Mike Safo

Joined today with New York Times best-selling author and trailblazing sportswriter, Jane Leavy. Jane talks about growing up in New York City, the foods she misses most, and what it was like to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium. Jane shares stories from her groundbreaking career at The Washington Post, covering everything from the Olympics to Ronald Reagan, and opens up about her new book, Make Me Commissioner: I Know What’s Wrong with Baseball—and How to Fix It. We dive into why she chose not to write another sports biography, how this book turned out to be her toughest yet, and the epic road trip that inspired it. Jane also gives her take on today’s game, from Tommy John surgeries and the impact of analytics to the decline in African-American players and why kids should get free admission to spark a new love for baseball. Plus, she reminisces about writing her acclaimed biographies of Sandy Koufax and Mickey Mantle, reveals the coolest person in her phone, and shares an amazing piece of Mantle memorabilia from her collection. Don’t miss this episode with one of the best storytellers and baseball minds out there... Jane Leavy

Check out Jane's site here: https://janeleavy.com/

Joined today by Thor Pedersen, the only person in history to visit every country in the world without flying. He's also the author of the awesome new book, The Impossible Journey: An Incredible Voyage Through Every Country in the World Without Flying.

Thor opens up about what it really took to complete this one-of-a-kind odyssey, a journey he thought would take four years but ended up lasting a decade. We dive into the emotional and logistical challenges of traveling overland to all 203 countries, the complicated personal relationships he had to navigate along the way, and the deep reflections that shaped his book.

Thor shares why this isn't your typical travel book, no party stories or Instagram chatter, but a raw, honest look at the highs, lows, and everything in between. We talk about:

• What inspired him to start this journey (including a life-changing trip to Southeast Asia)
• His time working for the United Nations
• Struggles with visas, malaria, loneliness, and even being stuck in Hong Kong for two years during the COVID pandemic
• How he kept going, even when it got unbelievably tough
• Balancing a public journey with private life, including becoming a father
• The unreleased (but hopefully soon-to-come) documentary about his journey
• His thoughts on the “193’ers” — people aiming to visit every country
• And whether he has any regrets

Thor also talks about the process of writing the book, what surprised him most, and why it isn’t available in Danish — yet.

This is a deep dive into the mind and heart of a man who pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in travel, and came back with stories that go way beyond geography.

Follow Thor here: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga

Joined today by former world welterweight champion, boxing analyst, and host of The PorterWay Podcast... Shawn “Showtime” Porter.

We start off off with life after boxing, from Shawn’s successful podcast (The "PorterWay") and his boxing commentary to an unexpected venture into the suit business. He opens up about what he enjoys most about podcasting, his dream interview guests, and what sets him apart from other voices in the sport. when calling a fight. Shawn takes it back to his roots, growing up in Ohio, his love for the Cleveland Browns, and the must-try foods if you're ever in Northern Ohio. Shawn shares the story of his legendary amateur career, including his still talked about win over Oleksandr Usyk and what led to his decision to go pro. He talks about his insane start to professional boxing with 11 fights in one year, winning two world titles, epic nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and how he celebrated those victories. We dive into his faith, how it helped guide his journey, and how it’s now opening doors, including his debut role in an upcoming movie. All this, Plus: What really happens when you win a world title (including how and when the belt arrives), why he's allowed to associate with Michigan legend Charles Woodson, his favorite shows to binge, and where to follow all of Shawn’s current ventures.

https://www.instagram.com/showtimeshawnp

Todd Marinovich – Football, Art, and Redemption

Joined by former NFL quarterback, author, and artist Todd Marinovich. Todd gives me real estate advice about moving to Hawaii, shares his favorite local foods, and confesses his weakness for California’s iconic In-N-Out Burger.

We dive into family life, including a heartwarming (and hilarious) story about his daughter Coco painting his nails—and how his old NFL teammates would get a good laugh out of it. We also reflect on Todd’s last appearance on the show back in 2015, where we talked openly about addiction, the road to recovery, and the incredible progress he’s made since then.

Todd opens up about his new book, "Marinovich: Outside the Lines in Football, Art, and Addiction" a raw and powerful look at football, art, and his battle with addiction. He shares what inspired him to write it, how emotionally draining the process was, and the feedback he’s received so far.

