The Underdog

The Underdog

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The Underdog episodes

  • Episode 456: Hot Sneakers and Cold Football

    00:29 – Desk Talk, Sneakers & Moving Chaos

    Chris and Matt open with Secretlab desk chatter, upcoming sneaker releases (Levi’s Jordan 3s, Huarache 2K4 return), and the realities of packing massive shoe collections while moving.


    13:29 – Home Ownership Fails & DIY Anxiety

    They swap stories about spackle disasters, doorstop mishaps, fridge water panic, sinkhole news, and feeling completely unqualified inside hardware stores.


    18:50 – Fraud Alerts & Subscription Headaches

    Conversation shifts to unexpected Walmart+ charges, identity protection services, and the importance of monitoring credit and suspicious activity.


    25:23 – Super Bowl: Seahawks vs Patriots

    High-level recap of a defensive-heavy, low-energy championship. They discuss Patriots offensive struggles, Seattle’s dominance, late-game stat inflation, and overall lack of excitement without revisiting predictions.


    31:58 – Early Futures & League Outlook

    Using oddsmakers’ early boards, they note Seahawks and Rams as co-favorites next season and reflect on how playoff paths shaped perceptions.


    32:17 – Halftime Show Debate & Future Performers

    They evaluate recent halftime shows, critique performance styles, and debate potential future headliners, including Miley Cyrus, Drake, and others.


    38:54 – Winter Olympics & “Goofy Games”

    Light coverage of curling, halfpipe, Lindsey Vonn’s injury decision, and a viral Norwegian medalist’s bizarre post-race confession.


    43:32 – USA Hockey & Olympic Viewing Habits

    A brief look at Team USA hockey and the mixed appeal of Winter Olympic programming.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  • Episode 455: The Super Bowl and "Goofy Sports"

    00:13 – Cold Open, Weather Misery & Golf Escapism

    Chris and Matt open by lamenting winter cold, daydreaming about Arizona golf trips, and bonding over warm-weather envy and seasonal burnout.


    01:26 – Drinks, Sugar & Questionable Decisions

    A lighthearted discussion on golf cocktails, sugar overload, fake sweeteners, and why some experiments are best left in the past.


    03:56 – TV Void, Movies & Streaming Fatigue

    The hosts talk about running out of shows, recent movie watches (Bugonia, Roof Man), tone mismatches in films, and frustration with long gaps between prestige TV seasons.


    07:56 – Streaming Recommendations & Show Pitches

    Conversation shifts to Netflix comfort watches, Lincoln Lawyer, Hijack, Traitors, and how personal taste drives viewing choices.


    15:49 – Super Bowl Arrival & Market Context

    Acknowledgment that the Super Bowl is approaching, general excitement levels, and how oddsmakers frame the game through spreads and totals without outcome discussion.


    17:52 – NBA Trade Deadline Chaos

    Reaction to deadline movement, asset dumping, ownership frustration, and how front offices prioritize flexibility over competitiveness.


    19:43 – Philly Sports & Coaching Whiplash

    Discussion of Eagles coordinator turnover, Jeff Stoutland’s departure, speculation around roster stability, and how conditional coaching hires often backfire.


    23:09 – Offensive Line Legacy Debate

    A thoughtful ranking debate involving Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, Jason Peters, and how icon status can reshape legacy narratives.


    29:26 – Sponsorships, Soccer & FC Experiments

    Chris explains how a video-game experiment led to real-world soccer player sponsorships, match-worn jerseys, and an upcoming sleeve sponsorship for the Underdog brand.


    35:47 – Super Bowl Halftime History

    A fun walk through halftime show evolution, from marching bands to modern megastar performances, with personal favorites and production quirks.


    42:13 – Olympics Curiosity & Jerseys

    Light debate on Winter Olympics appeal, USA Hockey sweater design, and why blank jerseys sometimes age better than player versions.


    47:17 – Super Bowl Props & Market Oddities

    Exploration of novelty props, rushing thresholds, touchdown markets, and how oddsmakers price long-shot scenarios.


    51:17 – Wrap-Up & Sign-Off

    Final laughs, bankroll jokes, and reminders to enjoy the Super Bowl experience.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  • Episode 454: A 30 for 30 Short?

    00:30 – Sports Dead Zone & Pro Bowl Apathy

    Chris and Matt open on the strange sports lull between football, baseball, hockey, and basketball, agreeing the Pro Bowl has lost all meaning and questioning why it still exists.


