Edge of Sports
419 episodes - English - Latest episode: 29 days ago - ★★★★★ - 594 ratingsWhere sports and politics collide, hosted by Nation magazine Sports Editor Dave Zirin
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Episodes
The NBA Road to International Greatness
March 31, 2024 16:15 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBArya joins the pod again to talk about the rising of the international influence of the NBA, it’s early roots, and where the game may be headed. Zirin, “Online Gambling Has Swallowed Professional Sports” https://www.thenation.com/article/society/online-gambling-sports-shohei-ohtani/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Sports hotline: 401-426-3343 (EDGE) Advertising Inquir...
Future of the Game
March 13, 2024 20:55 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBArya Shirazi joins the show to talk about the current state of the NBA, and we discuss what the implications of this game are moving forward and how we feel about the direction it’s heading aesthetically and as an entertainment product. Zirin, “Jonathan Glazer’s Brave Oscar Speech Represents the Best of Judaism” https://www.thenation.com/article/world/jonathan-glazer-oscar-speech-gaza-israel-judaism/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb....
Irish athlete activist on organizing a sports boycott of Israel
March 04, 2024 16:25 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBRebecca O'Keeffe helped spark an international firestorm within the world of sports when she called on the Irish women’s basketball team to boycott its Feb. 8 match against Israel. While O'Keeffe's calls for a boycott ultimately went unheeded, her actions have provoked serious debate within Ireland and internationally on the responsibility of athletes to stand up against genocide. O'Keeffe joins Edge of Sports host Dave Zirin for an exclusive interview on why she took a stand, how the spor...
Basketball Butterfly Effect: The Forgotten Stars of the NBA’s 1980s
February 19, 2024 23:00 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBIn this episode, we talk about the truly forgotten players of the NBA, particularly during the 1980s, such a unique era in the history of the NBA, and theorize on why they are not remembered as intently as others. Zirin, “What the Super Bowl Parade Shooting Has to Do With the Empire of the Gun” https://www.thenation.com/article/society/super-bowl-parade-shooting-guns-colonialism/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod |...
Basketball Butterfly Effect: How the Pistons Clawed Their Way to Two Titles
February 09, 2024 15:40 - 51 minutes - 47 MBThe 1980s and 1990s were defined by basketball dynasties like the Lakers, Celtics, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Yet in the midst of this unprecedented stretch of dominance, the Detroit Pistons won two and could’ve very easily won four NBA titles. How did they do it? And why do we discount this incredible accomplishment? Zirin, When Wearing a Sweater Is Antisemitic https://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-klein-aaron-rodgers-colin-kaepernick/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast...
Why Haven't the Knicks Won a Championship In 50 Years?
January 29, 2024 16:25 - 1 hour - 72.4 MBNew York is the Mecca of basketball. So what explains the city’s inability to score an NBA championship in the last half-century. Arya Shirazi joins the show to talk about this historical oddity. Zirin, What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgers https://www.thenation.com/article/society/naomi-klein-aaron-rodgers-colin-kaepernick/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: [email protected] | Edge of Spo...
Basketball Butterfly Effect: Why Didn’t LeBron ever play Kobe in the Finals?
January 12, 2024 20:15 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBKobe Bryant and Lebron James are two of the most defining players of their generation and NBA history. While a considerable portion of their careers overlapped, the two never met in the NBA finals. Why? What would have happened? Arya and I discuss on this week’s episode. Zirin, “Will the IOC Do Anything About the Killing of Palestinian Athletes?” https://www.thenation.com/article/society/ioc-israel-palestine-olympics/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSpor...
