In this episode of the Inside the Frame podcast, we sit down with Albert Breer, a seasoned sports journalist and podcaster, to explore his fascinating journey in the world of sports media, life lessons from his career, and the universal value of hard work and perseverance.
Framing Memories and the Power of Nostalgia
The conversation kicks off with Albert reminiscing about a jersey his parents had framed for him when he graduated high school. After some basement storage mishaps, the jersey needed repairs, and the team at Frame Center helped restore it to its former glory. Albert also reflects on a cherished family photo he had framed as a surprise for his wife—a project that introduced him to the intricacies of museum glass and the transformative effect of a well-designed frame. These moments highlight how meaningful framing can elevate personal keepsakes into lasting works of art.
Albert’s Journey into Sports Journalism
Albert shares the origin of his sports journalism career, which started back in high school when his father encouraged him to boost his college applications. He began contributing to the local newspaper, covering sports for his high school team and expanding to other local games. He realized his passion for sports writing early on, earning $50 per story and finding the work both enjoyable and fulfilling.
This early exposure led to a successful journalism career after graduating from Ohio State University in 2002. Recognizing the rapidly changing media landscape, Albert made it a priority to develop skills across various platforms—writing, radio, and television. This adaptability proved invaluable as the demands of the media industry evolved.
Lessons from the Grind
Albert recounts the challenging but formative early years of his career. Working for local newspapers, he covered high school and college sports, often on nights, weekends, and holidays. From filing stories at McDonald’s due to spotty internet connections to long drives across the state, these experiences instilled a strong work ethic and resilience that carried him through tougher times.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing struggle and staying the course. While the pay and hours weren’t ideal, the lessons learned—from handling failure to navigating competitiveness—were invaluable. “You have to fight your way through,” he explains, noting that the effort required in those early years helped him excel when he transitioned to covering the NFL.
Parallels Between Sports and Life
A recurring theme in the episode is the powerful life lessons sports teach—whether you’re playing on the field or covering the games from the sidelines. Albert highlights how sports cultivate discipline, teamwork, and the ability to rebound from failure. He shares anecdotes from his own youth and discusses how he’s instilling these values in his children, particularly through coaching his son’s football team.
He also offers advice for parents of young athletes, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and focusing on the life lessons sports provide rather than chasing professional athletic dreams. “High school sports are where some of the best lessons are learned,” he says, adding that anything beyond that is a bonus.
The Evolving Role of Media
The conversation touches on how media and content creation have shifted over the years, particularly in sports journalism. Albert reflects on the rise of podcasts and how they’ve become a natural extension of his work. Despite the new platforms, the essence of his job—researching, analyzing, and delivering insights—remains the same. The key, he notes, is staying adaptable and constantly learning.
Key Takeaways
Hard Work Matters: Success often comes from perseverance and embracing the grind, especially in competitive fields like sports journalism.
Lessons from Sports: Whether playing or observing, sports offer essential life skills, including teamwork, resilience, and handling failure.
Adaptability is Key: In an ever-changing media landscape, developing a diverse skill set is crucial to staying relevant and thriving.
Cherish the Process: Whether it’s framing a memory or building a career, the journey often holds more value than the destination.
Closing Thoughts
Albert’s insights offer inspiration for anyone chasing their dreams, whether in sports, journalism, or another field. His reflections on perseverance, failure, and adaptability are a testament to the importance of finding joy in the process and committing to personal growth.
Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on Inside the Frame as we continue to celebrate the stories behind the art and the people who create it.
