We kick off the episode with a look back at Steve Spurrier's comical tenure as a head coach in the NFL (0:51). Next, Gabe Mirabelli previews the NFC and AFC Championship Games in Vegas Corner (27:37). And then, Hannah makes her feature segment debut as she joins the show to discuss the television powerhouse that is "The Bachelor" on ABC (46:25).

This Week's Menu of On-Demand Audio:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-27:36)
  -Market Shoutouts and Table Setting
  -My Article on Urban Meyer Coming to Northeast Florida (www.shaneparnellmcgrath.com)
  -The Contrast Between Meyer and Steve Spurrier
  -A Look Back at Spurrier's Comical Tenure as a Head Coach in the NFL:
     *Spurrier Takes the Washington Job in 2002 (with a 5-Year, $25 Million Contract)
     *Draft Day Helicopter Ride
     *Running Up the Score During the Preseason in Osaka
     *Wondering about Special Fields for the Offense and Defense
     *The Perils of Practicing in Sleet
     *A Beautiful Night to Throw the Ball
     *Team Ownership and Danny Wuerffel
     *No Reasons for Fan Optimism
     *The Magnum Opus: "5-11, not very good!"
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe Mirabelli (27:37-46:24)
  -Bill Parcells on the Postseason
  -Reviewing Gabe's Success Last Week (3-1, Now 5-2-1 Overall in the Playoffs)
  -Gabe's Picks for the NFC and AFC Championship Games
  -My Pick of the Week
Hannah McGrath Interview (46:25-1:26:57)
  -Seinfeld Explains the Role of Alcohol in Dating
  -Guest Intro
  -Hannah is Thrilled to be on the Show
  -Hannah's Time to Shine
  -Her History as a Bachelor TV Fan
  -Her History of Coercing Me to Watch the Show
  -Why has The Bachelor been So Successful?
  -Theories for why Contestants Become Emotionally Invested Early in Each Season
  -The Pitfalls of the Opening Cocktail Party
  -Reasons People Apply to be Contestants on the Show
  -The Odds of Finding Love on a TV Show
  -What Portion of The Bachelor is Totally Contrived?
  -The Role that Alcohol Plays on the Show
  -Are the Contestants Always Mindful of the Cameras?
  -Best and Worst Bachelors through the Years
  -The Odyssey of Ross Jirgl
  -Hannah's Strategy Guide for Future Bachelor Contestants
  -How Does Each Season's Villain Develop?
  -Thoughts on the Show's Informant Culture
  -Internet Spoilers
  -The Bachelor's New Approach to Travel
  -Thoughts on Chris Harrison
  -Strategies for the Draft
  -Pregnancy Update!
Even in the Cold, a Young Bills Fan in Buffalo Loves Chick-Fil-A (1:26:58-1:27:15)

We start with a story to celebrate the remarkable life of baseball legend Tommy Lasorda. Next, Gabe Mirabelli checks-in for an NFL divisional playoff edition of Vegas Corner. And then musician Jake Willis joins for a conversation about songwriting, performing live music, and the release of his new studio EP.

