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Step inside the world of Lions football like never before.

The 1st and Now Podcast, is your all-access pass to the heart of the BC Lions. Hosted by Matt Baker, Nik Kowalski, and now joined in season by legendary broadcaster Bob “The Moj” Marjanovich, each episode delivers exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and bold takes on the CFL and beyond.

Plus, don’t miss “Between The Lines”, a new segment with PlayNow Sports’ Cam Tucker, breaking down the latest odds, insights, and matchups in the CFL.

Whether you’re tuning in from home or joining us live, 1st and Now is where Lions fans get the real story. Subscribe, show up, and roar louder.

UPCOMING LIVE EVENT SCHEDULE

Check back closer to the regular season for more info on 2026 live events with our 1st and Now crew!

 

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1st and Now | 1- Month Countdown, Plus We Sit Down With Chase & Stack
With just over four weeks to go until all hands are on deck in Kamloops, Matt & Nik breakdown the Lions’ coaching staff announcements and preview what should be an intense defensive competition in camp. With Nathan Rourke set to begin a few days of offensive workouts, we speak with quarterback Chase Brice and wide receiver Stanley Berryhill in studio. We wrap it up as always with some trivia and Go For It Or Punt!
 
1st and Now | Draft Season Loading
With just over six weeks until all hands are on deck for training camp in Kamloops, Matt and Nik are back to preview this week’s CFL Combine and Draft season with Assistant General Manager Rob Ralph. The boys talk with Rob on what the brass looks for at these events and how the process of evaluating draft prospects continues to evolve. We also begin to preview camp with a deep dive into the offence after last season’s record-breaking campaign. Can Bakes finally be completely stumped in ...
 
1st and Now | Casey Sayles On Excitement For Moving West
The off-season MARCHES on, as Matt & Nik bring you the latest in BC Lions land. Defensive tackle Casey Sayles joins the show to talk about his decision to move West and how it’s a perfect fit for him and his family. Sayles is excited to be re-united with defensive line coach Randy Melvin and a couple of former teammates. We also bring you a special version of BC Lions trivia after Bakes surpassed a big milestone with the organization. It wraps up with a very spirited version of ‘Go For ...
 
1st and Now | JB & Rene Talk School Programs & 2026 Excitement
Matt & Nik catch up with James Butler and Patrice Rene, two key players on the field and in the community. Along with looking ahead to a big 2026 season, the fellas talk about the importance of being community ambassadors and about the specific school programs they take part in. We also continue to hype up Touchdown Kelowna and some of the big Lion free agent additions of the last few weeks. We wrap things up with Canadian Super Bowl trivia and Go For It Or Punt.
 
1st and Now | Roster Building & Free Agency Talk With Ryan Rigmaiden
With Kowalski on assignment at Super Bowl XL in the Bay Area, Baker is flying solo on this special weekend edition of 1st and Now. General manager Ryan Rigmaiden joins the show to discuss a variety of topics with our football team, including the re-signing of a few key veterans, the backup quarterback position, the pending departures of Jarell Broxton and Ayden Eberhardt, and a timeline for naming this year’s coaching staff. Riggs also talks about the steps made in 2025 and how the ...
 
1st and Now | Rourke Staying Home, Plus A Discussion With 3 Returning Lions!
It’s a great time of the year for CFL talk! Matt and Nik break down Nathan Rourke’s multi-year contract extension and what it means for both the Lions franchise and quarterback record books. With the free agency period less than two weeks away, we discuss a busy time for key transactions and speak with Adam Konar, Chris Schleuger and Jonah Tavai on their respective new deals. And as always, we wrap things up with ‘Go For It or Punt.’
 
1st and Now | 2026 Season Premiere With Paul LaPolice
Matt and Nik are back for another year of fun and hard-hitting BC Lions talk! On our maiden voyage of 2026, we recap Holiday activities and a busy couple of weeks of signings. TSN analyst and Canada Flag Football head coach Paul LaPolice stops by to talk about his Lions outlook for this season and how the squad is looking to build off of a solid bounce back campaign. Lapo also gives an update on Canada’s quest to qualify for the Flag Football event at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. We wrap ...
 
1st and Now | Schedule Breakdown, Around The CFL With Justin Dunk
It was an early Holiday present for BC Lions and CFL fans, as the 2026 schedule was dropped this week! In their finale of 2025, Matt and Nik break down some of the more exciting games of our 72nd season filled with big matchups. Justin Dunk from 3DownNation stops by to talk schedule, the Lions hanging on to Keon Hatcher Sr. and his website’s exciting news of the past week. To wrap it up, we have some Lions trivia, our Go For It Or Punt segment and some Holiday wishes. Thanks to all of our ...
 
1st and Now | Kelowna Talk, Jacob Bond & Return Of A Fun Segment
Matt and Nik are back on what has been an exciting couple of days in Lions land. The fellas recap Monday’s Touchdown Kelowna announcements and look ahead to the two pivotal matchups with Calgary and Edmonton next summer. Jacob Bond knows a thing or two about the Apple Bowl from his time with the Okanagan Sun, The fullback recaps his rookie season and looks ahead to year two with the squad, which includes a return to Kelowna. We also bring back ‘Go For It Or Punt’ where Nik is excited about ...
 
1st and Now | End of Season Roundtable With MOJ & Giulio
The boys welcome in the dynamic duo of MOJ & Giulio for a post-mortem on the Lions’ 2025 season and Western Final loss at Saskatchewan. While the ending wasn’t what we wanted, the fellas all agree that the future is bright with Buck Pierce and Nathan Rourke at the helm. They also discuss what needs to be done this off-season to get over the hump. Matt and Nik also look ahead to both Rourke’s and Mathieu Betts’ quest to come away with CFL hardware this week, plus break down who could be ...
 
1st and Now | Breaking It All Down For The Western Final
The BC Lions have one last obstacle in front of them for the 112th Grey Cup. On this week’s episode of 1st and Now, Matt, MOJ & Nik zero on on the key areas to focus on against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The boys also re-hash a thrilling and sometimes stressful win over Calgary in the West Semi-Final and salute the awesome Lions fans for being noisy and making it fun.
 
1st and Now | Playoff Rivalry Renewed
Playoffs? Talking about Playoffs?! The boys are back to break down all you need to know about Saturday’s Western Semi-Final between the Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions. We have no shortage of storylines, as the Lions look to take down Calgary in November for a third time in four seasons. What key areas are most important? We have you covered. To cap it all, Nik’s famous trivia takes a look at the storied playoff history between these two Western rivals.
 
1st and Now | Matthew Scianitti On Lions-Riders, MOP Race & More!
Saskatchewan week! The Lions look for a sixth straight win and home field advantage in the Western Semi-Final, but will face a test against the league-leading Roughriders. TSN’s Matthew Scianitti joins the show to help preview this matchup and give some insight on the race for CFL Most Outstanding Player. Trivia takes us down crossover memory lane and the boys wrap it up with Cam Tucker from BCLC for a look at some of the lines to watch for in week 21.
 
1st and Now | Jarell Broxton LIVE from Brownsville Pub
It’s been a big year for the offensive line! Left tackle Jarell Broxton joins the program LIVE from Surrey’s Brownsville Pub to discuss just that and the keys to a recent turnaround for the Lions. The boys also preview Friday’s big game with Edmonton, break down all of the crazy playoff scenarios and wrap up the program with some Survivor-style trivia and gaming lines to watch for with Cam Tucker from BCLC.
 
1st and Now | 2nd Place Battle & World Vision Walk For Water With Jevon Cottoy
It’s another Calgary week! Matt, MOJ and Nik get you primed for the Gravy Bowl, as Saturday’s bash with the Stamps comes with plenty at stake. Wide Receiver Jevon Cottoy joins the show to talk about his pending return from injury, the keys to the recent turnaround and about his role as the Club’s World Vision ambassador and this Sunday’s 6K Walk For Water that will raise money for building a well in the Mahoo community in Kenya. We wrap things up with a little trivia and some of the betting ...
 
