Podcasts about only a game

A college senior applies for internship & tours state of the art Fertility Clinic.By thomas_dean. Subscribe & listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. The Western Fertility Clinic:Chapter 1: The Intern.Moving around the examination room naked to keep from shivering, I studied the anatomical illustrations on the wall. "Ms. Warbler," Nurse Rhonda Chafer, a tall, broad shouldered woman in scrubs filled the doorway, "Doctor, will be with you presently." When I pointed to the bundle of clothes in her hands, she assured me, "your clothes will be returned at the end of your tour of the facility."Clothes removed for a perfunctory examination by the nurse, I now awaited Dr. Velour, the operator of a fertility clinic. I had applied for an internship to complete coursework for my degree in Industrial Psychology.The hardboiled female nurse; had her arms cradling the bundle of my street clothing. She apologized for leaving me, "in an unclothed condition." She took a breath. "Ms. Warbler, unfortunately, we're short on those disposable hospital gowns at the moment. They're reserved for patients. Try to make yourself," she paused with as smirk, "as comfortable as possible."I chuckled and replied; "I was sent here as a prospective intern for my college research paper in Industrial Psychology and end up politely plucked of my plumage and palpitating," I made light of my situation.Once Nurse Chafer left the room, I studied the images on the wall which depicted a naked blond woman, smiling as she rubbed her belly through various stages of pregnancy designed to demonstrate the expanding belly and burgeoning breasts.Instinctively, I turned around. A short woman, youngish for a doctor, Eda Velour, smiling pleasantly, arms crossed over her lab coat, stood silently by, observing me. "That's what we do here. We make women who can't or won't manage it the natural way for some reason or another, pregnant. Their reasons would make a fascinating study for your project. Wouldn't it?"In my initial interview with Dr. Velour before the physical, I had been advised, "The clinic has certain privacy and proprietary concerns," Dr. Velour aggressively leaned forward to forcefully assert, "primarily to protect our clientele, but also to protect the business. Virile men, mostly young, college age, many just boys your age; possibly you've seen them about the campus, come here to donate sperm; nubile women come here to be impregnated. You would have to sign a confidentiality agreement, like every employee. In your case, you must surrender editorial control over the contents of your paper."Beginning her examination, Dr. Velour read from her electronic notebook. "Amy Warbler, age 22, Female, Heterosexual, in a relationship, sex 3 or 4 times a week," Dr. Velour looked up, paused to shoot me an evil smile and snickered, "lucky girl. Birth control, preferred position woman on top," the Doctor raised her penciled-in eyebrows noting, "position resolved by wrestling? You may take advantage of our gymnasium to limber up."Gymnasium? I wondered. Where does Dr. Velour hide it? From the street, the clinic appeared to be located in a simple store front."Yes," Dr. Velour commented, "A hearty work out would do you good before you engage in your next round of the battle of the sexes with your partner.""Good exercise, indeed!" I declared. The enthusiasm of my response drew a delayed reaction of momentary shock and amusement when I added, "Jerry likes a stiff challenge.""You're here to study Industrial Psychology up close in a people intensive industry," Dr. Velour, belatedly reacting to my double  entendre with a strained smile, noted."Like you said," I replied with a chuckle, "this business produces people. The women pay to get pregnant. Understanding their motivations could be an important factor in recruiting new business.""Indeed," Dr. Velour agreed. "Can I ask what interested you in performing your internship requirement through the Western Fertility Clinic?""Your Facility," I advised her, "is strategically located between my off-campus apartment and the campus, and within walking distance of both.""Indeed, the role of convenience in making choices, even in the weighty matters of life, boils down to the old saw: location, location, location." Dr. Velour shot me a pleasant smile. "Ok, Nurse Chafer took all the lab work and took your vitals," Dr. Velour, looking down at her electronic notepad, reminded me, "Now, let's get to work. My style of internal examination is different from those you might have experienced." After a pause, Dr. Velour ordered, "Turn around, feet apart, bend at the waist. Nurse lubricated your anal cavity to take a rectal temperature. Just to make things go smoothly," Dr. Velour, a glistening smile sprouting, paused, "I'm going to do it again."I sighed as I steeled myself to send my mind somewhere else. "Despite powerful hands," I, turning my back to the Doctor, recounted, "Nurse Chafer administered a gentle massage with considerable patience." I took a deep breath as my bare feet were gently pushed further apart by a gentle nudge from Dr. Velour's sneakers.I grunted as Dr. Velour announced that "I am conducting a bimanual internal examination of the anal and vaginal cavities." Reflexively, I gasped as I bucked up against her penetrating thumb and fingers."I'm going to," Dr. Velour, leaning over me, implanting her breasts into my back, advised, "palpate your lower abdomen for signs of ovarian, renal or intestinal abnormalities."Hmm, my mind brought me to rolling on the floor with Jerry. When emerging on top, Jerry held me face down for doggy style penetration. Jerry's hands would reach across my belly. "I'm feeling for my cock," he'd whisper, "to jerk myself off inside you."Much like Jerry making love, Dr. Velour, examining me, sent nimble fingers across my pubis. Both hands met inside me long enough to vigorously tease my clit. My breathing became rapid. I ground my ass against her intruding fingers while I softly murmured, "fuck me."I tended to me much louder while I pumped Jerry for his man sap."There," Dr. Velour retracted her fingers slowly softly caressing my clit and vaginal lips on the way out, out, "that didn't hurt a bit. If you're ready for your tour, I'll have the nurse escort you to the employee showers.""Clothes?" I reminded Dr. Velour by holding my hands away from my hips to display my bare body.She promised that "Nurse should see to clothing," I waited for what seemed to be an eternity until the nurse tapped on the door and entered."Ready?" When I requested my clothing, Nurse Chafer touched her notebook and a hidden door behind one of the anatomical charts opened. Though a passageway, we found ourselves upon a steel grated catwalk illuminated by light bulbs dangling from a wire. "First showers," the nurse, pointing to the catwalk, ordered, "shall we go?" Noting my surprise, the nurse added, "Back stage."I sighed when my bare feet touched the steel grid. The nurse chuckling, pointing to either end of the building, "This is called the walk of shame. It connects the lockers with the showers. The fertility clinic is a sterile environment. Employees shower with an antibacterial soap before and after work and in migrating between different zones."Biting my lip, I wondered what had propelled my bare feet forward onto the cold steel grid of the catwalk? Momentarily pausing to look over the rail, I was shocked to see immediately below me the overhead lighting structure for a swimming pool and gym. I looked at my escort in confusion. The clinic's frontage on Western Avenue gave no clue of such an extensive underground operation. Was this an athletic club or a fertility clinic?Nurse Chafer, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder and peering over the rail, noted, "one of the perks offered to the sperm donors, free gymnasium. Some employees use it in their free time. Males exercise with an athletic supporter; swim nude. Females are issued a two-piece.""And genetic male