This Week's Arrangement of On-Demand Audio:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-10:56)
  -Table Setting and Market Shoutouts
  -A Vintage Story about Tommy Lasorda
     *Aside: A Vintage Story about my Grandmother
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe (10:57-29:40)
  -Even in Retirement, Jimmy Johnson Loves Competition
  -Gabe was a Big Winner on Monday Night
  -Will Gabe Spend Any of his Winnings on the Special Lady in his Life?
  -The Perils of Betting on College Basketball
  -Gabe's Picks for this Weekend's NFL Divisional Playoff Games
  -My Pick of the Week
Jake Willis Interview (29:41-1:06:30)
  -Elvis Presley Hates Tabloids, but Loves Music
  -Guest Intro
  -Jake's Musical Family
  -Early Musical Influences
  -First Time Performing in Front of an Audience
  -Attending Gardner-Webb
  -His Approach to Leading Church Music
  -Favorite Types of Live Music Events
  -The Ingredients of a Good Music Gig
  -Ever Have to Deal with a Disagreeable Audience?
  -Which Comes First: Lyrics or Melodies?
  -Song Lyrics Inspired by South Carolina Football
  -The Time it Takes to Produce a Song
  -The Nuts and Bolts of Recording a Song
  -The Difference Between Performing in a Studio and Performing in Front of an Audience
  -His Favorite Songs from the EP
  -Plans for a Full-Length Album
  -Memories from South Carolina's Run to the 2017 Final Four
  -Any Bitterness over the way Steve Spurrier Left in 2015?
  -Memories from when South Carolina Hired Spurrier in 2005
  -Middle School Jake was a Serial Caller to Columbia Sports Talk Radio
  -Grading the Shane Beamer Hire
  -Ways to Listen to the EP and Learn More about Jake's Music
Steve Spurrier's Comedy Routine (1:06:31-1:07:31)

We begin with a classic radio story involving Larry King and Frank Sinatra. Next, it's Vegas Corner with Gabe Mirabelli, including a story about a bag of cash at a casino roulette table.  And then travel enthusiast Thomas Cannon joins to review his recent road trip to all 48 states of the continental U.S.

This Week's Audio Roadmap:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-10:57)
  -Table Setting and Market Shoutouts
  -A Classic Radio Story: Larry King, Frank Sinatra, and Coffee in Miami
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe Mirabelli (10:58-41:20)
  -Larry Lacewell Knows a National Championship Program When He Sees One
  -A Disclaimer About Gambling on the NFL
  -Picks for NFL Wild Card Weekend
  -The College Football National Championship Game
  -My Pick of the Week
  -A Casino Story: A Bag Full of Money at a Roulette Table
Thomas Cannon Interview (41:21-1:15:50)
  -Audio from his Highlight Video: Thomas Drives to the Desert
  -Guest Intro
  -Growing Up in Kure Beach, NC
  -Going to College at Gardner-Webb
  -The Inspiration for his Trip to 48 States
  -A Previous Cross-Country Drive
  -What is the World Record?
  -His Car
  -Road Trip Listening Material
  -Any Difficulty Staying Awake?
  -His Road Trip Sleeping Routine
  -His Wife's Reaction to the Road Trip
  -The Route he Traveled Around the USA
  -Planning the Route
  -Most Memorable Sights from his Trip
  -An Underrated State: Idaho
  -A Speeding Ticket in Kansas
  -Kick Flips in Every State
  -A Story from a Gas Station in Georgia
  -Best Food from the Trip
  -Most and Least Expensive Gasoline
  -Total Number of Miles Traveled
  -Any Car Trouble on the Trip?
  -Phone Contact with Friends and Family during the Trip
  -Lessons Learned from his Travels
  -Hurricane Memories
  -Surfing Before and After a Hurricane
  -Setting a World Record for Consecutive Hours Surfed
  -The Process for Certifying a World Record
  -His Next Road Trip
  -How to Follow Along with Thomas' Travels
  -Energy Drinks or Coffee?
Paul Hemrick Does Not Believe in Dry Cleaning (1:15:51-1:16:11)

The first episode of 2021 begins with a nostalgia file entry involving a golf cart and a call of nature. Next, Gabe Mirabelli checks-in for Vegas Corner, including Gabe's reaction to last week's joint appearance by Ryan Logan and Chris Doerring. Gabe also makes an announcement about a potential golf showdown to benefit charity this spring. And then Jeremiah Lokken joins the show to discuss the annual tradition that is the football coaching carousel: why it matters, comical memories and press conferences, what fans like to see in head coaches, and more.

