Softy & Dick Interviews

Pat Chun, Washington Athletic Director, joins Softy to discuss the school’s finances including finding sponsors and partners that best fit the programs and department, the “disaster” of college athletics currently due to money, why the new Millionaire Tax will make a difference to UW, and how Big Ten travel is making teams more battle tested, having no regrets about the conference move, and the now-dead Big Ten equity deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Mariners Chairman John Stanton joins Softy to talk about his team starting the 2026 season and hopes for a World Series, the Cal-Randy handshake situation being no big deal, the game on Wednesday, 9/9 moving and having games during the World Cup, the ability to spend at the deadline, stadium upgrades, and having a new TV deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Mariners pitcher and analyst Bill Krueger joins Softy to talk about the state of the team entering a new season today, Josh Naylor coming back to Seattle, how Cal Raleigh can continue to find big offensive numbers in 2026, the addition of reliever Jose Ferrer, Julio Rodriguez looking for a hot start, and the AL West battle against Houston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tod Leiweke, CEO of One Roof Sports and Entertainment and the Seattle Kraken, joins Softy to talk about the positive step of NBA expansion news today, the fans’ impact with this step, fixing the stadium situation, the potential ownership group of the franchise led by Samantha Holloway and the expected interest for the team, plus getting excited now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Kestecher, ESPN NBA Broadcaster, joins Softy to talk about Kevin Calabro’s time calling Sonics games, today’s NBA expansion news making it feel like the Sonics will be coming back with no doubt, anti-expansion folks having understandable arguments but not agreeing with thoughts on talent dilution, and the league changing loads since 2008.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle SuperSonics and Washington Huskies legend Detlef Schrempf joins Softy and Jackson to discuss today’s NBA expansion news and the hopes of having the Sonics back soon, the state of the NBA now compared to when he played being very different, the anti-expansion arguments of talent dilution, and interacting with his old teammates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary writer Larry Stone joins Softy and Jackson to talk about today’s expansion news with the NBA, the arguments against expansion, how Seattle fans will react, Tod Leiweke being atop the mountaintop of Seattle sports figures, the Mariners starting the 2026 season tomorrow and aiming for a World Series, and why the team is better now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Florio from NBC and PFT joins Softy to talk about the NBA announcing that they are exploring expansion, how the move by the NBA affects the upcoming sale of the Seahawks and the finances involved, Jaxon Smith-Njigba becoming the highest paid receiver in the NFL by Seattle, and Rams receiver Puka Nacua getting in some trouble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Kraken Coach Lane Lambert joins Softy to talk about their recent tough stretch including last night’s heartbreaker after a comeback, the effort level of the team staying high despite the recent games, feeling like every game has a playoff vibe with just 12 games left in the season and a playoff spot in question, plus Berkly Catton’s role now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Schiffer from Front Office Sports joins Dave Softy Mahler to discuss the latest and breaking news with the NBA exploring expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Wilner of The San Jose Mercury News joins Softy to talk about the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, including Gonzaga losing and their future in the Pac-12, the top coaches left in the tournament and Rick Pitino possibly sitting at the top, Mick Cronin’s antics being UCLA’s black eye, Randy Bennett going to Arizona State, and UW football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Mariners All Star Bret Boone joins Softy and Dick to discuss the M’s entering 2026 after getting so close in 2025, why he feared Bryan Woo more than any pitcher, Julio Rodriguez trying to the next superstar step this year, why Brenden Donovan will help Seattle’s lineup this year, there being no gap with Toronto in the AL, and the WBC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News and Fox Sports joins Softy and Dick to react to the epic start of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Cinderellas still having chances despite higher seeds dominating the last two tournaments, the amount of high profile coaching jobs that could be available soon, Houston looking better and his final four picks so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westwood One’s voice of the Final Four Kevin Kugler joins Softy and Dick to talk about the NCAA Tournament including the packed East region, the lack of parity in the dance now compared to last decade, how some major injuries will impact Duke and Michigan, Arizona’s chances, Nebraska possibly finally getting a win, and Illinois as a dark horse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer joins Softy and Dick to talk about tonight’s