Nothing Personal with David Samson

Call the So You Wanna Talk to Samson hotline at 631-377-4869 So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? It’s Wednesday! Someone asked me if I was MLB Commissioner… how would I grow the game? (12:00) Would the NBA ever shorten the the season? Is it boring? Is it too long? (18:00) Someone asked me about spring training games and dealing with disgruntled fans during spring training. Hmm. (25:00) Someone asked me for forgiveness for puking on my golf bag. What? (32:40) What was my favorite thing to do as a team president? What were the least favorite jobs I had to do? (45:00) Should the Tigers bump Tarik Skubal to Thursday so fans get to see a Cy Young showdown between he and Paul Skenes? (50:00) Bad free agents. The Angels are not the only team! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘sunrise’ as in Florida as in Panthers as in South Florida as in back-to-back as in the NHL as in the Stanley Cup! The Panthers did it! How have they been so successful? What a franchise. Brad Marchand was brilliant. Sam Reinhart scored 4 goals! Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe. And Connor McDavid goes home without the Cup again. (16:00) Rafael Devers is ready to play everywhere for the Giants. Can you believe it? (30:00) Review: MobLand. (36:00) The Phillies did something that not many would do, they benched a player during a games played streak. Nick Castellanos was benched. (42:00) NPPOD. Giving you a pick of the Thunder and Pacers game. The big story is will Tyrese Haliburton play? (50:00) The Yankees are broken right now. Can’t score runs. Judge is slumping. Yuck! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

You can follow Katie across social @katiephang or on YouTube at Katie Phang News! Katie Phang joins the show! We break down ICE raids, protests, Trump, and more! (27:30) Giancarlo Stanton is back for the Yankees, and they need him. The team can’t score right now. Five straight games of just poor offense. Four straight losses. (35:00) What’s going on with the Commanders? Is the deal done or not? (41:00) Attendance! MLB attendance is up right now! Biggest Father’s Day weekend in a long, long time! What about the Club World Cup? Why is the attendance all over the place? Is it the venue choice or a bigger issue? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘alignment’ as in Red Sox as in Rafael Devers as in Sam Kennedy as in Craig Breslow. That was the buzz word. What did Boston’s front office have to say? The usual! Another big surprise was how David Ortiz took to the media to defend the Red Sox. Never go against the family! (21:40) The Oklahoma City Thunder have finally taken a series lead! Up 3-2 now after Jalen Williams and SGA had themselves a game. Tyrese Haliburton re-injured his calf and was held without a field goal! (30:20) Review Rolling Along. (35:20) Shohei Ohtani has returned for the Dodgers. He pitched 1 inning. That’s it. But he had the juice! (42:40) NPPOD. (45:00) Ippei Mizuhara is on his way to prison. The day Ohtani gets his start. LOL. (48:00) Gage Wood threw a no-hitter in the College World Series yesterday! 19 strikeouts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

I want to start hour 2 talking about how my weekend went. I went back to camp. (9:45) What happened in Minnesota this weekend was a disgrace. What is wrong with this country? We continue to just not get it. (19:30) What’s going on with the Washington Nationals? Falling apart and the manager just blamed the players. That’s it. Said it’s not on the coaches. Hmm. (34:30) Are the baseballs different in MLB this year? Yes, but no one inside baseball will acknowledge it. Andrew McCutchen will! (47:50) Desmond Bane was traded for a monster return to the Orlando Magic. It is over for Memphis. The Western Conference passed them by. Now the Magic have a real shot to do something in the East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘fait accompli’ as in Rafael Devers as in the Boston Red Sox as in the San Francisco Giants as in traded. How did we get here? Who is to blame for this falling out? Craig Breslow? John Henry? Red Sox fans are furious about this — they think it’s Mookie Betts all over again. (16:00) The Florida Panthers are a win away from a repeat! Brad Marchand is playing like a man possessed! Sam Bennett keeps scoring! (23:00) What is going on with the NBA Finals? Everyone seems to be mad about something. There have been excellent games on the court, but the stories have been off the court. (36:00) Review: Holy Cow. (40:00) NPPOD. (42:45) We have two stories about the Dodgers right now. Shohei Ohtani is back to pitching. He’ll be on the mound tonight. First time in almost 2 years he’ll pitch in an MLB game. The other is about Clayton Kershaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

