Whether you’re a football fanatic or a rugby nut, you’re going to know the work – and the voice! – of Ian ‘Downsy’ Downs.

Ian is the matchday announcer for Bristol City Football Club in the Championship, and hosts all sorts of matchday content across Bristol Bears’ social media channels in the RFU Premiership as well.

He’s also someone we’ve wanted to have on the podcast for a long time, and we’re glad we’ve finally got round to asking him, as this episode really delivers!

There’s loads of good stuff that we get into here – Ian’s love of sport; why the pandemic has made social media more important than ever before in terms of getting fans close to the action; some of his most memorable moments with both Bristol Bears and Bristol City; why his sexuality has never impacted on his ability to be involved in sport; and the importance of visibility.

Oh, and we also end up talking about how you explain what a ‘bear’ is to some of the world’s top rugby players!

We think this week’s chat is a cracker, and we really think you’ll like Downsy as much as we do.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST?
Ian: @downsyofficial
Bristol City FC: @BristolCity
Bristol Bears: @BristolBears

WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST?
@jack_murley
jack.murley@bbc.co.uk