Best State Of The Blue Note Podcasts (2025)

1
Will Penn State GO BOWLING with a win over Rutgers? 25:50

Play Pause

7h ago25:50

25:50

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dive into interim head coach Terry Smith’s candidacy for the full-time job at Penn State, while they also make their picks for Penn State’s final regular-season tilt with Rutgers. Happy Thanksgiving! Note: As Max mentioned on the air, his connection may be a bit questionable throughout this. We apologize for any issue…

1
Bob Costas Remembers ... the Great NFL Pregame Wars 53:56

18m ago53:56

53:56

Hello, media consumers! Bryan is joined today by broadcasting legend Bob Costas to discuss the great NFL pregame wars of the 1980s and 1990s. They dive into everything, starting with him becoming the host of NBC’s pregame show in 1984. Next, they discuss Bob’s competition before turning to what made NBC’s show special (07:42). They continue by goin…

1
New News About Nuzzi, and Mamdani Goes to Washington. Plus: Susan Orlean on Breaking Into The New Yorker, Working for Tina Brown, and More. 1:20:13

2d ago1:20:13

1:20:13

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss Bryan’s newest Texas barbecue adventure before diving into the most recent news in the ever-evolving Olivia Nuzzi saga, including their thoughts on Ryan Lizza’s second Substack piece and whether this story has reached the point of “feeling like you know too much” (09:49). Next, the guys dive into ever…

1
Do Penn State vets want to play in a bowl game? Terry Smith on Ethan Grunkemeyer's growth 39:30

2d ago39:30

39:30

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to Terry Smith's Monday press conference ahead of Penn State's road trip to face Rutgers on Saturday. Smith was asked if he believes Penn State's senior players want to play in a bowl game if the Lions finish 6-6. Bob and Max discuss Smith's response. Plus, Bob and Max discuss quarterback Ethan Grunkemey…

1
S7 Ep349: Murder and Mayhem at Fox Hollow Farm 26:59

2h ago26:59

26:59

Herb Baumeister was a man out of control, he was a failed businessman, a husband and father and lived a double life as a prolific serial killer. CREDITS & LINKS MUSIC COURTESY OF: Bobby Mackey "Johanna" Fading Point "Trigger" CITY SHOUT OUT: 🇺🇸 Maple Valley, Washington. 🇺🇸 Spanish Fork, Utah 🇺🇸 Vero Beach, Florida 🇺🇸 Strafford, New Hampshire 🇫🇷 Sen…

1
Instant analysis after Penn State's rout of Nebraska 9:27

1d ago9:27

9:27

Instant analysis from PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph after Penn State routs Nebraska, 37-10. Terry Smith has become a fan and player favorite for the new head coach and running back Kaytron Allen becomes all-time leading rusher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Trump’s “Piggy” Attack, MLB’s TV Deal, and Joel’s Nuzzi Take. Plus: Mamdani Advisor Zara Rahim 1:27:07

6d ago1:27:07

1:27:07

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss President Trump's recent interactions with the media, including his “piggy” comment, his meeting in the Oval Office with Mohammed bin Salman, and his comments on the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Next, the guys parse through MLB’s new media rights deal with NBC, ESPN, and Netflix (18:32). Later,…

1
James Franklin INTRODUCED at Virginia Tech + Penn State-Nebraska picks 55:52

6d ago55:52

55:52

The longtime Nittany Lions head coach has already found his new home. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal share their reactions to the fit in Blacksburg. They'll also make their picks for Penn State's Senior Day matchup this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Olivia Nuzzi, Ryan Lizza, and the Frenzied Rollout of 'American Canto' 1:12:58

35m ago1:12:58

1:12:58

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David dive into everything Olivia Nuzzi, starting with Jacob Bernstein’s New York Times piece, including what was said in his profile of Nuzzi and whether this is the right kind of profile for her. Next, they discuss the excerpt of Nuzzi’s book, 'American Canto,' released in Vanity Fair and whether the writing in t…

