For nearly a decade, Sacramento lived under the shadow of losing the one thing that truly belonged to them: the Kings. Long before the Beam lit up the skyline or potential new franchise superstars brought new energy to California’s capital, the franchise stood on the brink of disappearing forever. And in 2013, that looming threat reached its boiling point.

For The Throne tells the sweeping, emotional, and deeply human story of how the Sacramento Kings — once a perennial underdog in the NBA’s smallest market — were saved through a powerful combination of civic pride, political chess, and unbreakable fan devotion.

Host Callan McClurg takes listeners inside the tense, dramatic, and often chaotic fight to keep the team in Sacramento. It’s a tale that spans decades: from the Kings’ arrival in 1985 and the early years of underdog charm, through the unforgettable cowbell-fueled golden era of Webber, Bibby, and Divac, and into the slow unraveling of trust as ownership faltered and relocation rumors swirled. Cities lined up to take what Sacramento loved most — Anaheim, Seattle, even Virginia Beach. Hope was slipping.

Then came a surprising figure who would change the city’s trajectory: former NBA All-Star turned mayor Kevin Johnson. Armed with relentless determination, political savvy, and an unwavering belief that Sacramento deserved its seat at the NBA’s table, Johnson launched a full-scale campaign to save the franchise. He built coalitions, challenged billionaires, confronted the league, and inspired a grassroots movement — “Here We Stay” — that transformed everyday fans into a powerful force of civic resistance.

McClurg dives deep into backroom dealings, messy politics, ownership drama, and the emotional toll the battle took on the people who refused to let their city be erased. He recounts the tense meetings, the eleventh-hour proposals, and the historic NBA vote that stunned the sports world: 22–8 in favor of Sacramento. A decision that didn’t just keep a franchise alive — it redefined what small markets are capable of when they fight with everything they have.

But For The Throne doesn’t end with victory. This episode also grapples with the complicated legacy that followed. Arena deals sparked debate, political careers rose and fell, and the city was forced to confront the cost — not just the triumph — of its salvation. Through it all, Sacramento emerged with something no relocation threat could ever take away: identity.

This is the story of a franchise saved not by money or market size, but by willpower, heart, and a belief that communities like Sacramento deserve their place in the sports world. It’s a story about defying the odds, rewriting narratives, and proving that sometimes, the smallest markets make the loudest noise.

For The Throne is a powerful reminder that sports are more than scores or standings — they’re the soul of a city. And in Sacramento, that soul refused to be sold.

⚠️ Note on Partnerships: This podcast was previously sponsored and powered by the Novig Sports Prediction Market. Please be advised that the partnership with Novig has expired due to the company ceasing operations in California and New York.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warm-weather hockey isn’t supposed to work… but it does. And in cities like San Diego, Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Miami, the sport is growing faster than anyone expected—despite the culture, the cost, and in some places, the controversy.

In Episode 6 of Empty the Bench: Small Market Edition, host and narrator Callan McClurg takes listeners deep into the rinks, the roller leagues, the youth programs, and the personal stories that define hockey’s rise in non-traditional markets. From Callan’s early days watching the powerhouse WCHL San Diego Gulls, to playing inline hockey until his home rink was converted into an indoor soccer field, to a decade behind the microphone as PA Announcer for the AHL Gulls—this is a deeply human look at how the sport survives when the weather says it shouldn’t.

Callan explores the realities families face in warm climates, where upfront travel-team costs can hit $5,600–$5,800 and monthly dues run $500–$700. He breaks down growth numbers from California to Texas to Florida—and the darker side of that growth, including the USA Today investigation into the Dallas Stars’ alleged monopoly over youth hockey in Texas.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Southern California offers a different model—one where the Gulls, Ducks, and Kings all contribute to a diverse, competitive, and accessible ecosystem that lets the sport thrive without a single team controlling the landscape.

Featuring personal reflections, youth hockey data, and an honest look at the challenges ahead, “Pucks Among the Palms” is a love letter to the communities who refuse to let hockey melt away.

⚠️ Note on Partnerships: This podcast was previously sponsored and powered by the Novig Sports Prediction Market. Please be advised that the partnership with Novig has expired due to the company ceasing operations in California and New York.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do a San Diego hockey announcer and a Milwaukee DJ have in common? More than anyone might expect.

In The Small-Market Soundtrack, host Callan McClurg tells the remarkable story of a friendship forged across hundreds of miles and social media posts, beginning with a three-word hashtag: #DareToBe. That simple phrase sparked a connection between two professionals on opposite coasts, both navigating the unique challenges of sports in-game entertainment. From the very first moment Callan tuned into Shawna Nicols’ late-night mix shows on a Milwaukee radio station, to their earliest interactions online, the bond that grew was one built on rhythm, resilience, and an unwavering refusal to quit.

The episode traces their journey step by step. Callan recounts how he managed to sneak Shawna’s debut single into the music library at an Indoor Soccer game he was announcing—an early signal that their worlds were destined to intersect. As the story progresses, listeners hear how the two maintained their parallel paths in sports and music: Callan announcing games across San Diego, Shawna crafting live soundscapes for fans and maintaining energy in Milwaukee, and eventually, how both adapted when COVID-19 paused the sports world. During the pandemic, Callan was calling games in Irvine, California, while Shawna worked tirelessly to recreate the energy of NBA playoff game in the Orlando COVID bubble. Their parallel struggles showcased not just talent, but tenacity, creativity under pressure, and the grit required to thrive in small markets.

The narrative also highlights the human side of the story: the late nights, the missed sleep, and the constant push to make each moment resonate with fans. Both Callan and Shawna faced setbacks that could have derailed lesser individuals, yet they turned those challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. In 2021, their dedication culminated in championship rings, as Callan and the San Diego Sockers won the Major Arena Soccer League's Ron Newman Cup for the 15th title in the franchise's illustrious history, while Shawna and the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship in 50 years. and the satisfaction of knowing their work had meaning beyond the spotlight.

Through it all, the episode illustrates how the personal and professional intertwine. It’s about music behind the moments, energy behind the arenas, and a friendship that sustained two ambitious individuals as they built careers in the trenches of small-market sports. This is a story of persistence, adaptation, and shared triumph—a testament to what can happen when two people from Milwaukee and San Diego refuse to let geography or circumstance define their path.

The Small-Market Soundtrack celebrates the beat that drives ambition, the rhythm of perseverance, and the truth that even in smaller markets, great stories—and great friendships—can be made.

⚠️ Note on Partnerships: This podcast was previously sponsored by Playback TV and powered by the Novig Sports Prediction Market. Please be advised that the partnership with Novig has expired due to the company ceasing operations in California and New York, and Playback TV ceased operations on December 12, 2025.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.