Host Brandon Contes interviews Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald. Brandon and Jonathan discuss a wide range of topics including Gregg Berhalter's sacking from the U.S. Men's National Team, the logistics mess by CONMEBOL at the Copa América, Emma Hayes with the U.S. Women's National Team, Lionel Messi in MLS, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:51: When will U.S. Soccer hire a new head coach?

-1:33: Timing of Gregg Berhalter’s sacking

-3:22: Not giving a national coach two four-year terms

-4:20: How far would the USMNT have had to go in Copa América to save Berhalter’s job?

-6:50: Who deserves the blame for the USMNT’s performance?

-11:20: What else needs to be fixed at U.S. Soccer?

-13:15: Who will replace Berhalter and who should replace him?

-15:27: Tim Howard’s pitch to go after Jurgen Klopp

-16:20: Was Howard sincere?

-16:51: Alexi Lalas saying he would coach the USMNT if asked

-19:10: Lalas the analyst

-21:08: Realistic expectations for USMNT at the 2026 World Cup?

-22:31: Copa América logistics

-25:35: Concerns about logistics of 2026 World Cup?

-26:52: Fans attending 2026 World Cup

-27:47: Lionel Messi’s ankle injury and Inter Miami CF

-28:40: MLS clubs and reporting injuries

-29:28: Messi’s impact on MLS

-31:30: Kevin Durant and the Philadelphia Union

-31:43: Messi and media access

-33:08: Cristiano Ronaldo and MLS

-33:34: Ronaldo’s Euro performance

-33:55: Is Ronaldo hanging on too long?

-34:16: England’s struggles in tournaments

-36:04: Talent pool in MLS

-38:19: Popularity of MLS in United States and room to grow

-41:38: U.S. Men’s Olympic Team

-44:55: Alex Morgan left off U.S. Women’s Olympic Team

-46:55: Emma Hayes

-52:58: Adjusting expectations with USWNT?

-54:06: Which gap closed more? The world to the USWNT or the USMNT to the world?

-54:23: When is it realistic for the USMNT to win a World Cup?

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Host Brandon Contes interviews MLB Network host and emcee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Brian Kenny. Brandon and Brian discuss a wide range of topics including Brian defending the concept of having special uniforms for the All-Star Game, the responsibility of being emcee for induction weekend, what Max Kellerman has been doing and when he may emerge, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:50: Brian’s sports media origin story

-3:36: Getting to ESPN

-4:04: Going from ESPN to MLB Network

-5:28: MLB All-Star Game uniforms

-7:57: More important for MLB ASG to win the game or get everyone involved?

-11:15: Working with Chris Russo

-12:49: “Mad Dog” and Sabermetrics

-14:00: Being an early convert of Sabermetrics

-15:13: Turning point with Sabermetrics discussion

-17:45: Being on MLB Network in terms of editorial freedom

-19:05: Ken Rosenthal not being retained by MLB Network

-19:34: One thing Brian would like to see change in MLB

-22:38: Realignment?

-24:20: Does MLB do a good job marketing stars nationally?

-27:30: Being Master of Ceremonies at the Hall of Fame

-29:28: HOF voting process

-31:02: Will Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens get in?

-32:21: Being in “Rocky Balboa”

-34:04: Max Kellerman

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Host Brandon Contes interviews NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. Brandon and Ian discuss a wide range of topics including Ian's relationship with ESPN's Adam Schefter, "The Insiders" on NFL Network, various stories about reporting, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-1:02: How busy is early July for an NFL insider?

-2:04: Busiest week of the NFL season for an insider

-3:23: NFL Draft and opinion on tipping picks

-5:29: Being first to a story in free agency

-6:58: Competition among insiders inside NFL Network?

-8:30: Relationship with Adam Schefter

-10:00: Sources

-11:42: Local reporters

-13:02: Giving gifts to sources?

-14:23: Has Ian ever felt he was being used?

-15:54: Can Ian be an NBA insider?

-17:14: Multiple phones?

