On any given day, you can hear SARAH SPAIN talking sports on ESPN. On TV. On Radio. On Podcasts. Online. (And hell, maybe now in the owner's box.) But she's also found ways to use her platforms to explore her passions beyond sports - which is kinda sorta what this show is all about. So we break down that balancing act, her favorite interviews beyond sports, and some other fun stuff in her final appearance with us. Then, Brad and his daughter Charley talk the art and science of catching a real, live leprechaun.

ESPN's Sarah Spain on the Joys of Not Sticking to Sports

Calling all MAC alums! (Uh, and MAC "townies" like us.) We've got The Ringer's ace music critic and writer ROB HARVILLA - an Ohio University alum - to break down his new podcast "60 Songs That Explain the '90s." And we also talk growing up with '90s Cleveland sports, having Mazzy Star as your prom theme, and all things Hashtag MACtion. And because Gareth & Brad grew up in a MAC town (shoutout Bagel & Deli in Oxford, Ohio) we share our favorite '90s MAC memories, from Randy Moss kinda sorta being in the MAC to Gary Trent kinda sorta being the "Shaq of the MAC."

Go listen to "60 Songs That Explain the '90s" ... https://www.theringer.com/60-songs-that-explain-the-90s

Ringer's Rob Harvilla on '90s Music, '90s Sports & '90s #MACtion!

ERIC DAVIS is a legend. He hit an iconic homerun in the 1990 World Series to beat the heavily favored A's. He outlasted double-figure surgeries. He somehow made "buttonless 80s baseball jerseys" work. And, most crucially, he beat cancer. Our co-host Gareth Hughes is battling cancer now, so we dialed up Eric for perspective and a pep talk. And it's especially poignant because Gareth was there in the stands the night when Eric went yard against Oakland in the World Series. Two strangers, connected by a legendary sports moment, and an awful disease. And the hope and resolve to win, in both.

World Series Hero Eric Davis Beat Cancer AND the '90 A's. He's a Legend.

It's the last dance for "Just Not Sports," and we're bringing out the big guns! MARVIN LEWIS coached our (well, Brad's) beloved Bengals for half our life, so we're thrilled to finally have our favorite all-time coach here to share his love of golf. We break down his short and mid-range game, his greatest tournament highlight (which is online, ya know), and why you shouldn't gamble with NBA players. (Like, ever.) Then, Gareth & Brad bid farewell after nearly 200 episodes and half-a-decade by creating their all-time "farewell" mix tape. Plenty of shoutouts to close this episode and series ... thanks to each and everyone who ever contributed, collaborated or listened over the years. Booty rappers, stay booty.

Our Last Episode Had to Be Marvin Lewis Talking Golf. (Yup, Just Golf.)

Former NFL All-Pro Chad Brown talks about his lifelong love of reptiles ... and the time he almost got eaten by a snake while holding a chicken. Plus: We break down the mysterious disappearance of Ray Allen's acting career. 

Ep. 1: Chad Brown Likes Snakes

Longtime NFL punter Chris Kluwe is a Man of Letters! We talk about his acclaimed books, his (mostly sober) writing process, and synonyms for "heaving breasts!" (His words, not ours.) Plus: We make em say “uhhhh” with a Battle of the Helicopter Sports Dads – P. Diddy vs. Master P (43:00 mark)

Ep. 3: Chris Kluwe Likes Writing

This Thanksgiving, we're bringing some sweet "Jam" to the table! Our sports guy hosts break down some game film on the 1992 magnum opus music video "Jam." It's Michael Jordan dancing! It's Michael Jackson hooping! It's Heavy D dressed as Blossom! And Kriss Kross ... uh ... also there! Feast your eyes and ears!

Ep. 4: MJ vs. MJ in 'Jam'

Some shows slow down for the holidays – but we’re doubling down! We start with NFL All-Pro Charles Tillman of the undefeated Carolina Panthers, who has a new book about how to survive and thrive in those awkward middle school years. (Too late to help us, but we digress.) Then (26:30 mark) we go deep with music legend Def Jef about rapping with Shaq, the evolution of hip-hop, and what it’s gonna take to get more athletes releasing rap records already!

