The Lead

The Tampa Bay Rays are back in the World Series for the first time since 2008, and rookie outfielder Randy Arozarena is a huge reason why. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Eno Sarris to discuss Arozarena’s journey from Cuba to Mexico to the big leagues, his penchant for dance-offs against teammates, and the adjustments that have led to his massive postseason breakout.

Read Eno Sarris's story about Randy Arozarena: https://theathletic.com/2133615/2020/10/13/how-long-can-the-randy-arozarena-experience-go-on-like-this/?source=theleadpodcast

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The Buffalo Bills are sitting pretty atop the AFC East, and that's in large part thanks to the strong play of quarterback Josh Allen. But Allen faces a difficult test, and the ultimate measuring stick, when he and his teammates square off against Pat Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn joins us to discuss Allen's impressive start to the 2020 season, what he'll be watching for in the game against the Chiefs, and whether or not this is the breakout season that Allen and Bills fans have been waiting for.

Follow Matthew Fairburn's Bills coverage:

https://theathletic.com/author/matthew-fairburn/?source=theleadpodcast

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Sergino Dest made history two weekends ago when he became the first American soccer player to suit up for Barcelona. This came after the 19-year-old right back was signed for 25 million euros from Ajax, where he starred last season. The Athletic's Paul Tenorio interviewed some of Dest's former coaches and teammates, and he joins us to explain how the teenager has made such a rapid ascent, what expectations await him, and why he chose to play for the U.S. instead of his country of birth.

Read Paul Tenorio and Dermot Corrigan's profile of Sergino Dest:

https://theathletic.com/2107987/2020/10/01/sergino-dest-barcelona-koeman/?source=theleadpodcast

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Eric Bieniemy has been one of the masterminds behind the Kansas City Chiefs' potent attack for several seasons. The Athletic's Dan Pompei recently interviewed Bieniemy, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, and star QB Pat Mahomes (among others) to try and understand what makes the veteran offensive coach tick and why he's been so successful. Dan joins us to break down what those around Bieniemy say about him, and why he is a focal point in the conversation about the NFL's lack of Black head coaches.

Read Dan Pompei's profile of Eric Bieniemy:

https://theathletic.com/2099024/2020/09/29/put-it-on-my-shoulders-chiefs-eric-bieniemy-knows-he-must-carry-on/?source=theleadpodcast

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The Indianapolis Colts have had some convincing wins and disappointing losses this season, but when they’ve been at their best, they have gotten some big contributions from tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Zak Keefer to look at Alie-Cox’s astonishing rise from college basketball star to NFL tight end, and how his former coach, Shaka Smart, got him to believe in himself.

Read Zak Keefer’s story about Mo Alie-Cox: https://theathletic.com/2117685/2020/10/06/no-experience-necessary-mo-alie-coxs-rise-from-vcu-hoops-star-to-colts-te/?source=theleadpodcast

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After the longest season in NBA history -- and perhaps the most difficult -- LeBron James and the Lakers hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy on Sunday night. The Athletic’s Bill Oram joins us to reflect on what this title means to 35-year-old LeBron and to a Lakers organization that did everything in its power to get him and his right hand man, Anthony Davis, after years of controversy and dysfunction.

More from Bill Oram:

https://theathletic.com/author/bill-oram/?source=theleadpocast

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On Sunday, the Houston Texans finally picked up their first win of the season at the end of a chaotic week for the team, after they fired their head coach and general manager, Bill O’Brien. Today, we’re rebroadcasting an episode that originally aired back in May, with The Athletic’s Aaron Reiss joining us to look at how O’Brien ended up in such a rare position of power, and some of the controversial decisions that may have led to his firing.

Follow Aaron Reiss’s coverage of the Texans: https://theathletic.com/author/aaron-reiss/?source=theleadpodcast

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The Dodgers' long-time closer, Kenley Jansen, has been struggling lately, including a particularly rough outing against the Padres on Wednesday night. It's the latest in a long series of challenges the 33 year-old veteran has faced, including heart issues, an aging arm, and his entire family getting infected with the coronavirus. The Athletic's Pedro Moura joins us to break down what the beloved reliever has been dealing with on and off the field, how his role within the team has shifted, and what all of this could mean for his legacy.

More from Pedro Moura:

https://theathletic.com/2102729/2020/09/30/kenley-jansen-dodgers-2020-mlb-postseason/?source=theleadpodcast

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Jimmy Butler has put together some phenomenal performances during this year’s NBA Playoffs, including a 40-point triple-double to give the Heat a win over LeBron James and the Lakers in Game 3. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s CJ Moore, who recently learned about how Butler honed his competitive edge during his college days at Marquette, and became a legend of sorts on campus, wearing everything from cowboy boots to animal onesies to a Hannah Montana backpack.

Read CJ Moore’s story about Jimmy Butler’s time at Marquette: https://theathletic.com/2107706/2020/10/05/hannah-montana-country-music-and-a-bunny-suit-jimmy-butlers-college-days/?source=theleadpodcast

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The Seattle Storm won their fourth WNBA championship on Tuesday night. And leading the way, once again, was 11-time all-star Sue Bird. The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings interviewed Bird earlier this season, and she joins us to discuss the timeless point guard’s remarkable resiliency, how she has guided the Storm to yet another championship, and why the superstar seems to keep getting better with age. 

More from Chantel Jennings:

https://theathletic.com/author/chantel-jennings/?source=theleadpodcast

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