1
Smith Emotional After Win - - - Plus More Press Conference Notes 36:05

9d ago36:05

36:05

PennLive’s Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to Terry Smith’s news conference with Penn State prepping to face Nebraska on Senior Day on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium. Smith got extremely emotional when asked about some of the people in his life that he heard from after PSU’s 28-10 win over Michigan State on Saturday. The Lions can get to 6-6 wi…

1
S7 Ep348: Doing Time at Brushy Mountain State Pen 26:36

19m ago26:36

26:36

Nestled in the mountains of Tennessee stands Brushy Mountain, where many dangerous men called home, including a notorious serial killer and the man who killed MLK Jr. CREDITS & LINKS MUSIC COURTESY OF: Bobby Mackey "Johanna" Alien Manner "Listen Official" CITY SHOUT OUT: 🇺🇸 Kirkland, Washington 🇷🇴 Iasi, Romania 🇨🇦 Niagara Falls, Canada 🇺🇸 Lakewood,…

1
Instant analysis after Penn State's much needed win 5:09

12m ago5:09

5:09

Penn State breaks its six-game losing streak with a 28-10 win over Michigan State. Listen to the instant analysis form PennLive's Max Ralph. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
The New Epstein Emails, Pat McAfee and Donald Trump, and the Nico Harrison 'Now They Tell Us.' Plus: NBC’s Cris Collinsworth. 1:37:24

13d ago1:37:24

1:37:24

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss what is in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein emails, how this information paints journalism, and the Michael Wolff of it all. Next, Bryan and Joel analyze President Trump’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, including how the show received him, the topics they covered, and how this interview reflects …

1
Will Penn State FINALLY SNAP losing streak at Michigan State? 41:30

1h ago41:30

41:30

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal make their picks for the PSU-MSU game — the battle for the Land-Grant Trophy — on this week's live podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
MSNBC’s Rebrand, ESPN’s Solitaire Scandal, and James Talarico’s Friends. Plus: The Atlantic’s Charlie Warzel 1:11:54

16d ago1:11:54

1:11:54

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David discuss Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico’s social media scandal and how the public reaction to this type of news has changed over time. Next, Bryan and David dive into MSNBC’s rebrand as MSNOW and how effective the rebrand rollout has been (10:18). Then, Bryan and David talk about the ESPN Solitaire debacl…

1
Penn State's Ethan Grunkemeyer passes a huge test with flying colors, and a Chaz Coleman update 33:48

16d ago33:48

33:48

PennLive's Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to Penn State head coach Terry Smith's Monday press conference with the Nittany Lions prepping to face Michigan State on Saturday in East Lansing. The Nittany Lions, losers of six consecutive games, extended No. 2 Indiana to the limit on Saturday before a late IU touchdown foiled PSU's upset bid. Smith p…

1
S7 Ep347: Rocker Deaths Part 6: Sid Vicious, Rusty Day & Roger Troutman 33:22

2d ago33:22

33:22

Continuing the Rocker Death series, Part 6 sees a whole new lineup. From drug overdosage to straight up murder, you won't want to miss this! CREDITS & LINKS MUSIC COURTESY OF: 🎸 Destined to Fail (Colorado) 👽 Alien Manner (California) 🥁 Fading Point (Arizona) 🎤 Stick the Landing (Illinois) 🎵 Liars Handshake (Colorado) ROCKER LINE UP: Sid Vicious Rus…

1
The Democrats’ Big Night and ESPN’s New Bookie. Plus: Booger McFarland on Alabama-LSU, Playing Dirty, and More. 1:21:52

20d ago1:21:52

1:21:52

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss everything coming out of election night, including how the big news stations covered it, where Steve Kornacki has gone, how conservatives are coping, and the New York Post’s Mamdani headline. Next, Bryan and Joel dive into ESPN and DraftKings’ new partnership and ESPN Bet being no more (21:47), before …

1
Can Penn State END 5-GAME LOSING STREAK vs. No. 2 Indiana? 49:20

21d ago49:20

49:20

This week’s Thursday show features Bob Flounders and Max Ralph making their predictions for Penn State's matchup with No. 2 Indiana. They also offer their thoughts on the ongoing coaching search. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Last-Minute Election Stories, Trump Goes on ‘60 Minutes,’ and (Another) White House Reporter Caper 1:10:54

