The Kyle Koster Show: Recent Episodes
Kyle Koster
The Kyle Koster Show is a look at the biggest stories in sports and media featuring interviews with newsmakers and those who cover them. Come along for an unpredictable ride with The Big Lead's managing editor, who interviews people way more successful and creative than himself and tries to understand what makes them tick.
The Big Weekend comes out of winter hibernation with a profile on Bill Raftery, who had a front-row seat to Jim Nantz saying goodbye to his college basketball friends. Then some Masters thoughts, including Scott Van Pelt on what's so special about Augusta as the best golf weekend of the year arrives. Plus, an interview with ESPN's Paul Hembekides, co-author with Mike Greenberg on Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own.
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Warner Bros. Discovery play-by-play voice extraordinaire Brian Anderson returns to the podcast to talk about calling LeBron James' quest to secure the NBA's all-time scoring crown, dig deep into the mechanics of his job, and reflect on his first All-Star nod. Plus, is Justin Rose back?
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Adam Lefkoe, the host of TNT's Tuesday night NBA coverage, joined the show to talk about his new multiyear contract extension and the unique joy of working on a show willing to go in unpredictable places. Then, was that the best Detroit Lions win in 30 years?
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This was a landscape-changing year for sports media. Big names found new homes, salaries skyrocketed and, as always, news came fast and furious. Over the past six months our panel of experts has watched, listened, read, compared, collated and debated the best from sports media in 2022. The result is our annual tribute to the industry. We present to you The Big Lead's 2022 Sports Media Awards.
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We love our sports, don't we, folks? Especially on a weekend where all of your teams win, there's thrilling and important finishes around the country, and a World Series champion is crowned. Reacting to all the good stuff that happened for once, plus some media notes on FOX's new Saturday night primetime college basketball play, Chris Fowler remaining at the top of his game, Joe Davis laying out, and how a Super Bowl booth sounds at the midway mark of the NFL season.
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The Brooklyn Nets are juggling multiple controversies as Kyrie Irving continues to pass up opportunities to apologize and Ime Udoka has been selected, somewhat perplexingly, as the man to fix this mess. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster and Liam McKeone discuss all the tumult and if there's any hope on the horizon. Then, tonight is the night we'll know for once and for all if baseball is better than football based on how many people watch on television. You can taste the excitement in the air. As well as the sarcasm. What do these ratings-obsessed people think they're accomplishing and why do they want to live their lives like that? Plus, having the bravery to admit that, actually, a World Series no-hitter is pretty cool.
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Phil Simms of The NFL Today and Inside the NFL joins the show to preview the epic Buffalo Bills-Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday. What makes Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen so special? What does the public miss when assessing quarterback play? Plus, Kyle and Liam make some picks for you to consume at your own risk. All that and essays on Adam Amin's thrilling NLDS broadcast, CGI dragons at Yankee Stadium and an all-time broadcasting bit involving Angela Lansbury.
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One of the better sports weekends of the year has markets moving all over the place and only one podcast can tell you which way the wind's going to blow. We went to the Sports Stock Market to get some inside information for you, the financially prudent listener. Then, Ernie Johnson joined the show to discuss MLB on TBS postseason coverage, his love for fielding fungos, the quiet preparation before the storm, and calling games with his father.
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Liam and Kyle, contractually obligated to make NFL picks against the spread, once again face the music after another unfortunate showing. And try to do better in Week 5. Will they ever get better at this? Well, there's no guarantee. Pray for us. This is getting bleak.
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LIV Golf reportedly has a very unique plan for their broadcasts and, honestly, we all should have seen it coming from miles away. Kyle and Liam have a very unique new plan for picking NFL games against the spread and climb out of the hole they've dug by Schrute-ing things up. Plus, let no one accuse us of not saying nice things about the ManningCast.
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The Miami Dolphins may be for real. The Buffalo Bills will not being going undefeated. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick aren't getting any younger. So is it time to finally count them out? A look at all the NFL Week 3 action and the sports media takes that will follow. Then, a very special International Baseball League of West Michigan playoff postgame show featuring one very depressed host and one extremely happy guest.
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Aaron Judge's quest to smash home run records means it's time to fire up the debate over who deserves to profit from these historic baseballs. Should it be the lucky fans who could use the money? Spoiler alert: yes! The Score's NFL insider and NBA analyst Jordan Schultz also swings by to talk about his new role and the life of a newsbreaker. Finally, Kyle and Liam apologize for some bad gambling picks by offering more bad gambling picks. All that, and some long-simmering thoughts on the Amazon Thursday Night Football experience.
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Week 2 of the NFL was a truly wild experience with remarkable comebacks happening all over the place. Tua Tagovailoa finally has his signature moment after a six-touchdown explosion against the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco may still be elite. Kyler Murray is certainly not the best player in football yet he could be the most exhilarating. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster and Ryan Phillips zip around the league at a breakneck pace, along the way offering begrudging respect for Robert Saleh, panicking about the Bengals and Colts, and wondering if the Lions might be halfway decent. We straight-up defy you to find another podcast that talks about football.
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Amazon's Thursday Night Football debuts tonight and the sports media world is absolutely losing their minds over the possibility. While Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit are at the center of the frame, it's worth exploring how one of the alternate streams, featuring Dude Perfect, may be the true game-changer for the industry. Then, Week 2 NFL picks against the spread by two guys known to get 54 percent of them correct.
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America has been rocked by not one, but two pasta sauce-related traffic incidents in just a few days. What's in the hell is going on out there? Plus, Rory McIlroy may not be the face of the PGA Tour, but he's probably its heartbeat. And most importantly, Charlotte Wilder of Fox Sports drops in to talk about season two of the Ultimate College Football Road Trip.
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The Big Weekend begins on a Thursday with thoughts on FS1's retooled fall lineup, the potentially disastrous Fernando Tatis Jr. situation in San Diego, and LIV Golfers realizing they, like Gob Bluth, may have made a huge mistake. Plus, International Baseball League of West Michigan superstar Lendy Sosa discusses Week 14 action, the playoff chase and how much Sundays mean to him.
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Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Big Weekend, a podcast that only exists because there's space at the bottom of our posts. How was your weekend? Did you catch Patrick Cantlay winning yet another Playoff event? How about that Adam Scott? Wrapping up the PGA Tour's penultimate event and looking ahead to next week. Plus, we announce a brand-new sponsor that may get us canceled.
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The mainstream media continues to refuse to cover the International Baseball League of West Michigan, so we will once again fill that void. Thoughts on Week 13, which was jam-packed with top teams facing each other and exciting games. With only four more regular-season contests to play, the playoff picture is crowded at the top and liable to shift dramatically. Are the Mariners built to win the East? Can the Padres catch the Cubs? Which team might get hot and earn an unexpected bye? Plus some corny takes on the joy of watching a game from the bench.
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It was back to the ballpark for the Cubs as the International League of West Michigan began its second half on Sunday. Jeremy Stokes joins the show to discuss the division races heating up, a much-needed rout, and how the next few weeks will shape the playoff picture. Plus, a brief review from the Field of Dreams, a place that still has the magic.
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The slowest weeks on the sports calendar necessitate going through the drafts and unleashing holy hell. One of Fall Out Boy's biggest 38-year-old fans breaks down each and every album they've ever released. Some would say a giant waste of time. Others would appreciate the selfless devotion to bettering society.
Plus, a defense of Chris Russo, expert list-maker, and a hot take on Rudy's dad from the movie Rudy and his Notre Dame-only policy.
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The first half of the International Baseball League of West Michigan wrapped up with the Padres facing the Cubs. One team showed up and the other .. did not. A truly sad and shell-shocked losing pitcher reflects on how it all went wrong before taking a look at the current playoff picture. Plus, a few words on the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.
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Tiger Woods will not make the cut at the 150th Open Championship after shooting a 3-over 75 in the second round on The Old Course at St. Andrews. Woods finished the tournament 9-over, which will be one of the worst numbers posted in the tournament. As he walked across the iconic Swilcan Bridge with tears in his eyes, he slowed, but did not stop as he doffed his cap and smiled at the ever-adoring crowd.
What does it all mean?
Plus, thoughts on NBC's greatly improved presentation and the spiciest, never-before-scene element looming for the weekend.
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Week 10 is officially in the books as the International Baseball League of West Michigan playoff picture begins to take shape. Who threw 130 pitches in the Cubs-Mariners battle for second place? Can anyone beat the Cardinals? Could the Power make it four in a row? Could the Royals hold on to a big lead against the Braves. The answers to all those questions and more.
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Jordan Spieth flirted with victory at the Genesis Scottish Open before falling short. The weekend ride, as it always is, was magical. What about this player, in this sport, makes him so compelling? Then, Javy Baez put on a damn show in Chicago. His brief time with the Detroit Tigers has been a disappointment. So why do I want to run through a brick wall for him? Why has he won me over for life? And finally, a deeply unscientific look at the Major League Baseball uniforms, ranked first to 30th.
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Josh Rosen, who you have probably seen in the Skip Bayless replies doing a spot-on impression of sports media's biggest star, joins the show to talk about his process and perform on command. As an added bonus, he is able to summon faux Donald Trump and Joe Biden to round out a jam-packed show. Plus, an overly earnest appreciation on the art of pitching, which remains the purest distillation of the mental and physical across sports.
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Society's collective content arm is oversaturated, though one should never give up on their dreams of ascending to the top of this competitive industry. To do so, now more than ever, requires resonating with 100 percent authenticity or by being the squeakiest wheel prone to punch up at every turn. Once someone arrives at a place where they have a national platform — be it on ESPN or Fox Sports or any number of competitors — they enter into an unspoken agreement with the audience. They're allowed to be characters of themselves with the performance amped up for effect. They're allowed to be professional wrestlers on the microphone to elicit maximum response and engagement.
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Defections continue from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, including Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, as the upstart league attempts to steal all of the sunshine. There is controversy and intrigue and it appears Greg Norman's pet project has convinced some in media that it's a serious threat to the status quo. But if you had to choose, right now, which entity has a better long-term outlook, what about LIV would leave you to conclude it's on safer ground than the supposedly tenuous PGA Tour? The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas discusses this and unveils his Mount Rushmore of Bus Drivers as the phrase has become ubiquitous in basketball circles.
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Charles Barkley hopped on ABC's coverage of the Stanley Cup Final last night. Turner has relied heavily on the Inside the NBA blueprint in its first-year hockey coverage. When you think about it, the Round Mound's impact on sports media is profound. Why is that? And is he one of one? My plea to put him on screen as much as humanly possible. Plus, Ty Wilson joins the show to talk about the Cubs' tight victory over the White Sox and recap the rest of the action around the International Baseball League of West Michigan.
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LIV Golf is a sideshow. And as the case with all sideshows, it's meant as a distraction. This plucky, upstart league backed by the Saudi government aims to distract people's attention away from the PGA Tour and distract their attention away from a human rights record forced to take more than a few penalty strokes. It is such a specifically interesting development because the threat to golf as we know it seems both very real and cartoonishly non-threatening.
On paper, one can understand how the status quo will be completely upset if legions of pros follow the path blazed by Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau and others, holding their nose to receive a big, fat payday. But in practice, what does this really look like? Is LIV Golf a monumental moment in sports history that will change everything or a punchline and helpful identifier for the worst people in professional golf destined for spectacular failure?
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It's been nearly a quarter century since the Seinfeld finale aired on NBC. The show ostensibly about nothing left as something very important. Its legacy has endured through two decades even as the source material ages and the pace feels slow compared to this era’s machine-gun-fire joke making. Countless words by better writers have already been spilled explaining why this is one of the greatest comedies of all time.
But one thing that’s been striking in re-runs, which always hit the spot, is the incredibly deep cast of role players the series was able to trot out there.
Screen time, entertainment value, cultural currency, and good ol’ gut feeling helped form this list of 64 memorable characters. Surely there will be no disagreement.
Then, Jeremy Stokes is back for the weekly International Baseball League of West Michigan, featuring some hot takes and tough talk for the Cubs locker room.
