Best Neil Witten Podcasts (2025)

1
Jeff Kent Heads to Cooperstown + Moses Malone: The Life of a Basketball Prophet with Paul Knepper 1:14:53

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15h ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Jim first covers yesterday's election of Jeff Kent to the Baseball Hall of Fame (1:12). Then, Jim welcomes author Paul Knepper to discuss his latest book, “Moses Malone: The Life of a Basketball Prophet." Jim and Paul cover a number of topics, including Moses Malone playing pickup basketball inside a prison (40:12), the various reasons Malone somet…

1
Philip Rivers with Fernando Ramirez 50:51

8d ago50:51

50:51

Jim is joined by Fernando Ramirez, Chargers reporter for The Sporting Tribune, to break down the HOF candidacy of former quarterback Philip Rivers. First, Fernando and Jim debate whether Rivers belongs on Chargers Mount Rushmore and how he stacks up against Dan Fouts (12:48). Next, they cover his one appearance in the AFC Championship and examine j…

1
Don Mattingly with Not Gaetti 1:03:04

11d ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the HOF candidacy of former New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly. First, they cover the lack of postseason success Mattingly experienced despite playing for the New York Yankees for 14 years (8:42). Next, they discuss his 8-game home run streak in 1987, just how dominant…

1
Fernando Valenzuela with Adam Darowkski 1:40:24

18d ago1:40:24

1:40:24

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski of Sports Reference to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. First, Adam and Jim discuss Valenzuela's unique pitching delivery and devastating screwball (8:41). Next, they cover "Fernandomania" from start to finish and take a deep dive into the best pitchers of his era (16:15). Finall…

1
Rashard Lewis with Mat Issa 46:17

25d ago46:17

46:17

Jim is joined by NBA analyst Mat Issa to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA forward Rashard Lewis. First, Jim and Mat cover Lewis' jump from high school to the pros and how it was a bit different than most (8:40). Next, they discuss Lewis' performance in Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals, what Lewis has in common with Carmelo Anthony, and…

1
An Epic World Series Full of Future Hall of Famers 1:21:51

1M ago1:21:51

1:21:51

The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Champions once again following a 7-game World Series that will not be forgotten anytime soon, not only for how it ended, but because of the talent featured on the field. Jim runs through the three tiers of future Hall of Fame candidates who played in the World Series (16:08), before bringing Mrs. POF on to discuss …

1
Expensive Basketball with Shea Serrano 51:20

1M ago51:20

51:20

Jim welcomes New York Times bestselling author Shea Serrano to discuss his latest book, Expensive Basketball. Jim and Shea start by defining what "expensive basketball" actually means and debating whether Shawn Kemp or Dominque Wilkins had the most expensive in-game dunks (3:50). Next, they dive into how Shea conducted the research behind the book …

1
Robert Horry with Neil Paine 1:32:51

2M ago1:32:51

1:32:51

Jim is joined by sportswriter Neil Paine to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA forward Robert Horry. First, Jim and Neil cover Horry's role on seven NBA championship teams (12:15). Next, they take a deep dive into the many clutch playoff shots of Horry's career and attempt to decide which one was the most memorable (22:25). Finally, t…

1
Oscar "Heavy" Johnson with Adam Darowski 1:02:30

2M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski of Sports Reference to break down the career and HOF candidacy of former Negro League slugger Oscar "Heavy" Johnson. First, they cover how the Negro Leagues valued defense more than any other baseball league and why that may explain Johnson not being as famous as his contemporaries (14:52). Next, they discuss Johnson'…

1
Jason Witten with Jason Romano 1:04:46

2M ago1:04:46

1:04:46

Jim is joined by Jason Romano of Sports Spectrum to break down the HOF candidacy of former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. First, Jason and Jim cover Witten's expectational dependability, from both a performance and availability standpoint (9:59). Next, they discuss his record-setting, 18-catch performance in 2012 against the New York Giants…

