LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/20/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/20/22

The Sports World Is Upping Its Game When It Comes To Mother Earth

The sports world is doing more than ditching the hot dogs for kale to save the planet.

(Podcast length 4:49 mins)

Kermit the Frog said, "it isn’t easy being green," but in the world of sports, lofty goals come true, and rivals unite all in the name of Mother Earth. And not just on Earth Day.

Transcript

1. The Forest Green Rovers, a soccer team from Western England, is the “greenest football club” (or soccer to Americans) in the world. They claim the title of the world's only vegan football club. Since 2015, there have been no animal products for sale in the stadium. Some players eat non-vegan outside of the stadium (and there are paparazzi photos to prove it), but some have adopted the vegan lifestyle. Other ways they're helping to save the planet include a field free of chemical fertilizers, using reusable energy and a "mow-bot," a GPS-directed solar-powered lawnmower. NO MEAT PIES FOR YOU

2. The name says it all - Climate Pledge Arena. The home to the Seattle Kraken (NHL – National Hockey League) and the Seattle Storm (WNBA – Women's National Basketball Association) uses no fossil fuel consumption for daily use. It also has a "rain to rink" system utilizing rainwater to resurface the ice along with waterless urinals and ultra-efficient showers. By 2024, they plan to have no single-use plastics in the arena. The price of being named the first International Living Future Institute certified zero carbon arena in the world? $1.5 billion, all from private funding. MAMA EARTH IS SO PROUD

3. There's a new league in town – the National Recycling League. Anheuser-Busch is pulling together its sports team partners in the NFL (National Football League) and MLB (Major League Baseball) to combat the lack of recycling, including the estimated 51 million plastic cups used every year at sporting events. Recycling Hawkers, or volunteers from Keep America Beautiful, will be deployed in stadiums to collect cups, cans and bottles to ensure they're recycled properly. Ten MLB teams have already signed on to be inaugural members of the "league." WHEN IN ROME

4. Pocono Motor Speedway's (NASCAR - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) green efforts benefit the earth and you. The raceway runs entirely on solar power and has sheep for lawn mowers but has an industry-specific problem – what to do with as many as 600 used tires after a race? Answer – recycle. The recycled residue from old tires is used in everyday items such as portable speed bumps and the anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen or playgrounds. WHERE THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD

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.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/13/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/13/22

Batter Up! The 5 Things You Need To Know About The MLB Season

Is there anything better than ballpark food and a cold beer? You’re about to find out.

(Podcast length 4:45 mins)

Take me out to the ballgame! Some might say that baseball is a slow, drawn-out game. That’s only true if you don’t know what to watch for. Here’s how to talk shop and of course, the best ballpark foods to eat along the way.

Transcript

1. The Atlanta Braves are the defending World Series Champions, and they have a new $151 burger to commemorate it. (No, that's not a typo). The World Champions Burger is a half-pound Waygu beef burger on a toasted, Irish-buttered brioche bun. The burger is topped with cage-free pan-fried eggs, gold-leaf-wrapped Hudson Valley foie gras, grilled cold water lobster tail, heirloom tomato, garden-fresh Bibb lettuce, Tillamook cheddar cheese and truffle aioli. DON’T TALK WITH YOUR MOUTH FULL

In a big move, we should also note that one of the Braves critical players in their World Series win, Freddie Freeman, left the Braves to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, which boasts four former MVPs.

2. Some might say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but after 50 years, there will be a designated hitter (DH) in both leagues. It used only to be an American League thing, and now both leagues will have a player who hits for the pitcher and does not play a defensive position. BATTER UP

3. Since food is our love language, let's talk more about what you can expect at the concession stands this season around the country, like Cracker Jill. Cracker Jack has unveiled baseball's favorite snack with female representation, Cracker Jill. The Texas Rangers are serving up an alligator corn dog but maybe the most unique item on any menu is the Kansas City Royals' BBQ Reese's Sandwich. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

4. While the TV broadcasts have spiced things up by doing in-game interviews with players while they're on the field, some new competition has arrived to give them a run for their money. AppleTV will stream Friday Night Baseball, Peacock will host Sunday morning games, and Amazon Prime is taking over. The New York Yankees, which notably have their own TV network, will play 21 games on Amazon Prime. MONEY TALKS

5. If you're watching a game, you might see a small device used by the catchers – PitchCom. The device is meant to stop pitch stealing. It is an electronic device that allows catchers to press buttons to signal the pitch to a pitcher and select defenders through a headset (typically shortstop/centerfield). This device also speeds up the game as you don't have to wait for pitches to be called. FULL SPEED AHEAD

Note: Even though the season starts a week later than planned due to labor negotiations, teams will still play an entire 162-game season. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred tried to extend an olive branch to the players after a 99-day bitter labor dispute by giving players Bose headphones and a note of appreciation. WORTH A SHOT

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.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/6/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/6/22

Why Everyone Loves The Masters (And You Should Too)

How ‘bout them azaleas?

(Podcast length 4:40 mins)

While golf seems so unapproachable with uptight rules and golf claps, the Masters has some fun quirks. Here’s what to say, what not to do and why a green blazer is a coveted fashion statement.

Transcript

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. Becoming 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. A 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. This year's tournament coverage is split between CBS and ESPN, so tune in to see if the networks are consistent with their nature sounds. TWEET TWEET

3. The famed Champions Dinner happens on Tuesday evening before the tournament. It's tradition for the previous winner to select the menu for the celebrated feast between all the former Masters winners. The menu selected by last year's winner and the first Japanese player to ever win The Masters, Hideki Matsuyama, will make you hungry. The menu included sushi, miso glazed black cod, Miyazaki Wagyu and a Japanese strawberry shortcake. Still, it has nothing on the Masters' cheap concessions of $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches and a $5 beer. Sadly for everyone at Augusta, supply chain shortages mean no famed Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwiches will be available this year. GREAT FOOD, GREAT COMPANY

4. The biggest story to watch on the course is who's there and who's not. After suffering devastating injuries from a car crash, Tiger Woods is back, shocking everyone. Woods said he’s ready to play for his sixth green jacket and no, he will not be using a golf cart. Three-time champion Phil Mickelson will miss The Masters for the first time since 1994 due to his controversial comments about Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-based golf league. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT

5. 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

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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 3/23/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/23/22

And The Oscar Goes To...

The most celebrated sports movies that you know and love.

(Podcast length 4 mins)

King Richard will represent the sports world when the Oscars air on Sunday night. If it wins, the movie, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and a Best Actor nomination for Will Smith, is in good company with these Oscar-award-winning sports movies.

Transcript

Million Dollar Baby (2004) This movie about a middle-class female boxer who forges a life-changing bond with her trainer is tied for the most celebrated film on our list. The movie took home Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actress (Hilary Swank), Best Director (Clint Eastwood) and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). The other flick with four wins? Chariots of Fire. GIRL ON FIRE

Rocky (1976) We all remember the iconic line of “Yo Adrian” and Sylvester Stallone’s run up the steps. Still, while the actors and their lines are what we remember, the movie took home the Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing awards. A big fat TKO for Rocky and Adrian. WE’LL STILL NEVER EAT A RAW EGG FOR BREAKFAST

Jerry Maguire (1996) Tom Cruise may have yelled “show me the money” in a story about a sports agent down on his luck, but Cuba Gooding Jr. showed them how it was done as he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. OSCAR, YOU COMPLETE ME

The Blind Side (2009) Sandra Bullock took home her first Oscar for her role as a pushy mom who takes in a homeless teen and helps to harness his talents to turn him into a football powerhouse. The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, who became a college football sensation and an NFL (National Football League) player. DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Ford vs. Ferrari (2019) The movie about the 24 hours Le Mans race pitted Christian Bale as Ken Miles and Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby against each other. The movie was nominated for four Academy Awards that included Best Picture and took home two trophies for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing. Arguably one of the best racing movies ever, the movie lost to Parasite for Best Picture. No racing-themed film has ever won Best Picture. SO YOU’RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE?

Honorable mentions: Chariots of Fire won four Academy Awards, including one for its inspiring musical score. Kobe Bryant won for his animated short, Dear Basketball. Bryant said that his win “felt better than winning a championship.” THE TROPHY ISN’T AS COOL

PS: If you prefer to watch March Madness basketball over the Academy Awards, 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 3/9/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/9/22

The 5 Things To Know To Cheer On The US Winter Paralympic Team

Awe-inspiring competition

(Podcast length 4:29 mins)

We are in the midst of the always inspiring and motivating Winter Paralympic Games. If you're wondering the story behind the name of the Games, it's derived from the Greek preposition "para" (beside or alongside). The Paralympic Games exist side-by-side with the Olympic Games as the Games take place in the exact location as the Winter Olympics). These athletes have amazing stories to share, so here's a little bit more about what you can expect.

Transcript

1. The Winter Paralympics debuted in 1976 in Sweden, 16 years after the first Summer Paralympic Games. Ten different impairments determine if an athlete is eligible to compete in the Paralympics: impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, muscle tension, uncoordinated movement, involuntary movements, vision impairment and intellectual impairment. RESILIENCE IN MOTION

2. US Paralympic winter sports athletes will receive the same medal bonus as their Olympian counterparts for the first time. Now Paralympians earn $37,500 for a gold medal, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze, increasing their payout by as much as 400 percent. NOW WE'RE TALKING

3. Around 564 athletes from 46 nations are competing across 78 medal events. These Games are smaller than the Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, which boasted 4,400 athletes. You won't see any Russian and Belarusian athletes because the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) banned both countries for their role in the war in Ukraine. But you will see the oldest athlete in Beijing, 66-year-old Pam Wilson, make her Paralympic debut in wheelchair curling. The youngest is 15-year-old vision-impaired alpine skier Elina Stary. BETTER TOGETHER

4. Flying down the slopes are skiers like Danelle Umstead from the US, who is visually impaired and relies on her husband Rob to be her guide. You won't see that the couple uses Bluetooth to communicate on the slopes, where Rob calls out commands and describes the environment so Danelle can anticipate what's coming. SO DETERMINED

5. There are so many athletes to highlight, but one to keep an eye on is Summer and Winter Paralympic star, Oksana Masters. The Ukrainian-born American held 12 Paralympic medals heading into the Games, and she landed the first gold medal for the US in Beijing. There is a host of military athletes competing this year for Team USA, including David Williams (Army/alpine skiing), Jen Lee (Army/sled hockey), Tyler Burdick (Navy/Snowboarding) and Josh Sweeney (Marines/Nordic skiing). THANK YOU

PS: If you want to know more, the Paralympics' official Instagram account has posted some excellent educational posts alongside the coverage of the games. It's a perfect account to follow for all of the action and to learn a little bit along the way.

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 3/2/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/2/22

Women Who Have Changed The Sports World For The Better

Standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.

(Podcast length 5:13 mins)

These legends have made sports more accessible to the next generation.

Transcript

1. Thanks to athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics) and Naomi Osaka (tennis), mental health became a dinner table topic. 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 Olympic women's gymnastics all-around competition. BRAINS > BRAWN

2. Billie Jean King has advocated for women's sports for more than five decades. King was a part of the Original 9, a group of trailblazing women who put their tennis careers on hold to push for equal pay among men and women. Did you know that she was the first woman in sports history to win $100,000 in a single year? King continues her advocacy work and frequently uses her social media to promote and celebrate women breaking the glass ceiling. Most recently, she conducted the coin toss ahead of the 2022 Super Bowl to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which provides equal funding for men and women at high schools, colleges and universities. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN

3. Track and field star Allyson Felix is the most decorated US track and field athlete in history, winning 11 Olympic medals, but it's what she did off the track that has shaped her legacy. The formerly 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 NIKE’s lack of support for female athletes that she left NIKE for Athleta. (Simone Biles is also an Athleta sponsored athlete). 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 performance-related reduction policies for its pregnant athletes. A FORCE FOR CHANGE

4. Move over Jerry Maguire; Nicole Lynn is here. Lynn, 33, became the first black woman to represent a top-five NFL (National Football League) draft pick. Before the draft, she took to the internet to figure out what other women agents have worn and found no inspiration because only two women have ever represented players in the draft previously. Lynn continues to grow her roster of clients and has even written a book to inspire women to become their most effective advocates. In addition, Lynn serves as the President of Football Operations for Klutch Sports Group, led by basketball agent Rich Paul (aka Adele's beau). TAKE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE

5. Doris Burke has long inspired the next generation of sports broadcasters. Burke is the first woman to be awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also the first woman to be a full-time NBA TV analyst on ESPN and ABC and the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals on network television or radio broadcast. She paved the way for so many in the broadcast world, like Jessica Mendoza. Medoza was the first woman to have a full-time baseball analyst role and call a World Series game on a national broadcast. STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

6. Our last honor goes to the loudest voices of this generation. The US Women’s National Team has four World Cup titles and six Olympic medals (four gold). In 2019, they filed a class-action lawsuit against US Soccer seeking equal pay and working conditions. In February 2022, the two finally reached a historic agreement for women's soccer and women's sports. The agreement states that US Soccer will pay the US women's and men's national teams an equal pay rate for all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. US Soccer will also pay $22 million to the players included in the case as well as an "additional $2 million into an account to benefit the USWNT players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to women's and girls' soccer." STICK TO YOUR GUNS

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/23/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/23/22

Cringeworthy Freak Accidents That Occurred During An Athletic Competition

Ouch.

(Podcast length 4:12 mins)

After so many of you sent notes were about Remi Lindholm's frozen member during the Beijing Olympics, that got us thinking what other freak accidents and injuries have happened during athletic competitions? The cringeworthy answers are below.

These aren't our typical stories that you can drop into casual conversation, so we're impressed if you can figure that out.

Transcript

1. Finnish cross country skier Remi Lindholm had a less than gold medal experience at the Beijing Olympics. His race, the men's 50km mass start cross country skiing, was reduced to 30km to accommodate the real feel temp of -26 degrees. Well, his penis froze during the race. He said it was a painful experience but note that this isn't the first time this has happened to him. DRESS IN LAYERS?

2. Paulo Diogo, a member of the Swiss football (i.e., soccer) club, Servette FC, celebrated his goal by jumping into the crowd Lambeau Leap style. On his way, he caught his wedding ring in the fence, and the force ripped off the top of Diogo's finger. To make matters worse, the referees gave him a penalty for excessive celebration. A CELEBRATION YOU'LL NEVER FORGET

3. Could rugby players be the toughest athletes in the world? Wayne Shelford's story makes a good contest for the title. At the beginning of a game, Shelford was stuck at the bottom of a ruck (essentially a pile on over the ball) where he lost four teeth and, thanks to a competitor's cleat, a large tear to his scrotum that exposed the contents. Shelford was stitched up on the sideline and continued to play until the second half. He was hit in the head and left the game with a concussion. TALK ABOUT A BAD DAY

4. During the Rio Summer Olympics, French race walker Yohann Diniz was 35km into his 50km race when he collapsed. The cause, "intestinal problems" that started midrace. As the cameras showed, Diniz was suffering from a severe case of diarrhea. He eventually got up and completed the race, finishing in eighth place. GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

5. Slovenian biathlete Jakov Fak, who competed in five different events in Beijing, almost lost his trigger finger. During a World Cup event, Fak suffered third-degree frostbite on his trigger finger, causing it to turn black. He's lucky as fourth-degree frostbite means the finger would be amputated immediately. Thanks to daily treatments in a hyperbaric chamber, he recovered, but not before the finger lost all of its skin. *SWITCHES TO SUMMER OLYMPICS STAT

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/16/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/16/22

What Olympians Do For Their Day Jobs

Back to reality

(Podcast length 4:21 mins)

You'd think being an Olympic-caliber athlete is a full-time job, but that's not the case for most Olympians. With the Olympics wrapping up, here's what your favorite athletes will return home to do.

Transcript

Before we get started, remember US athletes do not get paid to compete in the Olympics. They receive a medal bonus, which maxes out at $37,500 for a gold medal, and can earn money through sponsorships or other benefits, but those latter avenues are not something all athletes can achieve.

1. Hilary Knight plays hockey at the Olympic level and also for her day job. Knight is one of the most accomplished women's hockey players in US history. The four-time Olympian ranks second all-time in Olympic points (26) for Team USA and plays in the PWHPA (Professional Women's Hockey Players Association) when she's not at the Olympics. The league, which has been around since 2019, consists of 125 athletes working together to build a sustainable league that will showcase their talent. SEE IT. BE IT.

2. If you thought flying down a mountain on skis wearing a helmet and some Lycra sounded hard, try making everyone's favorite food. Ryan Cochran-Siegle won a silver in Beijing, and now he'll return to his family's maple syrup farm in Vermont. But the syrup isn't the only thing that runs in the family. Ryan's mom, Barbara Ann Cochran, took home a gold medal for the women's slalom for Team USA in 1972. A SWEET SCENARIO

3. They're a force on the ice, but curling vice skips American Nina Roth and Brit Vicky Wright have spent two years battling another enemy, COVID. During the pandemic, the two served as hospital nurses while training for their dream of Olympic gold. TRUE HEROES

4. Tabitha Peterson had her priorities straight, first pharmacy school and then the Olympics. The pharmacist and curling team member graduated pharmacy school in 2015 and headed to her first Olympic Games in 2018. Peterson said she likes her career because she can work more hours in the summer and less in the winter to focus on curling. WORK TO PLAY

5. A program that serves those who represent the US in more than one way is the World Class Athlete Program. The US Army's program allows top-ranked Soldier-athletes to perform at the international level while also serving their nation in the military. They train with the Olympics and Paralympics in their sights. Look for athletes like Army Sgt. Emily Sweeney (women's luge), Specialist Jasper Good (Nordic Combined), Army Specialist Frank Del Duca (two-person bobsled) and Specialist Benjamin Loomis (Nordic Combined) are all members of the program. WE SALUTE YOU

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/8/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/8/22

The 5 Things You Need To Know About The Super Bowl

Super Bowl Sunday - arguably the best holiday of the year.

(Podcast length 5:13 mins)

Talk sports confidently leading up to the battle of the gameday buffet, commercials and the game between Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals with your all-inclusive Super Bowl Guide.

Transcript

1. Let's talk about This year's halftime show is every millennial's dream featuring five rap and R&B stars: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Blige is the only one of these artists who has performed at the Super Bowl before (2001). Combined, the five performers have 43 Grammys and 21 Billboard No. 1 albums. Did you know that halftime performers are not paid for their performance? The NFL pays the production costs, but there's no appearance fee.

2. The price of a Super Bowl commercial increased this year with NBC charging $6.5 million for a 30-second spot, up from the $5.5 million CBS fetched for last year's game. This year, newcomers to the Super Bowl commercials include crypto.com and wholesale chain Sam's Club, which Wal-Mart owns. Now you just have to be prepared to explain to your Aunt Laudie what cryptocurrency is.

Want a sneak peek into the 2022 Super Bowl commercials? Here you go.

3. After Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl is the second-highest calorie intake day in America. The average person will consume 11,000 calories - more than four and a half times the recommended daily calorie intake.

As a country, here's what we're eating, by the numbers:

1.3 billion chicken wings (the most popular Super Bowl food)
325 million gallons of beer (Coors Light is the most popular, followed by Miller Lite and Bud Light)
200 million pounds of avocados
88 million pounds of cheese
2 million pizzas

Here are 15 party-pleasing recipes for your Super Bowl party.

4. The Super Bowl is known for its fun prop bets, bets on individual things that will happen throughout the game. Here are some popular prop bets in Super Bowl:

The over/under of the length of country singer Mickey Guyton's national anthem
Who will win the opening coin toss?
What color is the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach?

Want to place your bets? Check out our Sports Betting 101.

5. What about the teams taking the field? Rams coach Sean McVay and Bengals coach Zac Taylor are the youngest head coaches ever to meet in the Super Bowl. It's been 33 years since the Bengals played in the Super Bowl. The Rams played in the Super Bowl in 2019 when they lost to the Patriots. Of the last 16 champions, 13 of those teams were wearing white jerseys. The Bengals elected to wear their black jerseys.

