The Sports-Casters

Steve interviews Chad Bishop (00:25:34) from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Chad a few weeks into his rookie season as a Atlanta Braves beat-writer and is making his Sports-Casters debut. Chad and discuss a good start for the Braves, the incredible bullpen, and quality starting pitching. Chad also looks at a blazing start for Drake Baldwin, the struggles of Austin Riley, and the consistency of Matt Olson. Chad also talks about Braves Vision, working on a baseball beat, and predicts the Braves win total. First things First kicks us off with the Buffalo Sabres ending their playoff drought, the fallout from Italy failing the make the World Cup and a strong start for the Atlanta Braves. The show ends with One Last Thing about Steve preparing to travel to Florida to visit with his brother, Anthony. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

For the second time in podcast history, this episode doesn't have a guest. Steve returns alone to do the hardest podcast he has ever had to do. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. What went wrong? Who is to blame? Now what? Steve tries to answer all of these questions, tells us why he's more sad than mad, and explains why he still believes in the blue shirt. There are tons of emotions here. Be gentle. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Mike Vaccaro (00:25:31) the author of a new book about Yankees ownership called, Bosses of the Bronx. Mike is making his debut on the show and talks about writing a book with more modern subjects as opposed to those in his book about the 1912 World Series. Mike and Steve go back and forth about Joe DIMaggio, Aaron Judge, classic Yankee Stadium moments, and David Justice's home run in the 2000 ALCS. Mike also recalls Jeter's flip-play from his spot in the Oakland press box, discusses George Steinbrenner in pop-culture, and debates the Yankee Mount Rushmore. First things First covers Italy's big game against Northern Ireland, the already injured 2026 Braves, and the incredible Buffalo Sabres. The show ends with One Last Thing and bit more on Italy's playoff game (s) and what it will mean to qualify. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jimmy Traina (00:22:47) from the SI Sports Media Podcast and author of the Traina Thoughts column. Jimmy and Steve talk about booking podcast guests, the crowded sports media space, and the future of podcasts. The guys talk about the Howard Stern Show, podcasts on Netflix, and streaming apps. Also, the origins of Jimmy's weekly segment with Sal Licata, their unique chemistry, and trying to do the segment when Sal isn't there. First things First covers the surging Sabres and their failed attempt to acquire a Price Is Right game, the Braves nightmare spring, and rumors about who is getting the call from the Italian National team for the playoff in three weeks. The show ends with One Last Thing about Paula and Tammy going to Disney World while Steve stays home. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Adrian Dater (00:29:30) the long time Colorado Avalanche beat writer and former co-host of The Lonely End of the Rink podcast. Steve and Adrian go into great detail about the gold medal game between the USA and Canada. Adrian has insight on Nate MacKinnon and his 3-on-3 woes, voting for MVP awards, and the roster construction of USA and Canada. The guys discuss Connor McDavid's legacy, Kenny Albert, and whose stock is up and who is down after the tournament. Adrian ends with the story of how his father's incredible footage of the 1980 miracle ended up in the new Netflix documentary. Steve is joined by Paula for First things First and they start by talking about their Sunday morning together watching Team USA win Olympic gold.. Steve and Paula go over watching the women beat Canada in OT, Quinn Hughes beating Sweden, and Jack Hughes ending the 46 year gold medal drought. After Paula leaves to get ready for dance, Steve talks more about the hockey, Italian football's bad week in the Champions League, and the 2026 Braves already having 2 key injuries. The show ends with One Last Thing about the death of the network sitcom. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Greg Wyshynski (00:22:40) senior NHL writer for ESPN. Greg first appeared on the second ever episode of the podcast and is back on the third episode of our 15th year. Greg and Steve talk about sports media in 2011 and the deep bench at Yahoo! Sports. Greg and Steve analyze the USA roster for the Olympics and talk for a minute about the new documentary on Netflix about the 1980 team. Next, the red hot Buffalo Sabres are debated. Do they have enough to break the playoff drought? Where does Lindy Ruff rank all-time as a Sabres figure? Is the Sabres high shooting percentage a cause for concern? Also, Lane Hutson, Dan Wetzel, and Marek vs. Wyshynski. Steve starts the show with First things First and starts in Italy with an injury to Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Also, Tyler Shough wins a prestigious award, Josh Norris is a problem, and Mike Tirico's big February. The show ends with One Last Thing about Steve's new friend, Tim. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Aaron Schatz (00:26:28) from FTNFantasy to discuss the NFL's Championship Games and the upcoming Super Bowl. Steve and Aaron discuss some of the decisions made by coaches during the NFL Playoffs. What does "analytics" really mean? When should you kick? Is, "take the points," making a comeback? Also, who will win the Super Bowl? Why? Should Bill Belichick be a first ballot Hall of Famer? Last, how did Tyler Shough rank among qualifying QBs? Should the Saints be optimistic? Was Kelvin Banks Jr. the best rookie tackle in the league? Steve starts the show with First things First and goes on a long rant about the Buffalo Sabres and their return to the top of the NHL standings. Also, Napoli fail in Europe, Vergara emerges for club and country, and Italy's World Cup fate will be sealed in 55 days. The show ends with One Last Thing about the reaction to the 15-year podcast. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jeff Passan (00:10:55) to start the celebration just as Jeff appeared first on the debut episode of the podcast. Steve and Jeff listen back to Jeff's introduction on the first podcast and Steve's first ever question. The guys reminisce on their experiences together the last 15 years, discuss a great offseason by the Atlanta Braves, and look ahead to the 2026 MLB season. Also, Joe Buck (00:35:13) returns to the podcast just ahead of being inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. Steve and Joe talk about what it will be like for Joe to take his place next to his father at Cooperstown and discuss his rise with Tim McCarver and how the friction Tim had with his dad complicated it. Steve and Joe discuss the rise of Indiana football, the scarcity of his voice and how that has improved his reputation, and Joe's contribution to the podcast over the years. Finally, Bob Costas (01:37:00) returns to the podcast for another round of 9 in 90. Quickly, Steve and Bob discuss a test game that Bob did with John Madden, and get Bob's perspective on podcasts and podcasting. Last, Steve and Bob play 9 in 90 with questions about Joe DiMaggio, stand-up comedy, and the the sports moment that Bob most wishes he called. Steve starts the show with First Things First and quickly gives the origin story of the show before shifting to the guests. Also on the program, the five most important books in book club history, and a brief recap of Steve's side projects. The show ends with a cameo from Paula Bennett and one last thing reflecting in 15 years of The Sports-Casters. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

For the first time in podcast history, this episode doesn't have a guest. Steve had a stack of topics burning a hole in his pocket quicker than $25 in a 10- year old's pocket after Christmas. Steve releases the first mini-episode ever to talk about the New Orleans Saints winning 4 in a row and the Buffalo Sabres winning 8 in a row. Steve also talks about the emergence of Tyler Shough, the World Jr. Championship, and the NFL playoffs. Steve goes on about the Saints core four, splits the Sabres into two separate groups of four, and breaks down the current NFL playoff matchups. OLT is about hosting Christmas dinner, being healthy, and looking ahead to 2026 and the 15th year of The Sports-Casters podcast. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jon Wertheim (00:24:10) from Sports Illustrated and 60 Minutes returns to the show for the first time in three years. Mr Wertheim returns to discuss making pieces for 60 Minutes, profiling Lamine Yamal, and working on stories that don't involve sports. Jon also talks about Sports Illustrated's biggest comeback, covering tennis, and doing a podcast with Andy Roddick. Jon and Steve agree Jannik SInner is the greatest to ever pick up a racket, discuss an underrated idea for a sports book, and look ahead to what 2026 might bring Jon and his career. Steve starts the show with First things First and immediately gushes about Tyler Shough. Also, Kevyn Adams is fired, the Atlanta Braves are having an incredible offseason, and podcasts are going to be on Netflix.. The show ends with one last thing all about season 15. Steve looks back on the biggest guests, the debuts, the best books, and looks ahead on the upcoming fifteenth year of The Sports-Casters. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Andrew Bucholtz (00:28:17) who returns to the podcast for the first time in years as the proud owner of AndrewBucholtz.com. Andrew joins us to discuss his new venture and to talk about his project for Awful Announcing that ranks the best broadcaster booths in a variety of categories. Andrew and I discuss the best NFL booths, how scarcity of voice can make games feel bigger, and various other sports media topics. Steve starts the show with First things First and immediately gushes about Tyler Shough. Also, some complaining about the Buffalo Sabres, discussing the start of the Atlanta Braves offseason, and looking ahead to Italy's group if they make the World Cup. The show ends with one last thing about getting a new pair of jeans. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews James Horncastle (00:29:53) from The Athletic and the author of a new book called, The Soccer 100. James is making his debut on the podcast and he is there to plug a new book about the 100 best players in soccer history. Before we get to that, Steve and James have a long discussion about Italian football. Why are Italy struggling to qualify? How can young Italian players get playing time in Serie A sooner? Who is better for Italian football, Cagliari or Como? How great is Francesco Camarda? Finally, we do get to the book. Why isn't Maldini the highest rated defender? Why isn't Buffon the highest rated goalkeeper? Also, a discussion about Francesco Totti. Steve starts the show with first things first. Tyler Shough looks pretty good and the national media is starting to notice. The Sabres are healthy again, but why do they have three goalies? Also, college football stinks, Lane Kiffin is a jerk, and the Awful Announcing rankings of the best broadcast booths in sports. The show ends with one last thing about Steve scoring his first goal in a hockey game in over eight years and Paula being there to see it. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Mark Hebscher (00:34:37) the author of a new book called, "Madness: The Rise and Ruin of Sports Media." Mark is making his debut on the podcast and he starts off with a bang. Mark and Steve disagree with the outlook of Blue Jay's fans after a devastating World Series. Mark proclaims he knows more about baseball than anyone else to appear on the podcast. Mark talks about the state of sports media in Canada, the control teams have acquired over the narrative since COVID, and gives his Mt. Rushmore of Canadians in the sports media. Mark and Steve also talk about Canadian rock music and eating Chinese food in Fort Erie. Steve starts the show with First things First and his thoughts on the Italian National Team, the yo-yo that is the 2025-26 Sabres, and a few pieces of Atlanta Braves news. The sports media story of the week looks at Donald Trump's appearances on the Pat McAfee Show and inside the booth during an NFL game on Fox. The show ends with one last thing about red sauce just not being the same since Nonna and Bisnonna died. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Jay Mariotti (00:37:26) who returns to the podcast with a list of topics that he is anxious to sound off on. Jay talks about the phenomenal World Series, the dominance of the Dodgers and the momentum that baseball has. Jay also gives his opinions on the Heisman Trophy, the rest of the NFL season, and the Winter Olympics in Milan. Steve starts the show with a visit from the beautiful, Paula Bennett. First things First is loaded with Steve's thoughts on Italy, the Braves, the Sabres, and Tyler Shough. The sports media story of the week in a takedown of the obnoxious standoff between ESPN and YouTube. The show ends with one last thing about the golden era of television and why it isn't now. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Ken Belson (00:23:23) the author of a new book about the business of the NFL called, "Everyday is Sunday." Ken is making his debut on the podcast and explains what its like working a sports beat for the New York Times but not working for The Athletic. Ken talks about the Buffalo Bills getting a new stadium, PSLs, and the NFL's desire to keep a football team in Western New York. Ken and Steve discuss Gayle Benson and her reign as owner of the New Orleans Saints. Ken explains what he thinks the dangers are for the business of the NFL and gives his thoughts on the farce that was BountyGate. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 New Orleans Saints have bottomed out, the Buffalo Sabres are sucking all of Western New York back in, and the World Series is tied 1-1. One Last Thing is about Steve injuring his hamstring at hockey and the dog that still burns inside of him. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Adrian Dater (00:36:20) his friend and a longtime beat writer for the Colorado Avalanche. The former co-host of the Lonely End of the Rink podcast returns to the podcast to talk about the Colorado Avalanche, the Buffalo Sabres, rock concerts, and Adrian's trip to England. Steve and Adrian talk about the individual brilliance of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the return of Gabriel Landeskog, and the outlook of the 2025-26 Avalanche. Adrian gives his opinion on the Sabres, discusses the future of Kiss (this interview was recorded before the news of Ace Frehley's dire heath situation broke), details his experience at Anfield to see Liverpool take on Newcastle. Steve starts the show with first things first. Italy has an incredible international break at the senior and u21 levels, the baseball playoffs have been fantastic, the Saints always play the same game, and the sports media story of the week is about the future of the broadcast booth for the MLB playoffs. The show ends with one last thing and Steve waxes poetic about the return of his favorite Gatorade flavor (seriously). For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Rich Podolsky (00:24:22) the author of a new book