This week, we speak to Jeanne Theoharis, author of the groundbreaking new book  King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South. It is a deep dive into the remarkable political work that Dr. King accomplished north of the Mason-Dixon line and in southern California. Theoharis has uncovered a treasure trove of information that has gobsmacked even serious historians of King's life and legacy.

Also, I talked to Hoops Savant Arya Shirazi about why we dislike the Celtics so much and why they barely notice the Knicks exist—until now.

Zirin, MAGA Followers Think They’re Punk Rock—but Then Why Are They All Such Cowards?

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/maga-trump-rage-against-machine/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week is our long-awaited 2025 NBA preview with hoops savant Arya Shirazi. Even in difficult times, the NBA playoffs remind us of what’s good. Check out our preview.

Zirin, Can Steve Kerr Light an Anti-Trump Fire in the Sports World?

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/steve-kerr-trump/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week, we talk to Dr. Maurice Jackson, author of the new book Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience: How Black Washingtonians Used Music and Sports in the Fight for Equality. We also talk to Ari Drennen from Media Matters about their recent study about the politics of the people behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship. 

Rhythms of Resistance & Resilience

https://press.georgetown.edu/Book/Rhythms-of-Resistance-and-Resilience

Zirin, With ICE Out of Control, How Can the US Cohost the 2026 World Cup?

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ice-fifa-world-cup-north-america/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week, we talk to Michael Messner, author of the fascinating new book, about what we can learn by looking at sports and yearbooks over the course of a century. It’s called “The High School: Sports, Spirit, and Citizens, 1903-2024.” Also, I’m talking to the savant, Arya Shirazi, about the days when March was truly mad. 

The High School

https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/the-high-school/9781978839533/

Zirin, With ICE Out of Control, How Can the US Cohost the 2026 World Cup?

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ice-fifa-world-cup-north-america/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week, we speak to Rabbi Brant Rosen of the Tzedek Chicago Synagogue, a synagogue that claims anti-Zionism as a core tenet of their beliefs. We talk about this perilous moment when an antisemitic administration is weaponizing antisemitism to jail Israel’s critics. We also talk some sports! 

Brant Rosen

https://rabbibrant.com/

Zirin, Jackie Robinson Again Teaches Us to Never Back Down to Bigots

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/jackie-robinson-defense-department-pete-hegseth/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week, we speak to Outsports journalist and Connecticut Ambush football player Karleigh Webb about her journey and insights on trans issues in sports. Also, we speak to hoops savant Arya Shirazi about the long-lost days of the court general, who was the point guard. We also remember the late great John Feinstein. 

Karleigh Webb

https://www.outsports.com/author/karleigh-webb/

https://www.instagram.com/rocketdyne1965/?hl=en

Zirin, “I’m Terrified”: Trans-Feminine Athletes in Their Own Words

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-women-athletes-forum/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week, we speak to US-born, Rio de Janeiro-based visionary Robert Wilson, whose short volume A Football Manifesto is a brilliant excavation of the systemic, structural problems in US men’s soccer and a radical fan-centric approach to radical change. It’s not just a diagnosis. It’s a wholly original cure. 

Robert Wilson

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-football-manifesto-and-club-handbook-bringing-the-beautiful-game-to-the-people-and-making-the-usa-1-in-the-world-robert-wilson/11921456?ean=9780692111413&next=t

GoFundMe

https://gofund.me/c32d9598

Zirin, Don’t Listen to Greasy Gavin Newsom. Listen to Trans Athletes

https://www.thenation.com/article/society/trans-athletes-forum/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week, we have a talk I gave two years ago about the social function of sports in an authoritarian society. It rings more true today, and I wanted to share it with you all. Also, I talked to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about the injuries that changed the course of NBA history.

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This week, we have a talk I gave two years ago about the social function of sports in an authoritarian society. It rings more true today, and I wanted to share it with you all. Also, I talked to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about the injuries that changed the course of NBA history.

Zirin, Why Democrats Won’t Throw a Real Punch

https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democratic-party-fecklessness/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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This week, we speak to former NFL player Chris Kluwe. Kluwe made news this week for his protest of MAGA at a Huntingdon Beach city council meeting, garnering headlines worldwide. We discuss what led to that moment, why he did what he did, and the sports world’s reaction to this administration and what explains it.

Zirin, Why Democrats Won’t Throw a Real Punch

https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democratic-party-fecklessness/

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http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE)

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