The Beat LA Podcast

Bay Area Sports Roundtable: Giants, Warriors, 49ers & The New Media Game with Dylan Is A Dragon

Matt and Paul are back with another chaotic Bay Area therapy session, this time joined by one of the fastest-rising Bay Area sports creators on the internet, Dylan Is A Dragon. Before getting to Dylan, the guys catch up on Matt’s bizarre email invite to try out for a professional Greek basketball team, Paul attending what felt like a real-life Succession wedding in Boston, the death of Spirit Airlines, Timothée Chalamet choosing the Knicks over the Met Gala, and a few other signs society may be collapsing in real time. (9:38) Then Matt and Paul sit down with Dylan Is A Dragon for a full Bay Area sports summit. The guys talk about how Dylan built one of the biggest Bay Area sports communities online from scratch through cinematic Giants, Warriors, and 49ers content, what it takes to grow a sports media brand in the algorithm era, and the weird reality of becoming internet-famous talking about teams that actively destroy your emotional health. From there, they dive headfirst into the Giants. Is this team cooked? Is Bryce Eldridge the savior? Should the Giants tear it down and rebuild? Dylan defends Rafael Devers, pitches the path to a Wild Card run, and explains why he still somehow has hope. (41:36) The conversation then shifts to the Warriors and 49ers. Is there one last Steph Curry title run left? Should the Warriors go full Expendables mode and reunite the old core? Could Giannis, LeBron, or even Kawhi somehow end up in Golden State? The guys also break down the 49ers draft, Brock Purdy expectations, Joey Bosa possibilities, why Rams fans are soft for complaining about Australia games, and Mount Rushmores of Bay Area sports heartbreak and glory. It’s a hilarious, passionate, and very online Bay Area sports conversation with one of the new voices of Bay Area fandom. (1:05:51)) Later, Matt and Paul close things out with pet peeves and pet pleasures, including why the NFL Draft belongs at Radio City Music Hall, Andre Agassi unexpectedly promoting the podcast, and Best Things They Saw featuring Beef Season 2 and Your Friends & Neighbors. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeatLA_Podcast] Instagram: @beatlapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beatlapodcast/] TikTok: @beat.la.podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@beat.la.podcast]  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com [beatlapodcast@gmail.com] Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci [https://www.instagram.com/matt_ferrucci/] Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj [https://www.instagram.com/llruehlj/] Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/ [https://www.beatlapodcast.com/]

Justin Gimelstob Unfiltered: Talking Tennis, Second Acts and the Agassi Story

Matt and Paul are back with another great interview, this time with former ATP Pro and one of the most connected insiders in tennis today, Justin Gimelstob. From winning mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open and French Open with Venus Williams, to playing Davis Cup and now working across the business and storytelling side of the sport alongside Andre Agassi, Justin has seen tennis from every angle.  The guys kick things off with their signature “big serve” question, if your life depended on one ace, who’s hitting it? Justin breaks down the difference between “serve bots” and true clutch servers, why John Isner gets the nod, and what really separates power from precision under pressure. They also touch on his playing days, what it was like competing in front of Johnny Carson and why some players thrive in the chaos of Davis Cup while others never quite find that gear. From there, the conversation shifts into Justin’s long-standing relationship with Andre Agassi, from being a teenage practice partner, to facing him on tour, to now working together on the business and creative side of the sport. Justin shares how that friendship evolved, what they connected on post-career, and why Agassi’s story, told in his bestselling memoir Open, remains one of the most compelling and cinematic in all of sports. The guys dive into the ongoing efforts to adapt Open into a film, the upcoming Andre Agassi documentary on Apple TV and Rally, a scripted tennis drama in development at Amazon. They explore the themes at the core of Agassi’s story, identity vs image, control, reinvention, and why that journey feels more relevant now than ever in the social media era. The conversation also takes a broader look at why tennis still hasn’t produced its definitive movie. What films like Challengers, King Richard get right, where they fall short and what it would take to finally crack the code. Justin offers his take on the current state of the game, including who could break through to win a Grand Slam outside of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. It’s a candid, thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation with one of the sport’s most insightful voices, covering tennis, storytelling, business and everything in between. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeatLA_Podcast] Instagram: @beatlapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beatlapodcast/] TikTok: @beat.la.podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@beat.la.podcast]  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com [beatlapodcast@gmail.com] Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci [https://www.instagram.com/matt_ferrucci/] Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj [https://www.instagram.com/llruehlj/] Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/ [https://www.beatlapodcast.com/]

Warriors Fallout, Giants Heating Up, 49ers Draft Reload and a Broadway Detour?

Matt and Paul are back, checking in after time on opposite coasts. Matt returns from New York, Paul from San Francisco, both coming off directing work they mostly can’t talk about. The guys open with a left turn you didn’t see coming, diving into Broadway with Matt’s review of Dog Day Afternoon starring John Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, plus a quick hit on Death of a Salesman. Not exactly the usual Beat LA beat, but a damn good time. (10:17) Then it’s back to what we do best. The Warriors rollercoaster. From the unbelievable play-in win over the Los Angeles Clippers, a moment that already feels like one of 2026’s best to the reality of the season ending and what comes next. Is Steve Kerr still the guy? Who replaces him if not? What’s the plan around Steph Curry, Draymond Green and a roster full of questions? Big swings like Giannis Antetokounmpo or go after veteran plays like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Also, is the NBA Lottery fixed? Matt and Paul hope so. (18:20) The guys shift to the San Francisco Giants, where something… might be happening. Energy is up, the team isn’t boring, and there are legit questions. Is this real or fool’s gold? Names like Drew Gilbert, Heliot Ramos and Bryce Eldridge come up as the future starts to peek through. Plus, Matt declares his appreciation for the chaos of umpire C.B. Bucknor. (32:30) Then it’s draft time for the San Francisco 49ers. With the NFL Draft this week Matt and Paul break down needs, options, trade scenarios and what the front office might actually do. Omar Cooper, Cassius Howell or move back and stack picks? The guys also build out a Mount Rushmore of all-time draft busts, featuring names like JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf. (39:20) Then Pet Peeves and and Best Things They Saw, where they hit Love Story, wrapping up the JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette series, the Martin Scorsese doc on Apple TV, and whatever chaos is happening with Zendaya in her new film The Drama and Euphoria Season 3. Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. ✌️🎧 📺 🎙️ Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeatLA_Podcast] Instagram: @beatlapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beatlapodcast/] TikTok: @beat.la.podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@beat.la.podcast]  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com [beatlapodcast@gmail.com] Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci [https://www.instagram.com/matt_ferrucci/] Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj [https://www.instagram.com/llruehlj/] Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/ [https://www.beatlapodcast.com/]

The Voice of Champions: Legendary Broadcaster Ted Robinson on the 49ers, Giants and Wimbledon

Fresh off a trip to Tennis Paradise, Matt and Paul return from the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Springs. Matt was busy scouting talent, keeping a close eye on Emma Raducanu and Anastasia Potapova, while Paul focused on the real talent, catching Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper and Frances Tiafoe. The guys check in, trade stories from the desert and pay a quick tribute to Chuck Norris before getting into it. (8:28) Then Matt and Paul sit down with broadcasting legend Ted Robinson for a wide-ranging conversation across one of the most versatile careers in sports media. From the voice of the San Francisco Giants, 49ers and Warriors to calling Wimbledon, the Olympics and the NCAA Tournament, Ted has truly done it all. The guys start with his iconic call of “The Catch III”, Alex Smith to Vernon Davis in the 2012 49ers vs. Saints playoff classic. What it was like inside Candlestick Park that day, plus behind-the-scenes stories from Jim Harbaugh’s team. Ted walks us through his journey from Notre Dame to calling minor league hockey in Oklahoma, to landing his first big break with the Oakland A’s after cold-calling owner Charlie Finley. He shares his “welcome to the big leagues” moment, including a wild story involving Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio. From there, he takes us through stops with the Warriors in the early ’80s, the Mets, the Twins, along with his time calling Giants baseball in the ’90s, offering stories on personalities like Rod Beck, Willie McGee, Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent and what he learned from managers like Dusty Baker, Tom Kelly and Tony La Russa. The conversation also dives into his long-running partnership with John McEnroe at Wimbledon, what it’s like sharing the booth with one of tennis’s most iconic figures, and who might emerge as the next contender to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Ted also shares the story behind his unexpected cameo in the Rob Reiner film A Few Good Men with Tom Cruise, making for one of the more surreal moments of his career. It’s a masterclass in broadcasting, storytelling and the moments behind the calls. (1:09:19) Later, Matt and Paul close things out with a mix of pet peeves and pet pleasures, including a heated debate on if Chipotle and In-and-Out are overrated, a Mount Rushmore of the greatest sports calls of all time from Vin Scully’s Buckner call to Al Michaels’ 1980 Olympics call. In Best Things They Saw, they review Project Hail Mary and Down DTF St. Louis. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeatLA_Podcast] Instagram: @beatlapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beatlapodcast/] TikTok: @beat.la.podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@beat.la.podcast]  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com [beatlapodcast@gmail.com] Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci [https://www.instagram.com/matt_ferrucci/] Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj [https://www.instagram.com/llruehlj/] Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/ [https://www.beatlapodcast.com/]

The Man Linking Hollywood, Tennis and San Francisco: Film Producer Todd Traina

Fresh off a trip to Deer Valley, Utah, Paul joins Matt to check in on Giants spring training, the NFL Combine and what the 49ers might do in free agency. The guys also break down the Warriors post–Jonathan Kuminga trade vibes and try to make sense of Kristaps Porzingis latest health saga. (15:48) Then Matt and Paul sit down with film producer, tennis aficionado and SFFILM board president Todd Traina for a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of tennis and movies. They start with a high-stakes debate: if your life depended on one player in his prime, are you taking Nadal, Djokovic or someone else? That leads to a Mount Rushmore of tennis villains and why tennis has never produced a sports movie on the level of Rocky. The guys also get into Roger Federer’s Uniqlo deal, the criteria for getting into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and which players still deserve a spot. They preview the BNP Paribas Open and debate whether an American man will win a major or if the sport still belongs to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Todd also weighs in on what he’d change if he were tennis commissioner. (42:45) Todd discusses SFFILM and the San Francisco International Film Festival, the longest-running film festival in the Americas, whether festivals still matter in the streaming era, why this year’s lineup may be the strongest yet. Also the new San Francisco tax incentives he helped usher in with Mayor Daniel Lurie to bring production back to one of the most cinematic cities in the world.  (1:07:30) Later, in Best Things They Saw, the guys discuss the FX hit Love Story, the enduring fascination with JFK Jr., the new Sam Rockwell film Good Night, Good Luck, Don’t Die and Industry on HBO. They wrap things up by welcoming Beat LA’s new producer and editor Tanner Hall, who may already fit in with the show a little too well. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Hosts: Matt Ferrucci & Paul Ruehl Follow, Subscribe & Watch the Show on: Watch Episodes on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeatLA_Podcast] Instagram: @beatlapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/beatlapodcast/] TikTok: @beat.la.podcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@beat.la.podcast]  Email the show at: beatlapodcast@gmail.com [beatlapodcast@gmail.com] Follow Matt Ferrucci on Instagram: @matt_ferrucci [https://www.instagram.com/matt_ferrucci/] Follow Paul Ruehl on Instagram: @llruehlj [https://www.instagram.com/llruehlj/] Website: https://www.beatlapodcast.com/ [https://www.beatlapodcast.com/]