Best Max Olson Podcasts (2025)

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So It's Come to This: A HoFCast Clip Show 55:07

Play Pause

7d ago55:07

55:07

As we bid a fond farewell to a close friend and colleague, please enjoy this collection of fun moments from the HoFCast Archives. SEGMENTS: Biopic Mailbag Question: 3:50 Cartoon Music Trivia: 13:35 Christmas Movie Trivia: 38:00 Stranger Things Prediction: 51:16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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The Cold War on Christmas with Vaughn Joy 1:16:48

10d ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Ross is joined by Dr. Vaughn Joy to discuss how the Cold War and McCarthyism reshaped the American concept of Christmas. Dr. Joy's new book, Selling Out Santa: Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy looks at how Hollywood depictions of the holidays changed to reflect the pressures of domestic containment. FURTHER READING: Joy, Vaughn. Selling Out S…

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GoldenEye on the Prize with Paul Klein 1:40:04

17d ago1:40:04

1:40:04

Ross is joined by returning guest Paul T Klein to talk about Bond, James Bond- specifically the 1995 franchise revival film, "GoldenEye". They talk about how the film engages with the End of History moment, reinventing Bond for the 90s, as well as the tremendous impact the N64 adaptation had on gaming. Ross celebrates the career of Joe Don Baker. F…

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The Truth is Out There 1:25:56

30d ago1:25:56

1:25:56

Ross is joined by Drs. Bethan Jones and Diane Rodgers to discuss the first of a multi-part series on "THE X-FILES". They discuss the show's history, its influence on popular culture and politics, how it helped shape fandom on the early internet, and more! FURTHER READING: Fenwick, James and Diane A. Rodgers, Eds. The Legacy of The X-Files. Jones, B…

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Fandom is Magic with Brian David-Marshall 1:11:36

1M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Ross is joined by the one and only Brian David-Marshall to discuss the history and fandom of Magic: the Gathering! The world's first trading card game, Magic has had a profound influence on gaming and popular culture, and BDM has had a profound influence on Magic. They also talk holiday cookie recipes, life imitating art, and the early history of o…

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"Garden State" of Mind with Chris DeVille 1:28:56

1M ago1:28:56

1:28:56

Ross is joined by music journalist Chris DeVille to discuss his new book, Such Great Heights. They look at how the indie music boom of the early 2000s reflected larger changes in media consumption, as well as the influence of the internet and early social media. Also in this episode: an introduction to the history of technology, Rory Gilmore's tast…

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Eye on Springfield with Alan Siegel 59:03

2M ago59:03

59:03

Ross is joined by Alan Siegel, senior staff writer at The Ringer and author of Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television -and America- Forever. They discuss the show's early success, influences, production, its place in the culture wars of the early 90s, and much more! Ross and Alan also share their thoughts on…

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#098 Danielle Strachman: What Makes a Thiel Fellow 1:12:41

2M ago1:12:41

1:12:41

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:46) - Deep dive into the Thiel Fellowship (00:07:04) - Success stories and impact of Thiel Fellows (00:11:04) - Challenges and controversies (00:16:01) - Evolution and future of fellowship programs (00:18:39) - Early days of building the Thiel Fellowship (00:23:36) - Traits of a Thiel Fellow (00:33:24) - Nurturing …

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McCarthy v. Murrow with Brad Schwartz 2:28:17

2M ago2:28:17

2:28:17

Ross talks to writer and historian A. Brad Schwartz about the showdown between Senator Joseph McCarthy and broadcaster Edward R. Murrow as depicted in "Good Night and Good Luck", both on screen and stage. They discuss domestic containment, the evolution of broadcast news, and much more! FURTHER READING: Cloud, Stanley and Lynne Olson. The Murrow Bo…

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Podcast of the Living Dead with Sarah Juliet Lauro 58:34

2M ago58:34

58:34

Ross talks to Dr. Sarah Juliet Lauro about her book The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living Death. They discuss where the zombie comes from, what it has represented historically, and how and why it continues to resonate. Happy Halloween! FURTHER READING: Lauro, Sarah Juliet. The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living …

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#097 Brad Feld: Founding Techstars, Giving First, and Mentorship 58:12

2M ago58:12

58:12

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:49) - Heroes (00:10:50) - How do you know when it’s time to step away from something you started? (00:18:37) - Len Fassler (00:32:52) - Mentors and inflection points in life (00:39:07) - Brad’s book - Give First (00:47:58) - The role of books in Brad’s career Links: Scribe — https://scribemedia.com Give First: The …

