Far End of the Bench with Jimmy Pallotto and Niko Bryant

Jimmy Pallotto - Co-Host, The Far End of the Bench

Born and raised in the heart of Colorado, Jimmy Pallotto is the passionate voice behind The Far End of the Bench. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jimmy brings unparalleled energy, humor, and insight to the podcast, combining his deep-rooted love for the game with a sharp analytical edge. As a proud alumnus of Western Colorado University, where he majored in Communication Arts and Sociology, Jimmy’s background equips him to deliver thoughtful commentary and engage in meaningful discussions with fans and guests alike.

Jimmy’s love for sports extends beyond the mic. By day, he’s shaping young minds as a 7th-grade social studies teacher and multi-sport coach, mentoring athletes in wrestling and football. A dedicated coach and educator, Jimmy instills the same values of teamwork, leadership, and dedication in his students that he shares on the podcast.

When he's not in the classroom or recording episodes, Jimmy enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Carlye, their energetic Border Collie Boomer, and his close-knit family. Whether he's breaking down game-winning plays, sharing hilarious locker room stories, or diving deep into the latest sports controversies, Jimmy’s vibrant personality and authentic voice make him a fan favorite.

Catch Jimmy every week on The Far End of the Bench, where he and his co-host Niko Bryant tackle everything from Colorado sports to national headlines, bringing the sidelines to center stage.

Niko Bryant - Co-Host, The Far End of the Bench
Niko Bryant is the fiery and insightful co-host of The Far End of the Bench, bringing his unique perspective and unfiltered takes to every episode. A proud Colorado native with a deep love for sports, Niko’s sharp wit and bold opinions have made him a standout voice in the podcasting world. Known for his thought-provoking "Center of Attention" segments, he dives headfirst into the hottest sports debates, challenging conventional wisdom and sparking engaging discussions.

With a background rooted in athletics and media, Niko has an innate ability to connect with listeners and offer fresh perspectives on everything from game strategy to off-field drama. His passion for storytelling and sports culture shines through, whether he’s analyzing Colorado’s playoff teams or breaking down national sports trends.

Off the mic, Niko is a dedicated advocate for building community through sports and conversation. He thrives on creating a space where fans can come together to share their love for the game, no matter the team or league.

As the perfect counterbalance to Jimmy Pallotto’s dynamic energy, Niko’s sharp commentary and fearless opinions ensure every episode of The Far End of the Bench is as entertaining as it is insightful. Tune in weekly to hear Niko and Jimmy tackle the biggest stories in sports, celebrate Colorado’s athletes, and keep the benchwarmers in the game.

Frankie Calderón, better known across Texas airwaves as “The Horn,” is a no-nonsense football lifer with a sharp tongue and a soft spot for the underdog. Raised just outside of Pueblo, Colorado, Frankie cut his teeth covering JUCO ball and D2 programs before turning heads with his bold coverage of the Western Colorado Mustangs — and one fiery young coach named Clay Merritt.

When Merritt made the leap to UTSA, Frankie followed — not as a coach, but as the unofficial voice of the program, launching Runner Nation Radio and embedding himself in the culture of the team.

Fans love him. Opposing coaches fear him. And Stonewall? He respects the hell out of him.