Claim OwnershipRosters to Rings Podcast
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Welcome to the Rosters to Rings Podcast where General Managers from the MLB, NBA, NFL and more will take you behind the curtain and share their unfiltered experiences and evaluations of past and present events in professional sports.
Due to competitive reasons, league rules, ownership directives and extreme discretion, General Managers share approximately 40% of what they know and experience with fans. At the Rosters to Rings Podcast, we are here to share as much of the other 60% as we can. We will dive deep into not only what decisions are made, but how and why they are made, the strategic nature of negotiations, roster construction, the characters that make up the game, and the true depth of relationships between executives, coaches, players, agents, media and fans.
45 Episodes
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NFL insider Adam Caplan joins the show to share his journey from sales to becoming one of the most trusted voices in football, now covering the Philadelphia Eagles and running Inside The Birds. Adam and Thad dive into the current NFL landscape, from coaching turnover and QB development to what teams get wrong. Plus, Caplan shares his experience on NFL Insiders, what goes into breaking news responsibly, and what makes the Philly sports market so unique. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Let Her Shoot' and 'Heat Check' host, media personality, and trailblazer Trysta Krick joins Thad Levine to talk about her journey through the sports media world, including her time at Barstool Sports and what it takes to build a voice in a male-dominated industry. They also dive into the buzz around Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point performance, Trysta gives a preview of the Women's NCAA Tournament, and wht to watch for in the upcoming WNBA Draft. Plus, a look at the looming WNBA CBA negotiations and the ongoing debate around revenue sharing in professional sports. Follow Trysta: https://linktr.ee/trystakrick?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=cbe463cf-175c-48a5-81ab-83eb2da97055 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part 2 of this conversation on Rosters to Rings, host Thad Levine continues his in-depth discussion with legendary sports journalist Andrea Kremer. One of the most respected interviewers in sports history, Kremer reflects on the conversations that helped shape her remarkable career covering the NFL and the biggest stories in sports, including the moments when preparation, trust, and timing revealed the human side of iconic athletes and sports figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part 1 of this special two-episode conversation, Thad Levine sits down with Hall of Fame journalist and broadcaster Andrea Kremer, to trace the roots of one of the most respected voices in sports media. Before the Emmys. Before the NFL sidelines. Before breaking barriers for women in sports broadcasting there was a young sports fan who simply loved the game. Andrea shares what it was like growing up immersed in sports culture, how she found her voice in a male-dominated industry, and the moment she realized this wasn’t just a passion it was a calling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this mailbag episode of Rosters to Rings, Thad dives into some of the biggest storylines around Major League Baseball: The recent spike in hamate bone injuries — why they’re happening and how they impact hitters long-term What it could mean for the league if MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark steps down Why Lucas Giolito remains the last major free agent on the market and what that signals about today’s pitching landscape Early MVP candidates not named Judge or Ohtani — and who could realistically enter that tier Got a question for Thad? Submit your listener questions on social @rosterstorings or email us at rosterstoringspodcast@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Part 2 of this Rosters to Rings conversation, Adrian Beltré reflects on the moments that defined his legacy—from the joy of reaching the 2011 World Series to the heartbreak of Game 6 slipping away. Beltré opens up about the call that changed his life when he learned he was headed to Cooperstown, what it meant to finally hear his name alongside the game’s greats, and how he balanced an intense, locked-in approach with a genuine love for having fun on the field. He also shares insight into being represented by Scott Boras, navigating the business side of baseball, and how pride, preparation, and personality all came together to shape a Hall of Fame career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Part 1 of this two-part Rosters to Rings conversation, future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltré sits down with MLB executives Thad Levine and Jon Daniels to tell the story behind the player fans came to admire—and opponents came to fear. Beltré walks through his origin story, from growing up in the Dominican Republic to signing as a teenager and navigating the brutal learning curve of Major League Baseball. He opens up about the resilience that defined his career, playing through constant injuries, physical pain, and setbacks while maintaining elite performance year after year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad Levine continues his conversation with longtime NBA executive Tommy Sheppard, diving deeper into leadership, front-office life, and what it really takes to work in sports. Tommy shares a memorable story involving legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, reflects on handling