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/justnotsports 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 


Ep. 7: Charles Tillman Writes & Def Jef Raps!

Wendi Nix is an ESPN reporter who travels tirelessly week after week. So how does she unwind? More travel, natch. The NFL vagabond opens up about missing boats, finding Greece, and taking "responsible tourism" classes. (Because THAT sounds relaxing, sheesh.) Plus: With "Creed" generating Hollywood headlines, we step into the ring to compare the performances of athletes who've gone toe to toe with Rocky.  Who will go the distance? Ding ding ding!

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/21VZ8fE 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 

Ep. 10: ESPN's Wendi Nix Travels a LOT

Road trip! This week we’re in the gorgeous Walla Walla Valley in Washington state, to check out longtime NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe’s Doubleback Winery. We talk to Drew about becoming a “gentleman farmer,” his aptly named winemaker, and which wines he’d gift to Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and other NFL icons. PLUS (24:00 mark): We rate the raps of NBA stars Damian Lillard and Iman Shumpert. And we beg them to get into the studio to make “B-Ball’s Best Kept Secrets: Vol. 2.” C’mon, guys, let’s do this already. 

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/21VZ8fE 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 

Ep. 11:  Drew Bledsoe Makes Wine in Walla Walla

Ahman Green was a superhero for the Green Bay Packers during his long NFL career. But the franchise leader in rushing yards is a superfan of another superhero ... Batman. We sat down with Ahman to discuss his love of The Dark Knight, batsuit nipples, his role in “Batman V. Superman,” and the art of dressing up for Comic-Con. Plus (42:00 mark): With the world bracing for the O.J. Simpson mini-series, we discuss whether it’s possible to still enjoy his comedic role in “The Naked Gun.” 

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/21VZ8fE 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 

Ep. 13: Ahman Green Likes Batman

How do you become one of the most accomplished golfers on the pro tour for more than a decade? By packing your bags. LPGA star NATALIE GULBIS spends life on the road, bouncing between tournaments, time zones and countries. She opens up to us about her nomadic lifestyle, from catching malaria oversees to avoiding Popeyes in the airport. Plus (36:30 mark): The Just Not Sports team is exhausted working Super Bowl 50, yet we take time to reflect on the 1985 Chicago Bears and their groundbreaking (if not always ear-pleasing) single, “Super Bowl Shuffle.”

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/21VZ8fE 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 

Ep. 14: Natalie Gulbis + Super Bowl Shuffle!

We’re talking softball, from Maine to San Diego! OK, we’re not – that’s just one of many “Simpsons” quotes dropped for this week’s episode. America’s premier baseball writer JONAH KERI talks about his love affair with America’s premier (non-prehistoric) cartoon family. PLUS (43:00 mark): We break down the amazing heroes of the NBA Talent Challenge … and Brad defends Mike Muscala’s rap. Seriously.

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/21VZ8fE 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 

Ep. 16: Jonah Keri Likes The Simpsons

DAN BERNSTEIN (Chicago sports talk host and columnist) lists the complex masterpiece “Infinite Jest” as his favorite book. But few know Bernstein carried on a correspondence with the novel's celebrated author, the late David Foster Wallace. Dan opens up about the book, the letters and the "ordinary guy" behind the growing DFW myth. Plus: We go deep about our favorite not-sports books. Gear up for World War 1 history talk, folks! 

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/21VZ8fE 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 

Ep. 19: Dan Bernstein Wrote to David Foster Wallace

Philadelphia Eagles safety MALCOLM JENKINS liked bow ties so much – he started a company. As the founder of Rock Avenue Bow Ties, Malcolm is an expert in men’s fashion. We break down tying a tie right, dressing NFL stars, and finding "beauty in imperfection." PLUS (48:00 mark): We go deep on “Blue Chips,” the movie that ended the debate about paying college athletes forever!

