Beyond the Game Podcast

Beyond the Game
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Diving into BYU athletes’ stories beyond the game! Having played fullback behind legendary quarterbacks such as Wilson, McMahon, and Young, Mike Lacey (1978-1981) witnessed numerous tales of comebacks, acts of courage, and the highs and lows of a team rising to national prominence. Notably, some of his former teammates like Andy Reid and Kyle Whittingham, continue to leave a lasting impact on the game. The purpose of each episode is to share the intriguing stories behind and beyond each team, game, and player. These stories are always meant to inspire and apply to each of our daily lives!

  1. NBA Champion Greg Kite: Bird, Jordan, and the Evolution of the Big Man

    MAY 15

    NBA Champion Greg Kite: Bird, Jordan, and the Evolution of the Big Man

    In this episode of Beyond the Game, host Mike Lacey reconnects with old college friend and BYU legend Greg Kite. From riding motorcycles in Provo to winning championships alongside Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, Greg shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Golden Era of the NBA and BYU’s historic 1981 Elite Eight run. In this episode, we discuss: The BYU Brotherhood: Memories of the training table at the Cannon Center and playing on the same campus as Danny Ainge, Jim McMahon, and Steve Young.   The 1981 Elite Eight: A deep dive into the buzzer-beater win over Notre Dame and the controversial "goaltending" non-call against Ralph Sampson and Virginia .   Life in the Paint: Greg’s role as an "enforcer" and the strategic use of fouls against greats like Bernard King and James Worthy.   The Changing Game: Why Greg prefers watching the college game today and how the "three-point explosion" and analytics have eliminated the mid-range game he grew up with .   Scouting the Future: Greg’s assessment of current BYU stars like AJ Dybantsa and the "premium" need for a dominant center in the modern Big 12 . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    53 min
  2. Jason Buck: Why the Outland Trophy Trumps the Heisman

    MAY 12

    Jason Buck: Why the Outland Trophy Trumps the Heisman

    Host Mike Lacey sits down with BYU legend Jason Buck. A man of intense passion and strong convictions, Jason shares how he overcame personal hardships and coaching politics to become the best interior lineman in college football and a Super Bowl champion. Choosing BYU Over the Giants: The spiritual prompting that led Jason to cancel his commitment to Texas and sign with BYU after a night of fasting and prayer. Overcoming Coaching Politics: The behind-the-scenes story of how LaVell Edwards overrode a position coach to ensure Jason got his chance to start. The Outland vs. The Heisman: Why Jason argues the Outland Trophy is a better representation of the "swath of football" than the Heisman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 8m
  3. Jeff Strong: BYU Baseball’s Legendary 1988 Season & Lessons Beyond the Diamond

    MAY 4

    Jeff Strong: BYU Baseball’s Legendary 1988 Season & Lessons Beyond the Diamond

    In this episode of Beyond the Game, host Mike Lacey sits down with Jeff Strong, a former pitcher and key leader from the historic 1988 BYU baseball team. We dive deep into the records, the camaraderie, and how the "microcosm of sports" prepares us for the biggest challenges in life.   In this episode, we discuss: The Powerhouse 1988 Squad: How this team led the nation in scoring and home runs, including a 33-run explosion in Colorado.   Legends of the Game: Memories of Mike Willis’s 38 home runs and Peter Kendrick’s incredible double-header performance.   The "Suicide Squeeze": A look back at the daring walk-off play that secured the conference championship against Hawaii.   Brotherhood and Loss: The lasting impact of coaches like Bobby Noel and how a shared athletic struggle creates bonds that last 40 years.   Faith and Growth: Jeff shares insights from his book, Torn, and explains why the religious community should be viewed more like a "gym" for growth rather than a "bomb shelter".   Leadership Lessons: Advice from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on using your judgment and "turning your keys" as a leader.   About Our Guest: Jeff Strong is a former BYU baseball standout and "senior statesman" of the 1988 team. Beyond his athletic career, he has served as a mission president and is the author of Torn, a book exploring faith, community, and personal agency. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 22m
  4. Ty Detmer: The Heisman, The Pros, and the Power of Resilience

    MAY 1

    Ty Detmer: The Heisman, The Pros, and the Power of Resilience

    In this episode of Beyond the Game, Mike Lacey welcomes one of the greatest legends in BYU sports history: Ty Detmer. The 1990 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback joins the show to reflect on his storied career. From his multi-sport roots in Texas to the iconic 1990 upset of Miami. Ty opens up about the life of a "coach’s son" and how the mentorship of figures like LaVell Edwards and Norm Chow shaped his own transition into coaching. He also provides a candid look at his time in the NFL, sharing what he learned from coaching rooms that featured greats like Brett Favre, Andy Reid, and Jon Gruden. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    49 min
  5. Shauna Rohbock: From the Soccer Pitch to Olympic Bobsledding

