Two Writers Slinging Yang

On why tacos with an Astros catcher didn't sell him on a career covering sports; on the complexities and nuances of free speech; on having Talib Kweli as a sibling; on the fairness of new restrictive voting laws. 

On how sports journalists used to receive such tremendous access; on Tiger Woods' parents; on understanding Johnny Unitas via his former teammates.

On delving into his family's past and not fearing what he might find; on writing an open letter to the University of Miami and urging the school to give up football; on why Milt Wagner should have been the next Dr. J; on the sad decline of magazines.

To celebrate the 200th episode, I go back in time 26 years and reflect upon a weird, funky, amazing, cool, stressful run inside the Sports Illustrated Bullpen–where rivalries were fierce, opportunities were golden and journalism careers could be made (or broken).

On the highs and lows of first-time authorship; on trying to get a book to Jerry Seinfeld; on tracking down the catcher with the yips; on having a book release delayed and living to tell about it.

On how we, as an industry, are covering LGBTQ-related issues; on earning the trust of two teen athletes; on describing a scene without having witnessed the scene; on the importance of Sue Bird coming out.

On transitioning from a mainstream publication to starting his own shop; on why the modern athlete is willing to talk to reporters from nontraditional outlets; on his moment in the spotlight with Aaron Rodgers.

On fighting her way into locker rooms and press boxes; on flying with Denzel Washington and having Paul Newman slam the phone; on how to respond when Mickey Mantle passes a note that says, WANNA FUCK?

On tracking down the reclusive Shelly Duvall; on Pee Wee Herman and a diner; on getting celebrities to open up.

On walking the line between ownership, players and the press; on how to handle conflict with reporters; on the high of the 1986 World Series and the low of a player's death; on finding stories when a team stinks.