C Lunch Ball Smack

Right, Dallas is not a state, but it is certainly IN one! The guys start today by talkin’ Dak and debating “candidates” for Dallas’ next head coach (Hayden… your publisher is going on record as saying MICHIGAN IS NOT GOING TO FIRE HARBAUGH.) Next, they turn their attention to the NBA, jumping into an early MVP conversation. After that, Kennedy provides a colorful recounting of his visit to LSU for the game of pain. I promise you will find some surprises in this one! After the virtual trip, both Hayden and Kennedy offer predictions about this weekend’s NCAA football games. For the big finale, Kennedy goes on a much-needed rant ending in a shocking revelation that is sure to bring his own house down!! I don’t know the rules myself, but I dare say this could get him banished from the kingdom!

Hayden and Kennedy weigh in on Colin Kaepernick’s actions of yesterday and today. How and why did we get to this place? And are his current actions and expectations realistic? After a heartfelt review of the Kaepernick case, the boys move to NFL MVP odds. They agree on the guys with the highest odds of winning -Guess which 1:10 bet has Hayden all fired up. What’s wrong, Dak got your tongue? Send him a tweet if you disagree! Next the guys go deep again as they delve into the Myles Garrett suspension. Kennedy has some inside information, and they both have interesting perspectives. You won’t want to miss this! Never fear, Hoops fans, the guys will ALWAYS leave time to talk about their true love. NBA week 5 standings round out the weeks chat, and ultimately Hayden’s pup, Brees, wraps up the podcast by bestowing his brilliance on us all. Clubhouse… doghouse… WHATEVER!

It’s a happy day at the C Lunch Sports Club -NCAA basketball is IN SEASON! But both Kennedy and Hayden manage to momentarily reign in their glee to launch today’s cast with an important football list. Surprised at yesterday's NCAA college football playoff rankings, the boys release their own newly revised NCAA football top 10s… and back them up with super data-driven supporting evidence. Next, just one day into the season, the guys can’t resist issuing their top 5 NCAA basketball “future projections”. If you weren’t sure where Kennedy’s allegiance lies before, you will have no doubts after today’s episode. The excitement is contagious! Join in or smack ‘em down on twitter. Hayden isn’t sure you can – challenge accepted, anyone??

This week we are treated to a foursome at the lunch table. Browns specialist and club member Eriq Diaz joins Hayden, Kennedy, and Ian, and the result is a super-charged knowledge bowl of football and basketball discussion. The episode starts with an in-depth review of Baker Mayfield’s style, and a glance at Freddie Kitchens role. The boys dissect their effect on the Browns’ game… for better or worse. Eventually the talk comes around to the club’s reactions to the top 5 teams on NBA Power Rankings. Last subject – LSU VS Bama projections…That’s Hayden’s LSU VS Bama! Guess what he thinks. Tweet them your reactions!

Not just fallen but broken. Kennedy and Hayden discuss what Steph’s injury means for the Warriors, and contemplate a few of the rest of this week’s NBA ups and downs: Will the Harden-Westbrook duo succeed? And ohhhhh the bitter and the sweet ingredients in the mix for our die-hard Mavs supporter, and ever-lasting LeBron lover. Next come predictions for tomorrow’s NFL day. This time Hayden’s team is sitting on the sidelines… and yet somehow, he manages to get even MORE spirited than ever regarding Sunday’s games. And when it comes to Monday’s Cowboys VS Giants… OOOOHHH BROTHER! It’s a whole new level! Of Course, Kennedy can hold his own- he knows how to dish it right back! Listen now, and tweet them some smack back during the games!

Midway through the NFL season, Hayden and Kennedy offer up a frank review of their original and revised picks - where did they go most right and most wrong? And which predictions are still in the percolator? There’s plenty of “yeah you are right” in this honest after-the-fact-review section of the show. If you find yourself lulled into a false sense of total peace at the C Lunch Sports table, rest assured that before long the episode winds its way back to yet another good ol’ American Dak off! And Kennedy thought he was getting a bye week - as if! When the smoke clears, we get early reactions to the NBA (AKA a bit of second guessing) and NBA top rookies. Agree or disagree? Listen up then tweet them your thoughts!