What is going on in Kansas City? Both of them! The Royals and the Chiefs want stadium money and who is going to pay? (7:00) ICE and Border Patrol is the big thing in our country right now. With the FIFA Club World Cup being here, with the World Cup next year, things are scary for some. Let’s discuss this impact on sports, and the country. FIFA is basically giving away tickets to the opening game in Miami. (28:15) The House Settlement has rocked the college world. We knew this would happen. Everyone knew this would happen. And the lawsuits are here. (40:00) I want to spend some time about business and sports and movies, and when you know things are going bad. What if you don’t have the power to change those things? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘80.5’ as in percentage as in Pacers as in Thunder as in the NBA finals. The Pacers took Game 3 and now have an 80.5% chance to win the series according to past results. Tyrese Haliburton did it again. Another late run by the Pacers and the Thunder couldn’t stop it. Now just 2 games away from a title! (10:15) What are the Knicks doing? The Knicks have asked 5 different teams to speak with its head coach and they all said no! What was the plan here? (21:20) Kevin Durant wants out of Phoenix. What? Another trade!? Another team? Oh, what the Suns could have been. (33:30) Review: Groundhog Day. (42:00) The Athletic released its poll about Major League Baseball. Who did the players vote on the worst organizations? It’s not surprising! (49:45) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Leave us a voicemail at 631-377-4869 for your question to make it on air! So You Wanna Talk to Samson time! It’s the 2nd hour! Our first question is about estate planning and why teams sell for these purposes. Hmm. (10:00) Someone asked me about the MLB Draft. Will it ever be reformed? Why are there separate drafts for international players? Will there ever just be one draft? (19:00) Someone asked me about the biggest fight or argument I ever saw in a clubhouse. This should be good. (26:00) What do you think about Skener Wieners? Huh!? (34:20) Someone asked me about the new deal between MLB and Jomboy Media. How do you feel about it? Should MLB be doing this? (46:00) Someone asked me about the ABS system and the impact it will have on umpires, players, fans, and the league! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘simulated’ as in simulated games as in Shohei Ohtani as in pitching as in Dodgers as in rehab assignments as in bullpen sessions. Let’s cover everything about injuries and returns to play. We start with the Dodgers and their trio of big name arms: Ohtani, Snell, Glasnow. (17:30) Let’s break down the rest of the Dodgers pitchers now, and some other big names in the league. Sean Manaea and Giancarlo Stanton had rehab assignments last night. (33:30) Review: Sinners. (38:00) The Phillies are not doing great right now. Injuries happen. But the bullpen isn’t good. The team is struggling. (45:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Ken Rosenthal joins us! Let’s talk some baseball! A random conversation on the Astros sign-stealing? Sure! Who could be traded this year? Are the Orioles sellers? Is a lockout coming!? (27:30) Private equity has come for college sports. It’s happened. Took 2 days after the House Settlement! (36:20) The Club World Cup starts Saturday and we still have drama. How much fun! The MLS players are NOT happy about the pay. (42:10) The Rays and Blue Jays are pushing the Yankees right now. Not the Red Sox, not the orioles. (47:30) Red Sox starter Hunter Dobbins came out and said he’d never play for the Yankees ever. He said he’d retire! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘rattled’ as in Oilers as in Stanley Cup as in fighting as in the Florida Panthers. That’s right. A Game 3 thrashing by the Panthers and it’s now a 2-1 series lead. The Oilers looked like the Panthers just got to their heads and they couldn’t do anything but fight and commit penalty after penalty. The Panthers are deep, scoring from most shifts. The Oilers rely so much on McDavid and Draisaitl that when they dont produce, they lose. (14:30) The Red Sox called up top prospect Roman Anthony yesterday and he debuted vs the Rays. Not a great game, but that’s not the story. (33:00) Review: Better Sister. (36:30) What is happening with Giannis? Is he staying? Will he request a trade? What will happen!? (44:40) The Pacers are already focused on the offseason. Well, the front office is. What will happen with Myles Turner? (50:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Something major happened in the NCAA this past Friday, the house settlement. Schools can now directly pay college athletes. MAJOR! Let’s talk about what will happen next. Tanking. Lawsuits. Drama. Transfers. You name it. (18:00) Craig Kimbrel was DFA’d by after one game. Woof. Why did the Braves do this? (28:30) The Rays stadium may be fixed. More and more money being spent to fix The Trop. How fun. (34:30) Michael Jordan is in some trouble. This time in NASCAR. Let’s talk about why he’s in trouble and what could happen. (41:00) NBA expansion. Is it happening or not? Is Seattle and Vegas getting a team or not? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘answer’ as in response as in Thunder as in NBA Finals as in Pacers as in SGA. Oklahoma City rolled in Game 2 like everyone thought they would. Heartbreak in Game 1, but this team knows how to respond. How about the NBA putting the logo on the court digitally? Were you a fan of that? (11:00) Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played one of the best tennis matches you’ll ever see in the French Open final. Amazing tennis. What a comeback. Couldn’t believe my eyes. On the opposite side we have Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff won her second Grand Slam. Sabalenka won the first set and then was outplayed. After the match… sore loser times a million. (30:00) Review: Pee Wee as Himself (34:10) Corbin Burnes is done for the season. Another pitcher needing Tommy John. Here we go again. (44:00) I have never seen what happened to Ryan Weathers happen before. Drilled in the head by a throw to 2nd in a warmup. And he stayed in the game after being flat on the field. What? Are the Marlins serious? (49:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

