For many of us, being a dedicated Lions fan goes far beyond investing a few hours each weekend yelling at the television. We read articles, follow beat reporters on X, and listen to a wide variety of fan podcasts.
Roar Roundup is proud to introduce you to a new series of blog posts where we highlight some of the best Lions-related podcasts in all of #onepride. This week’s Podcast of the Week is the Not the Same Old Lions Podcast with Matthew Soltysiak. Not the Same Old Lions Podcast features views and insights from coaches, journalists, and fans as they break down Lions news, preview opponents, and recap games.
Matthew Soltysiak was kind enough to join me for a DM interview to share how he got started, what he loves about the Lions, and what #onepride should know about the show.
Question: How did you become a Lions fan?
Matthew Soltysiak: Becoming a Lions fan wasn’t a difficult decision for me growing up in West Michigan. I was just getting into NFL football and the Lions were assembling a great team in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Barry Sanders, Chris Spielman, Lomas Brown and Herman Moore were a few of my favorites right away (love Mel Gray and Jerry Ball among others as well). The team's uniforms were also solid from the get go!
Q: What do you love most about this team?
MS: What I love about this current team is the attitude and leadership. I love the word GRIT- had already been familiar with it for a while in the world of education. The types of players and coaches the Lions have brought in tell you they have built this the right way with the right people.
Q: Why did you start the NTSOL Podcast?
MS: I previously worked in media as a Weekend Sports Anchor for an NBC affiliate here in Michigan. As a huge sports fan, especially a Lions fan, I always wanted to cover the Lions (and actually did a little back when I had that job).
Even though jobs change, passions don’t die easily. The idea came up through a football conversation with my best friend who is a Vikings fan. The lightbulb went off and I got things moving. I still had that passion, technology changed allowing for podcasting- creating an avenue more accessible to the average person- so I shook off some dust and got back to using some skills I learned in grad school at Syracuse.
Q: What do you try to offer that's different than others?
MS: First, let me say there are a number of quality Lions Podcasts out there- I listen to multiple myself. There are a few things behind Not The Same Old Lions Podcast that make it unique. We get some player interviews, which brings some great insights, but that’s just one piece.
I have two regular guests on the show, including Senior Sports Writer James Cook of the Traverse City Record-Eagle and Coach Jerry Angers, a former High School Coach of the Year and the current Scouting and Training Director for Bullrush Sports Agency. Both bring a wealth of information and do some from different perspectives.
Also, the approach I bring to the show is much like what I learned working in television. We aim to be informative, accurate, not misleading and also enjoyable to listen to for the entire family.
Q: What would you like to say to #onepride?
MS: Thank you to everyone that has checked out our show so far and supported us. We’re having a lot of fun with the Podcast and even though it’s going to be tougher than last year, we’re pretty optimistic about the Lions this season.
Thank you, Matthew! We appreciate you taking some time for us and for bringing #onepride one of the best and most entertaining Lions-related podcasts out there.
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