Sports In Society

This week we start off talking about how there might be some positive implications of limiting sports activity. We are humanizing our athletes and seeing benefits in the climate change fight. Then we move into a multi-faceted conversation about Michael Jordan. What is his legacy? How do we understand him then and now? Was he a positive influence? What do we expect from this new documentary? How did he change the world of sports? Music: purple-planet.com

We start off bemoaning the events that seem to be leading to Sports Illustrated quickly losing all of its status so quickly due to poor management. Then we continue a discussion of what we are paying attention to before getting into our conversation about "All For One" and the Orica - Greenedge Cycling Team. We were both captivated by the sincerity and passion of the storytelling. Then we get into a discussion of what it's like to be a cycling fan these days and why Orica (now Mitchellton - Scott) is so compelling.  Music: Purple-planet.com

We start this week with our weekly look at the sports world on Covid-19. This includes a discussion of Trump's intervention, NBA stars playing horse and the strange world of Wrestlemania. Then we dig into a comparison of the Astros sign stealing controversy and the infamous Black Sox of 1919. We look at similarities and differences and how the power dynamics have changed. Why was the response look so different? Who was impacted? How has the sport changed over the years? What does this mean for baseball? Then we close out with a discussion of how we hope this crisis will impact the baseball world. Music: www.purple-planet.com

We start by looking back again at this past week in a new landscape. This includes a look at the NFL doing NFL things and auto racing turning to eSports. Then we dig into a look at the movie Fire in Babylon which looks at the West Indies Cricket during the 1970s and 80s. It documents their rise into being the best test match team in the world that went undefeated for 15 years and their struggle against colonialism and racism. We ask how if cricket can be an emancipating tool and how do we understand the this complex time. Further, we dig into what colonialism in sports looks like and how entrenched it remains. Finally, we try to come to grips with how we understand this truly transcendent team that contained some of the best players ever to play the game. Music: www.purple-planet.com

This week we again start looking at how Covid-19 is impacting the sports world. The move to online gaming and the fact that chess keeps going is quite intriguing. Then we move into our main discussion of Jackie Robinson and his impact on the sports world. How did we learn about Robinson and has he been whitewashed? Was he who we think he were told he is? How, again, do we allow our athletes to be complex and multifaceted individuals? In the end, we come to a better and more complete understanding of this historical icon.

This week we start by looking at our first week without sports. It is an unprecedented occurrence and we will be tracking it as we look to future weeks. Hint: We are super grateful to the NBA for being proactive and taking the lead! We will also be looking at historical events and inviting new guests in the coming weeks. But, then we move into a discussion of the first summit of Mount Everest and how we understand it in today's context. What did it lead to? How do we understand the need to climb mountains? What does Everest look like now. Unfortunately, we don't have anything to look forward to in the sports world this coming week, but we will keep learning and exploring some new aspects of things. Music: Https://www.purple-planet.com

This week we start out talking about women in sports and what a great time of year it is for the sports we love. Then we get into a discussion of what the state of the MLS is. What would a successful MLS look like? What changes would we institute? Is it good for US soccer? Do we enjoy it? Finally, we wrap up by looking at sports for empty stadiums and what we are looking forward to this coming week. Music: purple-planet.com

This week we start off by talking about stardom and the brutal (and stupid) world of bare knuckle boxing. Then we dig into our main topic of how to understand Coronavirus and its impact on sports. What historic events put sports in perspective and how do they reflect today? What will the potential curtailing of professional sports mean for society? What will the next few months look like? Finally, we dig into women in cricket and politics as sport. Music: purple-planet.com

This week we start off by talking about Man City's predicament and the way athletes isolate themselves. Then we move into a discussion of about the mental health of today's athletes. More and more athletes are speaking out about their struggles. Is this leading the way to a better understanding of the toll of elite athletics? Are we doing enough to address the issues? How does it impact our young people? What has precipitated this change in tone? Finally, we wrap up by discussing what we are looking forward to this coming week! Music: www.purple-planet.com

