Host Brandon Contes interviews former Sportsnet NHL host and current host of "The Sheet with Jeff Marek," Jeff Marek. Brandon and Jeff discuss a wide range of topics including his dismissal from Sportsnet, which cities are prime for an NHL expansion team, his thoughts on J.T. Miller's reported mental health break from hockey, and more. -37: “The Sh…

Host Brandon Contes interviews Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix. Brandon and Chris discuss a wide range of topics including Chris' profile on Adrian Wojnarowski for Sports Illustrated, how SI is doing with Minute Media in charge, if Jake Paul is good or bad for boxing, and more. -42: Response to Chris’ profile on Adrian Wojnarowski -2:…

Host Brandon Contes interviews Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth from FS1's "Breakfast Ball." Brandon and the guys discuss a wide range of topics including the start of "Breakfast Ball," developing chemistry among the three of them, a hilarious story involving Danny and Bob Costas, and more. -46: How does “Breakfast Ball” compare to “…

Host Brandon Contes interviews NFL reporter and "First Take"/"Get Up" contributor, Kimberley A. Martin. Brandon and Kimberley discuss a wide range of topics including the happenings with the New York Jets, having Stephen A. Smith as a mentor, the time Jim Irsay went after Kimberley on social media, and more. -:40: Missing the New York Jets beat? -1…

Host Brandon Contes interviews New York Jets radio voice and ESPN NHL, college football, and college basketball broadcaster, Bob Wischusen. Brandon and Bob discuss a bunch of Jets topics, among other things, including what changes for the Jets after Robert Saleh's firing, Aaron Rodgers' future as Jets QB, Rex Ryan wanting to come back as head coach…

Host Brandon Contes interviews legendary NFL reporter and columnist Peter King. Brandon and Peter discuss a wide range of topics including enjoying football and America during retirement, Tom Brady trying to be an NFL team owner and a broadcaster, being on the same podcast as Bill Belichick despite not being on speaking terms, and more. -:42: Enjoy…

Host Brandon Contes interviews motorsports staff writer for The Athletic, Jeff Gluck. Brandon and Jeff discuss a wide range of topics including the fallout from Martinsville as well as the 23XI Racing-Front Row Motorsports lawsuit against NASCAR, making a living in the early days of Patreon, Michael Jordan possibly becoming a NASCAR champion team o…

Host Brandon Contes interviews former host of Red Zone Channel and current radio voice of the Cleveland Browns, Andrew Siciliano. Brandon and Andrew discuss a wide range of topics including working Red Zone and working with Scott Hanson, Jameis Winston taking charge of the Cleveland Browns, the emotion in the booth after the loss of Jim Donovan, an…

Host Brandon Contes interviews former NFL quarterback and co-host of "Outta Pocket With RG3," Robert Griffin III. Brandon and Robert discuss a wide range of topics including his reaction to being laid off by ESPN, getting practically dragged into doing sports media, being the mentor for Lamar Jackson, and more. -:40: Croissant pic -2:16: Olympics a…

Host Brandon Contes interviews ESPN NBA Front Office Insider and former assistant GM of the Brooklyn Nets, Bobby Marks. Brandon and Bobby discuss a wide range of topics including working with Adrian Wojnarowski and Bobby's reaction to Woj's retirement, working with John Calipari at the Nets, how JJ Redick will handle the media with the Lakers, and …

Host Brandon Contes interviews Fox NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Brandon and Jordan discuss a wide range of topics including his football podcast with Draymond Green, being on "The Herd," Pat McAfee messing with him, Robert Saleh's firing at the New York Jets, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Faceb…

Host Brandon Contes interviews CBS play-by-play commentator Ian Eagle. Brandon and Ian discuss a wide range of topics including dealing with the Taylor Swift effect at NFL games, the nervousness of watching son Noah on commentary, how Aaron Rodgers is in pregame production meetings, his feelings on the NBA leaving TNT, and more. For even more discu…

Host Brandon Contes interviews ESPN NBA insider and senior writer Ramona Shelburne. Brandon and Ramona discuss a wide range of topics including her reaction to Adrian Wojnarowski's retirement from sports media, getting to know Kobe Bryant and the emotion of covering his death, how different it is covering LeBron James compared to Kobe, being on the…

Host Brandon Contes interviews co-host of "GoJo and Golic," Mike Golic Jr. Brandon and Mike discuss a wide range of topics including growing up with "Mike & Mike" on the radio/TV, recognizing nepotism, being teammates with Manti Te'o during the catfishing story, the joy of calling the Duke's Mayo Bowl, and more. For even more discussion, head over …

FOR FUTURE EPISODES, SUBSCRIBE TO THE PLAY-BY-PLAY: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-play-by-play/id1763654809 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4HaEA8ssc7LpPoJ8pKT1hk Shannon Sharpe accidentally posting himself having sex on Instagram Live. Is a Pistons beat writer moving to cover the Knicks a sign of change for The Athletic? …

