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This week, we officially kick off our next Video Game Book Club title: Titanfall 2. Jerica, Kayla, and Koleman suit up for a deep dive into this critically beloved FPS — from its fast-paced movement and emotional storytelling to its unexpected ties to Apex Legends.We also rewind to the original Titanfall to explain why we're starting with the sequel, touch on Respawn's development choices, and unpack how this world became one of the most celebrated sci-fi shooter settings of the last decade.Whether you're playing along for the first time or revisiting your BT memories, this episode is all about appreciating the details — from gunplay to skyboxes.Timecodes:00:00:00 – Start00:19:17 – Listener Fanfare: Titanfall 2 Love Letters00:22:24 – Easy Mode: What We've Been Playing + Koleman's Icebreaker00:35:11 – Normal Mode: Titanfall 1 History & Why We're Starting With 200:49:13 – Expert Mode: Titanfall 2 First ImpressionsWe're JK! Games! Podcast!We bring you the gaming news and reviews we care about — and right now we're playing through one game at a time with our official Video Game Book Club.We pick a game, break it down week by week, and talk about everything from mechanics to heart-wrenching narratives — all through the lens of a book club… but with video games. And don't worry, you don't have to read anything (until there's a dialogue wheel).Easy Mode or Expert, you belong in the conversation.Follow and play with us! @JKGamesPodcast Discord Twitch Youtube Insta Bsky
In a fiery segment, BT and Sal bring on NFL analyst Brian Baldinger to break down the disastrous Week 2 losses for both the Giants and Jets. Baldinger doesn't hold back, criticizing the Giants for their inability to run the football and the defense's shockingly soft coverage in a key moment. He also rips into the Jets for their penalties and the abysmal tackling by their secondary, arguing that both teams are plagued by a lack of accountability and foundational issues. The conversation is a brutal but honest assessment of New York's two struggling teams, as Baldy highlights the fundamental problems holding them back from being contenders.
Sal and BT's show was a rollercoaster of fiery takes on New York sports, anchored by the Yankees' disappointing season and the Giants' grim start under Brian Daboll. The hosts fiercely debated the Yankees' ability to win in the postseason without a division title and with a struggling lineup, while also clashing over the very real possibility of Daboll's job being on the line. The conversation took a lighter, yet equally passionate turn with Sal's personal quest for an Emmy, a dream he is determined to achieve despite past losses. This was all tied together with analysis from NFL insider Brian Baldinger, a sharp takedown of Tom Brady's new dual roles as an owner and broadcaster, and the hosts' signature "Bald-Faced Lie, Bald-Faced Truth" segment, offering unapologetic and often brutal predictions on the state of local sports.
Sal and BT debated the Yankees' postseason chances, with Sal arguing that their failure to win the division has made their road to the World Series far more difficult. He expressed disappointment in a team with the Yankees' payroll and talent not being able to beat out a division rival like the Blue Jays. BT countered that the team's injuries, particularly the loss of Gerrit Cole, should be considered, but both agreed that the Yankees' defense, inconsistent offense, and bullpen are serious concerns heading into the playoffs, especially with the added challenge of a wild card series.
In a fiery segment, BT and Sal debate whether Giants head coach Brian Daboll's slow start could cost him his job in season, a move Sal thinks is a "bald-faced lie" while BT acknowledges it's a real concern given Daboll's poor record. The conversation shifts to a lighter, yet equally passionate, topic as Sal expresses his intense desire to win a local Emmy, a prize he's been nominated for but has yet to claim, hoping to avoid being the "Buffalo Bills of the damn local Emmys." The hosts then wrap up with their "Bald-Faced Lie, Bald-Faced Truth" segment, providing bold predictions on everything from the Jets' quarterback situation to the Mets' playoff hopes, a "bald-faced truth" that their fans will be tortured regardless.