This week we start off talking about rugby and how we understand it. Then we talk a bit about youth sports before getting to our main topic. This week we dig into the trend of athletes also being business people. Is this a new trend? Why is it happening? Why is it more prevalent in some sports than others? Is there something that naturally helps bridge this divide? Finally, we wrap it up with Pete Rose and sports history, Music: www.purple-planet.com

This week we start by analyzing our thoughts about Kobe and how we understand his tragic death and ongoing legacy. From there, we go into a discussion of Nike's new marathon shoe and how it will essentially be banned moving forward. How do we understand the ongoing progression of technology in sports? How has it changed the game? Should it be allowed to continue? Does it change how we experience the sport? In the end, who should get to decide? Then we finish up by talking about disc golf and changes coming for golf.  Music: www.purple-planet.com

We're back with a discussion of how climate change and sports interact. How is climate change impacting the sports we love? How is our love of sports contributing to climate change? What can be done and how much should we expect our favorite teams to do? We also dig into an exploration of memory in sports and how a 4 point line could change basketball. Join us next week for more! Music: www.purple-planet.com

This week we are honored to joined by Steve Almond for a discussion of fandom and how we understand modern sports. What does the commodification of sports mean for our experience of it? How do we understand the negative nature of the modern sporting world while still understanding the joy we have all experienced while watching the game? What role do sports play in our modern relationships and what alternatives exist? We also dig into the impact of climate change on sports and how Becky Hammon is being treated differently. Music: purple-planet.com

This week we are back and ready to dig into what we hope to do with regards to sports this year. In a shocker, we both want to explore new and different sports. But, what else is on our minds? Further, we talk about climate change and sports, how video games impact the world and Jeopardy!

We're back for a special episode exploring just what to make of the NBA's recent issues in China. It touches so many important issues we just couldn't leave it alone. So, we hope you enjoy! Music: www.purple-planet.com

This week we dig into one of the more social media savvy sources around, Barstool Sports. This site seems to growing like crazy. Further, they are leading the zeitgeist through their social media presence. They have really understood how to capture our attention by using viral moments. But, where does a media platform with little original content stand? How will they respond to the changes in social media? Is this a sustainable model? Further, we talk about the Women's World Cup, the Cricket World Cup and Wimbledon. Thanks for listening! Music: www.purple-planet.com

This week we dig into one of the more controversial sports media sources, Barstool Sports. This blog site unabashedly caters to frat boys & young men and has a lot of really ugly content. They have a history of mistreating women and often seem to see just how much they can get away with.  What does this kind of site mean for sports and our society more broadly? Is there anything redeeming about it? Is is sustainable? Further, we talk about the Women's World Cup, the Cricket World Cup and just how complex these endeavors are. Thanks for listening! Music: www.purple-planet.com

(FYI: We had some technical difficulties and lost half of this week's episode. Sorry!) This week we dig into the most exciting sports media startup out there, The Athletic. This endeavor has really sought to change the local media scene across the country and is now expanding into the UK. They are seeking to take the place of local newspapers by hiring away their talent and offering a new subscription model. Is this the way forward? Can a startup that is focused on being a money maker build the audience loyalty they need? Are they willing to deal with the hard stuff and embrace complexity? Further, we talk about the Women's World Cup, the Cricket World Cup and just how busy the sports calendar is. Thanks for listening! Music: www.purple-planet.com

This week we dig into Bill Simmons's project, The Ringer. This website and podcast network bridge the divide between sports and pop culture. They also bring a certain amount of snark and humor to the conversation. They are also really leaning into the podcasting side, which is much more profitable for them. So, where does a media source focused so much on podcasts fit in? How do we feel about that mix of pop culture and sports? Is this model sustainable? Further, we talk about the Women's World Cup, the Cricket World Cup and the French Open. Thanks for listening! Music: www.purple-planet.com

Second in our The State of Sports Media Series! The Guardian is one of our favorite news sources in general and their sports coverage is quite good as well. They are one of the most prominent left-leaning newspapers in the world. So, where does a newspaper fit in our modern sports media world? Can a platform be political without being overbearing? How does a European outlet differ from American outlets? We dig into all of this as we grade them out and spend a lot of time with them this week. Further, we talk Women's World Cup, Boxing and much more! Music: www.purple-planet.com