Sports Nerds
By Dr. Samuel Jay
Sports NerdsDec 17, 2020
Don't Come Here and Ski in Jeans (Ep 148)
The Nerds of Sport have returned once again!
On this episode, we discuss our kids' activities (or lack thereof), access to winter sports, and the Big Ten's decision to screw Indiana over.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Hockey Movies, NBA Wins, and College Football Apathy (Ep 147)
We owed this one to each other. Our brains needed some stimulation.
Thanks to all for the support. We plan on being back more consistently now.
American Sports Attempt a Return (Ep 146)
We needed to talk about some things. So we did. Via Zoom. You might enjoy it. It's full of sports ball stuff.
Talking Beer and Baseball with The Athletic's Eno Sarris (Ep 145)
Eno Sarris, friend of the pod and writer for The Athletic (not The Atlantic), returns to the show to drink some beer and talk about what baseball will look like if it returns in 2020.
This was recorded as an interview for the Unfiltered podcast.
Talking About Sports When Sports Don't Exist (Ep 144)
Hi Friends, we decided to talk about how our lives are without sports. We even talk about whether or not sports really matter. Like most of your lives right now, it was a rather somber and surreal conversation. So enjoy!
Our Attempt at a Nuanced Conversation about the Legacy of Kobe Bryant (Ep 143)
Maybe it was best we waited a while for a new episode: In this one we attempt to have a thoughtful (and critical conversation) about Kobe Bryant, his legacy, and the function of the cult of celebrity.
Cheating in Baseball, What?! (Ep 142)
We told you the Astros were assholes. Looks like the Red Sox might be too. Oh, and a lot of other teams.
Patrick Reed Is the Guy No One Wants at Their Holiday Party (Ep 141)
On this week's show, we cover Josh Gordon's most recent suspension from the NFL and recognize that Patrick Reed is the biggest spare on the PGA tour.
We Talk Hockey... A Lot of It (Ep 140)
We are back to congratulate Megan Rapinoe, critique the College Football Playoff, unpack massive contracts for MLB pitchers, and dive deeeeeep into what's going on in the NHL because that sh*t is real.
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Our 4th Annual Bowl Pick ‘Em contest is now live. Cost is $10 per entry with 2 entries max. Winnings will be split between the top three finishers. We had 70 participants in 2018 and this year we are hoping for more so please spread the word. The link to enter the contest is tinyurl.com/SportsNerds2019.. Entry fees can be sent via Venmo to @Sam-Jay-2 or PayPal to sam@jaycommunicationsolutions.com
The Astros' Transition from Underdogs to Assholes (Ep 139)
We've rekindled our friendship to discuss our shared hatred of the Houston Astros (who have now been recognized as cheaters) and the corporate gutting of the once-great Deadspin.
We Invested in an Ann Arbor App Company (Ep 138)
Sam went to Ann Arbor and beat Brian in golf. Then some other shit happened. Glad to be back!
Ann Arbor Weekends and Wide Receivers Who Fart (Ep 137)
Hello everyone, we are back for another installment of your favorite sports podcast. This week we talk about Antonio Brown breaking wind, the A's doing what the A's do, and then some other things you might enjoy.
Serena, Identity Politics, and Carpenter Shorts (Ep 136)
We were absolute fire in this one. Maybe the best ever... We open with discussion of the long-held dominance Serena Williams and Clayton Kershaw have had over their respective sports then get into the economic performance of eSports. We finish with some debate about "wokeness" and the University of Denver's new(ish) mascot controversy.
Adults Shouldn't Wear Basketball Jerseys (Ep 135)
We slow rolled into this one beginning with a nice chat about MLB standings. After putting you to sleep with shit most of you don't care about we take a deep dive on the NCAA and recent changes to student-athlete/NBA agent rules.
'Dem Boyz Are Back (yes, that's a terrible name for an episode) (Ep 134)
Hellllllllloooooooo, everybody. We recorded last week and here's the magic we came up with. We touched upon archaic MLB rules, college football recruiting, and yes, the privilege of being able to move freely. Enjoy!
Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Those Darn Conservative Snowflakes (Ep 133)
We took some assholes to task on this one, but tried to sound smart doing it.
We examine the criticism of Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe as well as point out some of the shortcoming of the arguments out there around equal pay for US soccer players.
