Hang Up and Listen

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golilver to talk about the NBA’s conference semifinals. Jackie Powell of the Next also joins to preview all the big storylines leading into the most-anticipated WNBA season ever. Finally, one of the WNBA’s top draft picks in 2023, Maddy Siegrist, explains what the[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and NPR’s Gene Demby look back at the epic first-round series between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. They also check in on the chaos inside Deion Sanders’ Colorado football program. Finally, Alex Prewitt joins Joel, Josh, and Stefan Fatsis to examine why Korean basketball players bank in their free[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Alex Kirshner discuss the quarterback frenzy at the top of the NFL draft and Anthony Edwards’ star-making performances in the NBA playoffs. Then, Josh and Stefan Fatsis are joined by cross-country skiing broadcaster Chad Salmela to talk about the remarkable Jessie Diggins. QBs in the NFL draft (4:23): Was the[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by writer Tom Haberstroh to discuss Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA for gambling. The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh also joins to talk about the scourge of pitcher injuries in Major League Baseball and what MLB should do to get the crisis under control. Jontay Porter[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin, discuss the death of O.J. Simpson and everything his life and his murder trial dredged up. They’re also joined by Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports for a breakdown of the NBA playoffs. O.J. Simpson's legacy (2:05): Reckoning with the meaning of O.J. NBA Playoffs (23:45): Breaking down the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings to talk about South Carolina’s victory over Iowa. They also ponder Caitlin Clark’s WNBA future, John Calipari’s reported move to Arkansas, and Tennessee’s decision to move beyond the Pat Summitt coaching tree. Finally, Sam Koppelman joins to discuss Hunterbrook Media’s new report on[...]

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis are joined by USA Today’s Lindsay Schnell to talk about the NCAA women’s college basketball tournament and by Buzzer’s Eamonn Brennan to discuss the men’s tournament. Finally, the Washington Post’s Kent Babb joins for a conversation about his profile of Kim Mulkey. NCAA women (5:55): Can anyone beat South Carolina? NCAA[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about whether college hoops has passed by John Calipari and why Oakland’s Jack Gohlke became a folk hero. They also discuss Kim Mulkey’s preemptive strike against the Washington Post and what to make of the strange story of Shohei Ohtani, his interpreter, and massive gambling debts.   NCAA[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the top storylines going into March Madness. They also assess the NFL’s big quarterback moves. Finally, they discuss the greatest Scrabble play of all time and the fascinating Kiwi who made it.   March Madness (5:20): Brown’s Ivy League loss, the possible showdowns in the women’s bracket, and[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Great Expectations author Vinson Cunningham to talk about the fracas between the LSU and South Carolina women’s basketball teams. They also discuss Steve Garvey, DEI in Florida, and other intersections between sports and politics in 2024. Women’s hoops (3:24): In so many ways, this weekend showed that[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by NFL reporting legend Peter King to talk about the Chicago Bears’ quarterback dilemma, what he’s seen in his four decades covering pro football, and why Bill Belichick refuses to speak to him.   Justin Fields and Caleb Williams (4:02): What are the Bears going to do?[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss whether court-storming should be banned for good. The Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins also joins to explain why she believes the NCAA is cheapening Caitlin Clark’s scoring records. Finally, they assess the NCAA’s latest legal trouble and what comes next.   Court-storming (4:41): Is it even possible to stop students[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss whether the NBA All-Star Game is fixable. They also talk about whether Fanatics and Nike are destroying the sports uniform. Finally, writer Abraham Josephine Riesman joins to explain the allegations against wrestling impresario Vince McMahon and why they matter.   All-Star Game (3:16): What can the league do[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win over the 49ers, the performances of Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy, and how the new overtime rules played out. CNBC’s Alex Sherman also comes on to explain whether a new multi-network streaming deal will change how we watch sports.   How the[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings to discuss women’s college basketball stars JuJu Watkins and Caitlin Clark. The Washington Post’s Will Hobson also joins to talk about his piece on the broken promises of the NFL’s concussion settlement. Finally, U.S. senator and New York Knicks legend Bill Bradley discusses[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the 49ers’ comeback win over the Lions and the Chiefs’ victory over the Ravens. The Washington Post’s Ben Golliver also joins to talk about the spate of high-scoring games in the NBA.   49ers-Lions (3:44): Did Dan Campbell’s coaching moves cost Detroit?   Chiefs-Ravens (18:50): Patrick Mahomes won again.[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Kansas City’s win over Buffalo in the NFL playoffs. Adam Duerson also joins to talk about the collapse of Sports Illustrated and ESPN’s Myron Medcalf comes on for a conversation about second-generation athletes (and how they make us feel old).    Chiefs-Bills (5:00): How Patrick Mahomes took down[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs. They also talk about the departures of coaching legends Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, and Pete Carroll. Finally, Ben Rothenberg joins to discuss his new biography of tennis star Naomi Osaka.   NFL playoffs (3:17): How did the Detroit Lions franchise turn[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Michigan’s win over Washington in the College Football Playoff. They also talk about Bill Belichick’s future and the Philadelphia Eagles’ decline. Finally, the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings assesses the state of women’s college basketball and the sport’s new TV deal.   Michigan (7:14): How the Wolverines won it all.[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to discuss the College Football Playoff semifinals. Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports also joins to talk about the Detroit Pistons’ epic losing streak. Finally, we look back at our 2020 segment on the Pac-12’s #WeAreUnited movement.   CFP semis (5:21): How Michigan and Washington emerged[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the most important and most memorable sports moments of 2023. They’re also joined by Mark Wright to talk about his podcast The Bison Project, on Howard University’s 1971 NCAA champion soccer team. Finally, we look back at one of our favorite segments from the recent past, featuring[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Alex Kirshner discuss Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension. They also talk about the Washington Capitals and Wizards reportedly leaving D.C. for Northern Virginia. And finally, they examine why every college quarterback is in the transfer portal.   Draymond (4:43): What’s next for him and for the Warriors?   Wiz and Caps[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They’re also joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to assess the NBA’s first in-season tournament. Finally, they discuss Joel’s story about his tenure at ESPN and what it’s become now.   Ohtani (4:31): Did the Dodgers actually get a[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis assess the decision to leave Florida State out of the College Football Playoff at the expense of Alabama. They also discuss Sports Illustrated using AI writers. And Stefan and Josh follow the continuing saga of LSU’s Kim Mulkey and Angel Reese.   Florida State and Alabama[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Michigan football team’s win over Ohio State and Alabama’s last-second victory over Auburn. They also discuss the mystery around why LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese isn’t playing. Finally, the Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Clegg explains the huge penalty the Premier League dished out to Everton.[...]

Josh Levin, Joel Anderson, and Ben Mathis-Lilley are joined by the Ringer’s Lindsay Jones to talk about the controversy Charissa Thompson kicked up about sideline reporting. They also discuss Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and whether he’ll succeed at bringing a new leadership style to the NFL. Finally, the Wall Street Journal’s Joshua Robinson joins[...]

Josh Levin, Joel Anderson, and Ben Mathis-Lilley weigh the evidence in the sign-stealing case against Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. They also discuss Texas A&M’s decision to fire its football coach Jimbo Fisher. Finally, Josh and Joel speak with writer Megan Swanick about the career and legacy of Megan Rapinoe.   Harbaugh (4:04): Should the coach go[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Joel Anderson assess the life and career of basketball coach Bobby Knight, who died last week at age 83. They also review Victor Wembanyama’s awe-inspiring opening weeks in the NBA. Finally, the Athletic’s Dan Robson joins to discuss the tragic death of hockey player Adam Johnson, who was slashed in the[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Joel Anderson are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to assess the latest developments in the Michigan sign-stealing extravaganza. The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh also joins to break down the World Series matchup between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers. Finally, Stefan, Josh, and Joel discuss how to talk about Dwight Howard,[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to talk about allegations that the Michigan football team is running a sign-stealing operation. They also discuss flag football becoming an Olympic sport. Finally, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski comes on for a conversation about the National Hockey League’s ban on rainbow-colored Pride Tape.   Michigan (1:54): Are the[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Pablo Torre of Pablo Torre Finds Out are joined by Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim to talk about the Ohio State wrestlers speaking out against their former coach Jim Jordan. They also discuss the journalism ethics brouhaha over the Braves’ Orlando Arcia lightly mocking the Phillies’ Bryce Harper. Finally, they assess the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant to talk about the WNBA Finals matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty. Aaron Schatz of the FTN Network also joins to discuss the badness of the New England Patriots and whether Bill Belichick’s job is at risk. Finally, Defector’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Kevin Clark of ESPN to talk about Taylor Swift vs. the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills’ rout of the Miami Dolphins. Ben Golliver of the Washington Post also comes on to evaluate the trade of superstar Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Finally, golf writer[...]

Stefan Fatsis is joined by writer and podcaster Spencer Hall to talk about a busy weekend in college football. The Ringer's Ben Lindbergh discusses Major League Baseball’s playoff races, and the future of Shohei Ohtani. Finally, Slate’s Nadira Goffe and Defector’s Dan McQuade assess the budding Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship, and a new documentary about[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay to talk about quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ (possibly) season-ending injury. Gay also discusses American cyclist Sepp Kuss’ historic grand tour win at the Vuelta a Espana and the controversy that preceded it. And finally, the Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant assesses the big storylines in[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Coco Gauff’s big breakthrough at the U.S. Open. They also discuss Texas’ win over Alabama, and whether the Longhorns are back, baby. Finally, the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver joins to assess Team USA’s non-medal-winning performance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.   Coco Gauff (2:48): Why her[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the Colorado football team’s season-opening win over TCU. They also talk about how Maryland football coach Mike Locksley is dealing with his son’s posthumous CTE diagnosis. Finally, ESPN’s Elizabeth Merrill joins to explain how the Nebraska women’s volleyball team drew 92,000 fans.   Colorado (4:04): Deion Sanders got[...]

The Cannon Street All-Stars dreamed of playing in the 1955 Little League World Series. Their biggest obstacle didn’t come on the field. In the year that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus, these Black 12-year-olds became unlikely civil rights pioneers—and faced the wrath of a white society that wasn’t ready[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the American stars at the world track and field championships. They also review the documentary BS High, on the Bishop Sycamore high school football scandal. Finally, journalist Semra Hunter joins Stefan and Josh to discuss the latest in the battle between Luis Rubiales and Spain’s women’s soccer[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Yahoo Sports’ Henry Bushnell to talk about Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory and the turmoil that preceded it. The New York Times’ Kurt Streeter joins to discuss the controversy over The Blind Side. Finally, ESPN’s Luis Miguel Echegaray assesses Lionel Messi’s brilliant opening month with Inter Miami.  [...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and the Atlantic’s Vann Newkirk talk about ESPN’s embrace of gambling. They also discuss the alleged suspension of Baltimore Orioles announcer Kevin Brown for alluding to the team’s recent losing seasons. Finally, Rebecca Schuman joins to assess Simone Biles’ return to competitive gymnastics.   ESPN and gambling (3:30): The Worldwide Leader makes a[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis talk about the U.S. national soccer team’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup. Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley also joins to discuss the huge shakeups in the Big Ten, Big 12, and Pac-12 conferences and ESPN’s Jeff Passan assesses the fallout from the Major League Baseball trade deadline. Finally, Josh interviews Wimbledon[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Washington Post’s Chuck Culpepper to talk about big wins for Colombia and Australia at the Women’s World Cup. Alex Kirshner of Slate and the Split Zone Duo podcast also joins to discuss whether NFL running backs should go on strike and the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown getting[...]

Josh Levin is joined by the Athletic’s Steph Yang to talk about the opening days of the Women’s World Cup. Author Jonathan Clegg also joins to discuss Lionel Messi’s MLS debut. And the Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay assesses the 2023 Tour de France and the Netflix documentary Tour de France: Unchained.   Women’s World Cup[...]

Josh Levin is joined by Joel Anderson and Ben Mathis-Lilley to talk about Northwestern firing football coach Pat Fitzgerald in the midst of a hazing scandal. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim then comes on to discuss Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. Finally, Josh and Stefan Fatsis speak with the Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to discuss Victor Wembanyama’s NBA Summer League debut. The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans also joins to talk about baseball stars Elly de la Cruz, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Shohei Ohtani. Finally, legendary New York Times sports columnist Robert Lipsyte comes on to[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by TV producer Mike Schur for a special episode: a debate on which sports have generated the best art and made the greatest contributions to culture. Topics discussed include Schur’s Field of Dreams adaptation, whether basketball or football has a greater canon, and if boxing will lose its cultural footprint. [...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh to talk about Luis Arraez’s run at a .400 batting average. The Athletic’s Steph Yang also joins to discuss the U.S. women’s national team’s World Cup roster. Finally, college golfers Maycee Kay Aycock and Sarah Marshall come on to explain why they stuck[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Joel Anderson talk about whether the Pelicans should trade Zion Williamson. Josh and Stefan are also joined by the Athletic’s Paul Tenorio to discuss the U.S. men’s national soccer team's wins over Mexico and Canada and the rehiring of Gregg Berhalter. Finally, Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal joins[...]

Josh Levin and the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to discuss how the Denver Nuggets took a commanding lead in the NBA Finals. Next, Slate’s Henry Grabar comes on to talk about Novak Djokovic’s record-setting French Open title. Finally, Josh is joined by Slate’s Alex Kirshner and the[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Jack Hamilton to discuss the NBA Finals. The New York Times’ Tariq Panja also comes on for a conversation about Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lure Lionel Messi and conquer global soccer. Finally, the Athletic’s Zach Buchanan discusses his piece on the pioneering mascot the San Diego Chicken.[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Joel Anderson to talk about the Celtics’ Game 7 loss to the Heat. They’re also joined by Mike Simmonds of Luton Today for a conversation about Luton Town’s rise to the Premier League. And finally, writer Sam Miller comes on to discuss the indelible image of Randy[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis discuss the Heat and Nuggets and their stars Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jokic. They’re also joined by writers Dave Zirin and Jesse Washington to talk about the life and legacy of Jim Brown. Finally, Defector’s Maitreyi Anantharaman joins to assess Brittney Griner’s return, Becky Hammon’s suspension, and other WNBA storylines.[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to discuss the 76ers’ Game 7 loss to the Celtics and other NBA playoff storylines. Meg Rowley of FanGraphs also joins to assess the terrible Oakland A’s and the excellent Tampa Bay Rays. Finally, the New York Times’ Sarah Lyall talks about[...]

Josh Levin and Slate’s Jack Hamilton and Ben Mathis-Lilley discuss Nikola Jokic’s tiff with Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Kevin Durant’s quest for a third title. They also talk about Alabama’s head baseball coach getting fired in a sports gambling scandal. Finally, they assess Bronny James’ decision to go to USC.   NBA (3:11): The subplots and[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to talk about the Warriors’ Game 7 win over the Kings. The Toronto Star’s Bruce Arthur also joins to discuss the Bruins’ NHL playoffs flop and the Maple Leafs’ historic first-round victory. Finally, Extra Points’ Matt Brown assesses Deion Sanders’ gutting of the Colorado football[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Jack Hamilton to talk about Draymond Green, Dillon Brooks, and NBA villainy. Chicago White Sox announcer Jason Benetti also joins to discuss how to call a baseball game in the pitch-clock era. Finally, Talia Barrington comes on for a conversation about same-sex pairs in figure skating.   NBA villains[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Defector’s Patrick Redford to talk about the Sacramento Kings’ first playoff win in 17 years. Defector’s Dave McKenna also joins to commemorate the (supposed) end of Dan Snyder’s ownership of the Washington Commanders. Finally, Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim comes on to assess the WTA’s decision to return to China.  [...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton to talk about what went wrong for the Dallas Mavericks and to preview the NBA postseason. Slate’s Jim Newell also joins to discuss Jon Rahm’s Masters win. Finally, they speak with LJ Rader about his Twitter and Instagram accounts Art But Make It Sports.   NBA (4:20): Why[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant to discuss LSU’s victory over Iowa in the women’s NCAA Tournament. Tennis player Matija Pecotic also joins to talk about how he went from a full-time job to victory on the pro tour. Finally, Jody Avirgan discusses his podcast Good Sport and whether sports debate shows[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant to talk about Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark. The Washington Post’s Chuck Culpepper also joins to assess the most surprising men’s Final Four ever. Finally, Tom Haberstroh of Meadowlark Media discusses the vitriol directed at NBA referees.   Clark (2:50): The secrets of the Iowa point[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, are joined by Slate’s Alex Kirshner to talk about Fairleigh Dickinson’s huge upset over Purdue and Princeton’s run to the Sweet 16. Then, ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez comes on to discuss the historic matchup between the USA and Cuba at the World Baseball Classic. Finally, author David Epstein assesses the legacy of high jumper[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas talk about what went wrong for the North Carolina men’s basketball team and other NCAA Tournament matters. They also check in on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s standoff with the Baltimore Ravens. Finally, the Athletic’s Nick Miller joins to discuss why the BBC pulled soccer commentator Gary Lineker off[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Washington Post’s Molly Hensley-Clancy to discuss her reporting on the troubles surrounding Ja Morant. ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. also joins to talk about whether Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder will get forced out of the NFL. Finally, they speak to Slate’s Alex Kirshner about the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Joseph Goodman of AL.com to talk about the murder roiling the Alabama basketball program. They’re also joined by Jeremy Woo to discuss his Sports Illustrated cover story on French basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama. Finally, CNBC’s Alex Sherman comes on for a conversation about the death of regional sports networks.[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Kevin Van Valkenburg of No Laying Up to talk about Tiger Woods’ return to tournament golf. Claire Watkins of Just Women’s Sports also joins to discuss the Canadian women’s soccer team’s fight for equal pay. Finally, Michael Baumann of Fangraphs comes on to assess Major League Baseball’s latest rule[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Chiefs’ victory over the Eagles. They also discuss Kevin Durant’s move from the Nets to the Suns. Finally, the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings joins to talk about South Carolina and its challengers in women’s college basketball.   Super Bowl (4:15): Was the game-clinching holding call the right decision?   Durant (25:22): What’s[...]

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis are joined by NPR’s Gene Demby to discuss the trade of talented, problematic superstar Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks, and to preview the Super Bowl match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Also, Sabreena Merchant of the Athletic helps explain what an[...]

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Lindsay Jones of the Ringer to break down the NFL conference championship games, won by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Joel, Stefan, and Josh Levin discuss the impact of college athletes finally making money through name, image, and likeness rights. Finally, an interview with[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin assess the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. They also discuss Tony Dungy’s history of anti-gay rhetoric, and whether NBC and the NFL should do something about it. Finally, Slate contributor Isaac Butler joins to talk about the rise of American men at the Australian Open and Netflix’s tennis reality[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by Bomani Jones to discuss the Cowboys’ blowout win over the Bucs and other storylines from the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs. They also talk about all the high-scoring games in the NBA this season. Finally, Joel and Josh interview pool legend Jeanette Lee, aka the Black Widow,[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Georgia’s win over TCU in the college football title game. They also discuss Damar Hamlin’s remarkable recovery and how the NFL has tried to move on. Finally, they assess the Berhalter-Reyna rift that’s tearing apart U.S. men’s soccer.   Georgia-TCU (2:26): What it’s like to be on the wrong side[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsing on the field during Monday Night Football and what came after. Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley also joins to discuss TCU and Georgia’s thrilling wins in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Finally, author Alex Bellos discusses the Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, who died last week at[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Kalyn Kahler to discuss her story on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ array of hand signals. They also discuss New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $800 million offseason spending spree and look back at 1972’s “Immaculate Reception” by Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Argentinian journalist Marcela Mora y Araujo to talk about Lionel Messi’s coronation on soccer’s biggest stage and then continue their conversation about the greatest World Cup final ever. They also discuss a bizarre weekend in the NFL and assess the life and career of college football[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim to talk about journalist Grant Wahl, who died suddenly over the weekend at the age of 49. They’re also joined by the Atlantic’s Franklin Foer for a conversation about Morocco’s thrilling run to the World Cup semifinals. Finally, they discuss Brittney[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Grant Wahl to discuss the U.S. loss to the Netherlands at the World Cup. Josh and Joel Anderson are then joined by Slate’s Alex Kirshner to talk about the College Football Playoff pairings and Deion Sanders’ move to Colorado.   World Cup (3:43): The positives and negatives of the[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by journalist Meg Swanick to preview the U.S. men’s soccer team’s matchup against Iran. Ben Mathis-Lilley, the author of The Hot Seat, also joins to discuss Michigan’s win over Ohio State. Finally, they talk about the Washington Post’s feature on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.   USA-Iran (4:09): The[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Eric Betts to discuss the U.S. men’s national team’s 1-1 draw against Wales. They also discuss the controversial opening days of the World Cup. Finally, they assess the Warriors’ and Lakers' early-season woes and Kyrie Irving’s return to the Brooklyn Nets.   USA-Wales (4:24): How the USMNT[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Grant Wahl to talk about the World Cup in Qatar. They also discuss the NFL head coaching debut of the Colts’ Jeff Saturday and examine how women athletes are benefitting from the new name, image, and likeness rules in college sports.   Qatar (3:08): Bribery, authoritarianism, and soccer.[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Hannah Keyser of Yahoo Sports to talk about the Houston Astros’ World Series triumph. They also discuss LSU’s win over Alabama and the current state of SEC football. Finally, they assess Herschel Walker’s Senate candidacy.   World Series (5:02): How Houston won it all.   SEC football (26:12): Is Alabama[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Kyrie Irving and anti-Semitism. They also talk about the continued rise of Deion Sanders and Jackson State. And Claire Watkins of Just Women’s Sports comes on for a conversation about the championship game of the National Women’s Soccer League.   Kyrie (3:09): Is it finally time for the Brooklyn Nets[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh to talk about the Astros-Phillies World Series. They also discuss the decline of Russell Wilson, and possibly Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. And they assess whether Adam Silver’s NBA promotion and relegation talk is for real.   World Series (5:35): How are the Astros[...]

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to review a crazy weekend in college football. ESPN’s Pablo Torre talks with Joel, Stefan, and Vinson Cunningham of The New Yorker about the new documentary 38 at the Garden on Jeremy Lin’s short but brilliant run with the New York Knicks a decade[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Warriors’ Draymond Green punching his teammate Jordan Poole. They also discuss 7-foot-4 basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama. Finally, the Athletic’s Steph Yang joins for a conversation about Sally Yates’ report on abuse in the National Women’s Soccer League.   Warriors (4:59): How should the team handle Draymond’s punch? Is he[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the fallout from Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussions. They also talk about Aaron Judge’s quest for the American League home run record. Finally, chess champion and poker pro Jennifer Shahade joins for a conversation about cheating allegations in both sports.   Tua (3:52): Why was he allowed to play after[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the Boston Celtics’ decision to suspend head coach Ime Udoka. They also talk about Roger Federer’s tearful retirement. Finally, Anna Wolfe of Mississippi Today joins for a conversation about Brett Favre and the state’s enormous welfare scandal.   Udoka (4:24): Did the media and the Celtics mishandle the news of[...]

Josh Levin, Joel Anderson, and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham discuss the NBA’s suspension of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett’s bizarre decisions. Finally, Josh and Stefan Fatsis speak with Olympic champion Mark Spitz about the new documentary series 72—A Gathering of Champions. Robert Sarver (4:07): Should Adam Silver have done more? Nathaniel[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham discuss the opening weekend of the NFL season and the rise of tennis phenoms Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek. They’re also joined by Josh Levin (same name, different guy) to discuss how he made the final stage of American Ninja Warrior.   NFL (3:10): The cognitive dissonance of[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis speak with Rennae Stubbs of ESPN and Racquet about coaching Serena Williams at the U.S. Open. Alex Kirshner of Slate and Split Zone Duo joins to discuss the start of college football season and the new 12-team playoff. Finally, the New York Times’ Juliet Macur talks about her story on how[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Vinson Cunningham are joined by Ben Mathis-Lilley to discuss his new book on college football, The Hot Seat. They also discuss the hype around American tennis star Coco Gauff and review the soccer documentary Welcome to Wrexham.   The Hot Seat (2:14): Why does college football make so many of us insane?   Coco Gauff (24:54): Is[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Vinson Cunningham are joined by Defector’s Maitreyi Anantharaman to discuss the WNBA playoffs. Dion Wright also joins to explain what it was like to guard LeBron James. Finally, they talk about Isiah Thomas’ “No Crime Day,” the subject of the first episode of Slate’s One Year: 1986 podcast.   WNBA (2:48): Can Sue Bird lead the Seattle[...]

Vinson Cunningham and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas to discuss the latest on Deshaun Watson’s sexual abuse case and Serena Williams’ impending retirement. Also, Sports Illustrated’s Julie Kliegman joins to talk about athletes and psychedelics.   Deshaun Watson (5:00): The new Browns quarterback debuted with the team to boos and jeers.   Serena[...]

Josh Levin, the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham, and Slate’s Henry Grabar take an audio tour of Vin Scully’s broadcasting career. They also discuss the documentary NYC Point Gods. Finally, Josh interviews tennis players Maxime Cressy and Daria Saville.   Vin Scully (2:36): Eight moments from 66 years in the booth.   NYC Point Gods (33:11): Is the new basketball documentary[...]

Josh Levin is joined by Aram Goudsouzian for a conversation about Bill Russell’s life and legacy; by Grant Wahl to talk about England’s historic victory at the women’s European soccer championships; and by Andscape’s Jason Reid to discuss Deshaun Watson, Kyler Murray, and Reid’s book Rise of the Black Quarterback. Bill Russell (2:21): The basketball legend’s biographer on his[...]

Josh Levin and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham are joined by Tim Layden to discuss the record breakers of the world track and field championships; by Abe Riesman to talk about Vince McMahon’s scandal-laden retirement from WWE; and by Sarah Larson for a conversation about her New Yorker feature on pickleball.   Track and field (1:30): What’s next[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the opening weekend of the world track and field championships. They also talk about why the Angels are so bad in spite of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout and the Nationals’ Juan Soto dilemma. Finally, Puck’s Julia Ioffe joins for a conversation about Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia.[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Ben Mathis-Lilley discuss their proposals for fixing college football. Josh then speaks with Ben Rothenberg about Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon win over Nick Kyrgios. Finally, Joel, Josh, and Ben assess the rising stars of NBA Summer League.   College football (3:26): How will the sport reshape itself in the next five years?   Tennis (27:01): Wimbledon[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving trade drama. They also talk about UCLA and USC moving to the Big Ten and assess the verbal sparring between Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas at Wimbledon.   Nets (2:26): Could they still keep KD and Kyrie?   Big Ten (24:28): What the latest[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Olympic gold medalist Crissy Perham to discuss what Roe v. Wade getting overturned means for women athletes. They also discuss Arch Manning’s decision to play football at the University of Texas and Ohio State getting a trademark on the word “the.”   Crissy Perham (2:56): A champion swimmer on why she’s[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski to discuss the Stanley Cup Finals. They also talk about Dream On, the ESPN documentary on the 1996 U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team. Finally, they assess Nike upon its 50th anniversary.   Stanley Cup (2:40): Inside the match-up between the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning.   Dream[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham to discuss Steph Curry and the NBA Finals. Then, they review the Adam Sandler basketball movie Hustle. Finally, ESPN’s Kevin Van Valkenburg joins Joel and Josh to talk about the debut weekend of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf.   Steph and the NBA (3:30): The Warriors got back[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin assess the back-and-forth NBA Finals between the Warriors and Celtics. The New York Times’ Andrew Das also joins to talk about Ukraine’s loss to Wales in a World Cup playoff match. Finally, they discuss the Oklahoma softball juggernaut.   NBA Finals (3:09): How the Celtics took Game 1, and how the Warriors struck[...]

Josh Levin and Joel Anderson are joined by Jack Hamilton to discuss the Warriors-Celtics NBA Finals matchup. Bradford William Davis then joins to talk about Josh Donaldson’s suspension for calling Tim Anderson “Jackie” and Tommy Pham slapping Joc Pederson for allegedly cheating in fantasy football.   NBA (2:53): What the rise of the Warriors and the Celtics[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Jack Hamilton to discuss the NBA playoffs and Patrick Beverley’s chaotic media appearances; by Alex Kirshner to talk about the war of words between Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher; and by the Washington Post’s Molly Hensley-Clancy to assess U.S. Soccer’s landmark equal pay deal.   NBA (2:07): Will the[...]

Vinson Cunningham, Josh Levin, and Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about the Mavs’ shocking win over the Suns, the Celtics’ romp over the Bucks, the 76ers’ flameout, and other NBA playoff happenings. They also discuss Tom Brady’s megabucks contract to call NFL games for Fox.   Mavs-Suns (3:05): How Luka Doncic and Dallas embarrassed Phoenix.   More NBA (24:53): With the Bucks and Suns[...]

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the New York Times‘ Joe Drape to talk about Rich Strike’s shocking Kentucky Derby win. They also discuss Brittney Griner’s continued detention in Russia. Finally, Shane Ryan joins for a conversation about the Ryder Cup and sports trivia.   Kentucky Derby (2:27): Inside one of the biggest upsets in horse[...]

Vinson Cunningham and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Slate’s Jack Hamilton to talk about the NBA playoffs and the dawn of de facto free agency in college sports. Also, Kalyn Kahler of Defector discusses the NFL draft and her reporting on a rape allegation against an NFL lineman. NBA playoffs (2:03): Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks[...]

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the decline of the Brooklyn Nets and the rise of the New Orleans Pelicans. They also discuss Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes, and they review the HBO series Winning Time, on the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers.   NBA playoffs (3:55): What’s gone wrong for Brooklyn? What’s going right for[...]

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the epic Game 1 of the Nets-Celtics series. They also talk about the Minnesota Timberwolves, young playoff stars, and Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai. Finally, the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh joins for a conversation about near-perfection at the start of the baseball season. Nets-Celtics (3:05): Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and[...]

Vinson Cunningham, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the death of quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Slate’s Jim Newell also joins to discuss Tiger Woods’ dramatic return at the Masters. Finally, they assess the Los Angeles Lakers’ terrible season.   Dwayne Haskins (1:29): How should we talk about athletes who die young?   Tiger Woods (24:57): What comes after his miraculous comeback?   Lakers (47:58): What went so[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Kansas’ win over North Carolina’s in the men’s basketball title game, and the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings joins to talk about South Carolina’s win over UConn for the women’s title. Finally, they talk about Eric Church, and when it’s OK for sports to trump social and professional obligations.   NCAA[...]

Slate’s sports podcast on the NCAA basketball tournaments and U.S. soccer. Plus, an interview with Bomani Jones. NCAA basketball (3:26): After two weeks of upsets, it’s Duke, UNC, Kansas, and Villanova.    World Cup (24:20): The U.S. men’s national soccer team is on the brink of qualifying after a 5-1 win over Panama. Bomani Jones (47:33): Joel interviews ESPN personality[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the top storylines from the men’s NCAA tournament, and they’re joined by the Athletic’s Chantel Jennings for a conversation about the women’s tournament. Finally, they talk about the Cleveland Browns’ trade for Deshaun Watson.   NCAA men (3:07): TCU’s heartbreaking loss, Cinderella Saint Peter’s, and more.   NCAA women (24:34): Why are there[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis to discuss Tom Brady’s unretirement and other huge quarterback news. Alex Kirshner also joins to discuss March Madness storylines and Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s suspension for betting on NFL games.   Quarterbacks (3:36): Brady back to Tampa, Russell Wilson to Denver, Deshaun Watson to … somewhere.[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Yahoo’s Hannah Keyser to discuss the Major League Baseball lockout. They also talk about WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia and assess the spectacle of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game.   Baseball (3:28): When will the lockout end? What’s at stake?   Griner (23:16): Why was she in Russia in the first place, and what[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham discuss the sports world’s reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They also talk about LeBron James’ plan to play alongside his son Bronny. And ESPN’s Katie Barnes joins Stefan and Josh for a conversation about trans swimmer Lia Thomas.   Russia (2:33): What’s happened so far and what should come next.   Bronny (24:25): Is[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Justin Peters for an Olympics wrap-up. They also discuss the Wisconsin-Michigan handshake line scuffle. Finally, Slate’s Alex Kirshner joins to talk about Saudi Arabia’s efforts to start a new golf tour.   Olympics (3:01): Were there any bright spots during these dark Winter Games?  [...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Rams’ Super Bowl win over the Bengals. They’re also joined by David Epstein to discuss the decision to allow Kamila Valieva to skate in the Olympics. Finally, they assess the mega-trade between the Nets and 76ers.   Super Bowl (3:36): How Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp led the[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the New York Times’ John Branch to discuss Chinese-American skier Eileen Gu. They also talk about Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL and ponder the 76ers’ Ben Simmons problem and the Nets’ various conundrums.   Eileen Gu (6:02): What to make of her decision to represent[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Louisa Thomas of the New Yorker discuss the NFL’s conference championship games and Tom Brady’s (probable) retirement. Then, they talk about Rafael Nadal’s record-setting Australian Open victory. Finally, Grant Wahl joins Josh and Stefan to assess the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s frigid loss to Canada. NFL (2:32): How[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Lindsay Jones to discuss the NFL playoffs. Then, Ben Proudfoot joins for a conversation about Lusia Harris, the subject of his documentary short “The Queen of Basketball.” Finally, they speak with Oliver Roeder about his book Seven Games. NFL (2:21): How did the Chiefs-Bills magic happen? Are[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the NFL’s Super Wild Card Weekend. Then they talk about the rise of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant. Finally, Defector’s Kalyn Kahler joins for a conversation about nepotism in NFL coaching.   NFL (4:50): Do expanded playoffs mean worse games?   Ja Morant (24:55): Was his block the best ever? Is he[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Georgia’s win over Alabama in the college football title game. Then they break down the wild ride that was the Chargers-Raiders NFL regular-season finale. And tennis writer Ben Rothenberg helps unpack the saga of unvaccinated Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. College football (2:44): How the Bulldogs took[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the College Football Playoff and bowl game opt-outs. ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel also joins for a conversation about Becky Hammon, who chose to leave the NBA to become the head coach of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. Finally, they talk about the life and legacy of John Madden.[...]

Josh Levin and Joel Anderson are joined by ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz to talk about Christmas Day in the NBA. Washington Post health reporter Dan Diamond also joins to discuss the past, present, and future of COVID in sports. Finally, Josh, Joel, and Stefan Fatsis interview Mitchell S. Jackson about his award-winning story on Ahmaud Arbery[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about COVID running rampant through every sports league, again. Next, they discuss the end of Urban Meyer’s very brief career as an NFL coach. Finally, Joshua Neuman joins Stefan and Josh for a conversation about Kenny Washington, who broke the NFL’s color barrier a year before[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Alex Kirshner talk about the controversial ending to the Formula 1 season. Next, they examine the opening months of college sports’ name, image, and likeness era. Finally, Stefan and Josh are joined by author and chess champion Jennifer Shahade to assess Magnus Carlsen’s latest world title.   Formula 1[...]

Hi Hang Up and Listen listeners, we thought you'd be interested in this episode of What Next, Slate's daily news podcast. Enjoy! When Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai accused a former Chinese Vice Premier of rape, what came next was darkly predictable: the athlete disappeared from public view while the government scrubbed all mentions of[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin break down college football’s playoff match-ups and Brian Kelly’s move to LSU. Insider’s Bradford William Davis joins to discuss the baseball lockout and his piece on the sport using two different balls. Finally, a conversation about sports blowouts. College football (5:29): Does outsider Cincinnati have a chance against Alabama, Michigan, and Georgia?[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk with Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley about the Michigan football team’s big win over Ohio State. They also discuss Oklahoma head football coach Lincoln Riley’s surprising departure for USC and the state of LeBron James and the Lakers. Michigan (2:25): How Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines exorcised their demons against[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham to talk about Peng Shuai and the future of sports in China. Next, they discuss the resurgent Golden State Warriors. Finally, they review the movie King Richard. Peng Shuai (2:03): Will the Peng case lead the WTA to pull out of China?   Warriors[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Grant Wahl to talk about the U.S. men’s national team’s dominant win over Mexico. Stefan, Josh, and Joel Anderson then discuss how ESPN’s Adam Schefter covered a domestic abuse allegation against Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Finally, they look into the war of words between the NBA’s[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Aaron Rodgers’ claims about vaccination and how the Packers and the NFL should deal with him. They also talk about ESPN’s investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver. Finally, the Washington Post’s Candace Buckner joins for a conversation about the fashion choices of NBA coaches.   Rodgers (2:52): What[...]