Did you see that Cincinnati Public Schools will be closed on Monday after Super Bowl so everyone can support their team? Now, if we could only get the Super Bowl moved to a Saturday, so we didn't have to get up for work the next day…

How to watch:

Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers

Watch: Sunday, February 13, 2022 - kickoff time for the Super Bowl is 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET. You can watch on NBC, Peacock or with a live TV streaming subscription on services like Hulu and YouTube.

With the game kicking off around 6:30 pm ET, you can estimate that halftime will be around 8 pm ET.

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 2/2/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/2/22

What You Need To Know Ahead Of The Winter Olympics

Let the games begin.

(Podcast length 6:06 mins)

The athletes to watch for and the storylines that’ll have everyone buzzing both here at home and in Beijing.

Transcript

1. Only six months after the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics will kick off on Friday, February 4 and run through February 20. Look for a few events to take place before the Opening Ceremony on the 4th. There will be 3,000 athletes taking over Beijing and surrounding areas to compete in 15 sports in 109 medal events. Beijing is the first city to host both the Winter and Summer Olympics. LET THE GAMES BEGIN

2. Like the Summer Olympics, you will see families of the Olympians cheering from their couches just like the rest of us. Thanks to COVID, the only fans able to attend any of the events come from the host nation. One more reason to hit the couch (or throw a party), it's the first time the Super Bowl and the Olympics have run at the same time, and NBC will air both. Ad time is "nearly sold out" for both events, of which the Super Bowl is charging $6.5 million. According to NBC Universal, some sponsors support both events, namely streaming services. THE MORE THE MERRIER

3. Athletes like snowboarders Shaun White and Chloe Kim will be returning to the Winter Games. White will be back for his fourth and final Olympics. Keep an eye on US speed skater Brittany Bowe who gave up her spot in the 500m race after her competitor, who was ranked No. 1, fell during the Olympic qualifier. Bowe will compete in the 1000m, 1500m and even the 500m after the US picked up an extra spot after some countries returned their quota spots for the event. Bowe will be one of the flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony. KARMA

For more on the Team USA athletes to follow, click here.

4. Artificial snow is a standard fixture at the Winter Olympics as host countries struggle to get enough natural snowfall to hold the event. Beijing will be the first host to rely entirely on artificial snow. For the first time in the history of the Games, they will also be using carbon dioxide in ice-making at four of their ice sports competition and training venues. By not using the traditional route of Freon, the new process will help reduce carbon emissions equal to 3,900 cars per year and cut emissions from ice-making to nearly zero. Organizers would have to plant about 1.2 million trees to achieve a similar carbon reduction. EARNING GOLD BY GOING GREEN

5. Athletes on Team USA have been encouraged to use burner phones in China due to cyber security and surveillance risks. Athletes have also been warned about speaking out about China's treatment of the Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. These human rights violations caused the US, Japan, Britain and Australia to declare a diplomatic boycott of the games, citing "genocide and crimes against humanity" in Xinjiang. (What does a diplomatic boycott mean?) Athletes were told to stay silent and that they could speak out upon returning home to ensure their safety. CAN NEVER BE TOO SURE

FYI: Beijing is 13 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone and 16 hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone. An event that starts at 10:00 a.m. local time Monday will be at 9:00 p.m. EDT Sunday.

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 1/26/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/26/22

Athletes Spend How Much To Stay At The Top Of Their Game??

From LeBron to your favorite Olympians, being at the top of your game isn’t cheap.

(Podcast length 5:27 mins)

Eating healthy and staying in shape isn’t cheap, and while some professional athletes make millions to be in mint condition, what about our Olympians? Food for thought.

Transcript

1. If you follow LeBron James, 37, on Instagram, you know he loves wine and is in insane shape. There’s no word on his annual wine budget, but he reportedly spends $1.5 million a year staying in shape. The two-time NBA (National Basketball Association) MVP uses cryotherapy and a hyperbaric chamber (amongst other things) to remain in prime condition along with a team that includes a personal chef, masseuse and a trainer. That’s nothing considering, according to Forbes, he’ll make $41.2 million in salary alone for the upcoming 2021-22 season and an estimated $70 million from other business ventures. WORTHY INVESTMENT

2. In an interview, Russell Wilson, one of the highest-paid players in the NFL (National Football League), said he pays close to $1 million a year on recovery. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback has a team that travels everywhere with him and his wife Ciara, including a physical therapist, a “mobile person” who makes sure Wilson is “moving the right way,” a massage therapist and two chefs. DON’T WE ALL?

3. Let’s talk about the ageless Tom Brady. How about shelling out a minimum of $16,000 a year to eat like him? (Chef not included). His diet is legendary, and it has not only inspired his company TB12 and food line Purple Carrot, but it has inspired his fellow players to up their game. Case in point, Odell Beckham Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams. He liked what he saw in the 44-year-old Brady and credits him for the longevity in his own career. OBJ said that he spends around $300,00 a year on doctors, trainers and track coaches who help him train and recover. WHATEVER IT TAKES

4. Sure, that’s great that these prominent athletes can swing the price tag to stay at the top of their game, but what about when it comes to the Olympics? In a sport that doesn’t get much time in the limelight, table tennis athletes train for anywhere between eight to 12 years to reach the Olympic level at the tune of $20,000 a year. Mom of Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas said the expense of her daughter’s training, which is around $15,000/year just in training, was one of the factors in why she had to file for bankruptcy. Remember, athletes aren’t paid to participate in the Olympics, and those who compete in less mainstream sports have to work hard to secure sponsors. Although it doesn’t even out, Olympians receive a financial reward for winning a medal. ALL-IN

5. What happens when you spend all of that money and don’t make it to the big show – the Olympics? Ice dancers, siblings Rachel and Michael Parsons’ family spent over $500,000 during their 12-year career. With their eyes on the Olympics, expenses were mounting up to the tune of $40,000 - $75,000 a year. Sadly, the two never did qualify for the Winter Olympics. HEART AND BANK-BREAKING

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/19/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/19/22

It's Our Birthday - Celebrate With Our Favorite Moments

There’s never a dull moment around here.

(Podcast length 25:14 mins)

It’s our birthday, and to celebrate, we’re sharing our favorite daily conversation starters from the past year. The one good thing about working in sports is that there’s never a dull moment, and that’s obvious in this week’s podcast.

Transcript

1. The Bills Mafia knows a thing or two about giving back. This season alone, the Buffalo Bills (NFL - National Football league) fans donated more than $65,000 to a visual impairment charity on behalf of the gameday referees and $120,000 to injured Bills player Tre’Davious White’s hometown charity - the Food Bank of New Orleans.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans took a page out of the Bills Mafia playbook, donating to Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson after Carlson won the game for the Raiders, which subsequently sent the Steelers to the playoffs.

2. Furthering women’s sports, celebrity women all over the country have been investing in NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) teams. Washington Spirit investors Jenna Bush Hager and Chelsea Clinton joined Los Angeles Angel FC owners Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner, Billie Jean King and Eva Longoria, to name a few. Tennis star Naomi Osaka purchased a stake in the North Carolina Courage. Patrick Mahomes’ fiancée Brittany Matthews is a co-owner of the Kansas City expansion team.

The league saw increased viewer numbers this season.

3. For just a moment, the man who seemingly has it all together did not. The vegan health nut Tom Brady had a little bit of fun at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) boat parade celebrating their Super Bowl win and had to be carried off by security. Brady launched the Lombardi Trophy to another boat during the parade and allegedly had some tequila. Either way, he had no problem poking a little fun at himself afterward. And neither did anyone else.

4. Atlanta Braves (MLB - Major League Baseball) Joc Pederson rallied his team and city with a pearl necklace. He started wearing a pearl necklace for whatever reason, and then he played lights out while wearing it. The Braves beat the Houston Astros to win the World Series, all while their fans, including grown men, wore pearl necklaces to the game in support of their team.

5. We’ve seen some pretty horrendous penalties for losing a fantasy football league but making Lee Sanderlin spend 24 hours in a Waffle House ranks right up there with body waxing and tattoos on the list. Sanderlin had to spend 24 hours at the local Waffle House, but there was a caveat. He could shave off an hour for every waffle he ate. Sanderlin took to Twitter to pass the time, and his journey went viral. A ‘mere’ 9 waffles, and 15 hours later, he was free. And not a moment too soon.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/12/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/12/22

When The Queen Is Your Biggest Fan – 5 Athletes Who Are ‘Royalty’

Who wouldn’t love the Queen as their best cheerleader?

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(Podcast length 4:44 mins)

On February 6, 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. Through her 70 years, she has bestowed the highest honor, knighthood or damehood, upon select Brits, some of who are your favorite athletes.

Transcript

1. One would think one of the most famous British athletes, David Beckham, would be a shoo-in for the honor, but he has never been knighted. He was not on the Queen’s annual New Years honours List despite being cleared of financial issues that threatened his chances. Although Mr. Posh Spice has not received the honor, his former coach Alex Ferguson was knighted in 1999. GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT

2. In 2021, Formula One (F1) driver Lewis Hamilton became the first Grand Prix driver to be knighted while still competing. (He’s the fourth driver overall to receive the honor). Hamilton, 36, had a stellar 2020 where he broke the all-time victory record and secured his seventh world title. No word if his famous pup, Roscoe, received a new title as well. ALL IN THE FAMILY

3. Whether you know tennis player Andy Murray for his on-court domination or his awkward social media posts, the Queen recognized his services to tennis and charity and knighted him in 2019. But this isn’t the only royal award he’s received. After winning his first Wimbledon in 2013, he was given the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal from Prince William. Murray is a three-time Grand Slam Champion and holds two Olympic gold medals and one silver. DEAR SIR

4. Golfer Nick Faldo, who boasts a remarkable career in which he won six majors and captained Europe’s Ryder Cup team, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2009. Sir Nick Faldo is now a broadcaster for many of golf’s biggest tournaments. GOLF CLAP

5. Ellen Macarthur is the youngest woman ever to be named a dame, the female equivalent of knighthood, at 28. She was honored for her nautical achievements, like sailing around the world in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds. DAME GIRL

If you’re wondering, men who are knighted become Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) and shall be called Sir. In contrast, women become Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) and get the title Dame.

Want more like the six levels of knighthood or how you’re selected to be a knight? Click here.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/5/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/5/22

5 Athlete Gameday Rituals To Incorporate Into Your Everyday Life

This is next level.

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(Podcast length 4:53 mins)

New year, new you? Well, we’ll let you decide whether or not these rituals are worth adopting in 2023.

Transcript

1. Who are we to argue with one of the best NBA (National Basketball Association) players ever to play the game when it comes to wine consumption? Wine lover LeBron James believes in drinking wine every day. He said, "Listen, I'm playing the best basketball of my life, and I'm drinking some wine pretty much every day. Whatever it is, I'll take it." BOTTOMS UP

2. Sleep seems like the first thing to go with so much on our plates. Well, that's probably the only reason we're not professional athletes. From skier Lindsey Vonn to tennis player Roger Federer to the world's fastest man, runner Usain Bolt, they all stress the importance of eight-plus hours of sleep to recharge. (Bolt sleeps 8-10 hours a night and takes a nap). Did you know that Tom Brady (NFL) nearly missed a Super Bowl when he fell asleep in front of his locker during the pregame? SLEEPING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP

3. Exercise is critical in keeping your stress levels low, and no surprise, yoga is a fan favorite for athletes across all sports. Yoga has been a mainstay for athletes from the NFL's Aaron Rodgers to the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) to LeBron James to Kevin Love (NBA). When learning yoga, former Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) player Jordan Farmar said, "I thought it was something that girls did. It couldn't hurt, and if I didn't like it, well, I still got to go on a nice trip and see what Tahiti was like." WELL, THERE'S THAT

4. Serena Williams has a packed schedule between her tennis career, fashion line, multiple businesses, and a family. So how does she keep her sanity? Apps. Her favorite is Toggl, an app that helps track her time, breaking down what percentage of each day goes to the three significant areas in her life: her family, her businesses and tennis. She admits to Fast Company that she has adopted a new appreciation for tech since marrying tech founder Alexis Ohanian. However, she still relies on everyday apps like Zoom and Slack to coordinate her work and Zero to track her eating habits. SAME

5. In the "do not try this at home" category, try a little urine if your hands are worn down from typing on the computer all day. Yes, you read that correctly. Baseball greats like Moises Alou and Jorge Posada made their hands gameday ready by peeing on them. IT'S ONLY CRAZY IF IT DOESN'T WORK

Honorable mention: Brooklyn Nets (NBA) star Kyrie Irving is known for his abstract ideas, like vehemently defending his theory that the world is flat. But one ritual he does before every game (if the away team allows him to) that you might be able to borrow is that he burns sage or "smudges" the court to clear the energy. That might come in handy when he returns to the court on January 5 after being out since the beginning of the season. He will still only be able to play at away games as the unvaccinated Irving is unable to play at home games in Barclays Center in Brooklyn. WHATEVER IT TAKES

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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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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 12/20/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/20/21

Dreaming Of A Polite Christmas?

Saving your sanity one awkward moment at a time.

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(Podcast length - 5:26 mins)

We all have this idyllic vision of our family holiday with chestnuts roasting on an open fire while drinking eggnog and laughing in our Christmas sweaters. Now let’s be real, that only happens in the movies. Inevitably someone says something offensive about politics, insults the meal or gives a present that’s wholly inappropriate. When things take an awkward turn, here are a few ways to redirect the conversation to safer ground.

Transcript

AT YOUR OFFICE POTLUCK, YOU’RE STUCK IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE MOST BORING PERSON IN THE OFFICE WITH NO RESCUE IN SIGHT

They have to be passionate about something – pets, travel, their stamp collection or a good cause. Like John Cena, whose 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

The holidays are a time of year to give, and no one gives more than these five athletes who give back to their community in a big way.

WHEN YOUR GRANDPA TALKS POLITICS, SENDING YOUR FAMILY INTO A TIZZY

You know what’s not controversial? Getting someone a gift they love. Athletes might be known for their moves on the field, but their gift-giving abilities are their hidden talent. How about a parka that dispenses Skittles, an Audi A7 or a handwritten note? HERE’S HOW ATHLETES SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER IN THE LOCKER ROOM

You were the life of the party but now there’s not enough Advil in the world to stop your hangover.

Keep yourself in the game by trying this recovery routine. Former NBA (National Basketball Association) player Amare Stoudemire was known for bathing in red wine to help his post-game recovery so it’s no surprise that the former member of the Phoenix Suns and Israeli citizen created his own kosher wine. ZEN

From wine to tequila, here are more athletes you can thank for your next hangover.

WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR BIG FAKE SMILE BECAUSE YOU RECEIVED YET ANOTHER PAIR OF UNDERWEAR

Be a good sport because it’s time for college football bowl game season. If you’re not one of the four teams playing for a chance at the National Championship (Cincinnati, Michigan, Alabama and Georgia), a bowl game is like a participation trophy but with great TV exposure and gifts. The most memorable bowl game names this season roll off the tongue like the Cheez-It Bowl, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl and the inaugural Jimmy Kimmel Bowl LA Bowl. And yes, there used to be a game called the Salad Bowl. HOW LONG UNTIL WE HAVE THE SMOKE-A BOWL?

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/15/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/15/21

The 5 Things You Need To Know To Survive College Football Game Season

How to survive college football’s biggest month when the only bowl you care about is a Chipotle burrito bowl.

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(Podcast length - 5:31 mins)

While you might be in the midst of the holiday shopping season, others are immersed in college football bowl game season.

Transcript

1. What’s in a name? Well, for bowl games, it’s big money. The committees will do just about anything to please their title sponsors, including naming the game itself something odd. This season, the most memorable bowl game names roll off the tongue like the Cheez-It Bowl, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, and the inaugural Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl. And yes, there used to be a game called the Salad Bowl. HOW LONG UNTIL WE HAVE THE SMOKE-A BOWL?

2. Name, image, likeness (NIL) has changed how college athletes approach bowl games. While according to NCAA rules, athletes cannot accept gifts of more than $550 (like those coveted bowl game swag bags,) they can earn money off of their name, image and likeness. Take, for instance, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Not only are they offering the winning team $10,000 to the charity of their choice if they douse their coach in mayo instead of Gatorade at the end of the game, but they’re offering individual players $5,000 to be a bowl game ambassador. MONEY TO BE MADE

PS: If you’re wondering, unless players play for one of the final four playoff teams, their families are not eligible for travel compensation to games.

3. Not all teams are invited to a bowl game. A team has to have win six games to be considered bowl eligible. The TV exposure, additional revenue, and chance at a title come with a winning price tag. But this year, there’s a temporary extra bowl game, so now 84 teams will get in on the fun that is bowl game season. NO PARTICIPATION TROPHIES HERE

4. The top four teams in the country (in ranking order – Alabama, Michigan, Georgia and Cincinnati) will play each other on New Year’s Eve in either the Orange Bowl in Miami or the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The winner of those two games will play each other in the National Championship Game on Monday, January 10. The other bowl games are for pride and money for the program but will not impact a team’s overall rating. BOWLED OVER

5. One study estimates that college football bowl season carries a $1.44 billion economic impact. According to USA Today, the big six bowl games - the Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta, Peach and Cotton bowls, plus the national championship game, paid out a combined $549 million to conferences and schools in 2018-19. The same documents showed the other bowl games paying out a total of $99 million. MONEY TALKS

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/8/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/8/21

'Tis the Season for Skittle-Dispensing Parkas and Audi A7's (For NFL Players, That Is... )

The gifts that keep on giving.

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(Podcast length - 4:02 mins)

Way better than coal in your stocking.

Transcript

1. Von Miller is known for dishing out heart-stopping hits as one of the longest-tenured defensive players in the NFL (National Football League). But he still has a soft spot for his opponents. Before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, Miller gifted an autographed bottle of wine, featuring an image of his signature eyewear and a handcrafted thank you note, to every player in the AFC West. (The NFL has two conferences, with one being the American Football Conference). Miller sent out a total of 289 bottles and made sure to include players on practice squads and the injured reserve list. CHEERS

2. Truly a gift from the heart. For years Peyton Manning wrote handwritten notes to athletes and sports figures he admired. He spent his off-season writing to the people on this list, usually after they reached a milestone or retired. He would note the person's respect for the game along with his notes of best wishes. AN INVALUABLE GIFT

3. Quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Trevor Siemian have a sweet spot for 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 the New Orleans Saints Siemian loved Skittles, so he purchased custom parkas for his linemen that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-trim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that, when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket. A DREAM COME TRUE

4. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line is a giving group that put a new spin on gift-giving. Instead of exchanging with each other, they pooled their money to give special bonuses for staff members who might get overlooked. These people take care of them every day like the kitchen staff, trainers and the equipment team. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

5. The offensive line is the first line of defense for offensive stars like running backs and quarterbacks. So it makes sense that they're gifted accordingly for taking the big hits. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson gave his linemen each $12,000 in Amazon stock when he signed his new four-year/$140 million contract. Dallas Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott gifted his linemen John Deere UTVs; Tom Brady doled out new Audi A7s and Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry, custom Pac-Man arcade games. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

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LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

AT YOUR OFFICE POTLUCK, YOU’RE STUCK IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE MOST BORING PERSON IN THE OFFICE WITH NO RESCUE IN SIGHT

WHEN YOUR GRANDPA TALKS POLITICS, SENDING YOUR FAMILY INTO A TIZZY

You were the life of the party but now there’s not enough Advil in the world to stop your hangover.

WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR BIG FAKE SMILE BECAUSE YOU RECEIVED YET ANOTHER PAIR OF UNDERWEAR

LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

Transcript

LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

Transcript

LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

The Last Night’s Game