Torg Stories Podcast

We talk Knicks-Pacers series, give report on the Indiana Fever, Mission Impossible Final Reckoning, and talk second chances from Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 11 on this edition of the Torg Stories Podcast. You can click on the audio player above to listen to the episode, or you can watch it on YouTube at the … Continue reading "Knicks Pacers, Indiana Fever, Mission Impossible, and Ted Lasso Season Three, Episode 11"

We talk the highs and lows of sports, the NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 10 on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. Some of my lows in sports: High Moments in Sports: Question for discussion: Rebecca asks the owners how much money they really need? Some of the impacts of money … Continue reading "The Highs and Lows of Sports, NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 10"

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I tell mom memories, we talk NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 9. A celebration of my mom Carol Sue and my wife Megan: Thanks to all the new subscribers last week. That made me think … Continue reading "Mom Memories, Maybe the Knicks Don’t Suck and Ted Lasso Season 3, Ep 9"

Thanks to the listeners who have recently read my novel Love on the Big Screen and took the time to write me about it. I appreciate you! Anne, the Kindle version is only $2.99! News from my house: -I did an enormous amount of weeding. Found and cooked some morel mushrooms. Classes are over at … Continue reading "Trying to Enjoy the Victories, NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 8"

Hi Everyone! Anne and I are recording this episode on the top floor of the Torg Family Vacation Rental in Duck North Carolina, a town in the Outer Banks. On this episode we’re going to use our powers of description to talk about the Outer Banks, a local favorite that made it big Duck Doughnuts, … Continue reading "The Outer Banks, Duck Doughnuts, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 9"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! In this episode, Anne is back from London. We’re getting ready to see her at the Outer Banks. We talk solo vacationing, and we get what amounts to a travel program on Amsterdam from the television series Ted Lasso. Anne, give us a story from London. On this episode, … Continue reading "Boone and LA Restaurant Recs, Report from London, and a Ted Lasso Tour of Amsterdam"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. I’m usually joined by my sister Anne from Los Angeles, but she’s in London and taking this one off. In this episode, I tell the story of how I came to use AI in the writing courses I teach at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Who is this … Continue reading "AI in the Writing Classroom with a side of Vonnegut"

It’s unanswerable questions, pie charts of our time spent, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 5 on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast.. Anne, I’m coming off watching UConn hammer South Carolina. You’re coming off a big Fortnite win! In the show Ted Lasso, the great footballer Zava says this: if you put your … Continue reading "Unanswerable Questions, Where the Time Goes, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 5"

In this episode we’re pointed to the TikTok trend Romanticize Your Life, we talk working out, how to handle someone hurting you, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 4. Click above to listen to this episode of the podcast. Before we get to the podcast notes, I think through coaches calling late-game timeouts to advance … Continue reading "What do you mean Romanticize Your Life? When Someone Hurts You, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 4 on the Torg Stories Podcast"

Dear Readers and Listeners, We had snow on Thursday. Late March snow! This weekend we Torgs went to Wilmington, North Carolina to watch Kate Sears play in the Carolinas Classic All Start game that features North Carolina versus South Carolina. We stayed at a Holiday Inn on Wrightsville Beach that we recommend. I went from … Continue reading "Iconic Sports Venues, Wrightsville Beach, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 3"

On this episode we discuss the Rewards of Playing Sports, Wild Card Athletes, and Season 3, Episode 2 of Ted Lasso. It’s the episode where Roy returns to Chelsea and Coach Lasso’s team goes after the mercurial fictional football legend, Zava. For me, I took note that St. John’s won the Big East tournament since … Continue reading "The Rewards of Playing Sports, A Diva Athlete List, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 2"

I coach a high school girls basketball team in North Carolina. Our season ended last Friday and when that happens, at least for me, there’s a feeling of not knowing if I could make it through another season. Maybe it’s like finishing a marathon and then being asked as you cross the finish line, “Do … Continue reading "The Basketball Season Ends, Post-Game Process, and A Coach’s Exhaustion"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast at TheTorg.com. I’m Bill Torg. I’ve got round 3 of North Carolina girls basketball playoffs coming up next Tuesday. It’s the last week before spring break at App State, Gene Hackman his wife and dog are mysteriously dead, and I’ve got more interested in Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President … Continue reading "Dealing with Doubt, Our Work Personas, and Ted Lasso Season 3 Premiere"

It’s Mentors, Sources of Stress, and the Divine Feminine with the Ted Lasso Season 2 Finale on today’s episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. Anne, the episode opens with the Soccer Special show where the big news is that Rebecca’s ex husband has bought the West Hamm Club and Ted Lasso left the pitch during … Continue reading "Mentors, Sources of Stress, and the Divine Feminine with Ted Lasso Season Two Finale"

Anne went to the Pacers at Clippers game this week at Intuit in LA and we use Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 11 to talk about cars we’d pick to start our fleet, name our favorite TV couples, and discuss if we’re any good at goodbyes. (hint: not really) If money is no issue, what … Continue reading "The Cars We’d Pick, Favorite TV Couples and Goodbyes with Ted Lasso"

Panic attacks, the Luka to the Lakers trade, and Ted Lasso Episode “No Weddings and a Funeral” are some of the topics on this week’s Torg Stories Podcast. We also give our initial thoughts on the upcoming Super Bowl. Anne and I use episodes of the Apple show Ted Lasso to spark discussion questions for … Continue reading "Panic Attacks, Luka Trade, and Ted Lasso No Weddings and a Funeral"

It’s the last time we danced, thoughts on the end of our consciousness, some of our worst days, and before it gets too somber, fields or courts we’d most like to mess around on for this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. It’s all inspired by the Ted Lasso episode from season two, “Beard After … Continue reading "The Last Time We Danced, Worst Days, and the End of Consciousness from the Ted Lasso episode “Beard After Hours”"

The Greatest Teams, Blind Dates, the Man City Ted Lasso episode, and Relationships with Dads on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. Recorded Sunday, January 19, 2025. Summary and discussion questions for Season 2, Episode 8 of Ted Lasso. The episode was titled “Man City.” Greatest Teams Ever I Remember:

LA Fires, Our Cell Phones and Us, and Ted Lasso Clingy Relationships on the Torg Stories Podcast. I read an opinion article in the New York Times titled, “As a Climate Scientist, I knew It was Time to Leave Los Angeles.” Peter Kalmus, a climate scientist now living in Chapel Hill, NC moved out of … Continue reading "LA Fires with Anne, Our Cell Phones and Us, and Clingy Relationships on Ted Lasso"

On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I discuss The Roy Kent Effect and a team’s confidence, whether or not we think people can change, and if you should say something to your friend about their relationship. Season 2, Episode 5 Summary and Discussion Questions: Hope you had a great holiday and … Continue reading "The Roy Kent Effect, If People Can Change, and Whether or Not You Should Say Something"

Rom-Communism, Favorite Romantic Comedies, and Doing What You’re Meant to Do on the Torg Stories Podcast Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 5 titled “Rainbow” Summary and Discussion Questions: Let’s pause to see if you can tell me where these lines come from. Roy mentions them all: Back to the summary and discussion questions: Torg’s Fav … Continue reading "Rom-Communism, Fav Rom Coms, And Doing What You’re Meant to Do"

It’s the Torg Stories Christmas Special! We talk gift exchanges, favorite songs and shows, the Ted Lasso Christmas Special, and Anne calls Taylor Swift fans “Little Detectives.” Podcast discussion topics for “Carol of the Bells.” Ted Lasso Christmas special season 2, episode 4: SNL is my favorite holiday programming to watch: Christmas Songs I like:

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this episode we’re doing Thanksgiving Reflections, asking Anne about being an Aunt, and Discussing Doing the Right Thing with Ted Lasso on Season 2, Episode 3. Anne, you went to Vegas by yourself for Thanksgiving! Questions for Anne about Thanksgiving trip to Las Vegas: Torg Thanksgiving in Boone: … Continue reading "Thanksgiving Reflections, Anne Wins in Vegas, and Do the Right Thing With Ted Lasso"

We’re using the TV show Ted Lasso to spark conversation. This week we discuss if it’s ever time to give up on a player, heavy is the head that wears the visor, our favorite books, and I tell my Pat Conroy story. Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 2 summary with observations and discussion questions. The … Continue reading "Trophies for Winning Nothing: Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 2"

It’s basketball season for me, and Anne and I are returning to the Apple Television show Ted Lasso. We think think with a coach as the main character and many allusions to sports and pop culture, there will be plenty for us to talk about. Anne, I’m hoping that one episode a week will be … Continue reading "Ted Lasso “Goodbye Earl”"

It’s the season finale of HBO’s The Penguin on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. It worked pretty well last episode that we work our way through a summary and pause when we think we’ve got something to talk about. “Top Hat” Episode 7 Summary of HBO’s The Penguin Episode 7 discussion questions: Summary … Continue reading "The Penguin Season 1 Finale"

It’s election night as we record but Anne and I are going to try and distract ourselves until we get a little later into the evening. Yes we’re talking about the HBO television show The Penguin but we hope to do it in a way that even if you’re not watching it, you might enjoy … Continue reading "HBO’s The Penguin Episodes Five and Six"

On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I are looking back to The Batman movie and discussing the first four episodes of HBO’s The Penguin series. Some discussion questions: (1) let's touch on the main plot points and characters of each of the four episodes (2) let's try and say what we … Continue reading "The Penguin HBO Show Podcast: Episodes 1-4"

This week on the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I talk about the film The Batman, our favorite super hero movies, and Anne tells us about walking to the Hollywood Bowl to see the bands War on Drugs and The National. Click on the audio player above to listen to this week’s podcast. Torg’s notes … Continue reading "The Batman Film and The National at the Hollywood Bowl Podcast"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast Sun Oct 6th edition. We’re just over a week since hurricane Helene came through Boone. We’re going to reflect on disaster preparation, talk about not having power or cell phone signal and then work in some Colts and WNBA playoffs. Click player above to listen to the podcast. What … Continue reading "Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief, Colts, and WNBA Playoff Podcast"

Heleen, as in bean Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. Today we’re going to talk about a quick trip home to Winamac to bury dad’s ashes, my drive back to Boone in the midst of hurricane Helene, discuss the Colts and wrap of the Indiana Fever Season. Topics for this episode: The trip to Indiana… … Continue reading "Hurricane Helene Comes to Boone, Colts vs. Steelers, and Fever Podcast"

Welcome to the Torg Stories podcast at TheTorg.com. I feel more confused about the NFL than I did before the season started. Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell had huge games for the Fever’s narrow win over the Wings. Anne and I start with the Colts loss and work our way to the Fever win on … Continue reading "Podcast: NFL Week 2 and the WNBA Regular Season Winds Down"

Welcome to NFL Week 1 Podcast. No heavy analysis here. My wife Megan asked this aftiternoon, “Who is supposed to be good this year?” If that’s the kind of questions you have or you’re just wanting to know what happened big today, tis might be the spot for you. Notes from the Colts game: Big … Continue reading "NFL First Weekend Reflection"

Welcome to our Focus on the Indiana Fever Podcast. The Fever have won eight of their last ten. We begin talking about the play of Kelsey Mitchell, the chemistry between Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, and the hot shooting of Lexie Hull. Focus on the Fever Storylines Kelsey Mitchell: Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston Connection … Continue reading "Focus on the Indiana Fever Podcast"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this episode, I’m going to talk through processing what it means to drop my daughter off at college. We’ll also update you all on how Dad is doing. Click on audio player above to listen to the episode. We got lots of feedback on the last episode: offers … Continue reading "I Took My Daughter to College Podcast"

Dad fell last week and fractured his hip. On this episode, we’re updating everyone on his health and telling the story of his injury and treatment as a way into talking about what we’ve learned and what we need to know related to hospice care, Medicaid, Medicare, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Longterm Care. Recorded Thursday, … Continue reading "Dad Health Update, Hospice, Medicaid, Skilled Nursing, and Longterm Care"

Love on the Big Screen is my first novel, and it tells the story of a college freshman whose understanding of love has been shaped by eighties romantic comedies. The protagonist Zuke is obsessed with movies such as Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, When Harry Met Sally, and The Breakfast Club. Love on the Big Screen […]

It’s the opening weekend of the Paris 2024 Olympics on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. Anne and I checked out over 15 sports each, discuss NBC and the Peacock app, and zero in on the USA’s win over Serbia in men’s basketball. Click on the player above to listen to the episode. Discussion […]

We talk WNBA All Stars vs USA Olympic Team, look back and ahead on the WNBA season, and then look ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics on this week’s Torg Stories Podcast episode. What were some of the top reasons the game was entertaining? Torg’s choice for First Team: Second Team: Notable Left Off: Anne, […]

We four Torgs–Bill, Megan, Charlotte and Izzy–drove from where we live in Boone, North Carolina to the town of Chatham on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. We spent the night in two places on our way to Cape Cod. The first night of our trip we stayed near the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. There […]

Click above to listen to the podcast episode. Anne and I choose 10 songs each to start a playlist that would be for a 15-hour drive to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. We aren’t really making this drive but it’s based on a family vacation I am taking during which we will spend the first night near […]

It’s the state of the American Mall, mall memories, trip planning, Google Maps, and the Geoguesser game on this week’s episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. We read two articles for this week’s podcast: Notes for the Mall Discussion: What do you remember about going to the mall? The toy store. Pole Position and a […]

Happy Father's Day! My dad Martin loved competing in sports, especially in basketball and as a coach. He was a reader and he was a prolific producer of notes. He was an English teacher and a basketball coach. I am all of those things because he was those things first.

It's the What's the Difference? episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. Why can't Bill even remember Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran's names? What's the difference between TikTok and Instagram? Asheville and Boone? On this episode, we point out the obvious and the less obvious.

The Caitlin Clark flagrant foul, Noah Kahan in Nashville, and LA Neighborhoods on the Torg Stories Podcast.

Caitlin Clark gets started in the WNBA, Torg Tries sports gambling on FanDuel and we get ready for some NBA Playoff Game 7s including Pacers vs Knicks.

Good to have you with us! We’re going to do a lot more than basketball today. I originally thought of Anne as a regular based on the conversations we’d have in the car when I’d drive down to Charlotte to pick her up at the airport. Anne, do you think we are a fun hang? […]

On this week’s Torg Stories Podcast we talk NBA Round 1 Wraps Up, Athletic Banquets, Morel Mushroom Season, and that Anne would wear crew socks with shorts. Thanks for checking out the podcast!

On this week’s Torg Stories Podcast we talk NBA Round 1 Wraps Up, Athletic Banquets, Morel Mushroom Season, and that Anne would wear crew socks with shorts. Recorded May 3, 2024. Thanks for checking out Torg Stories. We appreciate you!

NBA Playoff Prompts for Podcast Episode Recorded Sunday, April 27, 2024: Discussion questions:  Thanks for checking out the page!

Let’s Catch Up First With the Play-In Tournament Western Conference Play-In: Eastern Conference Play-In: The regular season records: Go over regular season records. Small number of wins separating in the East. How much better the records are in the West. Questions for Anne Go over playoff match ups. Talk about what happened in game. How […]