Hang Up and Listen

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golilver to talk about the NBA’s conference semifinals. Jackie Powell of the Next also joins to preview all the big storylines leading into the most-anticipated WNBA season ever. Finally, one of the WNBA’s top draft picks in 2023, Maddy Siegrist, explains what the 2024 rookie class can expect in their first year as pros.NBA playoffs (3:29): The Nuggets aren’t dead yet and the Knicks are held together with duct tape. WNBA (21:25): Caitlin Clark’s debut, the Aces going for three in a row, and the rollout of charter flights. Siegrist (39:49): The second-year player for the Dallas Wings on adjusting to the WNBA.Afterball (56:22): Joel on the seeming demise of the Arena Football League.(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and NPR’s Gene Demby look back at the epic first-round series between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. They also check in on the chaos inside Deion Sanders’ Colorado football program. Finally, Alex Prewitt joins Joel, Josh, and Stefan Fatsis to examine why Korean basketball players bank in their free throws.Knicks- Sixers (2:25): How New York came out on top and what’s next for Philly. Colorado (19:03): What happened to all the players Coach Prime booted? Banked-in free throws (34:26): A deep dive into a mysterious phenomenon.Afterball (49:15): Josh on the Shaq-Kobe NBA (and rap) beef. (Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Alex Kirshner discuss the quarterback frenzy at the top of the NFL draft and Anthony Edwards’ star-making performances in the NBA playoffs. Then, Josh and Stefan Fatsis are joined by cross-country skiing broadcaster Chad Salmela to talk about the remarkable Jessie Diggins.QBs in the NFL draft (4:23): Was the Falcons’ Michael Penix pick a big mistake? Edwards (18:44): The Timberwolves guard looks ready for the spotlight. Diggins (34:06): Why everyone should root for the American skiing sensation.Afterballs (56:38 ): Joel on "Machine Gun" Molly Bolin and WNBA.(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by writer Tom Haberstroh to discuss Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA for gambling. The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh also joins to talk about the scourge of pitcher injuries in Major League Baseball and what MLB should do to get the crisis under control.Jontay Porter (2:51): What his ban augurs for the future of pro sports and betting. Pitcher injuries (26:17): What is MLB doing about them? Is it too late? Afterball (47:02): Stefan on why the Ivy League’s best basketball players are transferring.(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin, discuss the death of O.J. Simpson and everything his life and his murder trial dredged up. They’re also joined by Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports for a breakdown of the NBA playoffs.O.J. Simpson's legacy (2:05): Reckoning with the meaning of O.J.NBA Playoffs (23:45): Breaking down the upcoming playoff picture.Afterball (41:42): Joel on O.J. Simpson’s long and not so successful sportscasting career.(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings to talk about South Carolina’s victory over Iowa. They also ponder Caitlin Clark’s WNBA future, John Calipari’s reported move to Arkansas, and Tennessee’s decision to move beyond the Pat Summitt coaching tree. Finally, Sam Koppelman joins to discuss Hunterbrook Media’s new report on Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s mortgage company and how Hunterbrook is trying to use journalism to make money in the stock market.South Carolina-Iowa (1:42): How the Gamecocks took down the Hawkeyes.Caitlin Clark and big coaching moves (14:45): How will the Iowa star perform in the pros? And what’s next for the Kentucky men’s and Tennessee women’s basketball programs?Ishbia (34:26): Breaking down a new story on the NBA and mortgage lending and assessing a new journalistic business model.Afterball (55:51): Josh on Sports Illustrated’s 1955 baseball preview, featuring Willie Mays, Leo Durocher, and Laraine Day.(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis are joined by USA Today’s Lindsay Schnell to talk about the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament and by Buzzer’s Eamonn Brennan to discuss the men’s tournament. Finally, the Washington Post’s Kent Babb joins for a conversation about his profile of Kim Mulkey.NCAA women (5:55): Can anyone beat South Carolina?NCAA men (23:02): Why everyone loves North Carolina State’s DJ Burns Jr.Mulkey profile (38:31): Kent Babb on his reporting process and everything that came after.Afterball (1:00:33): Stefan on chess pioneer Lisa Lane.(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.)Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about whether college hoops has passed by John Calipari and why Oakland’s Jack Gohlke became a folk hero. They also discuss Kim Mulkey’s preemptive strike against the Washington Post and what to make of the strange story of Shohei Ohtani, his interpreter, and massive gambling debts. NCAA tournament (4:06): The strangeness of tourneys that have mostly gone to form. Mulkey (23:07): The LSU women’s basketball coach goes on the attack … over a story that hasn’t been published. Ohtani (39:24): Trying to make sense of a very confusing series of events. Afterball (50:56): Josh on Kobe Elvis. (Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad free.) Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the top storylines going into March Madness. They also assess the NFL’s big quarterback moves. Finally, they discuss the greatest Scrabble play of all time and the fascinating Kiwi who made it. March Madness (5:20): Brown’s Ivy League loss, the possible showdowns in the women’s bracket, and more. NFL QBs (26:56): Were the Steelers smart to get Russell Wilson AND Justin Fields? Nigel Richards (41:44): A singular moment of Scrabble genius from a singular player. Afterball (51:23): Joel on the Mississippi Valley State men’s basketball team’s lone victory and the student announcers who called it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Great Expectations author Vinson Cunningham to talk about the fracas between the LSU and South Carolina women’s basketball teams. They also discuss Steve Garvey, DEI in Florida, and other intersections between sports and politics in 2024.Women’s hoops (3:24): In so many ways, this weekend showed that this sport has the juice.Sports and politics (22:07): How athletes are influencing politics and policy this election year.Afterball (43:01): Josh on the U.S. women’s national team’s Gold Cup victory and what it all means. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by NFL reporting legend Peter King to talk about the Chicago Bears’ quarterback dilemma, what he’s seen in his four decades covering pro football, and why Bill Belichick refuses to speak to him. Justin Fields and Caleb Williams (4:02): What are the Bears going to do? Peter King looks back (29:48): What stories did he screw up? Which ones does he wish he got to cover? Afterball (50:38): Stefan on D.C. public school basketball powerhouse Jackson-Reed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss whether court-storming should be banned for good. The Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins also joins to explain why she believes the NCAA is cheapening Caitlin Clark’s scoring records. Finally, they assess the NCAA’s latest legal trouble and what comes next. Court-storming (4:41): Is it even possible to stop students from rushing the court? Clark’s records (22:48): The AIAW’s Lynette Woodard and Pearl Moore deserve respect and attention. NCAA (41:20): How much longer can the house of cards stay standing? Afterball (56:18): Joel on the precarious existence of the NBA’s G League Ignite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss whether the NBA All-Star Game is fixable. They also talk about whether Fanatics and Nike are destroying the sports uniform. Finally, writer Abraham Josephine Riesman joins to explain the allegations against wrestling impresario Vince McMahon and why they matter. All-Star Game (3:16): What can the league do to revive what used to be a showcase event? Uniforms (22:53): Baseball players say their new clothes are the pits. What happened? McMahon (42:37): What’s next for pro wrestling and the man who’s controlled it for decades? Afterball (1:01:43): Josh on the time the mayor of San Francisco insulted the 49ers’ backup quarterback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win over the 49ers, the performances of Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy, and how the new overtime rules played out. CNBC’s Alex Sherman also comes on to explain whether a new multi-network streaming deal will change how we watch sports. How the Chiefs won (3:41): This Mahomes guy is pretty good. Overtime (20:07): Did the 49ers screw up by taking the ball first? Streaming (35:47): What you need to know about the new service and the future of sports TV. Afterball (51:49): Stefan on the Chiefs’ legendary Black scout Lloyd Wells. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings to discuss women’s college basketball stars JuJu Watkins and Caitlin Clark. The Washington Post’s Will Hobson also joins to talk about his piece on the broken promises of the NFL’s concussion settlement. Finally, U.S. senator and New York Knicks legend Bill Bradley discusses his one-man show Rolling Along. Watkins and Clark (4:29): The biggest stars in women’s hoops are living up to the hype. Concussion settlement (23:50): Retired players with dementia aren’t getting the money they believe they’re owed. Rolling Along (44:24): Why the politician and basketball star is telling the story of his life. Afterball (1:03:22): Josh on Zach LaVine, L.T. Levine, and athlete name homophones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the 49ers’ comeback win over the Lions and the Chiefs’ victory over the Ravens. The Washington Post’s Ben Golliver also joins to talk about the spate of high-scoring games in the NBA. 49ers-Lions (3:44): Did Dan Campbell’s coaching moves cost Detroit? Chiefs-Ravens (18:50): Patrick Mahomes won again. Lamar Jackson flopped. NBA scoring (35:36): Are all these amazing point totals bad news for the league? Afterball (56:56): Joel on meeting Andrew Luck at the playground. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Kansas City’s win over Buffalo in the NFL playoffs. Adam Duerson also joins to talk about the collapse of Sports Illustrated and ESPN’s Myron Medcalf comes on for a conversation about second-generation athletes (and how they make us feel old). Chiefs-Bills (5:00): How Patrick Mahomes took down Josh Allen again. Sports Illustrated (21:49): Is there a path forward for SI? Second-generation athletes (39:36): Wait, there’s a Jameer Nelson Jr. now? Afterball (1:02:11): The time Buddy Ryan ran up the score on the Cowboys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs. They also talk about the departures of coaching legends Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, and Pete Carroll. Finally, Ben Rothenberg joins to discuss his new biography of tennis star Naomi Osaka. NFL playoffs (3:17): How did the Detroit Lions franchise turn itself around? Saban, Belichick, and Carroll (26:03): What do these coaching greats have in common and how do they differ from each other? Osaka (48:09): A deep dive into a modern sports icon. Afterball (1:14:22): Remembering Chris Laskowski. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Michigan’s win over Washington in the College Football Playoff. They also talk about Bill Belichick’s future and the Philadelphia Eagles’ decline. Finally, the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings assesses the state of women’s college basketball and the sport’s new TV deal. Michigan (7:14): How the Wolverines won it all. NFL (26:01): Why hasn’t Pats owner Robert Kraft made a move yet? Women’s hoops (50:40): Is the new TV contract a disappointment or a positive step? Afterball (1:09:43): What was the 2023 Sports Word of the Year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to discuss the College Football Playoff semifinals. Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports also joins to talk about the Detroit Pistons’ epic losing streak. Finally, we look back at our 2020 segment on the Pac-12’s #WeAreUnited movement. CFP semis (5:21): How Michigan and Washington emerged victorious. Pistons (29:02): How did they get so bad? #WeAreUnited (51:06): A conversation from 2020 with then UCLA players Elisha Guidry and Otito Ogbonnia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the most important and most memorable sports moments of 2023. They’re also joined by Mark Wright to talk about his podcast The Bison Project, on Howard University’s 1971 NCAA champion soccer team. Finally, we look back at one of our favorite segments from the recent past, featuring … a mystery guest. Memorable moments (4:41): Damar Hamlin, Michigan sign-stealing, and everything in between. Howard soccer (21:06): Can a 50-year-old injustice be rectified? Mystery guest (42:57): Can you guess what sports innovation he came up with? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Alex Kirshner discuss Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension. They also talk about the Washington Capitals and Wizards reportedly leaving D.C. for Northern Virginia. And finally, they examine why every college quarterback is in the transfer portal. Draymond (4:43): What’s next for him and for the Warriors? Wiz and Caps (26:12): Are they actually leaving or is this just a classic case of owner extortion? Portal (45:53): Why so many quarterbacks are switching teams. Afterball (1:06:58): Joel on North Dakota State’s very lopsided basketball victory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They’re also joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to assess the NBA’s first in-season tournament. Finally, they discuss Joel’s story about his tenure at ESPN and what it’s become now. Ohtani (4:31): Did the Dodgers actually get a bargain? In-season tournament (23:41): Was it a flop or is it here to stay? ESPN (47:57): What is the Worldwide Leader trying to be? Afterball (1:08:30): Josh on Bills coach Sean McDermott talking about the teamwork of … the 9/11 hijackers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis assess the decision to leave Florida State out of the College Football