All The Small Takes: Recent Episodes
Jeff Agar
Jeff, John, and Cooper share in their mutual love (and hatred) of sports, music, movies, and nonsense. Safe for your family, or just you on your ride home from work. Warning: our small takes may be hotter than they appear.
On this week's Small Takes, the guys first race around the soccer world -- a new EPL season (and a new long-shot bet from Jeff?), MLS scheduling woes, and more European cups. Then, it's ALL college football on the eve of our first somewhat real weekend slate. A new season of Notre Dame football brings with it an unprecedented conference schedule and an unproven offense outside of Ian Book. The Pick Six covers the rest of the weekends biggest games, plus a few from the NFL.
On Episode 101 of the Small Takes, there's always another European soccer cup to learn about. Plus, the MLS is Actually Back. Then, the guys give their picks out of the East and West NBA Playoffs. And stick around to experience some very raw emotion about the Big 10's football cancellation - and hope for a fall season still.
It's the Small Takes centennial, and it's only fitting to have an episode is filled with nostalgia, callbacks, and off-topic discussions regarding baking. In the midst of that, though, the guys also find time for the latest and greatest around the sports world. They recap EPL's season ending and what to watch for in the MLS knockout stage; catch up on everything you forgot about the NBA since March; and finally, a bonus "double" conference preview for Big 10 and Pac 12 football.
As the sports world begins to kick back into gear, the Small Takes boys could not be more excited. They provide soccer (especially MLS) with some much-needed shine (kind of) before moving onto a full round of MLB division previews. Then, with all the optimism they can muster, it's the first of hopefully many college football conference previews, starting with the ACC.
The guys break down return-to-play plans across the sports world -- the good (MLS, NBA), the bad (MLB), and the weird (CFB). Then, in the spirit of The Last Dance, it's a Fire Four of Sports Documentary Ideas that might land John a new career in filmmaking.
The boys are back, even though sports aren't. There's still plenty to catch up on, from life events to quarantine activities. And a few sports topics, too - including The Last Dance debates and NFL Draft winners/losers.
It's a late night pod, featuring all things in the worlds of futbol/soccer (EPL/MLS Cup Finals), NFL coaching woes, and an almost-live reaction to the first release of the CFP Rankings. Then, the guys run through a strong slate of college football games for the Pick 6 and John's increasingly hot Lead Pipe Lock.
It's the end of a magical run for Jeff's Minnesota FC Loons, and a continuation of USMNT frustration for Cooper and John. Then, Dope or Not hits on Sam Darnold, the World Series, and #ThisLeague. And of course, the standard CFB business.
After some technical difficulties getting the podcast uploaded, Episode 94 is here at last (recorded last Monday). The guys break down all things MLS playoffs, especially Minnesota FC's impending cinderella run. Then, they hand out NFL coaching pink slips before diving into college football. Notre Dame's mid-term assessment, the Pick Six, Heisman Hype Train, and more.
John tries to sell the gang on Centigrade over Fahrenheit. Jeff is (maybe) Minnesota bound for the MLS playoffs and (maybe) a tattoo? Cooper is despondent over his real and fantasy losses from the weekend. And amidst it all, the Small Takes cover all things NFL and CFB, take stock of Notre Dame's loss/moral victory in Athens, and bask in Michigan's implosion.
The guys, much like summer weather, are back and sizzling. They start off with EPL and MLS updates, including Jeff's impending Minnesota FC tattoo. Then, it's a round-up of the first two weeks of NFL followed by the always electric Pick Six. Plus, the return of the Heisman Hype Train and America's most correct CFP rankings.
The Small Takes have at last made it to the Promised Land of college football... and EPL, but mostly college football. Cooper first shares the sights & sounds of his pilgrimage Old Trafford, as well as the equally prestigious Hell is Real rivalry. Then, it's a conference preview palooza as the guys whip through ACC, SEC, Big 10, and Notre Dame thoughts. And of course, with Week 1 looming, it’s the triumphant return of the Pick Six.
It's officially the dog days of summer at the Small Takes, but thankfully the guys have no shortage of content on deck anyway. An update from around the soccer world is followed by their second conference preview: the Big 12. Then, in true summer fashion, it's a Fire Four of Rewatchable Games to pass the time until football.