Basketball Butterfly Effect: Steph Curry & the Knicks
November 28, 2023 16:19 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBIn Part 6 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 2009 NBA draft and the Knicks coming close to getting Davidson sharpshooter Steph Curry, the most revolutionary player of his generation. You don’t want to miss this episode! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Basketball Butterfly Effect: 1993 Draft
November 13, 2023 21:54 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBIn Part 5 of our series, Basketball Butterfly Effect, Arya Shirazi joins the show again to discuss the 1993 NBA draft and a crucial trade that takes place that changes the course of 90s basketball. You don’t want to miss this episode! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Trans athletes fight for inclusion in sports & racial economy of college football
October 27, 2023 05:39 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBInclusion for trans athletes in sports has become a flashpoint in the culture war that extends from schools to international competitions. Katie Barnes joins Edge of Sports to discuss their new book, Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates, which offers one of the most comprehensive views yet on how the struggle for inclusion in the realm of sports has much wider social and political consequences. Dave Zirin also has Choice Words about why the public financing of stadiums is little mo...
What makes Deion Deion And Adam Mansbach Makes It Plain
October 23, 2023 22:02 - 1 hour - 71.8 MBThis week on the pod, we speak to Jean Jacques Taylor author of the new book Coach Prime. With near total access to Deion Sanders program at Jackson State and explains what makes Deion Deion. Also we speak to best selling author Adam Mansbach about his incredible book The Golem of Brooklyn. We also have some ‘Choice Words’ for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the NAIA. Jean-Jacques Taylor Twitter: JJT_Journalist https://www.jjtmediagroup.com/?r_done=1 Adam Mansbach Twitter: @adammansba...
Len Bias and the 1980s War on Drugs
October 07, 2023 15:13 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBThis week on the pod, we welcome back Arya Shirazi to discuss another basketball butterfly effect: what if the NBA had handled the death of Len bias differently? How is that of affected that generation of 1980s players? Zirin, How DeSantis Is Using Sports to Hijack a Florida College https://www.thenation.com/article/society/new-college-sarasota-florida-desantis/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email us: edgeofsp...
Why Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf Didn't Stand For The Anthem
September 30, 2023 22:52 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBIn the early 90s, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf had a promising career ahead of him in the NBA as an up-and-coming star. That all changed in 1996 when he refused to stand for the US National Anthem and called the US flag a symbol of oppression. The NBA retaliated by suspending him, and Abdul-Rauf spent the next two decades playing exclusively for international leagues. On this episode of Edge of Sports, Abdul-Rauf looks back on his protest and how engaging the literature of revolutionary icons like M...
Northwestern's hazing scandal and sports culture w/Byron Hurt
September 16, 2023 12:50 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBOfficially, hazing is illegal and unwelcome just about everywhere you turn—but it continues as an open secret in far too many fraternities, sports teams, and other institutions. The latest revelations from Northwestern University's football team are a stark reminder that we have a long way to go to uproot the culture of hazing for good. Anti-gender violence activist and documentarian Byron Hurt joins Edge of Sports for a timely discussion on the harm hazing does and how we can stop it. Dr. N...
Chamique Holdsclaw on Depression and Fame
September 09, 2023 13:35 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBChamique Holdsclaw's legendary status was apparent from the moment she entered professional sports. After helping the US National Team win the Gold Medal in the 1998 Berlin Olympics, Holdsclaw was named Rookie of the Year in her first WNBA season. Her talent on the court and success in the WNBA projected an image of stability, but away from the cameras, Holdsclaw struggled with her mental health. On this episode of Edge of Sports, Holdsclaw speaks frankly about her struggles with depressio...
Basketball Butterfly Effect Part III: MJ in Portland?
September 01, 2023 22:00 - 55 minutes - 51 MBThis week on the Edge of Sports Podcast, part three of our discussion with basketball savant Arya Shirazi about basketball butterfly effects. This time we're talking what would have happened if Michael Jordan, on draft night in 1984, had not been drafted by the Chicago Bulls and had instead been selected by the Portland Trail Blazers. Also we have words about the controversy surrounding Michael Oher and the Blind Side. Zirin, A Soccer Triumph—Despite the Toxic Men https://www.thenation.co...
Basketball Butterfly Effect Part II: The Ballad of Kobe Bean
August 25, 2023 19:34 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBThis week on the Edge of Sports Podcast, part two of our discussion with basketball savant Arya Shirazi about basketball butterfly effects. This time, we're talking about what would have happened if Kobe Bryant, on draft night 1996, had not been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and had instead been kept by the Charlotte Hornets. Also, we have words about the controversy surrounding Michael Oher and the Blind Side. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: ht...
