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
Is Fandom the Cure for Male Loneliness?
Men are lonelier than ever — and often afraid to talk about it. Could fan communities be part of the cure?
In 2023, the NYT asked: Is the cure for male loneliness out on the pickleball court?
It sparked a meme. But behind the jokes is something serious: men struggling with connection, stigma, and silence.
This week on Heart of a Fan, we ask: Can sports fandom — tailgates, group chats, road trips, and emotional highs and lows — offer something more?
Hear from fans like James Eastman, Thomas “Grim” Brannon, Nafis Ricks, and Jaguars Fan of the Year Tyler Derby on how their fan communities became a lifeline. We also explore the “online disinhibition effect” — why fans sometimes attack their own — and how we can build more emotionally honest fan spaces.
💛 This episode is dedicated to Raiders fan Kelsey Ramos. Please consider donating to her family and to Grim’s cancer fundraiser via the links below.
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Donate & support featured fans:
→ https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kelsys-kids-through-their-loss
→ https://gofund.me/ada6e76b
Learn more or share your own story:
→ heartofafan.org
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