Next Level with Andrew Kurland

Dirty Mo Media

The most extraordinary people among us have fascinating lives and inner thoughts that are rarely revealed in ordinary interviews. Next Level with Andrew Kurland goes further than most ever dare to with long-form, deep-dive conversations that peel back layers and get to the core of America’s most interesting people. read less

Our Editor's Take

The host of the podcast Next Level with Andrew Kurland has adored NASCAR since he was a young boy. Andrew Kurland saw his first race at ten years old and became immediately addicted. But he wasn't content with only watching. He wanted to be the one reporting about the sport.

At the time, Kurland's dad had access to the players, so the boy could meet them and ask for autographs. Instead, he decided to come one day with a microphone and camera and conduct an interview. NASCAR appreciated the boy's gumption. They appointed him a reporter at NASCAR's kid programming. From there, Kurland gained an apprenticeship. He then worked with the company for five years.

With the podcast Next Level with Andrew Kurland, the reporter decided to take the next step. The podcast comes from Dirty Mo Media, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s production company. Andrew already had experience interviewing drivers and NASCAR professionals on TV. But those were usually short interactions that spoke about the race or the sport in general. With the podcast, Kurland sits down with the racers and NASCAR professionals. The hosts learn about their journeys. He explores the person beyond the public persona, and what motivates and scares them.

Episodes follow a unique format. Sometimes, the host will sit down with a driver for an hour-long interview. This provides enough time for the guest to feel comfortable and open up. Other times, Kurland extends the discussions to multiple episodes. This allows the host to explore every stage of his guest's life, career, and future aspirations. Such is the case with Mario Andretti. He reveals how he struggled to support his family with a driver's salary. Legendary broadcaster Ken Squier receives a seven-chapter arc.

Next Level with Andrew Kurland is a podcast for any true racing fan. But anyone who wants to learn about NASCAR's history may enjoy it as well. The conversations reveal more about the sport than ever before. Episodes don't follow a regular schedule. Fans of podcasts like The Dale Jr. Download and Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin may appreciate the show.

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Miesha Tate: Chapter 2 - Where I Stand With Ronda Rousey

Miesha Tate: Chapter 2 - Where I Stand With Ronda Rousey

Is a Ronda Rousey rematch around the corner? In Chapter 2 of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland and MMA fighter Miesha Tate discuss her famous rivalry with Ronda Rousey, along with the legacy it left behind. Miesha opens up about the emotions she felt during that period of time, and shares where she stands with Ronda today. Miesha also dives into her return from retirement and how she approaches fighting differently in this new chapter of her career. What type of reactions do her kids have to her fighting? How does she cope with the concept of wins and losses? And what is the biggest struggle that professional athletes go through that isn't talked about? It's a conversation full of perspective, wisdom and insight that goes beyond the sports world. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episodes

Miesha Tate: Chapter 2 - Where I Stand With Ronda Rousey

Miesha Tate: Chapter 2 - Where I Stand With Ronda Rousey

Is a Ronda Rousey rematch around the corner? In Chapter 2 of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland and MMA fighter Miesha Tate discuss her famous rivalry with Ronda Rousey, along with the legacy it left behind. Miesha opens up about the emotions she felt during that period of time, and shares where she stands with Ronda today. Miesha also dives into her return from retirement and how she approaches fighting differently in this new chapter of her career. What type of reactions do her kids have to her fighting? How does she cope with the concept of wins and losses? And what is the biggest struggle that professional athletes go through that isn't talked about? It's a conversation full of perspective, wisdom and insight that goes beyond the sports world. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miesha Tate: Chapter 1 - Glove Up and Throw Down

Miesha Tate: Chapter 1 - Glove Up and Throw Down

Miesha Tate is a former UFC women's bantamweight champion, and is credited as one of the first to put women's fighting on the map. Host Andrew Kurland sits down with Tate in Las Vegas, Nevada to discuss Miesha's upbringing, mentality and approach to fighting at the highest level. Tate details her day-to-day life as an athlete, the longest period she has ever fasted, and shares how mental health plays into an athlete's life. Plus, she shares how fighting first came on her radar, how she kept her newly found passion a secret from her dad, and shares the story of her bloody first fight that left her wanting more. Tate also dives into the concept of fear during a fight, and whether or not she feels pain in the moment. It's a conversation you won't want to miss. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shane Beamer: Chapter 2 - Head Coaching Feels Like You're Drowning

