LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/8/24 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/8/24

Trailblazers In Sports: Kickass Moms Paving the Way

Thank you.

Discover the inspiring stories of badass moms who excel in sports and motherhood. From track and field legend Allyson Felix to soccer star Alex Morgan, these trailblazing women have overcome obstacles and advocated for change, paving the way for future generations. Join us as we celebrate their strength, resilience and unwavering determination to pursue their passions on and off the field—Happy Mother's Day to these incredible athletes who continue to inspire us all.

Other episodes you might enjoy:

Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.

Game Changers: Exploring The Cultural And Economic Impact Of Women's Sports

Finally, a trend we can get on board with.

Join your favorite sibling hosts, Amy and Scott, as they dive into the dynamic world of women's sports in this exciting episode. You're all talking about it (yes, we're looking at you, both men and women) and asking questions, so let's discuss.

From the electrifying energy of March Madness to the powerhouse players of the WNBA, they explore the soaring popularity and impact of women's basketball. Get inspired by the triumphs of athletes like Caitlin Clark and uncover the success stories behind other professional women's leagues, including the PWHL (Professional Women's Hockey League), Pro Volleyball Federation and NWSL (National Women's Soccer League). Discover women's sports' economic and cultural significance and marvel at the incredible skill and talent female athletes display. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that celebrates the unstoppable rise of women in sports.

Takeaways

Women's sports, particularly basketball, have experienced a significant rise in popularity and visibility in recent years.
March Madness has become a significant platform for women's sports, generating widespread interest and conversation.
Players like Caitlin Clark are driving the growth of women's basketball and attracting a dedicated fan base.
Other professional women's leagues, such as the PWHL and NWSL, also thrive and receive investments and support.
The economic impact and cultural significance cannot be underestimated, and female athletes display incredible skill and talent.

The High Stakes: Athletes, Gambling And Broken Dreams

Careers ruined? You can bet on it.

This could go down as one of the most interesting episodes we've done, in our humble opinion. This week, we discuss athletes and the evolution of sports betting. From Shohei Ohtani's interpreter scandal to historic tales like Pete Rose's ban from baseball, we dive into the highs and lows of sports betting, including the NCAA's efforts to curb harassment of college players due to sports betting.

Learn about the regulatory landscape, recent scandals and the impact of legalized gambling on athletes. Join the conversation and gain insights into the evolving relationship between sports and betting. Don't miss out on this captivating discussion!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Shohei Ohtani Gambling Scandal

02:05 Investigation by FBI and MLB

03:22 NCAA's Efforts to Curb Harassment of College Players

06:07 NCAA Lobbying to Ban Player Proposition Bets

09:12 NBA Player Prop Bets Scandal

14:26 Pete Rose and the MLB Betting Scandal

15:28 1994 Arizona State Basketball Point Shaving Scandal

March Madness - What You Need To Know

Join the conversation.

Let's discuss the frenzy of March Madness in our latest podcast episode! We cover the must-watch teams and players in the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments. Get expert advice on crafting your bracket and join the conversation with fellow fans. Don't miss the excitement—listen now and elevate your March Madness experience!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for March Madness
01:13 Overview of March Madness and Single Elimination Format
02:25 Tips for Picking a Bracket
06:05 Alternative Bracket Strategies
07:00 Having Fun with Bracket Picks
08:16 Overview of Women's Tournament and Top Seeds
09:01 Key Players to Watch in Women's Tournament
13:26 Overview of Men's Tournament and Top Seeds
14:09 Key Players to Watch in Men's Tournament
19:25 Jim Nantz's Retirement and Ian Eagle Taking Over
20:47 Sports Betting and Zero Right Bracket Challenge
22:19 Documentary on Women's Tournament by Omaha Productions
23:42 Last Night's Game March Madness Bracket Challenge
23:57 Conclusion and Vasectomies during March Madness

Athlete Rituals To Incorporate Into Your 2024

The good, the bad and the awkward.

