Just Not Sports

It's the last dance for "Just Not Sports," and we're bringing out the big guns! MARVIN LEWIS coached our (well, Brad's) beloved Bengals for half our life, so we're thrilled to finally have our favorite all-time coach here to share his love of golf. We break down his short and mid-range game, his greatest tournament highlight (which is online, ya know), and why you shouldn't gamble with NBA players. (Like, ever.) Then, Gareth & Brad bid farewell after nearly 200 episodes and half-a-decade by creating their all-time "farewell" mix tape. Plenty of shoutouts to close this episode and series ... thanks to each and everyone who ever contributed, collaborated or listened over the years. Booty rappers, stay booty.

ERIC DAVIS is a legend. He hit an iconic homerun in the 1990 World Series to beat the heavily favored A's. He outlasted double-figure surgeries. He somehow made "buttonless 80s baseball jerseys" work. And, most crucially, he beat cancer. Our co-host Gareth Hughes is battling cancer now, so we dialed up Eric for perspective and a pep talk. And it's especially poignant because Gareth was there in the stands the night when Eric went yard against Oakland in the World Series. Two strangers, connected by a legendary sports moment, and an awful disease. And the hope and resolve to win, in both.

Calling all MAC alums! (Uh, and MAC "townies" like us.) We've got The Ringer's ace music critic and writer ROB HARVILLA - an Ohio University alum - to break down his new podcast "60 Songs That Explain the '90s." And we also talk growing up with '90s Cleveland sports, having Mazzy Star as your prom theme, and all things Hashtag MACtion. And because Gareth & Brad grew up in a MAC town (shoutout Bagel & Deli in Oxford, Ohio) we share our favorite '90s MAC memories, from Randy Moss kinda sorta being in the MAC to Gary Trent kinda sorta being the "Shaq of the MAC." Go listen to "60 Songs That Explain the '90s" ... https://www.theringer.com/60-songs-that-explain-the-90s

On any given day, you can hear SARAH SPAIN talking sports on ESPN. On TV. On Radio. On Podcasts. Online. (And hell, maybe now in the owner's box.) But she's also found ways to use her platforms to explore her passions beyond sports - which is kinda sorta what this show is all about. So we break down that balancing act, her favorite interviews beyond sports, and some other fun stuff in her final appearance with us. Then, Brad and his daughter Charley talk the art and science of catching a real, live leprechaun.

We continue our Exit Interviews with soccer icon ALEXI LALAS returning for the third time! After two appearances breaking down his own musical talents, this time we asked him to describe his life via mix tape. And he delivers with an all-time starting eleven! Then, Gareth and Brad do the same ... and it gets seriously weird.

Hey, before we go away for good, let's look back! Gareth and Brad replay an interview with "Parks & Rec" and "Good Place" creator MICHAEL SCHUR on the one book he got banned by his wife from discussing at parties ("The Power Broker"). Then, we discuss and debate the legacy of Van Halen with NFL reporter JUDY BATTISTA. These are two of our favorite interviews - enjoy!

For years, JULIE DICARO has been one of the most outspoken voices about the challenges faced by women in sports. It's what first brought us to her in 2016, when we launched the #MoreThanMean campaign (alongside One Tree Forest Films) to combat online harassment. Half a decade later, we revisit that work to discuss what's changed ... and frankly, what hasn't. (Because a whole hell of a lot hasn't.) And we hear from Julie about her work with Deadspin, her new podcast with Jane McManus, her upcoming book on this very issue, and how more men can step up to ensure that sports becomes a truly fair and equitable industry for everyone. Julie's book "Sidelined" comes out in March: https://www.amazon.com/Sidelined-Sports-Culture-Being-America/dp/152474610X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=julie+dicaro&qid=1612106950&sr=8-1 The Ladies Room podcast is here: https://deadspin.com/welcome-to-the-ladies-room-a-new-deadspin-sports-podca-1845878217

JESSE WASHINGTON of The Undefeated joins us to break down his new book "I Came as a Shadow" which he co-authored with legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson about the life and legacy of this amazing coach, mentor, activist and man. Then, Gareth and Brad talk about what distracted us in 2020, and some show news for 2021.

Washington Post reporter CHUCK CULPEPPER wrote an amazing story about the time Miami University (um, of Ohio) changed its nickname from R-dskins to RedHawks. And guess what? Yeah, everything was fine! With Native American nicknames back under debate, we check in on this time when a small Ohio town debated the change, the people who made it happen, the Miami Tribe members who clarified and personified the debate, and, ya know ... Brad's mom's role in all of it.

It's the holiday season, and Super Bowl champ BEN UTECHT is a most wonderful person to talk with in this most wonderful time of the year. He's been active in music for years, and each December he performs a concert that channels the best holiday music from Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. We go deep on his show (which is virtual this year), his other Christmas albums and recordings, his new musical trio Reborn, and his Top 5 favorite holiday tracks. Then, Brad is joined by "Summer Blockbuster" host Steve Warner to debate that annoying debate about what constitutes a Christmas movie. And why our parents EVER let us watch "Gremlins." "An Andy & Bing Christmas" is virtual this year and you can buy tickets here: https://chanhassendt.com/shows/andybingchristmas/ Ben's group Reborn can be found here: https://www.rebornmusicgroup.org/ The "Summer Blockbuster" podcast is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/summer-blockbuster/id1233568639

If there's a big Boston sports story, MICHAEL HOLLEY probably wrote a book about it. But he's never chronicled a basketball team ... until now. We break down his new book on the turn-of-the-century Celtics' Big Three. That means talking Paul's inflated sense of self, KG's acting chops versus Ray Allen's, why basketball makes for such great books, and the time Michael could smell 'Melo's cologne during an infamous "almost" brawl. Oh, and we get into Stevie Wonder's '70s vs. '80s music, because of course we do. Plus, Brad shares his own Kevin Garnett story about the time KG snuck the F-word into a commercial.

Sports Illustrated copy chief JULIE KLIEGMAN's Twitter bio says "Talk to me about the SpongeBob musical." So here ... we ... are. We go deep on the legacy of the beloved cartoon, the show's manic comedic style, the meme-ification of the characters, why most reporters are Squidwards at heart, and why she loves the human-starring SpongeBob stage show. Then, Gareth and Brad do some old school distractions that include a Princess Di podcast and a reassessment of some truly hated '80s horror.

Comedian DAVID GBORIE had a full-fledged "athletic career," dammit, and you will respect it! We cajoled the co-host of "All Fantasy Everything" and the official Voice of Comedy Central to talk about his days on the high school gridiron, shady Wyoming-based two-a-days, creepy coaches, and that one INT he got that one time. Plus, we talk Denver sports, old-school Sonics, and why "Blue Chips" is a great freaking movie. Then, Gareth takes us back to "Cancer Corner" and we debate why things like that Ted Lasso TV show work against the odds.

ETAN THOMAS is many things. Poet. Writer. Activist. Athlete. We talk about his road from a decade-long NBA career to his new pursuits, which include creative writing, reporting, activism and more. And we guess what he would have brought into the NBA bubble to entertain himself. Then, since it's Halloween time Brad is joined by "Summer Blockbuster" podcast host Steve Warner to break down their all-time favorite horror movie sequels. Which is just straight up not the list you expect, just saying.

It's election season, so we're calling up Congress! This week, we talk to U.S. Congressman SEAN CASTEN (who reps Brad's district in Illinois) to break down his relationship with sports. Growing up a Mets fan in the '80s (and almost missing their fabled Game 6 comeback), coaching his daughters in youth soccer, whether elected officials have time to actually follow sports, athletes speaking out on political topics, and squaring off against U.S. Soccer "ringers" in Congressional soccer matches. Then, Gareth and Brad take a cue from Twitter and discuss things they once found profound but now just ... don't. You can learn more about Sean Casten here: https://casten.house.gov/ Learn more about voting in Illinois here: https://www.elections.il.gov/

We've spent five years on this show talking to people who play, cover and obsess over sports. But what's life like for folks who just don't care about these games? Reply All's ALEX GOLDMAN (one of our favorite podcast creators) joins to talk about life as a NON-sports fan. He breaks down the only team he ever really cheered for (the '84 Tigers), why he still rocks Tigers gear despite not following the team, mixing up famous sports "Barrys," ignoring Big Ten games in a Big Ten town, and the unfair stigma people often endure for not following sports. Then, Gareth and Brad debate their favorite teams who weren't "their teams." Get ready for lots of nostalgic '90s NBA memories!

Journalist and podcaster JESSICA LUTHER has made a career out of covering some of the most controversial aspects of sports. So when she sits down with a good book, she wants a happy ending, dammit! We break down her passion for romance novels, and their role in sustaining her mental health. Plus, we talk her new book "Loving Sports When They Don't Love You Back" about the complexities and compromises of modern sports fandom. Then, Gareth & Brad continue their Summer of Stephen King by re-reading "The Dead Zone" at, like, the worst time in history to re-read "The Dead Zone." Go check out the "Burn It All Down" podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/burn-it-all-down/id1235386795

Sportswriter, broadcaster and host MAGGIE HENDRICKS loves her some crafts. She's been sewing, baking and crafting (if that's a word) her way through the pandemic, so we break it all down! The art of making your own clothes (and how to brag about it). Teaching herself how to sew (and using her powers to make Captain Marvel fan art). Plus, making sweet corn ice cream, all-time kitchen disasters and more. Then (40:00) Gareth & Brad continue their "Summer of Stephen King" by re-reading the family-friendly feel-good story, "Pet Sematary." Good times!

Denison vs. Kenyon. It's the greatest college sports story you've NEVER heard. A historic 17-year national title streak on the line. Two archrivals separated by a few miles. And a group of dedicated athletes determined to unseat an all-time NCAA dynasty. This is the story of the 2000-01 Denison women's swim team as they tried to pry the Division III national title from the vaunted Kenyon College Ladies. It's the untold story of a great rivalry, and the passion and culture of D3 athletes and swimmers everywhere. (It's also the story of celebratory cough drops, shower pep talks and the smelliest socks in sports history.) And if you know nothing about swimming, we got legends ROWDY GAINES, NATALIE COUGHLIN HALL, MEL STEWART and ANDREW WILSON to explain the nuances of the sport. As we approach the 20th anniversary of this moment, it's time to revisit the Big Red vs. the Lords & Ladies!

For those about to rock ... we salute you! By day, you can find MAURY BROWN reporting on baseball and the business of sports at outlets like Forbes. But by night, he's likely tearing up a stage somewhere. We break down his lifelong passion for playing hard rock and heavy metal. From touring the country (and sleeping in vans) with a hair metal outfit in the 80s, to his current (and wildly popular) AC/DC tribute band Shoot to Thrill, to surviving a GG Allin show -- Maury's been on one wild ride! Then, Gareth and Brad continue our Summer of Stephen King by reading "Different Seasons" ... which is truly upsetting.