Episode 229 of the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast features two interviews. First up is Boston Globe sports media columnist, Chad Finn. He discusses a variety of topics with host Jimmy Traina, including NBA playoff ratings, what ESPN should do about their weak NBA studio show, the dominance of TNT’s NBA studio show, the level of interest in Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship, Tom Brady’s “friendship” with Donald Trump, FOX’s desire to challenge ESPN’s College GameDay and more. The Ringer’s Bryan Curtis then joins the show to talk about his new article, “The Stat Pack: Why Sportscasters Idolize Howard Stern.” With Howard Stern releasing a new book, Curtis and Traina talk about Stern's various connections to sports even though Stern hates sports. They also talk about Howard’s evolution as a broadcaster and interviewer.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chad Finn and Bryan Curtis

Every week on the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast, host Jimmy Traina sits down for an informal conversation with the biggest broadcasters, athletes, sports personalities, celebrities, and anybody else interested in sports or media. Plus, get a window into the storylines Jimmy is following closest in the weekly Traina Thoughts segment.

Sports

Episode 591 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews.

Andrews talks about whether she's nervous going into her first playoffs and Finals as the host of "NBA Countdown" after taking over this season from Mike Greenburg and reveals the touching message Greenburg sent her after she got the job. She also explains what her concerns are about the upcoming grind of the NBA postseason, what her goal is as host of the studio show and being able to deal with disagreements with co-hosts and producers.

Andrews also describes what it's like to work with Stephen A. Smith on "Countdown" and Richard Jefferson on "NBA Today,"recalls getting her break in 2020 working in the Covid bubble in Orlando, turning down an offer from "Sports Illustrated," and shares what Adrian Wojnarowski means to her career.

Following Andrews, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include the shocking retirement of legendary Yankees radio announcer, John Sterling, CBS getting destroyed for ending its airing of Billy Joel's concert in the middle of "Piano Man" and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN's Malika Andrews

Episode 490 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with the new WWE Undisputed Heavyweight champion, Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes talks about "finishing his story" at WrestleMania 40 by beating Roman Reigns for the title, the epic main event which featured appearances by John Cena and The Undertaker and whether he had a moment with Reigns after the match.
Rhodes also discusses the WWE changing the WrestleMania event after it was announced that it would be The Rock vs. Reigns, the WWE pushing the envelope with its content during the storyline of Rhodes vs. The Bloodline, the special gift that Triple H gave him after the WrestleMania main event, the Undertaker taking the place of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin during the main event and Paul Heyman's Hall of Fame speech.
Other topics covered during the interview include Rhodes' tour bus catching on fire during WrestleMania weekend, his love of giving out gifts, issues with going to Disney World, being a "needy" superstar and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes

Episode 489 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" features three segments.

First up is author and reporter, Jim Miller, to discuss ESPN parting ways with Senior Vice President, Norby Williamson. Williamson, who was at ESPN for 40 years, has been called out a couple of times by Pat McAfee for being "a rat" and leaking negative stories. Miller explains why ESPN cut ties with Williamson, shares his thoughts on the McAfee-Williamson feud and discusses reaction to Williamson's dismissal.

Miller also talks about the possibility of ESPN buying the NFL Network, the challenges facing ESPN today and more.

Following Miller, Dan Rapaport from Barstool's "Fore Play Podcast" joins the show to talk about the Masters and offer Masters betting advice. Should you bet on Tiger Woods making the cut? Who would make a good long-shot bet to win the tournament? What prop should you bet on Saturday and Sunday of the tournament? Is there any risk in betting Scottie Scheffler to finish in the top five?

Following Rapaport, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include a recap of WrestleMania 40, the Yankees' hot start, Sal's issues with his new house and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Miller and Dan Rapaport

Episode 488 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with SiriusXM radio host, "First Take" contributor and Radio Hall of Famer, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo.
Topics discussed with Russo include the Shohei Ohtani gambling story, whether sports is headed for a major gambling scandal, MLB continuing its awful deal with AppleTV+, CBS' impressive depth when it comes to NCAA Tournament broadcasters and AppleTV+'s series on the New England Patriots. Russo also has a special shoutout for his former radio partner, Mike Francesa.
Russo also discusses re-signing with "First Take" for two more years, his contact status with SiriusXM and why he feels rejuvenated when it comes to his MLB Network show, "High Heat."
The podcast finishes with a discussion about Bruce Springsteen's cameo on "Curb. Your Enthusiasm and Russo's various problems with technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SiriusXM and 'First Take' host, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo

Episode 487 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with The Ringer's Editor-At-Large and host of the "Press Box Podcast," Bryan Curtis about all the latest sports media news.
Among the topics covered with Curtis: Is Stephen A. Smith a $25-million man?; How is Pat McAfee factoring into Stephen A. Smith's desire for a massive pay day?; The ESPN-Aaron Rodgers headache; Excitement for Ian Eagle and Bill Raftery to call the Final Four for CBS/Turner; LeBron James getting into the podcast game; The networks reliance on live sports growing more and more; The backlash against AppleTV+'s series on the Patriots dynasty and much more.
Following Curtis, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include Major League Baseball botching Opening Day in a massive way, whether Jimmy is justified in muting certain people on Twitter, NCAA Tournament snubs, the latest episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm and more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chad Finn and Bryan Curtis

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