Concacaf game against Vancouver in Spokane, his coaching changing a little bit with a 3-0 series lead right now, the team’s win in San Jose with young players last weekend, including Peter Kingston, plus injury updates including Jordan Morris’ return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petros Papadakis in Los Angeles joins Softy to make duck sounds and talk about ducks before they get into some sports including the World Baseball Classic and fans making tons of noise and having a great time at the event, Miguel Rojas of the Dodgers having an incorrect tweet made about him and a PED suspension, plus talk about water parks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Florio of PFT and NBC joins Softy and Dick to talk about if the Dolphins are not actually going to trade running back Devon Achane, his surprise at the price tag for Jaylen Waddle that the Broncos paid to get the receiver from Miami, the boring quality and of quantity of free agency contracts this year, and Russell Wilson’s unclear future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Hochman, radio host on 104.3 WQAM in Miami, joins Softy and Dick to discuss the Dolphins’ trade of Jaylen Waddle to Denver today, the trade not signaling a future trade of Devon Achane despite the attractiveness of draft picks, the running back cost being at least a first round pick right now, and the limited expectations for Malik Willis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NBA coach and current basketball broadcaster PJ Carlesimo joins Softy and Dick to talk about the lack of parity in college basketball recently, the San Diego game slate that he will be calling this week, St. John’s getting hosed a bit with a 5-seed, why Miami of Ohio deserved a spot in the dance, and Monday’s big NBA expansion news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Wilner of The San Jose Mercury News joins Softy and Dick to discuss UW turning down the lower-level postseason basketball tournaments, how often the Dawgs should make the dance, Arizona and Houston’s dominance in the Big 12, the useless political meeting about college sports at the White House, plus his top NCAA Tournament picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Daniels from Komo TV joins Softy and Dick to explain the current NBA expansion situation with today’s news of a vote next week, the reported 7-10 billion price tag not being what he heard and state of bidders, his tempered level of belief that it is going to cross the finish line this time and more final news possibly coming in July or September.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News and Fox Sports joins Softy and Dick to praise the committee’s job done with the NCAA Tournament field, plus discuss the East region with blue bloods and challenges for Duke as the 1 seed, why Arizona can will the entire thing and will, according to his bracket, the lack of parity currently, and other title contenders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Basketball legend and Seattle sports icon, Jack Sikma joins. He talks about the city's chances of getting an NBA team back, and Jack shares his insights on the process. He's been following the developments closely and has a unique perspective on the situation. We discuss the potential challenges and opportunities, and Jack weighs in on what it would take for Seattle to land a team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sounders Midfielder Cristian Roldan joins Jackson and Dick to talk about his nomination for the Sports Star Award. Christian shares his thoughts on the rivalry between the Sounders and Vancouver, and how it's a crucial factor in their success. He also opens up about a recent incident involving Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, and how it's not uncommon for soccer players to have a mix of rivalry and camaraderie. Christian also discusses the Sounders' chances in the Champions Cup and what it would mean to him to start for the US national team in the World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Kathy Holmgren join the show to talk about their charity work before being honored at the Sports Star Banquet this evening.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Ross, NFL Network Analyst, joins Softy and Dick to talk about the historic nature of the 2026 Super Bowl winning Seahawks and why Sam Darnold deserves more credit than he gets now, John Schneider earning faith from fans with free agency, why Rashid Shaheed is not an overpay, the need to pay JSN and Spoon soon, and the RB position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Schultz of Locked On Colts in Indianapolis joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to discuss the Seahawks signing former Indy safety Rodney Thomas II, his experience and declining impact over the last four years there, the entire Daniel Jones situation and contract future, and overpaying for receiver Alec Pierce, and the state of Indiana sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raiders Radio Host JT The Brick in Las Vegas joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about the wild Maxx Crosby trade-that-wasn’t situation with the Ravens, Baltimore screwing over the Raiders by purposely killing the deal, the “bull-crap” ways the Ravens front office ended it from happening, and all the shenanigans not hurting his trade value.