22d ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and a returning David discuss Dick Cheney’s death by reviewing his relationship to the press (12:20), before diving into last-minute election stories covering the final days of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, California's Prop 50, and a fake Bill de Blasio (33:10). Next, Bryan and David talk about everything that came out o…

1
Penn State’s Terry Smith has a lot of issues to “fix” ahead of the Indiana game. What are his priorities? 34:33

23d ago34:33

34:33

PennLive’s Bob Flounders and Max Ralph are back to share their takeaways from Penn State coach Terry Smith’s Monday press conference. The 3-5 Nittany Lions, losers of five consecutive games, tangle with No. 2 Indiana on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Smith had some interesting thoughts on the Penn State cornerbacks’ woeful play in the team’s 38-14 los…

1
S7 Ep346: Heartbreak at Heart Mountain Relocation Center 44:34

12d ago44:34

44:34

After the catastrophic bombing at Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans were forced out of their homes and transferred to Relocation Centers scattered throughout the United States, one of those places was Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming. The ones fortunate enough to survive would stay here until the war was over. CREDITS & LINKS CITY SHOUT O…

1
Instant analysis after Ohio State blows out Penn State 7:37

25d ago7:37

7:37

PennLive’s Bob Flounders and Max Ralph analyze the Nittany Lions’ collapse after a competitive first half. They highlight significant post-snap breakdowns on Penn State’s defense, particularly in the secondary, which allowed Ohio State’s receivers to dominate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
21: Happy Halloween! Featuring Theresa Arguello, Kara McCoy & Kristin Belston 22:19

24d ago22:19

22:19

In this ghoulishly amazing episode three phenomenal ladies share their experiences! CREDIT & LINKS VOICE OVER SHOUT OUTS: 🎃Theresa Arguello 🎃Kara McCoy 🎃 Kristin Belston KARING FOR KARA FUNDRAISER: http://spot.fund/2k856k8sc COVER PHOTO: this image was created by Tessa with the help of AI STORY BLOCKS: https://www.storyblocks.com/audio/stock/fun-ha…

1
CBS’s Halloween "Bloodbath" and Michael Jordan as the NBA's Ombudsman. Plus: Vox’s Astead Herndon on Leaving The New York Times and the Future of the Democrats. 1:35:32

27d ago1:35:32

1:35:32

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss the layoffs at CBS News (0:51) before diving into their thoughts on Michael Jordan’s two appearances on NBC thus far (14:05), the NBA's relationship to storytelling, and what they want from these MJ appearances. Next, Bryan and Joel educate the listeners on Jennifer Welch (28:41), including where she o…

1
Can Penn State UPSET No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus? 1:02:40

12d ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dive into their predictions for the Penn State-Ohio State game this week, where the Nittany Lions are nearly three-touchdown underdogs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Special guest Doug Lesmerises on who Penn State should be looking for as its next head coach 48:43

29d ago48:43

48:43

PennLive’s Bob Flounders is joined by Doug Lesmerises on this episode. Lesmerises, a former Ohio State football columnist for Cleveland.com, writes about Ohio State football and is part of “The Bill and Doug Show” podcast with Bill Landis. Bob and Doug discuss what went wrong for James Franklin at Penn State and focus on what the program should be …

1
ESPN’s Gamble, CBS and John Dickerson, and Graham Platner’s Reddit Posts 1:13:38

13d ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Hello, media consumers! Bryan is joined by Joel out of the bullpen to dig through everything that has come out of the NBA’s gambling scandal (0:40) before they share their thoughts on how ESPN handled the coverage of that news, who at the worldwide leader should be covering these stories, which former ESPN employees would have covered this in the p…

1
Guest Stephen Means on Ohio State’s repeat bid, Penn State’s struggles 50:03

1M ago50:03

50:03

PennLive’s Bob Flounders is joined by special guest Stephen Means of Cleveland.com to discuss Penn State’s 2025 demise and the unbeaten Ohio State Buckeyes’ bid to repeat as national champions. OSU hosts Terry Smith’s Nittany Lions on Saturday afternoon at the Horseshoe. Means goes into detail on how Ohio State has produced another fantastic season…

1
S7 Ep345: Behind the Scene with Fading Point Feat Mike Fabian, Rich Thayer, Matt Crabb, James Martinez & Tim Stinson 1:01:07

10d ago1:01:07

1:01:07

In this behind the scenes interview - Tessa talks all thins music with Fading Point, a kick ass band who is releasing a brand new album, along with a huge concert on November 1st. Tune in now to hear what Fading Point - Richard Thayer, Mike Fabian, James Martinez, Tim Stinson and Matt Crabb- has to say. CREDIT AND LINKS MUSIC PROVIDED BY: Fading Po…

1
How Zohran Mamdani Won the Hearts and Minds of the Media (and New York City) 1:00:15

1M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Bryan and Joel are together in the studio to discuss Zohran Mamdani in the 17th edition of their 25 for 25 series (2:00). They discuss Mamdani as a political phenomenon (6:12), a media phenomenon (21:03), and someone who is signaling generation change (25:55). Later they welcome Eric Lach of The New Yorker, who profiled Mamdani for the magazine. La…

1
WHAT'S WRONG with the Penn State offense? 55:15

19d ago55:15

55:15

Penn State ranks as one of the nation's worst offenses despite bringing back a ton of veteran talent and a second-year play caller. Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal dive into what they've seen from the Nittany Lions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés 57:47

1M ago57:47

57:47

An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss the worst response issued by the White House to a reporter's question, some good news about The Washington Post, and issues at Indiana University’s student newspaper (00:35). The two then dig into th…

1
Reacting to Penn State's loss at Iowa, Kaytron Allen's effort, and PSU's outlook coming out of a bye week 43:25

1M ago43:25

43:25

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph have a lot of ground to cover on this episode.Playing under the direction of interim head coach Terry Smith, Penn State pushed Iowa to the limit before losing in Iowa City on Saturday night. What were the positive takeaways from the Nittany Lions' effort? What were the main reasons PSU's losing streak is at fo…

1
S7 Ep344: Singing the Prison Blues at Joliet Prison Part 2 25:27

1M ago25:27

25:27

In part 2 of the short Old Joliet Prison series, Tessa talks about inmates, riots and executions. CREDITS & LINKS MUSIC COURTESY OF: 🎸 Bobby Mackey “Johanna” 🎸 Destined to Fail “Shades 🚫f Gray” WEEKLY CITY SHOUT OUTS: 🏴 Turriff, Scotland 🇺🇸 Jeanette, Pennsylvania 🇨🇦 Saint Lambert, Canada 🇺🇸 Spokane, Washington 🇺🇸 Mililani Town, Hawaii 🇺🇸 Wamego, Ka…

1
Penn State battles, but falls to Iowa: instant analysis from Iowa City 5:34

1M ago5:34

5:34

PennLive's Bob Flounders analyzes Penn State's 25-24 loss at Iowa. It was interim head coach Terry Smith's first game as well as the start of the Ethan Grunkemeyer era at quarterback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Zohran Mamdani Goes on Fox News, the Great Pentagon Walkout, and Awkward NFL Coach Audio 1:07:04

1M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel discuss the almost entirely unanimous media walkout at the Pentagon after new rules and guidelines were presented to reporters (0:48); Olivia Nuzzi's return, which will now include a book deal (19:52); and Zohran Mamdani's interview with Fox News' Martha MacCallum (26:22). Then they discuss some awkward NFL he…

1
Can Penn State win its first game WITHOUT JAMES FRANKLIN? Making our PSU-Iowa picks 57:42

1M ago57:42

57:42

PennLive's Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal break down the early portion of Penn State's coaching search and dive into what will happen in Iowa City this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Bari Weiss’s Memo, Marc Maron’s Goodbye, and College Football’s Most Interesting Coach 57:18

