Panthers Back in the Playoffs & Life Covering Sports in Charlotte | Joey Ellis

Описание: On this episode of Couzin’s Conversations, I’m joined by Joey Ellis of Queen City News in Charlotte, breaking down one of the most unexpected seasons in the NFL and what it’s been like covering a major sports market up close.

We dive into the Carolina Panthers’ wild run to the playoffs, the energy around Charlotte hosting its first postseason game in eight years, and a full breakdown of the Rams–Panthers matchup. Joey also shares what’s surprised him most about this Panthers team — and why the city feels different right now.

Beyond football, Joey opens up about covering NASCAR in the heart of racing country, adapting to new sports, and the rewarding challenges of working in a big-time market. We also go back to his roots in Michigan, his time at Michigan State, building relationships with legends like Tom Izzo, and getting his start in production at ESPN right out of college.

We wrap things up with a conversation about competitiveness, tennis, and the lessons that translate from sports to a career in journalism.

👍 Like, subscribe, and let me know what stood out to you most from this episode in the comments.

📍 TIMESTAMPS

0:00–0:22 — Teaser clip
0:23–0:31 — Show intro

0:32–1:03 — Introductions
1:04–2:03 — Panthers’ wild path to the playoffs
2:04–3:16 — Most surprising part of Carolina’s season
3:17–3:55 — Brief Bears mention (Ben Johnson) & Joey politely refrains as a Lions fan
3:56–6:30 — Breaking down Rams vs. Panthers playoff matchup
6:31–8:12 — Buzz around Charlotte hosting its first playoff game in 8 years

8:13–9:46 — Joey’s familiarity with NASCAR before moving to Charlotte
9:47–10:40 — Getting to know NASCAR as a beat
10:41–12:00 — Top NASCAR moment he’s covered so far

12:01–13:42 — Most rewarding part of working in a major sports market
13:43–15:45 — New responsibilities at Queen City News & pushing outside comfort zone
15:46–17:13 — Gaining access to pro athletes & handling those moments

17:14–20:26 — Michigan roots & starting his career close to home
20:27–22:56 — Michigan State experience & getting to know Tom Izzo
22:57–24:18 — Covering March Madness

24:19–28:16 — Working in production at ESPN right out of college
28:17–29:39 — Where Joey’s love for tennis came from
29:40–32:31 — Playing tennis in high school & how competitiveness helps his career

32:32–33:12 — Where to follow Joey & find his work
33:12–33:21 — Outro

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