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
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
What happens when the only professional sports team left in Connecticut — the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun — faces threats of relocation?
In this episode of Heart of a Fan, we explore why women’s basketball in Connecticut is more than just a game. Fans of the Connecticut Sun share what this team means to them, how UConn basketball culture shaped their WNBA loyalty, and what would be lost if the franchise left Mohegan Sun Arena.
You’ll hear lifelong fans reflect on how fandom builds identity, memory, and resilience:
- Why the Sun are essential to Connecticut’s team identity and culture.
- How women’s basketball provides visibility, tradition, and healing.
- What fan rituals reveal about loyalty, resilience, and the future of the WNBA.
This is more than basketball — it’s one of those sports stories that shows how sports fandom creates belonging, connection, and community at a time when loneliness is at an all-time high.
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