Hang Up and Listen

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski to discuss the Stanley Cup Finals. They also talk about Dream On, the ESPN documentary on the 1996 U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team. Finally, they assess Nike upon its 50th anniversary. Stanley Cup (2:40): Inside the match-up between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. Dream On (26:57): Looking back at a landmark moment for women’s sports. Nike (50:25): How it became a cultural behemoth. Afterball (1:12:00): Stefan on his daughter, Scrabble, and Steph Curry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham to discuss Steph Curry and the NBA Finals. Then, they review the Adam Sandler basketball movie Hustle. Finally, ESPN’s Kevin Van Valkenburg joins Joel and Josh to talk about the debut weekend of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Steph and the NBA (3:30): The Warriors got back into the Finals with some Curry magic. Can Jayson Tatum summon some of his own? Hustle (45:35): It’s not just a bunch of NBA cameos. LIV Golf (1:08:23): Will the Saudis’ money take down the PGA Tour? Afterball (1:08:23): Joel on Rickey Henderson and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin assess the back-and-forth NBA Finals between the Warriors and Celtics. The New York Times’ Andrew Das also joins to talk about Ukraine’s loss to Wales in a World Cup playoff match. Finally, they discuss the Oklahoma softball juggernaut. NBA Finals (3:09): How the Celtics took Game 1, and how the Warriors struck back. Ukraine-Wales (25:00): An epic sporting event with global consequences. Oklahoma softball (47:30): A deep dive on a remarkable dynasty. Afterball (1:08:57): Josh on Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Rafael Nadal, and tennis inevitability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Joel Anderson are joined by Jack Hamilton to discuss the Warriors-Celtics NBA Finals matchup. Bradford William Davis then joins to talk about Josh Donaldson’s suspension for calling Tim Anderson “Jackie” and Tommy Pham slapping Joc Pederson for allegedly cheating in fantasy football. NBA (2:53): What the rise of the Warriors and the Celtics says about pro basketball team-building. Donaldson vs. Anderson (22:48): The deeper meaning behind a public war of words. Pham vs. Pederson (44:43): How a fantasy football dispute spilled over to the baseball diamond. Afterball (1:05:13): Josh on the “rebuilding year” as a (possibly) dying concept. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Jack Hamilton to discuss the NBA playoffs and Patrick Beverley’s chaotic media appearances; by Alex Kirshner to talk about the war of words between Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher; and by the Washington Post’s Molly Hensley-Clancy to assess U.S. Soccer’s landmark equal pay deal. NBA (2:07): Will the conference finals get any better? And is Patrick Beverley telling the truth or spinning his own narrative? Saban-Fisher (27:30): Where did this fight come from, and what’s it really about? U.S. Soccer (48:53): The anatomy of a historic collective bargaining agreement. Afterball (1:07:32): Stefan on the death of Roger Angell at age 101. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vinson Cunningham, Josh Levin, and Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about the Mavs’ shocking win over the Suns, the Celtics’ romp over the Bucks, the 76ers’ flameout, and other NBA playoff happenings. They also discuss Tom Brady’s megabucks contract to call NFL games for Fox. Mavs-Suns (3:05): How Luka Doncic and Dallas embarrassed Phoenix. More NBA (24:53): With the Bucks and Suns gone, who’s the favorite to win the title? Brady (48:00): Why does he want to be an announcer? Will he be any good? Afterball (1:08:28): Ben on Greg Norman, Joe Biden, and what it’s OK to say about Saudi Arabia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the New York Times‘ Joe Drape to talk about Rich Strike’s shocking Kentucky Derby win. They also discuss Brittney Griner’s continued detention in Russia. Finally, Shane Ryan joins for a conversation about the Ryder Cup and sports trivia. Kentucky Derby (2:27): Inside one of the biggest upsets in horse racing history. Brittney Griner (24:41): What comes next in the diplomatic crisis? Ryder Cup and trivia (45:39): The evolution of golf’s showcase event, and the theory and practice of sports trivia. Afterball (1:10:47): Vinson on Draymond Green, NBA ombudsman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vinson Cunningham and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Slate’s Jack Hamilton to talk about the NBA playoffs and the dawn of de facto free agency in college sports. Also, Kalyn Kahler of Defector discusses the NFL draft and her reporting on a rape allegation against an NFL lineman.NBA playoffs (2:03): Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to an easy win over the Celtics. Can Boston turn it around? College sports (25:07): Name, image, and likeness rights have quickly ushered in a new era.NFL draft (42:26): Edge rushers and wide receivers, not quarterbacks, were the hot commodities in Vegas.Afterball (1:05:40): Stefan on the rise of the “edge”—or it is “EDGE”?