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I'm back! After an eventful time off, which included some major life changes The Press returns with my Dad - known by many as Dr. Paul David Tripp. We talked about taking risks, and he explained his own experience with a major career leap. How did it all work for him, and how has ministry changed through the years? I learned he wanted to be a journalist and took part in activism during tumultuous years while he was in high school and college. And what's it like doing ministry in 2018? Social media can be good! Also - I heard his name chanted at a rehearsal dinner he wasn't at for a couple he doesn't eve know. Enjoy!

This two-part Apple Cup Edition begins with former Washington and Washington St. beat writers Christian Caple and Jacob Thorpe. They get us caught up on what they've been up to since leaving their newspaper jobs, before discussing the two programs ahead of their showdown Saturday. Then former Coug wideout Gabe Marks returns (47:18) to talk about his new website: westcoast-offense.com. He also shares his experiences in the rivalry game and what a win would mean for the program.

Good friend, fellow Towson alum and Getty Staff Photographer Patrick Smith shares his experiences from the sidelines of the biggest events in sports. We discuss the college days and how he got into photography. Patrick talks about his early career, and a traumatic event that landed him back home in Baltimore, where he got a life-changing career opportunity. He fills us in on what it's like to shoot the Olympics - and what sporting events he'd like to cover - and his favorite athletes and venues. We also talk about some cool side projects he's done and the type of photos that catch his eye.

Jordan Conn is a features writer for The Ringer. Long before he landed that gig he was a high school friend of mine, who inspired me to pursue a career in sports journalism. We discuss the types of stories he enjoys writing, and the process of writing them - from immersing himself in the topic or subject, to piecing it together on the page. I asked Jordan how he had such a clear vision for his career as a teenager, and he described the path he took since our high school days. He reflects on Grantland, and talks about The Ringer. And he briefly fills us in on a new project - his first book.

Two-time New York Times bestselling author Shea Serrano discusses his new book, Basketball (And Other Things). He talks about the anxiousness that comes with a new release, even with the previous success of The Rap Year Book. Shea explains the idea behind BAOT and how he came up with the questions that formed its 33 chapters, as well as his relationship with illustrator Arturo Torres. We talk about two basketball icons that spurred our love for basketball. He discusses how he got into writing, and the path that led him to Grantland, and now The Ringer. Shea also talks about his new TV project, and gives an album recommendation.

We catch up with Spokane native turned UFC fighter Michael Chiesa as he awaits his next opponent. The Shadle Park grad talks about the loaded 155 pound division - in a holding pattern thanks to Conor McGregor - and the need for more weight classes. Mike also explains the challenge of cutting weight, a potentially dangerous practice that is engrained in the sport, and the worst experience he had. He explains what he was like as a kid, and how he got into fighting. And why he - like his city - is such a great fit for mixed martial arts.

The week after Washington State's milestone win over USC, former WSU wideout River Cracraft joined 'The Press' and spoke about the importance of the victory and the team's perfect start to 2017. River got us updated on his health, after a torn ACL ended his college career. He gave the lowdown on his workout with the Patriots, and the experience of sharing the field with NFL stars during his rehab. We got into his football background and how he ended up at WSU. As well as some of the greatest grabs from one of the program's most sure handed receivers. We finished up by discussing the most famous Cracraft - @MamaCracraft.

Rem Bakamus gets us caught up on life after Gonzaga. Rem talks about the shock of showing up to practice on day one as a walk on, and how he matured through his career. He gives answers to unfair questions like, best player? Favorite season? Five Zags you'd take to any open gym? Rem explains what the offseason pickup games are like with former players. And gives his thoughts on this season's team. Oh, and Game of Thrones. We had to talk Game of Thrones.

As he gets ready to start his own podcast - 'West Coast Offense' - former Washington State wide receiver Gabe Marks catches us up on his career and life. He talks about his experience in camp with the New York Jets, and interests outside of playing football that have grabbed his attention. The Venice, California native describes the tough surroundings he grew up in, the experiences that shaped him, and his transition to life in Pullman, Washington. Gabe gave his thoughts on the protests taking place in the NFL and the racial issues that need to be fixed in America. We finish up by talking about the 4-0 WSU Cougars and their showdown with USC.

