Kirk Buchner and Dave Whitlock return with a special edition of The Buck Stops Here to dissect the League Championship Series matchups. From the star-studded Dodgers to the gritty Brewers, and the unpredictable Blue Jays facing the powerhouse Mariners, this episode dives deep into playoff dynamics, pitching matchups, and the underdog narratives that could shape the World Series. Plus, Kirk shares his excitement about attending Game 3 in Toronto!🔹 NLCS: Dodgers vs Brewers – Can Milwaukee’s depth outlast LA’s firepower?🔹 ALCS: Jays vs Mariners – Will Toronto’s chaos magic overcome Seattle’s consistency?🔹 World Series Scenarios – What happens if Milwaukee and Seattle both advance?🔹 Hall of Fame Voting – A call to action for fans to shape sports history.• 00:00:34 – Kirk and Dave kick off the LCS preview mid-game: Jays vs Mariners underway• 00:01:21 – Why the final four teams are no surprise—bye teams proving their worth• 00:02:00 – Debunking the “bye week rust” myth in MLB’s playoff format• 00:04:37 – NLCS: Dodgers vs Brewers preview—star power vs depth• 00:06:00 – Why Milwaukee’s rotation might be the key to an upset• 00:07:19 – Sasaki’s dominance and bullpen chess match• 00:10:05 – Andrew Vaughn’s resurgence and Milwaukee’s savvy roster moves• 00:11:37 – ALCS: Jays vs Mariners preview—Toronto’s improbable rise• 00:14:08 – Toronto’s pitching surprises and Seattle’s top-six lineup firepower• 00:16:25 – Bullpen breakdown: Seattle’s 7-8-9 train vs Toronto’s volatility• 00:17:16 – World Series wildcard: Could we see a first-time champion?• 00:19:14 – Kirk’s heart says Jays in 7, brain says Seattle in 6• 00:24:44 – Hall of Fame plug: Vote now at THEUSAHOF.com• 00:25:08 – Pat Summitt’s legacy and Belichick banter#MLBPlayoffs #Dodgers #Brewers #BlueJays #Mariners #WorldSeries #BaseballTalk #SportsPodcast #TheBuckStopsHere #HallOfFame #THEUSAHOF #KirkBuchner #DaveWhitlock #ALCS #NLCS #MLBPredictionsLove baseball? Want your voice heard in sports history?👉 Vote now for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame at THEUSAHOF.com – the only Hall of Fame by the people, for the people. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow fans!

Welcome to the September edition of The Elevator Show from NotInHallOfFame.com! Hosts Kirk Buchner and Chris Mouradian ride the Hall of Fame elevator—tracking which athletes are moving up, down, or stuck between floors.This month’s episode features:• Dennis Schröder’s EuroBasket MVP and international legacy• Russell Wilson’s career obituary: Hall of Fame or Hall of Forgotten?• Milestone moments for Justin Jefferson, Christian McCaffrey & Danielle Hunter• Tyreek Hill’s ACL injury and off-field concerns• Nick Bosa’s second major injury and political baggage• Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s double gold sprint into track history• A blanket “elevator down” for pre-Super Bowl era senior candidates🗳️ VOTE for the United States Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 at www.theusahof.com — no electoral college, just pure democracy!📌 Subscribe for monthly Hall of Fame debates, athlete spotlights, and legacy breakdowns.00:00:14 - 00:03:03 Show Introduction & US Athletics Hall of Fame Plug 00:03:03 - 00:06:23 Dennis Schroder UP - Discussed for his second international gold medal (EuroBasket) and tournament MVP, boosting his FIBA Hall of Fame standing.00:06:23 - 00:14:27 Russell Wilson DOWN - Called an "obituary" for his Pro Football Hall of Fame case due to his struggles after leaving Seattle, creating a negative career narrative. 00:15:29 - 00:17:40 NFL Statistical Milestones UP - Highlights for: Justin Jefferson (tied Larry Fitzgerald as the youngest player to reach 500 receptions) , Christian McCaffrey (third player with rushing and receiving touchdowns) , and Daniel Hunter (recorded his 100th career sack).00:17:58 - 00:22:46 Tyreek Hill DOWN - Discussion focuses on his torn ACL injury 6and how the loss of a prime season, combined with off-field issues, creates a major stumbling block for his Hall of Fame trajectory in a crowded wide receiver field. 00:22:46 - 00:24:05 Blanket Injuries DOWN - Chris's blanket down on the number of big-name NFL players losing the majority of the season to injury (including Hill and Burrow), impacting their career building. 00:24:05 - 00:27:54 Nick Bosa DOWN - Kirk's specific down on Bosa because his second major injury makes it harder to build the consensus resume needed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 00:28:38 - 00:30:08 Melissa Jefferson UP - Recognized for becoming the first American woman to win double gold in the 100m and 200m at the World Championships. 00:30:13 - 00:33:37 Pre-Super Bowl NFL Seniors DOWN - Kirk's blanket down on players who played before the first Super Bowl, citing bias and a lack of historical context among modern selectors. 00:36:44 - 00:38:00 Terence Crawford UP - Recognized for winning the unified super middleweight titles in a decision over Canelo Alvarez, solidifying his championship status. 00:41:34 - 00:43:46 Chris Jericho UP - Discussed as a potential WWE Hall of Fame headliner, with the prediction he'll return to WWE for induction following his time in AEW. 00:44:59 - 00:45:22 Signoff & Final Plug#HallOfFame #NFL #NBA #EuroBasket #RussellWilson #TyreekHill #DennisSchroder #MelissaJefferson #ChristianMcCaffrey #JustinJefferson #NickBosa #NotInHallOfFame #SportsPodcast #AthleteLegacy #Fiba #TrackAndField #FootballTalk #ElevatorShowLove Hall of Fame debates and legacy breakdowns? Smash that Like button, Subscribe, and ring the bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode. Drop your own Elevator Ups and Downs in the comments—we read them all!

Get ready for the puck drop! 🏒 Hosts Kirk Buchner, Chris Mouradian, and Ron Katz deliver a comprehensive 2025-2026 NHL Season Preview, breaking down the Eastern and Western Conferences with bold playoff predictions and a tiered ranking system.From the Carolina Hurricanes as Eastern Conference locks to the dominance of McDavid and the Oilers in the West, they cover every major contender. Plus, the guys dive deep into their picks for the Hart Trophy (MVP), Vezina, Norris, and the Calder Memorial Trophy! Find out which team is Kirk's "toilet tier" and which longshot rookie could steal the show.00:00:34 Introduction and The Grind of the NHL Season00:01:46 Eastern Conference Preview & Tier 1 Locks Introduction00:03:06 Eastern Conference Tier 100:03:59 College Hockey vs. Pro Hockey00:06:47 Goaltending Concerns and the Colorado Avalanche00:08:32 Eastern Conference Tier 100:13:32 Eastern Conference Tier 200:17:23 Eastern Conference Tier 300:20:49 The Pittsburgh Penguins Wild Card Scenario00:22:16 Eastern Conference Tier 400:24:16 Eastern Conference Tier 500:27:25 Eastern Conference Tier 6/Toilet Tier00:28:11 Rookie of the Year Dark Horse00:31:30 Transition to Western Conference Preview00:33:04 Western Conference Tier 100:35:10 Western Conference Tier 100:37:18 Western Conference Tier 100:38:58 Western Conference Tier 200:41:00 Western Conference Tier 300:43:24 Western Conference Tier 300:46:17 Western Conference Tier 400:50:23 NHL Awards Discussion - Calder and Vezina00:53:07 NHL Awards Discussion - Hart Trophy (MVP)00:57:33 NHL Awards Discussion - Norris Trophy (Best D-man)01:00:15 NHL Awards Discussion - Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (Top Goal Scorer)01:06:51 Closing Remarks: Kirk wraps up the episode with a final sign-off and promotes voting for the United States Athletics Hall of Fame.What do you think of our picks? Drop your Stanley Cup winner and Hart Trophy MVP predictions in the comments below! 👇#NHLPredictions #NHLSzn #HockeyTalk #StanleyCup #EasternConference #WesternConference #GoCanes #GoBolts #GoLeafsGo #GoAvsGo #LetsGoOilers #McDavid #CaleMakar #IgorShesterkin #ConorBedard #TheBuckStopsHere #SportsPodcast

