EPISODE SUMMARY

When ESPN’s Pedro Gomez died of sudden cardiac arrest on Super Sunday, it sent shock waves through the sports world. His close friend, author and journalist Steve Kettmann, was particularly crushed–and he channeled his grief into an ambitious and emotional project. Five months later, Kettmann joins us to discuss ‘Remember Who You Are,’ a book featuring 62 essays about Gomez’s rich and remarkable 58 years on the planet. If you knew Pedro, this book (and episode) will resonate with you deeply; if you didn’t, you’ll get a strong sense of why the esteemed baseball journalist was revered by so many.

EPISODE NOTES

Kettman retraces the emotional whirlwind that began in February, when he learned of his close friend’s sudden passing, and continued as he spearheaded and edited the book that would hit the shelves in July. We hear about Pedro’s cynical conscription of the “Berkeley Guy” into the baseball beat writers’ fraternity, their perspective-altering trip to Cuba that compelled Gomez to pen an open letter to President Clinton and the bold story he wrote about Curt Schilling that rocked the baseball world on the morning of Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. We also hear hilarious and touching stories about Gomez as a sports dad and an infamous college tale involving Steve and fellow Daily Cal alum Mike Fleiss.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In the wake of the Washington Football Team’s announcement that Mike will come aboard as a content contributor and preseason sideline reporter, the WFT’s First Family rolls out the welcome mat–and four proud Cal alums talk Twitter clemency, Ted Lasso, secret flights to the Bahamas on Daniel Snyder’s luxury jet and much, much more. We also discover how Snyder won over Stephanie while wooing Ron as his next head coach and why Daddy’s Little Girls are always clutch, whether they’re carrying a podcast or caring for a cancer-stricken coach.

EPISODE NOTES

After explaining his motivation for bringing Mike on as a Washington Football Team content contributor, Ron heartily endorses the ‘Clean Slate’ plan that will unblock fans of the team on Twitter (at least for now). That leads to a healthy discussion about Ted Lasso, binge-watching and which WFT player has Jamie Tartt tendencies. We learn about the role frozen yogurt played in Ron and Stephanie’s courtship during their UC Berkeley days and how ‘The Play’ wasn’t the only amazing ending Ron experienced as a Golden Bear great. Ron and Steph share the details of their secret trip to the Bahamas that jump-started his move to Washington, and he tells us why he signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to be his quarterback in 2021. Finally, we learn about the importance of family and friends as Ron battled cancer during his first season with the team, and why one ‘leak’ in the organization turned out to be a good one.

EPISODE SUMMARY

The Civil Rights icon and esteemed sports sociologist educates Mike (his former UC Berkeley student) and Natalie on some of the most important issues of our time, including climate change, gun control, women’s rights and the racial divide that spawned the Trump presidency. Beginning with a blistering assessment of the NFL’s reliance on “race norming” in a concussion-lawsuit settlement–and his charged conversations with commissioner Roger Goodell–Dr. Edwards speaks truth to power and reminds us why he has been one of the most significant American activists of the last 60 years. He also talks about being a target–from the moment he began organizing the iconic black-glove salute by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics–and explains why, despite our societal struggles, he’s optimistic about the future.

EPISODE NOTES

After years of concealing evidence about the dangers of head trauma, the NFL settled a class-action lawsuit with former players… and employed “race norming” as a criteria, a practice racist in both its premise and systemic impact. Dr. Edwards, who regards race norming as part of the “medical apartheid” with which Black Americans have long been confronted, explains why its revelation could spark locker-room revolts and why the devil is not in the details, but in the delivery, as the league attempts to rectify it. In tracing his own journey, from an impoverished upbringing in East St. Louis to pronounced academic achievement and high-profile Civil Rights activism, the esteemed sociologist addresses the personal danger he has faced as a high-profile target–and a recent brush with a would-be assassin’s spray of bullets. Edwards also tells us why Donald Trump was a symptom, rather than a root cause, of the racism that fueled his presidency, and how women are imperative in the fight to conquer climate change, gun violence and other societal ills.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Three years into his career at the University of Iowa, George Kittle was a hard-partying screwup who barely played on Saturdays. Then Kittle shifted his approach, turned his career around and went on to become one of the best–and most colorful–football players on earth. In our unguarded and slightly unhinged conversation, the San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro tight end covers his pivotal epiphany and much, much more: From feeling an opponent’s soul leave his body, to his impact on the Panda Express menu, to his youthful social-media rants toward NFL players, to whether his head coach’s dog is named after him. We also talk about the 49ers’ eventful offseason, Jimmy G’s looks, Trey Lance’s arm and his post-draft text to Kyle Shanahan.

EPISODE NOTES

The San Francisco 49ers’ star tight end weighs in on his team’s wild offseason, which he likens to “a tornado after a hurricane after a thunderstorm,” explaining which teammate “sweats olive oil” and assessing the pre-draft trade that landed quarterback Trey Lance. After addressing his Panda Express obsession in very specific fashion, Kittle talks about his prodigious partying days at the University of Iowa and the dramatic behavioral change that saved his football career and catapulted him to the NFL. From that point on the episode turns fast and furious, with topics such as Kittle’s physical dominance of opponents, his love for tight ends (including new Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell), why he can’t wait for fans to flip him off in 2021 and his kinship with Kyle Shanahan’s dog among the auditory offerings.

Episode Summary

In September 1997, a young Sports Illustrated writer got banned from the Oakland Raiders’ training facility by owner Al Davis, then hopped a plane to Kansas City and went on a 72-hour bender with Chiefs star Derrick Thomas. Among Mike’s adventures was attending a memorable (wait for it) house party hosted by the late, great pass rusher the night before he led the Chiefs to a victory over the Raiders, during which they watched Mike Tyson defend his heavyweight title and enjoyed the uproarious commentary provided by another guest: hip-hop star Christopher (Kid) Reid, he of the unmistakable hi-top fade. Part 2 of our expansive conversation covers the early days of Kid N’ Play, their star turn in “House Party” (and the dubious decision that cost them a shot at sitcom success), Kid’s relentless clowning of Martin Lawrence, his defense of close friend Bill Maher after the “Real Time” host dropped an N-bomb and why he thinks Mike and Aaron Rodgers are an iconic NFL duo.

