Edge of Sports

This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, we are speaking with Evan Brown, a fellow with the Sports Fans Coalition, about the brewing stadium deal for the Washington Commanders and why it isn't suitable for the District.  We also speak to education activist and author (#TeachTruth) Jesse Hagopian about the Little League team he coaches, the Steelheads, and their remarkable run to the city championship.  Zirin, The Defeat of Andrew Cuomo Would Be a Devastating Loss for Scumbag Centrismhttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/andrew-cuomo-scumbag-centrism/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

This week, we chop it up with Arya Shirazi to discuss the NBA Finals. We also discuss SGA’s place among the best in the league, and what to make of the recent spate of Achilles injuries.  Zirin, The Defeat of Andrew Cuomo Would Be a Devastating Loss for Scumbag Centrismhttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/andrew-cuomo-scumbag-centrism/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

This week, we speak to Palestinian-American actor Sara Alami (Guardians of the Galaxy) about navigating Hollywood in a time when speaking out against genocide can mortally damage your career.  Zirin, Why the LA Dodgers Stood Up to ICEhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/los-angeles-dodgers-ice/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

In a special emergency pod, Arya Shirazi joins the show to chop it up about the New York Knicks' decision to let go of Tom Thibodeau. Zirin, Trump Threatens to Withhold New York’s Education Funding Unless Racist Mascoting Returnshttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/linda-mcmahon-trump-massapequa-chiefs/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

This week, we speak to the legendary Bobbito Garcia about his new book, Bobbito's Book of B-Ball Bong Bong!: A Memoir of Sports, Style, and Soul. We also talk about his career as an author, his cultural contributions to Hip-Hop, basketball, and sneakers, and his takes on basketball films. You don’t want to miss this episode.  Zirin, Trump’s World Cup Will Endanger Foreign Guests. Boycott Now!https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-world-cup-boycott/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

This week, we speak to Jeanne Theoharis, author of the groundbreaking new book  King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South. It is a deep dive into the remarkable political work that Dr. King accomplished north of the Mason-Dixon line and in southern California. Theoharis has uncovered a treasure trove of information that has gobsmacked even serious historians of King's life and legacy. Also, I talked to Hoops Savant Arya Shirazi about why we dislike the Celtics so much and why they barely notice the Knicks exist—until now. Zirin, MAGA Followers Think They’re Punk Rock—but Then Why Are They All Such Cowards?https://www.thenation.com/article/society/maga-trump-rage-against-machine/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

This week is our long-awaited 2025 NBA preview with hoops savant Arya Shirazi. Even in difficult times, the NBA playoffs remind us of what’s good. Check out our preview. Zirin, Can Steve Kerr Light an Anti-Trump Fire in the Sports World?https://www.thenation.com/article/society/steve-kerr-trump/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

This week, we talk to Dr. Maurice Jackson, author of the new book Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience: How Black Washingtonians Used Music and Sports in the Fight for Equality. We also talk to Ari Drennen from Media Matters about their recent study about the politics of the people behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship.  Rhythms of Resistance & Resiliencehttps://press.georgetown.edu/Book/Rhythms-of-Resistance-and-Resilience Zirin, With ICE Out of Control, How Can the US Cohost the 2026 World Cup?https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ice-fifa-world-cup-north-america/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

This week, we talk to Michael Messner, author of the fascinating new book, about what we can learn by looking at sports and yearbooks over the course of a century. It’s called “The High School: Sports, Spirit, and Citizens, 1903-2024.” Also, I’m talking to the savant, Arya Shirazi, about the days when March was truly mad.  The High Schoolhttps://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/the-high-school/9781978839533/ Zirin, With ICE Out of Control, How Can the US Cohost the 2026 World Cup?https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ice-fifa-world-cup-north-america/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

This week, we speak to Rabbi Brant Rosen of the Tzedek Chicago Synagogue, a synagogue that claims anti-Zionism as a core tenet of their beliefs. We talk about this perilous moment when an antisemitic administration is weaponizing antisemitism to jail Israel’s critics. We also talk some sports!  Brant Rosenhttps://rabbibrant.com/ Zirin, Jackie Robinson Again Teaches Us to Never Back Down to Bigotshttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/jackie-robinson-defense-department-pete-hegseth/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

