Best PAUL RAFTERY Podcasts (2024)

1
Last Dance for Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery Holds Court and Paul Hembekides Has 'Got Your Number' 36:12

1+ y ago36:12

36:12

The Big Weekend comes out of winter hibernation with a profile on Bill Raftery, who had a front-row seat to Jim Nantz saying goodbye to his college basketball friends. Then some Masters thoughts, including Scott Van Pelt on what's so special about Augusta as the best golf weekend of the year arrives. Plus, an interview with ESPN's Paul Hembekides, …

1
You Gotta Love Golf and Brian Anderson on Calling History 31:35

1+ y ago31:35

31:35

Warner Bros. Discovery play-by-play voice extraordinaire Brian Anderson returns to the podcast to talk about calling LeBron James' quest to secure the NBA's all-time scoring crown, dig deep into the mechanics of his job, and reflect on his first All-Star nod. Plus, is Justin Rose back? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & O…

1
Adam Lefkoe Is Ready for Anything 1:02:11

1+ y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Adam Lefkoe, the host of TNT's Tuesday night NBA coverage, joined the show to talk about his new multiyear contract extension and the unique joy of working on a show willing to go in unpredictable places. Then, was that the best Detroit Lions win in 30 years? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.c…

1
The Big Lead 2022 Sports Media Awards 1:47:49

1+ y ago1:47:49

1:47:49

This was a landscape-changing year for sports media. Big names found new homes, salaries skyrocketed and, as always, news came fast and furious. Over the past six months our panel of experts has watched, listened, read, compared, collated and debated the best from sports media in 2022. The result is our annual tribute to the industry. We present to…

1
The Best Damn Weekend In a Long Time 26:38

1+ y ago26:38

26:38

We love our sports, don't we, folks? Especially on a weekend where all of your teams win, there's thrilling and important finishes around the country, and a World Series champion is crowned. Reacting to all the good stuff that happened for once, plus some media notes on FOX's new Saturday night primetime college basketball play, Chris Fowler remain…

1
No Sleep for Brooklyn 48:08

1+ y ago48:08

48:08

The Brooklyn Nets are juggling multiple controversies as Kyrie Irving continues to pass up opportunities to apologize and Ime Udoka has been selected, somewhat perplexingly, as the man to fix this mess. The Big Lead's Kyle Koster and Liam McKeone discuss all the tumult and if there's any hope on the horizon. Then, tonight is the night we'll know fo…

1
The Game of the Year with Phil Simms 1:04:00

1+ y ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Phil Simms of The NFL Today and Inside the NFL joins the show to preview the epic Buffalo Bills-Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday. What makes Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen so special? What does the public miss when assessing quarterback play? Plus, Kyle and Liam make some picks for you to consume at your own risk. All that and essays on Adam Amin'…

1
We Booked Ernie Johnson? 47:14

1+ y ago47:14

47:14

One of the better sports weekends of the year has markets moving all over the place and only one podcast can tell you which way the wind's going to blow. We went to the Sports Stock Market to get some inside information for you, the financially prudent listener. Then, Ernie Johnson joined the show to discuss MLB on TBS postseason coverage, his love…

1
We Stink! 29:37

2y ago29:37

29:37

Liam and Kyle, contractually obligated to make NFL picks against the spread, once again face the music after another unfortunate showing. And try to do better in Week 5. Will they ever get better at this? Well, there's no guarantee. Pray for us. This is getting bleak. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://re…

1
LIV, Laugh, Love 32:50

2y ago32:50

32:50

LIV Golf reportedly has a very unique plan for their broadcasts and, honestly, we all should have seen it coming from miles away. Kyle and Liam have a very unique new plan for picking NFL games against the spread and climb out of the hole they've dug by Schrute-ing things up. Plus, let no one accuse us of not saying nice things about the ManningCas…

1
When The Party's Over 49:47

2y ago49:47

49:47

The Miami Dolphins may be for real. The Buffalo Bills will not being going undefeated. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick aren't getting any younger. So is it time to finally count them out? A look at all the NFL Week 3 action and the sports media takes that will follow. Then, a very special International Baseball League of West Michigan playoff postgame…

