The Sports-casters

Steve interviews Neil Best (00:15:07) from Newsday. Neil joins to talk about a variety of sports media topics. Neil responds to Carton and Roberts beating The Michael Kay show in the ratings book, tries to explain why Michael Kay doesn't like him, and discusses gaining the trust of Mike Francesa. Best and Steve also talk about the NHL rights package, the possibility of more Mike and the Mad Dog, and Ivy League hockey. Also, Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock(001:03:03) joins us to talk about their new book about 1980's hard rock and heavy metal. The guys talk about deciding to write an oral history, hint at a movie about the book, and try to explain why John Bon Jovi is trying to pretend he didn't make hard rock and heavy metal music in the 1980's. Also, the guys talk about Skid Row and their feud with Sebastian Bach, the rise of grunge and its affect on 80's rock, and then end it all by creating super groups of the era. Steve starts the with some breaking news about the NHL's television rights package.

Steve interviews Keith Law (00:13:37) from The Athletic. Keith joins us to talk about some of his recent work at The Athletic and his book being released on paperback. Keith explains why this isn't a great MLB Draft to hold the 1.1 pick, talks about the best prospects in the upcoming draft, and talks about the best prospects not in Major League Baseball on opening day. Keith also talks about his book being released on paperback, the response to it, and questions he is often asked when doing interviews. Keith also spends a few minutes taking questions on board games. Also, Devin Gordon(001:00:33) joins us to talk about his new book about the New York Mets. The Mets have invented more ways to lose than anyone thought was possible and Devin has written the perfect book to document all of them. We talk about famous Mets losses like 1988 against the Dodgers, 2006 without swinging the bat, and 2015 agains the Kansas City Royals. The Royals? Yep. The book is a ton of fun and so was my time with Devin. Steve start

On the tenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's match against The Rock at WrestleMania XVIII in March of 2002. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the most recent WrestleMania and Steve talks about his relationship with Adnan Virk, the new broadcaster on Raw. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of The Rock (very brief). Also, Steve and Dave give a brief history of each venue that hosted WrestleMania 9-18. Finally, Dave tells us how Hulk kept busy before WrestleMania. Steve reads the news from March of 2002 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with news from Afghanistan and reality TV. Steve and Dave break down the entire WrestleMania XVIII card. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about a fantastic match between Ric Flair and The Undertaker and a not so fantastic ladies match. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown Hulk's match against The Rock and the epic crowd reaction. Also on this episo

Steve interviews Andrew Marchand (00:18:04) from the New York Post. Andrew and Steve talk the new NFL television contracts and some of the changes that they will bring. Andrew also talks about JJ going to the Ringer, Michael Kay attacking Neil Best, and the New York City sports radio ratings battle. Also, Mike Triplett (00:59:20) from ESPN joins us to look back at the career of Drew Brees. Mike looks back at some of the great play, moments, and games in the Drew Brees era of New Orleans Saints football. Mike also talks about replacing Drew Brees, resigning Jameis Winston, and other tidbits from a busy Saints offseason. Steve starts the show by blasting the Grammy's (even though he was calling them the Emmy's). The book club updates Nothin' But a Good Time, and adds the first new baseball book of the year . OLT ends the show with Steve talking about upgrading his studio and the podcast equipment. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

On the ninth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's match against SID at WrestleMania VIII in April of 1992. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the WWE Hall of Fame and talk about Peacock cutting up WrestleMania VI and question if they are going to ruin the network for lapsed fans. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Sid Eudy. Also, Steve and Dave give a brief history of each venue that hosted one of the first eight WrestleManias. Finally, Dave tells us how Hulk kept busy before WrestleMania. Steve reads the news from April of 1992 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with memorable moments in the world of sports. Steve and Dave break down the entire WrestleMania VIII card. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about a fantastic title match between Ric Flair and Randy Savage and a not so fantastic tag title match. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown Hulk's match against Sid and the Warrior'

