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 Heart of Black Fandom (w/ Black Diamonds and Comets SC)
What does it mean to build a Black-centered fan space — and what happens when you do?
In this episode, Heart of a Fan features leaders from Black Diamonds and Comets SC to talk about what it means to center Black identity in soccer fandom. From challenging stereotypes to building joy-first spaces, this conversation unpacks the complexity, beauty, and resistance that lives at the intersection of Blackness and sports fandom.
This is about making room for everyone — and building new tables when the old ones don’t fit.
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 other Tuesday.
🎧 New episodes every other Tuesday on Spotify, iTunes, or heartofafan.org.