The A to Z Podcast
The A to Z podcast is presented by Cleveland Scene magazine. Andre Knott and Zac Jackson host each episode as they cover a wide variety of subjects, mostly focusing on sports. The two both grew up in Akron and have a unique chemistry with each other which is evident as soon as you start each episode. At any time, you will hear anything from sports being discussed to real world problems such as racism in sports or natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. The podcast is never scripted which helps provide the audience with a more genuine version of the two hosts.
The A to Z Podcast presents a wide variety of topics which keeps it entertaining and new for the listeners. Since each episode is never scripted, Andre and Zac are never quite sure what is going to come out of their mouths. Within every episode, listeners will get their daily dose of Cleveland sports talk but may also hear about recent political problems, food reviews, or stories from Andre and Zac’s unique experiences in the sports world. Certain episodes may also feature interviews from athletes, coaches, and reporters.
Andre Knott is the on-field reporter for Cleveland Indians games on SportsTime Ohio. Andre was a standout athlete at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron and would go on to play football at Kent State University. He served as the sideline reporter on the Cleveland Browns Radio Network from 2003-2009 and is also a talk show host on WTAM 1100. Knott also makes regular appearances on Indians Live, Drennan Live, and Browns RedZone.
Zac Jackson writes for The Athletic Cleveland covering the Browns and the NFL. He is also an Akron native. Jackson serves as co-host on the Browns Pregame Show on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland while also making regular radio appearances across the nation. Jackson has written for ClevelandBrowns.com, FoxSports.com, and many more outlets for more than fifteen years. Besides A to Z, Zac also does a podcast for The Athletic.
Andre Knott and Zac Jackson have diverse personalities which creates a welcoming effect on A to Z’s listeners. This has been one of the main reasons the podcast has grown so much in the past year. Andre brings a one-of-a-kind perspective into the Cleveland Indians due to his position with the team. By listening to the podcast, fans are able to receive updates and hear stories regarding the team that they likely would not else hear. Zac also provides insight into the Browns and the NFL as he is very well informed and is with the Browns every day. Despite their knowledge, A to Z utilizes their humor to keep the audience's attention and to provide an entertaining platform.
I struggle to find many significant weaknesses regarding the podcast. Andre and Zac keep the audience informed and entertained throughout every podcast. However, one weakness that someone may find is since there is no script, they may find it to be a bit unorganized. Also, there is some use of profanity due to their open personalities, which some may find to be inappropriate (they do have a warning before each podcast).
Overall, A to Z is definitely worth a listener's time. Andre and Zac do an exceptional job of keeping every listener involved, informed, and entertained. You get to hear stories regarding the Browns, Cavs, and Indians that you would not otherwise hear and that alone makes it worth your time. They will surely give you a good laugh and also give you a better understanding of how the players and staff
interact with each other. You will also receive news that you may not have heard otherwise. Anytime you need a good laugh or some insightful thoughts on Cleveland sports teams, A to Z is the way to go. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes, at AtoZPodcast.com, or CleveScene.com.