    01:30 – Browns Coaching Mess & Shedeur Sanders Talk

    Deep dive into Cleveland’s coaching search, Todd Monken’s hire, and the immediate Jim Schwartz fallout. Shedeur Sanders’ Pro Bowl appearance is discussed in the context of optics, confidence, and league perception.


    06:00 – Super Bowl Indifference & Fan Fatigue

    Both hosts admit low excitement for the Super Bowl, touching on Boston fatigue, Seattle preference, and overall emotional burnout with the NFL season.


    07:00 – NBA Tangents & Sports Absurdity

    Wide-ranging detour into NBA jersey numbers (0 vs 00), Giannis trade joke culture, Lakers fan delusion, and how one blockbuster trade warped league expectations.


    12:00 – Eagles Coaching Optics & Media Noise

    Discussion of Philadelphia’s OC search, Adam Schefter comments, Sirianni speculation, and how organizational instability affects league perception.


    16:30 – Coaching Hire Rankings Debate

    Reaction to ESPN’s ranking of head coach hires since 2021, defending Nick Sirianni’s résumé, criticizing popularity-driven narratives, and highlighting historically bad Raiders hires.


    21:30 – Movies, TV & Streaming Culture

    Extended pop-culture segment covering Roof Man, Sinners, Jesse Plemons’ filmography, Fargo, Deadwood, Hot Rod, and why some “great” movies just don’t click.


    36:30 – The Traitors Check-In

    Non-spoiler discussion of recent episodes, Alan Cumming’s fashion, production twists, and anticipation around upcoming episodes.


    46:30 – MLB Futures & Oddsmakers’ Lines

    Breakdown of Phillies MVP and Cy Young futures, surprising names on the board, historical Cy Young trivia, and early-season betting curiosity.


    52:30 – Philly Special 30 for 30 Reaction

    Surprise and skepticism over ESPN producing a 30 for 30 focused on a single play, mixed with genuine curiosity.


    53:30 – Wrap-Up

    Conversation shifts to golf, winter weather, sleep, wearables, parenting, and carving out personal downtime before closing the episode.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  • Episode 453: A Series of Gut Punches

    00:30 – Cold Open, Winter Storms & Tangents

    Chris and Matt open with weather talk before drifting into bed sizes, oversized furniture, and a nostalgic detour into the movie Envy, setting the casual tone for the episode.


    04:00 – Championship Week & Odds Discussion

    Transition to NFL Championship Week, with the hosts expressing frustration over the remaining teams and referencing oddsmakers’ lines while discussing general playoff vibes.


    05:13 – Great British Bake Off Farewell

    Reaction to Prue Leith stepping away from The Great British Bake Off, her impact on the show, and what made her such a fan favorite.


    05:43 – Sneakers, Collecting & Unexpected Purchases

    Chris talks sneaker pickups, surprise bids, Stranger Things Dunks, resale fees, and the odd realities of sneaker collecting.


    07:00 – Mets, Phillies & MLB Frustrations

    Extended MLB segment covering Mets offseason moves, Phillies misses, World Series odds from oddsmakers, roster construction, and why “on paper” success rarely guarantees results.


    09:37 – Documentaries, TV & Streaming Overload

    Discussion of the Elizabeth Smart documentary, spoiler-free thoughts, and broader commentary on true-crime fatigue.


    11:13 – Slow Horses, Hijack & TV Quality Control

    Non-spoiler review of Slow Horses, thoughts on Hijack Season 2, and why some shows work despite ridiculous premises.


    18:18 – Sleep, Dreams & Bus Horror Stories

    Conversation shifts to sleep aids, vivid dreams, long bus rides, and why trains are always the superior option.


    22:49 – NFL Playoff Apathy & MVP Odds

    The hosts admit a lack of emotional investment in the remaining NFL teams, referencing oddsmakers’ Super Bowl MVP markets and unexpected quarterback storylines.


    27:59 – College Football Title Fallout & NIL Reality

    Brief reaction to the national championship, NIL spending, and where Ole Miss sits in early title odds.


    29:12 – The Traitors US (Episodes 1–5)

    Detailed, spoiler-free breakdown of early season dynamics, the Secret Traitor twist, standout personalities, roundtable chaos, and why certain players are driving the game.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  • Episode 452: Joe Schoen to Joe Shmoe

    00:30 – Somber Open & Music Loss

    Chris and Matt open on a heavy note, reacting to the passing of Bob Weir and reflecting on the Grateful Dead’s cultural impact, legacy preservation, and debates around musical purism versus evolution.


    07:48 – Ole Miss Season Fallout & CFP Frustration

    Conversation shifts to Ole Miss’ season ending, quarterback play inconsistencies, missed opportunities, and how fans emotionally process disappointing finishes without rewriting expectations.


