​It was just over a year ago that Beasley Media Group’s 97.5 The Fanatic elevated Bill Colarulo to become the new voice of afternoon drive. At the time, the former lawyer-turned-sports-talk talent had only been with the station for just over a year. In fact, he had only been in sports media for less than four years. Yet, in the fifteen months since being elevated to drive time alongside Ricky Bottalico, Colarulo has reflected on a year of growth, change and a role that he always desired.“I work a lot harder now than I ever did as a lawyer,” says Colarulo. “I’m very happy with the first year of the show, but I’m nowhere near satisfied. I want to keep growing. But one year in, I’m really proud of staying true to what we wanted the show to be. Based in real sports talk and genuine opinion as opposed to manufactured debate or topics.”The basis for being a lawyer is building a narrative around the facts of a case. Turning evidence and rules into a compelling and clear human story. For Colarulo, the foundations he learned while practicing law provided him with a runway for early success in sports radio.However, he admits the show remains a work in progress even a year later. After serving less than a year as the co-host alongside Mike Missanelli, Colarulo is still learning to adjust as the ‘A talent,’ navigating that narrative-building process and putting in the extra hours to prepare compelling content for the listening audience of Philadelphia. Even in self-assessment, there’s still room to grow.“We need to find more ways to show our personalities more heading into year two,” explains Colarulo. “Sometimes it’s hard to show that. People think I’m serious, which I’m really just the complete opposite. That’s what we’ve been working on the most. Letting people in to know who we are as human beings and showing that personality.”The LeBron EffectView this post on InstagramSince starting in afternoons just over a year ago, there’s been no shortage of sports happenings in Philadelphia to draw an audience.Each of the four local professional teams made the postseason for the first time in fifteen years. Philadelphia was also home to the MLB All-Star Game and the World Cup this summer. Then last month, LeBron James took his talents to the City of Brotherly Love.“We have always been a football city first. The Eagles have always felt like the king. But right now, it does feel like the Sixers are right there with them,” noted Colarulo. “Based on the engagement we’re getting in regard to the program and social media. A lot of people in town are fully invested in the 76ers.”97.5 The Fanatic serves as the flagship station for the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as the Flyers of the NHL. However, the opportunities to capitalize on James’ arrival in Philadelphia are plentiful, which makes for another adjustment Colarulo is planning to make in his content approach this coming fall.“This year is going to be pretty balanc