Episode Notes — The Big Red Bus - Interview with Joel Lorenzi (Part 1)

1. Background & Chicago Roots
In Part 1, Joel takes listeners back to where it all began—growing up on the West Side of Chicago. .

2. Career Path & Early Success
Joel discusses his path toward winning the 2023 USBWA Rising Star Award, an honor that spotlighted him nationally as one of the most promising young journalists in the game. He breaks down what that recognition meant at this early stage and how it fueled his growth. We get into the realities of NBA reporting—what he thought the job would be versus what he’s learned on the ground

3. Covering the Oklahoma City Thunder
Before arriving at The Athletic, Joel spent two seasons on the Oklahoma City Thunder beat for The Oklahoman. He shares what surprised him most about covering OKC—whether it was the team’s culture, the city’s basketball intelligence, or the way the organization operates behind the scenes. Joel offers insight into what makes the Thunder one of the most intriguing franchises in the NBA.

4. Joel provides his insight on a potential AD trade..and provides reasons on why he is against the potential move.

Part 2 will dive deeper into the Bulls, the roster, the fanbase, and Joel’s early impressions of covering Chicago’s most beloved team.

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In this episode, See Red Fred and the Podfather tackle the growing debate in Bulls Nation surrounding the team’s frontcourt defense and the misconceptions fueling it. Fred breaks down why some defenders keep drawing the toughest scoring assignments—Banchero, Lauri Markkanen, and other oversized, high-usage forwards—and why blaming Billy Donovan for those matchups completely misses the real issue. The truth is simple: Matas is not physically ready to guard NBA power forwards, and Giddey can’t defend point guards or shooting guards, leaving others to absorb those brutal matchups.

Fred details the specific physical challenges Matas faces right now—getting bumped off spots, losing box-outs, and being displaced by contact—and explains why these are normal development hurdles for a young forward entering the league. He emphasizes that Matas’ talent is real and his offensive flashes are legitimate, but a couple of highlight blocks don’t erase the 20-plus possessions where strength becomes a glaring problem.

The episode also explores why the Bulls struggle to close games with a Giddey–Vooch–Matas trio, outlining how their combined defensive limitations create a structural disadvantage that no coach can scheme around.

Ultimately, Fred reframes the conversation: this is not a coaching-mistake problem. It’s a roster-composition problem and a physical-development reality. Until the Bulls add more frontcourt physicality or Matas grows into his NBA body, Okoro will keep being the one tasked with holding the defensive line, even when the matchups look strange on paper.

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In Episode 227, To Add AD or Not to Add AD, See Red Fred and Doug Thonus analyze the Bulls’ recent four-game losing streak and what’s driving the downturn. They also debate the case for pursuing Anthony Davis and outline what Chicago should—and shouldn’t—be willing to give up.

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Hosts: See Red Fred & The Podfather, Doug Thonus

Summary:
See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus break down one of the most thrilling weeks in recent Bulls history — a miraculous comeback win that cements the Bulls as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The guys argue that we’re witnessing the greatest front office turnaround in Chicago sports history, thanks to four franchise-changing moves that have completely reshaped the team’s identity.

Topics Covered:

The Buzelis Draft Pick (June 2024, #11 Overall)
Fred and Doug revisit the bold selection of Matas Buzelis — calling it an A+ pick that set the tone for everything that followed.

The LaVine Trade
The front office struck gold by trading Zach LaVine for Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and John Collins — plus their pick back. Fred praises each as rock-solid contributors, emphasizing that the Bulls gained three quality pieces and financial flexibility.

The Okoro Trade
Dubbed “the most underrated great move,” Isaac Okoro’s addition transformed the Bulls’ defense. Shooting 50-40-80 over his last five games, Okoro locked down Tyrese Maxey in crunch time — solidifying himself as the team’s best defender and a critical late-game stopper. Fred contrasts his production with Lonzo Ball’s multi-year absence and inefficiency, calling out the overreaction from fans who doubted the deal.

The Giddey Trade and Extension
A true win-win. Alex Caruso helped OKC capture a championship, while Josh Giddey — a misfit in OKC — has flourished in Chicago. At just 23 years old, Giddey is emerging as a bona fide All-Star and, according to Fred, even belongs in the early MVP conversation.

Closing Thoughts:
The Big Red Bus celebrates a Bulls team reborn — deeper, smarter, tougher, and finally built to contend. From a fanbase in despair to the top of the East, AKME Redemption is real, and the ride has only just begun.

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The Big Red Bus - Episode 224 - The Undefeated Red Leviathan

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus return aboard The Big Red Bus to break down the meteoric rise of the Chicago Bulls — also known across the league as The Red Leviathan.

In this fiery episode, the duo unveils their Top 5 Reasons for the Rise of the Red Leviathan, exploring the chemistry, defensive intensity, and offensive evolution that have turned this team into an unstoppable Eastern Conference juggernaut. See Red Fred and a reborn See Red Doug dissect every factor fueling this undefeated run.