Hall of Fame voter Clark Judge joins Kirk Buchner and Chris Mouradian for a no-holds-barred conversation about the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection process. From overlooked legends like Jerry Smith and Neil Smith to the politics behind contributor snubs like Ralph Hay, this episode dives deep into the stories that shape football history—and the ones that get left behind.Judge opens up about the emotional toll of the process, the impact of Zoom vs. in-person presentations, and why some candidates may never get another shot. If you care about football legacy, this is essential listening.🔔 Subscribe for more Hall of Fame debates, sports storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insight.• 00:00:34 — Clark Judge joins the show: reflections on Talk of Fame and stepping back• 00:02:35 — Senior candidate omissions: Jerry Smith, Abner Haynes, Jim Katcavage, and more• 00:04:12 — The aging dilemma: why younger voters overlook older players• 00:05:10 — Leslie O’Neal’s lack of traction and the Super Bowl bias• 00:07:00 — Last year’s senior picks: Sterling Sharpe, Jim Tyrer, Maxie Baughan• 00:09:17 — Ralph Hay’s case and the politics of contributor voting• 00:11:09 — The symbolic Hall of Fame football pass and Hay’s legacy in Canton• 00:14:12 — Belichick, Kraft, and the Spygate dilemma• 00:17:10 — Why Zoom presentations fall short of in-person persuasion• 00:21:42 — Neil Smith’s forgotten impact and the Derrick Thomas effect• 00:24:05 — Comparing Robert Mathis vs. Dwight Freeney• 00:26:02 — Will the Hall course-correct? Clark Judge weighs in• 00:30:00 — The emotional toll of presenting candidates who get rejected• 00:34:20 — How committee reshuffling affects voting dynamics• 00:38:45 — The politics of “at-large” members and presentation accountability• 00:42:10 — Why some contributors may never get another shot• 00:45:30 — Clark’s thoughts on future senior candidates and the backlog• 00:48:00 — Final reflections: legacy, frustration, and hope for reformIf you believe forgotten legends deserve their due, hit that LIKE button and SHARE this episode with fellow football fans. Drop a comment with the name of a player you think the Hall of Fame has overlooked—and why.Subscribe for more Hall of Fame debates, sports storytelling, and exclusive interviews.#BuckStopsHere #ClarkJudge #HallOfFame #NFLHistory #FootballLegends #SportsPodcast #SterlingSharpe #RalphHay #ZoomVsInPerson #ForgottenGreats #ProFootballHallOfFame #NFLSnubs #KirkBuchner #ChrisMouradian

Kirk Buchner welcomes Ron Katz—former Broncos Fan of the Year and Hall of Fame insider—for a deep dive into two explosive topics: the shady $50 million Kawhi Leonard sponsorship deal and the baffling inconsistencies in the Pro Football Hall of Fame senior list. From money laundering red flags to forgotten legends like Rich “Tombstone” Jackson, this episode pulls no punches.💥 Is Steve Ballmer playing 4D chess with the NBA salary cap? 🏈 Why are Hall of Fame hopefuls dying before they get their due? 🎙️ Plus: Dan Marino’s surprise college cameo and Richmond Webb’s campaign from Paris. Vote now for the USA Athletics Hall of Fame at theUSAHOF.com and make your voice count!• 00:00 – Intro: Kirk & Ron reunite• 01:25 – Kawhi Leonard’s $50M sponsorship deal breakdown• 03:07 – Steve Ballmer’s “I was scammed” defense• 04:44 – Money laundering laws & NBA implications• 07:25 – Kawhi’s endorsement value vs. Paul George• 10:32 – Contract guarantees & loopholes• 13:46 – Should the NBA punish Kawhi or Ballmer?• 17:25 – Pro Football Hall of Fame senior list rant• 23:05 – Rich “Tombstone” Jackson’s forgotten legacy• 27:16 – Dr. Z’s all-time team & Denver bias• 34:22 – Richmond Webb’s campaign & Dan Marino reveal• 38:15 – Final thoughts & Hall of Fame voting plug#KawhiLeonard #SteveBallmer #NBAControversy #MoneyLaundering #USAHOF #ProFootballHOF #RichJackson #RonKatz #KirkBuchner #BuckStopsHere #HallOfFameSnubs #DenverBroncos #DanMarino #RichmondWebb #SportsPodcast #AthleteLegacyIf you care about athlete legacies and exposing shady deals, smash that Like button, Subscribe, and hit the Bell so you never miss a Buck Stops Here special. Drop your thoughts in the comments—should Kawhi be punished? Who’s your biggest Hall of Fame snub?