1
Hang On, I Have to Take This 1:10:16

2y ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Aaron Judge's quest to smash home run records means it's time to fire up the debate over who deserves to profit from these historic baseballs. Should it be the lucky fans who could use the money? Spoiler alert: yes! The Score's NFL insider and NBA analyst Jordan Schultz also swings by to talk about his new role and the life of a newsbreaker. Finall…

1
The NFL Got So Drunk 38:05

2y ago38:05

38:05

Week 2 of the NFL was a truly wild experience with remarkable comebacks happening all over the place. Tua Tagovailoa finally has his signature moment after a six-touchdown explosion against the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco may still be elite. Kyler Murray is certainly not the best player in football yet he could be the most exhilarating. The Big Le…

1
Trick Shots and Bad Gambling Advice 37:33

2y ago37:33

37:33

Amazon's Thursday Night Football debuts tonight and the sports media world is absolutely losing their minds over the possibility. While Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit are at the center of the frame, it's worth exploring how one of the alternate streams, featuring Dude Perfect, may be the true game-changer for the industry. Then, Week 2 NFL picks a…

1
A Truly Sad Week for Pasta Sauce 35:31

2y ago35:31

35:31

America has been rocked by not one, but two pasta sauce-related traffic incidents in just a few days. What's in the hell is going on out there? Plus, Rory McIlroy may not be the face of the PGA Tour, but he's probably its heartbeat. And most importantly, Charlotte Wilder of Fox Sports drops in to talk about season two of the Ultimate College Footba…

1
Starting a Sports Media Feud 1:12:08

2y ago1:12:08

1:12:08

The Big Weekend begins on a Thursday with thoughts on FS1's retooled fall lineup, the potentially disastrous Fernando Tatis Jr. situation in San Diego, and LIV Golfers realizing they, like Gob Bluth, may have made a huge mistake. Plus, International Baseball League of West Michigan superstar Lendy Sosa discusses Week 14 action, the playoff chase an…

1
Muscle Ripper 7000 32:03

2y ago32:03

32:03

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Big Weekend, a podcast that only exists because there's space at the bottom of our posts. How was your weekend? Did you catch Patrick Cantlay winning yet another Playoff event? How about that Adam Scott? Wrapping up the PGA Tour's penultimate event and looking ahead to next week. Plus, we announce a brand-new…

1
There's Nothing Like Being Part of a Pitching Staff, Except Maybe a Great Playoff Chase 20:18

2y ago20:18

20:18

The mainstream media continues to refuse to cover the International Baseball League of West Michigan, so we will once again fill that void. Thoughts on Week 13, which was jam-packed with top teams facing each other and exciting games. With only four more regular-season contests to play, the playoff picture is crowded at the top and liable to shift …

1
Field of Dreams Still Very Cool & The IBLWM Week 12 Postgame Show 23:41

2y ago23:41

23:41

It was back to the ballpark for the Cubs as the International League of West Michigan began its second half on Sunday. Jeremy Stokes joins the show to discuss the division races heating up, a much-needed rout, and how the next few weeks will shape the playoff picture. Plus, a brief review from the Field of Dreams, a place that still has the magic. …

1
Ranking the Fall Out Boy Albums, Some Harsh Words for Rudy's Dad, & Why We Need Chris Russo 15:16

2y ago15:16

15:16

The slowest weeks on the sports calendar necessitate going through the drafts and unleashing holy hell. One of Fall Out Boy's biggest 38-year-old fans breaks down each and every album they've ever released. Some would say a giant waste of time. Others would appreciate the selfless devotion to bettering society. Plus, a defense of Chris Russo, exper…

1
Surveying the Cubs Wreckage After a Truly Sad Sunday, Plus the IBLWM Week 11 Update 20:28

2y ago20:28

20:28

The first half of the International Baseball League of West Michigan wrapped up with the Padres facing the Cubs. One team showed up and the other .. did not. A truly sad and shell-shocked losing pitcher reflects on how it all went wrong before taking a look at the current playoff picture. Plus, a few words on the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. A…