Basketball Butterfly Effect: The 2003 NBA Draft
August 13, 2023 03:54 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBThis week we speak to basketball savant Arya Shirazi about what could have happened if the Detroit Pistons had drafted Carmelo Anthony instead of Darko Milicic in 2003. It would have been a profound basketball butterfly effect. I also speak about the USWNT getting bounced from the World Cup. Zirin, Why the Right Wanted the USWNT to Lose https://www.thenation.com/article/society/reactionary-defeatism-uswnt-world-cup-rapinoe/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeO...
The Women's World Cup and the fight for equal pay w/ Julie Foudy
August 04, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBAs two-time defending champions, the US is the team to beat in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup. Long considered one of the best soccer teams in the world, the US Women's National Team hasn't always been given its dues. Former captain Julie Foudy joins Edge of Sports for a look back on the evolution of women's soccer. Zirin, Carli Lloyd’s Attacks on the USWNT Are Personal—and Political https://www.thenation.com/article/society/carli-lloyds-attacks-on-the-uswnt-are-personal-and-political/...
What Happened to Black Activism in Professional Sports?
July 26, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBThe growth of the Black Lives Matter movement through the 2010s catalyzed a resurgence of Black activism in professional sports that had its climax in 2020 with the athletes' boycott following the shooting of Jacob Blake. Just a few years later, this energy seems to have dissipated. What happened, and how can we comprehend these recent events in the longer arc of Black activism in sports? Sports journalist and author Howard Bryant joins the Edge of Sports for a look at the build-up to 2020 a...
150 years of Black activism in sports w/Dr. Harry Edwards
July 19, 2023 12:15 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBThe central place of sports in American life lends immense influence to athletes to shift the culture of the country—and for more than 150 years, Black athletes have done just that. Few scholars are as attuned to the intricacies of this history as renowned sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards. From his role in shaping the events of the 1968 Olympics to the politics of Colin Kaepernick, Edwards is just as much a participant in this history as a student and teacher of it. Now 80 years old, Dr. Harry ...
Solomon Hughes on playing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 'Winning Time’
July 12, 2023 12:05 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBFrom 1979 to 1991, the Los Angeles Lakers would become a dominant force in the world of professional basketball and in American culture more broadly. Led by coach Pat Riley and star players Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the “Showtime” era of the Lakers is still, in many ways, the standard by which other sports dynasties are measured today. On the court, in the locker room, and beyond, the legendary Lakers franchise was both a reflection and a driver of a culture, a sport, a...
1968 Olympian Dr. John Carlos on the legacy of the Black Athletic Revolt
July 05, 2023 12:10 - 37 minutes - 34 MBBody: The year 1968 was a time of rebellion across the US and the wider world. Tremendous demonstrations and rebellions shook American cities in opposition to the Vietnam War, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and the arrest of Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party. Amidst this tumult, two athletes, John Carlos and Tommie Smith, captured the spirit of the times by raising their fists at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics after placing first and third in the 200-meter da...
Aaron Maybin: "Athletes aren't superheroes, we're human beings"
June 27, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBAfter four years as a professional linebacker for football teams in the U.S. and Canada, Aaron Maybin put down his helmet and picked up a range of new hats off the gridiron. As a public school teacher, artist, and activist, Maybin's best days are still yet to come. Aaron Maybin joins Edge of Sports for a wide-ranging conversation on the boxes athletes get placed in, racism within the NFL, and his life after football. Zirin, “I Write Things I Cannot Play”: The Secret of Liz Phair https://ww...