If a Shart Could Be a Podcast This Would Be It (Ep 132)
Sam and Brian return to produce this turd of an episode, covering World Cup and Gold Cup, some NBA free agency, and other things. There are some nuggets that seem to be good.
Brooks Koepka Has an Amazing Jawline and The Impossible Burger is Legit (Ep 131)
Sam and Brian return to talk about the US Open, Australian and New Zealand sports and food, Donal Trump's golf game, and much, much more.
Cubs Want Redemption, Norway Wants Access (Ep 130)
We have returned!
This week we are discussing the Chicago Cubs strong-arming beat writers, issues with redemption narratives in sports, domestic violence, and why Norway is better at sports than people think they should be.
We liked this one. Hope you do too!
Bad Refs and Magic Floaters (Ep 129)
What Kind of Person Tries to Cut Funding for Special Olympics (Ep 128)
Find more at wearesportsnerds.com. And follow us on Instagram (@sports.nerds), Twitter (@_SportsNerds), and Facebook (facebook.com/sportsnerds).
Drs. Schrader and Jay offer up some quick hits on Mike Trout's new contract, Rob Gronkowski's retirement, and March Madness before offering up their 2019 MLB predictions and taking a deep dive on a recent story from Deadspin highlighting Betsy DeVos's attempt to cut federal funding to Special Olympics.
Who Makes the Worst Decisions: NCAA, MLB, or Paul Manafort? Go! (Ep 127)
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Sam and Brian have reunited to talk about rich moms bribing ADs because of their dumb kids, forthcoming MLB rules changes, and so so so much more.
Eno Sarris Talks Baseball and Beer with Sam and Brian's Brother, Both of Whom Are Overserved (Ep 126)
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Brian isn't on this one, but Sam and Brian's older, less put-together brother talk beer and baseball with Eno Sarris, lover of craft beer and writer for The Athletic.
A Week of Old Dudes Making Regrettable Choices (Ep 125)
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Robert Craft had a bad week. Gary Dolphin had a bad week. Jim Boheim had a terrible, terrible week that will haunt him forever. Brian and Sam discuss, doing so in sometimes uncomfortable ways.
Matt Kuchar and Twitter Trolls Join Some Others in Our Bucket of Assholes (Ep 124)
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Despite poor audio quality, we think this was a good. We discuss Sam's futile debate with right-wing Twitter trolls, Bryce Harper's 2018 WAR, and Matt Kuchar's impenetrable wallet.
Holy Shift! Joey Votto's Brilliance, Tattooed Dad Bods & Respect for Lindsey Vonn (Ep 123)
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Drs. Sam and Brian talk about that boring Super Bowl, how good hitters are killing the shift (and how bad ones should shut up), the death knell of MLB scouts, and the career of Lindsey Vonn.
Whatever, James Harden (Ep 122)
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Drs. Jay and Schrader discuss the NFL championship games, the unwarranted fawning over of James Harden, and MLB Hall of Fame picks.
Can Ronnie Milsap's Estate Sue Us? (Ep 121)
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Drs. Jay and Schrader debrief on the CFP before jumping into a conversation about "student-athletes" and media criticisms of fan outrage (re: Chicago Bears).
We have an announcement!
Okay... just read below:
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Welcome to Unfiltered, a podcast featuring leaders in the craft beverage industry sharing their stories and providing a behind-the-scenes look at what they do.
Hosted by Dr. Samuel Jay and Jay Schrader and presented by Tivoli Brewing Company, Unfiltered is your go-to podcast for everything craft.
Via Apple Podcasts
Via Everywhere Else
Dr. John Solow Joins to Talk Baseball Economics (Ep 120)
Find more at wearesportsnerds.com.
And follow us on Instagram (@sports.nerds), Twitter (@_SportsNerds), and Facebook (facebook.com/sportsnerds).
Brian and Sam are joined by Dr. John Solow from the University of Iowa. The three talk MLB contract research, player incentives, and how professional sports in the US could be adjusted.
JJ Lane Joins the Show (Ep 119)
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While Brian was at a swimming meet, Sam and his wife Catherine sat down in-studio with JJ Lane, color commentator for University of Denver Hockey and former star on The Bachelorette. At the least, it's entertaining.
#jjlane #thebachelor #thebachelorette
Babe Ruth Sharts and Suing the NFL (Ep 118)
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Brian and Sam talk about Oakland suing the Raiders and NFL and why modern baseball players would destroy old school ballers, including Babe Ruth.
