Episode 386 - Kill the 6-Man Rotation, Please!

Episode 389 - Seattle: Center of the Sports Universe

RUNDOWN Mitch and Hotshot Scott celebrate America's 250th birthday before bouncing into Mariners baseball, Seahawks training camp, and the looming U.S.–Belgium World Cup matchup. Mitch hilariously admits he's too self-conscious to watch soccer in public because he has no idea when he's actually supposed to get excited, then the pair roll through another edition of birthday trivia. After a 5-1 week that included back-to-back shutouts of Toronto, Mitch, Joe Doyle, and Brady Farkas examine a Mariners rotation that suddenly looks like one of baseball's best while debating Randy Arozarena's All-Star selection, Julio Rodríguez's concussion, and which pitchers could still earn late invitations to Philadelphia. The conversation then shifts toward the trade deadline, lineup decisions, potential bullpen upgrades, and whether Seattle can survive a difficult road trip through Miami and Tampa. With training camp just weeks away, Mitch and ESPN Seahawks insider Brady Henderson assess where the defending Super Bowl champions stand, from Devin Witherspoon's unresolved contract and the impact of offensive coordinator Brian Fleury to the competition brewing throughout the roster. After FIFA overturns Folarin Balogun's controversial red card suspension, Mitch and Matt Stretch Johnson revisit their previous conversation to explain why the ruling dramatically changes the United States' outlook against Belgium. Stretch breaks down why the matchup favors the Americans, explains the different ways to bet knockout-stage soccer, previews a potential quarterfinal showdown with Spain or Portugal, and shares why Seattle is about to host one of the biggest sporting events in the city's history. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot * Brady Henderson | ESPN Seahawks Insider * Matt "Stretch" Johnson | Longtime Seattle Sports Radio Personality TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | America's 250th birthday, Mitch's World Cup anxiety, and another legendary birthday trivia session. 17:28 | Mariners No-Table: A five-win week eases the panic, but bigger questions await before the All-Star break. 45:12 | Brady Henderson: Why the Seahawks' biggest questions still haven't been answered. 1:09:34 | Matt "Stretch" Johnson: The U.S. catches a massive break—and suddenly a World Cup run feels real. 1:33:16 | Other Stuff: Chris Johnson ALS diagnosis and football health risks, Matt Miller fantasy football charity league investigation, LeBron James thanks the Lakers after departure, LeBron's legacy and next team speculation, Ja Morant traded to Portland, Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto, Jaylen Brown traded to Philadelphia, Cristiano Ronaldo announces final World Cup, USA-Belgium World Cup preview, Spain vs. Portugal quarterfinal implications, Lamine Yamal's meteoric rise, Mexico fans disrupt England with fireworks outside team hotel, Calais Campbell family tragedy. HEADLINES Chris Brown ordered to pay $13 million after housekeeper attacked by his Caucasian shepherd, $3 Goodwill jacket expected to sell for $250,000, Woman claims cocaine found in her body was placed there during a sexual encounter, Former Hawaii real estate executive accused of having affair inside luxury homes listed for sale. RIPs Keith Mitchell (former Saints Pro Bowl linebacker), Leroy Irvin (former Rams cornerback and return specialist), Jim Walden (former Washington State head football coach), Victor Willis (lead singer and co-founder of Village People).

Episode 388 - Is Dan Wilson on Thin Ice? (Should He Be?)

RUNDOWN Frustrated by another Mariners series loss, Mitch argues that Dan Wilson's quick hook of Emerson Hancock in Cleveland set off the bullpen dominoes that ultimately cost Seattle the game. He and Hotshot Scott debate whether the manager deserves the blame, discuss why the season isn't lost despite the club slipping under .500, and preview an episode packed with Mariners prospect talk, World Cup excitement, and another edition of Release Date trivia. The Mariners' ugly loss in Cleveland sparks a spirited debate over Dan Wilson's bullpen management, whether Emerson Hancock should have finished the sixth inning, and if Seattle is putting itself in impossible situations with its pitching decisions. Mitch, Brady, and Joe also dissect the confusing six-man rotation strategy, discuss whether Emerson Hancock belongs in the bullpen, evaluate internal reinforcements like Ryan Sloan and Patrick Wisdom, preview the upcoming Angels and Blue Jays series, and make their weekly "Out on a Limb" predictions. MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis joins Mitch to break down another loaded Mariners farm system, offering updates on Colt Emerson's development, Felin Celesten's breakout season, and why Seattle continues to boast one of baseball's deepest prospect pipelines. The conversation also dives into Kade Anderson's rapid rise, Ryan Sloan's ace potential, the upcoming MLB Draft, and how the Mariners could eventually use their prospect depth to chase a World Series. Mitch and Jason Puckett spend another episode doing what they do best—arguing over the Mariners, poking fun at each other's broadcasting habits, and turning small disagreements into entertaining debates. They also dive into Puck's upcoming trip to Spain, the Running of the Bulls, World Cup excitement, and the polarizing reaction to U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot * Jim Callis | Senior Writer for MLB Pipeline * Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren't / Puck Drop TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Dan Wilson's bullpen decisions, the Mariners' latest collapse, World Cup fever arriving in Seattle, and another entertaining round of Release Date trivia headline the opening segment of Episode 388. 26:50 | Mariners No-Table: Dan Wilson's latest bullpen decisions, the Mariners' muddled pitching plans, growing calls for rotation changes, and another round of "Out on a Limb" predictions fuel this week's Mariners No Table discussion. 1:00:04 | Jim Callis: Callis explains why the Mariners' farm system remains among baseball's best, evaluates Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan's futures, and previews another pivotal MLB Draft for Seattle. 1:21:52 | Jason Puckett: Mitch and Jason Puckett trade playful jabs over the Mariners, preview Puck's Spain adventure, debate the Running of the Bulls, and discuss the golf world's complicated relationship with Wyndham Clark. 1:40:16 | Other Stuff: Justin Bieber at the NHL Draft, Mitch's Justin Bieber karaoke encounter, Phil Mickelson controversy, Buffalo Bills leaving O.J. Simpson off the new stadium Wall of Fame, Bryce Harper and Nationals fans, Wyndham Clark and Baker Mayfield story, Knicks parade trash-can incident, Brandon Roy reinstated at Garfield, Portland Trail Blazers ownership drama, Geno Smith online controversy, get-well wishes for Chris Evert and Lionel Richie, RIPs, Seattle dim sum world-record attempt, USMNT vs. Bosnia. HEADLINES Vanilla Ice Freedom 250 controversy, England roadside diners becoming adult shops, Subway sandwich assault sentencing, Seattle International District dim sum dinner world-record attempt. RIPs Clive Davis, David Clayton-Thomas, Alan Greenspan.

Episode 387 - Right Up Scott's Alley

RUNDOWN Mitch and Scott catch up after Scott's softball tournament weekend, debate whether a hole-in-one on an executive course should really count, and work through another round of birthday trivia featuring Pistol Pete Maravich, Clyde Drexler, Kurt Warner, Meryl Streep, Kris Kristofferson, Cyndi Lauper, and Barenaked Ladies founder Steven Page. The Mariners limp toward the halfway point battling injuries, an offense that continues to struggle against left-handed pitching, and lingering questions about the piggyback pitching experiment. Mitch, Joe, and Brady discuss Dom Canzone's emergence as an everyday player, Logan Gilbert's recent dominance, the club's ability to stay afloat despite mounting absences, and what lies ahead against Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Stretch joins Mitch to explain why this year's World Cup feels different despite being hosted in the United States, recounting three decades of World Cup adventures with his brother while breaking down Team USA's unexpected success. The conversation covers Seattle's electric atmosphere, the Americans' path through the knockout rounds, and why a potential Round of 16 match at Lumen Field could become one of the biggest sporting events in Seattle history. Bob Harig joins Mitch from Shinnecock Hills to break down Wyndham Clark's controversial victory, why golf fans have been slow to embrace him, and Scottie Scheffler's frustrating near-miss at the career Grand Slam. They also discuss Joaquin Niemann's costly penalty, Tiger Woods' uncertain future, Phil Mickelson's complicated legacy, and why Shinnecock remains one of the most polarizing U.S. Open venues in golf. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot * Matt Stretch Johnson | Former Sounders broadcaster and longtime World Cup traveler * Bob Harig | Golf writer and author of "Tiger vs. Jack: Golf's Greatest Debate" TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Hole-in-one controversies, Birthday Trivia, and a Mariners Injury Crisis. 18:52 | Mariners No-Table: Injuries Mount as the Mariners Search for Answers. 34:39 | Matt Stretch Johnson: World Cup Fever hits Seattle as Team USA Makes a Surprising Run. 1:00:02 | Bob Harig: Wyndham Clark Silences the Haters with a Second U.S. Open Title. 1:18:46 | Other Stuff: Cade Horton dominance in Double-A, Jazz Chisholm Jr. foul ball injury, Knicks players reportedly abstaining from sex during championship run, Argentina-Algeria fan brawl in Times Square, Jacob Misiorowski's "rough" outing, Floyd Mayweather lawsuits and bad-check allegations, Shohei Ohtani welcomes second child, Arizona woman arrested after speeding to get home for Love Island. HEADLINES: Drag queen Patty Gonia sued by Patagonia over trademark infringement, McDonald's manager serves allegedly licked fries to ex-girlfriend, British couple investigated for having sex on a Ferris wheel, Robert Fripp surprised hospital shaved his scrotum during heart attack treatment RIPs: Aldon Smith, Lance Rentzel, Gene Shalit, Tom Dreesen, Gene Bess, James Burrows, Walter Parazaider

Episode 386 - Kill the 6-Man Rotation, Please!

RUNDOWN Mitch and Danny bounce from the changing economics of podcasting to baseball's disappearing workhorse pitchers before revisiting area codes and birthday trivia. Along the way, they debate Hall of Fame cases for Wade Boggs, Mike Holmgren, Vince Carter, and Tim Lincecum—while wondering whether "The Freak" could become Cooperstown's greatest omission. Broadcasting from the middle of Knicks mania, Danny gives Mitch a firsthand look at what a title run means in New York. The pair explore why America briefly embraced the Knicks, compare New York fandom to European soccer culture, and debate whether Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs let a championship slip away. The Mariners return home from a disappointing road trip with injuries mounting and the AL West tightening. Mitch, Brady, and Joe sort through Seattle's recent slide, debate lineup and roster decisions involving Cal Raleigh, J.P. Crawford, and Cole Young, and examine bullpen concerns, Matt Brash's durability, and the future of the six-man rotation. Fresh off a 16-day European adventure, Mitch and Puck reflect on the joys and exhaustion of traveling with adult children, from Berlin and Tuscany to Rome and London's Churchill War Rooms. The conversation eventually returns to Seattle, where Andrés Muñoz's struggles and the search for bullpen help dominate the discussion. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot * Jason Puckett | KJ-Aren't / Puck Drop TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Mitch and Danny mix baseball nostalgia, Pacific Northwest trivia, and Hall of Fame debates while exploring how sports—and the media covering them—have fundamentally changed. 18:52 | Mitch and Danny unpack the Knicks' long-awaited title, New York's outsized sports ego, and why the rest of America briefly found itself rooting for the Big Apple. 34:39 | Mariners No-Table: The Mariners limp home from a frustrating 4–6 road trip battered by injuries and bullpen concerns, as Mitch, Brady, and Joe debate roster decisions. 1:00:02 | Jason Puckett: Mitch and Puck bounce from European travel adventures and family vacation realities to the Mariners' bullpen concerns. 1:18:46 | DAR (Dang Apostrophe Rulings): DAR (Dang Apostrophe Rulings) Is it time to stop worrying about Luis Castillo's feelings and move him to the bullpen? How big a deal is Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's gambling case, and what does it mean for the NCAA's ability to enforce rules? What makes Pat McAfee worth a reported $60+ million per year to ESPN? Does Kenneth Walker skipping the Seahawks' Super Bowl ring ceremony matter to his legacy in Seattle? If you could choose one, would you take Jacob Misiorowski or Paul Skenes given their talent, contracts, and years of team control? How do you compare Phil Mickelson's fall from grace to Tiger Woods' damaged reputation? Should Mitch Levy be embarrassed that he has absolutely no idea who Mariska Hargitay is?

Episode 385 - "Hey Andrés, I Came Back from Europe for This?!"

RUNDOWN After 16 days across London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Florence, Mitch returns home exhausted, overfed, broke, and surprisingly fond of Berlin. He and Hotshot Scott break down the trip, from ranking Europe's biggest cities and comparing food cultures to discussing sightseeing fatigue, Segway tours, horseback riding in Tuscany, and the realization that his sons viewed the entire vacation very differently than he did. Fresh off his European adventure, Mitch quickly pivots back to the Mariners and a pitching situation that suddenly looks very different than it did a month ago. With the piggyback experiment shelved for now, the focus turns to Bryce Miller's dominant return to form, Luis Castillo's resurgence after being challenged, and whether Seattle's six-man rotation creates more opportunities than problems. The Mariners' series loss in Detroit quickly turns into a deeper conversation about Andrés Muñoz, whose recent struggles have Brady and Joe (Mariners No-Table) debating whether Seattle can continue treating him as an automatic ninth-inning option. The trio examines bullpen management, the challenges created by the six-man rotation, potential closer alternatives, and whether the trade deadline could force Jerry Dipoto to look for outside relief help. Steve Phillips hasn't jumped off the Mariners bandwagon despite an uneven first two months. He explains why Seattle's pitching depth, second-half track record, and a weak American League still make them a legitimate World Series contender, while also addressing growing concerns about Andrés Muñoz and potential bullpen fixes before the trade deadline. GUESTS * Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast * Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot * Steve Phillips | Former GM of New York Mets, MLB Network Analyst, SiriusXM host TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Mitch recaps a whirlwind European family vacation filled with unforgettable sights, culture shocks, and a chaotic front-row experience of Paris Saint-Germain's riot-filled Champions League celebration. 33:42 | The Mariners' pitching surplus is suddenly a good problem, as Bryce Miller's resurgence, Luis Castillo's rebound, and Cade Anderson's rise force Seattle to weigh rotation depth against potential trade-deadline opportunities. 45:28 | Mariners No-Table: The Mariners' bullpen concerns take center stage as Andrés Muñoz's struggles spark closer questions, but strong performances from Bryce Miller, Cole Young, and Colt Emerson help keep Seattle firmly atop the division. 1:09:42 | Steve Phillips: Steve Phillips still sees the Mariners as a legitimate World Series threat, with pitching depth, roster flexibility, and a weak American League outweighing bullpen concerns and lineup questions. 1:29:28 | Other Stuff Segment: Caitlin Clark illness during Commissioner's Cup game, Russell Wilson joining CBS, Russell Wilson Hall of Fame debate, Myles Garrett traded to Rams, Aaron Donald comeback speculation, Rams vs Seahawks offseason comparison, Nolan Teasley hired by Vikings, NFL minority hiring compensation picks, Madden NFL 27 cover featuring Caleb Williams, Brandon Roy and Garfield recruiting scandal, Eastside Catholic recruiting jokes, Nick Saban NIL criticism and congressional testimony, French Open champions Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva, Magda Linette Cinderella run at Roland-Garros. HEADLINES Doctor amputates wrong leg, fined $3,000 and allowed to continue practicing, Priest removed as exorcist after claiming UFOs and aliens are demons, Cat litter box camera exposes girlfriend cheating with her cousin, Man sues after alligator bites his face, Pennsylvania man attempts to demolish home after wife ends marriage, John Denver chainsaw divorce story discussion, RIPs, Stacey King (NBA champion, broadcaster), Bob Horner (Atlanta Braves third baseman, 1978 NL Rookie of the Year), Raymond Berry (Hall of Fame WR, Colts legend), Rick Adelman (Hall of Fame NBA coach), Claude Lemieux (NHL star, four-time Stanley Cup champion), Peabo Bryson (Grammy-winning singer), Ned Jarrett (NASCAR Hall of Famer), Bob Packwood (former U.S. Senator from Oregon), Manny Fernandez (Miami Dolphins No-Name Defense), Ronald LaPread (founding member of The Commodores)