The Sports-casters

Steve interviews John Feinstein (00:04:57)the author of a new book about the back roads to March Madness. Steve and John talk about the tournament being cancelled and the effect it will have on programs like San Diego State and Dayton. John also explains what the cancellation of the tournament means for his book and talks about his plans to expand on it when the paperback is released next year. John also talks about his time covering the courts for the Washington Post and his relationship with David Simon. Also, Jeff Pearlman(00:34:56) is back to chat with Steve while he drives home from Arizona. Jeff and Steve talk about spring training, politics, and his upcoming book about the Shaq and Kobe Lakers. Jeff goes into detail about how Kobe Bryant's death has changed the book. Jeff thinks he is getting pulled over, shoots down several of Steve's ideas for future books, and talks about his kid's bar mitzvah. Steve starts the show talking about the world shutting down. The book club has it's first two books

Steve interviews Greg Wyshynski (00:06:14)from ESPN and the Puck Soup podcast. Greg talks about the demise of the Buffalo Sabres and the frustrations of the Sabres fan base. Greg also talks about the rise of Jack Eichel, the Sabres core, and speculates on their future. Greg and Steve also talk about the NHL trade deadline, Greg's other podcasts, and Alexander Ovechkin's run at Wayne Gretzky's goals record. Also, Mike Schopp(00:38:08) from WGR 550 joins us. Steve and Mike talk about the frustrating Sabres season, the greatness of Jack Eichel, and the epic rant on the WGR airwaves. Steve and Mike also talk about radio, Mike's goals, and the future of the Schopp and the Bulldog show. Steve starts the show welcoming everyone back after yet another surgery. The book club refreshes our memory about a book by Blake J. Harris. One last thing is about Steve's surgery and his recovery so far. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Andrew Marchand (00:13:23)from the New York Post. Andrew talks about working for the Post, being a part of the story, and his love for the sports media beat. Andrew also talks about Mike Francesa and the end of his run at WFAN, the ratings battle between Francesa and Michael Kay, and the legacy of the Mike and the Mad Dog show. Steve also asks Andrew about Tony Romo's future and allows Andrew to ask any questions he may have for Steve. Also, Matt Crossman (00:58:34) joins us to talk about the life and legacy of Neil Peart. Steve and Matt talk about becoming Rush fans, their favorite Rush songs, and the mastery of Peart's drumming. Matt also talks about his reaction when he heard Neil passed away, going to Rush concerts, and what he thinks the legacy of the band will be. Matt also talks about his work as a freelance journalist, explains why he left twitter, and discusses why he wouldn't want to be a staff writer. Steve starts the show with his wife Tammy (she bombs). The book club refreshes

Steve interviews Ed Sherman(00:07:58)from The Sherman Report. Ed talks about his new book on the history of the Big Ten. Ed explains why he wrote the book, why he did it as a coffee table book, and tells some stories about the key characters and events covered in the book. Ed and Steve also talk about their history together, reminisce about The Sherman Report, and take a few minutes to talk some Chicago Blackhawks hockey. Also, Rob Miech (00:40:52) joins us to talk about his new book on sports betting. Rob talks about the evolution of legal sports gambling, the change in how gambling is covered by the sports networks, and the difference between the public and the professionals. Rob and Steve also talk about Steve's love for the Saints, Bryce Harper, and the Raiders in Las Vegas. Steve starts the show explaining what took so long to post a new show and to the shock of everyone this time it wasn't his health. The book club looks back on a jam packed 2019 and the show ends with one last thing on a picture of

Steve interviews Jimmy Traina (00:09:02)from Sports Illustrated. Jimmy talks about his love for the Howard Stern Show and he passionately explains to Steve why he doesn't think the show has jumped the shark. Jimmy also talks about the awful television ratings at the start of the NBA season, Super Bowl match ups that would make the executives at Fox do back flips, and updates the New York City radio wars. Also, Greg Prato (01:00:52) makes his debut on the show to talk about his new book about Soundgarden. Greg talks about why he decided to write about Soundgarden, ranks his favorite bands from Seattle, and remembers the great Chris Cornell. Greg also talks about the scene in Seattle in the early 1990's, his new book about Kiss, and how he developed the oral history style he uses for most of his books. Steve starts the show excited but exhausted by the Saints game from earlier in the day. The book club talks about books by Rob Miech and Greg Prato. The show ends with one last thing and Steve talking about a