Host Brandon Contes interviews broadcasting legend Jim Lampley. Brandon and Jim discuss a wide range of topics including HBO getting out of boxing in 2018, Jake Paul not being good for boxing, drawing the ire of Howard Cosell, being friends with Max Kellerman, and more. Jim will host PPV.COM's Viewer Chat, which doesn't require a subscription, for …

On the latest episode of The Play-By-Play, Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss the Fox broadcasting debut of Tom Brady, the ESPN debut of Jason Kelce, Bill Belichick's numerous appearances. The guys also discuss the changes on "The NFL Today," Greg Olsen's pivot to the No. 2 Fox NFL broadcast booth, and Colt McCoy's rough broad…

Host Brandon Contes interviews Fox NFL and MLB play-by-play, and LA Dodgers play-by-play broadcaster, Joe Davis. Brandon and Joe discuss a wide range of topics including working with Greg Olsen, Tom Brady at Fox, succeeding Vin Scully and Joe Buck, covering Shohei Ohtani as a local broadcaster, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awful…

Host Brandon Contes interviews co-host of "The Fantasy Footballers" podcast, Mike Wright. Brandon and Mike discuss a wide range of topics including the origins of the podcast, Matthew Berry's importance in the industry, the evolution of fantasy sports coverage, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Fa…

On the latest episode of The Play-By-Play, Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss the debut of Fox Sports 1's "Breakfast Ball," the season premiere of "College GameDay" with Nick Saban's debut, Kirk Herbstreit going heel and Pat McAfee getting drunk, and Deion Sanders and Colorado banning The Denver Post's Sean Keeler from press c…

On the first episode of The Play-By-Play, Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss ESPN firing Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder, Ariel Helwani announcing that he's partnering with Yahoo Sports and the social media feud between ESPN's Mina Kimes and Clay Travis. Time Stamps: -:06: Welcome to The Play-By-Play! -3:03: Robert Griffin I…

Host Brandon Contes interviews The Athletic's NFL insider Dianna Russini. Brandon and Dianna discuss a wide range of topics including being an NFL insider, how Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski are mentors, what Aaron Rodgers really thinks of Dianna, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, …

Host Brandon Contes interviews TNT and Bleacher Report NBA insider Chris Haynes. Brandon and Chris discuss a wide range of topics including the future of the NBA on TNT and how the "Inside the NBA" guys are, being a local beat reporter and cultivating relationships, how LeBron James had a part in getting him a national reporting job, and more. For …

Host Brandon Contes interviews former WNBA player and current ESPN host/analyst Chiney Ogwumike. Brandon and Chiney discuss a wide range of topics including Caitlin Clark's impact on women's sports, being tested by WNBA vets as a #1 overall pick, being mentored by Stephen A. Smith, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.co…

Host Brandon Contes interviews Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald. Brandon and Jonathan discuss a wide range of topics including Gregg Berhalter's sacking from the U.S. Men's National Team, the logistics mess by CONMEBOL at the Copa América, Emma Hayes with the U.S. Women's National Team, Lionel Messi in MLS, and more. For even more…

Host Brandon Contes interviews MLB Network host and emcee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Brian Kenny. Brandon and Brian discuss a wide range of topics including Brian defending the concept of having special uniforms for the All-Star Game, the responsibility of being emcee for induction weekend, what Max Kellerman has been…

Host Brandon Contes interviews NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. Brandon and Ian discuss a wide range of topics including Ian's relationship with ESPN's Adam Schefter, "The Insiders" on NFL Network, various stories about reporting, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram…

Host Brandon Contes interviews sports journalism legend Andrea Kremer. Brandon and Andrea discuss a wide range of topics including the state of sports journalism especially after the cancellation of "Real Sports," the #MeToo movement in sports media, being part of the first all-woman NFL booth, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awful…

Host Brandon Contes interviews SNY's New York Jets reporter Connor Hughes. Brandon and Connor discuss a wide range of topics including Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers, Robert Saleh's handling of Rodgers missing mandatory minicamp, reporting or not reporting what sources tell you, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.co…

Host Brandon Contes interviews former "Mike and the Mad Dog" producer and current co-host of "Carlin vs. Joe," Chris Carlin. Brandon and Chris discuss a wide range of topics including trying to navigate Mike Francesa and Chris Russo during their blowup, the "challenge" of working with Don Imus, entering broadcasting due to somebody getting pantsed …

Host Brandon Contes interviews former "Around the Horn" panelist and current co-host of "Brother From Another" Michael Holley. Brandon and Michael discuss a wide range of topics including the Boston media's feelings about Joe Mazzulla, Kyrie Irving's tenure in Boston, being on "Around the Horn," working with Max Kellerman, and more. For even more d…

Host Brandon Contes interviews "First Things First" co-host Nick Wright. Brandon and Nick discuss a wide range of topics including going to FS1 instead of ESPN, Chennedy Carter's foul on Caitlin Clark and the overall WNBA discussion, doing sports talk radio in Kansas City, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and fol…