This "Call of the Day" features a fiery segment with NFL analyst Brian Baldinger, as he breaks down the New York Giants' recent performance. Baldinger praises the play of Giants' rookie left tackle Marcus Bow, who he says "pitched a shutout" and reminds him of an elite player like Dion Dawkins. This glowing review of Bow's performance is a counterpoint to the Giants' overall struggles. The segment highlights the disconnect between a few standout individual performances and the team's frustrating results, a theme that runs through the show as BT and Sal and their callers lament the state of both the Giants and the Jets.
BT and Sal ripped into the bizarre arrangement that allows Tom Brady to be a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders while simultaneously working as a lead NFL broadcaster for Fox. They argued that the situation presents a clear and undeniable conflict of interest, with Brady potentially gaining a competitive advantage for his team through his access to NFL coaches, players, and information as part of his broadcasting duties. Both hosts criticized the NFL and Fox for allowing this "bad look" to continue, questioning why the league would jeopardize its integrity for a single personality, no matter how famous. They agreed that Brady should have to choose one role, as holding both undermines the fairness of the game and puts his broadcast partners in an awkward, compromised position.
Sal and BT dove into the glaring conflict of interest surrounding Tom Brady's dual roles as a broadcaster for FOX and a minority owner of the Raiders. They argued that despite the NFL's claims, the optics of Brady being in the coach's box with a headset are terrible and create an unfair advantage, even if it's a small one. The hosts also criticized Brady's performance as a broadcaster, calling it uninspired and not worth the massive contract he's receiving. Ultimately, they believe the NFL and FOX are making a mistake by allowing Brady to hold both positions, prioritizing his star power over the integrity of the game.
Sal recounts a disastrous date night with his wife and young child, where the meal was overshadowed by a fidgety four-year-old and his own frustration over the Mets' game. He contrasts this with his decision to go to an Adam Sandler concert alone, a choice he says he made because it was cheaper and easier than coordinating a date night. While acknowledging that some might find it weird to go to a concert solo, Sal justifies his choice by highlighting the exorbitant costs of a night out, from babysitters to the meal itself, and the fact that going alone ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. The segment then shifts to a brief and spirited debate about the merits of "going solo," a practice that BT admits he's never tried.
Sal passionately discussed his pursuit of a local Emmy for his work on Baseball Night in New York, expressing his frustration with his past two losses to Bill Pidto. He shared a mix of anxiety and a fiery competitive spirit, stating that he doesn't want to be the "Buffalo Bills of the damn local Emmys." Sal and BT dissected the competition, with Sal admitting he'd be okay with losing to Gary Apple, but he wants to take down everyone else. He also reflected on his past Emmy win, which he felt was unearned, and declared that this potential victory would be a true culmination of his hard work.
BT and Sal discuss the mounting pressure on Giants head coach Brian Daboll following the team's 0-2 start. While Sal doubts the Giants' ownership would fire Daboll mid-season, even with a continued losing streak, BT points out that Daboll's overall losing record is a major concern. The conversation highlights the struggle between the team's improved offensive performance and their inability to secure a win, with both hosts questioning if a change at quarterback to Jaxson Dart would be enough to save Daboll's job. They conclude that the team's struggles run deeper than a single player or coach, but that Daboll's position is still very much in jeopardy due to the team's abysmal start to the season.
Sal and BT dissect the Yankees' ability to hit elite pitching, arguing that their "all or nothing" approach, which is heavily reliant on home runs, is a recipe for disaster in the postseason. They point out that while the Yankees may have a formidable lineup on paper and can bludgeon mediocre pitchers during the regular season, their historical struggles against top-tier pitching in the playoffs are a major concern. The conversation centers on the idea that the team's offense lacks consistency and the ability to manufacture runs when home runs aren't happening, leaving them vulnerable when facing quality starting pitchers and bullpens.
Sal and BT debate the best and worst possible Wild Card opponents for the Yankees, with an emphasis on the entertainment and competitive value of each matchup. While BT pushes for a spicy, rivalry-fueled series against the Red Sox, Sal raises concerns about their ace, Garrett Crochet, and the strength of their pitching. The hosts also touch on the potential of facing the Astros or Mariners and the importance of the Yankees securing home-field advantage. The conversation revolves around the question of what a "successful" season would be for the Yankees, given their current state, with both hosts agreeing that anything less than a World Series appearance would be a letdown.
BT and Sal's discussion rages over the Yankees' recent loss, which has all but ended their chances of winning the AL East. Sal is furious, believing the Yankees underachieved and let a weaker Toronto Blue Jays team run away with the division, making their postseason path much more difficult. He argues that with the Yankees' standard, winning the division is a must, and their failure to do so is a "disappointing regular season." BT, however, takes a more nuanced view, pointing to injuries to key players like Gerrit Cole and Louis Hill as reasons for the team's struggles, and maintains that just making the playoffs is a significant accomplishment given the circumstances. He believes the "get in and anything can happen" mentality of the modern MLB postseason makes winning the division less important. The two hosts clash on whether the Yankees' performance is a disappointment or a resilient effort.
BT and Sal are fed up with the Mets, who they believe are playing "disgusting" and "inexcusable" baseball at a critical point in the season. The hosts tear into the team for its continued struggles, highlighting a complete lack of a winning mentality, poor fundamentals, and a series of questionable decisions. Sal is particularly incensed by the choice to start Jonah Tong over the more experienced Sean Manaea, seeing it as yet another baffling move that shows the team's flawed logic. Both agree that even if the Mets back into a playoff spot, their performance has been so consistently bad that it has already eroded the fanbase's trust and revealed deep-seated issues that need to be addressed in the offseason.
BT and Sal break down the Giants' heartbreaking loss to the Cowboys, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the entire organization, with a specific focus on head coach Brian Daboll. BT initially targeted the defense, citing their failure to make crucial stops despite a roster built for disruption. However, Sal argued the blame was "all encompassing," pointing to a multitude of issues including stupid penalties, offensive miscues, and poor coaching decisions. They agreed that the loss was a microcosm of a much larger, systemic problem within the Giants organization—a lack of accountability and a "disgraceful" culture that has plagued the franchise for years.
BT and Sal commiserated over the perpetual state of losing for both the New York Giants and New York Jets. Sal expressed his exhaustion with the emotional roller coaster of watching both teams underperform year after year, noting that even "moral victories" quickly lose their luster. They both agreed that the problem is a deep, systemic failure that transcends individual players or coaches, a pattern of bad decisions in the front office, and a consistent inability to build a winning foundation, especially in the trenches. This is not a new issue but a cycle of dysfunction that has plagued both franchises for over a decade, leaving fans with little hope for a turnaround.
After a promising, clean Week 1 performance, the Jets reverted to their old, undisciplined ways in a brutal loss to the Bills. BT and Sal lamented the return of sloppy football, with penalties and a lack of focus derailing the team's efforts. They highlighted specific instances of poor play, including a costly roughing the passer penalty by Michael Clemons and an abysmal performance from quarterback Justin Fields, who was described as "god awful." The hosts questioned whether the team's new coaching staff can truly change a culture of incompetence that has plagued the Jets for years, despite the Bills being a superior team.
Sal and BT dove into the miserable start for both the Giants and the Jets, each now sitting at 0-2. They highlighted the ironic "flip-flop" in how each team lost, with the Giants suffering a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking defeat that crushed the hopes of their fanbase, while the Jets were utterly dominated and reminded their fans that their rebuild is a long way from being complete. The hosts lamented that both teams are already in a position where the conversation is shifting from winning games to evaluating the future and potential personnel changes, a familiar and frustrating narrative for New York football fans.
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Sal and BT's discussion on their perfect parlay picks quickly devolved into a fiery rant about bad beats and the NFL's officiating. Sal recounted a brutally painful loss on a Broncos bet, where a late-game field goal was waved off by a questionable penalty, snatching victory from his grasp. This prompted a larger conversation about the league's inconsistent and game-changing penalties, which they argued are ruining not only the games but also the experience for bettors. Sal expressed his frustration, saying he's looking for a sign to stop betting after two straight weeks of brutal, last-second losses.