    14:25 – College QB Draft Class Reality Check

    Extended discussion on the weak quarterback class, inflated draft hype, Fernando Mendoza’s rise, Dante Moore returning to school, and why experience still matters most at the next level.


    21:30 – Transfer Portal Movement & NIL Landscape

    Breakdown of portal additions, NIL-driven decisions, roster stacking, and how elite programs reload while mid-tier teams struggle to retain talent.


    27:30 – Eagles Playoff Collapse & Coaching Loyalty

    Deep dive into Philadelphia’s season ending, offensive stagnation, coordinator loyalty, A.J. Brown usage debates, and why organizational stubbornness often repeats history.


    34:30 – NFL Coaching Carousel & QB Futures

    Discussion of John Harbaugh’s move to the Giants, Browns QB uncertainty, veteran stopgaps, and why some franchises remain undesirable despite openings.


    41:00 – Tech Detox, Sneakers & Everyday Life

    Lighter close covering phone outages, screen fatigue, sneaker pickups, Jordan 1 Low comparisons, and balancing fandom with real life.


    Games Discussed


    07:30 – Ole Miss vs CFP Opponent

    Playoff matchup framed by QB struggles, defensive lapses, and postseason pressure.


    21:30 – Eagles vs Playoff Opponent

    Season-ending game highlighting offensive dysfunction and coaching scrutiny.


    43:00 – Texans vs Patriots (Playoffs)

    AFC matchup centered on defensive resistance and quarterback development.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  • Episode 451: CFB Semis, NFL Playoffs, and Traitors is Back!

    00:30 – Cold Open & Reality TV Obsession

    Chris and Matt skip small talk and dive straight into The Traitors US Season 4, discussing the celebrity format, casting strategy, and why hidden relationships always backfire.


    02:13 – Betting Reference Change

    Chris explains the show’s switch to using oddsmakers for lines and props, focusing on accessibility, parlay flexibility, and cleaner UI.


    03:59 – Traitors Cast Breakdown

    They run through the full cast, reacting to Survivor, Housewives, Big Brother, and comedy reps, highlighting Ron Funches as a standout and skepticism around Michael Rapaport.


    09:48 – Game Theory, Secrecy & Past Traitors Lessons

    Discussion of why oversharing ruins Traitors gameplay, past examples of secret reveals gone wrong, and how early perception shapes survival.


    15:25 – Transition to College Football Chaos

    Shift from TV to sports with Ole Miss momentum, transfer-portal uncertainty, NIL contracts, waivers, and why “commitments” no longer feel binding.


    19:02 – Transfer Portal Arms Race

    Breakdown of Ole Miss, Penn State, Texas Tech, and LSU portal wins, positional needs, and how money is reshaping roster construction.


    26:59 – Stranger Things & TV Tangents

    Non-spoiler thoughts on Stranger Things, binge fatigue, violent tonal shifts, and general streaming overload.


    39:28 – NFL Coaching Shockwaves

    Reaction to John Harbaugh’s firing, league reaction, demand for experienced coaches, and why timing matters more than résumé.


    43:11 – Eagles Roster Frustrations

    Discussion of secondary struggles, depth issues, and why certain players are better suited for special teams than defensive snaps.


    Games Discussed


    15:48 – Ole Miss vs Miami (CFP)

    Playoff matchup framed around defensive line strength, QB experience, and neutral-site pressure.


    45:59 – Eagles vs 49ers (NFL Playoffs)

    Postseason clash highlighting pass-rush impact, secondary depth, and home-field atmosphere.


    46:19 – Rams vs Panthers (NFL Playoffs)

    Heavy-favorite scenario raising questions about playoff seeding balance.


    45:30 – Packers at Bears

    Late-season divisional game tied to seeding and momentum.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  • Episode 450: Something Out of a Movie

    00:29 – New Year Banter, Weather & Everyday Chaos

    Chris and Matt open with New Year reflections, extreme cold vs warm climates, dog-walking struggles, golf envy, and a long tangent on sheets, blankets, sleep temperature, and aging comfort needs.


    06:48 – Sneaker Talk & Personal Pickups

    They dive into sneakers: Nike Dunk Low “dress shoe” pack skepticism, Caitlin Clark Kobe 5 re-release, shiny shoes, and Matt’s new Grateful Dead Oregon Ducks pair. Discussion continues with retiring beat-up Jordan 1 Low UNCs, replacing them with Jordan 1 Low Chicagos, lace choices, resale prices, and StockX bidding strategy.