employees who identify as female," I prodded. "Must trans-men wear the jock strap in the gym and swim nude?""The issue of trans-men in the gym has yet to arise," came the curt reply. "Any second thoughts?" the Nurse asked with an evil grin.I sighed. "Going forward isn't solely a question of having already pliantly complied this far. I need this internship to graduate. The incentive of a paycheck is sufficient to endure," I grimaced, "unusual conditions."A bright light, reflecting off glistening tiled walls, shining at the end of the catwalk, marked the showers. "With pressure from local human rights commission upon all employers to provide equality for trans-men," Nurse Chafer explained as we proceeded to the shower. "We don't provide separate lockers or showers for employees reporting in. New employees can be eh; uneasy in the beginning. It wears off."Chuckling at her "interesting choice of words," I suggested, "Guys standing there, drooling at girls; like the silliness in junior high school gym classes.""Some older employees have had more difficulty adjusting," Nurse Chafer positioned me under a spigot, instructing "Stand there." Moving out of the way, the nurse added, "but in this business, we're looking at naked males getting jerked off by a machine and nude females getting eh, stimulated eh, pre-insemination; all day long. Otherwise," the nurse added as soapy water rained down on me, "functional nudity for the coed shower seems ordinary enough."As I toweled off, the nurse handed me a two piece and white athletic socks and sneakers. Holding up top and bottom in front of me and stretching the thong, I remarked, "less than one pass of the shuttle didn't leave much fabric."While I stepped into the thong, the nurse commented, "One size fits all! You'll find the material is very pliable. It expands," she explained while I took a breath to pull the top over my boobs, "to fit most figures."From the employee showers, I was led into the donor's showers where the nurse waived to Alison, a barefoot woman in a skin-tight pastel bikini before we passed down a ramp into the gym. As we passed under the level of the gym's overhead lights, I went blind for a second."You'll get used to it," Nurse Chafer smiled. At the white tiled, gym level we came past three offices. At the first office, the door was closed. The blinds over glass window in the door and the wall were shuttered. The nurse noted, "Dr. Velour's and Dr. Stroker's private office." A smaller office's door was open. "This would be your office. You keep your notes and prepare your paper here. Nothing leaves the building."In the next office, blond-haired Greta, the manager of the gym, rose, muscular thighs flexed, to greet us. "Nurse Chafer, is this our new intern?"Strong arms gripping me, Greta explained, "the gym is a perk for our hearty stallions for a time left unbridled to work off frustration. Employees may workout in their spare time.""Do many employees take advantage of the gym?" I asked."Out of two dozen regular employees," Greta advised, "only two or three, mostly men participate in off duty gymnastic exercise and swimming. What keeps more men on staff away, surprisingly is the nudity. Like patient and donors, to enter the pool, male staff must have body hair depilated. Female patients and employees are welcome but only an occasional woman other than myself or Dr. Velour takes advantage.""Naturally, I suppose. While I'm on the cleaning crew, I suppose I will be working down here, occasionally," I responded."You will be given an hour to record your observations," Greta noted, "and to go over your findings with me or Dr. Velour." Holding her arm out toward the gym, "Shall we tour our state of the art gym?"After a tour of the nicely shined exercise machinery, Greta, taking a few minutes to work dead lifting weights, questioned me, "How much iron do you suppose you can pump?"Transfixed by her powerful deltoids and biceps, I, when prompted, replied, "I never tested myself.""On janitorial staff, you'll have to lift some heavy weights," Greta, spoke without hesitating between reps, "Spend some time working out here. Now, nothing like the pool." Greta stripped off her running shorts and cotton T shirt, revealing a firm body, not an ounce of fat. "Join me," she invited.Nurse Chafer nodded to me to join Greta in the pool. Her glance, searing through the two piece, told me to swim nude. I managed two or three laps. I was standing on the deck covered in a towel shivering with my arms crossed, when Greta triumphantly raised her arms.Leaping out of the pool, Greta did some cartwheels on the deck. Wishing me well with a hug on my project here, Greta assured me, "We'll have some fun together." Palpitating my boobs, Greta whispered, "We'll harden your boobs, firm up that jelly belly and," with a playful whack on the butt, Greta declared, "tighten those muscles of that fleshy derriere!"Back in the shower, rinsing off, I was reminded by Nurse Chafer that in a sterile facility, a shower was required to move between different sections. As I toweled off, I accused Nurse Chafer of "just enjoying watching me naked.""I'm a nurse," Nurse Chafer retorted, "that's my privilege." Throwing me a smock, a thong, loose pantaloons, booties and hood—all a subdued light grey, Chafer noted, "it's a unisex cleaners' uniform."Informed me that the pants were optional, I tossed the pants back. "Jerry and I may wrestle for top position, but still Jerry prefers me to be 100% female. He wears the pants—because I say so."Reflectively, the nurse observed, "Your choice. Employees have a legal right to decide to determine a gender identity.""I've wondered how that works. Suppose a trans-man wants to be impregnated," I, throwing the grey smock over my head, asked, "or a FTM, female-to-male wants to donate sperm?"With a chuckle, the nurse paused to contemplate before formulating her response, "I leave it to the doctors to decide how to deal with the situation in which legal requirements come up against biological impossibility. Perhaps," the nurse's voice turned cheery, "you may play an important role: providing assistance, eh, coming with resolutions, eh, in rummaging through such; er, novel questions."From the employee showers, I was once again in the donor's showers where the nurse waived to Alison, a barefoot woman in that pastel bikini before we passed into male treatment rooms."Generally," the nurse explained, "cleaning in the AM begins here at 5AM. Males are depositing bodily secretions into the treatment rooms from 6AM onward. To prevent spread of disease, each room must be antiseptically cleaned before we open at 6 am and after each use." Escorting me behind the treatment rooms to an observation booth, the nurse suggested, "Let`s, take a peek. Shall we?"A flick of a switch rendered the wall transparent. On the other side of the wall a male was laying face down on a workout bench, muscles tensed, ass burnished red, legs spread across the bench, a darkened face shield enshrouded his head."It's very different from the classical sperm donation clinic," the nurse observed, "Ya know, the places where guys came in to jerk themselves off to pornographic pictures. Here the conditions replicate not only the mechanics of intercourse but also create the warmth of intimacy.""How do you replicate the physical conditions of intercourse?" I asked."The male is comfortably placed, in a sexual position of his choice," Nurse Chafer explained.” Here the male is lying face down; his genitalia is inserted in a sleeve, a thin pouch which is plugged," the nurse lifted her eyebrows and smiled in self-conceit, "into device which simulates the moist warmth and viscosity of a woman's orifice. The machine`s pulsations draw sympathetic responses in the male organs precipitating male orgasm yielding ejaculate.""And the opaque blinder?" I questioned, "aren't men very visual in arousal?""What you call `the blinder' is really a screen which creates a virtual reality either from stock footage or from an original production."