A Bad Week to Like Sports (Ep 117)
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This week, we talked about crappy moments in sports and how commentators frame them. It's a good listen, but it was a little depressing.
Bill Self-ish, Domestic Violence, and Hot Mics (Ep 116)
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Your two favorite PhDs discuss the NCAA (again), but this time with Bill Self involved. Plus some NFL garbage and thoughts on announcers not shutting their mics off.
Professors in a Subaru Going to the Super Bowl (Ep 115)
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The Good Doctors (Jay and Schrader) discuss video game scores in the NFL, Alex Smith's leg, and the NCAA's 180 on Emily Scheck.
DJ Merkin and Putting Lessons (Ep 114)
Like the professionals we are, we discussing putting stats, Maryland football, and scoring trends in the NBA. Much more, too.
Jr. Sports Nerds 2 - World Champions in the White House
Find more at wearesportsnerds.com
In Episode 2 of Junior Sports Nerds, Dr. Jay's students Evelyn Flores and Jade Mako cover the history of athletes visiting the White House and the significance of such events.
Deflection, Deflection, Deflection (Ep 113)
Drs. Jay and Schrader discuss coaches losing their locker rooms, Zach Smith's Twitter rant, and the lack of attention being giving to rape allegations against Ronaldo.
Is Affective Contagion a Problem in Locker Rooms? (Ep 112)
Despite some technical difficulties, Brian and Sam persevered to talk MLB playoff numbers, pitching stats, and affective contagion in the locker room.
Sporting Goods Industry Talk w/ John Peters of SFIA (Ep 111)
John Peters of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association joins Brian and Sam to talk about trends in fitness and exercise and more.
Sports Ethics w/ 4 Horsemen of the Nerd Insurgency (Ep 110)
Brian and Sam are joined by Drs. Dan Lair and Brenden Kendall to discuss morality, ethics, and cognitive dissonance amongst sports consumers.
It's great. We promise.
Burnin' Shoes and Cuttin' Socks (Ep 109)
Your two favorite professors talk briefly about how terrible the Nationals are and how fickle NHL players seem to be before tranq-darting the elephant in the room that is Nike's Kaep ad.
NFL Owners & NCAA Let Us Down Once Again (Ep 108)
Drs. Jay and Schrader discuss the Kaepernick-NFL-Collusion situation prior to dressing down the NCAA and the powers that be for allowing money to dictate decisions at Ohio State and Michigan State.
Tim Dwight Joins the Show (Ep 107)
Tim Dwight, the Iowa Football legend, joins Dr. Jay to discuss his philanthropic work with Sukup Manufacturing and his post-football career in renewable energy.
The Nerds Unite! (Ep 106)
Sam and Brian record in-person for the first time in a long time, discussing hit-batters and former MLB players attacking data nerds.
Jr. Sports Nerds #1b - Skateboarding in 'Merica
In the second half of Episode 1 of Junior Sports Nerds, Guy Garth and Zach Johnson discuss skateboarding and where things stand in contemporary America.
Jr. Sports Nerds #1a - Skateboarding in The Olympics
In Episode 1 of Junior Sports Nerds, a series of podcasts from students in Dr. Jay's Sports Discourse in Media and Society course, Guy Garth and Zach Johnson discuss the potential tension between skateboarding culture and 2020 The Olympics, i.e. when the sport is introduced as an official Olympic sport.
Urban Meyer Leads Us on a Journey to Turd City (Ep 105)
Drs. Jay and Schrader have returned from a two-week hiatus to discuss outspoken punters, sports talk radio spares, Urban Meyer's ego, and the inability of the NFL and MLB to pivot away from adult diapers.
Sports Anthropology with the Tailgate Tourist (Ep 104 - Sports Nerds - 7/26/18)
Dr. Jay talks with Drew Rich, co-founder of Tailgate Tourist and one-half of the tailgating duo who travels the country to meet fans, eat food, and experience the greatness of eating outside while wearing face paint.
Ep 103 When #FakeNews Comes to College Wrestling
Drs. Jay and Schrader discuss the Ohio State wrestling story, critiquing sexual abuse against men, masculinity and sports, and more. Plus, some lighter talk about soccer, ultimate frisbee, and a bad trophy name.