    15:02 – College Football Playoff Reaction & Ole Miss High

    Extended breakdown of Ole Miss’ emotional playoff run, inspired play under Pete Golding, frustration with officiating moments, late-game chaos, portal timing, NIL realities, and why players may still leave despite success.


    23:58 – Coaching Paths, Age & Perspective

    Conversation about Pete Golding’s age, long coaching journeys, Signetti’s decades-long grind, Kirby Smart’s youth, and why experience shapes leadership styles.


    30:45 – NFL Week 18 Landscape & League Weirdness

    They shift to the NFL, noting how Week 18 oddly features both playoff-level games and meaningless matchups, plus discussion on tiebreakers, draft positioning, and late-season motivation.


    Games Discussed


    31:12 – Panthers at Buccaneers

    NFC South game functioning like a de facto playoff with complex tiebreakers.


    35:22 – Seahawks at 49ers

    High-stakes NFC West matchup tied to seeding and potential byes.


    37:06 – Commanders at Eagles

    Division finale shaped by seeding, rest decisions, and backup QB opportunity.


    37:33 – Bears at Lions

    Late-season pride game with psychological weight despite playoff disappointment.


    38:59 – Ravens at Steelers (SNF)

    Physical rivalry game closing the regular season with playoff intensity.

     

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  • Episode 449: Chaos Season Never Ends

    00:29 – Intro, Lions–Steelers Chaos & Wild NFL Ending

    Chris and Matt react to a bizarre Lions–Steelers finish, multiple negated touchdowns, offensive pass interference confusion, DK Metcalf’s sideline incident, and how chaotic endings define late-season football.


    01:58 – College Football Weekend & Ole Miss High

    Matt celebrates Ole Miss’ dominant win, discusses team confidence, physicality, and momentum heading into the next round.


    03:28 – Transfer Portal Confusion & Parody News

    Breakdown of fake transfer rumors surrounding Trinidad Chambliss, parody accounts fooling fans, and broader frustration with misinformation in college football.


    04:25 – NIL Reality & Player Movement

    Thoughtful discussion on why players chase life-changing money, loyalty vs. opportunity, and why fans can’t be angry at modern transfer decisions.


    06:29 – Lane Kiffin, LSU Speculation & QB Comparisons

    Debate over how different quarterbacks would function in Lane Kiffin’s offense, portal options, and why proven systems matter more than hype.


    07:49 – Penn State Fallout & Coaching Discourse

    Conversation about Penn State losing top talent, James Franklin’s polarizing reputation, coaching rankings, and why stability is underrated.


    09:00 – NIL Spending & Arch Manning Context

    Talk about NIL budgets exploding, Arch Manning’s marketability, offensive line needs, and Texas’ long-term outlook.


    10:54 – NFL QB Tangent & Dolphins Reality

    Quick detour into NFL quarterback struggles, Miami’s collapse, and how tough it is to evaluate young QBs in broken systems.


    15:45 – Movie Talk: Romeo + Juliet

    Matt recounts turning off Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet after 10 minutes, anxiety-inducing editing, and re-litigating whether it’s actually romantic.


    21:12 – TV, Fame & Parasocial Weirdness

    Discussion on Percy Jackson’s weekly releases, Stranger Things timing, fans crossing boundaries with child actors, and the strange entitlement culture around fame.


    24:46 – TikTok, Algorithms & Micro-Fame

    Stories about social-media algorithms, accidental viral clips, TikTok traction for Underdog content, and why niche fame is the ideal level.


    33:58 – Christmas Movie Debate

    Ranking holiday movies (Home Alone, Elf, The Santa Clause, The Grinch), arguing what counts as a Christmas movie, and ripping Red One.


    Games Discussed


    11:58 – Ole Miss vs Georgia

    High-stakes College Football Playoff matchup discussed in terms of odds, offensive firepower, defensive pressure, and postseason implications.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  • Episode 448: Tua, Transfers, and Trouble

    00:29 – Intro, Weather & Snow Game Hopes

    Chris and Matt open with cold-weather complaints, melting snow, and disappointment over a non-snowy Eagles game despite early-morning snowfall.


    01:56 – Week 16 Setup, Sneaker Talk & Market Collapse

    Chris opens oddsmakers for Week 16 and shifts into sneaker discussion: delayed Nardwuar Dunks, collapsing resale prices, Orange Lobsters, Powerpuff Dunks, and how sneaker culture has cooled alongside tighter consumer spending.


    05:28 – Holiday Recording Plans & Gift Talk

    Discussion of Christmas scheduling, lack of major sneaker drops, Matt’s upcoming Grateful Dead Air Maxes, and Chris’s infamous Big Red Boots surviving a basement flood.


