🚌 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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🎙️ The Big Red Bus - Episode 218 - Giddey Up 100 Million - See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus steer the Big Red Bus into two lanes of Chicago sports talk. First stop: the Bulls and Josh Giddey’s freshly inked $100M contract — what it means for the roster, the future, and Fred’s vision of “See Red” salvation. Doug also admits See Red Fred was right. Then, the gears shift to the gridiron as the guys break down the latest Bears news, drama, and outlook from the past week.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss Doug's visit on the CHGO show, the upcoming Bears season, and how high could this Bulls' team potentially end up in the Eastern Conference.  Follow See Red Fred on X:  @cbefred / See Red Fred on Instagram: see_red_fred

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The Big Red Bus - Episode 216 - Our Cup Overfloweth

See Red Fred is joined once again by the Podfather, Doug Thonus, for a ride filled with history and hard truths.

🏀 Protect Yourself at All Times – The guys kick things off with a shocking deep dive into the astounding lack of cup usage across the NBA and other sports. Is it toughness, tradition, or just plain crazy?

📊 Guess the Wins – Fred challenges Doug to “Guess the Wins” for the 1983-84 Portland Trail Blazers. Can Doug nail the number, or will history throw him off course?

🔑 The Bulls’ Magic Number – They close the show with Doug’s big take on the exact figure the Bulls must put on the table to make Josh Giddey's decision a no-brainer.

Another classic episode blending humor, trivia, and sharp Bulls analysis – buckle up and hop on the Bus!

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Join us on 'The Big Red Bus' as we dive deep into the world of NBA shooting guards, focusing on Coby White's unexpected ranking. In this episode, we explore the nuances of player evaluations, share nostalgic stories from Chicago Bulls history, and engage in fun trivia. Whether you're a die-hard Bulls fan or a casual basketball observer, you're sure to enjoy the lively discussions and insights. Tune in now and let's see who really deserves to be on top!

In this engaging episode of 'The Big Red Bus,' the hosts dive into a lively discussion about NBA shooting guards, particularly Coby White's ranking, while intertwining humor and nostalgia about past basketball legends. Through playful banter and trivia, they explore the dynamics of player evaluations and the evolving landscape of the NBA.

"The only rankings I take seriously are my own and yours." - See Red Fred

"I think he's a three-pointer away from being one of the top five players in the NBA." - See Red Fred on Amen Thompson

Find See Red Fred on X: @cbefred

Find See Red Fred on Instagram: see_red_fred

#nbashootingguardrankings #cobywhiteplayerevaluation #chicagobullshistory #basketballtriviaandhumor #nbaplayercomparisons

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus bring a positive, See Red vibe to the latest ride on the Big Red Bus. The duo dives into which player developments could spark a massive leap forward for the Bulls, exploring scenarios that could transform the season and energize the fan base.  Follow See Red Fred on X:  @cbefred  Email the show:  [email protected]

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In Episode 213 of the Big Red Bus, See Red Fred and Doug discuss the last show, the Alex Caruso trade (again), the ongoing Josh Giddey negotiations, and the Bulls’ bleak placement at #11 in ESPN’s rebuild rankings by Tim Bontemps. They also react to the Billy Donovan extension and debate whether the Bulls will go over or under their Vegas-projected 32.5 wins.

0:00 – Doug’s Mad at Mark / The Caruso Trade Debate (again)                                                  16:30 – Josh Giddey Negotiations
22:22 – No Sign-and-Trades                                                                                                  31:00 – Billy Donovan Extension
32:50 – Vegas Win Totals: 32.5 for the Bulls
45:00 – Tim Bontemps’ ESPN Article: Rebuild Rankings
55:00 – Get an Actual Bus?

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Intro – Coldplay Concert & Iconic Images

3:30 – Pleading to the 5%

5:15 – Josh Giddey

9:45 – AKME Improvements

17:00 – Yuki Mania

21:00 – The Trajectory of the Team
Where is this Bulls team really headed? A sobering analysis of direction, ambition, and expectations.

35:00 – AKME’s Five Biggest Mistakes
Mark provides his analysis on the five most damaging moves made by the front office, with context, accountability, and passion.

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