This week, we speak to Outsports journalist and Connecticut Ambush football player Karleigh Webb about her journey and insights on trans issues in sports. Also, we speak to hoops savant Arya Shirazi about the long-lost days of the court general, who was the point guard. We also remember the late great John Feinstein.  Karleigh Webbhttps://www.outsports.com/author/karleigh-webb/https://www.instagram.com/rocketdyne1965/?hl=en Zirin, “I’m Terrified”: Trans-Feminine Athletes in Their Own Wordshttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-women-athletes-forum/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

This week, we speak to US-born, Rio de Janeiro-based visionary Robert Wilson, whose short volume A Football Manifesto is a brilliant excavation of the systemic, structural problems in US men’s soccer and a radical fan-centric approach to radical change. It’s not just a diagnosis. It’s a wholly original cure.  Robert Wilsonhttps://bookshop.org/p/books/the-football-manifesto-and-club-handbook-bringing-the-beautiful-game-to-the-people-and-making-the-usa-1-in-the-world-robert-wilson/11921456?ean=9780692111413&next=t GoFundMehttps://gofund.me/c32d9598 Zirin, Don’t Listen to Greasy Gavin Newsom. Listen to Trans Athleteshttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-athletes-forum/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

This week, we have a talk I gave two years ago about the social function of sports in an authoritarian society. It rings more true today, and I wanted to share it with you all. Also, I talked to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about the injuries that changed the course of NBA history. Zirin, Why Democrats Won’t Throw a Real Punchhttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democratic-party-fecklessness/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

This week, we speak to former NFL player Chris Kluwe. Kluwe made news this week for his protest of MAGA at a Huntingdon Beach city council meeting, garnering headlines worldwide. We discuss what led to that moment, why he did what he did, and the sports world’s reaction to this administration and what explains it. Zirin, Why Democrats Won’t Throw a Real Punchhttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democratic-party-fecklessness/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2025

This week we speak to executive producer Arif Khatib and director Steven C. Bernier about their new documentary, Because They Believed: Minority Athletic Trailblazers Who Broke through The Racial Divide. The film is available on all streaming platforms and it's the documentary sports and politics lovers have been waiting for. Also, we talk to hoops savant Arya Shirazi about where this NBA season is going after a series of shocking trades.  Zirin, How the “Subversive Genius” of Kendrick Lamar Sent Trump Home a Loserhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/super-bowl-kendrick-lamar-halftime-eagles-trump/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

It's being called the most shocking trade in basketball or even sports history: All-NBA guard Luka Doncic was sent from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Everyone is searching for reasons why the Mavericks would throw away Doncic, a generationally great player who is only 25 years old.  On Edge of Sports, we break the trade down with none other than Kiese Laymon. The writer of books like Heavy and Long Division and a professor at Rice University, Laymon helps us break down why it may have happened, as well as some theories to help us make sense of the senseless. We look at Luka, LeBron, the executives in charge, and the very shady new Mavericks owner and bankroller of Trump, the infamous Miriam Adelson. Zirin, The Super Bowl Will Be a Spectacle of Black Excellence, but You’ll Need to Tune Out MAGA’s White Whinehttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/super-bowl-chiefs-eagles-mahomes-hurts-kendrick-lamar-maga/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

This week, we speak to the legendary New York Times journalist and acclaimed Young Adult writer Robert Lipsyte. We talk about his new book, Rhino’s Run, the relationship between high school athletes and masculinity, and the galvanizing potential of American football. Al this and more on this week’s pod! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/780979/let-us-play-by-harrison-browne-and-rachel-browne/ Zirin, A Meteorologist Was Fired for Describing What We All Saw: “Dude Nazi Saluted TWICE”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/meteorologist-sam-kuffel-cbs58-elon-musk-nazi-salute/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

