The Lead

The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). Listen to American History Tellers: https://Wondery.fm/AHT_IFDSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

An announcement about our showSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2023

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 OshinskyLearn 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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2023

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 PostRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2023

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 LimaWatch 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 WalkerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2023

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 AthleticRead David and Marcus's story about Marvin Gaye at the 1983 NBA All-Star GameSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2023

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 FairRead Tom's profile of Travis Kelce hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2023

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! SportsRead Jeff's full story about Mikey Williams hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2023

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 AthleticFind more of James's coverage hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2023

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 AthleticListen 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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2023

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 IllustratedRead Emma's full story about Caitlin Clark hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2023

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 AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2023

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 AthleticRead Tashan's full story about the Aces hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2023

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 AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2023

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 TimesRead Andrew's Full Story HereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2023

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 AthleticRead Jon's full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2023

Influential rapper Waka Flocka and rising comedian Desi Banks are pulling up to the table every week with some of the biggest names in entertainment for no holds barred competition and convos where anything is up for debate!  We’re playing real spades just like at the family cookout. So no talking across the table and if you renege - Waka and Desi are gonna call you out! Celebrity guests better be tough or they will get run off the table. Join us every week on Wondery’s latest show for mad jokes, conversation and games as we dig into some of your favorite folks’ lives, get their insight on the world, and most importantly find out if they can handle themselves when it comes to playing spades. You can listen to We Playin’ Spades ad-free on Wondery Plus. Or watch all episodes on YouTube. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2023

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 AthleticListen to the 755 Is Real podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2023

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 TimesRead Ryan's full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2023

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! SportsRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2023

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 AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2023

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 AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2023

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 AthleticRead Jovan's recent feature about Austin Reaves hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2023

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 AthleticListen to the Until Saturday podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2023

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 AthleticRead Joe's story about Derrick Henry and the future of running backsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2023

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 AthleticListen to the Can’t Wait podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2023

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 TimesRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2023

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 TimesRead Tariq's original story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2023

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 AthleticRead Chris's full story about the rise and fall of PlaymakersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2023

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 AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2023

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 AthleticRead his full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2023

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 AthleticSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2023

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 hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2023

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 AthleticRead 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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2023

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 MertensRead 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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2023

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 future tight end.Guest: Tom Kludt, Contributing Editor at Vanity FairRead Tom's full profile of Travis Kelce from Vanity Fair hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2023

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 AthleticRead Paul's full story about Inter Miami's courtship of Lionel Messi hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2023

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 AthleticRead the full story hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2023