In a heated segment, BT and Sal tore into the Giants for their bizarre decision to insert rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart into a successful offensive series. Sal argued that it was the absolute worst time to debut the rookie, especially while Russell Wilson was in the middle of a career day, throwing for over 400 yards. They believed the move showed the team's overthinking and a fundamental misunderstanding of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," adding a new layer of head-scratching strategy to an already frustrating loss. The hosts questioned if the trick plays were more about getting Dart on film than actually helping the team win, a choice that left them shaking their heads.
Sal and BT vent about the Mets' embarrassing 8-game losing streak, calling their play disgusting and inexcusable, especially in a playoff race. They argue that despite some talent, the team's core has a fragile mindset and consistently chokes under pressure, a pattern dating back to their 2022 collapse. Sal, who is "over it," contends that even if they back into the playoffs, their performance has been so bad that it's already done irreparable damage to the fan base. They both agree that the team is fundamentally flawed and needs a "wrecking ball" of changes this offseason to become a legitimate contender.
Sal and BT furiously debate the Mets' decision to keep rookie Jonah Tong in the rotation while moving veteran Sean Manaea to the bullpen. Sal argues that it's a "stupid" and illogical move, given Tong's recent implosion where he couldn't get out of the first inning, and Manaea's more stable, albeit inconsistent, performance. While BT acknowledges Tong's "electric stuff" and Manaea's struggles, he respects the organization's conviction in their top prospect. The hosts dive into the numbers, including Tong's high ERA and walk rate, contrasting it with Manaea's, to highlight the baffling nature of the decision as the Mets are in a tight playoff race.
Sal and BT dissect the latest losses for the Giants and Jets, arguing that both franchises are plagued by a long-standing pattern of bad decision-making rather than a simple curse or bad luck. They criticize the Giants' handling of Eli Manning, which they believe set off a chain reaction of mistakes, and the Jets' reliance on aging, past-their-prime quarterbacks. The hosts also take aim at the NFL's broadcasting practices, specifically the "unnecessary" use of rules analysts who they say interrupt the flow of the game to state the obvious. Ultimately, they conclude that both teams are victims of their own poor management, from bad draft picks to chasing old-guard talent, and not some mystical force.
In their Monday morning football discussion, BT and Sal dissect another frustrating Sunday for New York sports fans as both the Jets and Giants suffered losses, albeit in a role reversal from the previous week. The conversation touches on the Giants' baffling defensive collapse with a prevent defense that gave up the winning field goal, and the Jets' anemic offense that reminded fans of their ongoing struggles. The hosts also commiserate about Sal's personal "bad beat" on an NFL bet, where a late penalty overturned a winning play, and criticize the Giants' bizarre decision to insert rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart for a few plays during a crucial part of the game. The segment encapsulates the recurring theme of frustration and disappointment surrounding both teams' performances.
In a heated discussion, BT and Sal dissected the Giants' and Jets' recent losses, each pointing fingers at different culprits. Sal attributed the Giants' loss to the defense, which he believed failed to live up to its identity as the team's strength. He and BT agreed that the Giants' loss was an all-around team failure with penalties, poor coaching, and an offense that couldn't seal the win in overtime. Shifting to the Jets, they highlighted Justin Fields' poor play and Michael Clemens' "disgraceful" penalty as key reasons for their loss to the Bills. The overarching theme for both teams was a lack of discipline and accountability that stems from the top down, leaving fans with a familiar sense of dread and frustration.
In a furious breakdown of New York's latest sports failures, BT and Sal unloaded on the Giants, Jets, and even the Mets. The duo dissected the Giants' heartbreaking loss in Dallas, criticizing everything from a defensive collapse to the bizarre use of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. They then pivoted to the Jets, who they said looked completely inept in a brutal loss to the Bills, hampered by poor quarterback play and undisciplined penalties. The frustration wasn't limited to football, as the hosts tore into the Mets for their "disgusting" play and questionable personnel decisions like starting Jonah Tong over Sean Manaea. The entire segment painted a grim picture of New York sports, defined by a lack of accountability, poor management, and a frustrating pattern of self-inflicted wounds.
