UW-Milwaukee’s New Athletics Podcast, the ‘Pounce-Cast’ and What Listeners Can Expect

At the start of 2023, UW-Milwaukee’s Athletics Department introduced their new sports-based podcast, the “Pounce-Cast,” which aims to connect more with Panthers fans by giving behind-the-scenes talks about how other department staff, coaches, and alumni go about their business.  

Chris Zills, UW-M Associate Director of Athletics – Communications and Multimedia, has been involved in the scheduling and production of each episode since the beginning of this podcast. He provided some context as to how the podcast started and why.  

“This podcast idea has been on our to-do list for quite some time, but other things keep getting in the way,” said Zills. “We finally made it a high priority after the calendar turned to 2023.”  

Zills also stated that maintaining this form of media outlet for the long term is a goal of his and the department.  

“The goal is certainly long-term,” said Zills. “We hope for it to continue monthly for the time being.”  

From the perspective of the athletic department, they hope that the podcast provides fans with more content in a brand-new way.   

For students and alumni that are wondering where they can find the podcast, they can find it on UW-M’s sports news section of their official website. Episode one can be found here and episode two can be found here. 

Matt Menzl, UW-M Panthers Athletics play-by-play broadcaster with prior podcasting experience, hosts the podcast. His previous experience comes from hosting a podcast, now turned show for his Alma mater at Concordia University since 2018.  

Regarding podcasting, navigating a conversation and ensuring listeners are clear and energized can be challenging. Loss of interest happens for various reasons, such as a lack of clarity or a poor ability to communicate ideas and thoughts.  

As for managing the flow of podcasting, Menzl emphasized how instrumental it is in producing a good podcast. He described how he tends to view his role as host in facilitating the interview and podcast.  

“I’m just that – the host,” said Menzl. “No one is listening to hear me necessarily. Instead, they want to hear the subject of the podcast. So, I find it my role in helping facilitate. Ask questions, but also help the interviewee shine.”  

Some podcasts go into their episodes not knowing what the topic of discussion will be or having any direction for the conversation. However, the “Pounce-Cast” episodes are planned for the most part, where the host knows the conversation’s theme ahead of the episode’s filming.  

“Usually, there is a main topic associated with each monthly podcast, then the rest of the show may go a different direction,” said Menzl. “I come prepared to go a couple of different directions if that’s how the show goes.”  

He referenced the theme of the second episode, which featured UW-M Senior Associate Director of Athletics Kathy Litzau.  

“In February, we discussed Black History Month and how Panthers athletics addresses diversity, unity, and inclusion,” said Menzl.   

Menzl previewed the planned theme for the next episode, which will film in March.

“In March, we’re planning on a basketball theme to coincide with March Madness,” he said.

With that said, listeners can expect every episode to be different in ways, like guests, topics, and themes.

Ultimately, the University’s athletic department has formed a new athletics-based podcast that gives listeners, specifically Panthers fans, an inside look into the athletics scene and community here at UW-M.