The End of Sport

In this episode, Anna and Johanna sit down with Reo Eveleth to discuss the complex history and ethics of sex testing in elite sports, exploring how policies are manufactured and their impact on athletes' human rights. The conversation covers the evolution of testing methods, institutional biases, and the importance of humanizing athletes' stories. Reo Eveleth is a writer, producer, and art...

In this episode, Priyansh and Anna sit down with Gerald Horne and Anthony Ballas to explore US imperialism and the complex intersections of boxing, race, and culture. The conversation focuses on the historical and contemporary significance of boxing as a reflection of societal power dynamics, racial fantasies, and global politics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 02:38 Jake Paul and...

In this episode, Nathan sits down with Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly to talk about the so-called Racial Capitalism ‘debate’ that has recently taken academic Twitter by storm.  Charisse Burden-Stelly is Associate Professor of African American Studies at Wayne State University and author, among many many other things, of   Black Scare/Red Scare: Theorizing Capitalist Racism  in the United States (Unive...

This episode of The End of Sport features Laleh Khalili, a professor of Gulf studies, discussing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the global shipping crisis, and the intersection of geopolitics and sports amid ongoing conflicts. We explore the history of key maritime chokepoints, the impact of war on seafarers, and how sports serve as a form of resistance and cultural identity.  ...

In this episode, Derek, Johanna, and Nathan talk about Canada blocking members of the Palestinian Football Association from attending FIFA Congress in Vancouver, the significance of the recent Hungarian Election, the expansion of biometric surveillance and it's impact on trans communities, and the brilliant athlete activism of Brianna Turner. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the episode's focus on...

In this episode of The End of Sport podcast, Johanna, Nathan, and Derek engage in a deep discussion with Dr. Lauren Beasley about the complexities of sports psychology, mental health, and the systemic issues affecting athletes. We talk at length about the focus on performance in sports psychology, the neoliberal approach to mental health, and the stigma surrounding mental health in high-performanc...

In this episode, anthropologist and scholar Hannah Borenstein shares an insider’s view of the social, political, and labor dynamics that shape Ethiopian long-distance runners. We explore how community, environment, and systemic inequalities influence athletic success, challenging stereotypes rooted in genetics and race. This conversation shines a light on the intertwined worlds of sport, politics,...

In this episode, Anna and Derek sit down with Dr. Courtney M. Cox to discuss her new book  Double Crossover: Gender, Media, and Politics in Global Basketball  and her research on race, gender, and athletic labor in women's basketball, exploring international fieldwork, the concept of the double crossover, and innovative models like Athletes Unlimited. We discuss the importance of care, reflexi...

This episode features a deep dive into the intersection of sports, politics, and social justice, with Irish basketball player Rebecca O'Keefe. Topics include March Madness, NCAA expansion, athlete rights, gender equality in sports, and global human rights issues. Chapters 00:00 Trump's Genocidal Post 02:50 The Global Appeal of March Madness 06:01 NCAA Tournament Expansion: A Double-Edged S...

In this episode of the End of Sport podcast, Anna Posbergh and Derek Silva sit down with Grace McKenzie, a transgender athlete and advocate for inclusion in sports. They discuss the current landscape of trans athlete inclusion, the implications of recent policy shifts by the IOC, and the personal experiences of Grace in women's rugby. The conversation highlights the importance of dialogue, the...

Abubaker Abed speaks about FIFA and European football's double standards regarding Israel, his reporting on the genocide in Gaza, and the importance of boycotting the 2026 World Cup. Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:12 Iran's Potential Boycott and US Match Relocation 02:58 US Policies and Impact on Palestinian Athletes 04:34 Iran's Goodwill Gestures and US Politic...

This two-part episode critically examines the IOC's new policy on gender eligibility, focusing on the implications for trans and intersex athletes, the science and ethics behind genetic testing, and the broader impact on human rights and sports fairness. The first half of the episode is a brilliant discussion between Anna, Nathan, Dr. Anna Baeth and Reo Eveleth. In the second part, Anna sits d...

