Spolitics

Spolitics

By iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned ChoiceSociety & CultureSportsNewsPolitics
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Spolitics episodes

  • Ep 14: The Politics of Perseverance - Featuring Taylor Townsend

    This week in Jemele’s opening filibuster, Jemele addresses whether the NFL’s Rooney Rule — their version of DEI for coaches and front office personnel — should be abolished. Her guest this week is tennis pro Taylor Townsend, who recently won the Australian Open doubles championship. Taylor shares what prompted her to begin a tennis career, how she navigated some of the early obstacles in her career, which included being body shamed. Taylor also explains how she juggles motherhood and professional tennis, and the ups and down that come along with financing her tennis career. In the final segment, Jemele answers a question from social media about rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg performing during Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 10 min
  • Ep 13: The Politics of Laughter - Featuring Ryan Davis

    This week, Jemele answers some of her critics over an old tweet about Caitlin Clark in her opening filibuster. Jemele is joined by actor and comedian Ryan Davis, who is co-hosting a comedy series on Vice with Chris Spencer and Tiffany Haddish called “Black Comedy in America” that includes blockbuster interviews with Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Steve Harvey. Ryan reveals his comedic inspirations, and his thoughts on Andrew Schulz-Kendrick Lamar beef. Ryan also tells the story of his own beef with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Jemele finishes the episode by answering an audience question about whether we can expect to see more sports teams visit the White House after winning championships now that Donald Trump has returned to office.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 30 min
  • Ep 12: The Politics of Athlete Empowerment - Featuring Paul McDonald

    This week, Jemele’s opening filibuster focuses on the origin story on how the NCAA came to be one of the most powerful and lucrative organizations in sports. Jemele is joined by attorney Paul McDonald, co-lead counsel for college athletes plaintiffs in the Johnson vs NCAA lawsuit, which, if successful, would force college and universities to classify college players as employees. McDonald explains the core thesis behind the athletes’ case, and shares how the NCAA is using the controversial, so-called “slavery loophole” in the 13th Amendment of the Constitution as a defense. Jemele also closes out the episode with thoughts on the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
  • Ep 11: The Politics of Fandom - Featuring Jake Tapper

    This week, Jemele’s “The Filibuster” focuses on the NFL MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Then, CNN anchor and rabid Philadelphia sports fan Jake Tapper joins Jemele to discuss the state of sports in Philly. Tapper takes Jemele through the origin and evolution of his superstitious Philly fandom, and he shares a special message for Joel Embiid. Jemele also presses Tapper on whether he enjoyed witnessing the Eagles win the Super Bowl more than his wedding. Finally, Jemele answers an audience question about the disapproval of Heisman winner Travis Hunter’s romantic relationship.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min
  • Ep 10: The Politics of Diplomacy - Featuring Sydney Kamlager-Dove

    This week, Jemele's "The Filibuster" explains the fine line between sports diplomacy and sportswashing. Then, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove joins Jemele to offer her firsthand perspective on using sports for positive political gain. Jemele and Rep. Kamlager-Dove discuss the Department of Government Efficiency, and Rep. Kamlager-Dove offers her opinion on how Trump's stance on immigration contrasts with her goals for sports diplomacy. Jemele and Rep. Kamlager-Dove also forecast the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Finally, Jemele answers an audience question about tax subsidies in sports ownership.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    48 min
  • Ep 09: The Politics of Fighting - Featuring Claressa Shields

    On this week's "The Filibuster,” Jemele shares her thoughts on Caitlin Clark winning TIME's Athlete of the Year 2024. Then, Olympic gold medalist and world champion boxer Claressa Shields joins Jemele to discuss her biopic “The Fire Inside,” what she thought of actor Ryan Destiny's portrayal of her, which people in her life didn’t particularly like their portrayals, and why it was important to showcase her hometown of Flint, Michigan. Shields also reflects on fighting for pay equity. Plus, Jemele asks Shields about her recent online conflict with rapper Remy Ma.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 9 min
  • Ep 08: The Politics of Money - Featuring John Hope Bryant
    Jemele spends "The Filibuster" exploring athletes' volatile relationship with financial literacy. Then, Jemele welcomes the foremost expert on financial literacy. John Hope Bryant, the author of "Financial Literacy for All" and CEO, Chairman and Founder of Operation HOPE.  Bryant explains why he believes financial literacy is this generation's civil rights issue. John and Jemele also go back and forth whether Michael Jordan should have sold his controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets. John also gives his thoughts on why athletes disproportionately file for bankruptcy, why more Americans have invested in sports gambling than the stock market, and if athletes should begin converting their salary to Bitcoin. Lastly, Jemele addresses a question from a listener who wants to know why she supported Vice President Kamala Harris despite her being “unqualified" to be the next US President.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 17 min
  • Ep 07: The Politics of Conflict - Featuring Ibtihaj Muhammad
    This week's "The Filibuster" focuses on the ongoing war in Gaza and challenges why it seems impossible to discuss without someone being labeled as an anti-Semite and a terrorist sympathizer. Jewish Currents editor-at-large, CUNY professor, and MSNBC analyst Peter Beinart and Jewish sports journalist Eric Adelson both offer their expertise. Then, former Olympic fencer and New York Times best-selling author Ibtihaj Muhammad joins Jemele. Ibtihaj connects her experience as the first-ever Muslim American Olympian to wear a hijab to her continued purpose as an activist. Ibtihaj shares her pro-Palestinian beliefs and why she remains undeterred by the backlash she's received. As always, Jemele answers a listener question — this time, from someone who wants to know how athletes can balance making their political opinions while facing limitations. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr 8 min

About Spolitics

From the publisher's feed

SPOLITICS is where we don’t just stick to sports, but examine the world and all of its complexities through the lens of sports. Each week, this podcast will enthusiastically explore the…

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