Episode Highlights:

• 0:00 – Intro: See Red Fred Provides his thoughts on the Bulls' first 4 preseason games.

• 5:25 – The Bulls’ Best-Case Scenario: How good could the Bulls be in the weak East?

• 13:17 – Would you Trade Matas for Giannis?

• 18:00 Can Coby Be that Guy?

• 22:00 Is Your Fifth Starter? With the core four looking sharp, Fred and Joe debate who deserves that final starting spot — balancing chemistry, defense, and long-term development.

Expect candid insights, laughter, and a dose of classic Big Red Bus optimism (and realism) as Fred and Joe navigate what could be a pivotal year for Bulls basketball.

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🚌 The Big Red Bus – Episode 221: Interview with Bruce Bernstein

Hello again, everybody — welcome aboard another exciting edition of The Big Red Bus!

In Episode 221, See Red Fred sits down with one of the most respected voices in basketball media — Bruce Bernstein. A longtime NBA media executive, producer, and podcast host, Bruce spent over 30 years at ESPN, where he was an Emmy Award–winning producer behind iconic shows like NBA Today, NBA Coast to Coast, and NBA Tonight.

Since leaving ESPN in 2017, Bruce has become a driving force in independent basketball media. As Chief Content Officer at Pure Hoops Media, he co-created and produced over 1,000 podcasts, helping shape the modern landscape of hoops storytelling. Today, he’s the producer and co-host of the “48 Minutes” Podcast on the BLEAV Network, continuing his mission to elevate thoughtful basketball conversation.

In this in-depth interview, Fred and Bruce discuss:

🎬 Bruce's Career: You’ve had a legendary career in NBA media — from ESPN to 48 Minutes and Pure Hoops. When you look back, what’s the most memorable NBA storyline or player interview you’ve ever been part of producing? 1:30

🏀 Growing up as a fan, what teams did you support when you were younger? How did that early fandom shape your perspective as a producer and commentator later in your career? 8:00

🌎 ESPN Voices: You’ve worked closely with so many former players and coaches. Which voices do you think fans underestimate, and which ones surprised you the most once you got to know them behind the scenes? 9:30

From your time producing shows like NBA Tonight at ESPN, what’s the biggest change you’ve seen in how the NBA is covered — and how fans consume that coverage? 13:30

Globalization of the Game: The NBA is now such a global game. As someone who has seen that transformation firsthand, what’s the biggest benefit — and maybe the biggest challenge — that globalization brings to the league? 19:11

🔴 Bulls Talk: Bruce’s outside perspective on the Chicago Bulls, reflections on the 90s dynasty, and whether today’s front office has what it takes to rise again. 20:00

It’s a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at the NBA through the eyes of one of its most accomplished storytellers.

Plus, coming soon:

• A brand-new interview with Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times (dropping late Saturday or Sunday).

• And early next week, Fred and Doug Thonus return to the Bus to break down the Bulls’ preseason with a very special guest.

🎧 Hop aboard and enjoy this ride with the great Bruce Bernstein — only on The Big Red Bus.

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🔥 Episode Breakdown

1:00 – CHGO Bulls Rocks: Preseason insights and standout performances

5:00 – Taking Charge: See Red Fred & the Podfather disagree on the art of taking charges.

9:00 – Paint Protection: Zach Collins & his Role

15:00 – Vooch: What is the future for our starting C

25:00 – The Press Conference Highlights: Fred and Doug field questions on P-Will, Coby, and the Bulls’ identity

30:00 – Patrick Williams Talk

36:00 – Who Should Start at the 3?: A spirited debate over lineup balance, shooting, and defensive assignment

Follow @SeeRedFred and @Doug_Thonus on X (Twitter)

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