W. Kamau Bell, the reluctant optimist | Edge of Sports
June 20, 2023 06:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBIn this episode of Edge of Sports, host Dave Zirin highlights two takes on the gender politics of sports culture. Dr. Cheryl Cooky joins the Ask a Sports Scholar segment to discuss the history of sports and gender equality, as well as her book, No Slam Dunk: Gender, Sport, and the Unevenness of Social Change. Finally, W. Kamau Bell climbs aboard for a special interview looking back on his career as a media personality, from the early days of Totally Biased to United Shades of America. Adver...
Shine On, Denver Nuggets
May 26, 2023 13:25 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBThis week we look with the great Washington Post journalist Michael Lee at what makes the Denver Nuggets and their star player Nikola Jokic so special. Also, I have a lot of “Choice Words” about the passing of Jim Brown. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Lamar Jackson And The State of the Black Quarterback
May 02, 2023 21:30 - 33 minutes - 31 MBOn this week's episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we talk to Prof. Louis Moore, author of "We Will Win The Day," about Lamar Jackson's new contract, the NFL Draft, and what both say about the state of the Black Q.B. in the NFL. I have some Choice Words about France on the precipice of both the Olympics and social chaos. We've got a Just Stand Up award for Miami Heat legend, Dwyane Wade, for his courage in the face of the anti-trans bigotry his family has been facing, which caused them t...
David Aldridge on the end of Dan Snyder
April 20, 2023 18:55 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBThis week we speak to Washington media legend David Aldridge about the forthcoming sale of the Washington football team by its much-loathed owner Dan Snyder. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A Radical Retelling of NBA History
April 09, 2023 17:20 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBThis week we speak to Theresa Runstedler, author of the book Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA. We'll have Choice Words about what Caitlin Clark has taught us throughout the fallout after the NCAA women’s championship game. We also have Jake’s Takes on the NBA finals and more. Subscribe to The Nation to support all of our podcasts: thenation.com/podcastsubscribe. Theresa Runstedtler Twitter: @DrTRunstedtler https://www...
Why the NBA World Lost Its Joy
March 29, 2023 16:15 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBOn this episode of Edge of Sports, we speak to Michael Lee of the Washington Post about why this has been the most dispiriting NBA season in recent history. We don’t just catalog the moments, though. We also try to understand the underlying issues. We have Choice Words about the late Willis Reed, and what his life meant for the New York Knicks as well as the city. We have a Just Stand Up awards for the Maryland Terrapins lady women’s team that went on a great tourney run. We also have a Jus...
Ja Morant on the Edge
March 17, 2023 19:30 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBOn this episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we speak to Daily Memphian columnist Chris Herrington about the personal troubles of Memphis Grizzlies point guard and budding icon Ja Morant. We talk about the Grizzlies, the city of Memphis, and what’s next for the superstar point guard. We have Choice Words about the MVP debate going on between Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis. We also have a Just Stand Up award to Lamar Jackson for standing on his principle, and a Just Sit Down award for the NFL ...
Hooked On Women's Hoops with Kate Fagan
March 09, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBOn this episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we speak to author and sports opinionist Kate Fagan about her new illustrated history of the women in basketball, Hoop Muses: An Insider’s Account to Pop Culture and the (Women’s Game). The book is illustrated by Sophia Chang and curated by the legendary hoopster Seimone Augustus. Fagan and I talk about her inspiration, creative process and what it was like working with Seimone Augustus. We'll have Choice Words about the effort to ban trans ath...
Remembering David Jolicoeur aka Trugoy the Dove
February 21, 2023 14:15 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBThis week we speak to Program Manager for KGNU Community Radio, and founder of the decades strong Hip Hop group Council of Word, Dave Ashton about the legacy of David Jolicoeur aka Trugoy the Dove, who passed away last week, and his groundbreaking hip hop group De La Soul. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about this year’s Super Bowl.” We got ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ awards to Ron DeSantis for banning books and being an awful governor and person and the U.S. alpine ski team for their...
KD, LeBron and WNBA Shockwaves
February 15, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 34 MBThis week we speak to commentator and hoops legend Christy Winters Scott about the shockwaves that have roiled the worlds of hoop in both the WNBA and NBA. We talk about the Durant trade and the big moves in both the WNBA and NBA as well as why the DMV continues to produce incredible basketball talent. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about LeBron breaking Kareem’s all-time scoring record.” We got ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ awards to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for being an incredible figure o...
