Running It Back

Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer are back from youth volleyball tournaments in Vegas and SXSW EDU in Austin to dig into the ongoing Ja Morant story as we outline a series of incidents that have resulted in his suspension from the Grizzlies. What advice do we have for a "Likes-to-Fight" guy like Ja? What lessons can we draw from the story of Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas and Javaris Crittenton bringing guns to the Washington Wizards' locker room? What other stories of incidents from the past can provide perspective on how Ja can sort things out for himself as the transcendent 23-year-old talent grapples with his season on the brink? Listen in to find out. Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more relevant lessons learned from sports.

Get ready for a high-energy episode of Running It Back! Mike and Tarlin deliver instant analysis of the latest NBA drama: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton. We dissect the controversial end-of-game moments, the heated aftermath, and the unexpected involvement of family members. Is Halliburton soft or clutch? Is Giannis a philosopher or just tired of the drama? We’re also talking overrated players and the rise of the crazed sports parent. It's a jam-packed episode with all the hot takes you crave! Tarlin challenges Mike's assessment of Halliburton, offering a compelling defense of the young star while Mike doubles down on his "soft" critique. We explore the complexities of Halliburton's game, his interactions with other players (including Dame Lillard!), and the surprising revelation that he was voted one of the league's most overrated players.   Beyond the player face-off, we delve into the escalating trend of overzealous parents in youth and professional sports. The guys discuss the John Halliburton incident, comparing it to other examples of parental interference and debating the impact on the players and the game itself. It's a conversation that goes beyond the headlines to examine the changing culture of sports.

Alright, sports fans, buckle up for a high-energy episode of "Running it Back"! The crew is back, and they're diving headfirst into the NBA playoffs, where the stakes are high, and the drama is hotter than a five-alarm fire!   The guys kick things off with a little smack talk. Tarlin Ray is feeling the heat in a step challenge, while Mike Palmer is dodging those "microaggressions"! But don't worry, they quickly pivot to the hardwood!   Nico Harrison is in the spotlight, stirring up buzz with his "defense wins championships" mantra. Is it just coach speak, or is there a deeper message? The crew breaks down the stats, debates Luka Doncic's defensive game (or lack thereof), and even throws in some LeBron comparisons for good measure!   They dissect the "eye test" versus the stat sheet, pondering whether Luka's offensive brilliance outweighs his defensive deficiencies. And can we read between the lines of Nico Harrison’s press conferences?   Like what you're hearing, subscribe, spread the word, and let us know what you think.

We're back with a special Super Bowl LIX preview episode! We've got all the latest news and analysis, including our predictions for who will win the big game. Plus, we're talking about the Luka Doncic trade and what it means for the future of the NBA. Tune in to hear our takes on the following: Our Super Bowl LIX predictions, including our thoughts on the Eagles' and Chiefs' rosters, coaching staffs, and matchups. We're also discussing the latest odds and betting lines.   The Luka Doncic trade, including our analysis of the trade's winners and losers, and what it means for the future of the Mavericks and Lakers. We're also discussing the trade's impact on the NBA's power dynamics.   The future of the NBA, including our predictions for the playoffs and Finals. We're also discussing the latest news and rumors from around the league.   We're also giving our listeners a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Super Bowl! To enter, subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We'll be back next week with a new episode. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on social media for all the latest updates. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:34 NFL vs NBA: Media Week Madness 00:56 Pro Bowl and Flag Football Fun 02:17 Super Bowl Predictions and Analysis 04:52 Eagles vs Chiefs: The Underdog Story 10:56 Super Bowl Party Plans 11:43 The Luka Trade Shocker 13:42 AD's Availability Issues 14:17 Luka's Impact and Trade Shock 15:37 Lakers' Business Strategy 16:29 Pronunciation and Jersey Numbers 17:16 Dallas Mavericks' Future 22:36 Player Empowerment vs. Front Office 27:41 NFL MVP and Hall of Fame Debates 28:57 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Welcome to Running It Back, the podcast that dives deep to find lessons from the latest sports news and its the biggest games. In this episode, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer are back as we navigate the NFL playoffs, its head coaching carousel, and explore new sports leagues like TGL and Unrivaled.   First, we break down the NFC and AFC Championship games, highlighting the underdog stories and the potential for upsets. Can Jayden Daniels lead the Commanders to an unexpected victory over the Eagles? Will Josh Allen and the Bills overcome the Chiefs' dominance? We analyze the key players and predict the outcomes.   Next, we delve into the NFL coaching carousel, discussing the recent hires and analyzing the impact of these changes on the league. We also debate the qualifications of Eric Bieniemy and explore the reasons behind his struggles to secure a head coaching position.   Finally, we shift our attention to the innovative sports leagues TGL and Unrivaled. We discuss the unique format of TGL, its potential to revolutionize televised golf, and the challenges it faces in delivering a compelling viewing experience. We also touch upon Unrivaled, the new women's basketball league, and its potential to elevate the sport.   Join us for this exciting episode as we cover the latest sports news and share our insights on the games that have everyone talking. Don't forget to subscribe to Running It Back on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts to stay up-to-date on the latest sports discussions. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast 00:39 Reflecting on the LA Fires 03:22 NFL Playoffs and Championship Weekend 04:52 Rookie Quarterbacks in the NFL 09:12 Commanders vs. Eagles Analysis 11:57 Kansas City Chiefs: The Overdogs 16:15 Coaching Carousel and NFL Draft 17:00 New Blood in Coaching: Kevin O'Connell's Extension 17:19 Jaguars' Coaching Drama: A Real Housewife Moment 17:52 Pete Carroll Joins the Raiders: A Culture Reset 18:45 Coaching Carousel: Eric Bieniemy's Struggles 24:13 TGL: The Future of Golf Entertainment 28:18 Unrivaled: The New Women's Basketball League 30:35 Sports Nostalgia and Future Innovations 31:44 Final Thoughts and Hopes for LA Sports

In this special episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray sit down with Professor Lou Moore, author of The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback. You heard that right, we're running it back WITH OUR FIRST GUEST EVER! Don't miss it!! With Lou's expert guidance, we delve into the rich history of black quarterbacks in the NFL, focusing on Doug Williams and Vince Evans. Lou shares insights from his research, including historical contexts, racial challenges, and coaching influences that shaped the careers of QBs like Williams and Evans. We also explore the broader significance of black quarterbacks and their impact on the NFL and American society. Join us for an enlightening discussion filled with historical anecdotes and contemporary parallels. Subscribe and tune in for more lessons learned from the world of sports. TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:04 Lou Moore's Background and Previous Works 02:09 Election Talk and Personal Anecdotes 04:14 The Inspiration Behind 'The Great Black Hope' 05:47 The Evolution of the Black Quarterback 08:07 Challenges and Triumphs of Early Black Quarterbacks 13:40 Modern Black Quarterbacks and Their Impact 21:39 The Black Quarterback Syndrome 23:33 Personal Reflections on Racism in Sports 24:38 Teaching History in Today's Context 25:30 Connecting Historical Events to Present Day 25:52 Music as a Tool for Healing and Education 27:03 Challenges Faced by Black Quarterbacks 31:58 The Role of Coaches and Media 41:19 The Future of Black Coaches in the NFL 44:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray dive into the start of the NBA season, keying off of the Mind the Game podcast and reflecting on LeBron and Bronny James' father-son debut and offering thoughts on how Bronny will navigate the league. We also pay tribute to Fernando Valenzuela, discussing his legacy and recent passing. Tarlin shares his insights on key NBA players to watch this season, including JJ Redick, Lonzo Ball, and Ja Morant. Mike shouts out a surprising dark horse for NBA Comeback Player. As always, we weave in lessons in management both on and off the court, exploring the importance of emotional intelligence, strategy, and leadership in sports and beyond. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more lessons learned from the world of sports. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Banter 00:51 Remembering Fernando Valenzuela 02:12 Mets and Dodgers Talk 06:46 NBA Season Kickoff 09:03 JJ Redick and Coaching Insights 19:24 USC Hoops and Juju Watkins 19:44 LeBron and Bronny: A Basketball Legacy 20:33 Famous Father-Son Duos in Sports 22:16 Bronny's Role and Future in the NBA 24:39 Pharrell's Prolific Career 26:15 Jason Tatum and Caitlyn Clark: The Revenge Tour 28:44 Lonzo Ball's Comeback 29:42 Ja Morant and the Grizzlies 32:12 NBA Season Excitement and Future Episodes

