• Behind the Plate with Joe West: Umpiring Insights Ep. #188
    Oct 8 2025

    The Future of Umpiring: Technology and TraditionSummary

    In this engaging conversation, Joe West, a legendary baseball umpire, shares his experiences and insights on the role of umpires in baseball, the impact of technology, and the future of the game. The discussion covers various topics, including the introduction of automatic umpires, memorable moments in umpiring history, and the relationship between players and umpires. The conversation also touches on the growing concern of gambling in sports and the recent Ryder Cup controversy, providing a comprehensive look at the current state of baseball and its evolving dynamics.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Banter
    02:05 Joe West's Golfing Experience and Humor
    04:57 The Role of Umpires and Automatic Strike Zones
    07:57 Debate on Umpire Accuracy and Technology
    10:59 Playoff Rules and Historical Context
    13:44 Reflections on Umpiring and Career Highlights
    28:09 Humorous Anecdotes in Sports
    29:17 The Impact of Shohei Ohtani
    33:59 World Series Predictions and Team Dynamics
    35:44 The Gambling Culture in Sports
    46:26 Joe West's Career Highlights and Memorable Moments
    51:17 Baseball Insights: Pitching and Strategy
    54:08 The Evolution of the DH Rule
    57:52 Umpiring Techniques and Observations
    01:00:31 Cheating in Baseball: Scuffing and Strategy
    01:04:17 The Value of Game Balls and Fan Engagement
    01:08:26 Golf and Sportsmanship: Reflections on the Ryder Cup

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Djordje Mihailovic – 2024 US Olympic Team Soccer Star. Has made 11 appearances for US National Nat’l Team. Dynamic starting CMF for Toronto FC. Ep# 187
    Sep 10 2025

    Djordje Mihailovic: (pron- Georgie) – 2024 US Olympic Team Soccer Star. Has made 11 appearances for US National Nat’l Team. Dynamic starting CMF for Toronto FC.Summary

    This conversation features a blend of light-hearted banter and deep insights into the world of soccer, particularly focusing on Georgie Mihailovic's journey as a professional athlete. The discussion touches on personal stories, the importance of mentorship, and the emotional weight of representing one's country in sports. The hosts share anecdotes, technical aspects of soccer, and the challenges faced by athletes, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate with both sports enthusiasts and casual listeners. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the journey of a professional soccer player, exploring themes of transition, personal growth, and the physical and mental demands of the sport. They discuss the cultural differences in soccer between the U.S. and other countries, the future of American soccer, and the importance of resilience and competitive spirit in achieving success. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes and reflections on the challenges faced by players both on and off the field.

    Chapters

    00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions
    00:25 Anticipation for Georgie Mihailovic's Appearance
    07:47 Introduction of Georgie
    09:01 Understanding Designated Players in MLS
    10:32 Georgie's Upbringing and Family Influence
    16:02 Overcoming Injuries and Finding Confidence
    22:01 Learning from Legends: Bastian Schweinsteiger
    27:55 Olympic Dreams and National Pride
    31:56 The Pressure of Scoring in High-Stakes Situations
    37:32 Intuitive Play and Transitioning Teams
    38:28 Life in Toronto: A New Chapter
    39:58 Preparing for the Off-Season
    42:54 The Physical Toll of Soccer
    44:48 The Journey of a Player: From Academy to Pro
    49:21 Mental Resilience in Competitive Sports
    55:22 Cultural Differences in Soccer Development
    58:21 The Impact of Organized Play on Talent
    01:02:30 The Competitive Spirit: Beyond the Field
    01:07:13 Future Plans and Personal Connections
    01:07:45 Reflections on Life and Aging
    01:08:55 Humor and Life Lessons
    01:11:51 Networking and Opportunities
    01:13:18 Creative Fundraising Ideas
    01:14:14 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • LAURA ROCKWOOD: Retired Gen. Counsel for Vienna’s International Atomic Energy Agency. Expert on Iranian nuclear capabilities.
    Jul 2 2025

    LAURA ROCKWOOD: Retired Gen. Counsel for Vienna’s International Atomic Energy Agency. Expert on Iranian nuclear capabilities.Summary

    In this conversation, Laura Rockwood, a former senior legal advisor at the IAEA, shares her extensive experience in nuclear nonproliferation, particularly in relation to Iran and Iraq. The discussion covers the complexities of negotiating in the Middle East, the challenges of verifying nuclear capabilities, and the impact of false intelligence on the Iraq War. Rockwood emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in addressing nuclear threats and the need for a collective approach to global stability. The conversation also touches on the moral implications of military actions against nuclear facilities and the role of leadership in shaping public sentiment and international relations.

    Takeaways

    Laura Rockwood has over 40 years of experience in nuclear nonproliferation.
    Negotiating in the Middle East can be challenging, but gender does not hinder respect.
    The IAEA's role is to verify, not prevent, nuclear weapons development.
    False intelligence significantly impacted the justification for the Iraq War.
    Iran's nuclear program is complex and requires careful monitoring.
    Diplomacy is essential for resolving nuclear tensions and conflicts.
    Military actions against nuclear facilities raise moral and legal questions.
    The Non-Proliferation Treaty aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
    Public sentiment can be influenced by leadership decisions and actions.
    Addressing root causes of instability is crucial for global peace.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setup
    01:06 The Aftermath of the Iraq War and Intelligence Failures
    02:29 Navigating Nuclear Inspections in Iraq
    04:56 The IAEA's Role and False Intelligence
    06:28 Technical Challenges and Communication Issues
    06:46 Revisiting Iraq: Inspections and Cooperation
    08:29 The U.S. Justification for War
    10:29 The Impact of Forgeries on Intelligence
    12:06 Understanding Enrichment and Transportation
    12:41 Historical Context of Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
    14:29 The Role of the JCPOA in Iran's Nuclear Strategy
    16:39 Diplomatic Solutions and Future Negotiations
    18:24 The Morality of Military Action
    20:33 The Global Nuclear Landscape
    22:20 The Influence of Domestic Politics on Foreign Policy
    24:20 The Threat of Non-State Actors
    26:31 The Future of Nuclear Proliferation
    28:22 The Role of the NPT and Global Governance
    30:23 The Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy on Global Stability
    32:38 The Complexity of International Relations
    34:28 The Role of Leadership in Nuclear Decisions
    36:18 The Importance of Diplomacy
    38:28 The Human Cost of War
    40:24 The Technical Aspects of Nuclear Weapons
    42:25 The Future of U.S.-Iran Relations
    44:22 The Role of Public Perception in Policy
    46:19 The Intersection of Politics and Nuclear Strategy
    48:11 The Human Element in Nuclear Proliferation
    50:16 The Legacy of Nuclear Weapons
    52:29 The Future of Global Security
    54:11 The Path Forward for Nuclear Non-Proliferation

    Sound Bites

    "I have never felt disrespected by..."
    "We reported that to the Security Council..."
    "Iraq never reached that stage."


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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Behind the Plate with Joe West - Ep. #185
    Jun 18 2025

    Summary

    In this engaging conversation, Joe West, a retired MLB umpire, shares his experiences and insights on various topics, including the impact of media on public perception, the complexities of immigration policies, and the integrity of sports. The discussion also touches on personal anecdotes from military service, the role of law enforcement, and reflections on leadership and governance. Joe's unique perspective as a public figure provides a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary issues. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into various topics ranging from the intersection of business and crime, particularly in the context of sports and gambling, to the ongoing mystery surrounding Jimmy Hoffa. They discuss the evolution of umpiring in Major League Baseball, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals on college sports, and the future of minor league baseball. Personal anecdotes and humorous exchanges add a light-hearted touch to the serious discussions, making for an entertaining and insightful dialogue.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Light Banter
    00:24 Military Stories and Personal Experiences
    03:09 Immigration and the American Dream
    06:12 Media Narratives and Public Perception
    09:15 Political Commentary and Current Events
    12:18 The Role of Law Enforcement and Community Safety
    15:04 Reflections on Citizenship and Military Service
    18:13 Sports, Fame, and Legacy
    21:07 Humor and Personal Anecdotes
    26:47 Ego and Leadership: The Case of Trump
    28:10 Political Genius or Tragic Flaw?
    29:41 The Role of Media in Politics
    32:56 The American Dream: From Poverty to Wealth
    38:22 COVID-19 and Political Accountability
    41:23 The Military Industrial Complex and Regime Change
    42:14 Reflections on Umpiring and Labor Relations
    52:41 The Faceless Umpire: Joe West's Legacy
    54:29 Record-Breaking Performances and College Sports
    56:36 The Changing Landscape of College Athletics
    59:06 NIL Deals and Player Rights
    01:02:52 The Future of Minor League Baseball
    01:05:30 Travel Tales and Personal Stories
    01:14:45 The Journey of Joe West: From Umpire to Musician
    01:14:46 Behind the Plate: Umpiring in Major League Baseball

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Robbie Siegelman - Legendary Horse Trainer, Owner Siegelman Stables,
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • ARTIS GILMORE BB Hall of Famer talks the NBA Playoffs and reminisces on his love affair w/ basketball. Ep. #183
    May 21 2025



    In this engaging conversation, Artis Gilmore shares his experiences as a Hall of Fame basketball player and his recent golfing achievements. The discussion transitions from his golfing exploits, including a memorable hole in one, to reflections on the evolution of basketball, the physicality of the game, and the impact of his college team at Jacksonville University during the 1969-1970 season. Gilmore also shares anecdotes about playing against legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain, highlighting the camaraderie and challenges faced during his career. In this engaging conversation, basketball legends Artis Gilmore, Frank Pace, and Derrec Harris delve into the rich history of basketball, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the evolution of the game. They discuss the impact of marketing on player recognition, the significance of documentaries like 'Jacksonville Who', and the challenges faced by players during the civil rights movement. The discussion also touches on the physical demands of the sport, the differences between the ABA and NBA, and the experiences of playing alongside icons like Michael Jordan.



    00:00 The Arrival of Artis Gilmore
    00:58 Artis Gilmore's Golfing Adventures
    02:00 Epic Matchups: Kareem and Moses
    33:34 The Miracle Year of Jacksonville University
    43:46 The Evolution of Endorsements in Basketball
    44:31 Honoring Legends: The Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor
    46:29 Playing with Greatness: Memories of Michael Jordan
    48:43 The Physical Toll of Aging in Sports
    50:21 Larry Bird: The Trash Talker
    51:53 Comparing Greatness: Bird vs. Jordan
    53:18 Contemplating a Political Future
    53:53 The Impact of the Three-Point Revolution
    55:51 The Dominance of the 1975 ABA Championship Team
    58:04 Era vs. Era: Comparing Generations of Players
    59:37 The Changing Nature of Fouls and Playoff Intensity
    01:00:08 Enjoying the Game: NBA vs. College Basketball
    01:01:20 Navigating Racial Tensions in Sports
    01:04:08 Personal Experiences with Racism
    01:10:23 The Physicality of Being a Tall Player
    01:13:33 The Evolution of Player Equipment and Care
    01:16:05 End Clip.mp4

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • John Filo, Pulitzer Prize Winning Photographer (Kent St. Photo)
    May 7 2025

    John Filo’s iconic picture of 14-year-old Mary Ann Vecchio screaming while kneeling over the dead body of 20-year-old Jeffrey Miller, one of the four victims of the Kent State shootings in 1970, won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1971.

    The shooting by members of the Ohio National Guard occurred at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio on May 4, 1970. The massacre, which resulted in the deaths of four students and wounding of nine others, changed John’s life, and ours, forever.


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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • MELISSA RAUCH: Star of TV’s Night Court, Co-Star of The Big Bang Theory. Ep. #157
    Apr 23 2025

    MELISSA RAUCH: Star of TV’s Night Court, Co-Star of The Big Bang Theory.

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    1 hr and 15 mins