We have two guests, Harrison Browne, and Arya Shirazi, talking about trans athletes and the golden era of NBA centers. This week, we speak to Harrison Browne, the first transgender pro hockey player, about a new book he wrote with his journalist sister Rachel Browne, Let Us Play: Winning the Battle for Gender Diverse Athletes, about how their stories are a key to defending their rights in the face of a fascist movement aimed at their elimination from public life. Also, we speak to hoops savant Arya Shirazi about the golden age of NBA centers. At least, I think it’s the Golden Age. 1985-1995!  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/780979/let-us-play-by-harrison-browne-and-rachel-browne/ Zirin, Should College Football Die?https://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-012325/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2025

Body: This week, we come from the famed Politics & Prose bookstore in Washington, DC, where I interview Derek Silva on the new book he co-authored, The End of College Football. His co-author, Nathan Kalman-Lamb, was denied entry to the U.S. from Canada, which we discussed. Thank you, Politics & Prose for permission to use the audio! Zirin, Why Did the US Block a Canadian Professor From His Own Book Event?https://www.thenation.com/article/society/nathan-kalman-lamb-end-college-football-barred-entry/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

Hoosiers? Slap Shot? Boxcar Bertha? Today, film savant Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about the baseball movies that could have been.  Zirin, In 2024, the Sports Leagues Watched the World Burnhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/sports-2024-year-review/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

This week, we speak about the joy and politics of baseball movies. First, we speak to Noah Gittell, author of the terrific romp of a book Baseball: The Movie. Then we speak to movie savant Arya Shirazi about the five most essential baseball movies of all time and whether they will hold up in 2024.  Zirin, Trump Invites a Killer to His Luxury Boxhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/trump-army-navy-game-daniel-penny/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

This week, we join longtime, award-winning Hollywood Makeup artist Spring Super to discuss teen film villains in the 1980s and how they affect our politics!  Zirin, What the Bosa/Kaepernick Double Standard Tells Us About the 2024 Electionshttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nick-bosa-maga-colin-kaepernick/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2024

This week on the Edge of Sports podcast, savant Arya Shirazi joins Dave to discuss what they have learned ten games into the season and what predictions they would do over if they had to do it again.  Zirin, What the Bosa/Kaepernick Double Standard Tells Us About the 2024 Electionshttps://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nick-bosa-maga-colin-kaepernick/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

This week, we are joined by Bill Fletcher. We talk about the story, the 2024 presidential election, and what to make of it. We discuss the appeal of Trump’s revanchism, why the election turned out the way it did, and what we can do. You don’t want to miss this episode. Zirin, Your NBA Eastern Conference Previewhttps://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-102124-nba/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

This week, we are joined by savant Arya Shirazi. We talk about the upcoming NBA season, specifically the Western Conference. Are the Thunder going to level up? Has the Denver Nuggets’ title window passed? What are we to make of this year’s Lakers? You won’t want to miss this one. Zirin, Your NBA Eastern Conference Previewhttps://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-102124-nba/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

This week, we are joined by savant Arya Shirazi. We talk about the upcoming NBA season, specifically the Eastern Conference. How much of the needle moved with the Karl Anthony Towns addition in New York? Are the Boston Celtics the prohibitive favorites in the East? Is this the year that the Philadelphia 76ers finally break through? You won’t want to miss this one. Zirin, Chiefs Placekicker Harrison Butker Goes Wide Right and Finds Political Powerhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/harrison-butker-upright-pac-chiefs-placekicker/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2024

This week, we talk to New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss. His latest is a nonfiction chapter book series about athletes who have stepped up beyond sports to make a difference in the world: the first three books in this series, all written by Andrew, are about Pat Tillman, Maya Moore, and LeBron James.  Zirin, In a Glaring Double Standard, FIFA Fails to Suspend Israelhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/fifa-israel-double-standard/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

This week we speak to Dr. Louis Moore about his groundbreaking new book: The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback. You don’t want to miss this episode. Zirin, Tyreek Hill and Player Policing, NBA Off-Season Intrigueshttps://www.thenation.com/podcast/archive/eos-091324-tyreekhill/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

This week I have choice words about the police treatment of Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and the NFL franchise owners who endorse it. We also talk to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about an intriguing off-season time in the NBA. Zirin, Police Violence, Tyreek Hill, and the NFL Owners Who Bankroll Brutalityhttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/police-violence-tyreek-hill-miami-dolphins/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