—in the NFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the decline of the Brooklyn Nets and the rise of the New Orleans Pelicans. They also discuss Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes, and they review the HBO series Winning Time, on the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers. NBA playoffs (3:55): What’s gone wrong for Brooklyn? What’s going right for New Orleans? Wimbledon (25:34): Is there any logic to banning individual Russian athletes? Winning Time (49:08): What the show gets right and what it gets wrong. Afterball (1:09:52): Josh on hiding in sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the epic Game 1 of the Nets-Celtics series. They also talk about the Minnesota Timberwolves, young playoff stars, and Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai. Finally, the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh joins for a conversation about near-perfection at the start of the baseball season.Nets-Celtics (3:05): Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and a whole lot more. NBA playoffs (26:39): What we’re watching this postseason.Baseball (49:02): The sadness of two perfect games that almost were.Afterball (1:09:34): Vinson on the Timberwolves’ spotty playoff history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the death of quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Slate’s Jim Newell also joins to discuss Tiger Woods’ dramatic return at the Masters. Finally, they assess the Los Angeles Lakers’ terrible season. Dwayne Haskins (1:29): How should we talk about athletes who die young? Tiger Woods (24:57): What comes after his miraculous comeback? Lakers (47:58): What went so horribly wrong? Afterball (1:08:17): Stefan on major leaguers who went for 7-for-7 in a single game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Kansas’ win over North Carolina’s in the men’s basketball title game, and the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings joins to talk about South Carolina’s win over UConn for the women’s title. Finally, they talk about Eric Church, and when it’s OK for sports to trump social and professional obligations. NCAA men (2:21): How the Jayhawks turned it around against the Tar Heels. NCAA women (22:16): How the Gamecocks steamrolled the Huskies. Eric Church (46:47): Was he wrong to cancel a concert to go to the Final Four? Afterball (1:06:51): Josh on a crazy two months in pro tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate’s sports podcast on the NCAA basketball tournaments and U.S. soccer. Plus, an interview with Bomani Jones.NCAA basketball (3:26): After two weeks of upsets, it’s Duke, UNC, Kansas, and Villanova. World Cup (24:20): The U.S. men’s national soccer team is on the brink of qualifying after a 5-1 win over Panama.Bomani Jones (47:33): Joel interviews ESPN personality Bomani Jones about his new HBO show, “Game Theory With Bomani Jones.”Afterball (1:03:44): Stefan on watching last week’s U.S.-Mexico soccer game in Estadio Azteca. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the top storylines from the men’s NCAA tournament, and they’re joined by the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings for a conversation about the women’s tournament. Finally, they talk about the Cleveland Browns’ trade for Deshaun Watson. NCAA men (3:07): TCU’s heartbreaking loss, Cinderella Saint Peter’s, and more. NCAA women (24:34): Why are there more upsets all of a sudden? And has the NCAA really made its tourneys more equitable? Deshaun Watson (48:23): What should we make of the robust market for a quarterback who’s been accused of sexual misconduct? Afterball (1:05:24): Josh on Wordle variants for sports fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis to discuss Tom Brady’s unretirement and other huge quarterback news. Alex Kirshner also joins to discuss March Madness storylines and Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s suspension for betting on NFL games. Quarterbacks (3:36): Brady back to Tampa, Russell Wilson to Denver, Deshaun Watson to … somewhere. March Madness (23:20): What to watch out for in the men’s and women’s tournaments. NFL and gambling (47:03): Football, betting, and “the integrity of the game.” Afterball (1:09:06): Joel on the history of conference basketball