Lefty Specialists

A "Friday Night Lights" Mega-Trilogy! Part Three: The TV Show

In the grand finale of the Friday Night Lights trilogy, the Lefty Specialists turn their attention to the TV show. John and James discuss their feelings about how the series eclipsed the film and the book, despite existing on the perpetual verge of cancellation. How much does the fictional Dillon resemble the real Odessa? Is the Taylor family too good to be true? And what was really so bad about Voodoo Tatum? Thanks for listening the pod! If you like it, consider sharing: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit undrafted.substack.com [https://undrafted.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A "Friday Night Lights" Mega-Trilogy! Part Two: The Movie

The Lefty Specialists are back with Part Two of their Friday Night Lights deep dive. Today we’re talking about the movie, which might be the most underrated piece of the oeuvre, while also beginning the neoliberal turn of the story. How did changes made to the story for the movie alter the message of Friday Night Lights? Is Coach Gaines a great movie coach? And, most importantly, is the Boobie Miles scene the saddest scene of all time? Thanks for reading Undrafted! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit undrafted.substack.com [https://undrafted.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A "Friday Night Lights" Mega-Trilogy! Part One: The Book

The Lefty Specialists are finally back, with the beginning of a deep dive into the Friday Night Lights extended universe. In the first part of a three-part series, John and James look at Buzz Bissinger’s book, and explore some of the themes that would eventually get forgotten as the story went from the page to the big screen to the small screen — specifically racism, Reaganomics, and class conflict. What is the real message of the Friday Night Lights story? And how is it really remembered in 2025? Listen, laugh, learn, love, and if you like: Share it with a friend! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit undrafted.substack.com [https://undrafted.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

It's the 5th Annual Lefty Specialists March Madness Preview!

It’s that time of year! Specifically: March. So the Lefty Specialists return with a socialist breakdown of the NCAA Tournament bracket. In today’s super-sized pod episode, John and James discuss such questions as: Has a new era of inequality come to college basketball? Does the SEC deserve all this success? And why does everyone love Todd Golden? Listen, laugh, learn, love, subscribe… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit undrafted.substack.com [https://undrafted.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 51: Hakeem, Giannis, and the Global NBA (ft. Mirin Fader)

In today’s episode of the Lefty Specialists, John is joined by sportswriter and author Mirin Fader, whose latest book is Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon. Before that, she wrote the New York Times bestseller Giannis: The Improbably Rise of an NBA MVP. In our conversation, we talk about how racism and anti-immigrant sentiment affected both players, what to make of the mythical origin stories surrounding both international players, and whether Giannis will stay in Milwaukee. It’s a fun conversation, and you should check out both of the books! Thanks for reading Undrafted! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit undrafted.substack.com [https://undrafted.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]