5 Reasons Why The 'Thunder And Lightning Podcast' Is Your Essential Guide To Mississippi State's Jeff Lebby Era And The 2025 Bowl Season

For dedicated Mississippi State Bulldogs fans, the Thunder and Lightning Podcast has cemented its status as the definitive, no-holds-barred source for all things Maroon and White. As of this current date, December 14, 2025, the podcast is at the epicenter of the most critical news cycle of the year: the final push toward a bowl game, the high-stakes coaching staff overhaul under Head Coach Jeff Lebby, and the ever-churning chaos of the NCAA Transfer Portal. This is where the most informed and often most opinionated analysis lives.

Co-hosted by the powerhouse duo of Brian Hadad and Robbie Faulk, the show provides a fresh, daily deep-dive that goes far beyond surface-level takes. They are currently dissecting the Bulldogs’ path to the Duke's Mayo Bowl and the crucial 2026 recruiting moves, making it essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the true pulse of Mississippi State athletics and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The Hosts: Brian Hadad and Robbie Faulk Biography & Background

The success of the Thunder and Lightning Podcast is intrinsically linked to the credibility and contrasting styles of its hosts. They are not just commentators; they are long-time beat reporters with deep connections in Starkville and across the SEC landscape.

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• Brian Hadad (Host)
  • Primary Role: Co-Host of the Thunder and Lightning Podcast and Host of SportsTalk Mississippi on the SuperTalk Mississippi Network.
  • Expertise: Known for his broad knowledge of Mississippi sports and his role as a prominent voice on the SuperTalk Mississippi Media network. His articles and insights predominantly focus on college sports, particularly football, with a strong local emphasis.
  • Style: Often brings a veteran perspective and a direct, no-nonsense approach to the most complex topics in Mississippi State athletics.
• Robbie Faulk (Host)
  • Primary Role: Co-Host of the Thunder and Lightning Podcast and Sports Writer for On3.
  • Expertise: Has been covering the Mississippi State beat since 2013, a tenure that includes covering the No. 1 ranked Bulldog football team and two Women's Basketball Final Four appearances. He is a respected sportswriter who has also worked with 247Sports and was recognized as the Mississippi Sportswriter of the Year by the NSMA.
  • Style: Provides detailed, insider reporting, often focusing on recruiting, player development, and the tactical aspects of the game.
• Notable Former Host: Joel Coleman
  • Background: A fan-favorite former co-host, Joel Coleman previously served as the Publisher/Editor for Sports Illustrated’s Cowbell Corner. Known for his deep roots in the Starkville community, he was famously "born a Bulldog" and grew up near StarkVegas.
  • Current Status: Coleman has since moved on to a role as a Senior Writer for Mississippi State Athletics, but his early contributions helped establish the podcast's unique voice.

The Latest Buzz: Decoding the Jeff Lebby Era and Bowl Prep

The most compelling and fresh content from the podcast right now centers on the immediate future of Mississippi State Football under second-year Head Coach Jeff Lebby. The hosts are providing critical analysis on the team's postseason preparation and the crucial staff adjustments for the 2026 season.

The Duke's Mayo Bowl Breakdown
Mississippi State has secured its 27th bowl game appearance, heading to the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Hadad and Faulk are diving into the matchups, the player opt-outs, and the importance of this game for building momentum into the offseason. They stress that a bowl win is vital for validating Lebby’s belief in his program after a challenging regular season.

The Coaching Staff Carousel
A major focus has been Lebby's recent hires, which the podcast has covered in depth. The hosts analyze the significance of bringing back familiar faces and securing elite recruiters.

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• Matt Brock's Return: The announcement of Matt Brock returning as Linebackers Coach was a significant development. The podcast has discussed how this move stabilizes the defensive staff and brings back a coach with deep ties to the program's recent success.
• Kevie Thompson: The hiring of Kevie Thompson, an elite recruiter and Mississippi native, is a massive win. The hosts emphasize how Thompson's local connections will be a game-changer for high school and junior college recruiting in the state.

Why 'Thunder and Lightning' Dominates the MSU Sports Conversation

The podcast’s popularity isn't just about covering the Bulldogs; it's about covering them with a level of insight and personality that resonates with the dedicated fan base. They cover the team "like no one else," a claim backed by their consistent, in-depth coverage of all Mississippi State sports, including football, baseball, and women's basketball.

1. Unrivaled Access and Insider Reporting

Brian Hadad and Robbie Faulk are staple figures in the Mississippi sports media landscape. Their roles at SuperTalk Mississippi and On3 give them direct access to coaches, administrators, and players. This means their analysis of topics like the Transfer Portal, quarterback Blake Shapen's protection, and coaching rumors is based on genuine insider information, not just speculation.

2. The 'Egg Bowl' and Rivalry Intensity

No discussion of Mississippi State is complete without the rivalry against Ole Miss and the annual Egg Bowl. The podcast is a must-listen in the weeks leading up to the game, providing a historical perspective and a fiery, passionate breakdown of the path to victory. Their coverage often touches on controversial figures like Ole Miss Coach Lane Kiffin, providing the kind of raw, unfiltered takes fans crave.

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3. A Focus on Topical Authority and Entity Richness

The podcast consistently demonstrates high topical authority by weaving in a vast array of relevant entities and subjects naturally into their discussions. They cover everything from specific position group needs to the broader economic impact of the SEC's shifting landscape. The hosts ensure that listeners are not just informed, but fully educated on the context of every major decision coming out of Starkville.

4. Consistent, High-Volume Content

As a production of SuperTalk Mississippi Media, the podcast delivers a steady stream of content, often multiple episodes per week, ensuring that fans are never out of the loop. Whether it's a breakdown of the latest recruiting commitment, a post-game reaction, or an emergency episode on a major coaching hire, Thunder and Lightning is reliably there.

5. The 'Rumblings' and Fan Connection

The hosts have cultivated a unique relationship with their audience, often referencing "The Rumblings," which is a playful nod to the constant flow of news and speculation surrounding the program. They are masters at managing fan expectations while still delivering the "goods," making the show feel like a conversation among friends rather than a dry news report.

In a world of fragmented sports media, the Thunder and Lightning Podcast stands as the centralized, essential hub for the passionate Mississippi State fan. As the Bulldogs enter the Duke's Mayo Bowl and navigate the complexities of the Jeff Lebby era and the Transfer Portal, Hadad and Faulk will continue to be the most reliable, and often most entertaining, guides through the chaos.