Jim welcomes award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author Keith O'Brien to discuss his new book, “Heartland: A Forgotten Place, an Impossible Dream, and the Miracle of Larry Bird." First, Keith and Jim discuss Larry Bird's unsung supporting cast on the 1979 Indiana State team (14:42). Next, they cover the "what if" scenario of Larry Bird playing all four seasons of his college career for Bobby Knight at Indiana University, before deciding who the GOAT of Indiana basketball is between John Wooden, Larry Bird, and Oscar Robertson (19:06). Finally, they debate whether we will ever see another Larry Bird again in college basketball (40:06).

In this edition of POF Book Club, Jim welcomes author Luke Epplin to discuss his latest book, “Moses and the Doctor: Two Men, One Championship, and the Birth of Modern Basketball." First, Jim and Luke dive into why Moses Malone and Julius Erving are so overlooked when discussing the greatest players in NBA history despite being two of the top 25 guys to ever play the game (6:37). Then, Jim and Luke speculate what life would have looked like without the ABA, details about his interview with Erving, and whether Luke ranks Malone or Dr. J higher in his all-time player rankings (11:33). Finally, Jim and Luke cover the greatest NBA combos to win a championship (28:23).

Jim is joined by author Paul Knepper to discuss the Hall of Fame candidacy of former NBA guard World B. Free. First, Jim and Paul debate whether World B. Free is the greatest name in NBA history (14:55). Next, they cover Free's 1979 and 1980 seasons, what Free and Pete Maravich have in common, and whether Free was better than Calvin Murphy (24:06). Finally, they rank Free among the best guards of the 1970s and 1980s (47:22), before making a final call on whether or not Free belongs in the Basketball Hall of Fame (1:01:20). Then, Jim discusses the legacy of Chris Paul, who retired last week after a 21-year NBA career (1:10:33).

Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly, and Roger Craig have been officially elected to the Football Hall of Fame. First, Jim provides his thoughts on the careers and legacies of all five newly elected Hall of Famers (5:06). Then, Jim provides his thoughts on Bill Belichick not getting enough votes to join the other five in Canton (38:53).

Jim is joined by former sport columnist for The Baltimore Sun and author John Eisenberg to discuss the Hall of Fame candidacy of outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. First, John and Jim cover the 2003 NFL Draft and Suggs' rookie season in Baltimore (9:33). Next, they discuss Suggs vs. Ben Roethlisberger, how rare it is for an outside linebacker to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and just how overlooked Suggs was as a result of being a member of the same defense as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed (18:35). Finally, John and Jim debate whether Suggs is the greatest outsider linebacker of the 21st Century (34:37), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Suggs belongs in the Football Hall of Fame (47:34).

Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones have been officially elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. First, Jim covers the complete voting results and breaks down just how hard it is for center fielders to get voted into Cooperstown (0:40). Next, Jim provides his thoughts on the careers and legacies of Beltrán and Jones (15:18). Finally, Jim pays homage to every single player who fell off the ballot, saying mostly nice things outside of when speaking on Ryan Braun (29:55).

Jim is joined by friend of the pod Dave "Wando" Wandolowski to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL running back Frank Gore. First, Jim and Wando discuss the nearly unprecedented length of Gore's career at the most taxing position in football (16:47). Next, they cover Gore's performance in the 2012 NFL playoffs, why he reminds them both of Curtis Martin, and where Gore ranks among the best running backs in NFL history (22:40). Finally, they take a deep dive into the premiere running backs of the 21st Century (56:10), before making a final call on whether or not Gore deserves a place in the HOF (1:03:04).

Jim is joined by friend of the pod David "Wando" Wandolowski to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL running back Frank Gore. First, Jim and Wando discuss Gore's nearly unprecedented shelf life at the most taxing position in the NFL (16:46). Next, they discuss Gore's all-time performance in the 2012 NFL Playoffs, how Gore compares to Curtis Martin, and where Gore ranks among the best running backs in NFL history (22:37). Finally, they cover the best running backs of the 21st Century (56:34), before making a final call on whether or not Gore deserves a place in the HOF (1:03:12).

Jim is joined by baseball writer at MLB.com Manny Randhawa to break down the HOF candidacy of Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. First, Manny and Jim cover how Tulowitzki is one of the biggest "what if" guys of the 21st Century (15:55). Next, they discuss what only Babe Ruth and Tulowitzki have in common and ranks Tulowitzki among shortstops of the last 25 years (26:40). Finally, Manny and Jim debate just how great Tulowitzki's peak really was (45:14), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Tulowitzki deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (49:47).

To kick off the year, Jim reviews the 2025 Hall of Fame Classes for Cooperstown, Canton, and Springfield, as well as teases what is to come for Pod of Fame in 2026 (3:10). Then, Jim previews the 2026 Hall of Fame Classes for Baseball, Football, and Basketball (15:30).