When Fighting Racism, Do Sports Matter?
January 30, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 75.7 MBThis week we talk to Ian Kennedy author of the new book On Account of Darkness: Shining a Light on Race and Sport. We also speak to Michael Lee of the Washington Post about the reaction by the NBA to the police murder of Tyre Nichols. We also have ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ award to everyone lifting up their voice to protest the police murder of Tyre Nichols, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her continuation of politics-as-usual in the City of Angels. Ian Kennedy Twitter: @I...
Kendrick Perkins on Biography, Basketball, and Black History
January 23, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBOn this week's episode of Edge of Sports, we speak to 14-year NBA veteran and basketball analyst Kendrick Perkins about his new book, The Education of Kendrick Perkins, co-written with Seth Rogoff. We talk about Beaumont, his upbringing, and some NBA basketball. We also speak about Tony Dungy and his history of bigotry covered in “kindness.” We have a Just Stand Up award for Cyd Ziegler, who uncovered Tony Dungy’s speech at the March For Life protest in DC, and we have a Just Sit Down award...
Damar Hamlin and the Year That Was
January 12, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBThis week we talk about the sports year that was 2022, in all its pain and promise. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Damar Hamlin, the NFL’s response, and what all of this tells us about the game of football. We also have a special edition of Jake’s Takes, NFL Playoff Edition. Zirin, Damar Hamlin’s Pain Is Not a Feel-Good Story https://www.thenation.com/article/society/damar-hamlin-nfl-football/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/...
Pete Carroll's Magic Shoes and Griner's Freedom
December 12, 2022 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBOn this week's episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, we interview radical educator Jesse Hagopian and how a crew of Seattle activists were able to get Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll to wear shoes with a bracing political message. We also have Choice Words about Brittany Griner's release and some words about the lates sportswriting giant, Grant Wahl. We also have a Just Stand Up award for the person who ran on a World Cup field to protest the exploitation going on behind the games. We ...
The Political Story of Charles Barkley
December 07, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBThis week we speak to Tim Bella author of the new “definitive” biography of hoopster and hall of fame talker Charles Barkley. We talk to Bell about how Barkley’s upbringing and experiences shaped Chuck into the person that we see every week on our TV sets. We also have Choice Words about I also have some choice words about the politics surrounding the push for Brittney Griner’s freedom. We have a Just Stand Up award to the person that ran on a World Cup field to protest the exploitation goi...
Is NFL Football A Blood Sport?
November 21, 2022 07:00 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBThis week we speak to documentarian Isaac Solotaroff about his new project on Al Jazeera English, Bloodsport, a harrowing look at concussions and the NFL. We also talk about a new report that shows early CTE detection could be a scientific breakthrough very soon. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Kyrie Irving, anti-Semitism, and his frightening new allies. We also have a ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ award to Jaylen Brown for rightfully pointing out the hypocrisies of many Kyrie cri...
Unpacking Kyrie Irving
November 07, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBThis week we speak to New York City youth basketball coach - and one time NYC Marathoner - Arya Shirazi about the state of the NBA. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Kyrie Irving, anti-Semitism, and his frightening new allies. Zirin, Kyrie Irving and the Fraught History of Our Collective Liberation https://www.thenation.com/article/society/kyrie-irving-anti-semitism-film/ — http://www.edgeofsportspodcast.com/ | http://twitter.com/EdgeOfSportsPod | http://fb.com/edgeofsportspod | email u...
Why Did The Football World Reject Geno Smith?
October 31, 2022 06:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week we spoke to sportswriter Chuck Modiano about shock NFL MVP candidate Geno Smith, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, Chuck predicted this for Smith when others did not. We talk about what he saw. Also I have a tribute to my favorite writer, the recently departed Mike Davis. Chuck Modiano Twitter: @ChuckModi1 https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/insane-untapped-potential-giants-backup-qb-geno-smith-article-1.3653113 Zirin, Is Portland About to Have Two Supporter...