Welcome back to purgatory!!! This week the boys jump into the films of writer/directed Jeremy Saulnier, starting with his film debut with Murder Party from 2007. The film stars Chris Sharp, Damon Lindsay, Macon Blair, Stacy Rock, Skei Saulnier, Paul Goldblatt, William Lacey, Sandy Barnett, Bill Tangrandi, Sampson Saulnier, Beryl Guceri and Puff Snooty Thanks for checkin us out!!! You can find our past and most recent episodes on Podbean.com and you can find us where most other podcasts are found!!! Intro & Outro track are from the Muder Party soundtrack Robots Ready for Mars by Bytecon (remixed by DJ Quest) https://youtu.be/p0DcztkFQMo?si=3h0-klcMEM-VmMJZ Love Commander by Night After Night https://youtu.be/p0DcztkFQMo?si=bT-x1_ZERwNmZ3TE
Brian Baldinger joins BT & Sal to break down the Jets' Week 1 loss and look ahead to Week 2. Plus, Wayne Chrebet talks Jets and more with BT & Sal; BT praises Aaron Glenn; Boomer & Gio wonder how the Jets will look this weekend; Evan & Tiki discuss the latest on the Jets with SNY's Connor Hughes; Evan lauds the move to cut Xavier Gipson.
This week's Mets highlights include Boomer Esiason fearing that the team may be on the brink of complete collapse, while he and Gio wonder what has happened to the offense yet again. Plus, BT and Sal talk about the Mets woes with Todd Zeile ahead of Alumni Day, and discuss between themselves why this team doesn't seem to have the chemistry that the 2024 club had.
Brian Baldinger joins BT & Sal to break down the Jets' Week 1 loss and look ahead to Week 2. Plus, Wayne Chrebet talks Jets and more with BT & Sal; BT praises Aaron Glenn; Boomer & Gio wonder how the Jets will look this weekend; Evan & Tiki discuss the latest on the Jets with SNY's Connor Hughes; Evan lauds the move to cut Xavier Gipson.
This week's Mets highlights include Boomer Esiason fearing that the team may be on the brink of complete collapse, while he and Gio wonder what has happened to the offense yet again. Plus, BT and Sal talk about the Mets woes with Todd Zeile ahead of Alumni Day, and discuss between themselves why this team doesn't seem to have the chemistry that the 2024 club had.
In this episode of Truth in Shadow, host BT delves into the nature of truth and shadows with The Christian Theological Dark Web Podcast hosts: Ricky and Shelly, exploring the dichotomy between absolute truth and postmodern skepticism. They discuss the Nephilim and their implications in today's world, sharing personal journeys of faith and awakening. The conversation also touches on the Divine Council worldview and the sinister forces influencing humanity, urging listeners to seek deeper understanding and connection with their faith. In this conversation, they explore the complexities of faith, the impact of postmodernism on Christianity, and the challenges believers face in a rapidly changing world. He discusses the deconstruction of faith, the role of the church in spiritual warfare, and the importance of standing firm in absolute truth amidst the relativism of postmodern thought. The dialogue also touches on the nature of reality, the significance of prophecy, and the evolving understanding of human rights in the context of sentience. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of truth-seeking and the journey of faith in a world filled with uncertainty and misinformation.
This week's Mets highlights include Boomer Esiason fearing that the team may be on the brink of complete collapse, while he and Gio wonder what has happened to the offense yet again. Plus, BT and Sal talk about the Mets woes with Todd Zeile ahead of Alumni Day, and discuss between themselves why this team doesn't seem to have the chemistry that the 2024 club had.
