Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Mannella.
Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2019, longtime friends and hockey enthusiasts Harrison Schulz and Nick Mannella launched Empty Betters, a podcast dedicated to NHL news, sports betting insights, and the close-knit Maryland hockey community.
The name Empty Betters is a clever play on the hockey term “empty netter”—a goal scored when a team pulls its goalie for an extra attacker, often a pivotal moment in hockey betting.
Shortly after launching, the duo welcomed a third co-host, Mackane Vogel, completing the team. The trio quickly gained a local following, in part due to their lively dynamic—Nick and Mackane are devoted Washington Capitals fans, while Harrison brings a contrasting perspective as a Pittsburgh Penguins supporter.
What began with casual interviews of friends and former teammates quickly evolved. The show has since featured conversations with minor league and professional players, coaches, and members of the hockey media.
Empty Betters also engages its growing community through live events, often hosting shows at Don’t Know Tavern in Baltimore and Elwood’s Liquor & Tap in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges the Empty Betters team faced came in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NHL’s season was abruptly paused, and like many others, the podcast was forced to rethink its entire production process. Before the pandemic, Nick and Harrison had recorded episodes in a shared multipurpose room at Nick’s apartment complex in Towson. But as lockdowns tightened and virtual tools like Zoom were still gaining traction, the team had to rapidly pivot.
All three co-hosts quickly adapted to remote recording, investing in new equipment and learning more advanced production techniques to maintain the quality of their show. This period not only tested their creativity and commitment but also marked a turning point in their growth as podcast producers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The show brings a unique edge by featuring hosts from rival fanbases. This dynamic naturally fuels spirited debates and balanced perspectives, enriching the conversation with humor, banter, and genuine passion.
What truly sets Empty Betters apart, though, is its ability to deliver sharp, informed analysis without ever losing its laid-back, conversational tone. The show resonates with a wide audience—from seasoned gamblers and lifelong hockey fans to casual listeners looking to stay informed without the noise of overproduced sports media.
At its core, Empty Betters is about more than hockey; it’s about community, storytelling, and the shared love of the game.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
The roots of Empty Betters run deep, grounded in a lifelong love for the game instilled in each host during childhood.
Growing up in the late ’90s and early 2000s in the “pre Sid and Ovi era”, all three co-hosts were introduced to hockey by their parents—experiences that would shape not only their fandom but ultimately, the creation of the show itself.
Harrison inherited his passion for the Pittsburgh Penguins from his father, who regularly traveled to games during the team’s first golden era, witnessing legends like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and Paul Coffey firsthand.
Nick, meanwhile, became hooked after attending Washington Capitals games with his dad at the then-MCI Center, cheering for Caps icons such as Olie Kolzig, Peter Bondra, and Adam Oates.
Mackane’s connection to the sport is just as deep-rooted—his father, Mike Vogel, is the longtime senior writer for the Washington Capitals, offering Mackane an inside look at the professional side of the game and solidifying a lifelong passion from a young age.
This early exposure and love for the game would be further cemented in 2005. The arrival of Sidney Crosby to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Alexander Ovechkin to the Washington Capitals ignited a new era for both franchises. For Harrison, Crosby’s debut marked the beginning of a thrilling resurgence for the Penguins, deepening his connection to the team. For Nick and Mackane, Ovechkin’s explosive entry into the league signaled a turning point for the Capitals and ushered in years of electrifying hockey in Washington.
This era not only intensified the rivalry between the Pens and Caps, but it also heightened the passion of a generation of fans—including the Empty Betters team. The Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry wasn’t just a headline; it became a central thread in their hockey journeys, fueling countless debates and shaping the identity of the show for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emptybetters/
- Twitter: https://x.com/emptybetters
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emptybetters
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empty-betters/id1478649041?uo=4