Expect sharp analysis, passionate debate, and a few classic See Red Fred proclamations as the Bulls continue their reign of dominance. Hop aboard. The Red Leviathan rolls on — and no one in the East is safe

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See Red Fred and the Podfather himself, Doug Thonus, welcome the GOAT of Bulls media — Will Gotlieb of CHGO Bulls — for a lively discussion on the team’s direction, taking charges, cup talk, and what lies ahead for Bulls Nation. #SeeRed #BigRedBus

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Episode Highlights:

0:00 – Intro: See Red Fred Provides his thoughts on the Bulls' first 4 preseason games.

5:25 – The Bulls’ Best-Case Scenario: How good could the Bulls be in the weak East?

13:17 – Would you Trade Matas for Giannis? 

18:00 Can Coby Be that Guy?

22:00 Is Your Fifth Starter? With the core four looking sharp, Fred and Joe debate who deserves that final starting spot — balancing chemistry, defense, and long-term development.

Expect candid insights, laughter, and a dose of classic Big Red Bus optimism (and realism) as Fred and Joe navigate what could be a pivotal year for Bulls basketball.

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🚌 The Big Red Bus – Episode 221: Interview with Bruce Bernstein

Hello again, everybody — welcome aboard another exciting edition of The Big Red Bus!

In Episode 221, See Red Fred sits down with one of the most respected voices in basketball media — Bruce Bernstein. A longtime NBA media executive, producer, and podcast host, Bruce spent over 30 years at ESPN, where he was an Emmy Award–winning producer behind iconic shows like NBA Today, NBA Coast to Coast, and NBA Tonight.

Since leaving ESPN in 2017, Bruce has become a driving force in independent basketball media. As Chief Content Officer at Pure Hoops Media, he co-created and produced over 1,000 podcasts, helping shape the modern landscape of hoops storytelling. Today, he’s the producer and co-host of the “48 Minutes” Podcast on the BLEAV Network, continuing his mission to elevate thoughtful basketball conversation.

In this in-depth interview, Fred and Bruce discuss:

🎬 Bruce's Career: You’ve had a legendary career in NBA media — from ESPN to 48 Minutes and Pure Hoops. When you look back, what’s the most memorable NBA storyline or player interview you’ve ever been part of producing? 1:30

🏀 Growing up as a fan, what teams did you support when you were younger? How did that early fandom shape your perspective as a producer and commentator later in your career? 8:00

🌎 ESPN Voices: You’ve worked closely with so many former players and coaches. Which voices do you think fans underestimate, and which ones surprised you the most once you got to know them behind the scenes? 9:30

From your time producing shows like NBA Tonight at ESPN, what’s the biggest change you’ve seen in how the NBA is covered — and how fans consume that coverage? 13:30

Globalization of the Game: The NBA is now such a global game. As someone who has seen that transformation firsthand, what’s the biggest benefit — and maybe the biggest challenge — that globalization brings to the league? 19:11

🔴 Bulls Talk: Bruce’s outside perspective on the Chicago Bulls, reflections on the 90s dynasty, and whether today’s front office has what it takes to rise again. 20:00

It’s a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at the NBA through the eyes of one of its most accomplished storytellers.

Plus, coming soon:

A brand-new interview with Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times (dropping late Saturday or Sunday).

And early next week, Fred and Doug Thonus return to the Bus to break down the Bulls’ preseason with a very special guest.

🎧 Hop aboard and enjoy this ride with the great Bruce Bernstein — only on The Big Red Bus.

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🔥 Episode Breakdown

1:00 – CHGO Bulls Rocks: Preseason insights and standout performances

5:00 – Taking Charge: See Red Fred & the Podfather disagree on the art of taking charges.

9:00 – Paint Protection:  Zach Collins & his Role

15:00 – Vooch: What is the future for our starting C

25:00 – The Press Conference Highlights: Fred and Doug field questions on P-Will, Coby, and the Bulls’ identity

30:00 – Patrick Williams Talk

36:00 – Who Should Start at the 3?: A spirited debate over lineup balance, shooting, and defensive assignment

Follow @SeeRedFred and @Doug_Thonus on X (Twitter)

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🚍 Big Red Bus Episode Summary - Episode 219 - Bulls Bologna

In this episode of the Big Red Bus, See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus steer the conversation through bologna and hoops history. The show kicks off an unlikely detour into the world of bologna sandwiches, before Doug jumps behind the wheel for a rousing round of “Guess the Win Total”—this time with the 1981–82 Detroit Pistons roster.

The duo then turns their attention to the present, debating the most captivating Chicago Bulls storylines heading into the season—beyond the obvious intrigue around Coby White and Josh Giddey. From player development questions to roster dynamics, Fred and Doug break down what fans should really keep their eyes on.

Hop aboard the Big Red Bus for Bulls talk that only this dynamic duo can deliver. Follow See Red Fred on X: @cbefred Email the show: [email protected]

Listen to the full "Big Red Bus" Theme song here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1niqZrLq8HKkagzbbHQftJ?si=GYe9Cez8Re6s8pw4YdzuqQ

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