Award Tour: The Podcast

In the last episode of the season, our venerable hosts looked at every angle to Naomi Osaka's boycott of the media during this year's French Open. For "Tell Me Something," they swapped moving stories and broke some non-breaking personal news.

After weeks and weeks away...well, the title speaks for itself. The boys discuss the politics of fighting in the NHL (especially the Capitals-Rangers saga), and whether or not we appreciate our icons in "Tell Me Something I Don't Know."

Just when we thought it was all over...

On this Final Four weekend, the guys analyze Jason Shay's resignation at East Tennessee State University and what it says about allyship in college basketball. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they discussed the pros and cons of the record number of men's basketball student-athletes in the transfer portal.  

Our hosts continued the conversation regarding the NCAA's battle against its student-athletes and how coaches play a role in furthering inequities. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they talked about taking down bullies. 

For once, the title speaks for itself. The guys covered the NCAA's huge snafu with the accommodations at the men's and women's basketball tournaments and used "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" to talk about their favorite bracket upset picks. 

In a week where the guys commemorate a year defined by the descent of COVID-19, they also covered the Meyers Leonard incident and broke down what it means to be considered a good teammate.

The guys took their shots at former Seattle Mariners CEO Kevin Mather for his highly-publicized comments at a local Rotary meeting. "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" covers their biggest snubs. 

Three days after Super Bowl LV (and 13 days since the last episode), the guys recapped the NFL season on all fronts and gave a decisive grade (6:30). "Tell Me Something" features a time when our hosts each were addressed weirdly by people they didn't know (29:08). 

Hot off the presses, the guys discussed the controversy around the National Baseball Hall of Fame voting from the empty class to the countless mea culpas surrounding votes in support of former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling (5:00). On the heels of Deshaun Watson's trade request from Houston, they used "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" to recall trades that really hurt them personally (28:02).

It was the best of times (not really), it was the worst of times (more accurate). The guys spent this year-end show reviewing the biggest stories of 2020 - from COVID-19's impact on collegiate athletes through not one, but TWO professional teams changing their team mascots. On a positive note, "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" mentioned some of the good things that happened to them this year. 

From our homes to yours, we wish you a healthy and Happy New Year. (We can neither confirm nor deny whether 2021 will be your year.)

Will a Tuesday taping ever stop the train? NEVER.

The guys covered the angles of James Harden's trade request from Houston and how player empowerment in the NBA is impacted. They also explored the Cleveland Indians' long-awaited name change...not happening immediately. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," bad experiences at the bar were re-lived. Not so pleasantly. 

Especially with the title being an ode to Sarah Fuller's history-making squib kick, the boys broke down her postgame comments to the press. They also tackled the NFL's inconsistency in handling the Ravens' and Broncos' separate COVID procedures. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," the boys determined when exactly Christmas is supposed to start. (Hint: It's not December 25th.)

While you enjoy a happy (and hopefully safe) day of gratitude, Bryan recaps an awkward situation at work which turned into a larger conversation about when white folks should speak up against racism. They also discussed the NBA sending its players to meet with Pope Francis in Vatican City. "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" introduces what the guys' least favorite dish is.

This week, the guys explore how much Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta's political activity affects his franchise during a turbulent offseason and where Adidas missed the corner with their ad featuring Fernando Tatis, Jr. (See what we did there?)

For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they recapped their best - and worst - NBA Draft predictions.

The World Series was one unlike any other - and this time the boys got to recap Game 6 both on-field (Blake Snell's dominant performance being cut short) and off-field (Justin Turner's positive COVID tests...and the aftermath.) "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" highlighted what foods feel most like home. 

Everybody claims not to know something these days. This week, the boys discussed the strange circumstances of former men's basketball head coach Pat Chambers' resignation from Penn State and why the University of Texas' school song needs re-examining. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they each picked an athlete who never gets the respect they deserve. Nkwa also lent a few words in support of the #EndSARS movement.

Once again, shoutout to DJ for submitting an award nomination through Anchor's Voice Messages!

After an unexpected bye week (read: week off), the guys got right back to work to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on SEC football and to recap the bubble seasons of the NBA and the WNBA. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they talked about the one thing that brings us all together...