(Podcast length - 25:30 mins)

In this episode, Amy and Scott discuss various pregame rituals and New Year's resolutions in sports. You can't discuss rituals without discussing LeBron James' love for wine, sleep, yoga, and cold plunges. Of course, there are some weird rituals, such as bathing in red wine and urinating on your hands.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Super Bowl Big Announcement
01:34 New Year's Resolutions and Fitness Goals
03:09 Dry January and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
07:00 LeBron James and Wine
10:24 Pregame Rituals: Prioritizing Sleep
13:50 Pregame Rituals: Yoga
15:22 Pregame Rituals: Cold Plunge
19:01 Weird Pregame Rituals: Bathing in Red Wine
20:09 Weird Pregame Rituals: Urinating on Hands
21:35 Weird Pregame Rituals: Smudging the Court
23:09 New Year's Resolutions
24:55 Conclusion and Podcast Announcement

Why 2024 Is Going To Be A Great Year In Sports

One for the record books.

(Podcast length - 15:44 mins)

In this episode, Amy and Scott discuss the upcoming sporting events and milestones in 2024. They start with the Paris Olympics, highlighting the excitement around Simone Biles' return and the unique opening ceremony on the Seine River.

Next, they talk about the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, the 150th Kentucky Derby and the expansion of the college football playoffs. They also mention the possibility of a new NBA championship record and the potential for Bronny James to enter the NBA Draft.

The Most Notable Sports Moments In 2023

A roller coaster of sports moments

(Podcast length - 22:07 mins)

Explore the highs and heartwarming tales of 2023's sports journey! From the Golden Knights' historic win to the rise of women's basketball, join us in reliving the unforgettable moments that defined the year.

Athletes Who Give Back In A Big Way

The gift that keeps on giving.

(Podcast length - 19:09 mins)

Discover the heartwarming stories of athletes making a difference beyond the scoreboard! From Shaq's starfish effect to Cristiano Ronaldo's philanthropy, explore the impact of Dak Prescott's Faith Fight Finish Foundation, Caitlin Clark's community support and LeBron James' transformative efforts. Join us in celebrating the compassionate side of sports in our latest podcast.

Beyond the Strip: Las Vegas Lights Up the Sports Scene

It’s more than shows, slots and shopping.

(Podcast length - 21:26 mins)

In this week's podcast episode, we explore the astounding transformation of Las Vegas into a bustling hub of professional sports, defying expectations and redefining its identity beyond dazzling lights and lively entertainment. Join us in uncovering the magic of Vegas and how it challenges stereotypes associated with "Sin City."

Honoring Athlete Veterans: Stories of Service and Sacrifice

Their journeys are nothing short of extraordinary.

(Podcast length - 21:16 mins)

Celebrate Veterans Day with our podcast as we pay tribute to athlete veterans who've excelled both on the field and in the military. Discover the inspiring stories of athletes like Ted Williams, Pat Tillman and more. Join sibling co-hosts Scott and Amy for a heartfelt salute to their service and sacrifice.

Chatting Name, Image, Likeness With Ayden Syal, CEO & Founder of MOGL

Happy 2nd Birthday NIL

Photo: Instagram/alyssa_baumann (also a MOGL client)

(Podcast length - 20:23 mins)

Join us as we chat with Ayden Syal, CEO & Founder of MOGL, about Name, Image, Likeness (NIL), the creation of their business and what it means to you, the average sports fan.

MOGL is the leading athlete marketplace and NIL operations software provider enabling college athletes to connect with monetization and sponsorship opportunities with brands, employers and fans.

5 Things To Know About March Madness

Put on your dancing shoes.

(Podcast length - 4:21 mins)

You might care less about March Madness, but it will undoubtedly be the hot topic of conversation over the next few weeks. Here's how you can level the playing field and join the conversation. (Hint: you don't have to know anything about basketball).

Transcript

1. The NCAA tournament had become the second most popular sporting event amongst gamblers in the sportsbooks, office pools or online. (Super Bowl is the most popular). Many companies have turned the tournament into a team-building opportunity with various contests. Take Warren Buffet and his $1M a year for life promise for an employee who picks a perfect bracket in the first round. What are the chances of picking a perfect bracket? 1 in 9.2 quintillions. For perspective, there are 31.6M seconds in a year, so 9.2 quintillion seconds is a quick 292 billion years. YOU CAN BET ON IT

2. Did you know that vasectomies increase during March Madness because it's doctor's orders to be a couch potato, so men might as well heal while watching basketball? Speaking of feeling blue, the color might be the ticket to winning. Since 2002, except for two teams, every winner has had blue as their primary uniform color. LET’S DO THIS