This week, we have a particular installment of hoops talk with my friend Arya Shirazi, where we talk about Olympic basketball, Team USA, their incredible final against France, and the future of international basketball. We talk about Steph Curry, Lebron James, and Victor Wembanyama and we theorize about where it could all be going.  Zirin, What Was the Paris Olympics?https://www.thenation.com/article/society/paris-olympics/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2024

This week we speak to Michael Waters, author of the book The Other Olympians: Fascism, Queerness, and the Making of Modern Sports. An incredible eye-opening discussion about a part of Olympic history we are simply not taught  Zirin, Palestinian Olympians Are Competing as Their World Burnshttps://www.thenation.com/article/world/palestinian-olympians-paris-olympics/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2024

This week on Edge of Sports we have our last in a series with Arya Shirazi about the NBA playoffs in the victory of the Boston Celtics over the Dallas Mavericks. We discuss what we both got wrong, the larger playoffs, and more. Zirin, “Reg-GIE! Reg-GIE! Reg-GIE!”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/reggie-jackson-jim-crow-baseball/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

Arya Shirazi joins the show to review the NBA Conference Finals and preview the NBA Finals Body: This week basketball savant Arya Shirazi joins the Edge of Sports Pod to talk about whether the Dallas Mavericks can shock the world and beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Zirin, Counting the Negro League Records Is About More Than Numbershttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/baseball-mlb-negro-league-records/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

This week, Dave Zirin brings back Arya Shirazi to discuss round one of the playoffs and what we learned. Zirin, “Macklemore Dares Others to Stand Up for Palestine”https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/macklemore-hinds-hall-palestine/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

After more than 50 years, the Oakland A's announced their departure from the city last year, leaving Oakland bereft of its sports teams after the flight of the Warriors in 2019 and the Raiders in 2020. To the dismay of fans, the A's plan to temporarily relocate to a minor league stadium in Sacramento before permanently moving to Las Vegas in the 2028 season. Former A's catcher Bruce Maxwell joins Edge of Sports to discuss the move, its impact on the local community and workers, and the trajectory of his own career and the place of the A's in his life story. Zirin, “The Fiction of the “Outside Agitator”https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/outside-agitator-false-narrative/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2024

This week we discuss why New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson should not be seen is anybody’s underdog. Also, we break down who is going to win the first round playoff, matchups, with an eye on the politics of the games. Zirin, “The 2024 Olympics Are Already Dealing With Multiple Political Crises”https://www.thenation.com/article/world/2024-paris-olympics-political-crises/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2024

Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie is the most thrilling guard combo in the league and perhaps ever. Yet very few thought their coming together would work. We explore why. Zirin, “Coaching Great Dawn Staley Defends Trans Athletes”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/dawn-staley-trans-athletes/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2024

Arya joins the pod again to talk about the rising of the international influence of the NBA, it’s early roots, and where the game may be headed.  Zirin, “Online Gambling Has Swallowed Professional Sports”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/online-gambling-sports-shohei-ohtani/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2024

Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about the current state of the NBA, and we discuss what the implications of this game are moving forward and how we feel about the direction it’s heading aesthetically and as an entertainment product.  Zirin, “Jonathan Glazer’s Brave Oscar Speech Represents the Best of Judaism”https://www.thenation.com/article/world/jonathan-glazer-oscar-speech-gaza-israel-judaism/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2024

Rebecca O'Keeffe helped spark an international firestorm within the world of sports when she called on the Irish women’s basketball team to boycott its Feb. 8 match against Israel. While O'Keeffe's calls for a boycott ultimately went unheeded, her actions have provoked serious debate within Ireland and internationally on the responsibility of athletes to stand up against genocide.  O'Keeffe joins Edge of Sports host Dave Zirin for an exclusive interview on why she took a stand, how the sports world responded, and why she refuses to back down. Zirin, “The First Athletes to Speak Out Are the Bravest”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/athletes-ceasefire-sports/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2024

