Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Thornton.
Hi Maggie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started in 2012 when I was invited to help manage a Facebook group called Atlanta Falcons Nation. This is a group that is now at 19k Falcons Fans across the country, that posts and supports the team throughout the season and off-season. A platform where season ticket holders, single-game attendees, journalists, former Falcons Football players, tailgaters, and event promoters come together to connect within the community. Eventually, other administrators stepped down to other projects, and I became the sole manager of this account. As a diehard Atlanta sports fan, being born and raised in Atlanta, I jumped on the opportunity to expand beyond the group and become a business. I began hosting away game-watch parties, which gained a lot of support. It allowed local fans who did not travel with the team to watch amongst our fanbase. Eventually, the group became too large to manage, so I invited Mike Linson of Mad Mike Sports to lend a helping hand. I discovered that he had a podcast on YouTube where he posted sports and news updates from a fan’s perspective, developed as a following. He inspired me to create a podcast channel called Atlanta Falcons Nation, which was officially established in July 2020. With the launch, we became the Voice Of The Fans. Now we are watched in living rooms across the world. Interviews from legendary former Falcons athletes, beat writers, content creators, super fans, and journalists. We now also host various watch parties, and our Annual Red And Black Event, which is a pep rally/slash party before the season starts. This is an appreciation celebration for our viewers, as we give back, which includes donations towards The AFN Educators Fund. This fund supplies supplies and resources to our teacher’s classrooms.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was not a smooth road, as I battled mental health. From childhood trauma, loss of loved ones, and divorce. A single mom raising a child with autism, plus another with a severe mental health disorder, all while managing various projects and full-time employee. I often put my needs aside to care for others, and not for myself. That created gaps in times I wasnt motivated to push business forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am Maggie Thornton Owner, and Producer of Atlanta Falcons Nation LLC. We are an Atlanta Falcons fans sports podcast network, an extension from a Facebook fan group., where we bring members team news and updates, and allow the community to advertise Atlanta Falcons content, or post their opinions about the team. We have various host who operate their shows under our umbrella. These content creators want to gain exposure from our platform to expand their brand to a wider audience that is viewed worldwide, following the channel on YouTube. I host an all female panel show called Lady Birds Of AFN on Tuesdays, so I also content create. We also host events, during the Falcons season, bringing together die-hard fans to support the team, including meet and greets, tailgates, and watch parties. We also host charity fundraisers to donate to the community and show appreciation to our fans with our annual Red And Black event, I am also a certified mental health and behavioral coach, where I offer coaching services and advice to our viewers in need of guidance outside of football. Became an advocate due to my mental health and the care of my daughter mental health care. Maggie t Mental health And Wellness. Our fans have always reached out for conversations beyond the team., as I always have connected sports to mental health awareness.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to expand my platform to Internet Radio, and offline interviews of athletes, fans, and content creators. Plus expand my mental health services to advertise as I am currently doing certification courses to include the youth in my services. Recognizing that mental health within the youth, especially athletes, needs more awareness. Implementing a buddy system, so players are aware of signs of distress from their teammates. Plus launch a Mental Health Podcast separate from Sports. On the Maggie T Mental Health and Wellness channel. Show is Champagne Conversations and this will soon come to On Blast Radio.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantafalconsnation_afn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/atlantafalconsnation
- Twitter: https://x.com/AtlFalconsNtion
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AtlantaFalconsNation
Image Credits
Some By Self Maggie T, Atlanta Falcons And Maude Images LLC