Brian Baldinger joins BT & Sal to break down the Jets' Week 1 loss and look ahead to Week 2. Plus, Wayne Chrebet talks Jets and more with BT & Sal; BT praises Aaron Glenn; Boomer & Gio wonder how the Jets will look this weekend; Evan & Tiki discuss the latest on the Jets with SNY's Connor Hughes; Evan lauds the move to cut Xavier Gipson.
In a fiery segment, Sal and BT ripped into the Mets following their sweep in Philadelphia, questioning if the team even cares about winning. The hosts focused on the team's "lifeless" performance, especially after scoring four runs in the first inning only to have 25 straight batters retired. BT argued the Mets lack a "disdain for losing," contrasting their attitude with the Yankees, who secured a crucial win against Detroit. The discussion concluded with both hosts expressing frustration and disgust over the team's on-field performance and a sense that the Mets are simply accepting their fate.
BT and Sal are fired up about the Giants' upcoming game, emphasizing that while it may not be a "must-win" for the season, it is a "must-play-well" game. They believe the team needs to show a clear identity and stop looking like a disorganized mess, especially on offense. A poor performance against the Cowboys could signal the end of the Daboll era and cement the team's move to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, as a loss would likely doom their season to an 0-3 start with a difficult matchup against the Chiefs next week. The hosts are stressing that the Giants must show they can compete and execute, or face the harsh reality of their season being over before it even begins.
In this segment, BT and Sal dive into the Mets' recent failures, with a caller and the hosts expressing frustration at the team's ongoing collapse. They discuss the ineffectiveness of general manager David Stearns, highlighting his questionable roster moves and trades that have not helped the team. The conversation also touches on manager Carlos Mendoza's bullpen decisions and a lack of accountability within the organization, which listeners and the hosts believe are leading to predictable, maddening losses. The discussion is framed around the Mets failing their fans, who feel the team is repeating the same mistakes year after year.
In this segment, BT and Sal engage in a fiery debate over who is to blame for the Mets' recent struggles. While a caller points the finger at manager Carlos Mendoza for his quick bullpen hooks, Sal argues that the main culprit is General Manager David Stearns. He critiques Stearns' roster decisions, including the failure to address the rotation's fragility and the botched trade deadline acquisitions, exemplified by the Cedric Mullins trade and the decision not to give Drew Gilbert a shot. The discussion then shifts to the Yankees and the perplexing handling of Anthony Volpe's shoulder injury, with both hosts questioning the organization's lack of transparency and a culture that seems to hinder player accountability and performance. The conversation also includes a brief section on NFL Week 2 parlay picks.
BT and Sal tore into the Yankees organization for their handling of Anthony Volpe's shoulder injury. The hosts were furious that the team let Volpe play for months with a partially torn labrum, even as his performance plummeted and he faced fan criticism. They accused the Yankees of being either "stupid" for not seeing the impact of the injury or, worse, deliberately hiding it to avoid accountability. The hosts argued that the organization's actions were a disservice to the player, ruining his confidence and potentially his career, all while misleading the public.
In a fiery segment, BT and Sal, joined by Hoff, lay out their perfect parlay picks for Week 2 of the NFL season. After a winless Week 1, the crew is looking for redemption, and the consensus is clear: no more betting with their hearts on the Jets and Giants. Instead, they're approaching their picks with a more strategic, no-nonsense mindset. The picks include both big favorites and risky underdogs, with the goal of hitting a big payout and finally getting on the board for the season. It's a mix of confidence and calculated risk, a far cry from the emotional picks that cost them in Week 1.
Sal and BT opened their show with a fiery takedown of the Mets, who are in the midst of an epic late-season collapse that threatens their playoff hopes. After the team's promising run last year, Sal expressed disappointment in this year's Mets for playing with a lack of fight and seemingly "crumbling to the pressure." BT pushed back, arguing that the team has no character and doesn't even care about losing, citing a pitiful ninth inning where the team went down meekly. Both agreed that the team's performance has been "unacceptable" and that, regardless of whether they back their way into the playoffs, massive changes are needed.