tournaments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Yahoo’s Hannah Keyser to discuss the Major League Baseball lockout. They also talk about WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia and assess the spectacle of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game. Baseball (3:28): When will the lockout end? What’s at stake? Griner (23:16): Why was she in Russia in the first place, and what comes next for her and women’s basketball? Coach K (46:35): Was this the perfect regular-season ending to his illustrious career? Afterball (1:07:57): Stefan on Sports Illustrated’s profile of Lia Thomas and the anti-trans, anti-Thomas backlash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham discuss the sports world’s reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They also talk about LeBron James’ plan to play alongside his son Bronny. And ESPN’s Katie Barnes joins Stefan and Josh for a conversation about trans swimmer Lia Thomas. Russia (2:33): What’s happened so far and what should come next. Bronny (24:25): Is LeBron putting too much pressure on his son? How good is Bronny anyway? Lia Thomas (49:47): The UPenn swimmer is setting records amid controversy over whether she should be eligible to compete against other women. Afterball (1:14:00): Josh on yet another basketball problem that the Elam Ending fixes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Justin Peters for an Olympics wrap-up. They also discuss the Wisconsin-Michigan handshake line scuffle. Finally, Slate’s Alex Kirshner joins to talk about Saudi Arabia’s efforts to start a new golf tour. Olympics (3:01): Were there any bright spots during these dark Winter Games? Handshake fight (24:18): Why did things escalate? Should Juwan Howard have been suspended? Saudi golf (47:00): How a plan to disrupt pro golf fell apart. Afterball (1:08:23): Josh revisits his thoughts on Ben Simmons and mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Rams’ Super Bowl win over the Bengals. They’re also joined by David Epstein to discuss the decision to allow Kamila Valieva to skate in the Olympics. Finally, they assess the mega-trade between the Nets and 76ers. Super Bowl (3:36): How Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp led the Rams to victory. Valieva (23:13): Why is the 15-year-old competing after testing positive for a banned substance? NBA (45:20): Who won the James Harden for Ben Simmons swap? Afterball (1:04:27): Joel on Sherman Lewis, who never got the chance to be an NFL head coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the New York Times’ John Branch to discuss Chinese-American skier Eileen Gu. They also talk about Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL and ponder the 76ers’ Ben Simmons problem and the Nets’ various conundrums. Eileen Gu (6:02): What to make of her decision to represent China at the Beijing Games. Flores (23:40): Can anything change the NFL’s hiring practices? NBA (43:15): Should we sympathize with Ben Simmons? Can the Nets turn it around? Afterball (1:04:42): Joel on Jim Brown, Syracuse basketball player. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Louisa Thomas of the New Yorker discuss the NFL’s conference championship games and Tom Brady’s (probable) retirement. Then, they talk about Rafael Nadal’s record-setting Australian Open victory. Finally, Grant Wahl joins Josh and Stefan to assess the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s frigid loss to Canada.NFL (2:32): How did the Chiefs blow it? Is Joe Burrow as charismatic as he thinks he is? Tennis (26:32): How Nadal staged the best comeback of his career.U.S. men’s soccer (45:49): Why can’t the U.S. score? Could they miss the World Cup?Afterball (1:06:49): Josh and Stefan celebrate the winner of Hang Up’s goofy sports idea contest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Lindsay Jones to discuss the NFL playoffs. Then, Ben Proudfoot joins for a conversation about Lusia Harris, the subject of his documentary short “The Queen of Basketball.” Finally, they speak with Oliver Roeder about his book Seven Games.NFL (2:21): How did the Chiefs-Bills magic happen? Are Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers done? Lusia Harris (30:12): The life and legacy of a basketball pioneer.Seven Games (50:24): How machines have changed our favorite games. Afterball (1:09:30): Josh and Stefan on Hang Up listeners’ goofy ideas to fix sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the NFL’s Super Wild Card Weekend. Then they talk about the rise of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant. Finally, Defector’s Kalyn Kahler joins for a conversation about nepotism in NFL coaching. NFL (4:50): Do expanded playoffs mean worse games? Ja Morant (24:55): Was his block the best ever? Is he the NBA’s next superstar? Nepotism (44:54): How big of a problem is it, and can anything be done to fix it? Afterball (1:08:14): Josh, Joel, and Stefan on goofy ideas to fix sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Georgia’s win over Alabama in the college football title game. Then they break down the wild ride that was the Chargers-Raiders NFL regular-season finale. And tennis writer Ben Rothenberg helps unpack the saga of unvaccinated Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.College football (2:44): How the Bulldogs took down the Tide. Chargers-Raiders (23:08): The game theory behind the crazy almost-tie. Djokovic (44:12): Why did an Australian court allow him to stay in the country? What’s next? Afterball (1:07:03): Stefan on the Sports Word of the Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the College Football Playoff and bowl game opt-outs. ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel also joins for a conversation about Becky Hammon, who chose to leave the NBA to become the head coach of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. Finally, they talk about the life and legacy of John Madden. College football (3:33): What are the sport’s real issues and what problems are imaginary? Hammon (25:15): Why didn’t she get a shot to run an NBA team? Is going to the WNBA the right move? Madden (48:11): How should the coach and announcer be remembered? Afterball (1:10:38): Joel on Marcus Williamson and what college football takes from Black athletes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Joel Anderson are joined by ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz to talk about Christmas Day in the NBA. Washington Post health reporter Dan Diamond also joins to discuss the past, present, and future of COVID in sports. Finally, Josh, Joel, and Stefan Fatsis interview Mitchell S. Jackson about his award-winning story on Ahmaud Arbery and running while Black. NBA (3:37): How did the Warriors and Suns leap to the top of the West? And how are teams dealing with all the positive tests? COVID (25:51): What should leagues be doing, and what will they do in 2022? Arbery (45:59): A discussion about the Pulitzer-winning story “Twelve Minutes and a Life.” Afterball (1:06:04): Josh on the Washington Post’s coverage of Daniel Snyder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about COVID running rampant through every sports league, again. Next, they discuss the end of Urban Meyer’s very brief career as an NFL coach. Finally, Joshua Neuman joins Stefan and Josh for a conversation about Kenny Washington, who broke the NFL’s color barrier a year before Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s. COVID (3:13): How should leagues and teams respond to the next wave of the pandemic? Urban Meyer (22:37): Why did the successful college coach flame out of the pros? Kenny Washington (41:25): Why isn’t the pioneering Black football player an American icon? Afterball (1:02:30): Stefan on the state of Scorigami. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Alex Kirshner talk about the controversial ending to the Formula 1 season. Next, they examine the opening months of college sports’ name, image, and likeness era. Finally, Stefan and Josh are joined by author and chess champion Jennifer Shahade to assess Magnus Carlsen’s latest world title. Formula 1 (2:46): Who should’ve won the duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen? NIL (22:55): How college athletes are capitalizing, and how it’s changing the game. Chess (44:28): How Carlsen won, and what’s next for him and for the game. Afterball (1:04:10): Josh on basketball on the Marshall Islands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi Hang Up and Listen listeners, we thought you'd be interested in this episode of What Next, Slate's daily news podcast. Enjoy!When Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai accused a former Chinese Vice Premier of rape, what came next was darkly predictable: the athlete disappeared from public view while the government scrubbed all mentions of her allegations and censored searches for her name. But few expected the Women’s Tennis Association to strike back, suspending all future tournaments in China and Hong Kong.As the WTA stands up to China - leaving millions of dollars on the table - will other sports organizations follow suit and hold the government to account over its human rights abuses?Guest: Ben Rothenberg, senior editor of Racquet Magazine and host of the tennis podcast No Challenges Remaining. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin break down college football’s playoff match-ups and Brian Kelly’s move to LSU. Insider’s Bradford William Davis joins to discuss the baseball lockout and his piece on the sport using two different balls. Finally, a conversation about sports blowouts.College football (5:29): Does outsider Cincinnati have a chance against Alabama, Michigan, and Georgia? Baseball (27:22): Will the sport cancel games? And why did MLB have two different balls in circulation? Blowouts (47:36): What makes some lopsided victories great and others unwatchable? Afterball (1:04:30): Stefan with more sports musicals.If you enjoy Hang Up and Listen, consider giving the gift of Slate Plus to a fellow Slate fan and they’ll receive all the benefits of membership: unlimited reading, ad-free listening, bonus content, and so much more: Give Slate Plus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk with Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley about the Michigan football team’s big win over Ohio State. They also discuss Oklahoma head football coach Lincoln Riley’s surprising departure for USC and the state of LeBron James and the Lakers.Michigan (2:25): How Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines exorcised their demons against the Buckeyes. Lincoln Riley (24:05): Explaining an unprecedented college football move.Lakers (47:00): Are LeBron and his team off to a slow start, or are they just bad?Afterball (1:05:04): Stefan on Stephen Sondheim and the dearth of sports musicals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham to talk about Peng Shuai and the future of sports in China. Next, they discuss the resurgent Golden State Warriors. Finally, they review the movie King Richard.Peng Shuai (2:03): Will the Peng case lead the WTA to pull out of China? Warriors (24:35): How Steph Curry’s squad got its mojo back.King Richard (42:42): Is the new movie about the Williams sisters’ upbringing any good?Afterball (1:02:00): Josh on watching (or not watching) the 1980 Summer Olympics on American TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Grant Wahl to talk about the U.S. men’s national team’s dominant win over Mexico. Stefan, Josh, and Joel Anderson then discuss how ESPN’s Adam Schefter covered a domestic abuse allegation against Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Finally, they look into the war of words between the NBA’s Morris twins and Jokic brothers. USA-Mexico (3:36): Is the USMNT’s big win a sign that the rivalry has shifted? Schefter (22:20): The journalistic sins of ESPN’s lead NFL insider. Morris vs. Jokic (48:10): What makes a good sibling Twitter basketball beef? Afterball (1:06:20): The groundbreaking 1960 documentary on NFL linebacker Sam Huff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Aaron Rodgers’ claims about vaccination and how the Packers and the NFL should deal with him. They also talk about ESPN’s investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver. Finally, the Washington Post’s Candace Buckner joins for a conversation about the fashion choices of NBA coaches. Rodgers (2:52): What his interview about COVID and vaccines revealed about the Packers quarterback. Sarver (26:26): How will the NBA handle allegations of racism and misogyny against one of its owners? NBA coach fashion (48:22): Should we lament the rise of the quarter-zip and the demise of the suit? Afterball (1:08:37): Josh on Jameis Winston, Drew Brees, and the athletes we support, tolerate, and disdain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel, Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the ouster of Joel’s old football coach, TCU’s Gary Patterson. They also talk about how the NBA’s new rules are changing pro basketball. Finally, the New York Times’ Kevin Draper joins for a conversation about the Chicago Blackhawks’ cover-up of an alleged sexual assault.TCU (3:06): Why was it time for Gary Patterson to go? Who does Joel want to see replace him? NBA rules (30:11): Draymond Green is delighted. Trae Young and James Harden aren’t.Blackhawks (44:42): What the team’s investigation revealed about the culture of hockey and sexual assault.Afterball (1:04:30): Stefan on the surprising origins of the “tomahawk chop” music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Defector’s Drew Magary talk about the seeming decline of the Kansas City Chiefs. They also discuss who to root for in the World Series, the Houston Astros or the Atlanta Braves. Finally, they speak with Drew about his book The Night the Lights Went Out: A Memoir of Life After Brain Damage. Chiefs (3:54): What’s wrong with Patrick Mahomes and the former champs? World Series (25:47): Is the case against the Astros stronger than the case against the Braves? The Night the Lights Went Out (46:29): Drew on his traumatic brain injury and what came after. Afterball (1:07:00): Stefan on the history of the Atlanta Braves’ nickname. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin talk with Slate’s Alex Kirshner about the split between LSU and its coach Ed Orgeron. They’re also joined by Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports for a preview of the 2021-22 NBA season. Finally, Stefan Fatsis speaks with Dave Zirin about his book The Kaepernick Effect. Orgeron (4:20): Why did LSU part ways with a championship-winning coach? NBA (29:53): What to expect from the Kyrie-less Nets and the LeBron/AD/Russ Lakers. The Kaepernick Effect (50:52): Looking back on five years’ worth of athlete protests. Afterball (1:12:00): Josh on erasing Derrius Guice’s records. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk with Slate’s Alex Kirshner about the racist, sexist, and homophobic emails written by now-former NFL head coach Jon Gruden. Writer Roberto José Andrade Franco joins to discuss Mexican-American soccer star Ricardo Pepi. Finally, Chantel Jennings of the Athletic breaks down the WNBA playoffs.Gruden (4:07): What his emails reveal about the culture of the NFL? Pepi (209:07): The on-field and off-field significance of the USMNT’s new star. WNBA (51:47): What you need to know about the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury. Afterball (1:13:62): Josh on a women’s sports equivalent for “the Jimmys and the Joes.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Tom Brady’s win over the Patriots. Meg Rowley of FanGraphs also joins to discuss the end of baseball’s regular season and the start of the playoffs. Finally, the Athletic’s Steph Yang helps assess the present and future of the National Women’s Soccer League.Brady vs. the Pats (03:09): Did the game live up to the hype? Was there too much hype? Baseball (28:23): Should we be sad about the lack of chaos or happy about the possibility of chaos to come?NWSL (49:42): What are the allegations, and what happens next?Afterball (1:07:30): Stefan on the oldest players in NFL history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about anti-vaxxers in the NBA. The Washington Post’s Molly Hensley-Clancy discusses allegations that the NWSL’s Washington Sprit have a misogynistic work culture, and Will Bardenwerper joins for a conversation about his Harper’s piece on the potential death of minor league baseball in small towns. NBA anti-vaxxers (4:36): How should the league deal with Kyrie Irving? Washington Spirit (26:33): What to do about alleged bad behavior in the National Women’s Soccer League. Minor leagues (47:27): The consequences of Major League Baseball’s plan to make the minors more efficient. Afterball (1;08): Josh on the College of Faith football program Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by USA Today’s Marisa Kwiatkowski to discuss the Senate hearing on the FBI’s failures in the Larry Nassar case. They also assess Eli and Peyton Manning’s Monday Night Football debut and discuss whether the 2021 UConn Huskies are the worst college football team of all time. Nassar case (3:14): What stood out in the Senate hearings, and what will it take for the gymnasts to get closure? Mannings (23:18): How’d Peyton and Eli do on their first broadcast? Will their show have staying power? UConn (43:05): How the Huskies became historically bad. Afterball (59:00): Stefan on the U.S. women’s soccer team’s uncompetitive friendly matches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas talk about Daniil Medvedev’s upset over Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu’s shocking U.S. Open title. They also discuss Jameis Winston, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cam Newton’s interview with his dad. Finally, they assess the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s rocky opening to World Cup qualifying.U.S. Open (2:25): What to make of Djokovic’s loss, and his response to it. Plus, where did Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez come from? NFL (31:12): Making sense of pro football’s opening weekend. U.S. soccer (48:19): How concerning are the USMNT’s on-field struggles? Afterball (1:06;30): Stefan on Sheriff Tiraspol, the Moldovan soccer underdog that you maybe shouldn’t root for Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin and Joel Anderson are joined by Spencer Hall to talk about the opening weekend of the college football season. They also discuss Bishop Sycamore, the fake high school that made its way into an ESPN football showcase. Finally, the CBC’s Morgan Campbell joins to assess Canada’s series of sporting triumphs. College football (1:48): Alabama looks like its old self. But what’s up with Clemson? Bishop Sycamore (24:37): Where did it come from? Is it unique or a sign of a larger phenomenon? Canada (40:44): Soccer, track, tennis. What’s behind Canada’s run of athletic success? Afterball (56:35): Josh on Dutch tennis player Botic van de Zandschulp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh Levin interviews Ben Rothenberg about his reporting on domestic abuse allegations against tennis player Alexander Zverev. Josh, Stefan Fatsis, and Joel Anderson are then joined by Grant Wahl to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Manchester United. Finally, assessing Rachel Nichols’ fall and Stephen A. Smith’s rise at ESPN. Zverev (3:50): What are the accusations and how has the tennis world responded?Ronaldo (19:19): Why he’s returning to the club where he became an international superstar. ESPN (41:57): What we know about personnel moves at the Worldwide Leader. Afterball (1:06:15): Josh on what might be the longest down and distance in NFL history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis talk with track writer Jojo Gretschel about sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s last-place finish in her return from a suspension. Former pro basketball player Rod Benson discusses Draymond Green’s revealing conversation with Kevin Durant and the future of athlete-driven sports media. Finally, an interview with Claire McNear of the Ringer about her blockbuster reporting that brought down the new host of Jeopardy!Sha’Carri (5:23): Track writer Jojo Gretschel on Sha’Carri Richardson’s 100-meter flop. Dray and KD (22:31): Ex-basketball pro Rod Benson on Draymond Green’s revealing interview with Kevin Durant.Jeopardy! (40:57): Claire McNear of the Ringer on the comments that brought down Alex Trebek’s successor.Afterball (1:04:54): Stefan on pro ultimate frisbee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Major League Baseball’s Field of Dreams game. Writer Jessica Luther also joins to discuss the Deshaun Watson and Trevor Bauer cases. Finally, they review the documentary Malice at the Palace. Field of Dreams (4:42): Is this kind of nostalgia good or bad for baseball? Watson and Bauer (26:02): How should leagues handle allegations of sexual misconduct? Malice at the Palace (46:35): What the Netflix documentary leaves out. Afterball (1:07:16): Stefan on hockey players fighting fans in 1979. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the end of the Tokyo Olympics. They also discuss NFL players who’ve refused to get the COVID vaccine, and what the league should do about it. Finally, author Simon Kuper explains the tearful end of Lionel Messi’s brilliant career at F.C. Barcelona. Olympics (3:31): The troubled 2020 Olympics could reset how fans view athletes and the games. NFL (22:32): Kirk Cousins would rather surround himself with Plexiglas than get vaccinated. Lionel Messi (42:12): Why did it have to end this way? And what’s next for Messi and his longtime club? Afterball (57:53): Joel on the tiny countries that bagged Olympics hardware for the first time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the latest in the saga of Simone Biles at the Tokyo Olympics. They also assess the U.S. women’s national soccer team’s semifinals loss to Canada and other stories from the Summer Games. Finally, Jeff Passan of ESPN joins to talk about Major League Baseball’s trade deadline. Biles (2:31): What are the bigger picture lessons of the gymnastics legend’s Tokyo opt-out?Olympics (23:45): A surprise in the men’s 100 meters and a smile in the men’s high jump. Baseball (42:34): MLB’s trade deadline was the craziest in history. Afterball (1:04:55): Stefan on the return of Olympic Channel News, the state-run broadcasting service of the Summer Games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and the NBA’s first Black female CEO. After spending 36 years in senior management at AT&T, Cynt pivoted to the sports industry where her values-based leadership has transformed the Mavericks’ culture to emphasize community and employee engagement. Cynt’s authentic and humanizing perspectives shed light on how empathy and technology can help us stay connected and enhance shared experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the weirdness of the Tokyo Olympics being staged without spectators. They also assess the wobbly starts by the U.S. men’s basketball and women’s gymnastics teams. Finally, they examine the implications of Texas and Oklahoma seeking to leave the Big 12 for the powerhouse SEC. Olympic atmosphere (2:39): The absence of fans has made for a weird start to the Summer Games. Olympic sports (24:41): Simone Biles and the U.S. women’s gymnastics team stumbled in the preliminary competition. SEC (47:11): Will Texas and Oklahoma usher in a major realignment in college sports? Afterball (1:09:12): Josh on baseball broadcast pioneer Mary Shane, the subject of the latest episode of his new podcast series, One Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.