Hang Up and Listen

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mary Pilon talk about the NBA Finals, including LeBron James’ inefficient dominance. Sports Illustrated’s Tim Layden also joins to discuss American Pharoah’s Triple Crown. Finally, they preview the Women’s World Cup.Show notes at slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who announced today that he will step down amid a corruption scandal at soccer's international governing body. Show notes at slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss whether there’s any hope that FIFA will reform itself. Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski also joins to talk about the Stanley Cup Finals. Finally, they assess Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Mike Pesca, and special guest Richard Deitsch discuss Stephen Curry's head injury, LeBron James' dominance, and other stories from the NBA playoffs. Later, retired NFL kicker Nate Kaeding weighs in on the league’s decision to make the extra point 15 yards harder. Finally, ESPN correspondent Jeremy Schaap talks about his recent E:60 report on Sepp Blatter’s scandal-ridden tenure as the president of soccer’s international governing body, FIFA. Find links and other show notes at slate.com/hangupUpdate, 5/27: Swiss authorities have arrested several FIFA officials in conjunction with a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. The Swiss are also investigating bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. Read the latest on Slate and skip right to Hang Up’s interview with Schaap.In our Slate Plus bonus segment, Isiah Thomas' appointment as president of MSG’s women’s basketball team, the New York Liberty. Visit slate.com/hangupplus and try it free for two weeks.The Gist is sponsored by QuickBooks. If you work for yourself, try QuickBooks Self-Employed. It helps separate your business and personal expenses, estimate your federal quarterly taxes, and more. See what QuickBooks Self-Employed can do for you with a free 30-day trial at tryselfemployed.com/hangupFacebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of Slate’s sports podcast Hang Up and Listen, Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca take listeners’ questions in a special spring call-in show. Topics include how the worst baseball players in history would do against a team of all-time greats, the next great corporate stadium names, the proper time to buy championship apparel, and the panel’s favorite sports books. Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by QuickBooks. If you work for yourself, try QuickBooks Self-Employed. It helps separate your business and personal expenses, estimate your federal quarterly taxes and more. See what QuickBooks Self-Employed can do for you with a free 30-day trial at TrySelfEmployed.com/hang. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and Seth Stevenson talk about the Wells report on the Patriots’ underinflated balls and how the NFL should punish Tom Brady. They also discuss Bill Simmons’ imminent departure from ESPN and the rise of daily fantasy sports. Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by QuickBooks. If you work for yourself, try QuickBooks Self-Employed. It helps separate your business and personal expenses, estimate your federal quarterly taxes and more. See what QuickBooks Self-Employed can do for you with a free 30-day trial at TrySelfEmployed.com/hang. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Floyd Mayweather’s victory over Manny Pacquiao. They also discuss the Los Angeles Clippers’ Game 7 victory over the San Antonio Spurs and how the NFL handled “character issues” in the 2015 draft. Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by Shari's Berries. Treat your mom to something sweet this Mother's Day with fresh berries dipped in chocolate, starting at just $19.99. It's a great last-minute gift, and right now, you can double your berries for just 10 bucks. Visit berries.com, click on the microphone, and use the promo code hangup. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about whether intentional fouls have a place in the NBA. They also discuss Floyd Mayweather’s history of domestic violence and assess Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price’s profanity-filled tirade. This episode is sponsored by Shari's Berries. Treat your mom to something sweet this Mother’s Day. Shari’s Berries is offering giant, freshly dipped strawberries—starting at $19.99! Over a 40% savings! Go to www.berries.com, click on the microphone, and type in the code Hangup. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about whether the Warriors and Hawks will dominate the NBA playoffs. Andrew Zimbalist also joins to talk about Boston’s Olympic bid, and they discuss the New York Islanders’ last season in Nassau Coliseum. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Jordan Spieth’s runaway Masters win. They also interview Sonny Vaccaro about the new documentary Sole Man. Finally, they ogle the Stanley Cup and speak to the trophy’s keeper Philip Pritchard.More at slate.com/hangupLove Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/hangupplus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Wisconsin’s upset victory over Kentucky and the start of the 2015 baseball season. They also interview composer Bob Christianson, who has written more than two dozen sports television theme tunes. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListenEmail: [email protected] notes at www.slate.com/hangup Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Kate Fagan talk about the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments and the dominance of Kentucky and UConn. They also discuss the U.S. women’s national soccer team and assess the state of the gay athlete. Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/podcastplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament and the early retirement of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland. They’re also joined by writer Andrew Miller to discuss the Cricket World Cup. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/gabfestplus. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NCAA tournament and ESPN’s I Hate Christian Laettner. They also discuss all the player movement during NFL free agency, and Bruce Arthur joins to assess the imploding Toronto Maple Leafs.Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/hangupplus. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about college hoops’ slow pace with Ken Pomeroy. They also discuss the decline of the NFL running back and interview Errol Morris about his new series of short sports documentaries for ESPN.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by ESPN.com’s Kevin Pelton to talk about the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. They also discuss Larry Sanders’ decision to leave the NBA and Ben Rothenberg joins to examine match-fixing in tennis.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Grantland’s Eric Raskin to discuss Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. They also compare Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant, and they look at new rules designed to make baseball speedier.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Kevin Durant’s anti-media rant. They also discuss Jackie Robinson West Little League losing its U.S. title and Slate’s Daniel Engber joins to explore the art and science of free-throw distraction.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Sports Illustrated‘s Alexander Wolff to talk about Dean Smith, by Nathaniel Vinton to discuss U.S. ski racers, and by Jonathan Hock for a chat about his Soviet hockey documentary Of Miracles and Men.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about New England’s 28-24 Super Bowl win. Grantland’s Bryan Curtis joins to discuss the game’s surprising stars and NBC’s lead producer Fred Gaudelli gives a behind-the-scenes look at the TV broadcast.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Deflategate. They also interview John Biever, who’s photographed every Super Bowl, and tennis player Tim Smyczek, who’s been lauded for his sportsmanship after losing a tight match to Rafael Nadal.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the Seahawks’ comeback win and the Patriots’ allegedly deflated balls; interview NBC producer Fred Gaudelli about televising the Super Bowl; and talk to Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski about the NHL.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NFL playoffs and Dez Bryant’s disputed catch. ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh joins to assess the NBA’s Hawks and Pistons and Andrew Bisharat talks about the first free ascent of El Capitan’s Dawn Wall.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs and the inaugural college football playoffs, wherein the SEC went down to a crushing defeat. ESPN’s Jay Harris also joins to discuss the death of Stuart Scott.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca take listeners’ questions in a special year-end call-in show. Topics range from their greatest sports moments to what to watch on TV when you can’t sleep to gender bias in the sports media.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Kentucky's surplus of basketball talent. They also talk with Sports Illustrated executive editor Jon Wertheim about the future of sports TV and assess Yahoo NBA writer Adrian Wojnarowski.Show notes at slate.com/hangup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Kobe Bryant’s legacy and the NBA’s conference imbalance. They also talk to Baseball Prospectus’ Sam Miller about MLB’s winter meetings and interview attorney Sharon Vinick about NFL cheerleader lawsuits.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the pairings for the inaugural College Football Playoff and look at UAB’s decision to drop its football program. They also interview legendary journalist Robert Lipsyte about his tenure as ESPN ombudsman.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Pesca drives Josh Levin to Brooklyn's 176-year-old Green-Wood Cemetery. On a tour led by the cemetery's historian, they visit the graves of two great (but definitely dead) baseball pioneers. This extra was recorded on the 2014 National Gabfest Tour made possible by Acura. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the decision to overturn Ray Rice’s suspension and the injury-riddled careers of Robert Griffin III and Derrick Rose. Gideon Haigh also joins to talk about the on-field death of cricketer Phillip Hughes.