The Lead

A lot of sports stories caught our attention in 2023. But when we stepped back and looked at the year as a whole, there was one storyline that rose above them all -- the incredible growth of women’s sports. Today, we’re looking back at the moments that made 2023 such a historic year, and looking forward to what the future might bring. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we think about innovative teams that have shaped the way offense is played in the NFL today, one of the first that comes to mind is the Bill Walsh-era San Francisco 49ers. However, there’s another trailblazing team from the same era that has arguably had just as big an impact on the sport. Today, we tell the story of the high-flying, but somewhat forgotten San Diego Chargers of the late 1970s and 80s, led by a brash quarterback (Dan Fouts) and visionary coach (Don Coryell). Plus, the stories of drug-fueled performances — and a mysterious gunshot wound — that still follow the team today. Guest: Zak Keefer, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the last four years, Armando Bacot has been a double-double machine for one of college basketball’s most storied programs. But the reminders of what Bacot hasn’t accomplished at UNC continue to hang over him. Today, we dive into why Bacot decided to come back for one last high-stakes season at Chapel Hill. Plus, how his fame off the court as one of the faces of NIL could influence a potential championship run. Guest: Brendan Marks, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baseball has always had a special place in the hearts and minds of fans -- of all ages. But what if the power of baseball memories could help aging baseball fans heal and live healthier lives? Today we explore a little known practice known as 'Baseball Reminiscence Therapy.' Reporter: Tiffany Oshinsky Learn more about Baseball Reminiscence Therapy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He’s the coach who makes slightly offbeat comments during press conferences, orchestrates the NFL’s most dynamic and explosive offense, and sometimes — decides to leave his high-pressure job out of the blue to see his family. Bottom line: Mike McDaniel does things differently. Today, we look at how the Dolphins head coach became someone who was willing to challenge the conventional wisdom of the NFL. And, whether his approach will backfire — or, potentially change the league. Guest: Kent Babb, The Washington Post Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lior Asulin was a star player on a soccer team that was once a powerful symbol of peace and unity in Israel -- a team where Jews and Arabs played side by side. Nearly twenty years later, he was killed by Hamas in the October 7th attacks. This is the tragic story of his life and death. Interviewees: Adi Rubinstein, Eyal Lahman, Gabriel Lima Watch a documentary about the aftermath of Bnei Sakhnin's championship season, After The Cup: Sons of Sakhnin United, courtesy of the Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival. Special thanks for this episode: Chris Browne, Daigo Oliva, Itai Anghel, Rund Abdelfatah, Greg Lalas, Geoff Walker See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs was the author of one of the most dramatic wins of the NFL season, leading his team to a victory over the Falcons — and learning plays on the fly — just five days after coming over from the Cardinals in a trade. Today, we look at why Dobbs — an actual rocket scientist — was in the rare position to rise to that occasion. And, after a disastrous performance against the Bears on Monday night, where does Dobbs’s story go from here? Guest: Alec Lewis, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1983, musical legend Marvin Gaye stepped to the microphone at The Forum in Los Angeles, to sing the national anthem before the NBA All-Star Game. What happened next set in motion a cultural transformation within the NBA that still reverberates today. (This episode first aired on March 1, 2023) Guests: David Aldridge and Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic Read David and Marcus's story about Marvin Gaye at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Travis Kelce might be the most talked-about man in all of American pop culture right now. But his rise from football star to A-List celebrity actually began months before he began courting Taylor Swift with a friendship bracelet. Tom Kludt spent time with Kelce earlier this year and wrote an in-depth profile of him for Vanity Fair, and Tom joined us to discuss Kelce's remarkable ascent, the origins of his off-field ambitions, and just how bright his star could become. (This episode originally aired in July.) Guest: Tom Kludt, Contributing Editor at Vanity Fair Read Tom's profile of Travis Kelce here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At age 14, Mikey Williams was considered by some to be the best basketball player his age in the country. He had millions of followers on Instagram and celebrities like Drake asked for his jersey and invited him backstage. He even had LeBron James serving as a mentor. But questions about his basketball abilities began to pile up. And then, earlier this year, his life took a very dark turn. Today, we bring you a cautionary tale about pressure, fame, and basketball in the age of social media. Guest: Jeff Eisenberg, Yahoo! Sports Read Jeff's full story about Mikey Williams here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You might not guess it from watching him play football, but for much of his life, the odds have not been in C.J. Stroud’s favor. He saw his father go to prison at age 13, and reportedly did so poorly on the S2 cognition test that many people expected him to fail in the NFL. Today, we look at how Stroud’s self-belief helped propel him past the obstacles in the path, and redefine what’s possible for a rookie quarterback as he powers a Houston Texans renaissance. Guest: Zak Keefer, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve watched a Philadelphia Eagles game recently, chances are you’ve gotten a close look at arguably the NFL’s most controversial play. The Tush Push (or Brotherly Shove, or Two-Cheek Sneak, if you prefer) has become the Eagles not-so-secret weapon, a play that’s been both criticized — and imitated — across the NFL. Today, we look at why the play has become so polarizing in such a short amount of time, how Jalen Hurts and the Eagles do it better than anyone