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf Speaks!
October 24, 2022 06:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBThis week we talked to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, former NBA player and legendary athlete-activist about his new book In The Blink of an Eye, his new memoir put out by Kaepernick Publishing. Mahmoud talks about his decision to write about his story, who his influences are, and his decision to team with Kaepernick Publishing. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about Brittney Griner's prison conditions and the pressure we must apply to bring her home. We also have a ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ awar...
Racism and the College Athlete
October 10, 2022 19:30 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBThis week we talked to Derek Silva, co-author of an article in the Guardian about racial epithets, college athletics, and what occurred at BYU when Duke volleyball player Rachel Richardson faced racist taunts and was subsequently told by BYU officials that she did not in fact hear them. We also have ‘Choice Words’ about the way that the media is covering Aaron Judge’s home run chase and the erasure of Barry Lamar Bonds. We also have a ‘Just Stand Up’ and 'Just Sit Down’ award to Cherelle Gr...
Playing Through Fire: Athletes in an Age of Reaction
September 09, 2022 14:30 - 2 hours - 111 MBSocial movements tend to arise within the world of sports during periods of upsurge and upheaval. But what about times of authoritarianism, dictatorship, or even fascism? What is the social role of the athlete during periods of reaction? I recently had the pleasure of giving a talk at the 2022 Socialism conference in Chicago, where I addressed all of these questions. This week's episode of the Edge of Sports podcast is a recording of that talk. Subscribe to The Nation to support all of ou...
Soccer’s Impact on the Middle East
August 23, 2022 06:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBThis week we talk to Prof. Abdullah Al-Arian, editor of the new book Football in the Middle East about everything from the Qatari World Cup to Palestinian soccer and resistance. We also have “Choice Words” about Serena Williams's retirement, incredible longevity, and unsurpassed dominance in her sport. We also have “Just Stand Up” and “Just Sit Down” awards to the NBA for taking a stand and providing calendar space for voting on the midterms this year and their attempt at controlling the te...
David Maraniss On the Politics of Jim Thorpe
July 25, 2022 06:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBThis week we speak to David Maraniss, one of the great journalists of our time, who has written a new book on the extremely well-known but frankly little-known athletic superstar Jim Thorpe and what he faced as a trailblazing indigenous athlete. We also have Choice Words about the 100th birthday of the legendary Rachel Robinson. We also have a Just Stand Up award for South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston for calling out ESPN’s disrespect of women athletes and we have Just Sit Down awards for the ...
This Is America With Howard Bryant
July 08, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBThis week we speak to author Howard Bryant about his recent column on the state of this country as well as his new book on the great Rickey Henderson. We talk about the Supreme Court, where the country is headed, and why Rickey Henderson continues to be a captivating figure, decades after his retirement. We also have Choice Words about developments on the Brittney Griner case in Russia. We also have a Just Stand Up award to Megan Rapinoe, who seems to be a perennial winner of this award. Al...
50 Years of Title IX
June 17, 2022 15:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBThis week we speak to Kim Turner, the Director of the Gender Equity Initiative at the national nonprofit Positive Coaching Alliance about the impact of Title IX and how much further we have to go. We also have “Choice Words” about the new Saudi golfing tour and the hypocrisy of guys like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson who have jumped on. We also have an update on Brittney Griner's case and more. Kimberly Turner https://positivecoach.org/team/turner-kim/ Zirin, Golfers Gonna Golf ht...
On Baseball’s Hidden Resistance
June 10, 2022 16:43 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBThis week we talk to Robert Elias, author of two books, Baseball Rebels and Major League Rebels. Both are about hidden histories of resistance athletes in the National Pastime. There is so much interesting and useful history that is so worth checking out. We have “Choice Words” about the Tampa Bay Rays and Pride Night at the park and the players using religion as cover for their bigotry. We also have “Just Sit Down” awards to former PGA golfer Phil Mickelson, who is leaving the tour to join...