Bringing you the best of the Iowa Hawkeyes with stories from current and former Hawkeye greats!

I'm Dave O'Hara, a passionate Iowa Hawkeyes fan from the Postville/Castalia area in Iowa. I host the "Hawkeyed with Dave O'Hara" podcast, which delves deep into the world of Iowa Hawkeyes sports. My show aims to provide listeners with a blend of current updates and historical perspectives on the Hawkeyes, featuring in-depth interviews with notable alumni and figures associated with the team. Our listeners are avid Hawkeyes fans who appreciate detailed analysis, insider stories, and engaging conversations with key personalities from Iowa's rich sports history.
 

I've always been in broadcasting and media, having previously worked in Los Angeles for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. For the past few years, we broadcasted "Hawkeyed" across Iowa on television. Extending "Hawkeyed" to a podcast format made perfect sense to reach more Hawkeyes fans. I love connecting with current and former athletes and helping tell their stories from where they came from or their playing days. My initial goals were to create a platform where fans could hear directly from the athletes, coaches, and commentators who have shaped Hawkeyes sports over the years. It took several months of planning and preparation before releasing the first episode, ensuring we had a strong foundation for the show.
 

Producing a podcast can be time-consuming, especially if you have a day job. I release episodes weekly on Iowa television, YouTube, Spotify, BettorEdge, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Each episode takes about 10-15 hours to produce, from initial research and guest coordination to recording and post-production. Funding the podcast has been supported by my background in broadcasting and distribution. Recently, I’ve brought on support and vision from BettorEdge to broaden the reach of "Hawkeyed."
 

Podcasting has expanded the reach of "Hawkeyed" and the friendships within the Hawkeyes community. We've carried over a steady stream of sponsors from television and are growing the listener base, as well as attracting additional sponsors who want to connect with Iowa Hawkeye fans. Beyond financial gains, podcasting has enriched my life by enhancing my storytelling skills, expanding my network, and deepening my connection to the Hawkeyes community. It has helped more consumers learn about the show and the stories of Iowa Hawkeyes.
 

We use a combination of high-quality microphones, audio interfaces, and editing software like Adobe Audition to ensure top-notch audio quality. Finding guests often involves leveraging my existing network within the Hawkeyes community and reaching out to potential interviewees via email or social media. Preparation for each episode involves thorough research on the guest's background and current relevance. Interviews typically last 30-40 minutes, which we edit down to a 25-minute show plus commercials. Production edits take 1-2 days after airing. Interviews are conducted both in-person and virtually through Zoom, allowing for flexibility and a broader range of guests.
 

Our listeners primarily find us through platforms like iTunes, Google Podcasts, and social media channels like Twitter and Facebook. Having it air on television across Iowa has provided a built-in audience. Additionally, distribution on BettorEdge captures passionate Hawkeye fans betting on the game. YouTube has always been an active space for our listeners to find our show. Our guests often have large followings of Hawkeye fans, and their reshares go a long way in getting the show in front of Hawkeye fans.
 

For new podcasters, I'd emphasize the importance of passion and preparation. Be consistent and have a backlog of ideas and guests to support it. Choose a topic you love, as this enthusiasm will sustain you through the challenges. Invest time in learning the technical aspects of podcasting—there are numerous resources available, including blogs, YouTube tutorials, and podcasting communities. Be patient and consistent with your episodes, and don't be afraid to seek feedback and continuously improve.
 

You can learn more about "Hawkeyed with Dave O'Hara" by visiting our website daveoharasports.com. We’re also active on social media platforms:
YouTube: Best Place to Watch/Listen - https://www.youtube.com/@hawkeyedwithdaveohara3954?sub_confirmation=1
Twitter: @daveoharasports - https://x.com/daveoharasports
Instagram: @daveoharasports - https://www.instagram.com/daveoharasports
Facebook: Dave O'Hara Sports - http://facebook.com/daveoharasports
BettorEdge: Hawkeyed Podcast - https://app.bettoredge.com/social/podcasts/podcast/10336?refer=hawkeyed
Feel free to reach out via email at daveoharasports.com/contact for any inquiries or support through subscribing on YouTube or Spotify.