Playoff at the expense of Alabama. They also discuss Sports Illustrated using AI writers. And Stefan and Josh follow the continuing saga of LSU’s Kim Mulkey and Angel Reese. Florida State and Alabama (3:50): A total outrage or a totally understandable decision? Sports Illustrated (21:28): What does the magazine’s AI mess say about the present and future of sports media? Mulkey and Reese (39:36): The question that went unasked when the LSU basketball star returned. Afterball (1:00:19): Stefan on the origins of a famous quotation from baseball Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Michigan football team’s win over Ohio State and Alabama’s last-second victory over Auburn. They also discuss the mystery around why LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese isn’t playing. Finally, the Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Clegg explains the huge penalty the Premier League dished out to Everton. College football (6:31): Why this year’s rivalry week loss was so crushing for Ohio State. LSU women’s basketball (26:10): What’s going on between star Angel Reese and coach Kim Mulkey? Everton (48:22): Will Manchester City and Chelsea get hammered next? Afterball (1:07:17): Joel on the uplifting journeys of Idaho and New Mexico State football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin, Joel Anderson, and Ben Mathis-Lilley are joined by the Ringer’s Lindsay Jones to talk about the controversy Charissa Thompson kicked up about sideline reporting. They also discuss Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and whether he’ll succeed at bringing a new leadership style to the NFL. Finally, the Wall Street Journal’s Joshua Robinson joins to assess Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. Sideline reporting (5:41): Why did Thompson’s admission that she made up reports strike such a nerve? McDaniel (29:06): Can a humane coach win big in the NFL? Formula 1 (49L59): How the Las Vegas Grand Prix went from disaster to success. Afterball (1:07:17): Josh on commercials where athletes celebrate “ordinary people.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin, Joel Anderson, and Ben Mathis-Lilley weigh the evidence in the sign-stealing case against Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. They also discuss Texas A&M’s decision to fire its football coach Jimbo Fisher. Finally, Josh and Joel speak with writer Megan Swanick about the career and legacy of Megan Rapinoe. Harbaugh (4:04): Should the coach go down or is he getting railroaded? Fisher (26:49): How national championship dreams turned into a $76 million buyout. Rapinoe (44:01): She didn’t get a perfect ending, but she handled her ending perfectly. Afterball (1:06:36): Joel on Jimbo Fisher, Colby Carthel, and Texas-sized football expectations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Joel Anderson assess the life and career of basketball coach Bobby Knight, who died last week at age 83. They also review Victor Wembanyama’s awe-inspiring opening weeks in the NBA. Finally, the Athletic’s Dan Robson joins to discuss the tragic death of hockey player Adam Johnson, who was slashed in the neck by a skate blade. Knight (4:39): The legendary coach was a symbol of toughness and egomania. Wemby (24:45): The French giant is even better than we thought. Hockey death (45:25): Will a horrifying on-ice tragedy change anything about the game? Afterball (1:08:39): Josh on the latest abuse allegations against tennis player Alexander Zverev. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Joel Anderson are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to assess the latest developments in the Michigan sign-stealing extravaganza. The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh also joins to break down the World Series matchup between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers. Finally, Stefan, Josh, and Joel discuss how to talk about Dwight Howard, the future basketball Hall of Famer who’s been accused by a man of sexual assault. Michigan (5:52): Is Jim Harbaugh in trouble? World Series (27:27): These might not be the best teams in the major leagues but it is a great match-up. Howard (49:57): There’s never been a story like this in the NBA. Afterball (1:08:55): Stefan on the etymology of the “tush push” and its upstart rival, the “Brotherly Shove.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to talk about allegations that the Michigan football team is running a sign-stealing operation. They also discuss flag football becoming an Olympic sport. Finally, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski comes on for a conversation about the National Hockey League’s ban on rainbow-colored Pride Tape. Michigan (1:54): Are the Wolverines cheating? And what does a guy named Connor Stalions have to do with it? Flag football (23:12): Will NFL players take the field at the 2028 Games? Pride Tape (41:54): The Arizona Coyotes’ Travis Dermott defied the ban. What happens now? Afterball (01:05:41): Stefan on the first woman kicker in college football who’s also a rated tournament Scrabble player. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Pablo Torre of Pablo Torre Finds Out are joined by Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim to talk about the Ohio State wrestlers speaking out against their former coach Jim Jordan. They also discuss the journalism ethics brouhaha over the Braves’ Orlando Arcia lightly mocking the Phillies’ Bryce Harper. Finally, they assess the rivalry between NBA newsbreakers Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania. Jim Jordan (4:22): He claims he knew nothing about Richard Strauss’ sexual abuse. A group of Ohio State wrestlers say that’s not true. Braves-Phillies (26:37): How a locker room joke became an off-field and off-field controversy. Woj vs. Shams (45:57): Should we care about them and the transactions they report? Afterball (1:04:00): Josh on the Asian-American tennis players you need to know, including Mackenzie McDonald and Jessica Pegula. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant to talk about the WNBA Finals matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty. Aaron Schatz of the FTN Network also joins to discuss the badness of the New England Patriots and whether Bill Belichick’s job is at risk. Finally, Defector’s Dave McKenna comes on for a conversation about swimmer Diana Nyad and the adversary committed to exposing her as a fraud. WNBA (3:31): Do the Liberty still have a chance to make it a series? Patriots (24:26): What’s gone wrong in New England and could Belichick be on his way out? Nyad (49:21): The swimmer vs. her debunker. Afterball (1:07:21): Stefan on teams losing football games after failing to take a knee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Kevin Clark of ESPN to talk about Taylor Swift vs. the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills’ rout of the Miami Dolphins. Ben Golliver of the Washington Post also comes on to evaluate the trade of superstar Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Finally, golf writer Shane Ryan discusses Team Europe’s blowout Ryder Cup win over the United States.NFL (3:31): Everyone (except Zach Wilson) wins when “Tayvis” hits New Jersey.NBA (25:31): Dame to the Bucks. Jrue to Boston. Who’s the favorite in the East?Ryder Cup (50:56): The golf world went nuts over a man not wearing a hat. Afterball (1:11:41): Josh on athletes and triquetral fractures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis is joined by writer and podcaster Spencer Hall to talk about a busy weekend in college football. The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh discusses Major League Baseball’s playoff races, and the future of Shohei Ohtani. Finally, Slate’s Nadira Goffe and Defector’s Dan McQuade assess the budding Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship, and a new documentary about Kelce’s brother, Jason.College football (2:30): Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes finally lost, and badly.MLB (20:20): Are the Atlanta Braves the best offensive team in baseball history?Kelce (39:30): Will the Swifties take over the NFL? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay to talk about quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ (possibly) season-ending injury. Gay also discusses American cyclist Sepp Kuss’ historic grand tour win at the Vuelta a Espana and the controversy that preceded it. And finally, the Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant assesses the big storylines in the WNBA playoffs.Rodgers (2:22): Is it too soon to laugh about him doing his own research?Kuss (19:30): Should the cyclist’s team and his teammates have challenged him or allowed him to win?WNBA (38:20): Can anyone take down the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces?Afterball (59:23): Josh on the MLS story of the year: an Argentinian who is not Lionel Messi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Coco Gauff’s big breakthrough at the U.S. Open. They also discuss Texas’ win over Alabama, and whether the Longhorns are back, baby. Finally, the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver joins to assess Team USA’s non-medal-winning performance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Coco Gauff (2:48): Why her first grand slam victory felt so monumental. Texas-Alabama (26:50): Are the Longhorns rising up or is the Crimson Tide on the way down? FIBA World Cup (44:49): Why did Team USA flop again? Does it matter? Afterballs (01:13:15): Joel on Willie Jeffries and Stefan on how Billie Jean King and a deodorant manufacturer secured equal pay for women at the U.S. Open in 1973. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the Colorado football team’s season-opening win over TCU. They also talk about how Maryland football coach Mike Locksley is dealing with his son’s posthumous CTE diagnosis. Finally, ESPN’s Elizabeth Merrill joins to explain how the Nebraska women’s volleyball team drew 92,000 fans. Colorado (4:04): Deion Sanders got the win he needed to sell his vision and himself. Locksley (28:26): A profound loss and a reckoning with football’s costs. Nebraska volleyball (45:07): This is what it looks like to invest in women’s sports. Afterball (1:06:42): Josh on the Cannon Street All-Stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cannon Street All-Stars dreamed of playing in the 1955 Little League World Series. Their biggest obstacle didn’t come on the field. In the year that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus, these Black 12-year-olds became unlikely civil rights pioneers—and faced the wrath of a white society that wasn’t ready to change.Josh Levin is One Year’s editorial director. One Year’s senior producer is Evan Chung.This episode was produced by Kelly Jones and Evan Chung, with additional production by Sophie Summergrad. It was edited by Joel Meyer and Derek John, Slate’s executive producer of narrative podcasts. Merritt Jacob is our senior technical director.Join Slate Plus to get the first three episodes of One Year: 1955 right away—and a bonus 1955 story at the end of the season. Slate Plus members also get to listen to all Slate podcasts without any ads. Sign up now to support One Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the American stars at the world track and field championships. They also review the documentary BS High, on the Bishop Sycamore high school football scandal. Finally, journalist Semra Hunter joins Stefan and Josh to discuss the latest in the battle between Luis Rubiales and Spain’s women’s soccer team. Track (5:50): Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles won gold and are shooting for stardom. BS High (25:45): Looking back at an amazing con and the man who perpetrated it. Spain (48:34): A fight over soccer, power, and chauvinism. Afterball (1:08:30): Josh on the FIBA Basketball World Cup, naturalized players, and a contretemps in Cambodia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Yahoo Sports’ Henry Bushnell to talk about Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory and the turmoil that preceded it. The New York Times’ Kurt Streeter joins to discuss the controversy over The Blind Side. Finally, ESPN’s Luis Miguel Echegaray assesses Lionel Messi’s brilliant opening month with Inter Miami. Spain (3:27): The story behind La Roja’s World Cup win and everything that came before. The Blind Side (28:12): Revisiting the book and the movie in light of Michael Oher’s allegations. Messi (52:56): Could anyone have imagined that his transition to America would go this well this quickly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and the Atlantic’s Vann Newkirk talk about ESPN’s embrace of gambling. They also discuss the alleged suspension of Baltimore Orioles announcer Kevin Brown for alluding to the team’s recent losing seasons. Finally, Rebecca Schuman joins to assess Simone Biles’ return to competitive gymnastics. ESPN and gambling (3:30): The Worldwide Leader makes a big bet. Is it too late? Orioles (23:53): What are announcers allowed to say on team-owned networks? Biles (42:49): How did she keep her comeback secret? And what should we expect from her? Afterball (1:06:30): Stefan on Greek second-division soccer club Athens Kallithea FC, fashion, and hooliganism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis talk about the U.S. national soccer team’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup. Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley also joins to discuss the huge shakeups in the Big Ten, Big 12, and Pac-12 conferences and ESPN’s Jeff Passan assesses the fallout from the Major League Baseball trade deadline. Finally, Josh interviews Wimbledon quarterfinalist Chris Eubanks. Women’s World Cup (2:47): What went wrong for the U.S. women’s national team. NCAA (26:01): Assessing the most significant week ever in conference realignment. MLB (49:37): Did the Mets and Angels make the right calls at the trade deadline? Chris Eubanks (01:07:51): A conversation with one of the most fascinating men in tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Washington Post’s Chuck Culpepper to talk about big wins for Colombia and Australia at the Women’s World Cup. Alex Kirshner of Slate and the Split Zone Duo podcast also joins to discuss whether NFL running backs should go on strike and the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown getting the biggest NBA deal ever. Women’s World Cup (2:40): The scene in the stadium when Australia thrashed Canada. NFL running backs (21:34): What can they do to get more respect and more cash? Big-money deals (42:47): Is there any amount of money that’s too much for a pro athlete to make? Afterball (1:02:22): Stefan on the world Scrabble championships in Las Vegas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin is joined by the Athletic’s Steph Yang to talk about the opening days of the Women’s World Cup. Author Jonathan Clegg also joins to discuss Lionel Messi’s MLS debut. And the Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay assesses the 2023 Tour de France and the Netflix documentary Tour de France: Unchained. Women’s World Cup (3:32): What are the main takeaways from the U.S. win over Vietnam? Messi (20:31): What does success look like for Messi, his club, and Major League Soccer? Tour de France (40:01): How a close race turned into a rout for Jonas Vingegaard. Afterball (58:20): Josh on the Kolbe Conative Index. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin is joined by Joel Anderson and Ben Mathis-Lilley to talk about Northwestern firing football coach Pat Fitzgerald in the midst of a hazing scandal. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim then comes on to discuss Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. Finally, Josh and Stefan Fatsis speak with the Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins about her piece on Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Northwestern (5:44): Why Fitzgerald got axed. Wimbledon (28:30): Is this a changing of the guard in men’s tennis? Evert and Navratilova (51:03): How cancer diagnoses brought the rivals and friends closer together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to discuss Victor Wembanyama’s NBA Summer League debut. The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans also joins to talk about baseball stars Elly de la Cruz, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Shohei Ohtani. Finally, legendary New York Times sports columnist Robert Lipsyte comes on to talk about the demise of the Times sports department. Wembanyama (5:45): What happened with Britney Spears? And what about his iffy debut? MLB (29:46): A look at the game’s most exciting players. New York Times (51:06): A Times legend on what comes next for the paper’s sports section. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by TV producer Mike Schur for a special episode: a debate on which sports have generated the best art and made the greatest contributions to culture. Topics discussed include Schur’s Field of Dreams adaptation, whether basketball or football has a greater canon, and if boxing will lose its cultural footprint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh to talk about Luis Arraez’s run at a .400 batting average. The Athletic’s Steph Yang also joins to discuss the U.S. women’s national team’s World Cup roster. Finally, college golfers Maycee Kay Aycock and Sarah Marshall come on to explain why they stuck with the sport despite shooting some of the worst scores of all time. .400 (3:14): Why it’s still a magic number in baseball. USWNT (21:57): Will injuries doom them at the World Cup? Bad golfers (42:26): How two women from Meredith College became sports heroes. Afterball (1:02:08): Josh on meat judging. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Joel Anderson talk about whether the Pelicans should trade Zion Williamson. Josh and Stefan are also joined by the Athletic’s Paul Tenorio to discuss the U.S. men’s national soccer team's wins over Mexico and Canada and the rehiring of Gregg Berhalter. Finally, Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal joins for a conversation about how Vegas became America’s No. 1 sports town. Zion (4:47): The Pelicans are in a very tough spot. U.S. soccer (27:35): Why Gregg Berhalter got his old job back. Las Vegas (56:14): How it went from a sports desert to every league’s favorite destination. Afterball (01:11:36): Stefan on the World Football League’s very colorful pants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to discuss how the Denver Nuggets took a commanding lead in the NBA Finals. Next, Slate’s Henry Grabar comes on to talk about Novak Djokovic’s record-setting French Open title. Finally, Josh is joined by Slate’s Alex Kirshner and the Fried Egg’s Brendan Porath to sort through the PGA Tour’s new deal with the Saudis. NBA Finals (2:16): What makes Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray a historically great duo? French Open (26:55): How Djokovic keeps winning. Golf (49:37): Why the PGA Tour reversed its big moral stand. Afterball (1:13:34): Josh and Louisa discuss her feature story on how pitcher Daniel Bard lost control, regained it, and lost it again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.