Welcome to episode 57 of the Project Football Podcast (and the final one for 2023). This episode the guest is part of the team responsible for the It's Only A Game podcast and Rochdale fan, Greg. As well as chatting about the podcast and Rochdale, Greg will take part in the usual guest segments of Five From Five, Four Four You and Trippier Through Time as well as a debuting Pre-Match Playlist. Alongside all that there will be  - PFP FPL round up, FM Story 3, 6 Tier Champs and new music with the Top 6.* * Fewer than 6 tracks this time! On top of that I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who's been involved in with the podcast over the last 12 months however that has been. All your involvement has been hugely appreciated. Contacts Guest - Greg, Twitter - @Its_OnlyAGame Instagram - @itsonlyagame_podcast Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/MenInBluePodcast Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@itsonlyagamepodcast8454 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0YtooS9XQ20AZwK6PmlncZ?si=61065503f7dd49e4 Show - Twitter - @proj_foot / Instagram @projectfootballpodcast / Facebook - Search for Project Football Podcast / Email - ⁠Projfoot@gmail.com⁠ / Discord - https://discord.com/invite/3QvnX9jN Luke Williamson Art Website - lukewilliamsonart.com / Twitter - @LtWilliamsonArt Football For Brains 21 - Twitter - @brains_21 Ebay - ⁠https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393233383676?epid=22049037952&hash=item5b8e8940fc:g:E00AAOSw8OZgadFP⁠ Top "6" Mantra Ray - Rock Star 1/12 Twitter - MantraRay2 Instagram - mantraray_the_band Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5f0xzOo8lCoMxr17TX0j7h?si=mNzMpxBdTPe6W3lQR8iiWw The Mariners - Christmas Eve 1/12 Twitter - TheMarinersBand Instagram - themariners_band Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@themariners3973 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/71qHGb3T7Efdcp1y6Pmh5o?si=mKFmdxG4TPe-ALc6sZMkaw

Part 2 of my conversation with Charles Pierce continues with more discussion about basketball icon Larry Bird. Pierce, lead political writer for Esquire, also shares in this second of two episodes why covering the NBA in the 1980s was a highlight of his nearly 50 years of writing about sports. He provides anecdotes about Tom Brady and Bill Belichick that illuminate their grand NFL partnership. Pierce recalls the crazy and memorable days at The National Sports Daily. And he breaks down how he reported and wrote his famous GQ magazine profile of the young Tiger Woods. Make sure to check out part 1 with Pierce. In that first episode, we discussed bars, Bird, Bill Buckner's error, Ben Johnson's drug scandal, and 1980s Big East basketball: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/press-box-access/charles-pierce-part-1-they-rolled-the-champagne-out-of-the-red-soxs-locker-room#episodeContent Pierce has been the lead political writer for Esquire since September 2011. He worked nine years for the Boston Globe as a reporter, sports columnist and staff writer for that paper's Sunday magazine starting in 2002. He had previously been a sports columnist for the Boston Herald. Pierce left the Globe in 2011 to join Esquire fulltime after having been a contributing writer for that magazine since 1997. He was a feature writer and columnist for The National Sports Daily in 1990 and '91. His articles on sports and politics have also appeared in GQ, Sports Illustrated, the New York Times Magazine, the Los Angeles Times Magazine, The Nation, The Atlantic American Prospect, Slate, the Chicago Tribune, ESPN's Grantland, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and the Media Matters blog Altercation. Pierce has made appearances on ESPN's “Around the Horn” and often co-hosted NESN's “Globe 10.0” with Bob Ryan. Pierce was a longtime regular panelist on the NPR quiz show “Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!” and has made appearances on the NPR program “Only A Game.” The Massachusetts native began his journalism career in 1976 at his hometown Worcester Magazine before moving to Boston two years later to write for the alternative publication, The Phoenix. In 2018, the United States Basketball Writers Association inducted Pierce into its Hall of Fame. He won a National Headliners Aware in 2004 for his Boston Globe Magazine piece, “Deconstructing Ted.” He has been named a finalist for the Associated Press Sports Editors' award for best column writing on several occasions. Many of his stories have been featured in the annual compilation, “Best American Sportswriting.” Pierce was a 1996 National Magazine Award finalist for his piece on Alzheimer's disease, “In the Country of My Disease.” He was awarded third place in the Pro Basketball Writers Association's Dan S. Blumenthal Memorial Writing Contest. Pierce is the author of four books: · “Idiot America: How Stupidity Became a Virtue In The Land Of The Free” · “Moving the Chains: Tom Brady and the Pursuit of Everything” · “Sports Guy: In Search of Corkball, Warroad Hockey, Hooters Golf, Tiger Woods, and the Big, Big Game” · “Hard to Forget: An Alzheimer's Story” Pierce earned a degree in journalism from Marquette University in 1975. His alma mater honored him with a “2021 Alumni National Award – Byline Award,” to which Pierce responded: “I'd like to think that my getting this award might encourage students who don't feel like they fit in and show them that this profession still values ferocious eccentricity.” Here's a link to Pierce's political blog for Esquire: https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/ You can follow him on X at: @CharlesPPierce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Pierce takes time away from his job as lead political writer for Esquire to reflect on his nearly 50 years of experiences as a sportswriter. In this part 1 of a 2-part episode, Pierce recalls covering Bill Buckner's error, Ben Johnson's drug scandal at the Seoul Olympics, and the rollicking days of Big East basketball in the 1980s. He also provides insight into Larry Bird as a person and basketball icon. Oh, and we discuss bars, too. Sportswriters understand.   Part 2 of my conversation with Pierce will be published on Nov. 8 and include more stories about Bird and discussion about Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, the NBA of the 1980s and early '90s, the National Sports Daily, and other tales.   Pierce has been the lead political writer for Esquire since September 2011. He worked nine years for the Boston Globe as a reporter, sports columnist and staff writer for that paper's Sunday magazine starting in 2002. He had previously been a sports columnist for the Boston Herald. Pierce left the Globe in 2011 to join Esquire fulltime after having been a contributing writer for that magazine since 1997. He was a feature writer and columnist for The National Sports Daily in 1990 and '91. His articles on sports and politics have also appeared in GQ, Sports Illustrated, the New York Times Magazine, the Los Angeles Times Magazine, The Nation, The Atlantic American Prospect, Slate, the Chicago Tribune, ESPN's Grantland, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and the Media Matters blog Altercation. Pierce has made appearances on ESPN's “Around the Horn” and often co-hosted NESN's “Globe 10.0” with Bob Ryan. Pierce was a longtime regular panelist on the NPR quiz show “Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!” and has made appearances on the NPR program “Only A Game.” The Massachusetts native began his journalism career in 1976 at his hometown Worcester Magazine before moving to Boston two years later to write for the alternative publication, The Phoenix.   In 2018, the United States Basketball Writers Association inducted Pierce into its Hall of Fame. He won a National Headliners Aware in 2004 for his Boston Globe Magazine piece, “Deconstructing Ted.” He has been named a finalist for the Associated Press Sports Editors' award for best column writing on several occasions. Many of his stories have been featured in the annual compilation, “Best American Sportswriting.” Pierce was a 1996 National Magazine Award finalist for his piece on Alzheimer's disease, “In the Country of My Disease.” He was awarded third place in the Pro Basketball Writers Association's Dan S. Blumenthal Memorial Writing Contest.    Pierce is the author of four books:   · “Idiot America: How Stupidity Became a Virtue In The Land Of The Free” · “Moving the Chains: Tom Brady and the Pursuit of Everything” · “Sports Guy: In Search of Corkball, Warroad Hockey, Hooters Golf, Tiger Woods, and the Big, Big Game” · “Hard to Forget: An Alzheimer's Story”   Pierce earned a degree in journalism from Marquette University in 1975. His alma mater honored him with a “2021 Alumni National Award – Byline Award,” to which Pierce responded: “I'd like to think that my getting this award might encourage students who don't feel like they fit in and show them that this profession still values ferocious eccentricity.”   Here's a link to Pierce's political blog for Esquire: https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/   You can follow him on X at: @CharlesPPierce Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frame 167 - It's Only A Game. Me1 and Me2 are both going to be snookering you tonight and you're going to love it. It's a show with everything, a song, a virtuoso playing their instrument, a hippopotamus obsessed with mammary glands. More than 3 two ball breaks. And the beautiful moment when Luton Town weren't going to be in the play off finals. Plus it's a crucial frame.

Welcome to the latest episode of It's Only A Game podcast.With it being January and the festive period in the rear view mirror, the IOAG lads though it might be an idea to dedicate a recording about something quite important during this time of year: mental health. Joe (from Albion Obsessed) Has kindly joined us to talk about his involvement with Lancing Warriors/Mental Health United, designed to support those experiencing mental health issues either themselves or through a member of their family.In partnership with Sussex FA Just Play, they host a selection of local kickabouts and community charity matches.We've managed to discuss quite a lot during this recording and have decided to split the recording into two episodes, part 2 will be released next week.Here are some key phone numbers and links which could help listeners.Samaritans - 116123;Mind - 03001233393;Papyrus - 08000684141;CALM - 0800585858.Raw n' real : https://twitter.com/rnr_nw?t=8ieefU7Btl225tvY-JzS2Q&s=09Mind: https://www.mind.org.ukAndy's Man Club: https://andysmanclub.co.ukNHS Mental Health Services: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://www.thecalmzone.netAn A-Z of Mental Health organisations: https://sandyhealthcentre.nhs.uk/practice-information/a-z-list-of-organisations-for-mental-health/

Welcome to the latest episode of It's Only A Game podcast.As we head into the quarter finals, Matt, Dec and Jimmy talk about Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup, the legacy of results and teams, the added times, predictions and much more!(Recorded on Weds 7 December 2022).Please share and subscribe if you wish.#podcastrecommendation#footballpodcast#soccerpodcast

On this, the first in a series of "Must-Read" football books, we begin with a professional player's diary - with Eamon Dunphy's "Only A Game." And while it's always been Zeff's position that player autobiography just aren't that interesting, this one proves to be a compelling caveat to that view. Plus a Canadian is protected by his maple leaf....

Welcome to the latest episode of It's Only A Game podcast.Matt, Jimmy and Greg are joined by special guests ex Tranmere Rovers, Leicester City and Canada International Iain Hume. Iain talks about his time at various clubs, playing on the International stage for Canada, the adventures of the Indian Super League playing against and alongside legends of the game, Canada's chances in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and much more. Thank you Iain for the opportunity to have an episode with you! (Recorded on Weds 16 November 2022).Please share and subscribe if you wishPhoto of Iain taken by RitosomRoy1234podcastrecommendation #footballpodcast #WolrdCup2022 #soccerpodcast

We were invited to join the guys at It's Only A Game to have a light-hearted chat about Estonian football. A great bunch of guys, go and listen to their podcast's and follow their socialsTwitter - @Its_OnlyAGame

Welcome to the latest episode of It's Only A Game podcast.Matt, Jimmy and Greg are joined by special guests Reece and Nate from Estonian Football Podcast. We talk about how they got interested in Estonian football, the unconventional promotion and relegation system, the madness of the Estonian Cup; as well as the lads sharing their own experiences of their time over there. (Recorded on Weds 26 October 2022).Please share and subscribe if you wishYou can also listen to Estonian Football Podcast on all podcast platforms.podcastrecommendation #Estonian #footballpodcast #Estonianfootballpodcast #soccerpodcast

It's Only A Game.

Welcome to the latest episode of It's Only A Game podcast.Matt, Dec, Jimmy and Greg are all back for this one. We talk about the Manchester derby - who can stop Haaland in his current goal scoring form? We discuss the meeting in Walsall between the EFL and 72 clubs about the cost of living crisis, what we can expect for the World Cup next month and Greg has 2 of his 'fives' questions to end the pod. (Recorded on Tues 4 October 2022).Please share and subscribe if you wish.#haaland #ManCity #worldcup2022 #erlinghaaland #Everton #efl #manchesterderby #ManUtd #MUFC #MCFC #Arsenal #Lampard

Welcome to the latest episode of It's Only A Game podcast.It's only Jimmy and Greg for this episode, as we faced our own 'emergency loan' issues with other members of the IOAG unavailable. We talk about recent player transfers, the Papa Johns Trophy - or is it the Papa Shango trophy, who knows? Jim Bentley announced as Rochdale AFC Manager, Thomas Tuchel sacked as Chelsea manager and to cap off the end of the episode, we talk about low budget 'Come Dine With Me' meal ideas from our listeners and followers on Twitter. (Recorded on Weds 7 September 2022).Please share and subscribe if you wish.

Welcome to the fourth episode of It's Only A Game podcast.Jimmy, Dec, Matt and Greg are joined by special guest Joe, from the Albion Obsessed podcast. We talk about the rise of Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. to the Premier League, recent results, players that pathed the way for Brighton and Jimmy has a mini quiz near to the end of the podcast. (Recorded on Weds 17 August 2022).Keep an eye on Albion Obsessed podcast social media channels, they are releasing an interesting project to do with football shirts, which we are looking forward to watching.Please share and subscribe if you wish.

Welcome to the third recording of It's Only A Game podcast.Jimmy, Dec and Greg are joined by special guest Bethan Woolley from the Tranmere Rovers Women's team (Recorded on Weds 3 August 2022).

Welcome to the second recording of It's Only A Game podcast. Jimmy, Dec, Greg and Matt preview the 2022/2033 football season (Part 2). And Greg includes his 'fives' questions near the end. (Recorded during the July heatwave on Weds 20 July 2022).

Welcome to the first recording of It's Only A Game podcast, titled 'Steve Evan's cat'.Jimmy, Dec, Greg and Matt preview the 2022/2033 football season (Part 1). (Recorded during the July heatwave on Weds 20 July 2022).

New intro for 'It's Only A Game' New episodes coming soon...

COMING SOON: Rebranding from 'Men In Blue' to 'It's Only A Game'.

Paul Putz is the Assistant Director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary. Paul holds a Ph.D. in history from Baylor, and he researches and writes about the connections between sports and Christianity in American culture. Along with his academic publications, his writing has appeared at Christianity Today, Religion & Politics, Slate, Religion News Service, and more. His research has also been featured in stories at The Atlantic, Sports Illustrated, and The Ringer, and also in two episodes of NPR's “Only A Game” radio program. In this episode, Paul discusses ways for coaches to integrate faith within their teams, how student-athletes can follow Bill Glass's example and share Christ with their teammates, and more.

As we are having a summer, Matt has mixed together a thread of connected excerpts, giving us new insights into the world of puck. Fresh interviews resume with the next episode.Meanwhile, here's inspiration to go back to the episodes you missed, such as:#1 - Kasabuski#5 - Matthew Jasper, creator of the book Home Ice#8 - John Messuri, Head Coach at Arlington (MA) HS#13 - Karen Given of NPR's Only A Game#17 - Cara Morey, Head Coach of Princeton University Women's Hockey#22 - Kirsten Krull, Ice Side Reporter#25 - Rebecca Morse,  NWHL All-Star Defender#30 - Steve Seftel, Author of Shattered Ice#31 - Digit Murphy, President of the Toronto Six#33 - Pete Perram, (erstwhile) coach of the Buffalo Beauts#36 - Gabriel Foley, NHL draft prognosticator#37 - Joe Bertagna, long-time Hockey East Commissioner#40 - The Hockey Mom Panel+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Artwork and music by Ken Klein. Additional music from the the Bill Henry Trio, MC Hopf, Mo'Nobs, and Bob's Lounge.If you like this podcast, please help us out by subscribing, following, rating, reviewing, and telling your friendsFollow @RinkStories on Twitter and InstagramCheck out our new YouTube channelFollow Matt on Twitter and InstagramWork hard. Have fun. Don't be a dick. THIS is Rink Stories.

Karen Given chats with JD about the late, great NPR sports-magazine show, "Only A Game", on which she was a producer and a host. We also talk about what Karen is up to nowOur cover art was designed by Michael Doyle, visit his Instagram page here

Episode #96 confirms what we always say, "Baseball and BBQ goes as perfectly together as chocolate and peanut butter in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup."George Georgiades is back for the second half of our wonderfully entertaining conversation and he appears to have saved the best for last.  Part two will have you thoroughly entertained as we hear more stories from a chef who specializes in Greek food, but has also opened a restaurant specializing in pizza.  This restaurant is in addition to his many locations for Eons.  Listen as George talks about his many adventures in the restaurant business, some working out better than others.  He also shares a story of a television cooking show contest in which he broke his own rule of "KISS" and the results were not in his favor.  This is one of the interviews which, when it ends, you will wish there was a part three.Andrew Maraniss is the author of Singled Out:  The True Story of Glenn Burke.  As a New York Times best-selling author, Andrew writes books that make you think, feel, and learn. Glenn Burke was the first openly gay Major League Baseball player, who, while not coming out publicly until his playing days were over, his sexuality was known to his teammates, family, and friends.  He also was the inventor of the high five.  We had the pleasure of discussing this book and learning about a player who made his biggest impact off the field.  Andrew is a Visiting Author at Vanderbilt University Athletics and a contributor to ESPN's TheUndefeated.com. He has appeared on several national media programs, including NPR's All Things Considered and Only A Game, NBC's Meet The Press, MSNBC's Morning Joe, ESPN's Keith Olbermann Show, ESPN Radio's The Sporting Life, and the SEC Network's Paul Finebaum ShowBaseball debates are usually fun and on this episode Jeff and Leonard bring in friend of the show, Gary Mack to be, what we hope is an impartial judge.  Listen and tell us your opinions.We conclude the show with the beautiful song, "Ace and Bobo" from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.We recommend you go to Fifth & Cherry, https://fifthandcherry.com for wonderful cutting boards and http://www.baseballbbq.com for grill tools and clothing for barbecue and baseball fans and the Pandemic Baseball Book Club, https://www.pbbclub.com  to find many of the wonderful books we have featured as well as some additional swag.We truly appreciate our listeners and hope that all of you are staying safe.If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.Call the show - (516) 855-8214Email - baseballandbbq@gmail.comTwitter - @baseballandbbqFacebook - baseball and bbqInstagram - baseballandbarbecueYouTube - baseball and bbqWebsite - http://baseballandbbq.weebly.com  