    08:30 – World Cup Dreams & Sponsorship Pitch

    Chris pitches brands on sponsoring a World Cup trip to Philadelphia, traffic concerns, Poland qualification hopes, and joking about Matt playing striker.


    11:18 – Soccer Backgrounds & Learning the Game

    They reflect on late-blooming soccer fandom, Wrexham’s rise, appreciating skill gaps across leagues, and how exposure reshapes expectations.


    13:58 – NFL Futures, Injuries & Retirement Odds

    Deep dive into oddsmakers props: Andy Reid retirement speculation, Travis Kelce’s timeline, Mahomes’ injury impact, and why elite coaches rarely walk away.


    19:12 – Retired QB Comeback Absurdity

    Discussion of comeback odds for Cam Newton, Nick Foles, Matt Ryan, Andrew Luck (firmly no), Tom Brady (unlikely), and joke entries like Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms.


    24:44 – Tua’s Future & QB Carousel Reality

    They examine Tua’s benching, personality shifts, concussion concerns, lack of clear starting jobs league-wide, and why Kansas City as a bridge option oddly makes sense.


    28:00 – Eagles Drama: Hurts, McKee & A.J. Brown

    Pushback against Hurts benching talk, Tanner McKee discourse, injury worries, A.J. Brown’s future, chemistry questions, and Buffalo as a theoretical WR1 destination.


    33:48 – College Football Playoff Frustrations

    Ole Miss rankings debate, skepticism of expanded playoffs, Tulane matchup context, and holiday schedule juggling.


    37:46 – Diego Pavia Fallout & CFP Structure

    Criticism of post-Heisman behavior, deleted tweets, a bizarre 16-team playoff plea, and broader concerns about player maturity and optics.


    39:28 – NIL, Transfers & Education Concerns

    Thoughtful discussion on NIL benefits vs. academic harm, multi-school transfers, graduation risk, and proposing limits to protect players long-term.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  • Episode 447: Kyle Pitts on the Bench

    00:30 – Cold Open & Life Admin

    Chris and Matt joke about house cleaners, laundry, first-world problems, and working around cleaners being in the house.


    03:54 – Week 15 Setup & Sneaker Talk

    Transition into Week 15 football. Chris opens oddsmakers and asks Matt about recent sneaker drops: Jalen Brunson Statue of Liberty Kobes, Sabrina 3s, Nardwuar Dunks, and the strange “Panda monium” Dunk Low.


    (Main Episode Continues)


    07:37 – Rejoin, Fantasy Football Pain & Betting Misses

    They explain the recording delay, fantasy playoff disasters (Kyle Pitts explosion left on the bench), missed player-prop bets, and late-night exhaustion.


    11:30 – Reality TV & Movie Talk

    Discussion of Traitors Canada, Canadian Bacon, and a deep dive into ranking John Candy movies (Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Uncle Buck, Cool Runnings, Spaceballs).


    16:25 – TV & Books

    Matt reviews Percy Jackson on Disney+, Chris mentions Harry Potter audiobooks, and they touch on Greta Gerwig’s Narnia plans.


    18:50 – Lane Kiffin Return & Ole Miss Fallout

    Conversation about Kiffin’s return, player NIL decisions, Chambliss’ future, LSU money, loyalty vs. stability, and playoff optics.


    22:55 – CFP Structure & Notre Dame Decision

    Debate over automatic bids, Tulane/JMU inclusion, Notre Dame opting out, optics for players, and how playoff expansion may be inevitable.


    27:35 – NFL Parity & Weird Standings

    They note bizarre conference leaders, Panthers division positioning, and overall league inconsistency.


    NFL Games Discussed


    28:50 – Saints at Panthers

    Divisional matchup shaping late-season standings.


    29:15 – Jaguars vs Opponent (13-point favorite)

    Discussion of Jacksonville’s surprising rise after a risky draft trade.


    31:35 – Colts at Seahawks

    Focus on 44-year-old Philip Rivers’ return and playoff desperation.


    34:20 – Raiders at Eagles

    Philly’s offensive-line issues, Pickett starting, and limp-in playoff vibes.


    35:35 – Phillies Offseason Wrap-Up

    Kyle Schwarber’s return, World Series odds via oddsmakers, and strong interest in Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imae — notably wanting to beat, not join, the Dodgers.


    37:20 – Closing

    Final thoughts, optimism for roster fixes, and sign-off.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

About The Underdog

From the publisher's feed

With their unique and insightful perspective, Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone of Underdog Podcasts talk about the biggest news of the week in sports, sneakers and more -- as well of telling some great…