Kathie Chong joins Hoosier heartland Podcast Team

Written by: Ben Malcomson (@malcomsonben)

I recall when I first got into podcasting was because I was inspired by others such as The Coach Brian Tonsoni, Jerod Morris, Ryan Phillips, and Andy Bottoms of Assembly Call. Also, the godfather of us all, Galen Clavio of CrimsonCast. I didn’t want to be just like them. I wanted to be a part of what they were building. A part of a family.

I still recall one of the very first writers to ever give me an opportunity was the late Terry Hutchens three years ago. I still remember him being incredibly kind to me. We talked for hours before, during, and after the show. I was ecstatic. I knew right then and there, because of him, that I was right where I needed to be doing what I love. Three years later, in came my twin brother Robie Malcomson who joined me this Fall to take the podcast show to a new route. It ended up being one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made, period. Robie and I have always been close, but we live nearly two hours apart. The opportunity to connect over a podcast show each week is another way for us to hang out. Even more important during these trying times.

In recent weeks, Robie referenced me to a young woman that he saw a lot of potential in. Her name was Kathie Chong, a charismatic Hoosier-loving fan turned podcast host herself over at Hoo Hoo Hail with her close friend covering basketball and football. Two fans. One being an Indiana Hoosier alumnae and supporter. The other, a Michigan Wolverine through and through. Together, they kicked off their show this past season and plan to continue their run this coming year. Robie spoke of her highly and thought it would be a good idea to reach out to her and see if she would be interested in joining our show as a guest sometime. She was thrilled about it getting the chance to be on.

Back on February 28th, Kathie made her very first appearance on the podcast along with iubase.com’s Chris Feeney talking IU basketball and baseball. She did such a good job, we invited her back again and again……oh, and again!

I have to give credit to the man that got this relationship started in the first place and that is Robie. We spoke for awhile Monday morning over the phone, Robie posed the question to me,

“What do you think about Kathie joining us on the show full-time?… not just a regular guest but a part of US?”

My answer was simple and without hesitation,

“Absolutely!”

I could see in her something special. She has a knack for sports and an even better ability at covering, analyzing, writing, and speaking about them. She doesn’t have one strength and one strength only. She continues to excel no matter what the challenge is. I like to think it is because she doesn’t view them as challenges, but as an opportunity. I admire that about her. She inspires us.

I think the best way to close is to ask Hoosier fans to give Kathie a little bit of the most precious thing we have in life.. and that is your time.

Learn with her.

Grow with her.

Laugh with her….at us usually!

She embodies everything we have been striving to do and that is bringing like-minded Hoosier fans closer together. We usually say to our Hoosier Fan Spotlight guests towards the end of the show” “Now, you are family.”

Kathie, is now a part of our family. A part of who we are. Cannot wait to see what the future holds. Stay tuned.