I talk to New York Times best-selling author, Andrew Marannis (@TruBlu24). His new book, Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke, is out now! Glenn Burke was the first openly gay MLB player and was the inventor of the high five. Burke deserves to be rightfully revered as an important social justice sports icon like Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali before him, and Colin Kaepernick after him.  Andrew talks to me about Glenn Burke coming of age in the 1950s and 60s Bay Area during the Civil Rights movement and the rise of the Black Panther Party; How Glenn Burke did not come out publicly during his brief three-year career,  but many of his teammates, family, and friends were aware of his sexuality; and how Burke was driven from the game due to homophobia but left an impact and legacy on and off the baseball diamond with the LGBTQ+ community for decades to come. Also, Andrew tells me the story of Glenn Burke inventing the high five with teammate and current Astros Manager Dusty Baker; how Glenn was also the first MLB player to rock some Nike's during an MLB game; and Glenn dealing with racism in the minor leagues, homophobia in the big leagues and society, and the AIDS epidemic. I hope you enjoy the interview! Don't forget to share and leave some comments on Apple Podcasts/iTunes.  About Andrew Marannis: "Andrew is a Visiting Author at Vanderbilt University Athletics and a contributor to ESPN’s TheUndefeated.com. He has appeared on several national media programs, including NPR’s All Things Considered and Only A Game, NBC’s Meet The Press, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, ESPN’s Keith Olbermann Show, ESPN Radio’s The Sporting Life, and the SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum Show (http://andrewmaraniss.com/) As always, you can subscribe, listen, and share the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer...and now on Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, and Pandora!Follow us on:Facebook: fb.com/SportsasaweaponpodcastIG: @SportsAsAWeaponPodcastTwitter: @sportsasaweaponYouTube: Sports As a Weapon PodcastMusic by Metal Band Sangre!Follow them on Facebook and IG! 

Joe Bertagna was Hockey East Commissioner for 23 years. His latest book, co-authored with Darren Hersh, is Revisiting Goaltending: A Complementing Guide to Today’s Teaching. Please welcome this 5-9 goaltender out Arlington MA.In his 50-year career as a player, coach, and college sports administrator, Joe has accrued an impressive array of stories and name-drops that would be the envy of any hockey person. Bill Cleary? Ryan O'Neal? Digit Murphy? Ken Dryden? Scotty Bowman? And many more. Plus, Rink Stories name-drops via highlights from these episodes:#2 - Ken Dryden's book, The Game#8 - John Messuri, Head Coach of Arlington (MA) HS Spy Ponders Hockey#17 - Cara Morey, Head Coach of Princeton Tigers Women's Hockey#13 - Karen Given host of NPR's Only A Game#31 - Digit Murphy, President and Head Coach of the Toronto Six+++To get goalie lessons or one of Joe's books, visit https://bertagnagoaltending.com/ The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf and is a Remsen Ave Production. Artwork by Ken Klein. Incidental music by Ken Klein, the Mo’Nobs, and Bob’s LoungeIf you like this podcast, please help us out by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and telling your friendsFollow @RinkStories on Twitter and InstagramCheck out our new YouTube channelMatt's new podcast, Throwin' One Back, is available wherever podcasts are foundFollow Matt on Twitter and Instagram +++Work hard. Stay safe. Don't be a dick. THIS is Rink Stories.

This week on Lifestyles, Lillian Vasquez has a conversation with producer and radio host Karen Given. Karen Given was the host of Only A Game , NPR’s only sports program for 27 years. Now that Only A Game is off the air, Karen reminisces about the show’s past, shares her background in radio, and talks about what the future holds. To learn more about Karen Given, you can visit her Twitter page at https://twitter.com/klgiven?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

This week on Lifestyles, Lillian Vasquez has a conversation with producer and radio host Karen Given. Karen Given was the host of Only A Game , NPR’s only sports program for 27 years. Now that Only A Game is off the air, Karen reminisces about the show’s past, shares her background in radio, and talks about what the future holds. To learn more about Karen Given, you can visit her Twitter page at https://twitter.com/klgiven?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Here's a good question: Why hasn't New York opted to legalize mobile sports betting? For the better part of three years -- there have been calls to do so, and now more than a year after sportsbooks opened in commercial and Native American casinos across the state -- the calls are louder-than-ever. We wanted to get to the bottom of this question, and went to one of our very own to find out what's going on. John Sullivan hosts Sportsbook Confidential. It's a weekly show on FingerLakes1.com and John spends a lot of his time on the program de-mystifying the world of sports betting. He says for a vast majority of those who do it: It's recreation and entertainment -- allowing those who participate to find a different way to interact with a sport they likely love. John spent years in the industry -- both professionally and personally. In addition to being an avid sports-bettor himself, he has consulted for FanDuel and appeared in NPR's ‘Only A Game'. He was also featured in ESPN The Magazine. So, what will it take to get mobile betting legalized in New York since it's already legal in so many other states? Gone is the opportunity for New York to stand out, as nearly a dozen other states have legalized sports betting options. Today a look at the world of sports betting and when it could come to a smartphone near you.

For the very last week of Only A Game, we're bringing back some of our favorites. NPR host Peter Sagal drops by with a story about running and male body image. Also, we revisit the stories of Alfred "Tup" Holmes, who fought to desegregate golf in Atlanta in the 1950s, and Leo Ferris, a basketball pioneer who continues to be snubbed by the Naismith Hall of Fame. Plus, Bill Littlefield returns for one last rhyme, and the OAG staff imagines a World Series apocalypse. Join us!

It's Only A Game book club day, as we bring back three listener favorites from three great books. First up, the story of how the Universal Pictures basketball team went to the Olympics — with a little help from Frankenstein. Then, cave diver and underwater filmmaker Jill Heinerth describes her brushes with death as she and her crew became the first-ever to cave dive inside an iceberg. And finally, the story of a donkey and a college student who helped each other heal through running.

Bob Cousy and Bill Russell won six NBA championships together on the Boston Celtics. This week on Only A Game, Cousy says he regrets not doing more for his teammate off the court. Also, why the rock band Devo wanted to put golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez on the cover of their first full-length album. Plus, a baseball card collector helps honor a former Major Leaguer and the NBA's Tacko Fall learns to swim.

On the last new episode of Only A Game, producer Martin Kessler revisits a childhood meeting with Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra. Also, Doris Kearns Goodwin explains how baseball made her a better historian. And, producer Gary Waleik revisits the very first episode of Only A Game — and the precedent it set for the next 27 years. And Cari Champion and Jemele Hill discuss their time at ESPN and their new show, "Stick to Sports." Plus, Bill Littlefield returns for a conversation with Charlie Pierce. Join us!

All her life, basketball player Cherelle George was told to tone down her game. This week on Only A Game, how Cherelle found a team that embraced her style, the Harlem Globetrotters. Also, audio producer Nick Andersen started running around the same time he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He shares his story. And we get an update from Jared Wells, a bodybuilder with cystic fibrosis. Join us!

