Sports Wars
176 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3K ratingsYou can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.
Sports rivalries can fuel fans and athletes to fight and argue for years. But what’s the real story behind these epic battles?
From Wondery, the company behind “Business Wars”, “Gladiator” and “The Lead” comes SPORTS WARS, a new series that offers an immersive look at some of the greatest athletic rivalries of all time: two superpower nations facing off in the Miracle on Ice. The battle for the starting quarterback gig in Green Bay between Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. And many more.
Host Dan Rubenstein (Sports Illustrated, SB Nation) will take you from the grudge matches to the pranks, from the tantrums to the triumphs: what really happened, who was right, who was wrong -- and you can decide whose side you’re on.
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Episodes
Sam Smith Breaks Down “The Jordan Rules” | 5
June 21, 2019 07:05 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBVeteran reporter Sam Smith followed the Chicago Bulls for their 1990–91 season and turned that experience into a bestselling book, “The Jordan Rules.” It’s a searing, unmatched portrait of Michael Jordan’s path to glory. On this episode of Sports Wars, Smith explains why the Jordan–Isiah feud is probably the most ferocious in history, and he sets the record straight on why Jordan left the NBA to play baseball (hint: it didn’t have anything to do with the mob). Support us by support...
Sam Smith Breaks Down “The Jordan Rules” | 5
June 21, 2019 07:05 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBVeteran reporter Sam Smith followed the Chicago Bulls for their 1990–91 season and turned that experience into a bestselling book, “The Jordan Rules.” It’s a searing, unmatched portrait of Michael Jordan’s path to glory. On this episode of Sports Wars, Smith explains why the Jordan–Isiah feud is probably the most ferocious in history, and he sets the record straight on why Jordan left the NBA to play baseball (hint: it didn’t have anything to do with the mob). Support us by support...
Jordan vs Isiah - Greatness | 4
June 19, 2019 07:05 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB1991. At long last, Michael Jordan beats Isiah Thomas, ends the Bad Boys era, and ushers in a Bulls dynasty. Jordan has the edge over his longtime rival, but that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten the Freeze Out or the “Jordan Rules.” He’s still out for revenge. When he’s asked to join the Dream Team, Jordan sees the perfect opportunity. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-no...
Jordan vs Isiah - The Triangle | 3
June 14, 2019 07:05 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBMichael Jordan is unstoppable—except when it comes to Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons. When the Bad Boys cruise to back-to-back championships in ’89 and ’90, Jordan’s frustration reaches an all-time high. He’s willing to take whatever help he can get, even if it comes from the weirdo who’s now coaching the Bulls, Phil Jackson. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-no...
Jordan vs Isiah - The Bad Boys | 2
June 12, 2019 07:05 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBBy 1987, Michael Jordan has established himself as the NBA’s most exciting player—not to mention the league’s top scorer. But it’s Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons who dominate the Eastern Conference, and their tough play earns them a new nickname, the Bad Boys. When Jordan threatens the Pistons’ reign, Isiah and his teammates must find a way to stop Jordan in his tracks. Their plan? The “Jordan Rules.” Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19...
Jordan vs Isiah - The Freeze Out | 1
June 07, 2019 07:05 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBIt’s 1985. Michael Jordan is a flashy Chicago Bulls rookie, and Isiah Thomas is an established star for the Detroit Pistons. When they’re thrust together at the NBA All-Star Game, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Jordan feels slighted by Isiah, and Isiah can’t stand Jordan’s swagger. A brutal rivalry starts in a weekend and lasts for over a decade. You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcas...
Jordan vs Isiah - The Freeze Out | 1
June 07, 2019 07:05 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBIt’s 1985. Michael Jordan is a flashy Chicago Bulls rookie, and Isiah Thomas is an established star for the Detroit Pistons. When they’re thrust together at the NBA All-Star Game, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Jordan feels slighted by Isiah, and Isiah can’t stand Jordan’s swagger. A brutal rivalry starts in a weekend and lasts for over a decade. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
One on One: Why Tennis Rivalries Are So Uniquely Compelling | 7
May 31, 2019 07:05 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB“Strokes of Genius” author Jon Wertheim discusses what makes tennis rivalries different than any other sport, why Federer v Nadal was so compelling, and other great match ups in tennis history. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
One on One: Why Tennis Rivalries Are So Uniquely Compelling | 7
May 31, 2019 07:05 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB“Strokes of Genius” author Jon Wertheim discusses what makes tennis rivalries different than any other sport, why Federer v Nadal was so compelling, and other great match ups in tennis history. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
One on One: Why Tennis Rivalries Are So Uniquely Compelling | 7
May 31, 2019 07:05 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB“Strokes of Genius” author Jon Wertheim discusses what makes tennis rivalries different than any other sport, why Federer v Nadal was so compelling, and other great match ups in tennis history. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
Introducing Inside Star Wars
May 30, 2019 10:00 - 6 minutes - 6.06 MBHeroes, villains, action... all set in a galaxy far, far away. Join Inside Star Wars and go behind the camera and find out how one of the most iconic series in film history came to be. Listen now at: http://wondery.fm/ISWED
Federer vs Nadal - Suffering and Perfection | 6
May 29, 2019 07:05 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBAfter four straight head-to-head wins, the era-defining rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is trending strongly toward Nadal. But Federer is already looking to reverse his fortunes at the next major -- the 2009 Australian Open -- a hard court tournament that could possibly yield his record-tying 14th Grand Slam title. As for Rafa, he’s still looking to prove he can beat Federer anywhere, anytime, and on any surface. For more than decade, these tennis titans have battle...