-18:29: Story Ian missed breaking because he didn’t have his phone

-20:40: Most “out of nowhere” scoop

-22:18: Biggest “swing and a miss” report

-26:01: Rumors that never got reported

-27:05: “The Insiders”

-27:58: Being on and hosting “The Pat McAfee Show”

-29:02: Doing TV

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Host Brandon Contes interviews sports journalism legend Andrea Kremer. Brandon and Andrea discuss a wide range of topics including the state of sports journalism especially after the cancellation of "Real Sports," the #MeToo movement in sports media, being part of the first all-woman NFL booth, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-1:26: National Sports Media Association HOF induction

-5:12: Going into labor days before working Super Bowl

-6:55: Going on air right after giving birth

-9:47: Balancing career and being a mom

-14:27: Pro Football HOF induction

-17:43: Media industry progression for women

-23:54: Goal to be in sports media or to be a journalist?

-27:49: #MeToo and women in sports

-30:30: More difficult to earn the respect of male athletes or male peers in sports media?

-34:42: Covering the Chicago Bulls dynasty

-41:36: Reaction to “Real Sports'” cancellation

-46:08: Separating working for NFL Network and on “Real Sports”

-48:14: Journalism today?

-51:23: Charissa Thompson’s sideline reporter comments

-58:17: Calling NFL games with Hannah Storm

-1:05:58: Access for “Thursday Night Football”

-1:07:47: Most frequent question asked by aspiring journalists

-1:09:54: Biggest piece of advice

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Host Brandon Contes interviews SNY's New York Jets reporter Connor Hughes. Brandon and Connor discuss a wide range of topics including Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers, Robert Saleh's handling of Rodgers missing mandatory minicamp, reporting or not reporting what sources tell you, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:38: First season covering the Jets

-1:07: Covering the Jets today compared to when Connor started

-2:26: Aaron Rodgers skipping mandatory minicamp

-3:44: Where was/is Rodgers?

-5:54: Did Rodgers missing minicamp become a distraction?

-8:07: Rodgers’ infamous “winning” quote

-10:44: How did the Jets and Robert Saleh handle Rodgers’ absence?

-13:43: Does Rodgers trust Saleh?

-16:11: Joe Douglas as general manager

-19:05: Rodgers’ relationship with Woody Johnson

-20:15: Nathaniel Hackett

-23:31: Concern within the Jets that Rodgers would actually run for VP?

-25:19: Political tension between Rodgers and Johnson?

-28:24: Jets feelings about Rodgers on “The Pat McAfee Show”

-31:49: Have there been times Rodgers says something that led to a private talk afterwards?

-32:50: Rodgers in press conferences

-35:39: Concerns with NYC media regarding to Rodgers

-38:11: Relationship amongst Jets reporters

-39:59: Local reporters and national reporters

-42:10: Sources and reporting

-43:46: Does Robert Saleh still trust Joe Beningo as a source?

-45:24: Percentage of info Connor receives that he actually reports?

-47:01: Connor’s relationship with Jets fans

-48:40: Jamal Adams

-49:00: Why has Woody Johnson failed as Jets owner?

-52:42: Would Johnson again take a position in the Trump White House if Trump wins?

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Host Brandon Contes interviews former "Mike and the Mad Dog" producer and current co-host of "Carlin vs. Joe," Chris Carlin. Brandon and Chris discuss a wide range of topics including trying to navigate Mike Francesa and Chris Russo during their blowup, the "challenge" of working with Don Imus, entering broadcasting due to somebody getting pantsed in a bar, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:33: “Carlin vs. Joe”

-2:04: Meeting Joe Fortenbaugh

-2:46: National radio compared to local radio

-4:44: Is one form of radio more creative than the other?

-6:02: Is there a specific market to focus on when doing national?

-7:10: Cowboys talk

-7:49: Is there more an effort to have evergreen topics?

-9:08: Is ESPN Radio still prestigious?

-12:14: Connection with national audience

-13:33: Engaging with callers

-16:05: Going to school to be a lawyer

-17:08: Switching to sports

-21:06: Producing “Mike and the Mad Dog”

-23:46: Producing when Mike and Chris had their blowup during the 2000 NBA Eastern Conference Finals

-28:06: Producing when Mike and Chris weren’t talking with each other

-31:02: Continuing to produce “Mike and the Mad Dog”

-34:33: Most memorable moment from producing “Mike and the Mad Dog”

-36:31: Most memorable off-air moment

-38:38: Leaving “Mike and the Mad Dog”

-40:08: Working with Don Imus

-45:44: “Boomer and Carton”

-46:56: Doing shows on SNY

-49:21: WIP

-51:59: Spike Eskin

-53:44: Surprising Spike left WFAN for WIP?

