You Can Thank These Athletes For Your Next Hangover
Cocktails and sports? We’re here for it.
Photo: Instagram/Danica Patrick
(Podcast length - 5:54 mins)
Whether you’re ready to hit the town or looking to stay in, these athletes will have you saying, pass the Advil.
Transcript
1. There’s nothing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson can’t do. From college football to wrestling to acting he’s now added the founder of Teremana tequila to his list of accomplishments. His tequila is one of the fastest-growing celebrity spirits in history. While The Rock seems to have the corner on the celebrity tequila market, look out for LeBron James (Lobos 1707) and Michael Jordan (Cincoro), both investors in the tequila market. GUAC IT TO ME
2. Former NBA (National Basketball Association) player Amare Stoudemire was known for bathing in red wine to help his post-game recovery. Hence, it’s no surprise that the former member of the Phoenix Suns and Israeli citizen created his own kosher wine. MAZEL TOV
3. Like a fine wine, Danica Patrick only gets better. The retired racecar driver has gone from breaking the glass ceiling in racing to wine. One might say her career drove her to drink, but she’s accomplishing a dream in retirement. No, really. Her Napa Valley vineyard Somnium means “dream” in Latin. FROM THE FINISH LINE TO THE GRAPEVINE
4. A glass of fine wine and announcer Jim Nantz have something in common. They’re both smooth and are likely to put you to sleep (in a good way in Nantz's case) after consuming for an hour or two. Nantz, the soothing voice of the Masters and NFL on CBS, is behind the Healdsburg, CA winery The Calling. Also known for their time on the golf course and in the wine world are veteran golfers Ernie Els (Ernie Els Wines) and Greg Norman (Greg Norman Estates). CLOSEOUT THE DAY AT THE 19TH HOLE (AKA THE BAR)
5. LeBron James doesn’t shy away from his admiration for wine (or apparently tequila) and neither do retired NBA players Dwyane Wade and Yao Ming. Ming is one of the tallest ever to play the game and the Shanghai native is fully invested in his St. Helena, CA vineyard. However, Yao Family Wines aren’t your daily drinkers at around $100+ a bottle. Dwyane Wade’s brand, Wade Cellars, resides in Napa Valley. Wade knew he always wanted to be in the wine industry, so here’s the chance to toast him with the fruit of his labor. WE’LL DRINK TO THAT
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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Why Everyone Loves The Masters (And Why You Should Too)
Here's what to say, what not to do and why a green blazer is a coveted fashion statement.
(Podcast length - 6:15 mins)
The famed tournament starts Thursday. Here's what to say, what not to do and why a green blazer is a coveted fashion statement.
Transcript
Quick recap - If it seems like the Masters was just yesterday, you’d almost be correct. The famed tournament was delayed from its traditional spring 2020 date until the fall (November), with Dustin Johnson taking home the famed green jacket.
1. The Masters is the only one of the four Major tournaments in the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) that doesn’t change locations - it’s always at Augusta National Golf Course. Although there are calls for the PGA to pull the Masters out of Georgia based on the new voting laws. To become a member of this iconic course is somewhat of a mystery. There are no criteria listed for membership, and the list of members is not public. Ron Townsend was named the first Black member in 1990, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice became the first woman member in 2012. (There are now only six women members). TEEING OFF
2. Longtime broadcast partner of the tournament, CBS, admitted they edit in melodic bird sounds during the telecast to enhance the programming and make it feel more like a “natural paradise,” even though spectators have noted the lack of birds on the course. Apparently, CBS admitted to doing this for other tournaments as well. At least nothing will swoop down and steal your $3 popcorn or poop in your $5 beer (see below). TWEET TWEET
3. The famed green jacket became a tradition in 1949. Members of the club decided on the color green so fans in attendance at the tournament could spot them if they had questions. The Masters’ winner also receives a green jacket. The winner is allowed to have the green jacket for one calendar year. After that year, they’re only permitted to wear it when they’re on the grounds of Augusta. NO TAKE BACKS
4. The famed Champions Dinner happens on Tuesday evening before the tournament. It’s tradition for the previous winner to select the menu for the famed feast between all the former Masters winners. Dustin Johnson’s menu will make you hungry, but it has nothing on the Masters’ cheap concessions of $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches and a $5 beer. The dinner included filet mignon, miso-marinated sea bass and pigs in a blanket. One notable attendee was missing from the dinner, the five-time Masters champion himself, Tiger Woods. Woods is recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this year. GREAT FOOD, GREAT COMPANY
5. Two players for the fans in person and watching on TV to watch for are:
Brooks Koepka – The newly engaged Koepka had knee surgery less than a month ago and has been spending 7+ hours a day in physical therapy to return in time for the Masters. He’s never won the tournament. WORTH A SHOT
Jon Rahm – Rahm is entering the tournament with new motivation, his newborn son. Rahm was telling people not to bet on him because he would leave The Masters to be there for his first child's birth. Luckily, he was born on Saturday, so now he can watch his dad play for the green jacket. DAD STRENGTH
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.
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Step Up To The Plate - Baseball Is Back. Here’s What You Need To Know.
Grab those peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
(Podcast length - 6 mins)
With Opening Day around the corner, it’s always good to be up to speed so you can join the baseball conversation and then steer it over to something baseball-related like beer, hot dogs and giant ballpark pretzels with cheese. Now we’re talking.
Transcript
Quick recap. Last season was a season shorted by COVID. There was no all-star game nor international play. In the end, the Los Angeles Dodgers were crowned World Champions, beating the Tampa Bay Rays.
1. History was made this off-season when the Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng, the first woman to ever serve in the general manager role for an MLB team. (A general manager handles all team operations – think player relations, the draft, scouting, etc.). Ng has served as an assistant GM with both the Yankees and the Dodgers and the executive suite with the White Sox. Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins CEO/owner Derek Jeter led the breakthrough hire. LET’S GO, GIRLS
2. There’s a new kid in the Big Apple. Steven Cohen beat out the investor group led by Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez to buy the New York Mets, and this season is his first full season behind the wheel. And he’s already kicking butt and taking names. He fired the team’s general manager Jared Porter after Porter admitted to sending lewd texts to a female reporter. Cohen stood firm, saying, “I spoke about the importance of integrity, and I meant it. There should be zero tolerance for this type of behavior.” So far, he has our vote regardless of how the team does on the field. NO THANK YOU
3. A few outside-the-box games to look forward to include the all-star game and the “Field of Dreams” game. The home run derby and the all-star game will take place in Atlanta on July 12-13. COVID halted the league’s dreams of having two teams play on the “Field of Dreams” field in Iowa last season. This year the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees will channel their inner Kevin Costner as the big leaguers to play amongst the corn on August 12. The game will also be the first-ever Major League game to be played in Iowa. HOW ‘BOUT THEM APPLES?