Steve interviews Jeff Passan (00:07:26)from ESPN's baseball coverage. Jeff talks about the latest Houston Astros scandal, tries to explain why Major League Baseball's free agency moves so much slower than other sports, and tells us what Daniel Hudson said to him after he recorded the last out of the World Series. Jeff also explains why he continually does the podcast despite Steve being a mush mouth and why he doesn't do very many other podcasts. Also, Neil Best (00:41:24) from New York Newsday joins us to talk about sports radio in New York City. Neil talks about the ratings battle between Michael Kay and Mike Francesa, explains what WFAN will do when Mike leaves the station, and wishes upon a star with Steve on various scenarios featuring Chris Russo. Steve starts the show by recapping a crazy week for the podcast that included a writeup on Awful Announcing. The book club talks about books by Rob Miech and Greg Prato. The show ends with one last thing about Paula's new decision to throw a tantrum everyday

Steve interviews Joe Tessitore (00:06:33)from ESPN's Monday Night Football. Joe talks about the impact working on MNF has had on his career, the criticism's of last year's broadcasts, and building a chemistry with Bugger McFarland. Joe also talks about his love of college hockey, the officiating problem in the NFL, and pokes fun at Steve for asking Drew Brees for a hug. Also, Scott Burnside (00:50:00) from The Athletic is on the program to talk about the National Hockey League. Scott talks about the fast start of the Buffalo Sabres and the maturation of Jack Eichel. Scott also talks about the young superstars in the league, his disappointment with the New Jersey Devils, and goes over his favorite surprises over the first thirteen games of the season. Steve starts the show by explaining how he ended up recording three interviews this week. The book club talks about books by Rob Miech and Greg Prato. The show ends with one last thing on Halloween through the eyes of Paula Bennett. For more information foll

Steve interviews John Feinstein (00:10:31) of the Washington Post, CBS Sports, and the author of several books. John talks about the World Series, baseball in Washington DC, and the evolution of the starting pitcher. John also talks about quarterbacks in the NFL, baseball's proposal to overhaul the minor leagues, and the college football season. Also, Mark Beech(00:55:47) from The Players Tribune and the author of a news book about the Green Bay Packers is on the program. Mark explains his decision to do a book on the Green Bay Packers, the choice to make it a coffee table book, and the story behind the book;s beautiful photographs. Mark also talks about the history of quarterbacks in Green Bay, tries to create a Packers Mount Rushmore, and explains why Reggie White signed with the Packers as a free agent. Steve starts the show by admitting all of the interviews for the show aren't complete. The book club updates the strange case of the missing Bob Stoops book and adds two new books. The show ends with on

Steve interviews Jeff Pearlman (00:04:55) one of the best authors of sports books on the planet. Jeff and Steve have one of their classic hangs where they just turn on the microphones and start talking about shit. The talk about Steve being on the Quaz, parenting, politics, and Jeff and Steve share a story about Black. Jeff announces a new project, gives an update on his upcoming Lakers book, and talks about having Jane Leavy on his podcast. Also, Albert Chen(01:21:16) from Sports Illustrated is on the program. Albert talks about being a senior editor at SI, the future of the magazine, and how things have changed since the most recent sale of Sports Illustrated. Albert also talks about his book about Draft Kings and Fan Duel. Albert explains why he wrote the book, what he thinks the future of the companies is, and his personal gambling habits. Steve starts the show by admitting it's really fucking late. The book club talks about the strange case of the missing Bob Stoops book. The show ends with one last t

Steve interviews Conrad Thompson (00:03:45) from the wrestling podcast world. Conrad joins us to talk about making money in the podcast space, explains how he built his empire, and breaks some news about his new podcast with Arn Anderson. Conrad also picks topics for a hypothetical podcast with Vince McMahon, talks about Prichard Show failing to keep promises on Patreon, and chats with Steve about college football. Also, Adrian Dater(01:16:58) from Colorado Hockey Now is on the program. Adrian talks to us about a recent Kiss show he attended and tries to defend them for singing to tracks. Adrian also talks about the Avalanche's fight with cable companies in Denver and explains why he decided to start his own site. We also talk about the Avalanche fighting with one of their best players. Adrain makes fun of Connor McDavid and the Denver Broncos before signing off. Steve starts the show by proclaiming that he hates football. The book club talks about two books that still need to be dealt with and the additi