3. The first women's NCAA tournament began in 1982 — 43 years after the men's debut. This is only the second year the women's tournament has been allowed to use "March Madness" in its promotion. Keep an eye out on the team to beat the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks that finished the season undefeated. An interesting fact to note, while the men play two-20-minute halves, the women play four-10-minute quarters. GAME ON

4. The defending champion Kansas Jayhawks landed a No. 1 seed in the tournament. But the most important win for the Jayhawks is the return of their head coach Bill Self. Self checked into the hospital on March 8 with chest tightness and balance concerns. He underwent a standard heart catheterization and had two stents placed to treat blocked arteries. Self will return in time to pace the sidelines during the NCAA tournament. DOCTOR'S ORDERS?

5. Experts project hourly corporate losses of roughly $1.9B due to workers whose productivity is diverted by March Madness. When choosing your bracket in this single-elimination tournament, remember that the most likely upset is a No. 12 team over a No. 5. A No. 16 team has upset a No. 1 seeded team once in the tournament's history. Where did the bracket come from? It began in a Staten Island bar in 1977 when 88 people joined a prize pool and completed their tournament predictions. The prize pool ballooned to $1.5M and 150,000 people in 2006. The pool was shut down in 2006 after scrutiny from the IRS. CHOOSE WISELY

PS: The sun is setting on Jim Nantz's basketball broadcast career. The famed voice for both The Masters and March Madness is in his last year calling the NCAA tournament.

Notable dates:

Women's March Madness Tournament

The first round is Friday and Saturday, March 17-18
The championship game is on April 2 in Dallas

Men's March Madness Tournament

The first round is Thursday and Friday, March 16-17

o The championship game is on April 3 in Houston.

Celebrating 5 Veterans Who Are Also Professional Athletes

Thank you for your service.

(Podcast length - 3:29 mins)

In honor of Veterans Day, we salute our athlete veterans and say thank you for your service to all our veterans.

Transcript

1. MLB (Major League Baseball) legend Ted Williams' put his hall of fame career on hold for three years of military service. In the middle of his 19-year baseball career, he opted out of baseball and into the Navy for three years. During his assignment to the Marine Corps, his piloting skills were as revered as his ability to swing a baseball bat. In 1952, he missed part of the season when he was called up to fight in the Korean War. He returned home and finished his historic career in 1960. SOARED TO NEW HEIGHTS

2. Pat Tillman is likely this generation's most notable veteran. He walked away from a successful career with the Arizona Cardinals (NFL – National Football League) to join the Army after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. His brother joined the Army as well. Pat served with the Army Rangers until he tragically lost his life in action in 2004. TRUE LEADER

3. Before offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva played for the Baltimore Ravens (NFL), he went to West Point and served as an Army Ranger Captain until 2015. He has had quite an impressive football career since then. Villanueva is one of the few active professional athletes that are veterans. BRAVERY ABOUNDS

4. Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB), he was drafted into the Army during World War II. While he never served overseas, he spent time at Fort Hood and Camp Breckinridge in Kentucky, where he served as an athletic coach. DEDICATED

5. Legendary "Coach K" - Mike Krzyzewski (pronounced Sha-chef-ski) - played basketball at West Point and served as a field artillery liaison to the infantry in the early 1970s at Camp Pelham. After his military career, he began coaching and was the basketball coach at West Point before leaving to coach the Duke basketball team. Krzyzewski, who also coached Team U.S.A., is the most successful coach in men's college basketball history and was inducted into the basketball hall of fame. Coach K will retire after the 2021-22 basketball season. SUCCESS AT ALL LEVELS

Links:

Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/28/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/28/22

The Strangest Mascots In College Sports

They rally the crowd and scare the children (and sometimes adults).

(Podcast length 4:07 mins)

Add these mascots to the list of things that make you go hmm.

Scan to the bottom for images of these gems.

1. Replacing its Indian mascot in the 2000s, a student vote led to Dartmouth's unofficial mascot, "Keggy the Keg." The barrel of booze may be a fan favorite, but the Dartmouth administration also isn't very fond of Keggy. Sadly the school isn't very good at sports, so the rest of the world doesn't get to join in on the fun that is Keggy in the stands. TAP THAT

2. Wake Forest is known as the Demon Deacons. The odd mascot is an older man in a top hat and tails and is a byproduct of a frat boy facing a challenge from his peers. The aforementioned frat brother accepted the challenge of creating and becoming a mascot as a dare from a fellow frat brother. No one expected the joke to become a reality, much less that it would stick around as a vital piece of the institution. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

3. Wichita State University is known as the shockers. (Yes, you read that correctly). The nickname was created because many of the players worked in the off-season harvesting (aka shocking) wheat in the fields. LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY

4. Kernel Cobb is the mascot for the Concordia College Cobbers. The liberal arts school based in Minnesota describes its mascot as a "snarly, though friendly" ear of corn. Long story short, in the 1890s, the term 'corncobs’ was initially used as a slur by their urbanite rival and was later adopted as the school's mascot. WE'RE ALL EARS

5. Stop us if you’ve heard this one about Speedy the Geoduck. The mascot of Evergreen State College, an experimental and non-traditional college in Washington State, is a symbol of environmental sustainability. Geoducks, a kind of mollusk, filter 30 gallons of water daily and are integral to the pacific northwest ecosystem. SOUNDS LIKE DINNER

Honorable mention: Artie the Artichoke, the official mascot of Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Keggy the Keg, the unofficial mascot of Darthmouth

Photo: twitter.com/DartmouthKeggy

Demon Deacon, mascot for Wake Forest

Photo: instagram.com/wfuniversity

WuShock, the Wichita State mascot

Photo: instagram.com/goshockers.wushock

Kernel Cobb, mascot for the Concordia College Cobbers

Photo: http://atconcordia.areavoices.com/

Speedy the Geoduck, mascot of Evergreen State College

Photo: NY Times

Artie the Artichoke, mascot for Scottsdale Community College

Photo: instagram.com/scottsdalecc

Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/30/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/30/22

Why The Final Four Is Worth Watching

From colorful characters to colorful hair, on-court performance aside, here’s why the Final Four is worth watching.

(Podcast length 5 mins)

From colorful characters to colorful hair, on-court performance aside, here’s why the Final Four is worth watching.

Transcript

1. The NCAA may have undervalued Women’s March Madness in the past, but sponsors did not. Companies like Adidas, Apple and Target have bought up airtime during this year’s women’s tourney, selling out ad inventory. This is the first year that the NCAA has guaranteed that the women’s teams will get the same perks as the men. Such extras include tournament gifts and access to a family lounge at their hotels to have a private place to visit with their families and not in the hotel lobby. RAISE THE BAR

2. The men’s tournament has a massive eight-year TV deal with CBS and Turner, worth $8.8 billion. The Kaplan report found that the women’s tournament would likely fetch annual rights payments between $81 million- $112 million. With sold-out commercial time and increased viewer numbers, you’d think this would be a no-brainer, but they’ve never had a chance to try. Why? Women’s March Madness is part of a package with 28 other college championships like wrestling and gymnastics. (ESPN currently pays $34 million a year for that championship package, which runs until 2024). ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE

3. UConn’s Paige Bueckers, probably the most recognized player in either of the tournaments, is coming home to her home state of Minnesota as Minneapolis is hosting the women’s Final Four and championship game. Also in Minneapolis are defending champions Stanford (No. 1), Louisville (No. 1) and South Carolina (No. 1). UConn (No. 2) is the lowest-seeded team to play in the Final Four, the school’s 14th straight appearance. There is so much talent on the floor, but one who stands out, thanks to her always colorful hair, is South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston. Boston has colored her hair every color of the rainbow, including rainbow. She couldn’t decide, so she had her hairstylist pick out her recent two colors. HOW IT’S DONE

4. The men’s Final Four in New Orleans comes down to four blue-blooded teams. (Remember when we told you to pick teams with the color blue as their primary uniform color)? Dominating the talk around the Men’s Final Four is Coach K – Mike Krzyzewski - Duke’s 75-year-old head coach who is coaching in his last March Madness. If you like cheering for an underdog, Villanova (No. 2) and Kansas (No. 1) “only” have three national championship titles each. In contrast, Duke (No. 2) has five under its belt, and North Carolina (No. 8) has six championships. Last year’s champion, Baylor, lost earlier in the tournament to North Carolina. UP YOUR GAME

