The Sports-Casters

Steve interviews Adrian Dater (00:36:20) his friend and a longtime beat writer for the Colorado Avalanche. The former co-host of the Lonely End of the Rink podcast returns to the podcast to talk about the Colorado Avalanche, the Buffalo Sabres, rock concerts, and Adrian's trip to England. Steve and Adrian talk about the individual brilliance of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the return of Gabriel Landeskog, and the outlook of the 2025-26 Avalanche. Adrian gives his opinion on the Sabres, discusses the future of Kiss (this interview was recorded before the news of Ace Frehley's dire heath situation broke), details his experience at Anfield to see Liverpool take on Newcastle. Steve starts the show with first things first. Italy has an incredible international break at the senior and u21 levels, the baseball playoffs have been fantastic, the Saints always play the same game, and the sports media story of the week is about the future of the broadcast booth for the MLB playoffs. The show ends with one last thing and Steve waxes poetic about the return of his favorite Gatorade flavor (seriously). For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Rich Podolsky (00:24:22) the author of a new book about one of the greatest broadcasting booths in football history, "Madden & Summerall." Rich returns with a new book about football broadcasting. RIch explains why he wrote a book about Madden and Summerall, how they revolutionized sports broadcasting, and what their legacy is today. Rich and Steve discuss Madden and Summerall's origins, how they became a team, and what their relationship was away from the booth. Rich also tell's stories about being on Madden's bus, Summerall reafing Murder She, Wrote promos, and Madden being stranded in Buffalo. Also, MeMarcog (01:08:35) returns for the second of a two part summit on Italian football (calcio). Marco and Steve debate club vs. country, the current state of the Italian National team, and the problems facing Italian football. Marco explains how he fell in love with AC Milan and tells us his origin story as a fan of calcio. Steve talks about falling in love with the National team and gives his origin story. The guys debate the future of Francesco Camarda and discuss what changes need to improve the future of Serie A, the Nazionale, and Italian footballers. This is part two of a two part series. Part 1 appears on Season 15 Episode 22. Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the Saints losing again, Brian Snitker stepping down as Braves manager, and debuts a new feature called the sports media story of the week. The show ends with one last thing about getting playing hockey again. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Marshall Garvey (00:22:44) the author of a new book about the 1985 World Series called, "Interstate '85." Marshall debuts to discuss the 1985 World Series and explains why, despite living in Sacramento, he decided to write a book about two teams from Missouri. Marshall talks about Jack Buck and Denny Matthews and explains why Al Michaels called the series and not Howard Cosell. Marshall also explains the differences and similarities between the Kansas City Royals and the St Louis Cardinals, the rivalry between the two teams, and the iconic missed call that sent the series to a seventh game. Also, MeMarcog (01:08:35) debuts for the first of a two part summit on Italian football (calcio). Marco and Steve debate club vs. country, the current state of the Italian National team, and the problems facing Italian football. Marco explains how he fell in love with AC Milan and tells us his origin story as a fan of calcio. Steve talks about falling in love with the National team and gives his origin story. The guys debate the future of Francesco Camarda and discuss what changes need to improve the future of Serie A, the Nazionale, and Italian footballers. This is part one of a two part series. Part 2 appears on Season 15 Episode 23. Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the Saints clown show in Seattle, the 2025 Braves are stat padding, and debuts a new feature called the sports media story of the week. The show ends with one last thing about getting some swag back. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Seth Wickersham (00:28:26) the author of a new book about quarterbacks called, "American Kings." Seth is making his debut on the podcast and immediately faces some hazing for not featuring Drew Brees more in the book. Seth explains how the news he broke from the book about Caleb Williams and his father exploring their options before the draft has helped the book and affected how some people may prejudge it. Seth also talks about how hard it is to replace superstar QB's, Steve Young, Arch Manning, and how important coaches and circumstance is when trying to maximize the talent of a young QB. Steve starts the show with first things first. The baseball playoffs are almost here, the New Orleans Saints don't do what winning teams do, and Barstool's new show on FS1 has some of the worst ratings ever recorded on television. The show ends with one last thing as Paula joins us to address her recent comments about Uncle Greg. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Andrew Marchand (00:28:43) from The Athletic and Marchand Sports Media. Marchand returns (without, Meterparel) to discuss the first year of Marchand Sports Media. Marchand discusses booking podcasts, trying to get people to subscribe and pay for it, and the challenges he has stumbled upon during the first year. Marchand also talks about several sports media issues. What will baseball do in 2029. Will the NFL opting out of their deals hurt MLB? Is the NBA really better off than the MLB? What sports media stories will he be tracking during the NFL season? Is Brady still the biggest story? Steve starts the show with first things first. Italy have completed their first International break with Gennaro Gattuso in charge Are they closer of further from qualifying for their first World Cup since 2014? The New Orleans Saints are 0-1 and Steve has some thoughts on the start of Kellen Moore's first weekend as Saints head coach. The show ends with one last thing about Steve turning 45 and the good and bad that has happened in his life since he turned 40. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Jane Leavy (00:31:45) the author of a new book about what is ailing baseball called, "Make Me Commissioner." The First Lady of The Sports-Casters returns with a new book detailing her plans to return baseball to its rightful place in the American experience. Jane and Steve talk about analytics and how it has helped and hurt baseball, the injuries crushing pitchers, and the discrepancy in payrolls across the Major Leagues. Jane also explains why she didn't write about a player this time, why she will never write about Joe DiMaggio, and why she still hasn't decided what she will write next. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves are not going down without a fight, the New Orleans Saints name Spencer Rattler the starting quarterback, and Italian football has returned for the 2025-26 season. The show ends with one last thing as Paula joins us to talk about a family vacation to see Oasis. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Stewart Mandel (00:22:54) from The Athletic. Stewart makes his annual visit to the podcast to preview the upcoming college football season. Stewart updates us on all of the changes to college football since the last season ended and schools us on what we need to know to enjoy the upcoming season. Stewart has thoughts on the changes to the College Football Playoff, the winners of the transfer portal, and who will win the Heisman Trophy in December. Stewart and Steve also discuss Arch Manning and his massive expectations, John Mateer at Oklahoma, and the teams he thinks might make a deep run in the playoff. Stewart also tells us about his recent column on college football preview magazines and explains how they have stayed relevant in 2025. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves called up a young pitcher from Gwinnett and he is sick. The Colorado Rockies are one of the worst teams ever and Devin Williams is having a season from hell with the New York Yankees. The Saints QB competition is off to a rough start and Hard Knocks filmed part of an upcoming episode at my brother's bar. Also, ESPN and the NFL have made a massive deal that will impact sports media for years to come. The show ends with one last thing about getting my driveway paved. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Aaron Schatz (00:30:10) FTN Fantasy's Chief Analytics Officer. Aaron joins us to discuss the 2025 Aaron Schatz's FTN Football Almanac. Aaron discusses settling in at FTN Fantasy, explains how charting DB's has become a larger part of his analysis, and helps to break down just some of the information from this year's almanac. Aaron and Steve talk about the fall of the New Orleans Saints and the rise of the Buffalo Bills. Aaron tells us what teams the almanac is higher on than most and the teams they are lower on. Also, how good ate this year's quarterbacks? How will last year's rookie QB class look in 2025? Will the Bengals help Joe Burrow? Who will play in the Super Bowl in February? Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves are officially sellers. Who should they sell and who should they keep? The Saints have stated training camp and their QB competition has begun. Also, Barstool and Fox have a deal. How will it work out for both companies? The show ends with one last thing about being Italian-American and getting to celebrate it this weekend at the Italian Festival. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Andy Greene (00:24:35) from Rolling Stone magazine. Andy joins us to talk about a busy few weeks in rock and a bad time to be in the "rock is dead," crowd. Andy talks about the return of Oasis, why he thinks the brothers decided to get back together, and gives his thoughts on what he has seen from the shows so far. Andy also talks about the reunions that still need to happen while they still can. Steve and Andy then move on to the last Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne concert. Ozzy pulled it off, Steve Tyler sounds incredible, and who was the band that Sharon kicked off the gig? Next, the guys talk about Matt Cameron leaving Pearl Jam. Why? What is next for Matt? What is next for Pearl Jam? Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves have reached the All-Star break, thank god. Also, Jannik Sinner is the first Italian to win Wimbledon. In the NFL, 30 second round picks remained unsigned and Kirk Cousins realizes that the Atlanta Falcons are hideous. The show ends with one last thing about Steve's journey from fat dad and horrible dancer to horrible dancer who isn't quite as fat. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Tim and Jeff Kurkjian (00:18:37) the hosts of the podcast, Is This A Great Game, Or What? Tim and Jeff join us to talk about the origin of their podcast, the joy they get doing the podcast together, and the unique approach they take to interviewing. Jeff talks about doing morning radio in Philadelphia and how he sees podcasting evolving in the next few years. Tim talks about writing for Sports Illustrated and the future of sports writing. Jeff and Tim also talk about the injures Atlanta Braves, interviewing Cal Ripken Jr., and how they think baseball needs to evolve to continue to be one of the premier sports in America. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves are the 2024 Braves, the Buffalo Sabres made another bad trade and, AC Milan actually signed an Italian player. The show ends with one last thing featuring the beautiful, Paula Bennett. Paula talks about the end of third grade, her plans for the summer, and her thoughts on the Oasis reunion. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Mark Kriegel (00:21:25) the author of a new book about Mike Tyson called, "Baddest Man." Mr. Kriegel returns for the first time since 2012. Mark explains why not wanting to "give the money back" resulted in a new book about Mike Tyson. Mike also talks about Tyson's appeal in the 80's, the revenue he generated, and the likely outcomes to living at the speed Tyson was back then. Mark also remembers Tyson's famous fight against Micheal Spinks, his relationship with Cus D'Amato, and how Tyson's life ushered in a new way famous athletes were covered by the press. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves are hot, is there reason for optimism? Also, the Florida Panthers have won their second Stanley Cup, Connor McDavid wasn't good enough, and Italy has a new coach. The show ends with one last thing on the destructiveness of short hand in conversation. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Jay Mariotti (00:18:00) who returns to the podcast with a list of sports medias topics he needs to get off his chest. Jay talks about the end of Around the Horn. Jay remembers the good and bad times he spent on the show and explains why he thinks it was never the same after he left. Jay has thoughts on the Pablo Torre and Bill Simmons feud. Jay is tired of hearing about Jordan Hudson and Bill Belichick, and he also talks about Jeff Pearlman getting in the mix and calling out gambling money. Jay has thoughts on Stephen A, sports writers on television, and the fall of the national sports columnist. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves still stink, Italy faces the nightmare of missing a third straight World Cup, and the Stanley Cup Final is awesome. The show ends with one last thing about self-evaluation. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Bob Costas (00:18:04) who returns to the podcast after making his debut at the start of season 14. Bob and Steve talk about the Atlanta Braves troubles, the Pittsburgh Pirates blowing their window with Paul Skenes, and Aaron Judge in the regular season vs. Aaron Judge in the post season. Bob recalls his time hosting the Cheers finale, explains what is left on his bucket list, and outs himself as a casual hockey fan. Bob also plays a round of 9 in 90 where he gives a Mt. Rushmore of baseball movies, a book recommendation for Father's Day, and tells us his favorite Bob Uecker story. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves have hit rock bottom, Inter Milan embarrassed themselves and fans of Italian football all over the world, and the Stanley Cup Final is here.. The show ends with one last thing about Steve becoming a skilled plumber. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews SL Price (00:21:50) the author of an upcoming book about lacrosse in the United States. Mr. Price returns for the first time since September of 2022. After spending eight years researching and writing, The American Game will be released on May 20, 2025. Mr. Price explains why he wanted to write the book, the stereotypes about the game and the people who play it that he found to be false and the few that proved to be true. Mr Price also talks about Jim Brown, box lacrosse, and the relationship indigenous people have with the game. Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves have another chance to crawl back to .500, Inter Milan will face PSG in the Champions League Final, and Connor McDavid embarrassed Jack Eichel. The show ends with one last thing about a big weekend ahead. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Field Yates (00:16:45) from ESPN. Field joins us shortly after returning home from Green Bay where he was covering the NFL Draft. Field talks about walking around Green Bay, the layout of the draft, and behind the scenes in the ESPN production meetings for the broadcast of the draft. Field also explains what was happening behind the scenes when the Browns traded the second pick to the Jaguars and the reaction when Shedeur Sanders was finally drafted. Also, Mike Triplett from NewOleans.Football (00:46:51) returns to talk about the New Orleans Saints. Mike mostly listens and laughs as Steve rants and raves about Dennis Allen, Derek Carr, and the post Brees/Payton era. Mike gives his thoughts on Tyler Shough, the Saints draft, and the future of Carr. Mike and Steve calm down (mostly Steve) and the guys have some fun looking back at a few of the best moments from the Brees/Payton era. Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the incredible game between Inter Milan and Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Also, the Braves blow a chance to reach .500, the NHL playoffs, and the NFL Draft. The show ends with one last thing being in the hospital with a nasty kidney stone. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com