1
Will Tiger Woods Return to St. Andrews, NBC's Big Bounceback and The First Major Battle of Golf's Civil War 13:03

2y ago13:03

13:03

Tiger Woods will not make the cut at the 150th Open Championship after shooting a 3-over 75 in the second round on The Old Course at St. Andrews. Woods finished the tournament 9-over, which will be one of the worst numbers posted in the tournament. As he walked across the iconic Swilcan Bridge with tears in his eyes, he slowed, but did not stop as …

1
The Official International Baseball League of West Michigan Week 10 Postgame Show 25:14

2y ago25:14

25:14

Week 10 is officially in the books as the International Baseball League of West Michigan playoff picture begins to take shape. Who threw 130 pitches in the Cubs-Mariners battle for second place? Can anyone beat the Cardinals? Could the Power make it four in a row? Could the Royals hold on to a big lead against the Braves. The answers to all those q…

1
The Magic of Jordan Spieth, The Fearlessness of Javy Baez, and Ranking the Best Uniforms in Major League Baseball 22:45

2y ago22:45

22:45

Jordan Spieth flirted with victory at the Genesis Scottish Open before falling short. The weekend ride, as it always is, was magical. What about this player, in this sport, makes him so compelling? Then, Javy Baez put on a damn show in Chicago. His brief time with the Detroit Tigers has been a disappointment. So why do I want to run through a brick…

1
Impersonating Skip Bayless, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden with Josh Rosen 29:43

2y ago29:43

29:43

Josh Rosen, who you have probably seen in the Skip Bayless replies doing a spot-on impression of sports media's biggest star, joins the show to talk about his process and perform on command. As an added bonus, he is able to summon faux Donald Trump and Joe Biden to round out a jam-packed show. Plus, an overly earnest appreciation on the art of pitc…

1
Draymond Green vs. Kendrick Perkins, Plus the IBLWM Week 9 Postgame Show 38:14

2y ago38:14

38:14

Society's collective content arm is oversaturated, though one should never give up on their dreams of ascending to the top of this competitive industry. To do so, now more than ever, requires resonating with 100 percent authenticity or by being the squeakiest wheel prone to punch up at every turn. Once someone arrives at a place where they have a n…

1
Is the PGA Tour Really in Trouble or is LIV Just Shiny? Plus the Bus Driver Mount Rushmore 31:59

2y ago31:59

31:59

Defections continue from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, including Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, as the upstart league attempts to steal all of the sunshine. There is controversy and intrigue and it appears Greg Norman's pet project has convinced some in media that it's a serious threat to the status quo. But if you had to choose, right now, which…

1
Charles Barkley is the Surest Thing in Sports TV, Plus the IBLWM Week 8 Postgame Show 37:31

2y ago37:31

37:31

Charles Barkley hopped on ABC's coverage of the Stanley Cup Final last night. Turner has relied heavily on the Inside the NBA blueprint in its first-year hockey coverage. When you think about it, the Round Mound's impact on sports media is profound. Why is that? And is he one of one? My plea to put him on screen as much as humanly possible. Plus, T…

1
My Official Statement on LIV Golf, Plus the 15 Best 'SportsCenter' Anchors 14:12

2y ago14:12

14:12

LIV Golf is a sideshow. And as the case with all sideshows, it's meant as a distraction. This plucky, upstart league backed by the Saudi government aims to distract people's attention away from the PGA Tour and distract their attention away from a human rights record forced to take more than a few penalty strokes. It is such a specifically interest…

1
Ranking the 64 Best 'Seinfeld' Characters and Your Week 6 IBLWM Postgame Show 35:32

2y ago35:32

35:32

It's been nearly a quarter century since the Seinfeld finale aired on NBC. The show ostensibly about nothing left as something very important. Its legacy has endured through two decades even as the source material ages and the pace feels slow compared to this era’s machine-gun-fire joke making. Countless words by better writers have already been sp…

1
8 Things We've Learned About the NBA Finals So Far 31:55

2y ago31:55

31:55

The NBA Finals are knotted up at a game apiece as the Golden State Warriors used another spectacular third quarter to build an insurmountable lead against the Boston Celtics. The Big Lead's Stephen Douglas jumps on the show to discuss what we think we've learned so far. Is there anyone more annoying than Draymond Green? How badly does ABC miss Mike…