In our kickoff to SEASON 5 of Running It Back, Hosts Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer dive into the exciting world of NFL quarterbacks and their narratives. After Tarlin's "291" anecdote, we start with a New York focus, getting NY Sports fan Mike's takes on the recent trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks and the current state of the Mets. Then we shift gears to analyze "That's My Quarterback..." narratives from across the league, including Aaron Rodgers' return from injury, Josh Allen's video game-like performances and improved decision-making, and the ongoing debate about Daniel "Danny Dimes" Jones upside for the New York Giants. We explore the idea that a quarterback's success may depend more on their organization than individual talent, using examples like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. We also touch on the changing landscape of the NFL, with an increasing number of mobile quarterbacks and black quarterbacks leading teams. We'll return to that once we're caught up on Lou Moore's book The Great Black Hope and The Evolution of the Black Quarterback series which just dropped on Amazon. Join us for a lively discussion filled with hot takes, witty banter, fantasy football insights, and musings on the future of the game. Don't miss this episode packed with NFL analysis and takeaways from emerging QB narratives. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode of Running It Back, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer dive into the 2024 Paris Olympics, exploring the captivating stories and performances that have captured the world's attention. We discuss the remarkable comeback of Simone Biles, highlighting her resilience and continued dominance in gymnastics. Check out our episode about Biles at the Tokyo Olympics for more on this. We also shine a spotlight on the "pommel horse guy," Steven Nedoroscik, and his crucial role in securing a bronze medal for the U.S. men's gymnastics team. And as promised, here's Christopher Guest and Martin Short from SNL doing their legendary Men's Synchronized Swimming Skit back in the day. We explore the impressive showing of host country France, particularly in swimming, where Léon Marchand is making waves with his performances. We touch on the heartwarming sportsmanship displayed by Michael Phelps as he cheers on Marchand's success. The episode also covers the controversies and dynamics within Team USA basketball, analyzing player selections and on-court chemistry. We discuss the unexpected benching of star players and the adaptability of others to the international style of play. Throughout the episode, we draw parallels between Olympic team dynamics and effective management in professional settings, offering insights on specialization, individual contributions, and team cohesion. We wrap up by expressing our excitement for the upcoming track and field events and looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

We dive deep into the legacy of the late Bill Walton, the legendary but controversial UCLA and NBA star who played through tremendous pain and injuries during his career. Walton was uncompromising in his countercultural beliefs, from his anti-government views to his refusal to take pharmaceutical drugs. Yet he was also one of the most dominant players ever, winning titles in college and the NBA MVP despite only playing 40% of potential games due to injuries. His broadcasting career provided an unconventional but beloved second act. The conversation then shifts to Kyrie Irving's recent "redemption" story with the Mavericks after years of being a lightning rod of controversy. We explore whether Irving is finally maturing into a veteran leader under Coach Jason Kidd, putting his skills and mentorship ahead of the anti-vax, anti-Semitic, and other fringe stances that made him a pariah. Like Walton, Irving marches to the beat of his own drum despite backlash. We ask when society will give such figures grace to make mistakes and evolve rather than permanently writing them off after missteps. Irving's on-court renaissance prompts us to reevaluate making room for personal growth. With the Mavs exceeding expectations behind Irving's stellar play, we ponder if this year could cement his legacy among the NBA's greatest by winning a title. Or will the Celtics' defensive grit from the Drew Holliday, Derrick White, and Co. lock him down? Tune in as we explore these "redemption songs" and more on the latest Running It Back.

Is the Superstar "Big 3" Era Over in the NBA? 🏀 Knicks' Cinderella Run & the Rise of the WNBA 🌟 On this episode of the Running It Back sports podcast, hosts Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer break down: Golf star Scotty Scheffler's bizarre arrest before the PGA Championship 🚓 Drawing hilarious comparisons to Tiger Woods and John Daly mugshots The New York Knicks' unexpected underdog playoff run led by the "Nova Knicks" 🗽 Is this gritty team the end of NBA's superstar "Big 3" era? Why the WNBA is having a moment with rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese 👀 Is this the tipping point for the league's popularity? Should NBA teams stop chasing manufactured "Big 3" superstar trios? 🤷‍♂️ The benefits of cohesive, role-oriented squads Get insight, analysis and laughs as the hosts banter about the latest NBA, golf and WNBA storylines in this must-listen episode! ⛳️🏀👂

Running It Back recorded live together in person for the first time! Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray record this podcast live from the 39th floor of a hotel in San Diego while attending the ASU+GSV education technology conference. Despite the non-sports setting, we manage to discuss a variety of basketball topics in our signature free-flowing style. Our main focus rests on Jalen Brunson's impact on the New York Knicks and his potential to be one of the most underrated stars in the NBA this playoff season. We debate his elite basketball IQ, leadership qualities that have unlocked teammates like Isaiah Hartenstein, and how his game compares to past greats like Isiah Thomas and Kevin Johnson. Other storylines include our playoff predictions, the Knicks' chances against teams like the Bucks, Celtics and 76ers in the East, and frequent references to the 1990s Knicks. Sans our usual prep, and in-person, not in Zoom, the new dynamic brings a fresh energy to the conversation. Don't miss insights into leadership, life, and more while chopping it up heading into the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Mike and Tarlin are back with another must-see episode of Running It Back, and this time we're raving over the transcendent athletes taking the sports world by storm. The dynamic duo kicks things off by marveling at Anthony Edwards' jaw-dropping block against the Pacers, with the "Ant-Man" soaring through the air and hitting his head on the rim and backboard in a play that instantly etched itself into highlight reel lore. But the real star of the show is Caitlin Clark, the unstoppable scorer from Iowa who's shattering records and captivating audiences with her unconscious shooting and elite playmaking. Tarlin can't get enough of Clark's gravitational pull, watching her games from start to finish as she makes a serious case for being this generation's Steph Curry...but an even better passer. The guys go full historian, waxing poetic about the iconic moments that made viewers stop everything - from Dr. J's acrobatic scoop layup to Michael Jordan's hand-switch bucket against the Lakers. They run through a veritable Mount Rushmore of must-see athletes, where absolute legends like Tiger Woods, Usain Bolt, and Serena Williams all get their shine. We even touch on chess and bowling legends as we run the gamut of riveting sports endeavors. With March Madness on the horizon, we implore folks to appreciate Caitlin's greatness and keep an eye on rising stars like Juju Watkins while filling out those brackets. Don't snooze on the Women's Bracket, because when generational talents like these take the floor, you simply can't afford to miss it. Get your popcorn ready!

We're back with another episode of Running It Back, finding lessons learned from the world of sports, old and new! Tarlin shares stories about his 50th birthday and dealing with rainstorms in LA. Mike talks about playing in the snow with his 5-year-old son. Discussing NFL season highlights, we debate whether Patrick Mahomes can already be considered a GOAT after the Chiefs' Super Bowl win or if it's too soon. Tarlin thinks we should let Mahomes' career evolve before making proclamations. Reviewing NFL dynasties, we agree the Chiefs are building their own with Mahomes. We also discuss NBA dynasties and three-peats, with Mike paying his respects to Michael Jordan while exploring whether he played baseball to duck the Twin Towers in Houston. Closing topics include Eli Manning's comedic potential, Tarlin's support of QB Brock Purdy, and praise for broadcaster Nate Burleson's Super Bowl work on Nickelodeon and beyond. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And be on the lookout for a steady flow of episodes from here on out. Thanks for listening.

Mike and Tarlin kick things off by chatting about their recent adventures - Tarlin's trip to see Usher perform in Vegas, his progress in the step challenge (down 9 lbs!), and a podcast he discovered called Smartless. But the main event is a discussion about Florida State University's football team getting snubbed from making the College Football Playoff, despite their undefeated 13-0 record this season. Mike and Tarlin think they deserved a shot, but the selection committee went with 1-loss Alabama and Texas instead. The guys talk about how the current 4-team playoff format is flawed and often comes down to TV ratings and money rather than rewarding deserving teams. They cover some controversial playoff selections in past years too. Getting into the FSU situation, Tarlin breaks down their strong defensive rankings, key wins, and how they persevered despite losing their starting QB. For Mike and Tarlin, leaving out an undefeated power conference team goes against the competitive spirit of sports - it denies potential underdog stories. They touch on lots of famous cases where underdog teams/players defied expectations after adversity, like the 1980 Lakers without Kareem and the 1990 Giants with backup QB Jeff Hostetler. The new 12-team format starting in 2024 should improve things, but controversy will always exist on the playoff fringes. In the end, they think the system should give worthy teams like FSU their shot, between the lines not in some conference room debate. You never know how the games will unfold or who will rise to the occasion. That unpredictability and drama is part of why we watch sports. Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. Now also on Youtube!

