The Sports-casters

Steve interviews Jeff Pearlman (00:04:39) the author of several New York Times best-selling books and the former senior writer at Sports Illustrated. Jeff and Steve talk about Jeff's latest book on the USFL, his favorite episodes of his podcast, and singing along to rap music. Jeff gives Steve some parenting advice, they talk a little bit of politics, and Jeff explains why he left SI to write books. Also, Eric Haak (01:05:58) from WNY Roller Hockey joins us to talk about running a recreational sports league. Eric explains his evolution from player to owner, talks about the challenges of marketing, and tells us how he plans to develop new players in the 21st century. Eric and Steve also talk about pro hockey players that have played in Eric's league, the importance of Jason Flowers, and his expansion into ice hockey and volleyball. Steve starts the show with the adorable Paula on the second microphone. The book club gets serious about the new book by Blake J. Harris. The show ends with one last thing abo

Steve interviews Jimmy Traina(00:06:39)from Sports Illustrated. Jimmy and Steve talk about another mistake by Stephen A. Smith on live television, Conrad Thompson podcasts, and the entertainment value (or lack) of The Howard Stern Show in 2019. Jimmy also talks about the future of Sports Illustrated, predicts the biggest sports media stories of 2019, and discusses ESPN firing Adnan Virk for leaking information to Awful Announcing. Also, John Dellapina(00:47:39)the Group VP of Communication at the National Hockey League is on the program. John joins Steve to talk about the 1994 NHL playoffs and the New York Rangers first Stanley Cup win since 1940. At the time, Dellapina was a reporter covering the New Jersey Devils for the New York Daily News. John and Steve talk about the Rangers going all in to win in 1994, discuss their epic series against the New Jersey Devils, and take a deep dive into their seven game fight with Pavel Bure and the Vancouver Canucks in the final. John also talks about the current NHL.

Steve interviews Ed Sherman(00:04:55)from NFL Media. Ed and Steve catch up on Chicago sports, reminisce about The Sherman Report, and look back at ahead to Ed's book projects. Also, Steve and Ed breakdown the Super Bowl broadcast. The guys review Tony Romo's first Super Bowl broadcast, breakdown Jim Nantz's performance, and talk about CBS making the best of an awful game. Also, Bob Lederer(00:52:03)the author of a new book about the Super Bowl III winning New York Jets is on the program. The book is called, "Beyond Broadway Joe: The Super Bowl TEAM that Changed Football." Bob and Steve talk about the players that made the Jets squad great, their fun at night in Manhattan, and dive deep into some of the plans for the future of football that the Jets changed by upsetting the Colts. Steve starts the show by just being a complete bust and the worst podcast host of 2019. The book club update features a story about reaching out to the author of a new book about The Sopranos and his bizarre response. The show e

Steve interviews Mike Harrington (00:06:50)from The Buffalo News. Mike joins us to talk about the highs and lows of the first half of the Buffalo Sabres season. What went right during the ten game winning streak? What has gone wrong since? Is Jack Eichel living up to his contract? Should the Sabres be buyers or sellers? Will the Sabres make the playoffs? Also, for the first time ever we replay an interview from the previous episode. Justin Bourne(00:57:34)from The Athletic joins us to talk about the NHL at the midway point. Before getting into the NHL, Justin talks about picking college hockey over major junior and the advantages of both. Justin talks about William Nylander's struggles, the surging Tampa Bay Lighting, and the chances the Stanley Cup is won by a Canadian team for the first time since 1993. Steve starts the show by giving the outline for the show and explaining why he decided to rerun the Justin Bourne interview. The book club update features the first official book of 2019. The show end

Steve interviews Richard Deitsch (00:03:10)from The Athletic. Richard joins us to talk about the brilliance of Tony Romo, the biggest sports media stories of 2019, and the future of the Monday Night Football booth. Richard also opens up about leaving Sports Illustrated, why he chose The Athletic, and some about leaving the United States for Canada despite questionable meat. Also, Justin Bourne(00:46:58)from The Athletic joins us to talk about the NHL at the midway point. Before getting into the NHL, Justin talks about picking college hockey over major junior and the advantages of both. Justin talks about William Nylander's struggles, the surging Tampa Bay Lighting, and the chances the Stanley Cup is won by a Canadian team for the first time since 1993. Steve starts the show by explaining the slow start to season nine. The book club update features the first official book of 2019. The show ends with one last thing about the New Orleans Saints painful loss in the NFC Championship game. For more informat

