The Commentator's Curse with Ian Danter

Ian chats with Conor McNamara, one of the most recognisable voices in sports commentary and rising star Maz Farookhi from the BBC about their commentary journeys. Including; The way one's social life changes being a commentator/reporter Conor reveals which (frankly) incredible first game he commentated on Why a job offer meant Maz suddenly started chain smoking years after giving up!! Sexism in football and "imposter syndrome" Using your initiative whilst spending summer with friends during a World Cup The South Korean "Kim" problem! And much more...

Ian chats with Match Of The Day regular for 20 years Alistair Mann and MIllwall FC club commentator Karl Bates about their respective commentary journeys to be where they are today. Includes; How a doctor's appointment led to a 'sliding doors' moment Standup comedy or football? A choice to make Collapsing press box seats and sweary supporters/colleagues on air! Working for a club as an internal commentator And much more

Ian in joined today by legendary freelance commentator Kevin Keatings and BBC Radio Tees' Mark Drury to talk about their respective journeys into broadcasting. Includes How the "worst" demo showreel landed Kevin his first radio job Mark going from supporter to broadcaster despite no interest in that career path as a boy Kev's career as a footballer sadly cut short Boro's extraordinary spell of European drama at the Riverside The 'Night Of The Long Knives" at Radio City in Liverpool Taking over commentary duties from a Teeside icon Plus much more!

Ian chats with Match Of The Day regular Mark Scott and rising star of BBC London & Sky Emily Herbert about their commentary journeys to where they are today. Including: Commentating at primary school! How a broken ankle led to opportunity Student life and the dreaded student loan Emily & Mark compete for the "best first ever match commentary" title - you decide! Diversity & inclusivity in the broadcasting industry Plus much more!

Sky Sports' Rob Hawthorne and BBC WM's Steve Hermon join Ian for their stories of how they got to be where they are today in broadcastingIncludes: Rob taking the phrase "International Break" rather too literally THE Michael Jackson being driven around Brum in a Ford Cortina! Winning radio competitions Player identification panic Becoming Mr "Monday Night Football" Tony "Bomber" Brown and his excellent soup Sweets on the gantry

I'm joined by Jon Driscoll who's worked for 5 Live and talkSPORT as well as being a regular voice on Sky's Spanish football coverage amongst many other roles he's had and Chris Goreham, who has not long celebrated 25 years as commentator for Norwich City with BBC Norfolk. Topics discussed include;- The difference between news journalists and sports journalists- Working with the legendary manager Malcolm Allison on Teeside- Dealing with and apologising for foul language in live matches- The pressure of taking over from a commentator after they've done many years in a role- The launch of talkSPORT- The latest on rumoured changes to how BBC Local Radio operates in terms of covering their clubsAnd much more...

We finally start Series 2 of my non-award winning show where I chat with fellow commentators about their career paths and stories of how they got their big breaks and their hard knocks.BBC Leeds commentator Adam Pope and Match Of The Day regular James Fielden join me to talk to me about their individual journeys to where they are today. Including;- Accent issues that needed resolving in early days- The battle for the soul of football in West Yorkshire- Commentating next to 4 other folk calling the same game in wildly different languages- And much much more!

Ian is joined by Paul Walker from ITV’s EFL Highlights show (formerly of Quest, C5 & BBC too!) and 5 Live’s football/golf regular Alistair Bruce-Ball for a natter about their respective careers and the ‘sliding doors’ moments that shaped their journeys! Includes: Fantasy Football and the dedication required for it Working for Club TV channels Yet more tales of first commentary gigs coming out of nowhere! Another young man thrust into a Sports Editor role in his early 20’s Being shushed by a sporting legend  And much more besides

Ian is joined by BBC Match Of The Day regular Steve Bower and BBC Radio Sheffield commentator Andy Giddings. Includes Early careers advice at school…or the lack of it! An early disaster ‘driving the desk’ The demise of TeamTalk252 and Setanta Sports Becoming a sports editor at 23 years old! The days before press officers and developing relationships with players/bosses!! Convincing Sir Alex you weren’t a wrong ‘un & the treble season of 98/99! Experiences on open top buses Press room grub! Plus much more...

John and Ian join Dants today - 2 of the most recognisable voices in Sports commentary. We discuss things like; Broadcasting to absolutely nobody when you don't realise! The on-air genius of Des Lynham & we remember John Motson (RIP) The greatest/bravest job interview possibly ever against the odds...which worked! Working outside your commentary comfort zone & the '2 commentator' role Managers listening to your output and taking issue! Plus much more!