else, and what the future holds for this particular kind of shove. Guest: Kalyn Kahler, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A living nightmare finally came to an end for Liverpool's Luis Diaz on Thursday when his father was released by kidnappers in Colombia. Luis Manuel Diaz had been held captive for nearly two weeks, despite a massive push by the Colombian government to have him set free. Today, we look at how the kidnapping took place, the group behind it, and how Diaz’s teammates -- and the soccer community -- ultimately rallied around the man they call 'Lucho.' Guest: James Pearce, The Athletic Find more of James's coverage here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At age 22, in his fourth year in the league, Anthony Edwards is on the verge of making the leap to NBA superstardom — a journey that can be traced back to the gritty neighborhood in southwest Atlanta that made him who he is. Today, we look at Edwards’s unlikely rise, and full circle return to his hometown, and the loving family that propelled him forward in the aftermath of tragedy. Plus, the hope that Edwards is bringing to long-disappointed Timberwolves fans in his new home city of Minneapolis. Guest: Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Week 8, Joe Burrow boarded the Bengals' team plane in an alien mask — then went into alien mode in a dominant performance against one of the NFL's best teams. That was a welcome sight for the Bengals, eight weeks into a season where the franchise QB has mostly looked like anything but himself. Today, we revisit the team's tumultuous start, and the injury that threatened to derail Cincy’s Super Bowl hopes before the season got underway. Guest: Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic Listen to Hear That Podcast Growlin’ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iowa's Caitlin Clark rewrote almost every individual record in women's college basketball last season, and led the Hawkeyes to within a game of a national championship. What followed can only be described as "Caitlin Clark Mania" -- a series of honors that included everything from bobblehead dolls to a butter sculpture. lToday, we break down Clark's evolution as a player and her contributions to the rich legacy of women's basketball in Iowa. Plus, can she take her team to the promised land in what might be her final college season? Guest: Emma Baccellieri, Sports Illustrated Read Emma's full story about Caitlin Clark here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It is the World Series showdown that basically no one saw coming: Bruce Bochy’s Wild Card Texas Rangers, against a team that finished 16 games back in their own division — Torey Lovullo and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Today, we break down the low points that both of these teams had to navigate just to get here. Plus, the story of the journeyman outfielder (Adolis Garcia) who knocked out the reigning champs, and the rookie outfielder (Corbin Carroll) whose power/speed combo helped lead Arizona to their first World Series trip in more than two decades. Guest: Stephen Nesbitt, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, the Las Vegas Aces became the first back-to-back WNBA champions in more than two decades. And, as we have come to expect with the Aces, they let everyone know just how much fun they would be having at the championship parade. But along with all the winning and the highly visible fun, the Aces have also been quietly transforming the WNBA. Today, we explain how the Aces have gone from an idea to a budding dynasty that is now pushing women's basketball forward. Guest: Tashan Reed, The Athletic Read Tashan's full story about the Aces here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Milwaukee Bucks became the favorites to win the NBA title the moment they swung the blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard. But along with all the excitement from that trade, Milwaukee is also facing some big questions. How will this team respond to the loss of one of its most popular players, Jrue Holiday? Can they break the trend set by some recent super teams, with a first-year head coach in Adrian Griffin? And, after an unsettling summer, will Lillard's arrival calm concerns in Milwaukee that Giannis Antetokounmpo has one foot out the door? Guest: Eric Nehm, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S.A. Track and Field star Noah Lyles caused quite a stir back in August when he called out NBA players for referring to themselves as “World Champions" after winning their league title. Several NBA All-Stars -- and even Drake -- took issue with his words, and did some verbal sparring online. But Lyles's comments were part of a wider campaign to elevate himself and his sport to new heights. Today, we take a closer look at one of track and field's brightest stars, why he attracts so much attention, and how he hopes to both resurrect and transcend his sport. Guest: Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times Read Andrew's Full Story Here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins have unleashed an offense that has taken the NFL by storm, with some of the fastest players in the league (including Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert) powering them to point totals we haven’t seen since the 1960s. Today, we look at three key factors fueling the Miami offense, and whether the comparisons to the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” are valid. Guest: Mike Sando, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NBA has been wrestling with a thorny issue for several years now – star players sitting out regular season games, even when they’re healthy. Fans are mad about it. TV broadcasters are mad about it. And now, the NBA has put new rules in place to try and prevent it from happening. Will the rules work? Could they potentially backfire? And what's at stake for the league? Guest: Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic Read Jon's full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ronald Acuña Jr. has had a season unlike any other in Major League Baseball history, becoming the first player with 40+ home runs and 70+ stolen bases in the same year. But leading up to this dream season, the Atlanta Braves outfielder endured a stretch of his career that was anything but a fairy tale. Today, we look at how Acuña went from his lowest point as a player, to heights