From The 50

Society & Culture
Sports
TV & Film

Every life is a journey—and every journey has a story worth telling.

Hosted by seasoned sports talk veteran Matt Abbatacola, From the 50 is a weekly, one‑on‑one conversation podcast that dives into the moments that shape who we become. With honesty, humor, and heart, Matt sits down with athletes, celebrities, and everyday people doing extraordinary things to explore their paths through life.

Each episode looks at how our goals, values, and sense of purpose evolve over time—through the highs and heartbreaks, the setbacks and comebacks, the breakthroughs, and the lessons that only experience can teach. Along the way, you’ll find perspective, laughter, reflection, and the realization that reinvention is always possible.

From the 50 is about growth, resilience, and understanding that sometimes the best plays in life are still ahead. You’ll come away inspired to live with more passion, confidence, and purpose—wherever your journey takes you next.

Introduction - What is From the 50 all about?

Life after 50 isn’t the end of the game — it’s halftime. And from here, the view gets interesting.

Hosted by seasoned sports talk veteran, Matt Abbatacola, From the 50 brings you weekly one-on-one conversations that inspire, challenge, and often make you laugh out loud. We talk to people who are redefining what it means to be “over the hill” — from athletes and entrepreneurs to everyday folks making extraordinary pivots in the second half of life.

Each episode explores how our goals, values, and sense of purpose evolve after the 50-yard line — the highs and heartbreaks, the comebacks and breakthroughs, and the humor and honesty that come with experience. It’s about perspective, reinvention, and learning that the best plays might still be ahead.

Whether you’re already in your 50s or just planning your next chapter, From the 50 will leave you inspired to live with more passion, confidence, and purpose.

Because life doesn’t slow down after 50 — it's just getting good.

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John Ortiz

🎭 Veteran actor John Ortiz joins Matt Abbatacola for an unforgettable conversation! We dive into John’s incredible career across stage, film, and TV, exploring his current projects and revisiting standout roles in Luck, The Diamond King, and his personal favorite, Jack Goes Boating. Beyond Hollywood, John opens up about fatherhood, love, and how life perspectives evolve with age.

👉 If you love deep dives into acting, storytelling, and real-life wisdom, this episode is for you!

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Tom Cillo

Tom Cillo — the 59‑year‑old freshman at Lycoming College — joins Matt to share the inspiring story behind his decision to enroll in college and try out for the football team. Tom opens up about what motivated him to take this unexpected leap, the crucial support he’s received from his family, and the overwhelming response his journey has sparked from people around the world.

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Doug Plourd

After nearly seven years from meeting, Doug Plourd, Senior Director of Sales Learning Delivery at ADP, reunites with Matt for a conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend. From life and love to music, shoes, and football, nothing is off the table.

Doug’s openness, humor, and genuine heart shine through every moment — leaving you encouraged, entertained, and smiling long after the episode ends.

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Lynn Jones

Veteran journalist Lynn Jones of the Jacksonville Free Press joins Matt for an unforgettable conversation about the buzz — and the backlash — following her viral postgame exchange with Jaguars head coach, Liam Coen, after Jacksonville’s playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.

With more than 25 years in print media, Lynn shares stories from her remarkable career, including hosting her own TV show, Lynn & Friends, interviewing President Barack Obama, and covering some of the biggest sporting events in America.

Her humor, honesty, and warmth shine through every moment — and by the end of the episode, you’ll understand exactly why Matt proudly calls her his new Auntie. Get ready to laugh, smile, and learn from one of the most recognized voices in Jacksonville media.

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Michael Wasz

Matt is joined by longtime Score listener Michael Wasz — better known to many as “Government Fromage.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Mike’s passion for broadcasting was sparked by his love for the iconic WLUP and the legendary Jonathon Brandmeier. As kids, both Matt and Mike dreamed of becoming Johnny B someday.

In 2013, tragedy struck Mike and his wife, Melissa, forever changing the Wasz family’s world. In this deeply moving conversation, Mike opens up with honesty, courage, and vulnerability — sharing a story that will leave you inspired, grateful, and reminded of what truly matters.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Mason Wasz and the incredible work carried forward through The Mason Wasz Foundation. A special shout to Gift of Hope - www.giftofhope.org

Learn more or support the foundation at: www.masonwasz.org

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Desmond Clark

Former Chicago Bears tight end Desmond Clark joins Matt for a powerful and inspiring conversation about overcoming family adversity, finding success in the NFL, and building a meaningful life after football.

Desmond (“Dez”) opens up about losing sight of who he was along life’s journey—and the hard, intentional work it took to become the man, husband, and father he aspired to be. His story goes far beyond football.

From growing up in Lakeland, Florida…

to becoming the third all‑time leading receiving tight end in Chicago Bears history…

to launching and running a successful logistics company…

Dez’s journey is a testament to resilience, accountability, and personal transformation.

This episode shines a light on the man behind the helmet and highlights the lessons he’s learned on and off the field.

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Mark Giangreco

Legendary Chicago sportscaster Mark Giangreco joins Matt for a wide‑ranging, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation reflecting on his 40‑year career in Chicago sports media. Mark shares unforgettable stories from his time on the air, the moments he’s most proud of, and a few regrets that shaped him along the way.

They also dive into life after television, including Mark’s travels through Italy and around the world as he fully embraces retirement. Mark opens up about being a father to three boys, the years spent in the grind of travel hockey, and the meaningful conversations he’s had with his adult sons about fatherhood, mistakes, and growth.

It’s a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring discussion where Mark reflects on the experiences — good, bad, and unexpected — that brought him to a point in life where he truly enjoys every day and emphasizes the importance of kindness.

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Cody Hibbard

Country music artist Cody Hibbard joins Matt for a thoughtful and honest conversation about the winding road that led him to music — and the life he’s built along the way.

Born in Korea and adopted along with his sister by a family in Adair, Oklahoma, Cody shares his journey from small‑town roots to attending the Naval Academy, and the personal battle he faced with addiction to pain medication. His entry into country music didn’t come from chasing a dream, but from a moment of chance — a server told him, “You don’t sound how you look,” and after singing a few songs the bar manager offered him a job. The rest, as they say, is history.

Cody talks about working in pipelining, appearing on CBS’s “The Road,” and balancing a growing music career with real life — including being a father of four, with another baby boy on the way. Through it all, he remains refreshingly grounded, describing himself simply as a country boy who runs cattle, loves his family, and happens to sing country music.

You’ll laugh, you’ll root for him, and you’ll walk away appreciating an artist whose story is anything but typical.

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Ed Tolzien

Former MLB player Ed Tolzien joins Matt Abbatacola on From the 50 to talk about his journey through the game of baseball—and the life lessons that came with it.

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Ed fell in love with the game before going on to play at Illinois State University, where his path eventually led to being selected in the 18th round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Anaheim Angels. After his playing days, Ed transitioned into coaching, dedicating himself to developing the next generation of players.

Now serving as the General Manager of Slammers Training Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois, Ed shares how the influence of family and impactful coaches helped shape him—not just as a ballplayer, but as a man. He reflects on how those same lessons guide his work with youth athletes today, teaching values that extend far beyond the field.

This is a conversation about mentorship, character, and passing on lessons that players can carry with them no matter where life leads.

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