The day has finally come. Matthew Coca, my producer, is joining the show for a whole hour! We discuss the NBA Finals. We discuss service-time manipulation. We discuss making stars. We discuss Elon v. Trump! We discuss it all! You can follow him on TWITTER @matthewcoca I am Matthew Coca writing this whole thing hehehehe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘precisely’ as in the Pacers as in Tyrese Haliburton as in the Thunder as in SGA as in NBA Finals. The Pacers did it again. Another comeback win late. How are they doing this? It looked like the Thunder were going to win by 50! And then Tyrese Haliburton hit a game-winner. The Thunder just crumbled in the final 2 minutes. (10:40) The White Sox are for sale, but not really. Jerry Reinsdorf is ready to hand the team over to an Ishbia. Not the Suns owner, but his brother Justin! No later than 2034! (26:30) Review: Mountainhead. (35:00) Aaron Rodgers has joined the Steelers. How fun. The Steelers are suckers. (43:00) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Adam Silver talked about the NBA All-Star Game and guess what? The format has changed again! The game will be on NBC and next season the network has the Winter Olympics! (5:00) Our Thursday guest this week is Pablo Torre and he has joined the show! (27:00) FIFA is slashing prices for the Club World Cup already. Who could have seen this coming? Not even Messi could pull this many fans. Is it the stadium size? (38:00) The Chicago Fire have lapped the Bears and the White Sox for a new stadium! What!? How did this happen!? (46:00) The French Open is going on! Are you watching? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘McOverrated’ as in Connor McDavid as in the Edmonton Oilers as in NOT overrated. The Panthers jumped out to a 3-1 lead and blew it! Leon Draisaitl had the game-winner, McDavid had two assists. And Edmonton has the 1-0 series lead. Who doesn’t love playoff overtime? We will also break down taxes! Who doesn’t love taxes!? (16:00) Rob Manfred met the media yesterday. He had a whole lot to say about some major things. ABS is coming to baseball. Robot umps? Kind of! Automated Ball-Strike System is here in 2026. (22:00) Rob Manfred also spoke on the TV contracts. Where is the next media deal? Could be coming this July. He also had to comment on Pete Rose, Donald Trump, and the impact of the tariffs. (33:05) Review: 500 Days of Summer. (38:00) What is going on with the MLB salary cap? Is it happening? Will it happen? Should it happen? (44:00) NBA Finals are here! Are you excited? (51:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Call our So You Wanna Talk to Samson Hotline at 631-377-4869! It’s So You Wanna Talk to Samson hour! You asked the questions, and we have the answers! First question was about thanking the fans! I forgot to do it! OOOOOF! (5:10) Someone asked me about Canadian teams and how much harder it is to win because of currency change. Is this a real thing? Let’s discuss! (16:00) What’s happening with MLB broadcasts? The Arizona Diamondbacks local broadcast was taken over by MLB and it’s been seamless. Nice. But what happens when MLB makes new TV deals. (26:30) Someone asked me if I could cover gambling and the moves by gambling companies. Or if I have to bow down to the powers that be. (35:00) What happens if the Rays and A’s make the playoffs? Where would they play home games? Can’t be where they both currently play! (43:00) Will the Pirates trade Paul Skenes? NO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘canned’ as in Thibs as in the Knicks as in James Dolan as in Leon Rose as in Jalen Brunson. After just 5 seasons Tom Thibodeau is out in New York. Eastern Conference Finals appearance? Who cares! Back-to-back 50-win seasons? Who cares! That’s what went down. (15:15) What is happening with the Rays? Are they staying or leaving? Is the Trop being fixed or not? Is Florida giving the Rays money or not? Ron DeSantis is all over it! (23:00) The Orioles are in a bad spot. The team is bad, but on a nice run right now. Disappointing team. Fans aren’t showing up like they have in the past few seasons. (32:50) Review: Luckiest Man in America. (38:00) Wake Forest had to apologize for its head baseball coach after the team was eliminated from the College World Series. Tom Walter was caught on camera yelling an anti-gay slur at a Tennessee player. Uh oh. Consequences? Haven’t seen them. (48:00) NPPOD. Let’s talk the Stanley Cup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

