The Sports-Casters

Season 16 Episode 8- Jay Mariotti

Steve interviews Jay Mariotti (00:30:02) who returns to the podcast with a list of topics that he is anxious to sound off on. Jay talks about the end of the LeBron James era, watching sports in Paris, and Pablo Torre winning a Pulitzer Prize. Jay also rants on sports writers that are holding back, weak sports commissioners, and the Russini/Vrabel scandal. Jay also shares his memories of Roger Ebert and a letter that Gene Siskel wrote to him about a flowered sweater. Steve starts the show with a packed First things First that includes talk about the Buffalo Sabres in the playoffs, the 2026 Braves, Inter winning the Scudetto, and an exciting draft for the New Orleans Saints. The show ends with one last thing about everything that has went on the last month including Steve's trip to Florida, his struggles at dance class, and the progress of his failed hockey comeback. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Season 16 Episode 7- Chad Bishop

Steve interviews Chad Bishop (00:25:34) from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Chad a few weeks into his rookie season as a Atlanta Braves beat-writer and is making his Sports-Casters debut. Chad and discuss a good start for the Braves, the incredible bullpen, and quality starting pitching. Chad also looks at a blazing start for Drake Baldwin, the struggles of Austin Riley, and the consistency of Matt Olson. Chad also talks about Braves Vision, working on a baseball beat, and predicts the Braves win total. First things First kicks us off with the Buffalo Sabres ending their playoff drought, the fallout from Italy failing the make the World Cup and a strong start for the Atlanta Braves. The show ends with One Last Thing about Steve preparing to travel to Florida to visit with his brother, Anthony. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Mini Episode 2: Heartbroken, Devastated, Italy Fail

For the second time in podcast history, this episode doesn't have a guest. Steve returns alone to do the hardest podcast he has ever had to do. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. What went wrong? Who is to blame? Now what? Steve tries to answer all of these questions, tells us why he's more sad than mad, and explains why he still believes in the blue shirt. There are tons of emotions here. Be gentle. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Season 16 Episode 6- Mike Vaccaro

Steve interviews Mike Vaccaro (00:25:31) the author of a new book about Yankees ownership called, Bosses of the Bronx. Mike is making his debut on the show and talks about writing a book with more modern subjects as opposed to those in his book about the 1912 World Series. Mike and Steve go back and forth about Joe DIMaggio, Aaron Judge, classic Yankee Stadium moments, and David Justice's home run in the 2000 ALCS. Mike also recalls Jeter's flip-play from his spot in the Oakland press box, discusses George Steinbrenner in pop-culture, and debates the Yankee Mount Rushmore. First things First covers Italy's big game against Northern Ireland, the already injured 2026 Braves, and the incredible Buffalo Sabres. The show ends with One Last Thing and bit more on Italy's playoff game (s) and what it will mean to qualify. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Season 16 Episode 5- Jimmy Traina

Steve interviews Jimmy Traina (00:22:47) from the SI Sports Media Podcast and author of the Traina Thoughts column. Jimmy and Steve talk about booking podcast guests, the crowded sports media space, and the future of podcasts. The guys talk about the Howard Stern Show, podcasts on Netflix, and streaming apps. Also, the origins of Jimmy's weekly segment with Sal Licata, their unique chemistry, and trying to do the segment when Sal isn't there. First things First covers the surging Sabres and their failed attempt to acquire a Price Is Right game, the Braves nightmare spring, and rumors about who is getting the call from the Italian National team for the playoff in three weeks. The show ends with One Last Thing about Paula and Tammy going to Disney World while Steve stays home. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com