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The NBA Finals are knotted up at a game apiece as the Golden State Warriors used another spectacular third quarter to build an insurmountable lead against the Boston Celtics. The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas jumps on the show to discuss what we think we've learned so far. Is there anyone more annoying than Draymond Green? How badly does ABC miss Mike Breen? Does Marcus Smart have better hair than Dennis Rodman. The answers to all those questions and more lie within.
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As the International Baseball League of West Michigan approaches the midway mark, the playoff picture is coming into focus and it includes seven teams within a game of first-place. Longtime Cub Anthony Diaz joins the podcast to talk about Sunday's shorthanded battle against the Pirates, being in the best shape of his life, observations from his 18 years playing in the league, and if he should be an All-Star.
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Reflecting back on this Memorial Day to the USO trip I took a few years ago, visiting our military members around the globe. The life-changing experience offered countless lessons and reframed my thinking about what supporting the troops means. And how someone conflicted about the entire enterprise of war can find spaces to lend their hearts and minds. Hope you listen and reflect on your own relationship and worldview.
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The Boston Celtics did not look like a team destined for meaningful things early this season but have played some of the best basketball over the last several months. Another suffocating win against the Miami Heat moves them one measly win away from an NBA Finals appearance. Which presents the perfect opportunity for The Big Lead's Liam McKeone to drop by the podcast to brag on them. And for your humble host to give them some much-needed respect.
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Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s 1888 poem Casey at the Bat is about unrealized hope, hubris, and the importance of jumping on first-pitch fastballs. It’s stood the test of time to emerge as one of the most indelible pieces of baseball writing. From Vaudeville stages to cartoonist easels, the tale has come to life, entertaining generations with its timeless simplicity and unsatisfying ending.
I’ve heard it recited scores of times. Despite this, last night — in a desperate attempt to find new bedtime material for my sleep-adverse son — a whole new element of the story presented itself upon reading.
Why did the opposing manager pitch to Casey? Given all available evidence, shouldn’t the strategy have been an intentional walk? Or, outside that, to pitch around him?
Plus, Ancelmi Arollo of the Cardinals joins the show to break down his team's huge victory against the Cubs on Sunday and what it means for the top of the International Baseball League of West Michigan.
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International Baseball League of West Michigan commissioner Javi Sanchez joins the show to talk about his 18 years in the league and reflect on the state of play. How have things changed since it was the Hispanic league and how have they stayed the same? How does he he view the challenge of growing while still keeping a connection to the past? What, exactly, does a commissioner do? Plus, a look ahead at the future of the IBLWM.
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Lauren Shehadi has been a staple at MLB Network for 11 years and can be seen daily on MLB Central. She is also hosting TBS' Tuesday night showcase pre- and post-game. Shehadi joined the show to talk about her path to this point, how exciting it is to begin something new, the joys of being around so many incredible baseball minds, and how thankful she is for the opportunities. Plus, some thoughts on Jimmy Butler, a man on a mission.
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With the PGA Championship teeing off at Tulsa's Southern Hills in just a few days, we check in with esteemed local resident Bunkie Perkins to hear about the course, vibe, and get some John Daly stories. Plus, praising ESPN and CBS for their terrific golf coverage with thoughts from some of executives and on-air talent.
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The Phoenix Suns won 64 games this year to ensure a Game 7 would take place on their court. It didn't help as the Dallas Mavericks curb-stomped Chris Paul in company in what will go down as one of the most dreadful do-or-die performances of all time. What the heck should we make of that. Then, the big story. Week 3 of the International League of West Michigan is in the books and contenders are starting to separate themselves from the pretenders.
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The Detroit Tigers started 2021 with a dreadful 9-24 stretch, then rebounded to play winning baseball for five months. A busy offseason was cause for optimism this season, but somehow the team has stumbled to an equally awful start. They can't hit. They have no life. They have no reserves waiting in the wings to solve this. All of this should make Tigers fans, who have suffered through years and years of an entirely unproductive rebuild, angry. Someone please fix this.
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Fox delivered a lightning bolt of news this morning by announcing that Tom Brady will become its lead NFL analyst whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. Rumors of a massive contract abound. On one hand it's monumental news, and an enormous victory. But there's reason to wait to spike the football. Then, in much more important news, Jeremy Stokes hops on the podcast to break down Week 2 in the International League of West Michigan, with several newsy and juicy nuggets.
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Chris Paul was involved in a bizarre incident yesterday in Dallas. New video showing the fracas behind the Phoenix Suns' bench only makes the whole thing weirder. Plus, a look at the worst MLB umpires among a crowded field, thoughts on Fox Sports bringing in Craig Carton to the fold, if the Bucks-Celtics series winner will win it all and the Golden State Warriors 3.0.
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The Miami Heat are having their way with the Philadelphia 76ers through two games of the series and some fans have taken up an annoying coping mechanism. Why attendance-shaming is incredibly lame. Plus, thoughts on Luka Doncic being trapped in a defensive hell and getting no help, wide receivers unfollowing their teams on social media and the raging debate over using slurp juice on your apes. Then a 10-minute journey into a warped mind full of incomplete thoughts and half-baked theories.
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Baseball is a game played by human beings and officiated by human beings. It's a game of errors and imperfection. Of rough edges and managing expectations. Pitching, at once one of the most solitary endeavors in all of sports, also requires fostering a working relationship with the person calling balls and strikes. The job of establishing the canvas upon which to paint is sometimes messy, and never without some push and pull. Perhaps when the machines usurp yet more control and all decisions are outsourced to cold artificial intelligence, a uniform strike zone will change the sport for the better. But even if that concession is made — and it's a big one considering the lack of evidence to this point and the undeniable damage of eliminating the artistry and importance of the catcher —we will lose that fabric. And maybe it's not important to you. It is to me, and so many others who don't need a flawless and disconnected ecosystem in which to enjoy the game.
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ESPN gave Francisco Lindor a microphone during Sunday Night Baseball's presentation of a particularly engaging Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets matchup and it proved to be a tremendous decision. The effervescent shortstop provided insight, humor and more than anything, allowed the joy of playing baseball to seep out on the air. Why this is the best idea the sport has had in a long time. Then the internet's one and only International Baseball League of West Michigan wrap-up show debuts and Jeremy Stokes joins to discuss the Cubs' Opening Day loss to the dreaded A's and what else the Week 1 results can tell us about how the season will shape up.
