Heart of the Game

MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz will always be known as “Big Papi” to Boston Red Sox fans, but the now-retired slugger is content to simply be “dad” these days. Ortiz’s son D’Angelo Ortiz is currently chasing his own dreams of baseball stardom, playing for Miami-Dade College.

“Heart of the Game” host Jon Frankel talks to the Ortiz boys about their shared passion for baseball and the challenge of growing up in the shadow of a legend. Also, learn how a chance hospital visit sparked David Ortiz’s ongoing campaign to help sick children. 

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After graduating and winning a national title for the University of Texas, volleyball superstar Logan Eggleston is now playing professionally in Turkey and has become a leading advocate for the game. Her sister, Shaye Eggleston, is a rising volleyball star in her own right, as a two-time Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year and current outside hitter at the University of Cincinnati.

Host Jon Frankel talks to Logan and Shaye about growing up, supporting each other, the pressures faced by student athletes and the growing popularity of volleyball in the US.

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Makenzie and Aria Fischer set NCAA records while building a water polo dynasty at Stanford. They simultaneously led Team USA to Olympic gold. 

Host Jon Frankel talks to the sisters about learning the sport from their dad, Erich Fischer, a fellow Olympian, and uncovers the secrets behind their legendary success.

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The Jensen Brothers, Luke and Murphy, shook up tennis in the 1990s with their play and personalities, winning the French Open doubles title, and transcending the sport. 

The brothers talk with host Jon Frankel about the price they paid for stardom, and their on-court legacy. They also detail the terrifying incident that almost cost Murphy his life.

Learn more about the Jensens and Murphy’s advocacy at https://www.murphyjensen.com/ 

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Allyson Felix has more Olympic medals than any other track and field athlete in U.S. history, including a walk-off Gold medal win in her last Olympic Games. But her greatest triumph may have come off the track, as she fought for the maternal rights of female athletes.

Allyson and her brother and agent Wes Felix talk with host Jon Frankel about overcoming a dangerous pregnancy emergency and how she stays in shape now that she’s no longer a competitive sprinter.

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Tim Hardaway was a game-changing playmaker with the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat. Tim Hardaway, Jr. wanted to follow in his Hall of Fame footsteps and has made a name for himself in the NBA as a lethal outside shooter. 

Host Jon Frankel talks with the Hardaways about how the game of basketball brings them together, how they’ve both endured and overcome serious injuries, and why Tim Hardaway Jr. didn’t embrace his dad’s signature crossover move.

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John Harkes helped awaken soccer fever in the United States as captain of the US Men’s national team during the 1994 World Cup. His son Ian Harkes pursued the “family business,” and is currently playing for the New England Revolution in the MLS. 

The Harkes boys talk with host Jon Frankel about the changes in how professional soccer players train now versus when John Harkes was on the pitch, and what it’s like to grow up in a family where everyone plays soccer for a living.

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Host Jon Frankel sits down with NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner and his sons, up-and-coming players Kade & E.J. Warner, to discuss the significance of family, philanthropy, and football.

The Warners share their views on how the game of football has evolved over time, how Kurt stays fit after retiring and what his sons aim to achieve on and off the field.

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On Heart of the Game, host Jon Frankel (HBO Real Sports) sits down with some of the biggest families in sports to get inside what’s really making them tick. What roles have their families and self care played in their paths to championship glory?

Whether it’s taking care of your heart, safeguarding your mental health or persevering through injuries - listen as we hear the invaluable lessons being passed down to a new generation of athletes.  

Listen to HEART OF THE GAME starting Thursday, September 7th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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