Podcast – Team Handball News: Recent Episodes
Podcast – Team Handball News
In a nod to Pablo Torre’s successful podcast I share some information I found regarding how Port St Lucie, Florida possibly got on USA Team Handball’s radar as a national team residency program location. Joining me to discuss is 1972 Olympian, 1976 Olympic Head Coach and former USA Team Handball Board President, Dennis Berkholtz. Here […]
Pablo Torre and his popular sports related podcast, Pablo Torre Finds Out have been on a burner for the past several months as he has investigated the NFL Players Union and the LA Clippers possibly circumnavigating the NBA salary cap. In a nod to his successful podcast format I share some information I found regard […]
Last month while visiting Oregon, I stopped by a Portland Sasquatch (FB IG) practice. Afterwards I had a short chat with Belgian native and club member, Jan Vanderstraeten. We discussed the challenge of developing handball in a big country and possible areas of focus to include more clubs in big cities and collegiate handball. If […]
Julia Malysz has been minding the net for USA Women at the Jr PANAM Games. She’s 19 years old, but has been playing for the U.S. for 6 years. At the USA Club National Championships we chatted about her start in handball, playing against adults, her national team career and plans for the future If […]
On Monday, 28 July, USA Team Handball conducted an online Town Hall. I recorded the meeting and recorded almost the entire meeting. (There are a couple of gaps due to recording issues.) The YouTube version has 18 different segments identified of different people speaking and Q&A. Here are those 18 segments with a few notes […]
From 3-7 July, the Las Vegas Westgate Resort was home to two handball competitions: The North American & Caribbean Handball Confederation (NACHC) Club Championships and the World Series of Handball. I had the opportunity to see some of the matches and interview some of the participants. Included on this podcast are interviews with California Eagles […]
In 2018, the IHF Council awarded the USA Men and Women wild card spots for 2025 and 2027 World Championships. This award was made to help the USA teams prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The award, however, was not 100% guaranteed and included a vague caveat “provided that the USA National Teams […]
In 2018, the IHF Council awarded the USA Men and Women wild card spots for 2025 and 2027 World Championships. This award was made to help the USA teams prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The award, however, was not 100% guaranteed and included a vague caveat “provided that the USA National Teams […]
In just its second season, the San Diego Team Handball Club took 2nd place in the 2nd division at the USA Team Handball National Championships. One of the club’s founders, Olivier Izacard discusses the formation of the club and their plans for the club. Here are some of the topics we discussed: If you have […]
Zach Greenstein led University of Pittsburgh to a D2 title last season and to a 5th place finish this year at College Nationals. He will be playing for the DC Diplomats at Club Nationals and for Volendam in the Netherlands next Fall. We discuss his start with handball, his upcoming European adventure and other handball […]
Gary Phillips is one of the best prospects to ever come out of a USA Collegiate Handball club. Earlier this month he led West Point to a 17th straight Collegiate Handball title and was selected as the tournament MVP. At the IHF Emerging Nations Championships he was selected to the all star team. An unprecedented […]
(Benjamin Edwards at the 2025 World Championships in Norway) Benjamin Edwards is just 18 years old, but has already played for the the U.S. Men’s national team at the Youth, Junior and Senior levels. During the 2025 World Championships in Norway I sat down with Benji to talk about his handball journey to date and […]
On 12 February, 2025, the USA Team Handball Board of Directors held their monthly meeting and I recorded the open public portion of the meeting. The meeting started out with a seemingly mundane discussion regarding a proposed new member, Margaret Rubin for the Nominating and Governance Committee. However, I was agape to find out that […]
(John Ryan on defense against Magnus Wislander at the 1993 World Championships) Magnus Wislander played 384 international matches for Sweden and is considered one of the all time great handball players. Two of those 384 matches were against the U.S. at the 1993 World Championships and the 1996 Olympics. He was in Oslo at the […]
Alex Chan joined the U.S. National Team in 2021 and has been a key contributor ever since. I sat down with Alex during the U.S. rest day after their first match vs Portugal at the 2025 World Championships. Some of the topics we discussed include his handball career, his time playing for club Cisne and […]
Harald Wuesthof is one of the candidates for an upcoming election for one of the General Membership Director seats on the USA Team Handball Board of Directors. Listen or download the mp3 file at the top of the page or watch on YouTube below.