In a heated segment, BT and Sal dissect the Mets' recent struggles and what it means for the fan base. Sal confesses to removing his Juan Soto "fathead" from his home broadcast setup, a symbolic act representing his shift from cautious optimism to stark realism about the team's playoff chances. The hosts discuss how the Mets, once seemingly heating up at the right time, are now on a six-game losing streak, pushing fans from a hopeful mindset to a more dire, "disaster-avoidance" perspective. They argue that the team's inconsistent play is testing the patience of even the most die-hard fans and that a home series against the Rangers is a must-win to salvage any hope for a postseason run.
BT and Sal discuss the Yankees' upcoming series against the Red Sox, calling it a must-win for the team. With only sixteen games left in the season, the hosts stress the importance of the Yankees showing they can compete and go get the division. They point out that the Red Sox have "embarrassed" the Yankees this year, and this series is the final "real test" before the postseason begins. Winning this series isn't just about bouncing back from recent losses, but about proving they can handle the pressure and take control of their own destiny.
Sal and BT opened the show with fiery takes on the Mets' recent collapse, with Sal revealing he's so disgusted he took down his Juan Soto "fat head" wall decal. He feels the team's playoff hopes are on life support after their six-game losing streak, and a poor weekend against the Rangers would be the final nail in the coffin. The conversation then shifted to the New York Giants, with BT arguing that while it's not a "must-win" game against the Cowboys, it is a "must-play-well" game to avoid total dysfunction and an early end to their season. They also took time to reflect on the somber anniversary of 9/11, discussing the profound impact the day still has on New Yorkers.
Every Friday we scan the PR Mega Chat and pick the stories that actually shaped the week. What happens when narrative control collides with tragedy, misinformation, and an unfiltered digital age?In the second episode of The Week Unspun, hosts Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, and Doug Downs dive into the breaking news of political commentator Charlie Kirk's shocking shooting and the volatile aftermath, both online and off. From exploring how disinformation spreads faster than facts to how leadership (or lack thereof) shapes national reaction, the trio offer PR-savvy analysis of crisis communication, media ethics, and the real-world consequences of social media. They also explore surprising connections between gender inclusion, menopause in the workplace, and how ageism and AI are reshaping the public relations industry. Listen For4:07 The Vacuum of Information and Divisive Reactions7:58 Unfiltered Violence: Children, Social Media, and Emotional Fallout18:53 Menopause in PR: The Silent Career Killer?24:33 The Great Unbundling of PR Talent30:15 Are Reputations Still Vulnerable in the Teflon Age?The Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at 10am ET/3pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channelWe publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available. Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestream Support the show
On today's show, BT and Sal got into a fiery debate over the Yankees' bullpen struggles, with Sal pushing back on BT's faith in reliever Fernando Cruz after his recent meltdown. The discussion then took a surprising turn when they reacted to the breaking news that Anthony Volpe has been playing with a shoulder injury and recently received a cortisone shot, a revelation that may explain his defensive struggles. Wrapping up the show, they shared their "Call of the Day" clip featuring an interview with former Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet.
Sal and BT's "Call of the Day" centered on a quote from Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo, where he claimed other teams were "hoping we don't make the playoffs" because they don't want to see the Mets in October. The hosts took Nimmo to task for what they saw as a delusional and dangerous mindset, arguing that it shows the team is not taking their current struggles seriously. Sal and BT said the quote revealed a "fatalistic" attitude where the team believes they can just "turn it on" when the playoffs arrive, a belief that is not supported by their recent poor play. They argued that this lack of urgency is the very reason the Mets are in danger of missing the playoffs in the first place.
BT and Sal reacted to the news that Anthony Volpe received a cortisone shot for a lingering shoulder injury, a bombshell revelation that may explain his season-long struggles. Sal noted that Volpe's offensive numbers have dropped significantly since he originally hurt his non-throwing shoulder in May, but stopped short of calling it a full excuse for his poor performance. He questioned why the Yankees and Aaron Boone have consistently downplayed the injury, and he and BT debated whether it's a legitimate reason for Volpe's slump or just another convenient excuse for the team's struggles.