4. All teams will open their seasons on Thursday with fans in the stands. However, 11 stadiums around the league have been hosting fans for quite some time as mass vaccination centers. Those stadiums have distributed over 1 million vaccines, and some will remain open during the regular season. The league is encouraging its players, coaches and staff to get vaccinated and are using the promise of relaxed restrictions as the carrot. When 85% of tier 1 members of a team get vaccinated, players will be able to eat out at restaurants, bring their families on road trips and carpool with each other. DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK
5. Do you remember the old Nike commercials featuring one of the home run kings from the steroid era and the saying, “chicks dig the long ball?” Well, the league sorted out that steroid situation, but after a recent sharp rise in home runs, the league commissioned scientists to examine the current baseballs. This study resulted in changing how baseballs are made. While the league won’t admit the balls were “juiced,” they are making undisclosed changes. The inner workings of making a baseball are so secretive that the league won’t even share the color code for the red laces. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Honorable mention: “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” ranks right up there with “Happy Birthday” as a song that’s trickled off your tongue. But did you know the song was written by a guy who had never been to a baseball game? YOU DON’T SAY
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 breakdown 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.
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Your Favorite Everyday Products That Started With Sports
You don’t say?
(Podcast length - 6:10 mins)
Whether or not you like sports, the industry has created products that are right under your nose.
Transcript
1. The age-old question of “why aren’t my football players peeing during games” resulted in the development of Gatorade. In the summer of 1965, a University of Florida football coach sat down with a team of physicians to understand why the heat affected his players. The team of doctors soon determined that the Gators players were losing fluids and electrolytes from sweating, and they weren’t being replaced by water. They created Gatorade, and it powered the team to reach their first-ever Orange Bowl appearance the following season. Word soon spread about this magical drink, and the rest is history. The first “Gatorade Shower” took place after Super Bowl 21 on January 25, 1987, when the famed drink was dumped over the winning coach’s head. The brand wasn’t without controversy. Its ad featured in Playboy Magazine certainly turned some heads. WELL, THAT’S SPORTY
2. Many inspirational quotes tell you to look through your windshield, not your rearview mirror, but those authors were clearly not race car drivers. The mirror that we take for granted in our cars every day was a product of Indy Car racing. Instead of having a riding mechanic (aka a spotter) sit behind him in the car in the 1911 Indy 500, driver Ray Harroun chose to mount a mirror above his dashboard to see what was going on behind him. (Spoiler alert: the aerodynamic advantages of being a one-person vs. a two-person car led him to the win). Rearview mirrors began to be standard equipment in consumer cars in the 1970s. AND HERE WE THOUGHT IT WAS FOR CHECKING FOR FOOD IN OUR TEETH
3. While athleisure is a relatively new fashion trend, Lululemon entered the scene in 1998 with the first yoga pant. The quarantine workday pant that we all love started as a high-end alternative to the available cotton leggings. The Luon fabric made of nylon and Lycra—synthetic elastic fibers morphed into a culture-shifting phenomenon, leaving pants, including jeans, scrambling. Lululemon was not without controversies, including a mouthy founder and the costly $67M mistake of see-through pants disaster. NAMASTE (WORKING IN MY YOGA PANTS)
4. Irvin Johnson, not to be confused with Ervin Johnson, aka Magic Johnson, was a bodybuilder and a scientist. In the early 1950s, he developed the first protein powder. His dissolvable protein, “Johnson’s Hi-Protein Food,” was a milk and egg-based concoction. Johnson changed his name to ‘Rheo Blair’ after a spiritualist told him he’d have more luck if his name contained more ‘R’s. Well, we guess it worked as Blair/Johnson started a $4.72B U.S. Market (2020) for protein powders. GOOD TO THE LAST DROP
5. If you’ve ever cruised down the street on your bike with your brilliant brain strapped into a helmet, you can thank football players. Lafayette player George Barclay commissioned the first known helmet. His teammates were growing out their hair for extra padding, but he asked a harnessmaker to create a head strap with earmuffs made of padded leather. The first sign of a football helmet as we know it was created in 1893 by U.S. Naval Academy player Joseph Reeve. After being kicked in the head too many times, he put together a moleskin hat with earflaps to prevent further injury. Paratroopers later used his invention during World War I. THAT’S USING YOUR NOGGIN
Honorable mention: One product, nutrition bars, you would assume started with sports but low and behold, the nutrition bar as we know it was formulated by NASA. OUTTA THIS WORLD
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 breakdown 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.
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The 5 Things You Need To Know About March Madness
Leveling the playing field for this month’s hottest topic.
(Podcast length - 5:30 mins)
Whether you’re a bracket expert or could care less about who is hitting the hardwood, we’ll bring you up to speed and level the playing field when it comes to America’s favorite tournament, March Madness.
Transcript
1. The March Madness basketball tournament features 68 teams vying for the championship. For this year’s tournament, which is single-elimination, the NCAA will be hosting every game in Indiana, with most of the tournament's matchups taking place in Indianapolis. The women’s tournament will take place in San Antonio. Usually, the tournament’s different stages are held nationwide but with COVID, limiting travel is essential for safety. But there will be fans. Arenas will be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity when the men’s tournament starts on Thursday, March 18 and the women’s tournament on Sunday, March 21, in San Antonio. The championship games are April 5 and April 4, respectively. ALL-IN
2. Are you feeling blue about your men’s bracket? That might be the ticket to winning. Louisville is the only national championship team in the past 17 seasons that did not have blue as a school color. Want to pick your bracket by the mascot or best celebrity alum? Fine with us! Join our bracket and choose however you want. (There’s even autofill). BLUE DANCING SHOES
3. When choosing your bracket in this single-elimination tournament, remember that the most likely upset is a No. 12 team over a No. 5. Only once in the tournament’s history has a No. 16 team upset a No. 1 seeded team. PICKING A WINNER
4. In previous years, we’ve seen more than $6.3 billion lost in workplace productivity. Who knows what that number will look like with so many people working from home. 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. DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH
5. In a year where major basketball programs like Duke and Kentucky didn’t make the cut for the tournament, everyone’s favorite underdog Gonzaga is thriving. They’re looking to do something that hasn’t been done in 45 years – finish the season undefeated. Gonzaga is the tournament’s top-ranked team with Illinois, Baylor and Michigan taking the other No. 1 spots. LEADERS OF THE PACK
On the women’s side, keep your eye on Page Bueckers, a freshman at UConn. She has had a phenomenal season but will be without her head coach Geno Auriemma for a few tournament games after testing positive for COVID. Auriemma has coached UCONN to 11 titles. Chris Daley will step into his shoes, which she has done during the regular season, and hopes to lead the Huskies to a win (or two).
Curious about how COVID will impact this single-elimination tournament? Need more pointers on picking your bracket? Check out our guide to making sense of March Madness.
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 breakdown 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.
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The Stories Behind Baseball's Best Traditions
From “Sweet Caroline” to the mascot that swims in a beer barrel to “Take Me Out To Ballgame.”
