Heart of a Fan
For sports fans and enthusiasts, Heart of a Fan explores the deep emotional connection between fans and the teams they love.
Host Matthew Barry shares real stories from across the sports world — from the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NWSL, MLS, MLB, and NHL — spotlighting the fan experiences that make community possible.
Whether it’s lifelong supporters, grassroots organizers, or emerging voices in women’s sports, every episode celebrates sports fandom, supporters groups, and the moments that bring people together in the stands.
If you’ve ever felt the heartbreak of a loss or the joy of cheering your team to victory, this show is for you. Because Heart of a Fan isn’t just about sports — it’s about connection, identity, and belonging.
Follow and discover why Heart of a Fan is more than just a podcast—it's a tribute to what makes sports matter.
Heart of a Fan
The 2004 Red Sox - A Win for the Generations
86 years of heartbreak. One unforgettable championship. And a fanbase that changed forever.
In this special 20th-anniversary episode, Heart of a Fan reflects on the 2004 Boston Red Sox and what it meant for fans to finally see the curse broken. From decades of pain to the pure catharsis of that October run, this episode is a tribute to the generational suffering — and generational joy — that made it all matter.
Whether you lived through the comeback or inherited the heartbreak, this is about what happens when “next year” finally becomes “this year.”
If you have a story about how you’ve built a community through sports fandom or wish to record your own unique story of fandom, please feel free to reach out to us at our website, heartofafan.org. If you’ve enjoyed what you just heard, please consider subscribing to get new stories in your inbox every Tuesday.
🎧 New episodes every Tuesday on Spotify, iTunes, or heartofafan.org.