Episodes

  • Fantasy Football 2025: Draft Strategy, Flores v The NFL, the Rooney Rule and More | Running It Back

    Fantasy Football 2025: Draft Strategy, Flores v The NFL, the Rooney Rule and More | Running It Back
    Aug 28 2025
    Get ready, fantasy football fans, because we're officially running it back! After a well-deserved summer hiatus, your favorite sports podcasters are back and ready to kick off the NFL season in style. This episode has everything you love: a healthy dose of signature banter, some wild personal updates, and a deep dive into the world of fantasy football—from its surprising origins to the drama of your home league. Don't miss a single second as we tackle the big topics: The Origins of Fantasy: We're talking 1960s, a league with a mouthful of a name (The Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League), and the very first player ever drafted in fantasy history. Tarlin, with his deep Gemini research, connects the past to the present with players who play both sides of the ball. The Modern-Day Fantasy Grind: The guys break down their own league obsessions, from old-school in-person drafts with stickers to the new "Guillotine League". We also get a look into Mike's "Palmertron 5,000" and the eternal debate of bros versus cos. Running Backs and the Art of General Management: Is the running back dead? The guys debate strategy, assess player health, and reveal their own plans for the upcoming drafts. Tarlin even has a new rule he's trying to pass to "make tight ends great again". The Flores Lawsuit and the Rooney Rule: We shift gears to a serious but crucial conversation about the NFL's ongoing legal battles. The guys discuss the Brian Flores lawsuit, the fact that he's still a defensive coordinator while suing the league's owners, and what it all says about the Rooney Rule and the future of minority coaches. Whether you're a seasoned veteran with a "war room" and multiple leagues or a rookie looking to get a leg up, this episode is a must-listen. So grab your draft magazines, open up your pre-draft spreadsheets, and get ready because you know we're Running It Back. 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 01:07 Baseball Talk and Team Loyalty 02:05 College Preparations and Nostalgia 04:25 Transition to NFL and Fantasy Football 06:00 Deep Dive into Fantasy Football 07:42 Fantasy Football Strategies and History 09:34 Fantasy Football Leagues and Rules 11:28 Fantasy Football Drafts and Management 19:47 Bros Over Cos: Fantasy Football Draft Strategies 20:17 The Value of Running Backs in Modern Fantasy Football 22:08 Quarterback Draft Picks: Who to Watch 23:27 Wide Receivers: Top Picks and Strategies 25:13 The Impact of the Rooney Rule and Minority Coaches 26:56 Brian Flores' Legal Battle Against the NFL 30:21 The Future of Minority Coaches in the NFL 37:43 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Topics
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    39 mins
  • Thibs' Firing, Hali v SGA NBA Finals, Plus "Big Shot Rob" and the History of Clutch

    Thibs' Firing, Hali v SGA NBA Finals, Plus "Big Shot Rob" and the History of Clutch
    Jun 11 2025
    Get ready for an unfiltered and energetic breakdown of the NBA playoffs as we, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray from Running It Back, dive headfirst into the latest on the hardwood! We kick things off by dissecting the Knicks' recent playoff run, asking the tough questions about what went wrong and what's next for Mike's beloved and Tarlin's bandwagon team. Tarlin connects Coach Thibs' firing to a fascinating historical trend—it seems winning Coach of the Year can be a bit of a curse. Meanwhile, Mike remains optimistic that this shake-up opens up exciting new possibilities for the Knicks in the trade and free agent markets. Then, we shift gears to marvel at the Indiana Pacers' surprising success. We're talking about Tyrese Haliburton's incredible clutch shooting and Rick Carlisle's brilliant coaching. While we might not label Haliburton a "superstar," you'll hear why Mike concedes he is an elite point guard who consistently delivers in the clutch. Tarlin even drops some compelling stats, drawing comparisons between Haliburton and Chris Paul. Of course, we can't ignore the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC). We delve into their suffocating defensive intensity, and I'm even bold enough to make a finals prediction you won't want to miss! We're exploring the evolving landscape of basketball, celebrating deep teams that bring high intensity for all 48 minutes, rather than relying on just one "alpha" superstar. And Tarlin makes a powerful point: it's about the quality of basketball, not just who's the "face of the NBA." So, join us for all this and more—we promise a fun, insightful, and passionately debated journey through the world of NBA.
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    29 mins
  • Knicks Pacers Rivalry | Reggie v Patrick, Hali v Brunson and More | Running It Back

    Knicks Pacers Rivalry | Reggie v Patrick, Hali v Brunson and More | Running It Back
    May 21 2025
    Tarlin and Mike are back to chop it up about the Knicks Pacers rivalry through the years heading into the big series starting this week. Tarlin asks in on the Knicks bandwagon. Mike extols Brunson's leadership, doesn't fear Haliburton, the Pacers, Pat McAfee, or even Hans Perez, the firefighter who wore a Haliburton jersey to the midtown New York celebration outside MSG on Friday night. Mike and Gilbert Arenas are saying Knicks in 5. Tarlin is on Knicks in 6--It sounds good, doesn't it? Where do you stand? Which half of Knicks Nation do you belong to? Or are you riding or dying with the House of Haliburton? Listen in and learn. Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Video episodes up on Youtube and Spotify.
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    26 mins
  • Allen Iverson's "Practice?!?!" Turns 23 | Plus Pop Promoted to El Jefe, House of Haliburton and More

    Allen Iverson's "Practice?!?!" Turns 23 | Plus Pop Promoted to El Jefe, House of Haliburton and More
    May 7 2025
    In this engaging episode, Running It Back takes you on a journey from the iconic to the immediate. We start by commemorating the anniversary of Allen Iverson's "Practice" press conference – a moment that gave us one of the most quotable moments in NBA history. Then, we shift gears to the present, analyzing the ongoing NBA playoffs, the buzz around Tyrese Haliburton, and the contrasting leadership styles of coaches Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich. It's a study in contrasts – from a legendary player's raw emotion to the strategic minds shaping the game today.
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    16 mins
  • House of Giannis vs House of Haliburton | NBA Family Beef Edition

    House of Giannis vs House of Haliburton | NBA Family Beef Edition
    Apr 30 2025
    Get ready for a high-energy episode of Running It Back! Mike and Tarlin deliver instant analysis of the latest NBA drama: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyrese Haliburton. We dissect the controversial end-of-game moments, the heated aftermath, and the unexpected involvement of family members. Is Halliburton soft or clutch? Is Giannis a philosopher or just tired of the drama? We’re also talking overrated players and the rise of the crazed sports parent. It's a jam-packed episode with all the hot takes you crave! Tarlin challenges Mike's assessment of Halliburton, offering a compelling defense of the young star while Mike doubles down on his "soft" critique. We explore the complexities of Halliburton's game, his interactions with other players (including Dame Lillard!), and the surprising revelation that he was voted one of the league's most overrated players. Beyond the player face-off, we delve into the escalating trend of overzealous parents in youth and professional sports. The guys discuss the John Halliburton incident, comparing it to other examples of parental interference and debating the impact on the players and the game itself. It's a conversation that goes beyond the headlines to examine the changing culture of sports.
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    19 mins
  • Unpacking Shedeur's Slide: Lessons Learned from the 2025 NFL Draft

    Unpacking Shedeur's Slide: Lessons Learned from the 2025 NFL Draft
    Apr 29 2025
    Alright, football fans, buckle up for a raw, unfiltered episode of Running It Back! We're diving deep into the shocking NFL draft slide of Shedeur Sanders. Was it his interview style, his play, or the shadow of his outspoken father, Deion, that caused him to drop to the fifth round? Tarlin and Mike dissect the stats, the interviews, and the generational clash that might have contributed to this head-scratching draft day fall. We’re not holding back – from hard truths about draft interviews to the influence of superstar dads like Deion Sanders and LeBron James. Plus, we sprinkle in some NBA flavor with a shoutout to Anthony Edwards' rise and the Knicks' playoff run, and of course, Tarlin’s recognizing that Mike's beloved Mets are still holding strong. Don't miss this rollercoaster of an episode! Subscribe to Running It Back for your regular dose of unfiltered sports analysis, hot takes, and the occasional off-topic tangent. You won't want to miss what we drop next!
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    27 mins
  • Why Nico Harrison Needs to Stop Talking | NBA Playoffs, and the NFL Draft

    Why Nico Harrison Needs to Stop Talking | NBA Playoffs, and the NFL Draft
    Apr 24 2025
    Alright, sports fans, buckle up for a high-energy episode of "Running it Back"! The crew is back, and they're diving headfirst into the NBA playoffs, where the stakes are high, and the drama is hotter than a five-alarm fire! The guys kick things off with a little smack talk. Tarlin Ray is feeling the heat in a step challenge, while Mike Palmer is dodging those "microaggressions"! But don't worry, they quickly pivot to the hardwood! Nico Harrison is in the spotlight, stirring up buzz with his "defense wins championships" mantra. Is it just coach speak, or is there a deeper message? The crew breaks down the stats, debates Luka Doncic's defensive game (or lack thereof), and even throws in some LeBron comparisons for good measure! They dissect the "eye test" versus the stat sheet, pondering whether Luka's offensive brilliance outweighs his defensive deficiencies. And can we read between the lines of Nico Harrison’s press conferences? Like what you're hearing, subscribe, spread the word, and let us know what you think.
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    33 mins
  • Jimmy Buckets to the Warriors | Unlocking Untapped Upside

    Jimmy Buckets to the Warriors | Unlocking Untapped Upside
    Mar 17 2025
    The trade winds are blowing, and we're breaking down the BIGGEST move since De'Aaron Fox! That's right, folks, Jimmy "Buckets" Butler is heading to the Golden State Warriors, and your favorite hoops heads, Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer, are here to give you the insider's perspective. Tarlin was ON this trade from day one, calling it a total UNLOCK for the Warriors. Was he right? Mike, as always, brings the fire with his signature wit and wild takes (and you KNOW he’s gonna drop some knowledge bombs on you). In this can't-miss episode, we dive deep into: The Jimmy Butler Effect: What does Jimmy bring to the Warriors? Is he the missing piece for another championship run, or will his mercurial nature cause chaos in the Bay? Draymond's Reaction: Did Draymond Green REALLY say the Warriors are guaranteed a championship now? We break down Draymond’s antics and what this trade means for him. The Warriors' Window: With Steph Curry getting older, is this the Warriors' last chance? We discuss if this move puts them ahead of the OKC Thunder and the Lakers in the Western Conference. Team Chemistry: How will Jimmy fit alongside Steph, Draymond, and the young Warriors? We talk coaching genius with Steve Kerr and compare his style to Phil Jackson’s. Plus, Tarlin schools Mike on what "mercurial" really means (it involves mercury...obviously). Luka Doncic vs. Jimmy Butler: Is there a comparison between these two? We discuss the difference in their leadership and impact, and Tarlin explains why the Luka hate has got to stop. Tarlin and Mike bring their unique blend of expertise and humor to this essential basketball conversation. If you love NBA analysis with a twist, you NEED to subscribe to "Running It Back" for more hot takes, insightful commentary, and debates that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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    14 mins