Episode 304 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" features an interview with ESPN investigative reporter, Don Van Natta, who hosts the network's upcoming documentary, "Backstory: The Decision." Van Natta talks about how the show created for LeBron James to announce his free-agent decision came about, how LeBron feels about "The Decision" now, why David Stern hated it, why Jim Gray was the host, who controlled the show, how it divided ESPN and more. Van Natta and host Jimmy Traina also talked about how sports can go on with the corona virus spiking, the Bubba Wallace fallout and Dr. Fauci's impact on sports.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN's Don Van Natta

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 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.

Bryan Curtis on the Latest Sports Media News

Episode 486 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with ESPN NFL analyst, Dan Orlovsky.
Orlovsky gives us a break down of his unbelievably busy schedule, talks about how the NFL owns most of the sports calendar and shares his thoughts about the wild free-agency spree that took place this week.
Orlovsky also explains that his ultimate goal is to call top games each week and whether he feels like networks have a bias against putting them in that role since he wasn't a superstar player. He also weighs in on his relationship with Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Mike Greenberg and Dan "BigCat" Katz.
Orlovsky also shares some of his famous food takes, talks about what it's like to have triplets and much more.
Following Orlovsky, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include Aaron Rodgers as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s, running mate, the NFL Network moving "Good Morning Football" from New York to Los Angeles, Tiki Barber vs. Saquon Barkley, "Love is Blind," and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN's Don Van Natta

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