Sports Untold

Paul is joined on the 168th edition of the 'Sports Untold' podcast by writer and journalist Doug Merlino, who has authored and co-authored multiple books spanning the wide world of sports. 

Merlino wrote ‘The Hustle: One Team and Ten Lives in Black and White,’ which details the ways in which crossing lines of class, race, and wealth affected the lives of the 10 boys on a Seattle basketball team with very different backgrounds. The two discuss Merlino’s experiences on the team, his writing process, and how it mirrors society at large. 

Paul asks Doug how he got the writing bug and about some of his favorite writers, including David Halberstam, Michael Lewis, and more. 

Doug also wrote ‘Beast: Blood, Struggle and Dreams at the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts,’ in which he details the ups and downs of the sport for athletes. Doug shares interesting stories about his research process and training alongside pros, and his profiling of an anarchist fighter. 

This interview covers multiple sports and provides insight into writers and athletes in all walks of life.

Paul is joined on the 167th edition of the 'Sports Untold' podcast for the annual Husky Football Preview episode by University of Washington football legend and retired NFL player Greg Lewis. Greg is currently a member of Seattle's KJR FM 93.3 'Husky Honks' show.

In this interview, you will hear Greg's thoughts about the 2026 Husky Football Team–including the team not hiring a new Offensive Coordinator, the Demon Williams Jr. offseason drama, and UW’s postseason chances. 

Greg discusses Elise Woodward’s new position as the lead radio host for husky football and his excitement for her to have a larger role in the space. He also talks about the post-PAC 12 Apple Cup and the benefits of playing in a neutral stadium. 

Get ready for the Husky Football season by tuning into this episode!

Paul and Olivia are joined on the 166th episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast by Jeffrey Kessler, famed sports law attorney and current partner and Co-Executive Chairman of Winston Taylor. Jeffrey has had an incredible career in sports law, even arguing in front of the United States Supreme Court in NCAA v. Alston, in which he secured a victory on behalf of Division I athletes, striking down the NCAA’s restrictions on education-related compensation for college athletes.

In this interview, Jeffrey shares how major events like the Civil Rights Movement inspired him to become a lawyer, and how he found himself in sports law. 

Paul and Jeffrey discuss Marvin Miller’s impact on the rights of MLB players, how free agency came to be, and whether the pendulum has swung too far towards players' rights. The two also discussed pro drafts and the interesting legal history that explains why we still have them today. 

Jeffrey is currently representing Brendan Sorsby, the former Texas Tech quarterback, in his lawsuit against the NCAA regarding a permanent ineligibility ruling and massive gambling violations. Listeners will get interesting and underreported insight into the issue that is currently unfolding in front of our eyes. 

Olivia asks Jeffrey about his experience arguing in front of the United States Supreme Court, his thoughts on the possibility of a 2027 MLB season, and the 2021 MLB All-Star Game debacle. 

This episode gives sports fans incredible insight into the legal processes behind their favorite leagues and interesting information about some of their favorite sports figures, including Michael Jordan.

Paul and Olivia are joined on the 165th episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast by John Miller, author of “The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football.” John is an academic, author, commentator, journalist, and pundit, who currently has a column in The Wall Street Journal.

The two get into John’s book–covering the ways in which former President Teddy Roosevelt changed the sport of football, how he got to that point, and if Roosevelt has a shot at either the NFL or College Football Hall of Fame. 

John has some interesting stories about other former presidents, Ford and Reagan, and their relationships to the sport we watch every Sunday. 

As a University of Michigan graduate, John is also a wealth of information about the school’s former athletes–Paul and John discuss some of the U Mich greats, including Jalen Rose.

Paul and Olivia are joined on the 164th edition of the 'Sports Untold' podcast by King County Superior Court Judge and current Washington Supreme Court Candidate, Sean O'Donnell.

Sean was profiled in Doug Merlino's book 'The Hustle,' which details the ways in which crossing lines of class, race, and wealth affected the lives of the 10 boys on the basketball team. Sean shares with listeners the lessons he learned while being a part of this team.

Paul and Sean also discuss the Green River murder case that Sean was involved in as a prosecutor. Sean gives incredible insight into the case, including details of the investigation.

This is a great episode for anyone interested in Seattle Sports and King County politics as Sean explains to listeners (and voters) the role of state supreme courts. 

Paul is joined on the 163rd episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast, for the third time, by the legendary Dave Sims. Now the Yankees play-by-play broadcaster, Dave spent many years with Seattle’s broadcasting team calling some of the most infamous Mariners moments in recent history.  

Dave shares some special moments from his time with the M’s–discussing Rizzs’ retirement and what it was like to work with Niehaus. He also tells listeners what it is like to be a voice of the people. 

Olivia asks Dave about his scorekeeping must-haves and best techniques, and how playing the position of catcher has helped him in his broadcasting career. 

The two discuss what it is like to cover Aaron Judge, recent Hall of Fame inductees, and big names in broadcasting.

Paul is joined on the 162nd episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast by the sports director of Fox 13 Seattle, Aaron Levine. Aaron is the principal host of Fox 13’s Seahawks coverage and has great insight into the success of Seattle’s teams this past year.  

Aaron shares with the listeners how he got the sports media bug, as well as the many moments since then that have rewarded his initial interest. The two discuss many great names in the broadcasting world, including Rick Rizzs and his recently announced retirement. 

Aaron analyzes the differences between the Seahawks Superbowl teams over the last couple decades, Marshawn Lynch’s Hall of Fame chances, and Bill Bellicheck not being a first ballot Hall of Famer. And, of course, Aaron tells listeners about his favorite 2026 Superbowl moments and what it was like to cover the event.

Paul is joined on the 161st episode of the ‘Sports Untold’ podcast by sideline reporter, sports radio host and producer Jessamyn McIntyre. Jessamyn has been in the sports media industry for about 2 decades and she had so many wonderful stories to share!

Jessamyn explains how she got the sports “bug,” her thoughts on ESPN’s list of the top 100 athletes of the 21st Century, and her top moments while working in the Seattle sports scene. Jessamyn had some fun stories of the late, great Mike Leach. 

The two discuss the future of WSU Football, the upcoming Hawks game against the Rams, the 2026 Mariners season, and the Kraken. Jessamyn provided a great interview that Seattle sports fans will find really interesting.

Paul and Olivia are joined on the 160th edition of the 'Sports Untold' podcast by incredible sports journalist, Shannon Drayer. Shannon has been covering the Mariner for Seattle Sports radio insider for many years. She is an expert on all things Mariners!

In this episode, Shannon shares lots of unique stories from her time with the team, including stories with some Seattle greats like Dave Niehaus and Edgar Martinez. She tells the audience about her favorite ballparks, how she handles her busy work schedule, and her experience moving up in the sports media industry.

The three discuss the upcoming baseball season and where Shannon sees it going for the team, including Naylor's contract, Miller's arbitration situation, and the options for another bat.

Baseball fans will love this episode with Shannon Drayer.

Paul is joined on the 159th edition of the 'Sports Untold' podcast by seasoned sports broadcaster, Ian Furness. Ian has a long history in the broadcasting industry covering tons of Pacific Northwest teams, including the Seahawks, Trailblazers, and now the Kraken. His expertise in Seattle sports is present in this interview.

In this episode, Paul and Ian cover Furness’s time at O’Dea, the Indiana Football team, and the many Seahawks he got to know while covering the team. The two have an interesting conversation about Slate Gordon’s impact on the sports scene in Seattle and the lack thereof from some other Seattle area politicians. 

Ian gives an interesting take on the criticism Dan Wilson faced last season, despite making it further in the playoffs than ever before. Furness also shares with the audience his favorite Seattle sports moments.