1st and Now
153 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsStep inside the office of a professional football team and get an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes. Players, coaches & other special guests will join Matt Baker in studio for a unique look at BC Lions football and other stories in the world of sports.
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Episodes
Lui Passaglia, Sean Millington and Farhan Lalji On Fight To Save SFU Football
April 12, 2023 00:57 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBMatt Baker hosts solo this week and leads a roundtable with Lui Passaglia, Sean Millington and TSN's Farhan Lalji on the cancellation of SFU's football program and the subsequent fight to reverse the decision.
Marcus Sayles On The DB Room, Taking The Next Step in '23 And Living In Vancouver Year Round
April 05, 2023 00:54 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBCFL All-Star Marcus Sayles joins the fellas to talk about a busy offseason in Vancouver, the relationships he's established with Lion teammates and how continuity in the secondary should breed plenty of success on defence in 2023. Matt and Nik also salute the 2023 Wall of Fame Inductees and tease some exciting new developments coming in the den.
Bobby Singh On Suiting Up In Memorable Lions Era, Plus Eventful Time In Both NFL, XFL
March 29, 2023 00:47 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBIn our latest Alumni Series episode, Bobby Singh stops by to talk Lion memories, the dominant stretch he played with the team from 2004-06, being the only player to win championships in the CFL, NFL and XFL plus what it was like being around the 'Greatest Show on Turf' St. Louis Rams team in 1999.
Solomon Elimimian On Getting Hall Of Fame Call, Path To CFL And Great Lion Stories
March 23, 2023 19:57 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBOur Alumni Series continues with Lions great Solomon Elimimian. Number 56 talks about getting the call from Wally Buono that he was part of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class, early adversity which led him to the BC Lions and some of the great memories of his playing days that included a courageous comeback off a devastating injury in the prime of his career.
Hall Of Fame Member Paul McCallum On Lion Memories, Playing In Scotland And Making XFL History in '01
March 08, 2023 02:15 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MBLegendary kicker Paul McCallum joins the podcast to talk about some of his best Lion memories including a big lesson he learned from Lui Passaglia and how it came full circle when Sean Whyte first joined the squad. Paul also talks about winning a World Bowl in Scottland and has some crazy stories of suiting up for Las Vegas in the original XFL.
A Deep Dive Into The Defence
March 02, 2023 03:10 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBThe boys break down a Lions defence that should have some solid depth at each key position. Matt is feeling a bit like George Costanza after his office move while Nik has enjoyed being a Vancouver sports heel, outside of our BC Lions of course.
A Deep Dive Into The Offence
February 22, 2023 02:38 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBMatt and Nik break down the BC Lions offence position by position following the early days of CFL free agency. A couple of intriguing battles loom ahead of 2023 training camp. You will also hear from head coach Rick Campbell who joined Sekeres and Price at the beginning of the week.
Free agency recap, wild Super Bowl stories & a chat with Justin McInnis
February 15, 2023 20:33 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBMatt and Nik are back after a week off to break down a busy couple days of signings in the den. Nik weighs in on some fun Super Bowl stories in Arizona and the fellas also talk to new receiver Justin McInnis on how he plans to contribute with the squad.
Previewing The Frenzy With Giulio Caravatta
February 02, 2023 22:32 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBThe fellas recap a busy few days of signings in the Lions Den plus look ahead to what should be a busy period with free agency opening in less than two weeks. Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta also stops by to discuss what the squad might need when the shopping period officially opens. He also recaps a few memories from his playing days, specifically one trip to Baltimore in 1995.
Takin' Care Of Business & A Chat With Rhymes
January 25, 2023 17:31 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBMatt and Nik break down a busy week of re-signings as the free agent period draws closer. The fellas also speak to Lions receiver Dominique Rhymes on what he has in store following a career-year in orange, plus take a look at this weekend's NFL conference championship games.
2023 Season Premiere With Vernon Adams Jr.
January 18, 2023 17:18 - 52 minutes - 48 MBMatt and Nik are refreshed after a few weeks off and bring you an outstanding episode to kick off 2023. The boys talk to an extremely motivated Vernon Adams Jr. who is ready to do whatever it takes to lead this Lions team back to the promised land. They also go around the CFL and break down a big weekend ahead in the NFL playoffs.
Schedule Breakdown, Manny Rugamba and more
December 14, 2022 16:14 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBMatt and Nik each pick three intriguing games on the 2023 schedule, break down Rick Campbell and Neil McEvoy contract extensions plus some key re-signings and speak with Manny Rugamba on his solid rookie season and everything he learned in adjusting to the CFL.
Bryan Burnham On Retirement, Look Ahead To Next Chapter
December 07, 2022 00:27 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBBryan Burnham joins the program on the day he officially announced his retirement from the Lions after eight outstanding seasons. He reflects on his path to the pros, motivation that kept him going through a tough stretch in 2021 and how he now looks forward to more family time.
The BC 'Snowstorm' Special
November 30, 2022 01:59 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBMatt and Nik are stuck inside on a snowy day and talking about favourite CFL road trip hot spots, plus a decent chat with receiver Alexander Hollins who looks to make bigger strides in 2023 and beyond.
Football, Soul Food and Longhorn Life With Kent Perkins
November 24, 2022 01:18 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBOffensive lineman Kent Perkins joins the show to talk about the season that was, his love for soul food and cooking, plus his great memories playing with the Texas Longhorns. Matt and Nik also recap a great Grey Cup experience in Regina and some of the key moments in Toronto's upset victory over Winnipeg.
Live From Lions Den | Reid Johnson And The MOJ
November 19, 2022 19:50 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBMatt and Nik are back at Lions Den at the 109th Grey Cup in Regina! The guys speak with Reid Johnson from the Markcast and Lions play by play man Bob Marjanovich while also giving their predictions for Sunday's game.
Live From Lions Den | Rick Campbell and Tanya Walter
November 18, 2022 23:20 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBMatt and Nik are LIVE from Lions Den in Regina and the 109th Grey Cup. The boys speak with head coach Rick Campbell who discusses the offseason ahead and defensive assistant Tanya Walter on her first year in Pro Football.
All Good Things Must Temporarily Come To An End
November 15, 2022 02:59 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBMatt and Nik carry the load on this post-Western Final edition of 1st and Now. The guys recap a gutsy effort in Winnipeg and break down an emotional locker room after the loss. With the future bright, the fellas also look ahead and start previewing the 109th Grey Cup between the Bombers and Argonauts.
Duking It Out For The Western Crown
November 09, 2022 01:52 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBA huge episode this week as Matt and Nik break it all down ahead of the Western Final at Winnipeg on Sunday. TSN's Farhan Lalji stops by for some insight on some of the key matchups, plus the boys each give their Lion X-Factors on both sides of the ball.
Previewing The Lions And Stampeders Playoff Dance
November 02, 2022 01:13 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBMatt and Nik break down all of the key components of Sunday's Western Semi-Final matchup with Calgary and look back on a couple of massive wins over the Stamps which helped solidify second place. The boys also speak with Dustin Nielson who will call Sunday's game on TSN.
Rourke Is Back
October 26, 2022 15:35 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBMatt and Nik break down a huge win in Edmonton which locks down a home playoff date, discuss the news of the week in Nathan Rourke returning and break down team award winners announced by CFL.
David Mackie On Path To CFL, Pride In Community Service & Getting Back Into Lineup
October 18, 2022 01:21 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBFullback David Mackie joins the show to talk about recovering from his toe injury, his path to the CFL which started with a 2.5 daily commute to play high school football and his endless community work that includes feeding people on the Downtown Eastside. Matt and Nik also recap a huge win over the Blue Bombers and look ahead to Friday's test in Edmonton where the Lions can lock down a home playoff game.
Then There Were Three
October 12, 2022 01:48 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBMatt and Nik break down the race for second place in the West, recap a very eventful short trip to Toronto plus give some insight on who should come away with Lion and CFL Outstanding Player Awards this season.
Around The CFL With TSN's Matthew Scianitti
October 05, 2022 01:17 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBTSN's Matthew Scianitti stops by to tee up Saturday's Lions-Argonauts tilt and some of the key matchups he likes. The fellas also go around the CFL and break down the races in both divisions as playoff races get more crucial with four weeks to go.
Crunch Time
September 27, 2022 04:07 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBMatt and Nik recap a tough loss to the Stampeders and look ahead to Friday's tilt against Ottawa with REDBLACKS play-by-play man AJ Jakubec. The boys also go around the CFL and break down some special plans for the Orange Shirt Day Game this Friday.
Knocking On The Playoff Door
September 20, 2022 01:26 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBMatt and Nik talk about a big win in Calgary, the guys get fired up over the latest CFL Power Rankings, plus Lions analyst Giulio Caravatta joins the show to talk about what has impressed him the most about Vernon Adams Jr. and a few other noteworthy players.
Saddle Up
September 13, 2022 00:32 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBMatt and Nik are back to preview a big home and home series with the Stampeders, beginning this Saturday at McMahon Stadium. Stamps radio man Mark Stephen joins the program to talk about their recent QB change and what has made both the defence and special teams click so far this season.
Neil McEvoy On Trade Activity, Look Ahead To Final Stretch
September 06, 2022 00:25 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBLions co-general manager Neil McEvoy stops by to talk about a busy few days which included two big trades for the squad. McEvoy also looks ahead to the upcoming eight-week stretch drive and talks about a special excursion with members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Rod Pedersen Talks Roughriders, Broadcast World Changes & More
August 24, 2022 02:25 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBRod Pedersen stoops by to give his thoughts on Friday's Lions-Roughriders rematch and how pressure is on in Riderville with the Grey Cup to be played there in November. Rod also talks broadcast memories and how the industry continues to evolve.
Kicking, Firefighting & The Bachelor With Sean Whyte
August 16, 2022 01:19 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBLions kicker Sean Whyte joins the boys to talk about his heroics in Calgary, the fun vibe around this team, his firefighting progress and how he was once almost a contestant on The Bachelor.
Kelly Bates On Improved O-Line As Lions Prepare For Calgary
August 09, 2022 01:36 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBMatt and Nik discuss a magical performance over Edmonton and the continued legend of Nathan Rourke. Kelly Bates stops by to talk about his improved offensive line and the boys preview a huge test this weekend in Calgary.
Delvin Breaux Sr. On Life With Lions, Return From Serious High School Injury
August 04, 2022 03:19 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBLions defensive back Delvin Breaux Sr. joins the show to talk about life as a Lion, why he chose to come out of retirement and also re-lives a broken neck in high school and how he was able to recover for a shot at pro football.
Ryan Phillips Talks Defence, Regina Memories, Seattle Sports And more
July 26, 2022 02:52 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBDefensive coordinator Ryan Phillips joins Matt and Nik to talk about his group's hot start to the season and the reasons for the early chemistry. RP also previews this Friday's game in Saskatchewan while also talking about memories of Regina from his playing days.
Tacking The Tiger-Cats
July 20, 2022 02:04 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBMatt and Nik welcome in Louie Butko from the Ticats Audio Network for a preview of Thursday's clash with Hamilton. The fellas also go around the CFL following a very exciting week of football and look ahead to this week's slate of games.
Feeling Humbled
July 13, 2022 01:38 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBNo bye week for Matt and Nik as the fellas breakdown Saturday's loss to the Blue Bombers and how it can serve as a humbling lesson moving forward. Defensive back Quincy Mauger also joins the show to talk about his path to the Lions and some big games he played in while with the Georgia Bulldogs.
Dancing With the Defending Champs
July 06, 2022 05:16 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBMatt and Nik are back to preview a huge clash with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday. Wide receiver Keon Hatcher joins the show to break down his solid performance while Darren Bauming from Bonfire Sports TV stops by to talk about the defending Grey Cup champions.
Dominique Rhymes On Huge Start Plus His Off-Field Talents
June 28, 2022 14:40 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBLions receiver Dominique Rhymes joins Matt and Nik to talk about a big performance in the win over Toronto, going back to Ottawa where he has a few special fans and his off-field hobbies which include producing video vlogs.