Spokane native turned NFL defensive back Will Davis takes us through his rapid rise in football. He talks about his time spent as a kid in Compton, including the scariest thing he witnessed. Will explains his late start in football, how his career almost ended in college, and his success at Utah State. After two ACL injuries he looks back on a tough couple years, and ahead to his new opportunity with the 49ers. Plus - he's a really good photographer.

Good buddy Sean Widmer of the Jay and Kevin Show and the Sean Widmer Podcast invited me on his annual Sullivan Lake trip, so I took him up on the offer and we sat on a log and talked about camping. We chatted about the trip he takes with friends each summer, and my first experience as a camper. This episode features 'where did Sean put his girlfriend's car keys?' As well as his Sullivan Lake power rankings.

Derek Ryan of the Carolina Hurricanes comes on to talk about his unique path to the NHL. The Spokane native discusses life as a professional hockey player in Europe, the path of his career overseas and how got him noticed back in the United States. His time with the hometown Spokane Chiefs, and the relationship from those days that helped land him in Carolina. Ryan shares his thoughts on fulfilling a dream he never really had, his favorite goals, and rollercoasters!

ESPN Golf Reporter Michael Collins discusses his unconventional career path as only he can - with lots of great stories and tons of laughs. Collins talks about getting his start as a standup comedian and the highs and lows that came on stage. He describes how that career led him to the golf course where he became a professional caddy. Collins explains how he learned the job and grew into a popular figure on tour, and the opportunities in media that caused him to put the bag down for good. We look ahead to the 2017 Open Championship, and Collins tells why it's impossible to predict what will happen at Royal Birkdale.

Tom Sherry takes us all the way back to the start of his 27-plus years working for KREM 2. Now the Chief Meteorologist, he recounts how he got his start doing television in Spokane, and what led him to eventually land the main weather gig at KREM. The Southern California native also explains how the Inland Northwest became home. Tom talks about his sports idols as a kid, as well as his favorite athletes to come through Spokane.

Kill Screen Founder Jamin Warren discusses the current state of sports video games. He shares memories of playing games growing up, and discusses their evolution over the last 20 years, as well as their relationship to professional sports. Jamin also offers insight on eSports, its rapid rise in popularity, and the unique space it occupies at the intersection of sports and video games. He finishes by offering some suggestions on new games worth exploring.

Top Chef alum Chad White talks about his experience on the show. The impact it has had on his career, and behind the scenes insight on how demanding it is for contestants. The Spokane native talks about entering the Navy on 9/11, the huge challenges that come with cooking on a Naval ship and how he grew during those years. His climb in the food industry, beginning in San Diego. And his role in growing the food scene in his hometown, beginning with his ceviche bar Zona Blanca.

Jordan Mathews talks about working out for NBA teams, and two strange questions he got in one of his interviews. After helping Gonzaga reach its first Final Four he discussed his memories of their run, and his clutch three-pointer against West Virginia. His recollection of that play, and approach to the game explains why Mark Few called him a 'cold killer'. Mathews also talks about his basketball background, and having to continually prove himself after getting underestimated. He gives his passionate take on an important discussion: In-N-Out or Five Guys.

Spokane native Will Green stops by to talk about sports betting. Will is the Senior Director of Research at the American Gaming Association. He discusses the current federal law that prohibits single game betting in much of the United States, and the ongoing sports gambling climate that exists across the country. We talk about what legalized sports betting would look like in the U.S., and the concerns many have about opening its doors in more states. Will also updates us on daily fantasy sports, two years after its boom.

On the heels of his first season as a pro Kyle Wiltjer talks about his Jordan collection and why he can't wear certain players' signature shoes. He also chats about getting adjusted to life in the NBA, his fit with the Houston Rockets, and playing with James Harden. Kyle reflects on his experience in college - playing for two passionate fan bases; the benefit and challenge that came with his decision to transfer and sit out a season. Kyle also looks back on Gonzaga's run to the Final Four and why he thinks they have the best fans in the nation.

Host of CNN's Reliable Sources Brian Stelter - a fellow member of Towson's Class of 2007 - stops by to discuss a variety of media related topics. Brian talks covering President Trump, and the current state of journalism for those on the White House beat. He also gives his thoughts on ESPN's recent layoffs, and the state of local and cable news. Brian also talks Twitter, and the challenge of keeping people engaged in the ever-evolving digital age.