Listen Now

Episode 344 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features an interview with Sports Illustrated Executive Editor/Senior Writer, author and "60 Minutes" correspondent, Jon Wertheim.Wertheim has a new book out, "Glory Days: The Summer of 1984 and the 90 Days That Changed Sports and Culture Forever." During the podcast, we discussed several topics covered in the book including the animosity filled relationship between Bobby Knight and Charles Barkley, the NBA Finals between the Celtics and Lakers that saw a referee pass out because of the oppressive heat inside Boston Garden, Donald Trump destroying the USFL and much more.Wertheim also talks about David Stern and Vince McMahon recognizing the importance of cable back in 1984 and explains how Cyndi Lauper's involvement in the then-WWF led to the birth of WrestleMania. Other events from 1984 that we discussed on the podcast include the release of "Karate Kid," Michael Jackson's Victory Tour and more.Following Wertheim, we debut a new Traina Thoughts segment for the podcast as Traina shares a few topics that are on his mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 343 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features a conversation with Jon "Stugotz" Weiner from "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz."The popular radio host discusses when he knew the show's days airing on ESPN were over, what the relationship was like between the show and ESPN over the years and nervousness about life after ESPN. Stugotz also talks about the intense loyalty of the Le Batard Show's listeners, and why he thinks the fans love the show so much. Other topics discussed include the importance of keeping up with the changing media landscape, being a kid at heart, how his relationship with sports has changed, what listeners want the most, perks of being partners with Draft Kings, the problem with the Brooklyn Netes, why he loves Chris "Mad Dog" Russo and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 346 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two guests.First up is ESPN's Doris Burke. The NBA analyst discusses the disturbing trend of disgusting fan behavior at games, whether the fans are too close to the players and how this was a concern for David Stern. Burke also talked about her bout with Covid and suffering symptoms for nine months. Other topics include whether the Nets are about to prove the NBA regular season is meaningless, whether calling the NBA Finals on television is a goal for her, still feeling resistance from men who don't want women broadcasting sports and much more.Following Burke, Giants third baseman Evan Longoria joins the podcast to share his thoughts on Major League Baseball's unwritten rules. Do any unwritten rules make sense? Is throwing at a player rational retaliation? What do players feel about unwritten rules? Longoria also talks about getting into the trading card craze during the pandemic and what he enjoys about the hobby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 346 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two guests.First up is Peter Schrager from the NFL Network's "Good Morning Football." Schrager discusses the Aaron Rodgers situation with the Packers and predicts Rodgers won't be back in Green Bay. We also talked about Tom Brady as an NFL media personality when he retires and what the best role would be for him. Other topics include Schrager's new podcast, "Flying Coach," with Rams head coach Sean McVay, NFL offensive lineman chugging bear at various sporting events. Tom Brady's run in with Larry David and we power rank Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day.Following Schrager, Golf Digest's Daniel Rapaport joins the podcast to talk about the Brooks Koepka-Bryson DeChambeau feud and the leaked video of Koepka that went viral following the PGA Championship. Rapaport also talks about his job as the "Tiger Woods Whisper" and what covering Tiger is like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 345 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two guests.First up is "New York Post" sports media columnist, Andrew Marchand. Topics covered with Marchand include Marv Albert's upcoming retirement and who will replace him as TNT's lead NBA play-by-play broadcaster, what happened with TNT and Chris Webber, highlights of the 2021 NFL schedule, whether Tom Brady vs. the Patriots on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 4 will set a ratings record, what the merger between Time Warner and Discovery means for sports fans, ESPN's six-part documentary on Derek Jeter and much more.Following Eisen, CNN TV analyst and executive producer of "The Story Late Night" docuseries, Bill Carter joins the podcast to talk about the six-part show currently airing on CNN. Carter sheds light on the Jay Leno-David Letterman battle, the Johnny Carson-Joan Rivers feud, the changes in late night over the years and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 346 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two guests.First up is Rich Eisen of the NFL Network and Peacock. Eisen talks about navigating his post ESPN-career, tells stories about his old "SportsCenter" days and legendary anchors and shares his thoughts on Kenny Mayne leaving ESPN. In addition, Eisen breaks down is responsibilities hosting the NFL Draft and what it's like hosting the NFL Networks' three hour schedule release show. He also discusses the Aaron Rodgers situation, streaming-only NFL games, the reunion of "Bennifer" and much more.Following Eisen, "Rolling Stone" chief TV critic, Alan Sepinwall, joins the podcast to talk about his newly releases list of the "100 Greatest Sitcoms of All Time." Sepinwall explains the rankings of such shows as "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Friends," "The Simpson," "Schitt's Creek," "Big Bang Theory" and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 345 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two interviews. First up is Ryen Russillo of The Ringer. The podcast host talks about the fallout and regrets from his controversial podcast with Bill Simmons last year following protests that happened across America and why it was "a mistake." Russillo also discusses his decision to stick to sports, the