Joel, Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the ouster of Joel’s old football coach, TCU’s Gary Patterson. They also talk about how the NBA’s new rules are changing pro basketball. Finally, the New York Times’ Kevin Draper joins for a conversation about the Chicago Blackhawks’ cover-up of an alleged sexual assault. TCU (3:06): Why was it[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Defector’s Drew Magary talk about the seeming decline of the Kansas City Chiefs. They also discuss who to root for in the World Series, the Houston Astros or the Atlanta Braves. Finally, they speak with Drew about his book The Night the Lights Went Out: A Memoir of Life After Brain[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin talk with Slate’s Alex Kirshner about the split between LSU and its coach Ed Orgeron. They’re also joined by Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports for a preview of the 2021-22 NBA season. Finally, Stefan Fatsis speaks with Dave Zirin about his book The Kaepernick Effect.   Orgeron (4:20): Why did LSU part ways with[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk with Slate’s Alex Kirshner about the racist, sexist, and homophobic emails written by now-former NFL head coach Jon Gruden. Writer Roberto José Andrade Franco joins to discuss Mexican-American soccer star Ricardo Pepi. Finally, Chantel Jennings of the Athletic breaks down the WNBA playoffs. Gruden (4:07): What his emails reveal about[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Tom Brady’s win over the Patriots. Meg Rowley of FanGraphs also joins to discuss the end of baseball’s regular season and the start of the playoffs. Finally, the Athletic’s Steph Yang helps assess the present and future of the National Women’s Soccer League. Brady vs. the[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about anti-vaxxers in the NBA. The Washington Post’s Molly Hensley-Clancy discusses allegations that the NWSL’s Washington Sprit have a misogynistic work culture, and Will Bardenwerper joins for a conversation about his Harper’s piece on the potential death of minor league baseball in small towns.   NBA anti-vaxxers (4:36): How[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by USA Today’s Marisa Kwiatkowski to discuss the Senate hearing on the FBI’s failures in the Larry Nassar case. They also assess Eli and Peyton Manning’s Monday Night Football debut and discuss whether the 2021 UConn Huskies are the worst college football team of all time.   Nassar case (3:14): What stood out in the Senate hearings, and what will it take for the[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas talk about Daniil Medvedev’s upset over Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu’s shocking U.S. Open title. They also discuss Jameis Winston, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cam Newton’s interview with his dad. Finally, they assess the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s rocky opening to World Cup qualifying.[...]

Josh Levin and Joel Anderson are joined by Spencer Hall to talk about the opening weekend of the college football season. They also discuss Bishop Sycamore, the fake high school that made its way into an ESPN football showcase. Finally, the CBC’s Morgan Campbell joins to assess Canada’s series of sporting triumphs.   College football (1:48): Alabama looks like its old self. But[...]

Josh Levin interviews Ben Rothenberg about his reporting on domestic abuse allegations against tennis player Alexander Zverev. Josh, Stefan Fatsis, and Joel Anderson are then joined by Grant Wahl to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Manchester United. Finally, assessing Rachel Nichols’ fall and Stephen A. Smith’s rise at ESPN.   Zverev (3:50): What are the accusations and[...]

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis talk with track writer Jojo Gretschel about sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s last-place finish in her return from a suspension. Former pro basketball player Rod Benson discusses Draymond Green’s revealing conversation with Kevin Durant and the future of athlete-driven sports media. Finally, an interview with Claire McNear of the Ringer about her[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Major League Baseball’s Field of Dreams game. Writer Jessica Luther also joins to discuss the Deshaun Watson and Trevor Bauer cases. Finally, they review the documentary Malice at the Palace.   Field of Dreams (4:42): Is this kind of nostalgia good or bad for baseball?   Watson and Bauer (26:02): How should leagues[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the end of the Tokyo Olympics. They also discuss NFL players who’ve refused to get the COVID vaccine, and what the league should do about it. Finally, author Simon Kuper explains the tearful end of Lionel Messi’s brilliant career at F.C. Barcelona.   Olympics (3:31): The troubled[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the latest in the saga of Simone Biles at the Tokyo Olympics. They also assess the U.S. women’s national soccer team’s semifinals loss to Canada and other stories from the Summer Games. Finally, Jeff Passan of ESPN joins to talk about Major League Baseball’s trade deadline.  [...]

This episode features Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and the NBA’s first Black female CEO. After spending 36 years in senior management at AT&T, Cynt pivoted to the sports industry where her values-based leadership has transformed the Mavericks’ culture to emphasize community and employee engagement. Cynt’s authentic and humanizing perspectives shed light on[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the weirdness of the Tokyo Olympics being staged without spectators. They also assess the wobbly starts by the U.S. men’s basketball and women’s gymnastics teams. Finally, they examine the implications of Texas and Oklahoma seeking to leave the Big 12 for the powerhouse SEC.  Olympic atmosphere (2:39): The[...]

Slate's new podcast One Year and will introduce you to people and ideas that changed American history--one year at a time. The show is hosted by your Hang Up and Listen host Josh Levin. And our first season covers 1977: a year when gay rights hung in the balance, Roots dominated the airwaves, and Jesus[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by New York Times Tokyo bureau chief Motoko Rich to discuss the troubled run-up to the Olympics. They also talk about the dominance and humility of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Finally, they review Space Jam: A New Legacy.   Olympics (2:53): The Summer Games face positive coronavirus[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Nicky Bandini of the Guardian to discuss Italy’s victory over England in the Euro 2020 final. Next, they talk about Giannis Antetokounmpo, Chris Paul, and the first three games of the NBA Finals. Finally, they assess the pitching and hitting phenom Shohei Ohtani. Euro 2020[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s marijuana suspension. Penn State professor Amira Rose Davis joins to discuss Olympic hammer thrower Gwen Berry and Black women activists in sports. And finally, a look at the first week of new name, image, and likeness rules in the NCAA.   Sha’Carri Richardson[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss NFL player Carl Nassib’s historic announcement. They also talk about the key players and storylines in the NBA conference finals. Finally, they assess the Week in Sports Idiocy.   Nassib (1:55): The significance of an active NFL player coming out.   NBA (24:09): What Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young have in common.   Week in[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss NBA injuries, Kevin Durant’s heroics, and Ben Simmons’ struggles. Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern also joins to assess the Supreme Court’s decision in NCAA v. Alston. Finally, David Epstein talks about distance runner Shelby Houlihan, who claims her positive drug test came from eating a burrito.   NBA (3:14): What does the data say about NBA injuries?[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen’s collapse at the UEFA European Championship. Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated also joins to talk about baseball pitchers slathering the ball with goo. Finally, Stefan and Josh interview Jon Wertheim about Glory Days, his new book on sports in 1984.   Eriksen (2:14): The agony of waiting to see if the soccer star was OK.   Sticky[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Sam Anderson to discuss Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets. They also discuss the U.S. men’s national team’s win over Mexico and the retirement of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. Durant (01:52): What makes him unique among NBA superstars.   Soccer (21:44): Is the U.S. men’s national team’s[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about what Naomi Osaka’s French Open withdrawal reveals about athletes and mental health and athletes and the press. They also discuss the spate of atrocious fan behavior in NBA arenas, and Rebecca Schuman joins for a conversation about Simone Biles’ latest feat of gymnastics excellence. Osaka (2:20): How[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by Shutdown Fullcast’s Spencer Hall to discuss the start of the NBA playoffs and the spate of injuries befalling NBA stars. They also discuss Phil Mickelson’s PGA Championship triumph and Tim Tebow’s possible NFL return. NBA (2:46): How LeBron looks, and how injuries have changed pro basketball’s postseason outlook.[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham to discuss the rise of the New York Knicks and the start of the NBA playoffs. The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings also joins to talk about the start of the WNBA season. Finally, Joe Drape of the New York Times assesses the case against racehorse[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the upcoming NBA play-in tournament. They also discuss the latest brouhaha over violence in the National Hockey League and they assess NFL wide receiver DK Metcalf’s performance against pro sprinters.   NBA (2:49): Why LeBron James hates the play-in games and most everyone else loves them.   NHL (21:21): Does hockey have a cultural problem or a[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin welcome a trio of guests. Master Tesfatsion of Bleacher Report discusses the NFL draft. Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer explains why moving back the pitcher’s mound could boost Major League Baseball’s anemic offenses. And Rebecca Schuman talks about the leotard, the unitard, and the sexualization of female gymnasts.[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Tariq Panja of the New York Times to discuss European soccer’s Super League fiasco. Stefan, Josh, and Joel Anderson then talk about Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry’s absurd month. Plus, an interview with researcher Joanna Harper about transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.   Super[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Ken Early of the Irish Times to talk about European soccer’s proposed Super League. They also discuss the NFL’s top quarterback prospects and they debate whether Triller Fight Club is the future of boxing.   Super League (2:10): What is this new soccer proposal? Why is[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the sports world’s pandemic purgatory. They also ponder what sports feats have still yet to be achieved. Finally, Luke Epplin joins to discuss his book Our Team and the story of Larry Doby, the second player to break baseball’s modern color barrier. Pandemic purgatory (3:11): What to make of[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the men’s and women’s NCAA finals and Jalen Suggs’ Final Four buzzer beater. They also discuss Major League Baseball’s decision to move this year’s All-Star Game in response to Georgia’s new voting law, and Arizona State professor Victoria Jackson joins to assess the athlete compensation case NCAA[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Gonzaga’s greatness and the Sweet 16 match-up between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark. Stefan and Josh then try to convince Joel to become a fan of the U.S. men’s national soccer team. Finally, Defector’s Dave McKenna joins for a conversation about basketball legend Elgin Baylor, who died[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the opening weekend of March Madness. They also discuss the inequalities between the men’s and women’s tournaments, and author Jessica Luther joins for a conversation about the assault lawsuits against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. NCAA Tournament (3:03): A bunch of fun games or just a whole lot of[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the lead-up to March Madness. They also talk about the controversy surrounding “The Eyes of Texas,” the song the University of Texas plays before and after football games. Finally, they assess the life and career of Marvelous Marvin Hagler. March Madness (01:09): Should the NCAA Tournament be played? “The[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the NBA All-Star Game and the state of the league a year after it suspended play due to COVID-19. They also talk about a new report on LSU’s failures to deal with sexual assault claims and allegations about the school’s ex-football coach Les Miles. Finally, Andrew Maraniss joins[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by FanGraphs’ Meg Rowley to talk about Seattle Mariners president Kevin Mather’s resignation and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s new contract. Alex Kirshner also joins to discuss NBA Top Shot. Finally, they interview Nick Greene about his book How to Watch Basketball Like a Genius. Baseball (2:18): What Mather’s comments reveal about the Mariners[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas to talk about the Australian Open. They also discuss the NBA’s new G League player development model. Finally, they assess Anthony Edwards’ huge dunk and name their favorite dunks of all time.   Australian Open (04:06): How Naomi Osaka and Novak[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin assess the debate over whether to play the national anthem at sporting events. They also discuss what the pandemic taught us about the mysteries of home-field advantage. Finally, ESPN’s Ryan Smith joins to talk about a lawsuit alleging that the NFL’s concussion settlement discriminates against Black players.   Anthem[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Bucs’ Super Bowl win over the Chiefs. Among the topics discussed: Tom Brady’s latest triumph, the Bucs’ defense, and Patrick Mahomes’ valiant effort in defeat. They also assess the rising conflict between NBA players and the league.   Super Bowl (4:39): How Tampa won, why Kansas City[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the latest NFL hiring cycle, where just one Black coach got hired to run a team. They also assess Australia’s tennis quarantine and discuss whether Curt Schilling will break the baseball Hall of Fame. NFL coaches (01:52): What if anything can be done to get Black coaches more[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Packers’ mystifying field goal attempt and the Chiefs’ run for a second straight title. They also discuss the life and legacy of baseball legend Henry Aaron, who died last week at the age of 86. NFL (01:35): What was Packers coach Matt LaFleur thinking? What’s the secret[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and special guest Damon Young talk about the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. They also discuss the Brooklyn Nets’ trade for James Harden and Kyrie Irving’s absence. Finally, they review the HBO documentary Tiger. NFL (01:49): Drew Brees, the concussion protocol, and the Chiefs’ gutsy fourth-down call.  Nets (21:51): Is Kyrie Irving just misunderstood?[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Alabama’s win over Ohio State in the college football title game. They also assess how athletes and leagues reacted to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Finally, they discuss the NFL’s Super Wild Card Weekend. College football (01:39): What will we remember about this season, and what should[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Washington’s win over Philadelphia on Sunday Night Football. They also discuss Alabama and Ohio State’s victories in the College Football Playoff and ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel joins for a conversation about the Duke women’s basketball team opting out of the season. NFL (01:28): Did the Eagles commit fraud in their[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin field listener questions about how sports changed the national response to COVID, whether the pandemic sowed mistrust between owners and players, their personal players of the year, and a whole lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the end of college football’s regular season and the College Football Playoff matchups. They also discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo’s decision to re-sign with the Bucks. Finally, they ponder what pandemic-era changes will become permanent and which will be forgotten. College football (2:23) Did the committee get it right?[...]

In this bonus episode preview, Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss “The Last Last Dance,” Joel’s special podcast on Michael Jordan’s tenure with the Washington Wizards. Topics discussed include why Jordan chose to go to D.C., how he treated Kwame Brown, and whether Jordan’s time in Washington makes him a more or less[...]

In this special episode of Hang Up and Listen, Joel Anderson tells the story of Michael Jordan's second comeback. How did Jordan end up in Washington, D.C.? Why couldn’t he make the Washington Wizards into winners? And what does the final chapter of Jordan’s career reveal about him as a player and a person? Learn[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the latest humiliation of the winless New York Jets. They also discuss the Russell Westbrook-John Wall trade, and Russell Dinkins joins for a conversation about his quest to save college track programs. Jets (03:55): Are they trying to lose on purpose? Should Trevor Lawrence stay away? Westbrook and[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Broncos playing without a quarterback and other NFL COVID chaos. They also discuss the life and death of soccer legend Diego Maradona. Finally, they assess the debut of kicker Sarah Fuller, the first woman to play in a Power 5 football game. NFL (02:03): Should the Broncos[...]

Joel Anderson and Josh Levin are joined by Yahoo’s Seerat Sohi to talk about the latest NBA deals. Jessica Luther then joins Joel, Josh, and Stefan Fatsis to discuss LSU’s mishandling of sexual misconduct allegations. Finally, Grant Wahl comes on to talk about American Prodigy, his new podcast on soccer phenom Freddy Adu. NBA (03:17): What moves will[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by FanGraphs’ Meg Rowley to discuss the Marlins’ hiring of Kim Ng as baseball’s first woman general manager. They also talk about the putrid NFC East and why the sports world has failed to adjust as the COVID crisis worsens. Kim Ng (02:54): Why did it take so[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the differences between election TV and sports TV, and whether election forecasters should be criticized. They also compare how a great sports victory compares to a political one. And they discuss Notre Dame’s win over Clemson and the field-storming that followed. Election TV (4:12): Can cable news learn[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the positive COVID tests for the Dodgers’ Justin Turner and Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence. WNBA player Renee Montgomery then joins to talk about the More Than a Vote campaign. Finally, they revisit Ruth Shalit Barrett’s article about rich parents and niche sports, which the Atlantic has now retracted.  Positive[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the likely and unlikely heroes of the 2020 World Series. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf also comes on to talk about how the pandemic is affecting college sports “have nots” like UC Riverside. Finally, the hosts are joined by … a mystery guest! World Series (02:02): Where did Brett Phillips come[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh to discuss the World Series matchup between the Dodgers and the Rays. They also discuss Billy Beane reportedly leaving the Oakland A’s and Daryl Morey departing the Houston Rockets. Finally, they assess an Atlantic piece on rich white parents using niche sports[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Louisa Thomas discuss the end of the NBA’s bubble season, quarterback Alex Smith’s return from a gruesome 2018 leg injury, and the French Open victories of Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek. NBA finals (02:42): LeBron James won his fourth NBA title, this one with the Los Angeles Lakers. NFL (20:29): Is Alex Smith’s[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Jimmy Butler’s masterful performance in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. They also discuss the NFL’s first big coronavirus outbreak and the opening week of the baseball playoffs. Finally, they’re joined by Chantel Jennings of the Athletic for a conversation about the WNBA Finals. NBA (02:47): What makes[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the NBA Finals matchup between the Heat and the Lakers. They also discuss why they’re watching college football and life inside the NHL bubble. Finally, they’re joined by Father Edwin Leahy to discuss the documentary series Benedict Men. NBA (02:11): How did the Heat rebuild after LeBron left? And do[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Lakers’ win over the Nuggets and the Seahawks’ win over the Patriots. They also discuss the Big Ten’s decision to play football this fall. Finally, Slate’s Jim Newell joins to assess U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. Sunday in sports (02:24): Four good teams, two great finishes. Are[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the NFL’s opening weekend. They also discuss Naomi Osaka’s victory and her outspokenness at the U.S. Open. Finally, they survey happenings in college football, the NBA, and the Premier League.  NFL (02:56): The protests, Tom Brady’s interceptions, and everything else that happened on and off the field. U.S.[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Washington Post’s Ben Golliver to talk about the NBA playoffs. Tennis player Noah Rubin also joins to discuss Novak Djokovic’s disqualification and life in the U.S. Open bubble. And finally, Dom Cosentino of theScore comes on for a conversation about the start of the NFL season. NBA[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and special guest Vinson Cunningham of the New Yorker discuss the aftermath of last week’s NBA strike. They also talk about the life and legacy of Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson. Finally, the Athletic’s Lindsay Jones joins to assess the latest reporting on the toxic culture of the Washington football team.[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin get together for a special podcast on NBA players’ decision to boycott playoff games after the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. They discuss how the strike spread throughout the sports world, whether the NBA season will be cancelled, and how the pandemic might have factored into[...]

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis discuss Luka Doncic’s spectacular performance for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA playoffs. They are joined by David Ubben of the Athletic to talk about the return of high-school football across the country. And Josh interviews Ethan Strauss of the Athletic about declining television ratings in the NBA. Luka Doncic[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the 100th anniversary of baseball’s Negro Leagues. They’re also joined by the New York Times’ Rory Smith to talk about the Champions League. Finally, Louisa Thomas comes on for a conversation about the book Losers: Dispatches from the Other Side of the Scoreboard. Negro Leagues (03:35): How can MLB truly[...]

In this Plus preview, Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about the battle over the 2020 college football season. To help support Hang Up and Listen and listen to every episode in full, sign up now for Slate Plus. Members get to skip the ads and get bonus segments and episodes on many Slate[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the NBA’s strong restart and Major League Baseball’s disastrous season. They’re also joined by UCLA’s Otito Ogbonnia and Elisha Guidry for a conversation about the #WeAreUnited movement. Finally, they discuss Joel’s piece about Liberty University’s attempt to become a sports powerhouse—and why Black athletes have started[...]

In this Plus Preview, Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the spread of COVID in Major League Baseball. What should the Miami Marlins and Major League Baseball do in response to the team’s coronavirus outbreak? To help support Hang Up and Listen and listen to every episode in full, sign up now for Slate[...]

Hang Up listeners, we thought you'd enjoy this episode of Slate's daily news show What Next. The NBA has announced an ambitious plan to restart the season more than four months after it was abruptly halted due to the coronavirus. Twenty-two teams have entered the COVID-free “bubble” at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando,[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs discuss the Washington NFL team’s sexist workplace culture. They also examine the WNBA’s rocky preseason. Finally, Joel, Stefan, and Josh Levin discuss anti-Semitic remarks by the Philadelphia Eagles’ DeSean Jackson. Washington and sexual harassment (02:08): Will the NFL force Daniel Snyder to sell? Is that even the point? [...]

In this Slate Plus preview, Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss college football conferences scaling back their seasons. To help support Hang Up and Listen and listen to every episode in full, sign up now for Slate Plus. Members get to skip the ads and get bonus segments and episodes on many Slate podcasts. Learn more[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the sudden move to rebrand the Washington NFL team. They also discuss all the athletes opting out of entering the sports world’s various coronavirus bubbles. Finally, Mina Kimes discusses her new role as an analyst for ESPN’s NFL Live. New Washington team name (02:42): What should we think about[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and special guest Gene Demby of NPR’s Code Switch discuss Cam Newton’s move to the New England Patriots. To help support Hang Up and Listen and listen to every episode in full, sign up now for Slate Plus. Members get to skip the ads and get bonus segments and episodes on many Slate podcasts.[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer to discuss Major League Baseball’s labor fight. They also talk about whether the Washington NFL team will ditch its nickname. Finally, they interview hammer thrower Gwen Berry about her battle for Olympic athletes to have the right to protest. Baseball[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the NBA players who are pushing back against the idea of restarting the season. To help support Hang Up and Listen and listen to every episode in full, sign up now for Slate Plus. Members get to skip the ads and get bonus segments and episodes on many Slate[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the NFL’s about-face on players and social activism. They also assess the different roads taken by the NBA and Major League Baseball to returning to play. Finally, they interview Bao Nguyen, the director of the documentary Be Water, on the life of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. NFL[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about how the sports world is reacting, and how all of us are reacting, to the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. They’re also be joined by ESPN’s Myron Medcalf to talk about college sports, and who is and isn’t speaking out about racial injustice. George Floyd (01:12): What[...]

In this Plus episode preview, Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the latest plans to bring back professional and college sports. In the full show, Ultrarunner Zach Bitter also joins to talk about setting a 100-mile world record on a treadmill. Finally, Stefan speaks with Simon Anthony about his experience solving the “miracle[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the final episodes of ESPN’s documentary The Last Dance. Announcer Ian Eagle also joins to talk about the challenge of calling games remotely. Finally, they assess the NFL’s proposed modifications to the Rooney Rule. The Last Dance (01:29): What we learned, and didn’t learn, about Michael Jordan and the[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the latest episodes of ESPN’s Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance. To help support Hang Up and Listen and listen to every episode in full, sign up now for Slate Plus. Members get to skip the ads and get bonus segments and episodes on many Slate podcasts. Learn more about[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin check in with ESPN’s Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance. They also discuss the latest turn in the U.S. women’s national soccer team’s equal pay lawsuit. Finally, the Hang Up and Listen Quarantine Magazine Club discusses the 1998 Sports Illustrated story “Where’s Daddy?” The Last Dance (02:33): Assessing the episodes[...]

In this Hang Up Plus preview, Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by David Roth to talk about the socially distanced NFL Draft. Further in the episode, Lindsay Gibbs of Power Plays joins to talk about when and if women’s sports leagues will come back. Finally, Mike Schur of Parks and Recreation and the Good Place helps us[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss ESPN’s documentary on the Chicago Bulls, The Last Dance. They also talk about whether the NBA’s new development program is a threat to college basketball and assess the state of sports media during the coronavirus pandemic. The Last Dance (05:38): What we made of the first two episodes of the 10-part documentary.[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin discuss the latest on sports and the coronavirus. They also talk with the Athletic’s Ethan Strauss about his new book on the Golden State Warriors, The Victory Machine. And the Hang Up and Listen Quarantine Magazine Club convenes to discuss Bill Russell’s “How I Psych Them.” The pandemic (03:48): ESPN televising[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the push to bring football back and the psychology around restarting sporting events with crowds. Hurdling champion Dawn Harper-Nelson also joins to discuss how her life has changed now that the Olympics have been postponed. NFL (4:04): Donald Trump wants games to start back up again by August[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Joe Vardon to talk about the push to get games back on television. They also discuss the HBO documentary The Scheme, and Josh interviews tennis player Kristie Ahn about what an athlete does when she can’t leave her house. Sports on TV (03:16): TV networks have[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Tom Brady’s move from New England to Tampa Bay. They also discuss the increasing calls to postpone the Olympics. Finally, they interview rugby announcer Nick Heath, who has taken to providing commentary on ordinary life events. Tom Brady (02:02): Did the Patriots disrespect the legendary quarterback? What can[...]

Joel Anderson and Stefan Fatsis talk about the latest on the coronavirus and sports. They are joined by former NFL player Domonique Foxworth and former NFL executive Andrew Brandt to break down the league’s new labor deal. Hall of Fame soccer player Julie Foudy assesses the women’s national team’s equal-pay fight. Finally, they interview Tegan[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin get together for an emergency podcast on the cascading shutdowns in the world of sports due to the coronavirus pandemic. They discuss which leagues have handled the crisis admirably and which haven’t and they talk about what to expect in the weeks and months to come. Learn more[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Ben Cohen to talk about the latest on the coronavirus and sports. They also interview Cohen about his book The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks. Finally, they assess a chaotic week in New York professional basketball.   Coronavirus (1:52): When[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the rise of Zion Williamson. They also discuss the legends and myths of the NFL’s scouting combine and assess how the spread of the coronavirus will affect sports around the world.   Zion (3:59): Understanding the might and charisma of the teenage NBA superstar.   NFL combine (19:49): Is[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the push for a 17-game NFL season and John Beilein’s short, tumultuous tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Joseph Bien-Kahn also joins to discuss ultrarunner Jim Walmsley’s quest to qualify for the Olympic marathon. NFL (01:42): The pros and cons of a longer professional football season. Beilein (17:31): He[...]

Joel Anderson, Josh Levin, and special guest Lindsay Gibbs talk about the fallout from the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. They also discuss WNBA free agency and the rise of Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu. Finally, they review the Netflix docuseries Cheer. Astros (03:13): What should we make of baseball players’ anger toward their Houston brethren? Women’s basketball (19:53): What’s the[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the opening weekend of the new XFL. They also discuss the Houston Rockets’ small-ball experiment and review ESPN’s new Michael Vick documentary. XFL (01:57): Is the latest iteration of Vince McMahon’s NFL competitor built to last? Rockets (22:48): Is playing super-duper small a smart idea, a desperate ploy,[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about the Chiefs’ win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. Stefan and Josh are then joined by the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas to discuss the wins by Novak Djokovic and Sofia Kenin at the Australian Open. Super Bowl (01:31): The great Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about Kobe Bryant’s on-court and off-court legacies with NPR’s Gene Demby and Lindsay Gibbs of the Power Plays! newsletter and the Burn It All Down podcast.   Kobe’s shocking death (00:50): What we felt when we heard about the helicopter crash, and why his peers thought Kobe was[...]

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about how the Chiefs and 49ers made the Super Bowl. They also discuss the new Netflix documentary Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez. Finally, Fatsis and Mike Pesca interview the greatest Jeopardy! player of all time, Ken Jennings. Chiefs and 49ers (02:49): On Patrick Mahomes, the 49ers’ running game, Andy Reid,[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and new Hang Up and Listen co-host Joel Anderson revel in LSU’s win over Clemson in college football’s title game. ESPN’s Jeff Passan talks about MLB’s punishment of the Houston Astros. Finally, Daniel Engber discusses his story on a rape accusation against three New York Mets, and how those players were[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Slate’s Seth Stevenson to discuss the Patriots’ playoff loss and the post-NFL life of Rob Gronkowski. ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan also joins to talk about the legacy of NBA commissioner David Stern. Finally, they interview Theo Anthony about his documentary Subject to Review.   Patriots and Gronk (01:39): Why couldn’t Tom Brady and[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Spencer Hall to talk about the College Football Playoff. They also interview Matthew Goodman about his book on the CCNY point-shaving scandal, The City Game. Finally, they review the greatest sports moments of the decade.   College Football Playoff (01:45): How LSU destroyed Oklahoma and Clemson squeaked out a win over Ohio State.   The City[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis to discuss the Dallas Cowboys’ demise. Power Plays’ Lindsay Gibbs also joins to talk about WNBA owner and incoming GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler. Finally, “barking dog” Jason Holt on his moment of basketball glory.   Cowboys (01:24): Why has owner Jerry Jones accepted mediocrity for so long? And what’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Undefeated’s Lonnae O’Neal to talk about Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Sports Illustrated’s Emma Baccellieri also joins to discuss baseball free agency. Finally, author Damon Young chats about the rise of Bronny James.   Lamar Jackson (01:24): What’s the larger significance of this particular black quarterback?   MLB[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Banner Society’s Spencer Hall to discuss the college football playoff. The Athletic’s Wosny Lambre also joins to talk about the surging Los Angeles Lakers. Finally, the Wall Street Journal’s Louise Radnofsky explains skaters’ strange obsession with Schindler’s List.   College football (01:53): Why Clemson is mad, how LSU[...]

At a live show in Washington, D.C., Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by NPR’s Gene Demby to discuss the state of sports media. Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson also joins to talk about her comeback as a mother. Finally, Demby, Lindsay Gibbs, and Dave McKenna ponder ethical dilemmas in sports.   State of[...]

Josh Levin interviews the Athletic’s John Hollinger about his career inside and outside the NBA. Topics discussed include the rise of Luka Doncic, how Hollinger came up with player efficiency rating, his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies, and trading Marc Gasol.   Luka Doncic (02:15): How the 20-year-old became a star and how he could keep[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Nate Jackson to discuss Colin Kaepernick’s workout and Myles Garrett’s helmet smash; the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh assesses the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scheme; and Asif Kapadia talks about his documentary Diego Maradona. Kaepernick and Garrett (02:58): Did Kaepernick hurt his chances to play in the NFL? And what should we[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Banner Society’s Spencer Hall to discuss LSU’s win over Alabama; by Slate’s Joel Anderson to chat about the NCAA going after Ohio State’s Chase Young and Memphis’ James Wiseman; and by the New York Times’ Lindsay Crouse to talk about runner Mary Cain’s allegations of abuse against[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by former Deadspin staffers Megan Greenwell, Tom Ley, and Barry Petchesky to discuss the site’s demise and what caused it. Topics covered include the conflicts between writers, editors, and management; journalism and private equity; and how Deadspin evolved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh to discuss the Astros’ massive World Series comeback. Deadspin’s Laura Wagner also joins to talk about Houston’s front office debacle, and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham assesses Week 1 of the NBA season.   World Series (03:37): How Houston turned it around and how Max[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Jeff Passan to discuss the World Series matchup between the Astros and Nationals. The Ringer’s Kevin Clark also joins to talk about the Rams’ deal for Jalen Ramsey, and Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl assesses the U.S. men’s national soccer team.   World Series (01:45): How Houston and[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Ethan Strauss to talk about LeBron James’ comments on China; the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh discusses the Nationals’ playoff run and why baseballs aren’t flying as far; and Ed Caesar assesses marathon record breakers Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei.   LeBron, the NBA, and China (02:19): Why[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Joshua Keating to talk about the NBA’s China kerfuffle. ESPN’s Sam Miller also joins to discuss the baseball playoffs and David Epstein assesses Alberto Salazar’s doping suspension and the world track and field championships in Qatar. NBA and China (02:02): How Daryl Morey’s tweet about the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Allison Benedikt to answer your questions about youth sports. Topics covered include whether and how to teach your kids how to talk trash, how to balance sports time with family leisure time, and whether it’s ethical to watch football if you don’t want your child to[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Undefeated’s Jesse Washington to talk about the latest allegations against Antonio Brown and the story of a high school wrestler who was instructed to cut off his dreadlocks. The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh also assesses the disappointing Cubs and Red Sox and the surprising Twins. Antonio Brown[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by SB Nation’s Matt Brown to talk about California’s Fair Pay to Play Act; the New York Times’ Joe Drape discusses Triple Crown winner Justify’s positive drug test; and ex-NFL player Ryan O’Callaghan joins for a conversation about his memoir My Life on the Line. Fair Pay to[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas to talk about the women’s and men’s U.S. Open finals. Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley also joins to discuss Antonio Brown’s move to the Patriots and the secrets of the Clemson football program’s success. U.S. Open (01:43): Why does Serena Williams keep losing major[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk about the first week of the U.S. Open. Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders also joins to preview the NFL season, and Sheba Rawson of the Timbers Army fan group discusses the dispute over political signage in Major League Soccer. U.S. Open (01:16): How Taylor Townsend and Kristie Ahn had[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Jake Plummer and Nate Jackson to talk about Andrew Luck’s retirement; Billy Cundiff discusses the Chicago Bears’ bizarre kicker tryouts; and Slate’s Christina Cauterucci helps assess the state of the National Women’s Soccer League. Andrew Luck (01:53): What Luck’s sudden departure from the sport says about him[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham talk about Jay-Z’s new partnership with the NFL. They also discuss Joseph Tsai’s multibillion-dollar deal to buy the Brooklyn Nets. Finally, they select the words they’d like to ban from the sports lexicon. Jay-Z (2:10): Did the NFL botch its move to bring on the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk with ESPN’s Sam Borden about Christian Pulisic’s Chelsea debut. The Gist’s Mike Pesca also joins to discuss Antonio Brown’s feet and helmet issues, and Rebecca Schuman explains Simone Biles’ latest feats of gymnastics virtuosity. Christian Pulisic (01:30): What lessons, if any, can we take from Pulisic’s first Premier League[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk about Alejandro Bedoya speaking out against gun violence during an MLS game. The New York Daily News’ Kyle Wagner joins to discuss Jeremy Lin and Carmelo Anthony, and the Omaha World-Herald’s Henry Cordes explains how school’s evade the requirements of Title IX. Bedoya (01:22): On the soccer player’s in-game[...]

This is a feature episode of a new Slate podcast. Subscribe on your preferred podcast player or listen on Slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Anderson, Stefan Fatsis, and Josh Levin talk about ESPN’s stance on mixing sports and politics and LSU’s fancy new football facility. Sports Illustrated’s Emma Baccellieri then joins to discuss the Atlantic League’s role as a laboratory for new baseball rules. Sports and politics (01:19 ): Is it possible to construct a corporate policy on[...]

Josh Levin interviews Deadspin’s Dave McKenna about his life and journalism career. Topics covered include the greatness of Elgin Baylor and Gary Mays, getting sued by Washington NFL team owner Dan Snyder, and reporting out sexual abuse allegations against Kevin Johnson. D.C. sports and segregation (01:14): How black athletes like Elgin Baylor and Gary Mays[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis talk about how Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep won at Wimbledon. Sam Anderson also joins to discuss Russell Westbrook and the end of an era in Oklahoma City, and John Thorn helps assess Jim Bouton and Bouton’s classic book Ball Four. Wimbledon (01:26): On Novak Djokovic’s incredible win over Roger[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis talk about the U.S. national team’s triumph at the Women’s World Cup; Ethan Strauss joins to discuss Kawhi Leonard’s move to the Los Angeles Clippers; and Louisa Thomas assesses the rise of 15-year-old tennis sensation Coco Gauff. Women’s World Cup (02:41): How the USWNT won its fourth title and what[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Caitlin Murray discuss the U.S. women’s big win over France at the World Cup. Josh, Ben Mathis-Lilley, and Vinson Cunningham break down the big moves in NBA free agency. Finally, Josh and Ben are joined by the Guardian’s Nick Miller to assess baseball in London. Women’s World Cup (01:43): Breaking[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis discuss the U.S. national team’s win over Spain at the Women’s World Cup. Josh and Joel Anderson are then joined by David West to talk about the NBA draft and the Historical Basketball League. Finally, Josh and Joel assess the plan for the Tampa Bay Rays to play half the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Canadian soccer player Diana Matheson to discuss the Women’s World Cup; Sports Illustrated’s S.L. Price talks about agent Rich Paul and Paul’s client Anthony Davis; and the Athletic’s Ethan Strauss ruminates on the possible end of the Warriors dynasty.  Women’s World Cup (2:27): Did we learn anything[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson to discuss the Raptors’ rise and the possible end of the Warriors’ dynasty. Louisa Thomas of the New Yorker also joins to talk about the French Open. Finally, Thompson returns for a conversation about analytics and race. NBA Finals (2:38): Can Kevin Durant[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz to discuss the NBA Finals. ESPN’s Julie Foudy also joins to talk about the Women’s World Cup, and Ben Lindbergh comes on the show for a conversation about his book The MVP Machine. NBA Finals (2:55): Why the Warriors won Game 2, and how[...]

Stefan Fatsis, and substitute co-host by Gene Demby, are joined by Bruce Arthur to talk about the Raptors, Lindsay Gibbs to talk WNBA and Howard Bryant to talk about black players in the MLB. NBA (2:42): Are the Warriors worried about the Raptors? Should they be? WNBA (19:42): Women's leagues have always been an overlooked[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by The Athletic’s Ethan Strauss to discuss the Warriors and Zion Williamson. NFL retiree and mathematician John Urschel also joins to talk about his book Mind and Matter. Finally, Louisa Thomas assesses tennis player Nick Kyrgios. NBA (4:21): Are the Warriors better without Kevin Durant? Should Zion Williamson[...]

Linda Taylor was a con artist, a kidnapper, maybe even a murderer. She was also America’s original “welfare queen,” the villain Ronald Reagan needed to create a vision of a country being taken advantage of by its poorest citizens. In this new mini-series, Josh Levin reveals the never-before-told story of a woman whose singular life[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss Kawhi Leonard’s Game 7 buzzer-beater with ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz. Slate’s Joel Anderson also talks about Warriors-Rockets and Blazers-Nuggets, and the New York Times’ Rory Smith analyzes the state of English soccer. Kawhi’s game-winner (1:51): What it was like in the arena when that shot bounced and bounced and bounced[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the Kentucky Derby with Sports Illustrated’s Tim Layden; author David Epstein talks about the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling on Caster Semenya; and Slate’s Nick Greene discusses Kawhi Leonard and Nikola Jokic. Kentucky Derby (2:46): Did officials at the Kentucky Derby make the right call in disqualifying Maximum[...]

Josh Levin talks with Aymann Ismail, the host of Man Up, the new Slate podcast about masculinity in the modern world. The two discuss Ep. 1 of Man Up, which features Eric Kelly. Kelly was so successful at fighting off bullies as a kid in Brooklyn, that he grew up to become an Olympic level[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss Warriors-Rockets and Kevin Durant with the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson; the NFL draft with ESPN’s Mina Kimes; and ESPN’s new 30 for 30 documentary The Dominican Dream with director Jonathan Hock. Warriors-Rockets (3:00): Houston is complaining about the referees. Kevin Durant is putting up huge numbers. What else can we[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss NBA playoff beefs with Slate’s Nick Greene. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski joins to talk about the NHL playoffs. Finally, Sports Illustrated’s Jack Dickey assesses Jeopardy! genius James Holzhauer. NBA beefs (4:07): Durant vs. Beverley.Dudley vs. Simmons. Westbrook vs. Lillard. What’s the best NBA beef, and which postseason beef needs more[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss Tiger Woods’ Masters win with Slate’s Jim Newell. The New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham joins to talk about Kyle Korver’s essay on white privilege. Finally, ESPN’s Jeff Passan explains the logic behind Ozzie Albies’ awful contract. Tiger Woods (1:55): His win at the Masters was an all-time great sports moment.[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the women’s NCAA tournament with Lindsay Gibbs of ThinkProgress. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Ballard also joins to talk about Giannis Antetokounmpo. Finally, Slate’s Jim Newell assesses Donald Trump’s cheating on the golf course. NCAA tournament (2:01): How did Baylor beat defending champ Notre Dame? And what should we make of[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca break down the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four and are joined by Lindsay Gibbs of ThinkProgress to discuss the women’s tournament. Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer talks about the new Major League Baseball season. And author Wayne Coffey comes on to discuss his new book, They Said It Couldn’t Be[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss Duke’s crazy NCAA Tournament win over UCF. They also talk about Michigan State coach Tom Izzo’s sideline behavior, and Ian Eagle joins the show to explain how play-by-play announcers call buzzer-beaters. Duke-UCF (1:14): How the Blue Devils pulled it out, and how Zion vs. Tacko lived up to its[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Ben Mathis-Lilley talk about the field for this year’s NCAA tournament and Zion Williamson’s return to the court. They also discuss the college admissions scandal and the Giants’ move to trade Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns. March Madness (1:55): Did the selection committee get it right? Will Zion dominate[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk about the basketball recruiting scandal at LSU. The New York Times’ Joe Drape also joins to discuss the deaths of 21 horses at Santa Anita Park. Finally, the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis assesses the sportswriter Dan Jenkins, who died last week at age 90. LSU (1:48): Should webe outraged about[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Jemele Hill of the Atlantic to discuss what’s gone wrong with LeBron James and the Lakers. They also talk about Bryce Harper’s $330 million deal with the Phillies and Jason Witten’s return to football after a year in the broadcast booth. LeBron (1:18): We knew the Lakers[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Damon Young to discuss Zion Williamson and the NCAA. ESPN’s Scott Eden also joins to talk about disgraced NBA ref Tim Donaghy and Deadspin’s Dvora Meyers assesses whether breaking should be an Olympic sport. Zion Williamson (1:24): In the aftermath of his shoe explosion and knee injury, should[...]

Josh Levin is joined by Robert Lipsyte to discuss the settlement between the NFL and ex-49ers Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid. Sean Forman also joins to explain how he built Sports Reference and Tom Junod talks about his article on his father and sports gambling. Colin Kaepernick (3:10): Robert Lipsyte opines on whether Kaepernick or[...]

Josh Levin, NPR’s Gene Demby, and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunninham discuss the big moves and non-moves at the NBA trade deadline. They also talk about Steven Soderbergh’s new NBA lockout movie High Flying Bird and the nascent Alliance of American Football. NBA trades (1:25): Anthony Davis isn’t going to the Lakers (yet) and Markelle[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley discuss the Patriots’ putrid Super Bowl win over the Rams. The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis also joins to assess Tony Romo’s performance. Finally, they critique the Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis trade. Super Bowl (1:32): It was a bad game. Very bad. How did the defenses muck things up in[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Courtney Nguyen to talk about Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open win. The Wall Street Journal’s Louise Radnofsky also joins to assess the U.S. figure skating championships, and the Washington Post’s Candace Buckner discusses NBA players’ feet. Naomi Osaka (6:22): The 21-year-old backed up her U.S. Open victory with[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by The Gist’s Mike Pesca to discuss the NFL’s conference championship games. ESPN’s Steve Fainaru also joins to talk about the collapsing football insurance market, and Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer assesses baseball’s ice-cold free agent market. NFL playoffs (3:51): The Saints got robbed. Does that mean the[...]

Josh Levin is here to introduce you to What Next, Slate's new daily news podcast. UCLA’s Katelyn Ohashi wowed the internet this week with a viral video of her college gymnastics floor routine. As Ohashi’s star rises, the U.S. women’s gymnastics program is imploding. Fans of the sport wonder: What is the price of being[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by The Football Girl’s Melissa Jacobs to discuss the NFL playoffs. They also talk about the state of black coaches in the NFL and Racquet’s Caitlin Thompson helps assess the career of the (possibly) retiring Andy Murray. NFL playoffs (1:16): What we saw in the divisional round—Pats! Chiefs![...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Nick Greene to discuss the NFL’s wild card weekend. Jonathan Tjarks of the Ringer also joins to talk about James Harden and Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers assesses Chelsea’s acquisition of Christian Pulisic. NFL playoffs (1:56): Lamar Jackson was bad, Cody Parkey doinked another field[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin take listener questions in a special year-end call-in show. Topics include which sports movies are the most realistic, what sports story would make for a great season of Slow Burn, and what would happen if women’s sports were the only ones broadcast on television. Learn more about your ad choices.[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Shirley Wang to talk about her dad’s friendship with Charles Barkley. Jane Leavy also joins to discuss her Babe Ruth biography The Big Fella, and ESPN’s Joel Anderson helps assess the Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas documentary 42 to 1. Lin Wang and Charles Barkley (1:50): Why Shirley Wang’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham. They discuss Raheem Sterling and racism in English soccer, the 25th anniversary of the FOX-NFL alliance (with the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis), and Stephen Curry’s comments about the moon landing being a hoax. Raheem Sterling (2:26): How an Instagram post started a much-needed[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by NPR’s Gene Demby to discuss Heisman winner Kyler Murray’s impending choice between pro baseball and pro football, the Philadelphia 76ers’ chemistry issues with Jimmy Butler in the mix, and the NFL’s request for new punting proposals. Kyler Murray (2:30): Can the Oklahoma star play both football and[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ThinkProgress’ Lindsay Gibbs to discuss the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to cut Kareem Hunt. The New York Times’ Marc Tracy also joins to talk about Alabama’s comeback win in the SEC title game and Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl helps assess Gregg Berhalter, the new head coach of[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by SB Nation’s Spencer Hall to discuss Texas A&M’s seven-overtime win over LSU. Joshua Robinson of the Wall Street Journal also joins to talk about the chaos in Argentina surrounding a soccer match between Boca Juniors and River Plate. And Jim Newell assesses The Match between Phil Mickelson[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Ethan Sherwood Strauss to discuss Draymond Green’s beef with Kevin Durant. Oliver Roeder of FiveThirtyEight also joins to talk about the World Chess Championship and the Atlantic’s Derek Thompson talks about income inequality in youth sports. Draymond vs. KD (2:40): Will interpersonal strife tear the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Ben Cohen to discuss Duke freshman Zion Williamson and the video game–like NBA and NFL. Baseball writer Rob Neyer also joins to discuss Bill James’ claim that baseball players are replaceable. Zion Williamson (4:09): After two games, the Duke star looks like the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Washington Post’s Rick Maese to talk about the state of the Maryland football program after DJ Durkin’s firing. Slate’s Nick Greene also joins to discuss Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman and Bleacher Report’s Mirin Fader explains why WNBA players opted out of their collective bargaining agreement.[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Sam Miller to discuss Boston’s fourth World Series title in 15 years. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin also joins to talk about LeBron and the Lakers, and the Ringer’s Kevin Clark explains why NFL coaches are finally getting aggressive on fourth down. World Series (3:31): How the Red[...]

Stefan Fatsis is joined by Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer and Emma Baccellieri of Sports Illustrated to discuss the baseball playoffs; by author Michael Sokolove and Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports to talk about college basketball’s corruption trial; and by writer Liam Boylan-Pett and history professor Louis Moore to discuss Bob Beamon’s record-shattering long jump[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Yahoo’s Jeff Passan to discuss Red Sox pitcher David Price’s October awfulness. ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle talks about why Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew are staying in Ohio, and Deadspin’s Dvora Meyers assesses gymnast Simone Biles. Baseball playoffs (3:20): Why have David Price and Clayton Kershaw been so[...]

Josh Levin, Ben Mathis-Lilley, and Slate’s Joel Anderson discuss Drew Brees becoming the NFL’s all-time passing yardage leader, the UFC fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor,  and college football at the season’s halfway point. Drew Brees (1:49): What does the New Orleans Saints quarterback’s success say about the NFL? And is his persona winning[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Deadspin’s Laura Wagner are joined by Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer to discuss the baseball playoffs, and by Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post to discuss New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Plus, a conversation with Jason Gay of the Wall Street Journal about  Gritty. Baseball (1:44): Can “bullpenning” carry the Oakland[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Jim Newell to talk about Tiger Woods’ first win in five years. Plus, Lee Jenkins explains why he left Sports Illustrated to take a job with the Los Angeles Clippers’, and Jonathan Hock discusses his documentary 14 Back. Tiger Woods (1:19): It had been 1,876 days[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss Vontae Davis’ mid-game retirement and Le’Veon Bell’s holdout, Outside Magazine’s Alex Hutchinson talks about Eliud Kipchoge’s new marathon world record, and Aaron Gordon assesses The Athletic as a business and editorial venture. Vontae Davis and Le’Veon Bell (1:25): Davis’ sudden exit from the league and Bell’s refusal to suit[...]

Josh Levin and guest host Vann Newkirk of the Atlantic are joined by the New Yorker’s Louisa Thomas to discuss Serena Williams and the 2018 U.S. Open final. They’re also joined by Slate’s Derreck Johnson to assess LeBron James’ HBO series The Shop. Serena Williams (1:02): What happened in the 2018 U.S. Open final between[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Deadspin’s Laura Wagner to discuss Colin Kaepernick and Nike. Mark Leibovich also joins to talk about his new book on the NFL, Big Game. Finally, they interview the Washington Post’s Dave Sheinin about his piece on a baseball player who came agonizingly close to making the majors.[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis are joined by Jessica Luther to discuss Ohio State’s decision not to fire its football coach Urban Meyer; Stefan talks to John Branch about competitive Rubik’s cube solving; and the hosts play two of their favorite Slate Plus segments from 2018, on the perils of co-ed sports and Chinese NBA[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by The Root’s Damon Young to discuss Jalen Ramsey, Jarvis Landry, and the state of NFL trash talk. They also talk about major rule changes in college basketball, and the Athletic’s Dana O’Neil joins to assess the future of UMBC basketball. NFL trash talk (1:52): Jalen Ramsey gave[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Jim Newell to discuss Tiger Woods’ near-win at the PGA Championship, SB Nation’s Spencer Hall talks about toxic college football cultures, and ESPN’s Sam Miller assesses the effectiveness of shifts in baseball. PGA (2:15): Brooks Koepka won the PGA Championship, but all eyes were on runner-up[...]

Josh Levin is joined by Deadspin’s Laura Wagner and the New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham to talk about Urban Meyer’s possible ouster at Ohio State, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Terrell Owens and Ray Lewis, and the NFL’s new helmet rule. Urban Meyer (1:40): Ohio State has placed its head coach on administrative leave. Does[...]

Live from the airwaves of WRNT, the 50,000 watt scorching (yet fictitious) voice of Boston sports radio….it’s The Dougie and The Donk Show. On today’s episode we take a trip to a fantastical football universe. A new TV special about a notorious 2001 Patriots game asks a lot of crazy questions. Like what if quarterback[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Dallas Wings star Liz Cambage to discuss the state of the WNBA. VeloNews’ Frederick Dreier talks about the Tour de France. Finally, Keith Barnes of the Mamie Johnson Little League talks his history-making team. Liz Cambage (1:42): The All-Star center has spoken out against basketball's gender wage[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Howard Bryant to discuss the militarization of sports, Slate’s Christina Cauterucci talks about Jaelene Hinkle, and Deadspin’s Dom Cosentino assesses the future of flag football. Sports and the military (1:56): From flags the size of football fields to veterans throwing out the first pitch, sports and[...]

Henry Grabar and Josh Levin are joined by Men in Blazers’ Roger Bennett to discuss the World Cup. Racquet Magazine’s Caitlin Thompson talks about Wimbledon. And Sports Illustrated’s Emma Baccellieri assesses the terrible Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals. World Cup (2:33): France won the World Cup with an average age of 25 years and[...]

Nick Greene and Josh Levin are joined by Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl to discuss the World Cup. The New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham also joins to discuss Stephen A. Smith. Plus, an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.  World Cup (1:25): How will a young French team fare against Belgium’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley to discuss LeBron to the Lakers, Sports Illustrated’s Luis Miguel Echegaray talks about the World Cup, and the Political Gabfest’s Emily Bazelon assesses the controversy over Luke Heimlich. LeBron (1:16): How will the NBA’s balance of power shift now that the league’s best player[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the World Cup with Ken Early of the Irish Times, the fate of the DH and Major League Baseball expansion with Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer, and killing the NBA draft with Jay Caspian Kang of Vice News. World Cup (2:00): Ken Early joins for a conversation about Argentina’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the World Cup with Slate’s Nick Greene and Slate’s Jim Newell joins to talk about golf’s U.S. Open. Plus, an interview with BuzzFeed’s Ken Bensinger about his book on corruption in soccer, Red Card.  World Cup (2:20): Stefan, Josh, and Nick Greene discuss the start of the men’s World[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin to talk about LeBron James' next stop; by Bruce Arena to discuss why the U.S. missed the World Cup; and by Slate's Jayson De Leon for a conversation about who to root for in Russia. LeBron's future (2:21): Nobody knows where the world's best[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the NBA finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors and the crazy story of anonymous Twitter accounts linked to Philadelphia 76ers GM Bryan Colangelo. Hockey writer Greg Wyshynski of ESPN joins the show to discuss the Stanley Cup finals between the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights.[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton to discuss the fourth straight Cavs-Warriors NBA Finals. NPR’s Gene Demby also joins to talk about the NFL’s anthem policy, and Deadspin’s Laura Wagner comes on for a conversation about her piece “So Who Is Barstool’s PFT Commenter?” Warriors and Cavaliers (2:16): Kevin Pelton[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson to discuss the Warriors and Steph Curry. Bloomberg’s Ira Boudway also joins to talk about legalized sports betting, and John Swansburg helps assess Tom Wolfe’s classic piece on NASCAR driver Junior Johnson. Golden State Warriors (4:20): With Steph Curry looking spry and healthy,[...]

Stefan Fatsis and guest host Mike Pesca discuss the start of the NBA conference finals and the debate over the debate over who’s the greatest, Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Stefan talks to Roger Bennett of Men In Blazers about Wayne Rooney’s reported move to America and Roger’s new book, Men in Blazers Present Encyclopedia[...]

Stefan Fatsis is joined by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin to break down the epic buzzer-beater by LeBron James in Game 3 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference playoffs and by hockey writer Sean McIndoe to discuss the Stanley Cup playoffs. Slate’s Christina Cauterucci and Juliet Macur of the New York Times talk about the exploitative treatment of[...]

Josh Levin, Wosny Lambre, and Ethan Sherwood Strauss discuss the NBA playoffs. They also talk about Meek Mill’s release from prison and his relationship with the 76ers, and they ponder quarterback Josh Allen’s old, racial-slur-laden tweets. NBA playoffs (2:20): Josh, Wos, and Ethan assess the state of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the NBA’s most[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis discuss the NBA playoffs with Slate’s Nick Greene. The Irish Times’ Ken Early joins to talk about Arsene Wenger’s departure as Arsenal’s manager, and the MMQB’s Tim Rohan explores the history of the mock draft. NBA playoffs (2:00): The hosts are joined by Nick Greene to assess the first round,[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis discuss the musical Small Ball with Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell joins to talk about why the NFL is bad at scouting quarterbacks, and The Good Place’s Mike Schur explains his love for Dan Le Batard. Small Ball (1:55): The day after the Rockets’ win in Game[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis discuss Patrick Reed’s Masters win with Slate’s Jim Newell. The Toronto Star’s Bruce Arthur also joins to talk about the Humboldt bus crash, and the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh helps assess Shohei Ohtahi’s amazing week. Masters (1:36): Jim Newell explains why first-time major champion Patrick Reed is so widely loathed, and[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis discuss the women’s NCAA tournament with Jere Longman and Kara Lawson. Patrick Fort also joins to talk about emergency hockey goalies, and they interview Jack Alexander and Bill Bunten about sports before Brown v. Board. NCAA Tournament (2:20): The New York Times’ Jere Longman and ESPN’s Kara Lawson come on[...]

Josh Levin, ESPN’s Joel Anderson, and NPR’s Gene Demby discuss March Madness. They also talk about the sports world’s response to the police killing of Stephon Clark and how Kevin Love and DeMar Derozan started a conversation about mental health. NCAA Tournament (2:00): Josh, Joel, and Gene examine Loyola-Chicago’s Cinderella run to the Final Four, Duke’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the New York Times’ Marc Tracy to discuss UMBC. Deadspin’s Dom Cosentino comes on to talk about Kirk Cousins’ new contract. Plus: Dave Kindred on covering girls’ high school basketball. NCAA (1:27): Stefan, Josh, and Marc Tracy of the New York Times recap the first weekend of[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis talk with Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley about the NCAA Tournament, Slate’s Jim Newell joins to talk about Tiger Woods’ comeback, and ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz assesses the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets. March Madness (1:31):Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley chats with Josh and Stefan about how to be a college basketball fan without being[...]

Guest hosts Daniel Engber and David Epstein talk with Carl Bialik about robot line judges in tennis, Mike Pesca joins for a review of NBA tanking, and Florentina Hettinga discusses the science of the Paralympics. Robot umpires (1:47): Carl Bialik discusses the latest innovation in line-calling technology and how it might affect tennis. Tanking (18:25): Hang Up[...]

Stefan Fatsis welcomes Slate’s Justin Peters and NBC Nordic skiing commentator Chad Salmela to recap the Winter Olympics. And journalist Ben Strauss and sports economist Andy Schwarz examine the government probe of NCAA basketball recruitment. Winter Olympics (1:42): Stefan and Justin Peters recap the final week of the Winter Olympics including the United States men’s[...]

Josh Levin is joined by Slate’s Justin Peters and the Wall Street Journal’s Ben Cohen to talk about Elizabeth Swaney, Ester Ledecka, Nathan Chen, and more from the Olympics. PhillyVoice’s Kyle Neubeck also joins to discuss what’s wrong with Markelle Fultz. Winter Olympics (:59): Josh, Ben Cohen, and Justin Peters talk about the United States’[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis talk with Slate’s Justin Peters about the top stories from the Olympics, Jack Hamilton joins to look at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster shake-up, and Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl discusses what’s next for U.S. Soccer. Pyeongchang 2018 (1:00):Josh, Stefan, and Slate’s Justin Peters break down the start of the 2018 Winter[...]

Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis talk with the Gist’s Mike Pesca about the Eagles’ win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. They’re also joined by Jeff Passan of Yahoo to discuss what can be done to fix Major League Baseball’s broken economic system. Super Bowl LII (1:15): The original Hang Up crew discusses all[...]

Josh Levin talks with Paula Lavigne of ESPN and Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley about the Michigan State sexual abuse scandal. ESPN’s Howard Bryant also joins to discuss the Australian Open, and the Root’s Damon Young assesses the NBA’s all-star draft. Michigan State (1:30): Paula Lavigne of ESPN’s Outside the Lines explains what she’s learned about the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk about the Patriots’ and Eagles’ wins in the NFL’s title games; the New York Times’ Juliet Macur discusses the sex abuse scandal in U.S. gymnastics; and Deadspin’s Dave McKenna helps remember D.C. sports legend Gary Mays. NFL playoffs (1:41): A conversation about the Patriots’ inevitability, the rise and fall[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the Vikings’ last-second win over the Saints and other NFL playoff doings; the Wall Street Journal’s Ben Cohen joins to talk about Trae Young; and Sam Miller comes on for a conversation about a 50-inning baseball game. NFL playoffs (1:35): Stefan consoles Josh about the Saints’ tragic defeat. They[...]

Stefan Fatsis, former NFL player Nate Jackson, and football writer Melissa Jacobs discuss the NFL playoffs. Then Stefan talks to Spencer Hall of SB Nation about the University of Central Florida’s claim on college football’s national championship. And Stefan talks to soccer writer Jonathan Wilson about Manchester City’s dominance of England’s Premier League. NFL playoffs[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Gist’s Mike Pesca to discuss a whole bunch of sports conundrums. Among the questions they ponder: How many seventh-grade basketball players would it take to beat LeBron James? How would you change an NBA court or an NFL field if irregularities were allowed? What’s a more[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Ben Strauss to discuss why academically rigorous universities like Wesleyan are betting big on football. They also speak with Rick Telander about the life and legacy of hoops legend Connie Hawkins. Division III football (3:09): Ben Strauss joins to assess the trend of elite schools investing big[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Andrew Brandt to discuss the allegations against Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson; by Chris Nowinski to talk about the NFL concussion protocol; and by Deadspin to assess the rise of fake sports news. Jerry Richardson (1:41): Former Green Bay Packers vice president Andrew Brandt discusses the allegations[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Warren Cromartie and the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh to discuss Shohei Ohtani and Giancarlo Stanton; David Epstein joins to assess Russia’s Olympics ban; and Daniel Libit talks about his muckraking site NM Fishbowl. Shohei Ohtani and Giancarlo Stanton (2:10): Former Japanese League star Warren Cromartie assesses how Japanese[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Jeremy Stahl of Slate, and Howard Bryant of ESPN discuss the rift among NFL players over the league’s plan to donate money to social causes. Then Stefan and Josh Levin talk to Tom Haberstroh of Bleacher Report Magazine about the NBA’s new veganism. And Stefan talks about the forgotten, first black quarterback in[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Spencer Hall to talk about Alabama’s loss to Auburn and Tennessee’s Greg Schiano fiasco; by Vann Newkirk to discuss Alabama’s 3-on-5 basketball near-miracle; and by Bruce Arthur to assess the Grey Cup. College football (1:53): Spencer Hall of SB Nation discusses Auburn’s big win over its rival[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Ringer’s Kevin Clark to talk about NFL quarterback play and the Root’s Damon Young discusses Donald Trump’s feud with Lavar Ball. Plus: Slate’s June Thomas joins for an interview with swimmer Diana Nyad.  Quarterbacks (2:00): Kevin Clark comes on for a conversation about Nathan Peterman’s extraordinarily[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl to talk about the race for the U.S. Soccer presidency, and Mike Pesca comes on to talk about NFL celebrations, the Miami turnover chain, and inspirational locker room speeches. U.S. Soccer (1:30): SI’s Grant Wahl talks about the contenders for the top job[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Chuck Culpepper to discuss a crazy weekend in college football, by Charles P. Pierce to talk about Tom Brady’s weird diet and workout regimen, and by Greg Wyshynski to assess the Vegas Golden Knights. College Football (1:40): Chuck Culpepper of the Washington Post joins for a conversation[...]

Josh Levin is joined by Ben Lindbergh to discuss the World Series; by Don Van Natta Jr. and Jeremy Stahl to talk about behind-the-scenes machinations in the NFL; and by Alexandra Starr and Christina Cauterucci to examine sexual abuse in sports. World Series (1:39): The Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh comes on the show for a conversation[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the World Series and Dusty Baker with ESPN’s Howard Bryant. Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN also joins to talk about the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Alan Siegel helps assess the legacy of the Simpsons’ “Homer at the Bat.” Baseball (1:37): Howard Bryant comes on the show to preview the World[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss Colin Kaepernick’s collusion grievance. They’re also joined by Evan Drellich to talk about Houston Astros star Jose Altuve, and by Caitlin Murray for a conversation about the Portland Thorns women’s soccer team. Kaepernick and collusion (1:50): Stefan and Josh assess whether Kaepernick’s grievance against the NFL has a chance[...]

In this special emergency episode of Slate’s sports podcast Hang Up and Listen, Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the U.S. men’s national team’s disastrous loss to Trinidad and Tobago and what comes next for American soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss Jemele Hill, Jerry Jones, and Donald Trump with the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis. Yahoo’s Jeff Passan also joins to discuss the baseball playoffs, and Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers talks about Iceland’s World Cup dreams. Politics and the NFL (1:10): Bryan Curtis joins for a conversation about ESPN’s suspension[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss the shifting politics of the NFL protests with Jamil Smith. Bloomberg View’s Joe Nocera also joins to discuss the FBI investigation of NCAA basketball, the Ringer’s Ben Lindbergh previews the baseball playoffs. NFL protests (2:24): Jamil Smith joins for a conversation about how NFL owners have tried to co-opt[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin and Marcus Thompson of The Athletic discuss the wave of protests against Donald Trump’s remarks about the NFL. Then they talk about Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant’s recent Twitter snafu and his fragile psyche. And broadcaster and former U.S. soccer player Marcelo Balboa joins for a conversation about hot, new[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by NPR’s Gene Demby to discuss Jemele Hill and ESPN’s conservative trolls, by HBO’s Eric Raskin to talk about Golovkin-Alvarez, and by Ninja Warrior’s Josh Levin for a conversation about obstacle course stardom. Jemele Hill (1:28): Gene Demby of NPR’s Code Switch comes on the show to explore[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the New York Times’ Mark Leibovich to discuss the NFL’s opening weekend, by Racquet’s Caitlin Thompson to assess Sloane Stephens’ U.S. Open win, and by Mike Pesca for a debate about the Red Sox’s sign-stealing. NFL (1:08): Mark Leibovich describes his experiences in New England and Dallas[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by SB Nation’s Spencer Hall to discuss college football. Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders also joins to talk about NFL tanking, and Ed Cunningham explains his move to quit his job as a football announcer for ESPN. College football openers (2:14): Spencer Hall talks about Texas A&M’s crushing[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by the Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay to discuss  Floyd Mayweather’s win over Conor McGregor, by Ken Rosenthal to talk about the Athletic, and by Robert Lipsyte to assess Clay Travis and ESPN’s supposed liberalism. Mayweather-McGregor (1:30): Jason Gay, who watched the fight while high, explains why fans[...]

Stefan Fatsis is joined by former NFL player Hamza Abdullah and ESPN’s Howard Bryant to analyze race and sports. ESPN writer Mechelle Voepel and MinnPost.com’s Pat Borzi chat about the WNBA. And director Adam Hootnick discusses his documentary about Texas high-school football, What Carter Lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Johnette Howard to discuss Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension, tennis writer Ben Rothenberg comes on to talk about Sascha Zverev, and Mike Schur analyzes the Los Angeles Dodgers’ excellence. Ezekiel Elliott (2:16): Johnette Howard joins to review the domestic abuse allegations leveled against the Cowboys running back, if the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by ProPublica’s David Epstein to discuss Usain Bolt’s loss to Justin Gatlin. The Irish Times’ Ken Early also talks about Neymar’s record-setting transfer, and Josh and Stefan analyze Colin Kaepernick’s NFL exile. Usain Bolt (1:14): David Epstein joins to dissect Usain Bolt’s final competitive 100-meter race, Justin Gatlin’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by sportswriter Jessica Luther to discuss girls in baseball. Dan Nosowitz also talks about trends in basketball sneakers, and Scrabble champion Will Anderson comes on the show to recount his victory. Girls in Baseball (1:29): Jessica Luther joins to describe her time covering the elite Girls Travel Baseball[...]

Josh Levin and ESPN’s Mina Kimes are joined by Slate’s Jim Newell to discuss Jordan Spieth’s British Open win. Josh and Mina also dissect Kyrie Irving’s trade drama, and Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley analyzes Hugh Freeze’s ousting as Ole Miss football coach. Jordan Spieth (2:15):Jim Newell joins to talk about how Jordan Spieth avoided a Sunday[...]

Wimbledon (2:15):Howard Bryant joins to assess Roger Federer’s routine victory, Venus Williams’ recent resurgence, and whether the next generation of tennis stars will ever step up to challenge the sport’s veterans. Record-Setting Rookies (16:04): Sam Miller of ESPN discusses the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, and whether either[...]

Josh Levin and Ben Mathis-Lilley are joined by Daniel “Progressive Liberal” Harnsberger to chat about his wrestling persona. The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis also discusses Jamie Horowitz and Fox Sports, and Nick Greene analyzes NBA free agency. The Progressive Liberal (1:27): Professional wrestler Daniel Harnsberger joins to describe the inspiration behind his character, whether he’s critiquing[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by former NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf to discuss his return to basketball in the BigIG3, his protest of the national anthem, and how Tourette's Syndrome affected his career. Golden State Warriors President Rick Welts also comes on the show to discuss being openly gay in the NBA and[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Joel Anderson of BuzzFeed to discuss the NBA draft. Graphic designer Todd Radom also joins to debate the merits of updating the NBA logo. Finally, they chat about the perils of playing sports while old. NBA Draft (2:00): Assessing the latest news on the pro basketball transaction[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Kevin Draper to discuss the upcoming Mayweather-McGregor mega-fight. Ben Lindbergh also joins to discuss whether major-league baseballs are juiced. Finally, David Gessner talks about his memoir Ultimate Glory. Mayweather-McGregor (1:28): A conversation with the New York Times’  Kevin Draper about the logistics of the upcoming match-up between[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Mike Pesca to discuss the Warriors' NBA Finals win. George Dohrmann also joins to talk about U.S. soccer phenom Christian Pulisic. Plus, an interview with Ice Cube about the documentary Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies. NBA Finals (2:06): A conversation with Hang Up alum Mike Pesca about the[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Marcus Thompson to discuss the NBA Finals. Bruce Arthur also joins for a conversation about the Stanley Cup Final, and Sadie Stein comes on the show to talk about Mr. Met. NBA Finals (1:10): A conversation with Marcus Thompson about the Golden State Warriors' dominance thus far,[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Ethan Sherwood Strauss to preview the NBA Finals. They also talk with Charles P. Pierce about the legacy of writer Frank Deford, and Daniel Engber joins for a conversation about our favorite non-famous athletes. NBA Finals (1:54): A conversation with Ethan Strauss about what to look out[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin and guest Jane Coaston talk about the NBA playoffs. Sean Singer also joins to discuss Enes Kanter and Turkish politics, and economist Andy Schwarz comes on the show to announce his plan to kill the NCAA’s amateur model. NBA playoffs (2:42): A conversation about the inevitability of a third straight[...]

Bryan Curtis and Stefan Fatsis talk with Michael Lee about John Wall and the NBA playoffs. Former NFL player Stephen White joins to discuss why quarterback Colin Kaepernick remains unemployed. Bryan and Stefan discuss the NFL broadcasting prospects of retired quarterbacks Tony Romo and Jay Cutler. And Scott Price joins to discuss his recent articles[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk with ESPN’s Howard Bryant about racism in Boston sports. Damon Young also joins to discuss LaVar Ball and the “black basketball dad,” and David Epstein analyzes Nike’s effort to engineer a sub-two-hour marathon. Racism in Boston sports (??): A conversation with Howard Bryant, the author of Shut Out: A[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and guest Wosny Lambre talk about the layoffs at ESPN. They also discuss how NFL teams evaluate draftees with "red flags" and review Dion Waiters’ genius essay for the Players’ Tribune. ESPN layoffs (2:31): What do the massive cuts at the Worldwide Leader say about the network’s new business model and[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Greg Howard talk with Kevin Arnovitz about the NBA playoffs. Alex Hutchinson joins to analyze an upcoming attempt to break the two-hour marathon. And Stefan interviews John Kelly, the lone finisher of this year’s Barkley Marathons. NBA playoffs (1:48): We talk with Kevin Arnovitz about the media coverage surrounding the death of[...]

Stefan Fatsis is joined by Shea Serrano and Marcus Thompson to talk about the NBA playoffs. Stefan and Josh Levin also interview Nick Elam about how to fix basketball’s end game. Finally, Stefan and Christina Cauterucci talk with Becca Roux about the new labor deal in women’s soccer.  NBA Playoffs (2:20): Breaking down the best[...]

Ethan Sherwood Strauss has been covering the Golden State Warriors for several years for ESPN, during which time the team became the most popular and successful in the NBA. On the eve of the NBA Playoffs, he sat down with Isaac Chotiner to discuss life on the NBA beat, the strange life of Steph Curry,[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin talk to Jim Newell about the Masters; Tom Haberstroh about Russell Westbrook and resting NBA players; Meg Rowley about baseball’s return; and Jonathan Hock about One and Not Done, his ESPN documentary on John Calipari. The Masters (2:20): Breaking down a thrilling finish, Sergio Garcia’s long-awaited major championship, and Jim[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Joel Anderson are joined by the Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins to talk about UConn’s loss in the women’s NCAA tournament. They also discuss the men’s Final Four, the Las Vegas Raiders, and NBA hook-up culture. Women’s Final Four: Sally Jenkins joins to explain how Mississippi State broke UConn’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and guest panelist Jane Coaston discuss the weekend's NCAA tournament storylines and the U.S. women’s hockey team’s boycott. Ben Mathis-Lilley also joins to talk about his Slate article on Jamie Horowitz and Fox Sports 1. NCAA Tournament (2:51): Analyzing the weekend’s thrilling buzzer-beaters, the value of one-and-done programs, and the endearing[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the NCAA tournament and the World Baseball Classic. Mike also announces his departure from the show, and Josh and Stefan send him off with Pesca Jeopardy! NCAA Tournament (5:24): Was the first round of March Madness boring? Is poor seeding to blame? We break down the first[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss March Madness, the Brock Osweiler trade, and the Washington NFL team’s decision to fire Scot McCloughan. They also talk about the annual video ranking the best hair in Minnesota high school hockey.   NCAA Tournament (3:40): Why isn’t Gonzaga the bettors’ March Madness favorite? Is Villanova getting[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Duke’s Grayson Allen and other NCAA basketball matters. Scott Raab also joins to talk about his new book You’re Welcome, Cleveland, and Oliver Roeder of FiveThirtyEight explains how a computer program beat four pro poker players. Grayson Allen and NCAA hoops (2:55): exploring America’s longstanding hatred of[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss sports parallels for Sunday’s big Oscars mishap. They also talk JaVale McGee’s feud with Shaquille O’Neal, and Ken Early of the Irish Times joins to discuss the decline of Leicester City. Sports and the Oscars (3:07): breaking down the Moonlight-La La Land mix-up, pondering different sports analogies,[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Kevin Arnovitz discuss the DeMarcus Cousins trade and the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles, the football team whose fans call the plays. LaVar Ball also joins to talk about parenting and how his three sons will change basketball. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup  Learn more about your ad[...]

 Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and Dan Steinberg discuss Patriots players spurning the White House. They also analyze Kevin Durant’s return to OKC and Dolan v. Oakley, and high school coach Kyle Allen joins to explain his effort to revolutionize basketball. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Patriots’ epic Super Bowl comeback and the Falcons’ amazing collapse. Charles P. Pierce joins to discuss Tom Brady, and SB Nation’s Spencer Hall explains why the game was quintessentially Atlanta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Mike Pesca, and Josh Levin break down the Australian Open. Tim Layden also joins to discuss the sports ramifications of Trump’s refugee ban, and Rod Smart and Charlie Ebersol talk about the 30 for 30 documentary This Was the XFL. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Jack Hamilton talk about the Falcons’ and Patriots’ conference title game wins. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Ballard also joins to discuss the streaking 76ers, and they assess the Baseball Hall of Fame’s new inductees. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Nate Jackson talk about the NFL playoffs. They’re also joined by Don Yee to discuss his proposed pro football minor league and ESPN’s Ethan Sherwood Strauss to assess the 35-6 Golden State Warriors. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the New York Giants’ playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers and Odell Beckham’s pre-game boat trip. They also discuss the legacy of ESPN’s Chris Berman and the 2017 World Darts Championship. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices.[...]

Josh Levin and Mike Pesca are joined by the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis to discuss the college football playoffs and the quarterback crisis in the NFL playoffs. They’re also joined by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton to examine the NBA’s sudden surge in triple-doubles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk with their favorite guests of 2016: Leicester City beat writer Rob Tanner; Mina Kimes of ESPN the Magazine, author of a profile of Martellus and Michael Bennett; and Ann Beaty, the widow of Zelmo Beaty. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca discuss the Minnesota football sexual assault invesigation with journalist Jessica Luther. They also talk about Ronda Rousey's UFC return with Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, and the year in Cleveland sports with writer Scott Raab. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca are joined by ProPublica's David Epstein to discuss the Russian doping scandal. They also examine MLB offseason moves with ESPN's Sam Miller and discuss rare NFL final scores with Jon Bois of SB Nation.  Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Yahoo’s Jeff Passan to discuss baseball’s new labor deal and Japanese star Shohei Otani. They also assess the Cavs’ J.R. Smith and George Dohrmann joins to talk about the NFL’s marketing to children. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Ohio State's double overtime victory over Michigan with Slate writer Ben Mathis-Lilley; US Soccer's firing of Jurgen Klinsmann; and the World Chess Championship with FiveThirtyEight's Oliver Roeder. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the success of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, talk with FiveThirtyEight'sNeil Paine about Randall Cunningham's legacy, and speak with Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski about teenage NHL stars. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss post-election critiques from NBA coaches and Ernie Johnson's call for unity on Inside the NBA. They also speak with Univision's Leon Krauze about Mexico's 2-1 victory over the U.S. men's soccer team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and The Ringer's Bryan Curtis discuss the intersection of sports and politics, Alabama's college football dominance, and Harvard's cancellation of its men's soccer team’s season due to lewd “scouting reports” of women players. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Mike Pesca record a special emergency episode to discuss the Chicago Cubs’ Game 7 win over the Cleveland Indians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Mike Pesca discuss the first five games of the World Series. They also interview Shaun Assael about The Murder of Sonny Liston and talk about the Kabaddi World Cup with writer Jemayel Khawaja and Team USA’s Kevin Hustle. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and ESPN’s Pablo S. Torre discuss the Cubs-Indians World Series match-up and interpersonal drama in the NBA. Deadspin’s Diana Moskovitz also joins to talk about Josh Brown, Derrick Rose, and sports leagues and criminal justice. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Mike Pesca discuss the stars of the baseball playoffs, including Clayton Kershaw, Javier Baez, and Francisco Lindor. They also examine the many theories on the decline of the NFL’s television ratings. Finally, they discuss the Fox show Pitch with former minor league baseball pitcher Ila Borders. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Mike Pesca talk about the MLB playoffs and Donald Trump’s concept of “locker room talk.” They also interview Sports Illustrated’s S.L. Price about his book Playing Through the Whistle: Steel, Football, and an American Town. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca talk about the Ryder Cup, MLB playoffs, and the wild weekend in college football.  Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca talk about Jose Fernandez, the politics of Cubs' ownership, and Nate Jackson's new book on fantasy football.  Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate’s sports podcast on the whiteness of baseball and football players celebrating too early. Plus, an interview with Steph Davis about deaths in BASE-jumping. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss whether the NFL’s on-field product is getting worse. They also speak with Paralympic goalball player John Kusku and interview Annie Beaty about her husband Zelmo’s induction in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Spencer Hall to talk about college football’s opening weekend; interview NFL long snapper and Green Beret Nate Boyer about his conversations with Colin Kaepernick; and celebrate Vin Scully. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and ESPN’s Mina Kimes discuss Colin Kaepernick’s protest of the national anthem. They also assess Joey Bosa’s contract dispute with the Chargers, and Baseball Prospectus’ Sam Miller joins to evaluate hot-hitting Gary Sanchez. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this re-broadcast of an interview from June 27, Josh Levin and Stefan Fatsis interview boxer Claressa Shields and film producer Sue Jaye Johnson about Shields’ preparations for the Olympics and the documentary about her life, T-Rex. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca evaluate NBC’s coverage of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Sports Illustrated’s S.L. Price also joins to talk about how the Olympics played in Brazil, and Luke O’Brien discusses Conor McGregor and the state of UFC. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin speaks with long-time TV commentator and high-jump champion Dwight Stones about what’s wrong with NBC’s track-and-field coverage. Plus, David Epstein of ProPublica debunks the myth that Usain Bolt wins races because he decelerates slowly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin speaks with ESPN The Magazine’s Mina Kimes about Ryan Lochte’s claim that he was robbed at gunpoint and why he might have lied about it. Plus, David Epstein of ProPublica explains how Jamaica is able to development so many great sprinters. Mina Kimes: https://twitter.com/minakimes Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Ending music by mtbrd http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com/ & Flamingosis https://flamingosis1.bandcamp.com/[...]

Josh Levin interviews retired distance runner Lauren Fleshman about her career, her belief top distance runners are doping, and her fraught relationship with Nike. Plus, ProPublica’s David Epstein explains why U.S. hurdlers didn’t win a medal on Tuesday. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Ending music by mtbrd http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com/ & Flamingosis https://flamingosis1.bandcamp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit[...]

Slate’s sports podcast talks to Megan Abbott about her new book "You Will Know Me," set in the high-stakes world of elite gymnastics.  Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Ending music by mtbrd http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com/ & Flamingosis https://flamingosis1.bandcamp.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by ProPublica’s David Epstein to discuss Usain Bolt, U.S. swimming, and the limits of human performance. Slate’s Jessica Winter also joins to discuss allegations of abuse against the Karolyis. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin interviews 2016 U.S. Olympic field hockey star Michelle Vittese and 1984 U.S. field hockey Olympian Karen Shelton. Also, David Epstein of ProPublica assesses the greatness of British rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Ending music by mtbrd http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com/ & Flamingosis https://flamingosis1.bandcamp.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin speaks with swim coach Terry Laughlin about what makes Katie Ledecky so fast in the water.  Plus, David Epstein of ProPublica talks about how 43-year-old gold-medal-winning cyclist Kristin Armstrong defies the sports age curve. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Ending music by mtbrd http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com/ & Flamingosis https://flamingosis1.bandcamp.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin talks with writer Dvora Meyers about the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s dominant win in the team all-around. Plus, David Epstein of ProPublica explains why elite female gymnasts are shrinking. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Ending music by mtbrd http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com/ & Flamingosis https://flamingosis1.bandcamp.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate’s sports podcast talks to Franklin Foer about what will happen in Rio when the Olympics are gone, and David Epstein about the USA vs. Russia breaststroke dramatics. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Ending music by mtbrd http://mtbrd.bandcamp.com/ & Flamingosis https://flamingosis1.bandcamp.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and Justin Peters talk about NBC’s Olympics coverage, American jingoism, shooting sports, and gymnastics injuries. Then, Justin discusses his part-time job as a beer vendor at Wrigley Field. Facebook: http://fb.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at http://slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by ProPublica’s David Epstein to discuss Caster Semenya. Eugene Monroe also joins to talk about his retirement from the NFL and medical marijuana advocacy. Finally, they assess Ichiro Suzuki. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the IOC’s decision not to make a decision about Russian Olympians; interview Tanisha Wright of the New York Liberty about WNBA players’ support of Black Lives Matter; and examine free throw psychology. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit[...]

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Mike Pesca are joined by the Cleveland Browns’ Andrew Hawkins to discuss athlete activism. Jason Gay also joins to assess the Tour de France, and they discuss the paltry pay for minor league baseball players. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit[...]

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and June Thomas discuss Serena Williams’ Wimbledon win. They’re also joined by the Irish Times’ Ken Early to talk about Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory, and Meghan O’Rourke joins for a conversation about the evolution of gymnastics. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit[...]

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and Shira Springer discuss Kevin Durant’s move to the Warriors. Then they’re joined by Sky Sports’ Bryn Law to talk Wales’ unlikely run in the Euros. Finally, they speak with Sally Jenkins about the life and legacy of Pat Summitt. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca are joined by Sam Borden to discuss Messi’s retirement announcement and the Euros. They talk to NBA agent Doug Neustadt about the international players. Finally, Josh Levin and Stefan interview Olympic boxer Claressa Shields. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Cavs’ Game 7 win over the Warriors. Scott Raab also joins to describe the joy of the Cleveland sports fan, and Sports Illustrated’s Michael Bamberger explains the golf rules kerfuffle at the U.S. Open. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your[...]

Josh Levin talks to ESPN’s Golden State Warriors beat writer Ethan Sherwood Strauss about Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Cleveland super fan Scott Raab then joins to discuss what it was like to attend the series-tying game and how he feels going into Game 7. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Draymond Green’s suspension and the United States’ first-place group stage finish in Copa America. They're also joined by the Toronto Star’s Bruce Arthur for a conversation about Gordie Howe. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca evaluate LeBron James’ playoff record, talk to The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis about how Muhammad Ali changed sports writing, and discuss Novak Djokovic’s growing popularity with the New York Times’ Ben Rothenberg. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Robert Lipsyte to discuss what Muhammad Ali stood for and what he represented in the broader culture. Lipsyte: Muhammad Ali Dies at 74: Titan of Boxing and the 20th Century http://nyti.ms/1sUHBHj Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Warriors' Game 7 win over the Thunder and the firing of Baylor football coach Art Briles. They’re also joined by Ken Early of the Irish Times to evaluate Cristiano Ronaldo’s skill and his ego. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by ESPN’s Ethan Sherwood Strauss to discuss the Golden State Warriors; by Brandiose’s Jason Klein to talk minor-league team names; and by the New York Times’ Greg Howard to assess The Undefeated. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices.[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the NBA playoffs. Slate’s John Swansburg also joins to talk about why Stephen Curry’s shoes don’t have cultural cachet. Finally, they assess whether the Olympics should be cancelled due to the Zika virus. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices.[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mina Kimes discuss Bartolo Colon’s first career home run; the Globe and Mail’s James Mirtle joins to discuss the NHL playoffs; and they discuss the marketing of WNBA stars Skylar Diggins, Diana Taurasi, and Brittney Griner. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is supported[...]

Josh Levin and Mike Pesca are joined by Slate’s Tommy Craggs to discuss Laremy Tunsil. Rob Tanner of the Leicester Mercury also joins to talk about Leicester City, and Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller discuss their book The Only Rule Is It Has to Work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special live show, Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss whether Bryce Harper can make baseball fun and Curt Schilling's firing by ESPN. Ali Krieger also joins to discuss the U.S. women's national soccer team's push for equal pay. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Kobe Bryant's last game and whether refs are biased against Jeremy Lin; the Rams' trade for the top pick in the NFL draft; and the NBA's move to put ads on the front of jerseys. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk to Karen Crouse of The New York Times about Jordan Spieth's historic collapse on the back nine of the 2016 Masters. They also talk to Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated about the Golden State Warriors' one-game-to-go chase for the record for most wins in an NBA season. Finally, they interview Yahoo baseball[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the U.S. women's soccer team's push for equal pay with Briana Scurry; Bruce Schoenfeld joins to assess the Golden State Warriors' owners; and they examine baseball's mysterious surge in home runs. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is brought to you[...]

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and Jonathan Hock talk about the NCAA Tournament and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's handshake line hijinks. Ken Early also joins to discuss the death of Johan Cruyff. Finally, they review Hock's latest documentary, Fastball. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the slew of upsets in the NCAA tournament, Sue Bird joins to discuss UConn and analytics in women's sports, and Allison Benedikt of Mom and Dad Are Fighting comes on to discuss kids in baseball clubhouses. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup This episode of[...]

In this Hang Up and Listen Extra, Josh Levin delves into the history of the greatest taunt in sports: the “air ball” chant. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the leaked March Madness bracket and NCAA tourney snubs; review Fantastic Lies, ESPN's documentary on the Duke lacrosse case; and speak with Ben Rothenberg about Maria Sharapova's positive drug test. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup This episode of Hang Up and Listen is brought[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss LSU's freshman basketball phenom Ben Simmons. Luke O'Brien also joins to discuss the upsets at UFC 196, and the New Yorker's David Owen explains the recent cheating scandal in professional bridge. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by Casper, an[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Stephen Curry's amazing weekend and the Warriors' haters. They're also joined by ESPN's Bob Ley to talk about new FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Finally, they examine the size of NFL quarterbacks' hands. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss SB Nation's piece on rapist and ex-football player Daniel Holtzclaw. They also delve into the science of fatigue, and ESPN's Bonnie D. Ford joins to discuss Rio's polluted waters in advance of the 2016 Olympics. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices.[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the sexual allegations against Peyton Manning. Joe Nocera and Ben Strauss also join to discuss their book Indentured, and they interview director Greg Kohs about his Iditarod documentary The Great Alone. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Broncos’ Super Bowl win with Giants offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz. The Leicester Mercury’s Rob Tanner also joins to explain Leicester City’s rise in the English Premier League. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by Harry's, the shaving company[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s recruiting tactics. PFT Commenter also joins to share his strong takes on the NFL, and they talk with Jon Wertheim about his new book This is Your Brain on Sports. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is brought to[...]

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin discuss how Denver and Carolina made it to Super Bowl 50. ESPN's Dave McMenamin joins to discuss the firing of Cavaliers coach David Blatt, and Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim explains pro tennis' match-fixing scandal. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by Credit[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NFL playoffs. Greg Wyshynski joins to discuss his campaign to make enforcer John Scott an NHL All Star, and they interview Matt Hill about his NBA cartoon Spurs Special Forces. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is brought to[...]

In a Hang Up extra, Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin are joined by Bryan Curtis to talk about Alabama's 45-40 win over Clemson in college football's national championship game. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the Steelers-Bengals pro football catastrophe. Neil deMause of the website Field of Schemes joins to discuss the NFL's Los Angeles schemes. Finally, they assess the 2016 Baseball Hall of Fame voting. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by Credit[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Spencer Hall to talk about the college football playoff's not-so-smashing New Year's Eve debut. They also discuss Chip Kelly's firing and allegations that Peyton Manning used human growth hormone. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk sports history. They take a look back at Super Bowl I; speak with professor Michael Zogry and Sports Illustrated's Alexander Wolff about James Naismith; and discuss Ali-Marciano, boxing's fake title fight. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk with Slate's Dan Engber about the movie Concussion. They also discuss NFL refereeing, and Sports Illustrated's Tim Layden discusses Serena Williams over American Pharoah as SI's Sportsperson of the Year. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of Slate's sports podcast Hang Up and Listen, Stefan Fatsis, Mina Kimes, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the end of “The Process” to turn the Philadelphia 76ers into a championship team. They are joined by Sam Miller of Baseball Prospectus to discuss baseball's newly minted juggernaut, the Chicago Cubs.[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by guest Bryan Curtis to talk college football and Stephanie Cox to discuss the U.S. women's soccer team canceling a game due to poor field conditions. Finally, they discuss the 12-0 Carolina Panthers. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the final years of Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant. They also talk about LSU's decision to keep Les Miles and Georgia's to fire Mark Richt. Finally, they interview Ian Eagle about how he calls a game. Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Golden State Warriors' amazing start. They also talk about the state of daily fantasy sports, and film director Taika Waititi joins to assess New Zealand rugby star Jonah Lomu, who died at age 40. Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by MileIQ. If you're[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are live from Town Hall in New York City. In this segment from Slate's Superfest, they discuss the Russian track and field doping scandal.   Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca collect the show's best Slate Plus bonus segments. Topics: how to write a sports column (w/Dan Steinberg), taking your kids to games (w/Allison Benedikt), women in sports media (w/Emma Span), and East Coast bias.   Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Dallas Cowboys' Greg Hardy. Slate's Jamelle Bouie also joins to talk about the Missouri football players' boycott, and they interview Jonathan Hock about his documentary The Gospel According to Mac.   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by Spotless, a sexy and bold drama[...]

Every fall for eight years, contributing writer Seth Stevenson has been pitching a story where he goes to umpire camp and reports back, and every fall Slate's editor-in-chief has been rejecting the proposal as too expensive. Now Slate Plus has agreed to foot the bill - as long as we can attract 1,000 new members[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Royals' World Series victory over the Mets. They also talk about ESPN's decision to shut down Grantland, and they interview National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts.   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by The Message, a new podcast series from GE[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the World Series with baseball writer Rany Jazayerli. They also talk about the NFL's foray into Internet-only broadcasting, and Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski joins to assess the NHL's 3-on-3 overtime format.   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by SAP HANA. SAP HANA helps the[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by SB Nation's Spencer Hall to discuss Michigan State's bizarre win over Michigan. They also talk about the MLB playoffs and assess basketball and reality TV star Lamar Odom's near-death experience.   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by SAP HANA. SAP HANA helps[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Mike Pesca, and Emma Span discuss the MLB playoffs, Robert Andrew Powell joins to scrutinize the U.S. men's national soccer team, and lastly they talk about the annual rash of deaths in high-school football.   This week's episode is brought to you by SeatGeek. SeatGeek pulls in ticket options from hundreds of online[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the collapse of the Washington Nationals and the start of the MLB playoffs. Ken Early joins to assess the chaos at English soccer club Chelsea. Finally, they talk about LSU running back Leonard Fournette.   This week's episode is brought to you by SeatGeek. SeatGeek pulls in[...]

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and guest panelist Scott Raab are joined by Max Linsky to talk about the Cleveland Browns podcast Brownscast. They also discuss ESPN's embrace of gambling and mark the passing of baseball and linguistic legend Yogi Berra.   Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by SeatGeek. SeatGeek pulls in ticket[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal to discuss baseball's great rookie class. They also discuss the rise of IMG Academy's high school football program and assess the popularity of American Ninja Warrior. Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by Draft Kings. One-week fantasy football at[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Serena Williams' shocking U.S. Open defeat. They also discuss whether the NFL has a quarterback crisis, and how European soccer clubs have responded to an influx of Syrian refugees. Hang Up and Listen is brought to you by Draft Kings. One-week fantasy football at Draft Kings[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and the Washington Post's Dan Steinberg discuss the latest Deflategate news. They also talk about the Washington NFL team's publicity nightmares, and Yahoo's Jeff Passan joins to assess Mets pitcher Matt Harvey's arm.Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by SAP HANA. SAP HANA helps the world's best companies get the answers[...]

This podcast extra is free to all readers to preview our membership program, Slate Plus. Visit slate.com/hangupplus to learn more.In their Aug. 17 Slate Plus bonus segment, Hang Up and Listen’s Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Mike Pesca discuss participation trophies, a supposed scourge that even NPR-listening softies point to as a sure sign of American decline.[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the latest innovation in NCAA evildoing: football programs fining players. They also interview 81-year-old track star Irene Obera and review HBO’s Hard Knocks, starring the Houston Texans’ J.J. Watt.Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by Draft Kings. Start this football season by winning two million dollars! This[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Usain Bolt’s win over Justin Gatlin at the track and field world championships. They also discuss Baylor’s handling of football player Sam Ukwuachu’s sexual assault and the place of religion in sports. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Jason Day and Jordan Spieth with Grantland’s Bryan Curtis. They also talk about the Jets’ locker-room fight, and Sports Illustrated’s Tim Layden explains Nick Symmonds’ brouhaha with USA Track and Field.Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and ESPN the Magazine’s Mina Kimes discuss record-breaking swimmer Katie Ledecky with the New York Times’ Karen Crouse. They also talk about Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly, and they interview WNBA star Elena Delle Donne.   Slate's Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by Trunk Club. Answer a few simple questions[...]

Josh Levin, Stephen Metcalf, and Mike Pesca discuss Roger Goodell’s decision to uphold Tom Brady’s Deflategate suspension and the New York Mets’ surprising surge. June Thomas also joins for an interview with Greg Louganis about his new HBO documentary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Basketball Tournament, a winners-take-all hoops competition. Nancy Lieberman joins to talk about women coaching men, and they interview Brad Balukjian about his book project Wax Pack. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pescsa discuss whether Tiger Woods will ever be great again. Writer James Andrew Miller also joins to talk about recent departures from ESPN, and author Molly Knight explains the Los Angeles Dodgers’ free-spending ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Slate Plus bonus segment is free to all listeners to promote our membership program. Consider joining Slate Plus to listen to super-sized versions of Hang Up and other Slate podcasts. To learn more, visit slate.com/hangupplus   In their July 13 Slate Plus bonus segment, Hang Up and Listen hosts Josh Levin and Mike Pesca spoke to special guest Mike Schur,[...]

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and special guest Mike Schur talk about the DeAndre Jordan emoji saga and his decision to re-join the Clippers. Tennis writer Courtney Nguyen joins to discuss Serena Williams, and they evaluate the latest advances in sabermetrics. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for[...]

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and Bryan Curtis are joined by Stefan Fatsis, who watched the U.S. beat Japan to win the Women’s World Cup. They also talk about the strange economics of NBA free agency and consider the pros and cons of ESPN’s “K Zone” graphics. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only[...]

In a special edition of Slate's Hang Up and Listen, we feature segments from three fellow sports podcasts, including Howler's DUMMY, a show about soccer, Effectively Wild from Baseball Prospectus, and 538's Hot Takedown. Slate's Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price.[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Shane Ryan to talk about Jordan Spieth’s U.S. Open win. They also discuss the knockout round of the Women’s World Cup and they interview Zack Hample, the man who caught Alex Rodriguez’s 3000th hit. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and[...]

Enjoy a free preview of Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca's commentary track for one of the lowest-grossing movies in American cinema history—the FIFA propaganda film United Passions.  If you're already a Slate Plus member, hear the full (nearly two hour!) commentary track here. If you're not a member, consider signing up -- and get[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NBA Finals. Grantland’s Katie Baker also joins to discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, and they interview ProPublica’s David Epstein about his investigation of running coach Alberto Salazar. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mary Pilon talk about the NBA Finals, including LeBron James’ inefficient dominance. Sports Illustrated’s Tim Layden also joins to discuss American Pharoah’s Triple Crown. Finally, they preview the Women’s World Cup. Show notes at slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who announced today that he will step down amid a corruption scandal at soccer's international governing body.  Show notes at slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss whether there’s any hope that FIFA will reform itself. Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski also joins to talk about the Stanley Cup Finals. Finally, they assess Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg.     Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Mike Pesca, and special guest Richard Deitsch discuss Stephen Curry's head injury, LeBron James' dominance, and other stories from the NBA playoffs. Later, retired NFL kicker Nate Kaeding weighs in on the league’s decision to make the extra point 15 yards harder. Finally, ESPN correspondent Jeremy Schaap talks about his recent E:60 report on[...]

In this week’s episode of Slate’s sports podcast Hang Up and Listen, Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca take listeners’ questions in a special spring call-in show. Topics include how the worst baseball players in history would do against a team of all-time greats, the next great corporate stadium names, the proper time to buy[...]

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and Seth Stevenson talk about the Wells report on the Patriots’ underinflated balls and how the NFL should punish Tom Brady. They also discuss Bill Simmons’ imminent departure from ESPN and the rise of daily fantasy sports.     Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by QuickBooks. If you work for[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Floyd Mayweather’s victory over Manny Pacquiao. They also discuss the Los Angeles Clippers’ Game 7 victory over the San Antonio Spurs and how the NFL handled “character issues” in the 2015 draft.   Hang Up and Listen is sponsored by Shari's Berries. Treat your mom to[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about whether intentional fouls have a place in the NBA. They also discuss Floyd Mayweather’s history of domestic violence and assess Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price’s profanity-filled tirade.     This episode is sponsored by Shari's Berries. Treat your mom to something sweet this Mother’s Day. Shari’s[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about whether the Warriors and Hawks will dominate the NBA playoffs. Andrew Zimbalist also joins to talk about Boston’s Olympic bid, and they discuss the New York Islanders’ last season in Nassau Coliseum.     Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup     Join Slate[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Jordan Spieth’s runaway Masters win. They also interview Sonny Vaccaro about the new documentary Sole Man. Finally, they ogle the Stanley Cup and speak to the trophy’s keeper Philip Pritchard. More at slate.com/hangup Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions,[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Wisconsin’s upset victory over Kentucky and the start of the 2015 baseball season. They also interview composer Bob Christianson, who has written more than two dozen sports television theme tunes.     Facebook: facebook.com/HangUpAndListen Email: hangup@slate.com Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup     Join Slate Plus! Members[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and special guest Kate Fagan talk about the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments and the dominance of Kentucky and UConn. They also discuss the U.S. women’s national soccer team and assess the state of the gay athlete.   Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments,[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament and the early retirement of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland. They’re also joined by writer Andrew Miller to discuss the Cricket World Cup.   Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NCAA tournament and ESPN’s I Hate Christian Laettner. They also discuss all the player movement during NFL free agency, and Bruce Arthur joins to assess the imploding Toronto Maple Leafs. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about college hoops’ slow pace with Ken Pomeroy. They also discuss the decline of the NFL running back and interview Errol Morris about his new series of short sports documentaries for ESPN. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by ESPN.com’s Kevin Pelton to talk about the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. They also discuss Larry Sanders’ decision to leave the NBA and Ben Rothenberg joins to examine match-fixing in tennis. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Grantland’s Eric Raskin to discuss Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. They also compare Alex Rodriguez and Kobe Bryant, and they look at new rules designed to make baseball speedier. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Kevin Durant’s anti-media rant. They also discuss Jackie Robinson West Little League losing its U.S. title and Slate’s Daniel Engber joins to explore the art and science of free-throw distraction. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca are joined by Sports Illustrated‘s Alexander Wolff to talk about Dean Smith, by Nathaniel Vinton to discuss U.S. ski racers, and by Jonathan Hock for a chat about his Soviet hockey documentary Of Miracles and Men. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about New England’s 28-24 Super Bowl win. Grantland’s Bryan Curtis joins to discuss the game’s surprising stars and NBC’s lead producer Fred Gaudelli gives a behind-the-scenes look at the TV broadcast. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Deflategate. They also interview John Biever, who’s photographed every Super Bowl, and tennis player Tim Smyczek, who’s been lauded for his sportsmanship after losing a tight match to Rafael Nadal. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the Seahawks’ comeback win and the Patriots’ allegedly deflated balls; interview NBC producer Fred Gaudelli about televising the Super Bowl; and talk to Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski about the NHL. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the NFL playoffs and Dez Bryant’s disputed catch. ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh joins to assess the NBA’s Hawks and Pistons and Andrew Bisharat talks about the first free ascent of El Capitan’s Dawn Wall. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs and the inaugural college football playoffs, wherein the SEC went down to a crushing defeat. ESPN’s Jay Harris also joins to discuss the death of Stuart Scott. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca take listeners’ questions in a special year-end call-in show. Topics range from their greatest sports moments to what to watch on TV when you can’t sleep to gender bias in the sports media. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Kentucky's surplus of basketball talent. They also talk with Sports Illustrated executive editor Jon Wertheim about the future of sports TV and assess Yahoo NBA writer Adrian Wojnarowski. Show notes at slate.com/hangup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Kobe Bryant’s legacy and the NBA’s conference imbalance. They also talk to Baseball Prospectus’ Sam Miller about MLB’s winter meetings and interview attorney Sharon Vinick about NFL cheerleader lawsuits. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the pairings for the inaugural College Football Playoff and look at UAB’s decision to drop its football program. They also interview legendary journalist Robert Lipsyte about his tenure as ESPN ombudsman. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Pesca drives Josh Levin to Brooklyn's 176-year-old Green-Wood Cemetery. On a tour led by the cemetery's historian, they visit the graves of two great (but definitely dead) baseball pioneers. This extra was recorded on the 2014 National Gabfest Tour made possible by Acura. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the decision to overturn Ray Rice’s suspension and the injury-riddled careers of Robert Griffin III and Derrick Rose. Gideon Haigh also joins to talk about the on-field death of cricketer Phillip Hughes. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate’s sports podcast on Odell Beckham Jr.’s amazing catch, painkiller usage in the NFL, and Adrian Peterson’s extended suspension. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hang Up and Listen joins the Political and Culture Gabfests, onstage at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with emcee Dan Kois, for a blockbuster show in front of a live audience. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk to Whore of Akron author Scott Raab about LeBron James’s return to Ohio. They also examine the NFL’s obsession with London and review ESPN’s documentary about Livan and Orlando Hernandez, Brothers in Exile. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Josh Levin ask Paul Finebaum about ESPN’s alleged pro-SEC bias. They also talk to Amanda Hess about Lauren Hill and inspirational sports moments and quiz Seth Stevenson about the video game League of Legends and the rise of e-sports. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Madison Bumgarner’s World Series dominance and the latest claim that baseball is dying. They also talk to UNC whistleblower Mary Willingham and assess the bull Bushwacker with PBR statistician Slade Long. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk to Grantland’s Jonah Keri about the Royals-Giants World Series. They also discuss the ethics of NBA teams tracking their players’ biometric data, and Bob Ryan joins to talk about his new book Scribe. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Fox Sports 1’s sabermetric-friendly NLCS broadcast and debate Georgia football player Todd Gurley’s suspension. They also talk to Dvora Meyers about superstar gymnast Simone Biles. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special live show in Brooklyn, Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the baseball playoffs and the NBA’s TV deal. Roy Blount Jr. joins to discuss his classic book About Three Bricks Shy of a Load, and the hosts do a listener Q-and-A. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss ESPN’s decision to suspend Bill Simmons, talk about the Kansas City Royals with Grantland’s Rany Jazayerli, and look at the turmoil surrounding the Michigan football program with Slate’s Ben Mathis-Lilley. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk to ESPN’s Jane McManus about the NFL and domestic violence. They also discuss Jameis Winston, Hope Solo, and what their teams should do about them. Finally, Grantland’s Ben Lindbergh joins to talk baseball. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the NFL’s continued failures and whether Roger Goodell will go. They also examine the U.S. team’s dominant win at the FIBA World Cup and interview SB Nation’s Jon Bois about his Breaking Madden series. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Ravens’ decision to cut Ray Rice. Slate’s Jamelle Bouie also joins to discuss the Atlanta Hawks owner’s racist email. Finally, Josh interviews Josh Keefe, the worst high school quarterback ever. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss college football’s opening weekend bonanza of games at NFL stadiums. They also interview ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. about his profile of Jerry Jones and talk to SI.com’s Courtney Nguyen about the U.S. Open. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the pros and cons of NFL preseason. They also talk about MVP candidate Alex Gordon and baseball’s search for an all-in-one stat, and speak with ESPN’s Kevin Pelton about Cleveland acquiring Kevin Love. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis and Mike Pesca discuss the election of Rob Manfred as the new MLB head. They also speak with author Mark Hyman about Little League baseball and talk to ESPN's Bonnie Ford about Canada’s bid to host the Women’s World Cup on turf fields. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices.[...]

Josh Levin and Mike Pesca interview Motorsport.com’s Steven Cole Smith about the death of Kevin Ward Jr.; talk to Grantland’s Shane Ryan about Rory McIlroy’s PGA win; and chat with the New York Times’ Marc Tracy about big changes in college sports. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Paul George’s leg injury and its implications. They also talk with Slate’s Emily Bazelon about college sports and sexual assault, and interview Baseball Prospectus’ Sam Miller about MLB’s trade deadline. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and special guest Jason Gay discuss the NFL’s suspension of Ray Rice. They also break down the Astros’ failure to sign top overall pick Brady Aiken, and Kathryn Bertine joins to discuss her push to get women in the Tour de France. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad[...]

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Mike Trout’s fame or lack thereof, interview the Iroquois Nationals’ Ansley Jemison about the World Lacrosse Championship, and talk to NBC Sports’ Joe Posnanski about Washington Generals coach Red Klotz. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Germany’s World Cup win, Lionel Messi’s loss, and what the heck happened to Brazil. They also talk about LeBron James’s return to Cleveland, and his decision to make the announcement in Sports Illustrated. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Dummy, David Goldblatt, Danny Karbassiyoon, and George Quraishi sift through the aftermath of the semifinals. They also talk with reporter Matt Negrin about his experience covering the only indigenous professional team in Brazil. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Howler Magazine's Dummy, David Goldblatt, Danny Karbassiyoon, and George Quraishi discuss Dutch diving, conflicts faced by African teams, whether crowds are representative of Brazil's typical soccer-watching demographics, and more. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss Neymar, Messi, penalties, and other World Cup matters. The New York Times’ Ben Rothenberg also joins to talk Wimbledon, and Major League Eating CEO George Shea chews over the state of competitive eating. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of Howler Magazine’s Dummy, David Goldblatt, Danny Karbassiyoon, and George Quraishi talk about the U.S. loss to Belgium. They’re also joined by Dr. Emilio Bruna to discuss the Brazilian government’s failed environmental promises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Stefan Fatsis, and Mike Pesca discuss the end of the group stage and the beginning of the knockout round at the World Cup. They also talk about team-building in the NBA and MLB and debate the strategies of the 76ers, Astros, and A’s. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices.[...]

In today’s episode of Howler Magazine’s Dummy, David Goldblatt, Danny Karbassiyoon, and George Quraishi talk about the USA advancing in the World Cup, the Luis Suarez incident, the best and worst of the group stage, and what’s ahead in the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hang Up and Listen presents Howler’s World Cup podcast DUMMY. Today, David Goldblatt, Danny Karbassiyoon, and George Quraishi break down the USA-Portugal draw and the scenarios for the U.S. to advance. Plus, NBA MVP and soccer fan Steve Nash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Mike Pesca, and Grantland’s Bryan Curtis discuss American soccer’s emotional rollercoaster in Brazil and talk to Slate contributor Luke O’Brien about the scene at the U.S.-Portugal game. Finally, they ponder the legacy of Tony Gwynn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hang Up and Listen presents a special World Cup extra from our friends at Howler Magazine. Topics discussed in this episode of Dummy include the U.S. victory over Ghana, Costa Rican wunderkind Joel Campbell, and the health of Luis Suarez. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Spurs’ beautiful domination of the Heat in the NBA Finals. They also look back at a goal-filled first weekend of the World Cup and talk with USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz about O’Bannon v. NCAA. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hang Up and Listen presents a special World Cup extra from our friends at Howler Magazine. Topics discussed in this episode of DUMMY include the Brazil-Croatia opener, the FIFA Congress, and what it’s like to get tear-gassed at a protest. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss LeBron James’ cramps and other NBA Finals matters. They also look at California Chrome’s failed Triple Crown bid and interview David Haglund about his Slate profile of Delonte West. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the Heat-Spurs NBA Finals rematch. They also interview hockey historian Stan Fischler and talk to former U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley about his tenure in Egypt and the documentary American Pharaoh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the latest NBA playoffs news. They also talk to Jonathan Hock about his ESPN series on the U.S. World Cup soccer team and Landon Donovan’s roster omission. Finally, they discuss the mystery of “the yips.” Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca interview ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap about the horror show in Qatar in advance of the 2022 World Cup. Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski also joins to talk hockey, and they discuss California Chrome’s Preakness win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talk about Michael Sam and the NFL draft. They also talk about NBA comebacks, the Thunder’s coaching, and Kevin Durant’s MVP speech. Finally, they’re joined by Slate’s John Swansburg to assess minimalist running. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the thrilling first round of the NBA playoffs. They also talk about the NFL draft and how teams assess prospects’ “red flags.” Finally, they consider the career of Sports Illustrated writer Gary Smith. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca explore what the NBA should do about Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. They also talk about baseball’s strange relationship with pine tar, and Deadspin’s Tim Marchman joins to discuss UFC star Jon Jones. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the home-court negating first weekend of the NBA playoffs. They’re also joined by Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski to discuss all things playoff hockey, and they review the new ESPN documentary Hillsborough. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Levin, Mike Pesca, and special guest Johnette Howard discuss Bubba Watson’s Masters win. They also talk about baseball’s alarming rate of Tommy John surgeries, and are joined by the New Republic’s Christopher Beam to explore football in China. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Mike Pesca, and Mary Pilon preview the NCAA basketball finals and discuss with Andy Glockner what it's like to root for a Premier League team facing relegation. Finally, they talk about Monopoly's upcoming inclusion of "house rules." Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca discuss the NCAA tournament’s surprising Final Four. They also talk about Northwestern football players getting the go-ahead to unionize, and they evaluate Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout’s huge contract extensions. Show notes at www.slate.com/hangup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices