The Athletic Hour

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Hosted by The Athletic's Michael Russo and Jon Krawczynski, "The Athletic Hour" covers the week in Minnesota Sports from the view of those writing for the Minnesota Branch of TheAthletic.com.

KFAN FM 100.3 (KFXN-FM)


    • Mar 6, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 57 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Athletic Hour

    On The Road Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2020 46:02


    Jon Krawczynski solo in studio on this one. Catching up with Michael Russo in California, where the Coronavirus was threatening to shut down the Wild vs Sharks game. Dan Hayes from spring training, talks about what to look for this upcoming season. And the MN United are having a terrific season, so Jeff Reuter is on to discuss the journey it's been.

    Crossing Paths

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2020 44:45


    Michael Russo is joined in studio by our favorite new Athletic recruit, Aaron Gleeman, freshly home and 'tanned' from MLB spring training. Meanwhile, Jon Krawczynski, calls from Florida where he's on the road with the Wolves. Russo breaks what the lack of trading with the Wild and the choice to keep Parise. Minnesota sports has been plenty busy in giving us content to cover, and it looks like it's in no hurry to slow down.

    Can You Digg It?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2020 44:03


    Jon Krawczynski is solo in studio on this one, as Russo is in Edmonton for the Wild. Vikings writer for the Athletic, Chad Graff, checks in on all the online drama surrounding Stefon Diggs and Everson Griffen's voiding his contract. Then college football writer for The Athletic, Chris Vannini, calls to discuss St. Thomas becoming a Division 1 school in Minnesota. And then all the way from Canada, we talk to Michael Russo about the NHL trade deadline and its effect on the Wild as well as their game tonight.

    Plans Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 46:34


    Jon Krawczynski in studio solo on this one, Russo was supposed to join him, but upon the recent firing of head coach of the Wild, Bruce Boudreau, plans change. We check in with him over the phone. Then we head down to sunny Florida to talk with Dan Hayes at Spring Training for the MLB.

    Howling At The Moon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 44:55


    Jon Krawczynski is solo in studio on this one. He is joined over the phone by Michael Russo, who is in Dallas for the Wild's Friday night game, he talks the state of things and the upcoming trade deadline for the NHL. Writer for the NBA and The Athletic, Sam Amick calls in to discuss the new Timberwolves' line up and the D'Angelo Russell acquisition. And from The Athletic Denver, Nick Kosmider, calls in to talk about what the future holds for the Wolves' franchise.

    Remembering and Looking Forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2020 47:51


    Jon Krawczynski is in studio and is joined by Editor in Chief, Zach Pierce. Michael Russo calls in from an undisclosed location to give his thoughts on the bye week for the Wild. Bill Oram, LA Lakers writer for the Athletic, calls in to discuss the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, and the legacy and family he leaves behind. And finally, Jon and Zach discuss what's ahead in the new year for sports and also the passing of Chris Doleman.

    Twins Round Table with The Nasty Boys

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2020 45:04


    Jon Krawczynski is in studio, Russo's whereabouts are unknown, but he's not alone in studio. It's a Twins Round table with the elite baseball minds of Aaron Gleeman and Dan Hayes, just ahead of Twins' Fest this weekend. Baseball season is almost here!

    I Know, Russo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2020 45:26


    Mike Russo is in studio and joined by Editor, Zach Pierce. From the road, we have Jon Krawczynki and Chad Graff, both in California for the upcoming Vikings & 9'ers game. Mike and Zach discuss staying optimistic even as your team is losing, which leads us to some Wild talk and answering your questions!

    New Year, New Teams

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2020 45:04


    Michael Russo and Jon Krawczynski are in studio to talk all the promise the new year has ahead for our Minnesota teams. Chad Graff calls in ahead of the playoff game for the Vikings in New Orleans, and he's ready! Mike and Jon answer your Twitter questions and why our players mean so much to us as fans.

