Note: The WJPZ at 50 Podcast has returned! If you or someone you know would like to be a guest, email JAG: jag@jagpodcastproductions.com
Our first guest back is Dan Girard, Class of 20120. on how WJPZ helps us find our footing, sharpen our voice, and build friendships that last long after graduation.
We start with Dan’s path to Syracuse, which begins as a sports fan in New York watching the 2003 Orange title run and dreaming about the Carrier Dome. He arrives on campus with a chip on his shoulder after not getting into Newhouse, but he soon learns that student media matters more than any label. Z89, Citrus TV, and WAER gave him the space to grow. Over time, WJPZ became the place where he realized he can truly do this work.
By junior year, Dan was fully immersed in Z89 Sports and helped lead a period when the department became deeper, sharper, and more respected. He describes a class full of talent that treats the station like a real destination for sports broadcasting. He also makes clear that the best part is not just the airchecks or the broadcasts. It is the bond formed during late nights in the station, hanging out next door at Citrus, and growing alongside friends who remain close to him today.
We also hear some great station stories. Dan recalls the perfect save by a producer who killed a hot mic just before an F-bomb went out over the air. He remembers Friday Night Football, Big East tournament trips, and the thrill of hosting after Syracuse beat West Virginia. One of his favorite moments came when Professor Rick Wright calls into his show.
After Syracuse, Dan chased sports talk radio and becomes a finalist in WFAN’s Fantasy Phenom contest. That led to a chance to host overnight on WFAN at age 22, which remains a career highlight. But he soon realized that radio was not the right long term fit. A master’s program and a key connection lead him to Collegiate Sports Management Group, where he has built a career in media rights, strategy, and revenue generation for sports properties. His current work blends broadcasting knowledge, business sense, and a genuine love of sports media.
We wrap with a brief chat about Esports, SU, NIL, and what the Syracuse basketball team needs to do - to get back on the map.
(00:00) Intro
(00:57) Welcome Dan Girard
(03:14) Growing up in New York and discovering Syracuse
(05:25) Choosing Syracuse after being waitlisted
(10:09) First steps at Z89 and CitrusTV
(12:20) Building Z89 Sports into a destination
(16:10) Friendship, late nights, and station culture
(18:45) Funny on air moments and the hot mic save
(22:28) Hosting after Syracuse beats West Virginia
(24:50) Life after graduation and WFAN Fantasy Phenom
(27:32) Why sports talk radio was not the long term fit
(30:20) Graduate school and finding a new direction
(34:10) Career at Collegiate Sports Management Group
(37:33) What Dan’s job looks like today
(39:33) Esports, community, and student opportunity
(41:33) Advising students on brand and content creation
(44:09) Syracuse athletics, NIL, and the road ahead
(45:57) Closing thoughts
Want to be on the show? Email JAG at jag@jagpodcastproductions.com
Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/
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