Shane Beamer: Chapter 2 - Head Coaching Feels Like You're Drowning

In this second Next Level installment of our conversation with South Carolina Head Coach Shane Beamer, host Andrew Kurland and Beamer discuss the intensity of leading a college football program. Beamer details the 'whirlwind' experience of his first days as the head coach, the non-football related tasks that cross his desk, and the personality of the program after he took over. Coach Beamer opens up about the open and honest conversations he has with players, and the difficult decisions he deals with on a daily basis. Beamer also talks about the impact that recruiting and transfer portal has on the program, and shares how he 'sells' South Carolina to prospective players. Does Beamer ever see an NFL coaching job in his future? He answers that and much more in this riveting conversation. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next Level Extra: Jimmie Johnson & John Hunter Nemechek: Taking A Gamble On Myself

Next Level Extra: Jimmie Johnson & John Hunter Nemechek: Taking A Gamble On Myself

John Hunter Nemechek and Legacy MC team owner Jimmie Johnson jump on a bonus episode of Next Level to discuss John Hunter's move to the #42 car in the Cup Series in 2024. Host Andrew Kurland sits down with John Hunter to discuss his lengthy journey back to Cup, taking gambles, becoming a leader, job security and more. Kurland also sits down with Jimmie Johnson, who calls in from London to discuss the hurdles required to sign a new driver, how the driver/sponsorship business model has changed, the impact Toyota will have on the team next year, and his weekly conversations with Noah Gragson after the driver's departure from the team earlier this year. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shane Beamer: Chapter 1 - Establishing My Own Credibility

Shane Beamer: Chapter 1 - Establishing My Own Credibility

Shane Beamer is not your typical college football coach. Son of legendary coach Frank Beamer, Shane is revolutionizing the college football environment at South Carolina, and has transformed the program into a contender in the SEC. In Chapter 1 of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland sits down with Coach Beamer in Colombia, South Carolina to discuss his unique rise through the ranks. Beamer recalls his earliest memories of football under his father's wing, walking on as a player for his Dad at Virginia Tech, winning the trust of his teammates, odd jobs he worked through the years, and his slow journey to his first head coaching job. Beamer is open, honest, and as real as it gets. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ricky Carmichael: Chapter 2 - Unfinished Business

Ricky Carmichael: Chapter 2 - Unfinished Business

After accomplishing everything he sought on two wheels, Ricky Carmichael set his sights on a career in NASCAR. In part two of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland, and Ricky Carmichael discuss his departure from Supercross. Carmichael shares what went into his discussion about retiring, battling through injuries, and what recent accomplishment took him his entire life to complete. Plus, Ricky shares how competition in the TV booth fuels his work ethic and describes how he views his own legacy - his answer may surprise you. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ricky Carmichael: Chapter 1 - Becoming The Bad Guy

Ricky Carmichael: Chapter 1 - Becoming The Bad Guy

Ricky Carmichael is a 7x Motocross Champion and 5x Supercross Champion and is known to many as the greatest to ever ride a motorcycle in the professional ranks. In this first chapter, Carmichael and host Andrew Kurland dive deep into Ricky's upbringing and path to his Supercross stardom. Carmichael recounts moments of intense training, personal sacrifice, and self-discipline that shaped him into becoming the athlete fans know him as. He dives into the measures it took to dethrone the 'King of Supercross,' Jeremy McGrath, and describes what it felt like to turn into the villain of the sport. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mario Andretti: Chapter 3 - The Original Innovator