24d ago57:18

57:18

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and David are back to discuss Bari Weiss’s memo to her new employees and whether it is threatening. Then they talk about Marc Maron’s farewell podcast with Barack Obama. The two discuss Obama’s social media reluctance and why he isn’t he speaking out more (00:21). They also play the football audio of the week: Indiana …

1
INSTANT ANALYSIS: Breaking down Penn State AD's press conference following James Franklin firing 17:55

1M ago17:55

17:55

Head coach James Franklin is out at Penn State, cornerbacks coach Terry Smith is in. PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph analysis from Athletic Director Pat Kraft's press conference the day after the firing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
S7 Ep343: Singing the Prison Blues at Old Joliet Prison Part 1 35:11

1M ago35:11

35:11

In part 1 of this part 2 series, Tessa talks about some of the history at Old Joliet Prison and some of the notorious inmates who called this prison home. CREDITS & LINKS MUSIC COURTESY OF: 🎸 Bobby Mackey “Johanna” 🎸Fading Point “Gasoline” WEEKLY CITY SHOUT OUTS: 🇺🇸 Bourbonnais, Illinois 🇺🇸 Glen Burnie, Maryland 🇺🇸 Leesburg, Virginia 🇺🇸 Wauseon, Oh…

1
Fox Footy Podcast Trade Special: Swans' Curnow risk, Dee's big challenge and draft overhaul 27:04

2M ago27:04

27:04

Gerard Healy joins Max Laughton, Ben Waterworth and Ben Cotton for the latest Fox Footy Podcast trade period special, breaking down the latest on Charlie Curnow, Melbourne and general player movement issues, before the boys play Fair or Farce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Fox Sports Australia

1
James Franklin is gone. What does this mean for Penn State? 43:00

1M ago43:00

43:00

Bob Flounders and Max Ralph dive into the sudden departure of James Franklin as Penn State's head coach. They discuss the implications of this change, the interim leadership of Terry Smith, and what it means for the future of Penn State football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Penn State falls to Northwestern, Allar is out for the season. Is Franklin in trouble? 8:02

1M ago8:02

8:02

PennLive's Bob Flounders and Max Ralph analyze Penn State's 22-21 loss to Northwestern as Drew Allar is knocked out for the season. The Nittany Lions fall to 3-3 on the season, is James Franklin in trouble? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Special guest David Jones on Penn State’s UCLA effort, and whether James Franklin should stay at PSU 49:49

2M ago49:49

49:49

PennLive’s Bob Flounders welcomes back retiree David Jones to the Blue-White Breakdown podcast to discuss what has gone wrong for James Franklin’s Penn State program in the last two games. Jones, a longtime PSU football sports columnist for PennLive and The Patriot-News, watched the Nittany Lions’ stunning 42-37 loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl and sh…

1
Jen Psaki on the Democrats and the Future of MSNBC. Plus, Paul Finebaum vs. ESPN and the End of LeBron’s Media Headlock 1:31:37

2M ago1:31:37

1:31:37

Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel cover LeBron’s “big” news, Paul Finebaum a week after his OutKick interview, yet another Bill Belichick story out of UNC, and a bizarre Katie Porter interview (0:45). Then Joel and Bryan talk with MSNBC's Jen Psaki about the Democratic Party, how politicians can effectively communicate their message, modernizi…

1
Can Penn State RIGHT THE SHIP vs. Northwestern? 58:53

2M ago58:53

58:53

Max Ralph and Johnny McGonigal make their picks for the Homecoming game and discuss Penn State fans’ calls to fire coach James Franklin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy PennLive.com

1
Fox Footy Podcast Trade Special: Giant bombshell, Suns' staunch stance and latest draft whispers 28:25

2M ago28:25

28:25

Ben Dixon joins Ben Waterworth, Ben Cotton and Will Faulkner for the latest Fox Footy Podcast trade period special, breaking down the latest on Leek Aleer, Bailey Humphrey and Charlie Curnow, before the boys play Fair or Farce and bring you the latest draft whispers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…