A fun new way to get your Alabama football news, classic stories

Trying to explain podcasts to your parents is tough.

We sat down for the talk a few times, and it never seemed to come out right.

It can be awkward.

Trying to bridge generational gaps in the world of technology and smartphones can be some mental gymnastics.

So, Mom and Dad, here’s one more crack.

We’re launching the Beat Everyone podcast Tuesday, AL.com’s latest venture into the audio space … and video space. Because podcasts are like pre-recorded radio shows … and in 2024, they’re also kinda like TV shows.

So every Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll get to listen to and/or watch us talk all things Alabama Crimson Tide football. Past, present and future will be represented on Beat Everyone.

You can listen on the Apple Podcasts platform or Spotify.

If you’d like to watch us talk, our YouTube page will have the visuals.

On Tuesdays, you’ll get the latest news and interviews with host Ben Flanagan. He’ll be joined by myself and producer Matt Scalici in the debut that also includes a chat between Flanagan and former Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson.

The Beat Everyone podcast crew from the Golden Age episodes features (left to right) Ben Flanagan, Michael Casagrande and Eli Gold.Tamika Moore

Then, on Thursdays, we’ll revisit the Golden Age of Alabama football in episodes featuring longtime broadcaster Eli Gold. If you like hanging out listening to someone who’s seen it all tell stories, this is the audio and/or video experience for you.

After filming a few of those episodes already, I can tell you we had a good time chopping it up. Eli hit me with a few stories I’d never heard before and had us rolling with laughter a few times.

You’re really not going to find anything with this kind of production value — especially the Eli Gold episodes — in the Alabama football podcast space. Our team constructed a full set. We’re talking hammering nails, painting, and vintage store shopping to create a studio environment that feels like your grandpa’s basement.

You’ll see all that Thursday.

Now, this isn’t AL.com’s first venture into podcasting or even Alabama football podcasting. Those were fine shows. This one is going to bring a little more juice, however. The Tuesday analysis will draw on the institutional knowledge not only of the current team but also of the context to fit this unique time in program history into the full patchwork.

And you won’t find another podcast that draws on the decades of fascinating stories Gold brings to the conversation.

It’s fun.

It’s funny.

And you’ll learn a few things along the way.

I can honestly say it’s been a while since I’ve been this excited to try something new, like the Beat Everyone podcast, so check it out.

Again, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for the audio and/or the AL.com Crimson Tide Sports YouTube page for the visuals.

Mom and Dad, I’ll just email you.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter@ByCasagrande or onFacebook.