Steve interviews Jon Wertheim (00:07:10)the executive editor of Sports Illustrated and corespondent for 60 Minutes. Jon talks about the future of Sports Illustrated, highlights what the magazine still does really well, and explains why he thinks SI is still important in 2019. Jon also talks about covering tennis, Venus and Serena Williams, and speculates on what the future may hold for Jon Jones. Steve teases Jon about doing a Harvard story for 60 Minutes before they get serious and talk about producing pieces for the historic show. Also, Eddie Trunk(01:01:50)the voice of hard rock and heavy metal makes his second appearance on the podcast. Eddie starts off by talking about his beloved New York Giants. What does Eddie think of Saquon Barkley? Should the Giants give Eli Manning another year? After some football, Steve and Eddie move to rock. Eddie talks about new bands and what they need to do to stick out, the future of rock music in general, and his thoughts on a few other rock related topics. Steve sta

Steve interviews Greg Renoff (00:07:21)the author of the book, "Van Halen Rising." Renoff discusses the origin of Van Halen, the prospects of a reunion with David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar, and explains why he thinks a show with Roth and Hagar will never happen. Renoff also breaks down Steve's Van Halen Top 20 and talks about the future of the New York Jets. Also, David Grzybowski (01:05:42)author of the book,"Mr. All Around" makes his debut. David explains why he decided to write a book about Tom Gola, explains the challenges he discovered when researching the book, and gives perspective into the importance of Big 5 basketball in Philadelphia. David also talks about promoting his book, hooking up with Bill Raftery, and explains why he won't announce his next book until closer to its release. Steve starts the show with a few plugs and talks about the Chargers coming back to beat the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football. The book club update is occupied only by our last book of 2018, Permanently Suspended by

Steve interviews Stewart Mandel (00:07:20)the Editor-in-chief of The Athletic College Football. Stewart explains why he thinks the playoff committee chose to include Oklahoma instead of Alabama. Stewart also talks about what it will take for Oklahoma to upset Alabama, breaks down Notre Dame's chances against Clemson, and gives us his Heisman pick. Stewart also tells us about his favorite bowl games outside of the playoffs and speculates about the future of Urban Meyer. Also, Tim Booth (00:37:52)from the Associated Press joins us to talk about the NHL expansion team in Seattle. Tim explains why the city and the league decided to wait until 2021 to drop the puck, gives us a take on the buzz in the city surrounding the team, and explains why the Vancouver Canucks will be a natural rival for Seattle. Tim and Steve also talk Pearl Jam and Tim leaves us with a definitive prediction on how the Seattle Seahawks season will end. Steve starts the show with a few plugs and rambles about some videos he was watching o

Steve interviews Greg Bishop (00:07:19)a senior writer for Sports Illustrated. Greg has a cover story in the latest edition of SI on Drew Brees. Steve gushes about Brees and Greg is polite about it. Greg explains the origins of his piece on Brees and how it developed into a story about his legacy and why he should be considered as one of the best football players ever. Greg also talks about the impact Brees has had in New Orleans, what a second Super Bowl would mean for his legacy, and responds to criticism of the piece on twitter and from Deadspin. Also, Steve gushes about Brees more. Also, Sean McIndoe (00:37:40)from The Athletic joins us to talk about his new book, "The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL: The World's Most Beautiful Sport, the World's Most Ridiculous League." Steve and Sean talk about the complicated history of the NHL and dig into the first 75 years of the league. Sean also talks about the 1992-93 NHL season, Eric Lindros, Scott Stevens in the modern NHL, and ends with a few seconds on t

Steve interviews John Feinstein (00:07:15)author of The New York Times best-seller, Quarterback. John talks about his relationship with Alex Smith and explains why it was so difficult to watch him suffer a season ending injury last week. Also, John talks about the importance of the quarterback position, the business of football, and the developing role of veteran QB hired to mentor a player drafted to replace them. Also, John touches on racism and the QB position, the incredible Drew Brees, and a few thoughts on the Tiger/Phil PPV special. Also, Bryan Curtis (00:45:34)from The Ringer is back to chat about a bunch of different topics. Steve and Bryan talk BIG XII football and the Oklahoma/Texas rivalry, bias in the media, and dig into his column on the coverage of the midterm elections. Steve starts the show with a few plugs and the disappointing news that he couldn't talk Paula Bennett into appearing again. The book club has an announcement about a book by one of the most important radio hosts in history