This Week's Itinerary of On-Demand Audio:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-10:23)
  -Market Shoutouts and Table Setting
  -Happy New Year from SMWSM
  -Nostalgia File Entry: a Golf Cart and a Call of Nature
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe Mirabelli (10:24-40:01)
  -Dan Henning Explains the Competitive Nature of Bill Parcells
  -A Recap of Gabe's Visit to Massachusetts
  -Chris Doerring's Memorable 2016 Golf Tournament Performance
  -Does Chris Overestimate his Golf Prowess?
  -Setting the Odds for a Golf Match between Chris and Ryan Logan
  -Stories from Gabe and Ryan's 2018 Trip to Pinehurst
  -Gabe Announces a Made-for-the-Podcast Charity Golf Match with Ryan
  -Is Ryan Trying to Hustle Gabe?
  -Setting the Odds for the Match
  -Time Zone Talk
  -Player Opt-Outs Impacting Bowl Season
  -Gabe's Picks for Saturday's Marquee Bowl Games
  -Previewing Next Week's Big Edition of Vegas Corner
Coaching Carousel Discussion with Jeremiah Lokken (40:02-1:27:00)
  -Steve Spurrier's Best NFL Press Conference
  -Guest Intro
  -My Love for the Coaching Carousel
  -Stories about Learning the Importance of Coaching in Football
     *Bill Parcells to the Cowboys in 2003
     *Ron Zook to the Gators in 2002
  -Jeremiah is Optimistic about the Jaguars' Upcoming Coaching Search
  -Fans Usually Know When a Search will be Successful
  -Most Disappointing Hires Through the Years
  -Inferring Red Flags from Introductory Press Conferences
  -Comical Press Conferences: Jim Tomsula and Adam Gase
  -Why Do NFL Teams Gravitate Toward Retread Hires?
  -What Fans Want in Head Coaches
  -Better to Coach in the NFL or in College?
  -Urban Meyer to the NFL?
  -Jeremiah's Wish List for the Jaguars
  -Jeremiah's Jubilation Watching the Jaguars Get the Top Pick in the Draft
  -Ohio Weather Update
Jim Tomsula Wants a Clean Locker Room (1:27:01-1:27:16)

We kick off the Christmas weekend edition of SMWSM with holiday news dispatches from across the country. Next, Gabe Mirabelli joins for a college football playoff installment of Vegas Corner. And then lawyers Ryan Logan and Chris Doerring return to discuss their respective allegiances to Notre Dame and Clemson, game day viewing routines, golf stories from law school, and more.

This Week's List of Audio Festivities:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-20:20)
  -Market Shoutouts and Table Setting
  -Christmas News Reports
    *Hohman, Indiana
    *New York City
    *Bedford Falls, New York
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe (20:21-46:39)
  -Bill Parcells Explains Why Scoreboards Exist
  -What Did Gabe Want for Christmas?
  -Historical Evidence about Underdogs in Bowl Games
  -Bowl Game Best Bets
  -College Football Playoff Best Bets
  -My Pick of the Week
A Conversation with Ryan Logan and Chris Doerring (46:40-1:26:10)
  -Seinfeld on Sports Fandom
  -Guest Introductions
  -Did Ryan Think Notre Dame Could Beat Clemson in the ACC Title Game?
  -Was Chris at all Worried about Notre Dame Last Weekend?
  -Notre Dame's Recent History in Marquee Games
  -Ryan's Response to Twitter's Collective Snark about Notre Dame
  -Was it a Lock that Notre Dame would be in the Playoff?
  -How Desperate are Clemson Fans to see Notre Dame Upset Alabama?
  -Dabo Ranking Ohio State 11th in his Coaching Poll Ballot
  -Dabo's Media Appearances
  -Brian Kelly and the NFL
  -Dabo and the NFL
  -Will Chris Become a Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Because of Trevor Lawrence?
  -Trevor Lawrence's Haircut
  -Who Has Longer Hair: Trevor Lawrence or Chris' Girlfriend?
  -Better to be a Head Coach in the NFL or College Football?
  -Game Day Superstitions and Viewing Routines
  -Chris' Memories of New Orleans
  -TV Screen Talk
  -Expectations for the College Football Playoff
  -Will Chris Contribute to the Clemson Alumni Fund?
  -What's the Spread for a Golf Match between Ryan and Chris?
  -A Law School Golf Story
  -A Potential Long Drive Challenge?
  -What's the Spread for a Golf Match between Ryan and Max Baker?
  -A Golf Match between Ryan and Gabe Mirabelli?
  -Christmas Lists
  -Chris and his Girlfriend Go Hunting
Bert the Cop is a Family Man (1:26:11-1:26:22)

We start with a Saturday Morning investigation of Larry King's eventful marital history. Next, Gabe Mirabelli checks-in for Vegas Corner, including a discussion of coaching contracts and his review of a new casino in the sports & entertainment capital of the world.  And then nationally-certified school psychologist Shannon Ellis joins the show to talk about several topics of interest from the world of psychology.

This Week's Order of Ceremonies:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-22:27)
  -Market Shoutouts and Table Setting
  -The Origins of my Fascination with Larry King
  -Larry's Alimony Payments
  -A Saturday Morning Investigation: Larry's Eventful Marital History
  -Merry Christmas from SMWSM
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe (22:28-45:50)
  -Bill Parcells on the Postseason
  -What is Gus Malzahn Doing Right Now?
  -Coaching Contract Buyouts
  -Gabe's Picks for Conference Championship Weekend
  -My Pick of the Week
  -Gabe's Review of a New Vegas Casino
Shannon Ellis Interview (45:51-1:29:19)
  -George Costanza Needs a Team
  -Guest Intro
  -Origins of her Interest in Psychology
  -The Psychology AP Exam
  -Psychology Courses in College
  -Differences Between Graduate School and College
  -Report Card Talk
  -Do Psychologists Psychoanalyze People in Social Settings?
  -Do Psychologists Have Above-Average Self-Awareness?
  -Most Common Reasons People Seek Out Therapy
  -Most Common Mental Health Challenges for Students
  -Social Media Positives and Negatives
  -Phone Addiction
  -Self-Help and Popular Psychology Books
  -The Marshmallow Test
  -The Nature/Nurture Debate in Human Development
  -The Importance of Exercise, Diet, and Sleep to Good Mental Health
  -Southwest Florida Weather
  -Tony Curtis vs. Cary Grant
A Caller is Very Curious About Larry's Hair (1:29:20-1:29:49)

Mike McCarthy has lived down to my expectations as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. A New York City Chipotle is overtaken by rodents. Vegas Corner with Gabe Mirabelli, who looks to build on his stellar 16-9 record against the spread.  And then pilot Brad Richert joins to talk about learning to fly, stories from the air, and his family's upcoming move to Papua New Guinea.

This Week's Audio Flight Plan:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-24:38)
  -Table Setting and Market Shoutouts
  -Ireland Now on the SMWSM List of International Markets
  -An I-Told-You-So Moment: Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys
  -NYC Chipotle Overrun by Rodents
  -Restaurant Sanitation Ratings
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe (24:39-50:58)
  -Bill Parcells Collects a Debt
  -Reviewing Last Week's Oklahoma State-TCU Finish
  -Crucial Free Throws at the End of the Kansas-Creighton Basketball Game
  -Gabe Chases Winnings During Pac-12 After Dark
  -Reacting to the Latest College Football Playoff Rankings
  -Gabe's Picks for this Week
  -My Pick of the Week
Brad Richert Interview (50:59-1:28:48)
  -Pilot Ted Striker has been Nervous Lots of Times
  -Guest Intro
  -Developing an Interest in Airplanes
  -Differences in Airplane and Car Engines
  -Working on Cars
  -The Process for Getting a Pilot's License
  -Learning to Land an Airplane
  -The Danger of Landing Planes
  -Brad the Flight Instructor
  -His Most Harrowing Flight Experience
  -Watching a Tornado Form from the Sky
  -Flying in the Rain
  -Flying at Night
  -Process of Flying for a Big Commercial Airline
  -Brad Puts the Moves on Courtney
  -Meeting his In-Laws for the First Time
  -Deciding to Pursue Missionary Aviation
  -Training to Become Missionaries
  -Moving Frequently
  -Papua New Guinea Country Profile
  -Their Daily Routine in PNG
  -Defining Success in the Mission Field
  -Traveling to PNG
  -How to Partner with Brad and Courtney
  -Oklahoma Football
  -Brad Listening to SMWSM while in PNG
How 'Bout them Cowboys (1:28:49-1:28:57)