This week's Small Takes celebrates the dominance of the USWNT on the heels of their World Cup win. Then, the guys dive into NBA Free Agency reactions and settle a bet from Episode 88 with some creative middle name ideas for John. Plus, a surprise Pac 12 preview (just to get it out of the way) and a definitive ruling on the sports we could do professionally (hint: zero).
The Small Takes make a triumphant return after a solid two months off, and there’s far too much to catch up on. So instead, they focus their attention the now, which means World Cup (it’s coming home?) and NBA Free Agency.
Just like Tiger, Game of Thrones, and the NBA playoffs, the Small Takes are back. After catching up on the latest in the EPL and MLS, the guys quickly review the redemptions of both Virginia and Tiger Woods. Then, it’s a special Game of Thrones edition of One Up One Down before finishing with some first round NBA playoff thoughts.
First and foremost, this week John introduces the Small Takes' newest feline member, Dante. Then, after the usual EPL relegation and MLS talk, the guys have a rare baseball discussion on the eve of Opening Day to pick the winners of each division. Plus, a March Madness check-in (perfect brackets all-around) and, lastly, a very special Fire Four of things that happened the last year LeBron missed the playoffs (2005).
The Relegation Update returns in full glory this week, as John basks in the glow of Arsenal's win over Man U. Then, after a quick MLS update, the guys discuss the latest NBA news, including the streaking Celtics, fading Lakers, and Eastern Conference favorites. Plus, Jeff faces the music on his KU slap bet with Cooper.
It's officially March, which means one thing on the Small Takes... the MLS is back. The guys make their Shield and Cup picks and then, in the spirit of Bryce Harper's 13-year contract, return to the Hot Take Time Machine to travel forward to 2032 and report back on the headlines. Plus, an update on the free-falling Lakers and Celtics, as well as an AAF update.
As is the new rule in sports talk, the Small Takes must first discuss Zion Williamson. Then, after the usual Relegation Update, the guys dive into an NBA All Star Weekend recap and 2nd half predictions (from which John conveniently makes an early exit).
The Small Takes have officially caught baking fever, thanks to John. After a quick rundown of everyone's latest exploits in the kitchen, the guys dive into the latest in soccer, along with some breaking news about FIFA corruption. Then, an NBA post-deadline assessment and a Celtics panic meter with Jeff. Plus, a week 1 recap (and pump the brakes) on the AAF.
On this week's Small Takes, the guys first return to some riveting baking discussion and debate John's next recipe. The Super Bowl also happened, Jeff is ecstatic, and Coop won the most definitely real money from last week's prop bets. Plus, a full breakdown of NBA trade deadline craziness and the likelihood that Anthony Davis is a Laker by Thursday.
The pod is live while USMNT is back in action with their new manager, and you won't want to miss a very special live reaction from Cooper. In the NBA, the guys discuss the possibilities of James Harden's dominance and the bench players they'd like to see get their numbers retired. Then of course, the Super Bowl is upon us and there's no shortage of prop bets. Tune in to see which host comes out on top with their totally real $600 of gambling investment.
Back from an extended holiday, the Small Takes guys have no shortage of things to catch up on. In the soccer world, Cooper's Man United squad is surging, and Columbus is officially keeping its soccer team. Then, on the heels of Championship Sunday, the guys break down both heart-stopping NFL conference title games. Notre Dame also played a football game since the last pod, which invites some questions about the state of ND football going forward.
With Episode 77 lost to the Small Takes file of secret tapes, the guys re-group for Episode 78. They chat the usual soccer business but break it down for dummies (i.e. Jeff). Then, after some brief NFL thoughts, it’s time for the final Pick Six of the year, covering the CFP Semifinals and a slew of other big bowl games.
It's Rivalry Weekend, and there's a lot at stake for the Small Takes. Can ND punch its ticket to the CFP? How will Cooper's Buckeyes fare as a rare home dog against Michigan? What's the most convoluted Big 12 tiebreaker scenario that John can conjure? Plus, a now not-so-early season NBA check-in on the new-look Sixers, the struggling Warriors, and more.