Steve interviews Jane Leavy (00:11:07)author of The New York Times best-seller, The Big Fella. Jane talks about the eight years she spent working on the book, promoting it on the Mike Francesca Show, and facing some criticism for saying OJ Simpson did commercials for Avis. Also, Jane talks about Babe Ruth innovating what it meant to be a celebrity, the Babe's relationship with Lou Gehrig, and explains why setting the record straight about Babe's childhood was essential to the book. Jane also gives us a hint about what her next project might be and it has nothing to do with sports. Also, Josh Levin (01:15:57)from Slate and the Hang up and Listen podcast joins us. Josh talks about dealing with the devastation of the Minneapolis Miracle and explains why he wasn't nearly as devastated as Steve was. Josh also talks about politics on the Hang Up and Listen podcast, working on his weekly monologues that close the show, and talks about booking the podcast. Steve starts the show with a very special guest. Paula Be

Adrian Dater from BSN Denver and co-host Steve Bennett chat about the National Hockey League. Adrian and Steve talk about the good and bad surprises in the first 20 or so games of the National Hockey League season. Adrian says yes or no to the playoffs for 10-15 teams, adds any three players he wants to the Avalanche (just for fun), and speculates on the future of Joel Quenneville. Steve explains the early success of the Sabres, calls Carter Hutton Carl, and raves about Neil Pionk. For more information of The Lonely End of the Rink podcast: Follow Steve on twitter: @sports_casters Follow Adrian on twitter: @adater Email us: the sportscasters@gmail.com For more information on BSN Denver: @bsndenver

Steve interviews Kenny Albert(00:05:20)from Fox Sports. Last week, Kenny called his 400th NFL game on Fox and he stops by to look back at the ride with Steve. Kenny tells us his favorite game, talks about all of his broadcast partners, and looks ahead at what else he wants to accomplish before the journey ends. Kenny also talks about the start of the New York Rangers season, the reemergence of the King, and the surging Nate Pionk. Kenny and Steve also squeeze in a few minutes about the 1994 Stanley Cup Final. Also, Scott Ryan (00:33:10)the author of The Last Days of Letterman joins us to talk about the book. Scott talks about why he decided to write about the last six weeks and explains that no one thought it was a good idea. Scott shares his stories of growing up with David Letterman, tracking down interviews for the book, and gives us some insight into what he loved and didn't in the last six weeks of shows. Scott also talks about high school football, explains why he calls himself a comic, and more David

Steve interviews Jeff Pearlman(00:03:58)the author of several New York Times best-selling books. Steve and Jeff breakdown his new book, Football for a Buck, The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL. Steve and Jeff talk about Jeff writing his passion project, Jeff opens up about working on the book with his son, and the guys debate the many contradictions that made up the USFL. Jeff also talks about editing this year's edition of the Best American Sports Writing Anthology, dreams about a 2 Pac book, and briefly looks ahead to his next project on the Lakers. Also, Adrian Dater (01:11:08)from BSN Denver joins us to basically goof around for an hour. The Lonely End of the Rink partners talk about the #daterjinx trying to kill Steve, Kiss on The Tonight Show, and go on to talk about music and touring. Steve and Adrian get to hockey as Adrain shares a Jack Eichel story and gives us a view into what he has seen around the league so far this season. Steve starts the show with a few plugs and then gets the sh

Steve interviews Jeff Passan(00:05:12) from Yahoo. Steve and Jeff breakdown the 2018 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jeff explains what the Dodgers need to do to upset the Red Sox and explains where he thinks the Red Sox are vulnerable. Jeff also talks about both teams needing to adjust to playing on the road, the importance of Clayton Kershaw, and gives a pick to close it out. Steve and Jeff also joke around about the infamous Chevy trophy presenter from a few years ago, talk about Patrick Mahomes, and get into the weeds with some Chris Russo chat. Also, Damon Hack (00:53:57)from Golf Channel joins us to talk about growing up a Dodgers fan in Los Angeles. Damon talks about going to Dodger Stadium with his father, growing up with Vin Scully, and looks back through his eyes at the Kirk Gibson home run from 1988. Damon also talks about the 2018 Dodgers, the importance of Clayton Kershaw, rooting for Yasiel Puig, and explains what he thinks it's going to take for the Dodger