    APR 20

    Shauna Rohbock: From the Soccer Pitch to Olympic Bobsledding

    In this episode of Beyond the Game, Mike Lacey sits down with a true BYU legend, Shauna Rohbock. Widely considered one of the greatest athletes to ever wear a Cougar uniform, Shauna’s journey took her from breaking scoring records on the soccer field to standing on the Olympic podium as a silver medalist in the bobsled. Shauna shares the fascinating story of how a world-class soccer player found herself hurtling down an ice track at 90 miles per hour and why the "nervousness" of bobsled practice is unlike anything else in sports. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    56 min
  6. Ethan Thomason: Navigating the Road Back from Injury Through Process and a Champion’s Mindset

    APR 7

    Ethan Thomason: Navigating the Road Back from Injury Through Process and a Champion’s Mindset

    In this episode of Beyond the Game, Mike Lacey sits down with BYU offensive tackle Ethan Thomas. A highly touted recruit from Fort Collins, Ethan stands 6'8" and 310 lbs, but his journey hasn't been without its trials . After a devastating ACL tear during bowl game practice, Ethan shares the mental and physical hurdles of starting over from scratch. In this episode, we discuss: The "Gentle Giant" Origins: How a "baby giraffe" in 7th grade basketball turned a tough-love moment from his father into an elite work ethic. The Injury That Changed Everything: Ethan walks us through the "GT Counter" play where he felt the dreaded pop and how he handled the immediate aftermath . The Science of Recovery: A look inside the high-tech rehab world at BYU, from Kaiser hydraulic squats to working with the director of mental performance. Process vs. Results: Why Ethan believes that focusing on the "thankless" daily work of an offensive lineman is the only way to reach the top of the depth chart. Family Roots: The influence of his parents—both former NCAA athletes—in helping him navigate the pressures of high-level college football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 1m
  7. Pete Souza: From Villanova Roots to Broadcasting the Biggest Stages in Sports

    MAR 20

    Pete Souza: From Villanova Roots to Broadcasting the Biggest Stages in Sports

    In this episode of Beyond the Game, Mike Lacey sits down with renowned broadcaster and play-by-play announcer Pete Souza. Pete brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the "holiday" that is March Madness. The conversation dives deep into the heart of the NCAA tournament, the shifting landscape of college athletics, and why BYU’s entry into the Big 12 has fundamentally changed the game for the Cougars. In this episode, we discuss: The Magic of March: Pete reflects on growing up near Villanova and how the tournament taught him that "anything is possible" in sports and in life. Cinderella and the NIL Era: Can the "little guys" still compete? Pete and Mike discuss how the transfer portal and NIL are reshaping the underdog narrative. The Big 12 Powerhouse: Why the Big 12 is currently the "second best league in the country" and what it means for BYU to finally have a seat at the table. The Marriott Center Experience: Pete shares his firsthand account of broadcasting from Provo and why the energy in the building is truly "special". A New Chapter for BYU Basketball: Comparing the coaching styles of Mark Pope and Kevin Young, and why the program is perfectly positioned for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min
  8. Ellie Walbruch: Finding Joy in the Journey and the Freedom to Play

    MAR 5

    Ellie Walbruch: Finding Joy in the Journey and the Freedom to Play

    After a year of grueling rehab, BYU soccer star Ellie Walbruch is back on the pitch and playing with more joy than ever. In this episode of Beyond the Game, Mike Lacey and Ellie dive into the incredible "underdog" story of the BYU women’s soccer team and their unforgettable run through the Big 12. From the "infamous pop" of an ACL injury to the pure adrenaline of silencing a home crowd as an 8th seed, Ellie shares the lessons in confidence and resilience she learned along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    44 min
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Diving into BYU athletes’ stories beyond the game! Having played fullback behind legendary quarterbacks such as Wilson, McMahon, and Young, Mike Lacey (1978-1981) witnessed numerous tales of comebacks, acts of courage, and the highs and lows of a team rising to national prominence. Notably, some of his former teammates like Andy Reid and Kyle Whittingham, continue to leave a lasting impact on the game. The purpose of each episode is to share the intriguing stories behind and beyond each team, game, and player. These stories are always meant to inspire and apply to each of our daily lives!

Information

  • Creator
    Beyond the Game
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Copyright
    © Beyond the Game
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Game Podcast

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