Welcome to another exhilarating episode of Skoldiers & Spice, a podcast that combines vibrant football discussions with personal anecdotes and a touch of humor. This episode is part of the Vikings 1st & SKOL production, proudly partnered with the Fans First Sports Network. In this special installment, host Sal Spice brings an unprecedented treat to her audience by welcoming her first guest into the Spice studio: the one and only Jason Harmon, a notable figure on Vikings Twitter and host on the Skolcial Network.

A Heartfelt Message to Listeners
Sal kicks off the episode by expressing her deep gratitude to her loyal listeners for their overwhelming support and positive feedback on her debut episode. “It just really means so much to me that you took 37 minutes out of your day to listen to my show,” Sal shares, her voice filled with emotion. She admits feeling nervous about launching her podcast under her own name but is genuinely moved by the outpouring of love and support from her fans.

Rolling Out the First Guest: Jason Harmon
Sal then dives into the introduction of her esteemed guest, Jason Harmon, who is fondly regarded as the first “Skoldier” in the still-under-construction Spice studio. Jason, also known as @_Jason_777 on Twitter, has carved out a significant presence in the Vikings fan community online. He kicks off by sharing how his social media presence evolved from a modest following to a large, engaged audience keen on his insightful and humorous takes on the Vikings.

Jason’s Journey to Becoming a Vikings Fan
Originating from Southern California, Jason’s path to becoming a die-hard Vikings fan is unusual yet endearing. His fandom traces back to his father, who was enthralled by Fran Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters. “My dad’s favorite player was Chris Carter,” Jason reminisces, highlighting how his father’s love for the team embedded a deep-rooted loyalty in him.

Despite growing up in an area with a fragmented football identity, Jason found a strong connection with the Vikings, a bond strengthened by his father’s passion for the team. This loyalty followed Jason as he moved to Arizona and later, during college, mingled with fellow Vikings fans at local sports bars.

Balancing Parenthood and Football Fandom
As the discussion progresses, Jason and Sal share personal stories about the delicate balancing act between their love for the Vikings and their responsibilities as parents. Jason’s son, Case, who is proudly named after quarterback Case Keenum, has already attended games and experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a Vikings fan. “My wife is super supportive,” Jason notes, illustrating how important it is to have a strong support system when juggling parenthood and a passion for football.

A Serendipitous Twitter Moment: From Tweet to Suite
The episode takes an inspiring turn when Jason recounts how a seemingly trivial tweet led to an unforgettable opportunity. During the Vikings’ coaching search in 2022, Jason jokingly tweeted about needing tickets to a playoff game. To his surprise, Delta Airlines and the Vikings responded, offering him free plane tickets and game tickets. This unexpected twist brought Jason to Minneapolis for a game, forever redefining his relationship with the Vikings community.

Embracing the Vikings Community
Both Sal and Jason express how the Vikings fan community has become an integral part of their lives, making even the toughest losses bearable. Reflecting on past experiences, Sal admits, “You wouldn’t be here at my house right now if it wasn’t for this team.” They both highlight how their love for the Vikings has fostered lifelong friendships and created a strong sense of camaraderie among fans.

Anticipation for the Home Opener
The conversation then shifts to the upcoming Vikings home opener, with both Sal and Jason buzzing with excitement. They discuss their plans for the game, including attending SKOL Fest and their traditional tailgating experience. SKOL Fest, held at Corner Bar in Minneapolis, promises to be a highlight, bringing together Vikings content creators and fans for a night of fun and camaraderie.

Making Week 2 Predictions
In the spirit of friendly competition, Sal and Jason dive into their predictions for Week 2 of the NFL season. Sal engages her listeners in her Pick’em League through Splash Sports, encouraging them to join her in making predictions and potentially winning cash prizes.

Jason’s Lock and Surprise Upset For his lock of the week, Jason is confident the Eagles will triumph over the Falcons, citing concerns about Kirk Cousins’ health and performance. “I don’t think Kirk’s healthy,” Jason observes, hinting at Cousins’ visible hesitance during recent games. For his surprise upset, Jason hopes for a Tampa Bay victory over Detroit. “Detroit can’t keep getting all these home games stacked to start the year. It drives me insane,” Jason quips.

Sal’s Picks Sal, on the other hand, picks Baltimore as her lock for an unquestionable win against the Raiders. For her surprise upset, she places her bets on Miami pulling off a win against Buffalo in a Thursday night showdown. “That’s tonight, guys! Can you believe it’s already Thursday?” she exclaims, capturing the thrill and anticipation of game night. – Oops. That didn’t go well as Bills easily stomped the Dolphins 31-10.

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Wrapping Up the Episode
As the episode draws to a close, Sal extends heartfelt thanks to her listeners and a special shout-out to Jason for being her first guest. They both express immense excitement for the growth and future of the podcast. “Thank you so much for listening, thank you for being our first Skolger, Jason,” Sal says enthusiastically, looking forward to many more episodes filled with fun and meaningful discussions.

SKOL Fest and Tailgating Plans
Before signing off, Sal reminds everyone about SKOL Fest, urging fans to join them at this spirited event at Corner Bar. She also shares her anticipation for the traditional Skoldiers & Spice tailgate, inviting fans to come and be part of the pre-game festivities.

Final Words
In closing, Sal encourages her audience to subscribe, like, and rate the podcast on their favorite platforms. She leaves them with a rousing “SKOL Vikings!” and a promise of more engaging episodes to come.

Stay tuned to Skoldiers & Spice for more insights, heartfelt stories, and lots of laughter. SKOL Vikings!

Join us as fans!
Guest Jason Harmon @_jason_777 on  with host Sal Spice @SalSpice on this episode of “Skoldiers & Spice” with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL show. We’re partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and their NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.