-55:22: Going back to WIP?

-57:08: Not reaching out to Mike Francesa

-1:01:02: Learning when Mike was coming back

-1:01:59: Rebounding

-1:04:30: Ryan Hurley

-1:06:35: Relationship with Mad Dog

-1:08:50: Mad Dog on “First Take”

-1:10:32: How does Mike feel about Mad Dog on “First Take?”

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Host Brandon Contes interviews former "Around the Horn" panelist and current co-host of "Brother From Another" Michael Holley. Brandon and Michael discuss a wide range of topics including the Boston media's feelings about Joe Mazzulla, Kyrie Irving's tenure in Boston, being on "Around the Horn," working with Max Kellerman, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:40: Pressure on the Celtics in NBA Finals

-2:47: Confidence from fanbase/media

-5:37: Stephen A. Smith’s report on Jaylen Brown’s attitude

-7:54: Power struggle between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum

-9:44: Joe Mazzulla and the Boston media

-13:36: Biggest criticism of Mazzulla

-15:26: Mike Felger and JJ Redick

-17:28: Northeast sports talk radio

-18:27: Kyrie Irving in Boston

-22:28: Irving with media in Boston

-24:25: Barstool influencing Boston sports media

-27:33: When was Michael aware of Barstool

-28:32: Who is more popular among Boston sports fans? Dave Portnoy or Bill Simmons?

-30:37: Teaching journalism classes

-32:09: Doing daily sports talk radio in Boston

-35:07: What happened to WEEI?

-39:57: Why did Michael leave WEEI?

-45:27: Bill Belichick’s relationship with Robert Kraft

-49:17: Logan Ryan’s comments that politics played a role in Patriots dynasty demise

-50:54: Tom Brady at Fox

-52:12: Could Brady play football again?

-52:59: Michael Smith

-54:34: Freedom of “Brother From Another”

-57:53: “Around the Horn”

-1:02:11: Panelist Michael didn’t like debating or working with?

-1:03:15: Being on “I, Max” with Max Kellerman

-1:08:53: Working with and having a relationship with Kellerman

-1:10:24: Relief to stop “I, Max”

-1:13:06: Talking with Max recently?

-1:15:41: Going back to “Around the Horn?”

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Host Brandon Contes interviews "First Things First" co-host Nick Wright. Brandon and Nick discuss a wide range of topics including going to FS1 instead of ESPN, Chennedy Carter's foul on Caitlin Clark and the overall WNBA discussion, doing sports talk radio in Kansas City, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:45: Who is the “face” of FS1?

-2:07: Striving to be a valuable personality

-5:07: Talking about the WNBA

-13:36: Who benefits more? WNBA or sports media?

-15:32: Racial aspect of Chennedy Carter’s foul on Caitlin Clark?

-19:56: Making it about race

-22:23: Being genuine in takes

-24:10: Ability to be definitive

-27:31: Would staying in KC be satisfying enough?

-32:23: Houston

-32:46: FS1

-35:59: ESPN offer

-40:18: Original Fox deal

-42:40: Cris Carter

-44:47: Kevin Wildes

-51:16: Chris Broussard

-52:45: Any talks on replacing Shannon Sharpe on “Undisputed?”

-59:41: Jason Whitlock

-1:00:25: Doing “First Things First” and Mad Dog Radio

-1:04:23: Changing shifts

-1:05:32: Sports/politics discussion

-1:10:30: KC parade post-Super Bowl

-1:12:15: Gambling

-1:16:43: Shaving head

-1:19:47: Career goals right now

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Bill Walton died on May 27, 2024 at the age of 71. Bill meant a lot to us at Awful Announcing, so we wanted to do something special. We invited a few of Bill's many friends and broadcast partners to tell stories and memories of the Basketball Hall of Famer and legendary broadcaster. Sit back with host Brandon Contes and guests Jason Benetti, Roxy Bernstein, and Dave Pasch as we celebrate the life of Bill Walton.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:20: Welcome Jason Benetti to the Awful Announcing Podcast

-:50: Bill making the most out of his life

-2:57: Emotions this week

-5:50: Creative freedom of working with Bill

-7:37: Knowing Jason would like working with Bill at first

-11:10: First broadcast with Bill

-14:02: First conversation with Bill

-14:15: Building chemistry with Bill

-17:55: Shift in Bill’s broadcasting style from NBA to college

-19:07: Pressure to need to entertain?

