The Word Podcast: Sports, News, & Stuff

We're back and recapping the latest with March Madness, recapping our recent travel adventures (including our first in-person show since 2017). We've got a deeper look at the perception of Duke as they continue to impress, particularly Cooper Flagg. We also touch on the ACC's tournament showing, the evolving landscape of college basketball with NIL deals, and the power of sports as an escape from...

With college basketball in full swing and a fresh take on the world of sports betting, this episode of "The Word" is one for the books. We break down the latest on NCAA drama and NIL challenges while reflecting on the wild evolution of sports media—from YouTube unboxing trends to nostalgic work gigs that left a mark. And, as always, the show wraps up with our beloved "Old (Middle-aged) Man Yells a...

Now that brackets are out, we do a quick dive into what to expect from this year's tourney. Carolina got into the first four, and we're not so sure that's a good thing for the program in the long run. After taking last week off there is some NFL free agency to cover, as well as beginning the official countdown to The Masters next month. James is still on a news blackout since the new administratio...

With it being sort of an "in-between" season for major sports leagues, we take the chance to talk about something that has been teased in the last few weeks on the show: The proliferation of online sports gambling in the US and it's potential downstream effects on the betting population, the fan experience, and the administration of the leagues themselves. And it wouldn't be a current episode of t...

We're back to talk about the much anticipated 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, where Rich drops a BOMB for longtime fans of the show. We also reflect on our favorite SNL memories following the airing of the 50th Anniversary Special the preceeding weekend, and talk a quick (long) tangent to cover how the LIV golf saga has impacted some of the more notable names in the game, and the fan experience. Stay t...

We're back to recap the Kendrick Lamar Bowl, and apparently there was a football game happening as well. The early returns for the Luka / AD trade are not looking great, will Rich eat crow from his previous week analysis? We hold our first ever Streamy Awards, highlighting the best streaming content we've seen recently, as well as some that we say we're eventually going to get to...but know we nev...

We're back after a long hiatus! The good thing is there aren't too many other podcasts around to compete with... This week we talk about the upcoming Superbowl between the Chiefs and Eagles, whether or not the Duke / Carolina rivalry is still relevant, review some of the most "unserious" sports cities currently, and finish off with some well-deserved grips now that we are in our middle-age era.

We're baaaack! After an extended summer break, Rich and James return to discuss the start of the NFL season and the conclusion of an exciting NBA Playoffs, including how we take Lebron's greatness for granted. Plus James has a "Covid Confession", Trump confesses to having Covid, for some reason there's a Travis Scott burger and Rich has a new favorite pizza topping.

With the NBA back in all its glory, Rich and James take a few minutes to reflect on some of the highlights from the bubble. (21:17) They are soon joined by Professor Kris Jordan from UNC-Chapel Hill to discuss some of the challenges facing college students and educators amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, how they are changing their procedures to help keep students safe, the pros and cons of distance le...

Rich and James dive into the latest sports news as the NBA season resumes, the MLB season threatens to fall apart and football seems inevitable despite the warning signs. Plus the guys get cathartic by bringing back "15 Minutes of Shame."

James and Rich are back after a bye week to break down the latest sports news, as the MLB season is now underway and the return of the NBA is only a few days away. They also debate whether "John Wick" and "Taken" are the same movie and Rich offers a few streaming recommendations.

On this week's episode, Rich and James break down the latest sports news, including the changing landscape of college football for the 2020 season and Pat Mahomes' new contract. Then they draft movie heroes and villains to form the cast for the ultimate blockbuster.

As NBA teams begin reporting to Orlando, Rich and James break down a few players and teams to watch when the season restarts, including a look ahead to some potential playoff matchups. Plus a quick Covid-19 update as part of our new recurring segment "15 Minutes of Shame."

Rich's loss is James' gain as his beloved Cam Newton signs with the Patriots. They break down the move, what it means for Cam and how Bill Belichick might utilize him. And an in-depth breakdown of concerns with the NCAA's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic thus far and what to expect for fall sports in the months ahead.

With the 2020 MLB season set to begin in a few weeks, James and Rich break down the 60-game plan and paint the corners on how we got here and what to expect in the coming months. Plus a major campaign announcement and the importance of staying focused on larger world issues as several major sports near a return.

Rich and James react to the latest news surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the importance of mental health during a challenging time as part of a new segment. And with the NBA's scheduled return only a month away, they examine the logistics and challenges looming in Orlando.

James is back, so he and Rich discuss the ongoing protests for racial equality and the rising Covid-19 numbers across the country. They also break down people refusing to wear masks, the looming return of the NBA and James has a special message for Roger Goodell.

In this week's episode, Rich goes 1-on-1 with PGA TOUR Live's John Swantek to discuss the return of professional golf, the challenges of producing a television broadcast amidst a pandemic and what to expect this weekend at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

In a special episode, The Word crew discusses the current racial situation in the US following George Floyd's death and the protests that have followed.

The crew discuss the outrage around George Floyd's recent death. Donald Trump goes after all social media platforms. Top-flight soccer is returning in Europe shortly, and the NBA looks to follow suit. Financial talks between MLB players and ownership are slowly breaking down. We also continue our discussion on the dynamic of what players may be sacrificing in terms of health and safety if their re...

The crew reviews the final two episodes of "The Last Dance" - does it stand up to all the hype? Rich and James go back and forth on what they're streaming on a new "Stream Team" segment. James also reveals the show that he is slowly losing faith in. Finally, an extended discussion on the logistics and ethics of bringing back American pro sports, now that the country is re-opening.

The Word crew discusses the potential return of sports during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also go into a deep dive on "The Last Dance", which has taken over the streaming tv and meme world during the sports-less pandemic.

With COVID-19 still happening around the globe, the Word Crew switched it up this week to a (mostly) "Stream Team" episode, discussing what is happening in the world of entertainment. Namely: Is "Westworld" trying too hard? Why is Jerry Seinfeld giving Phil Jackson basketball advice on "The Last Dance". And what is James supposed to watch now that "Homeland" is over? Also, we reveal our first spon...

The squad discusses the continuing COVID situation and how it affects the sports world. Meanhwile, the NFL draft is still happening?!?! "The Last Dance" premieres tonight on ESPN, what will we find out about MJ and the '98 Bulls? On "Stream Team", we find out that Rich has been secretly flipping houses.

The lads cover the plethora of closures and cancellations around the sports world, and the economic impact. We discuss if there is an "adult in the room" regarding the US response. Rich posits that all public health issues are political, and thus that cannot be used to defer conversation. Lastly, we go over some ways you can help in your community, if able.