We compare his journey with that of fellow athlete and recovery advocate Chris Herren, and discuss pivotal life choices—like why he chose USC over Stanford and what it was really like to be drafted by the Raiders. Todd sets the record straight on a few common misconceptions, including how he became a starting QB after just 10 college games.

He also talks about attending a recent Raiders reunion, how that helped him heal, and tells a hilarious story involving Russell Maryland and his "welcome" to the NFL.

Now more than just a quarterback, Todd proudly identifies as an artist, speaker, and motivator. He also reveals why he hasn’t taken a photo with a celebrity in over 30 years, the one piece of memorabilia he truly treasures, and where fans can grab a copy of his book.

Follow Todd and definitely check out Marinovich: Outside the Lines—a story of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose beyond the game.

Todd's site: https://www.marinovichbook.com/

"The Ghost & The Power" — Kelly Pavlik & Will Rosinsky Talk Boxing, Brotherhood, and Life After the Ring

Joined by former Middleweight Champion of the World, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik. I surprise him with my co-host: my brother-in-law and Kelly’s final opponent in the ring, Will “Power” Rosinsky.

We kick things off by diving into that memorable fight between Kelly and Will: how it came about, the odds going in, what they remember from that night, and what it meant for both of their careers. From there, Kelly and I rewind to his roots in Youngstown, Ohio, a blue-collar town that breeds champions. We talk about what makes Youngstown so special, the opening of Kelly’s new gym, the kids he’s mentoring, his charity work, and the incredible things he’s doing through school programs across Ohio.

In a rare and powerful moment, Kelly opens up about his first professional loss to Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins. Revealing for the first time that he was battling bronchitis going into the fight. He makes it clear: this isn’t about excuses. It’s about showing how that loss didn’t define or derail his career; mentally or physically.

We also break down Kelly’s meteoric rise — starting 30-0, facing feared puncher Edison Miranda, and of course, his legendary 7th-round TKO over Jermaine Taylor in Atlantic City to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. Kelly talks about how he celebrate, or lack their of, winning the belt!

Kelly and Will share what it’s really like to face a heavy-handed opponent, what they miss most about being in the ring, and how they both knew when it was time to hang up the gloves. To wrap it all up, we fire off some fun rapid-fire questions: favorite boxing memorabilia, photos with celebrities, binge-worthy shows, and their predictions for the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford showdown.

All that and more in this can't-miss conversation with one of boxing’s most down-to-earth legends. Follow Kelly on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/pavlik.kelly/

Joined today by former FBI undercover agent and bestselling author, Scott Payne. Listen as he shares the powerful story behind his new book, Code Name: Pale Horse – How I Went Undercover to Expose America’s Nazis.

Scott opens up about his life as a devoted “girl dad,” the little things his daughters do that melt his heart, and the challenges and joys of fatherhood. He reflects on his upbringing in South Carolina, his passion for sports, and his journey to playing Division I football.

We dive into Scott’s early days in law enforcement with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, including some of his first cases—and even a hilarious arrest story. From there, Scott shares the pivotal moment that led him to join the FBI, his assignment in New York City, where he lived and partied, and what he experienced on September 11, 2001.

Scott also discusses what inspired him to write his book, how podcast interviews have become a therapeutic outlet, and why he chose to open up about his high school struggles and the impact his work had on his marriage. He speaks candidly about his addiction to the adrenaline of undercover work, the psychological toll of constantly living a double life, and how difficult it is to always keep your story straight.

We talk about the transition to retirement, how law enforcement has changed over the past two decades, and how Scott copes with missing the rush of the job. He also shares how his deep faith carried him through the darkest moments of his career, his unexpected friendship with professional wrestlers, and what life looks like now after the FBI.

All this and more with the legendary law enforcement officer and bestselling author, Scott Payne. Follow Scott: https://www.instagram.com/scottpaynebigcountry

Buy Scott's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Code-Name-Undercover-Expose-Americas/dp/1668032902

Joined today by psychiatrist, researcher, and author, Dr. Rick Strassman. Rick shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in California during the '60s to developing a lifelong passion for chemistry, ultimately leading him to become known as the "Father of DMT." He discusses his groundbreaking book DMT: The Spirit Molecule and his latest work, My Altered States, along with a deep dive into the mysteries of DMT—what it is, how our bodies produce it, and what happens when it’s released.

Rick and my brother explore the effects of DMT, touching on experiences of "tripping out," out-of-body phenomena, and why so many people report encounters with "beings" after taking the substance. We also discuss the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, including their use in treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety, while acknowledging the dangers of excessive use.