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Reacting to the first night of the NFL Draft, which is a completely bewildering viewing experience. Why is so much stuff going on all the time? Is any of this completely necessary? And why do we love it so much? Plus thoughts on the suddenly competent Detroit Lions, the suddenly awful Detroit Tigers, Adam Schefter's mid-graduation reporting, the next Dennis Miller, the most useless analysis after a player is picked, what type of person attends one of these things, and so much more. Then, Stephen Douglas beams in from Midstate/Upstate New York to talk about Chris Paul's perfect game, Lamar Jackson's WTF and to clown on The Batman.
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Ja Morant is more unique than the usual unicorn because he is an amalgamation of all the NBA's most kinetic live wires and twisted steel. A terrific flying machine the likes of which the Wright Brothers could never imagine. A walking, talking Red Bull Flutag entry that not a single person fears will crash into the water. At the ripe age of 22, with his whole life ahead of him, he's capitalizing on the biggest moment of his basketball life on the brightest stage with the same undeniable panache and beautiful violence that's become synonymous with his name. Plus a nice, dumb thought on baseball.
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Something about Kevin Durant has caused sports pundits to consider the bus. Who rides it? Who drives it? And what are the lessons this staple of public transportation can teach us about the world? Exploring the latest sports media phenomenon. Plus, a 1990s sports radio guy phones in to pepper us with thoughts from last night's NBA action. And finally, a look at the candidates to fill Kay Adams' soon-to-be departed chair on Good Morning Football.
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Ben Simmons will not play in Game 4 for the Brooklyn Nets as expected as his year-long campaign to ruin his career continues. At what point do we start wondering if his days as a productive basketball player are done? And what do we do with him in the interim. Plus thoughts on the pesky New Orleans Pelicans attacking Chris Paul in the best way possible, Charles Barkley ripping Kevin Durant for doing things he was never able to do, and why Lions fans should welcome Aidan Hutchinson to Detroit with open arms.
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Reflecting on Miguel Cabrera's one-of-a-kind career as he goes for his 3,000th hit. One of the best righthanded hitters of all time has done it his own way, in a way no one else could ever do it. On what makes him so great and what makes him so uniquely frustrating. Plus, would it be too much to ask for First Take to stop talking down to NBA cities who are minding their own business?
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Jerry West is understandably displeased with the way he is being portrayed in the HBO series Winning Time and is demanding an apology? The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas joins the show to discuss the beef, as well as the NBA Playoffs, streaming service sports frustration, and his latest television recommendations. Plus essays on the Golden State Warriors, Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, the almighty ratings, and Nick Wright's height controversy.
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Mel Kiper Jr. announced today that he would be working the NFL Draft for ESPN from a remote location because he is not vaccinated. Which, of course, is his right. Take all of the politics and your personal proclivities out of the equation. We can all agree that this isn't ideal. Not for the network, which enacted these guidelines to foster the healthiest possible work environment. And not for Kiper, who would give his best performance on-site. So the question becomes: at what point does an inability to do the best possible job due to a personal choice become a problem? Draft night is the one night out of 365 that Kiper, who built himself a specific empire, is most necessary. I don't have the answer, yet it warrants discussion. Kiper beaming in from parts unknown doesn't serve the broadcast. More importantly, it doesn't serve the viewer. He is a staple and a legend and moving him further from the locus of draft coverage would be munition in the never-ending culture war. It's also fair to survey the landscape and understand that Kiper no longer has the market cornered. Draftniks are no longer the counter-culture. They are the culture. The value of over replacement has shrunk as an army of young and hungry analysts nip at Kiper's heels. Something to keep an eye on. Because something will have to give. Knowing nothing, it's hard to imagine this situation continues next year. Not when the best ability is availability.
Plus more thoughts on Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Anthony Edwards, Kyrie Irving, and Gus Johnson.
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Jordan Spieth, once considered by many as the man on Tour you'd trust must with the putter in his hand, has developed a devastating recent penchant for inexplicably butchering gimmies even weekend warriors would have no trouble conceding to the worst player in their group. It's been a vexing microcosm of his relative inconsistency this season in which he's shown real flashes of being the elite contender he once was and flashes of someone who might keep falling just short over and over again.
On another Easter win for someone who still has it.
Plus, thoughts on the USFL's dud of a first weekend, the Chicago Bulls missing a golden opportunity, Kyrie Irving's commitment to being unlikeable, and a Detroit Tigers update.
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The Los Angeles Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention last night, a disastrous ending for a team with huge expectations. Frank Vogel is on the chopping block but the fallout shouldn't end there. The Big Lead's Ryan Phillips joins the show to talk about exactly what went wrong, why it went wrong, and precisely how bleak the future is for the Lakers. Plus, Tiger Woods is the story in Augusta as he attempts to return from a year-long absence and significant injury to capture his sixth green jacket. What are reasonable expectations and why is Tiger still one of the most fascinating athletes in all of sports?
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The Kansas Jayhawks put together the largest comeback victory in an NCAA Tournament championship game last night by erasing a 16-point deficit against North Carolina. How the hell did that happen? Plus, an essay on Bill Raftery, who is better than ever at 78 and strong words for those who complain about a late tip time.
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The future employment of ESPN's Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski had been the object of much interest before today. Both are staying put as the network announced multiyear deals with each newsbreaker. This came after much interest from the sportsbooks. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster reacts to the announcements and what it means for both ESPN and the future of insiders.
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Giannis and Embiid battled to the final whistle last night in a pivotal night for the NBA MVP trophy. Or perhaps not so pivotal as the next result will move the conversation. About that: how did we get to a place where there are multiple shows debating who should win this award every single day? Is the 2015 NBA Finals to blame? Plus, Cade Cunningham has been a revelation in Detroit and has a chance to become the next Grant Hill. How realistic is that expectation? And how soon can long-suffering fans expect it. And finally, a point of order from the news desk on those Jim Nantz tie jokes, which are no longer relevant.
