The End of Sport

The Running Man

In this episode, Johanna sits down with Austin McCoy to explore the dystopian themes of the 1987 film The Running Man, connecting it to contemporary issues of authoritarianism, media control, and sports.

Austin McCoy is an assistant professor of history at West Virginia University. He specializes in African American History, labor history, social movements, and hip-hop culture. He did a ton of organizing work while a graduate student at the University of Michigan, specifically but not only against racist police violence. 

He’s been working on an academic book, tentatively titled The Quest for Democracy: Black Power, New Left, and Progressive Politics in the Post-Industrial Midwest, under contract with the University of North Carolina Press. AND: in January of this year, his first book was published by Simon and Schuster about the hip hop group De la Soul, titled, Living in a DAISY Age: The Music, Culture, and World De La Soul Made. It is a national bestseller (within the 1st week!!), and is just such a beautifully written book that genuinely anyone can appreciate, whether you are an academic, a hip-hip fan, neither, and anything in between. He’s also writing pieces for TruthOut again, writing pieces about music for the Conversation, has written for Public Books, CNN, and so much more.

Chapters

00:01 Introduction to the Films and Themes

01:19 Johanna introduces Austin and his background

01:48 The 1987 Version: Resistance and Media

02:48 Discussion of the film's premise and setting

05:12 The 2025 Version: A Global Arena

05:35 Austin's initial thoughts and how he discovered the film

08:01 The dystopian future and media control in The Running Man

09:52 Themes of Authority, Violence, and Resistance

11:19 Themes of authoritarianism and resistance

15:02 Representation of Marginalized Groups

17:39 The film as a sports and entertainment spectacle

20:09 Media Manipulation and Surveillance

22:28 The portrayal of violence and dehumanization

25:02 Technology and Augmented Humanity

28:48 The role of the game show host and media figures

29:48 The Role of Sports in Society

34:12 The symbolism of technology and surveillance in the film

34:59 Political Messages and Warnings

40:00 The Future of Media and Resistance

40:45 Schwarzenegger's character and his cultural significance

45:56 The film's critique of authoritarianism and media

49:00 Closing thoughts on the film's relevance today

Hosts in this episode: Johanna

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In this episode, Anna and Derek sit down with Jesse Couture to discuss the relationship between digital health technologies, community building, and the sociopolitical implications of platforms like Strava. We explore how data, community, and capitalism intersect in the world of running and fitness tracking.

Jesse Couture is a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. His research focuses on the relationship between sport and community, running cultures, digital health technologies, and child and youth sport. 

Chapters

03:58 Strava as a digital extension of physical activity

12:03 The rise of the running boom post-COVID and tracking technology

15:56 The decision to stop tracking and its implications

19:55 The role of digital community in physical activity and health

23:55 Advertising, data, and subtle marketing in fitness apps

27:56 The influence of elite athletes and privacy concerns

32:01 The impact of data on self-perception and competition

32:58 The cultural and political implications of fitness data

36:03 The hybrid nature of online and offline sports communities

38:52 The role of digital platforms in community sustainability

43:49 The critique of platform capitalism and data commodification

45:00 The potential for ethical and equitable data practices

49:53 The importance of critical engagement with technology

51:09 The social and political dimensions of sports data

52:01 The ongoing evolution of sports technology and community

Hosts in this episode: Anna, Derek

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This episode explores the complex political economy of European football, focusing on Manchester City's recent financial cheating scandal. 

Our guest is Dominik Leusder, Economist and researcher at LSE, co-host of EuroTrash pod, and proprietor of the New Left Eviews account on Twitter.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Manchester City Financial Scandal

01:49 Details of the Charges and Allegations Against City

03:55 The Rules of Financial Fair Play and Their Violations

05:50 City's Response and the Appeal Process

08:12 Implications for the Future of Football Regulation

10:07 Ownership Models in European Football and Their Evolution

12:07 The Role of Sovereign Wealth and Private Equity in Football

14:02 The Impact on European Football's Competitiveness

16:07 The Broader Political and Geopolitical Context

18:03 The Global Influence of the Premier League

19:57 Potential Legal and Regulatory Outcomes

21:55 The Future of Football Finance and Governance

Keywords: European football, Manchester City, financial fair play, sports regulation, UEFA, Premier League, football ownership models, sports finance, European Super League, private equity in sports

Hosts in this episode: Nathan, Priyansh

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In this episode, Lauren Kuntz shares her journey from climate science to pioneering women's multi-events in track and field, including her efforts to establish the Women's Decathlon World Championships. We explore the intersection of gender equity, sport innovation, and personal resilience.

Lauren Kuntz is the founder of the Women’s Decathlon World Championships, decathlon pioneer, and the world record holder in the Icosathlon or the double decathlon. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Gaiascope, an energy technology start-up, which was successfully acquired by ENGIE in April 2025, holds a PhD in climate science from Harvard University, and is currently an assistant track and field coach specializing in pole vault at Carnegie Mellon University. 

Chapters

02:21 Balancing multiple passions and roles

04:28 How climate science and sports intersect in Lauren's work

09:07 Understanding the decathlon, heptathlon, and ICOsathlon

12:12 The journey into multi-events and breaking gender barriers

18:03 Organizing the Women's Decathlon World Championships

45:38 The 2025 event cancellation and resilience

52:11 The future of women's decathlon and advocacy efforts

01:00:04 The importance of storytelling and increasing visibility

01:05:30 Personal experiences with Safe Sport and advocacy

01:07:29 Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners

Keywords: women's decathlon, track and field, gender equity, sports innovation, climate science, decathlon, ICOsathlon, world championships, athlete advocacy

Hosts in this episode: Anna

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In this episode, Irish Sport for Palestine’s Rebecca O'Keeffe discusses the recent controversy surrounding Irish sport's response to Israel’s genocide, their decision to go ahead with the Israel-Ireland football match, and the global implications of solidarity movements. 

Keywords: Irish sport, Palestine, Gaza conflict, activism, sports boycott, political accountability, solidarity movement, Irish football, UEFA, Israeli sports propaganda

Chapters

02:10 Background of Irish sport for Palestine campaign

03:56 Details of Ireland's football match against Israel and protests

07:08 Leadership failures of Irish Football Association and UEFA

10:01 The role of political pressure and government response

15:13 The significance of symbolic gestures and player responsibilities

19:54 Global context: solidarity movements and cultural boycotts

24:47 The impact of social media and public opinion

30:03 The role of media and future actions in activism

34:49 The broader political implications and systemic change

40:12 The importance of collective action and accountability

45:00 The future of activism and the fight for justice

Hosts in this episode: Priyansh, Nathan

________________________________________

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On this episode of Out of Left Field, Derek, Anna, and Nathan talk about how ICE is kidnapping international college athletes, the Arizona State hockey murder, sexual violence cover ups at Nike camps, and their own pet peeves. 

Chapters

01:58 Arizona State Hockey: A Tragedy of Neglect

04:08 Military-Style Workouts: Do They Work or Harm?

05:59 The Systemic Exploitation of College Athletes

07:57 The Case of Aminata Sek and Immigration Abuses

10:06 Cover-Ups and Negligence in Youth Sports

11:50 Capitalism, Profit, and the Harm in Sports

14:00 Media, Accountability, and Sports Scandals

15:48 Racial and Colonial Dynamics in American Sports

18:02 The Urgent Need for Systemic Reform

20:06 Irish Sport for Palestine and Global Movements

22:00 The Role of Coaches and Overseeers in Harm

23:50 The Impact of Capitalist Logic on College Sports

26:12 The Globalization and Exploitation in College Athletics

28:07 The Case of Kentucky State and International Students

29:59 Nike Elite and the Cover-Up of Assaults

31:54 Structural Problems in Elite Sports Camps

34:08 The Racist Underpinnings of College Sports

36:07 The Role of Media and Public Awareness

38:00 The Future of Sports Reform and Accountability

39:58 Upcoming Movements and International Solidarity

41:46 The Power of Grassroots Movements in Sports

43:56 The Role of Policy and Legislation

46:02 The Intersection of Race, Capitalism, and Sports

47:56 Protecting Vulnerable Athletes and Youth

49:50 The Cultural and Political Significance of Sports

52:09 The Need for Collective Action and Change

Hosts in this episode: Anna, Derek, Nathan

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Support & Follow The End of Sport

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Listen, share, and support The End of Sport, a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network, a community of over sixty leftist podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠harbingermedianetwork.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Hannah Borenstein discusses the complex relationship between track and field, gambling, and integrity issues, exploring how gambling influences the sport's future and athlete welfare.

Hannah Borenstein is an anthropologist and assistant professor in the Department of Global Sociocultural Studies at Florida International University. Her research broadly focuses on the intersection of sports, race, gender, politics, and labor.

Chapters

02:36 Track and field's inconsistent relationship with gambling

06:33 Why track and field has resisted embracing gambling

09:28 Testing the waters: Odds and predictions in athletics

12:36 Prize money, new leagues, and monetization strategies

15:10 Partnerships with data companies and AI in sports betting

18:34 Gambling, doping, and historical parallels in sports

22:43 Economic coercion and ethical dilemmas for athletes

29:12 Fan harms, athlete safety, and the proximity of fans

34:20 Media, gambling, and the influence of mainstream sports coverage

42:40 Oversights, infrastructural gaps, and the future of sports integrity

49:52 Athlete organization, labor rights, and collective bargaining

55:52 Conclusion: The path forward for sports and gambling

Hosts in this episode: Anna and Nathan

________________________________________

Support & Follow The End of Sport

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Listen, share, and support The End of Sport, a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network, a community of over sixty leftist podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠harbingermedianetwork.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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In this episode, we sit down with John Hoberman to explore the intersection of sports, racial disparities, and systemic biases in medical treatment, focusing on the high prevalence of brain injuries among NFL players and the broader implications for health and health systems.

John M. Hoberman is Professor of European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas and author of a slew of books, including "Black & Blue: The Origins and Consequences of Medical Racism" (2012) and "Testosterone Dreams: Rejuvenation, Aphrodisia, Doping" (2005).

Chapters

02:14 Study on brain donation and high prevalence of CTE among NFL players

03:20 Race and medical disadvantage: systemic disparities in healthcare

07:12 Historical and ongoing racial biases in medical treatment

10:07 Race norming in NFL concussion settlements and its implications

14:57 The racist assumptions underlying medical assessments and treatments

21:58 Disparities in health outcomes among Black former NFL players

26:53 The systemic nature of racial bias in medicine and sports

34:58 Media, public perception, and the commodification of sports injuries

44:05 Potential solutions, activism, and systemic change

54:03 Closing thoughts and call for awareness and action

Hosts in this episode: Derek & Nathan 

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Listen, share, and support The End of Sport, a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network, a community of over sixty leftist podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠harbingermedianetwork.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Erica Rand discusses her book Skating Away from the Binary and explores how figure skating reflects systemic hierarchies, racialized gender norms, and the impact of coloniality on sports. The conversation highlights issues of gender binary enforcement, sports labor exploitation, and the push for inclusive policies.

Erica Rand is Professor of Art and Visual Culture and of Gender and Sexuality Studies at Bates College. She is the author a number of books, including Barbie’s Queer Accessories, The Ellis Island Snow Globe, Red Nails Black Skates: Gender, Cash, and Pleasure On and Off the Ice, and The Small Book of Hip Checks On Queer Gender, Race, and Writing, and, the focus of today, a new book called Skating Away From the Binary. 

Check out Figure Skating For All! 

Chapters

02:23 Positionality and research background of Erica Rand

04:55 Gender roles and physical realities in figure skating

10:24 Coloniality of gender and racial hierarchies in sports

13:39 Sports labor, capitalism, and economic disparities

18:30 Aesthetics, injury, and racialized ideals in skating

22:25 Gender binary enforcement and anti-trans rhetoric

33:55 Institutional policies and athlete activism

44:21 Impact of policy changes and inclusion efforts in skating

49:20 The role of capitalism and commercialization in sports

54:52 Broader implications for systemic inequality in sports

Hosts in this episode: Anna, Derek, 

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Support & Follow The End of Sport

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Listen, share, and support The End of Sport, a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network, a community of over sixty leftist podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠harbingermedianetwork.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we explore the NBA salary cap “scandal” with Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, the violent use of military training in college football, Lebron James, polymarket and sports betting, and weigh in on the “Fitness Discourse” that has taken “left” social media by storm. 

To donate to our friend Jabo’s memorial fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jabo-burrow-memorial-fund?cp_src=d 

Chapters

01:56 Remembering Jabo Burrow and his impact

03:57 The NBA Kawhi Leonard salary cap scandal

08:01 Criminal investigation and anti-player sentiments

12:07 The politics of sports betting and LeBron James

15:56 Dehumanization and military-style workouts in college sports

23:58 The symbolism of John Brown and political outrage

36:01 Controversy over socialists at academic conferences

45:01 The role of fitness in fascist and neoliberal ideologies

54:01 The ethics of athlete consent and coercion

01:07:48 The importance of precise language in political discourse

01:11:58 The future of sports, politics, and social justice

keywords : scandal, nba, sports betting, healthism

Hosts in this episode: Anna, Derek, Nathan

________________________________________

Support & Follow The End of Sport

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/Theendofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Support the show!)

Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@endofsportpod.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@endofsportpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@EndofSportPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The End of Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen, share, and support The End of Sport, a proud member of the Harbinger Media Network, a community of over sixty leftist podcasts at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠harbingermedianetwork.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.