Viva Kreis is one of the candidates for an upcoming election for one of the General Membership Director seats on the USA Team Handball Board of Directors. Listen or download the mp3 file at the top of the page or watch on YouTube below.
(Benjamin Edwards #40, playing with the Veszprem 1st Team) John and JD discuss 18 year old Benjamin Edwards playing with the Veszprem 1st Team, John’s dream of an HBL-LNH pre-season showdown and some overarching takeaways from the Olympian Handball Haus interviews. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on […]
John and JD discuss the infamous Dika Mem pass, NBC Peacock’s handball broadcasts and promotion of the sport, and John’s efforts to start club handball programs at Colorado and Colorado St. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top of […]
NBC Olympics Play-by-Play commentator, Eric Frede is a guest on the podcast and we discuss his background and what it’s like for a newcomer to call handball. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top of the page If you […]
John and JD discuss all of the Olympics related handball social media activity, the IHF Beach Handball Showcase, the American Handbal Haus podcast and the upcoming Flanders outdoor tournament. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top of the page […]
Jacob Roberts fills in for JD and and he and John discuss the North American & Caribbean Club Championships, the IHF Beach Handball Showcase and upcoming Beach Handball events in North America this summer. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at […]
The post USA Handball Talk (Episode 24): Christmas in July Beach Handball Special first appeared on Team Handball News.
JD and John discuss the Paris 2024 Olympics Promotion Working Group, the results and statisics from the Jr Womens World Championship, how the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary style might work for the U.S. Women’s Team and the upcoming NACHC Club championships. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on […]
The post USA Handball Talk (Episode 23): DEFCON 3 first appeared on Team Handball News.
JD and John discuss the US Handball Union Vegas tourney, the Men’s and Women’s World Beach Handball Championships, the U20 Women’s Championships and the recent resignation of two USA Team Handball Board of Directors. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at […]
The post USA Handball Talk (Episode 22): Wow, there’s a lot of Handball Going on first appeared on Team Handball News.
JD and John discuss entities that might be interested in a handball reality show and the upcoming US Handball Union Championship in Las Vegas. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top of the page If you have any suggestions […]
The post USA Handball Talk (Episode 21): Keeping up with the USA Team Handball Women first appeared on Team Handball News.
JD and John discuss the 2025 IHF Handball World Championships draw and mercenary teams at the U.S. National Championships. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top of the page If you have any suggestions for future topics that you […]
The post USA Handball Talk (Episode 20): Death, Taxes and the Group of Death first appeared on Team Handball News.
JD and John discuss USA National Teams in action on three continent: The USA Men friendly matches in Europe, the USA Men at the NORCA Championships and both Men’s and Women’s Beach National Teams in Brazil. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 […]
JD and John discuss the USA Men’s opening match vs Mexico at the NORCA Championships, handball streaming and the USA National Championships which actually had more Canadians than Americans participating in it. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top […]
JD and John discuss the USA Men’s roster for the upcoming NORCA Championships, the College Women’s results and whether the College Handball Championships should change formats to an Elite Eight knockout format. results of last weekend’s Collegiate Handball Championships. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Watch on YouTube or […]
[MVP Gary Phillips led West Point Black to yet another title (photo: Rod Apfelbeck)] JD and John discuss the results of last weekend’s Collegiate Handball Championships. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: The ongoing North American Beach Handball Championships: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the […]
US Handball Union Executive Director, Michael King joins the podcast to discuss this weekend’s College National Championships. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Current News Items College Nationals Preview
We cover a couple or recent news items and then discuss the Ohio State Handball Club’s Spring Break trip to Hungary. Here’s a summary with links to some of the items we discussed: Finally, a big shout out to USA Women’s Coach, Edina Borsos, for her help with arranging the logistics for the trip. Watch […]
We chat about professional indoor lacrosse, the upcoming Ohio State spring break trip to Hungary and some more discussion on scholarship sports and what the talent level of the U.S. men is compared to collegiate basketball Here are some topics and links to what was discussed: And, sorry for the technical difficulties… Watch on YouTube […]