that no one has ever reached. And, after a disappointing early exit last season, what can Acuña and the Braves do differently to bring another World Series back to Atlanta? Guest: David O'Brien, The Athletic Listen to the 755 Is Real podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What exactly happened when Bronny James collapsed on a USC basketball court in late July? How were his teammates impacted? Ryan Kartje of the LA Times brings us some new details, and discusses what all of this mean for Bronny's -- and LeBron's -- future. Guest: Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times Read Ryan's full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For months now, a single date has been etched into the minds of Dallas Cowboys players – February 11th, 2024 – the date of Super Bowl 58. And this year, the team looked for inspiration from a rather unlikely source: ex-Navy SEALs. Today, we look at why quarterback Dak Prescott organized this mental mission for his team. And, after a shocking loss to the Cardinals in Week 3 — and the loss of a star player – can their training give them the mental edge they need to still be playing in February? Guest: Jori Epstein, Yahoo! Sports Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NHL season doesn’t begin until next month, but we might have already seen the most bizarre story of the season. Mike Babcock, one of the most accomplished hockey coaches in history, resigned as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets last week, after making his players show him private photos from their phones. Today, we go inside the strange downfall of a coaching legend, try to separate fact from fiction, and explain why, in the end, justice was served. Guest: Aaron Portzline, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Los Angeles Angels have had arguably the two biggest stars in baseball, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, on their roster for the past six years. And yet they have failed to make the playoffs -- or even record a winning season -- during that time. Today, with Ohtani on the verge of free agency, we explore his complicated relationship with the Angels, where he’s likely to land next season, and why the Angels may have ultimately failed MLB's brightest star. Guest: Sam Blum, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The San Francisco 49ers are 2-0, and looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender, heading into a matchup with the Giants on Thursday Night Football. And on a roster filled with stars, the guy who’s in charge of keeping the high-powered offense running is the former Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy. Today, we look at why Purdy has given himself a chance to stick as San Francisco’s long-term QB when so many others have failed to live up to Kyle Shanahan’s lofty standards. And, after moving on from C.J. Beathard, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Trey Lance, has Shanahan finally found his new Kirk Cousins? Guest: Matt Barrows, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Five years ago, almost no one in basketball knew the name Austin Reaves. Now, the 25-year-old is an extremely rich and extremely popular member of the world’s most famous basketball team. Today, we look at Austin Reaves' unlikely and sudden rise to stardom and fame, why he has become so beloved, and whether or not he could become the third star the Lakers have been seeking. Guest: Jovan Buha, The Athletic Read Jovan's recent feature about Austin Reaves here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two weeks into the college football season, it's fair to say that the most intriguing — and polarizing — team in the sport is Coach Prime's Colorado Buffaloes. Today, we look at how Deion Sanders has transformed Colorado — seemingly overnight — into arguably the most entertaining team that college football has ever seen. It's the story of a landscape-altering roster makeover, a team that is "unabashedly flashy", and grudges that seem to be leading directly to victories. Plus, how far can Coach Prime, Shedeur Sanders, and two-way superstar Travis Hunter take this resurgent team this season? Guest: David Ubben, The Athletic Listen to the Until Saturday podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Georgia Bulldogs are aiming for some rare history this season — college football’s first three-peat since the 1930’s — and Kirby Smart's team has handed the keys to this emerging dynasty to a relative unknown at quarterback: Carson Beck. Today, we break down why Beck stayed with the Bulldogs for three years when he easily could have entered the transfer portal. And, can the unproven junior live up to the legacy that his predecessor, Stetson Bennett, left behind in Athens? Guest: Seth Emerson, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Perhaps the biggest story of the NFL offseason has been star running backs trying – and failing – to get the big contracts they feel they deserve. That, plus the ever-shortening careers of running backs, has led some people to declare that we have reached the end of the NFL's star running back era. Today, a look at how we got here and what the changes we’re seeing in football could mean for the future of the sport. Guest: Joe Rexrode, The Athletic Read Joe's story about Derrick Henry and the future of running backs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last time the New York Jets made the NFL playoffs, Mark Sanchez was their quarterback, LaDainian Tomlinson was their leading rusher, and The Social Network was about to come out on DVD. Now, 13 years later, the Jets finally believe they’ve found the right guy to lead them back. Today, we look at the events that led Aaron Rodgers and the Jets to each other, and whether this football marriage — in a pressure cooker — is built to go the distance. Plus, the emerging connection between Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson, and a potential drawback from the Jets’ appearance on Hard Knocks this season. Guest: Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic Listen to the Can’t Wait podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the hottest teams in Major League Baseball lately, thanks in large part to a lineup featuring two front-runners for MVP: seven-time All-Star Mookie Betts, and their veteran first baseman with an unmistakable swing, Freddie Freeman. Today, we trace Freeman’s origin story as a hitter