In this episode, we talk about the truly forgotten players of the NBA, particularly during the 1980s, such a unique era in the history of the NBA, and theorize on why they are not remembered as intently as others.  Zirin, “What the Super Bowl Parade Shooting Has to Do With the Empire of the Gun”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/super-bowl-parade-shooting-guns-colonialism/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2024

The 1980s and 1990s were defined by basketball dynasties like the Lakers, Celtics, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Yet in the midst of this unprecedented stretch of dominance, the Detroit Pistons won two and could’ve very easily won four NBA titles. How did they do it? And why do we discount this incredible accomplishment? Zirin, When Wearing a Sweater Is Antisemitichttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-klein-aaron-rodgers-colin-kaepernick/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2024

 New York is the Mecca of basketball. So what explains the city’s inability to score an NBA championship in the last half-century. Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about this historical oddity. Zirin, What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgershttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-klein-aaron-rodgers-colin-kaepernick/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2024

Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are two of the most defining players of their generation and NBA history. While a considerable portion of their careers overlapped, the two never met in the NBA finals. Why? What would have happened? Arya and I discuss on this week’s episode.  Zirin, “Will the IOC Do Anything About the Killing of Palestinian Athletes?”https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ioc-israel-palestine-olympics/ —http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2024

In Part 6 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 2009 NBA draft and the Knicks coming close to getting Davidson sharpshooter Steph Curry, the most revolutionary player of his generation. You don’t want to miss this episode! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2023

In Part 5 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 1993 NBA draft and a crucial trade that takes place that changes the course of 90s basketball. You don’t want to miss this episode! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2023

Inclusion for trans athletes in sports has become a flashpoint in the culture war that extends from schools to international competitions. Katie Barnes joins Edge of Sports to discuss their new book, Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates, which offers one of the most comprehensive views yet on how the struggle for inclusion in the realm of sports has much wider social and political consequences. Dave Zirin also has Choice Words about why the public financing of stadiums is little more than corporate theft writ large. And on Ask a Sports Scholar we have Prof. Tracie Canada to speak about her cutting edge work about the racial economy of college football. Plus, we have a new segment called Ask Dave! Katie BarnesTwitter: katie_barnes3https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250276636/fairplay Tracie CanadaTwitter: tracie_canadahttps://www.traciecanada.com/ Zirin, Congressional Support for a Cease-Fire Isn’t Too Much to Askhttps://www.thenation.com/article/world/jamie-raskin-gaza-ceasefire/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2023

This week on the pod, we speak to Jean Jacques Taylor author of the new book Coach Prime. With near total access to Deion Sanders program at Jackson State and explains what makes Deion Deion. Also we speak to best selling author Adam Mansbach about his incredible book The Golem of Brooklyn. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the NAIA. Jean-Jacques TaylorTwitter: JJT_Journalisthttps://www.jjtmediagroup.com/?r_done=1 Adam MansbachTwitter: @adammansbachhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737057/the-golem-of-brooklyn-by-adam-mansbach/ Zirin, How DeSantis Is Using Sports to Hijack a Florida Collegehttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-college-sarasota-florida-desantis/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2023

This week on the pod, we welcome back Arya Shirazi to discuss another basketball butterfly effect: what if the NBA had handled the death of Len bias differently? How is that of affected that generation of 1980s players? Zirin, How DeSantis Is Using Sports to Hijack a Florida Collegehttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-college-sarasota-florida-desantis/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2023

In the early 90s, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf had a promising career ahead of him in the NBA as an up-and-coming star. That all changed in 1996 when he refused to stand for the US National Anthem and called the US flag a symbol of oppression. The NBA retaliated by suspending him, and Abdul-Rauf spent the next two decades playing exclusively for international leagues.  On this episode of Edge of Sports, Abdul-Rauf looks back on his protest and how engaging the literature of revolutionary icons like Malcolm X influenced his decision. Elsewhere in the episode, Dave Zirin takes aim at Ron DeSantis’s use of sports to stage a political takeover at the New College of Florida, and Dr. Ron Bishop joins the show to discuss how sports media covers mental health. Zirin, Will the UAW Picket Trump’s Rally in Detroit?https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/trump-rally-uaw-detroit/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 — Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2023