Steve interviews Matthew Berry(00:09:28) from ESPN. Matthew stops by to talk about the future of fantasy sports, how he sees the games we play evolving, and dips his toes in the PPR vs. Standard debate. Matthew also talks about the pluses and minuses of his television show moving from cable to ESPN's streaming service. Steve and Matthew also talk about the evolution of the Fantasy Focus podcast from Nate to Field and debate how the show being broadcast live on twitter has changed things. Before Matthew heads out, he gives his number one pick if drafts were tomorrow and paints a bleak picture of Leonard Fournette's hamstring. Also, Mike Schopp (00:53:57)from WGR 550 in Buffalo stops by to talk about the Sabres home opener, the future of radio, and the baseball playoffs. Mike also explains why he doesn't read books and tells a story about how not reading almost got him in trouble early in his career. Steve starts the show with a few plugs and then gets the show going quick. The book club looks ahead to a fe

Steve interviews Scott Burnside(00:05:51) from The Athletic. Scott stops by to talk about his recent feature on Jack Eichel. Scott talks about Jacks maturity, his recent purchase of a house, and the chance the Sabres have to make a move in the standings this year. Scott also explains why he thinks Eichel will be the Sabres captain. Before he jets, Scott talks about writing for the The Athletic and explains the advantages of their hockey coverage to fans of the league. Also, Conor Orr (00:32:46)from Sports Illustrated stops by to talk about leaving NFL Media for SI, saying goodbye to Peter King, working for Albert Breer, and the intersection of politics and sports in 2018. Conor also talks about his magazine feature on older quarterbacks mentoring rookies in the NFL. Before he leaves, Conor makes some conclusions about the NFL season after 2 weeks. Steve starts the show with a few plugs and then gets the show going quick. The book club looks ahead to a few books they will be covering in the fall including

Steve interviews Joe Buck(00:07:50) from Fox Sports. Joe talks about preparing for Thursday Night Football, working with Troy Aikman, and explains the difference between calling one football game a week and two. Joe also explains why he has decided to stop doing his DirecTv show, talks about becoming a Dad again, and discusses his appearance on Pardon The Take to break down his run in with Artie Lange. Also, Dan Wolken (00:38:15)from USA Today stops by to talk about the first two weeks of the college football season. Dan talks about life in Oklahoma without Baker Mayfield, Georgia and Alabama separating themselves from the rest of the SEC, and breaks down the fallout of the Clemson and Texas A & M game. Dan also talks about what lies ahead for Urban Meyer after his suspension, the changing landscape of the college football media, and has some fun speculating who would be the SEC's most dominate hockey program. Steve starts the show with a few plugs and then gets the show going quick. The book club looks a

Steve interviews Aaron Schatz(00:08:14) from Football Outsiders. Aaron and Steve go deep breaking down the 2018 Football Outsiders Almanac. Aaron talks about the 1 million season simulations that Football Outsiders does using their DVOA formula. Aaron explains why the Patriots are the top dog again, talks about a loaded NFC with 7 of the top 9 teams, and gives some sobering news to the Bills Mafia. Aaron also talks about the first round quarterback class and explains why Football Outsiders hates Josh Allen so much but loves Baker Mayfield. Aaron also looks back at the Eagles run to the Super Bowl and we look I give respect to Aaron's amazing coaching tree. Also, Saints fan and Awful Announcing writer, Matt Yoder (00:53:06)stops by break down the 2018 New Orleans Saints (and talk a little bit about Awful Announcing). Matt and Steve look back at the devastating end to the 2017 Saints season, explain why they are still excited about Marcus Williams, and debate if Marcus Davenport was worth two first round pick

Steve interviews Max Olson(00:04:44) from The Athletic. Max and Steve go deep on Last Chance U. Max gives us a first hand account of what its like to be on campus with the Last Chance U cameras. Max also tells us about meeting Jason Brown, talks about the future of Malik Henry, and explains why one of Independence's biggest recruits wasn't featured on the show. Steve and Max also talk about the lack of Brittany Wagner this season, they look back at the success of Dakota Allen, and speculate on the future of the show. Before Max leaves he talks about Oklahoma being the Big 12 favorite and Steve makes fun of Texas for never recruiting good quarterbacks. Also, author and former Sports Illustrated writer, Jeff Pearlman(00:53:37)stops by to catch up on a handful of topics. Jeff talks about writing a weekly column for The Athletic, hosting his podcast Two Writers Slinging Yang, and editing the Best American Sports Writing 2018. Jeff also talks about his upcoming book on the USFL, Donald Trump's role in the book,