1
IBLWM Week 5 Postgame Show with Anthony Diaz 30:28

2y ago30:28

30:28

As the International Baseball League of West Michigan approaches the midway mark, the playoff picture is coming into focus and it includes seven teams within a game of first-place. Longtime Cub Anthony Diaz joins the podcast to talk about Sunday's shorthanded battle against the Pirates, being in the best shape of his life, observations from his 18 …

1
What I Learned From Spending Time With the Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan 26:41

2y ago26:41

26:41

Reflecting back on this Memorial Day to the USO trip I took a few years ago, visiting our military members around the globe. The life-changing experience offered countless lessons and reframed my thinking about what supporting the troops means. And how someone conflicted about the entire enterprise of war can find spaces to lend their hearts and mi…

1
Are These Boston Celtics Actually Going to Do It? 29:03

2y ago29:03

29:03

The Boston Celtics did not look like a team destined for meaningful things early this season but have played some of the best basketball over the last several months. Another suffocating win against the Miami Heat moves them one measly win away from an NBA Finals appearance. Which presents the perfect opportunity for The Big Lead's Liam McKeone to …

1
I Still Can't Believe They Pitched to the Mudville Slugger in Casey at the Bat, Plus the IBLWM Week 4 Postgame 28:13

2y ago28:13

28:13

Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s 1888 poem Casey at the Bat is about unrealized hope, hubris, and the importance of jumping on first-pitch fastballs. It’s stood the test of time to emerge as one of the most indelible pieces of baseball writing. From Vaudeville stages to cartoonist easels, the tale has come to life, entertaining generations with its timeles…

1
IBLWM Commissioner Javi Sanchez on the Past, Present and Future of the League 21:36

2y ago21:36

21:36

International Baseball League of West Michigan commissioner Javi Sanchez joins the show to talk about his 18 years in the league and reflect on the state of play. How have things changed since it was the Hispanic league and how have they stayed the same? How does he he view the challenge of growing while still keeping a connection to the past? What…

1
Talking Baseball With Lauren Shehadi of TBS and MLB Network, Plus Jimmy Butler Rules 24:24

2y ago24:24

24:24

Lauren Shehadi has been a staple at MLB Network for 11 years and can be seen daily on MLB Central. She is also hosting TBS' Tuesday night showcase pre- and post-game. Shehadi joined the show to talk about her path to this point, how exciting it is to begin something new, the joys of being around so many incredible baseball minds, and how thankful s…

1
PGA Championship 2022 Vibe Check 24:59

2y ago24:59

24:59

With the PGA Championship teeing off at Tulsa's Southern Hills in just a few days, we check in with esteemed local resident Bunkie Perkins to hear about the course, vibe, and get some John Daly stories. Plus, praising ESPN and CBS for their terrific golf coverage with thoughts from some of executives and on-air talent. Advertising Inquiries: https:…

1
Phoenix Suns Turn in Most Pathetic Game 7 Performance Ever, Plus Week 3 in the IBLWM 36:56

2y ago36:56

36:56

The Phoenix Suns won 64 games this year to ensure a Game 7 would take place on their court. It didn't help as the Dallas Mavericks curb-stomped Chris Paul in company in what will go down as one of the most dreadful do-or-die performances of all time. What the heck should we make of that. Then, the big story. Week 3 of the International League of We…

1
The Detroit Tigers Suck and I'm Mad As Hell 26:34

2y ago26:34

26:34

The Detroit Tigers started 2021 with a dreadful 9-24 stretch, then rebounded to play winning baseball for five months. A busy offseason was cause for optimism this season, but somehow the team has stumbled to an equally awful start. They can't hit. They have no life. They have no reserves waiting in the wings to solve this. All of this should make …

1
Fox Sports Breaks the Bank for Tom Brady, Plus Your IBLWM Week 2 Postgame 33:52

2y ago33:52

33:52

Fox delivered a lightning bolt of news this morning by announcing that Tom Brady will become its lead NFL analyst whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. Rumors of a massive contract abound. On one hand it's monumental news, and an enormous victory. But there's reason to wait to spike the football. Then, in much more important news, Jeremy Stoke…

