses the pressure on Chris Ballard, the need to finish one-score games, and whether Sauce Gardner and the secondary can buy time for a young pass rush. Before the season preview, Taylor traces his path from answering phones for high school score reports to becoming the Colts' radio play-by-play voice. He recalls taking over on short notice for his first NFL broadcast, learning from Indiana broadcasting legends, and managing the preparation required for Sundays while raising a young family. He also explains how team-employed media can remain objective by grounding criticism in reporting and facts. Playmakers with Dave Calabro is brought to you by Indiana Members Credit Union - https://www.imcu.com/

  6. Jul 17

    "Let 'Em Hear Ya": Joey Mulinaro on Sports Impressions and an Indie Comedy Career

    Joey Mulinaro turned sports impressions into a national comedy career, beginning with an Andrew Luck voice that made him recognizable around Indianapolis Colts practices. The Indianapolis comedian and creator tells Dave Calabro how a childhood love of making family members laugh led from Roncalli High School to Ball State University, then home to the University of Indianapolis. A television writing class redirected him from play-by-play broadcasting toward characters, sketches and comedy, followed by an internship at The BOB & TOM Show and long shifts in local radio while he searched for a break. Mulinaro explains how teaming with Benedict Polizzi produced early online sketches, why Andrew Luck's retirement forced him to find a new signature impression, and how a Thanksgiving video featuring Nick Saban reached a national audience. He also demonstrates the voices of Saban, Coach O and Patrick Mahomes while explaining his three-part creative formula: a topical subject, a distinctive voice or mannerism, and a clear comedic hook. The conversation covers the business behind digital comedy, including brand partnerships, contract approvals and the uneven rhythm of creator income. Mulinaro also discusses the challenge of stand-up comedy, his need to prove he can hold a live audience, the THESE GUYS! podcast, and the new material he finds in raising two children. Playmakers with Dave Calabro is brought to you by Indiana Members Credit Union.

  7. Jul 3

    Pat Boylan on Caitlin Clark, the Fever's Title Odds, and the Pacers

    Pat Boylan, the play-by-play voice of the Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers, makes the case for why this Fever team can win a WNBA championship and breaks down what makes Caitlin Clark unlike any athlete he has covered in 12 seasons. Boylan details Clark's on-court competitiveness and self-awareness, compares her media presence to Peyton Manning, and explains why Stephanie White's coaching history gives him confidence in the Fever's second-half potential. He also addresses the Alyssa Thomas incident from the Phoenix Mercury game, the dynamic between Clark and White, and which Fever player has surprised him most this season. On the Pacers, Boylan discusses Tyrese Haliburton's road back from an Achilles injury, the Ivica Zubac acquisition, and what Braden Smith can learn from Haliburton and T.J. McConnell. He also shares the story of the wildest day of his career: waking up in sweatpants at a Saturday morning radio show, then calling a Pacers game at Madison Square Garden that same night after Chris Denari was hospitalized. Boylan grew up in Carmel, Indiana, listening to Mark Boyle and Chris Denari on the radio, interned at local TV stations, attended Ball State University, and paid his dues doing play-by-play in Bismarck, North Dakota before landing with Pacers Sports and Entertainment at age 24. Playmakers is hosted by Dave Calabro and brought to you by Indiana Members Credit Union. - www.imcu.com

  8. Jun 19

    Amp Harris on Indiana Black Expo, Michael Jordan and Resilience

    Amp Harris has spent decades at the intersection of Indianapolis community life and celebrity culture, and his story is far more complex than his famous connections suggest. The promoter, DJ, radio host and founder of the Amp Harris Foundation traces a path from witnessing family tragedy at age 13 to giving toys and resources to more than 18,000 children through his annual holiday drive. Harris discusses his role behind the scenes at the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, scheduled for July 16 through 19 at IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis. This year's outdoor concert lineup includes Indiana native October London, Southern Soul artist King George, and funk group Midnight Star, marking the group's 50th anniversary. Additional programming includes a health fair with more than $4,000 in free screenings, a youth basketball showcase, an education conference featuring Hill Harper, and a corporate luncheon with Oscar-winning actor Delroy Lindo. Tickets and information are available at summercelebration.net. Harris also reflects on growing up in Indianapolis, being bused to Decatur Central High School in the mid-1980s, his early activism alongside mentor attorney Inyufu Bert Elmore, and the faith his mother modeled through unimaginable loss. He shares a candid account of Michael Jordan's relentless competitiveness at a pool table and card game decades ago, and explains why mutual respect, not proximity to fame, has defined his relationships with athletes including Reggie Miller, Edgerrin James and Reggie Wayne. Playmakers is brought to you by Indiana Members Credit Union. - https://www.imcu.com/business

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IBJ Media's Playmakers With Dave Calabro features behind-the-scenes conversations with athletes, coaches, executives and leaders connected to Indiana sports. Host Dave Calabro spent 32 years in local TV sports and continues as a track announcer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Each episode digs into the turning points, pressure and decisions behind the wins, plus what these playmakers do beyond the spotlight. New episodes publish twice a month. Presented by Indiana Members Credit Union.

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