On this episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews the newest Buffalo Bills beat reporter in the Western New York area. Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com/NYup.com joins the podcast for a wide-ranging interview over the course of nearly an hour.

While most sports journalist know what they want to do with their life from a young age and work relentlessly at school to achieve it, Parrino speaks candidly about a completely different path. He didn’t his sights set on becoming a journalist when he was younger and frankly was a pretty lousy student, so much so in fact that he actually dropped out of high school and settled for his G.E.D. Things began to change in his mid-20’s and he would ultimately find himself as the editor at the University at Buffalo Spectrum. Parrino talks about how that was a turning point in what eventually would become his career.

After spending some time at the Buffalo News as an intern and a stint at the now defunct Tonawanda News, Parrino remembers his big break when he landed a digital content job in the world of the UFC, a job that would see him move with his wife out to Las Vegas. Parrino talks about working for the UFC and dishes on Dana White, Connor McGregor, Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey.

As much as he enjoyed living in Vegas and working for the UFC, when the chance came to move back home to Western New York and work full time covering the Bills it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. He discusses that process and some of the things he’s seen early at Bills camp, including in-depth thoughts on Josh Allen, Tremaine Edmunds and Lesean McCoy.

This is a great early opportunity for Bills fans to get know a guy who will be entrenched in covering the team. You can follow Matt on Twitter at (@MattParrino)

Immediately after that Moran is joined by Tone Pucks (@TonePucks) for their weekly “Pat with Pucks” segment. Today the pair talk chicken wings and subsequent Twitter backlash over liking two of Western New York’s long-time favorites. They also discuss the start of Bills training camp including thoughts on the quarterbacks, offensive line and wide receiver positions as well as examining what, if any distraction a few off-field incidents may have on the team, and wrap up by talking about the potential pitfalls and dangers of being an official today in the world of youth and high school sports.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page.