Subscribe on iTunes: http://apple.co/1NDjrZs 
Listen on SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/21VZ8fE 
Follow on Twitter:  @JustNotSports  
www.JustNotSports.com 

Ep. 20: Malcolm Jenkins Rocks Bow Ties

Many women who cover sports are harassed online. For some it's sporadic, and for others it's a daily issue. We talk to columnist/broadcaster JULIE DICARO and NFL writer ANDREA HANGST about how they handle online abuse, the perils of self-censorship, and a social campaign project #MoreThanMean which we made to educate guys that some tweets are more than mean - they're harassment. And they need to stop.

Ep. 26: Online Harassment w/ Julie DiCaro & Andrea Hangst

Former NFL punter CHRIS KLUWE returns to the show to explain this whole "Warcraft" movie and game to us, and talk about why more video games haven't been turned into awesome flicks. Then (46:45) we honor July Fourth by creating the Mt. Rushmore of Athlete Musicians - and we need your help to finish it, Sparkleponies!

Ep. 36: Chris Kluwe Explains 'Warcraft'

KENT BAZEMORE of the Atlanta Hawks likes the Scot Harvath spy novels so much, he changed his name to Scot Harvath! Well, on Twitter. We break down his fascination with the literary character, the proper spelling of "Scot," Navy SEAL culture, and whether he'll land a cameo in the movie. Then (53:00) we go deep on the new rap album by Damian Lillard with hip-hop performer and producer DEF JEF!

Ep. 56: NBA's Kent Bazemore Reads Scot Harvath Thrillers

Spencer Hall, or @EDSBS as he's better known, wrote one of 2016's most talked about pieces of sports writing with his essay, "BUFFALO," a look at the majestic animal and the violence of football (it works). With the NFL Playoffs and College Football Championship upon us, we spoke to Spencer about the American Bison, and examined the moral complexity of football fandom.

Ep. 60: Spencer Hall on Buffalo (the animal), football, and our love of a violent game

Reporter and author SRIDHAR PAPPU joins our show to discuss his recent Male Animal column in The New York Times about what happens when big-time sports fans find themselves no longer caring as much. Is it inevitable? Should "fair-weather fandom" lose its stigma? And for the love of god, is Adam a Packers fan or a Broncos fan?!

Ep. 62: NYT's Sridhar Pappu on the End of Fandom

Baseball Prospectus writer MATT SUSSMAN loves curling ... and he even has a world ranking to prove it. Starting at 35:00 we go deep on the nuances of the game, TV's newly expanded curling coverage, comparisons to "broom ball" and his own Olympic aspirations. Plus, we start the pod by talking about the sports world's reaction to the first week of the Trump presidency.

Ep. 63: MLB Writer Matt Sussman is a Curling Zealot!

When NICOLE AUERBACH isn't stalking the sidelines at NCAA games or the Olympics for USA Today, she's catching up on one of her all-time favorite shows: "Parks And Recreation." We break down the sitcom's cult status, the joy of "Treat Yo Self Day," and of course her uncanny resemblance to co-star Aubrey Plaza. Including whether Nicole ever tries to score a dinner reservation using her doppelganger's name.

Ep. 64: USA Today's Nicole Auerbach is Aubrey Plaza's Twin

The Ringer's SEAN FENNESSEY has many titles. Editor-in-Chief. Chief Content Officer. Podcaster. But we appreciate him best as Horror Film Buff. Sean goes deep with Brad on the history of horror movies, including a breakdown of Sean's tremendous "Horror Oscars" piece from earlier this month. (Is "Gremlin's 2" horror? Is "Poltergeist" better than "The Thing?" Is "Texas Chainsaw 2" crazy or ... batshit crazy?) Plus, they analyze the great new Ringer podcast series "Halloween Unmasked" and why that film remains such a phenomenon today.

Subscribe to Sean's podcast "The Big Picture" & "Halloween Unmasked" wherever you listen to pods.

The Ringer's Sean Fennessey on Horror Films & "Halloween"

Before covering sports and culture for ESPNw, KATIE BARNES tried a different kind of writing ... fan fiction! Katie was part of a vibrant and active online community that specifically explored the characters and relationships on the hit TV drama, "Grey's Anatomy." Katie joins us to talk about they got into the show, the importance of Grey's "Calzona" coupling and on-air LGBTQ representation, and the amazing art of "remixing" a show's storylines. Really fun interview.

ESPNw's Katie Barnes Wrote "Grey's Anatomy" Fan Fiction

Before Yahoo MLB reporter HANNAH KEYSER got known for hopping on the bandwagon of baseball teams, she was firmly on Team Carrie. (Well, really, Team Miranda, but we'll get there.) That's right, she's a "Sex & the City" superfan with plenty of #HotTakes about the worst boyfriends, best Samantha-isms, best and worst ways the show has aged, and the art of tuchus-lingus ... don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds. Just ask Charlotte.

Yahoo's Hannah Keyser is on the 'Sex & the City' Bandwagon

Between her work for USA Today's For the Win and her podcast "Ten Movies," HEMAL JHAVERI devotes a lot of time and thought to pop culture. And one Hollywood icon truly stands out to her: Keanu Reeves. We break down his filmography, his comedic roots, his status as an action hero, that insanely earnest Paula Abdul video he made, why "John Wick" works so well ... oh, and why Hemal just doesn't care about "The Matrix." Plus, O.G. "Just Not Sports" producer JOE REED returns to the pod to talk baking on lockdown and other distractions!

USA Today's Hemal Jhaveri on the Enduring Appeal of Keanu Reeves

As demonstrations continue to press for racial justice, Brad and Gareth take time to reflect on tough conversations this show has had over the years with Black athletes and media on racial equality, police violence, profiling, protesting and representation. Then, they amplify several Black voices who are worth your time.

Black Athletes Keep Telling Us. It's Time We Listen.

Denison vs. Kenyon. It's the greatest college sports story you've NEVER heard. A historic 17-year national title streak on the line. Two archrivals separated by a few miles. And a group of dedicated athletes determined to unseat an all-time NCAA dynasty. This is the story of the 2000-01 Denison women's swim team as they tried to pry the Division III national title from the vaunted Kenyon College Ladies. It's the untold story of a great rivalry, and the passion and culture of D3 athletes and swimmers everywhere. (It's also the story of celebratory cough drops, shower pep talks and the smelliest socks in sports history.) And if you know nothing about swimming, we got legends ROWDY GAINES, NATALIE COUGHLIN HALL, MEL STEWART and ANDREW WILSON to explain the nuances of the sport. As we approach the 20th anniversary of this moment, it's time to revisit the Big Red vs. the Lords & Ladies!

'She Sweats Chlorine: Denison, Kenyon & the Greatest Upset Never Told'

ETAN THOMAS is many things. Poet. Writer. Activist. Athlete. We talk about his road from a decade-long NBA career to his new pursuits, which include creative writing, reporting, activism and more. And we guess what he would have brought into the NBA bubble to entertain himself. Then, since it's Halloween time Brad is joined by "Summer Blockbuster" podcast host Steve Warner to break down their all-time favorite horror movie sequels. Which is just straight up not the list you expect, just saying.

NBA Vet Etan Thomas on Poetry, Creative Writing & Athlete Activism

Comedian DAVID GBORIE had a full-fledged "athletic career," dammit, and you will respect it! We cajoled the co-host of "All Fantasy Everything" and the official Voice of Comedy Central to talk about his days on the high school gridiron, shady Wyoming-based two-a-days, creepy coaches, and that one INT he got that one time. Plus, we talk Denver sports, old-school Sonics, and why "Blue Chips" is a great freaking movie. Then, Gareth takes us back to "Cancer Corner" and we debate why things like that Ted Lasso TV show work against the odds.

David Gborie on Denver Sports, the '90s Sonics, Football Head Injuries & the Joy of "Blue Chips"

Sports Illustrated copy chief JULIE KLIEGMAN's Twitter bio says "Talk to me about the SpongeBob musical." So here ... we ... are. We go deep on the legacy of the beloved cartoon, the show's manic comedic style, the meme-ification of the characters, why most reporters are Squidwards at heart, and why she loves the human-starring SpongeBob stage show. Then, Gareth and Brad do some old school distractions that include a Princess Di podcast and a reassessment of some truly hated '80s horror.

SI's Julie Kliegman Goes Deep on All Things SpongeBob

It's the holiday season, and Super Bowl champ BEN UTECHT is a most wonderful person to talk with in this most wonderful time of the year. He's been active in music for years, and each December he performs a concert that channels the best holiday music from Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. We go deep on his show (which is virtual this year), his other Christmas albums and recordings, his new musical trio Reborn, and his Top 5 favorite holiday tracks. Then, Brad is joined by "Summer Blockbuster" host Steve Warner to debate that annoying debate about what constitutes a Christmas movie. And why our parents EVER let us watch "Gremlins."

"An Andy & Bing Christmas" is virtual this year and you can buy tickets here: https://chanhassendt.com/shows/andybingchristmas/

Ben's group Reborn can be found here: https://www.rebornmusicgroup.org/

The "Summer Blockbuster" podcast is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-blockbuster/id1233568639

NFL Vet Ben Utecht Talks Holiday Concerts, Channeling Andy Williams and His Top 5 Christmas Classics

Washington Post reporter CHUCK CULPEPPER wrote an amazing story about the time Miami University (um, of Ohio) changed its nickname from R-dskins to RedHawks. And guess what? Yeah, everything was fine! With Native American nicknames back under debate, we check in on this time when a small Ohio town debated the change, the people who made it happen, the Miami Tribe members who clarified and personified the debate, and, ya know ... Brad's mom's role in all of it.

Washington Post's Chuck Culpepper on Racist Sports Nicknames, Plus My Mom on Our Life with Them

JESSE WASHINGTON of The Undefeated joins us to break down his new book "I Came as a Shadow" which he co-authored with legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson about the life and legacy of this amazing coach, mentor, activist and man. Then, Gareth and Brad talk about what distracted us in 2020, and some show news for 2021.

The Undefeated's Jesse Washington on the Cultural Impact of Georgetown Coach John Thompson

For years, JULIE DICARO has been one of the most outspoken voices about the challenges faced by women in sports. It's what first brought us to her in 2016, when we launched the #MoreThanMean campaign (alongside One Tree Forest Films) to combat online harassment. Half a decade later, we revisit that work to discuss what's changed ... and frankly, what hasn't. (Because a whole hell of a lot hasn't.) And we hear from Julie about her work with Deadspin, her new podcast with Jane McManus, her upcoming book on this very issue, and how more men can step up to ensure that sports becomes a truly fair and equitable industry for everyone.

Julie's book "Sidelined" comes out in March: https://www.amazon.com/Sidelined-Sports-Culture-Being-America/dp/152474610X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=julie+dicaro&qid=1612106950&sr=8-1

The Ladies Room podcast is here: https://deadspin.com/welcome-to-the-ladies-room-a-new-deadspin-sports-podca-1845878217

Deadspin's Julie DiCaro on the Challenges Faced By Women in Sports

Hey, before we go away for good, let's look back! Gareth and Brad replay an interview with "Parks & Rec" and "Good Place" creator MICHAEL SCHUR on the one book he got banned by his wife from discussing at parties ("The Power Broker"). Then, we discuss and debate the legacy of Van Halen with NFL reporter JUDY BATTISTA. These are two of our favorite interviews - enjoy!

Best Of: "Good Place" Creator Michael Schur on Books & NFL Reporter Judy Battista on Van Halen

We continue our Exit Interviews with soccer icon ALEXI LALAS returning for the third time! After two appearances breaking down his own musical talents, this time we asked him to describe his life via mix tape. And he delivers with an all-time starting eleven!  Then, Gareth and Brad do the same ... and it gets seriously weird.

Alexi Lalas Makes His Ultimate Mix Tape, from Air Supply to Zeppelin!

Sports talk, without the sports talk. We go deep with the people who play and cover sports about their passions away from the games. Movies, music, hobbies, interests, fashion. Anything ... JUST NOT SPORTS.

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