The Morning Rant with Dave Garner

The Friday Happy Hour edition of the Morning Rant mixed plenty of sports talk with the show's trademark humor and storytelling. Dave Garner and Big John Davis previewed Dave's upcoming trip to Nova Scotia while discussing Wimbledon, the FIFA World Cup, the Atlanta Braves, golf, NFL headlines, and the changing landscape of Georgia high school football. Big John shared memorable stories from his Georgia Tech and Buffalo Bills days, including learning he was about to become a father before a Super Bowl, and later offered thoughtful insight into the long-term physical and mental health challenges faced by former NFL players. The show also looked ahead to Big John's "Goodwill Tour" hosting duties next week, the upcoming expansion of the Morning Rant to a two-hour format, and encouraged listeners to join the conversation with plenty of laughs, local flavor, and excitement for another busy weekend of sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Garner and Will Cooper covered a wide range of sports topics, beginning with Wimbledon, where they discussed Coco Gauff's semifinal match, the challenges of playing on grass, and previewed the men's semifinals while also debating which current summer sports storyline—the World Cup, Wimbledon, MLB, or NBA Summer League—will have the biggest lasting impact. The conversation then shifted to the Atlanta Braves, highlighting their 3-0 win over Pittsburgh, concerns about the team's recent struggles despite remaining atop the division, and a detailed discussion of Austin Riley's continued offensive issues and whether mechanical adjustments can revive his season. The second half of the show focused heavily on high school football, as Will Cooper unveiled preseason projections from the Cooper Predictor, breaking down playoff odds, region favorites, and expected records for North Georgia teams including North Cobb, Sequoia, River Ridge, Creekview, Woodstock, Gilmer, Pickens, Fannin County, North Murray, and Sonoraville, while explaining how strength of schedule and the GHSA power rankings influence playoff probabilities. Overall, the show mixed current sports headlines with in-depth Braves analysis and an early look at the upcoming high school football season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Morning Rant was fueled by frustration as Dave Garner and Will Cooper reacted to disappointing performances from both Team USA in the World Cup and the Atlanta Braves. The hosts criticized Team USA's lack of preparation, leadership, and physicality in its loss to Belgium, while also debating how the defeat could impact soccer's growing popularity in America. They also took aim at the Braves' bullpen management, inconsistent offense, and recent slide heading into the All-Star break, questioning whether the team's early-season success was sustainable. The show also featured Dr. Keith Riggy's weekly chiropractic segment on treating bulging discs with spinal decompression, updates on local restaurant inspection scores, news about WPGY becoming the home of Alabama Crimson Tide football, and plenty of spirited listener interaction and classic Morning Rant humor throughout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Monday Morning Quarterback edition of The Morning Rant, Dave Garner and Big John Davis recapped a busy Fourth of July weekend, including their appearances at the Jasper and Ellijay parades, John serving as Grand Marshal in Ellijay, and the strong sense of community support throughout North Georgia. The show featured discussions on sports superstitions, local high school football culture, and the growth of WPGY and its partnerships with local businesses. They also broke down major sports topics, including Team USA's World Cup matchup with Belgium and the controversial reversal of Folarin Balogun's red card, Norway's upset of Brazil, Wimbledon, and the Atlanta Braves' recent struggles heading into the All-Star break. Throughout the show, they emphasized community, the positive experiences international soccer fans are having in America, and their excitement for the future growth of The Morning Rant and Sports Pig Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Rant kicked off its Freedom 250 and Fourth of July weekend celebration live from Bradley’s Bar and Grill in East Cobb, with hosts Dave Garner and John Davis reflecting on the show's growth and upcoming expansion to a two-hour format beginning in August. They discussed the excitement surrounding the World Cup being hosted in the United States and Atlanta's role in the event, upcoming Independence Day festivities in Ellijay, and the station's expanding sports coverage, including the likely addition of Alabama football broadcasts. The show also touched on the Atlanta Braves' recent struggles and bullpen issues, debating whether the team is simply average or in need of significant changes before the trade deadline and All-Star break. Throughout the program, the hosts celebrated their loyal audience, local partnerships, and the continued growth of the Sports Pig brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Morning Rant featured an extended and heartfelt conversation with former Georgia Tech player Damien Burke, focusing on the importance of lifelong relationships, mentorship, and the lasting impact of legendary coach Bill Curry. The hosts shared stories about the Georgia Tech family, staying connected through traditions like annual golf trips, and how strong personal relationships have helped generations of players in their careers and lives. They also discussed the changing landscape of college athletics, including NIL, women's sports opportunities, and Clemson rowing through the experiences of Burke's daughter. Mixed in were previews of Fourth of July festivities, local events in Ellijay, and reflections on the growth of the Morning Rant and Sports Pig community, making for a show that celebrated friendship, sports, and the value of investing in people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Rant covered a wide range of sports and personal topics, beginning with excitement surrounding the World Cup and the growing popularity of soccer in America, including discussions about Team USA, controversial officiating, and the tournament's biggest stars like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi. The hosts also debated the Boston Celtics' reported roster moves and expressed frustration over the treatment of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, criticizing league officials for allowing excessive physical play and failing to embrace the league's biggest draw. Later in the show, the conversation shifted to wellness and recovery, featuring guest Kevin Quirk of Harvest Connect discussing CBD, mushroom-based supplements, and supporting veterans through the Behind the Thin Lines foundation. The program wrapped up with reflections on friendship, the passing of beloved Georgia Tech figure Rock Perdoni, and a reminder to keep life's inconveniences in perspective, summed up by his memorable advice: there are bigger things to worry about than a cold cup of coffee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Morning Rant covered a wide range of sports topics, led by Team USA's impressive 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina despite playing a man down after a red card, setting up a matchup with Belgium. Dave Garner also discussed NBA trade rumors involving the Celtics and questioned whether moving on from Jaylen Brown would be a mistake. The show shifted to the Atlanta Braves' 5-1 win over the Cardinals, but also examined the team's recent struggles, injuries, and whether major roster decisions could be looming before the trade deadline. Other topics included the possibility of NHL hockey returning to Atlanta, upcoming Fourth of July events and live broadcasts in North Georgia, and excitement for the approaching high school and college football seasons. Throughout the show, Garner emphasized how sports can bring people together and previewed a busy holiday weekend for Sports Pig Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Rant covered a wide range of topics, led by extensive discussion about the FIFA World Cup and the electric atmosphere surrounding international fans and Team USA's upcoming knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dave Garner and Will Cooper also dove into the struggling Atlanta Braves, breaking down the team's dramatic June collapse, offensive woes, and what moves may be needed before the trade deadline. The show also looked ahead to the rapidly approaching high school football season in Georgia, highlighted updates to the Cooper Predictor and preseason projections, touched on college football recruiting news from Alabama and Georgia Tech, and wrapped up with a few Wimbledon and MLB betting picks on another fun Wingin' It Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Rant’s Rally Towel Tuesday covered a little bit of everything, with Dave Garner and Billy D diving into the ongoing World Cup excitement, including Morocco’s upset of the Netherlands and anticipation for the U.S. men’s match against Bosnia, while also discussing Wimbledon, the PGA’s proposed new format, and the future of LIV Golf. The duo touched on the Atlanta Hawks’ draft picks, the possibility of NHL hockey returning to Atlanta, and the expanded College Football Playoff and what it could mean for Cinderella teams. They also previewed the upcoming football season, talked Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, shared Fourth of July safety reminders, highlighted local restaurant inspection scores, and welcomed Dr. Keith Riggy from 100% Chiropractic for a discussion on sciatica and back pain, making for another fast-paced, sports-filled edition of the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.