Shibe Sports Presents

Brian Michael is not only the co-owner of Shibe Sports, he's also the co-author of the new Philadelphia Eagles Photo History book, which tells the story of Philadelphia's most beloved pro sports franchise. From their origin in the 1930s to the 2018 Super Bowl victory, the book covers all the highs and lows of the Eagles. We also covered those highs and lows on the show, discussing some of the characters the team has had through the years, some players you should know, and some of the most colorful coaches. A fun interview, and a great way to learn more about the Birds.

There are few people more synonymous with Philly boxing than J Russell Peltz. From his early days promoting the likes of Bennie Briscoe, to his memories of fights at the Spectrum, to his fights at the Blue Horizon, J Russell has seen and done it all. And he's finally written it all down in his brand new book, Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye. Listen here to hear him talk about some of the great characters of the squared circle, the problems boxing faces today, and about the mysterious murder of Tyrone Everett. Great interview, hope you enjoy it!

Johnny sits down with the President and Vice President of the South Philly Sigma Nu Sharks, Anthony Meadows and Darron Carpenter. We discuss the impact their long-running program has on the community, the city of Philly, and the young men they coach. Shibe is running a contest this week to help fundraise for this infinitely valuable but underfunded a program that never turns any kids away who want to play football.

Johnny and Reef sit down with author Steve Sheinkin to talk about his book Undefeated, about perhaps the most remarkable team in college football history, the Carlisle Indians. Coached by the legendary Pop Warner, in 1907, a young man named Jim Thorpe joined the team, and a new era in college football was born. In fact, many say it was unveiled right here in Philadelphia, at Franklin Field, on October 26th, 1907. The lightly regarded Carlisle Indians came to Philly to take on the powerful Penn Quakers, and unveiled a new look: the single wing offense, similar to today's wildcat. Confounded by a team that was actually utilizing the forward pass, Penn was crushed by the underdogs, 28-6, and a new era in football was born. We talk to Steve about that game, about Pop Warner and Thorpe's relationship, and about the racist obstacles Thorpe faced in his playing days. It's a great chat about one of hte most remarkable figures in American sports history. If you enjoy it, please leave us a review and a 5 star rating!

Matt Gelb has been writing about the Phillies since 2010, and is currently their beat writer for The Athletic. We discuss how he's able to cover stories while maintaining relationships with the Phillies, why this team never brings up any homegrown talent, and whether he actually roots for them or just covers them objectively. If you enjoy the interview, leave a 5 star rating and a review. Thanks!

Johnny sits down with former Patriots GM Upton Bell, who is the son of Eagles founder Bert Bell. Upton talks about how his mom is truly responsible for the Eagles franchise, about the insane phone call he got from the FBI while he was owner of a WFL team, and about his book, Present at the Creation. If you enjoy fascinating and hilarious stories from a gentleman who has been affiliated with the NFL since his childhood in the 1930s, you're in for a treat.

Sportswriter, author, screenwriter, radio personality, sports commentator, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Philadelphia Legend Ray Didinger sits down with Johnny and Reef for a discussion about his illustrious career, and the city of Philadelphia.

Dan Baker, Phillies Public Address announcer for nearly 50 years and Philadelphia Legend joins the pod with Johnny and Reef!

Johnny talks with Zach Berman of The Athletic about the Eagles draft picks, their tumultuous offseason, and about his book "Underdogs".

Former Eagle and Pro Bowl left tackle Tra Thomas joins the podcast to discuss his playing career, his current job and life, and answer a variety of questions asked by Johnny, Reef, and Greg!

Johnny and Reef sit down with Anderson Monarch Executive Director Amos Huron and Monarch alumnus and Swarthmore assistant coach Andre Butler to discuss their remarkable program, the challenges in getting MLB to support Inner City baseball, and the summer camps that we were able to raise money for on Jackie Robinson Week.

We talked to Bob Kendrick, the President of the Negro League Baseball Museum. He talked about the mission of the museum, his friendship with Buck O'Neil, and about the Philadelphia Stars. (Recorded April, 2020)

Johnny and Reef are graciously joined by author Dr. Neil Lancto, who has written a handful of historical books focused around the Negro Leagues.

We sat down with Sean Gibson, great grandson of Negro League legend Josh Gibson, to talk about his famous family, what it was like seeing Josh's life turned into an opera, and what he's doing in the current day to carry on the Gibson family name with his Josh Gibson Foundation. (Recorded in April, 2020)

Johnny and Reef have a conversation with the composer of "One Shining Moment", David Barrett. They discuss the backstory of the song, its inherent entanglement with the NCAA Tournament, Barrett's love for the game of basketball and music, and his illustrious career outside of that specific song.

Author Jeff Pearlman has a conversation with Johnny and Reef about his career.

Yaron Weitzman, the author of "Tanking to the Top", talks about his writing and specifically the novel about the 76ers blueprint of tanking to flip the script on their franchise!

Mone Davis joins Johnny and Reef to talk about her experience in the Little League World Series, her current softball career and everything in between.

Johnny Goodtimes and Reef are joined by a representative from the Anderson Monarchs, and youth baseball program in Philadelphia.

Johnny Goodtimes and Reef the Lost Cauze start this interview series off with a timely talk with Philadelphia Hoops legend, Marvin O'Connor! Marvin talks about his time spent in and around the Philadelphia basketball world, his trip to the NCAA Tournament, the current state of Big 5 basketball, and much more!