The Rodcast!: Recent Episodes
Jeff Hamlin
Listen in twice a week as Jeff Hamlin of Hillsboroughsports.com discusses sports, wrestling, music and all things Hillsborough with a variety of guests from around the world!
The Rodcast is back! Our guest is New York Times Bestselling author Jeff Pearlman, the author of the new book "Three Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty." Jeff spent three years on this project, and just as he was finishing work, Kobe Bryant tragically died in January. In this interview, Jeff discusses what Kobe's relationship with Shaquille O'Neal, how Phil Jackson handled the big egos to win three consecutive championships from 2001-2003, and how Shaquille related to his teammates. If you're an NBA fan or a fan of books about complicated relationships among people in the public eye, you'll want to check out "Three Ring Circus."
On this edition of the Rodcast, we're joined by trainer Elton Faulk. Elton runs www.gamma-fitness.com. After graduating from Jordan High School, he joined the Army and was stricken by a respiratory illness that left him barely able to walk. He fought back from adversity to become a kickboxer and start his own gym, which is located at the old location of North Duke Mall. Elton joined us to discuss own he's operating a gym during COVID-19, as well as trying to stay healthy himself during a pandemic. Plus, plans to return to the kickboxing ring and his own graphic novel. Learn more about Elton here: https://www.thumbtack.com/nc/durham/personal-trainers/elton-e-faulk/service/196977197755942082
On this edition of the Rodcast, we're joined by new Cedar Ridge football coach Cory Lea. Cory has been successful wherever he's gone in coaching circles. At Northern Vance, he led them to a winning season in his second year. At Riverside, Lea coached the Pirates to the 2018 Triangle 8 Championship. It was only the second conference title for Riverside in school history. Cory was a walk-on at UNC during Mack Brown's first stint in Chapel Hill, and is now focused on leading Cedar Ridge to the top of the Big 8 Conference.
The Rodcast is back! On this edition, we talk with Curran Campbell of Hillsboroughsports.com. Curran is a basketball expert who weighed in on ESPN's Greatest College Basketball Player of All Time poll from March. Curran, who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2019, now attends Syracuse University. We also discuss the biggest sports conspiracy that we put stock in, as well as what's ahead for sports once the COVID-19 pandemic ends. Thanks to Curran for his time!
The summer of 2000 will be a time that no UNC fan will ever forget...no matter how hard they try. On this edition of the Rodcast, we're joined by Dave Glenn of the ACC Sports Journal and the Athletic. Dave is one of the foremost insiders about ACC Sports and covered Bill Guthridge's resignation in late June 2000. Dave discusses why Roy Williams turned down the UNC job in 2000, how much friction that caused between Roy and the UNC basketball family, Larry Brown's infamous interview, the pursuit of George Karl and why UNC ended up with Matt Doherty. Dave gives lots of inside information about this search. You can check out Dave's work at the Athletic.com and ACCsports.com. Thanks to Dave Glenn for being so generous with his time for this comprehensive look at a memorable time in ACC history.
On this edition of the Rodcast, we're joined by #1 Johnny Jones and Matt Stradley. Together, we discuss "The Last Dance," the ESPN documentary about the Chicago Bulls of the 1980s and 1990s. We discuss what we like about the first four parts, the legacy of Michael Jordan, did the team end at the right time? Johnny now attends Golden State Warriors games while following the NBA by the bay. Matt passionately follows all UNC Asheville sports and can be found on ESPN+ for everything from basketball to women's soccer. Join this fun and entertaining discussion regarding the glory days of the Chicago Bulls.
On this edition of the Rodcast, we step away from sports to discuss music. Martin Popoff is one of the most esteemed writers in hard rock and heavy metal. His latest book is "Anthem," which focuses on Rush in the 1970s. In this discussion, Martin talks about the early days of the band, Neil Peart joining as drummer in 1974 and how it changed the band forever, their breakthrough album "2112" and whether 1970s Rush is the best era of the band. You can order your own copy of "Anthem," as well as dozens of other books from Martin, by going to martinpopoff.com. If you're a Rush fan or a fan of rock history, this is a great discussion for you to enjoy. It was an honor to have Martin on the show!
This week on the Rodcast, we're joined by Kyle Snipes. Kyle is an Orange High graduate who grew up in Orange Grove. He went on to Wake Forest, where he was a member of Dave Odom's staff during the glory days of Wake men's basketball. Kyle is now the women's coach at St. Pius High in Atlanta, where he has coached several state championship teams. Kyle discusses his time in Winston-Salem, in Atlanta and his days serving as an umpire with the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association.
Bruce Mitchell has been a pro wrestling journalist for over 35 years. He grew up going to the Greensboro Coliseum to enjoy shows from Jim Crockett Promotions. Bruce has traveled all over the world for wrestling shows. On this edition of the Rodcast, Bruce joins Jeff Hamlin and Jon Franklin to discuss the final edition of Monday Nitro, which happened 19 years ago this week. We discuss why WCW folded, how Nitro changed the industry and why wrestling hasn't been the same since. Check out Bruce's podcast and column at PWTorch.com. Thanks for joining us on this edition of the Rodcast!
It's the second edition of the Rodcast. Today, we're joined by Cedar Ridge play-by-play man Tim Hackett and Cedar Ridge's public address announcer Tim Hackett. This is a unique time in American history and for the sports landscape. On this edition, Jeff, Tim and Jon will discuss what this inactivity has felt like, the spring sports seniors that we feel bad for, and what we'll remember from this season. Plus, overrated baseball films, Northwestern basketball and much more! Enjoy this edition of the Rodcast! We'll be back on Friday with Bruce Mitchell, podcaster and writer for PWTorch.com to discuss pro wrestling, in particular the final edition of Nitro from March 2001!