Ep. 111 - Hall of Fame Broadcaster Tony Caridi Shares Wisdom
Release Date: 06/14/2024
Ep. 139 - Skip's Quips: The Worst Christmas Gift I Ever Recieved
The Main Thing Podcast
The Worst Christmas Gift I Ever Received Welcome, wisdom-seekers to Skip’s Quips - a Holiday Special Edition! This week on The Main Thing Podcast, we’re doing something a little different — and a little more intimate. No guest. No interview. Just you and me, gathered around a story that has stayed with me for nearly half a century. And it couldn’t be landing at a better time. Today is a week before Christmas, and most of us are feeling the familiar holiday squeeze — the pressure to get it right, to pick the perfect gifts, to keep all the moving parts moving. Before the wrapping paper...
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Ep. 138 - Connector Kathleen Walker Shares Timeless Wisdom
The Main Thing Podcast
In this heartfelt and deeply meaningful wisdom conversation, I sit down with Kathleen Walker—a trusted friend of more than 25 years, a respected leadership consultant, an entrepreneur and one of the most compassionate people I know. Kathleen works with leaders, teams, and organizations to strengthen communication, clarity, and performance. But beyond her professional expertise, Kathleen brings a rare blend of empathy, insight, and lived wisdom that has shaped countless lives—including mine. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, look inward, and lead differently. Lead With Love...
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Ep. 137 - Golf Pro Chris Breed Shares Inspiring Wisdom
The Main Thing Podcast
In this inspiring wisdom‑conversation, I sit down with Chris Breed. He’s not only a top PGA-certified golf instructor, coach, encourager and faith‑driven leader, he is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. FACE Forward - Encouragement, Focus & Faith We explore how Chris’ coaching insights and spiritual perspectives combine to help us live wiser, bolder lives. Chris introduces his “FACE” framework (Focus • Attitude • Commitment • Effort) and shows how it applies not only on the green, but in our everyday journeys of growth and meaning. You will laugh and...
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Ep. 136: Choosing Possibility Over Fear with Lindsay Yellin
The Main Thing Podcast
Today’s wise guest is an entrepreneurial business owner who has lived and worked in Chicago, London and San Francisco. Lindsay Yellin is creative and bold—and she keeps it very real. She’s worked as an executive in high-pressure industries and now helps other executive leaders in similar environments to cope and thrive. When you listen to this episode you will come away with … Tips and techniques for dealing with fear. Practices you can apply right now - today - for coping with stress and uncertainty. Leadership practices and advice on leading your team during tumultuous times. More...
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Ep. 135 - Conversations with My Mentor John (Pt. Four): The Courage to Change
The Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special wisdom mini-series. This four-part project originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. The Courage to Change Part Four features what was, perhaps, John’s favorite story to tell, his favorite wisdom lesson. It showcases...
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Ep. 134 - Conversations with My Mentor John (Pt. Three): A Powerful Phrase for Leaders
The Main Thing Podcast
This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. A Powerful Six-Word Phrase for Leaders Part Three of our our mini-series is the shortest of the four. In it, you will discover one of John’s favorite leadership tools. It’s a powerful, six-word phrase that’s easy to grasp, easy to use and easy to...
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Ep. 133 - Conversations with John (Pt. Two): The Art of Visualization
The Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. The Art of Visualization In Part Two of our our mini-series, John tells one of his favorite stories. It’s the story of...
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Ep. 132 - Conversations with John: Seeing the Struggle as an Opportunity
The Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. In the truest sense this has been two decades in the making. Embracing Adversity with Grace and Resilience Here in Part One our our mini-series, you will hear John share a wisdom lesson with me...
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Ep. 131 - Marine Cmdr. Jake Harriman Shares Unifying Wisdom
The Main Thing Podcast
From Combat Zones to Community Hubs: Jake Harriman's Journey of Servant Leadership I first heard about Jake Harriman by way of his guest appearance on The Jocko Willink Podcast. Immediately I was drawn to his mission, heart and bias for action. Jake Harriman is a former US Marine Commander who spent more than a decade abroad defending our nation from enemies, terrorism and other global threats. But when Jake retired from active military duty and returned to America, in his words, he no longer recognized the nation he had spent so many years defending. Jake quickly saw that Americans were at...
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Ep. 130 - Artist Bryan Boyd Shares Soulful Wisdom
The Main Thing Podcast
Creative expression comes in many forms—and it’s not limited to the arts. Creative expression can be a tremendous, strategic advantage in business, too. The rich, full life of our guest, Bryan Boyd, is a perfect illustration of this wisdom truth. Musical Journeys Meet Marketing Mastery In this rich, colorful wisdom conversation with Bryan Boyd, the ingenious artist and musician, you will discover how someone can blend art, music and entrepreneurship synergistically and successfully. Fresh off a notable performance where he shared the stage with KC and the Sunshine Band,...
info_outlineWelcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.
Voice of the Mountaineers: Tony Caridi on Sports Broadcasting, Love, and Life Lessons
What does it take to be the enduring voice of a sports team and earn the loyalty of its fans? Join us in a riveting wisdom conversation with Tony Caridi, the iconic voice of the West Virginia University Mountaineers, as he shares the secrets behind his captivating career in sports broadcasting.
We explore Tony's journey from New York to Morgantown, his efforts to win the hearts of West Virginians, and the profound wisdom he's gained from broadcasting legends like Jack Fleming. Tony's reflections on building a genuine connection with his audience and the nuances of live reporting bring invaluable insights to anyone interested in the world of sports journalism.
Tony Caridi also opens up about the technical prowess and emotional resilience required to excel in sports broadcasting. Listen as he recounts the memorable highs and lows of covering significant football games, from the Sugar Bowl to the Fiesta Bowl, and the meticulous preparation that goes into creating unforgettable game-day experiences. Tony emphasizes the importance of honoring the institution and maintaining high standards, sharing the lessons he learned from Jack Fleming that have shaped his career and storytelling craft.
Beyond the world of sports, this episode delves into deeper life lessons, exploring Tony's perspective on love, resilience, and faith. This conversation is a treasure trove of authenticity, audience engagement, and timeless wisdom from one of sports journalism's most respected voices.
More About Our Wise Guest - Tony Caridi
Tony Caridi is the voice of the West Virginia University Mountaineers and a professional sports broadcaster whose career encompasses play-by-play commentary on radio and television.
Tony is a graduate of the prestigious Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications. He is a 2022 inductee of the Syracuse University WAER Broadcasting Hall of Fame and a multiple winner of the West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year honor. Tony is also a published author, and he’s the co-host of the popular podcast “3 Guys Before the Game.”
Tony and wife Joan reside in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he joins us today.
So lace ‘em up and get ready. Over the next several minutes you will discover why Tony Caridi is one of the wisest people I know.
Resources
Check out Tony’s podcast 3 Guys Before the Game
Connect with Tony on LinkedIn and Twitter
Tony’s website
Credits
Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss
Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski
PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell
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Episode Chapters
0:03:39 - Thoughts on podcasting and "3 Guys Before the Game"
0:07:09 - Growing up in Lockport, NY; Tony’s early years; family values
0:13:03 - Tony’s love of sports; his calling toward broadcasting
0:15:34 - Broadcasting career and the move to West Virginia
0:19:10 - Following a legend; working beside and learning from Jack Fleming
0:29:48 - Handling the ups and downs of WVU sports teams
0:35:48 - The power of love in life
0:40:50 - Guidance from Jesus for life’s rules