    Bumper to Bumper Athletic Hour Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2019 42:36


    Michael Russo is in for Dan Barriero, on KFAN's Bumper to Bumper today. Coach Bruce Boudreau first up. Jon Krawczynski in studio, talking modernizing the Wolves game, and the embarrassing Vikings loss. Fox Sports North's, Anthony LaPanta in studio. The Athletic Denver's, Ryan Clark. And Dan Myers in studio.

    Gleeman & The Krawczynski Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2019 46:45


    Aaron Gleeman joins Jon Krawczynski in studio this week, to dig deep into his specialty, Twins baseball. Vikings writer, Chad Graff, calls in to talk the upcoming Border Battle! And Mike Russo calls in from Arizona, ahead of the Coyotes game on Thursday night.

    Twins, Timberwolves, What's The Difference?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2019 45:06


    Just Mike Russo and Jon Krawczynski on this one. Russo recaps all the goings on with the Wild and the great turn around season they are having. Jon talks the Wolves and straightens Russo out. And answering your Twitter questions!

    The Stove Is Hot!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2019 42:35


    Jon Krawczynski in studio and is joined by the traveling band of Athletic writers. Mike Russo is first up and a lot happier to be covering the Wild. The team that had a very hard time initially in the season is red hot right now, and morale couldn't be better. Vikings writer, Chad Graff, calls in to discuss that painful loss to the Seahawks, and what we can do better on Sunday. And finally, baseball may be over, but there's plenty to talk about with Twins writer, Dan Hayes.

    Athletic Hour 92Noon Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2019 42:44


    Michael Russo is in charge of 92Noon for the FAN's PA while he's out, and he's fitting in an Athletic Hour. Jon Krawczynski joins in studio to talk Wolves and Vikings. And editor for The Athletic, Craig Custance, joins over the phone to talk all the things happening at the Athletic.

    Tongue In Cheek

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2019 45:09


    Mike Russo, Jon Krawczynski and Editor Zach Pierce are all in studio for this one, and it's definitely getting more difficult keeping all these podcasts straight. Recapping the incredible, almost unbelievable Gopher win over Penn State. Coach Fleck's ability to rise above it all and just deliver the goods. Jonny Athletic fills us in on what's going on with the Wolves. Vikings and Broncos on Sunday. And now there's talk of extending Cousins' contract.

    Gleeman & The Krawczynksi

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2019 45:13


    Jonny Krawczynski is joined exclusively on this episode by none other then, Aaron Gleeman. Just a couple guys, with lots of experience in covering bad teams, let the commiserating begin! For Gleeman, as much as he likes to talk baseball during the season, he enjoys talking about it in the post season even more. So, what exactly are his thoughts on those 'baseball conspiracy theories' ?And some Timberwolves and Vikings talk to round it all off.

    Ain't No B*tch

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2019 46:40


    Mike Russo and Editor Zach Pierce are in studio, and are joined over the phone by Jon Krawczynski to talk the ensuing Twitter feud after the fight that broke out between Karl Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid at Thursday night's game. In the post Tibbs era, we thought things were going to be different. Some Vikings talk, Jonny thinks there's still some hope for the season given the special dynamic Stefanski and Cousins have. The very fragile Wild is getting harder for Russo, as a fan and sports writer, to cover. What we really need is a home win to get this machine back on track. Remembering Jim Gregory and all that he brought to the NHL. Along with making this Gophers team 8-0, there isn't much PJ Fleck can't do. And some World Series Talk to top it all off.

    In Remembrance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2019 45:04


    Mike Russo and Jon Krawczynski are together on this one, and it gets a bit misty eyed in here. Remembering some of our greatest inspirations and mentors that have had the biggest impact on us, perhaps even more so now that they're gone. The important role that sports writers play in reporting the very real life events that happen to athletes. Sometimes it's the duty of the writer to find the words for them in order to tell their story. The Vikings are finally gaining some steam and as the Wild take another loss. And answering your Twitter questions.