It’s the most unpredictable time of the year—MLB Wildcard Week! Kirk Buchner and Dave Whitlock break down every matchup, from bullpen depth to breakout stars, and share their bold predictions for who survives the chaos. Will the Reds shock the Dodgers? Can Cleveland ride house money to glory? And is this the year Chapman cements his Hall of Fame case?⚾ Full breakdowns of all 4 Wildcard series🔥 Deep dives into pitching matchups, X-factors, and playoff history🎙️ Classic banter, bold takes, and a few Delorean references📌 Subscribe for more playoff coverage and Hall of Fame debates!• 00:00 – Intro: Why Wildcard Week is the best week in sports• 02:51 – MLB’s new playoff format: pros, cons, and prime-time gripes• 06:49 – Reds vs Dodgers: Can youth and chaos beat payroll and power?• 13:36 – Padres vs Cubs: Bullpen depth vs breakout stars• 19:50 – Guardians vs Tigers: House money meets elite pitching• 28:30 – Yankees vs Red Sox: Rivalry, redemption, and Chapman’s legacy• 34:40 – Hall of Fame chatter: Stanton, Chapman, and postseason impact• 38:42 – Final thoughts: Why this playoff format works and what’s nextIf you love baseball, banter, and bold predictions, hit that subscribe button and ring the bell! Drop your Wildcard picks in the comments—who’s your sleeper team?#MLBWildcard #MLBPlayoffs #BaseballPodcast #TheBuckStopsHere #MLBPredictions #PostseasonBaseball #HallOfFameDebate #YankeesVsRedSox #RedsVsDodgers #PadresVsCubs #GuardiansVsTigers

In this special episode of The Buck Stops Here, Kirk Buchner and Paul Lawrence dive deep into the top 30 active NFL players on Kirk’s “Not In Hall of Fame” Pro Football Monitor. From overlooked offensive linemen to controversial quarterbacks, they break down who’s closest to Canton—and who might never get there.🔥 Who’s rising, who’s fading, and who’s already a lock?🏆 Featuring insights on:• Aaron Rodgers• Bobby Wagner• Patrick Mahomes• Mike Evans• Von Miller …and many more!📊 Based on Kirk’s annual Hall of Fame Monitor rankings, this countdown blends stats, peak performance, and positional bias into one epic debate.• 00:02:10 — Kirk explains his Hall of Fame Monitor methodology• 00:08:28 — #30: David Bakhtiari, underrated lineman with a fading career• 00:10:27 — #29: Justin Tucker, the greatest kicker of our era?• 00:14:49 — #28: Budda Baker, elite safety in a tough position group• 00:17:01 — #27: Lane Johnson, overshadowed but dominant• 00:19:16 — #26: Matthew Stafford, Super Bowl boost and 60K yards• 00:26:00 — #25: Quenton Nelson• 00:28:13 — #24 & #23: DeAndre Hopkins vs. Davante Adams• 00:31:17 — #22: Fred Warner, the quiet beast of San Francisco• 00:33:10 — #21: Christian McCaffrey, dual-threat brilliance• 00:36:06 — #20: Jalen Ramsey, veteran corner with a Hall-worthy resume• 00:39:10 — #19: Cameron Heyward, late-career surge• 00:41:40 — #18: Tyreek Hill• 00:46:10 — #17 & #16: Josh Allen vs. Russell Wilson• 00:53:17 — #15: Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ unsung hero• 00:55:16 — #14: Cameron Jordan, consistent but title-less• 00:57:59 — #13: Mike Evans, the Frank Gore of WRs• 01:03:07 — #12: Calais Campbell, longevity vs. peak• 01:06:34 — #11: Derrick Henry, throwback dominance• 01:11:09 — #10: Lamar Jackson, two MVPs and counting• 01:15:10 — #9–#6: Garrett, Mack, Watt, and Von Miller—pass rush royalty• 01:24:22 — #5: Trent Williams, quiet excellence at tackle• 01:26:08 — #4: Travis Kelce, tight end icon• 01:28:10 — #3: Patrick Mahomes, already a legend• 01:29:52 — #2: Bobby Wagner, linebacker longevity• 01:32:26 — #1: Aaron Rodgers, four MVPs and no debate• 01:37:00 — Wrap-up and future Hall of Fame speculation#NFLHallOfFame #ProFootballMonitor #NotInHallOfFame #TheBuckStopsHere #KirkBuchner #PaulLawrence #NFLTop30 #FootballDebate #GridironGreats #HallOfFameWatch #SportsTalk #NFL2025 #FootballLegends🏈 Think your favorite player got snubbed?💬 Drop your top 5 active Hall of Fame locks in the comments!📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Hall of Fame debates!See the whole list and position breakdowns: https://www.notinhalloffame.com/football/100-active-football-hall-of-famers

Kirk Buchner and Evan Nolan return with a vengeance in this jam-packed episode of The Buck Stops Here, diving headfirst into the 2026 Hall of Fame draft across sports, music, and even toys. From Drew Brees and Patrice Bergeron to Alicia Keys and the humble slide, they predict who’s getting enshrined next—and who’s getting snubbed again. Plus, tributes to recently departed legends, a spirited debate on Rock Hall backdoors, and a miniature dachshund named Winnie who steals the show.00:00:34 Kirk and Evan reunite—Winnie joins the show00:01:53 Introducing the first annual Hall of Fame draft00:02:49 Blackhawks launch their own Hall of Fame00:10:45 Premier League Hall of Fame nominees00:14:44 Draft rules explained—16 picks across 8 categories00:17:13 First picks: Drew Brees & Patrice Bergeron00:24:20 Roger Federer enters the Tennis Hall of Fame00:29:52 Alicia Keys leads Rock Hall predictions00:42:21 Oasis and Motorhead: Rock Hall backdoor contenders00:48:58 Serena Williams joins the Hall of Fame conversation01:00:17 Full draft recap—who picked who01:04:00 Tribute to Ken Dryden and other sports legends01:21:14 Farewell to Rick Davies of Supertramp01:24:50 Final call to action and site updatesVote now for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame at theUSAHoF.com ! And if you’ve got a Hall of Fame hot take, reach out—we might just feature you on the next episode.#HallOfFameDraft #TheBuckStopsHere #DrewBrees #PatriceBergeron #AliciaKeys #RockHall #SportsLegends #WinnieTheDog #NotInHallOfFame #PodcastLife #HallOfFame2026 #ChrisJericho #SerenaWilliams #SlideForTheWin

This month on The Elevator Show, Kirk Buchner and Chris Mouradian break down the biggest movers in the Hall of Fame conversation. From Rafael Devers’ confusing trade impact to Jacob deGrom’s elite sabermetrics case, we explore who’s rising, who’s falling, and who’s stuck between floors.🏆 Plus: UFC’s new champ, IndyCar dominance, and the curious case of Sandy Alcantara.🚪 Elevator Up or Down? You decide.🔔 Subscribe for monthly Hall of Fame debates, sports banter, and the occasional roast of cursed franchises.🗳️ Vote now for the third class of the United States Athletic Hall of Fame: www.theusahof.com• 00:00 – Intro & USA Hall of Fame Voting Plug• 02:35 – Jerry Jones & Steve Ballmer: Hall of Fame-worthy or just rich?