Announcer Andrés Cantor is famous for his (lengthy) "gol" calls, but there's much more to his life and career. This week on Only A Game, Cantor shares his story of coming to the U.S. as a teenager — and reaching the top of the soccer commentating world. Also, revisiting the deaths of NHL enforcer Brian "Spinner" Spencer and his father. Plus, the story of a man who entered a horse race without a horse ... and invented the sport of trail ultramarathoning. Join us!

Where Bob discusses The Spanish flu and how it affected the 1919 Stanley Cup final and where Karen Given sits on the continuum of sports fandom - executive producer and host of Only A Game+++Now she is the Executive Producer and host of WBUR’s Only A Game, the NPR sports show. You can hear WBUR’s Only A Game every Saturday, at 7 am and 7 pm on 90.9 WBUR-FM in Boston. Storyteller, teacher, editor, sound designer, reporter, and a two-time winner of the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Sports Reporting. In this episode, Bob and Karen discuss where Karen sits on the continuum of "serious sports fan and steadfast sports avoider," starting out in radio, her time at Car Talk, and three hockey stories you should know from recent installments of Only A Game. The Spanish flu and how it affected the 1919 Stanley Cup final is the first story. Before all that, Matt chides Bob for being a ball of nerves in the presence of a true radio professional. It's a fun episode with true hockey stories from the archives of Only a Game.+++The Rink Stories podcast is produced by Matt Hopf. Music is adapted from the work of Ken Klein, The Mo'Nobs, and Bob Winter.Please subscribe, rate and review.

We brainstorm new names for the Washington NFL team! Hot takes on MLS group play! Want unecessarily Complicated Trivia? How about defunct pro soccer teams from California! Plus: We eat candy! An Atlanta Braves rant + an unusual correction! NHRA Summernationals Locks! Hey, Only a Game might have been cancelled, but damn't, we're still here!

Athletes continue to take a leading role in the Black Lives Matter movement. This week on Only A Game, a look at Oklahoma State where players spoke up after football coach Mike Gundy was photographed in an OAN T-shirt. Also, as sports leagues plan their returns, a look back at two attempts to carry on without fans, one involving a giant mural; the other a cell phone app. Plus, we re-air our story on Wyomia Tyus, whose protest at the 1968 Olympics is often overlooked. Join us!

North Carolina Central men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton recently criticized fellow coaches for not speaking out against police brutality. This week on Only A Game, Moton shares his own experiences with the police. Also, a conversation about what teams and leagues can actually do to combat systemic racism and police violence. And the story of a woman who traveled to Minneapolis with a portable hoop to play basketball with protesters and cops. Join us!

Some of the loudest voices condemning racism and police brutality have come from the sports world. This week on Only A Game, Kenneth Shropshire details how and why athletes are taking a leadership role. Plus, we speak with high school football coach DJ Boldin about his family's tragic experience with police violence — and his recent message for his players. Also, a sports writer's open letter to his white friends. And former MLB All-Star Garry Templeton looks back at a moment when he faced racism from fans.

Since 2018, Michael Henry Ortiz has been trying to run 100 100-mile races in 100 consecutive weeks. So what did he do when the COVID-19 pandemic kept him inside his New York City apartment? Run around his living room, of course! Also this week on Only A Game, the story of Sam Khandaghabadi, the Iranian American trans pro wrestler who created Hoodslam. And, we re-air our story on the horse named Onion who took on Secretariat ... and won. Join us!

Jeremy Lin joins us from China to talk about the COVID-19 pandemic — and his Be the Light campaign. Also this week on Only A Game, Rachel Balkovec shares her story of overcoming gender discrimination to become the first female hitting coach in an MLB organization. And Billy Mills revisits his historic underdog win at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. And a sports writer tries — briefly — to train like an NFL player during the pandemic. Join us!

While most sports leagues around the world remain shuttered, the KBO returned to play last week. This week on Only A Game, the story of one American man who's been following the league for years. Also, a Vermont couple prepares to part with a very valuable piece of wood. Plus, with the NBA season on pause, a reporter has some time to focus on his personal life. And we-revist one of our all-time favorite stories about hockey and the 1970 movie "Love Story." Join us!

Last fall, MLB announced its plan to cut ties with dozens of minor league affiliates. This week on Only A Game, how the COVID-19 pandemic makes the controversial proposal more likely to become reality. Also, within two years of becoming the U.S. all-around champion, Jennifer Sey left gymnastics. Now she's speaking out against abuses in the sport. Plus the WSJ's Jason Gay is learning that writing sports columns didn't prepare him to teach his own kids. And we re-visit our story on the birth of the Savannah Bananas. ...

After what he calls a "wake-up call" on his 55th birthday, author John U. Bacon started training for the 2020 Boston Marathon. But the the race was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This week on Only A Game, Bacon's 26.2-mile backup plan. Also, the San Antonio Food Bank gets a little "halftime coaching" from the Spurs' Gregg Popovich, the story of a 66-year-old jockey who's not ready to quit, and we re-visit one of our favorite stories about a sporting episode of "The Office." Join us!

With most sports leagues on hiatus, NASCAR is trying to fill the void ... with virtual racing. This week on Only A Game, driver Michael McDowell talks about the transition to iRacing. Also, the story of a GOLF Magazine editor who beat Rory McIlroy ... in a Peloton race. Plus, most respondents in a recent Seton Hall poll said they wouldn't go to sporting events until there's a COVID-19 vaccine. But predicting sports fans' behavior is complicated. And a tale about the "Hot Hand," Steph Curry and "The Princess Bride." Join ...

The global pandemic has put sports on hold, and that comes at an especially bad time for women's sports leagues. This week on Only A Game, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird talk about the NWSL, the WNBA and COVID-19. Also, the story of one man who split his time between pitching and punk rock. And in a world without live sports, can the "Jeopardy!" college championship fill the void? Plus, there may not be any MLB games, but you can still be entertained by Fenway Park organist Josh ...

It's normal to be feeling anxious during the coronavirus pandemic. Luckily, comedian/sports fan/mental health advocate Gary Gulman returns to Only A Game with some tips for staying healthy. Also, a look at how Dr. Anthony Fauci's basketball career prepared him to lead the U.S. response to the pandemic. Plus, the story of a former Super Bowl champ who's now treating COVID-19. And the City College of New York basketball team used to outdraw the Knicks — until a district attorney got involved. Join us!

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games are officially postponed. This week on Only A Game, a discussion about the economic impact of the delay. Also, lessons from the Spanish flu pandemic and the 1919 Stanley Cup finals. And Fenway Park groundskeeper David Mellor discusses getting treatment for PTSD after being hit by a car three times. And we re-revisit our story of a former Illinois state senator who spent several hours in a car with baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Banks following the 9/11 attacks.

Missing the thrill of the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments? We have an alternative for you: March Mammal Madness, where science and bracketology collide! Also, this week on Only A Game, the story of one family's poetry battles ... about Duke men's basketball. And the controversial origin of Chess City, which is tucked away inside the Russian republic of Kalmykia. Plus, the story behind Expos Fest, an annual celebration that's about more than baseball. Join us!

Bill Littlefield talks about his upcoming retirement from hosting NPR's Saturday morning sports program "Only A Game" for 25 years. 

We're switching it up this week and handing the reins over to NPR's Only A Game Podcast. Producer Martin Kessler interviewed Mike, Tommy, and Kevin for his story on how Iceland became the D2 villain. In this episode we play Martin's entire story. Show Notes Thanks to Only A Game, especially Martin, for letting us be a small piece of the story. Follow only a game on Twitter: @OnlyAGameNPR, and on the Facebook page. Also give our man Martin a follow at @MartinKessler91. The infamous beach ball crushing: We talked with some of the other people interview. Scott Whyte was on last week,Episode 157. We talked with Jordan Kerner in Episode 55, and Steve Brill in Episode 63 and Episode 64.

Bill Littlefield, Boston-based, nationally known author and long time host of WBUR’s Only A Game talks to Bob about covering sports the NPR Way.

We've got two stories this week. The first is about why we run, not just as runners but as human beings. In the 1980s a biologist named Dave Carrier came up with a controversial theory about human evolution. He called it the "Running Hypothesis" and it was based on the idea that humans became elite long distance runners so that we could hunt large game by chasing it on foot until the animal collapsed from exhaustion. So Carrier and his brother, a radio producer named Scott went to Wyoming to prove this theory by trying to run down an antelope until it collapsed. The second story comes from producer Karen Given and is about a runner who set a surprising marathon goal after volunteering for a major surgery to save his mother-in-law’s life. We also learn how to hide an engagement ring in your running clothes. Additional Listening: Producer Scott Carrier has a podcast called Home of the Brave. You can listen to more of his work at homebrave.com. Producer Karen Given works on a show called Only A Game. You can listen to more of her work for that show at http://www.wbur.org/staff/karen-given. This episode of Human Race is sponsored by Aaptiv, an on-demand audio fitness app that you can do at home, at the gym, outdoors - anywhere. Get your first month free when you sign up for a monthly subscription at and use the promo code "HUMAN." Episode Credits: Host: David Weinberg Producers: Scott Carrier, Karen Given Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor in chief: David Willey Human Race is a proud part of Panoply. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio).

A report in Massachusetts found cases of serious abuse and neglect at a private special education school, illuminating a larger problem. Also this hour, we head to Block Island, Rhode Island, where the nation's first offshore wind farm is about to get spinning. And on Soundcloud: from Brady to Big Papi to Bentley, Only A Game‘s Bill Littlefield gives us his take on New England sports culture. What’s Wrong With Special Ed? Marie walks with her 13-year-old son, who has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, as he rides his bike through their Norfolk neighborhood during the first weeks of summer vacation. (Jesse Costa/WBUR) A recent report from the Boston-based Disability Law Center found widespread abuse and neglect at a private special education school in Middleborough, a town in the southeast corner of Massachusetts. The report detailed verbal and emotional abuse by staff, and inadequate supervision resulting in runaway students, medication errors, and more. An administrative building on the Chamberlain School’s Middleborough campus. (Shannon Dooling/WBUR) There are worries that the problems seen at Chamberlain International School might be more widespread. WBUR and the investigative journalism unit “The Eye” investigated private special education schools that serve some of the most vulnerable students in Massachusetts. For parents, figuring out which of these schools is the right fit for their child can be a complicated maze, even as the demand for special education grows. We’re joined by WBUR reporter Shannon Dooling. The Sea Breeze Is More Than Refreshing Turbines at the country's first offshore wind farm, located about 15 miles from the coast of Rhode Island, are set to begin turning after operators Deep Water Wind get the final sign-off from regulators, expected before the end of the year. The five turbines are expected to provide most of the power for Block Island, a tourist destination and home to about 1,000 people. The Block Island Wind Farm is tiny by global standards, but it’s the culmination of many years of negotiations between wind power companies, governments, and advocacy groups. Greg Cunningham, an attorney with the Conservation Law Foundation, says the project represents just a taste of what’s possible for wind power generation in New England coastal waters. U.S. Department of Energy estimates of wind resource potential (Credit: NREL) One of the concerns about offshore wind has been the impact on the environment. Not just birds, but also fish that swim nearby. A small crew of fishermen has been working with scientists to gather data and learn how fishing will or won't change around the Block Island turbines. Rhode Island Public Radio’s Ambar Espinoza reports. Root for the Home Team Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, nicknamed “Big Papi,” bids goodbye to fans after losing to the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park in October. The game marked Ortiz’s retirement. (Credit: Charles Krupa/AP) As a region, New England is held together by history and tradition, geography and politics. But what about sports? There are, of course, the Patriots — the only NFL team to use a region to define its territory. They're a powerhouse, off to another great start, despite their star Tom Brady missing games at the beginning of the season due to the deflategate controversy. They've only really held a grip on New England since the 1990s, and they're as likely to be loathed outside of our region as loved within it. Then there's Red Sox Nation, a fan base with a deep-seated love of the baseball team from Boston that stretches from Maine, across to Vermont, and south to (most of) Connecticut. We wanted to find out more about the sporting culture of New England, and the role that sports can play in helping to define us… so we turn to Bill Littlefield, the longtime host of Only a Game, a weekly NPR show about sports that's produced at WBUR in Boston. About NEXT NEXT is produced at WNPR. Host: John Dankosky Producer: Andrea Muraskin Executive Producer: Catie Talarski Digital Content Manager/Editor: Heather Brandon Contributors to this episode: Shannon Dooling, Ambar Espinoza and Bill Littlefield Music: Todd Merrell, “New England” by Goodnight Blue Moon, “Family and Genus” by Shaky Graves, “Sweet Caroline” by the O’Neill Brothers, “Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys Get all the NEXT episodes. We appreciate your feedback! Send praise, critique, suggestions, questions, story leads, and photos of your Thanksgiving dinner to next@wnpr.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.