We start Hour 2 with your first guest! Dan Le Batard is here! (22:10) Inside the NBA is not going away. Why is everyone saying it? The show goes on! Even if Sir Charles he’s leaving… he won’t! (32:45) Texas Tech is head to the Women’s College World Series all because of NIL money. $1 million. That’s what it took to get NiJaree Canady. And she delivered and took down a dynasty! (39:30) Livvy Dunne Tok to TikTok and had some choice words for autograph chasers. It’s a bad situation for everyone. (46:00) Seattle Sounders want a bigger share of money from FIFA. The clubs are getting huge money. The leagues are getting huge money. But what about the players playing extra games? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘preview’ as in Dodgers as in Mets as in baseball as in playoffs. Let’s talk about the 4-game series in June and what it could say for both teams moving forward. Will we see a rematch of last season’s NLCS? I’d also like to talk about Lou Gehrig Day in MLB and what an awful disease ALS is. (10:30) Fredi Gonzalez is back! Our guy! He’s back with the Braves! (18:00) When will we know where MLB games where MLB games will be played next year? Is it ESPN? Is it Apple? Is it NBC? Is it somewhere else!? (31:20) Review: Hacks Season 4. (35:10) Let’s talk about ratings! Everyone is obsessed with ratings. From press releases to cover stories to talking fans. Why are we so into the ratings? (42:30) NPPOD. (47:40) The FBI is investigation the MLBPA and NFLPA. Uh oh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Corbin Burnes is hurt. Felt a pop in his elbow. This is bad bad bad news for the Diamondbacks! (5:26) A Yankees fan was hit by a piece of concrete during a Dodgers game this past weekend. How can that happen? What happens next? (15:00) Cooper Flagg reportedly made some huge money at Duke. New Balance paid up. Fanatics paid up. NIL money is something serious. (24:00) NPPOD. (29:40) Zion Williamson is in some trouble. He’s been accused of rape, abuse, mental abuse, you name it. It stems from a previous relationship he was in. What a bad career he’s had to this point. True or not here. Just a disappointment. (93:00) Jackie Caglianone is getting called up. Big time prospect. Is this smart for the team’s future? Should they have waited? (39:00) The online abuse needs to stop. Fans need to stop. We’ve reach a point where enough has to be enough. We cannot accept all the threats being sent player’s, or people’s, way. (51:00) The Marlins DFA’d a player after a 3-error game. Woof. Let’s explain what happened here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘52’ as in welcome to the new NPDS as in new graphics as in new music. The Pacers have eliminated the Knicks once again. Pascal Siakam won the MVP. Haliburton had another great game. And the Knicks will go home losers again. (11:00) What happened in May in baseball? It’s time for the Good and the Bad! We start with the Detroit Tigers and the insane season they’re having! The Minnesota Twins had an incredible May to get them back into the season. Season was saved! (18:40) The St. Louis Cardinals won the most games in all of baseball in May. Who!? Yes, the Cardinal Way was back… at least for a month! (21:40) The Washington Nationals continue to surprise us all. How? Young players outperforming! That’s what a team like the Nationals needs. (23:40) Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are just so much better than everyone else. (31:00) Review: Deaf President Now. (37:15) Now let’s get into the bad in May. We start with Juan Soto. He had such a bad month. What’s wrong? Will it change? (41:10) The Athletics are bad again. Damn. But not as bad as the Rockies. How can a team be as bad as the Rockies are? (45:00) Let’s go over my predictions from May and the predictions for June Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘Lloyd Christmas’ as in Dumb and Dumber as in so you’re saying there’s a chance as in the Knicks as in Jalen Brunson as in Game 6. The Knicks got it done on Thursday night! Tyrese Haliburton had a poor game. Can they do it? Can the Knicks really do it? (8:50) The Dallas Stars got eliminated from the Western Conference Finals for the 3rd straight season. Peter DeBoer pulled his goalie Jake Oettinger 7 minutes into the game! And then after the game he threw him under the bus! (17:50) Is Alex Ovechkin returning next season? Maybe! The Capitals say an email was sent out by mistake saying Ovi was coming back! (31:30) Review: Sirens. (37:00) MLB is investing into a women’s pro softball league. It’s a major investment that also includes TV rights and marketing. Why now? (46:00) NPPOD. (49:00) Braves pitchers had a great and bad day yesterday. Chris Sale got 2,500 K’s in his career. And the team lost AJ Smith-Shawver to an elbow injury.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

SO YOU WANNA TALK TO SAMSON HOTLINE: 631-377-4869 Today’s word of the day is ‘announcement’ as in Nothing Personal is going to 2 hours! Starting next week we move to 2 hours a day! (7:17) The Florida Panthers are headed back to the Stanley Cup Final! That’s three straight years! How have they been able to do it? (13:33) Sandy Alcantara is having a miserable, no good, very bad season. This is not good for the Marlins who knew they’d want to trade him. What now? How can they fix him? (22:30) What happened to the Red Sox? They were everyone’s (including mine) dark horse to win the World Series. And now it’s injuries. Now it’s drama. And now it’s almost last place in the AL East. (36:30) Review: Bugsy. (39:45) The Oklahoma City Thunder are a machine. They are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. And they destroyed the Timberwolves in 5 games. Young and hungry team. (44:50) NPPOD. (48:10) Trump’s new bill has a small line that sports owners are not going to like. Let me explain what’s happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘immaculate’ as in perfect as in overrated as in Tyrese Haliburton as in no turnovers as in big win. Haliburton and the Pacers are now just one win away from the NBA Finals. Haliburton made history