Get To Know the CornNation Staff: Cobcast Ryan

I do not do a good job keeping up on listening to my podcasts. However, the Big Red Cobcast has become one of the few where I listen to every episode. Even beyond the Cobcast, I appreciate Ryan's enthusiasm for all things Husker. So much enthusiasm in fact, that he made a movie [Through These Gates]. Yeah, I guess that goes well beyond my enthusiasm, which consists of my kids staring in awe while I yell at the TV during Husker games. Follow Ryan on Twitter @thruthesegates

How did you become a Husker fan?

Cobcast Ryan: I was born in Lincoln, everyone I knew was a Husker fan. I didn’t realize it was a choice people could make. I graduated high school from Lincoln High, went to Wayne State College and then moved to Chicago. Now I’m in Los Angeles and the farther I get from Nebraska the more it means to me. It almost has become my identity in certain settings.

If you travelled forward in time and learned that the Huskers never win a Big Ten title or a national title ever again - would you still cheer for them?

Cobcast Ryan: Yes. It’s bigger than football or any sport (but lets keep it real - football). I’m cheering for my home. I will always cheer for my home. If I see a dude on Jeopardy that’s from Omaha I cheer for him. Even if he’s a douchebag.

What is your favorite Husker-related memory?

Cobcast Ryan: This is a weird question for me. Husker related? The tour of my movie (Through These Gates), drinking with Husker fans in 17 states and meeting my childhood heroes. I will never forget that. Game Related? Schlesinger up the middle. Twice. I was 14 and at that point in my life it was the craziest thing I had seen. My neighbors were ringing giant bells outside. I hugged my brother which never happens. My nephew Shawn was there and we freaked out.

Ranchbabe's note: Double the pleasure. Double the fun...

What is your most prized piece of Husker gear or memorabilia?

Cobcast Ryan: I have a football signed by everybody I interviewed for the movie from Dr. Tom all the way to Jack Hoffman. Larry the Cable Guy, Clay Anderson, Charlie McBride, Milt Tenopir. Everyone.

Do you have any "superstitions" or routines that you have to do on game day?  How or why did that particular routine/superstition evolve?

Cobcast Ryan: I have to wear my Red Shoes because I was wearing them during the "Westerkatch" and when I’m tailgating I have to play Beer Ball before the game starts. It’s a game my friends invented and it’s the best drinking game ever because drinking is a reward not a punishment in it.

Among your family and friends, who is the most die-hard Husker fan? What makes you say that?

Cobcast Ryan: Everyone I know back home is die-hard. I do the Cobcast so that definitely makes the most die-hard and tech savvy fan I know.

What is something non-Husker related about you that people here at CornNation would be surprised or interested to know?

Cobcast Ryan: I traveled to India with a documentary crew and stayed in the Himalayan mountains for awhile interviewing Buddhist monks. I got to film the Dalai Lama 3 times and I helped interview the Karmapa (The Dalai Lama’s temporary replacement when he dies while they find where he’s been reincarnated). India is nuts guys AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS THE WORST!

You’re on an island with the CN Staff. Who do you kill and eat first?

Cobcast Ryan: Husker Mike because I think he’s the oldest and has already lived a full life. Or Jon.

What one thing about the Mike Riley regime has stuck out most to you so far?

Cobcast Ryan: Recruiting transparency. Plus, Milt Tenopir and Charlie McBride going to bat for him as much as they have. That surprised me the most. They are both kind of skeptics and keep their cards close to them. They gushed over the guy.

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ICYMI: The Big Red Cobcast series can be found at the Nebraska Football Podcast section. I think one of my favorite moments is when the guys got Kent Pavelka to say "The Big Red Cobcast has GOT IT!".  You can also subscribe on iTunes by searching for the Big Red Cobcast.