Food.

Our valiant hosts celebrated #InternationalPodcastDay by...well...getting this show on the road! They recapped the first Presidential Debate (if one can even call it that), reminisced about fending off dirty opponents in "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," and introduced a lightning round known as "Let's Talk, Let's Not."

Are you ready for some football? The Big Ten apparently is. Speaking of football, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva went rogue against a team vote...in an all too familiar fashion. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," the guys respond to a listener question about how complicit POC can be regarding white privilege. 

For the first time in show history, Award Tour: The Podcast had a live show! Of course with venues closed...in the middle of a pandemic...social media channels had to suffice. In the aftermath of the NBA strike from the bubble, the guys reflected on what the stand signified and looked ahead at what comes next. 

Broadcasted live on Thursday, August 27th, 2020.

This week, the Big Ten Conference is receiving pressure internally and presidentially - no, seriously - to start their football season amidst COVID-19 concerns and the guys pay tribute to late Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson, Jr.  The latest edition of "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" unpacks the impact of Black American culture.

The release is a day earlier than usual but in this case? It's absolutely necessary. The guys talked about the impact of an NBA playoff strike and what it could mean moving forward both economically and socially. For "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they actually...#stucktosports and reflected on the underappreciated aspects of sports returning. 

Baseball continues to strike itself out (what else is new?) and "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" takes....a different turn this week. #ThatsMyPresident? Submit your award nominations using the hashtag #AwardTourPod or with Anchor's Voice Messages!

A namesake episode? It's about time. Our top ten awards from the show so far. (And if you want to be cool like D.J. and submit an award for future shows, use the Voice Messages on the Anchor app.)

When morning glory strikes (again)...you do what you have to do to get it done. The boys talk about the balance of performative gestures from the professional leagues regarding social justice (2:46) and college football players finally starting to find their collective voices in the pandemic (57:57). For America's Favorite Segment* "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they focus on instances where technology has failed them. And if you want to be cool like DJ (big shoutout), you can continue to submit your award nominations using Anchor's Voice Messages!

*Unverified...for now.

After diving into how college conferences are each handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the guys decide to have a little fun talking about phobias for "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" (19:38) and deciding what they don't want to go back to normal in a new segment called "Fair or Foul." (31:47) Submit your award nominations using the hashtag #AwardTourPodcast or with Anchor's Voice Messages!

Between a possible name change that hits close to home (#RaiseHigh - 37:25) and the news of Makur Maker choosing to play at Howard University, the boys had a pretty busy week. Reporter Khari Thompson of the Memphis Commerical Appeal - and Hampton grad - joined at the very top of the show to explore the impact of the five-star recruit's decision. Submit your award nominations using the hashtag #AwardTourPodcast or with Anchor's Voice Messages!

Of course, two hosts from the Northeast would find at least one episode to make it a focus. The guys dissect the controversy over at The Ringer and for "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," they reminisce about the first time they were starstruck on the job. Submit your award nominations using the hashtag #AwardTourPodcast or with Anchor's Voice Messages!

For NBA and WNBA players alike, to hoop or not to hoop? (1:16-19:15) What game would you rather forget? (That's what the boys asked each other for "Tell Me Something I Don't Know." | 19:19-35:16) If your favorite rapper had an athlete counterpart, who would it be? (35:27-58:48)

Well, apply the title, make your decisions...and click play. 

Submit your award nominations using the hashtag #AwardTourPodcast or with Anchor's Voice Messages!

A day later, an hour short(er)...and we STILL can't figure out where the NFL stands on anything. Plus, the guys recount the moment they knew that they were doomed to be mere athletic mortals.

Systemic racism, interactions with law enforcement, and everything in between. SNY anchor and reporter Chris Williamson joins the program (52:19) to talk about how racism impacts the sports media landscape.

More cluelessness from MLB owners, a VERY rare political dive, and apparently...these guys know how to throw a party. Submit your award nominations using the hashtag #AwardTourPodcast or with Anchor's Voice Messages! 

"Oh look, another random sports podcast." That's what you think...