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The Detroit Lions have been selected for HBO's Hard Knocks, presenting a tremendous opportunity to reintroduce the world to Dan Campbell. Why the franchise has a chance to change the narrative and capture the lovable loser bandwagon. Plus, Fox Sports is sliding Kevin Burkhardt into the No. 1 booth as salaries explode elsewhere. Which strategy will win out. And finally, the Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscars incident created a Top-5 internet day of the century. On the bliss of not having a take.
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The NCAA Tournament has whittled its field down from 68 to 4 and the programs remaining are all steeped in tradition and winning. Jay Wright has established himself as the heir apparent to Coach K and turned Villanova into every bit an equal. Right now, he's stolen Tom Izzo's bit. Plus, an essay on Saint Peter's and the magic of a Cinderella run that keeps on going.
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Many baseball fans spent the offseason bracing for the prospect of not having any baseball or not having enough baseball. But a deal came just in time to preserve a 162-game regular season and Opening Day is right around the corner. Britt Ghiroli, MLB senior writer for The Athletic, returns to the show for 30 jam-packed minutes previewing the year ahead. Are the Dodgers beatable? How deep is the AL East? What's the deal with Fernando Tatis Jr.? Could the Tigers be this year's sleeper? All that and so much more.
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Mike Florio's new book Playmakers: How the NFL Really Works (And Doesn't) takes a look at a league that "has simultaneously become an athletic, financial, and cultural powerhouse—and a League that can’t seem to go more than a few weeks without a scandal." He joined The Kyle Koster Show to talk about what he wanted to accomplish in writing this book and his choice to release it during Pro Football Talk's busiest week of the year. Florio also reflected on the early days of his site and the work that went into building it.
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The NCAA Tournament brackets were revealed on Sunday night and the best week on the sporting calendar has arrived. Scheduling gods have facilitated Michigan State getting an opportunity to end Coach K's career at Duke. Now we pray to them to allow such a matchup to come to fruition. In this episode I take honest stock of MSU's chances of doing anything of impact before speaking with Rob Dauster, who created The Field of 68 with Jeff Goodman, and has been enjoying tremendous growths. We hear how he went about building the outlet as well as get his thoughts on the field's serious title contenders and looming surprises.
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ESPN finally found its big, splashy Monday Night Football booth as yesterday brought news that Joe Buck would be teaming up with his longtime partner Troy Aikman. This leaves some giant holes for Fox Sports to fill in both the football and baseball departments and assures a new voice for the World Series. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster reacts to the seismic news and tries to figure out what pieces are next to fall.
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The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas makes his long-awaited return to this show for a conversation about the Juwan Howard-Greg Gard situation, the speed at which the reactionary cycle swallows and smoothes every event, and its potential impact. Is an overload of information and access making our opinions better or is it making them worse. Plus, on a lighter note, ticking through an NBA All-Star Weekend full of superstars, perhaps none more amazing than Stephen Curry.
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Every once in awhile an event comes along that changes the course of human history. The extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. Europe diving head-first into the Industrial Revolution. The invention of stuff-crusted pizza. Chris Mad Dog Russo joining the First Take set to go mano e mano with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN Wednesday morning qualifies by any chosen metric. We have all the giddy reaction a person could hope for in the wake of this transformative experience. Join us a recap of an episode unlike any other as two titans flew dangerously close to the sun.
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With Super Bowl LVI just days away, Good Morning Football producer Matt Hamilton joins the show from Los Angeles to preview Rams-Bengals. Which quarterback will capitalize on the chance to secure a legacy-defining victory? Plus, we talk about his media journey, the success and growing popularity of GMFB, and his transition to a more visible role this year. He also shares his Mount Rushmore of show segments.
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Dick Vitale has provided college basketball's soundtrack for over four decades. He is interwoven into the sport's fibers. Countless fans can look back and identify the moment he sparked their curiosity and ignited their passion. Perhaps it was a Duke-North Carolina game. Or a Super Tuesday in Bloomington with Bobby Knight stomping around on the sidelines. His voice carries transportive energy. And although it's been largely absent this year — the ESPN broadcaster worked five contests before stepping away to tackle his health with full focus — we can still hear it reverberate as loudly as ever.
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Super Bowl LVI does not have a familiar hero or villain but does provide one of the more exciting injections of fresh blood we've seen in a long time. FanSided's Matt Lombardo swings by to talk about some of the stuff we're most excited to see potentially play out, from an Odell Beckham Jr. redemption story to the crowning of Joe Burrow. Plus, thoughts on the Brian Flores lawsuit that rocked the NFL earlier this week.
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After a few days of trying to shoot down a report that he was retiring, Tom Brady made it official this morning. The greatest QB to ever play released a long and heartfelt note thanking everyone. Except the New England Patriots. Resident Pats fan Liam McKeone joins to help sort through the many emotions.
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The sports world was rocked by the news that Tom Brady is retiring. We think he is retiring. Is he retiring? There seems to be some disagreement. Some thoughts on a wild day in the NFL and in media.
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Baseball's beauty is that it can spark childlike wonder. That there are those perfect moments we can enjoy even in aged cynicism. Because there's an understanding that they exist in a a complicated and flawed ecosystem. Barry Bonds was that perfect moment at home plate. He did fairytale things but wasn't the right protagonist. It was still a hell of a story.
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Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers out, potentially forever. Joe Burrow continues to be a quarterback of destiny. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes going head-to-head in potentially the best NFL playoff game ever played. Matthew Stafford quieting the doubters. All those things and more combined to make this past weekend the most electric 28-hour stretch we've ever seen. Reaction to all of the insanity, plus Jim Costa of 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit hops on to join in long-awaited Stafford victory lap.
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The Big Lead's Ryan Phillips joins the show to talk about Indiana's long-awaited win over the Purdue Boilermakers and the state of the program under first-year coach Mike Woodson. Then, there's a non-zero chance Tom Brady will be playing his last game this weekend but no one is talking about it. Plus, reacting to the insane ratings the Dallas Cowboys bring across sports media.
