Episodes

  • Mackenzie Carpenter and Cole Neuber

    Mackenzie Carpenter and Cole Neuber
    May 5 2026
    Country music meets Braves Country 🎶 ⚾️On this episode of Braves Country Convos, hosts Jori Palmer (Braves Senior Director of Marketing) and Lauren Sadd (BravesVision) sit down with rising country star Mackenzie Carpenter and her husband, Cole Neuber, for a fun, heartfelt, and wide-ranging conversation.Mackenzie shares her journey from growing up in Hull, Georgia to becoming a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, including writing hits with artists like Megan Moroney and carving out her own path in the industry. The couple opens up about their long-distance love story, how they met through Mackenzie’s brother in the Georgia Tech baseball program, and what it took to build a life together while chasing big dreams.Cole reflects on his time as a two-sport athlete at Georgia Tech and his deep Braves fandom—including being coached by Tom Glavine—while Mackenzie talks about her excitement for her upcoming performance at Truist Park during Braves Country Fest.The episode also dives into the realities of songwriting and breaking into the Nashville scene, life on the road and balancing careers in music and real estate, their support system as a couple chasing big goals together, and behind-the-scenes stories from touring, writing, and performing.Plus, stick around for a fun rapid-fire segment featuring favorite songs, travel dreams, gas station snacks, and more.Don’t miss Mackenzie Carpenter live at Braves Country Fest on June 13! Braves.com/bravescountryfest
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    34 mins
  • BravesVision’s Wiley Ballard

    BravesVision’s Wiley Ballard
    Apr 21 2026
    On this episode of Braves Country Convos, hosts Jori Palmer and Lauren Sadd sit down with BravesVision broadcaster Wiley Ballard for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation that dives into both his personal journey and his passion for the game. Wiley shares how his love for sports first took shape—even if his own playing career peaked with roller hockey—and reflects on the moment he realized broadcasting could be his path. From being a self-described “theater kid” to learning how to prepare, ask the right questions, and develop his on-air voice, Wiley gives an inside look at the work that goes into the role. The conversation also explores his journey through Georgia Tech, working throughout college, and the importance of networking, timing, and persistence in breaking into the industry. Jori and Lauren also dig into Wiley’s career turning points—from his early jobs to his big breaks—and what it really takes to go from “cashier to reporter.” Plus, Wiley shares his thoughts on current Braves storylines, his deep love for Braves Country, and the influence of figures like Brian Snitker on his perspective of the game and life. It all wraps up with a fun rapid-fire segment, giving fans a glimpse of Wiley’s personality off the field—from favorite players to the most random fan interactions. Whether you’re an aspiring broadcaster or a die-hard Braves fan, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs along the way.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Braves Radio Network’s Ben Ingram

    Braves Radio Network’s Ben Ingram
    Mar 11 2026
    Ben Ingram from the Braves Radio Network sits down with Jori and Lauren in this latest episode of Braves Country Convos. Ben talks growing up in Mississippi, his path to broadcasting in the bigs, his offseason adventures, and more!
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    54 mins
  • Terri Weiss

    Terri Weiss
    Feb 25 2026
    Terri Weiss, wife of Braves Manager Walt Weiss, joins the show to discuss life on and off the field for a baseball family! Plus, Jori and Lauren share some very important (and exciting) personal news.
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    45 mins
  • Former Professional Football Player and Sports Anchor DJ Shockley

    Former Professional Football Player and Sports Anchor DJ Shockley
    Nov 25 2025
    Former professional football player and current sports anchor DJ Shockley joined today's episode of Braves Country Convos. DJ chats about his football career, his turn into the broadcast world, and balancing his family life.
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    50 mins
  • Maria Taylor

    Maria Taylor
    Oct 29 2025
    Sportscaster Maria Taylor joins the show this week. From her Georgia roots and UGA days to her career path and motherhood, no topic was off-limits in this chat!
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    32 mins
  • FDSN’s Executive Producer Gretchen Kaney

    FDSN’s Executive Producer Gretchen Kaney
    Sep 25 2025
    Today’s guest is someone whose name you might have heard over the years if you’re an avid watcher of Braves games – Gretchen Kaney. Gretchen is a trailblazer in the sports production industry and currently serves as Head Producer of Atlanta Braves games on FanDuel Sports Network. She knows this baseball team better than any of us, is an incredible leader, and currently one of three female producers in Major League Baseball. We think you’ll adore her as much as we do!
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    47 mins
  • Athletes Unlimited Softball League Chief Development Officer Allie Kleva

    Athletes Unlimited Softball League Chief Development Officer Allie Kleva
    Sep 25 2025
    Allie Kleva, who is helping pioneer the incredibly popular Athletes Unlimited Softball League, sits down with Jori for this episode. As a former softball player and now a softball mom, this conversation was especially meaningful to Jori, and after listening to her chat with Allie, we hope you’ll be an avid supporter of the AUSL...and fingers crossed we’ll get a pro team down here in Braves Country!
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    33 mins