(Podcast length - 5:30 mins)
The sport of baseball has been around a long time and that means teams have had a long time to come up with interesting (and sometimes questionable) traditions.
Transcript
1. Who doesn’t love to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch? Legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray was the “best” at it. (Meaning he was no Whitney Houston but it was iconic Cubs). After Caray passed away, the Cubs began bringing in celebrity guests to sing the famed song. Some were better than others but at any given home game you could see the likes of Mr. T, actor Vince Vaughn or even the Cookie Monster up in the booth singing to the crowd. BUY ME SOME PEANUTS AND CRACKER JACKS
2. Bernie Brewer, the beloved mascot of the Milwaukee Brewers, has a fan-favorite tradition of sliding down a giant yellow slide after every Brewers’ home run. This trip from his “dugout” down the slide wasn’t always so family-friendly. Back in the seventies, Bernie would slide from his beer barrel chalet, which looked like something out of Disneyland meets the Alps, into a giant mug of beer to celebrate. His splashdown shifted to the tradition we know today when the team opened their new stadium in 2001. BOTTOMS UP
3. The tradition of singing “Sweet Caroline” during the 8th inning wasn’t always a thing. It started in 1997 with ballpark music maestro Amy Tobey playing the song for a friend who had a daughter named Caroline. Tobey would only play the song between the seventh and ninth innings when the Red Sox were winning the game. Then a new member of the front office saw how the fans were responding to it and pushed for it to become the Red Sox's ‘thing,’ being played at every home game regardless of whether or not the team was winning. And the rest is history. GOOD TIMES NEVER SEEMED SO GOOD
4. You may have never voted for your presidential candidate based on their 40-yeard dash speed, but you will when you go to a Washington Nationals game. Hold onto your hats because in the fourth inning, some of your favorite presidents race for the title of champion. The President’s Race is a tradition that started back in 2006 and you can catch your favorite Mt. Rushmore presidents: Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson and Roosevelt trotting around the outfield track during every home game. Sometimes they’re joined by special guests like Coolidge, Hoover and Taft. At Sunday home games, you can find these fast-footed presidents in their "Sunday Best" period costumes, which were modeled after a Bette Midler concert puppet. FINALLY, SOMETHING POLITICAL WE CAN ALL AGREE ON
5. In order to pay homage to Houston’s Union Station, which now partly serves as the team store, a train was installed in the Houston Astros stadium, Minute Maid Park, back in 2000. The train takes a 40-second trip back and forth for every home run hit by the home team. ALL ABOARD
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 breakdown 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.
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Athlete Wives Who Bring Home The Bacon
Successful, powerful and making sh*t happen.
(Podcast length - 4:27 mins)
Being an athlete’s wife often carries a stereotype, but these women have blown that bias out of the water.
Transcript
1. The legend of this group is undoubtedly Victoria (Adams) Beckham. She and David Beckham met at a charity soccer match at the height of her career as a member of the Spice Girls. She followed him to Los Angeles for his career, but she had already made a name for herself in the states with her luxury fashion brand Victoria Beckham. She recently added Victoria Beckham Beauty to her long list of accomplishments. AND SHE MAKES IT LOOK EFFORTLESS
2. Many regard Tom Brady (NFL - National Football League) as the G.O.A.T., but he hasn’t always been paid that way. He took pay cuts to direct the team money toward bringing in better players to build an overall better team. How? As he once said in an interview, “My wife makes a lot of money. I’m a little smarter than you think.” Gisele Bündchen was the highest-paid model for 10 years in a row, but did you know that she has released a handful of covers of popular songs? She’s also a New York Times bestseller, an entrepreneur building Ipanema sandals, a philanthropist, environmentalist and a mom, whose net worth is more than her husband’s. BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS
3. She may have been a small-town girl when she won “American Idol,” but Carrie Underwood had her eyes on a successful career and has never looked back. We all know she’s a multiple Grammy Award-winning artist, but she’s also the founder of athleisure company CALIA by Carrie Underwood. She met now retired NHL (National Hockey League) player Mike Fisher when her bassist set them up on a blind date and the rest is history. For all that they have, they still enjoy the simple life. For Christmas, Fisher bought her two cows for their property outside of Nashville. SIMPLE AND SWEET
4. If you love to cook, you’ve likely cooked a recipe created by Ayesha Curry. The Canadian chef and TV personality has written bestselling cookbooks, opened her own restaurants across the country and has her own cookware line at Target. She does that while raising three children with her husband, NBA (National Basketball Association) great Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors). SHE DOES IT ALL
5. Long before she was Mrs. Russell Wilson, we knew Ciara for her “Goodies,” “1,2 Step” and her acting career. She and Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks - NFL) first stepped out in 2015 and have been head over heels for each other ever since. The two bonded over faith (they were famously celibate until they married) and philanthropy. The singer who has had her singles reach the top ten Billboard Top 100 spots eight times is still cranking out hits to this day. THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE
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 breakdown 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.
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The 5 Docuseries You Need To Add To Your Watch List
You’ve reached the end of Netflix, now what?
(Podcast length - 6:10 mins)
Have you reached the end of Netflix? Here are five great docuseries, most of which were recommended to us by you, to add to your wish list.
Transcript
1. Many of you sports and non-sports lovers have told us that this is the documentary to add to the list. Get into the minds of some of the world’s greatest coaches with “The Playbook” (Netflix). From Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou to basketball great Doc Rivers to U.S. Women’s National Team (soccer) leader Jill Ellis, these legends share their personal recipes for success while inspiring the viewer to be a better leader. A MUST SEE
2. Last Chance U profiles college football players in their last chance effort for redemption. It follows players at different junior colleges over five seasons fighting for their chance to make it to the next level even when life’s challenges get in the way. John Franklin III, who was featured on the docuseries, went on to win a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year, Courteney Cox announced that she would be producing and starring in a scripted drama based on the show's first two seasons. Will she play the star of the first two seasons, fan-favorite Brittany Wagner? Wagner is the East Mississippi Community College’s team academic advisor, who is tasked with getting all team members to graduate on time. I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU
3. If you haven’t seen Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance” (Netflix), stop what you’re doing, clear your calendar immediately and make it your mission to finish the show. At the height of COVID, this show was what we all needed. The drive, the passion and the work ethic from Michael Jordan in his heyday was something to be admired. It’s more than just basketball; there is drama, drag queens and the occasional food poisoning. FOR THE WIN
4. We’ve never met an ESPN “30 for 30” (ESPN+) that we didn’t like. From the most controversial mainstream topics to the obscure, the storytelling sucks you in like a pair of Spanx. You turn it on, and the next thing you know, you are all-in. Might we recommend “The Two Escobars?” It's about two Columbians with the same last name - a famous soccer player Andres Escobar Escobar and the head of a drug cartel, Pablo Escobar. There’s also “June 17, 1994,” where the story toggles between a litany of sporting events (World Cup, NBA Finals, Stanely Cup Parade) that happened on the same day as the famed O.J. Simpson Bronco chase. COZY UP FOR A NIGHT IN
5. The first series to win an Academy Award for ESPN was “O.J. Simpson: Made in America” (ESPN+). The nearly eight-hour series tells the story of the college and NFL great O.J. Simpson. But this docuseries is so much more than that. It dives headfirst into celebrity, race, the criminal justice system and the media in America. WORTH YOUR TIME
After yesterday's terrible car accident, an honorable mention goes to the recent Tiger Woods documentary that covers what made the golfer who he is.