Teeing Up Boatmen Clash
June 21, 2022 19:23 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBMatt and Nik look ahead to a big week three matchup with the Toronto Argonauts and how the squad looks to build on an impressive opener. The boys also interview Lukas Moore, a Chicago-based podcaster who covered Nathan Rourke during his time with the Ohio Bobcats.
James Butler On 4-TD Performance, Path To The CFL
June 14, 2022 14:49 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBCFL Top Performer of the Week James Butler joins the boys to talk about his big performance in the 59-15 win over Edmonton and how he initially wasn't enamoured with the idea of playing in Canada. Matt and Nik also recap a special night at BC Place and go around the CFL.
John Bowman On Lions D-Line, Growing Up in Brooklyn
June 07, 2022 14:12 - 40 minutes - 37 MBDefensive Line Coach John Bowman joins the boys to talk about his position group, transition into coaching and memories of growing up in Brooklyn and some of the sports heroes he admired. Matt and Nik also recap training camp and look ahead to the regular season opener with Edmonton on Saturday.
Bryan Burnham On Camp Life And Much More
May 26, 2022 16:47 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBFour-Time CFL All-Star Bryan Burnham joins the boys to reflect on his long career with the Lions, first breaking into camp back in 2014 and how his family has provided love and support along the way.
Lucky Whitehead Talks Camp Life, Dog Dad Life And More
May 21, 2022 14:54 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBLions playmaker Lucky Whitehead joins the boys from Kamloops as they talk training camp life, his expanding dog family, memories of the Dallas Cowboys and much more!
Training Camp Preview With Neil McEvoy
May 10, 2022 15:14 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBLions co-GM Neil McEvoy stops by to preview 2022 Training Camp and some of the exciting storylines surrounding Lion rookies and returning vets. 1st and Now broadcasts from the Go Goat Sports studios inside the Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver.
Nathan Rourke's Football Path
May 03, 2022 15:35 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBFrom the Go Goat Sports Studios at Sheraton Wall Centre, Matt and Nik are joined by Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. The new starter talks about life at Ohio University, moving south to pursue his dream and breaks down a rather forgettable tryout with the New York Giants.
Ryan Rigmaiden On Scouting Life, Re-Shaping Roster For 2022
April 21, 2022 01:07 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBMatt and Nik are joined by Lions Assistant GM Ryan Rigmaiden. The boys discuss day-to-day scouting, how the roster has shaped up for 2022 and how Riggs first got motivated to pursue a career in pro football.
Giulio Caravatta On 2022 Squad, Great Stories From Playing Days
April 13, 2022 22:24 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBLions radio analyst Giulio Caravatta on what he likes about this 2022 squad, the difference in QB development in today's game and some great stories on his playing days and first career start for the Lions in Baltimore back in 1995.
Sukh Chungh On Quest For Grey Cup, Sikh Heritage And Giving Back To Community
April 08, 2022 20:53 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBOffensive lineman Sukh Chungh joins the show to talk about closing in on 100 games, Grey Cup hunger and how proud he is of Sikh heritage and giving back to the community.
Sean Whyte On Kicking, Firefighting, The Roxy And More
March 29, 2022 22:34 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBKicker Sean Whyte on returning to the Lions, memories of playing with CFL legends, pursuing a career in firefighting and much more as he joins Matt and Nik to look ahead to the 2022 season.
A Chat With the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie
March 23, 2022 02:57 - 31 minutes - 29 MBLinebacker Jordan Williams joins Matt and Nik to talk about preparation for year two, scary memories of the Ontario Regional Combine as the COVID-19 Pandemic was just beginning and reflection on winning the CFL Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2021.
Don't Call It A Comeback
March 11, 2022 20:04 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBBack for another season! Matt Baker introduces new co-host Nik Kowalski who just arrived at the Lions content team from Winnipeg. The boys speak with head coach Rick Campbell on preparations for 2022, his favourite musical acts and MORE.