    Out For Blood

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2019 45:04


    Michael Russo and Jon Krawczynski are back together on this one and they're making up for lost time. Well, Russo is not having the best time in covering the Wild so far this season. And a comment made by Jason Zucker that was taken out of context, isn't helping things. Good thing no one loves a bad team like Krawczynski does. They talk about the halfhearted rebuild of the Timberwolves, the difference between them and where the Wild is currently at. Some Vikings talk, answering your Twitter questions, and the leap of faith that got Mike and Jon to The Athletic.

    The Big Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2019 40:07


    Jon Krawczynski hosting on this one, he's joined on the phone by a very dejected feeling Mike Russo due to Wild having some trouble getting this season rolling. Later, Twins writer, Dan Hayes, joins to talk the post mortem of the Twins playoffs. And finally from behind enemy lines, Eagles writer, Zach Berman, joins to talk the big game, Vikings v Eagles on Sunday.

    You Only Have To Break a Curse Once

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2019 45:11


    Jon Krawczynski is in studio and joined by Russo for the first two segments. They talk the Wild's disappointing loss against Nashville, and where the improvements are that need to be made. Getting into the all the Diggs drama within the Vikings. And newest member of the The Athletic MN, Aaron Gleeman, shares his vast Twins wisdom with us for the final segment.

    'Believe It When I See It Mode'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2019 45:41


    Jon Krawczynski is joined in studio by Athletic editor, Zach Pierce on this one. Twins writer, Dan Hayes, calls in to talk the great, yet daunting news the Twins are more, than probably likely headed to the playoffs. Can they get through the Yankees, especially after having to get through the relentless Indians. Then, MNUnited writer, Jeff Reuter, calls in to talk the Loons history making appearance in the playoffs. And finally some and talk and predictions ahead of Sunday's match up against the Vikings and the Bears. Zach is hopeful, Jon is skeptical.

    “I Just Want To Effing Win!”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2019 45:05


    Jon Krawczynsk is in studio and is taking calls from all the experts! Mike Russo is at Wild Training Camp, and is not feeling so optimistic after that last preseason game. It's the same old frustrations, like that they can't score. Twins contributor, Dan Hayes calls in with better news on how the Twins are pulling it back together. They've been hit with it all this season, injuries, suspensions, and difficult losses. To round it off, Vikings contributor, Chad Graff, calls in ahead of Sunday's home game. The postmortem of last week's loss against the Packers and the fate of Kirk Cousins as our QB.

    “It's Football Season, So You Can't Complain”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2019 45:09


    Jon Krawczynski in studio on this one, Mike Russo calls in from Wild training camp, where he's glad to be in an ice rink again. Hotel connoisseur, Arif Hasan, calls in as he heads to Green Bay for the big game. And for some inside information, Matt Schneider, from The Athletic Wisconsin calls in, he talks the growing pains the Packers are experiencing this season with a new coach.

    Out Of The Abyss

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2019 45:02


    It's Jon Krawczynski and Editor Zach Pierce in studio on this one. Finally, we have some Vikings and football to talk about. It's been a good week so far as we head into the Vikings season and head out of the Twins season. Dan Hayes, Twins contributor for The Athletic, calls in to talk about what an incredible season it has been. They have the upcoming game against the Indians, other than that, it looks like they are storming their way to the playoffs. Vikings contributor to The Athletic, Chad Graff, calls in ahead of Sunday's game against the Falcons. This could be a really good season, but there are still a lot of variables and unanswered questions.

    Athletic Hour Special: Brusso Radio Live From The State Fair

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2019 129:36


    Mike Russo is joined by head coach of the Wild, Bruce Boudreau for a special broadcast, Brusso Radio, from from the Minnesota State Fair. Wife, Crystal and son, Brady join the conversation with all kinds of stories about Bruce. Answering all kinds of FAN questions and Boudreau trivia. Strength and conditioning coach to the Wild, Sean Skahan, also joins in the final hour.