1
Graig Nettles with Dr. Paul Semendinger 1:15:37

2M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

Jim is joined by author Dr. Paul Semendinger to break down the career and HOF candidacy of former MLB third baseman Graig Nettles. First, they cover the various characters of the Bronx Zoo and whether Nettles is the greatest 3B in Yankees franchise history (7:58). Next, they walk through Nettles' performance in the 1981 ALCS, why he reminds us a bi…

1
Troy Glaus with Trent Rush 42:55

2M ago42:55

42:55

Jim is joined by Los Angles Angels Broadcaster Trent Rush to break down the career and HOF candidacy of former MLB third baseman Troy Glaus. First, they discuss all of the talent on the early 2000s Angels teams that Glaus starred for (6:25). Next, they discuss his World Series MVP, his short career, and his huge power numbers at third base (10:40).…

1
Anthony Rizzo with Mike Cleary 1:20:39

3M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Jim is joined by friend of the pod Mike Cleary to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. First, Jim and Mike cover the Chicago Cubs dominance from 2015-2018 and whether winning just one World Series was disappointing in retrospect (15:05). Then, they discuss Rizzo's elite defense at first base, take a…

1
Drew Brees with Larry Holder 46:48

3M ago46:48

46:48

Jim is joined by Larry Holder of The Athletic to discuss the career and legacy of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. First, Jim and Larry discuss how Brees is not only the greatest player in Saints history, but possibly the greatest individual to ever call New Orleans home (18:18). Then, they cover Super Bowl XLIV, how Brees put up v…

1
Derrek Lee with Dave Wischnowsky 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

Jim is joined by Chicago Sports & News Columnist Dave Wischnowsky to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB first baseman Derrek Lee. First, Dave and Jim cover Lee's legacy on the Chicago Cubs and how he is one of the better Cub players of the 21st Century (8:50). Then, they discuss his 2005 MVP-caliber season, Gil Hodges, and where Lee r…

1
Gus Williams with Brandon Anderson 1:16:52

3M ago1:16:52

1:16:52

Jim is joined by NFL and NBA writer for Action Network Brandon Anderson to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA guard Gus Williams. First, Jim and Brandon build Seattle SuperSonics Mount Rushmore (9:40). Next, they take a deep dive into Williams' career from 1978-1981 and debate if he was better than Chauncey Billups, Tony Parker, and P…

1
Mo Vaughn with Clayton Trutor 59:14

4M ago59:14

59:14

Jim is joined by author and sports historian Clayton Trutor to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB first baseman Mo Vaughn. First, Clayton and Jim cover Vaughn's batting stance and his reputation as one of the most feared hitters of the 1990s (11:25). Then, they discuss the 1995 AL MVP race, the best first basemen of his era, and how h…

1
POF Book Club. A Baseball Book of Days: Thirty-One Moments That Transformed the Game 37:37

4M ago37:37

37:37

Jim welcomes longtime editor at the New York Times and author Phil Coffin to discuss his latest book, “A Baseball Book of Days: Thirty-One Moments That Transformed the Game." Jim and Phil cover a number of topics, including Jackie Robinson's first game, Don Padgett's .399 batting average in 1939, Carlos Beltrán's Hall of Fame candidacy, and why Bob…

1
Juan González with Jared Sandler 1:08:07

4M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Jim is joined by Texas Rangers Broadcaster Jared Sandler to break down the HOF candidacy of former Rangers outfielder Juan González. First, they discuss González's batting stance and his RBI prowess (9:50). Next, they cover González's huge performance in the 1996 ALDS against the New York Yankees, how he compares favorably to newly elected Hall of …

1
Five New Plaques Enter Cooperstown 36:12

4M ago36:12

36:12

Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dave Parker, and Dick Allen were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday. Jim reads you each of their newly minted Hall of Fame plaques, reveals each of their best MLB seasons, and discusses each of their careers without using any numbers at all. Billy Wagner (5:25) Dave Parker (9:25) Dick Allen (…

1
New England Road Trip Recap 44:24

5M ago44:24

44:24

Jim spent over 2 weeks driving through New England last month. He visited dozens of small towns along the way, but had extended stays in Stowe, Portland, Portsmouth, Boston, Nantucket, and Newport. Jim covers the highlights of each of those stops (4:03), before recapping the top four foods he eat during his time out East (39:15).…

1
Geno Atkins with Mike Santagata 53:01

5M ago53:01

53:01

Jim is joined by writer for Bengals Talk, Mike Santagata, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins. First, Jim and Mike cover the significance Geno's dominance despite his small statue as a defensive tackle (9:35). Next, they compare Atkins to Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy (26:21…

1
LeSean McCoy with Jeff Kerr 51:08

5M ago51:08

51:08

Jim is joined by NFL Writer for CBS Sports, Jeff Kerr, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL running back LeSean McCoy. First, Jim and Jeff reminisce about the 2013 Snow Bowl when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Detroit Lions in a blizzard (7:20). Next, they compare McCoy's to Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk and Thurman Thomas, and…

1
Buddy Bell with Adam Darowski 1:06:38

5M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski of Sports Reference to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB third baseman Buddy Bell. First, they discuss Bell's elite advanced metrics, which all point to him being on par with the average Hall of Fame third basemen (7:20). Next, they cover Bell's only season where he finished in the top 10 in the AL MVP vote, …

1
Will Cooper Flagg end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame? 50:06

6M ago50:06

50:06

The 2025 NBA Draft is this Thursday and we all know Cooper Flagg is going first. Does that mean he has the best odds of ending up in the Basketball Hall of Fame? Jim provides his thoughts on the top five players in this year's draft that have the best odds of ending up in the Hall of Fame once their careers are all said and done (9:04). Then, Kentu…

1
Richard "Rip" Hamilton with Keith Black Trudeau 1:10:35

6M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

Jim is joined by NBA historian Keith Black Trudeau to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA shooting guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton. First, Jim and Keith discuss Hamilton's elite ability to move without the ball, as well as his smooth mid-range game (10:10). Next, they cover his performance in the 2004 NBA Finals and Eastern Conference …

1
300th Pod of Fame Episode Mailbag! 57:31

6M ago57:31

57:31

To celebrate our 300th podcast episode, Jim answers questions from the listeners. He discusses Pascal Siakam and his Hall of Fame future (6:20), fills out a 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot 10 years too late (16:00), covers past MVP snubs that had major Hall of Fame repercussions (26:30), provides an answer to whether he really thinks Kyle Schwarb…

1
Paul Konerko with Nick Murawski 1:17:59

6M ago1:17:59

1:17:59

Jim is joined by baseball podcaster Nick Murawski to break down the HOF candidacy of former Chicago White Sox 1st baseman Paul Konerko. First, they discuss how Konerko was the quintessential White Sox player and why his face must be on White Sox Rushmore (10:30). Next, they discuss Konerko's starring role as a member of the 2005 Chicago White Sox c…

1
Carlos Delgado with Not Gaetti 1:10:39

7M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB first baseman Carlos Delgado. First, they discuss how Delgado was one of the most feared batters in baseball during the 2000s (10:32). Next, they discuss Delgado's 4-home run game against Tampa Bay in 2003, how he compares to Jim Thome, and how hi…

1
Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, and Over a Dozen Others are Now Eligible for The Baseball Hall of Fame. Now What? 42:20

7M ago42:20

42:20

Last Tuesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred dropped a bomb on the baseball community with his announcement that the lifetime bans of 17 individuals were lifted, effective immediately. With the ban lifted, all 17 are now eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but let's be real; Pete Rose and 16 others are now eligible for Cooperstown. Jim covers wha…

1
Johan Santana with Brandon Warne 57:14

7M ago57:14

57:14

Jim is joined by Brandon Warne, host of Locked on Twins, to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB pitcher Johan Santana. First, Brandon and Jim cover the best pitchers in Minnesota Twins history (11:03). Next, they discuss Johan's ridiculous second half of 2004 (13-0, 1.21 ERA), his no-hitter with the New York Mets in 2012, and how his peak ac…

1
Ricky Watters with Bryan DeArdo 1:10:57

7M ago1:10:57

1:10:57

Jim is joined by NFL Writer for CBS Sports, Bryan DeArdo, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL running back Rickey Watters. First, Jim and Bryan reminisce about 1990s running backs, as they both consider the 1990s to be the Golden Age of the position (8:29). Next, they cover Watters' three touchdown performance in Super Bowl XXIX, ho…

1
Shedeur Sanders Falls, Chicago Misfires, and Way Too Early HOF Predictions 44:10

7M ago44:10

44:10

After sitting on his couch all weekend watching almost every minute of the 2025 NFL Draft, Jim provides his top three storylines of the 3-day event, including the Shedeur Sanders debacle (4:59). Then, Jim tries to predict the top 5 players that have the best chance of ending up in Canton one day (29:18).…

1
Terry Cummings with Adam Ryan 54:14

8M ago54:14

54:14

Jim is joined by NBA sports podcaster Adam Ryan to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Terry Cummings. First, Jim and Adam cover the top 3 picks of the 1982 NBA Draft (10:01). Next, they discuss the 1985 playoff series where Cummings outscored Michael Jordan, how Cummings compares to James Worthy, and the significance …

1
Shareef Abdur-Rahim with Neil Paine 1:07:29

8M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

Jim is joined by sportswriter Neil Paine to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim. First, Jim and Neil cover the the absolutely stacked 1996 NBA Draft Class (8:53). Next, they discuss the 50 points Shareef dropped on Ben Wallace in 2001, his elite scoring ability, and where he ranks among the best forwards …

1
POF Book Club. 1978: Baseball and America in the Disco Era 33:32

8M ago33:32

33:32

In this edition of POF Book Club, Jim welcomes author David Krell to discuss his new new book, “1978: Baseball and America in the Disco Era" First, David and Jim discuss why he landed on 1978 as the year he would cover and what he personally remembers about that year (4:55). Then, they discuss the most memorable baseball moment of 1978 (9:25) and w…

1
Marques Johnson with Dennis Krause 38:46

8M ago38:46

38:46

Jim is joined by sports reporter for Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin Dennis Krause to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA small forward Marques Johnson. First, Dennis and Jim cover which NBA legend famously had a poster of Johnson in their dorm room, his role in "White Men Can't Jump" and his unusual Milwaukee Bucks jersey situation (5:49…

1
Tommy John with Graham Womack 55:52

9M ago55:52

55:52

Jim is joined by journalist Graham Womack to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB pitcher Tommy John. First Graham and Jim cover whether the historical significance of Tommy John surgery should have any impact on John's case for Cooperstown (8:43). Next, they discuss John's great playoff performances throughout his career, how his baseball re…

1
2025 March Madness Preview with Shannon Miloch 1:06:39

9M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

It's finally here. Sick days will be used. Office pools with be formed. Money will be lost. The greatest sports event of the year has arrived and if you think we would talk anything besides March Madness this week, you would be sadly mistaken. Pod of Fame's College Basketball Correspondent Shannon Miloch joins the pod for the fifth annual March Mad…

1
POF Book Club. The Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball 41:58

9M ago41:58

41:58

In this edition of POF Book Club, Jim welcomes author John W. Miller to discuss his new new book, “The Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball." First, John and Jim discuss the meaning behind the title of the book and why former Baltimore Orioles Manager Earl Weaver can be considered the last manager in MLB history…

1
🇳🇮 Nicaragua Travel Log 🇳🇮 52:02

9M ago52:02

52:02

We take a break from sports (kinda) to bring you a travel log episode documenting another Pod of Fame trip outside of the United States. Jim recaps his experience on Little Corn Island, a tiny speck of land 50 miles off the coast of Nicaragua. Jim touches on a variety of topics, including how the hell one gets to the 1.5 square mile island in the C…

1
Dwight Howard with David "Wando" Wandolowski 1:15:41

10M ago1:15:41

1:15:41

Jim is joined by friend of the pod David "Wando" Wandolowski to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA center Dwight Howard. First, Jim and Wando cover the ridiculous athleticism of Howard in his early days with the Orlando Magic, as well as why Howard attended prom in their hometown of Naperville, IL (10:52). Next, they discuss the 20…

1
Carmelo Anthony with David Shepard 48:26

10M ago48:26

48:26

Jim is joined by SiriusXM NBA Radio and Infinity Sports Network Radio Host David Shepard to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA small forward Carmelo Anthony. First, Jim and David cover the impressiveness of Carmelo's diversified basketball portfolio, from his NCAA championship at Syracuse to his four Olympic medals (13:55). Next, D…

1
Football HOF Class of 2025 Recap 40:21

10M ago40:21

40:21

Last Thursday, Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Sterling Sharpe were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim breaks down each of their NFL careers (4:26), discusses what the future holds for HOF hopefuls Luke Kuechly and Eli Manning (20:47), and walks you through the impact of the new HOF voting rules (28:15). Finally, Jim takes a …

1
Rickey Henderson Tribute 45:21

10M ago45:21

45:21

Rickey Henderson passed away last December just days before his 66th birthday. Henderson, an inner circle Hall of Famer, was one of the most explosive and colorful players to ever play the game of baseball. On this week's podcast, Jim pays tribute to one of the greatest players of the last 50 years and dives into five different topics that highligh…

1
Baseball HOF Class of 2025 Recap + Quick Preview of the 2026 Ballot 37:20

11M ago37:20

37:20

Last Tuesday, Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner joined already elected Dave Parker and Dick Allen as members of the Baseball HOF Class of 2025. Jim breaks down the ballot results and what the future looks like for HOF hopefuls Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, and Chase Utley (4:30). Then, Jim gives gives two cents on the five new members of…

1
Ichiro Suzuki with Jeff Cirillo, Not Gaetti, Adam Darowski, and More 1:11:10

11M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Since Ichiro Suzuki officially retired from the MLB in 2019, we have all known he would selected to Cooperstown as soon as he became eligible. Well, time flies, as Ichiro will officially be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame tomorrow. First, Jim will cover Ichiro's arrival in Seattle as a 27-year old rookie right fielder, how seemingly impossible…

1
Adam Vinatieri with Christopher Price 35:27

11M ago35:27

35:27

Jim is joined by Christopher Price from the Boston Globe to break down the HOF candidacy of former NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri. First, Chris and Jim cover Vinatieri's two clutch kicks in the Snow Bowl against the Oakland Raiders (6:02). Next, they discuss both of Vinatieri's Super Bowl winning kicks, how he compares to the other two full-time kickers…

1
Curt Flood with Benjamin Hochman 50:20

11M ago50:20

50:20

Jim is joined by St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports columnist and Hall of Fame voter Benjamin Hochman to break down the HOF candidacy of former St. Louis Cardinals centerfielder Curt Flood. First, Benjamin and Jim cover Flood's legacy as a trailblazer in the world of professional sports and workers' rights (11:33). Next, they discuss Flood's role on tw…

1
Eli Manning with Jason Romano 1:06:53

11M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Jim is joined by Jason Romano, Executive Producer at Sports Spectrum, to break down the HOF candidacy of former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. First, Jason and Jim discuss "The Helmet Catch" and whether it was the greatest play in Super Bowl history (12:04). Next, they compare Eli to 3X Super Bowl champ Troy Aikman, where Eli ranks among …