Jim is joined by sportswriter Neil Paine to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA point guard Deron Williams. First, Jim and Neil cover the Deron Williams vs. Chris Paul debate that actually was a debate in the late 2000s. Next, they Deron's incredible performance in the 2007 Western Conference Finals, his play at the University of Illinois, and how he ranks among the best point guards of his era. Finally, they debate why Derrick Rose is considered to have a much better case for the HOF than Deron despite Rose having less of a career than Deron, before making a final call on whether or not Williams deserves a place in the Basketball HOF.

Jim welcomes senior staff writer at The Ringer and New York Times best-selling author Mirin Fader to discuss her new book, “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon." Mirin and Jim cover how Hakeem inspired generations of Muslim people around the world (13:02), Hakeem's quadruple-double in 1990 (23:06), who belongs on Center Mount Rushmore (28:02), the explosion of international basketball talent (31:32), and much more.

On Monday, Dikembe Mutombo and Pete Rose both passed away. The Basketball Hall of Famer and MLB Hit King could not have been more different in every way one can be different, but both were giants that both have left legacies that will stand the test of time. Jim first covers Mutombo's career on and off the court (3:37), before tackling Pete Rose's ridiculous career numbers (18:39). Jim then replays a conversation he had with New York Times bestselling author Keith O'Brien earlier this year on Pete Rose's life (30:13),

Jim is joined by Dalton Feely from Jomboy Media to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Luis Gonzalez. First, Jim and Dalton cover Gonzalez’s World Series-winning single off Mariano Rivera (7:10). Next, they discuss Gonzalez’s 57 home run, 419 total base season in 2001, how he compares to HOFer Jim Rice, and where Gonzalez ranks among the best left fielders from the 1990s/2000s (10:55). Finally, Jim

On this edition of Pod of Fame Travel Log, Jim discusses his recent trip to England to attend his cousin's wedding. He saw a lot, ate a lot, and learned a lot. Jim covers a variety of topics, including the major differences between British and American weddings, attending his first Premier League match, delicious English beers with low ABV, the best Indian meal of his life, visiting the Tower of London, the best food he ate at Borough Market, and much more.

Our first NFL Sunday is now behind us and my god, did it feel good for football to be back. First, Jim provides some quick observations from Week 1 (4:05). Then, Jim takes a look at five current players HOF cases and covers what he needs to see from them this season in order to help them inch closer to the goal line we call Canton. Jim discusses Derrick Henry (11:15), Stefon Diggs (18:50), Matthew Stafford (24:45), Khalil Mack (30:42), and C.J. Mosley (35:17).

Jim welcomes New York Times bestselling author Ian O'Connor to discuss his new book, “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers." Jim and Ian cover a number of topics, including where Rodgers ranks among the best QBs in NFL history, the biggest misconception about Rodgers by the general public, who the greatest Green Bay Packer QB in franchise history is, what Rodgers will most likely do after retirement, and what winning a Super Bowl with the New York Jets would do for his legacy.

Jim is joined by Pittsburgh-based sports journalist Mike Asti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB catcher Jason Kendall. First, Jim and Mike cover how Kendall's first five years with the Pittsburgh Pirates is comparable to Buster Posey and Joe Mauer's first five years in the MLB (13:04). Next, they discuss Kendall's 112 run season in 2000, how he compares favorably to several pre-WWII HOF catchers, and how he ranks among the best catchers from 1990-2010 (29:01). Finally, they break down just how historic Kendall's games caught numbers are compared to every other catcher to ever set up behind the plate (53:10), before making a final call on whether or not Kendall deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (61:25).

Jim welcomes author Kyle Bandujo to discuss his new book, “Movies with Balls: The Greatest Sports Films of All Time, Analyzed And Illustrated." Jim and Kyle cover a number of topics, including which fictional sports movie moment we would most like to have attended in person, which sports movies belong on Sports Movie Mount Rushmore, how the hell Ryan Gosling's character in Remember the Titans was such a defensive liability following a junior season in which he won five player of the week awards, and much more.