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 breakdown 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.
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The 5 Most Memorable Athlete Proposals
From well thought out to spontaneous, these athlete proposals were definitely memorable.
Photo: Instagram/Jennifer Lopez
(Podcast length 4:30 mins)
While we may be approaching the end of cuffing season, we’re not quite there yet as we approach the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day. (Or at least that’s what Hallmark tells us to believe).
Transcript
1. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and tennis superstar Serena Williams met in Rome when they were staying at the same hotel, so it seemed only logical that he flew her back to that meet-cute moment to propose. She announced their engagement with a poem on, where else, Reddit. THAT’S AMORE
2. You know what no one wants after a five-course romantic meal for two? Actual romance. Hence why legendary competitive eater Joey Chestnut proposed on stage before the annual Fourth of July Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Afterward, he went on to devour 61 hot dogs and buns and win the mustard belt and his competitive eater fiancé’s heart. ‘RELISH’ THE MOMENT
3. While we were all distracted by the size of her ring, the story of Alex Rodriguez’s proposal to Jennifer Lopez is quite understated. The two were on vacation in the Bahamas when he proposed at sunset. The sweet moment went down without a hitch, and that’s probably because the former major league baseball player was so nervous that he practiced it three times before the big moment. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
4. You’d think a focused athlete like Megan Rapinoe has a plan for everything, and she usually does but not in the case of her proposal to her longtime girlfriend, Sue Bird. The gorgeous photo of their engagement might look otherwise, but Rapinoe got down on one knee while on vacation with Bird without a plan or a ring. Rapinoe gave her a ring that she was already wearing because the “moment just felt right” to pop the question then. The two met at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where they were both competing for gold, Rapinoe in soccer and Bird in women’s basketball. (COUPLE) GOAAAAAL(S)
5. You could search the world, but you’d be hard-pressed to find other couples who have the same proposal story. Houston Astros (MLB – Major League Baseball) player Carlos Correra won the World Series and then immediately gave his girlfriend a ring of her own. Right there on the field after the win, Correra dropped down on one knee and asked Daniella Rodriguez to marry him. CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
An honorable mention goes to the most surprising proposal that we know nothing about – Green Bay Packers quarterback (NFL – National Football League) Aaron Rodgers and actress Shailene Woodley. You’ll be the first to know when we find out about these two who are riding off into the sunset together.
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 breakdown 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.
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The 5 Things You Need To Know About The 2021 Super Bowl
Here’s how to get your game face on, even if you don’t care about the game on the field.
(Podcast length 5:45 mins - the transcript is below)
We have plenty to talk about for those who prefer the commercials and the halftime show over the game when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the defending Super Bowl Champ Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Transcript
1. Three familiar brands you won’t see paying $5.5 M for a 30 second Super Bowl commercial this year are Coke, Pepsi and Budweiser. The three big brands join Audi and Avocados from Mexico in skipping the big game advertising altogether. Budweiser is reallocating the media investment to raise vaccine awareness. Pepsi (Mountain Dew and Frito-Lay) and Anheuser-Busch (Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and their seltzers) will still promote other products. As a side note, because of COVID, there will be no viewing parties, and people are hungry for something to watch, so experts expect this Super Bowl to be one of the biggest viewing audiences in history. THE RIGHT MOVE?
2. Two women making history this Sunday are youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman and Referee Sarah Thomas. Gorman will recite an original poem that will honor three pandemic heroes who are the game's honorary captains. It will be the first time a poet participates in the Super Bowl pregame festivities. Thomas will be the first woman to ever officiate at the Super Bowl. JUST THE BEGINNING
3. Let’s talk quarterbacks. There’s quite the age difference between the two starting quarterbacks - Tom Brady, 43, the oldest quarterback in the league and Patrick Mahomes, 25, one of the youngest. Mahomes was six-years-old when Brady played in his first Super Bowl. In fact, Brady is 7 years younger than Mahomes’ professional baseball player father. THAT STINGS A BIT
4. The Bucs will be wearing their white jerseys when they play at home. They reportedly chose the white jerseys because Tom Brady is 4-1 in Super Bowls while wearing white. In 13 of the last 16 Super Bowl games, the winning team was wearing white jerseys. WINTER WHITE
5. Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan will be singing the national anthem and H.E.R. will sing “America the Beautiful.” Be prepared to be blinded by the lights of The Weeknd as he performs at halftime. He spent $7 million of his own money to make the halftime show more “cinematic,” so you’re in for a treat. Spoiler alert: None of the performers are paid for their appearance at the Super Bowl, but the NFL does pay for the production costs (minus the above and beyond that The Weeknd is paying for). MUSIC TO OUR EARS
There’s more where that came from in our Guide to Super Bowl LV. Sunday’s game will air at 6:30 pm EST on CBS.
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 breakdown 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.
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Five Unwritten Rules Of Sports
We made these mistakes so you don't have to.
(Podcast length 5:57 mins - the transcript is below)
If you don't know, then now you know.
Transcript
1. Don’t walk across the green. Have you ever seen golfers squat behind the ball before they putt? They’re lining up their shot - imagine an actual line from the ball to the hole. That’s why you NEVER EVER walk across the green. If you walk across the green and end up walking through another golfer’s line, their ball could rollover your footprint and possibly change direction. While walking through someone’s line is disrespectful and annoying, it’s best to stay off the green as much as possible. Better to be safe than sorry!
2. Kick the ball out of bounds if an opposing player is hurt. This is one of the more sincere and compassionate unwritten rules of sports. In soccer, when a player gets hurt, the referee usually blows the whistle to stop play. However, the ref doesn’t always see it, therefore it is customary to kick the ball out of bounds. (This is assuming the player who hurt is actually down and not faking one of those Academy Award-winning performances we sometimes associate with soccer). Most of the time, the team that kicked the ball out will get it back, but even if your team doesn’t, it’s the right thing to do and you can pat yourself on the back for being a respectful opponent.
3. Don’t bunt during a no-hitter. It’s no secret that being on the opposite side of a no-hitter in baseball sucks. It’s pretty dang embarrassing for the other team. But for the pitcher, it’s a feat unlike any other. The first thought for the team up against the pitcher would be to bunt -just an easy little tap and then an all-out sprint to first base. Simple, right? Just one hit, and the frustration ends? No. Nope. Can’t do it. Why? Well, even though there’s no written rule for it, it’s a respect thing, so don’t do it.
4. Don’t shoot a last-second basket when your team is up. This one might seem like a no-brainer when your basketball team is up by a lot, and the other team is dragging a bit because they know they’re not going to win. It would be super easy to run the length of the court and hit the most impressive slam dunk of all time. Don’t do it. There’s no reason to do it except to embarrass yourself and the losing team. It’s disrespectful and adds nothing to the game itself. Although nobody can technically stop you, an earful from your coach and some snide remarks from opposing players will be sure to follow.
5. Don’t even think about an onside kick if you’re demolishing the other team. This unwritten rule in football is similar to not shooting a last-second basket when you’re up by a lot. An onside kick is a kickoff strategy that involves the kicking team kicking the ball more laterally and a shorter distance so their team can more easily retrieve the ball. When you’re up by a lot in football, an onside kick is flashy, obnoxious, and there’s really no reason for your team to need the ball back when they’re not receiving. Not onside kicking when you’re up by a lot is just a respect thing. Just like running up the score a bunch just because you can is disrespectful, so is this. Be a good sport.
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 breakdown 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.
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What You Didn't Know About Sports Teams Visiting The White House
The antics and the history around the tradition of celebrating for champions at the White House.
Photo: Instagram/LSU Football
(Podcast length 4:45 mins - the transcript is below)
What better way to talk politics but not really? Let’s discuss the antics when athletes head to the White House.
Transcript
1. The tradition of sports teams visiting the White House began in 1865, but it wasn’t until 1924 that President Calvin Coolidge celebrated the World Series Champion Washington Senators (baseball). Although the NBA (National Basketball Association) champs didn’t make their first visit until 1963, NFL (National Football League) in 1980 and NHL (National Hockey League) 1991. The regular tradition of welcoming the championship teams from professional, collegiate and Olympic sports really started with President Ronald Reagan.
2. Since you never show up to a party empty-handed, teams typically bring along their winning trophy and a gift for the president, usually a team jersey, or in Texas A&M’s case, a pair of A&M cowboy boots. When the New York Giants (NFL) visited, they brought their own snacks. The team dumped a cooler full of popcorn on President Reagan to honor the traditional merriment of pouring Gatorade on the head coach to celebrate a victory. A DREAM COME TRUE
3. Plenty of teams, especially collegiate teams, fly in and out on the same day, but others stay in hopes of leaving a lasting impression. When the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) visited the White House, the team and the president packed over 3,000 care packages for troops serving overseas. During their time in D.C., the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) visited wounded veterans and the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team put on a youth soccer clinic. DOING THE MOST GOOD
4. It’s not always warm and fuzzy as some players boycott the visit and use it as an opportunity to speak out against the president’s policies or the government. It used to be rare to decline the invitation, but we’ve seen a lot of that in President Trump’s presidency with partial rosters attending or entire teams declining to attend the visit. While there are still plenty of championship teams that visited the White House during his tenure, President Trump never extended an invitation to the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) champions. RAIN CHECK
5. No matter who the sitting president is, the overwhelming majority of athletes who visit the White House talk about the surreal and unbelievable experience. While most presidents avoid restricted areas of the White House, President Trump was known for throwing the Secret Service for a loop and bringing his athletic visitors into the Oval Office and other rooms usually not open to the public. A CASUAL HOME TOUR
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 breakdown 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.
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The 5 Bachelor Contestants Who Will Give Matt James A Run For His Money
Who will be the perfect match for the former football player when it comes to physical fitness?
Photo: ABC/The Bachelor
(Podcast length 4:31 mins - the transcript is below)
There has been no shortage of athletes when it comes to the men of “The Bachelor” franchise but what about the ladies? Mandy Clemens from Jesse Palmer’s season remains the only female member of the franchise who played an NCAA (i.e. college) sport.
That got us thinking, who on Matt James’ season could hang with the former football player when it comes to physical fitness. Because you know his family and friends seem like the type to run a turkey trot on Thanksgiving.
Transcript
Abigail
The first thing we learned about Abigail is she has a hearing impairment but that didn’t stop the 25-year-old from earning the first impression rose and the first kiss on night one. The small town girl (Beaverton, OR has less than 98k people) loves to be outdoors and is ready to hit the links with Matt, 29. She has plenty of practice as she loves to play golf with her grandparents. CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT HOMETOWN DATE
Bri
Front runner Bri’s favorite activity may be brunching (whose isn’t?) but she loves spending time outdoors hitting the beach and hiking. Now Matt may live in Manhattan but even a city boy could use some time outside. Bri also has a tattoo on her rib cage that reads “thirteen” in Farsi so maybe she and Matt can take in an outdoor Taylor Swift concert or two as well? LOVE STORY
Illeana
Illeana is not only an entrepreneur like Matt but she’s also into health and fitness. The former synchronized ice skater made her own nutritional snack called “Funky Munky Energy.” It might be the perfect fireside snack while out on the ice. No word if her cat Sir Theo, who goes to the bathroom in a toilet, is into said nutritional snack though. I THINK WE’RE IMPRESSED?
Anna
While Matt will probably not be taking Anna from Chicago out fishing - she’s TERRIFIED of fish - she is an experience junkie. The girl who once convinced a pilot to let her fly a plane over the Minnesota bluffs seems like she would be up for any fitness challenge thrown her way. Will she and Matt paddleboard off into the sunset? TIME WILL TELL
Serena C.
Flight attendant Serena C. finds her happiest place in the closet putting together the perfect outfit but she does love a good chicken wing. (Maybe Super Bowl is her favorite holiday since over 5 billion wings are consumed that day)? Since her feet are never planted firmly on the ground and she's always up for an adventure we could see her being game for physical fitness, provided she has the right attire. WANNA GET AWAY?
If you haven’t already, make sure to select your picks in our Bachelor Bracket in partnership with I Hate Green Beans. If you want a brilliant recap of the last 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.
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 breakdown 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.
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The 5 Things You Need To Know About The College Football National Championship Game
DVR “The Bachelor” on Monday; this one’s going to be good.
(Podcast length 6:06 mins - the transcript is below)
Starting off 2021 with the second biggest football event of the year.
Transcript
1. The College Football National Championship Game is set between the Crimson Tide from Alabama (No. 1) and The Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 3). The game will take place where everyone wants to go in the winter – Miami on Monday, January 11. If necessary (and there’s a good possibility this could happen), the game would be pushed back to January 18. Both teams’ head coaches have had COVID, so all they can hope for is that you can’t get COVID twice. HOLDING OUR BREATH
2. Since it’s all about the Benjamins, a conference will receive $6 million for each team that is selected for the semifinal games. (Notre Dame, Clemson, Alabama and Ohio State played in the semifinals). Keep in mind that this money goes to the conferences, not the schools directly, to distribute as they see fit. These were the payouts originally promised, but they could be smaller after a season and playoffs without fans. WHO’S GOING TO PAY THE BILLS?