with a 30/15/10/0 stat line. The Knicks just have no answer for that. (10:35) Kendrick Perkins had some thoughts on why Anthony Edwards can’t be the face of the league. Well… (20:00) We have another update on the Athletics of wherever they are from these days. A huge update. A concessionaire is going to invest in the club and the Athletics desperately need that money. (32:30) Review: Survivor Season 48. (43:00) Terry Bradshaw is not happy with the Steelers. Not happy with Aaron Rodgers. Not happy with the handling of Kenny Pickett. Woooo buddy! (47:45) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘Memorial Day’ as in the holiday as in MLB as in standing as in playoffs. What? Well, most people think that what the standings look like now will be the standings when the season ends. (5:15) Shohei Ohtani has taken to the mound for the first time in over 600 days. He threw live BP before the Mets game on Sunday at Citi Field and he’s starting to look good. (14:48) Tarik Skubal might just do it again. He is a full blown ace and showed it. (20:30) When will the Royals call up Jac Caglianone? He is crushing it in the minor leagues right now. Power bat. Record-setting. And the Royals could definitely use him! (33:10) Review: The Last of Us Season 2. (36:20) Caitlin Clark is hurt and this is big business. Uh oh. (44:10) NPPOD. Let’s talk about the playoffs. Knicks have life for now. Timberwolves had life. And now the Hurricanes have some life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

Paul Rabil joins the show today. One of the greatest lacrosse players of all-time went from playing professionally to playing AND owning a professional league to now just running the PLL! He stops by to break down all things business related to the league including what you can expect this season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘diminished’ as in quality as in performance as in the Colorado Rockies as in Denver as in lawsuits. How can those all be connected? The Rockies are off to the worst start by a Major League Baseball team in over 100 years. A full century! And now the team is being sued by a fan for being bad! (13:30) We have another lawsuit! This time a former player is suing the Cincinnati Reds over an unpadded tarp that took out his knee. He never played again. (23:00) The Denver Nuggets have a new coach! It’s the interim! Still no GM though, but it’s all about putting a team around Jokic. (32:20) Review: The Studio. (35:20) Donald Trump is trying to pass a new bill. Donald Trump is at war with universities around the country. Let’s talk about it all.  (46:00) Bill Belichick story is not going away. And Pablo Torre is all over it. (49:20) NPPOD.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘deflated’ as in heartbreaking as in PTSD as in choke job as in the Knicks as in the Pacers. What a disaster. What a performance. Haliuburton and Nesmith and Reggie Miller. I was there. I saw it live. It was remarkable for both teams. (15:30) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP last night. His first. It’s the 7th straight international winner of the award! Wow. And now SGA can sign a MEGA deal. (24:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about NBC and the reported offer the company made for MLB rights. Hmm. (35:50) Review: The Way. (38:00) Colts owner Jim Irsay died at the age of 65. On the day of the Owners Meetings. Sad end. The Tush Push is here to stay, as voted on by those same owners. (46:05) NPPOD. (47:10) Enhanced Games? How is this a thing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘rolling thunder’ as in Oklahoma City as in SGA as in NBA Playoffs as in basketball. The Thunder crushed the Timberwolves in Game with a huge 2nd half. Stop shooting so many 3s! The Timberwolves were ice cold. SGA was red hot. Not a great recipe! (9:30) The Florida Panthers are GOOD. Road warriors. The Carolina Hurricanes have been so bad in the Conference Finals. (14:00) NPPOD. (22:45) Walker Buehler and Alex Cora were ejected in the 3rd inning yesterday after arguing with an ump. That’s fine. It happens. But the comments after the game are what stand out by the ump. (35:30) Review: Bob Trevino Likes It. (42:40) Is MLB about to add even more reviews? On checked swings? Really? (49:30) The NFL voted to allow players to participate in the Olympics. Nice! Flag football! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘caveat emptor’ as in buyer beware as in Juan Soto as in the Mets as in hustle as in the media. Let’s talk about Juan Soto and what we’ve seen through 48 games so far in his Mets career. The hustle? Not quite there. The private plane to games? Horse hockey. The expectations? You signed that contract! (16:45) Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese conversation is in a gross place. We have turned what should be great basketball into nonsense. (33:30) Review: SNL 50 - Beyond Saturday Night. (45:00) NPPOD. (48:40) Is the NFL going to allow players into the Olympics? It could happen today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘nerves’ as in nervous as in collapse as in performance as in sweat. What am I talking about? Well, this weekend was full of nerves. Game 7s, PGA Championship final round. And we heard from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who could be the MVP, go out and be his best self and then after the game talked about how nervous he was. Nikola Jokic on the other hand was