ON THE DL with Dan Levy

On the DL Podcast - Episode 75

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 05:41:37 -0400

With the NFL season starting, we talk with Hall of Famer Ray Didinger about his career covering the game for more than 40 years.

Ray is an encyclopedia of football knowledge, and not just about the Eagles. The man has lived football his entire life, from covering the game for the Philadelphia Bulletin and Daily News to writing books with Don Shula to working for 12 years at NFL Films.

We talk with Ray about his time at the Bulletin and how sports coverage is different today than when he started. We also discuss the reasons behind the rift that is prevalent between most media members and teams. Is it a sheer numbers game?

We talk about his book, One Last Read, and he tells a great story about his favorite moment in that book about Moses Malone. We also get in depth about what it’s like working at NFL Films, including working for a legend like Steve Sabol.

Since the season is starting, we talk a little Birds, including working with Governor Rendell on the post game show. And we ask Ray to address the Lito situation. Is that just a Philly problem, or does this happen everywhere.

This show is like a history lesson from a man who literally wrote much of that history.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 74

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 06:25:29 -0400

Buzz Bissinger, Pulitzer Prize winning author and foil to the sports blogosphere, joins the show to talk about his career as a writer, interviewer – and yes – new media-discussing town hall panelist.

Listen, our audience is very diverse so there are some of you who only know Bissinger for what he said on Costas Now, and the aftermath that ensued. There are some of you who read sports books or live in Philly and just said, “what’s Costas Now.”

There’s something in this for both of you. We talk about his career from winning the Pulitzer to Ed Rendell to picking up his entire life and moving to Odessa Texas on a chance a book might come out of it.

We talk a lot of baseball, including a discussion about the overuse or underuse of pitchers in the minors.

We also talk about many of his articles for Vanity Fair, including one on Don Imus and one on Stephen Glass that was turned into the movie Shattered Glass. That leads us to a talk about the need for editors, which spins us nicely into the world of internet writing.

And blogs. We not only talk briefly about that night and what his thoughts are many months later, but find out why he decided to do every interview that asked him in the weeks following. I’d have probably just gone into a shell, but he was out there taking punches from anyone.

We also discuss how that night extended the conversation about newspapers and new media. Does he regret anything? What does he think about the Mariotti’s of the world now saying newspapers are dead? What will his Deadspin Hall of Fame induction speech say?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 73

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:40:53 -0400

Rachel Nichols from ESPN joins the show to talk about her career, including her path from studying at the top journalism school in the country to camping out in the trunk of Brett Favre’s SUV.

We talk about Nichols’ time covering The U and what it was like to be a 21-year old female beat writer interviewing the likes of Ray Lewis every day.

We discuss her time at the Washington Post and I make the claim that it’s not blogs that are killing newspapers but young writers like her, JA Adande and the like leaving newspapers for TV. She has an interesting take on that claim.

We then talk all things ESPN, including E:60, the Stuart Scott interview with Barack Obama and what she would have done differently and what she thinks about the “Summer of Erin” and if she’s felt anything similar in her time at the WWL.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 72

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:03:26 -0400

AJ Daulerio from Deadspin is back to talk about the goings on in the month of August.

We talk about the Olympics and if it was a success, or a failure because of its success. We also debate the biggest story of the Olympic Games – Phelps or Bolt. We talk about our fascination with swimming and track every four years, but never in between, and spin that to a talk about the fame bestowed upon Alicia Sacramone.

We talk Deadspin and get the story on Daulerio’s interview with Sean Salisbury. We also talk about his experience at ESPN’s Monday Night Football press luncheon and exactly how out of place he felt.

Our show covers a lot, but so does Deadspin, so we talk non-sports topics like the Larry Mendte/Alicia Lane saga and discuss the pick of Senator Joe Biden as Barack Obama’s running mate (and according to Daulerio – muscle).

We end with talk of Kevin Millar’s mustache and wonder if its an homage to Hitler, or silent-film star Charlie Chaplin.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 71

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:26:40 -0400

Jason Weitzel from Phillies blog Beerleaguer joins the show to talk about being named Best of Philly Sportswriter. Oh, and the Fightins.

We talk with Weitzel about his site and how he’s made it a part of his job at the Reading Eagle Company. We also ask him if he’s gotten any backlash from MSM writers after his honor from Philly Mag came down.

Beerleaguer has a prominent quote on the front page from Buzz Bissinger, so we ask Weitzel about his relationship with the most polarizing figure in the blogosphere.

We also talk a lot (A LOT) about the Phillies, including the J-Roll situation, Pat Gillick’s tenure as GM and how he’s tried to replenish the farm system and whether or not this team can win the division. Hint - we all think yes. But he gives some interesting thoughts as to why and how.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 70

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:25:36 -0400

Sal Paolantonio joins the show to talk about his career as a writer, reporter, tv personality and fighter of pirates.

Yes before donning the sets of millions of sports viewers for ESPN, Sal Pal was at the helm of ships for the Navy, rescuing Vietnamese refugees from being kidnapped from, yes, modern day pirates.

We talk about his time as a political reporter, including his best-selling book on former Philly Mayor Frank Rizzo, and discuss how one transitions from politics to covering the Eagles. In this town, that’s not a far leap.

We compare the current Brett Favre saga with that of T.O. and ask Sal which was worse. We then go in depth about the Favre trade, but form a standpoint of how it impacted Sal standing outside in Tampa while Jay Glazer of Fox was in the airport reporting Favre’s trade to the Jets. There’s some pretty interesting notes in there about the entire day, and you can tell, Sal doesn’t like getting scooped. That leads us to the a question about the 24-hour news cycle and how that impacts both ESPN and the people who work there.

We talk about Sal’s two football books, The Paolantonio Report about the most over-and-underrated players in history and his upcoming book, How Football Explains America which is a detailed and analytical look at how the game of football mirrors society throughout the time of our country.

We end with some talk on the Birds and get his thoughts on Jimmy Rollins’ recent comments about the fans of the city. Oh, and we couldn’t let him go withtout taking shots at Merrill Hodge and, yet again, Jaws’ glasses.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 69

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:07:47 -0400

Stefan Fatsis, author of A Few Seconds of Panic, joins the show to talk about his life as a jounalist/kicker for the Denver Broncos.

Yes, Stefan Fatsis is my hero.

We talk about his book, what it was like infiltrating an NFL training camp as a kicker and what he learned about the league, and himself, in the process.

Fatsis has an illustrious career in print journalism and radio, having worked for the Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, NPR and having written for countless other publications, websites, and blogs.

Oh, he’s also written two other books, one of which was a New York Times bestseller....about the world of Scrabble.

Really a smart, interesting and fun interview and I promise, you will learn a lot from this man.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 68

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:29:48 -0400

Michael Wilbon joins the show in a special episode.

We talk about his career writing for the Washington Post and working with ESPN’s PTI and NBA coverage and how he’s been able to balance that with his new job - dad.

We chat about his first pitch at the Cubs game and if he ever thought he’d be as big a celebrity as he’s become.

We also talk about where he sees the future of journalism and if he feels pressure being one of the prominent black voices in the nation.

We get into an interesting debate about the validity of sports blogs, and dovetail that into his recent activity on said blogs, including his photos with porn stars and his ‘scandal’ about wearing no pants at PTI.

We talk about Kornheiser, and their relationship and actually get into a little sports, including Brett Favre and the Olympics.

We close with a report on Wilbon’s health, how his lifestyle has changed and his responsibility as a black father in America in the wake of his recent heart attack.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 67

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:57:34 -0400

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post joins the DL – from China.

We’ve done a lot of cool things on this show and talked to a lot of cool people, but I think this is the coolest thing we’ve ever done.
 Steinberg is in China, but using amazing internet technologies, we talk as if we’re in the same room. I know I’m making a big deal about this, but he’s in freaking China.

We talk all things Olympic Games, including how he’s done his blog, which is habitually one of the best sports blogs around and has gone to the stratosphere of sporting blogdome this week. A must read of the must reads.

Oh, and a must listen too.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 66

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 07:53:11 -0400

AJ Benza joins the DL to talk about his fascinating life and career. Benza has done everything from hosting TV shows to doing radio to acting in movies to writing a gossip column to working for John Gotti. Yep, THAT John Gotti.

We talk Celebrity Fit Club and his interaction with the likes of Dustin Diamond and Brian Dunkleman.

We go in depth about High Stakes Poker and its eventual return to the lineup on GSN. We talk about the difference between HSP and WPT and WSOP and how he feels about working with Gabe Kaplan.

Since AJ is a ‘professional celebrity’ we ask him how hard it is to let things roll off your back when people are negative and rip on you, which leads to a great rant about blogs.

We end with some movie talk, including his role in Rocky Balboa and his Real Guys Movie Reviews startup.

You never know where this interview is going to go.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 65 Part 2

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 09:01:32 -0400

Richard Rys from Philadelphia Magazine joins the DL to talk about some of the highlights of his ten years covering the city.

In Part Two of the episode, we talk about Rys’ recent article The Phantom Five, outlining the power structure of the Philadelphia Phillies. This made national news as Philly Mag printed the phone numbers of all the owners. We ask Rys about that and what feedback he’s gotten from the article.

We spin that to talk about the other two owners in town and who he thinks is the best. We also ask him our age old ‘next team to win a title’ bet (no, the Soul doesn’t count).

We discuss the upcoming Olympics and how NBC Universal will cover the Games and the issues surrounding China.

Somehow we end with a conversation about Bruce Dickinson’s cod piece.

* Note: This is Part One. If you only downloaded this part, change your iTunes settings to ‘Download all” or go to the website.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 65 Part 1

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 09:00:39 -0400

Richard Rys from Philadelphia Magazine joins the DL to talk about some of the highlights of his ten years covering the city.

In Part One of the episode we talk about his tenure at Philly Mag and if he has seen a shift from harder news to softer societal content that speaks to suburban living perhaps more than Philadelphians.

We also talk about the fall of newspapers and if he think the situation will engulf magazines at some point.

Since this month’s issue is the Best of Philly, we spend a lot of time talking about some of the Best and Worst in Philly and discuss the way Best of is put together with respect for and regard to advertising dollars.

We spin that to the back page – Rys’ Exit Interview – to ask what his ‘Best of’ has been for that feature and get some unique insight into how a Q&A like that is put together.

We also announce the list of people you want to know...those who are ducking us.

• This is Part One. The conversation about the Phillies ownership group and more sportsy fun is in Part Two.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 64

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:41:04 -0400

Dan and Nick go back to what they know best...talking sports and going on soapbox-supported rants.

Due to a conflict, AJ Benza will join us next week, but we wanted to put up a show and thought it was a good time to have one of our ol’ smorgasbord shows.

We talk trade deadline and Manny being Money. We talk Brett Favre - did you hear he might un-retire - and another guy who should hang it up, JoePa.

We also talk about the upcoming Smog Olympics and whether or not I should go to the Soul rally. Yes, I would be a liar if I don’t go. We debate the repercussions.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 63

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:09:32 -0400

Mark Patrick from Baseball This Morning on XM Radio joins the show to talk about his career and life on a satellite. Well, he’s not actually on the satellite, but his voice is carried by it every day.

We talk about the difference between XM and terrestrial radio and if the death of newspapers will ever translate to radio. We also chat about his hometown club, the Indianapolis Colts and talk Gary Brackett and Marvin Harrison.

Then back to baseball as I ask Mark how he feels hosting a flagship baseball show and if he ever got flack from “baseball insiders.” We talk about his son’s budding baseball career and who he thinks is the biggest name he’s ever interviewed.

Then, for you ‘inside radio’ nerds, we talk about the logistics of putting on an XM show, and compare it to the way we do our show.

Oh yeah, we talk trade deadline too. Great show.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 62

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:59:35 -0400

Will Carroll from Baseball Prospectus is back on the DL to talk about....the DL. Injuries. Will is the injury expert, and our show is called On the DL, so it seems to be a perfect match.

We cover everything from the strains to torn ligaments to Throacic Outlet Syndrome to whatever the hell Rocco Baldelli has.

We talk about the debate between more precise diagnoses and players being soft.

We talk PEDs and the new urine test for HGH that may be coming out soon. We also talk about the worst possible injuries.

Yes, the terms fractured testicle and pig bladder extract are prominently discussed. Enjoy.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 61

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:51:06 -0400

Jayson Stark from ESPN brings his Rumblings and Grumblings to the DL to talk (what else) BASEBALL!

We talk about the myriad of responsibilities he has at the WWL and ask him to compare what he does now to being a beat writer. It’s also a wonder to us how he manages to keep such a light-hearted and genuinely excited tone with both his writing, and his ‘alternative’ media endeavors.

We talk about the All-Star game marathon, including the pre-game ceremonies that had many of the living Hall of Famers. We also ask why it was ‘many’ and not ‘all’ of the living Hall of Famers, bringing up the specific examples of Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench and Sandy Koufax.

We spin the Koufax talk to Stark’s book, where he named Koufax the most overrated lefty of all time. Wow.

We end with some talk about the Phillies and while we all still think they CAN win the division, we wonder IF that will happen.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 60 Part 2

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:58:25 -0400

Brian Powell from AwfulAnnouncing.com joins the show to talk about his website and the vast and diverse world of sports media.

This is our 60th episode, so we expanded it (by happenstance) to 60 minutes. In part two, we talk about the life and times of Joe Buck and how he can be so good, yet so bad at the same time. We also talk about FOB (friend of Blogs) Bob Costas and the Olympics.

We end talking about the place where all sports begin and end...ESPN.

Great show, and we thank Brian for his time.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 60 Part 1

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:43:41 -0400

Brian Powell from AwfulAnnouncing.com joins the show to talk about his website and the vast and diverse world of sports media.

This is our 60th episode, so we expanded it (by happenstance) to 60 minutes. In part one, we talk about why he started AA, and if he realized how much work it would be to run a site like this.

We talk about the phenomenon that is Erin Andrews and why she has such a stranglehold on the internet. We also talk about some of Brian’s favorite announcers. Somehow the guy who used to host Robot Wars comes up.

Listen to Part 1, then enjoy Part 2

On the DL Podcast - Episode 59

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:43:33 -0400

Redskins All-Pro tight end Chris Cooley joins the show to talk about his career....as a blogger. Chris writes the best athlete blog in the ‘sphere and also does some work for Yahoo!’s Shutdown Corner so we wanted to have him on to talk about how much fun blogging is.

We get into the role of blogs for athletes and if it’s an end-around on the media. We also get pretty in depth on some of his recent posts, including his thoughts on the owners opting out of the labor agreement.

We ask about the ‘Skins and specifically working for Dan Snyder and new coach Jim Zorn.

We talk a little Brett Favre and ask him what he thinks the best rivalry in the NFL is and who he hates to play against.

Chris Cooley is now one of my favorite athletes. Listen to find out why.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 58

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:11:57 -0400

We sneak in a fourth show(!) this week to introduce Jenn Sterger to the DL. Jenn got in some heat this week with the blogosphere after reportedly telling a Tampa radio station that Erin Andrews can ‘suck it.’ Jenn joins us to refute that and give an explanation as to what she actually said.

While she’s here, we take the time to ask her about her career and how – or if – it compares to EA. We also talk about why guys are so enamored with ‘sports gals’ and if she regrets doing the photo shoots with Maxim and Playboy.

On the DL Podcast - PW Takeover Six

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:43:11 -0400

THIS IS A TEASER FOR THE FULL PW SHOW AT http://philadelphiaweekly.com/onthedl

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter sits down to talk about what it's like running one of the biggest cities in the country. We discuss the roles of being Michael Nutter the mayor and Michael Nutter the man and how he's able to maintain balance.

We also talk about the upcoming Presidential race including his role to this point and what he sees for the coming months. The Mayor answers some questions about the issues facing the city, including education, crime and making the city greener and more efficient. We spin that to a conversation about business in the city and if the laws are actually hurting small business owners in order to help large corporations.

Finally, we talk sports, cheesesteaks, movies and what he really thinks of Nutter Butters.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 56

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 06:18:45 -0400

AJ Daulerio is back on the show to talk about his first week as king of the sports blogosphere. We talk Deadspin and the changes that have been made and are going to be made. We also talk about AJ’s last few weeks, and if he knew what he was getting in to.

We then get in the groove by talking about A-Rod and Madonna, wondering if A-Rod has a prenup and posing the question of how this compares to the Kobe Bryant story. What happened to that story, anyway?

We then go across the pond to talk tennis, and wonder if Sunday’s final was the best match of all time (and why things always have to be the best of all time all the time).

We talk balls and sticks to debate if the CC Sabbathia trade was as good for baseball as people claim. We also talk about the violence that has escalated the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry and how it translates locally to the “terrible” Phillies fans.

Last, as it was just the fourth of July, we talk wieners.

On the DL Podcast - Philadelphia Weekly Takeover Five

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 05:01:05 -0400

Former Eagles great and current analyst for Monday Night Football Ron Jaworski joins the DL to talk about his career on the field and life after football. Jaws lives and breathes football, and nothing in life excites him more than to talk about the sport he's worked in – as a player, analyst, reporter, team president and owner – for more than 40 years. We talk about Jaws' career on the field and ask him who he thinks is the best quarterback in Eagles history. We also discuss the drama constantly surrounding the Birds and ask if he feels there was as much drama when he was a player.

Jaws also gives his insights about the changes to Monday Night Football for the coming season, and talks about the role of Tony Kornheiser on the telecast. He addresses the groundswell of animosity toward players who walk off the field and into the analyst chair without going through the years of work it takes to hone such a difficult craft. To end the show, we talk a little Soul with their big playoff game coming up this weekend.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 54

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:15:57 -0400

Blog Show reunion on the DL. We talk with Jamie Mottram – aka Mister Irrelevant – and Dan Steinberg, in a lengthy yet hilarious interview. (Note: this show is long, so we had to compress it more than usual. If that annoys you, email me and I’ll send you a better version).

We talk with Jamie first, about his career and what it’s like being one of the real power players in the sports blog universe, having started AOL’s Fanhouse, and now running Yahoo! Sports blog division.

We ask Jamie why he decided to leave the DC area for North Carolina, and if he thinks that will impact his blog. We also talk about ESPN and their lack of real presence in the blog world. And I think at one point, I beg Jamie for a job.

Steinberg comes in to talk about the end of Blog Show. We talk about the run of that show, discuss the Erin Andrews interview and find out that Dan never watches himself. That’s a shock.

We ask Dan about Jemele Hill’s suspension, and if he thinks Hitler jokes are funny. Then we finish up with some Olympics talk, before Jamie and Dan officially take the show over. Great stuff.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 53

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:06:26 -0400

Will Leitch from Deadspin joins the show to talk about his depature from the sports blogging world for a cushy job in the swanky high profile world of magazine editors.

We talk about where he sees Deadspin going in his absence and who he thinks will (and should) get one of the top jobs in the sports world.

We also spend a lot (note: A LOT) of time talking about Will’s bombshell of a post today, responding to the LA Times article on sports blogs. Go to our site to link to it.

While he’s still a professional sportswriter, I take advantage to ask Will about the upcoming Olympics.

In a special visit, AJ Daulerio stops in to give his two cents on the LA Times story (he was quoted) and Will’s subsequent post. Deadspin Double-Dip on the DL.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 52

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:15:19 -0400

Trey Wingo – host of ESPN’s NFL Live – joins the show to talk about this country’s fascination with football.

We chat about the year-round transformation of the NFL, and if that is attributable to the jingoistic nature of our country.

We talk about former athletes invading analyst desks and broadcast booths on every station, and talk about who he’d put in the Monday Night Football booth.

We also talk about SpyGate, and if ESPN over-covered the story, before addressing the rash of robberies and assaults that seem to be afflicting NFL players.

Shifting gears to a lighter subject, we talk women’s basketball. Hey, Trey is the host of the NCAA tourney, so we talk a little women’s hoops.

To finish, I ask him why everyone is afraid of Tiger Woods. Well, not anymore.

On the DL Podcast - Philadelphia Weekly Takeover Four

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:40:57 -0400

The first lady of Philly sports talk radio, Rhea Hughes, joins the show to talk about her career and what it's like being one of the guys. Hughes is one of the busiest people in town, so we get a glimpse at her daily routine—and what waking up at 3am for a decade does to one's social life.

We talk about her role on the WIP morning show, and if she ever feels like she's betraying her gender while being party to some of WIP's staple bits, like Miss WIP and the Wing Bowl. We also discuss the wave of suspensions and firings in media today (including Bill Conlin from Daily News Live and Kidd Chris from WYSP), and if members of the media feel the need to dance on eggshells in today's social and financial climate. Speaking of eggshells, we talk about Andy Reid, Darren Daulton and the brewing radio feud between Mike Missanelli at 950 and seemingly the entire WIP roster.

And we even manage to talk a little Fightins.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 50

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:13:42 -0400

Our 50th show brings Jeremy Schaap to the DL. We talk with Schaap about the similarities of our lives growing up in the shadows of our fathers. With Father’s Day coming this weekend, we wax nostalgic about the legacy of Dick Schaap.

Jeremy also talks about the legacy of the recently-passed Jim McKay and the notion that the old-school style of sports journalism has passed us by, in favor of a SportsCenter, in-your-face style.

We also talk Bob Knight, Bobby Fischer and if he ever felt like he was becoming the story, rather than covering it.

To close, we talk Olympics, and I ask Jeremy if the Chinese Government or PEDs will be the bigger story.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 49

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:41:44 -0400

AJ Daulerio from Deadspin is back on the show to talk about the big changes at one of the best sports blogs in the country. AJ gives some heartfelt thoughts on the departure of Deadspin editor Will Leitch and we ask how this huge news has impacted his week.

AJ also gets the chance to rip me for the Darren Daulton interview and we discuss ‘real’ journalism, and somehow equate me to Jay Mariotti.

After a weather delay, we talk NBA Finals and the Kobe Bryant rumors and if horse racing and boxing are being replaced by the likes of NASCAR and MMA.

Last, it’s Father’s Day weekend coming up. Is it the best weekend in all of sports?

On the DL Podcast - Episode 48

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:10:17 -0400

Back to our roots. Due to some scheduling quirks, Nick has been gone for a while, but he’s back on the show, talking about his trip to Nationals Park and the Phillies surge to the top of the NL East.

We also talk about several retirements, including Michael Strahan, Dominik Hasek and Hillary Clinton. Yes, we put a giant punctuation mark on the Democratic Primary season and look to the future.

Oh, and my kid is now walking. It’s the end of the world as we know it.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 47

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 06:32:50 -0400

Tony Kornheiser - he of PTI, Monday Night Football, Washington Post and radio fame - joins the show to yodel with us for a few minutes.

We talk about his many professional hats, and why he still works so much as he nears 60. We ask if he’s getting softer in his old age (answer: no) and get his response to Norman Chad thinking he’s dead.

We also talk about the Cheeseboy, and where he sees blogs being, and going. And he responds to my assertion that PTI is a blog, just on TV.

We talk about MNF and how long he’ll stay, and get a little personal toward the end.

Don’t listen for me. Listen because it’s Mr. Tony.

On the DL Podcast - Philadelphia Weekly Takeover Three

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 09:11:52 -0400

Another PW takeover, and in this episode, we talk with David Aldridge of TNT, and formerly of the Philadelphia Inquirer. David has had quite the career, working for the Washington Post and ESPN before his most recent stops, covering everything from the Redskins and Bullets in DC to the big four in Philly to Stanley Cups and World Series to the Barcelona Olympics in '92. And that's not forgetting his fantastic work covering the NBA.

We talk with David about the change in the industry of sportswriting and where both TV and blogs fit in. We also talk at length about sportswriting and race, and I ask how David feels about the popularity of Stephen A. Smith.

We also talk about Kobe, the NBA Finals, and what is a bigger issue for the league, recreational drugs or gambling.

Oh, and since David is a HUGE political nut, we ask who he thinks our next President will be.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 45

Thu, 29 May 2008 07:59:18 -0400

Holy Cross-Promotion Batman! Dan talks with Daniel McQuade, blogger at Philadelphia Will Do, the super blog at Philadelphia Weekly.

Yes, the same Philadelphia Weekly who runs this show twice a month. We talk to DMac about the industry from one of the few full-time career bloggers out there. We talk about his editorial process covering a city by himself, and delve into his other blog life at Drug Roar.

DMac has some interesting thoughts on the legalization of drugs, so we chat about his musings and how that meshes with his job at PW.

We also get into how difficult it is to critique the media while being a member therein and the abundance of sports blogs taking over the town. I also ask who in the city he’d want to have a blog - and get a response I find hilarious.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 44

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:47:09 -0400

A special third show this week, as Darren Daulton - former Phillies All-Star - joins the show.

We talk with Dutch about his memories of the ’93 team that came oh so close (and ask him about rumors he’s writing a book on the season). We also compare that team to the current squad.

We ask Darren about baseball players having a hard adjustment in the ‘real world’ after they leave the game, and if he thinks players today have it harder because their every move is being watched, photographed and reported upon.

We also ask him about the importance of fundamentals in the game and help him plug his camp teaching said fundamentals. And we ask if he thinks catchers are the smartest players on the team.

Oh, and I think he’s going to help me sue my parents.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 43

Thu, 22 May 2008 07:35:03 -0400

Glen Macnow from 610WIP joins the show to talk about his move back to mid-day and thoughts on the tumultuous nature of the sports media industry. Glen is a big proponent of blogs, and quoting and citing the internet, while others (on his station) are not.

We talk about the competition from ESPN950 in Philly and specifically his new “rivalry” with old partner Jody Mac.

We ask Glen about Eagles writer Dave Spadaro’s claim that using anonymous sources is a cop-out, and as an old newspaper writer, Glen doesn’t hold back on his feelings.

We spin that to ask which team in Philly gets their fans the best, and he takes the opportunity to laud on, and vilify another. Guess who....well, or listen and find out.

Finally, we talk about the Santa Claus incident (and how his book chapter on the incident should be required reading for out-of-town media) and what else Glen has coming up, including a new book, and a new TV show.

On the DL Podcast - Philadelphia Weekly Takeover Two

Tue, 20 May 2008 11:21:20 -0400

In this episode, we talk with Rachel Sklar, editor of the Huffington Post's Eat the Press page. We talk about her career, going from high-powered attorney to freelance writer to media editor and TV talking head, and what advice she'd give up and coming writers and reporters.

We talk about where she sees the landscape of the industry going and also chat about her role as a member of the media, covering the media.

We talk about who is more influential in today's political climate, the politicians or the people covering them, and I ask if this campaign season has shown this country to be a more sexist or racist nation.

Oh, and we even manage to sneak in a little American Idol, too.

Go to http://philadelphiaweekly.com for the rest of the interview.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 41

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:49:01 -0400

Norman Chad joins the show to wamboozle us (yep, did it) with his thoughts on the current state of poker, his relationship with the poker brass and his future with ESPN and the WSOP.

We ask Norman about the controversial decision to move the Main Event final table to November (the rest is played in July) and if he thinks the poker boom is over and the game has found its permanent niche.

We then keep him on the line to talk about his widely-read weekly column, his $1.25 payouts and if he thinks the end of newspapers will help his syndication, or hurt it.

Then, in a shock to us, we find out that Norman’s rift with Tony Kornheiser is real. We brought up Tony as the Orange One retired from the Post yesterday, and Norman gives him one hell of a ‘via con Dios.’ Just.....wow, what you think is media schtick...

We also get Norman’s thoughts on Costas Now, and the fallout from Buzz Bissinger (I know, but he was on the show, so it’s pertinent). He has some interesting things to say about the subject, as well as some thoughts on Deadspin and Will Leitch - including the column he wrote about watching 24-hours of ESPN and the Deadspin readers’ responses.

We also get his likes and dislikes in the sports media world and remind people he does have a book out there. Oh, and I think next time he’s in town...we’re going to lunch.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 40

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:00:12 -0400

AJ Daulerio from Deadspin is back on the show for our 40th episode. AJ will be joining us every month to talk about the goings on at Deadspin, the sports world, and to yell at us a little.

In this episode, we tackle the HBO special, and get AJ’s thoughts on how things went down on the show, and how he dealt with the aftermath at the reigns of Deadspin the next day. We also ask him about some of his Deadspin projects since becoming full-time, including his interviews and “The Dark Side of the Locker Room” series.

We also talk about the desecration of the Rocky Statue (and AJ yells at Nick for caring), the perils of Lenny Dykstra and the apathy for the Reid family woes.

We then discuss the Marvin Harrison situation, and debate the merits of being like Harrison or being TO.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 39

Thu, 8 May 2008 07:40:33 -0400

The Big Baseball Show. We’re joined by two of the best in the business: Tom McCarthy and Will Carroll.

McCarthy, play-by-play man for the Phillies, joins us to talk about his fantastic weight loss, his return to the city, and the Phightins season so far. We get Tom’s thoughts on his role as with the team and what the future holds for the broadcast team of the Phils. We also talk about they gray area between being an employee of the team and a member of the media and ask him about the Pat Gillick era, the leadership construct in the clubhouse and if Ryan Howard will ever come back.

Carroll is from Baseball Prospectus, and is one of the smartest baseball guys you’ll ever see, read, on in this case, hear. This guy seriously knows everything. We talk about a typical day as a baseball savant, the fascination in this country with fantasy (sports, not actual fantasy) and his thought on the Phils.

We also talk with Will about the methodology of teams with regard to scouting and if baseball is in danger of becoming football...and if that’s a good thing.

Last, Will gives his candid thoughts on who has a better chance of ever working again - Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens.

On the DL Podcast - Philadelphia Weekly Takeover

Tue, 6 May 2008 11:21:26 -0400

This is the first in what hopes to be a long line of shows that are taken over by the fine people at Philadelphia Weekly. We wanted to give a little teaser of the show here, and hope you go to Philly Weekly’s site (or ours) to link through to the full show.

