Best Laura Albanese / Cole Critchell Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 72. Sin City Sugar Rush Ft. Pete Sweeney (Kansas City Star) 57:26

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2h ago57:26

57:26

The Chiefs are going into one of their biggest divisional games in recent memory, but could they miss the playoffs? Kansas City Star Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney is on to chop up their season and their (quiet) trade deadline. Could Spagnuolo be an eventual option for Giants head coach? Laura is in Las Vegas for the MLB's general manager meetings…

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Episode 71. Sometimes the bad guys win. Ft. Dani Wexelman (MLB Radio/ESPN/SNY Analyst) 1:02:39

2d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Canada is in mourning. The Blue Jays lost in heartbreaking fashion, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was THAT guy, and the World Series was an all-timer. MLB Radio/ESPN broadcaster and SNY analyst Dani Wexelman is back from Toronto to discuss that, the future of baseball, and how the potential lockout might influence this year's free agency. The Bills destroyed …

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Episode 70. Play Better. Ft. Buck Showalter (Former MLB Manager) 1:14:52

9d ago1:14:52

1:14:52

Baseball is awesome. And it's also in trouble. Four-time manager of the year Buck Showalter is on to talk about the iconic World Series Game 3, the threat of the 2027 lockout and what it could do to baseball, Pete Alonso's free agency, how the role of manager has changed, and if he'd manage again. Oh, and also Seinfeld (yes, he weighs in on cotton …

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Episode 69. Nice. Ft. Peter Sblendorio 1:11:40

15d ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Are the Dodgers ruining baseball? Is Toronto America's team? The Daily News' Peter Sblendorio is on to dissect the cinema that will be this year's World Series. They also discuss the Giants' drama-filled loss to the Broncos. The Unc Bowl was a classic and Laura is pretty sure Joe Flacco forgot what team he was playing for. Someone woke the monster …

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Episode 68. Sipping on Haterade Ft. Corey Masisak (Denver Post) 1:12:31

30d ago1:12:31

1:12:31

It's the Haterade Bowl, starring Vladimir Guerrero Jr and the entire city of Philadelphia. The Denver Post's Avalanche beat writer Corey Masisak is on to talk about one of the most exciting teams in the NHL this year, help break down the rest of the league, and sing the praises of Firefly. Cole has his flu game, Laura believes Humpy can lead the Ma…

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Episode 67. Can't all be perfect FT. Tim Healey (Boston Globe) 59:01

30d ago59:01

59:01

By Laura Albanese / Cole Critchell

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One Collapse After Another Ft. Mike Puma (NY POST) 1:10:32

1M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

Baseball playoffs are here...and the Mets aren't there. NY Post's Mets beat writer Mike Puma is on for the funeral dirge. What went wrong? What's next? And is this the last we've seen of Pete Alonso? Everyone dives into the rest of the playoff picture to make bold World Series predictions. Also: NFL Week 4 had a tie, the Giants can't have nice thin…

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Episode 65. Victory Laps Ft. Ryan Dunleavy (NY POST) 58:37

2M ago58:37

58:37

The Giants spent the weekend finding another circle of hell and NY Post NFL writer Ryan Dunleavy is on to talk Russell Wilson, Jason Dart, and whether Brian Daboll's job is in jeopardy. They go around the NFL in a chaotic Week 3, including Joe Burrow's journey to being a three-time comeback player of the year. Also: The Chiefs are 0-2, the Liberty …

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Episode 64. Closed on Sundays Ft. Marc Raimondi (ESPN Falcons beat writer) 1:10:36

2M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

Oh, the high highs and low lows of Week 1. Josh Allen and 41-year-old Matt Prater may have already put together the best game of the regular season, the Chiefs crumbled against the Chargers and Aaron Rogers and Daniel Jones got their redemption. ESPN Falcons beat writer Marc Raimondi is on to talk about the team's trials and tribulations, Michael P…

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Episode 63. The NOT SEXY Chiefs. Ft. Rustin Dodd (Star of 'The Kingdom' episode 1 / the athletic) 1:08:27

2M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Are you...are you ready for some football? Week 1 is upon us and The Athletic's Rustin Dodd is on to talk about the Chiefs' evolution, whether the Bills can finally break through, and if Jessica Pegula could be the key to the Bills finally winning a Super Bowl. Speaking of Pegula, the U.S. Open is in full swing (get it? It's a pun), and Rustin brea…

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Episode 62. A Coney and Chili 3 Way. Ft, C. Trent Rosecrans (The Athletic) 1:01:05

3M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

We're in the stretch run and things are getting wild. The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans is on to talk about the upstart Reds, the Tito Effect, and some of the elements that could allow them to sneak into the playoffs (and maybe leapfrog the Mets). Plus, Craig Counsell tells a whopper, and now the Cubs are in their own buger-gate, football is around…

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Episode 61. Baseball o Softball Ft. Veronica Alvarez (A's front office/ USA Women's Baseball) 1:03:28

3M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Jen Pawol made her debut as the first woman to umpire an MLB game and that's pretty cool. A's front office executive and USA women's baseball head coach Veronica Alvarez talks about Pawol, growing the sport among girls and women, beefing up the A's Latin American player development, and her journey up the ranks. Also, Laura's on the front line for …

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Episode 60. FyreBall Ft. Mike Wilson (Knoxville Sentinel) 57:00

3M ago57:00

57:00

Cheeseless Nachos. Bunless Dogs. Knoxville Sentinel reporter Mike Wilson is on to share tales from the Speedway Classic - the Reds/Braves game staged on a NASCAR Racetrack that took two days to complete, ran out of concessions, and had fans calling it the Fyre Fest of baseball. Except...it was still pretty cool. Laura and Cole get into trade deadli…

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Episode 59. Hey, Judas Ft. Andy Martino (SNY Analyst) 1:03:30

4M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Emmanuel Clase is under investigation for gambling and this may affect baseball far more than his trade deadline value. SNY analyst and baseball insider Andy Martino talks about Clase, the ramifications of a potential gambling scandal, the outlook for a 2027 lockout, the trade deadline...and The Beatles, of course. Are the Yankees flirting with bei…

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Episode 58. Apologies to Dana Delany Ft. Larry Fleisher (AP & Field Level Media) 46:50

4M ago46:50

46:50

Did the media break Anthony Volpe?! We talk to the Associated Press and Field Level Media baseball reporter Larry Fleisher about the state of the Yankees with 10 days until the trade deadline. Cole and Laura think the WNBA should, in fact, pay their players what they owe them, and discuss the future of the league with CBA negotiations in swing. Als…

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Episode 57. Homer Run Derby Ft. Mike Price ('The Simpsons' exec producer/writer) 1:04:35

4M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

It's the All-Star break, so what better time to...go into Simpsons lore? Simpsons writer and producer (and serious Mets fan) Mike Price is on to talk about the show's Emmy nominations Tuesday morning, this season's baseball episode, favorite moments, and how Mets fandom has influenced his writing. Cole and Laura chat about the Big Dumper's big dump…

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Episode 56. Jeff Passan's Nacho System Ft. Jeff Passan (ESPN) 1:20:35

4M ago1:20:35

1:20:35

So, what's it like to be ESPN's Jeff Passan with the trade deadline coming up? Cole and Laura quiz Jeff about baseball, learn the platonic idea of a ballpark snack, discuss how to handle Twitter trolls and...because this is sometimes a sports podcast...talk about the Luis Ortiz cheating allegations and much more. Plus! Fourth of July weekend was a …

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Episode 55. Pray for Mojo Ft. Tyler Kepner (The Athletic) 1:01:34

5M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

In Macedonia, our widows chant mournful dirges for your garbage Marlins. Senior baseball writer for The Athletic Tyler Kepner is on to talk about his cameo in The Simpsons baseball episode (and, oh yeah, about baseball) Cole and Laura lament Tyrese Haliburton's injury as OKC wins a title. Laura thinks the Mets might actually be in trouble. Sophie C…

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Episode 54. Growing Pains Ft. Jackie Powell (The Next/Liberty beat writer) 56:55

5M ago56:55

56:55

The Liberty may have started the season 9-0, but after a loss to the Fever, the true test is just beginning. NY Liberty beat writer Jackie Powell is on to talk potential dynasties, expanded schedules, and standout players as we reach the quarter mark of the season. The Oilers' season is on the brink, and it might all be up to...Stuart Skinner? Plus…

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Episode 53. Growing the Game Ft. Howard Megdal (TheIXNewsletter / TheNextHoops) 54:47

5M ago54:47

54:47

The WNBA CBA is about to expire and that could mean big changes to the league. Cole and Laura talk about that and the Caitlin Clark Effect with Howard Megdal, author of "Becoming Caitlin Clark," and editor-in-chief of The IX Newsletter. Plus, Kawkaw is no longer the law, the Oilers brought a knife to a gunfight and lost, and Tyrese Haliburton needs…

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Episode 52. I Love LA Ft. Jorge Castillo (ESPN) 1:05:15

5M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

He's Taylor Swift and Lebron James all in one. ESPN baseball reporter Jorge Castillo joins us from LA to talk about how Shohei Ohtani's star power is changing baseball. We check in on the Mets, Yankees, and...uh...Rockies (?) at the 1/3 point of the MLB season and talk about the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Is the U.S. finally ready to take it …

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Episode 51. Choke Artists Ft. Brian Compton (NHL.com) 55:44

6M ago55:44

55:44

Laura is a Stuart Skinner believer...and everyone else isn't. NHL.com managing editor Brian Compton is on to talk about Connor McDavid & co., and if anyone has a legitimate chance at unseating the Panthers. We reminisce about the old Nassau Coliseum, wonder what's next for the Maple Leafs, and consider the value of Waffle House. Cole thinks the Pac…

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Episode 50! A celebration & Breaking News! Ft. Laura Albanese (Newsdays NEW Mets beat reporter) & Cole Critchell (Sports fan from his couch) 1:06:25

6M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Fifty episodes! And somehow, this humble podcast is kinda big in...Saudi Arabia? Cole and Laura celebrate the milestone by sharing some big news. They break down the WWE-style showdown between Jalen Bruson's Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton's Pacers, and give a shout out to the trolls and haters who keep the sports world alive. Laura is in Boston with …

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Episode 49. Baseball is Cinema Ft. John DeMarsico(SNY Broadcast) 1:03:20

6M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Baseball is cinema, and SNY's John DeMarsico is its rockstar director. Cole and Laura go behind the scenes with the man that's gone viral for the artistic vision behind Mets broadcasts, and chat about the films that inspire shots of Pete Alonso about to absolutely destroy a baseball. Plus, Jalen Brunson is a legend, Golden Knights fans may be the a…

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Episode 48. Post Mortem Blues Ft. Mollie Walker (NY POST) 1:14:18

6M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

Cole's got the Blues after one of the most gut-wrenching losses in NHL playoff history. Game 1 of Knicks-Celtics was bonkers, and Laura gives Mikal Bridges his flowers. New York Post Rangers beat writer Mollie Walker gives her diagnosis of a season so mysteriously bad, it made hockey players into nihilistic philosophers. Can new coach Mike Sullivan…

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Episode 47. Knicks Fever Ft. Steve Popper (Newsday) 1:07:58

7M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

The Knicks are taking over New York, and Newsday Knicks beat writer Steve Popper is on to talk officiating controversies, the Legend of Jalen Brunson, beating the Pistons at their own game, and previewing a possible Celtics showdown. It was a wild week in sports, and Cole and Laura get into the Shedeur Sanders schadenfreude, that weird, weird Bill …

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Episode 46. The Sacramento A's Ft. Susan Slusser (The San Francisco Chronicle) 1:11:57

7M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

The Not Oakland A's are in West Sacramento and the whole thing is a circus. The San Francisco Chronicle's senior baseball beat reporter Susan Slusser takes us two years of ownership drama (and much more to come), and discusses whether they'll actually make it to Vegas. Plus, Buster Posey's impact on the Giants. Cole and Laura are in full NHL playof…

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Episode 45. Post and Tax Season Ft. Alex Schiffer (Front Office Sports) 1:11:47

7M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

Rory McIlroy got his green jacket. The Dallas Wings got a frachise-shifting player. And the pod has Front Office Sport's Alex Schiffer on to talk all things NBA playoffs, the massive drama of the Nuggets firing their coach and GM right before the postseason, and what it's like to cover Kyrie Irving. Laura gets on her soapbox about male reporters be…

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Episode 44. "The Saint" Blues Ft. Lou Korac (NHL.com) 1:09:54

7M ago1:09:54

1:09:54

We got a front seat to hockey history this week, as Alexander Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky's goal scoring record. NHL.com's Lou Korac takes us behind the scenes with the most exciting team in hockey right now: The Blues are coming off a franchise-record 12 straight wins to improbably become masters of their own destiny. How did they do it? Can the…

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Episode 43. Torpedos Away Ft. Gary Phillips (NY Daily News) 1:11:48

8M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Man the torpedoes! Daily News Yankees beat writer Gary Phillips is on to get into the nitty gritty on the "torpedo" bats that had everyone talking after the Yankees put a bruising on the Brewers. It's the first week of the baseball season, so let's overreact to some stuff! Jurikson Profar tested positive for steroids and Laura is not shocked. Cole …

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Episode 42. Opening Day Optimism Ft. Jon Heyman (NY Post, MLB Insider) 1:10:26

8M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Cole and Laura celebrate Opening Day by chatting with NY Post columnist and MLB insider Jon Heyman about everything baseball: Can the Yankees overcome their injuries? Can Juan Soto live up to his contract? Are we headed for a work stoppage? Which teams are going to surprise us? And how can mid-market teams compete in the land of the Dodgers? What A…

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Episode 41. One Shining Moment Ft. Adam Zagoria (NY Times, Forbes, NJ.com) 1:10:12

8M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

We're all mad here. March Madness is upon us and college basketball guru Adam Zagoria is on to break down the bracket, give us his best bets for the Final Four, discuss Cinderella possibilities, update us on the latest on the Cooper Flagg injury and to explain the weird controversy coming out of North Carolina. Is this St. John's year to stun the S…

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Episode 40. All Mixed Up Ft. Liz Benn (Major League Baseball Operations) 1:20:18

8M ago1:20:18

1:20:18

It's Women's History Month, so let's talk to a woman who made history, shall we? Liz Benn, former Mets director of major league baseball operations and the first woman to play in the NYC Metro Baseball League, is on to discuss being the highest-ranking woman in the franchise's front office history, the path to breaking barriers in baseball, women p…

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Episode 39. Cardinal Sins Ft. Katie Woo (The Athletic) 1:05:05

8M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

The Cardinal Way is dead. Long live The Cardinal Way. The Athletic's Katie Woo is on to talk about the Cardinals ever-evolving and...uh...sometimes confusing plan for the future, John Mozeliak's swan song, and to spread the gospel of toasted ravioli. Cole and Laura go down a conspiracy theory rabbit hole, but first, they discuss who's going to bene…

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Episode 38. Mr. Miyagi's Hitting Lab Ft. Manny Gomez (NJ.Com) 1:15:18

9M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

You've heard about the Mets pitching lab, but have you heard about their hitting lab? NJ.com's Manny Gomez is on to take us behind the scenes at Port St. Lucie. including big injuries, pregnant racoons, and Francisco Alvarez's...unorthodox methods. Plus: Should the NBA adopt the 4 Nations format? Are the Yankees going emo? And, oh yeah, Love Is Bli…

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Episode 37. Rick on a Roll Ft. Zach Braziler (NY POST) 1:15:03

9M ago1:15:03

1:15:03

St. John's is taking the Big East by Storm (pun intended) and NY Post's Zach Braziller is on to give us tales of Rick Pitino, and to help us get ready for the conference tournaments, Selection Sunday and March Madness. USA takes on Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff Finale and Cole and Laura wonder: Where have you gone, Canadian goalies? We're all in …

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Episode 36. Hurts so Good Ft. Judy Battista (NFL Network, Inside the NFL) 1:23:43

9M ago1:23:43

1:23:43

Cole is in mourning after his beloved Chiefs got walloped by the Eagles in the Super Bowl. NFL Network's Judy Battista is on to talk about the wild scene in an Eagles-fan filled NOLA, the Kendrick Lamar halftime show, and the status of the Chiefs dynasty. Laura is so ready for baseball season and still thinks the Dodgers can be dethroned, but is Sp…

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Episode 35. The Sodfather Part II. Ft. Adnan Virk (MLB Network / NHL Network) 1:00:47

9M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

The Super Bowl is here! Do you watch in public or the living room? Will the Eagles defense let them soar? Who's going to win an Oscar? Are we all retiring to play pickleball? MLB Network and NHL Network sportscaster and noted cinephile Adnan Virk is on to ponder all of life's great questions. Adnan, Cole and Laura discuss the keys to stopping a Chi…

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Episode 34. Lamentations Ft. Antwan Staley (Dailey News) 1:18:45

10M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

We have our Super Bowl matchups and Cole is in his gloating glory as the Chiefs attempt a three-peat. Daily News Jets beat reporter Antwan Staley is on to discuss the keys to the game, the Jets hiring Aaron Glenn and The Bachelor season premiere (obviously). Also, Laura breaks down the Pete Alonso free agency situation and what it means for basebal…

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Episode 33. The Cardiac Commanders Ft. Charlotte Carroll(The Athletic) 1:13:00

10M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Are they...being civil? Cole and Laura discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a Bills/Chiefs matchup and almost get through it without arguing. Laura goes into enemy territory to watch the Chiefs beat the Texans. The Athletic's Charlotte Carroll is on to talk about Giants fans' worst nightmare: A Commanders/Eagles NFC Championship game. Also: Are …

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Episode 32. The Doink of Destiny. Ft. Tom Rock(Newsday) 1:27:04

10M ago1:27:04

1:27:04

Cole and Laura are in a football fugue state after the Wild Card round, Sam Darnold is seeing ghosts, and Jayden Daniels is making everyone a believer. They talk to Newsday national football columnist Tom Rock about the upcoming divisional round. Who has the best chance at an upset? What's his Super Bowl matchup prediction? And what's up with Tom B…

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Episode 31. Survive to '25. Ft. Mike Vaccaro(NY POST) 1:20:37

10M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

That's a wrap on the NFL regular season and it's time for Bold Wild Card Round Predictions. Laura has to make a Sophie's Choice between her two favorite quarterbacks, while Cole makes one pick out of spite alone. Award-winning NY Post columnist Mike Vaccaro is on to talk about the absurdity of New York sports, the Giants future, Rex Ryan, and how t…

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Episode 30. Ghosts of Chiefs-mas past. Ft. Cole Critchell and Laura Albanese 56:46

11M ago56:46

56:46

It's the last episode of the year! And what better way to spend it than ranking holiday movies? Cole talks Die Hard and somehow doesn't bust out the Hans Gruber accent. Home Alone 2 is a Tim Curry tour de force and Laura thinks While You Were Sleeping doesn't get the respect it deserves. Also, we need to discuss Dylan McDermott's impeccable knitwea…

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Episode 29. Winter Wonderland Meetings Ft. Abbey Mastracco (Dailey News) 1:49:59

11M ago1:49:59

1:49:59

Juan Soto is a Met, and everything is chaos. Cole and Laura chat it up with the Daily News' Abbey Mastracco from MLB's Winter Meetings, where it all went down. What does it mean for baseball? What does it mean for small-market teams? And is Pete Alonso coming back to the Mets? It'sNFL Week 14 and Laura still thinks the Chiefs are frauds. Cole is re…

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Episode 28. A Face For Radio Ft. Roberto Abramowitz (ESP Jets Radio, NFL, CBS, NYCFC) 1:19:02

12M ago1:19:02

1:19:02

Are you ready for some futbol (American and otherwise?). Cole and Laura talk to Roberto Abramowitz, the Spanish language voice for NY Jets radio, the NFL on CBS and NYCFC about the football season, the brutal end to NYCFC's season, and what it's like to dub HBO shows like "Hard Knocks" and "24/7". The Chiefs somehow won again and Cole is in full gl…

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Episode 27. Talking Turkey & Talking Hockey Ft. Dan Rosen (NHL.Com) 1:19:00

12M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Hockey season is here and who better to take us through the season, the NHL's growth efforts, and the Blues firing their head coach than Dan Rosen, senior writer for NHL.com? Cole and Laura go through some Week 13 NFL action, including the Har-Bowl (tm) and Saquon Barkley rubbing salt in the Giants' wounds. Plus, the Thanksgiving side dish hierarch…

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Episode 26. Nothing Happens Ft. Stephen Haynes (Poughkeepsie Journal) 1:15:38

12M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Wait til next year (or every year until you die). The Giants and Jets are in no-man's land, meaning we're already looking at the 2025 NFL draft with football guru and Poughkeepsie Journal sports reporter Stephen Haynes. Cole is in mourning after the Chief's first loss of the season and Laura...very much is not. Plus: Other Week 11 action and the le…

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Die Giants Die FT. Neil Best (Newsday / Sportswatch) 1:18:08

1y ago1:18:08

1:18:08

That's German for 'The Giants The'. Guten tag! The pod goes international as Cole and Laura talk Giants football and the international NFL games with Newsday's Neil Best, who was in Munich this week. The Chiefs are 9-0 but will their matchup against the Bills be too much to handle? We've got all the Week 10 action here, plus Golden Bachelorette, ph…

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Episode 24. Last Exit to Springfield Ft. Jerry Beach (Field Level Media, Forbes, AP) 1:25:47

1y ago1:25:47

1:25:47

Cole and Laura discuss if anyone in the NFC can topple the Lions. They chat with Jerry Beach, who covers MLB and NHL for Field Level Media, AP and Forbes, for a World Series post mortem and discuss if the Islanders have a chance of surviving their barrage of injuries. Most importantly, we get Jerry's definitive Treehouse of Horror rankings as every…

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Episode 23. Start Spreading the Lose Ft. Rob Bradford (Baseball Isn't Boring) 1:24:37

1y ago1:24:37

1:24:37

Who's getting Juan Soto?! Cole and Laura talk to "Baseball Isn't Boring" host and Red Sox reporter Rob Bradford about this World Series and the OTHER World Series happening this offseason. There's a pretty strong consensus on where Soto likely will sign. Can smaller-market teams even compete in the age of superstars? They go into Week 8 NFL action,…