honest about his thoughts about this current Nuggets team. (16:30) The Florida Panthers smoked the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7. Woof. The Maple Leafs still haven’t won a title since 1967! (20:40) Brandon Hyde was fired by the Baltimore Orioles. It came just 2 weeks after his GM, Mike Elias, gave him the kiss of death… a vote of confidence. (34:10) Review: Elton John - Never Too Late. (36:20) The Phillies are in some trouble. Jose Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games for a weight-loss drug. No postseason for him. (47:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘brilliant’ as in basketball IQ as in Nikola Jokic as in the Denver Nuggets as in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets got it done at home on Thursday night and it’s all thanks to Nikola Jokic and his play. The game had so many fouls. So many runs of missed and made baskets. And now we’re off to OKC on Sunday. MVP vs MVP. (12:00) NPPOD. (20:08) Juan Soto is returning to Yankee Stadium for the first time as a Met. He was asked about his expectations and he said they are going to boo and they are allowed to boo. (30:32) Review: The Ballad of Wallis Island. (39:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Javy Baez and how he’s been able to turn things around. (46:30) The price of teams are going up and up and up and up! The 49ers are selling for a valuation of $8.5 billion!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘resilience’ as in Celtics as in White as in Brown as in Mazzulla as in Kornet as in the Boston Celtics. They did it without Tatum. So many great shots made. Jalen Brunson picked up 5 fouls in one quarter! And now we go onto Game 6 back in MSG. Could the Celtics really do it? (8:30) The Warriors are done. Playoff Jimmy did not show up. Steph Curry was hurt. And now Anthony Edwards is back into the Western Conference Finals. (18:15) The NFL schedule release was yesterday. The NFL owned the day again. I can’t believe it. Leaks. Madness. Hype videos. Social videos. Full on productions! (35:00) Review: Dead Poet’s Society. (40:45) The Portland Trail Blazers are finally for sale. It’s been 7 years since the death of owner Paul Allen and the team has not sold yet. Until now. Except Phil Knight does not want it. (46:00) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘deterrent’ as in Pete Rose as in Shoeless Joe Jackson as in Rob Manfred as in MLB as in Hall of Fame. That’s right, Pete Rose is banned no longer. Why was this done? What does it mean? Are all these reinstated players getting into the Baseball Hall of Fame? (16:40) Roki Sasaki is now on the IL. The Dodgers have a serious pitching problem. So many arm injuries. What happened here? (23:00) An article was released about MLB, Roku, and Apple, and if this hurt baseball. Let’s clear some things up. (33:15) Review: A Nice Indian Boy. (36:40) NBA Playoffs have been great. The Pacers upset the Cavaliers. The Nuggets collapsed in another close game again the Thunder. Nikola Jokic had zero help. It was sad to see. (45:00) NPPOD. (49:30) The Florida Panthers saw one of its limited partners get suspended for a social media back in forth between he and a random person.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘NICO’ as in Nico Harrison as in the Dallas Mavericks as in Cooper Flagg as in Luka Doncic as in the NBA Draft Lottery. What a night. Was it all rigged? Did Adam Silver do this? Fans are furious. Never moved up in the lottery before. Never won the draft lottery. 4th lowest chances ever. It’s crazy! (10:40) Is Giannis on the move? Could he be going to the Spurs? They have the pieces to do something like that. Does Giannis even want out? Can the Bucks build a team around him? (17:20) Knicks Tape took over again. Jalen Brunson is so good. Knicks took a 3-1 lead. Jayson Tatum likely tore his achilles. Bad bad bad. (26:40) The Minnesota Timberwolves are up 3-1 now. Anthony Edwards got it done. Jimmy Butler was nowhere to be found. (31:40) Review: Nonnas. (34:40) Michael Jordan is back in the NBA. No, not like that. On NBC! (42:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Are the Dodgers going to sign Kyle Tucker!? (49:20) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘unacceptable’ as in the Rockies as in Colorado as in Bud Black as in Dick Monfort as in historic. The Rockies have been so bad this year that this move surprised absolutely nobody. Could they break the record for most losses all-time that was just set last year by the White Sox? This Rockies team lost 21-0 on Saturday! (15:00) The Boston Red Sox ownership group flew to Kansas City to meet with Rafael Devers. Why now? (21:45) Is anyone else as confused as I am in watching the Knicks and Celtics series? Boston hit its shots and won big. Another 20+ point lead for them but held on. (27:25) The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are both tired. That’s what Nuggets coach David Adelman said. One of the worst first quarters you’ll ever see. And the Nuggets somehow almost held on, but the Thunder got it done. Back to OKC we go tied up. (32:45) Review: Sacramento. (36:35) Astros starter Lance McCullers was emotional after his last outing after saying he received death threats for his performance. Not just him, but his children were targeted. Disgraceful. (44:20) The NBA Draft Lottery is tonight! Who will get the magic ball? Who has waved the white flag for Cooper Flagg enough? (47:00) NPPOD. (48:20) Bill Belichick and UNC is a nightmare.