differences and similarities between working for ESPN and The Ringer, why the Pandemic didn't affect his work life too much, whether he ever gets tired of podcasting, whether this will be a joyless season if the Nets win the NBA title and much more.Following Ourand, Brian Baumgartner, who played Kevin Malone on "The Office." Baumgartner talks about hosting "The Office Deep Dive Podcast," what kind of Dunder Mifflin swag he has, the anniversary of his famous chili scene and how he feels about outlets editing out scenes from "The Office" Baumgartner, who is good friends with Aaron Rodgers, who also shares his insight on the Packers quarterback being unhappy with the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 344 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two interviews. First up is reporter John Ourand from "Sports Business Journal." Ourand breaks down the NHL's blockbuster TV deals with ESPN and Turner Sports, weighs in on whether this is a good or bad time to be a sports fan when it comes to consumption of games, linear TV's reliance on live sports and the problem with streaming services. Other topics discussed with Ourand include Dan Le Batard's startup, Meadowlark, partnering with Draft Kings, the rise of gambling content on game telecasts and more.Following Ourand, former NFL defensive back, Aqib Talib, who called two game for FOX last season, joins the podcast. Talib talks his experience in the booth and the reaction he received from viewers. Talib also discussed covering NFL Draft for Bleacher Report, why he thinks mock drafts are bullsh-t, what he learned about Tom Brady and Belichick while playing for the Patriots and why he thinks Peyton Manning should the top paid broadcaster in the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 343 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features a conversation with versatile broadcaster and the new voice of WWE's "Monday Night Raw," Adnan Virk. Virk, who also works for MLB Network, NHL Network, DAZN and hosts two podcasts, discusses how he manages his busy schedule, how he got the "Monday Night Raw" job, his wrestling fandom, meeting Vince McMahon, dealing with WWE fans and more. Virk also talks about how he bounced back after getting fired by ESPN in 2019, whether he thought the firing was fair, whether he ever thought he'd end up with so many gigs. In addition, we discussed Virk's love of movies. The host of "Cinephile: The Adnan Virk Movie Podcast," shared his thoughts on "Borat 2" and "Coming 2 America," this week's Academy Awards. Virk also gave readers the three movies from the past year that they must watch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 342 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features an interview with gambling insider, Todd Fuhrman. The former Caesar's oddsmaker talked about the viral videos involving a fan telling Mets first baseman Pete Alonso the over/under before he homered and another fan talking gambling with Reds first baseman Joey Votto. Fuhrman also gave an overview on where we stand with legalized gambling, which states are doing it right, which are doing it wrong. He also explained the importance of being able to shop for the best odds, which sport has benefitted the most from legalized gambling, how the NCAA Tournament and Masters fared from a betting standpoint, his best and worst losses this season, how much baseball betting has changed over the years, rules changes wreaking havoc on bettors and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 341 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features an interview with "New York Post" sports media columnist, Andrew Marchand. Some of the topics discussed include whether Ian Eagle or Jim Nantz should call the Final Four for CBS/Turner, how Jim Nantz's contract negotiations went with CBS and how both sides feel about his new deal, ESPN's decision to fire NBA analyst Paul Pierce after he posted an Instagram Live video of himself partying with strippers, Kirk Herbstreit blasting ESPN colleague Dan Orlovsky over Orlovsky's comments about Justin Ohio State quarterback, Justin Fields, which he made on the "Pat McAfee Show." We closed out the podcast by talking about how Jim Rome's career stacks up against other radio hosts and the anniversary of his infamous incident with Jim Everett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 341 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features an interview with WWE superstar, Edge. The man, also known as, Adam Copeland talks about his upcoming WrestleMania main event match with Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan. Did he ever think he'd headline a WrestleMania when he retired from the company in 2011 after a very serious neck injury? Did he think he'd ever main event WrestleMania when he returned to the WWE at the 2020 Royal Rumble? Can he properly explain what that reaction from fans at the Rumble was like for him? Other topics we discussed include Edge's feeling on his best friend Christian/Jay Reso, leaving WWE for AEW, his reaction to the Undertaker saying today's wrestlers are soft, the key to a character mixing humor with good in-ring wrestling, the match he wish he had, how he feels about his "live sex show" today and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 340 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features a conversation with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt. The "SportsCenter" host talks about his popular "Bad Beats" segment and gives us the inside details on how the feature is put together by producers. He also talks about ad libbing the segment, the importance of Stanford Steve to the bit and the bizarre bond that gamblers have with one another. Van Pelt also discusses Roger Goodell's recent comments about the NFL possibly embracing gambling content, his appearance on Jason Sudiekis' show, "Ted Lasso," the problem these days with podcasts, what it's been like to host "SportsCenter" over the past year during the pandemic, his own battle with Covid-19 and the lingering effects he still feels four months after testing positive and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 339 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features an interview with Austin Karp, the Managing Editor at "Sports Business Journal." During the conversation, we discuss the NFL's expected television deals and what changes we will potentially see, such as flex scheduling for ESPN's "Monday Night Football" and who will carry "Thursday Night Football." We also talked about college basketball taking a big ratings hit this season and whether the NCAA Tournament can reverse that trend, why ESPN spent so much money on reacquiring the NHL, why the WWE-Peacock deal is a win-win for both parties, why Oprah Winfrey drew a big rating for her special with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, why the Grammy Awards suffered their lowest rating ever and now we are becoming a streaming world faster and faster each day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 338 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two guests.First up is ESPN play-by-play man, Ryan Ruocco, who was calling the Nuggets-Mavericks game on March 11, 2020 when the NBA announced that the season would be suspended because of Covid-19. Ruocco talks about what that experience was like, how his mindset about Covid changed from that night until now, whether he'd be comfortable calling games in full arenas, whether he ever got used to calling games from home and much more.Following Ruocco, Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media correspondent joins the podcast to discuss how the media has covered Covid, what the media has done well and not so well, what the media's responsibilities are in reporting about Covid vaccines, did he ever expect a pandemic to become so political, what it's like to cover media while working for a media company, the cable news wars and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guest on Episode 337 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina is Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Florio explains why gambling is a major factor in the NFL going to a 17-game regular season and why he expects the league to eventually go to an 18-game regular season. Does the 17th regular season game mean we're going to finally get a Super Bowl during President's Day Weekend? Florio shares his thoughts on that topic and also talks about other scheduling changes we could see with the NFL. Other topics discussed on this episode include the TV rights deals that the NFL is about to close with its broadcast partners, why the league was able to get such a huge rights fee increase and what's going on with Sunday Ticket. We also talk about how the offseason has become bigger than the regular season when it comes to people's interest in the league, clickbait stories and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 336 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features two interviews. First up is Bryan Curtis, Editor-At-Large for The Ringer.Curtis talks about a recent article he wrote that connect Brent Musburger's firing from CBS in 1990, which elevated Jim Nantz as the network's lead voice, to Nantz's current contract situation with CBS. Curtis also discusses the NFL asking networks for a 100 percent rights fee increase on their TV deals, why announcers don't matter as much as we think and much more.Following Curtis, Alan Sepinwall, the cheif TV critic for 'Rolling Stone" joins the podcast to share some television recommendations for listeners. In addition, Sepinwall and Traina discuss "Your Honor," "Ted Lasso," "Young Rock" and "Schitt's Creek." Sepinwall also shares his thoughts on this week's Golden Globe Awards and gives us her personal picks for some of the categories. Lastly, Sepinwall, who wrote the book, "The Sopranos Sessions" talks about how many people watched the smash HBO show for the first time during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guest on Episode 335 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina is Darren Rovell, the Senior Executive Producer for the Action Network. The main focus of the episode is the explosion in the trading cards business. From why the boom happened, whether it will last to the process of getting cards graded and selling them for profit, Rovell goes in-depth on explaining many of the aspects of the current trading card craze. He also explains that people are buying and selling more than cards. Game tickets, VCR tapes and checks are also in high demand. In addition to discussing the trading card world, Rovell and Traina also talk about the Super Bowl streaker who claims he won $375,000 on a $50,000 bet and the possibility of Twitter adding a pay service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guest on episode 334 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina is NFL columnist Kevin Clark from The Ringer. Clark, who also appears on podcasts and hosts the video show, "Slow News Day," talks about the Super Bowl's lackluster ratings and why the league is having a long-time issue with the 18-49 crowd. Clark also discusses how sports fan's viewing habits have changed during the pandemic and how they may change after the pandemic. In addition, Clark shares insights into his writing process, reveals what makes a good story and explains why NFL training camps are so important to him. He also gives us the behind-the-scenes story on transitioning to podcasting and the genesis of "Slow News Day." Other topics talked about include Aaron Rodgers relationship with the media, the best concerts to see at low capacity and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of Super Bowl Week, Episode 333 of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina features a roundtable discussion with Erin Andrews from Fox Sports and Kyle Brandt from the NFL Network's "Good Morning Football." Andrews explains why this week is like Christmas, while Brandt explains why this week is a drag. The duo also talk about how weird it is to not be in Tampa for the Big Game, andTom Brady looking younger than ever. We also discuss the best halftime shows of all time, who we'd want to see perform at halftime of next year's Super Bowl, some of the fun prop bets being offered on the game and whether the Super Bowl should be played on Saturdays or the Sunday of President's Day weekend. Other topics covered include boy bands, favorite alcoholic beverages, reality shows and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices