Host Brandon Contes interviews NFL reporter and "First Take"/"Get Up" contributor, Kimberley A. Martin. Brandon and Kimberley discuss a wide range of topics including the happenings with the New York Jets, having Stephen A. Smith as a mentor, the time Jim Irsay went after Kimberley on social media, and more. -:40: Missing the New York Jets beat? -1:30: Being on the Jets beat -2:09: Mike Tannenbaum -2:45: Working with Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan -3:35: Jets using Tannenbaum and The 33rd Team to find ...
Nov 29, 2024•52 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews New York Jets radio voice and ESPN NHL, college football, and college basketball broadcaster, Bob Wischusen. Brandon and Bob discuss a bunch of Jets topics, among other things, including what changes for the Jets after Robert Saleh's firing, Aaron Rodgers' future as Jets QB, Rex Ryan wanting to come back as head coach, and more. NOTE: We recorded with Bob the day before Joe Douglas was fired as Jets GM. So you will not hear Bob's thoughts on Douglas' firing. -:54: ...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews legendary NFL reporter and columnist Peter King. Brandon and Peter discuss a wide range of topics including enjoying football and America during retirement, Tom Brady trying to be an NFL team owner and a broadcaster, being on the same podcast as Bill Belichick despite not being on speaking terms, and more. -:42: Enjoying NFL season and driving across America in retirement -4:17: Not missing “Monday Morning Quarterback/Monday Morning in America” column -7:30: How di...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews motorsports staff writer for The Athletic, Jeff Gluck. Brandon and Jeff discuss a wide range of topics including the fallout from Martinsville as well as the 23XI Racing-Front Row Motorsports lawsuit against NASCAR, making a living in the early days of Patreon, Michael Jordan possibly becoming a NASCAR champion team owner while suing NASCAR, and more. -:46: Being childhood friends with Awful Announcing’s Ben Koo -1:45: Growing up in Northern California -3:12: Going...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews former host of Red Zone Channel and current radio voice of the Cleveland Browns, Andrew Siciliano. Brandon and Andrew discuss a wide range of topics including working Red Zone and working with Scott Hanson, Jameis Winston taking charge of the Cleveland Browns, the emotion in the booth after the loss of Jim Donovan, and more. -:38: Emotions in Browns broadcast booth after Jim Donovan’s passing -3:03: What did Donovan mean to the Browns? -6:33: Replacing Donovan on B...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews former NFL quarterback and co-host of "Outta Pocket With RG3," Robert Griffin III. Brandon and Robert discuss a wide range of topics including his reaction to being laid off by ESPN, getting practically dragged into doing sports media, being the mentor for Lamar Jackson, and more. -:40: Croissant pic -2:16: Olympics aspirations -3:29: Considering training for Olympics again? -4:30: Feeling of being blackballed by NFL -5:49: Flag football at Olympics -9:23: Adjustin...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews ESPN NBA Front Office Insider and former assistant GM of the Brooklyn Nets, Bobby Marks. Brandon and Bobby discuss a wide range of topics including working with Adrian Wojnarowski and Bobby's reaction to Woj's retirement, working with John Calipari at the Nets, how JJ Redick will handle the media with the Lakers, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky...
Oct 18, 2024•58 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews Fox NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Brandon and Jordan discuss a wide range of topics including his football podcast with Draymond Green, being on "The Herd," Pat McAfee messing with him, Robert Saleh's firing at the New York Jets, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:42: “Why is Draymond Green talking about football?” ...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews CBS play-by-play commentator Ian Eagle. Brandon and Ian discuss a wide range of topics including dealing with the Taylor Swift effect at NFL games, the nervousness of watching son Noah on commentary, how Aaron Rodgers is in pregame production meetings, his feelings on the NBA leaving TNT, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulanno...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews ESPN NBA insider and senior writer Ramona Shelburne. Brandon and Ramona discuss a wide range of topics including her reaction to Adrian Wojnarowski's retirement from sports media, getting to know Kobe Bryant and the emotion of covering his death, how different it is covering LeBron James compared to Kobe, being on the Donald Sterling story, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Thread...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews co-host of "GoJo and Golic," Mike Golic Jr. Brandon and Mike discuss a wide range of topics including growing up with "Mike & Mike" on the radio/TV, recognizing nepotism, being teammates with Manti Te'o during the catfishing story, the joy of calling the Duke's Mayo Bowl, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:45:...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr
FOR FUTURE EPISODES, SUBSCRIBE TO THE PLAY-BY-PLAY: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-play-by-play/id1763654809 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4HaEA8ssc7LpPoJ8pKT1hk Shannon Sharpe accidentally posting himself having sex on Instagram Live. Is a Pistons beat writer moving to cover the Knicks a sign of change for The Athletic? Was sports media being condescending toward Tua Tagovailoa? Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss all that and more, including ESPN...
Sep 18, 2024•59 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews broadcasting legend Jim Lampley. Brandon and Jim discuss a wide range of topics including HBO getting out of boxing in 2018, Jake Paul not being good for boxing, drawing the ire of Howard Cosell, being friends with Max Kellerman, and more. Jim will host PPV.COM's Viewer Chat, which doesn't require a subscription, for the Canelo Álvarez-Edgar Berlanga Unified Super Middleweight World Championship fight card, Saturday September 13 at 8 PM ET. For even more discussion...
Sep 13, 2024•39 min
On the latest episode of The Play-By-Play, Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss the Fox broadcasting debut of Tom Brady, the ESPN debut of Jason Kelce, Bill Belichick's numerous appearances. The guys also discuss the changes on "The NFL Today," Greg Olsen's pivot to the No. 2 Fox NFL broadcast booth, and Colt McCoy's rough broadcast. Time Stamps: -1:47: Tom Brady broadcast booth review -18:51: Bill Belichick analysis review -28:19: Jason Kelce “Monday Night Countdown” review ...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews Fox NFL and MLB play-by-play, and LA Dodgers play-by-play broadcaster, Joe Davis. Brandon and Joe discuss a wide range of topics including working with Greg Olsen, Tom Brady at Fox, succeeding Vin Scully and Joe Buck, covering Shohei Ohtani as a local broadcaster, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:59: Joe’s upcom...
Sep 06, 2024•47 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews co-host of "The Fantasy Footballers" podcast, Mike Wright. Brandon and Mike discuss a wide range of topics including the origins of the podcast, Matthew Berry's importance in the industry, the evolution of fantasy sports coverage, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:36: 10 year anniversary of “The Fantasy Footballe...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min
On the latest episode of The Play-By-Play, Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss the debut of Fox Sports 1's "Breakfast Ball," the season premiere of "College GameDay" with Nick Saban's debut, Kirk Herbstreit going heel and Pat McAfee getting drunk, and Deion Sanders and Colorado banning The Denver Post's Sean Keeler from press conferences. Time Stamps: -:07: Welcome to The Play-By-Play! -1:53: The debut of FS1's "Breakfast Ball" -12:18: What happened with Michelle Beadle and ...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr
On the first episode of The Play-By-Play, Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss ESPN firing Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder, Ariel Helwani announcing that he's partnering with Yahoo Sports and the social media feud between ESPN's Mina Kimes and Clay Travis. Time Stamps: -:06: Welcome to The Play-By-Play! -3:03: Robert Griffin III and Sam Ponder out at ESPN -18:49: Ariel Helwani partners with Yahoo Sports -33:51: Mina Kimes vs. Clay Travis -47:00: WWE superstar Sheamus is Col...
Aug 21, 2024•57 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews The Athletic's NFL insider Dianna Russini. Brandon and Dianna discuss a wide range of topics including being an NFL insider, how Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski are mentors, what Aaron Rodgers really thinks of Dianna, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:35: “Scoop City” -1:26: Podcasting -2:47: Turnaround time...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews TNT and Bleacher Report NBA insider Chris Haynes. Brandon and Chris discuss a wide range of topics including the future of the NBA on TNT and how the "Inside the NBA" guys are, being a local beat reporter and cultivating relationships, how LeBron James had a part in getting him a national reporting job, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouT...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 44 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews former WNBA player and current ESPN host/analyst Chiney Ogwumike. Brandon and Chiney discuss a wide range of topics including Caitlin Clark's impact on women's sports, being tested by WNBA vets as a #1 overall pick, being mentored by Stephen A. Smith, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:38: Is Chiney retired from W...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald. Brandon and Jonathan discuss a wide range of topics including Gregg Berhalter's sacking from the U.S. Men's National Team, the logistics mess by CONMEBOL at the Copa América, Emma Hayes with the U.S. Women's National Team, Lionel Messi in MLS, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awf...
Jul 26, 2024•56 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews MLB Network host and emcee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Brian Kenny. Brandon and Brian discuss a wide range of topics including Brian defending the concept of having special uniforms for the All-Star Game, the responsibility of being emcee for induction weekend, what Max Kellerman has been doing and when he may emerge, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram,...
Jul 19, 2024•37 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. Brandon and Ian discuss a wide range of topics including Ian's relationship with ESPN's Adam Schefter, "The Insiders" on NFL Network, various stories about reporting, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -1:02: How busy is early July for an NFL insider? -2:04: Busiest week of the NFL ...
Jul 12, 2024•31 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews sports journalism legend Andrea Kremer. Brandon and Andrea discuss a wide range of topics including the state of sports journalism especially after the cancellation of "Real Sports," the #MeToo movement in sports media, being part of the first all-woman NFL booth, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -1:26: National S...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews SNY's New York Jets reporter Connor Hughes. Brandon and Connor discuss a wide range of topics including Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers, Robert Saleh's handling of Rodgers missing mandatory minicamp, reporting or not reporting what sources tell you, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:38: First season covering th...
Jun 28, 2024•55 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews former "Mike and the Mad Dog" producer and current co-host of "Carlin vs. Joe," Chris Carlin. Brandon and Chris discuss a wide range of topics including trying to navigate Mike Francesa and Chris Russo during their blowup, the "challenge" of working with Don Imus, entering broadcasting due to somebody getting pantsed in a bar, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, T...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews former "Around the Horn" panelist and current co-host of "Brother From Another" Michael Holley. Brandon and Michael discuss a wide range of topics including the Boston media's feelings about Joe Mazzulla, Kyrie Irving's tenure in Boston, being on "Around the Horn," working with Max Kellerman, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awful...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Host Brandon Contes interviews "First Things First" co-host Nick Wright. Brandon and Nick discuss a wide range of topics including going to FS1 instead of ESPN, Chennedy Carter's foul on Caitlin Clark and the overall WNBA discussion, doing sports talk radio in Kansas City, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:45: Who is the “face” of FS1? -2:07: ...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Bill Walton died on May 27, 2024 at the age of 71. Bill meant a lot to us at Awful Announcing, so we wanted to do something special. We invited a few of Bill's many friends and broadcast partners to tell stories and memories of the Basketball Hall of Famer and legendary broadcaster. Sit back with host Brandon Contes and guests Jason Benetti, Roxy Bernstein, and Dave Pasch as we celebrate the life of Bill Walton. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 16 min