This week's monologue looks at the start of the Christmas season and features a story to celebrate Dr. Dee Hunt's remarkable tenure at Gardner-Webb University. Next, it's Vegas Corner with Gabe Mirabelli, including a discussion about why former Bill Belichick assistants struggle as head coaches. And then college admissions guru Keith Hudon sits down for a conversation about travel stories, his favorite hotels and restaurants, his interest in beekeeping, and more.

This Week's On-Demand Audio Roadmap:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-14:26)
  -Market Shoutouts and Table Setting
  -The Christmas Season is Here
  -Elliot Engstrom's Theory about Christmas Music in the South
  -Our Christmas Tree Depth Chart
  -Frosty Weather in North Florida
  -Dr. Dee Hunt Honored at Gardner-Webb
  -A Vintage Dr. Hunt Story: The Goal Line
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe (14:27-41:26)
  -Al Davis Knows the Gambler's Motto
  -Why Can't Former Belichick Assistants Succeed as Head Coaches?
  -The Turning Point of Bill Parcells' Head Coaching Career
  -Reaction to the Latest Batch of College Football Playoff Rankings
  -Gabe Believes Massachusetts is the Historic Home of Thanksgiving
  -Reviewing Last Week's Games
  -Gabe's Picks for this Week
  -Gary Patterson's Pants
  -My Pick of the Week
Interview with Keith Hudon (41:27-1:19:21)
  -Dean Wormer Knows How to Manage Fraternities on a College Campus
  -Guest Intro
  -How Keith Ended Up at Florida Tech
  -Keith's Visit with Mark Warner
  -Keith the Math Guy
  -Florida Weather
  -Snowbirds in Melbourne
  -His First College Fair
  -Answering Questions at College Fairs
  -Air Conditioning at College Fairs
  -My First College Fair
  -How Many Fairs has Keith Covered?
  -How Many Miles does Keith Typically Travel Each Year?
  -Keith's Car Packing Process
  -A Vintage Story about a Blunder that I Made at a Hotel
  -Favorite Cities
  -Favorite Restaurants
  -Favorite Airports
  -Spending Hotel Rewards Points
  -College Admissions in the Age of Covid-19
  -Renovating his House
  -Barry Bradberry Talk
  -Beekeeping
  -Getting Stung by the Bees
  -The Components of a Bee Colony
  -Keith's Beehive Removal Service
  -Keith's Experience as an Uber Driver
  -Andrew Veeder's Tennis Legacy at Florida Tech
Woody Fish Understands Recruiting Etiquette (1:19:22-1:20:18)

It's the Thanksgiving Weekend edition of SMWSM! This week's monologue explores the upcoming contract negotiation between Jim Nantz and CBS. Next, it's Vegas Corner with Gabe Mirabelli. We review last week's games and react to the first batch of college football playoff rankings. Gabe also gives his picks for this weekend. Then, the festivities continue with an interview of historian Dr. Madison Cates. Dr. Cates discusses what it's like to write a dissertation and to teach college courses. He also regales us with the history of Thanksgiving, memories from his days at Gardner-Webb, thoughts on the Andy Griffith Show, and more. We're thankful for you this weekend (and every weekend) on SMWSM!