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Full Moon Rising with Chris Olson 1:28:47

2M ago1:28:47

1:28:47

Ross and Ryan are joined by returning guest Dr. Christopher Olson to talk about the career of filmmaker Charles Band! They discuss the director's filmography, his methods, and his influences. They also talk about the style and legacy of indie film-making in the era of home video. And make sure to check out our previous episode with Chris, all about…

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Chiefs, Bucs, and Drake Maye Are Big Winners. Plus, Danny Kanell on Penn State’s Overreaction, Indiana’s Biggest Win, and the SEC’s Problem. 2:00:02

3M ago2:00:02

2:00:02

Russillo starts with some thoughts on the NFL weekend, including whether the Chiefs or Bucs had the better win and the fact that Drake Maye is looking like the best QB in the 2024 class. Next, he chats with old friend Danny Kanell about Indiana’s massive win over Oregon, whether Penn State made a mistake by firing James Franklin, and the big proble…

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Jeffrey Weinstock's Flying Circus 1:34:43

2M ago1:34:43

1:34:43

And now for something completely different. Ross and Ryan are joined by Dr. Jeffrey Weinstock to discuss the cultural history of famed British comedy troupe Monty Python. They discuss the group's influences and output, English absurdist comedy, fandom as a language, and much more. FURTHER READING: Weinstock, Jeffrey (ed. with Kate Egan). And Now fo…

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Prime-Time Giants! NBA GM Survey Thoughts. Plus: Jeff Darlington on Baker’s Career Turnaround, Shanahan Love, and Belichick’s future. 2:01:27

3M ago2:01:27

2:01:27

Russillo starts with a rare fun Giants prime-time game and why he’s still unsure about Jalen Hurts. Then, he and Ceruti talk about the most interesting parts of the latest NBA GM survey. Next, ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington stops by to talk about this weekend's 49ers-Bucs matchup, the banged up Ravens, eventually taking the Jaguars seriously, th…

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The Giannis-Knicks Flirtation. Plus, Jeff Passan on Judge Saving the Yankees, More MLB Playoffs, and Life Advice! 1:43:36

3M ago1:43:36

1:43:36

Russillo opens with the Giannis-Knicks story and the biggest red flags for the Bucks, even if it’s unlikely to happen. Then, ESPN baseball writer Jeff Passan stops by to talk about Aaron Judge saving the Yankees, the disappointing Phillies, and more MLB playoffs. Plus, he sticks around for some Life Advice, including questions about a major hater a…

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Broncos or Pats for the Best Win? Plus, the Best Coach Right Now and the Team Misery Index With Mike Sando and Ryen’s First CFB Top 12 Playoff Rankings! 1:45:06

3M ago1:45:06

1:45:06

By The Ringer

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Chris Morgan Explains It All 1:29:35

3M ago1:29:35

1:29:35

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Yanks Pack Up the Sox, the Strange 4-0 Eagles, and Fixing the Ravens With Kevin Clark. Plus, Is Kyle Shanahan a $30M coach? 1:22:12

3M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Russillo opens the show talking about Cam Schlittler’s incredible performance last night to eliminate the Red Sox. Then ESPN’s Kevin Clark stops by to discuss the 49ers' win over the Rams and just how impressive Kyle Shanahan is at maximizing QBs. They also discuss the Eagles' poor stats despite remaining undefeated through four weeks, the upcoming…

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Talkin’ Baseball! Plus, Oregon, Ohio State, and Miami or the Field? And the Top CFB Stadiums With Fox’s Chris Fallica. 1:33:48

3M ago1:33:48

1:33:48

Russillo starts with some baseball talk, getting into why it’s so easy to get hooked on the playoffs. Then, he chats with Fox’s Chris Fallica about who the real contenders are in college football, how he’d rank the SEC right now, why this week is massive for Arch Manning and Texas, and the top stadium atmospheres. Finally, the guys close it out wit…

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#096 Cal Riley: Special Ops, Grief, and Why Your Business Needs a Heart 1:05:05

3M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:07) - Cal's military background (00:13:59) - Transitioning into a family business (00:19:35) - Implementing EOS (00:25:08) - The journey to compassionate leadership (00:36:16) - Prioritizing self-care and meditation (00:37:19) - Journaling techniques and prompts (00:39:02) - Mental health stigma and therapy (00:40:…

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The Packers' Worst Loss, the Chiefs' Best Win, and a Tough Jalen Hurts Convo With Sheil Kapadia. Plus, Same Old Penn State? 1:53:19