Steve interviews Richard Deitsch(00:05:24) from The Athletic. Richard joins us to talk about Tony Romo's status at CBS, the Barstool Sports piece on Real Sports, and politics at ESPN. Richard and Steve also talk about Steve's appearance on Richard's podcast. Richard teases Steve about his persistence in booking guests and doesn't get out without busting Steve's balls a few more times. It's a classic Richard Deitsch appearance on The Sports-Casters. Also, Kenny Albert(00:41:13) from Fox Sports is on the program. Kenny joins us to talk about his work during the pre-season and why he calls those games and his 26th season calling football games on Fox. Kenny takes us through the mechanics of an NFL broadcast. He details the preparation and explains how it has improved in the 21st Century, how he maximizes the value of his sideline reporter, and takes us through his week and day leading up to the broadcast. Steve starts the show confident and excited to announce his trip to New Orleans in October. The book club

Steve interviews Stewart Mandel(00:06:34) from The Athletic. Stewart joins us to preview the college football season. Stewart talks about the change of coach at Ohio State, the hype surrounding Michigan, and the emergence of freshman quarterbacks in several spots across the nation. Stewart also makes a relatively generic playoff prediction, throws out some names for the Heisman, and looks back on eight years off appearances on The Sports-Casters. Also, Mike Triplett (00:38:14) from ESPN joins us to preview the 2019 New Orleans Saints. Mike tells Steve not to worry about the Saints being poor front runners, talks about the Mike Thomas contract, and defends Bill Barnwell's latest piece on Drew Brees. Mike also briefly explains the media landscape in New Orleans and the demise of The Times-Picayune. Steve starts the show by explaining the slow pace the podcast is taking since his latest surgery. The book club talks about two books that still need to be dealt with and the addition of two new ones. The show end

Steve interviews Aaron Schatz(00:05:41) from Football Outsiders. Aaron joins us to talk about the 2019 Football Outsiders Almanac and the one-million simulations of the 2019 NFL season. Aaron explains why the New Orleans Saints are the favorite to win the Super Bowl, why he thinks Josh Allen is trash, and why he thinks the New York Giants should have waited on a quarterback at the draft. Aaron also talks about the rise of analytics in the NFL, the importance of fantasy football to Football Outsiders, and explains why he is excited to chart the 1985 NFL season. Also, Michael Fabiano (00:47:40) the head fantasy analyst from NFL Network joins us. Fabs talks about the evolution of fantasy football, explains why he thinks NFL.com is the best place to have your league, and forecasts what fantasy football will be like in five years. Fabiano also talks about the players he is aggressively drafting and the players he is staying away from in this year's draft. Steve starts the show by dedicating it to the memory of

Steve interviews Ben Reiter(00:05:13) senior writer from Sports Illustrated. Ben joins us to talk about his piece in SI about the seven days he spent with Alex Rodriguez. Ben talks about A-Rods plane, his relationship with Jennifer Lopez, and his life as a businessman. Ben also updates us on his life as the go to Houston Astros guy. Also, Mark Kram Jr. (00:36:10) the author of a new book about Joe Frazier joins us. Mark talks about why he decided to write about Smokin' Joe, Joe's journey to a gold metal at the Olympics, and his three fights against Mohammad Ali. Steve starts the show quickly talking about the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The book club attempts to clear the table before the podcast goes on break. The show ends with four last things. Steve talks about his friend Adrian Dater, annoying talk on the internet, Better than Ezra, and he gives an update on his health. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Jim Florentine(00:11:42) from The Comedy Metal Midgets podcast. Jim joins us to talk about changing the name of his podcast, the Miami Dolphins offseason, and he explains why the San Francisco Giants are in the toilet. Jim waits patiently as Steve stammers and ultimately butchers some plugs. Also, Jason Turbow(00:43:29) the author of a new book about the 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers joins us. Jason talks about why he chose the 81 Dodgers to write about, explains the fallout of the 1981 players strike, and breaks down Fernandomania. Jason also talks about selling and writing books, Dodgers Stadium, and explains why he won't reveal his next book. Steve starts the show breaking down game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, talking about the Jeff Skinner contract, and tries to defend the ROR trade. The book club has four books to catch up on. The show ends with one last thing about the USWNT. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Michael Lombardi (00:09:47) from The Athletic and the GM Shuffle podcast. Michael joins us for the first time since 2012 to talk about The Sopranos, Bruce Springsteen on Broadway, and other pop culture tidbits. After the television talk, Steve and Michael get serious about football. Michael shares his thought on the importance of pass rushers, tells us how he would stop Patrick Mahomes and explains why he doesn't get carried away with news coming out of OTA's or training camps. Also, Freddie Coleman(00:35:19) from ESPN Radio joins us to talk about hosting a national sports radio show in the age of the podcast. Freddie starts us off by telling his side of the story about when he was going for the same job at ESPN Radio as Mike Schopp. Freddie explains the art of interviewing under the gun, tells a story about the time he went long with Venus Williams, and projects the future for sports talk on terrestrial radio. Steve starts the show thanking everyone who helped with the reboot and plugs h

Steve interviews Mike Schopp (00:04:04) from WGR 550 in Buffalo. Mike and Steve start things off by reacting to the Sabres decision to hire Ralph Krueger as their new head coach. Next, Steve and Mike chat about sports radio in the age of the podcast. Mike explains how his show is or isn't different since the rise of podcasts. Mike also explains where he sees sports radio in five years and shares a story about the time he was going for the same job as our other guest, Freddie Coleman. Also, Freddie Coleman(00:35:19) from ESPN Radio joins us to talk about hosting a national sports radio show in the age of the podcast. Freddie starts us off by telling his side of the story about when he was going for the same job at ESPN Radio as Mike Schopp. Freddie explains the art of interviewing under the gun, tells a story about the time he went long with Venus Williams, and projects the future for sports talk on terrestrial radio. Steve starts the show thanking everyone who helped with the reboot and plugs his QUAZ one

Steve interviews Joe Buck (00:06:42) from Fox Sports. Joe checks in to talk about the St. Louis Blues and their run to the Western Conference Final. Joe also chats with Steve about preparing for the U.S. Open, the disgrace that was the NFC Championship Game, and being a father the second time around. Also, Damon Hack(00:30:17) from Golf Channel joins us. Damon talks about Tiger Woods winning the Masters. Damon explains why he thinks Tiger will win more major championships, how he has changed in the locker room and how the locker room has changed around him. Damon also identifies the guys who could spoil Tiger's party at the PGA next weekend. Last, Damon explains why coaching his kids flag football is the best thing he has going right now. Steve starts the show with rusty and is still talking way too fast. The book club gets serious about the new book by Blake J. Harris and has no idea what is going on with Bob Klapisch and his book about the Yankees. The show ends with one last thing about Mothers. For

Steve interviews Adnan Virk (00:09:58) from DAZN and MLB Network. Adnan reflects on the end of his run at ESPN, talks about being a father, and debuts a fantastic Chris Russo impression. Adnan also talks about podcasting with Michael Lombardi, his love for baseball, and rips Forrest Gump to shreds. Also, Greg Wyshynski(00:44:47) from ESPN joins us to talk about the NHL Playoffs. Greg talks about the Carolina Hurricanes and their reliance on analytics and explains why the St. Louis Blues aren't as big of a darling in the analytics community. Greg also talks about his New Jersey Devils winning the draft lottery, his career at ESPN, and the pros and cons of Patreon. Steve starts the show with rusty and talks way too fast. If we are being honest, the intro is trash and Steve stinks. The book club gets serious about the new book by Blake J. Harris and has no idea what is going on with Bob Klapisch and his book about the Yankees. The show ends with one last thing about Steve's health failing, his surgery, and

Steve interviews Jeff Passan (00:04:39) from ESPN. Jeff explains why now was the right time to leave Yahoo! and work for ESPN. Jeff talks about the new opportunities that ESPN offers, the allure of television, and admits he needs to keep getting better in front of the camera. Jeff compares the show to Wayne's World and then disappears for 24 hours only to return for an epic final five minutes on the Mike Trout contract. Also, Greg Bishop(00:50:06) from Sports Illustrated joins us to talk about his magazine cover story on the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. First, Greg apologizes for jinxing Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. With that settled, Greg talks about covering the tragedy, speculates as to why he was chosen to do so, and explains why he picked the specific story he did for the magazine. Greg also talks about the story being made into a documentary. Steve starts the show with incredible enthusiasm and even remembers to introduce himself. The book club gets serious about the new book by Blake J. Ha