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John Gonzalez, who recently joined Sports Illustrated, debuted the outlet's newest podcast today. He stopped by to talk about the pilot episode of Sports Illustrated Weekly, what to expect in the future, and what the opportunity means to him as someone who grew up reading SI. He also is forced to answer a few Ben Simmons questions in his capacity as a Philadelphia sports enthusiast. Plus, revisiting his excellent Q&A with comedian Ben Schwartz.
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FanSided's lead NFL writer Matt Lombardo joins the show for a recap of Super Wild Card weekend. Are the 49ers or Bengals a team of destiny? What's next for the Cowboys after a particularly gruesome defeat? Was there actually too much football on television? Plus, why the winner of Chiefs-Bills could be the eventual Super Bowl champion.
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The Bowl Game makes a Friday appearance with half-baked thoughts on Big Ten basketball, Tecmo Super Bowl, NFL coaches we'd live to see slimed, Home Improvement plot points, the Wordle phenomenon, Jeopardy box scores, How To With John Wilson, and just how hard Good Charlotte continues to go.
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Nabil Karim is joining Turner Sports on a multi-year deal. There he'll serve as a host and reporter across basketball and hockey programming. The native Canadian, who has previous stops at TSN and ESPN, stopped by to talk about why this is the right fit and who is most excited to work alongside. Plus, a look back at his career to this point and a few minutes on fashion.
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Sports media news has been flying in at an alarming rate over the past few days, dictating a Friday podcast. Why ESPN got it right in retooling the Sunday Night Baseball booth and spinning off an alternate broadcast with Alex Rodriguez and Michael Kay. Plus, after much speculation, The New York Times will pay $550 for The Athletic. What does this mean for sports journalism and can such a model be replicated?
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Adam Chernoff, senior strategist for Covers.com and host of the Simple Handicap, joins the show to talk about the state of the NFL and how this unprecedented year has manifested for oddsmakers and the public alike. How big of a hit will losing Antonio Brown be for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Is there any reason to think Aaron Rodgers won't win the MVP? Should we believe in the Bengals? All that and more, plus a reminder that Jim Harbaugh isn't leaving Michigan.
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What would it have sound like if Larry King had turned his dot-and-dash column into a podcast? A bit like the Bowl Game. Better, obviously. But similar. Today's episode includes thoughts on Ben Roethlisberger, Uncrustables, the ManningCast and much, much more.
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Alabama and Georgia each rolled in their respective College Football Playoff semifinal games, creating another sleepy New Year's Eve experience. What can college football do about the lack of buzz and excitement come playoff time? The 12-team tournament will help but getting the timing right will be both challenging and important. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster offers a modest proposal of what such a schedule would like in terms of television.
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The Big Lead's Ryan Phillips joins the show to talk about five NFL coaches who are sitting on hot seats right now and may not survive Black Monday. What went wrong in each of these situations, is there anything that could be done to salvage the relationships, and if not, where do these organizations turn?
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With just two days until Christmas, The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas joins the show to discuss 2005's The Family Stone with your fearless host, who has suffered through an annual showing for over a decade. They try to answer some unanswerable questions like: what the hell is going on with the plot? Who would like this? Why are the characters acting so erratically? Has there ever been a more awkward moment than the dinner scene? And finally, how does one even begin to scratch the surface in only 60 minutes?
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The Chicago Bears are coming to the end of the Matt Nagy era and sent America off with an absolute stinker against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. Why it was the furthest thing from a bad beat and why change is needed. Plus, there are more standalone games than ever in the NFL. Which means more terrible television product. Is this unavoidable or is there something that can be done to improve the product?
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Sports. Pop culture. Spoken word. What you missed from the night before in 10 minutes. Let's play a bowl game.
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Kevin James is playing Sean Payton in a new movie and we are absolutely here for it. Then, Big Ten research manager and MSU alum Harold Shelton joins the show to talk about a surprisingly successful non-conference campaign and what the ceiling could be for this team.
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The Big Lead presents its annual Sports Media Awards, a project to identify and honor those in the industry who stood out through the year. Episode includes a full rundown of the winners and the thought process behind selecting them.
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The Big Lead's Kyle Koster pays homage to Larry King and laziness by offering a brain dump of thoughts from the sports and pop culture world. Sit back and let the vibes engulf you. Plus, college football figures itself out again.
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The Detroit Tigers went for Coke with Carlos Correa but ended up with Javy Báez, who is a particularly tasty brand of Pepsi. Rogelio Castillo of Fansided's Tigers Radio Pod joins the show to talk about the mood of the fanbase and why there's reason for optimism. Then, Beth Mowins on her play-by-play duties for the Sixers-Hawks game on ESPN and making some history in the process.
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After arguably the wildest and most shocking week of college football coaching news, The Big Lead's Ryan Phillips joins the show to discuss the current state of play. He talks about how the Lincoln Riley-USC deal came together, and what that means for the Trojans program long term. The two also react to Brian Kelly's surprising new gig with LSU and what Notre Dame's plan should be going forward.
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Gear Patrol editor and former TBLer Tyler Duffy joins the show for a victory lap following Michigan's decisive and long-awaited victory over Ohio State. The Michigan alum re-examines the Jim Harbaugh era through the years and tries to make sense of the prevailing narratives. The two also talk about what the future holds for the Wolverines and the Big Ten in general.
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The College Football Playoff selection committee is out with new rankings and reasons for people to get all worked up. On why none of this matters yet, but is excellent television. Comedian Mike Camerlengo, known for his unique takes on sports and pop culture, joins the show to talk about his creative process and finding humor in highlights.
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In a special Press Pass crossover episode of the show, Kyle peels back the curtain to talk about how he ended up at The Big Lead while providing some background on the site's past, present, and future. Liam McKeone joins for an introspective conversation on approach and the challenges an opportunities that come with operating one of the world's longest free-standing sports blogs. Plus, an honest plea for feedback from our audience, both old and new.
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Big Ten Network anchor Mike Hall joins the show to react to the College Football Playoff selection committee's first rankings and what they mean, if anything. We talk about his experience winning ESPN's Dream Job and the opportunities and challenges that went with it. He shares how he approaches studio work, sideline reporting, play-by-play calls, and other things before offering some shoutouts to those who have helped him along the way.
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Joe Buck is often unfairly maligned but has been at the top of his field for decades. Why he's best in a his jam-packed Octobers. Then, Eduardo Perez, in Atlanta for the call on ESPN Radio, joins the show to talk about the World Series and share what he loves about broadcasting this time of year.
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With the ManningCast proving to be an enormous success, it's time to eat some crow and self-report some old bad takes. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster goes full Fire Joe Morgan on himself, explaining how he ultimately got the Petyon Manning sweepstakes wrong. Then Chris Vannini from The Athletic comes on to preview the only game that matters this weekend, Michigan vs. Michigan State, and to talk about his journey from MSU's student paper to a national beat.
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The MLB postseason is one of the best things in all of sports and also an incredible canvas for television. What to notice the next time you're on the edge of your seat. Then Bryan Curtis, editor-at-large at The Ringer and cohost of The Press Box podcast, stops by for a dive deep inside the world of sports media.
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David Covucci, senior politics and technology editor for The Daily Dot, joins The Kyle Koster Show to talk about his outlet's coverage of the two areas, which have converged together with the highest of stakes. They discuss the mystery behind Q, how the internet has flattened society, and where all of this is going.
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Don't look now but the Big Ten has five of the top 11 teams in the latest AP college football poll. That seems like as good a reason as any to muster some Midwest pride and look ahead to a wide-open stretch run. Then Fox Sports' Charlotte Wilder joins the show to talk about her ultimate college football road trip and the privileges and pressures the opportunity presents.
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ESPN is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pardon The Interruption with a television special and a four-part podcast series hosting by Pablo Torre. The ESPN Daily host checked in to talk about those projects and to play a little bit of This and That. Topics include: the magnificent octopus, the Law & Order reboot, Erik Rydholm's genius and whether he's a Wilbon or a Kornheiser.
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It's your classic "one for us" situation on the Kyle Koster Show as grizzled sports blog veteran Stephen Douglas stops by to explain what each NFL team would be like if it were a completely different thing. Going to be totally honest with you, the listener, and admit this one got away from us at times. Three or four big laughs, though. So that's something.
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Todd Fuhrman, host of the Bet The Board podcast, joins The Big Lead to discuss his journey to become of the foremost voices in sports betting. He takes us behind the scenes of his process, what makes him unique, and what lies ahead for an increasingly crowded and lucrative space.
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Three-time All-Star first baseman and career .302 hitter Sean Casey joins the podcast to talk about his show, The Mayor's Office. The MLB Network personality discussed a wide range of topics including the genius of Pedro Martinez, all those on-field conversations, the funniest players he ever encountered and the proper way to consume Skyline Chili.
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With the NFL season kicking off tonight, Liam McKeone swings by the show to preview what to expect from both the RedZone and Monday Night Football in the coming year. Plus, are people expecting too much from the ManningCast and the mental state of New England Patriots fans.
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With the NFL season fast approaching, The Big Lead's Kyle Koster and Stephen Douglas perform the heavy lift of devoting 60 seconds on each team, identifying the one thing they'll be interested to see throughout the year. Plus, a new idea for a podcast is brought to the table for inspection.
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College football will feel a lot more like the college football we all know and love this year with fans in attendance and energy levels back to normal. Fox Sports' Rob Stone, host of Big Noon Kickoff, joined the show to talk about the exciting year ahead and the approach going into a pivotal year for the franchise.
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Fresh off a 1,200-mile bike ride that took him from New York City to Chicago, Fox Sports MLB writer Jake Mintz hopped on the podcast to talk about the sights, sounds, and feelings the two-week journey brought. Following that there is some discussion about he and Jordan Shusterman's rise as the Cespedes BBQ crew, plus some honest-to-goodness old-fashioned talkin' ball.
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Former MLB utility man Kevin Frandsen joins the show to talk about his upcoming trip to the Field of Game next week, which will carry significant meaning. Frandsen is covering the event as part of SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio channel and will co-host a special pregame show with Steve Phillips in the hours leading up to the game. He spoke about the movie and how one of its famous lines became a family motto.
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A deep dive into what makes Adam Schein such a joyful listen and what inspired the feature, which you can hear in full. Plus, ESPN's Marty Smith swings by to talk about getting back on the road for college football season and his work with the Academy Sports + Outdoors Back to Sport campaign.
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Sausage King of Detroit Andy Isaac joins the show to bask in some rare good times for Detroit's sports teams and talk about Isaac Eats, his new series for Woodward Sports. Plus, Giannis cements his legacy and caps the exact arc we all hope to see.
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With Major League Baseball's All-Star Game offering an exciting look at the sport's bright future, Daniel Kim joins the show to discuss all things Shohei Ohtani, the joy and challenges of growing the game, and forging his own path covering the game he loves.
Plus, a surprise edition of Rey Ordonez Corner.
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The Big Lead's Liam McKeone hops on to look into a cloudy crystal ball and predict who will be considered among the NFL's best coaches headed into the 2022 season. Can anyone catch Bill Belichick? Can you handle a world in which Kevin Stefanski is on this list?
Also, an earnest appreciation for Stephen A. Smith's unique skillset, which manifests in new and interesting ways.
Plus, rooting for the Clippers out of spite — which is just a good a reason as any.
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Khris Middleton singlehandedly saved the Milwaukee Bucks' season and rendered huge narratives obsolete. But just how fickle and tenuous is both the actual sport and the way it's covered? Is it possible that everything will shift after Game 4? That answer, plus an explanation of why Middleton's explosion may signal the end of the NBA dynasty.
Also, some thoughts on the annual hot dog contest, which really gets going after dark.
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Last night's Phoenix Suns-Los Angeles Clippers game was an instant classic, capped by DeAndre Ayton's last-second dunk. It also took 32 minutes to play the final 90 seconds thanks to several unsatisfying instant replay reviews. If only someone had warned us that this is what would happen — that replay would ruin all sports. On that and why it's probably too late to fix it now.
Plus, Ben Simmons is arguably the weirdest NBA player of the century, even before he writes his next chapter, which can go in any direction. How the hell did the Anti-Three Point Guy become one of the faces of a Three-Point League?