adversity, and breaks down the principles that guide successful leaders behind the scenes. A must-listen for anyone curious about leadership, team-building, and careers in professional sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Rosters to Rings, former NBA executive Tommy Sheppard shares his origin story and the lessons learned from years inside NBA front offices. Joined by Thad Levine, the conversation explores what truly defines leadership in players—beyond talent, stats, and contracts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GMs Thad Levine and Jon Daniels are joined by Eagles VP of football administration and The Athlete Group founder Jake Rosenberg to talk all things team building in today's sports landscape. Jake sits down to talk through his work with The Athlete Group and how college teams are dealing with this chaotic NIL world, what separates Eagles GM Howie Roseman from the rest, and look at how teams should be looking for new head coaches. That and so much more on a fun episode of Rosters to Rings! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad is joined by NFL GM Tom Telesco to talk through the ins and outs of firing season in the NFL, as coaches and front offices have started to get let go from their teams this week. First, Thad and Tom break down the College Football Playoff as we are down to four teams. They look at Indiana's remarkable turnaround and the paths Ole Miss, Oregon and Miami took to get here. Then, the GMs look at who's been fired so far in the NFL, what goes into these decisions and where teams are looking to go from here. Plus, we answer your listener questions! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our Best Of series continues with Scott Servais sharing how he builds clubhouse culture, Bill Barnwell on the evolution of analytics in the NFL, Greg Maddux gives a scouting report on fellow Hall of Famers, Jason Garrett’s unforgettable Michael Irvin story, Derek Shelton’s MLB game-day routine, Jon Morosi on relationship-building as an MLB insider, and Matt Klentak on building winners in Milwaukee and Philadelphia. We hope you have a wonderful New Year and appreciate all of the support!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough welcome Remy Cofield, GM of Arkansas University, for a behind-the-scenes look at the business of building winning teams. Remy shares NBA lessons learned with the Boston Celtics from his origin story and getting hired by Danny Ainge, to currently navigating NIL, transfers, and roster churn, Cofield explains how programs can stay competitive in an era where college sports increasingly mirror pro free agency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad and Ryan open the show by pulling back the curtain on what this time of year really looks like for an MLB front office — from talent evaluation and contract negotiations to honestly assessing where your team stands. Then Ryan dives into the NBA trade deadline, breaking down potential buyers and sellers, what the Warriors might do, and how front offices approach big midseason decisions. Plus, the GMs answer listener questions to close the show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough sit down with Super Bowl–winning coach John DeFilippo for a deep dive into quarterback development, leadership inside an NFL building, and how elite offenses are really built. From coaching Carson Wentz during his MVP-caliber run to the pressures of coordinating in the league’s toughest markets, DeFilippo shares candid insight from his journey across the NFL and college football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad and Ryan are joined by Tom Telesco to break down OKC’s dominance and why the Pistons are finally showing signs of a turnaround. The guys discuss patience, roster construction, and the mental toughness required to rebuild across the three major sports. Then they dive into Lane Kiffin shaking up college football, cracks forming with the Chiefs, Steelers, and Ravens, Joe Burrow’s return, and whether Mike Tomlin has reached the end of his run in Pittsburgh. Plus, listener questions to close the show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Thanksgiving rewind of our favorite 2025 interviews: Greg Anthony and AJ Hinch on player trades, Torii Hunter and PJ Tucker on their unique paths to the pros, Jeff Berry on negotiating big deals, Rick Hahn and Michael Young on team-first leadership, and Jeff Passan and Jeff “Skin” Wade on how the media shapes front-office decisions. We hope all of our listeners have a wonderful Thanksgiving! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad and Ryan break down the MLB MVP race featuring Ohtani and Judge, then turn their attention to early NBA MVP predictions for the season ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough are joined by Tom Telesco to unpack a wild time in sports — from Nico Harrison’s firing in Dallas to Brian Daboll’s ousting in New York. They debate the risks and rewards of NFL trade deadline deals, break down the MLB gambling scandal shaking the sport, and explain how top Japanese and Korean players make their way to the majors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thad and Ryan react to the instant-classic World Series and why this one will stick with fans for years. They break down Yamamoto’s brilliance, Dave Roberts’ best decisions, and the uphill road for the Blue Jays to get back. Then, the guys turn to the NBA, tackling Ja Morant’s suspension, trade value, and the GM calculus of “talent vs. headache.” Plus, this week’s listener questions! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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