3M ago1:53:19

1:53:19

Russillo starts with his best win and worst loss from the NFL weekend and talks through the Ravens' and Packers' struggles and why we need to chill a little on Jaxson Dart’s debut. Then, he chats with Sheil Kapadia about the big questions around Jalen Hurts and the 4-0 Eagles, whether Puka Nacua is a top-three receiver, the Rams' place in the NFC, …

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Shadow of the New Deal with Josh Shepperd 1:38:05

3M ago1:38:05

1:38:05

Ross and Ryan speak with media historian Dr. Josh Shepperd about the founding of American public broadcasting and his book, Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting. They look at how and why public media came to be, the value it has today, and why it is so important to protect. FURTHER READING: Shepperd, Josh. Shadow of the New De…

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Actor Tom Pelphrey Talks ‘Task’, Being a Giants Fan and Throwing Out a First Pitch. Plus Some 'TNF', Texans, and Cam Ward Thoughts. 1:36:05

3M ago1:36:05

1:36:05

Russillo starts with some thoughts on 'Thursday Night Football', including how to judge the start to Marvin Harrison Jr’s career. Plus, can the Texans' season be saved? Shedeur Sanders comments on being ready, and Cam Ward’s struggles. Then Russillo chats with actor Tom Pelphrey about his new hit show “Task”, plus the struggles of being a Giants fa…

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Dart and Caleb Outlooks, and the Disappointing 2026 QB Class With Coach Quincy Avery. Plus, Ryder Cup Talk With Michael Kim 1:40:41

3M ago1:40:41

1:40:41

Russillo is first joined by QB Coach Quincy Avery to discuss the Giants giving Jaxson Dart the starting job, why Caleb Williams's ceiling is still so high, and the disappointing state of some college quarterback prospects, including Arch, Nussmeier, Klubnik, and more. He then chats with pro golfer Michael Kim, fresh off a win at the Open de France,…

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My Conversation with Naval on Building Judgement 35:27

3M ago35:27

35:27

It's been five years since the Almanack of Naval Ravikant was published. I spent the day with Naval expanding on key ideas from the book. We recorded hours of that conversation to share with you. This episode is a portion of that long conversation that talks about Building Judgement You can purchase the new expanded edition with nearly 4 hours of n…

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My Conversation with Naval on Saving Yourself 35:48

3M ago35:48

35:48

It's been five years since the Almanack of Naval Ravikant was published. I spent the day with Naval expanding on key ideas from the book. We recorded hours of that conversation to share with you. This episode is a portion of that long conversation that talks about Saving Yourself You can purchase the new expanded edition with nearly 4 hours of new …

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My Conversation with Naval on Learning Happiness 1:03:35

3M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

It's been five years since the Almanack of Naval Ravikant was published. I spent the day with Naval expanding on key ideas from the book. We recorded hours of that conversation to share with you. This episode is a portion of that long conversation that talks about Learning Happiness You can purchase the new expanded edition with nearly 4 hours of n…

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My Conversation with Naval on Philosophy 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

It's been five years since the Almanack of Naval Ravikant was published. I spent the day with Naval expanding on key ideas from the book. We recorded hours of that conversation to share with you. This episode is a portion of that long conversation that talks about Philosophy You can purchase the new expanded edition with nearly 4 hours of new mater…

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My Conversation with Naval on Building Wealth 37:55

3M ago37:55

37:55

Naval Ravikant on Building Wealth It's been five years since the Almanack of Naval Ravikant was published. I spent the day with Naval expanding on key ideas from the book. We recorded hours of that conversation to share with you. This episode is a portion of that long conversation that talks about Building Wealth You can purchase the new expanded e…

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Are the Eagles the New Chiefs? And Herbert Defenders, Stand Up! Plus, Todd McShay on Improved Indiana, Scary Miami, and More. 1:21:49

3M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

Russillo opens with some NFL Week 3 thoughts, including how the Rams lost to the Eagles, whether the Eagles are the new Chiefs, why Herbert defenders have been so stubborn, and why Caleb Williams is working his way back to being the best QB from the 2024 draft class. Plus, Todd McShay stops by to talk college football, including Indiana being even …

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The End of History on Film Podcast, Part 1 with The Feral Historian 2:51:48

3M ago2:51:48

2:51:48

Ross and Ryan kick off the start of season 2 by welcoming on The Feral Historian! They discuss three iconic films oriented around "the end of history", how and why that concept came into being, and its legacy. Unfortunately, Ross had to leave this one early, but not before making some truly terrible jokes. We're back, y'all! FURTHER READING: Hoel, …