5. Making it to this level of the tournament is a big deal for the teams, but in the case of South Carolina’s women’s head coach Dawn Staley, there was a $200,000 bonus on the line for making it to the Final Four. Salaries for women’s head coaches have been on the uptick in college, with Staley earning $900,000 more a year than the former player and first-year head coach of the North Carolina men’s team Hubert Davis. GAME ON

PS: If you need more about March Madness, check out our Guide to March Madness for the background on the tournament and more of what you need to know.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/14/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/14/22

Podcast: Your Guide To March Madness Success

Hint: you don’t have to know anything about basketball

(Podcast length 3:54 mins)

You might care less about March Madness, but it's undoubtedly going to be the hot topic of conversation of the next few weeks. Here's how you can level the playing field and join the conversation. (Hint: you don't have to know anything about basketball).

Transcript

1. This is the first time the women's tournament has been allowed to use the trademarked term "March Madness" on its marketing and branding. Keep an eye on Haley Jones of Stanford, who is having a great season. She and her team are defending national champions, where she was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player. GIRL POWER

2. The men's bracket is wide open with favorites like No. 1 ranked Gonzaga, Arizona, Kansas and Baylor, but experts disagree on who the winner could be. (Baylor won last year). Arguably the best player in the country is 7'0" Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren. His on-the-court skills are notable but keep an eye out for his 7-foot father in the stands. Papa Holmgren films all of his son's games on an old-school camcorder from the bleachers. TUNE IN

3. The NCAA tournament had become the second most popular sporting event amongst gamblers in the sportsbooks, office pools or online. (Super Bowl is the most popular). When choosing your bracket in this single-elimination tournament, remember that the most likely upset is a No. 12 team over a No. 5. A No. 16 team has upset a No. 1 seeded team once in the tournament's history. CHOOSE WISELY

4. Many companies have turned the tournament into a team-building opportunity with various contests. Take Warren Buffet and his $1 million a year for life promise for an employee who picks a perfect bracket in the first round. The chances of picking a completely perfect bracket? 1 in 9.2 quintillions. You're better off basing your retirement on winning the lottery. YOU CAN BET ON IT

5. Did you know that vasectomies increase during March Madness because it's doctor's orders to be a couch potato, so men might as well heal while watching basketball? Speaking of feeling blue, the color might be the ticket to winning. Since 2004, the only champions that won it all without having blue as their primary uniform color are Louisville and Baylor. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

Check out our Guide to March Madness for the background on the tournament and more of what you need to know.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/29/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/29/21

The Most Memorable Sports Moments Of 2021

A year worth revisiting.

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(Podcast length - 5:22 mins)

In some ways, 2021 might have felt a bit like a reboot of 2020, but there were so many moments to be excited about. Let's look back before diving headfirst into 2022.

1. The college sports landscape changed forever with the July ruling that allowed athletes to be paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL). Athletes like the Cavinder twins who play women's basketball at Fresno State were the first to take advantage of the ruling. Some athletes like Michigan running back Blake Corum and Iowa lineman Tyler Linderbaum used their NIL money to benefit a good cause, not just their wallets. GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT?

2. Mental health became a dinner table topic thanks to athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics), Naomi Osaka (tennis) and Lane Johnson (NFL). Johnson took a leave from the Philadelphia Eagles to face his battle with depression head-on. Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to focus on her well-being. But the world saw just how the pressure impacted an athlete when Simone Biles battled the "twisties" in the Summer Olympics. She put her safety and her team first, withdrawing from the women's gymnastics all-around competition. BRAINS > BRAWN

3. Sports fans continued to realize what so many already knew, women's sports are the place to be. Not only did viewer ratings soar for the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association), women's college basketball championship game and the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League), but we saw the first college softball game on a major national network. The NFL and MLB (Major League Baseball) added more female coaches and front-office executives. In 2022, look for the women's college basketball tournament to use the coveted "March Madness" title for the first time. HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

4. The year brought us athletes who seem to get better with age. Tom Brady won the Super Bowl with his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL – National Football League), in February at age 43. (And then celebrated with maybe one too many shots at the championship boat parade). At 46, Helio Castroneves won the Indy 500, and Phil Mickelson showed off his impressive 50-year-old calves on his way to a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Championship win. AGE-DEFYING