This is the best of Hayden and Kennedy basking in the glory of NBA season’s early days. Even LeBron’s rocky start isn’t getting Hayden down today. The boys take off on a journey of interesting picks including MVP, Breakout Player, Proposed Rule Change, Defensive Player, and Game-On-The-Line-Shooter. Of course, there is still some football in the mix this weekend, with Hayden hungrily anticipating Drew Brees’ return, and Kennedy taking a moment to absorb the joy of his near perfect NCAA day amidst a basically stress-free NFL week – Cowboys are obviously off. Don’t worry, the boys find plenty to debate, even without AMERICA’S TEAM on the field!

While the boys love their football, they are absolutely bursting with joy at the opening of the NBA season! This episode would easily last 24/7 through the first week of the NBA season if life didn’t get in the way. Get Hayden’s and Kennedy’s season beginning rankings right here … and listen closely, you might want to fire some of these words and picks back at them over twitter throughout the season. Goodness knows, Guard of LeBron (Klink) and Defender of Greek G-d of the Paint (Curley), will be smack tweeting continuously!

Yall know how this one goes. Another week of triumph for Hayden on his New Orleans high, and another very tough discussion for our own Kennedy Curley, Cowboys fan extraordinaire. After Kennedy endures his lumps, the boys take on the roles of supreme beings in the universe of NFL team ownership with a rousing round of Cut, Fire, or Keep. They decide -or debate- the fates of some of the most controversial coaches and players of the moment. If only! Of course, the week is not complete without a review of last week’s games, and previews and predictions for the upcoming week. Agree or disagree? Send them a tweet to let them know!

To be more precise, it’s California Senate Bill 206, AKA The Fair Play Act, and it is the first topic of discussion for today’s podcast. Kennedy and Hayden discuss the new law slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2023, then take the discussion to the next level with some creative opinions about compensation for college players. If you think, as I often have “it should be allowed, but I’m not sure how” you will enjoy the ideas shared today! After that it’s time to predict the outcomes of this week’s games. There’s quite a bit of agreement in the air today, but there are a few surprises on both ends! Listen quick before the games or check up on their accuracy afterwards. Either way be sure to tweet some smack talk back at them to let them know you were listening!

Finally, the aftershocks have begun to settle. As a new weekend of NFL football descends upon us, the moment you have either dreaded or longed for, but which you certainly knew was inevitable, has arrived. Hayden reacts to redemption-match 2019. You can run but you can’t hide… unless you are Ian. A morose Kennedy faces the backlash alone in the Cowboys’ corner, and he takes it like a man. After the beating, the guys revise their top 10 NCAA football rankings, and top off the cast with a spirited review of their Heisman faves. You HAVE waited long enough – enjoy the journey!

A review of week 3 begins with Hayden and Kennedy discussing their biggest disappointments and surprises for the season thus far. Soon the unthinkable - Hayden admits to being wrong! Thankfully, Kennedy steps in to comfort with a universal truth: It isn’t wrong to be wrong. And all is right in the world again. You will have to listen in for the rest of the surprises (that didn’t even count as one of the biggest of the season). We also get a slice of both vocab and history lessons in today’s episode… and that’s even before Ian joins! The boys do NOT disappoint!

This episode, recorded on September 16th, is last of the catch-up collection. The boys discuss week two, debate and revise their lists, and prepare for week 3. Enjoy the chat and challenges, and before you know it, you will be ready to listen to their review of this week’s games! Good thing you can listen in the car, on your run, while you walk the dog, in line at Taco Tuesday… because we are up to date, and ready to talk about the latest action!

