Occupation ▪ Sports talk radio host
Wife ▪ Erika
Son ▪ Drew, 6
Hobbies ▪ Collecting rare whiskey
Meeting a sitting president, attending an Army-Navy game, and traveling to Italy are just a few of the many bucket list items Matt Moscona has written on index cards inside of his desk. He keeps them there as daily reminders of all he hopes to accomplish.
A trip to Italy was almost checked off the list, but he and his wife changed their plans when they found out they were expecting their son, Drew. While the trip to Italy remains on the list, life for Matt is still just as exciting and full of adventure, all thanks to his wonderful family and his job (although it doesn’t feel like one to him) as host of After Further Review.
How would you describe raising your son?
M: Drew is equal parts the greatest challenge and greatest joy of my life. I don’t think anybody ever plans for it to go the way it went for us, with having a child with severe special needs. He’s my daily dose of perspective because nothing trivial ever seems to matter as much whenever I put my eyes on him. It’s a challenge, but I also say that it’s our normal because he was our first and we don’t know any different. For us, having a child who is nourished by a feeding tube is normal; that’s what we’ve always known. Despite his challenges, Drew doesn’t know that he is different and he is the most joyful little person that you would ever see. He exudes joy innately and that is amazing.
What are some things you like to do together?
M: We love to take him to the park to swing. He likes to ride in the car so we do go on car rides. We love to take him around LSU by Mike the Tiger’s cage. I love when the weather is nicer and we can swim because that is one thing that he sort of naturally adapted to that he loves.
What’s the greatest thing about being a dad?
M: I’ve learned to love in a way I didn’t know was possible. As much as we focus on things in our lives, there’s just nothing that ever means more than seeing your child smile or have success.
How has parenthood changed you?
M: It completely realigned priorities. My career would have taken me away from Baton Rouge, but then Drew came along, and we have so much support for him here that it completely forced us to reassess our priorities and goals. It’s really about making sure he has every opportunity to be the best version of himself that he can ever be.
What do you love most about your job?
M: I love that it doesn’t feel like work. I work hard and I work a lot of hours, but it never feels like a drag. I am fortunate to do what I do. To be able to spend my days talking about teams that I love is just a dream.
What has your job taught you about parenting?
M: The things that have made me successful at my job, emotion and organization, are the things that have made me a good dad. I try to always express love and emotion toward Drew in ways I know he can understand. But also the organization side of things. You cannot do the job I do without having structure. That’s similar with Drew. We have to have structure around his days where we balance tube feedings and 30 some odd medicines a day when certain ones have to be given at certain times, so structure matters.
How do you make time to relax?
M: One thing I’ve become comfortable with is auditing my day. I dont waste a lot of time in the day. I make sure all my work is done so when I am home, I am present for my family.
What’s something you hope to instill in him?
M: I think of it in the reverse. For me, it’s not what I would instill in him but how God has used Drew as an instrument of his love to others. It’s what I’ve learned about myself and God’s grace and humanity and people loving each other through Drew. I’m the one who has learned more.
What’s the best parenting advice you have ever received?
M: What I know is that what I try to do for my son is what my dad did for me and my brother and sister. My parents were always present. I can look back at all the things my parents have done for me and say that is how you do it.
Do you have any advice for other parents?
M: If you’re a parent and you don’t know that you should love your children and put your children’s needs ahead of your own, you’re probably doing it wrong. It’s hard for me to imagine taking a first look at a baby and not falling madly in love. If you don’t already know that, my advice would be love your child, protect your child and work like mad to give them every advantage in life to be everything they can ever possibly be. ■
Q&A
The parenting item I couldn’t live without…Sesame Street.
In my fridge, you will always find…Enalapril, my son’s heart medicine.
Favorite movie growing up…Major League.
My guilty pleasure is…Million Dollar Listing.
Music I’m loving…90s rock and alternative.
I feel my best when I…work out in the morning.
My favorite ice cream is…chocolate with gummy bears.
My dream travel spot is…Italy.