Dr. Strassman opens up about his groundbreaking research on DMT in the '90s, shedding light on his goals, the government grants he received, and the unexpected surprises that came from his studies. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding psychedelics, the possibilities of changing how these substances are classified, and what has sparked the recent resurgence of interest in them.

From his experiences with Joe Rogan to predicting plot twists in The White Lotus, Dr. Strassman delivers both knowledge and entertainment in this captivating episode.

Follow Rick Strassman here and purchase his new book, My Altered States: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Trauma, Psychedelics, and Spiritual Growth

https://www.rickstrassman.com/

Today, we’re joined by New York Times best-selling author David Grann. In this conversation, David opens up about his New York roots, his passion as a die-hard Knicks fan, and why he’ll never approach someone reading his book in public. He shares stories of defying his mother’s wishes to pursue his writing dream, his unexpected moment as an answer on Jeopardy, and the honor of making it onto President Obama’s must-read list.

David reflects on his decision to transition from reporting to writing, culminating in the gripping tale of The Lost City of Z. He explains why he chose to explore Percy Fawcett’s fateful journey into the Amazon for his first book, shares his experiences in the jungle, and reveals the moment he found out he had made the New York Times bestseller list.

From there, David takes us into the tragic history of the Osage people in his blockbuster book Killers of the Flower Moon. He dives into how he gained their trust and why he believes their story is one of the greatest injustices in American history.

We also dive deep into his latest work, The Wager, where David shares how he first came across the story, his fascination with mutiny, cannibalism, and life on the high seas. And, of course, he opens up about seeing his books brought to life by Martin Scorsese, his time with Leonardo DiCaprio, his visit to Wager Island, and much more.

This is an insightful and fun conversation with one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Enjoy!

Joined today by American long-distance runner and Olympic hopeful, CJ Albertson. We dive into his upbringing in Clovis, California, including his childhood playing on a stacked little league baseball team and when he decided to fully dedicate himself to running. CJ shares his journey to Arizona State, the other schools he was considering, and the memorable (and awkward) story of how he first asked his now-wife on a date.

We also discuss his transition from college to professional running, setting records in the steeplechase, and the decision to focus on marathon racing. CJ opens up about his training strategies, his process for selecting races, and how he landed a deal with Brooks. We also compare our experiences at the NYC Marathon and talk about how he specifically prepared for that race, alongside his broader goals for major events.

CJ shares insights into his rigorous training regimen, diet, and how he balances running, parenthood, and teaching. From his unique approach to healthy eating and running with heat lamps to his commitment to the 2028 Olympics, CJ’s story is full of fascinating moments. Plus, hear how he managed to lose Jon Rahm's phone number and survived running over 200 laps on an indoor track. It’s a packed episode with a one-of-a-kind guest. Enjoy the conversation!

Join us today for an incredible conversation with MLB veteran, former New York Yankee, and professional bodybuilder Kyle Farnsworth. In this episode, Kyle opens up about his beautiful family, his love for dogs, and his passion for hunting. He shares his journey from getting cut from his high school baseball team to being drafted by the Cubs, discussing his decision to attend junior college before joining the Cubs’ minor league system.

Kyle takes us through the highs and lows of his career, from his first win as a pitcher to that unforgettable 2003 Game 7 National League Championship series, and the unforgettable experience of playing for the Cubbies. We dive into his decision to turn down a larger offer from the Rangers to wear the iconic Yankees pinstripes, stepping into a locker room filled with legends like Jeter, A-Rod, and Mariano Rivera, and the surreal experience of playing in the historic Yankee Stadium.

We also explore the challenges of being traded, his time in the Mexican League, and how all these experiences fueled his undying passion for the game. From there, we shift gears to Kyle’s surprising semi-pro football career, where he led the league in sacks, and his journey into professional bodybuilding, discussing his disciplined diet, intense workout routine, and what it takes to stay at the top.

We wrap up the conversation with fascinating stories about his unlikely friendship with Barry Bonds, chats about cattle with Nolan Ryan, and his thoughts on how baseball has changed over the years, particularly with all the rule changes affecting the integrity of the game.

All this and more with the ever-interesting, always entertaining Kyle Farnsworth. Be sure to follow him on Instagram for more

https://www.instagram.com/thekylefarnsworth