Best Xola Malik Podcasts (2024)

1
Julian Edelman 47:45

1+ y ago47:45

47:45

Chris looks back at the career of 3x Super Bowl Champion WR Julian Edelman and how Julian went from QB to WR, fitting in with the Patriots offense, his relationships with Tom Brady & Bill Belichick, the Patriots 2016 resurgence and Super Bowl LI, Super Bowl LII, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Eric Dickerson 37:06

1+ y ago37:06

37:06

Chris reviews the career of Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson and discusses Eric's upbringing in the small of town of Sealy, Texas, his record-breaking performances in the NFL, playing for the Rams in the 80's, his stints with the Colts and the Raiders and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Tony Boselli 28:17

1+ y ago28:17

28:17

Chris highlights the career of Hall of Fame LT Tony Boselli with discussion about the pressure of being a high pick for a new franchise, Tony getting his own McDonalds burger, career ending injuries, Tony's long wait for his Hall of Fame induction and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Osi Umenyiora 28:25

1+ y ago28:25

28:25

Chris looks at the career of 2x Super Bowl champion DE Osi Umenyiora as he reviews Osi's journey from London to Nigeria to Alabama, learning from coach Mike Waufle, the journey to Super Bowl XLII, missing the 2008 season and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Blue Wire

1
Ryan Fitzpatrick 27:18

1+ y ago27:18

27:18

Chris reflects on the career of former NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan's time at Harvard University, his stints with multiple NFL teams, Fitzmagic, how Ryan wants to be remembered and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Blue Wire

1
Terrell Owens 47:38

1+ y ago47:38

47:38

Chris breaks down the career of Hall of Fame WR Terrell Owens & highlights TO playing with his idol, Jerry Rice, his iconic celebrations, excelling with the Eagles before his ankle injury, his journey to the Hall of Fame, the possibility of coming back to play in the NFL and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Lane Johnson 34:09

1+ y ago34:09

34:09

Chris highlights the career of Super Bowl champion and former teammate RT Lane Johnson as he discusses growing up in east Texas, his transition from quarterback to right tackle, Super Bowl LII, his journey with mental health and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Aaron Donald 33:34

1+ y ago33:34

33:34

For the first episode, Chris Long breaks down Super Bowl Champion & All-Pro DT Aaron Donald's football journey; from the days in the dungeon with his dad, to being a breakout DT at Pittsburgh, to playing with the Rams and creating the top defensive moves in his arsenal, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Trailer: American Prodigy: Becoming Great 0:56

1+ y ago0:56

0:56

What does it mean to be great? Greatness might indicate a Hall of Fame career. But it can also be exemplified by blazing new trails o the field, or carving out a unique role in the pages of history. There are many different ways to be great, and everyone’s path is one-of-a-kind. Two-time Super Bowl champ and 11-year NFL vet, Chris Long, highlights …

1
S3 Ep. 9: Finding Freedom in the Air 36:43

2y ago36:43

36:43

Host Amira Rose Davis and story editor Jessica Luther recap their highlights from the American Prodigies series, talk about the gymnasts and topics that they wished they could have covered, and consider whether to abandon gymnastics or whether there’s something there worth believing in. Click here for the transcript of episode 9 Learn more about yo…

1
S3 Ep. 8: Brown Girls Doing Gymnastics 50:28

2y ago50:28

50:28

Brown Girls Do Gymnastics was born in 2015 with a mission to serve underrepresented and marginalized athletes in gymnastics and the circus arts. Its founder, Derrin Moore, talks to Amira about her work – from teaching parents how to advocate for their children in this particular sport, to launching a women’s gymnastics program at Fisk University. C…

1
S3 Ep. 7: Some Serious Pressure: Simone Biles 57:32

2y ago57:32

57:32

**Content note** This episode contains graphic accounts of sexual abuse and child neglect. There are also accounts of physical and emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, and racism. In 2016, both Simone and Gabby are on the world’s stage — and USAG starts to crack. There’s no accountability, just complete institutional failure to protect young women i…

1
S3 Ep. 6: And The Crowd Is Loving It: Sophina DeJesus and Nia Dennis 53:33

2y ago53:33

53:33

This episode looks at how Black gymnasts came to create spaces of joy for themselves and how college programs benefited from that. After Olympic dreams are dashed because of injury, some elite gymnasts, like Sophina DeJesus and Nia Dennis, opt to compete at top-notch college programs. Sophina and Nia talk about their journeys at UCLA and how they c…

1
S3 Ep. 5: Nobody Has Beyoncé’s Weavologist: Gabby Douglas 42:18

2y ago42:18

42:18

Amira has a conversation with Dr. Samantha Sheppard and Dr. Courtney Cox answering, “Whatever happened to Gabby Douglas?” The trio zoom in and out of Gabby’s career, highlighting her as a transitional figure between Black pioneers like Dominique Dawes and today’s media savvy icons like Simone Biles. They also share their personal experiences as Bla…

1
S3 Ep. 4: She Was Just Everything To Me: Dominique Dawes 48:02

2y ago48:02

48:02

When you ask people of a certain age to remember the first Black gymnast, odds are they’ll remember Dominique Dawes. What they don’t remember – or maybe never knew about – is the immense pressure that she faced as a Black prodigy in the sport. Today, Dominique is using her powerful legacy to distance herself from USA Gymnastics and ensure that futu…

1
S3 Ep. 3: I Wanted Freedom: Betty Okino 53:37

2y ago53:37

53:37

Betty Okino started gymnastics “late” — at age 9 — and begged her mother to let her train with Bela Karolyi so that she could realize her Olympic dream. She won bronze medals at the 1992 Olympics. And despite having stories of training until her knees and back broke, being denied food, and being pitted against her teammates, it was only recently th…

1
S3 Ep. 2: Life Is Too Short To Be Bitter: Dianne Durham 50:33

2y ago50:33

50:33

Dianne Durham could have represented the United States at the 1984 Olympics in LA, but she was injured during trials. A combination of racism and internal gymnastics coaching politics meant that she was unable to petition for a spot on the team. In this episode, we give the trailblazer the flowers she deserved – almost four decades overdue. Click h…

1
S3 Ep. 1: We’re Inevitable 45:19

2y ago45:19

45:19

Jordan Chiles tells Amira about losing her love for gymnastics and how she discovered who she wanted to become – just in time to win a silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. Click here for the transcript of episode 1 Click here for the Blue Wire newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
S3 Trailer: American Prodigies: The Rise of Black Girls in Gymnastics 2:56

2y ago2:56

2:56

This season of American Prodigies is the story of how Black girls moved from the margins of gymnastics to the core. You’ll hear from trailblazers and viral sensations – coaches and mentors and trainers – journalists and academics – and athletes themselves – as we unpack what it means to be a Black girl in gymnastics. Learn more about your ad choice…

1
S3 Preview: The Next American Prodigies 25:00

2y ago25:00

25:00

Amira talks with her Burn It All Down cohost, Jessica Luther, about what to expect from this season of American Prodigies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Blue Wire

1
S2 Ep. 5: The Last Swing 36:03

3y ago36:03

36:03

In June of 2010, hours before the Mariners hosted the Twins, a 40-year-old Ken Griffey Jr. got into his car and drove out of Seattle. He told no one that he was leaving, and told no one where he was going. Instead of a farewell tour, Junior retired from baseball driving for two straight days from Washington to Florida to return home—for good. In ma…

1
S2 Ep. 4: What the F*** is a Met? 41:45

3y ago41:45

41:45

If Ken Griffey Jr. was the charismatic new face of MLB who brought tons of new fans to the sport, why has baseball's popularity continued to decline over the last two decades? And, why has the number of Black ballplayers declined, too? Was The Kid baseball's last black superstar? For a sport that’s always been known as America’s pastime, baseball c…

1
S2 Ep. 3: Do Your Thing 40:01

3y ago40:01

40:01

In 1999, Griffey was in the prime of his career with the Mariners. Yet, instead of playing out his last season, he turned down an extension, requested a trade, and was shipped to the Cincinnati Reds. Was Ken giving up on Seattle? Or was he truly looking to have a homecoming both on and off the diamond? Presented by Coors Light Brought to you by Rom…

1
S2 Ep. 2: Griffey To The Max 39:58

3y ago39:58

39:58

After the strike, Griffey became a superstar on and off the field. From cameos on “The Simpsons” and “Fresh Prince,” to record-selling video games and a signature Nike shoe, The Kid had taken over popular culture. Griffey was becoming a brand all to himself, paving the way for the athletes of today. But, one thing that comes with blazing a trail, i…

1
S2 Ep. 1: The Two Kids 36:27

3y ago36:27

36:27

He's remembered as one of the biggest stars in America and a 90's cultural icon, yet somehow, it seems like Griffey's legacy has gone missing. Where did it go? Musician Kid Sensation (Xola Malik) and producer Alex Ward revisit the origins of Ken's early success in high school and with the Mariners, Xola's own beginnings with Sir Mix-a-Lot's crew, a…

1
S2 Trailer: American Prodigy: The Kid 1:45

3y ago1:45

1:45

What ever happened to Ken Griffey Jr., our love for him, and our love for baseball? Seattle musician and friend of Griffey, Kid Sensation (Xola Malik), as well as producer Alex Ward, rehash the life and career of one of sports most misunderstood superstars, and examine America’s relationship with baseball, music, race, celebrity and success. Learn …

1
S2 Preview: The Next American Prodigy 23:29

3y ago23:29

23:29

Grant Wahl is back to introduce Season 2 of American Prodigy. Grant talks to Xola Malik and producer Alex Ward about "The Kid," his impact on Seattle, baseball, and 90's culture. What ever happened to "The Kid," our love for him, and our love for baseball? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
S1 Bonus: The Breakdown 36:39

3+ y ago36:39

36:39

Grant sits down with producer Harry Swartout and goes behind the scenes of the making of American Prodigy: Freddy Adu. What did it take to get the interviews done in a pandemic? Did Freddy’s penchant for trash talk ever land him in trouble? What really went down between Grant and Jaleel White at the MLS Cup? Grant tells all and plays quality audio …

1
S1 Ep. 7: The Return 31:47

3+ y ago31:47

31:47

While this podcast was being made, 31-year-old Freddy signed with Swedish third-division club Österlen, his first pro club in two years. Playing now for the love of the game, Freddy discusses his unexpected opportunity and what he has learned from being an American Prodigy. Is this the beginning of a great comeback? Or are we letting unreasonably h…

1
S1 Ep. 6: Freddy’s Legacy 40:43

3+ y ago40:43

40:43

It’s been two years since Freddy played competitive soccer, but at age 31 he’s still trying to make a comeback, even as he teaches the next generation. Today is a new world in American soccer, where the best prospects leave for Europe and developmental academies stateside grow to provide support for America’s next prodigy. What happens to the next …

1
S1 Ep. 5: All Falls Down 40:50

3+ y ago40:50

40:50

After a championship-winning rookie season, anything seemed possible for Freddy. Yet over the next 14 years, Freddy would play for more than a dozen teams in MLS, Europe, South America and the USL, slowly turning from an American Prodigy into a cautionary tale. Short flashes of success in summer tournaments provided flickering glimpses of hope that…

1
S1 Ep. 4: That Smile 33:54

3+ y ago33:54

33:54

Freddy Adu had a million dollar smile. He flashed it on the field when he beat defenders twice his age. He showed it for the media when he gave interviews and posed for photographs. And he turned it on as D.C. United got hot down the stretch and made a push for the 2004 MLS Cup. But Grant Wahl noticed that as Freddy’s rookie season wore on, the 15-…

1
S1 Ep. 3: Young and Black in America 32:51

3+ y ago32:51

32:51

Not even Freddy was ready for the passionate response to him from Black Americans, many of whom had rarely engaged with MLS or soccer before. American soccer has long been a country-club sport—largely white and upper-middle-class—but Freddy's race, potential and extreme youth helped make him a cultural touchstone who transcended sports. They also l…

1
S1 Ep. 2: The Freddy Adu Show 38:34

3+ y ago38:34

38:34

Freddy stepped off the stage of his introductory MLS press conference and right onto The Late Show with David Letterman. Before Adu had even played a pro game, MLS promoted its fresh-faced teen superstar with commercials alongside Pelé, feature stories and magazine covers in order to save a league in desperate financial straits. Freddy Mania put bu…

1
S1 Ep. 1: The Legend of Freddy Adu 39:06

3+ y ago39:06

39:06

In the streets of Ghana, Freddy played with boys twice his age. In the D.C. suburbs, Freddy went from playing at recess to dominating travel tournaments all within a week. Just six months into his stay at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, Freddy was at the top of the class. He had teams in England, Italy, Spain and America salivating as they …

1
S1 Preview: Finding Freddy 2:22

3+ y ago2:22

2:22

When Nike signed thirteen-year-old Freddy Adu to a million dollar contract, they thought he could be bigger than Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James. As it turned out, however, Freddy never lived up to the hype. Soccer journalist Grant Wahl investigates the impossible expectations that were placed on the teenager, and discusses with Fredd…

1
S1 Trailer: American Prodigy: Freddy Adu 3:05

3+ y ago3:05

3:05

He was an American Prodigy. The next Pelé. The savior of U.S. Soccer. But he wasn’t even old enough to drive. In 2004, Freddy Adu joined MLS at 14 years old becoming the youngest American pro athlete in 100 years. His story is a tale of talent, money, fame and futbol. Soccer journalist Grant Wahl retraces the legend of Freddy as he went from supers…

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