This episode of OLF discusses the latest news in sports, including FIFA's sportswashing "sanction" of Israel, sports gambling, the new WNBPA collective agreement, and latest in college sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement 03:05 The Impact of Gambling in Sports 06:04 FIFA's Controversial Rulings 09:09 Legislation and Immigration Concerns at the World Cup 11:...

In this episode, Adam Johnson joins us to explore the pervasive influence of sports gambling on media, politics, and our social fabric. We delve into how betting practices have seeped into every aspect of life, the systemic issues they create, and potential avenues for regulation. Chapters 00:00 What is Sports Gambling? 06:24 Social Harms of Gambling 11:18 Gambling Ads 22:52 Athlete Exploitation 3...

In this episode of the End of Sports, Johanna and Anna are joined by the wonderful and brilliant Anna Baeth, Ellie Roscher, and Chris Mosier, to discuss the intersection of sports, gender identity, and social justice. They explore myths surrounding trans athletes, the political landscape, and the importance of joy, embodiment, and advocacy in sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and t...

In this episode of the End of Sport Podcast, Nathan and Anna chat with Olympian and sociologist Madeleine Pape. They explore the complexities of gender regulation in sports, particularly focusing on the inclusion of trans and intersex athletes. Madeleine shares her personal journey from being an elite athlete to a sociologist, her insights on the evolving regulatory landscape, and the implications...

Nathan, Priyansh, and sports journalist Valerio Moggia provide instant reaction to news that Iran will PULL OUT of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States (+Mexico and Canada)#Iran #Fifa #WorldCup #Boycott

In this episode of EoS' Out of Left Field, Anna, Derek, Nathan, and Johanna explore the complex intersections of geopolitics, sports, and governance, focusing on recent US and Israeli actions in Iran, the politicization of international sports, and the systemic issues within college athletics. Chapters 02:05 US and Israel's Military Actions in Iran 03:59 Environmental and Humanitarian Cons...

This episode features a discussion streamed live on our YouTube on March 9, 2026 with Ahmer Naqvi on the recent developments in cricket, including the influence of politics, the future of T20 formats, and the cultural significance of the game in South Asia. Cricket, Politics, T20, IPL, ICC, South Asia, Sports Culture, Franchise Cricket, International Cricket, Cricket Politics Chapters 00:00 Introd...

In this episode, Nathan and Priyansh speak with Vijay Prashad to discuss the complex political and economic situation in Cuba, particularly in light of U.S. imperialism. They explore the revolutionary project of the Cuban state, the current humanitarian crisis, and the role of sports in Cuban society. The conversation also touches on the nature of fandom, alienation, and the craft of sports, highl...

In this episode, Nikhil Pal Singh, Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at NYU, explores the concept of Homeland Empire -- how archaic precedents and institutional expansions shape the current American project of power, and how this collapse impacts global and domestic politics, including the world of sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Homeland Empire 12:07 The Intersection of Sport and P...

In this emergency episode of the End of Sport's Out of Left Field, Nathan, Derek, and Priyansh talk to The East is a Podcast' s Sina Rahmani about the current situation in Iran, exploring the historical context, the role of imperialism, and the resilience of the Iranian state against foreign interference. We discuss the implications of the ongoing conflict across the world, the intersection of spo...

In this episode (+BONUS interview) of the End of Sport, Nathan Kalman-Lamb and Priyansh chat with Alexander Aviña about the intersection of Mexican football, politics, and the upcoming FIFA Men's World Cup. The hosts discuss the cultural significance of events like the Super Bowl halftime show, the historical context of Mexico's World Cup hosting, and the political dynamics of NAFTA. They...

In this episode, we discuss the intersection of sports and politics, focusing on the ongoing situation in Palestine, the implications of recent actions by FIFA and UEFA, and the responses from various athletes and organizations. We also explore the complexities of activism within sports, the challenges of racism, and the responsibilities of athletes as public figures. And we touch on the reactions...

In this episode of the End of Sport podcast, host Nathan Kalman-Lamb, Derek Silva and Priyansh speak with activist and author Harsha Walia on the intricate connections between migration, racial capitalism, and the role of sports mega events in normalizing surveillance and militarization. Walia discusses the implications of Canada's immigration policies, the legacy of past sporting events, and...