Mario Andretti: Chapter 3 - The Original Innovator

Mario Andretti is known as one of the greatest drivers of all time. But a sharp mind and a keen eye for finding the smallest advantages makes him one of the best all around racers to ever hit the track. In Chapter 3 of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland and Mario Andretti discuss stories of innovation and creativity among multiple disciplines of motorsports. Andretti looks back at his Daytona 500 winning weekend, describes his rivalry with AJ Foyt, and shares what secret tricks he applied to his race cars to push them above the competition. Andretti also provides an update on Andretti Autosport's bid into the current F1 field, and describes how his family dynamic is influenced by motorsports. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mario Andretti: Chapter 2 - Entering The World of F1

Mario Andretti: Chapter 2 - Entering The World of F1

In the second chapter of Next Level, Mario Andretti, and host Andrew Kurland discuss his entry into the F1 world. He shares what it was like amidst the protest that kept him out of his debut race in Monza, starting on the pole in his first start at Watkins Glen, and the highs & lows of his 1978 World Championship season. Andretti and Kurland also discuss the dangers of racing, where Mario describes the agony of losing several close friends to the sport. He also touches on the financial aspect of motorsports and explains the difficult times he and his family endured as he tried to make a name for himself in the sport. Watch the Next Level video series on Youtube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFUhDMhE1U5TcDZEPO6-I3uE8VnVV_YXm To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mario Andretti: Chapter 1 - Racing In Secret

Mario Andretti: Chapter 1 - Racing In Secret

In the first chapter of Andrew Kurand's Next Level conversation with Mario Andretti, the two discuss Mario's early days growing up. After becoming a refugee in their own country, the Andretti's moved to America to seek new opportunities. After only a few days stateside, Mario and twin brother Aldo discovered their local short track, and the rest was history. Mario shares stories of hiding his racing career from his father, forging documents to race at underage, and creating a false news story that made it all the way back to the Italian press. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Squier Chapter 7 - Legacy

Ken Squier Chapter 7 - Legacy

At the heart of every legendary broadcasting voice lies one indescribable characteristic that sets them apart from others. It’s a quality that can’t be faked or fabricated in any way and lives deep in their own soul. It’s passion. For decades, Ken Squier did what he loved, no question about it. In the final installment of our Next Level conversation with Ken Squier, host Andrew Kurland and Squier discuss the legacy he has left behind on the sport. Squier shares what it means to be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, gives his thoughts on NASCAR today and reveals which popular 1970s movie he thought was a terrible idea. Squier closes the interview by providing Kurland with advice on how to pursue a career in motorsports broadcasting and shares what the state of Vermont means to him. Squier told the stories of heroes that were daring enough to jump in a race car and battle it out at high speeds. However, a story is only as good as the storyteller, and we were lucky to hear a few from one of the best. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Squier Chapter 6 - To Hell With It

Ken Squier Chapter 6 - To Hell With It

After a thrilling start to NASCAR’s television career, how do you keep the momentum rolling? For starters, you need a field full of those 'don’t give a damn drivers' daring enough to put on a show at high speeds on high banks across America. Petty, Earnhardt, and Yarborough made names and careers out of their reputation on and off the track and were the product of Big Bill France’s dream to put on a series that was at the top of everybody’s minds. In chapter 6 of Next Level with Ken Squier, host Andrew Kurland and Squier discuss NASCAR in the ’80s and 90s. We learn what MRN's first office looked like, discuss whether or not racing is in the entertainment business, and hear more legendary Cale Yarborough stories. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Squier Chapter 5 - The 1979 Daytona 500

Ken Squier Chapter 5 - The 1979 Daytona 500

It took a perfect storm to propel NASCAR into quite literally the next level of entertainment in America. You needed heroes, villains, and above all, something for people to talk about. The 1979 Daytona 500 cooked up quite the storm, and left millions of new fans watching at home hungry for more. The two men on the call that day were none other than Ken Squier and David Hobbs. In Chapter 5 of Next Level, we’ll hear first-hand stories from both of them. Get ready to relive the legendary 1979 Daytona 500 with the two voices that kept all of America on the edge of their seats. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Squier Chapter 4 - Common Man, Uncommon Deeds