1
Yet Another Job for Craig Carton, The Sad State of MLB Umpiring, and A Bizarre Chris Paul Incident 34:44

2y ago34:44

34:44

Chris Paul was involved in a bizarre incident yesterday in Dallas. New video showing the fracas behind the Phoenix Suns' bench only makes the whole thing weirder. Plus, a look at the worst MLB umpires among a crowded field, thoughts on Fox Sports bringing in Craig Carton to the fold, if the Bucks-Celtics series winner will win it all and the Golden…

1
Lay Off the Miami Heat, Plus Luka Doncic Is in Hell and Top 10 Athletes From Grand Rapids 20:22

2y ago20:22

20:22

The Miami Heat are having their way with the Philadelphia 76ers through two games of the series and some fans have taken up an annoying coping mechanism. Why attendance-shaming is incredibly lame. Plus, thoughts on Luka Doncic being trapped in a defensive hell and getting no help, wide receivers unfollowing their teams on social media and the ragin…

1
Human Error Isn't a Baseball Flaw, It's a Feature 19:38

2y ago19:38

19:38

Baseball is a game played by human beings and officiated by human beings. It's a game of errors and imperfection. Of rough edges and managing expectations. Pitching, at once one of the most solitary endeavors in all of sports, also requires fostering a working relationship with the person calling balls and strikes. The job of establishing the canva…

1
Put a Microphone on Every MLB Player, Plus the International Baseball League of Michigan Postgame Show 35:52

2y ago35:52

35:52

ESPN gave Francisco Lindor a microphone during Sunday Night Baseball's presentation of a particularly engaging Philadelphia Phillies-New York Mets matchup and it proved to be a tremendous decision. The effervescent shortstop provided insight, humor and more than anything, allowed the joy of playing baseball to seep out on the air. Why this is the b…

1
The NFL Draft Broadcast Is Pure, Uncut Insanity and Perfection for Chris Paul 45:26

2y ago45:26

45:26

Reacting to the first night of the NFL Draft, which is a completely bewildering viewing experience. Why is so much stuff going on all the time? Is any of this completely necessary? And why do we love it so much? Plus thoughts on the suddenly competent Detroit Lions, the suddenly awful Detroit Tigers, Adam Schefter's mid-graduation reporting, the ne…

1
Ja Morant is a Feast for the Eyes and a Nice Thought on Some Baseball Guys 9:53

2y ago9:53

9:53

Ja Morant is more unique than the usual unicorn because he is an amalgamation of all the NBA's most kinetic live wires and twisted steel. A terrific flying machine the likes of which the Wright Brothers could never imagine. A walking, talking Red Bull Flutag entry that not a single person fears will crash into the water. At the ripe age of 22, with…

1
NBA Players As Types of Buses or Bus Passengers, 90s Sports Radio Guy on the NBA, Plus GMFB News 22:49

2y ago22:49

22:49

Something about Kevin Durant has caused sports pundits to consider the bus. Who rides it? Who drives it? And what are the lessons this staple of public transportation can teach us about the world? Exploring the latest sports media phenomenon. Plus, a 1990s sports radio guy phones in to pepper us with thoughts from last night's NBA action. And final…

1
Is Ben Simmons Done? Pelicans Piss off Chris Paul and Charles Barkley's Bad Take 26:14

2y ago26:14

26:14

Ben Simmons will not play in Game 4 for the Brooklyn Nets as expected as his year-long campaign to ruin his career continues. At what point do we start wondering if his days as a productive basketball player are done? And what do we do with him in the interim. Plus thoughts on the pesky New Orleans Pelicans attacking Chris Paul in the best way poss…

1
The Maddening Genius of Miguel Cabrera and Stephen A. Smith vs. Milwaukee 25:02

2y ago25:02

25:02

Reflecting on Miguel Cabrera's one-of-a-kind career as he goes for his 3,000th hit. One of the best righthanded hitters of all time has done it his own way, in a way no one else could ever do it. On what makes him so great and what makes him so uniquely frustrating. Plus, would it be too much to ask for First Take to stop talking down to NBA cities…

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PAUL RAFTERY Podcasts

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