Many are saying that All The Small Takes is now the podcast of champions? Cooper has joined the ranks of the John's Eagles and Jeff's Red Sox, as he shares a big victory from the past weekend. The guys then discuss NBA drama (KD-Draymond), deals (Jimmy Butler to Philly), and panic buttons (Lakers, Celtics) before the Pick Six and John's no-longer-winless Lead Pipe Lock.
Welcome back to what's being called Season 2 of All The Small Takes. After a month-long hiatus, John, Cooper, and Jeff have a lot to catch up on: MLB Postseason, NBA early season, CFP ranking gripes, and much much more. Season 2 also sees the return of the Pick Six, John's Leadpipe Lock, and the only CFP rankings you should trust.
Fresh off the 2nd Convocation of the Small Takes Summit at ND-Stanford, the guys revisit an overall successful weekend (ND, Ohio State, Cooper's well-being). They also surprisingly chat for more than a minute about the MLB Playoffs before diving into a quarter-way NFL assessment. And then, of course, the Pick Six, Heisman Hype Train, and CFB Playoff reveal, where some surprising contenders emerge.
On this week's Small Takes, the guys reconvene after Cooper's double visit to Jerry World for Ohio State-TCU and Cowboys-Giants. They start by taking stock of surprising 2-0 NFL teams and rating their fraud-ness. Then, they attempt to continue their red-hot Pick Six streak, which will almost certainly come to an end now that it's been discussed. Also, John aims to continue his Lead Pipe Lock streak (0-3). Plus, it's an extra electric reveal of the Heisman Hype Train and CFP Rankings.
On this week's Small Takes After Dark, the guys pull a late night to break down futbol, football, and more football. They start with take-aways from USMNT's (not so) friendly 1-0 win over Mexico, followed by a recap of NFL Week 1 storylines. Then, it's college football time, which means it's time for the most correct pick-em segment in sports podcasting, as well as the increasingly suspenseful Heisman Hype Train/CFB Playoff rankings reveal with John.
The guys gather on the heels of a happy week all around: ND and OSU won, Miami got railroaded by Coach O, and Jeff has stolen Brandon Phillips from Cooper. After hitting on a few final NFL preseason storylines and recapping week 1 of college football, they launch into the weekly segments, highlighted by a spread-heavy Pick Six and a very contentious Heisman Hype Train (with a surprise early vote-off). Plus, John attempts to bounce back from a rough start to his Mortal Lock of the Week.
With college football here at last, it's only fitting to do an all-CFB Small Takes. The guys break down the Big 10 with one more set of conference superlatives, and then launch into their recurring college football segments: the Pick Six (with a heavy dose of Notre Dame), Heisman Hype Train (America's segment), and the Small Takes' weekly CFB Playoff Rankings.
The guys return after a short weekend and turn their college football attention to the SEC. John is this week’s test-taker — can he name all SEC coaches? Also, can anyone beat Bama? But there’s more than just college football to discuss… there’s also the NFL and its controversial new helmet penalty. The guys offer their takes on it, as well as potential solutions to help clarify the rule.
The gang’s back together, as John returns from his European holiday just in time for a football-loaded Small Takes. Next up for conference previews: the ACC, where Cooper must flex his geographic mettle to name every team north-to-south. Plus, the guys play a new NFL game, Name That Week 1 QB, and roast the Notre Dame Shamrock Series uniforms.
While John honeymoons with Prison Kait, Cooper and Jeff press onward through the waning days of summer — with football quickly approaching. They first discuss the situation at Ohio State with Urban Meyer before diving into their second (and definitely least informed) conference preview: the Pac-12. Plus, a Dope or Not covering NFL Preseason storylines, usual NCAA idiocy, and more.
We back! After more than a month away, the Small Takes make their triumphant return (which should have come 2 weeks earlier; listen for more on that). To catch up, John, Cooper, and Jeff give their Fire Four of things that happened since their last pod, spanning hoops, baseball, fútbol, music, and much more. Then, it's time for their first CFB conference preview, starting with the Big 12. Plus, John shares some Beta Mail.
It's an extra-long Small Takes that you can even split into two parts if you want to save a little for the 4th of July holiday. In part one, the guys break down all things World Cup, including their bandwagon picks (RIP Germany), and preview the knockout rounds. We're also nearing peak NBA offseason, so it's time to Buy or Sell on the latest storylines.
Then in part two, it's Fire Four SZN, and what better way to kick it off than with a Fire Four of characters from The Office.
With the World Cup in full swing, the guys are here to break down every storyline from the group stage: faltering favorites, rising underdogs, instant replay, and much more. Plus, some pre-NBA Draft thoughts on players trending up and down on our big boards. And, in its long awaited return, Jeff makes a serious and troubling admission in Cooper's Confessional.
The guys welcome on good friend, loyal listener, and resident German/World Cup correspondent, Nick, to break down the coming weeks of soccer. They cover the Group(s) of Death, teams most likely to implode, biggest villains, and much more. Plus, a postmortem on the NBA Finals and Cooper's Cavs, as well as an eclectic edition of Dope or Not.
The Small Takes boys gather on the heels of a great couple of days for Cooper. He’s not only celebrating his Cavs’ trumping Jeff and the entire city of Boston, but also FC Cincinnati officially joining the MLS. The guys break down both Game 7’s, plus an eclectic Dope or Not featuring fake Twitter giveaways and Star Wars.
The guys sit down to record just minutes before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, so tune in with the benefit of hindsight to see how incredibly (in)correct the Small Takes were. Plus, some rare NHL talk on the craziness of Vegas' expansion success, as well as a sports gambling edition of Dope or Not?
On this week's Small Takes, the guys make a late-night scientific breakthrough before diving into all things NBA Playoffs. Celtics-Sixers reactions, Cavs-Celtics previews, the Raptors' future, and more (but not the Western Conference). Plus, Wayne Rooney is here to save the MLS... for real this time.
It's an all-out war in the Small Takes studios against tree pollen, but the pod must go on. The guys recap the NFL Draft with the One Up, One Down segment before diving into the NBA Playoffs. Cooper is the Prime Minister of Canada, Brad Stevens is John's president, and the West is a wasteland of Warriors' dominance. Plus, a host of new NBA beefs to rate.
The guys celebrate the arrival of several SZNs: No-Hitter SZN, Law Exams SZN, and most importantly... Mock Draft SZN. In the 2nd Annual, "2.12345Sixers" Small Takes Mock Draft, the boys assume the roles of NFL front offices and run through their first 10 picks. Then, in a new segment, Judge John presides over the Hot Takes Bench and rules on Cooper and Jeff's most egregiously wrong takes.
The guys are all back together once again, and just in time for the highs and lows of the NBA Playoffs. They take the temperature of their respective teams' first round series, as well as teams/series to watch outside of the Cavs, Celtics, and Sixers. Plus, a hot Dope Or Not, otherwise known as the Other Sports Besides Basketball Round-Up.
On another short-staffed Small Takes, the gang is without Jeff but pushes onward nonetheless. Jeff also happens to write these descriptions and hasn't listened yet, but he's been told that Coop and John have a very civil discussion (seriously). Jeff has also been told that John shares some very entertaining stories. Be sure to tune in (with Jeff) to find out!
The boys are finally back together for a full-strength Small Takes. And it's a good thing, too, because it's been a big week. ND and Nova both bagged NCAA titles, and the Sixers are quickly closing on the Cavs. Plus, it's the eve of a springtime tradition unlike any other, the Masters, baseball's back, and Zlatan is here to save U.S. soccer.
Another week, another short-staffed edition of the Small Takes. This time, it's just John and Jeff talking the surging Sixers, Markelle Fultz's return, and the chances they catch Cleveland in the East. Then, a look at the Final Four and keys to each match-up. Plus, baseball!
With John's wi-fi down, the Small Takes are down a man, but the show must go on. Cooper and Jeff (and John, via text, occasionally) break down the first weekend of March Madness and jump on a few bandwagons for the rest of the tournament. Then, with the NBA Playoffs fast approaching, they discuss likely and unlikely contenders in the East and West. Plus, an all-over-the-place Dope or Not.
It's March, which means only one thing... MLS kickoff. The guys discuss Columbus' chances of keeping the Crew, plus the league's irrational expansion process. Then, they dive into all things March Madness, including opening weekend superlatives and dream Final Four scenarios. Plus, an around-the-sports-world Dope or Not.
On this week's Small Takes, the guys dive deep into the NCAA hoops controversy and discuss ways to reform the system as a whole (#JohnForCommish). Plus, an NBA update on a quiet LeBron milestone and Philly trying to woo the King.
The guys check-in on John's Super Bowl high (still going strong), as well as Cooper's optimism about the new-look Cavs (very high). Then, in the spirit of Ash Wednesday repentance, they reflect on a year's worth of misguided, incorrect, and otherwise bad Small Takes in a very special Dumpster Fire Four. Plus, a brand new segment, Get Off My Lawn, that John loves and you won't want to miss.
In the second half of a marathon recording session, the guys discuss the breakneck NBA trade deadline in Cleveland – and not so much elsewhere. They also ask the important NFL offseason questions: Are the Redskins worse off? Is Kirk Cousins elite? Plus, it's National Signing Day, and people need to stop caring so much about high schoolers.
It's an all-Super Bowl episode of the Small Takes –and John has officially earned bragging rights. He talks through his championship bliss, and the guys each share their reactions and high/lowlights from the game. Plus, a wild version of "Real or Not?" on the Philly celebrations. And finally, Jeff pays his end of the mayor's bet with a vocal performance you won't want to miss...
With a Small Takes Super Bowl showdown looming, the guys discuss keys to the game and share their final predictions. Plus, they run through the most intriguing prop bets for Sunday. Then, they shift to the NBA and attempt (unsuccessfully) to re-draft the All-Star teams for LeBron and Steph.
As the guys prepare for a Small Takes Super Bowl collision between the Eagles and Patriots, they look back on Conference Championship weekend and break down both games. Then, after one whole week of no college football talk, they wet the beak with some way-too-early Heisman odds. Plus, a riveting segment of "Real or Not?" on the sizzling NBA drama.
With college football in the rear-view, the Small Takes return their full focus to the NBA and NFL playoffs. In the NBA, the Cavs are cooling off but beef around the league is heating up, so the guys Rate That Beef. Then, they break down Conference Championship weekend for John's Eagles and Jeff's Patriots. Plus, a Fire Four of sports finishes in honor of the Vikings walk-off win.
The Small Takes are back together and everyone is now officially married. We catch up with John, the newlywed, before diving into a recap of the CFP Final where we ask, "Could we do better?" Plus, a breakdown of Wild Card Weekend in the NFL and a look forward to this weekend's Divisional Round. And finally, in honor of the winter weather sweeping the Midwest, the Fire Four of snow day activities.
Fresh off John's wedding, it's just Jeff and Cooper this week for a segment-heavy episode. The guys discuss the CFP semifinals and weave in a new segment: Pick Your Poison/Would You Rather? They then break down Wild Card Weekend in the NFL and each pick a wild card team for the Bandwagon segment, plus the return of Dope or Not. Finally, another new NBA segment in honor of the Cavs' dismal shooting: Could We Do Better?
The guys are counting down the days until John's wedding, as well as a rumored Small Takes merch debut. They then dive into bowl season and one final Pick Six of the college football season. Plus, what is a catch in the NFL? And lastly, a new NBA segment in the spirit of Christmas: Naughty or Nice?
The guys are back after another brief hiatus with a YUGE announcement that you won't want to miss...
They then discuss all things College Football Playoff related, including Ohio State getting left out and the committee's inconsistent logic. Plus, a check on the college football coaching carousel, NFL bad blood, and NBA storylines mixed in with the return of two old segments: Hot Take Time Machine, and Who's Got Beef?
The guys return after a brief hiatus and welcome Cooper back onto the program. Entering the final weekend of the college football regular season, they reflect on Notre Dame's 2017 campaign, discuss a slate of huge rivalry games, and lay out a CFP chaos scenario. Plus, an update on The Process with John.
It's another two-man episode, with John and Jeff holding down the fort as Cooper navigates the Upside Down. They discuss Notre Dame's big matchup with Miami, as well as Ohio State's sunk playoff hopes and the latest CFP picture. Then, a heat check on John's soaring Philadelphia Eagles and an early season NBA update. Plus, in the spirit of Stranger Things, a brand new segment takes the guys into their own Upside Down.
Much to Jeff's delight, the guys devote a solid amount of time to the thrilling World Series, (allegedly) juiced baseballs, and the Yuli Gurriel situation. Then, they dive into all things college football, including the OSU-Penn State tilt, Notre Dame's playoff case, and a preview of the first CFP rankings. Plus, Beta Mail from a listener!
Notre Dame is officially back, and it has the guys in a great mood. They each give a World Series prediction and briefly talk NFL before diving into all things college football: the Irish's dismantling of USC, a big weekend for Cooper's Buckeyes, Josh Adams' Heisman hopes and much more. Plus, the return of Cooper's Confessional.
John and Jeff play a little two-man game this week as Cooper finds himself on the DL with flu-like symptoms. They chat about the devastating Gordon Hayward injury, Sixers hope, the MLB playoffs, and their usual college football business: the Pick Six. Plus, a very special return of the Fire Four to rank the most heartbreaking losses of all time.
The guys gather to commiserate about a host of unfortunate outcomes from the past week... most notably, the USMNT's colossal loss and failure to qualify for the World Cup. Then, with a soft slate of college football coming up this week, they do an abbreviated "Cherry Pick" Six. Plus, a caller from across the pond and a brand new segment! Beta Mail.
It's October, so Jeff makes the guys (briefly) talk about playoff baseball before diving into another week of college football. Weekly segments include the Pick Six, the Heisman Hype Train, and Caller #1. Plus, some long-overdue NFL talk at the quarter-mark of the season.
As the guys reconvene after a weekend together, John grapples with the Evil Wi-Fi Empire. Will he prevail to join Jeff and Cooper as they break down another week of college football in the Pick Six? Can he gather responses to his increasingly annoying Heisman Hype Train poll? Can he make it through the most electric new segment in sports podcasting, Caller #1? Tune in to find out...
It was a much better weekend of football for the Small Takes, which the guys quickly recap before jumping into the weekly Pick Six and Heisman Hype Train. They then introduce a new electric segment, Caller #1, and field calls from loyal listeners around the country. Plus, a return to Cooper's Confessional.
It was a dark weekend for the Small Takes boys, who experienced a series of losses headlined by ND and OSU both falling on Saturday. However, they find strength and hope in each other — and a fresh slate of college and NFL games to break down. They also update their ongoing Heisman watchlist before returning to Cooper's Confessional, where everyone finds healing this week.
The guys spend the weekend together for John's man shower, giving them the chance to record in-person for the very first time! They discuss Week 1 of college football, preview Week 1 in the NFL, and introduce a new segment: Cooper's Confessional.
At last, the guys have a busy week of sports to recap: Mayweather-McGregor, the Celtics-Cavs trade, and DeShone Kizer as QB1 in Cleveland. Then, they welcome on very good friend and O.G. Small Takes listener, Kaitlyn, to break down ACC football and a special Fire Four of things to do at tailgates.
With football fast approaching, the guys talk both NFL (preseason snap judgments) and college (Big 10 preview). Then, a special segment on Things More Exciting Than The Eclipse, plus a preseason AP Poll edition of Boom or Bust.
With the fount of late-summer sports stories having officially run dry, the guys defer to a last resort: Jay Cutler. They then welcome on John's brother, Jim, to preview SEC football and do a very special Fire Four in honor of Jim's upcoming wedding. Plus, a summer niche sports edition of Dope Or Not?
The guys briefly recap the USMNT Gold Cup victory before diving into another college football preview: this week, the Pac-12. Then, they welcome California correspondent Cam to talk about his scorching hot Dodgers and do a Fire Four of all-time acquisitions.
The guys go to Cooper for a State of the Cavs update, and he gets a little fired up about the NBA rumor mill. Then, they welcome on Dan, a good friend and certified soccer guy, to talk all things USMNT, MLS expansion, and more. Plus, the return of the Bandwagon: late summer edition.
Mired in the dog days of summer, the guys give a quick USMNT update before resorting to the only remedy for summertime sports sadness: college football previews! Good friend of the program Karl joins to break down the Big 12. Then, an emergency Who's Got Beef for McGregor-Mayweather, plus a wild, summer activity edition of Dope or Not?