Ken Squier Chapter 4 - Common Man, Uncommon Deeds

It takes a special type of person to venture out and do things many others haven't. For some, it's the thrill of the risk that fuels their fire. For others, it simply just fits their personality. The extraordinary starts with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This is where Ken Squier and Cale Yarborough fit into the story. In this fourth installment of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland, and Squier pick apart his famous quote "common man doing uncommon deeds." The two talk about the first flag-to-flag broadcast, which aired in 1971 featuring Ken as a pit reporter for ABC. They also discuss the birth of in-car cameras, and a never-before-heard story featuring Cale Yarbrough and his pet bear, Susie. You heard it right, a BEAR. Get ready. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Squier Chapter 3 - Mountain of a Man

Ken Squier Chapter 3 - Mountain of a Man

Bill France Sr. set out penniless with a dream to start a sport where the automobile was the star. His dream allowed names like Petty and Earnhardt to take center stage on the high banks of new, more daring tracks like the monster of Daytona International Speedway. How do you sell a dream this grand? You need people to buy into your vision as much or more than you. This is where Ken Squier comes into play. In Chapter Three of Next Level with Andrew Kurland, the two talk about Bill France Sr.'s early visions for modern-day NASCAR. They discuss the rise of the Petty name and what the earliest motorsports broadcasts looked like. It takes brave people with bold dreams to make big things happen, and Squier's stories tell just that. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Squier Chapter 2 - Brave Enough To Die

Ken Squier Chapter 2 - Brave Enough To Die

Nestled in the hills of Barre, Vermont lies the quarter-mile, high-banked, asphalt speed bowl known only to fans as Thunder Road. 8,000 people gather every Thursday night to witness the best racing the state of Vermont has to offer. The roots of this iconic race track can be traced back to the one and only, Ken Squier. In the third installment of Next Level with Ken Squier, host Andrew Kurland and Squier discuss the origins of Thunder Road, which first took shape when Squier was only in his mid-twenties. Squier discusses the post-war era and shares stories of soldiers returning home, who weren’t going to “fool around or fuss with anything that didn’t have teeth in it.” These are the stories of the heroes and daredevils that made up the early days of short-track racing in Vermont and across the country. To race, you have to be daring, bold, and brave enough to die. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Squier Chapter 1 - The Law of Exaggeration

Ken Squier Chapter 1 - The Law of Exaggeration

At the heart of every great NASCAR story is the storyteller himself, and there are few as iconic as the legendary voice of Ken Squier. For two days the Dirty Mo Media crew set out to Squier’s home in Waterbury, Vermont to hear stories from the NASCAR Hall-of-Famer. In this first installment of Andrew Kurland’s Next Level conversation with Ken Squier, the two discuss Ken’s upbringing as a young kid in Vermont. Ken shares stories of lessons learned from the great Chirs Economaki, his early days broadcasting out of WDEV, his first memories of racing, and the role exaggeration played in his play-by-play career. After time away from the NASCAR spotlight, Squier is back to share his story in this multi-chapter series of Next Level. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming Soon: Ken Squier

Coming Soon: Ken Squier

Coming soon: The second installment of Dirty Mo Media's Next Level with Andrew Kurland. Andrew sits down with legendary broadcaster Ken Squier. The Dirty Mo crew traveled up to Waterbury, Vermont, and spent two days with Squier and talked about everything from the early days of NASCAR, to the iconic 1979 Daytona 500, and even why Vermont is "the greatest place on Earth." Here is a preview of Andrew's conversation with Ken Squier. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmie Johnson: First Indianapolis 500

Jimmie Johnson: First Indianapolis 500

Ahead of Jimmie Johnson's first Indianapolis 500, he sits down with Andrew Kurland on the debut episode of Next Level. This podcast version of the Dirty Mo Media YouTube series includes the full conversation and additional commentary from Kurland about his time with the seven-time NASCAR champion, To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Next Level with Andrew Kurland

Introducing Next Level with Andrew Kurland

Coming soon: Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson lets us into his world ahead of his first Indianapolis 500 on the debut episode of Dirty Mo Media’s newest podcast, Next Level with Andrew Kurland. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices