Episode 52 - Josh Whitman

Episode 52 - Josh Whitman

Scott and Robert welcome Josh Whitman back to the podcast. In the first 30 minutes, they discuss their impressions of Whitman's media roundtable earlier in the day. And then they welcome the Illini AD into the studio to discuss all things Illini.

Episode 51 - Summer Happenings

Scott and Robert get caught up on everything that's been happening so far this summer: football recruiting, coaches being hired, the QB Club golf tournament, and the Brendan Sorsby drama (and how it relates to former Illini QB Dave Wilson). Plus new producer Kendall joins us for the first time.

Episode 50 - Bob Asmussen

Never shy with his genuine opinion, Bob Asmussen as been covering Illinois sports since 1989 for the News-Gazette. He visits with Scott and Robert to discuss the beginning of his sports writing career, his Atlanta Braves and Hank Aaron fandom, whether he roots for the Illini, his relationship with coaches, how life changed after a heart attack and strokes, planting seeds for Robert's career, and how sports reporting has changed. Finally, he shares his outlook for this year's football season.

Episode 49 - Chicago's an Illini Town + Year in Review

Scott was on the ground for Illini Night at the Cubs game and came back feeling something different about Illinois' connection in the city. He and Robert dig into Bret Bielema's comments there and whether this new energy for Illini athletics in Chicago is real. They also ponder whether men's basketball could enter the season as the preseason No. 1, react to the hiring of Jenna Hall as the new softball coach, and close out the year with their top five Illini stories and award predictions. 00:00 Intro 03:52 Illini vibes in Chicago 23:20 Joe Barna and Matthew Bailey's circus 29:38 B1G vs. SEC 42:49 Grandkid artwork 45:36 Will Illini men's basketball be ranked No. 1? 51:48 Hall Call for softball 57:31 The Top Five Stories of the Year 1:11:50 Award Predictions

Episode 48 - Pat Embleton + Mailbag Part 2

What's it like to be charged with assembling the roster for Illinois football? And in a profession with high turnover, how does someone stay one place for 14 seasons and work for four different head coaches? Illinois football general manger Pat Embleton shares with Scott and Robert his life, career and current job -- one that didn't even exist just a few years ago. Then, Scott and Robert answer more mailbag questions. 00:00 Intro 02:11 What exactly does Pat Embleton do? 05:08 Staying through coaching changes 18:14 Discovering and evaluating players 35:16 A favorite commitment 39:44 Bumping chests with Robert 44:02 Mailbag Part 2