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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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
If there's a big Boston sports story, MICHAEL HOLLEY probably wrote a book about it. But he's never chronicled a basketball team ... until now. We break down his new book on the turn-of-the-century Celtics' Big Three. That means talking Paul's inflated sense of self, KG's acting chops versus Ray Allen's, why basketball makes for such great books, and the time Michael could smell 'Melo's cologne during an infamous "almost" brawl. Oh, and we get into Stevie Wonder's '70s vs. '80s music, because of course we do. Plus, Brad shares his own Kevin Garnett story about the time KG snuck the F-word into a commercial.
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.
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.
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.
It's election season, so we're calling up Congress! This week, we talk to U.S. Congressman SEAN CASTEN (who reps Brad's district in Illinois) to break down his relationship with sports. Growing up a Mets fan in the '80s (and almost missing their fabled Game 6 comeback), coaching his daughters in youth soccer, whether elected officials have time to actually follow sports, athletes speaking out on political topics, and squaring off against U.S. Soccer "ringers" in Congressional soccer matches. Then, Gareth and Brad take a cue from Twitter and discuss things they once found profound but now just ... don't. You can learn more about Sean Casten here: https://casten.house.gov/ Learn more about voting in Illinois here: https://www.elections.il.gov/
We've spent five years on this show talking to people who play, cover and obsess over sports. But what's life like for folks who just don't care about these games? Reply All's ALEX GOLDMAN (one of our favorite podcast creators) joins to talk about life as a NON-sports fan. He breaks down the only team he ever really cheered for (the '84 Tigers), why he still rocks Tigers gear despite not following the team, mixing up famous sports "Barrys," ignoring Big Ten games in a Big Ten town, and the unfair stigma people often endure for not following sports. Then, Gareth and Brad debate their favorite teams who weren't "their teams." Get ready for lots of nostalgic '90s NBA memories!
Journalist and podcaster JESSICA LUTHER has made a career out of covering some of the most controversial aspects of sports. So when she sits down with a good book, she wants a happy ending, dammit! We break down her passion for romance novels, and their role in sustaining her mental health. Plus, we talk her new book "Loving Sports When They Don't Love You Back" about the complexities and compromises of modern sports fandom. Then, Gareth & Brad continue their Summer of Stephen King by re-reading "The Dead Zone" at, like, the worst time in history to re-read "The Dead Zone." Go check out the "Burn It All Down" podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/burn-it-all-down/id1235386795
Sportswriter, broadcaster and host MAGGIE HENDRICKS loves her some crafts. She's been sewing, baking and crafting (if that's a word) her way through the pandemic, so we break it all down! The art of making your own clothes (and how to brag about it). Teaching herself how to sew (and using her powers to make Captain Marvel fan art). Plus, making sweet corn ice cream, all-time kitchen disasters and more. Then (40:00) Gareth & Brad continue their "Summer of Stephen King" by re-reading the family-friendly feel-good story, "Pet Sematary." Good times!
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!
For those about to rock ... we salute you! By day, you can find MAURY BROWN reporting on baseball and the business of sports at outlets like Forbes. But by night, he's likely tearing up a stage somewhere. We break down his lifelong passion for playing hard rock and heavy metal. From touring the country (and sleeping in vans) with a hair metal outfit in the 80s, to his current (and wildly popular) AC/DC tribute band Shoot to Thrill, to surviving a GG Allin show -- Maury's been on one wild ride! Then, Gareth and Brad continue our Summer of Stephen King by reading "Different Seasons" ... which is truly upsetting.
With the WNBA coming back, ESPN basketball analyst and "Around the Rim" podcast host LaCHINA ROBINSON goes deep on how this league is carrying the movement for racial justice and equality. We talk about why some stars are opting out of the season to focus on societal change, how white stars can "pass the mic" to women of color, and the tricky dynamics of returning to play in a pandemic. Oh, and why huge knee pads were a bad look for LaChina on the court (according to her). Then, Gareth & Brad catch up on their latest distractions, which includes Netflix shows and Stephen King.
When it's time to talk sports, you call the guy who recorded "Sports," the album. HUEY LEWIS is an icon of rock and pop culture, but he's also a huge sports fan. So we go deep on his love of San Francisco teams, which 49ers Hall of Famers sang on "Hip to Be Square," the time he got busted on the sideline during Monday Night Football, getting called out for talking golf during "We Are the World," and why he started letting Chris Berman sing with the band. Plus, we break down his latest album "Weather," and get an update on his ongoing battle to repair his hearing and get back on stage. Then, Gareth and Brad bust out their all-time '80s music mix tapes ... because, of course they did.
From "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" to New Yorker essays about little league, Stephen King has had a compelling, sometimes tortured relationship with sports, and especially baseball. So we call up noted King and horror expert MICHAEL ROFFMAN -- co-founder of Consequence of Sound and co-host of the outstanding Loser's Club and Halloweenies podcasts -- to geek out on the author's connection with sports. We also talk sports' role in horror overall, from Jason's boxing to Freddy's invisible karate. (And Michael breaks down the highs, and horrors, of being a Miami Heat fan.) Then, Gareth and Brad present their own Top 5 King books ... and Gareth defends "The Tommyknockers" somehow.
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.
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!
Pittsburgh Pirates' ace STEVEN BRAULT is now making a different kind of pitch ... to the theater world. He's got a new album "A Pitch at Broadway" that recreates several famous musical numbers with a modern, rock sound. We go song-by-song with a deep dive on why he chose the tunes he chose, how to be funny while singing, how creepy a Phantom of the Opera should really be, why some "rolled R's" are mandatory thanks to "Hamilton," and which Pirates teammates wanted cameos. Then, Gareth and Brad go deep on their best live music moments ever ... which also includes Broadway, natch.
JEFF BLAKE burst onto the scene for Bengals fans thanks to a heroic, iconic leap from third string to Pro Bowl quarterback during the mid-90s. And we were there for it, so humor us here folks. We break down Jeff's rise from obscurity, we go "full awkward Chris Farley questions" about his first game, then we geek out on his new venture into renewable energy and how he's using solar technology to break into the industry's "good-ole-boys" network. Plus, Gareth and Brad give distractions about virtual trivia and Friday the 13th-themed podcasts.
RUSS BENGTSON is an iconic chronicler of all things NBA and sneakers. Which is why he's launching a new podcast about Michael Jordan to coincide with the new ESPN doc. But let's shift our focus from his feet to his wrists. Russ collects and cherishes watches. Vintage. Historic. Stylish. Colorful. Space-Tested. Russ opens up about his personal passion points with watches, plus how the simple gesture of winding a watch has made the Great Quarantine a tad bit easier. Then ... Gareth & Brad veer into 90s nostalgia by laying out our all-90s mix tapes. Inspiring, and embarrassing. I mean, the Toadies and Rusted Root are part of this. No apologies. Hear Russ on his new podcast "After the Last Dance" with Alex Wong wherever podcasts can be heard.
RACHEL BONNETTA is a lot of things. A comedian. A sports TV host with FS1's "Lock It In." And someone who's just now starting "The Sopranos" so PLEASE DON'T SPOIL THE DAMN ENDING!!!! We break down her new Crooked Media podcast "Hall of Shame" about the most insane sports scandals of all time, we ponder which "Pod Save America" host would get picked last in gym class, we talk the joy of HGTV when you are confined to an apartment, and we also get into whether Ryan Lochte is hot or not. (Split decision!) Then, Gareth and Brad break down our best live sports moments ever ... which are still super depressing somehow. Hashtag Bengals, I guess.
You know KEITH LAW of The Athletic for his obsessive rankings of baseball prospects. But when we're all on lockdown, thank goodness Keith is *also* known for his obsessive rankings of boardgames! He returns to "Just Not Sports" to break down which boardgames can get you through social distancing. His new #1 game of all-time, the games that play differently every day, which old-school titles are worth bringing out of the basement, best solo and two-player games, and more! Plus, Gareth returns to check in on home art projects.
Under Hashtag Quarantine we're all watching Hashtag Comfort TV. So let's turn that into Hashtag Sports! We sit down with Bleacher Report's DAVID GARDNER to do a TV Sitcom Draft. Who's going No. 1 -- "Seinfeld" or "Friends" or an upset? Does "The Simpsons" count as a sitcom? Does "Atlanta?" Do you need a raunchy show in your line-up? Oh, and we also break down mystic poetry, because, ya know, it's the end of the world.
When she's not hosting "Drinks with Binks" or "Call It a Night" on fubo Sports Network, you better believe JULIE STEWART-BINKS is rocking the eff out. We break down the rock 'n' roll fandom she inherited from her mom, getting starstruck interviewing Alice Cooper, whether Motley Crue and other 80s greats truly count as "classic rock," and a ton of other rock stuff from Scorpions to KISS to Ozzy. Then, Brad has run out of stuff to do with his kids in quarantine so get ready to hear his 6-year-old talk awful Disney+ shows!
Many people know JODY AVIRGAN as a podcaster and producer who's done great work for "FiveThirtyEight" and ESPN's "30 for 30." But he's also found his way onto the "SportsCenter" highlights as a professional ultimate frisbee player. We break down his lifelong passion for the sport, his trash-talking intensity on the field, which athletes would make the best ultimate players, and more. Then, we visit with Gareth Hughes to break down his own (sometimes naked) adventures with ultimate frisbee with the Skidmore Wombats at the turn of the century.
When she's not breaking down the games for The Athletic's WNBA and Buffalo verticals, LYNDSEY D'ARCANGELO is likely building up something out of this world. The sportswriter has a lifelong passion for LEGO, so we go deep on her favorite sets, the joys of building with her daughter, which creations are "wall worthy" and why a LEGO piece wound up as one of her many tattoos. Then, CBS Sports' Gareth Hughes returns for some distractions - never more needed than now!
SportsIllustrated reporter EMMA BACCELLIERI loves painting with water colors. Just don't ask her to post them on Instagram. We break down her growing fondness for art, how she got started, the joys of a hobby just being a "hobby and not a side hustle," and why she's keeping this pastime off social media. Then, longtime co-host Gareth Hughes takes a break from cancer treatments to talk "Cheer" and "Nightmare on Elm Street."
The only thing veteran Washington Redskins longsnapper NICK SUNDBERG loves more than clean laundry is helping others' get their clothes clean. His Loads of Love (LOL) campaign spreads much-needed washers and dryers around dozens of DC area schools. We break down the benefits clean clothes have on students, the painful logistics of adding appliances to schools, the honor of being a two-time NFL Man of the Year nominee - and whether he folds or rolls his socks.
MICHAEL BAUMANN of The Ringer ("Ringer MLB Show") takes a break from covering sports to talk space movies! We break down the reaction to the latest, final-for-now "Star Wars" sequel, which movie astronaut he'd trust to save his life, hidden space-flick gems and whether the real Neil Armstrong is better than the movie version. Plus, Brad's daughter's relentless pursuit of Minnie Mouse's personal cell takes a turn! Find us on Apple, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Luminary.
Eat your heart out Robert Downey Jr., because Yahoo Senior NFL writer KIMBERLEY MARTIN is the original animal lover. She's owned dogs, cats, a (super old) turtle and multiple bunnies. Yes, bunnies. We break down her passion for pets, then call up our old co-host Gareth Hughes from CBS Sports to hear the latest in his battle against cancer - and talk about how watching the "Watchmen" is helping him cope.
WNBA All-Star DIAMOND DeSHIELDS has only been without "Game of Thrones" a few months, and she's already missing it. The dynamic Chicago Sky guard breaks down her passion for the fabled TV show, re-examines the polarizing final episodes, shares favorite moments, explores how Arya got such good hops, and reveals how the home stretch may have unified her team during their race to the WNBA Playoffs!
The Ringer's SHEA SERRANO returns to the show (he was kinda sorta our first guest ever) to talk about his new #1 NYT-bestseller "Movies (And Other Things)." We break down Michael Myers vs. rappers, defending "Halloween" sequels, the wisdom of the "Selena" movie, that whole Shaq-Dame rap beef, Josh Hartnett's bed head ... and more. Seriously, go buy Shea's book and support a truly great guy in sports media.
National title-winning Oklahoma football coach BOB STOOPS has a new book about his career in football. So ... we're not talking *any* of that. Instead, we go deep on the busted-up Gran Torino he drove in high school, best places to eat in Northeast Ohio (shoutout Hot Dog Shoppe in Warren!), hitchhiking across Ohio to see Bob Seger, which OU players gave the best bear hugs, the only show he binge-watched after retiring, hanging with Toby Keith and more! Boomer Sooner!
YOU: Why the hell is CHUCK KLOSTERMAN on this show? ME: Well, I will forever consider him part of the sports media expanded universe, for his contributions to sportswriting, Grantland, Simmons' pod - all that. So when Chuck has a book of short fiction, he gets to come on and talk short fiction. We debate unreliable narrators, unrealistic reader expectations, a football coach with only one play and whether Shaq has a case for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
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.
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.
GARETH HUGHES is a 7x Emmy winner for his work on the NFL, NCAA, Masters and documentaries. He's also Brad's best friend and a former co-host of this very pod. So when he got diagnosed with liver cancer, we just had to break it all down. The stigma of liver cancer when you're sober, explaining cancer to your kids, when cancer "hurts," and the joys of watching Guy Fieri when you're on chemo.
In 2020, U.S. Soccer legend and Fox Sports analyst ALEXI LALAS will be eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Seriously. Now a quarter century into his solo music career, we bring back Alexi to discuss his new album "Look At You," running into his fans in Europe, when "la la la la la" is the perfect lyric, and whether his record works as a concept album about the 2019 US Women's National Team winning the World Cup. (Spoiler, Brad thinks it is.)
When ESPN's JOON LEE isn't globetrotting around to various sporting events, you can bet he's scouting "Star Wars" merch! We break down Joon's lifelong love of "Star Wars," the generational divide on the prequels, why he's not afraid of Reddit spoilers for "Rise of Skywalker," and why he started collecting cool "Star Wars" stuff. May the Force be with you, always.
Look, I can't say if the USWNT will win or lose by the time you hear this - but we LOVED the run so let's do this damn thang! With the U.S Women's National Team thrilling us this July Fourth week, we go back to some of our best interviews with two stars from this year's squad. We start with MEGAN RAPINOE talking about her clothing line and how fashion can inspire and unite. Then, we flash back to 2x guest BECKY SAUERBRUNN's first trip to the pod where she talked "Ender's Game," video games, horror movies and more. GO GO USA!
Peabody- and Gracie-winning Chicago sports talk host JULIE DiCARO returns to the show to help Brad shake off the looming trauma of HBO's "Chernobyl" series. Just who was to blame for an accident that almost killed everyone ... like, ever? Is Brad an awful person for not caring if TV dogs get shot? (Uh, yes.) And is it xenophobic to call the lead character "Lane Pryce" the whole time? (Also, yes.)
Grab your two-liter of Shasta and your all-Rush mixtape! We're talking to Awful Announcing's sports media guru ANDREW BUCHOLTZ about his love of the band Rush! Whether they count as "prog rock," if a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speech entirely consisting of "blah" is a speech at all, and how you make a playlist entirely out of 18-minute songs.
When Olympic champion CODY MILLER isn't training ... or vlogging ... or swimming ... he's movie-going. (That's a word, don't look it up.) So we break down his passion for films, why he started his new podcast "Best Movie Worst Movie," which films in his house are "poster worthy," and debating Harry Potter with fellow Olympians. Oh, and when he's gonna do the sequel to "Gymkata" ... "Swim-kata."
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