• 06:54 – Rashawn Slater’s injury: Elevator Down• 08:06 – UFC’s Dricus Du Plessis wins middleweight title: Elevator Up• 09:21 – Alex Palou clinches IndyCar championship: Elevator Up• 11:10 – Rafael Devers trade fallout: Elevator Confused• 18:30 – Aroldis Chapman’s resurgence: Elevator Up• 21:36 – Kenley Jansen’s climb toward 500 saves: Elevator Up• 24:20 – Garrett Crochet’s Cy Young-caliber season: Elevator Up• 25:51 – Zack Wheeler’s surgery setback: Elevator Down• 28:54 – Sandy Alcantara’s decline: Elevator Down• 39:02 – You Darvish’s quiet exit: Elevator Down• 43:06 – Japanese league vs MLB Hall of Fame eligibility• 47:48 – Final thoughts & USA Hall of Fame call to action________________________________________👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for monthly Hall of Fame debates🗳️ Cast your vote at www.theusahof.com📢 Share this episode with your sports-obsessed friends#HallOfFame #ElevatorShow #NotInHallOfFame #SportsDebate #MLB #NFL #NBA #UFC #IndyCar #BaseballTalk #SportsPodcast #KenleyJansen #RafaelDevers #JacobDeGrom #AroldisChapman #GarrettCrochet #SandyAlcantara #ZackWheeler #SteveBallmer #JerryJones #AlexPalou

Kirk Buchner and Robert Dobek dive deep into one of baseball’s most enduring debates: Should Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson be inducted into the Hall of Fame? With MLB lifting bans on 18 individuals, the conversation expands into the ethics of legacy, the steroid era, MVP controversies, and how Hall of Fame standards vary across sports.From the 1919 Black Sox scandal to modern PED suspensions, this episode explores whether greatness on the field can—or should—outweigh flaws off it. Plus, the guys go off-script with hot takes on football, hockey, and the business behind Hall of Fame voting.________________________________________• 00:00 – Opening banter: New York vs. Long Island & USA Hockey nostalgia• 00:01 – MLB reinstates 18 individuals: What it means for Rose & Jackson• 00:03 – Shoeless Joe’s 1919 stats and the case for innocence• 00:06 – Gambling, snitching, and the ethics of silence• 00:07 – Jackson’s background and literacy: Was he exploited?• 00:08 – Hall of Fame eligibility in 2027 and the Veterans Committee• 00:10 – Pete Rose’s off-field controversies and public perception• 00:13 – Comparing Rose to Ty Cobb: Grit vs. grace• 00:15 – What “fame” really means in Hall of Fame• 00:17 – Should Rose’s playing career outweigh his flaws?• 00:20 – Steroid era breakdown: Bonds, A-Rod, Manny, and hypocrisy• 00:23 – MVP snubs and Hall of Fame inconsistencies• 00:28 – The business of Hall of Fame weekends: Cooperstown vs. Canton• 00:31 – Big Hall vs. Small Hall: Where do you draw the line?• 00:34 – Cross-sport comparisons: Gretzky, Ovechkin, Vince Carter, Drew Brees• 00:42 – Final predictions: Will Rose and Jackson get in?• 00:44 – Bonus NFL talk: Saints, Jameis Winston, and QB chaos________________________________________#PeteRose #ShoelessJoeJackson #MLBHallOfFame #BaseballControversy #SteroidEra #SportsDebate #Cooperstown #FootballTalk #HockeyLegends #JameisWinston #DrewBrees #BarryBonds #Arod #SportsEthics________________________________________If you love sports history, hot takes, and debates that go beyond the box score, smash that like button and subscribe. Drop your thoughts in the comments—should Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe finally be honored in Cooperstown?