3. Because why not? There will be friends, family and fans in the stands in Miami. The schools were given 3,750 tickets each and there will be 16,000 fans in attendance. The fans will have a chance to see the newest Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith (wide receiver) from Alabama, as well as Heisman runner-up in ‘Bama quarterback Mac Jones. The Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields was a Heisman finalist in 2019 and is a darn good football player, but he didn’t play enough games to impress the Heisman voters this year. Fields is also battling an undisclosed injury, which is likely his ribs, an injury sustained in the semifinals. IN IT TO WIN IT
4. If you’re keeping score, Alabama has won as recently as 2017 and Ohio State, 2014. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is currently tied with legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant with the most Titles at six. If he wins this game, he will break the record. (Anyone remember all the Bear Bryant references in “Sweet Home Alabama?” It makes sense now). LIGHTBULB MOMENT
5. It’s been quite the rollercoaster season for Ohio State. In August, the Big Ten (their conference) cancelled the season, only to reverse the decision later. But they didn’t make it to the championship game without controversy. Ohio State didn’t play the necessary number of games to qualify for their conference championship game, but they got in anyway. (Their last game was cancelled due to COVID, and even if they would’ve played and lost, they still would’ve qualified for the conference championship. Now you know in case it comes up). STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM NOW WE’RE HERE
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 breakdown 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.
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The 5 Most Memorable Moments Of 2020
Sports transcended real life this year and, in many cases, led the charge for change.
(Podcast length 6:47 mins - the transcript is below)
2020 - a year unlike any other. Here are the moments to remember, for better or for worse.
Transcript
1. The year started with a punch to the gut when basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died in a morning helicopter crash. The shock wave was felt around the world, impacting the greatest of athletes to the everyday person. Their legend lives on through the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation and their work in making sports accessible to all. We hope in 2021 that Orange County (where the Bryant family still calls home) will continue the tradition of “Kobe Bryant Day” on August 24 (8/24 - his two jersey numbers). In a bittersweet moment, the Lakers won their first championship since the Kobe era this year. THE LEGEND LIVES ON
2. 2020 was a tough year for many, but it was a year filled with milestones for women in sports. From the hiring of Kim Ng by the Miami Marlins as the first-ever female general manager in MLB (Major League Baseball) to Callie Brownson of the Cleveland Browns, who became the first woman to coach an NFL (National Football League) position group during a regular-season game. Brownson again made history when she and Jennifer King, Washington Football Team's full-year coaching intern and NFL official Sarah Thomas were part of the first regular-season game in NFL history to have a female coach on both sidelines and a female official. We can’t leave out DC United (MLS - Major League Soccer) hiring Danita Johnson as president of business operations, making her the first Black woman or man to serve as a team president and one of the highest-ranking female club executives in league history. CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP
3. The topic that dominated 2020 and the world of sports, COVID-19. We’ll never forget March 11, the day sports stopped when Rudy Gobert of the NBA (National Basketball Association) tested positive for COVID, and it subsequently spread through the league. The sports world will remember the look of shock and disbelief on Mark Cuban’s face when he received notice courtside that the basketball season had been suspended. There were plenty of unknowns that led to a lack of confidence in any sports proceeding this year but led to playing in a bubble for some leagues and cancelled/rescheduled games in others. This year also brought us brilliant acts of COVID kindness from the sports community, new champions and, of course, resilience. WE SHALL PREVAIL
4. After the unexplained death of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Jacob Blake and so many countless others, athletes had had enough. The Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) led the movement that stopped sports in protest of the racial injustice in America. The movement that started in Milwaukee quickly spread across the NBA and the sports world. We saw NASCAR’s (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) Bubba Wallace become a household name after a noose was found in his garage at a race track. Wallace is the only Black driver on the professional circuit. The drivers came together and it led to changes, including NASCAR outlawing confederate flags at races. Superstars like LeBron James started “More Than A Vote,” a non-partisan organization to combat systemic, racist voter suppression. Their efforts included rallying sporting facilities to become polling places. While there is still a long way to go, leagues, owners and athletes across sports have listened to their communities. They have pledged millions of dollars to support programs, implement best practices and start a movement that will lead our country in the right direction. BETTER TOGETHER
5. While we were all quarantined, we binged watched a lot of TV. On the heels of the “Tiger King” phenomenon came Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance.” Because we were all at home glued to the TV for any sense of normalcy, the production of the series was moved up by a few months and it was a hit. Sports fans and non-sports fans rejoiced in Jordan’s victories and felt the pain of his perils. Since you haven’t made it until you’re a meme, there were plenty of Jordan memes to go around, like the one about him eating an entire pizza himself - and subsequently coming down with food poisoning. If you haven’t seen the series yet, you’re in for a treat. (Also, where have you been)? FOR THE WIN
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 breakdown 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.
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It's Back! The NBA Season Returns - The 5 Things You Need To Know
Expect the unexpected.
(Podcast length 5:23 mins - the transcript is below)
We know it seems like just yesterday that we wrapped up last season and you’re right – it was. While the players had the shortest off-season ever, we’re excited they’re back. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Transcript
1. The NBA (National Basketball Association) season may start today but the league has only released half of the season schedule. They did this to leave flexibility for cancelled and rescheduled games but we do know that the season has been shortened from 82 to 72 games. The NBA All-Star Game was scheduled to be in Indianapolis but it has been cancelled with those dates serving as a possibility to make up missed/cancelled games. (Indianapolis will instead get the big game in 2024). BEST LAID PLANS
2. The Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship on October 11 in the “bubble.” which makes for the shortest offseason ever (71 days) between seasons. There will be no bubble this year but the league has put in strict rules to keep players, coaches and personnel healthy including fining or suspending players for breaking the rules. Teams could also lose draft picks if they violate the rules. KICK ‘EM WHERE IT COUNTS
3. “Load management” has become a hot topic in the NBA. That means resting a healthy player (usually a star player) for a game with eyes on the postseason vs the game at hand. The league approved fines of up to $100,000 for resting a player during a nationally televised game. Why? Well, the league puts together these blockbuster matchups that are made for TV and if the big named players don’t play, viewer numbers fall. This will be more challenging for some teams vs. others with the Lakers playing 16 nationally televised games and seven teams have none on the schedule. DON’T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU
4. Like many people during the cold winters, the Toronto Raptors have become snowbirds, moving to Tampa to play this season. The team relocated because of the travel restrictions between Canada and the U.S. but escaping cold weather sounds like a good idea too. Coming from the other side of the continent, the Golden State Warriors are scheduled to travel the most miles during the first half of the season – 20,871 flight miles. GOLD STATUS HERE WE COME
5. As strict as the league is being with the team personnel, there is no directive from the NBA on fans in the stands. Like the NFL (National Football League), they have left the decision on fans to individual teams and medical personnel. For now, five teams will be hosting fans - Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors (by way of Tampa). SOLD OUT CROWDS NO MORE
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 breakdown 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.
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Tell Me Something Good - Athletes Who Give Back In A Big Way
Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
(Podcast length 5:23 mins - the transcript is below)
If volunteering reduces depression and early mortality rates, these athletes are going to be the happiest centenarians around.
Transcript
1. John Cena’s heart is bigger than his biceps. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler’s mantra is “Never Give Up” and that’s what he’s told the countless Make-A-Wish kids he’s met with. There are so many moments to make you smile like the time he had a tea party with one Make-A-Wish visitor, while decked out in his full wrestling regalia. Because of the orchestrated nature of his sport, he’s even gone as far as to weave certain moves requested by the kids into his “performance” during a matchup. TINY UNIFORM, BIG HEART
2. Love him or hate him, LeBron James (NBA -National Basketball Association) has left the community better than he found it. His big project is the I Promise School in Akron, OH. The school serves nearly 300 at-risk third and fourth graders. In the first year, the year-round school has seen growth among the 90% of students – who started the school year at least one year behind grade level – met or exceeded their expected growth in math and reading. He recently purchased an old restaurant to turn into a multi-purpose facility for the I PROMISE families. CHANGING THE FUTURE
3. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff are among the NFL (National Football Association) players donating Christmas trees to their local communities. Through a partnership with Lowe’s they will be donating over 13,000 trees to homes and facilities like first responder stations, nonprofit housing organizations and youth centers. DELIVERING HAPPINESS
4. No act goes unnoticed and Virginia’s head men’s basketball coach made a selfless choice that will benefit so many others. After winning the first-ever national championship for the school, coach Tony Bennett recently turned down a raise. In an unprecedented move, he asked that the money be given to his assistant coaches and the school. He also pledged $500,000 toward a career development program for current and former UVA basketball players. GOOD GUY
5. International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his cover model looks, supreme soccer skills and the big payday those bring in. While he’s not afraid to write a significant check, he’s also been known to roll up his sleeves, literally, as a frequent blood donor. The father of four has made a huge impact on his young fans all over the world. In one instance, he invited a Syrian orphan, who lost both his parents in the war, to a game and spent time with him. He has also paid for numerous children’s lifesaving medical treatments. His signature move is auctioning off coveted trophies he’s been awarded with the proceeds going to charity. INTERNATIONAL MAN OF GOOD
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 breakdown 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.
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Need Last-Minute Gift Ideas? The 5 Best Gifts Athletes Have Given Each Other
Way better than coal in your stocking.
(Podcast length 5:00 mins - the transcript is below)
The holidays may look a little different this year but that shouldn’t stop you from window shopping.
Transcript
1. Truly a gift from the heart. For years Peyton Manning wrote handwritten notes to athletes and sports figures who he admired. He spent his off-season writing to the people on this list, usually after they reached a milestone or retired. He would make note of the person’s respect for the game along with his notes of best wishes. AN INVALUABLE GIFT
2. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (aka Mr. Ciara) gifted his linemen (the big guys on the line of scrimmage that protect him from the other team) each $12,000 in Amazon stock when he signed his new four-year/$140 million contract. Previously he gave his offensive linemen TVs and the entire team two-first class airline tickets. Let’s just hope they cashed them in before COVID. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
3. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line is a giving group who put a new spin on gift-giving. Instead of exchanging with each other, they pooled their money in order to give special bonuses for staff members who might get overlooked. These are the people that take care of them every day like the kitchen staff, trainers and the equipment team. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
4. Gifts with wheels are very popular. Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott gave his linemen John Deere UTVs and Tom Brady gifted his linemen new Audi A7s. Hall of Fame running back (and Dancing with the Stars winner) Emmitt Smith left a key to a new Hummer in each of his linemen's lockers. Smith had his teammates jumping up and down like little kids. Too bad they were actually for the remote-controlled version. NOW WE'RE TALKING
5. New York Giants’ Saquon Barkley feels the way so many of us do about gift-giving. Barkley admitted to NJ Advance Media, “I’m not really good with gifts. I gave them an option. I gave those guys a limit, I’m not going to tell you what the limit is, but I told them ‘just let me know what you guys want, and I’ll get it,’ and I told some of them that if they wanted me to donate towards a foundation or a charity of their choice, I’d do that, too.” CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
A bonus round the sweets lovers in your life. Quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Trevor Siemian have a sweet spot when it comes to their linemen. Flacco, who was a backup QB at the time, bought his linemen $2,000 slushie machines for the holidays one year, because why not? And now retired Siemian loved Skittles so he bought his linemen custom parkas that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-rim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket. A DREAM COME TRUE
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 breakdown 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.
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Episode 3: Women Ask All - Holiday Edition
We're back and laughing all the way to the end of 2020 with the holiday edition.
(Podcast length 45 mins)
It's the most wonderful time of the year where we sit down again with Lincee, Lisa and Kourtney to discuss holiday tricks, gifts you should not replicate, our picks for "The Bachelorette" and of course, the best sports moments of 2020.
Show notes
Update: Since taping, it was released that Matt James’ season of “The Bachelor” was filmed in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania.
Our guests
Lincee Ray: The brilliant and witty host behind the “I Hate Green Beans” podcast. (If you don’t listen already, go subscribe ASAP). Since we have Lincee on here and we’re all Bachelor franchise fans, we’re going to have to ask about the hot mess that is the Bachelorette this season. She can say the ABCs backward, really does hate green beans and is "a little too enthusiastic about Netflix, mix tapes and holiday-themed Oreos.”
Lisa Alberti: The Connecticut gal turned Los Angeles resident has a slight addiction to buying clutches and hats and is currently listening to Heather Dubrow’s World (podcast). All while dreaming of drinking champagne in Cabo, or really anywhere slightly exotic at this point. Thanks 2020.
Kourtney Brooks: The world needs more Kourtney Brooks. Kourtney has never met a martini she didn’t like and yet still manages to get more done in one day than most do in a week. This really fun and motivated gal created TINGE, a body beauty brand that’s launching their first product line, the TINGE tint, later this fall. The TINGE tint, a lightweight, long-lasting body foundation. (Might also be why she is so fond of martinis)?
Scott Buchan: The Last Night’s Game co-founder is the man who knows all. He’s online to conquer those hard-hitting sports questions that might come our way as well as provide comic relief. Don’t worry he takes notes and this episode he learns a lot about the Hallmark Channel and Tayshia’s loves. Next thing you know he’ll be staring in a rendition of “What Women Want” after all he’s learned on this podcast.
Amy Siegfried: Our hostess with the mostest and Last Night’s Game co-founder turned podcast host. She’s in charge of asking the questions you submit, keeping the panel on topic (her hardest job yet) and making sure everyone’s bios say something nice. (And yes in case you’re wondering, Scott is her brother hence the hilarious family references).