Episode Notes

Kid talks about growing up in The Bronx and Queens worshipping seminal rappers like Melle Mel–and later getting to hang with his idols. After landing the lead role in House Party originally intended for Will Smith (who, thanks to Kid’s regrettable business decision, ended up with a hit sitcom on NBC that vaulted him to superstardom), Kid tormented Martin Lawrence on set and put his writing touches on the 1990 film that became a surprise sensation. We hear about Kid’s friendship with Bill Maher, who he defended (and privately chastized) after the comedian dropped an N-bomb on “Real Time,” and his latest musical effort, a pandemic-inspired collaboration with rapper Bizkit called “Horizon.” Kid also shares his thoughts on the chasm between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers and tells Mike and Natalie about his epic feud with their friend (and Pass It Down intro impresario) Luke Campbell of 2 Live Crew in ‘90s.

Episode Summary

In September 1997, a young Sports Illustrated writer got banned from the Oakland Raiders’ training facility by owner Al Davis, then hopped a plane to Kansas City and went on a 72-hour bender with Chiefs star Derrick Thomas. Among Mike’s adventures was attending a memorable (wait for it) house party hosted by the late, great pass rusher the night before he led the Chiefs to a victory over the Raiders, during which they watched Mike Tyson defend his heavyweight title and enjoyed the uproarious commentary provided by another guest: hip-hop star Christopher (Kid) Reid, he of the iconic and unmistakable hi-top fade. In Part 1 of our expansive conversation, we talk about why Thomas was both the NFL’s pied piper and a very special human, Kid’s unique fashion sense as a young artist (and why he hoped none of his fans would copy it) and his profound belief that friend and fellow rapper Tupac Shakur was invincible.

Episode Notes

Kid describes his early experiences as a celebrity, including the time he was asked to autograph an item that offended him on a deep level. He recalls touring with Digital Underground and then-roadie/all-purpose regulator Tupac Shakur, a future superstar who was shot on the night Kid and Mike met at Derrick Thomas’ house (and died six days later). And there’s a whole lot of reminiscing about what made Thomas special, from the Hall of Fame pass rusher’s legendary social stamina, to his impactful foundation, to his championing of a JFK conspiracy theory that traced back to his boss’s family.

EPISODE SUMMARY

While filming an NFL Network feature on Bills owner Kim Pegula in 2016 (and gathering information for an accompanying NFL.com profile, “The Queen of Buffalo”), Mike got to know her daughter Jessie, who at the time was an injury-plagued tennis player battling to stay on the satellite circuit. She’s now the world’s 33rd-ranked player and is coming off a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open which coincided with the Bills’ first AFC championship game appearance in 26 years. We hear about Jessie’s journey from five-year-old ball-smacker to her recent run of excellence, learn how intimidating it is to face Serena Williams in a final and break down the grunting that occurs on the tour (and in friendly matchups with mom). We also get into star quarterback Josh Allen’s impending contract extension and discover which member of the Pegula family “always believed in” him, even during his early struggles. And everyone makes fun of Mike and his frequent verbal sparring partner in political discussions: Jessie’s father, Terry.

EPISODE NOTES

Fresh off a recent run to the Australian Open quarterfinals, Jessie Pegula details her unlikely rise to the upper echelon of the WTA Tour… and, equally impressive, her history of unwavering support for Bills quarterback Josh Allen, even as her mother grew skeptical during his first two seasons. Jessie also outs Kim as the most competitive person in the family and as a grunter on the hardcourt before getting into meatier matters, such as facing the great Serena Williams in a tournament final… and whether she and her competitors should stage WWE-like feuds to increase interest. Kim, meanwhile, explains why her quarterback will soon receive a lucrative contract extension and lays out her plan to help improve the NFL hiring cycle. Oh, and we hear about the time Kim bravely brought Mike to a meeting with the family members of a Trump Cabinet official.

EPISODE SUMMARY

After an unconventional scouting career during which he camped in a VW Van between college visits–and a Skype interview for the Atlanta Falcons’ vacant general manager job in 2008 that reflected his underdog status–Thomas Dimitroff surprisingly landed the gig and ascended to the upper echelon of his profession. During his 13-season tenure, which ended with his firing last fall, Dimitroff built the Falcons into a consistent winner and took the franchise to the verge of its first championship before an unfathomable Tom Brady comeback spoiled Atlanta’s Super Bowl LI experience. In Part 2 of a wide-ranging conversation with a journalist he knows well (and that journalist’s counterculture-embracing daughter), Dimitroff describes an epic (and possibly wine-fueled) zip-line mishap that took place a few nights before Super Bowl LIII, tells us who the 49ers and Falcons might draft (respectively) with the third and fourth picks of the 2021 draft and reveals which two personnel executives damaged his property on their way out of his driveway.

EPISODE NOTES

A few nights before Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Dimitroff hosted Silver and some of his NFL Network colleagues at his Buckhead home, treated them to some exquisitely selected bottles of expensive red wine and took them outside to try out the zip line he installed in his backyard. Drama ensued, all of which is recounted here. Dimitroff then welcomes a special guest who livened up a previous Pass It Down episode (with Packers coach Matt LaFleur) and solitics her thoughts on zip-line safety that trace back to a high-altitude adventure in a Costa Rican rainforest. Dimitroff ponders which quarterback his former offensive coordinator, current 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, will select with the third overall pick and weighs in on what the Falcons should do with the fourth overall selection. He leaves us with two stories about employees who smashed their cars into brick structures on his property–one of whom put the incident in his rear-view mirror and became the Jacksonville Jaguars’ general manager.

Episode Summary

Shortly before the start of his freshman year at UC Berkeley, Vic Tafur showed up for a meeting hosted by then-Daily Cal sports editor Mike Silver and volunteered to do a wheelchair-tennis story. Thirty-four years and many beers later, Tafur has survived his friendship with Silver to become a highly accomplished journalist, providing cutting-edge coverage of the Las Vegas Raiders and all things NFL for The Athletic. From Jon Gruden’s Plan C to Derek Carr’s future to Nelson Agholor’s late-season tirade, Tafur takes us on an all-access tour of Raider Nation–and cracks us up with soccer-dad stories, Twitter takedowns and an unvarnished explanation of why he can’t cheer the success of Cal’s Pac-12 rivals.

Episode Notes

After explaining why he was drawn to Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye as the subject of a pre-draft profile, Tafur breaks down the logic (or lack thereof) behind the Raiders’ offseason moves and assesses the state of the relationship between head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr. Vic then recalls the fateful Daily Cal sports recruitment meeting where he got his first journalism assignment–and the first of many acerbic comments from his exceptionally loud sports editor. We learn about Mike’s introduction to rap music (and the over-the-top article it provoked), how neither he nor Vic have it in them to enjoy the Pac-12’s recent run of hoops success and why Natalie’s youth soccer experiences make her a kindred spirit. Vic shares the backstory behind his exclusive story on then-Raiders receiver Nelson Agholor’s “You suck” speech to his teammates last December, and the charged phone conversation with Agholor that followed. And if you’re still with us toward the end of the episode, you’ll be treated to Vic’s recounting of his infamous Twitter feud with a veteran NFL writer, complete with the obligatory reference to a popular adult-video internet site.

EPISODE SUMMARY

A few days after being fired as the Cleveland Browns’ head coach in 2018, Hue Jackson posed with Mike Silver and two oversized sangria-filled glasses as a satirical statement on a disastrous professional endeavor. In this wide-ranging conversation about his otherwise impressive coaching career, Jackson talks about why he was destined to fail from the start in Cleveland, why he believes ownership viewed him as disposable and what he hopes to gain by speaking out. We also learn who helped stage the infamous sangria photo (hint: she co-hosts a podcast), how Jackson finally convinced Browns management to draft Myles Garrett and what he thinks of the Bears’ signing of Andy Dalton.

EPISODE NOTES

Beginning with the backstory behind the infamous sangria photo–in the immediate aftermath of his firing by the Browns–Jackson shares a barrage of previously unreported details about his ill-fated stint with the franchise. Following a one-and-done, 8-8 season as the Oakland Raiders’ head coach in 2011, Jackson had worked his way back to prominence as a highly regarded offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, only to accept the Browns’ job under false pretenses. He explains how he tried to fight back against management’s aggressive-tanking plan, took extreme measures to ensure the franchise selected Myles Garrett with the first overall pick of the 2017 draft and received a secret contract extension as an acknowledgment of his raw deal. We also talk agave rashes, Andy Dalton in Chicago, how he almost got the Cal job in 2012 and why he suspects that Baker Mayfield hates him, among other scintillating subjects.

Episode Summary
The UCSB Gauchos are in the NCAA basketball tournament for the first time in a decade, and Natalie’s younger brothers are relishing the ride. Greg, a senior, has been calling games for the campus radio station while Robbie, a freshman, roots on the Big West Conference champs while adjusting to campus life in the time of COVID. And what better sherpa for their journey than UCSB alum Josh Elliott, Mike’s former Sports Illustrated compadre who went on to become a major television personality (Good Morning America, NBC Sports, CBS News)… and who gave the 2014 commencement address at his beloved alma mater. Among the highlights in this rollicking episode: a vicious assessment of the racially insensitive postgame speech made by the head coach of UCSB’s first-round opponent; a story about one of Josh’s college buddies hooking up with a fellow Gaucho who become an A-list actress (it didn’t end well); and how tortilla-tossing became a thing at UCSB sporting events.

Episode Notes
Featured guest Josh Elliott tells Mike, Natalie and her younger brothers–UCSB students Greg and Robbie–how he ended up playing water polo at the school in the ‘90s and why the former Good Morning America personality still feels so connected to his alma mater. With the Gauchos set to take on Creighton in a first-round game on Saturday, Josh recalls the talented UCSB team from his freshman year that defeated future national champion UNLV in the regular season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Greg describes calling the JaQuori McLaughlin buzzer beater in a packed Thunderdome in March of 2020 just before the shelter-in-place order was instituted, and how the pandemic has impacted college life in the year that followed. Josh weighs in on Creighton head coach Doug McDermott’s “plantation speech” and paints a hopeful picture of the Gauchos’ prospects for the first round and beyond. Eyebrow-raising stories featuring UCSB alums and accomplished actors Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, should have Isla Vista popping before tipoff.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In 1968, Michael Zagaris was a young law student and Bobby Kennedy campaign staffer who witnessed the Senator’s assassination. That horrific event set him on a path to personal fulfillment that, after a hashish-fueled conversation with famed rock guitarist Eric Clapton, propelled him into an unforeseen profession: He became one of the great rock n’ roll–and sports–photographers of alltime. In Part 1 of this captivating conversation, the longtime 49ers and A’s photographer retraces the pivotal moments of his journey, from the fateful night of RFK’s murder after winning the California primary to the Northern California Folk Rock Festival at which Doors frontman Jim Morrison drunkenly vomited over his shoulder.

EPISODE NOTES

For a few blissful moments shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, young campaign staffer Michael Zagaris believed Bobby Kennedy would become President. The Senator had just won the California primary, but moments after his victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, he was assassinated–as Zagaris and others looked on in horror. In Part 1 of our wide-ranging look at his legendary career, Zagaris recounts RFK’s shooting and the impact it had on his psyche and aspirations. Ultimately, advice from guitar god Eric Clapton–after the two had shared several bowls of hashish in a Sausalito hotel room–would compel Zagaris to become a photographer, one who would make a massive impact in the rock n’ roll and sports worlds. We learn about his Baptism By Vomit (courtesy of drunken Doors frontman Jim Morrison) and much, much more.

EPISODE SUMMARY

After 11 seasons as an NFL quarterback, Sage soaked up enough football knowledge to justify the name his free-thinking parents (who apparently don’t like being referred to as “hippies”) bequeathed him. We hear about his alternative upbringing in small-town Iowa, his intellectual enlightenment under then-Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and his surreal 2009 season as Brett Favre’s backup in Minnesota–with equal parts insight and humor. He also tells us why he sympathizes with star quarterback Deshaun Watson’s desire to get the hell out of Houston.

EPISODE NOTES

Following a brief comparison of Mike’s and Sage’s inductions into respective Jewish Sports Hall of Fames, the longtime NFL quarterback talks about his unconventional upbringing in rural Iowa, his emergence as an NFL prospect and the PhD course in offense he received from future 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan that changed the course of his career. We also hear about Texans owner Cal McNair’s unlikely hobby, the organization’s current train-wreck status and why Sage believes star quarterback Deshaun Watson has every right to try to bolt. We also hear about the shrewd career advice Sage got from future Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and the meathead culture that still permeates NFL coaching circles.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Back in the ‘90s, after one of the many times that Mike was banned from the Raiders’ locker room by legendary owner Al Davis, Amy–the NFL’s first woman CEO–had to cut a $10,000 check to the league to pay off the fine. Their remarkably chummy professional relationship survived that and many other adventures, including the 2002 Sports Illustrated profile that spawned her iconic nickname. In the second part of this fast-paced and provocative conversation, Amy talks about her obsession with ice cream, her business partnership with Ice Cube, the time one of her Raiders employees publicly called Mike a “smoke pot smokin’ buddy” of another sports journalist–and the far more intelligent query about marijuana that Natalie asked and Amy answered during a pre-Super Bowl 50 panel.

EPISODE NOTES

Mike and Amy have had their battles, one of which occurred in the aftermath of a surreal press conference that featured one of her Raiders employees railing at another sports journalist and his “smoke pot smokin’ buddy Mike Silver” (who at the time was not present and was not, in fact, his buddy). We segue from that story to another Marijuana Moment–this time, in the form of a question that Natalie, then a Cal student, posed to Amy, a panelist at a packed party hosted by Mike before Super Bowl 50. We hear about Amy’s friendship with Ice Cube, her partner in ‘The Big3’ (a basketball league featuring retired stars), and her affinity for ice cream, emailing instead of texting and being disturbingly polite and civil on Twitter. (Don’t worry–she still goes ham in real life.) We also get Amy’s side of her infamous press-box shushing of sports columnist Ann Killion during the national anthem, as detailed in Ep. 28.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Since becoming a Power Trio 10 years ago in the leadup to Super Bowl XLV, Charissa (now a FOX host), Jeff (an ESPN reporter) and Mike have been inseparable–and insufferable–at big events across the country. Deprived of the chance to co-host their annual Super Bowl party, these three amigos do the next-best thing, treating Natalie, and all of you, to a slice of their twisted, semi-synchronized sensibilities, in all their revved-up splendor. Yes, it’s a lot. Just trust us.

EPISODE NOTES

In the same manner in which they offended guests at the Indianapolis J.W. Marriott nine Super Bowl Saturdays ago (as detailed in the story that kicks off this episode), FOX’s Charissa, ESPN’s Jeff and NFL Network’s Mike air some of their dirty laundry–quite literally, in one of their cases. With Natalie sucked into the jetstream (not literally), they detail their various feuds, explain how much ended up in the concussion protocol before Super Bowl XLV and talk about the origin of the iconic Super Bowl party they co-host annually, pandemic-impacted-years excepted. They also speak of pink pussy hats and bone-colored pants. You heard me.

During his highly productive NFL career, which included five NFC championship game appearances for the Philadelphia Eagles and a memorable Super Bowl XXXIX duel with Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb had a knack for blocking out the noise. From being booed on draft day to getting stigmatized by Rush Limbaugh to being one of the league’s first prominent black quarterbacks, McNabb never had it easy–but he maintained a healthy perspective and did a whole lot of smiling. In this spirited conversation with a journalist who witnessed a lot of it (and his impressionable daughter), McNabb reflects on his journey and looks ahead to Super Bowl LV, as his former coach, Andy Reid, tries to win a second consecutive Lombardi Trophy. McNabb also voices strong opinions about Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Chiefs offensive coordinator (and head coaching candidate) Eric Bieniemy and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Episode Notes
McNabb explains why the winning quarterback from Sunday’s NFC championship game, Tom Brady, can be considered the greatest of alltime–and why he believes the losing QB, Aaron Rodgers, has not earned that same consideration. In previewing Super Bowl LV, McNabb highlights a pair of former players and accomplished offensive coordinators, Eric Bieniemy and Byron Leftwich, that he thinks are being overlooked for head-coaching opportunities. We hear about the playoff game Mike spent in the McNabb Family luxury suite–which featured Donovan’s miraculous fourth-and-26 completion to Freddie Mitchell–and why he received a better greeting from Mr. McNabb than Jay-Z did. We also hear about Donovan’s tense interactions with future 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan on the practice field and why he felt fellow Washington assistants (and future head coaches) Matt LaFleur and Sean McVay needed to break away from Shanahan to realize their potential.

Back in the ‘90s, after one of the many times that Mike was banned from the Raiders’ locker room by legendary owner Al Davis, Amy–the NFL’s first woman CEO–had to cut a $10,000 check to the league to pay off the fine. Their remarkably chummy professional relationship survived that and many other adventures, including the 2002 Sports Illustrated profile that spawned her iconic nickname. In Part 1 of our wide-ranging conversation, Amy explains to Natalie why Al despised her dad (it’s a compliment… really!), reflects on the late legend’s penchant for second chances and push for social justice and reveals why the Raiders resonated with her as a kid.

Episode Notes
Why did Mike get banned (repeatedly) by the Raiders–and why does Amy view it as a sign of Al’s respect? What did Amy scream at the NFL’s supervisor of officials during the infamous “Tuck Rule” replay review in the 2001 playoffs? What did Amy’s sixth grade teacher tell her mother about her intellect, or lack thereof? Did Mike or Amy terrorize Paul Revere Jr. High teachers more? Will any of these three Cal alums live long enough to see the Golden Bears play in the Rose Bowl? Why did the Raiders perpetually “abstain” in league votes, and how did Amy get Al to change the policy? Which Raiders victory brought Amy AND Mike to tears? We have answers. You won’t be disappointed.

Episode Summary

Two highly intelligent football analysts–whose physical appearances happen to inspire Barbie comparisons and foot-fetish propositions–take turns dropping NFL-related knowledge and detailing their journeys to high-profile TV gigs. From Cynthia’s days as a data nerd to Taylor’s experience as a crime victim while reporting a story on crime-ridden neighborhoods, these highly accomplished journalists have defied stereotypes every step of the way.

Episode Notes

In the process of becoming high-profile NFL Network personalities, Cynthia Frelund and Taylor Bisciotti have been objectified and stigmatized–and offered money for photos of their feet. Yet the close friends and accomplished journalists are football nerds at heart, and in this spirited and expansive conversation, they break down some of the NFL’s most compelling topics. From Lamar Jackson’s breakthrough to Sam Darnold’s future to their picks for Super Bowl LV, Frelund and Bisciotti talk ball and showcase their collectively prodigious brainpower.

CONTRIBUTORS
Taylor Bisciotti
Mike Silver
Natalie Silver
Cynthia Frelund

EPISODE SUMMARY

As he prepares for the two-episode finale of what he calls The Most Challenging Season Ever(!), Bachelor/Bachelorette creator Mike Fleiss assesses the “miracle” of the franchise’s enduring popularity, host Chris Harrison’s future and the moment he realized that the televised search for “true love” was a viable concept. We also hear about Fleiss’ other Hollywood ventures–including the ill-fated screenplay he and Mike wrote in their early 20s–and why an early Bachelorette taping at a Chargers game landed Silver on Drew Brees’ bad side.

EPISODE NOTES

From their days as college journalists who spent much of their time at Grateful Dead concerts to their shared social media battles against MAGA nation, the two Mikes have had each other’s backs… while busting each other’s balls. Now Natalie joins the fray, immediately provoking a story about the letter Karen Pence sent to Fleiss’ office… and the dream Bachelorette Fleiss is targeting for 2023. We hear about a Bachelorette Season 1 taping at a Chargers game that provoked a hilarious reaction from Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson–and a salty one from star quarterback Drew Brees. There are tales of Fleiss’ tawdry leather jacket, the time he and Silver consumed undercooked chicken, a hives outbreak, a real-life Owen Wilson wedding crash and how Fleiss’ college band ended up playing at a porno premiere. Fleiss also discusses the Bachelor’s inception, the “miracle” of the franchise’s enduring popularity, why he was misunderstood by former cast member Kaitlyn Bristowe and host Chris Harrison’s future.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Fleiss
Mike Silver
Natalie Silver

The Pass It Down guest list has been star-studded and the content sublime–and now, 30 episodes into its existence, it’s obviously time for a retrospective. Mike and Natalie talk about their process and share some revelations while showcasing excerpts from interviews with Steve and Maddy Kerr, Packers coach Matt LaFleur, hip-hop legend Luke Campbell, Brandi and Chad Chastain, coaching legend Barry Switzer, Saints star Cam Jordan and his father (former Vikings star Steve), Donte Stallworth, two doctors (Greg Huhn and Ajay Nirula) at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

EPISODE NOTES

Mike and Natalie talk about why they chose the fantastic guests they did and highlight some of their favorite moments of the past seven months’ worth of episodes. We revisit Steve Kerr’s savage sigh at his daughter’s college volleyball game and the absurd chant Mike led at Dodger Stadium during the 1982 L.A. City baseball championship. We hear New Orleans Saints star Cam Jordan talk about why raising a black child is America carries daunting overtones and get some insight from rap legend Luther Campbell (aka Uncle Luke) into his late friend Tupac Shakur’s psyche as it pertained to social activism. Two doctors at the forefront of the COVID-19 fight, Greg Huhn and Ajay Nirula, tell us why Dr. Fauci is a legend, and Brandi Chastain takes some current women’s soccer stars to task. Former NFL receiver turned political commentator Donté Stallworth tells a Bill Belichick story with an unexpected twist. Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur gets grilled by an unlikely interviewer, former Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer looks back on a drunken argument with Jerry Jones, and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tells Mike why he shouldn’t worry that rock icon Stephen Stills hates him.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS
Steve Jordan
Dr. Ajay Nirula
Dr. Greg Huhn
Brandi Chastain
Chad Chastain
Mike Silver
Luke Campbell
Barry Switzer
Natalie Silver
Leslie Silver
Steve Silver
Donte Stallworth
Cam Jordan
Steve Kerr
Maddy Kerr

Before becoming one of America’s most acclaimed sports columnists, Ann Killion launched her career as Mike Silver’s partner in crime on one of the industry’s sexiest beats: The Joe Montana/Steve Young-era San Francisco 49ers. We cover so much ground in this spirited conversation, from Eddie DeBartolo’s death stare to Al Davis’ (and Amy Trask’s) national-anthem-induced tantrum to a naked Hall of Famer’s harassment of Ann to Mike’s unlikely locker-room rant in the wake of the (alleged) O.J. murder. Ann also shares her thoughts on covering several generations’ worth of women’s soccer legends, why sports creep her out in the time of COVID-19 and the glaring flaw that torments her in the wake of The Undoing finale.

EPISODE NOTES

Three decades ago, Mike and Ann were young beat writers covering the star-studded San Francisco 49ers–and Natalie wants to know where all the bodies (and bottles) are buried. Now an award-winning columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, Ann spills a lot of intel, relating the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry–including one especially daunting incident in the 49ers’ locker room–and looking back at some of the luminaries (Al Davis, Amy Trask, Eddie DeBartolo) whose feathers she ruffled along the way. We also explore the impact of the 1999 and 2019 Women’s World Cups, hear about some awkward conversations that Mike and Ann had with Steve Young back in the day and rail against the loose ends remaining after the finale of The Undoing.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS
Ann Killion
Mike Silver
Natalie Silver

In 1982, Stanford band trombonist Gary Tyrrell became part of football history when Cal’s Kevin Moen toppled him at the end of a five-lateral kickoff return that became known as The Play. Later in life, he would suffer the misfortune of befriending–and sharing postgame beers with–a certain obnoxious Cal fan who attended the ‘82 Big Game, and who now co-hosts a podcast with his Cal-alum daughter. As all parties concerned prepare for the 123rd meeting between the arch-rivals, they revisit college football’s most famous finish (and other Big Game memories), the legendary Stanford band exploits that occurred before, during and after Gary’s era and some of the face-melting Grateful Dead shows Mike and Gary attended in one another’s backyards. Oh, and Gary has to answer for his infamously flaccid fan base.

EPISODE NOTES

As the trombonist who got run over by Cal’s Kevin Moen at the end of The Play–the epic, five-lateral kickoff return that decided the 1982 Big Game–Gary Tyrrell has spent decades recalling his place in football history. He does that here, expansively and hilariously, and so much more. From Stanford band transgressions to over-the-top pranks to killer Grateful Dead shows to an unmatched case of the Sunday Scaries, Gary hits all the right notes.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Silver
Natalie Silver
Gary Tyrrell

Since christening their relationship by doing numerous rounds of Amaretto shots in Gus Frerotte’s basement near the nation’s capital–an interaction later immortalized in Mike’s 1997 Sports Illustrated profile of the then-’Skins quarterback–these two football lifers and unabashed liberals have maintained an unbreakable bond while clowning all those who take themselves too seriously. With help from Gus’s wickedly funny wife, Annie, and their savvy son Gunnar, the 15-year NFL gunslinger engages Mike and Natalie in a laugh-filled conversation recorded on the glorious morning after Joe Biden was officially named the President-Elect of the United States.

Episode Notes
During his 15-year career as an NFL quarterback, Gus Frerotte loved to let it fly–especially in the presence of a certain sports journalist who shared his left-wing political sensibilities and disdain for self-important coaches and players. In a celebratory conversation taped on the morning after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 Presidential Election, Gus, his wife Annie and their son Gunnar join Mike and Natalie in recalling some of the most farcical moments of Donald Trump’s reign of error–and a whole lot of laugh-provoking moments that went down in one another’s presence. From the infamous Amaretto Incident that called Gus’s manhood into question, to the starvation diet he and Annie imposed on Gunnar’s younger brother before the Pop Warner season, to Natalie’s assault on a rival field hockey goalie’s heavily padded private parts, this joyride down memory lane is sweeter than almond-flavored liqueur.

CONTRIBUTORS
Ann Frerotte
Mike Silver
Gunnar Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Natalie Silver

On the brink of a vitally important election amid what he regards as a “national emergency,” the Rolling Stone senior writer who specializes in national affairs and culture walks us through the trashing of our democracy, the false flag of patriotism and the surreal and stressful experience of being called out as an Enemy of the People in his hometown.

Episode Notes
As America confronts a crisis in democracy he likens to a “five-alarm fire,” Smith–an Emmy-winning producer (The Rachel Maddow Show, NFL Films) who now specializes in national affairs and culture for Rolling Stone–tells us what’s on the line in this election, and why it’s only the beginning of the healing process. From profiling Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris to grilling Ice Cube about sitting down with the Trump campaign to craft the “Platinum Plan,” Smith has been at the forefront of the current election cycle and covers a lot of ground. He weighs in Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation, Jared Kushner’s absurd denigration of Black Americans and Baker Mayfield’s breakout performance for his beloved Cleveland Browns.

CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Silver
Jamil Smith
Natalie Silver

Since becoming the Packers’ head coach, Matt LaFleur has won 18 of 22 games. He faces his most formidable opponent yet on the Pass It Down podcast, as Natalie and a special guest grill him on the controversial drafting of Aaron Rodgers’ successor, the ‘Audible Thing’ and his habit of covering his mouth with his play-sheet–even while wearing a mask. The audio’s not optimal, but the content is exceptional.

EPISODE NOTES

Matt LaFleur coaches the league’s highest-scoring team, and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer in Aaron Rodgers… but even in a surreal season taking place in empty stadiums, he can’t escape the noise. As an inexplicable clicking sound rages in the background, LaFleur calmly answers tough questions from various Silvers about the drafting of quarterback Jordan Love in the first round and the Pack’s perceived lack of offensive weapons, how he and Rodgers resolved the ‘Audible Thing’ and the hurtful prank he endured at the hands of former Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley. We also hear about LaFleur’s lakeside wrestling match with his younger brother and coaching rival and the time Mike celebrated a dramatic Warriors NBA Finals win by guzzling Spotted Cow Ales at his Titletown residence.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Silver
Natalie Silver

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Join Mike and Natalie as they do some MORE real-time regulating on Mike’s infamous Twitter feed, complete with cinematic blocks, mercy-laden mutes and a full philosophical breakdown of what gets you permanently purged

EPISODE NOTES

Many of Mike’s Twitter followers regard Blocktober as the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Sadly, as we saw in Part 1 of our Blocktober Special (Ep. 20), there will be a tragic trail of former followers by month’s end–as a steady procession of racists, bigots, blatantly disrespectful Twitta Gangstas and journalistic-integrity doubters get dispossessed of their posting privileges. With help from Natalie, Mike makes some of those tough (OK, not so tough) calls while giving listeners a window into his social media sensibilities.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS
A Bunch Of Hateful and Spelling-Challenged Jerkoffs on Twitter
Mike Silver
Natalie Silver

Cal football had big plans for 2020–until the COVID-19 virus hit. Since then director of football administration Andrew McGraw has navigated a campus shutdown, a team-wide push for racial justice and a Pac-12 player revolt emanating from Berkeley. Oh, and he contracted the virus. He’s still standing–and Pac-12 football is coming back. McGraw walks us through the madness with a smile on his face.

EPISODE NOTES

In the wake of the Pac-12’s announcement that it will play football in 2020 after all, Cal director of football administration Andrew McGraw walks us through a wild seven months that included a campus shutdown and a conference-wide player revolt that began in Berkeley. He also shares his own experience as a COVID-19 survivor and addresses the challenges of trying to maintain the safety of student athletes while staging games amid a global pandemic. Oh, and we swap stories involving former Cal greats (Aaron Rodgers, Jared Goff, Evan Weaver, Ashtyn Davis), Mike’s infamous speech to the team and Natalie’s illustrious stint as a recruiting assistant.

SHOW CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Silver
Andrew McGraw
Natalie Silver

For the first time, former NFL standout turned political analyst Donté Stallworth shares the terrifying, blow-by-blow details of his hot-air balloon mishap of 2013, during which he endured electrocution, catching fire and medical malpractice–and somehow lived to tell about it.

EPISODE NOTES

In 2013, Donté Stallworth was preparing for his 11th NFL season when he took his then-girlfriend on a hot air balloon ride. When it hit a power line, they were electrocuted, engulfed in flames and told to brace for a crash landing. Then things got even crazier. For the first time, Stallworth shares the whole horrifying story. We also learn about Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s unexpected act of kindness and the clutch intervention of current Houston Texans VP of Communication Amy Palcic.

The Aftermath returns for another season on NFL Network, beginning Monday, Sept. 14–and the show with the iconic #nopromo hashtag gets a little love on the podcast co-hosted by one of its cast members. Aftermath QB Rhett Lewis, O.G. Steve Wyche and personnel guru Daniel Jeremiah join Mike and Natalie to marvel at the show’s lopsided ratings-to-respect ratio, its legendary superfan and why one member of the Fab Four won’t put the pedal to the metal in North Dakota. We also get the backstory behind the notorious Hue Jackson sangria photo.

Episode Notes
The dissection of the greatest show on sports television begins with a history lesson showcasing former cast member Nate Burleson and the ‘Toe Drag Swag’ that launched him to stardom and degenerates into a debate over whether Steve Wyche, Rhett Lewis or Daniel Jeremiah had the more distinguished college football career. We learn why Wyche CAN (and will) drive 55 in Fargo–and discover what he and former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar have in common. Other highlights include a ranking of the Aftermath cast members’ looks, Natalie’s recollection of staging the infamous Hue Jackson sangria photo and a breakdown of the glorious Al Michaels/Aftermath love affair.

After more than a decade as an NFL standout, Donté Stallworth crafted a second career as a political analyst and a strategic consultant on counterterrorism issues. As the professional sports world reaches an inflection point in the fight against racial injustice and police brutality, Stallworth weighs in on the magnitude of the moment, provides incisive historical perspective and addresses what must happen to help America make real the promises of democracy.

Episode Notes
Beginning with a story about an ill-timed bathroom visit before running the 40-yard-dash for NFL scouts, and concluding with a 40th birthday fantasy that includes serenading his White House neighbors with a bullhorn, Stallworth entertains and enlightens while digging into the most significant issues of our time. Well versed in the history of protests for racial justice, within the sports world and beyond, Stallworth talks about being tear-gassed outside the White House, the parallels between 1960s activism and the current movement and the reason so many Americans have reached a boiling point. He also discusses the dismay he felt toward former teammates Tom Brady and Drew Brees–and Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Krafts–after they endorsed some political stances he finds offensive.

In the wake of All-Pro tight end George Kittle’s record-setting contract with the San Francisco 49ers, agent Jack Bechta–the man who negotiated the five-year, $75-million pact–explains in precise detail how the deal went down. From wandering into a woman’s airport restroom to sharing seaside margaritas with Niners GM John Lynch to celebrating with Panda Express takeout, Bechta takes us on a humorous and illuminating journey that resulted in a special deal for a uniquely wired player.

Episode Notes

After harkening back to Mike and Jack’s Delirious Adventure at the Indianapolis Airport–and revealing that Natalie’s favorite football player as a kid was former Eagles and Packers cornerback Al (31 The Dirty One) Harris, Bechta’s client–we lock in on the long process that led to Kittle’s record-setting deal. There were plenty of perilous moments, from an early setback Bechta dubs ‘The Valentine’s Day Massacre’ to his testy text exchange with 49ers general manager and legendary hitter John Lynch. Kittle nearly boiled over in late July, prompting the agent to call a “timeout.” By episode’s end, it’s clear why Kittle eventually got what was most important to him–but Natalie is mystified by the tight end’s choice of celebratory cuisine.

Surprise guest Steve Silver (father of Mike, grandfather of Natalie) joins the fray as more epic stories are recalled, including the surreal dinner in San Antonio that featured Switzer angrily spewing expletives at Jerry Jones–only to tearfully profess his love for the Cowboys owner–while Mike succumbed to the effects of high-end California Cabernet. Switzer also discusses growing up as the son of a bootlegger, dressing up in drag with Jimmy Johnson and playing a classic prank on Joe Paterno while sunbathing in the Caribbean.

Episode Notes

Barry, Mike and surprise guest Steve Silver take turns recounting an emotionally charged, wine-fueled dinner at a San Antonio steakhouse with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his son, Stephen–and the gang is off and running once more. From the Tupac Shakur pregame speech that might have been, to the progressive Halloween party featuring future Super Bowl-winning coaches dressed in drag, to the time Barry sent a drug dealer to hook up one of his iconic coaching counterparts, this fast-moving trip down memory lane does not disappoint.

Two people who revere Chris Cornell (both with the last name Silver) pick the brain of the man who authored the late Soundgarden and Audioslave singer’s hot-off-the-presses biography, exploring stories and backstory and everything in between. In fulfilling the promise he made to himself as a teenager to rock to the bitter end, Cornell endured turmoil and tragedy–and left behind an incredible legacy. Reiff, a former Army Sgt. who served in Iraq, fills us in on some of the juiciest details while putting up with interludes about Mike’s travails as Dennis Rodman’s co-author and Natalie’s pregame hype music as a youth soccer standout.

The eloquent and talented tight end discusses his challenging 2019 season, which culminated with a much dissected game-winning touchdown catch to bounce the New Orleans Saints from the playoffs, and the tumultuous offseason that followed. After addressing the challenges of playing in a pandemic and expressing his belief that, in the wake of George Floyd’s death, his franchise can serve as a model for bridging racial divides, Rudolph gets down to what’s truly important: Helping Natalie uncover the identity of Lizzo’s “new man on the Minnesota Vikings.”

Episode Notes
Kyle talks about the impending start of training camp and the issues posed by the pandemic, acknowledging that if a player were to behave recklessly and spread the virus among teammates, it would cause a major problem in the locker room. He breaks down the financial staredown he had with the Vikings before the 2019 season and the accompanying trade rumors–leading to an amusing assessment of teammate Adam Thielen’s sideline confrontation with Bill Belichick. After Natalie’s R-rated story about her brusque introduction to former Washington tight end Chris Cooley, Kyle breaks down his favorite players at the position, many of whom seem to have a screw loose. He then revisits his epic catch against the Saints last January and the fear that it would be overturned via replay review–and the ensuing imbroglio over the gloves he wore in that playoff victory, and how they ended up on eBay. After a very serious discussion about George Floyd’s death and how it galvanized his community and team, Kyle addresses his lack of productivity in 2019 and talks about how he channeled his frustration into something positive. Finally, after a conversational detour that pinpoints the NFL’s doppelganger for beloved ‘Bad Santa’ character Thurman Merman, Kyle spends several minutes attempting to answer the most important question of all: Which of his current or former teammates was Lizzo singing about?

The USA soccer legend and her bodacious and hilarious younger brother discuss the state of the beautiful game while reliving some shared history with the hosts, leaving a trail of Grand Theft Avocado, car collisions and celebrity-photo-wall crashing in their wake. When all is said and done, it’s firmly established that Brandi’s mentorship made Natalie a more assertive and arrogant youth soccer player, and that Chad’s influence on Mike (or is it the other way around?) has not always been wholesome in nature.

Episode Notes
After a protracted discussion of California-grown produce, including young Mike’s avocado-stealing delinquency, Brandi talks about falling in love with soccer during an era when girls rarely played–and chasing Chad around Spartan Stadium during San Jose Earthquakes games, even as he made his way to the opposing team’s bench. Brandi addresses the importance of being driven by passion, rather than specific goals, in her athletic upbringing, and Mike segues from a discussion about juggling to a story about Natalie’s early driving atrocities. There are tales of Chad’s epic behavior during Big Game weekends past, including his taunting of Stanford-graduate Julie Foudy (while impersonating a Scottish football announcer) after a Cal victory, and of an infamous celebrity photo swap at Gibson’s steakhouse in Chicago. Oh, and Mike shares his Super Bowl XLV concussion story, ending with a classic line from Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.

Our wide-ranging conversation with the 2 Live Crew impresario, hip-hop legend and notorious college-sports sugar daddy continues, beginning with a scathing assessment of the 45th President–and a recollection of the time Uncle Luke brought Eddie Murphy and Mike Tyson to a Donald Trump-hosted party at Mar A Lago. Campbell also expresses his disdain for fellow rapper Kanye West, muses about the way old friend Tupac Shakur would be navigating the current push for racial justice and calls on California Senator Kamala Harris and former First Lady Michelle Obama to help heal the nation.

Two doctors on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 detail the current state of the global pandemic, from cutting-edge treatment trials to the next frontier of testing to the relentless march toward a vaccine. Dr. Gregory Huhn, a Chicago-based infectious disease specialist, and Dr. Ajay Nirula, Eli Lilly’s VP of Immunology, also provide their assessment of what’s realistic for the NFL and other sports leagues in the coming months, and how the ongoing protests against racial injustice and police brutality might impact efforts to contain the virus. Additionally, the doctors give their take on what college life will look like in the 2020-21 school year–and share some Cal-centric stories with the elder Silver, with whom they attended UC Berkeley in the ‘80s.

With a combined 11 Pro Bowls and a shared history of provocative off-the-field leadership, former Vikings TE Steve and current Saints DE Cam Jordan have established an impressive NFL legacy. As the fight against systemic racism sweeps the nation, and the world, in the wake of George Floyd’s brutal killing, the Jordans weigh in on some of the most charged and momentous topics of our time. From Cam’s revelation that “if the season started today, we’d all be on a knee” to a heartfelt discussion about the hard conversations African-American parents must have with their children, the Jordans keep it real and provide unique perspective on the struggle for social justice.

Two high school classmates and writing partners take their feisty Cal-grad daughters on a rollicking trip down memory lane, while getting roasted along the way. From drinking all night with Dennis Rodman before Chicago Bulls games in the ‘90s to behaving badly at their daughters’ athletic competitions, Steve and Mike own their excesses. Meanwhile, Maddy and Natalie hold their own by telling harrowing tales involving popcorn-throwing Cavs fans and an acclaimed comedian’s indestructible sunglasses– and learning about the time they teamed up in college to make Rodman cry.