Two Writers Slinging Yang

On writing a biography of a legendary sports figure when the legendary sports figure doesn't participate; on why Charles Barkley's niece was a game changer; on calling potential sources—then calling them again; on how a stutter impacts (and doesn't impact) his career.

On why Muhammad Ali so fascinates the world—even after unlimited access; on whether Irish sports fans care about what happens in the United States; on why the world needs a Leon Spinks book.

On the value of great lyrics v. the value of a great voice; on what his Crips background brings to his music; on what he recognized in a young Kendrick Lamar and why "2Pac Must Die" is a song for the ages.

On what it takes to ghost writer another person's autobiography; of what it's like to see musicians you love and admire self-destruct; on his contributions to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing"; on the impact stuttering has had on his career.

On the genius behind one of the great HBO shows of all time; on the early frustrations and struggles of a young TV writer; of the difficulty of capturing scenes and voices on television.

On the highs and lows of Belichick, Brady and the dynastic Patriots; on whether columnists ever need to admit they were wrong; on the ills of social media and the future of the industry

The soups and nuts and crackers and eggs and muffins of writing my 10th book—featuring guest host Michael J. Lewis.

On why, oh why, tight ends save football; on whether Chuck Muncie was better than Bo Jackson (Jeff's answer: a strong no!); on diving into a first book and completing it all in less than a year.

On devoting herself to covering drug cartels and the opioid crisis; on having a gun pulled on her while reporting; on accidentally entering a crack den; on why journalism has been the ideal career.

On the decision behind writing a memoir; on the famous (and righteous) "Donald Trump is a white supremacist" Tweet; on why she doesn't miss TV and why there's still joy to be found in journalism.

On living with ALS; on piecing together a memoir for his sons; on the highs and lows of work as a freelance writer.

On the transition from beat writing to columnist; on driving to Pittsburgh to cover Albert Pujols—and missing the big moment; on why mock Tweeting John Wall wasn't the best idea; on representing African-American women in the sports media

On her dazzling new piece, "When a man with a pistol shows up outside a congresswoman’s house"; on the lessons of her legendary father; on transcription hell and the importance of place and time.

On the glorious days and wild nights of American magazines; on the insanity of the 50 Greatest Athletes (from every state) issue; on the famous bakeoff to become managing editor.

On how fewer and fewer sports photographers are able to make a living; on running out of film during an epic Derek Jeter home run; on shooting for Sports Illustrated and The National; on what makes Buster Posey an ideal subject.

A soup-to-nuts deep dive into reporting on tragedy; on asking people to discuss the worst pain of their lives; on second guessing your efforts; on driving nearly 4,000 miles across the state of Texas.

On his past life covering women's semi-professional football in Laredo, Texas; on working for a newspaper in Seattle and receiving (literally) no editing; on introducing himself to a new readership and working to be accepted.

On the joys of having made "Bull Durham" and the hell of making it; on whether "Cobb" is a misunderstood classic; on how his minor league baseball career impacted his filmmaking. 

On the complexities and jots of writing a book about your father; on how to join "Boys in the Boat" and "Seabiscuit" as runaway best-sellers; on the art of the celebrity profile and Chris Pratt grilling Costco steaks.

On why one writes a book 30 years after his career ends; on the mistreatment of African-American players by the sports media; on why retired athletes hate the NFL; on being looked at as a piece of meat.

On the perils of children and their first cell phones; on why it's incredibly important for kids not to sleep near their phones; one how someone without a journalism background landed two book deals.

On putting e-v-e-r-y-t-h-I-n-g out there in a revealing memoir; on having your story featured on HBO's Real Sports—and then Real Sports failing to mention your book; on why covering America's prisons is a passion.

On the strangeness of a city that doesn't seem to want a baseball team; on Josh Hamilton's demise and Elijah Dukes' threats; on covering Sweet Lou and Joe Maddon and Carl Crawford; on surviving—and thriving—for decades in the biz

On how to research the lives of people who died centuries ago; on whether it's accurate to say, "History will judge a person"; on the impact of Donald Trump on the office of the president and whether Joe Biden should run again.

On the truth behind the Jason Kidd/Jim Jackson/Jamal Mashburn hostilities; on what it's like to cover Luka Dončić on a day-to-day basis; on how the changing sports landscape impacts the ability to chronicle the modern games.