    Straight Cash Homies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2019 45:03


    Mike Russo and Editor in Chief Zach Pierce are in studio for this episode of The Athletic Hour. Some quick stories from the front of Minnesota sports writing. Vikings writer for The Athletic, Chad Graff calls in to talk the ending of preseason and training camp, as well as Thursday night's loss to the Bills. The illustrious Dan Hayes, Twins writer for The Athletic calls in to talk the game that lit them back on fire, even if at this point they're just beating bad teams. The injuries keep adding up, but however it ends, it's been an incredible season. Mike and Zach go through everything you need to be reading, and listening to at The Athletic.

    The Athletic Hours Live From The Minnesota State Fair

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2019 144:12


    Mike and Jon are live from the Great Minnesota Get Together. And it's not just one hour, but three in this extra episode. Guests include Jim Petersen as well as Jason and Carly Zucker. Plus answering all of your burning questions!

    Everything On a Stick

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2019 45:04


    It's Russo, Jonny, and Zach in studio on this one. All the inside information from the Guerin press conference, the key differences already seen in management style and in dealing with the media. And how it wouldn't be a Leopold presser if it didn't have its awkward moments, like the ‘porn comment.' But also why the future is starting to look brighter finally for the Wild. And Vikings writer for The Athletic, Chad Graff, checks in ahead of the third preseason game against Arizona.

    The Origin Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2019 45:36


    Jon Kraw and Mike Russo together on this one, and they've got a birthday to celebrate. It's been two years since Russo was able to convince Jonny to give it all up and join The Athletic MN, and they spare no details of the journey that got them here. MN United writer for The Athletic, Jeff Reuter, calls in to talk how well The Loons have been doing, and why the new field is so important. Russo lets us in on the search for the new GM for the Wild, it's not going to be an easy role to fill, and your Twitter questions.

    Back & Forth

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 45:08


    Russo and Jon are joined by Twins writer for The Athletic, Dan Hayes. How truly amazing this baseball team has been this season but what does Cruz's injury mean for the future. Russo catches us up on the world of hockey. And answering your Twitter questions.

    The Damage Done

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2019 45:06


    Mike and Jonny, together again. Russo is back, and has been hard at work. The two of the them discuss the final days of Paul Fenton and his exit from the Wild. How to rebuild the staff after this and why messaging between the fans, the media and the organization is so important for things to go well. Jon is having Tibbs flashbacks over the whole thing. And answering your burning Twitter questions.

    Vikings Power Hour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2019 45:04


    It's an all Vikings Power Hour on this Athletic Hour. Jon Krawczynski is joined in studio by Vikings writers for The Athletic, Chad Graff and Arif Hasan, for a roundtable to discuss the upcoming season just ahead of training camp. Going over the post mortem of last year's season, can Zimmer and this roster bring it home? What's at stake for the leadership staff of the team, could we see changes in coaches again this year? And, the Kirk Cousins segment.

    It's What Happens On The Field

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2019 45:02


    Paul Fletcher of Cities 97.1 joins in the first segment to talk how great the Twins are doing and his upcoming charity event, Wiffle Wars. Answering your burning Tweets, the guys spill all on dealing with management and getting the story, no matter what. Russo is back from his trip Europe and he's feeling awestruck. Summer League for the Wolves is over, so what's to look forward to ahead of the season? Why Culver has been left out of so much of the preseason activity. And the days of when Russo was a hoops fan.

    Where In The World Is Mike Russo?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2019 45:08


    No Russo, he's off gallivanting so Jon Krawczynski is in. Resident Twins writer for The Athletic, Dan Hayes, weighs in on D'Angelo Russell as a Warriors fan himself. Eventually he gets to the All Star Break, and the crazy family connection between Jose Berrios and Javy Baez. Setting the scene for the rest of the summer, it's a big series ahead in Cleveland. All the big trades in the NBA are dominating the news cycle. Thoughts on where some of the star players have ended up so far and small market franchises on what they're doing right. Fans want those long term relationships with their players. The Wolves say goodbye to Tyus Jones, what Rosas is positioning himself to do later on for the team. In the final segment, MN United Athletic contributor, Jeff Rueter, calls in. The surge in competitiveness from The Loons is amazing to see. The struggle they faced leading up to the opening of Allianz Field and their unlikely wins on the road,

    Dispatch The Helicopters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2019 45:13


    Michael Russo and Athletic editor, Zach Pierce are in studio ahead of the holiday weekend. Jon Krawczynski calls in, and he's got the scoop on D'Angelo Russell, or what it felt like to lose him. The disappointment felt by Wolves fans, as per usual. So, where does Jonny Athletic's love of basketball come from? Russo talks the recent Wild acquisitions with the legend himself, Lou Nanne. Keeping Zucker and what that means for everybody. Wrapping up the show, Russo and Zach answer your tweets!

    The Athletic Hour #92Noon Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2019 38:35


    Michael Russo was filling in for Paul Allen on 92Noon on Wednesday this week and had an impromptu Athletic Hour on the program with The Athletic's, Chad Graff, and former Viking, Matt Birk.

    All Wolves, All Day: The 2019 NBA Draft Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2019 45:07


    In house Timberwolves specialist, Jon Krawczynski, hosts this episode of the Athletic Hour and is joined by fellow Wolves writer for the Athletic, Britt Robson. How exciting the draft was this week, and getting to see the fruits of Rosas vision so far. Why they're thinking long term in the players they picked up, and the future Culver could have with this team. We managed to move up in draft pick but that doesn't come without sacrifices. How free agency will provide the ‘supplements' the team will eventually need, like a point guard.

    Russo's Got Beef

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2019 45:07


    It's Russo, Jon and Zach Pierce this week on The Athletic Hour. The Raptors won the NBA finals, and Russo has some beef. Is this win really that big of an upset? Making peace with the fact that we won't be seeing Kevin Durant around for awhile. How the Wolves are laying the groundwork for a successful season. Taking your questions from Twitter. Russo makes the case for what the Wild really needs. The Twins are headed to the World Series, according to Jon. And more beef: Russo hates the different uniforms of the NBA finals.

    It's Always Nice To Have a Vision

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2019 45:13


    Russo and editor, Zach Pierce are in studio for this episode of The Athletic Hour. Twins writer for The Athletic and birthday boy, Dan Hayes, calls in. The Twins continue with their incredible lead, but how long can it last? Jonny Athletic calls in to talk about how well the Timberwolves staff is coming together. Again, it's all thanks to Gersson Rosas' leadership. Draft season is upon us and the tension is starting to accumulate. And what exactly does 500 new followers for The Athletic MIN Twitter account mean for Zach's summer? St. Louis Blues writer for the Athletic, and old friend of Russo's, Jeremy Rutherford calls in to talk the Stanley Cup Finals.

    Diva On Defense

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2019 45:08


    Jon's flying solo as host ever since Russo has become too big time. Starting off with some Vikings talk with Chad Graff: it's very clear who the 'diva' Zimmer is referring to and Irv Smith, the 20 year old boy wonder. Also, no word on Kyle Rudolph, just yet. Russo himself calls in to talk some Wild: Jason Zucker will be traded, it's just a matter of where and when? And let's not forget, how much? Finally, it's Jonny Athletic Story Time. Not to mention, the Twins are just doing so good this year.

    The Athletic TWO Hours!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2019 89:28


    It's a special two-hour edition of the Athletic Hour! The Athletic's Michael Russo hosts the show and brings in a cavalcade of guests from all across The Athletic and beyond! Dan Hayes calls in to talk about the red-hot Minnesota Twins, Jon Krawczynski talks hoops, and Jeremy Rutherford previews the Stanley Cup Final! Plus, Dan Myers and Pat Micheletti are in studio for the entire second hour talking all things Minnesota Wild!

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