1st and Now | CFL Rule Changes, Riley Pickett & Carl Meyer LIVE From Boston Pizza
The fellas were LIVE on location at Boston Pizza Guildford for a jam packed show. We recap a very busy week for the CFL and break down the CFL rule changes set to take effect next season. We are also joined by Lions fullback Riley Pickett and punter Carl Meyer, who break down the upcoming matchup with the Toronto Argonauts.
 
1st and Now | More Than Just Another Game
Matt, MOJ & Nik preview Friday’s HUGE showdown for the BC Lions against the Calgary Stampeders. They break down the key storylines, including the Nathan Rourke/Vernon Adams Jr. QB matchup, with Stamps reporter Natasha Staniszewski. The fellas also talk about the impact of some newcomers on the defence and other key areas to watch for Friday night. We wrap it up with Cam Tucker from BCLC giving us the scoop on a few betting lines of the week.
 
1st and Now | A Rematch Of Massive Implications
With a big rematch with Ottawa on the horizon, Matt, MOJ and Nik recap the shocking turn of events on Friday and what needs to be done to turn this Lions ship around with six games to play. REDBLACKS radio analyst Mike Sutherland joins the show to talk about how last week may have turned their fortunes around and how the squad has rallied behind quarterback Dustin Crum. We also have a college-themed trivia segment as we look ahead to our Campus Clash presented by Triple O’s Burgers. Tickets ...
 
1st and Now | Lucky Whitehead On Post-Football Life
The boys are back to preview a big Friday night battle in Ottawa and some possible lineup changes as the Lions look to get back on track. Lucky Whitehead joins the show from Virginia to talk about his life coaching high school football and raising chickens! Lucky also looks back on some of his best memories as a Lion, including touchdowns from Nathan Rourke and his famous stadium entrances. They wrap things up with a visit from Cam Tucker from BCLC on some of the lines to watch out for ...
 
1st and Now | Toronto Week With J.C. Abbott
It’s Toronto week! Matt, Nik and the MOJ break down the matchup with 3 Down Nation’s J.C. Abbott, who also gives his thoughts on Nathan Rourke and a very much improved Lions offensive line through 11 games. Kowalski is back with his world famous trivia featuring some star receivers of the past from both the Lions and Boatmen. We wrap it up with BCLC”s Cam Tucker and our weekly Between the Lines segment.
 
1st and Now | The Manny Show LIVE ON Location
It’s another alumni special as Manny Arceneaux joins the show LIVE from Boston Pizza Central City. Manny talks about his current life as a dad and youth coach, along with going down memory lane for some of his career highlights with the Lions. President Duane Vienneau stops by for a preview of what to expect at Saturday’s Show ‘N’ Shine and all the exciting things happening at our expanded Backyard Party.
 
1st and Now | Memory Lane With Bryan Burnham
Getting you primed for Hamilton and a special Family Traditions game this Sunday! Matt, MOJ and Nik talk about the keys to a Lions bounce back plus we are excited to welcome legend Bryan Burnham to the show for two segments. Burnham looks back on some of the big catches of his career and what he loved most about suiting up in black and orange. The boys also talk to Cam Tucker from BCLC about some of the big lines available for Sunday’s tilt with the Ticats.
 
1st and Now | Watermelon Smash Preview With Glen Suitor
It’s Watermelon Smash week! The boys break down all of the key elements to watch for in Saturday’s home battle with the Saskarchewan Roughriders. The CFL on TSN’s Glen Suitor stops by for a preview and recaps a crazy weekend in Regina with the weather delays. Suits also discusses a hot start by the Calgary Stampeders in what is shaping up to be a crazy battle in the West. We wrap it all up with BCLC’s Between the Lines with Cam Tucker as Nathan Rourke’s MOP odds are shifting once again!
 
1st and Now | All Things Lions-Riders With Rod Pedersen
We’re onto Saskatchewan. Matt, Moj and Nik get your primed for a crucial week four test against the undefeated Roughriders. Veteran broadcaster Rod Pedersen joins the show to set the mood from Riderville as the Watermelon heads are off to an undefeated start through three weeks. Nik’s famous trivia takes a look at Most Outstanding Canadians of the past quarter century as Canada Day is just around the corner!
 
1st and Now | Back Home For A Bomber Rematch
Matt, Nik and The MOJ are back to tee up Saturday’s big rematch with the Bombers and what the Lions need to do in order to earn a split in the season series. The CFL on TSN’s Davis Sanchez joins the show for an overall look at both the Lions and entire CFL through two weeks of action. We wrap up with Nik Kowalski’s famous trivia and a look at some of the betting lines to watch with Cam Tucker from BCLC and PlayNow.com.
 
🎙️ 1st and Now | Darrin Bauming Previews Lions/Bombers
It’s Winnipeg week! Matt, Nik and MOJ start by recapping the big win over Edmonton last Saturday which was another banger of a Concert Kickoff! MOJ is fired up over one key element of quarterback Zach Collaros’ suspension while the fellas also welcome in Darrin Bauming from Bonfire Sports for a look at what they’re saying in Manitoba ahead of this matchup. Nik’s famous trivia is Buck Pierce-themed as the head coach makes his return to Princess Auto Stadium.
 
🎙️ 1st and Now | Keon Hatcher Sr. and James Butler
Matt, Nik and The MOJ were LIVE at Good Co. on Main St. for a jam-packed week one edition of 1st and Now! Wide receiver Keon Hatcher and running back James Butler joined the show to look back at a solid training camp and discuss the excitement to chase a Grey Cup in 2025. The fellas get you primed for Saturday’s Concert Kickoff clash with the Elks and it all wraps up with the return of Kowalski’s famous trivia!
 
🎙️ 1st and Now | MOJ Breaks Down Camp, Upcoming Pre-Season Finale
As we get set for the final couple of days in Kamloops, the fellas bring in Lions play-by-play man Bob “The Moj” Marjanovich for an overall look at training camp and what to expect for our pre-season clash in Edmonton later this week. The boys also have some fun with their road trip city rankings! We welcome back Cam Tucker from BCLC & PlayNow.com for a look at some new pre-season wagering lines and have our usual ‘Go For It Or Punt’ and “They Not Like Us’ segments.
 
🎙️1st and Now | Rob Ralph Talks Canadian Content, Scouting Life
We have a game to recap! Matt and Nik are back on campus in Kamloops following 24 hours of fun at Bear Mountain Resort and Starlight Stadium. The fellas talk about solid performances in the pre-season opener and what to look forward to for the final 10 days of training camp. Assistant GM Rob Ralph joins the show to talk camp and what he sees from the Lions’ rookie Canadians so far. As always, we have our ‘Go For It Or Punt’ and ‘They Not Like Us’ segments to wrap it all up.
 
🎙️1st and Now | Camp Battles & More With Neil McEvoy
One week into the Kamloops fun, Matt and Nik break down key camp battles shaping up and react to the exciting news of Snoop Dogg performing 2025 Concert Kickoff. VP of Football Operations Neil McEvoy joins the show to give a perspective on how the roster is shaping up and some camp memories from years past with the team. The fellas also bring our always-entertaining ‘Go For It Or Punt’ and ‘They Not Like Us’ segments, plus introduce Between The Lines with Cam Tucker ...
 
🎙️ 1st and Now | Nathan Rourke
Matt and Nik made it to Kamloops and are fired up for the start of another BC Lions training camp. Nathan Rourke sits down with the fellas to talk about a productive off- season of training, film study and being an ambassador for the club’s community programs. Nathan also breaks down being with younger brother Kurtis on the night the San Francisco 49ers called his name at the NFL Draft. The boys preview some key camp battles and have some fun along the way!