Another flashback catch-up episode recorded on September 14th, starting with the boys marveling over Carolina’s loss to the Buccaneers. The evolution of predictions is among the most interesting of the lunch club adventures!

Sorry for the delay y'all! It has taken some time to get up and running with a new audio-only format. This podcast was recorded on September 1st, and features Kennedy and Hayden reviewing the first week of college football and anticipating the launch of the NFL season! Get ready for a few catch up episodes coming your way – we are back on track with better quality audio so it’s easier to take the boys on the road with you!

On the eve of the second anniversary Josh Ochoa’s passing, the boys spend the first few minutes talking about the best friend who is the inspiration for this podcast. Before long the inevitable Cowboy’s discussion/debate ignites– Josh looking down from above with a giant smile, and a big wooden spoon to stir the pot! The great quarterback compensation debate follows, and quickly develops into another list ranking session. This time we get the top 10 QBs still under rookie contract… but it doesn’t come easily. Mama said nothing worth having was ever quick or easy. This episode is well worth having! Take note, next time the guys are switching to an audio-only version of the cast. Wait, what??? No more WATCHING lunch get eaten?!

Kennedy and Hayden react to, discuss, dissect, and devour the NCAA top 25 ranking with their usual mix of informed opinions and qualified data. Soon we arrive at a list of each of their top 3 overrated and underrated teams. Hayden pushes Kennedy to make a bold prediction, and later Hayden makes a monster of his own. Ultimately, we land on their final top 4 for the season… this will be a fun re-listen in January!

Watch the boys, their buds, and their bros execute their fantasy draft while sipping drafts, munchin’ snacks, and talkin’ smack. Guest appearances include multiple former classmates, the younger Klink brother (sporting Razorback swag honoring both Klink sisters), and Hayden’s pup Tori. Kennedy valiantly attempts a solid stream of coherent commentary amidst the free-for-all ball busting bar room brawl banter. This episode is NOT for tender ears.

Kennedy and Hayden enjoy a unique moment of agreement about the Dak Prescott contract issue… they even agree with Jerry Jones. Hayden may be on a questionable sugar high after this lunch, but Cowboys’ #4 is seriously delusional. The boys find agreement regarding RB contracts as well, but the debate swings wide around the Cowboys outlook WITH Zeke vs withOUT Zeke. (Kennedy actually mentions Elliott phoning home! Well he really said the Cowboys called Zeke… but there was a phone dialing in the background! Do y’all remember E.T. or am I old?) Also playoff predictions begin to shuffle based on tremors in the league. Make sure you tune in right from the beginning… Today starts with an awesome announcement by Kennedy about Hayden’s time away!

After a quick discussion of the uncontroversial Brady contract extension, Kennedy and Hayden launch into an interesting dissection of the NFL players top 100 list. The boys find some similarities from within their own lists, identify some major category oversights, and even make up a new word: Suppleased. Kennedy is surprised and pleased. Hayden… he’s just plain goofy by the time this one wraps up!

After minimal debate over the mega Michael Thomas contract (Hayden’s cup runneth over), both Hayden and Kennedy mourn Ian’s absence today in their Zeke discussion -Kennedy could use some backup, and Hayden can find only so much joy in beating a solo defender on such uneven ground. Next the boys delve into a review of last 10 NBA championship teams, revealing their own moderately unbiased rankings. Boys know their ball games!

We get a new view in today’s episode as Hayden and Kenney switch sides (literally), and Kennedy finds himself looking great in a brighter light! Hayden’s bias is featured front and center, though his puppy Brees doesn’t much enjoy the lack of access to Hayden’s new chair. Today’s drama is otherwise kept to a relative minimum, as the two boys do a deep dive into their top 10 cornerback rankings.

The boys are back to finish their lists, fully prepared with data-driven supporting arguments. Kennedy takes the shark approach, and Ian brings us up close and personal with his picks, his lunch, his ceiling light, and Hayden’s energy drink habit. It’s smooth sailing until Hayden accidentally names that red bird TEAM WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED. Later his internal agitator is appeased when he slides in a major Cowboy dis’ under the guise of a compliment. It goes downhill severely from there. The big question… who rage quits this episode first????

The boys discuss the NBA’s top 3 Duos under the age of 25, while offering up the usual round of jabs at “Bandwagon Klinkhamer”… Bronwagon Klinkamer? Then begins a spirited recital of top 10 quarterback rankings landing Ian and his dog frozen in a perpetual state of shock. Hayden could have some fun right here, but he resists temptation. Take a moment to enjoy proof positive of the dog-owner-look-alike theory, then move on to the next episode to hear QB picks 7 through 1!

This being their second straight hour, LUNCH munchin’ is in full swing as Ian rolls through some serious echoing and strobe light special effects on a rare streak of confidence. Ian and Kennedy unite to turn Hayden’s world upside down, and this day in the boxing ring leaves us wondering if C Lunch Club should be listed under sports, comedy, drama…. or sci-fi…

A Brees for ONE club member, anyway! It’s a rare day around the C Lunch Club “table” when Kennedy takes the job as master stirrer of the pot, but picking NFL division winners makes it so. A discussion so bold it requires a few wardrobe changes, draws a flash of cash, and necessitates outside consultation – enter Hayden’s shepherd, Brees (as in Drew -obviously), and Ian’s mom. OK mom wasn’t actually opining about football, but she DID call in. You’ll have to watch to the end to see why! PS Them boyz can talk - this is another TBC’d…

Football season is coming, Zeke is in the news and looking for a better contract, and the ground is laid for a good ol’ fashioned Cowboys debate. Still, Hayden manages to hold his tongue for nearly ¾ of an hour before he begins stirring the pot. But the sparks don’t REALLY fly until the top 10 receiver lists come out.

Today’s episode features a rookie projection so bold on Hayden’s part that it sends Kennedy storming out of the room – not to return until he has his Dirk security cup safely in hand. The spirited rookie ranking debate comes after reactions to the latest free agency updates.

Didn’t mean to leave you hanging there in that last episode! This one picks up RIGHT where we left off -with the NBA’s biggest losers… in Hayden’s and Kennedy’s semi-humble opinions.

Yeah that ball is already rollin’… but watching the boys watch it start is a blast! And you’ll come out feeling like you got dunked in hoop knowledge. It’s a rare long one, but it doesn’t disappoint!

For starters, yeah… the West looks that much bolder than the East. Watch the boys nail solid predictions (excepting Hayden’s western 8 waffle) as they crunch through lunch, and Hayden’s pup tosses the rope and literally shows Hayden (off screen) what he thinks of Hayden’s choices. Then listen as they back pedal just enough to crack the door open for some flexibility in the outcome. This will be a fun re-listen next June! There’s more today, but this one is to be continued…

The boys welcome guest host Matt to weigh in on the NBA awards. No argument about Kennedy’s GGP (Greek God of the Paint), but the discussion gets heated around the other awards. In an amazing moment of revelation Hayden digests some logic (in the midst of digesting some lunch.) Next up, a debate over expectations for next year’s awards – effectively demonstrating the challenge in predicting “Most Improved” before the players… you know… improve. More rumors are up next, led by Matt rejecting the rumor that Kemba is going to Boston. Oops.

Kennedy raises some Rockets rumors, and Snackin’ Hayden dives into an analysis of the numbers behind the Rockets reality. With everyone lovin on the Lakers, the pundits ponder putting Pelicans in the playoffs. Kennedy poses the question, “if you were a Pelican…” with a straight face, and the show proceeds with discussions of rumors and trade considerations roughing up the air around the awkward long beaked water birds.

Hayden and Kennedy take some time to process the implications of Anthony Davis becoming a Laker… does this move deny LeBron his chance to come from behind (don’t have to ask Jack or the rest of us fans if we care about that -just make the Lakers Magic again!)? But the boys don’t hold back -in fact they’re holdin’ LeBron’s feet to the fire with as much objectivity as can be expected. And while they are feelin’ fiery, coach 1 and coach 2 decide to spout off a list of the dumbest teams in the NBA. You might want to throw something at whatever device you are listening on… but it’s ACTUALLY tough to argue with their logic today.

Having missed the discussion about the Wentz contract extension, Ian was oblivious to the unplanned Dak Prescott chat that ignited behind his back (in front of the cameras) the other day. Once made aware, he knew he’d better jump out front and defend his boy. And defend he did! Hayden and Kennedy barely lit a spark the other day – Ian came equipped with a double fisted flame thrower. And Hayden is having none of it! Pour a beer and grab some popcorn, you’re gonna wanna settle in for this one!

Kennedy is so upset he can hardly even manage his screen... And he isn't even a Durant fan. Listen to Drs Hayden, Ian (he’s back!), and Kennedy discuss signs, symptoms, and long term implications of Achilles injuries. They may not be MDs, or even phlebotomists but the boys are out for blood! Also up for chat: what level of mismanagement led to the Raptors loss in game 5. The club dissects and dispute the last 6 minutes of the game, and comes to a few well-informed conclusions. As for game 6, welllllll…. you already know the outcome. Still, you will be interested to know how well these 3 nailed down their last predictions (and each other.) Shout out Hard Knocks Oakland Raiders.

Hayden and Kenney discuss the MAGIC of NBA’s most historic duos. Next, in this era of free agency, the boys ponder the 5 teams with the most to gain. Of course we get a discussion of what’s left of the NBA finals… does it end tonight? KD or not KD?? Also keep an eye on the background for periodic guest appearances from Hayden’s highly athletic puppy. She’s got game, but she’s no free agent. Her lifetime contract is iron clad -don’t let her tell you otherwise!

Both Hayden and Kennedy offer interesting takes on potential partnerships between Kyrie and KD in NY, and what that would mean for the NBA. The boys discuss the (too?) BIG Wentz contract extension, which inevitably leads right into an unplanned discussion of Dak Prescott. Finally, the NBA Finals -Hayden poses an interesting question from the perspective of a LeBron fan. And both guys try to answer the ultimate question -Can the Warriors be counted out?? P.S. Shout out to Kyle Lowry!

Kennedy surprises Hayden with a confident and well thought out step-by-step breakdown prediction of the remainder of the series. Hayden responds with a doubtful (read hopeless) teardown of Kennedy’s breakdown. Next up – all around discussion about NBA’s MVP(??) “Greek God of the Paint”. Why DID the Bucks lose, anyway? And what’s next for Giannis? Houston… it’s up for grabs. Hayden and Kennedy experience a rare moment of near total agreement proving that ANYTHING is possible!

All-Rookie teams are announced-Did the pros get it right?? All NBA teams not yet announced -LET’S VOTE! NBA Tier ranking- it’s HARD to define a superstar. But Hayden and Kennedy slog through the tier rankings from Antetokounmpo to Whiteside, and everyone in between. And while they are in considering mode, they take a stab at considering the future of the Sacramento Kings. Ian is MIA again, but Hayden has a new view today. Don’t forget to follow the twitter chatter @LunchSports

That’s right, Ian is back! And he brings some constructive criticism for Hayden… suggesting Hayden drop a fundamental Haydenism. Down to business, the boys take the mock draft wide and deep, discussing the players who are NOT Zion Williamson, and throwing out predictions about trades and team building moves. Also announcing twitter presence @LunchSports CHECK IT OUT!!!

No they aren’t picking through the heaps and piles in your garage looking for hidden antique gems. They are “picking up” each remaining NBA player, coach, and team, and examining them from every possible angle. The result may or may not be a flipped prediction … or two! With Ian still on extended leave, today’s episode provides a better close-up of Hayden’s snacking habits… you too will be reaching for a bag of sunflower seeds before day is over! Subliminal suggestion is real! PS Yo Kyrie -Who’s your daddy?

Underestimated Trail Blazers made it this far… do we think they are they ready for war? Is the outcome KD dependent? What’s next for Ben Simmons? What does (or should) the 76ers loss mean for Brett Brown? Guess who’s ready to step into his shoes… watch today’s show and find out! Then sit back and relax for a little LeBron and Lakers time!

The guys flash back to high school with guest club member Keevron for a down and dirty DeMar DeRozan debate. After a bit of time tossing around imaginary team rankings, they take on the very real issue of NCAA restrictions launched by a discussion of the proposed graduate transfer rule change. You won’t be left wondering how they feel about the issues!

The club goes to WAR over refreshed NBA finals predictions, and make some mature (but HARD) admissions regarding their predictions for MVP. Bonus point when Hayden's bae gets in a real smack on behalf of the co-hosts and most viewers... but Kennedy loses his bid for add-on. Dude, it's one thing to ask a guy's girlfriend to do your bidding for a moment -it's all about fun and love. But ask a guy's dog to turn on him, and you are lucky for separate studios. Yes there actually IS a creature on earth (other than Hayden) who believes Hayden IS ALWAYS RIGHT!

Listen to the boys give both some unique, and some widely-shared insight on the final four games -Then find out how well they predicted the NCAA championship game. From there we get to a discussion about the upcoming recruiting class, followed by everyone’s favorite and most controversial topic: NBA’S MOST OVERRATED players. Next up – Cowboys talk, of course! Today’s podcast is accented by background girlfriends, future in-laws, puppy tails, and squeaky toys; and is punctuated by Ian quietly sipping from his sophisticated reusable tumbler while Hayden chows down, crinkles wrappers, and slurps away from Whataburger’s answer to the big gulp (don’t worry, kids, Hayden never throws his cups and straws away… the turtles are safe!) What do y’all expect, IT’S CALLED C LUNCH CLUB FOR A REASON!

Bo may know more than diddly, but no one knows LeBron like HAYDEN KNOWS LEBRON! Can he convince Kennedy and Ian, and special guest Jacob Berrier, of LeBron’s rightful position on the All NBA team? Following that escapade, Berrier and Kennedy take on the challenge of using grounded logic to discuss an optimistic outlook on the upcoming Cowboys season with an insolent, nay-saying, NOS drinking, stubble-scratching Hayden. Ian supports with arguments in favor of Dak Prescott and Kellen Moore, and demonstrates supreme restraint… mostly just because he can’t get his hands around Hayden’s throat from miles away! And then we dip into March Madness. JUST WAIT TILL SATURDAY!

The guys acknowledge their era-based bias, but go on to demonstrate the vast depths of their combined basketball knowledge by reaching back in the history books to nod at the GOTs of generations passed. They support their picks with stats, data, passion, and unbelievably accurate recounting of specific game play action moments. And just when you think “wow, these C Lunch guys are super studs”, Ian admits to wanting to be cradled in a soft little basket and carried to work.

Learn where the guys get their motivation for C Lunch, and some details about their ongoing inspiration and the upcoming fundraising event! Mark your calendar for June 15th! In the meantime, Kennedy Hosts, while Hayden EDUCATES (and infuriates) the team on the subject of what constitutes viability as a hall-of-famer. Specifically, they attempt to come to a decision about Mike Conley. It’s all about stats… or do accolades matter? And does team success factor in? These guys cover all angles of the argument. The result is some epic C Lunch eye rolling!

March Madness; what up with Big Baller Brand scammin’ it’s star son; OKC takin’ a dive; and farewell Gronk. So much going on in the ball business and on the court- no worries, Hayden and Kennedy will catch you up on the down low!

A little bit of final four from Mr North Carolina, some NBA trade talk, and NFL predictions … including (predictably) some Cowboys and Saints trash talkin’ between all 3 members of C Lunch club. Don't miss the chance the chance to say you heard it here first!