Bill Walton died on May 27, 2024 at the age of 71. Bill meant a lot to us at Awful Announcing, so we wanted to do something special. We invited a few of Bill's many friends and broadcast partners to tell stories and memories of the Basketball Hall of Famer and legendary broadcaster. Sit back with host Brandon Contes and guests Jason Benetti, Roxy B…

Host Brandon Contes interviews legendary Indianapolis 500 broadcaster Paul Page. Brandon and Paul discuss a wide range of topics including working the Indy 500 on radio and TV, being mentored by Sid Collins, working with Bobby Unser, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagr…

Host Brandon Contes interviews executive producer and host of "SportScience," John Brenkus. Brandon and John discuss a wide range of topics including creating and hosting "SportScience," how the science community reacted to the show, creating and running Brinx. TV, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us o…

Host Brandon Contes interviews ESPN's Steve Levy. Brandon and Steve discuss a wide range of topics including being a Rangers fan and working with Mark Messier, working "Monday Night Football," his infamous "bulging disc" blooper, why Pat McAfee is a "genius," and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Face…

Host Brandon Contes interviews co-host of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," Jon "Stugotz" Weiner. Brandon and Stugotz discuss a wide range of topics including being interested in being program director at WFAN, working with Dan Le Batard for nearly 20 years, the importance of being on ESPN and being jealous of Pat McAfee, and more. For even mo…

Host Brandon Contes interviews broadcasting legend Eli Gold. Brandon and Bob discuss a wide range of topics including being the voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Alabama not retaining him for 2024, telling a white lie to start broadcasting in NASCAR, Nick Saban retiring from coaching, and more. NOTE: We apologize for some audio and visual issues d…

Host Brandon Contes interviews broadcasting legend Bob Costas. Brandon and Bob discuss a wide range of topics including his feelings on Donald Trump before and after becoming president, Bob's infamous gun culture essay, how Tom Brady would be as a broadcaster, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Fac…

Host Brandon Contes interviews "Parkins & Spiegel Show" co-host and co-author of the book "Pipeline to the Pros," Danny Parkins. Brandon and Danny discuss a wide range of topics including Caleb Williams (very likely) going to the Bears, being the best man at Nick Wright's vow renewal, breaking the news of the Jovan Belcher tragedy, and more. For ev…

Guest host Jessica Kleinschmidt interviews ESPN MLB reporter Buster Olney. Jessica and Buster discuss a wide range of topics including the slow pace of the MLB offseason, Scott Boras taking some losses in negotiations, helping Buster Posey be more media friendly, and more. NOTE: We recorded with Buster on Friday March 22, so in between recording an…

Host Brandon Contes interviews MMA reporter Ariel Helwani. Brandon and Ariel discuss a wide range of topics including discovering mixed martial arts and going to school to cover the sport, Dana White running the UFC, Joe Rogan as a UFC commentator, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Tw…

Host Brandon Contes interviews ESPN WNBA and college basketball analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo. Brandon and Rebecca discuss a wide range of topics including Caitlin Clark and the growth of women's college basketball, going to the White House to interview Barack Obama filling out his bracket, her reaction to Kim Mulkey's comments,…

Host Brandon Contes interviews "Inside the NBA" host and co-host of "The Big Podcast with Shaq," Adam Lefkoe. Brandon and Adam discuss a wide range of topics including lots of talk about "Inside the NBA" and the crew, reporting that Doc Rivers was heading to the Milwaukee Bucks and the uneasiness throughout the night when that wasn't immediately co…

Host Brandon Contes interviews head Apple MLS commentator Taylor Twellman. Brandon and Taylor discuss a wide range of topics including giving Tom Brady broadcasting advice, Lionel Messi in MLS, leaving ESPN for Apple, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, Lin…

Host Brandon Contes interviews legendary Fox NASCAR play-by-play commentator Mike Joy. Brandon and Mike discuss a wide range of topics including interviewing being on the call for some of the best, and most tragic, moments in Daytona 500 history, what happens to the Daytona 500 if the Super Bowl is moved to Presidents' Day Weekend, Kevin Harvick jo…

Host Brandon Contes interviews host of "The Drive" on 610 AM in Kansas City, Carrington Harrison. Brandon and Carrington discuss a wide range of topics including interviewing Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift living in KC, Jason Whitlock in KC, watching The Decision with Nick Wright, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awf…

Host Brandon Contes interviews NFL Network's Rich Eisen. Brandon and Rich discuss Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan, Aaron Rodgers playing for the New York Jets and appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," being Stuart Scott's friend, doing play-by-play for NFL Network, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Fa…

Host Brandon Contes interviews CBS NFL sideline reporter Evan Washburn. Brandon and Evan discuss working the Super Bowl, interviewing the teams who lose big games, Charissa Thompson's sideline reporting admission, and more. Evan will be on the sideline for the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on Sunday 3:00 …

Host Brandon Contes interviews "Undisputed" host and host of the "All Facts No Brakes" podcast Keyshawn Johnson. Brandon and Keyshawn discuss Keyshawn's new podcast, working with Skip Bayless, having conversations instead of debates, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagr…