Let's Talk Sports with Kanoa Leahey & Jordan Helle

Maui native and Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki discusses the return of Major League Baseball with an abbreviated 60-game schedule and reveals what has motivated him as he prepares for his 14th MLB season. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan address the latest in the noose controversy in Nascar...the highlights of the newly released UH men's non-conference basketball schedule...nickname ideas for former Hawaii now Titans QB Cole McDonald...and as always, they cap the show with their "Best and Worst".

Iolani alum and sports writer for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, Marcus Fuller, discusses his journey from Big Island boy to the realization of his dream job covering college hoops. He also reflects on how the murder of George Floyd, which occurred in his city, and the ensuing worldwide demonstrations have impacted him and his family. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan break down some of the the latest headlines, including the decline in UH football and volleyball season ticket sales, the impasse in MLB talks between the owners and players, a UFC fighter quits on the stool against the urging of his corner,  and their "Best and Worst".

DeForest Buckner talks about going from an aspiring college hoopster at Punahou to one of the highest paid defensive linemen in the NFL. The fellas also ask him about getting traded from the Super Bowl runner-up 49ers to the Colts, and his becoming a new dad. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan break down the recent NCAA announcement potentially clearing the way for the start of UH football....two more players with island ties sign deals with MLB clubs...Mike Gundy in hot water at OSU...and as always, their "Best and Worst".

The fellas chat with University of Hawaii lefty fireballer, Jeremy Wu-Yelland, fresh of his being selected in the 4th round of the MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan discuss the latest ESPN 30 For 30 documentary, "Long Gone Summer"...the mixed response from players regarding the return of the NBA...Zeke Elliott testing positive for the coronavirus....and their "Best and Worst".

Now that Kanoa's laptop is fixed, the guys get back to it with Alex Urban, executive director of the Sentry Tournament of Champions on the return of the PGA. Plus, the paradigm shift taking place in our country with regard to the greater social and racial discourse, with prominent sports figures helping too lead the way. A hana hou UFC title fight for Wai'anae's Max Holloway. The awful optics of the MLB labor dispute. And our "Best and Worst".

With protests against racially charged police brutality taking place all over the country, Kanoa and Jordan talk with Kawika Hallums, former Hawaii Basketball guard and current sergeant in the Honolulu Police Department, about his reaction to the killing of George Floyd, the role and responsibility of law enforcement within the community, and how his experiences in sports helped to inform his approach to interacting with people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Kanoa chats with Rainbow shortstop Kole Kaler, named a third team All-American by Collegiate Baseball. He shares his reactions to the honor, as well as his thoughts on the pandemic and its impact on athletes' mental health. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan discuss UH's Bonham Award winners, whether artificial fan presence at sporting events is a good idea, and their "Best and Worst".

Reaction to "The Match" with Tiger, Peyton, Phil and Tom..and who should be included in the next installment. Former Baldwin baseball coach and MLB scout Shane Dudoit on the implications of the upcoming draft. Volleyball coaching legend Dave Shoji unveils plans for a new professional women's league in the United States. And Iron Mike going bare-knuckled? Plus our "Best and Worst".

Kanoa and Jordan talk story with current Washington State (and former Hawaii) head football coach, Nick Rolovich. Rolo shares his thoughts on transitioning to a new program amid the pandemic and mourns the loss of friend and island music legend, Willie K. Plus, the fellas discuss the significance of a proposed schedule for prep sports in Hawaii. And what subject, nationally and/or locally, should be the focus of the next 10-part sports documentary series.

A fitting conclusion? Kanoa and Jordan discuss the final two episodes of the documentary series, "The Last Dance", and share their main takeaways from the series as a whole.