Strokes of Genius: Jon Wertheim | 5
May 24, 2019 07:05 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBJon Wertheim -- best-selling author of Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played -- joins Sports Wars to discuss tennis’ greatest modern rivalry between two of the best the game has ever seen and what it’s been like to have a front-row seat to some of their most prolific matches. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
Federer vs Nadal - The Greatest Match Ever Played | 4
May 22, 2019 07:05 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBRoger Federer enters the 2008 Wimbledon Grand Slam as a five-time defending champion. The tabloids mark him as finished -- mostly because of his poor performance in the year’s first two grand slams. Rafael Nadal is coming off a dominant French Open title and the bad taste of last year’s loss at Wimbledon. It is the perfect storm to create what is widely considered the greatest tennis match in history. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
Federer vs Nadal - Grass and Clay | 3
May 17, 2019 07:05 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBRafael Nadal continues to add French Open titles, but winning on the grass courts of Wimbledon proves elusive because of one person: Roger Federer. The Swiss Champion holds as much dominance on grass as Nadal has on clay. So when the 2007 Wimbledon Final goes to Federer in a closely-won match over Nadal, the Spaniard believes he’s lost his best opportunity to beat his nemesis. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
Federer vs Nadal - The Raging Bull | 2
May 15, 2019 07:05 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBAt age 19 Nadal dominates on clay and shoots up the world rankings. Now he’s looking to prove his win in Miami over Federer was no fluke. Meanwhile, Federer tries to capture the career grand slam, but to get it, he’ll need to beat Nadal on his best surface at the French Open. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
Federer vs Nadal - The Hothead | 1
May 08, 2019 07:01 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this series we explore the unique tennis rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal-- two very different players, both exceptional, in pursuit of perfection. Swiss-born Roger Federer was seemingly born with a racquet in his hand and at a young age he quickly masters the game, but what he needs to reach the top is to learn how to master his emotions. Meanwhile, Spaniard Rafael Nadal learns the game under the tutelage of his uncle Toni on the clay courts of Mallorca, where the ...
Jeff Pearlman: Author of “Gunslinger” | 7
May 03, 2019 07:05 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBJeff Pearlman-- the best selling author of Gunslinger: The Remarkable, Improbable, Iconic Life of Brett Favre-- joins Sports Wars to discuss the rivalry between Favre and Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. They began as competitors on the same team, but ended up battling for division titles and respect when Favre came out of retirement with the Vikings. As Rodgers heads toward the second half of his career, some think he’s become the new Favre in Green Bay. Support us by supporting our sp...
Favre vs Rodgers - One Last Chance | 6
May 01, 2019 07:05 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBAs the new quarterback of the rival Minnesota Vikings, Brett Favre wants revenge against the Packers. He won’t retire until he gets his chance to beat Rodgers and Green Bay in 2009. Meanwhile, Rodgers tries to show the Packers he’s ready to be the new face of the franchise. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Favre vs. Rodgers - Hero To Villain | 5
April 26, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBBrett Favre comes out of retirement again, but this time Green Bay is moving on to the Aaron Rodgers era. The Packers trade Favre to the Jets, turning their legendary QB into a new rival. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Favre vs. Rodgers - Packer For Life? | 4
April 24, 2019 07:05 - 36 minutes - 33 MBAaron Rodgers starts his career as the backup QB in Green Bay as Brett Favre ponders retirement. When Favre leads the Packers to their best season in years, the legendary quarterback decides he may not be ready to turn the team over to Rodgers after all. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Favre vs. Rodgers - Packer For Life? | 4
April 24, 2019 07:05 - 36 minutes - 33 MBAaron Rodgers starts his career as the backup QB in Green Bay as Brett Favre ponders retirement. When Favre leads the Packers to their best season in years, the legendary quarterback decides he may not be ready to turn the team over to Rodgers after all. Support us by supporting our sponsors!
Favre vs. Rodgers - On a Crash Course | 3
April 19, 2019 07:05 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBBrett Favre takes Titletown to the Super Bowl for the first time in 29 years. Aaron Rodgers tries to prove he's good enough to play college football and be chosen by his favorite team - the 49ers. Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Favre vs. Rodgers - The Savior from Mississippi | 2
April 17, 2019 07:15 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBIn 1991, the Atlanta Falcons tire of the antics of their rookie quarterback, Brett Favre. They decide to trade him to Green Bay where he soon takes over as the starting quarterback. He begins a streak of consecutive starts that will turn him into a legend. Along the way, he battles his competition, his coaches and his demons. As he is pursuing his first Super Bowl, a kid in California named Aaron Rodgers is watching at home and dreaming of an NFL football career that will one day co...
Favre vs. Rodgers - Good Morning, Grandpa | 1
April 17, 2019 07:05 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBYou can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. It's 2005 and The Green Bay Packers are on the clock in this year's NFL Draft. The last thing most Packers fans think the team needs in the draft is a new quarterback. Their team already has Hall of Famer, Brett Favre, who is in the middle of his record-breaking Iron Man streak for consecutive games started. But when Aaron Rodgers slips in the draft,...
Introducing Sports Wars
April 05, 2019 17:04 - 1 minute - 1.66 MBBrett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers. Michael Jordan vs. Isiah Thomas. And many more... You can binge all episodes of Sports Wars exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Find Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.