And finally, why anyone sick of hearing about Chris Paul best get used to it.
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The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas joins Kyle Koster to react to the Brooklyn Nets' total domination against the Milwaukee Bucks, even without James Harden. Could this team be on a collision course with an all-time great postseason? Plus, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard are as good as ever but perhaps under-appreciated. How the heck did that happen?
Finally, the Logan Paul-Floyd Mayweather fight left much to be a desired, but it's a smart business model for the future. Giving the stunt some begrudging respect.
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Brian Giuffra, editor-in-chief of The Big Lead, joins the podcast to discuss a completely bonkers morning of basketball news as Duke and the Boston Celtics embark on dramatic new eras. Will everyone miss Coach K will he's gone? Is this the beginning of the end for the superstar college basketball coach? Plus, does Brad Stevens have it all figured out or is he simply falling upwards?
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Fox News' Johnny Joey Jones joins The Kyle Koster Show to talk about his new Fox Nation series, USA Ink. The five-episode series, debuting May 28, examines the history of tattooing and its pervasive spread throughout American culture. Jones goes behind the scenes of the modern tattoo industry and even gets a piece on-air.
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John Walters, whose long Sports Illustrated tenure included working the media beat, reflects on the news that Kenny Mayne is leaving ESPN and discusses his observations monitoring SportsCenter through the years. Is what was once the network's most valuable program still secretly its best? And what made Mayne resonate so much with the audience?
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Recapping an extremely outrageous sports weekend that saw Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit disqualified for failing a drug test, Elon Musk try to pump up Dogecoin on Saturday Night Live only to have it backfire, and some unexpected, totally unscripted drama between Floyd Mayweather and the brothers Paul. The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas joins to try to make some sense out of any part of all this.
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Baltimore Oriole pitcher John Means threw a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners. It was not a perfect game. There are people upset that it wasn't a perfect game. So they're proposing a drastic rule change for to fix a problem that's arisen once in over 150 years. This feels like rock bottom.
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The Big Lead's Liam McKeone comes prepared to share an NFL Draft research assignment meant to illuminate which Power 5 college football conferences are winning in the long run. Is it truly SEC domination or is the real answer more complicated? Plus, everyone is hating the NBA playoff idea except the NBA ... for now.
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The Big Lead's Ryan Phillips drops into the podcast to discuss the reeling Los Angeles Lakers, a team in serious trouble and in jeopardy of playing in the NBA's new play-in tournament. Is it too early to write off LeBron James and Anthony Davis or have the wheels truly come off? Also, the curious case of Justin Fields and pre-NFL Draft narratives.
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Britt Ghiroli, a senior writer for The Athletic who covers Major League Baseball, joins the podcast to discuss her career journey, the face of the sport, how to negotiate extra innings, and how baseball can connect with more casual fans. She also talks about the effort by former Michigan State swimmers and divers to save the program.
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Tony Reali has a new multiyear contract at ESPN, where he's been on-air for 20 years already. On the longevity of Around The Horn and its unique host, who has quietly put together a remarkable career already, with decades still to go. Plus the pleasant surprise improvement in Detroit Tigers broadcasts and what Shohei Ohtani needs to do to make people appreciate his brilliance.
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Instant replay in sports is under the spotlight yet again after Sunday night's Atlanta Braves-Philadelphia Phillies game was decided by an inexplicable call. At this point, does the one argument for replay in sports carry any weight? Plus, Ronald Acuna can do it all, including play harder than anyone else, so what is his ceiling? Plus, wondering if Hideki Matsuyama's Sunday stroll was a good sign sports have returned to full normalcy.
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The Brooklyn Nets look unbeatable now that Kevin Durant is back. Does the rest of the league have any hope at all? Plus, Greg Gutfeld's new show on Fox News is already a phenomenon three days in, quickly establishing itself as one of the most unique shows on television. How long can that last?
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ESPN parted ways with Paul Pierce on Monday night after the NBA analyst posted a risque video over the weekend. There's a good argument that such a decision will be best for both parties. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster explains why. Plus, making sense of Akil Baddoo's incredible start for the Detroit Tigers.
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The Big Lead's Kyle Koster and Liam McKeone look ahead to the challenges and opportunity presented by LeBron James' injury and how limping to a title would change his legacy. They also discuss an experimental idea for NFL broadcasts and dive into the controversy surrounding Steve Kerr and podcast aggregation.
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It's never been easier to have a podcast. But it's never been harder to land a great podcast guest. Where does one even start? In this episode, Kevin learns some tips, tricks, and background from some of the best show bookers in the country, including: Todd Fritz from The Dan Patrick Show Danny Zederman from ESPN 1000 Danni Wysocki from NBC Sports Chicago
What's it like to book Will Ferrell? Adam Sandler? What can go wrong? Are there unwritten rules?
A lot to handle for an unpaid intern. Hopefully some of it sticks.
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On this episode, Kevin regales and horrifies Kyle with stories of torment from an older brother growing up (1:00-8:41), and a pivotal road trip to Boston is remembered through a new lens (8:46-20:57). Plus, Fox Sports' Ben Verlander on his playing days, Detroit Tigers' history, and his new role on the network's digital platform (21:08-47:45).
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An otherwise boring Tuesday turns into something much more exciting as Stephen Douglas, a writer for The Big Lead, goes viral for a tweet about the upcoming Cruella de Vil movie. Contained in this episode is potentially the first real-time interview series with someone caught up at the center of a social media storm. It may also be the last.
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EA Sports announced the return of the much-beloved college football video game sometime in the future, sparking an eruption of joy online. In this episode, Kyle and Kevin try to figure out what it is about this title that's allowed such a meaningful connection, exploring a now-defunct Chicago media league and reliving the Jacob Hester Incident.
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Racked by self-doubt and the realization that he's never scored a monumental scoop, a mid-30s sports blogger sets out to break news on the Super Bowl's start time. Follow him as he navigates through treacherous terrain and stiff competition chasing the story of his life.
Plus, a special comment from a transplant living in the Tampa Bay area on the Buccaneers' surprise Super Bowl run.
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