all the way back to his dad’s office overlooking a baseball field, and the family tragedy that made him dive even deeper into the sport. Plus, can the former MVP lead the Dodgers to a deep postseason run after two years of playoff disappointment? Guest: Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This summer, an eye-popping number of global soccer stars have signed huge contracts with teams in an unlikely place: Saudi Arabia. Today, we dive into the chaos of the Saudi soccer gold rush, the ways in which it has turned world football upside down, and why the league might be here to stay. Guest: Tariq Panja, The New York Times Read Tariq's original story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twenty years ago, ESPN premiered a television drama called 'Playmakers'. It dove into a lot of edgy issues in football, and it was an instant hit with viewers. But after just one season, ESPN pulled the show from the airwaves, reportedly because the NFL was upset about it. Today, we bring you the story of a TV show that in many ways was ahead of its time, the role the NFL played in its demise, and think about how it should be remembered today. Guest: Chris Vannini, The Athletic Read Chris's full story about the rise and fall of Playmakers See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This past December, the Mississippi State football program and the college football world were hit with a tragedy, when head coach Mike Leach — the mastermind who made the ‘Air Raid’ offense famous — died at the age of 61. Today, we look at how Mississippi State is moving forward after the sudden loss of the larger-than-life coaching icon. Plus, the aspects of Mike Leach's legacy the team plans to carry with them, and what they've decided to leave behind. Guest: Brody Miller, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team was eliminated from the World Cup by Sweden in the Round of 16 last week. It was a stunning development that led to the resignation of head coach Vlatko Andonvoski, and a whole lot of criticism. Today, we explore what went wrong for the U.S., and why the rest of the world has caught up to the once untouchable team. Guest: Jeff Rueter, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our lasting memory of the Super Bowl back in February is Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs celebrating their second title in the last four seasons. But on the opposite end of all that excitement, for Nick Sirianni, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, it was a loss that left them searching for answers. Today, we explain how the Eagles are using Kansas City's confetti as a driving force as they try to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. Plus, with the historical odds stacked against them, does this team have the talent — and the mindset — to take home the title they missed out on last year? Guest: Zach Berman, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Late last week, the Pac-12 conference — which dates back more than a century — was suddenly showing signs of completely falling apart, with Oregon and Washington among the latest schools to leave. Today, we look at the rich history of a conference that produced John Elway, Aaron Rodgers, and Alex Morgan (among others), and how a strange combination of arrogance and apathy has brought it to the brink of extinction. Plus, what the mass Pac-12 exodus means for the teams that have left — and the ones left behind. Guest: Stewart Mandel, The Athletic Read his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's growing evidence that certain psychedelic drugs can have positive benefits for people suffering from PTSD, depression and other mental illnesses. Today, we explore why many former pro athletes are taking up the cause of psychedelic therapy, and how some of their lives have been transformed by their experiences with the drugs (This episode first aired in June, 2021) Guest: Dan Robson, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've ever been bowling at your local lanes, and seen the strange sight of someone flinging the ball toward the pins with two hands, there are two possible explanations: Either they have no clue what they're doing, or they're emulating one of the game's most dominant players. Ever since he burst onto the scene 15 years ago, Jason Belmonte has been one of the best, and most polarizing, bowlers in the world. Today, we look at how the man known as Belmo broke the game, and the backlash from his peers that threatened to break him. Read the full story from Eric Wills in GQ here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the age of TikTok and Instagram, a new type of social media currency has become an important part of the recruiting process. Today, we venture into the strange world of recruit photo shoots -- a world filled with horses, Rolls Royces and spinning cameras... and a whole lot of frustrated coaches and administrators. (This episode originally aired in April, 2022) Guest: Ari Wasserman, The Athletic Read Ari and Antonio Morales's full story about recruit photoshoots here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Tour de France Femmes is happening right now, with Stage 6 out of 8 taking place today. But while many of the top female cyclists in the world are hard at work in the mountains, our podcasting team is on vacation, so we are replaying an episode about the Women's Tour that originally aired around this time last year. Reporter Maggie Mertens joined us to explain how the Women's Tour de France finally came to be, thanks to the grit and perseverance of many women, with an unexpected assist from an online gaming company. Guest: Maggie Mertens Read Maggie's original Sports Illustrated story about the Women's Tour de France here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After helping the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl 57, and besting his big brother Jason in the process, Travis Kelce suddenly seemed to be everywhere: late night talk shows, MLB games, Saturday Night Live, even his own epic party in Kansas City -- Kelce Jam. Today, we explain Kelce's somewhat unlikely leap from star athlete to A-list celebrity, the source of his off-field ambitions, and what life after football might look like for the charismatic tight end. Guest: Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair Read Tom's full profile of Travis Kelce here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lionel