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate’s sports podcast on Odell Beckham Jr.’s amazing catch, painkiller usage in the NFL, and Adrian Peterson’s extended suspension. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hang Up and Listen joins the Political and Culture Gabfests, onstage at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with emcee Dan Kois, for a blockbuster show in front of a live audience.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk to Whore of Akron author Scott Raab about LeBron James’s return to Ohio. They also examine the NFL’s obsession with London and review ESPN’s documentary about Livan and Orlando Hernandez, Brothers in Exile.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin ask Paul Finebaum about ESPN’s alleged pro-SEC bias. They also talk to Amanda Hess about Lauren Hill and inspirational sports moments and quiz Seth Stevenson about the video game League of Legends and the rise of e-sports.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Madison Bumgarner’s World Series dominance and the latest claim that baseball is dying. They also talk to UNC whistleblower Mary Willingham and assess the bull Bushwacker with PBR statistician Slade Long.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk to Grantland’s Jonah Keri about the Royals-Giants World Series. They also discuss the ethics of NBA teams tracking their players’ biometric data, and Bob Ryan joins to talk about his new book Scribe.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Fox Sports 1’s sabermetric-friendly NLCS broadcast and debate Georgia football player Todd Gurley’s suspension. They also talk to Dvora Meyers about superstar gymnast Simone Biles.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special live show in Brooklyn, Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the baseball playoffs and the NBA’s TV deal. Roy Blount Jr. joins to discuss his classic book About Three Bricks Shy of a Load, and the hosts do a listener Q-and-A.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss ESPN’s decision to suspend Bill Simmons, talk about the Kansas City Royals with Grantland’s Rany Jazayerli, and look at the turmoil surrounding the Michigan football program with Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk to ESPN’s Jane McManus about the NFL and domestic violence. They also discuss Jameis Winston, Hope Solo, and what their teams should do about them. Finally, Grantland’s Ben Lindbergh joins to talk baseball.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the NFL’s continued failures and whether Roger Goodell will go. They also examine the U.S. team’s dominant win at the FIBA World Cup and interview SB Nation’s Jon Bois about his Breaking Madden series.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Ravens’ decision to cut Ray Rice. Slate’s Jamelle Bouie also joins to discuss the Atlanta Hawks owner’s racist email. Finally, Josh interviews Josh Keefe, the worst high school quarterback ever.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss college football’s opening weekend bonanza of games at NFL stadiums. They also interview ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. about his profile of Jerry Jones and talk to SI.com’s Courtney Nguyen about the U.S. Open.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the pros and cons of NFL preseason. They also talk about MVP candidate Alex Gordon and baseball’s search for an all-in-one stat, and speak with ESPN’s Kevin Pelton about Cleveland acquiring Kevin Love.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca discuss the election of Rob Manfred as the new MLB head. They also speak with author Mark Hyman about Little League baseball and talk to ESPN's Bonnie Ford about Canada’s bid to host the Women’s World Cup on turf fields.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Mike Pesca interview Motorsport.com’s Steven Cole Smith about the death of Kevin Ward Jr.; talk to Grantland’s Shane Ryan about Rory McIlroy’s PGA win; and chat with the New York Times’ Marc Tracy about big changes in college sports.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Paul George’s leg injury and its implications. They also talk with Slate’s Emily Bazelon about college sports and sexual assault, and interview Baseball Prospectus’ Sam Miller about MLB’s trade deadline.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and special guest Jason Gay discuss the NFL’s suspension of Ray Rice. They also break down the Astros’ failure to sign top overall pick Brady Aiken, and Kathryn Bertine joins to discuss her push to get women in the Tour de France.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Mike Trout’s fame or lack thereof, interview the Iroquois Nationals’ Ansley Jemison about the World Lacrosse Championship, and talk to NBC Sports’ Joe Posnanski about Washington Generals coach Red Klotz.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Germany’s World Cup win, Lionel Messi’s loss, and what the heck happened to Brazil. They also talk about LeBron James’s return to Cleveland, and his decision to make the announcement in Sports Illustrated.Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.