about one of the greatest broadcasting booths in football history, "Madden & Summerall." Rich returns with a new book about football broadcasting. RIch explains why he wrote a book about Madden and Summerall, how they revolutionized sports broadcasting, and what their legacy is today. Rich and Steve discuss Madden and Summerall's origins, how they became a team, and what their relationship was away from the booth. Rich also tell's stories about being on Madden's bus, Summerall reafing Murder She, Wrote promos, and Madden being stranded in Buffalo. Also, MeMarcog (01:08:35) returns for the second of a two part summit on Italian football (calcio). Marco and Steve debate club vs. country, the current state of the Italian National team, and the problems facing Italian football. Marco explains how he fell in love with AC Milan and tells us his origin story as a fan of calcio. Steve talks about falling in love with the National team and gives his origin story. The guys debate the future of Francesco Camarda and discuss what changes need to improve the future of Serie A, the Nazionale, and Italian footballers. This is part two of a two part series. Part 1 appears on Season 15 Episode 22. Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the Saints losing again, Brian Snitker stepping down as Braves manager, and debuts a new feature called the sports media story of the week. The show ends with one last thing about getting playing hockey again. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Marshall Garvey (00:22:44) the author of a new book about the 1985 World Series called, "Interstate '85." Marshall debuts to discuss the 1985 World Series and explains why, despite living in Sacramento, he decided to write a book about two teams from Missouri. Marshall talks about Jack Buck and Denny Matthews and explains why Al Michaels called the series and not Howard Cosell. Marshall also explains the differences and similarities between the Kansas City Royals and the St Louis Cardinals, the rivalry between the two teams, and the iconic missed call that sent the series to a seventh game. Also, MeMarcog (01:08:35) debuts for the first of a two part summit on Italian football (calcio). Marco and Steve debate club vs. country, the current state of the Italian National team, and the problems facing Italian football. Marco explains how he fell in love with AC Milan and tells us his origin story as a fan of calcio. Steve talks about falling in love with the National team and gives his origin story. The guys debate the future of Francesco Camarda and discuss what changes need to improve the future of Serie A, the Nazionale, and Italian footballers. This is part one of a two part series. Part 2 appears on Season 15 Episode 23. Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the Saints clown show in Seattle, the 2025 Braves are stat padding, and debuts a new feature called the sports media story of the week. The show ends with one last thing about getting some swag back. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Seth Wickersham (00:28:26) the author of a new book about quarterbacks called, "American Kings." Seth is making his debut on the podcast and immediately faces some hazing for not featuring Drew Brees more in the book. Seth explains how the news he broke from the book about Caleb Williams and his father exploring their options before the draft has helped the book and affected how some people may prejudge it. Seth also talks about how hard it is to replace superstar QB's, Steve Young, Arch Manning, and how important coaches and circumstance is when trying to maximize the talent of a young QB. Steve starts the show with first things first. The baseball playoffs are almost here, the New Orleans Saints don't do what winning teams do, and Barstool's new show on FS1 has some of the worst ratings ever recorded on television. The show ends with one last thing as Paula joins us to address her recent comments about Uncle Greg. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]

Steve interviews Andrew Marchand (00:28:43) from The Athletic and Marchand Sports Media. Marchand returns (without, Meterparel) to discuss the first year of Marchand Sports Media. Marchand discusses booking podcasts, trying to get people to subscribe and pay for it, and the challenges he has stumbled upon during the first year. Marchand also talks about several sports media issues. What will baseball do in 2029. Will the NFL opting out of their deals hurt MLB? Is the NBA really better off than the MLB? What sports media stories will he be tracking during the NFL season? Is Brady still the biggest story? Steve starts the show with first things first. Italy have completed their first International break with Gennaro Gattuso in charge Are they closer of further from qualifying for their first World Cup since 2014? The New Orleans Saints are 0-1 and Steve has some thoughts on the start of Kellen Moore's first weekend as Saints head coach. The show ends with one last thing about Steve turning 45 and the good and bad that has happened in his life since he turned 40. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: [email protected]