5. The delayed 2020 Summer Olympics gave the world the positivity and excitement we'd all been missing. COVID precautions meant athletes' families had to watch from the comfort of their couches, too, but the stories of athletes like Caeleb Dressel, Suni Lee and Katie Ledecky all brought us to our feet. The US topped the medal count with 113 total medals, 39 gold, including one from the US Men's Basketball Team, who continued their medal streak. WORLD’S GREATEST

Bonus:

If you’re a fan of F1 (Formula One) Racing, then you likely caught the race of the century when Max Verstappen beat out seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 championship. But did you know that Hamilton, the only Black F1 driver, is also a fan of fashion? He purchased a table at the Met Gala, which runs around $275,000, and filled it with three emerging Black designers to grow their reach. SMOOTH MOVE

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/13/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/13/21

Meet The Athletes Vying For 'Bachelorette' Michelle Young's Heart

We'll find out who’s a slam dunk when the season starts Oct. 19.

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(Podcast length - 4:25 mins)

These athletes have played tough opponents in their sporting careers, but will they be a match for Clint Eastwood’s grandson when it comes to “Bachelorette” Michelle Young’s heart? Go ahead, make my day.

Transcript

Bryan Witzman

Michelle has said that her favorite restaurants are food trucks, so maybe that’s something she’ll have in common with former NFL (National Football League) player and self-described amateur chef Bryan Witzmann. Witzmann, who is 6’7” to Michelle’s 5’9,” played football in college and played for nine different NFL teams, most notably the Kansas City Chiefs. COOKING UP SOME LOVE

Joe Coleman

Will Joe Coleman be the Mr. to Michelle’s Mrs.? Both from Minneapolis, he was named Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball in high school, and she was a finalist for Minnesota’s Miss Basketball award. Rumor has it that the two may have known each other from playing college basketball. TWO WINNERS

Olumide Onajide

Former Rutgers basketball player Olumide Onajide could be just what Michelle is looking for, the “superman to her superwoman,” as her bio says. He works as a field systems analyst, model and writes a fitness column. A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Alec Thompson

If she’s looking for a man with heart, Alec Thompson might be it. The Special Olympics volunteer is a civil engineer living in South Carolina. (Michelle is in Minnesota). Thompson might know a thing or two about structure and discipline that a former school teacher like Michelle would appreciate as he played football during his time at the Virginia Military Institute. TEN-HUT

Clayton Echard

Will orthopedic sales rep Clayton Echard be that “confident but not cocky” dream man Michelle is looking for? The former University of Missouri football player and former freestyle rapper (wait, what?) loves spending time outdoors. And SPOILER, he is rumored to be the next “Bachelor.” PLEASE SAY HE BEATBOXES ON THE SHOW….

If you haven’t already, make sure to select your picks in our Bachelorette bracket in partnership with I Hate Green Beans. If you want a brilliant recap of the latest episode, make sure to check out Lincee and Some Guy In Austin on the “I Hate Green Beans” podcast recap episode that’s sure to have you laughing.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/7/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/7/21

What You Need To Know About Sports Most Fashionable Night - The ESPYs

Athletes ditch their jerseys for couture this Saturday, July 10.

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(Podcast length - 5:10 mins)

The ESPYs are like the Golden Globes – you get the best of both worlds. It’s the one night of the year where athletes and celebrities gather to celebrate the achievements in the world of sports while giving us the summer red carpet we’ve all been missing.

Transcript

1. Typically, the awards show takes place on a Wednesday in July after the MLB (Major League Baseball) All-Star Game, referred to as “Black Wednesday,” the one day a year where there are no live sports. This year, with leagues playing COVID adjusted schedules, there is no dark day to hold the event. So that means there will likely be no Olympians, MLB (Major League Baseball) or WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) players or members of the Phoenix Suns or Milwaukee Bucks who are playing in the NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals in attendance. There’s a chance the Stanley Cup Finals (NHL - National Hockey League) will be over by then, but it’s not a sure bet. ZOOM CALL

2. Just because there will be no Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird sighting on the red carpet, it doesn’t mean you’ll be disappointed. The fashion game will undoubtedly be impressive when Lindsey Vonn, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Russell Wilson and Ciara and LeBron James (likely promoting Space Jam 2) step into the spotlight. BEST ESPY LOOKS

3. Unlike the Oscars, where you’ve never heard of most of the movies, the fans get a say who receives some of the awards like the best athlete in women’s sports, best game and best team. EVERY VOTE COUNTS

4. ESPN can put together a video package that’ll pull at your heartstrings while leaving you inspired, and the awards at the ESPYs are no different. Here’s a quick summary of each of the major awards:

Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full IRONMAN triathlon, will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
Four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic medalist Maya Moore will receive the Arthur Ashe Award Courage Award. She is being recognized for her work to free Jonathan Irons, who she felt was wrongly convicted of a crime. She stepped away from her career to work to free him. (Ultimately, he was released).
Manchester United (European soccer) star Marcus Rashford rallied Parliament during COVID to support children who received free lunch pre-pandemic, securing a $556 million grant to provide meals into 2021. For his work that impacted 1.7 million children, he will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

5. Actor Anthony Mackie, known for his many movie roles but especially in the Marvel series, will add ESPY host to his lengthy resume. Mackie is expected to poke fun at some of the best athletes on the planet in his opening monologue, which could be scarier than any script he’s encountered. Unlike most red carpet events, this one will take place at The Rooftop at Pier 17 at the Seaport in New York City. GET YOUR GAME FACE ON

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/5/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 5/5/21

Moms Who Made The Sports World Up Their Game

Don’t mess with these rockstar mamas.

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(Podcast length - 5:06 mins)

When being forced to choose between a family and their job, these women picked both and then paved the way for others to do the same.

Transcript

1. With some of the highest TV ratings we’ve seen in years, the University of Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team lost to the Stanford women in the March Madness championship game. Leading those Wildcats was former WNBA player, head coach Adia Barnes. Barnes, who inspired women everywhere in her quest for her dream job, coaches alongside her husband and is a mom to two children. During halftime, she was not only giving a pep talk to her team but also pumping as she’s still nursing her six-month-old daughter. Barnes shed light on the NCAA’s rules that have stifled working moms. Coaches’ children, such as Barnes’ six-month-old daughter, counted against a team's limited traveling party numbers, which means she had to choose between her children and a member of her staff. MAKING IT HAPPEN

2. Mom was the word last year at the U.S. Open (tennis), with nine moms qualifying for the tournament. Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Tsvetana Pironkova made history as the first trio of mothers to reach the quarterfinals of the same Grand Slam. The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) has stepped up with new policies to support new moms (or expecting), including a new ranking policy and adjusting the dress code. Women on the tour will not be penalized or prohibited from wearing leggings or compression shorts without a skirt, dress or shorts over them at WTA tournaments. REAL HEROES WEAR LEGGINGS

3. We’re seeing the progress in women’s sports in adopting maternity policies for their players. Before these policies were put into place, you had stars like Skylar Diggins-Smith, who played an entire WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) season while pregnant and didn’t tell anyone. In fact, it was such a great season for her that she was named to the all-star team. After the birth of her son, she was criticized for taking two months off from the season due to postpartum depression. Because of players like Diggins-Smith, the new collective bargaining agreement features full salary on maternity leave, a childcare accommodation and new, progressive family planning benefits. CUT THE GAL SOME SLACK

4. Olympic track star Allyson Felix made an impact on the track, winning six Olympic gold medals, but it’s what she did off the track that has shaped her legacy. The previously Nike-sponsored athlete took on the company, saying that she would be financially penalized for having a child per her contract. (Her daughter was born via emergency c-section in 2018). She was so fed up with their lack of support for female athletes that she left Nike for Athleta. Felix isn’t the only athlete worried about being dropped for having a child – it’s a far too common practice. NIKE has since changed its policies and they will not apply any performance-related reductions for 18 months if an athlete becomes pregnant. A FORCE FOR CHANGE

5. U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team co-captain Alex Morgan was one of the few athletes that were okay with the delay in the Olympics because it gave her more time with her newborn baby. The co-captain isn’t slowing down, signing with Tottenham Hotspur in England and then returning home to the Orlando Pride (NWSL – National Women’s Soccer League). She’s racking up the goals for both her club team and the USWNT as they prepare for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Players like Morgan will be able to utilize the new maternity policies put in place by FIFA (the governing body of international soccer). IT’S A START

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The Last Night’s Game