On watching Allen Iverson cry and writing about it; on whether it's OK to think of a readership's makeup and cater toward it; on the hip-hop stylings of the late DMX. 

On how to conduct the perfect interview; on why Dennis Quaid was such a nightmarish pain in the ass; on Reggie Jackson and Joe Torre and having people open up when they'd rather not open up; on beginning as a New York beat writer.

On how he still finds joy and passion out of a Michigan-Michigan state football game; on how living around the world has shaped his appreciation of the job; on an angry Rick Pitino and the rise and fall of The National.

On how one creates recipes; on the potential magic of banana chicken; on selling more than 4 million (yes—4 million) books; on adjusting to Substack and not caring what people think.

On the difference between writing funny and being funny; on what goes into the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" writing process; on the confusing, dated humor of Bob Hope; on why Fred Savage was able to forgive and why Donald Trump, Jr. remains an excellent source of material.

On what it is to write about grief, and how it helps (or doesn't help) the healing process; on the best ways to help people who are grieving; on what he would like us to know about his son, Max

On what it means to cover the intersection of sports and social issues; on what to write about Trevor Bauer; on why it's OK to have a Yankee tattoo and write about the Yankees; on writing a book with another person. 

On covering a team far from home by living in his parents' Vegas-based RV; on how to report on the NFL's first openly gay player; on whether it's still possible to break news during a pandemic.

On why rhyming can be a songwriter's nightmare; on the difference between writing a good song and a great song; on whether he still owns a song once someone else records it; on his new memoir, "Stores to Tell."

On compiling a lengthy (and fantastic) book in the era of short reads; on how his obsessive mind works when it comes to reporting; on Joe Paterno strife and Robin Yount's older brother.