This Week's Audio Menu:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-12:39)
  -Table Setting and Market Shoutouts
  -Happy Thanksgiving!
  -The Jim Nantz and CBS Contract Negotiation
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe (12:40-38:30)
  -Fast Eddie Goes All-In
  -Guest Intro
  -Last Week's Kentucky Debacle
  -Coastal Carolina's Miraculous Cover
  -Reacting to the College Football Playoff Rankings
  -Gabe's Picks for this Week
  -Can Gabe Calculate Parlay Odds in his Head?
  -Gabe Slept on Mississippi State Last Week
  -My Pick of the Week
Dr. Madison Cates Interview (38:31-1:32:49)
  -Andy of Mayberry Loves Birds
  -Guest Intro
  -Stories from his High School Running Career
  -Deciding to Attend Gardner-Webb
  -First Impressions of the 3rd Floor of Lutz-Yelton Hall
  -Favorite Dr. Eastman and Dr. Yelton Stories
  -The Rigors of Graduate School Compared to Undergrad
  -Attending NC State as a UNC Fan
  -His First Experience Teaching College Students
  -Humorous Exam Responses
  -Choosing a PhD Program (Florida)
  -His Runner-Up Program (Mississippi State)
  -Carly's First Trip to Gainesville on US-301
  -Florida Weather
  -Writing and Defending a Dissertation
  -Steve Spurrier Sightings in Gainesville
  -The History of Thanksgiving
  -Favorite Andy Griffith Show Episodes
  -Kyle Trask for Heisman
Arthur Carlson of WKRP Radio Really Believed Turkeys Could Fly (1:32:50-1:33:00)

This week's opening segment covers online yard sales, a vintage story about Philip the Dancing Mailman, and the Hulu Live TV price increase. Next, Gabe Mirabelli checks-in for Vegas Corner, which includes some bonus talk about Gabe playing through injuries during his college baseball career and how he would spend a coaching contract buyout. Then, Tennessee Smokies Vice President Jeremy Boler discusses his early days working in sports, his tenure as the General Manager of the Forest City Owls, and the business side of minor league baseball.

This Week's Audio Lineup:

Cavalcade of Sound (0:01-0:50)
Opening Monologue (0:51-19:58)
  -Market Shoutouts and Table Setting
  -Online Yard Sales
  -Philip the Dancing Mailman: "Rutherford County for Sale"
  -Hulu Live TV Price Increase
  -Episode Preview
Vegas Corner with Gabe (19:59-43:31)
  -Fast Eddie Plays Fast and Loose
  -Gabe is 11-4 in his Previous 15 Selections
  -Gabe Playing Through Injuries at Guilford College
  -This Week's Picks
  -Over/Under Talk
  -My Pick of the Week
  -How Would You Spend a Coaching Contract Buyout?
Interview with Jeremy Boler (43:32-1:28:20)
  -Pop Fisher Just Wants to Win a Pennant
  -Guest Intro
  -The Cal Ripkin, Jr. of Gardner-Webb Softball Fans During College
  -Favorite Baseball Team and Players Growing Up
  -An Early Fascination with Sports
  -Deciding to Pursue a Career in Sports
  -His First Job: Corporate Marketing Manager for the Winston-Salem Dash
  -Becoming the GM of the Forest City Owls
  -The Many Responsibilities of a GM
  -Recruiting Players to the Coastal Plain League
  -Forest City is a Great Baseball Town
  -The Late, Great Bob McNair
  -Making the Leap to Join the Tennessee Smokies
  -Is he Contractually Obligated to be Cubs Fan?
  -Going to Game 4 of the 2016 World Series in Chicago
  -The Logistics of Minor League-Major League Franchise Affiliations
  -Changes to the Structure of Minor League Baseball
  -Major League Player Call-ups
  -His Elevator Pitch for Partnering with the Smokies
  -His Proudest Accomplishments over the Previous 7 Seasons
  -Covid-19's Financial Impact on Minor League Baseball
  -Memories from Rooming with Joseph Laurent at Gardner-Webb
The Perils of Placing Carpet Squares Beneath Bus Tires (1:28:21-1:29:16)