Links to things we talked about:
Tailgate Treats (make sure to check out Lincee and Kourtney’s featured recipes. Check back for new recipes every Friday)
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 breakdown 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.
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Sports Love Stories Destined For The Hallmark Channel
The meet-cutes that led to love. Cue the snowfall.
(Podcast length 6:30 mins - the transcript is below)
Holiday love stories are bringing home the bacon for the Hallmark Channel and Netflix this holiday season, so it’s only a matter of time before ESPN jumps on board.
Transcript
1. Timing is everything. A few divorces and a handful of years couldn’t keep these two star-crossed lovers apart. Jennifer Lopez and former MLB (Major League Baseball) player and broadcaster Alex Rodriguez had been friends for years. They dated, married and divorced other people and then they were both single. Then there was the text that changed everything. ARod was nervous during a dinner together so he excused himself and went to the bathroom to readjust his thoughts. Then and there he sent his dinner date JLo a text that said “You look sexy AF” and the rest is history. WHY HAS HALLMARK NOT MADE THIS MOVIE?
2. We’ve all heard it before, a girl falls in love with a bad boy and then the bad boy breaks the girl’s heart. That and one bad pickup line bring us to our next couple. After a very public relationship with golfer Tiger Woods, skier Lindsey Vonn was introduced to NHL (National Hockey League) player P.K. Subban at the ESPYs. It was at that event that he told a reporter "It's hotter outside than Lindsey Vonn looks today, which is pretty hot." Well, the line worked. The two, who started dating in 2018 and were engaged in the summer of 2019. The wedding is on hold thanks to COVID. The couple’s passion for each other and their charitable efforts are something to admire. HEART EMOJI
3. Do you know that plotline where two members of royalty happen to run into each other at a coffee shop? This is the same but different. Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are the unofficial first couple of women’s sports. The two have been dating since meeting at the 2016 Summer Olympics and are a fixture in the Seattle sports scene. They’ve been featured on the cover of InStyle Magazine and were the first same-sex couple to grace the cover of ESPN’s Body Issue. The outspoken and seriously fashionable duo seem to have it all including a plethora of championships and safety deposit boxes for all their gold medals. The two, who were engaged in 2020, also have each other’s backs. During the Women’s World Cup, Bird, who plays for the Seattle Storm (WNBA - Women’s National Basketball Association), came to Rapinoe’s defense in her battle with President Trump, penning an essay titled “So the President F—ing Hates My Girlfriend.” ROM-COM WRITTEN ALL OVER IT
4. The love story that started with an awkward first dance. Tennis greats Steffi Graff and Andre Agassi started dating after the French Open in 1999 but their story goes back years before that. In 1992 both Graff and Agassi (who tried to pick up Graff the year before at the French Open) were winners at Wimbledon. It used to be a tradition for the two winners of Wimbledon to dance with each other at the Wimbledon Champions’ Ball. But as luck would have it, that was the year they decided to cancel the dance due to “lukewarm receptions from modern players.” It all worked out in the end as the two married in 2001 and are still together. FATE WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
5. Our final story is a modern storyline of a virtual, long-distance relationship. Together Julie and Zach Ertz have a Super Bowl championship, two World Cup victories and what do they have to prove it? A Visa commercial. The Philadelphia Eagles tight end (NFL - National Football League) and the soccer star met at a Stanford baseball game in 2012 when he offered her sunflower seeds. They had their first date at Chipotle and the rest is history. Married since 2017, together they too have bared it all for ESPN’s Body Issue. With both of them being at the pinnacles of their careers, they live the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” They say they’re lucky to have three months a year in the same city. WHEN FACETIME IS YOUR FRIEND
1. Timing is everything. A few divorces and a handful of years couldn’t keep these two star-crossed lovers apart. Jennifer Lopez and former MLB (Major League Baseball) player and broadcaster Alex Rodriguez had been friends for years. They dated, married and divorced other people and then they were both single. Then there was the text that changed everything. ARod was nervous during a dinner together so he excused himself and went to the bathroom to readjust his thoughts. Then and there he sent his dinner date JLo a text that said “You look sexy AF” and the rest is history. WHY HAS HALLMARK NOT MADE THIS MOVIE?
2. We’ve all heard it before, a girl falls in love with a bad boy and then the bad boy breaks the girl’s heart. That and one bad pickup line bring us to our next couple. After a very public relationship with golfer Tiger Woods, skier Lindsey Vonn was introduced to NHL (National Hockey League) player P.K. Subban at the ESPYs. It was at that event that he told a reporter "It's hotter outside than Lindsey Vonn looks today, which is pretty hot." Well, the line worked. The two, who started dating in 2018 and were engaged in the summer of 2019. The wedding is on hold thanks to COVID. The couple’s passion for each other and their charitable efforts are something to admire. HEART EMOJI
3. Do you know that plotline where two members of royalty happen to run into each other at a coffee shop? This is the same but different. Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are the unofficial first couple of women’s sports. The two have been dating since meeting at the 2016 Summer Olympics and are a fixture in the Seattle sports scene. They’ve been featured on the cover of InStyle Magazine and were the first same-sex couple to grace the cover of ESPN’s Body Issue. The outspoken and seriously fashionable duo seem to have it all including a plethora of championships and safety deposit boxes for all their gold medals. The two, who were engaged in 2020, also have each other’s backs. During the Women’s World Cup, Bird, who plays for the Seattle Storm (WNBA - Women’s National Basketball Association), came to Rapinoe’s defense in her battle with President Trump, penning an essay titled “So the President F—ing Hates My Girlfriend.” ROM-COM WRITTEN ALL OVER IT
4. The love story that started with an awkward first dance. Tennis greats Steffi Graff and Andre Agassi started dating after the French Open in 1999 but their story goes back years before that. In 1992 both Graff and Agassi (who tried to pick up Graff the year before at the French Open) were winners at Wimbledon. It used to be a tradition for the two winners of Wimbledon to dance with each other at the Wimbledon Champions’ Ball. But as luck would have it, that was the year they decided to cancel the dance due to “lukewarm receptions from modern players.” It all worked out in the end as the two married in 2001 and are still together. FATE WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
5. Our final story is a modern storyline of a virtual, long-distance relationship. Together Julie and Zach Ertz have a Super Bowl championship, two World Cup victories and what do they have to prove it? A Visa commercial. The Philadelphia Eagles tight end (NFL - National Football League) and the soccer star met at a Stanford baseball game in 2012 when he offered her sunflower seeds. They had their first date at Chipotle and the rest is history. Married since 2017, together they too have bared it all for ESPN’s Body Issue. With both of them being at the pinnacles of their careers, they live the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” They say they’re lucky to have three months a year in the same city. WHEN FACETIME IS YOUR FRIEND
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 breakdown 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.