American Soccer’s Pay-to-Play Model is not getting us ahead

Hour 1 - Atlanta Prepares for Massive World Cup Semifinal

Steak Shapiro and Drew Butler reflect on the electric atmosphere in Atlanta as the city hosts high-stakes World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They analyze the Atlanta Braves' performance heading into the All-Star break and preview the massive semifinal clash between England and Argentina with Mike Conti. 01:54 - World Cup Fever In Atlanta 06:08 - Atlanta Sports Culture Evolution 10:13 - Braves All-Star Break Performance 16:00 - England-Argentina Matchup Hype 21:25 - New Home Run Derby Rules 25:15 - Conor McGregor UFC Return Recap 30:55 - Mike Conti On Soccer Atmosphere 36:40 - England-Argentina Fanbase Tension 42:25 - International Stars In Atlanta

Hour 2 - US Soccer's Pay-to-Play Problem, and Braves pitching problems

Steak Shapiro and Drew Butler analyze the systemic issues within American youth soccer following Landon Donovan's critique of the expensive travel model. They contrast the U.S. sports culture with Norway's successful youth programs and evaluate the Atlanta Braves' pitching rotation needs at the All-Star break. 01:55 - New Cosm Sports Venue 06:25 - Soccer Pay-To-Play Debate 10:50 - Norway Youth Sports Model 15:25 - Football Season Countdown 19:20 - Youth Specialization Pressures 24:15 - Jeff Francoeur's Pure Athlete 32:10 - Braves All-Star Break Analysis 36:35 - Best Summer Cities Debate 40:20 - Dana White Production Rant

Bolstering Braves Rotation can't wait until trade deadline

Steak and Drew Butler evaluate the Atlanta Braves' performance at the All-Star break, highlighting concerns about the starting rotation and Austin Riley’s offensive struggles. They pivot to the Three Strikes segment to field listener calls regarding summer travel and financial regrets. Additionally, the conversation covers Dan Patrick's critique of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Dana White's frustration with UFC production gaffes. 01:24 - Braves Midseason Review 05:57 - Three Strikes Questions 07:10 - Things Learned Segment

Steak and Drew on the Absurdity of Youth Sports Costs

Steak Shapiro and Drew Butler examine the financial strain of youth travel sports and the "pay to play" culture in America. They explore why top-tier athletes prioritize the NFL and NBA over soccer, and discuss the high costs of private coaching and equipment. 01:23 - Football Season Preview 02:40 - Youth Sports Culture 12:35 - Elite Tennis Costs

American Soccer’s Pay-to-Play Model is not getting us ahead

They explore the impressive experience at Atlanta's new Cosm sports bar before diving into the USMNT's disappointing performance. The discussion highlights Landon Donovan’s criticism of the U.S. youth soccer pay-to-play model and compares it to Norway’s successful participation-based approach. 01:00 - Atlanta's Economic Impact & Cosm 04:59 - USMNT Struggles and Narratives 08:54 - Youth Soccer Pay-to-Play Debate