-21:27: Was Bill seeking to be more entertaining or more insightful on broadcast?

-22:43: Inserting non-sports topics in sports

-25:23: Will we see another analyst like Bill?

-27:31: Best piece of advice from Bill

-29:39: Welcome Roxy Bernstein to the Awful Announcing Podcast

-29:55: Reaction to the reaction to Bill’s passing

-30:52: First broadcast with Bill

-33:18: Comfort level working without pregame prep with the analyst

-35:02: Challenge of letting Bill go on tangents

-36:44: Notable tangents with Bill

-37:46: Working relationship becoming a friendship

-39:41: Being genuine/playing dumb

-41:22: Favorite off-air moment with Bill

-43:39: Going to a Grateful Dead concert with Bill

-45:31: Closing Pac-12 Network and mentioning Bill

-48:05: Welcome Dave Pasch to the Awful Announcing Podcast

-48:25: Emotions this week

-49:48: Catharsis of everyone sharing stories and showing love for Bill

-51:06: Bill’s basketball career being secondary when describing his life

-52:41: Bill resonating with so many people

-54:29: Bill off-camera

-55:59: Bill on college campus

-58:41: Was there a pressure to be “on?”

-59:39: First broadcast with Bill

-1:00:51: Surprised by the amount of tangents

-1:01:41: Was it a challenge to work alongside Bill?

-1:03:20: Getting caught up in the banter

-1:04:25: Will we see another analyst like Bill?

-1:05:43: Favorite tangent/memorable on-air moment

-1:08:00: Posting texts from Bill online

-1:09:57: T-shirt for final broadcast

-1:12:16: Favorite off-air moment with Bill

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Host Brandon Contes interviews legendary Indianapolis 500 broadcaster Paul Page. Brandon and Paul discuss a wide range of topics including working the Indy 500 on radio and TV, being mentored by Sid Collins, working with Bobby Unser, and more.

For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing.

-:43: Working this year’s Indianapolis 500

-1:29: Best place to watch the Indy 500

-2:27: Getting into broadcasting

-4:15: Growing up a racing fan

-5:58: Broadcasting while in the Army

-6:25: Surviving a helicopter crash

-8:10: Memories of the crash

-8:55: First ride back in a helicopter

-9:18: Reporting from helicopter during crash

-10:22: Friendship and mentorship with Sid Collins

-12:13: Collins’ death and succeeding Collins to be “Voice of the 500” in 1977

-14:25: Emotions of the 1977 broadcast as chief announcer

-15:57: Difficulties of the 1977 broadcast

-16:44: Feeling after the 1977 race

-18:45: Differences in broadcasting compared to Collins

-20:38: Preference in doing radio or TV?

-22:08: Doing radio at Indy

-23:22: TV producers

-26:01: Ideas to ABC to improve broadcasts

-26:59: Delta Force intros

-29:14: Working with Bobby Unser and Sam Posey

-30:42: Was Posey and Unser competitive with each other?

-31:22: Playing peacemaker

-32:18: Three person booth

-34:27: Longest being on the air for a race

-36:06: Most memorable finish for Paul

-38:01: Favorite Indy 500 memory in general

-39:28: Broadcasting Indy 500 during COVID

-42:06: Calling Alex Zanardi crash in Germany days after 9/11

-48:53: Favorite sport to call

-49:25: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

-51:45: Preparation for offbeat sports

-52:18: Calling different forms of motorsports

-53:22: 30th anniversary of the first Brickyard 400

-54:56: What makes the Indy 500 special?

-58:24: Al Michaels

-1:00:45: Favorite part of Indy 500 weekend

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