Messi has arrived. The Argentine soccer star shocked the world last month by announcing that he was joining Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, and he was introduced to fans on a rain-soaked Sunday evening in Ft. Lauderdale this past weekend. Today, we bring you the inside story of how the biggest deal in MLS history got done, and the role that one particular man played in it. Guest: Paul Tenorio, Senior Writer at The Athletic Read Paul's full story about Inter Miami's courtship of Lionel Messi here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this year, things were looking pretty bleak for the Cincinnati Reds, with a lot of empty seats at Great American Ball Park coming off a 100-loss season. But this team has made a dramatic turnaround, and the catalyst has been a player who has wasted no time in electrifying the city — and the sport. Today, we take an in-depth look at the impact of Elly De La Cruz, the trends behind the scenes that paved the way for his arrival, and the dynamics between the 21-year-old, and a Reds veteran who's nearly twice his age: Joey Votto. Guest: C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team won its second straight World Cup in 2019. But since then, they've had a string of losses and injuries -- and the roster is now stretched thin. Today, we break down the USWNT's quest for an unprecedented third straight World Cup, the young stars who will have a chance to shine on the world's biggest stage, and the opponents that stand between the U.S. and a shot at history. Guest: Jeff Rueter, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For football fans of a certain age, the name Adam “Pacman” Jones conjures up a certain set of memories. Jones was drafted sixth overall in 2005, and eventually became a Pro Bowler and All-Pro, but a wave of troubling off-the-field incidents trailed him during much of his career. However, what’s less well known about Jones is the story of a loss that changed his life — and ultimately, his family life — forever. Today, we look at how Jones emerged as a devoted father, and why his complicated life prepared him for what came next. Guest: Zak Keefer, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: LSU makes history at the MLB draft. And a true long shot contender takes home the prize at the U.S. Open See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bunch of very wealthy Indian businessmen recently placed a very large bet on women’s cricket. The Women's Premier League launched in India in March, and by some measures it’s now the second most valuable women’s professional sports league in the world. Today, Mujib Mashal of the New York Times explains how the league came to be, and why it might line the pockets of the country’s elite, and give young girls in India a new vision for their future. Guest: Mujib Mashal - South Asia Bureau Chief, The New York Times Read Mujib's full story about the WPL here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you think it's a passing fad or the greatest thing to ever happen to sports, chances are you've heard about the fastest growing game in the United States: pickleball. And lately, a sport without much history appears to have found its biggest star, who's been crushing her competition even though she's barely old enough to drive. Today, the story of how Anna Leigh Waters went from a kid with college soccer dreams, to a dominant pickleball pro — in a few short years. Plus, the sport has already gotten buy-in from Tom Brady and LeBron James, but how sustainable is its long-term future? Guest: Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Long-suffering fans of the Oakland As have had a roller coaster of a season. To express their ongoing frustration with owner John Fisher, they initially began boycotting games. Then, two weeks ago, they staged a dramatic "reverse boycott," packing the stands for a game on a Tuesday night, which resulted in a surprise victory over the best team in baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, with the city of Las Vegas appearing to have successfully lured the A's to a new stadium on the Strip, can Oakland fans do anything to save their beloved team? Guest: Melissa Lockard, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Connor Bedard, the presumed #1 pick in tonight's NHL Draft, is the most hyped hockey prospect we've seen since, well, some other guy named Connor. And there are those who believe Bedard could define a new era of the NHL. The Athletic's Dan Robson recently spoke with Bedard and his family at length, and he joins us today to discuss the 17-year-old's incredible rise as a player and the tragic loss that motivates him to this day. Guest: Dan Robson, The Athletic Read Dan's full story about Connor Bedard here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Atlanta pumps the breaks on baseball’s hottest young upstarts. And the Liberty get a gutty comeback win ahead of a pivotal Eastern Conference clash. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier this summer in the MLB Draft League (a league for players looking to improve their draft outlook), a catcher from Uganda, Dennis Kasumba, stepped to the plate for the Frederick Keys… and struck out. For Kasumba, the result of the at-bat was a footnote — after a journey that took him from a slaughterhouse in Uganda to dreaming of Major League Baseball in the U.S. Today, the story of Kasumba’s baseball odyssey, the coach who believed the game could save him, and how a cell phone ultimately gave him a shot to pursue his dream. Guest: Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times Read his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in April, two young fighters -- Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia -- stepped into the ring in Las Vegas to determine the "new face of boxing". But before the first bell even rang, a theory had built in the boxing world that one of these fighters didn't really belong. That one of them was for real, and the other was a phony, about to be exposed in a potentially dangerous fight. Today, we go inside a young man's doomed quest for boxing credibility. Guest: Tyler R. Tynes, Los Angeles Times Read Tyler's original story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NBA Draft is less than one week away, and everyone expects French phenom Victor Wembanyama to go first overall. Everyone except Scoot Henderson. Two years ago, he became the youngest pro player in U.S. history when he joined the G League at age 17, and today, we look at the extreme steps that Henderson has taken as a player — and as a businessman — to guarantee NBA success. Guest: Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic Read his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An unlikely love story has been playing out in the Nevada desert over the past six years, between the city of Las Vegas and its pro hockey team. With the Golden Knights now on the brink of winning the Stanley Cup, we explore the origins of that love affair, and explain how a shared tragedy forged a powerful bond between players and fans. Guest: Jesse Granger, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Andrew McCutchen continues to steer the Pirates forward with a historic homecoming season. And a Yankees legend takes a hit from the broadcasting booth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we get closer to the midway point of the MLB season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are a surprise leader in the NL West, ahead of the Dodgers, Padres and Giants. One big reason why is their undersized center fielder: the 5-foot-10, do-it-all dynamo, Corbin Carroll. Today, we look at how Carroll became an All-Star caliber player — despite the lingering questions about his height. The answer can be found in the way that Carroll has carried himself ever since he was a kid. Guest: Zach Buchanan, The Athletic Read his full story about Corbin Carroll here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Erling Haaland has shattered goal scoring records this season at Manchester City. But has he made his team any better? We dive into one of the more polarizing debates in soccer. Plus, a preview of this weekend's Champions League Final between Man City and Inter Milan. Guest: Sam Lee, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Heat Culture shines bright in the Mile High City. And a golfing phenom does something we haven’t seen in over 70 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Myers ended months of speculation this week by announcing that he is stepping down as the Golden State Warriors' GM. Myers, often called the architect of the Warriors dynasty, steered the team to four championships and six NBA Finals appearances over an eight-year period, and making some key trades along the way. Today, The Athletic's Sam Amick explains Bob Myers' magical touch as a GM, why he has meant so much to the organization, and what the Warriors' future will look like without him. (Original air date: Feb 1, 2023) Guest: Sam Amick, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Around this time last year, the Florida Panthers seemed to be at a crossroads. After posting the best regular season record in the NHL, they were swept in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now, a year later, the Panthers are in the Stanley Cup Final, and Matthew Tkachuk is a big reason why. Today, we look at how Tkachuk — a guy who gets under his opponent's skin, and then silences them with huge goals — became both the hero, and the anti-hero, that Florida needed. Plus, why the man affectionately called “The Rat King” seemingly fits right in with the Panthers. Guest: Sean Gentille, The Athletic Read his full stories about Matthew Tkachuk here and here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Brown passed away at his home in Los Angeles last week at the age of 87. The Cleveland Browns legend and three-time NFL MVP made a name for himself as a football player, actor, and social activist, and also spent years working with gang leaders to try and prevent violence. But his reputation was also marred by a long series of domestic violence accusations. Today, how to make sense of Brown's complicated life and legacy. Guests: Steve Rushin, Sports Illustrated Dave Zirin, Author of Jim Brown: Last Man Standing See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After more than four decades of coming up short, the Denver Nuggets are finally playing in the NBA Finals for the first time. But despite a winning record in six consecutive seasons, most of those years for Denver have ended in heartbreak. Today, we look at how the Nuggets' foundation for winning has been built on a very large pile of past failures. Plus, what it will take for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and head coach Michael Malone to bring Denver their first NBA title. Guest: Nick Kosmider, The Athletic Read his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: It’s looking like sweep season in the NHL and NBA conference finals. And Breanna Stewart flashes her MVP credentials in her home debut. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last season, the Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA championship in style, especially when it came to their post-championship celebrations. But now, with the 2023 WNBA season about to tip off, the Aces find themselves wrapped up in not one but two controversies. Today, can the Aces move beyond their off-court problems and find a way to repeat? Or will the league's newest super team, the New York Liberty, come for their crown? Guest: Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic Check out The Athletic's special WNBA coverage: "Super Squads" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you say the name Darvin Ham to a basketball fan of a certain age, chances are they’ll think of the time he shattered a backboard playing for Texas Tech during the 1996 NCAA tournament. But what's less known about the Lakers’ first-year head coach is his life before all of this, in Saginaw, Michigan, a life that almost ended when he was just 14 years old. Today, we look at how Ham was shaped by the Midwest city he grew up in, and the tragic accident that nearly ended his life. Plus, can Ham steer the Lakers past Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets as they try to win an improbable NBA title? Guest: Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times Read his full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Jonathan Marchessault delivers with an elimination-game silencer of his own. And Todd Bowles fulfills his mother’s dream decades in the making. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last weekend, a 15:1 long shot named Mage raced to a dramatic victory at the Kentucky Derby. But that feel-good story was largely overshadowed by a series of tragic -- and in some cases mysterious -- racehorse deaths. Today, we explore what could be behind those deaths, the progress that horse racing has and hasn’t made in terms of animal welfare, and why people inside the sport often fail to see eye to eye with people outside of it. Guest: Natalie Voss, The Paulick Report See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After back-to-back 100-loss seasons, and with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball, life as a Pittsburgh Pirates fan has been pretty frustrating. However, this year, they started out as one of baseball's biggest surprises, with Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen helping to fuel a 20-8 start. Then came a recent seven-game losing streak — and fans were scratching their heads once again. Today, we look at the key factors behind the Pirates’ early success, the cause of their recent struggles, and what to make of this roller coaster season so far. Guest: Britt Ghiroli, The Athletic Read Britt's full story about the Pirates here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Devils bounce back to make it a series with Carolina. And college basketball’s most famous recruit finally announces where he’ll play next season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week, we got the long awaited — and widely expected —answer of who would go first in the NFL Draft, when the Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. But the questions about Young, and specifically his height (5-10 1/8), are not going away soon. Today, we dive deep into the history of undersized quarterbacks to find out why some have succeeded where many others have failed. And, as we comb through the careers of Sonny Jurgensen, Russell Wilson, and Doug Flutie (among others), we attempt to answer the question of whether Bryce Young can write his name alongside the all-time greats. Guest: Dan Pompei, The Athletic Read his full story about Bryce Young here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra has long been known as a fiery competitor who does not shy away from confrontations -- even with his own players. Today, with the Heat cruising through the playoffs, we explore the method to Erik Spoelstra’s madness and explain why the confrontations, along with a heavy dose of compassion, are all part of the plan. Guest: Jason Quick, The Athletic Read Jason' full story here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Bruins’ historic season ends with a whimper and the defending champs go down to a first timer. And a father-son phone call that will warm even the staunchest Cowboy hater’s heart. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics — one of the favorites to win the NBA title — moved on to the Eastern Conference semifinals. But during their not-always-so-smooth first-round series against Atlanta, we got a reminder that there are still questions when it comes to their 34-year-old head coach, Joe Mazzulla, who took over after Ime Udoka’s sudden suspension in September. Today, we look at how the team’s identity on and off the floor have changed under Mazzulla’s intense leadership, and the one question that won’t go away: Is Mazzulla the right guy to lead this team to a title? Plus, a snapshot of team camaraderie through the eyes of the Celtics players who rarely get in the game — and the bus that bonds them together. Guest: Jared Weiss, The Athletic Hear Jared on the NBA Daily Ding podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hockey fans are used to Connor McDavid being the undisputed best player in hockey. But this past season, he somehow took things to an even higher level, doing things that haven't been done since the 1980s. Today, how McDavid’s evolution off the ice has helped him reach new heights on it -- and how his growth can be traced, at least in part, to a six-year-old boy. Plus, what stands between McDavid and a highly coveted first Stanley Cup. Guest: Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic Read Daniel's original story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Steph Curry manages to avoid his own Chris Webber moment. And after more than decade, a career minor leaguer finally gets to The Show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So far this season, the Seattle Mariners have been getting big production from a former top prospect who roams their outfield. But if you're thinking of reigning AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez — think again. The guy who's been stealing the spotlight in Seattle so far is Jarred Kelenic. The 23-year-old came to Seattle in a blockbuster trade five years ago, but up until now, he has looked like a bust at the big league level. Today, we dig into the reasons behind Kelenic’s rapid rise, and whether this early season surge is for real. Guest: Corey Brock, The Athletic Read his stories on Kelenic here and here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alyssa Thompson's incredible soccer talent has already made her look like a future global star, even though she's just 18 years old. And her path to greatness, which included becoming the first girl to play on an MLS Next boys academy team (along with her sister, Giselle), has changed minds -- and the way that youth soccer clubs operate. Guest: Gwen Oxenham Read Gwen's full story about Alyssa Thompson in Sports Illustrated here Check out Gwen's new book, Pride Of A Nation and her podcast, Hustle Rule See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Two of hockey’s greatest rivals produce another in epic championship final. And A Yankees ace continues his electric start. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the NBA playoffs get underway on Saturday, basketball fans will be witnessing history, as the Golden State Warriors are playing the Sacramento Kings in the postseason for the first time ever. These two teams famously share the same highway — the I-80 — but they took very different roads to get here. The Kings emerged as an offensive juggernaut under their defensive-minded head coach, Mike Brown, while the reigning NBA champs, the Warriors, had to fight just to avoid the play-in tournament. Today, we break down the key factors that could decide the series, including De’Aaron Fox’s knack for thriving in the clutch, and just how ready Andrew Wiggins will be after a long layoff for Golden State. Guest: Anthony Slater, The Athletic Read his full series preview here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There was a time when it looked like China was going to be the next big thing in world soccer. After the government published an elaborate 50-point plan back in 2015, billions of dollars was spent developing China's professional league, building youth soccer academies across the country, and recruiting foreign stars to China for huge sums of money. But now, that ambitious program is all but dead. Today we discuss the rise and fall of China's oversized soccer dream. Guest: Tariq Panja, The New York Times Read Tariq's full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: The Timberwolves get punch drunk on the final day of the NBA season. And a baseball team manages to give up a crooked number while not allowing a hit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LeBron James's final wish as an NBA player is to suit up with his son LeBron James Jr, a.k.a. Bronny. When he made that intention clear last year, it was just the latest development in the incredibly well-documented basketball life of the 18-year-old Bronny, who has amassed a huge following of supporters, doubters, and people questioning what his dad is doing. Luca Evans, a reporter with the LA Times, recently spent months following Bronny’s high school basketball team, Sierra Canyon. Today, he shares stories from the young star’s senior season, discusses how Bronny has managed the incredible expectations around him, and explains who he really is as a basketball player. Guest: Luca Evans, Los Angeles Times Read Luca's full story about Bronny here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With three weeks to go until the NFL Draft, there's a clear cut top four at the quarterback position, featuring Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and the former Kentucky Wildcat, Will Levis. Levis emerged as a college star — and likely first round NFL pick — during the last two years in Lexington. But before that, he was a college football journeyman, known more for his viral eating exploits than anything he'd done on the field. Today, we tell the story of Levis’s unlikely ascent from DoorDash driver — to potential NFL franchise savior. Guest: Kyle Tucker, The Athletic Read the full stories here (and here) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: KD shows why he makes the Suns the most dangerous team in the West. And a new spooky pitch has MLB hitters running in fear. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Boston Bruins have been making history this season. After becoming the fastest team in NHL history to rack up 50 wins, they might soon break the record for total points in a season. But what makes their success so incredible is the fact that almost no one saw it coming -- in fact, many people predicted they would miss the playoffs. Today, we break down the keys to Boston's unexpected greatness. Guest: Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic Read Fluto's full breakdown of the B's success here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Major League Baseball Opening Day is Thursday, and the upcoming season begins with a lot of intriguing questions: Can the Astros repeat as World Series champs? What feats will we see from Shohei Ohtani (and Mike Trout) in Ohtani's final year before free agency? And, what does baseball’s wave of new rules mean for our experience watching the game? Today, the forecast for what 2023 could look like — with five bold predictions for the upcoming year. Guest: Eno Sarris, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: Iowa’s maestro guides the Hawkeyes to its first Final Four in 30 years. And the Seahawks bring in an old stalwart to solidify their defense. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The World Baseball Classic, a tournament that many fans once viewed as a bunch of meaningless exhibition games, captivated the world over the past two weeks and culminated with an epic showdown between the two best players in the game. Today, how the WBC went from an afterthought to the best thing to happen to baseball in ages. Guest: Nick Groke, The Athletic Read more of Nick's WBC coverage here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With five weeks to go until the NFL Draft, there’s one player who’s arguably the most polarizing and intriguing prospect in the entire field: the dual threat quarterback out of the University of Florida, Anthony Richardson. Richardson wowed during his lone season as a full-time starter with the Gators, and at the NFL Combine, but the questions about how he’ll perform at the next level won’t go away. Today, we take a closer look at Richardson's tantalizing ceiling, and terrifying floor. Plus, the story of his not-too-distant past — as an aspiring firefighter. Guest: Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic Read the full story here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: One of college basketball’s most storied programs misses the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in over a decade. And Trea Turner catches fire at the WBC. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Angelo Cataldi became Philadelphia's most popular sports radio personality by giving voice to the joys and frustrations of Philadelphia sports fans. And, along the way, he even saved a life or two -- literally. But his show was also criticized for being homophobic and misogynistic, and an event he founded, "Wing Bowl," eventually became a drunken public party that many Philadelphians despised. Today, we trace Cataldi's unlikely rise to radio stardom, and the complicated legacy he leaves behind. Guest: John Gonzalez See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NCAA tournament is finally here, which means that for the next three weeks, our lives will be consumed by college basketball’s biggest stars, its most surprising teams, and — hopefully — a bunch of buzzer beaters along the way. Today, we break down the favorites, surprises and some of the biggest storylines to follow in the men’s NCAA tournament, including an incredibly daunting West Region featuring Kansas, UCLA, UConn and Gonzaga — and the controversy surrounding top overall seed Alabama. Guest: Eamonn Brennan, The Athletic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus: It’s time to fill out those office brackets after another Selection Sunday. And the Rams keep their ‘remodel’ going by sending a former-All Pro’s talents to South Beach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.