Tarlin and Mike kick things off chatting about Tarlin's recent trip to Barbados, including some turbulent flights thanks to Tropical Storm Tammy. But we quickly segue into a step challenge Tarlin is participating in, where he's determined to beat his very competitive and fit coworkers. He's even wondering if there are any tricks to game the step counters. We're open to suggestions. We then dive into the main topic - cheating scandals in sports. We discuss famous examples like Spygate with the Patriots taping opponents' signals, the Astros' trash can sign-stealing scheme, and MLB's steroid era. An interesting debate emerges around whether cheating can ever be justified if you can pay the fines and it leads to success, especially with ultra-competitive coaches like Belichick and Harbaugh. The latest cheating drama in Michigan football takes center stage next. A rogue staffer named Connor Stalions had been illegally filming opponents' sidelines for years, but the heat is now on head coach Jim Harbaugh about how much he knew. Tarlin runs through Michigan's futility against rival Ohio State during Stallions' tenure to question whether the cheating even helped. We joke about the excuses around Stalions "acting alone" when several coaches were likely involved. We consider just how high up it goes as we think through how it relates to Uber, Air BnB, and even OpenAI. We touch on connections to our current political landscape along the way. In the end, we explore how rules in sports often have to catch up to new techniques for gaining an advantage. And many innovative companies follow a similar path - they're willing to break rules early on if it means gaining market share, and they'll pay the fine down the road if needed. An interesting perspective heading into the big Michigan vs. Ohio State grudge match in The Game. Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you listen to podcasts. Now also available on Youtube.

Tarlin and Mike are back connecting amazing entertainers in pop culture to lessons learned from the world of sports. This time we follow up on the success of our Taylor Swift / Must-See Athletes episode by hearing about Tarlin's Beyoncé concert experience and his thoughts on finding the right "drip" for the show. We debate which athletes compare to top musicians, landing on LeBron vs MJ for Beyoncé and Steph Curry for Taylor Swift, who continues to dominate the cultural zeitgeist with her connection with NFL star Travis Kelce. We dive into the Dame Lillard trade, struggling young NFL quarterbacks, and the pathetic U.S. Ryder Cup performance in a wide-ranging conversation you won't want to miss. If you're a concert-going Dad thinking through your fashion choices, or a casual golf fan who wants keeping score to be easier, we've got something in store for you. We tease upcoming episodes on Deion Sanders, the current state of play in the NFL, and the tip-off to the new-look NBA season. Join us for all of this And share the love as we continue to grow. Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more lessons learned from Sports.

In our Season 4 Kickoff episode, Mike and Tarlin are lacing up their kicks to run it back on must-see athletes and entertainers. After Tarlin's mind-blowing experience at a Taylor Swift show, we debate who reaches T-Swift levels of fame and fandom. Is it His Airness Michael Jordan back in the 90s heyday? The GOAT Ali? Eldrick "Tiger" Woods tearing up the links? Or do queens like Serena and Beyoncé rule over the kingdom? From the hardwood to the course to the court to the stage, the fellas break down legendary performers with must-see greatness. Whether you're team Tay Tay or ride for Mike, this episode will have you pumped up for the icons taking sports and music to new heights! Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more lessons learned from the world of sports.

In a special bonus episode, Mike and Tarlin share their thoughts about the recent PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger. We reflect on what has transpired since we first talked about LIV and Sportswashing with the recent surprise merger between rival leagues. How does this connect to preview splits and mergers? How does it connect to Voldemort and the USFL? And as we gear up for the US Open which is happening on Tarlin's home golf course, why does this episode earn an Explicit rating? Listen in to find out all of this and more. Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more great lessons learned from sports.

Tarlin and Mike return to talk Lessons Learned from the 2023 NBA Finals as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the Denver "Chicken" Nuggets prepare to close out the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. We start with a conversation about the crazy weather and some (TMI) details about Tarlin's footcare regimens before digging into what we can learn from the selflessness and chemistry of the 2023 Denver Nuggets. Once again we compare the Miami Heat to the 1999 New York Knicks before going deeper into the connections between the 2023 Nuggets and the 1999 San Antonio Spurs. Are we on the verge of a new dynasty? How does Jokic compare to other legends of the game and what legendary NBA Duo is an easy target for comparison with Jokic and Murray? What does this teach us about leadership, chemistry, and the importance of intangibles? Listen in to find out. Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more amazing lessons learned from sports.