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Another Brutal Tua Pick, Plus Best Rookies and the 2026 QB Class With Daniel Jeremiah 1:40:15

3M ago1:40:15

1:40:15

Russillo starts with a recap of Dolphins-Bills and what essentially was the game-losing interception from Tua. Then he’s joined by the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah for more on Tua’s issues, plus why Josh Allen may have ruined our thoughts on QB development, his favorite rookies so far, and an early look at the 2026 QB draft class. Finally, the guy…

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Best CFB Transfers and Arch's Issues With Max Olson. Plus, a Deep Dive on the Chiefs' Struggles With Mitchell Schwartz. 1:37:45

3M ago1:37:45

1:37:45

Russillo is joined by Max Olson to talk about the best transfer acquisitions in college football, preview this weekend’s biggest games, and reveal the teams that have surprised them the most this season. Then, Mitchell Schwartz comes on to break down O-line play leaguewide, discuss the Chiefs' issues, and talk about stories from his playing days. P…

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#095 Rolling Fun #10: Capitalism is Hard, Natural Gas From Sunshine, and "Blimps" (That Work This Time) 1:12:09

4M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:26) - Marathon misadventures(00:06:15) - The failed acquisition(00:13:47) - Lessons from the deal(00:29:31) - The future of retail(00:33:44) - Empathy for founders(00:35:23) - The grind of capitalism(00:35:37) - Challenges for young founders(00:36:10) - The importance of peer support(00:37:17) - Scaling and growth p…

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Chiefs 0-2, Tush Push Drama (Again), Joe Burrow's Injury, and the Dolphins' Mess With Dianna Russini. Plus, Should Miami Be Ranked No. 1? 1:48:04

4M ago1:48:04

1:48:04

Russillo starts the show with his awards for Week 2 in the NFL. Then he’s joined by Dianna Russini to learn more about Joe Burrow’s injury, break down Philadelphia’s big win over the Chiefs, and discuss the rise in QB play this week. Then, Ryen shares his thoughts on the updated AP poll and which teams have impressed in college football. Plus, Life…

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The Packers' Ceiling, the Contenders' Biggest Flaws, and the Best Play Callers With Ted Nguyen 1:22:15

3M ago1:22:15

1:22:15

Russillo is joined by Ted Nguyen to break down the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl rematch, discuss the biggest flaws among the contenders, and share how NFL defensive coordinators ranked the best offensive minds in the league. Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russillo Podcast! (1:56) Russillo welcomes in Ted Nguyen (5:23…

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Caleb Williams Panic Meter, Cardinals Tight End Trey McBride, and 'Task' Creator Brad Ingelsby 1:59:52

4M ago1:59:52

1:59:52

Russillo opens the show with some concerning stats about Caleb Williams. Then, he’s joined by Trey McBride to discuss his hometown, his college career, and why he’s trying to stop hurdling people. Then, ‘Task’ creator Brad Ingelsby comes on to share some inside details about the pilot, the show in general, and whether he’s thought about a second se…

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Are the Ravens Actually Chokers? NFL Week 1 With Mike Sando. Plus, Oklahoma Is Relevant Again and More From Week 2 of College Football. 1:48:14

4M ago1:48:14

1:48:14

Russillo opens the show by recapping Week 1 of the NFL and giving out his best win and worst loss. Then, Mike Sando joins to break down what Buffalo’s comeback means for both teams, discuss the Packers’ massive win, and preview Monday Night Football. Next, Russillo shares his thoughts on this week’s college football action, including Oklahoma’s win…

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Eagles Win, But Hope For the Cowboys? Plus, 32 NFL Team Questions and Super Bowl Picks With Willie Colon. 2:00:11

4M ago2:00:11

2:00:11

Russillo starts the show with his thoughts on DAL-PHI before being joined by Ceruti to answer one question about every NFL team. Then, Willie Colon comes on to recap Dak Prescott’s performance, share his Super Bowl pick, and preview how Aaron Rodgers will look in Pittsburgh. Finally, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle! (0:00) Welcome to The Ryen Russ…

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#094 Rolling Fun #9: Basketball, Asteroid Mining, Child Labor (Not Really Tho) 1:05:08

4M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:46) - Personal updates and new ventures (00:04:06) - The youth sports complex project (00:05:21) - Challenges and strategies in youth sports business (00:09:09) - Community impact and future vision (00:19:00) - Reflections on education and parenting (00:34:05) - The magic of holding a newborn (00:34:32) - The joys …