New Local Podcast Shines a Spotlight on Smith County Sports

October 15, 2024

A new podcast is making waves in Smith County, providing local athletes with the recognition they deserve. The Dugout Dads Local Sports Podcast, launched in August 2024, is dedicated to covering all sports at Gordonsville High School and Smith County High School. Co-hosted by Michael Hughes and Jonathan Parker, with Matt Inyart serving as the producer, the podcast brings a fresh perspective on the athletic talent in the community.

The weekly live show is held every Sunday evening at Nobel’s Restaurant in Carthage, where local coaches and athletes are invited to discuss their recent games and seasons. Whether it’s football, basketball, golf, volleyball, or even cheerleading, no sport is left uncovered.

Michael Hughes, one of the podcast’s founders and co-hosts, shared the inspiration behind the podcast: “We started this podcast to bring recognition to all athletes and coaches of all sports in this county. They all deserve it from football to basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, golf, cross country, and cheerleaders. If we can accomplish this just a little then we are doing what we set out to do.”

The origins of the podcast began with a simple conversation between Michael and Jonathan. “Michael and I were talking one day, and he made mention about wanting to start a local sports podcast,” Jonathan explained. “He asked if I’d have any interest in doing it, and I jumped at the opportunity. Our area is saturated with athletic talent, and we want to highlight those athletes.”

Both Michael and Jonathan have coached multiple sports within the county, giving them unique insights into the local athletic scene. They began recording remotely, but the podcast has since grown into a live show at Nobel’s Restaurant, where fans can watch in person and interact with the hosts and guests.

Jonathan Parker adds: “Our local athletes deserve the recognition, and we are enjoying every minute of it. We hope everyone is enjoying the Podcast, where our skills are questionable, but our spirit is unstoppable.”

Producer Matt Inyart plays a crucial role in the podcast’s success, managing production and bringing technical expertise to the table. The team is constantly learning and refining their process to improve the quality of the show.

Covering sports from high school to college and professional levels, Dugout Dads has quickly become a community favorite. Each episode not only highlights individual athletes but also fosters a sense of pride in Smith County’s sporting achievements.

With its casual yet passionate approach, the Dugout Dads Local Sports Podcast is set to become a staple in local sports media, giving both athletes and fans a platform to celebrate the love of the game.

Be sure to catch the next live show at Nobel’s Restaurant in Carthage this Sunday evening, and tune in for interviews, recaps, and all things Smith County sports.

Follow Dugout Dads Local Sports Podcast on Facebook or Spotify.