If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 3:00 AM, staring at the ceiling while the rest of the world sleeps, you probably know the voice. It’s melodic, sharp, and intensely passionate. For twelve years, that voice belonged to Amy Lawrence, the woman who turned the graveyard shift into a destination.
She wasn't just filling airtime. She was building a community of "insomniacs" and early risers.
Then, suddenly, the signal went quiet. Or at least, it changed.
In February 2025, a massive shift rocked the sports radio world. Amy Lawrence walked away from her long-running show, After Hours with Amy Lawrence, on what was then the CBS Sports Radio Network (now Infinity Sports Network). People were stunned. Why would a pioneer—one of the only women to ever front a national sports talk show—just quit?
The answer isn't a simple "contract dispute" or "creative differences." It’s much more human than that.
The End of the After Hours Era
Amy didn't leave because she stopped loving sports. She left because she wanted to stop being tired. Honestly, who can blame her?
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After two decades of working nights—eight years at ESPN and twelve at CBS—the "vampire schedule" finally caught up. In her own words, she felt like she was "getting old before her time." Working overnights is brutal. It’s not just the hours; it’s the way it detaches you from the "real" world. While your friends are at dinner, you’re prepping for a 2:00 AM kickoff. While your family is waking up, you’re trying to force yourself to sleep in a darkened room.
But there was a business side to the exit, too.
Radio has been getting leaner. In the fall of 2020, her support staff was slashed. She was basically a one-woman show, handling tasks that used to be spread across a whole team. When the network offered her a new contract in late 2024 that didn't address her desire for a better schedule or provide the resources she needed, she did something incredibly brave.
She said no.
She worked through Super Bowl Sunday in 2025—a final gift to her loyal affiliates and listeners—and then she simply walked away. For six weeks, she did nothing. She slept. She spent time with her husband. She reconnected with her family in the South.
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Amy Lawrence Sports Talk: The Move to SiriusXM
You can't keep a voice like that off the air for long. In April 2025, Amy announced she was joining SiriusXM.
This wasn't just a new job; it was a total reimagining of her career. Instead of being locked into a four-hour block in the middle of the night, she’s now a versatile asset across multiple channels, including Mad Dog Sports Radio and SiriusXM NFL Radio.
It’s a different vibe.
On satellite radio, she’s not just reacting to the game that ended an hour ago. She’s engaging in long-form discussions and topical analysis. It’s "amy lawrence sports talk" with more room to breathe. She’s collaborating with different hosts and hitting different dayparts. Most importantly? She’s doing it during the day.
Why Her Style Actually Works
What makes her different from the "screamers" on sports talk radio?
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- Perspective: She has a Master’s from Syracuse (the Newhouse School is legendary for a reason).
- Nuance: She doesn't just give a hot take. She builds an argument.
- The "Hole" in the Industry: She fills a void. For years, she was the only regular female host on national sports radio. She knows what it’s like to fight for a seat at the table.
- Mentorship: She’s not just talking; she’s teaching. She’s an adjunct professor at Syracuse, helping the next generation avoid the burnout she faced.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Exit
Some fans thought she was "canceled" or that her ratings were down. That’s just wrong.
The truth is much more mundane and relatable. It was a lifestyle choice. She got married recently. She wanted to teach Sunday school. She wanted to play golf without feeling like a zombie. We often forget that the people behind the microphone have lives that don't revolve entirely around the NFL standings.
When she left CBS, she wrote a blog post titled "AFTER After Hours." It was raw. She admitted that she’d spent years laughing at articles saying overnights were bad for your health, thinking she was the "exception to the rule." She wasn't.
The Future of Sports Radio
As we move through 2026, the landscape of sports media is still shifting. FM radio is struggling, while streaming and satellite are thriving. Amy’s move to SiriusXM reflects where the audience is going. People want personality. They want a connection. They don't just want a box score; they can get that on their phones in two seconds.
Amy brings a level of empathy to her "amy lawrence sports talk" brand that is rare in a world of loud opinions. Whether she's discussing the impact of NIL on college sports or breaking down a coaching change, she treats the subjects like people, not just statistics.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to catch up with Amy or dive into her new world, here’s what you should do:
- Switch to SiriusXM: If you were a terrestrial radio loyalist, you’ll need a subscription to hear her daily work on Mad Dog Sports Radio or NFL Radio.
- Follow the Blog: She still updates "Play by Play Day by Day" at amylawrencepxp.com. It’s where she gets personal about her life in New Jersey and her recent move south.
- Check the Podcast Archives: If you miss the old After Hours vibe, many of those episodes are still archived on the Audacy app or Apple Podcasts, though new content is now on the satellite side.
- Watch the Socials: She’s active on X (formerly Twitter) as @ALawRadio. It’s the best place to see her live schedule, as she often fills in on different time slots.
Amy Lawrence is proof that you can be a pioneer without sacrificing your well-being. She redefined what a sports talk host looks like, and then she had the guts to redefine her own life.