Pat Spencer, was the top Collegiate lacrosse player in 2019. He then used his 5th year of eligibility to play college basketball, played basketball professionally in Europe and now has signed a 2 way contract which allows him to play in the NBA and the NBA’s G League. He was a good high school basketball […]
Here are some links and notes from what we discussed in the podcast: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top of the page If you have any suggestions for future topics, a title for our podcast or have some intro music you would like us to consider please let us know […]
On the podcast we discuss the following topics: Watch on YouTube or listen/download the mp3 file at the top of the page If you have any suggestions for future topics, a title for our podcast or have some intro music you would like us to consider please let us know on social media. Don’t miss […]
Last Wednesday (31 Jan 2024), Barstool Sports put out the welcome mat for the US Handball Union in their Chicago facility. Several athletes including former national athletes, Ty Reed, Alex Recker and Michael King, referee, Josh Forsthoefel and USA Handball Talk co-host, JD Orr were on hand to demonstrate, play and talk handball with the […]
Stephen Neilson, the Chair of British Handball joins the podcast to discuss the Great Britain – Kosovo Euro 2026 Qualification match played in Derby, England on 13 January. We take a deep dive into what was probably the best ever handball match atmosphere and presentation in a “non-traditional” handball nation. We discuss the crowd, venue, […]
On this week’s episode we discuss what standards USA Team Handball athletes, administrators and board members are required or perhaps, should be obliged to follow. What’s appropriate in one’s private life and what’s appropriate in an official capacity? And, is it possible to entirely separate the two in a world where one’s thoughts and actions […]
On this week’s episode we discuss two handball miracles: The remarkable showing of the Faroe Islands (population 52K) at the European Championships and the great handball atmosphere at the Great Britain-Kosovo Euro 2026 qualification match in Derby, England. Here’s a rundown of the show and some links to the topics we discussed. Don’t miss an […]
On this week’s episode we discuss handball tryouts and the complications that result from two very different cohorts: Stateside and and Overseas athletes. The catalyst for the discussion was this USA Team Handball Tweet and the reply it elicited from former USA Jr National Team athlete, Aaron Hamm: Here’s a summary of the topics we […]
Colton Strickler is a media representative for DNVR Rugby. The Colorado XO Rugby Club is a rugby club located in Glendale, Colorado that is focused on rugby training for crossover or “talent transfer” athletes from other sports. In just 2 years time this program has had 6 athletes sign pro rugby contracts with Major League […]
Joey Williams is the President of the Detroit Handball Club. In Part 2 of our two part conversation we cover several topics to include: European vs American club naming conventions Handball social media: Attention for attention’s sake? (3:30) Gauthier Mvumbi as a Detroit Ambassador Rodger Sherman of the Ringer hyping Mvumbi on Twitter: Link (an earlier […]
Joey Williams is the President of the Detroit Handball Club. In Part 1 of our two part conversation we discuss the trials and tribulations of his efforts to start the Detroit Club. For the most part he’s been very successful getting the Detroit Club started in the middle of a pandemic, no less. Here are […]
Nicole Andersen, has been playing for the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2015. She has Danish and American citizenship and currently plays her club handball for AS Cannes Mandelieu in the French 2nd Division. In Part 2 of our interview we first discuss Cannes Mandelieu’s current relegation battle and her adjustment to a new role […]
Nicole Andersen, has been playing for the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2015. She has Danish and American citizenship and currently plays her club handball for AS Cannes Mandelieu in the French 2nd Division. In Part 1 of our interview we discuss how she started playing handball, became a member of the U.S. National Team […]
Toma Rimac, joins the podcast and we take a deep dive into the betting odds for the upcoming Handball World Championships. This is a little bit different from your typical preview show as what might be a good bet is often different from predicting who will win. (Important Note: This podcast was recorded prior to […]
There’s a long line of handball brothers playing for their country in international handball competition. France’s Bertrand and Guillaume Gille, Spain’s Alex and Daniel Dujshebaev, Poland’s Krzysztof and Marcin Lijewski, Argentina’s Diego, Pablo and Sebastian Simonet and Chile’s Emil, Erwin and Harald Feuchtmann to name a few. Why, even the U.S. had the Fitzgerald brothers […]
In Part 1, I chatted with Marxwell Masauna Frederiksen and Jackson Howden about their handball backgrounds. In Part 2 we discuss the cancellation of the North American & Caribbean Championship and the IHF’s decision to give the U.S. the NACHC slot for the Men’s World Championships. We also talk about the future of the NACHC […]
Greenlander, Marxwell Masauna Frederiksen and Canadian, Jackson Howden are roommates and play for Skjern Handball‘s 2nd team in Denmark. In Part 1 of this interview we discuss their respective handball journeys and playing in Denmark. Podcast Interview on the Team Handball News YouTube Channel: Episode 71 Link (Audio only mp3 file available at the top […]
Andreas Hertelt played 13 seasons in the German Bundesliga and represented his country in 10 international games. He has been a Team Leader for the U.S. Men’s National Team and he has been facilitating the placement of U.S. players with European clubs. On the podcast we discuss this program which is financially supported by the […]
Watch on YouTube: Link (and subscribe to the Team Handball News YouTube Channel) The death of George Floyd in Minnesota and the Black Lives Matter protests that have taken place all over the U.S., and even around the world have brought the issue of racial discrimination against African Americans in the U.S. to the forefront. […]
Earlier this week, Charlie White, won the Men’s competition on the premiere episode of Fox TV’s, Ultimate Tag. He joins the podcast to talk about that experience, how he got started with beach handball, how he and his teammates are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and since he’s a game developer, whether handball will ever […]
Joey Williams (Detroit Handball Club) and Ryan Peterson (Milwaukee United) join the podcast to discuss the Great Lakes Challenge Cup, a new competition for clubs in the Great Lakes region. As envisioned, this new competition would be similar in format to cup tournaments that are played in Europe and would be open to club teams […]
Ross Miner was recently hired by USA Team Handball to be their Chicago area ambassador. As an ambassador he will be responsible for developing youth and college handball in the Chicago are. In this podcast from 2016, Ross and I discussed Illinois St winning the Buckeye Classic and his handball journey from discovering the sport […]
Earlier this month when the Coronavirus was just some issue China was dealing with a group of American NFL players (current and former) had a joint training session with Hungarian Club, FTC Budapest. Video of the match went viral as it seemed to provide what every handball fan wanted after the infamous, Jay Cutler, interview […]
During this past weekend’s Air Force Invitational I conducted several interviews and they are all featured on the latest podcast for download. Interview 1) William Kennedy of Texas A&M and Moshe Mukori of Concordia College talk about playing for Dallas THC at this tournament and their efforts with their respective college programs.– Video: Link– Subscribe […]
USA Men’s National Team Coach, Robert Hedin is the podcast guest and we discuss: His challenge to former NFL QB, Jay Cutler and the Pardon My Take roster to score 10 goals against the U.S. Men’s National Team. His reaction to athletes from other sports thinking handball is easy The resulting publicity for this controversy […]
It’s been quite the ride for Team USA’s Drew Donlin, from Minnesota to the Air Force Academy to Los Angeles to Germany and now Spain. In September 2018 he was an alternate and a last minute call up for the U.S. National Team for the PANAM Games Qualification series vs Canada. Just 14 months later […]
USA Team Handball’s oldest rivalry match took place last night at the Air Force Academy with Army (West Point) coming away with a 40-28 victory. The first half started slowly with both teams initially having trouble scoring in their set offenses. Air Force took their sole lead of the match (3-2) after 8 minutes of […]
Chris O’Reilly joins the podcast for a lively discussion. Topics include His handball origin story Ireland’s semantic challenge with “slappy wall ball” and “poverty squash” Ireland’s handball scene and development challenges Ireland’s unique sporting culture Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and National Anthems The upcoming KamaGames Tri-Nations Tournament with Ireland, Great Britain and the U.S. […]
Team USA’s Eric Finch joins the podcast. We discuss his handball origin story, transitioning to beach handball, the residency program at Auburn, the collegiate game and how the U.S. might better train and develop athletes in the future. Some big questions we discuss include: Can a recruit brand new to handball make our current men’s […]
Bill Bigham has played a big role in the development of beach handball the past few years in California, but his involvement in the sport goes farther back to his days at the University of North Carolina and later as a member of the U.S. Men’s Team at the 2001 World Championships in France. In […]
Christine Mansour has been playing beach handball for a little over a year, but she is already making her mark with the USA Women’s National Team. In July, she played a key role in the U.S. Women’s 1st place finish at the North American & Caribbean Championships and was recognized as the tournament MVP. In […]
This past summer while visiting colleges with my rising high school senior the tour guides when talking about club sports opportunities were sure to mention the Quidditch club. Yes, quidditch of Harry Potter fame. Little did I know that it’s a real sport with at least five times as many people playing quidditch over team […]