Bubba On the Lake: Episode #25 – The Voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Chris Stewart
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Bill Bubba Bussey
Guest: Chris Stewart, Voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide
Introduction
In the 25th episode of Bubba On the Lake, host Bill Bubba Bussey welcomes Chris Stewart, the esteemed voice behind the Alabama Crimson Tide broadcasts. The episode delves into Chris's illustrious career, personal anecdotes, his passion for sports announcing, and his remarkable journey overcoming significant health challenges.
Career Beginnings and Early Influences
Chris Stewart opens up about his initial foray into sports broadcasting, highlighting the profound influence of legendary announcers like John Forney and Paul Kennedy. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Chris recounts a pivotal moment:
"The first one I remember is sitting in the backseat of my parents car listening to John Forney, Doug Layton, and Jerry Duncan broadcast the loss in Jackson to Mississippi State... I was devastated... but hearing John Forney describe the loss ignited my passion for broadcasting."
[12:54] Chris Stewart
He emphasizes the mentorship and guidance he received from these seasoned professionals, which laid the foundation for his own career.
The Role of Voice of Alabama Crimson Tide
Chris discusses the honor and responsibility that comes with being the voice of one of college football's most storied programs. He shares his deep-rooted connection to Alabama football, stating:
"I'm an Alabama fan long before I was an Alabama broadcaster, and I've never been told that I have to be happy or excited when things aren't going well or that I can't be excited when they are."
[50:36] Chris Stewart
This authenticity resonates with listeners, allowing him to convey genuine emotions during broadcasts, whether the team is triumphing or facing challenges.
Broadcasting Style and Development
When questioned about how he developed his unique broadcasting style, Chris advises aspiring announcers to remain authentic:
"Be yourself, don't try to. It is okay to find guys that you like and respect and their aspects of their delivery or their style that you want to emulate, but don't try to be them because there's already one of them and you can't be that person as well as they have done it."
[43:51] Chris Stewart
He highlights various influences, from Howard Cosell to Keith Jackson and Al Michaels, each contributing elements to his own approach without overshadowing his individuality.
Overcoming Challenges: Health Scares and Resilience
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Chris's personal health struggles. He bravely shares his experience with a stroke and subsequent life-threatening complications:
"Seven years ago in April, I had a stroke in my sleep... The only effect was blurred vision because my left eye muscle drooped. But later, I developed pneumonia, MRSA, sepsis, and rhabdomyolysis, landing me in a coma for two weeks."
[60:24] Chris Stewart
Despite these daunting challenges, Chris's resilience shines through. He details his recovery journey, returning to broadcasting just six weeks after leaving the hospital:
"I walked into my home the day before Thanksgiving and did my first basketball game on January 4th, 2020. Since then, I've gotten stronger and am incredibly blessed to continue my career and take care of my family."
[60:24] Chris Stewart
His story serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and the support of a dedicated medical team.
The Mechanics of Game Broadcasting
Bill Bubba Bussey and Chris delve into the intricacies of live game broadcasting. Chris explains the dynamic between play-by-play announcers and color analysts, especially in the fast-paced environment of modern football:
"For radio, if the play-by-play guy is not telling you score, time, down, distance, there's no context for what the color guy or sideline guys are telling you."
[55:53] Chris Stewart
He underscores the importance of seamless coordination to ensure listeners receive comprehensive and clear game coverage without unnecessary distractions.
Reflections and Future Endeavors
As the conversation winds down, both Bubba and Chris reflect on their shared history and the camaraderie built over years:
"Chris Stewart has been our guest, the voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Chris, thank you so much, man. It's good to talk to you again."
[66:40] Bill Bubba Bussy
They express mutual respect and look forward to future collaborations, hinting at upcoming projects like the Tailgate Show where Chris may reprise his role as a guest picker.
Conclusion
Episode #25 of Bubba On the Lake offers a deep and heartfelt exploration of Chris Stewart's journey as a sports announcer. From his early inspirations and career milestones to overcoming personal health battles, Chris's story is both captivating and motivational. His dedication to authentic broadcasting and his unwavering passion for Alabama Crimson Tide football shine throughout the episode, providing listeners with valuable insights and an inspiring narrative.
Notable Quotes:
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Chris Stewart on Receiving Encouragement:
"I was given the assignment of interviewing him for something that was tied to a Mardi Gras ball... and I did something really unprofessional and asked him if I could send him a cassette tape of my play by play work to get a critique on it. And amazingly, not only was he gracious to do it, but a month later, he called me back and gave me the encouragement."
[32:55] Chris Stewart -
On Developing His Own Style:
"I never cared to match the style... I tried to be me, good or bad, whatever that, you know, everybody's got a preference in reality is, you could put... you could play two different audio tapes of different broadcasters and people that have never heard them... but it's just personal preference."
[43:51] Chris Stewart -
On the Responsibilities of Broadcasting:
"My number one responsibility is to tell the listener score, time, down, and distance. That's the number one responsibility. I'm supposed to tell you what's happening with the game, first and foremost."
[50:19] Chris Stewart -
On Team Coordination During Broadcasts:
"The color analyst is... that's literally what they're doing. And not only do I have great people to work with, but they show restraint to not scream out in the middle of me doing play by play. It blocks your view."
[55:53] Chris Stewart
Timestamps Reference:
- 00:00 – 04:20: Introduction and initial sponsor messages.
- 04:20 – 66:43: Main content featuring the interview with Chris Stewart.
- 66:43 – End: Additional sponsor messages and closing remarks.
Note: Advertisements, sponsor messages, and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary as per the guidelines.