Ring Lardner Award winner Toni Ginnetti talks about her career as a sportswriter in Chicago.  A female trailblazer in print journalism, Ginnetti shares how her instinct led to human interest stories in baseball about former Chicago Cub Rick Sutcliffe's dog "Rookie" and the Chicago White Sox Adam Dunn.  Great stories from a woman who is a Baseball Hall of Fame voter and has covered DePaul basketball, Olympics and Politics in Chicago.

"Ring Lardner Awards Part 1" with Toni Ginnetti - Episode047

In this mini-episode we ask the age old debate that comes up every spring in Chicago:  Who will win more games the Cubs or the White Sox? From the north side to the south side it's sure to get heated as hope springs eternal in Chicago baseball!  This episode's guests giving their predictions are Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune; Jon Greenberg, The Athletic; WGN-TV's Dan Roan; Mark Potash and Richard Roeper from the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Answer me this:  Who will win more games this year, the Cubs or the White Sox?" Mini-Episode048

Ring Lardner award winner in 2020 for sports broadcasting is Chicago Sportscaster Dan Roan of WGN-TV. Thirty seven years covering Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Notre Dame football and more.  Roan tells great stories from the worst athletes in Chicago sports to the best.  And how PGA golfer D.A. Weibring helped Roan's career while roommates at Illinois State University.

"Ring Lardner Award winner in Sports Broadcasting Dan Roan" - Episode 049

The NFL Draft is when team's hedge their bets and money on who will become great football players on Sundays.  But it's a crapshoot with often most top picks being busts.  So who are the draft picks you were completely wrong about?  We asked Brad Biggs, NFL Writer for the Chicago Tribune, former NFL player John "Jurko" Jurkovic of ESPN Radio and Greg Gabriel a former front office executive with the Chicago Bears.  Listen in to this mini episode for their "draft busts"!

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Answer Me This... What Draft Pick were you Completely Wrong About?" Mini Episode 50

The Chicago Bears trade up for the second time in four years for a Quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft.  But, can Justin Fields of Ohio State be what Mitch Trubisky was not -- a franchise quarterback? Or God forbid will Bears fans wait half another half century to find a signal caller to take them to the promised land!  In Part 2 of "Answer me this... What draft pick were you completely wrong about?"  NFL writers, former players and analysts give us their Draft Busts.  Former Chicago Bear Alex Brown, ESPN's Jeff Dickerson, Dan Pompei & Adam Jahns from the Athletic and John Buffone of the Bears Barroom Network all chime in.  While Bears fans hope Justin Fields is NEVER on this list.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

Chicago Bears 2021 Draft & Part 2 - The Picks You Were Wrong About - Mini Episode 051

Prior to the NFL Draft 2021 athletes go through the NFL Combine.  One of the myriad of tests performed is the Athletes Intelligence Quotient, AIQ which measures an athletes intelligence: the ability to acquire, process and apply information."  It's not a predictor of their success in the NFL, but it can be a contributing factor.  So, you may ask, "how smart is my QB"?  In part One of our interview, Dr. Scott Goldman delves into the how's and why's of this test and what has been said about the Off the Chart scoring my new Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"How Smart Is Your QB?" with Dr. Scott Goldman - Ep052

For the first time we hear the truth behind Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields intelligence test results as explained by the Dr. who performed the test.  Dr. Scott Goldman says Fields incredibly high scores are consistent and parallel with league MVPs and Super Bowl winners of late.  So how can the Bears bring this out of their rookie QB on the field and end generational drought at the QB Position? We discuss!

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Justin Fields Intelligence Test Results Explained" with Dr. Scott Goldman - Episode 053

Mark Giangreco was the King of Local TV Sports not only in Chicago but the highest paid local sportscaster in the country.  His ouster at ABC7 in Chicago came after a wisecrack but his stories of almost four decades covering Chicago sports are still flowing.  Will he return to the local sports scene?  Tune in and hear what it takes to succeed in local Television in the Windy City.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Phone a Friend" with Mark Giangreco -Episode 054

In this midsummer update on sports in Chicago, Jason takes over the show hosting and talking about summer baseball with the White Sox and Chicago Cubs. From the "sticky baseball" controversy in Major League Baseball the spat between Lucas Giolito and Josh Donaldson of the Twins as well as how its helping hitters like Kyle Schwarber too. Are the Cubs sellers?  Can the White Sox get back to a strong second half? Will they actually work together on a trade? Jason has thoughts on all of this as well as former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen, the NBA Playoffs and more to share with you.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Jason Takes Over Talking Baseball and More" - Episode 055

The generation gap between Peggy and Jason shows up as they talk NBA basketball.  Peggy admits she lost interest watching the NBA after the three point shot "ruined" the game she loved.  In comes, Chicago Bulls and Fox Sports broadcaster Adam Amin to convince her to watch the greatest athletes play the game.  Listen in as Adam and Jason talk NBA basketball and the game which admittedly is "not your mother's or father's NBA" anymore.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Not Your Mother's NBA" with Adam Amin - Episode 056

Answer me this...what is your favorite Olympic Memory?  And, what event or sport should be in the Olympic Games?  Jason and Peggy share their thoughts while watching the Tokyo Olympics and reach out to others "in the know".  1992 Olympic Boxer Montell Griffin, NBC Broadcaster Kathryn Tappen, ESPN and Marquee Sports Network's Beth Mowins, Olympics producer for NBC Sports Bob Vasilopoulos and Bally Sportswriter Maggie Hendricks all chime in with their favorite Olympic memories and possible Olympic sports as well.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Answer Me This...Favorite Olympic Memories" - Episode 057

What makes Chicago Bears Quarterback Justin Fields tick?  How did his upbringing in Georgia make him the player he is today?  And can he get out of the shadow of Trevor Lawrence?  We asked these questions to his High School Coach Matt Dickmann who remains close to the Fields family and has watched the quarterback blossom.  Whenever the Chicago Bears make him their starting QB Dickmann is confident he will live up to the lofty expectations that have been placed on him since he was 15 years old.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Justin Fields, a QB In The Making" with Matt Dickmann - Episode 058

After talking to one of Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields High School coaches in Episode 058 it got us to reminiscing about our own favorite coaches growing up.  Who made that impression on you?  Who brought out your best?  Who pushed you to limits you didn't think possible?  We asked some friends to share with us who their favorite coach was growing up.  Tampa Bay Rays broadcaster Dave Wills, former Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Tom Waddle, Marquee Sports Network's Elise Menaker and 670 The Score Chicago Bears sideline reporter Mark Grote all chime in.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Answer me this...Who was your favorite coach growing up?" - Episode 059

The 2021 Chicago Bears have a decimated offensive line before the season even began.  Who better to talk to than the newest Chicago Bears inducted into Pro Football's Hall of Fame than former Left Tackle Jimbo Covert?  Playing on a unit that had the same starting five for seven years, Covert gives intimate details to playing the position as well as his opinion on how the current NFL is played.  Is there hope for the Chicago Bears?  Covert will tell you in this episode.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Talking Offensive Line with Chicago Bears Hall of Fame Jimbo Covert" -  Episode 060

Chicago White Sox face the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series.  White Sox radio's Len Kasper joins the show to preview the matchup.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Chicago White Sox Baseball Postseason" with Len Kasper - Episode 062

In 2021 Chicago Bears fans anticipated the debut of rookie quarterback Justin Fields, and after spot showings the first few weeks of the season Fields got his first NFL start and it was a disaster!  So we started talking about other athlete's debuts we couldn't wait to see and how they ended.  In this "Answer me this" episode our friends chime in with their athlete debuts they remember.  WGN TV's Pat Tomasulo, ABC 7 newsman Rob Elgas and ESPN's sportscasting couple Jordan Cornette and Shae Peppler join the conversation.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Answer Me this, what athlete's debut were you most excited about?" - Episode 061

Chicago Bears rookie Quarterback Justin Fields is struggling.  In week 7 he faced a fierce Tampa Bay defense which sacked the rookie four times, three interceptions and forced three fumbles.  Is playing him doing more harm than good?  Or does he just need to take his lumps?  Former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator and U. of Illinois Big Ten Coach of the year Ron Turner joins us to instill what he's learned with rookie quarterbacks over his 41 years of coaching football.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Developing NFL Quarterbacks" with Ron Turner - Episode 063

As Chicago sports goes dormant a myriad of topics pop up.  Jason and Peggy do a rapid fire episode with a host of topics to debate.  Aaron Rodgers misinforming the media and public about his Covid-19 immunization, the Chicago blackhawks fall from grace, Scottie Pippen's "Last chance" to get back at Michael Jordan in a new book, the White Sox and Cubs in free agency and Chicago Radio's toxic culture per a recent newspaper story.  Peggy knows firsthand what it was like covering Scottie Pippen, the Blackhawks during their three Stanley Cup runs in the early 2010s and as a longtime radio host speaks openly about the Chicago Tribune's report that the Windy city's radio waves are toxic for women.  Jason on the other hand is all knowing when it comes to baseball free agency and the why's and why nots, The Who will stay and who will go for each side of town.  And both hosts talk about the CHICAGO BEARS inaction at the trade deadline.  This fun episode is moderated by special guest Shea Kinander -- Jason's twin brother and college student at Cornell University.  Enjoy the show!

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Lightning Round - PTI-style" with Shea Kinander - Episode 064

After a few dormant years of NBA purgatory, the Chicago Bulls are back!  How did they rebuild so quickly with Arturas Karnisova and Marc Eversley taking over during a pandemic?  And who are these Bulls players that are so fun to watch and play with great chemistry?  NBC Sports Chicago Bulls insider KC Johnson joins the show to break down the surprise team in the NBA this year.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

"Chicago Bulls R Back Baby" with KC Johnson - Episode 065

Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune wrote a scathing expose on the front office of the Chicago Bears and how the NFL’s founding franchise just keeps getting every hire WRONG.  From head coaches to general managers, the only two constants since Mike Ditka was fired in 1993 are Team President Ted Phillips and a McCaskey owner in charge.  Wiederer takes us behind the scenes of his recent article and the number of former Bears players no longer afraid to speak out…if only the office doors at Halas Hall weren’t closed to their opinions.  Fans, players, media and employees are frustrated with a team that has become a laughingstock in the National Football League.

Chicago Talk with The Sportscaster and Her Son is sponsored by Foot First Podiatry and by Electri-Flex Company.

Follow us on social media @PeggyKusinski & @JasonKinander or on Facebook and Instagram.  Our website is up and running at www.thesportscasterandherson.com where you can find behind the scenes blog notes on each episode, photos and links to critiques of the show.

You can get our Fan Merch at our store on TeePublic https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=23871

“The Broken Chicago Bears” with Dan Wiederer - Episode 066

The Chicago Bears are mired in mediocrity in yet another year at the bottom of the NFL.  Yet, the front office seems to be playing games with fans and the media in not talking or explaining or making any moves.  The fans are left in limbo and the team is in disarray.  Former AllPro Center Olin Kreutz joins the show to talk about the problems with the 2021 CHICAGO BEARS and how former players have been shut out of any discussions with the current front office.  A team in disarray is uncovered.

"Now what, Chicago Bears?" with Olin Kreutz - Episode 067

2021 was a crazy year in Chicago Sports.  From the top rated television sports anchor of 30 years getting fired to the merry go round of Chicago Bears quarterbacks.  Nothing was more talked about than the drafting, the debut, the development and the play of Chicago Bears rookie QB Justin Fields.  In this episode we listen back to the top 7 podcast episodes that our listeners were tuning in to.  Enjoy!

2021 Year in Review - Episode 068

Chicago Bulls rookie guard Ayo Dosunmu is going to the NBA AllStar Weekend to take part in the Rising Stars Challenge.  Not bad for a second round pick!  His mother, Jamarra Dosunmu joins the podcast to talk "Growing up Dosunmu" and how the family is often run like a corporation with everyone all in on each other's goals.  She also tells some great stories of what makes Ayo tick!  A really enjoyable listen if you are a basketball, Bulls, or NBA fan!

"NBA Moms with Jamarra Dosunmu" - Episode 069

The Chicago Bears cleaned house after the 2021 season and hired new General Manager Ryan Poles who in turn hired new Head Coach Matt Eberflus.  What does this mean for the Monsters of the Midway?  Is anything different?  Are Chicago Bears fans optimistic with the new regime?  Peggy and Jason break down the new hires after they were introduced to the Chicago media.

"Chicago Bears New Coaches and GM" - Episode 070

Just in time for Hoops Madness this March you will be watching paid athletes in the NCAA Tournament.  Lots of them!  Name, Image and Likeness is paying off for college athletes and some high school too!  Since the NCAA allowed athletes to make money off their NIL in July 2021, you might be surprised how much they are cashing in!  We're not talking the biggest names in the biggest sports, the Cavinder twins are making millions, as is Shareef O'Neal (Shaq's his Dad).  In this episode, NIL advocate and sports law expert Darren Heitner lifts the lid on how athletes are cashing in less than a year into NIL and where the money is all going.

"March #NIL Madness" with Darren Heitner - Episode 071

It's the start of a new baseball season in Chicago and the same old argument "who will win more games" gets put on the wayside.  This time we reach out to Chicago media and Radio personalities to ask:  What Player will have the best season in Chicago in 2022?  Our Guest prognosticators nearly agreed on one guy, though there are a few others, one guy everyone seems to think will have an MVP season1. Is it a Chicago Cub or a White Sox player?  Our guest prognosticators include:  David Kaplan, NBC Sports Chicago and ESPN Chicago;  Maddie Lee, Chicago Cubs beat writer for the Chicago Sun-Times; WXRT Rock Jock Lin Brehmer; 670 The Score morning show's David Haugh and Jesse Rogers, ESPN's Chicago Baseball reporter.  A fun twist to the new season in Chicago.  Who is your pick?

"What Chicago Baseball Player will have the best season in 2022?" - Episode 072

Chris Berman is synonymous with ESPN.  The legendary sportscaster is semi retired now in his fourth decade in Bristol, Connecticut after covering Super Bowls, NFL Drafts, MLB games and more.  Pairing up with the likes of John Saunders, Tom Mees and Bob Ley, Berman stood out as the crafty, funny and animated anchor with catchy phrases many young guys who followed tried to emulate.  Peggy Kusinski worked with Chris Berman in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN in the late 1980s into the early 1990s - the two go back in time reminiscing about how Berman got to the sports network, some funny Super Bowl memories and his staying power in the sports industry.  Berman also tells us how the nicknames for athletes of which he became known for, came to be.  A great interview with a sportscasting legend.  Enjoy!

"Going Back Back Back with ESPN's Chris Berman" - Episode 073

Well this isn't what everyone was expecting two months into the 2022 MLB season!  The Cubs are playing competitive baseball and cultivating some young talent but don't want it called a rebuild, while the White Sox are play is very underwhelming for a team that was suppose to compete for a World Series title.  It's head scratching - and this was BEFORE Tony LaRussa decided to walk a player with a 1 and 2 count only to get to the next batter who smacks a 3 run homerun.  The tale of two teams and a fan base in Chicago that is getting antsier by the day.

"Chicago Cubs and White Sox Baseball:  The good, the bad & the ugly" - Episode 074

Fifty years after President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law, the effects of the Education Amendment on women are significant.  In this episode Peggy talks to Jason about how Title IX affected her life, what opportunities were and weren't available to her in the 1970's and work still left to do.  Aided by a study from the Women's Sports Foundation the numbers of women helped by Title IX is undeniable yet open to helping even more.  Using clips of interviews from the "Pass the Mic" podcast on the Barroom Network, Sarah Spain, Dorothy Gators, Amy Trask and Sam Rapoport reveal how their climb to the tops of their careers were similar paths with and without the support of Title IX.

"Title IX Fifty Years later" - Episode 075

Who is the funniest guy in sports?  Charles Barkley, Shaq, Peyton Manning all come to mind.  Former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Anthony "Spice" Adams joins the show to talk about how his post football career in comedy and how it took off thanks to comedian Kevin Hart and others who follow his characters "Creame Biggums and Reggie" on social media. Get ready to laugh as you listen!

"Funny Guys In Sports with Spice Adams" - Episode 009

If you were a fan of Chicago Radio in the 90's this episode is for you!  Get ready to laugh KevHeads as Peggy calls her old radio partner Kevin Matthews and they reminisce about the radio bits with Doc, Puglsy, Geli, Jerome.  A groundbreaking radio show that talked about race relations in a comedic way with Doc, and gay rights with "Dan, the Gay American".  From the Kevin Matthews Golf outings to Chicago sports figures, rock stars and actors.  It's the Kevin Matthews show revisited!

"Phone A Friend With Kevin Matthews - What are you Goofy?" - Episode 025

Peggy Kusinski a Twelve time Emmy Award winning Sportscaster and her teenage son Jason bridge their generation gap and typical mother/son differences through a mutual love of sports.

Chicago's The Sportscaster and Her Son

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