On the eighth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's matches against Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff on Saturday Night's Main Event in October of 1986 and January of 1987. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the WWE Hall of Fame and read an important piece of feedback from a Sports-Caster's listener. After the break, the guys talk about the history of the steel cage match and give a brief bio of Paul Orndorff. Also, Dave tells us how Hulk kept busy between the two matches against Mr. Wonderful. Steve reads the news from October of 1986 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with iconic baseball moments. Steve and Dave break down the entire 10-04-1986 show from Cleveland and the entire 1-03-1987 show from Hartford. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about a fantastic title defense by the British Bulldogs, and examine the second show's role in developing Wrestlemania III. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown

Steve interviews Joe Buck (00:07:06) from Fox Sports. Joe and Steve talk about broadcasting during COVID, looking forward to the vaccine, and life during the pandemic. Joe also talks about why baseball is at the root of his polarization, the Mount Rushmore of sports broadcasters, and how he reacts to rumors that Troy Aikman might leave the booth for a GM job. Also, Al Strachan (01:12:15) formerly of Hockey Night in Canada joins to promote his new book. Al talks about the origin of hockey insiders, the politics behind the scenes, and the incredible chemistry when the red light was on. Al also talks about being trusted by Wayne Gretzky and how that impacted his career. Steve starts the show complaining (again) about the lifeless Buffalo Sabres. The book club has a new book and a new contest. OLT ends the show with Steve talking about his number being called for the COVID vaccine. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

On the seventh episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's victory over David Schultz at The Met in Minnesota. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about more snow, becoming lapsed fans, and the Miz becoming champion for the first time in a decade. After the break, the guys talk about the history of wrestling in Minnesota and give the bio of David Schultz and John Stossel. Also, Steve and Dave look back on the history of ABC's 20/20. Steve reads the news from June of 1984 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with iconic sports moments. Steve and Dave break down the entire 6-17-1984 show from the Met Center. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about a very 84 house show, and compare the attendance with a recent show run by the AWA at the same building. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown the Hulkster's match against DR. D. Also on this episode, we have a tweet about live events and an email about Dr.D's upside

Steve interviews Sal Iacano (00:09:36) from Jimmy Kimmel Live. Sal joins to talk about his new book and explains why he decided to write it now. Sal also talks about being in the most famous Fantasy Football league (and getting kicked out of it), doing podcasts with out old friend Dameshek, and the insanity that was the first few months of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Also, Michael McCarthy (00:43:04) from Front Office Sports returns to talk about sports media. Michael talks about the terrible Super Bowl ratings, Phil Mickelson's life after golf, and the upcoming television rights deals for the NFL and NHL. Michael also talks about breaking the story about Jason Whitlock leaving Outkick, alternative sports media becoming political, and the future of this kind of content and the impact it will have on sports media. Steve starts the show complaining about the lifeless Buffalo Sabres. The book club is still quiet. OLT ends the show with Steve remembering his grandmother on what would have been her 92nd birthday. For

On the sixth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's victory over Roddy Piper at The War to Settle the Score. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the Super Bowl, snow storms, and the passing of Butch Reed and Rusty Brooks. After the break, the guys explain the origin and history of the rock and wrestling connection. Also, they give biographies of Cyndi Lauper and Roddy Piper. Steve reads the news from February of 1985 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on one of the coldest months of the 1980's. Steve and Dave break down the entire 2-18-1985 show. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about a WWF Women's title switch, and break down every second of the tag titles match. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown the portion of the card that aired on MTV. They talk about the prematch promos, the match, and the aftermath. Also on this episode, we have an email about Cyndi Lauper and a tweet about Wayne Gretzky. The guys talk

Steve interviews Richard Deitsch (00:40:21) from The Athletic. Richard joins to talk about sports media and his over decade long relationship with The Sports-Casters. Steve and Richard talk about the Barstool/NWHL controversy, the Conrad Thompson podcast empire, and the WWE's decision to move their network to Peacock. Also, Damon Hack (01:33:37) from Golf Channel returns to talk about the new Tiger Woods documentary. Damon and Steve go back and fourth debating the hits and misses of the documentary. Damon talks about race and Tiger Woods and the documentaries depiction of it. Also, Steve and Damon talk about Tiger the man, the golfer, and the father. Steve starts the show with his brother Anthony who visits to talk about his new job and other business. The book club announces the second book of 2021. OLT ends the show with Anthony talking about being the younger brother and Steve covers a special day with Paula. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@

Steve interviews Sean McDonough (00:15:07) from ESPN. Sean talks about broadcasting during the pandemic and explains that all of his games have been called in the arena and why that is a positive and a negative. Then, Sean and Steve settle in and talk about several of the great calls from Sean's career. Sean talks about the 92 NLCS, Joe Carter, Michigan/Michigan State, and the College World Series. They talk about more great calls, Joe Buck, and voice cracking. Also, Bryan Curtis (01:01:01) from The Ringer makes his long awaited return. Bryan explains why he has been gone (sort of), talks about being a podcaster more than a writer, and making sure to exercise his writing muscles. Then, Bryan and Steve get sucked into a political death spiral. They talk about the new administration and how the media will cover it, big tech and conservatives, and getting news from balanced sources. Finally, they guys talk about Barstool, Outkick, and the upcoming Super Bowl ratings. Steve starts the show by critiquing the jo

On the fifth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's victory at the 1991 Royal Rumble At the top, Steve and Dave talk about Tom Brady making it to another Super Bowl and the shocking news that the WWE Network is moving to Peacock. After the break, the guys look back at the history of the Royal Rumble. Steve and Dave explain who invented the Rumble, why the first one aired on USA Network, and other background information on the event. Steve reads the news from January of 1991 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on one of the most intense months of the 1990's. Steve and Dave break down the entire 1991 Royal Rumble PPV. The guys break down each match, give a star rating for each, talk about a WWF title switch, and a great opening match. Finally, Steve and Dave go over every single entrance and elimination of the rumble match and grade the Rumble relative to the others. Also on this episode, we have an email about chicken wings and a twee

Steve interviews Jeff Passan (00:10:01) from ESPN. Jeff and Steve look back at Jeff being the first guest to ever appear on an episode of The Sports-Casters. Jeff talks about why he still does this podcast even though he says no to most others. Steve explains a falling out he had with Jeff in 2012 and reads Jeff the email he sent to him to apologize. Jeff makes fun of Steve, Drew Brees, and the guys have a laugh until Jeff says goodbye to break news on ESPN. Also, Greg Wyshynski (00:25:34) returns to talk about being the second guest to ever appear on The Sports-Casters. Steve and Greg share memories of the old days and talk about Greg's podcasting career with several different hosts. Then, the guys talk about the return of the NHL, Greg gives his Stanley Cup pick, and Steve explains why he is optimistic about the Buffalo Sabres. Finally, Don Russ (00:56:14) returns to the podcast to talk with Steve about creating it. The guys talk about the goals they had when they started the show and go over why the did

On the fourth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's 1989 steel cage match against the Big Boss Man. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about Steve's love of the New Orleans Saints and watching playoff football over the weekend. After the break, the guys look back at the career of the Big Boss Man and figure out how a guy with almost no experience went from jobber to the main event in just a few years. Dave gives a brief history of wrestling on network tv and then Steve details the rise of Saturday Night's Main Event. Steve reads the news from May of 1989 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a relatively slow news month. Steve and Dave break down the entire episode of Saturday Night's Main Event from 5-27-89. The guys talk about how Vince was reshaping the roster and preparing the company for the Rock n Wrestling era. The guys talk about the a new King in the WWF, a great tag team title match a squash featuring Jimmy Snuka, and breakdown