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘bleeds’ as in blood as in Pirates blood as in Pittsburgh as in what a week as in what a month as in what a season. The Pirates fired Derek Shelton after 28 games into his 6 seasons. Whose fault is this? Shelton? The front office? The players? (12:20) Rafael Devers is furious with the Red Sox. They moved him to DH after signing Alex Bregman, and now they asked him to play first after Casas got hurt. He said no. He won’t move again. Go find a 1B. (20:50) Draymond Green went off on the media for calling him angry. Is it the media’s fault? The Timberwolves tied up the series at 1 a piece. But things were said after that we have to discuss. (33:15) Review: The Penguin Lessons. (36:20) We have an American Pope. And he’s a White Sox fan! We have Americanized the pope position in ways it never has happened in history! (44:10) NPPOD.  Can the Celtics come back? Do they have enough? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘yogi berra’ as in deja vu as in it happened again as in the Knicks as in the Celtics as in comeback. How did it happen again? The Celtics blew a 20-point 3rd quarter lead again. So many missed threes. Why are the Celtics still doing this? The Knicks just never give up. (13:45) The Thunder smoked the Nuggets. Wasn’t close. More records set. (18:00) Chris Finch and Steve Kerr are complaining through the media about foul calls. Finch says one thing. Kerr says another. It’s the playoffs! Is it let them play or do you want whistle whistle whistle!? (32:30) Review: The Illusionist. (37:00) The Brewers started a Hot Dog Club and fans could get free hot dogs at games. The problem is the team was charging fans for free hot dogs. What!? Let’s talk about what teams do and if it ever works. (46:00) NPPOD. (49:40) Donald Trump wants Nick Saban to save college sports. How fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘energy’ as in Pacers as Tyrese Haliburton as in the Cavaliers as in the road team as in comeback. The Pacers with another historic comeback. How are they doing it? The Pacers went on an 8-0 run in the final minute to win it on a Haliburton 3! (10:22) The Warriors held off the Timberwolves yesterday. But Steph Curry is hurt, and that is bad for the Warriors. Very bad. (14:22) The Pittsburgh Pirates are having a season to forget and it’s only May. Statement after statement after statement. Mess after mess after mess. (26:12) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Reds rookie who broke his forearm making a play. (33:45) Review: The Friend. (37:37) Funding for traumatic brain injury could be slashed by Washington. Is this as big of a deal as it appears? (43:00) NPPOD. (46:45) Caitlin Clark is a market mover. It’s official. Going into year 2 of her WNBA career and the ratings are already insane. More people watched her preseason game than Game 1 of the WNBA Finals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘45’ as in the Celtics as in the Knicks as in 3-point shooting as in NBA playoffs. What a game. The Knicks came back from 20 points down to win Game 1 of the Second Round. At what point do the Celtics stop shooting like that? Never? Will they ever miss that many again? (10:20) The Denver Nuggets came back to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on the back of Nikola Jokic again. He dropped a monster game. And Aaron Gordon dropped the game-winner. (14:30) Justin Tucker was released by the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. We all knew it was coming. But the Ravens statement… what was that? (23:50) The NFL Draft is coming to Washington D.C. Donald Trump, Roger Goodell, and Josh Harris made the announcement together. Hmmmmm. (32:25) Review: Another Simple Favor. (36:05) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about trading Sandy Alcantara. Is his value plummeting with how bad he has been? (45:50) NPPOD. (48:11) The Texas Rangers fired its hitting coach on Sunday. It’s been a bad, bad , bad season for them offensively. In comes Brett Boone to save the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘2.2 seconds’ as in Winnipeg Jets as in NHL as in hockey as in Game 7 as in madness. What did we just see? The Jets came back from a 2-goal deficit with 1:55 left. Wow. And then win it in 2OT!? Sorry, St. Louis. What could have been! (7:30) Another Game 7 happened but in the NBA. The Warriors did it on the road. Wow. Steph Curry had a huge 4th quarter. Buddy Hield had the game of his life. (15:30) We talked recently about adding another bag at first base will not happen, but should it? Triston Casas is the latest player to be done for the season after suffering a serious injury running to first. (24:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about contraction in MLB. What would need to happen for MLB to consider the Rockies or Marlins or Pirates as possible teams to go away? (33:34) Review: Good Night and Good Luck. (42:30) Gregg Popovich is headed to the front office. He was named the preisdent of the Spurs. Sad end to his coaching career, but needed move. The best to ever do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘cheers’ as in everybody knows your name as in Jalen Brunson as in the Knicks as in clutch. Brunson stepped up and hit a HUGE three for the win against the Pistons. And now they have to play the Boston Celtics. Are they ready for that? (6:50) John Haliburton has been ban from attending Pacers games moving forward. Welp. (13:20) The Texas Rangers are down bad right now. A promotion for the fans that a home win streak would see them get free tickets lasted just 1 game. The team can’t score runs. The team can’t hit. Can’t stay healthy. Bad. (24:23) What are the Athletics up to? You can now go to an interactive pop-up in the Fall. But only if you have an appointment. For what you may ask? To look at a stadium that has yet to exist. (34:15) Review: Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing. (40:02) May predictions for baseball! (41:45) NPPOD. (46:00) The Lakers end of season presser was all about LeBron James and his future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

We start things off today with what happened at PNC ballpark yesterday in Pittsburgh. A fan fell from the right field wall onto to the field. It was an ugly scene. The fan is reportedly in critical condition. Just a nightmare scenario. Today’s word of the day is ‘First A’ as in the first A of the baseball season is over with as in April ball is done as in the good as in the bad as in the other. We start with the GOOD of April… it’s Aaron Judge. That’s it. He’s on a different planet! (12:00) Here’s what was bad through April… the Rockies. (14:00) Remember torpedo bats? Remember the Rays? (16:40) What in the world is going on with Bill Belichick? (32:45) Review: Sideways. (37:50) NPPOD. Let’s talk about the Lakers. Not great! (46:45) The Falcons were fined big money for the Jax Ulbrich incident. DC Jeff Ulbrich was also fined big money. Woof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code SAMSON at https://huel.com/SAMSON. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Today’s word of the day is ‘disrespect’ as in Giannis as in the Bucks as in the Pacers as in Haliburton as in NBA playoffs! What a moment after the Bucks blew a 7-point lead! Bucks eliminated. And then after the game a very heated Giannis was seen arguing with Tyrese Haliburton’s dad? WHAT! (12:00) The Knicks lost to the Pistons in a crucial Game 5 at MSG. Brunson couldn’t hit shots. The Pistons just out hustled them. Now back to Detroit they go. (18:20) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about MSG Network and if it goes away would that really hurt the Knicks and Rangers? (27:16) What is the future of SNY? The Mets don’t own it. The Wilpon Family does and it could be up for sale! (36:50) Review: Ex-Husbands. (39:22) NPPOD. What is going on with Sandy Alcantara? Is his trade value plummeting? (43:15) What is going on with the Orioles? Everything is bad right now. High expectations and low results. (49:30) What are the Cubs going to offer Kyle Tucker? Well, it looks like whatever he wants! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘Huey lewis’ as in Miami Heat as in Heat Culture as in it’s over as in it’s done. It’s time for Pat Riley to make changes. Erik Spoelstra has to make changes. The Cleveland Cavaliers finished them in a way we’ve never seen before. Embarrassing. (15:00) The Milwaukee Bucks are next up on the chopping block. One game away from being finished by the Pacers. Damian Lillard is done with a ruptured achilles. Giannis is playing out of his mind and it’s not going to be enough. It’s bad. (22:45) The Eagles made their visit to the White House yesterday. President Trump welcomed them with talks of Tush Push and begging the Giants not to get rid of Saquon. (33:50) Review: We Will Dance Again. (39:00) Rob Manfred met with Donald Trump to talk baseball issues. Like visas and Pete Rose? (47:00) NPPOD. (50:50) The Commanders have a stadium deal, but not a done deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘free fall’ as in NFL Draft as in Shedeur Sanders as in prank calls as in collusion as in crazy. Shedeur Sanders was a top QB prospect and he fell to the 5th round. People lost their minds. Experts lost their minds. Analysts lost their minds. Why? Another part of the Sanders story was a prank call he received… from the son of the Falcons defensive coordinator! (18:50) Devin Williams is no longer the Yankees closer. We are one month into the season. Woof. (27:10) A Guardians fan was removed from the stadium on Sunday after horrific comment made to Red Sox LF Jarren Duran. Just awful stuff. (36:50) Review: The Assessment. (39:10) What is the purpose of replay in sports if in the most critical moments you miss things and can’t review? (45:32) NPPOD. (47:05) Tyler Glasnow is hurt again. Before it was cramps and now it’s his shoulder. He joins a long list of Dodgers pitchers that are all hurt. Why is this happening? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

Today’s word of the day is ‘tomorrow’ as in NFL Draft as in first round as in Shedeur Sanders as in not selected. That’s right, Shedeur dropped out of the first round. Wow. The Jaguars traded up for Travis Hunter and gave the Browns a massive trade haul. The Browns need to rebuild. (14:00) The Knicks got to escape with the win over the Pistons in Game 3. They take a 2-1 series lead and regain the home-court advantage. (19:20) Another update on the NBA in Europe. The Euroleague is not too thrilled about the NBA trying to step on its European toes. (29:50) Review: North of North. (33:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Padres manager Mike Shildt saying he wants two bags at first base. Hmmm. (42:40) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025