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary Seattle writer Larry Stone joins Softy and Dick to talk about Mark DeRosa’s inexcusable lack of knowledge of Team USA’s tournament position, the overall interest in the tournament rising, the dispute between Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena having a tangible impact of the Mariners and needing to get dealt with, and the M’s new roster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petros Papadakis in Los Angeles joins Dave Softy Mahler to talk about the angry Lakers fans after Bam Adebayo passed Kobe Bryant with 83 points scored last night, react to Team USA losing to Italy in the World Baseball Classic but some fans not understanding the tournament overall, plus the new Washington tax on millionaires impacting athletes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Florio of PFT and NBC joins Softy and Dick to talk about how there has been zero funny business with the Maxx Crosby trade between Vegas and Baltimore, what comes next for Crosby, Rashid Shaheed’s role growing in Seattle with his new contract, having no worries about the Seahawks losing Kenneth Walker, and the NFL schedule changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Kraken Head Coach Lane Lambert joins Softy and Dick to discuss what is going wrong for the team right now during their three game losing streak and needing more scoring from more than just Jared McCann on offense, the goaltender question marks with a debate between two guys, and facing another great team in Colorado coming up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huskies Basketball Head Coach Danny Sprinkle joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about UW’s 2025-26 season being impacted by injuries, his technical foul against Oregon last weekend in the close loss, still having confidence in Wesley Yates despite a poor shooting year, possible roster movement ahead, and not complaining about travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhea Hughes with Sports Radio WIP in Philadelphia joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about the Eagles signing Riq Woolen, the contract being fair for a prove-it player for one year, the Clint Hurtt aspect of the deal with him being an Eagles coach, and Jalen Carter realistically not being on the trade block for the Seahawks to trade for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Wilner of The San Jose Mercury News joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to discuss the Huskies good chances for the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, West schools struggling in Olympics sports with so much travel, David Riley at WSU and if they should have a program, and the Score Act having no chance to pass in the Senate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated in Santa Clara joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to discuss why the 49ers signing of Mike Evans is not a good move and simply pushes the oft-injured narrative around the aging players on the team, where the Niners will go from here in free agency and what will happen with future Hall of Famer Trent Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Michaels from 680 The Fan sports radio in Atlanta joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about how the Falcons signing Tua Tagovailoa will affect former UW quarterback Michael Penix, the existing concerns about the former Husky quarterback and his injury history, plus an Atlanta Hawks Magic City strip club promo getting nixed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News and Fox Sports joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to react to Danny Sprinkle’s ejection during the Huskies game, the size of the 2026 NCAA Tournament bubble this year and who could do damage from that group, whether Gonzaga can do damage in the tourney, Duke reigning supreme, and the final top seed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune joins Softy and Dick to talk about Seattle’s free agents to-be next week, Kenneth Walker likely leaving the Seahawks at this point, Zach Charbonnet being in line to take over the backfield, not being able to pay wide receiver money for Rashid Shaheed, the NFL catching on to stupid spending, and Riq Woolen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain are joined by Hugh Millen to discuss Kenneth Walker hitting free agency, the Seahawks spending plans, Rashid Shaheed’s cost, Seattle’s defensive free agents, and the roof open/closed temps at T-Mobile Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Krueger joins Softy and Dick to talk about the Mariners building on 2025 with their off-season moves, the group trying to fill second base and designated hitter, the offense trying to maintain the level they were at last season, Julio Rodriguez working with Edgar Martinez on a successful season, and the team avoiding a slow start with a better team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soren Petro from 610 WHB Sports Radio in Kansas City joins Softy and Dick to discuss Trent McDuffie’s trade from the Chiefs to the Rams being about trying to find maximum value instead of paying the player, the financial limitations for the team, Trent McDuffie being a talented CB who can cover JSN, and KC targeting a running back in the draft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.