As we share laughter, stories, and delicious food this Thanksgiving, let's sprinkle our conversations with these delightful table topics. Let's spice up our conversations with fascinating Thanksgiving table topics that will entertain, enlighten, or at least distract and deflect into safer conversation.

For any conversation involving politics

Plenty of political and Hollywood icons once ran the sidelines. Samuel L. Jackson, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Meryl Streep and four former US Presidents (Eisenhower, Roosevelt, Reagan and George W. Bush) had the cheerleader spirit. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the marching band. You would've found Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg, Alan Greenspan and Lionel Richie entertaining you in formation at halftime in college. It's much safer than venturing into the political minefield at the dinner table.

Or, if you're feeling like walking on the wild side, share something from our post about five athletes who turned their fame into a political career.

When anyone says you’re married to your work

We’re working more than Dolly’s 9-5. This year, halftime performances include Dolly Parton at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game, Jack Harlow at the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions game and Steve Aoki at the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks game.

When grandma asks you why you're not married…for the 10th time that day.

Tell grandma that a long-lasting marriage isn't a sure bet, but you know what is? The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys (NFL - National Football League) taking the field on Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving tradition started for the Lions in 1934 and 1966 for the Cowboys. The Seattle Seahawks, who are playing the San Francisco 49ers, are new to this year's Thanksgiving lineup. So, regardless of which team you're cheering for, you can count on these teams to play while you nap off your meal.

When everyone wants to take family photos, but you just ate ten days' worth of calories.

Be thankful you don't have to pass a post-meal jiggle test. Some NFL cheer coaches conduct "jiggle tests" to assess the firmness of the cheerleaders' bodies during the season, and if they don't pass the test, they're benched. With practices, appearances and games, they put in 30-40 hour weeks during the season, but most are required to have a full-time job elsewhere. When it's all said and done, on average, they make the same amount as the lifeguard at the community pool.

Want more? Check out Behind the Scenes of an NFL Cheerleader.

For that relative who will drive 14 hours because they're afraid to fly

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the legendary John Madden's contribution to the holiday. In 1989, Madden (RIP) started the tradition of awarding a turkey leg to the MVP of the game. This quirky tradition has evolved, leading to turkeys with multiple legs – four, six, and even eight-legged turkeys.

As a tribute to Madden, each network will select a player of the game in their respective matchups, with a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to be given to a high school or youth football program in their name. Watch for the pregame coin toss featuring Madden's silhouette and a six-legged turducken.

We hope these topics add a spark to your Thanksgiving celebration, making your time together even more enjoyable.

The Sports Curious podcast, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or 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, 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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Looking for ideas to break out of a dinner slump (or perhaps for an upcoming football watch party)? Check out our Tailgate Treats for inspiration. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

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