On the third episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's 1984 match against The Iron Sheik and the launch of Hulkamania. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the since past Christmas holiday and then celebrate the lives and careers of the many wrestlers that we lost in 2020. After the break, the guys look back at incredible journey that led to the Sheik becoming the WWF World Champion. The guys track the Sheik from Iran to Minnesota and look at his career before the WWF. Steve reads the news from January of 1984 while Dave cracks wise and tries to guess the MVP of the NBA All-Star game. Steve and Dave break down the entire Championship Wrestling program from 1-28-84. The guys talk about how Vince was reshaping the roster and preparing the company for the Rock n Wrestling era. The guys talk about the first Piper's Pit, the return of Greg Valentine, and breakdown the match between Sheik and Hulk. Also on this episode, Steve and Dave give their ranki

Steve interviews Jon Wertheim (00:07:11) from Sports Illustrated and 60 Minutes. Jon joins us to talk about his recent work for 60 Minutes including his interview with Jerry Seinfeld. Jon also talks about his dream piece for 60 Minutes and explains why it's more about the story than the person telling the story. Jon also talks gives the state of the union at Sports Illustrated, looks ahead to his new book about 1984, and squeezes in some tennis and MMA talk. Also, Jeff Duncan (00:58:07) returns to talk about his new book, Payton and Brees. Jeff explains why he wrote about Brees and Payton now, breaks down the legacy of both and their legacy together, and gives his prediction on what the future holds for both men. Steve starts the show talking with Paula Bennett. The book club is filled with holiday gift recommendations. OLT ends the show with Steve looking back on the 10th season of The Sports-Casters and looking ahead to the 10th year. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters E

On the second episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's 1986/87 feud with Kamala. After a brief intro, Steve and Dave look back at the life and career of Kamala. The guys track Kamala from Memphis to Texas and look at his first two runs in the WWF. The guys talk about Kamala's complaints about payouts and tell a story about the Undertaker supposedly making $483,000 more than Kamala at SummerSlam 1992. Steve and Dave discuss the feedback they received about the first episode of the podcast, Steve reads the news from January of 1987, and Dave gives us an update on Hogan's house show work that month. Steve and Dave break down the entire Kamala and Hogan feud and breakdown the Madison Square Garden card in January of 1987. Dave explains the importance of the 12-26 show at MSG and tells a story about watching Hulk vs. Kamala with the late, great Uncle Tito. Also on this episode, Steve and Dave give their rankings for Hogan vs. Kamala, speculate as to

On the very first episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands introduce you to a new podcast dedicated to Hulkamania. Steve and Dave discuss the backstory of the podcast, explain the different kinds of episodes they have planned, and give their own wrestling fan resumes. After the intro, Steve and Dave kick off the episode with a brief recap of how Hulkamania came to be, discuss the career of King Kong Bundy, and break down the decision to have Hulk vs. Bundy in a cage as the main event of WrestleMania 2. Steve and Dave break down the decision to have WM2 in three different locations, run down the card and go over all of the many celebrities involved with the event, and finally they break down the big match between Hulk and Bundy. Also on this debut episode, Steve and Dave explain the ranking system they will use for the show, talk about the house show circuit before WrestleMania 2, and look ahead to the next episode of, 24 Inch Podcast. For more information follow us on twitter @2

Steve interviews Bob McKenzie (00:14:19) from NBC Sports and TSN in Canada. Bob is promoting his new book Everyday Hockey Heroes, Volume II. Bob explains how he got involved with the franchise and what went into the decision to publish a second volume. Bob gives the back story behind the chapter in the book that he wrote and tells us what his favorite in the book is. Bob also talks about the Sabres offseason under new GM, Kevyn Adams and other NHL related topics. Also, Damon Hack (00:48:20) returns to talk about the 2020 Masters. Damon breaks down the dominating victory by Dustin Johnson, the disappointing weekend for Tiger Woods and the inconsistent play by Rory McIlroy. Damon also talks about his Los Angelas Dodgers and Lakers winning championships this year and explains what it was like to experience history with his sons. Steve starts the show talking about the reaction he got to his monologue on the Ivy League canceling Men's Ice Hockey. The book club has only one book left in 2020. OLT ends the prog