Steve interviews Mark Hebscher (00:34:37) the author of a new book called, "Madness: The Rise and Ruin of Sports Media." Mark is making his debut on the podcast and he starts off with a bang. Mark and Steve disagree with the outlook of Blue Jay's fans after a devastating World Series. Mark proclaims he knows more about baseball than anyone else to appear on the podcast. Mark talks about the state of sports media in Canada, the control teams have acquired over the narrative since COVID, and gives his Mt. Rushmore of Canadians in the sports media. Mark and Steve also talk about Canadian rock music and eating Chinese food in Fort Erie.

Steve starts the show with First things First and his thoughts on the Italian National Team, the yo-yo that is the 2025-26 Sabres, and a few pieces of Atlanta Braves news. The sports media story of the week looks at Donald Trump's appearances on the Pat McAfee Show and inside the booth during an NFL game on Fox. The show ends with one last thing about red sauce just not being the same since Nonna and Bisnonna died.

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Steve interviews Jay Mariotti (00:37:26) who returns to the podcast with a list of topics that he is anxious to sound off on. Jay talks about the phenomenal World Series, the dominance of the Dodgers and the momentum that baseball has. Jay also gives his opinions on the Heisman Trophy, the rest of the NFL season, and the Winter Olympics in Milan.

Steve starts the show with a visit from the beautiful, Paula Bennett. First things First is loaded with Steve's thoughts on Italy, the Braves, the Sabres, and Tyler Shough. The sports media story of the week in a takedown of the obnoxious standoff between ESPN and YouTube. The show ends with one last thing about the golden era of television and why it isn't now.

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Steve interviews Ken Belson (00:23:23) the author of a new book about the business of the NFL called, "Everyday is Sunday." Ken is making his debut on the podcast and explains what its like working a sports beat for the New York Times but not working for The Athletic. Ken talks about the Buffalo Bills getting a new stadium, PSLs, and the NFL's desire to keep a football team in Western New York. Ken and Steve discuss Gayle Benson and her reign as owner of the New Orleans Saints. Ken explains what he thinks the dangers are for the business of the NFL and gives his thoughts on the farce that was BountyGate.

Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 New Orleans Saints have bottomed out, the Buffalo Sabres are sucking all of Western New York back in, and the World Series is tied 1-1.

One Last Thing is about Steve injuring his hamstring at hockey and the dog that still burns inside of him.

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Steve interviews Adrian Dater (00:36:20) his friend and a longtime beat writer for the Colorado Avalanche. The former co-host of the Lonely End of the Rink podcast returns to the podcast to talk about the Colorado Avalanche, the Buffalo Sabres, rock concerts, and Adrian's trip to England. Steve and Adrian talk about the individual brilliance of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the return of Gabriel Landeskog, and the outlook of the 2025-26 Avalanche. Adrian gives his opinion on the Sabres, discusses the future of Kiss (this interview was recorded before the news of Ace Frehley's dire heath situation broke), details his experience at Anfield to see Liverpool take on Newcastle.

Steve starts the show with first things first. Italy has an incredible international break at the senior and u21 levels, the baseball playoffs have been fantastic, the Saints always play the same game, and the sports media story of the week is about the future of the broadcast booth for the MLB playoffs. The show ends with one last thing and Steve waxes poetic about the return of his favorite Gatorade flavor (seriously).

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Steve interviews Rich Podolsky (00:24:22) the author of a new book about one of the greatest broadcasting booths in football history, "Madden & Summerall." Rich returns with a new book about football broadcasting. RIch explains why he wrote a book about Madden and Summerall, how they revolutionized sports broadcasting, and what their legacy is today. Rich and Steve discuss Madden and Summerall's origins, how they became a team, and what their relationship was away from the booth. Rich also tell's stories about being on Madden's bus, Summerall reafing Murder She, Wrote promos, and Madden being stranded in Buffalo.

Also, MeMarcog (01:08:35) returns for the second of a two part summit on Italian football (calcio). Marco and Steve debate club vs. country, the current state of the Italian National team, and the problems facing Italian football. Marco explains how he fell in love with AC Milan and tells us his origin story as a fan of calcio. Steve talks about falling in love with the National team and gives his origin story. The guys debate the future of Francesco Camarda and discuss what changes need to improve the future of Serie A, the Nazionale, and Italian footballers. This is part two of a two part series. Part 1 appears on Season 15 Episode 22.

Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the Saints losing again, Brian Snitker stepping down as Braves manager, and debuts a new feature called the sports media story of the week. The show ends with one last thing about getting playing hockey again.

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Steve interviews Marshall Garvey (00:22:44) the author of a new book about the 1985 World Series called, "Interstate '85." Marshall debuts to discuss the 1985 World Series and explains why, despite living in Sacramento, he decided to write a book about two teams from Missouri. Marshall talks about Jack Buck and Denny Matthews and explains why Al Michaels called the series and not Howard Cosell. Marshall also explains the differences and similarities between the Kansas City Royals and the St Louis Cardinals, the rivalry between the two teams, and the iconic missed call that sent the series to a seventh game.

Also, MeMarcog (01:08:35) debuts for the first of a two part summit on Italian football (calcio). Marco and Steve debate club vs. country, the current state of the Italian National team, and the problems facing Italian football. Marco explains how he fell in love with AC Milan and tells us his origin story as a fan of calcio. Steve talks about falling in love with the National team and gives his origin story. The guys debate the future of Francesco Camarda and discuss what changes need to improve the future of Serie A, the Nazionale, and Italian footballers. This is part one of a two part series. Part 2 appears on Season 15 Episode 23.

Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the Saints clown show in Seattle, the 2025 Braves are stat padding, and debuts a new feature called the sports media story of the week. The show ends with one last thing about getting some swag back.

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Steve interviews Seth Wickersham (00:28:26) the author of a new book about quarterbacks called, "American Kings." Seth is making his debut on the podcast and immediately faces some hazing for not featuring Drew Brees more in the book. Seth explains how the news he broke from the book about Caleb Williams and his father exploring their options before the draft has helped the book and affected how some people may prejudge it. Seth also talks about how hard it is to replace superstar QB's, Steve Young, Arch Manning, and how important coaches and circumstance is when trying to maximize the talent of a young QB.

Steve starts the show with first things first. The baseball playoffs are almost here, the New Orleans Saints don't do what winning teams do, and Barstool's new show on FS1 has some of the worst ratings ever recorded on television. The show ends with one last thing as Paula joins us to address her recent comments about Uncle Greg.

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Steve interviews Andrew Marchand (00:28:43) from The Athletic and Marchand Sports Media. Marchand returns (without, Meterparel) to discuss the first year of Marchand Sports Media. Marchand discusses booking podcasts, trying to get people to subscribe and pay for it, and the challenges he has stumbled upon during the first year. Marchand also talks about several sports media issues. What will baseball do in 2029. Will the NFL opting out of their deals hurt MLB? Is the NBA really better off than the MLB? What sports media stories will he be tracking during the NFL season? Is Brady still the biggest story?

Steve starts the show with first things first. Italy have completed their first International break with Gennaro Gattuso in charge Are they closer of further from qualifying for their first World Cup since 2014? The New Orleans Saints are 0-1 and Steve has some thoughts on the start of Kellen Moore's first weekend as Saints head coach. The show ends with one last thing about Steve turning 45 and the good and bad that has happened in his life since he turned 40.

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Steve interviews Jane Leavy (00:31:45) the author of a new book about what is ailing baseball called, "Make Me Commissioner." The First Lady of The Sports-Casters returns with a new book detailing her plans to return baseball to its rightful place in the American experience. Jane and Steve talk about analytics and how it has helped and hurt baseball, the injuries crushing pitchers, and the discrepancy in payrolls across the Major Leagues. Jane also explains why she didn't write about a player this time, why she will never write about Joe DiMaggio, and why she still hasn't decided what she will write next.

Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves are not going down without a fight, the New Orleans Saints name Spencer Rattler the starting quarterback, and Italian football has returned for the 2025-26 season. The show ends with one last thing as Paula joins us to talk about a family vacation to see Oasis.

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Steve interviews Stewart Mandel (00:22:54) from The Athletic. Stewart makes his annual visit to the podcast to preview the upcoming college football season. Stewart updates us on all of the changes to college football since the last season ended and schools us on what we need to know to enjoy the upcoming season. Stewart has thoughts on the changes to the College Football Playoff, the winners of the transfer portal, and who will win the Heisman Trophy in December. Stewart and Steve also discuss Arch Manning and his massive expectations, John Mateer at Oklahoma, and the teams he thinks might make a deep run in the playoff. Stewart also tells us about his recent column on college football preview magazines and explains how they have stayed relevant in 2025.

Steve starts the show with first things first. The 2025 Braves called up a young pitcher from Gwinnett and he is sick. The Colorado Rockies are one of the worst teams ever and Devin Williams is having a season from hell with the New York Yankees. The Saints QB competition is off to a rough start and Hard Knocks filmed part of an upcoming episode at my brother's bar. Also, ESPN and the NFL have made a massive deal that will impact sports media for years to come. The show ends with one last thing about getting my driveway paved.

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