Not to take away from anyone who enjoyed this podcast, but I personally didn’t like the way the pod host conducted the “conversation”, as he called it. Felt like he was trying to be friends with Parker instead of doing his job, which was interviewing her. Not that he can’t be friendly, but the tone was a little cringey, like he was trying to be overly friendly, and there was very little actual digging into interesting storylines. As soon as Parker made a slight inclination of resistance to talking about her situation with her new coach, he changed subjects and never brought it up again. Like, you won’t at least ask if there’s anything going on there?
Several times the host expressed negative opinions about the way certain “media” groups conduct themselves in the sport, as if he somehow does it better. The funny part was he contradicted his own opinions on this. E.g. he complained the media always brings up Katelyn when interviewing Parker—then proceeded to do exactly that in his interviewing. Also told Parker he doesn’t believe the “mix zone” is a healthy media practice and didn’t partake in it at NCAAs despite having credentials—then Parker told him he should use it next time and he was basically like “oh yeah I definitely should!” Just felt like he was sucking up to her so bad.
there is absolutely nothing wrong with a plain old interview. You’re not reinventing the wheel by sucking up to your interviewee— you’re just not getting the most out of your interview. Believe it or not, we listen to these podcast types because we want to hear answers to interesting, deep, and sometimes challenging questions. There is always from for friendliness, but professionalism is the other side of the coin in this field. Do not neglect it in the hopes it might earn you points with Parker Valby.