Game Callers with Troy Langstaff

Troy Langstaff

If you ever wondered what it takes to become the voice behind a sports broadcast, well I have fantastic news. Game Callers with Troy Langstaff talks about just that and more! Each episode, I’ll sit down with veteran sportscasters, rising stars, or industry insiders to explore their career journeys, unforgettable moments, and how technology is reshaping the way we experience sports. Whether you're a die-hard fan, aspiring broadcaster, or just love a good story, this podcast gives you an all-access pass to the people who bring the game to life.

Episodes

  1. Mar 24

    Game Callers Ep #7: Daniella Ponticelli

    Episode #7 of Game Callers features guest Daniella Ponticelli. Daniella started her career as a journalist with the Brandon Sun in 2012 and started working in sports in 2018 with various professional leagues in Saskatchewan. She has worked with broadcasters like TSN, Sportsnet, CBC, Amazon Prime, etc. and has covered IIHF events, Olympics, PWHL, NSL and more. We talk about her early career, transition into sports, and experiences at the Olympics, preparing for big moments, dealing with technical challenges and advice for aspiring broadcasters. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:36) Daniella's First Job Out of Journalism School (04:13) Transitioning from News to Sports Broadcasting (07:40) Covering Tragic Events in Journalism (13:20) The Shift from News to Sports (19:16) Adjustments when Calling Different Sports (22:13) Continuous Improvement in Broadcasting (26:27) The Experience of Working on Olympic Games (30:33) Differences Between an Olympic Broadcast Feed and a Home Show (33:26) Connecting with the Audience Remotely (35:31) Working Remote and Only Seeing What the Camera Gives You (38:25) Leaning on Your Colour Commentator (40:54) Planning and Preparation for Olympic Coverage (42:30) Working on the PWHL's Inaugural Game (46:28) Pre-Writing Lines for Big Moments (49:55) Do You Have a Favourite Call of Your Own (53:10) What Makes a Great Call Great?  (58:08) Working Towards Trying New Sports (01:01:12) Daniella's Start in Hockey Broadcasting (01:09:26) Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters: Empathy and Authenticity

    1h 12m
  2. Feb 26

    Game Callers Ep #6: Reed Duthie

    Episode #6 of Game Callers features guest Reed Duthie. Reed is the director of Broadcasting and Communications for the Brantford Bulldogs. He has 17 years of play-by-play experience covering a wide range of sports including hockey, baseball, football, MMA, roller hockey and more. We talked about the importance of nerves, overcoming challenges during broadcasts, and the value of feedback from fans and colleagues. This episode also includes a few rounds of Name That Call while Reed also shared some of his favourite moments in his career. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:05) Auditioning for the Gig while at Mohawk College (05:46) The Balance Between Nerves and Execution (06:40) The Importance of Nerves in Broadcasting (07:56) Finding the Rhythm When You're "Off" (09:07) Strategies for Overcoming Mid-Game Challenges (10:19) Reed's Start with Cable 14 (12:20) Reed's First Live Soccer Broadcast (14:30) Troy's First Live Broadcast (and mistake) (15:54) Reed's First TIme Hosting an AHL Game (18:56) Feedback and How to Use it to Improve Your Call and the Broadcast (24:42) Critiquing Yourself and What to Look For (29:23) The Connection Between Wrestling and Commentary (31:00) Do You Sit or Stand and How it Can Affect Your Call (32:35) Bruins Broadcasting Influences (36:16) Influences and Inspirations in Broadcasting (38:39) Name That Call #1 (41:41) Name That Call #2 (43:29) Name That Call #3 (46:33) Reed's Favourite Days in the Booth (51:17) Quick Fire Questions (57:59) Understanding Your Value as a Broadcaster

    1h 3m

About

If you ever wondered what it takes to become the voice behind a sports broadcast, well I have fantastic news. Game Callers with Troy Langstaff talks about just that and more! Each episode, I’ll sit down with veteran sportscasters, rising stars, or industry insiders to explore their career journeys, unforgettable moments, and how technology is reshaping the way we experience sports. Whether you're a die-hard fan, aspiring broadcaster, or just love a good story, this podcast gives you an all-access pass to the people who bring the game to life.