In the first PW episode, In the first episode for Philadelphia Weekly we talk with gossip king Dan Gross of the Daily News. We chat about the lifestyle of being a gossip columnist and the benefits and challenges of covering celebrities in a town like Philly. We talk about the difference between gossip and news (and if there even is one) and discuss how the industry has changed, specifically with how the internet and new technology has made everything different. Oh, and of course we get to some of his best dirt.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 37

Thu, 1 May 2008 07:57:46 -0400

Simmy Kay, writer and producer for MTV and VH1, joins the DL to talk about his career and life being funny.

You may know Simmy as the cloud in the popular Jimmy Dean breakfast bowl commercials (think cold...and wet).

We not only chat about Simmy’s career, but also get into an interesting conversation about the landscape of comedy on television and how YouTube, Myspace, etc have changed things.

And, because he’s a comedian, he has to have some thoughts on the political race.

We finish with a little Jew-on-Jew talk...bust open the Manischewitz and enjoy.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 36

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:31:33 -0400

Enrico Campitelli Jr. from Philly sports blog The 700 Level joins the show to talk about all things...well, Philly sports.

We chat with Enrico about the success of The 700 Level and his work with AOL Fanhouse. We also talk about the economics of blogging (Enrico is going for him MBA, so he has some expertise in the matter) and discuss the business behind the blogosphere.

We then run the gamut of Philly sports, including the Eagles draft, Sixers and Flyers playoff runs and the up-and-down Phillies.

After the interview, Nick and Dan touch on Roger Clemens being outed as a pedophile and discuss why politicians should NEVER go to church.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 35

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:58:18 -0400

Pat Forde from ESPN joins the show to talk about his Bucket List, the ‘Blog Wars’ and his outing of Bobby Gonzalez.

We also ask Pat about the Derby, and who is more like the devil - Saban or Petrino.

After the interview, Nick and Dan discuss the Flyers win and Classy Caps fans (sarcasm). We also recap the Penn Primary and spin it forward.

Great interview with Pat, if only for the reason that he comes back at Dan a bit, and Dan cowers like a little girl.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 34

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:16:16 -0400

We’re joined by Michael Tunison, better known around the interweb as Christmas Ape at the superblog Kissing Suzy Kolber. Tunison was fired from the Washington Post for taking ownership his off-the-clock musings at KSK, and we get his thoughts on that, his former colleagues at the Post, including Wilbon and Kornheiser and his feelings on the never-ending disconnect between blogs and ‘real’ media.

Nick and Dan also mourn the loss of John Marzano and talk about the propaganda leading up to the Penn Primary. Obama is a MUSLIM...RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!

On the DL Podcast - Episode 33

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:21:33 -0400

Jim Carty of the Ann Arbor News joins the show to talk a little Spring Football. We chat about the lore of Michigan, and get his initial reaction to the Rich Rod era.

We also talk a little hoops, as Nick once worked for John Beilein. We get Jim’s thoughts on the current state of Wolverine basketball, as well as the legacy of Chris Webber.

Oh yeah, Jim rips Ohio State fans, and tears down the hopes and dreams of anyone who has ever chanted “We Are....” You know who you are. Then we talk about the Big Ten’s 12th team, and if it could be Rutgers.

Finally, we ask Jim if he misses New Jersey. We know he does.

On the DL Podcast - Episode 32

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:02:27 -0400

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com joins the show to talk with Dan and Nick about his website, and about the upcoming NFL Draft. PFT is the best football site out there, so we wanted to talk to Mike about how he’s made his site a must visit every day.

We then talk about Carmelo Anthony before recapping the Masters and discuss Bobby Clampett’s apology.

Oh, and check out the new intro!

On the DL Podcast - Episode 31

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:58:04 -0400

Mike Missanelli is back in Philly and joins us on the DL to talk about his return. Yes, Mike is back at 950ESPN and we chat about his return to the Philly airwaves and his plan to get the listening public on his side of the dial.

We also talk about his book on Penn State football, his relationship with Stephen A. Smith, and ask him about the infamous incident that got him let go from WIP. Oh yeah, and I ask if he wished he’d taken that shot at Eskin! Funny stuff.

Oh, and we take it on the field and get his thoughts on the current Philly sports scene.